Matrix Games Forums

I just got the turn done. I have had daughters this weekend too which I'am very happy about So nothing to report yet but things are not going to calm down for sure.

AcePulyt: Those days are definately history! That is why I can do just 1 PBEM. Maybe 2 would be managable without AAR's.

The last turn took 2 hours to go through things. A lot of stuff to check out.

..and thanks. I will keep this format ongoing to the bitter end.

ny59giants: That explains a lot. We do have an quite diffrent daily routines since I do work for an IT firm. There is not much freetime around just problems to solve. The bad thing is that you cannot control your own work pace.

That pretty much how things went with me too. I was not looking for new opponents since I have had some very reliable and nice PBEM partners. Why would you change something when you know these things.

Sardaukar: I have read that AI is much better and I might even throw some rounds againts it. One thing for certain Andy + co. have done great job with it.

As for now I will focus on this journey. I'am learning the ropes of AE bit by bits and I think this is the same with Dave too.

...more on action when I recieve the next turn.

ORIGINAL: aztez

Even more importantly (and probable cause of most of the sys damage we see here) Do not run out of gas unless absolutely necessary !!!
[:D]

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

ORIGINAL: aztez

Even more importantly (and probable cause of most of the sys damage we see here) Do not run out of gas unless absolutely necessary !!!
[:D]

LOL!!! [:D][:D][:D] ...that is definately an worthwile basic advice!

Lovely AAR. Thanks for taking the time to do it in the way you do

Zebedee: I apprecite the kind words. This is definately somewhat time consuming but I think worthwile project.


China (december 19th and 20th)


Red arrows = Japanese troop movements
Orange circle = Blocking attempt
Brown circles = Main focus of IJA bomber runs


Ok. We talked about this before (Ichang area). As you can see from the picture IJA infantry units are withdrawing out of Ichang. Well, not completely withdrawin but 8 units has left the hex. These are moving towards Hankow.

I think Dave made the decision that Ichang was too easily isolated and hard keep supplied.

Also there 2-3 units moving towards Sinyang. I doubt he can move more towards this front since I do have an sizeable army waiting around Changhsa.

Taking the above into consideration it is no suprise that lba bombers have targeted those two bases in the central China. He just trying to burn my supply depots here but I'am not dry just yet.

Mostly this front has been probing assaults / moves. This suits me if he chooses to launch major offensives I will do exactly the same here.

I would love to put an stop to these bomber assaults but I do not have the fighters in hand to do so. Frustrating but need to live with this fact.

IJA is also trying to blockade my supply routes further down in the south. I can already say that those troops are not enough to do the job. So, that blockade will be elimanated very shortly. I might even cut that unit(s) from its own supply source.

All in all the reaction was pretty much what we expected Dave to do.

Luzon (december 19th and 20th)

This is 2nd are of detailed operation report. Simply because this where the most action is taking place.

Lets start with a bit of combat report copy & paste. I did sortie my DD's and PT's in order to harash the enemy landings at Vigan. I did include the succesfull submarines assaults too.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Laoag at 81,72

Japanese Ships
xAK Enzyu Maru, Shell hits 5

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel, hits 1



SS Pickerel is sighted by xAK Enzyu Maru
SS Pickerel attacking on the surface
Bacon, B.E. decides to submerge SS Pickerel due to damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Laoag at 80,71

Japanese Ships
xAK Enzyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish



SS Sailfish is sighted by xAK Enzyu Maru
SS Sailfish launches 4 torpedoes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yakaze
DMS W-13
DMS W-14
PB Aso Maru #3, Shell hits 1
PB Kiso Maru
PB Kyo Maru #2, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Kyo Maru #11, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PB Shonan Maru #2, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Scout
DD Thanet, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk



Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 0% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Tachibana, Masao crosses the 'T'
DD Thanet sunk by DD Yakaze at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Scout at 2,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DD Yakaze at 2,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #11 sunk by DD Scout at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DD Yakaze at 3,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages PB Shonan Maru #2 at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DD Yakaze at 2,000 yards
PB Shonan Maru #2 sunk by DD Pillsbury at 2,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Scout at 2,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DD Yakaze at 2,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages PB Aso Maru #3 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Scout at 3,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Pillsbury at 3,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages PB Aso Maru #3 at 3,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DMS W-13 at 3,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Scout at 3,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Pillsbury at 3,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DD Yakaze at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DD Yakaze at 2,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages PB Kyo Maru #2 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Laoag at 80,71

Japanese Ships
xAK Enzyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish



SS Sailfish is sighted by xAK Enzyu Maru
SS Sailfish launches 4 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Natsugumo
SC Ch 6
SC Ch 10
SC Ch 11

Allied Ships
DD Pillsbury, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk



Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 3% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
DD Pillsbury sunk by DD Natsugumo at 1,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Ashigara
DD Asagumo

Allied Ships
PT-44
PT-45
PT-46
PT-47
PT-48



Low visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 3,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
CA Ashigara engages PT-48 at 1,000 yards
PT-47 engages CA Ashigara at 1,000 yards
DD Asagumo engages PT-48 at 1,000 yards
PT-44 engages CA Ashigara at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-48 at 2,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-48 at 2,000 yards
DD Asagumo engages PT-48 at 2,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-44 at 2,000 yards
Maki W. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-48 at 5,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-48 at 5,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-46 at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-48 at 8,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-47 at 8,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-46 at 8,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-44 at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-48 at 9,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-44 at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze
DD Kuri
PC Ashi
E Tsuta
TB Manazuru
TB Hatsukari, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TB Tomozuru
xAK Azuma Maru
xAK Katuragi Maru
xAK Arimasan Maru
xAK Keisyo Maru
xAK Maebasi Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Tarayasu Maru
xAK Yomei Maru
xAK Hukuzyu Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Argun Maru
xAK Ryuun Maru
xAK Sugiyama Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Yamabuki Maru
xAK Tyoko Maru
xAK Chojun Maru
xAK Hokutatsu Maru
SC CHa-10

Allied Ships
PT-36
PT-38
PT-39
PT-40
PT-43, Shell hits 4, and is sunk



Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
DD Kuri engages PT-43 at 1,000 yards
PT-40 engages TB Hatsukari at 1,000 yards
TB Hatsukari engages PT-39 at 1,000 yards
TB Hatsukari sunk by PT-43 at 1,000 yards
TB Manazuru engages PT-36 at 1,000 yards
PT-43 engages xAK Maebasi Maru at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
xAK Hokutatsu Maru , xAK Chojun Maru , xAK Tyoko Maru ,
xAK Yamabuki Maru screened from combat
- escorted by E Tsuta
DD Kuri engages PT-43 at 2,000 yards
PT-40 engages TB Manazuru at 2,000 yards
TB Tomozuru engages PT-43 at 2,000 yards
TB Manazuru engages PT-38 at 2,000 yards
PT-36 engages TB Tomozuru at 2,000 yards
PT-43 engages xAK Sugiyama Maru at 2,000 yards
PT-43 engages xAK Hukuzyu Maru at 2,000 yards
Tilden, C. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Kuri engages PT-43 at 3,000 yards
PT-43 sunk by DD Tachikaze at 3,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze
DD Kuri
PC Ashi, Shell hits 4
E Tsuta
TB Manazuru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TB Tomozuru, Shell hits 4
xAK Azuma Maru
xAK Katuragi Maru
xAK Arimasan Maru
xAK Keisyo Maru
xAK Maebasi Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
xAK Tarayasu Maru, Shell hits 3
xAK Yomei Maru
xAK Hukuzyu Maru
xAK Argun Maru
xAK Ryuun Maru
xAK Sugiyama Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Yamabuki Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Tyoko Maru
xAK Chojun Maru
xAK Hokutatsu Maru
SC CHa-10

Allied Ships
PT-31
PT-32
PT-33
PT-34
PT Q-111
PT Q-112

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
PT Q-112 engages TB Tomozuru at 1,000 yards
TB Tomozuru engages PT Q-111 at 1,000 yards
TB Tomozuru engages PT-34 at 1,000 yards
TB Manazuru sunk by PT-32 at 1,000 yards
PC Ashi engages PT-31 at 1,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages xAK Tarayasu Maru at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
DD Kuri engages PT-32 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages TB Tomozuru at 2,000 yards
PT-34 engages TB Tomozuru at 2,000 yards
PT-33 engages xAK Sugiyama Maru at 2,000 yards
PT-32 engages xAK Sugiyama Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages SC CHa-10 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages xAK Tyoko Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages xAK Maebasi Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Kuri engages PT-31 at 2,000 yards
E Tsuta engages PT Q-111 at 2,000 yards
PC Ashi engages PT Q-111 at 2,000 yards
SC CHa-10 engages PT Q-111 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages xAK Hokutatsu Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages xAK Yamabuki Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages xAK Tarayasu Maru at 2,000 yards
xAK Hokutatsu Maru , xAK Chojun Maru , xAK Tyoko Maru ,
xAK Yamabuki Maru , xAK Sugiyama Maru , xAK Ryuun Maru ,
xAK Argun Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Yomei Maru ,
xAK Tarayasu Maru , xAK Maebasi Maru , xAK Keisyo Maru ,
xAK Arimasan Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Kuri , DD Tachikaze , TB Tomozuru
PT Q-112 engages PC Ashi at 2,000 yards
PT-34 engages PC Ashi at 2,000 yards
PT Q-112 engages SC CHa-10 at 2,000 yards
PT-32 engages xAK Azuma Maru at 2,000 yards
PT-31 engages PC Ashi at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
xAK Hokutatsu Maru , xAK Chojun Maru , xAK Tyoko Maru ,
xAK Yamabuki Maru , xAK Sugiyama Maru , xAK Ryuun Maru ,
xAK Argun Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Yomei Maru ,
xAK Tarayasu Maru , xAK Maebasi Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Tachikaze , TB Tomozuru , E Tsuta
PT-31 engages xAK Katuragi Maru at 3,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Vigan at 80,73

Japanese Ships
xAK Maebasi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack



SS Skipjack is sighted by xAK Maebasi Maru
SS Skipjack launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Maebasi Maru


I think Dave had almost 200 ships anchored there so I was hoping for more. It seems that most of the supplies/troops are unloaded and heading towards Clark Field.

Allied intel indicates 27 units marching towards inner areas of Luzon. This is very formidable army indeed. I don't know how long I can hold him out.

IJA conducted heavy airstrikes / sweeps againts Manila. The only reason to do this is simply to win the battle of attrition. Yes, this allied goal but can serve as goal for the IJA too.

Patrol planes also spotted 20 enemy ships just south of Luzon. You don't need to be genius to figure out where these are headed.

I'am moving my troops Clark Field and Manila. The old russian trick is to leave nothing behind and those abandoned bases are milked out of supplies. At least it might slow the advance down a bit.

IJN ASW has been very effective here. I think 4 subs were hit by IJN efforts. This something that I do not like. I have actually 3 subs repairing on the Manila shipyard. These are ready for action within 2 weeks time.

Another thing that I did was to send some supplies into Iloilo. These will become very useful soon enough.

Red arrows = IJA advance.
Blue circle = Expected landings by IJN
Orange circle = Iloilo receives some supplies from DEI

Troops / Material and Supply convoys in AE


This area of the game has changed a lot!

You really don't have adequate amounts of long ranged transports available especially in the WC.

The game has just entered mid december and I'am already badly short of these ships. I looked at the reinforcement tables and not too much coming through in terms of these ships.

There are units already waiting in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego for their means of transportation. It really

This is huge dilemma.It seems that ships can reach Christmas Island without an problem and some can reach Pago Pago. These distances are doable but without an escorts since these guys are short legged. The sealanes are starting to look like WW2 events in the atlantic.

The only way I see possible to do decent amount of escort cover is the following.

A) Some escorts will sail from WC and once low on fuel turn back towards WC. Another escort set up is awaiting on key supply hubs and will rendevouz with incoming TF once it is closer. The problem here is that this eats up a lot of Corvettes, Destroyers etc. I know UK had this problem with the germans historically.

B) One way to do this is those southern bases ie. Tahiti. There are a lot of smaller islands there and convoys can do short legged sprints. The downside here is that it takes quite a lot of time to setup this and eats up quite a few ground units that could be used elsewhere. Also, the way to do this is use Port Stanley and even that transit takes time.

C) Use AO ships with remain on station orders. These ships could replenish TF on the sea. Problem with this approach is obvious too since once empty these guys would need to go into refil and this would take time too. Germans did this on the atlantic campaign,

I know there are quite a few transport capacity in ABDA area. I haven't made up my mind what to with them but would like to have them in Australia waiting for future operations.

Above are the options or I might be missing something ofcourse.

I hope things become easier once allies get enough bombers / patrol aircraft. What I have read though is that ASW via air is not that effective in AE.

This just shows that it really isn't all set and go for the allies. Far from it.

Excuse me, but wouldn´t it be better to send everything going west to Pearl Harbour, then ship things going further west from there?

I have had no problem with escorts, since they will refuel from TF. Don't be scared of red numbers with escorts in this case. 

Be scared only if you cannot refuel at all and ALL ships show red numbers in endurance.

And to mention, you can set TF to go to PH with waypoint for example and set "Full Refuel". Remember to use "Direct" routing if using waypoints. Otherwise AI may override your settings.

As I said earlier, playing few months against AI to learn new tricks is recommendable. [:D]

ORIGINAL: SireChaos

Excuse me, but wouldn´t it be better to send everything going west to Pearl Harbour, then ship things going further west from there?

It depends what your strategy is. Basically the answer is simply yes but there are few things to take into calculation.

If you cannot secure Christmas Island, Pago Pago and Fiji's than the Pearl Harbour route does become somewhat hazardous. Key bases like Pago Pago and Christmas Island can really shutdown the traffic coming from Pearl Harbour. You could bypass them ofcourse but I think that will be even slower way to ship supplies.

Than there is ofcourse Canton Island. Now that IJN can do Betty strikes from level 2 airfields (with proper HQ in place ofcourse) it might become pain in the butt to have to go through Pearl Harbour too. This is not as bad as the above scenario though since lba can shutdown Canton Island if needed.

I wouldn't even bother to think this through when playing AI but this is diffrent story alltogether.

At the moment just trying to think this through. This has very longterm effects on future months/years. That is why there needs to be an "backup" plan for Pearl Harbour route.

Currently there also several IJN submarines patrolling these area so those waters are far from safe.

ORIGINAL: aztez
I looked at the reinforcement tables and not too much coming through in terms of these ships.

Aren't the "Queens" comming in??? They should be ... those guys can probably carry about a division a piece!!! They are not around long, so you should plan their use very carefully. There are a few other very large ships which are around briefly. Hunt them up, plan out their time on the map and you will be able to do the things the Allies did historically - which actually involved very rapid movement of large numbers of troops. But you'd better get the STAFF (you) prepared for this - doesn't sound like you're there yet!![:)]

ORIGINAL: Sardaukar

I have had no problem with escorts, since they will refuel from TF. Don't be scared of red numbers in this case. 

Be scared if you cannot refuel at all and ALL ships show red numbers in endurance.

Hmmm. Ok, I wasn't sure about this. Basically if the transport TF has green colour on endurance you really don't need to bother about destroyers, corvettes and such?

I missed that part on AE manual. That simplifies things a lot though than again nothing is simple in AE PBEM game! [:D]

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

ORIGINAL: aztez
I looked at the reinforcement tables and not too much coming through in terms of these ships.

Aren't the "Queens" comming in??? They should be ... those guys can probably carry about a division a piece!!! They are not around long, so you should plan their use very carefully. There are a few other very large ships which are around briefly. Hunt them up, plan out their time on the map and you will be able to do the things the Allies did historically - which actually involved very rapid movement of large numbers of troops. But you'd better get the STAFF (you) prepared for this - doesn't sound like you're there yet!![:)]

Actually there is Queen Elisabeth loading in Australia. It will shuttle troops into southern areas as we speak.

That ship will be around few months and I would love to keep her in action with any amount PP paid [:D]. Already loading the previous turn to see where and when are these ships coming in.

I will look these ships up since I didn't spot them from initial look around. I have few slower convoys already far away sailing towards their target.

Yeah, definately not there yet. This game is a "monster" to handle properly with all the new stuff around. Overall I give myself grade of an 8+ since I have accomplished quite a few objectives already... and I do have an operational carrier left! [:D]

Well, it's one of those things you learn..I don't think it's in manual. [8D]  For example, I regularly run Tanker TFs with escorts even to Suva from West Coast. ALL ships I put into that usually show red both in hexes they can travel and in endurance. However, I know (barring some nasty events) they can also refuel in their destination, generally doubling their endurance.

There is slight risk in everything like that, though. But you can, in a pinch, usually revert them to other base, if needed and then sent another tanker to fill them up.

Tankers are premium assets in AE, though and have major shortage in July 42, having to prioritize heavily. No wonder USN commanders were screaming "Tankers, Tankers!" until late 1944.

We now have four options on refueling a TF - Full Refuel, Do Not Refuel, Tactical Refuel, and Minimal Refuel. For your transports going to and from USA to Pago Pago as an example, you will want them set to either Do Not Refuel or Minimal Refuel (see top of pg 107 for details).
 
The Erie Class PG has very long legs and will be valuable for those trips all the way to Australia. You can send those Canadian ships south to San Fran or LA to provide escorts to Pearl.
 
You have extra xAKs in India that you can send back to the USA around the southern Australia or via Cape Town. Many of them can be converted to xAPs, but will need the first patch to do so. By the time they get there, game wise, the patch should be available.  

Sardaukar: All the tricks are not in the manual. That pretty much was the same with old Witp.

Yeah. I will evac quite a few ABDA tankers into other theatres. At least I doubt I have any shortage of them in India. The fuel levels are good indeed.

ny59giants: I have been so busy that I haven't finished the manual yet. Well, I read it through but you cannot digest everything with just 1 read.

Yeah, I'am already using those canadian corvettes as escorts on Pearl Harbour runs. They seem quite nice to have around.

I noticed those PG's and that kind of confirms it. As the above what Sardaukar said we should be up an running verys shortly.

Also spotted couple of "big" transports ships on the arrival que. It amazes me to see the artwork they have put into this game.

We agreed to install the patch once it is done so that litte option comes in very handy.

Appreciate the views guys!

South Pacific (december 21st and 22nd)


I just ran the turn and actually send it back too. It wasn't pretty at all.

We havent looked how his offensive is ongoing in the southern areas. (see pic1)

As you can see this has been pretty usual stuff. By looking at the bases it is all about airfields from the beginning.

Dave took his time with Rabaul since the landings has just begun. Only thing here shocking was the sheer numbers of escorts and smaller vessels supporting the operation.

Take a look...


Pre-Invasion action off Rabaul - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CM Tsugaru, Shell hits 1
xAKL Noshiro Maru #2, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AV Kiyokawa Maru
PB Shotoku Maru
PB Shuko Maru #5
PB Sonan Maru #6
PB Sonan Maru #5
PB Tama Maru #8
PB Toshi Maru #3
PB Shoei Maru
PB Nikkai Maru
PB Kyo Maru #10
PB Kyo Maru #8
PB Kohuku Maru
PB Koei Maru
PB Keijo Maru
PB Hirotama Maru

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


If my recon/patrol planes are correct this operation is about the same size what the landings at Vigan has been. Huge amount patrol boats servings as escorts. These guys are actually killing my submarine fleet in Luzon too.

Now comes the most shocking part. This operation is covered by carriers. At first I thought he send just few down the southern pacific but that certainly isn't the case.

...the bulk of the KB popped up near Noumea. I had no idea they were coming and my screening TF got hammered badly! This is the excact operational report...


Day Time Surface Combat, near Ouv'ea at 115,157, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
CS Chiyoda
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Chikuma
CL Yura
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Mikazuki

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola
CA Canberra
CL Leander
CL Achilles
CL Perth
CL Adelaide
DD Voyager
DD La Triomphant



Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 24,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 28,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Japanese Air Combat TF evades combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 115,155

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 46
D3A1 Val x 61



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Bomb hits 1
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Perth
CL Achilles, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Adelaide, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1
DD Voyager
DD La Triomphant



Aircraft Attacking:
20 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
20 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 17000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
21 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
23 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Louisville
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Pensacola


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,160

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N2 Kate x 5



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Silksworth, Torpedo hits 1
xAP Montoro, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 115,155

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N2 Kate x 31
D3A1 Val x 37



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged
D3A1 Val: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Perth, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Louisville, on fire
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CL Achilles, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD La Triomphant
DD Voyager, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Leander, Bomb hits 4, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
17 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
19 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 17000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
20 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 17000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Canberra
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Leander


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,160

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 17
D3A1 Val x 20



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Ormiston, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Tongkol, Bomb hits 9, and is sunk
PG Swan, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Silksworth, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
20 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 17000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMc Tongkol
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Ormiston
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Silksworth


.... bigtime OUCH! I had these ships patrolling north of Noumea just in case Dave tried to land any troops into Luganville area.

Instead I found the KB lurking around there. We pretty caused no damage to it and the surface engament didn't happen either. So, definately not our day at all.

That leaves me with 2 CA with minor damage, 1 CA with heavy damage and 1 DD with minor damage. Rest of the fleet are sleeping with fishes.

Damn, I wasn't expecting this since Dave should have been busy elsewhere. Not good, not good at all...

...and the overview from the area where KB showed up.

China (december 21st and 22nd)

I wanted to post this pic from China.

Now compare the pics from previous turn and this one.

Few days back it showed that 8 enemy ground units where moving towards Hankow. So, they 40 miles south of Ichang.

Now that my troops have entered Ichang it shows that there 14 units defending the city. This is not what I wanted either.

Actually somewhat suprised to see this situation because of movement rate. These guys really should not be back there at all by calculating the movement rate. Than again I have an feeling that this might have been FOW and those units never left the city.

Dave is really reading my operations well. I guess I'am too predictable.

Nomore reports tonight. Need to head to bed...

I guess the real question is was this just a raid by KB or is he trying to dominate the area in preperation for a landing. My guess would be the second. The large force that just hit Rabual the escrots of that force could easily sail down the slot with a new fleet of merchants loaded with fresh troops and go strait for Noumea. About the only thing i think you can do is try to get some PT boats there for defence as they wont be as easy to pick off unless he activly hunts them with fighters on 100 ft strafing missions.