Southern Java will be cleared in 2 days. The small stack at Batavia and the redoubt at Bandoeng remain. It appears that most of the combat troops are at Bandoeng. I have a group of fast APs as well as a good number of PBs and xAKs on the move to Port Arthur to pick up units from Manchuria. After buying out some aviation support from Honshu, I have about 1800 PPs to purchase Manchurian units. What I purchase will depend upon what strategy I pursue on Java. On the one hand, I could finish Java now by besieging Bandoeng with heavy artillery from Manchuria and the 4 divisions present, attacking with 2 divisions after a barrage, and then rotating in 2 fresh divisions. On the other hand, I could isolate Bandoeng, park one division there for the time being and move the other 3 divisions to New Caledonia (where there is a large U.S. stack) and then Australia. In this case, I would buy out a division and some armor from Manchuria for the Australian campaign and purchase the heavy artillery and additional troops for Java and Luzon in the coming months. The heavy artillery would be very nice to reduce the U.S. stack in x3 terrain on New Caledonia, but I would not be able to unload the heavier guns at Koumea without expanding the port. This will take quite a while, because the airfield is just now building to size 1, and I will need it to be size 3 at least.
To bypass Bandoeng or not... decisions... decisions... . I am inclined to bypass it and destroy that U.S. stack at New Caledonia now. He seems to be slowly reinforcing New Caledonia via submarine. I have a few days to decide, however, and will think about it.
Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
February 8th,
Major engagement near Ndeni at the southeastern edge of the Solomon Islands. I have noticed that Apbarog has a float plane unit, probably supported by an AVP or like ship, at a dot base somewhere in the Southeastern tip of the Solomons. Small TFs passing by that region have detection levels and occassionally spot an allied float plane. A small transport group was moving down the Solomons with construction battalion for Espiritu Santo, escorted by a small, light covering TF made up of CL Kiso and 5 Shiratsyu-type DDs.
I decided to use this as bait to see if Apbarog would respond with surface elements as they passed the southern tip of the Solomons. The 2 CV groups moved north, along with a heavy CA covering TF. A series of major engagements followed and will likely continue into the next turn. For the moment, we have confirmed reports that Kiso and the 5 DDs are sunk. We are also receiving reports of a major surface action near New Caledonia. We have reports of 1 allied heavy CA sunk, 4 or 5 allied CAs burning, 8-9 allied DDs sunk, and 2 or 3 allied CLs on fire. More details will be available as the battle unfolds and intelligence officers in Japan have time to sort through the AARs.
This may be a major victory for the IJN. We shall see what transpires in the next day.
Major engagement near Ndeni at the southeastern edge of the Solomon Islands. I have noticed that Apbarog has a float plane unit, probably supported by an AVP or like ship, at a dot base somewhere in the Southeastern tip of the Solomons. Small TFs passing by that region have detection levels and occassionally spot an allied float plane. A small transport group was moving down the Solomons with construction battalion for Espiritu Santo, escorted by a small, light covering TF made up of CL Kiso and 5 Shiratsyu-type DDs.
I decided to use this as bait to see if Apbarog would respond with surface elements as they passed the southern tip of the Solomons. The 2 CV groups moved north, along with a heavy CA covering TF. A series of major engagements followed and will likely continue into the next turn. For the moment, we have confirmed reports that Kiso and the 5 DDs are sunk. We are also receiving reports of a major surface action near New Caledonia. We have reports of 1 allied heavy CA sunk, 4 or 5 allied CAs burning, 8-9 allied DDs sunk, and 2 or 3 allied CLs on fire. More details will be available as the battle unfolds and intelligence officers in Japan have time to sort through the AARs.
This may be a major victory for the IJN. We shall see what transpires in the next day.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Here is how the action on February 8th 1942 developed.
It began with the DD Suzukaze from the CL Kiso light cover group spotting an allied sub and hitting the sub, causing severe engine damage, just SE of the Solomons. Then, an allied CA group made a run at transports disembarking at Koumea. The transports were covered by a fast BB group. This group had been commanded by Tanaka in the DEI, but I forgot to reinstall him as TF commander after the TF put in at Rabaul for minor repairs. So the commanding officer was the captain of the Haruna, who is a 79 Naval but only a 69 aggression, so he is not the equal of Tanaka. (No one is). Nevertheless he handled the combat well. He kept the BBs at range for a time and closed after the allied CAs were burning. Torpedo runs at 5K, 6K, and 8K by the Oi and Kitakami failed to score hits, so that was a disappointment. Both BBs performed well, however, and the DDs were exemplary. Both BBs scored hits with their main guns on the allied CAs, each of which suffered 2 or 3 hits from the BB main guns. Kitakami took a 2 CL shells and a hit from a CA gun that penetrated the belt armor. Kitakami was the only Japanese ship to suffer more than light damage in the battle. It is making 18 knots and will join up with an amphib group to return to Rabaul, hopefully.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Koumac at 113,156, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 3
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Oi, Shell hits 2
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 3
DD Maikaze
DD Isokaze
DD Shiranui
DD Tokitsukaze
Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Perth, Shell hits 1
DD Stuart, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Electra, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Express, Shell hits 3
CL Perth and DD express splintered off from the main group and were encountered later in the night. DD express suffered a direct hit from a secondary gun Kongo, and it was burning with heavy damage after the brief engagement. Sinking sounds were heard after the battle, and I suspect that Canberra sunk. Australia (probably) was spotted the following morning by a float plane from the Transport group, and she is laboring at less than 10 knots to the southwest. I do not have many subs in the area still, as most of my medium range fleet subs in the Pacific are just now returning to Kwajalein from Pearl and Christmas Island. Nevertheless 4 short-range Submarines are en route to try to intercept the Australia and any other ships that may have survived the battle.
It began with the DD Suzukaze from the CL Kiso light cover group spotting an allied sub and hitting the sub, causing severe engine damage, just SE of the Solomons. Then, an allied CA group made a run at transports disembarking at Koumea. The transports were covered by a fast BB group. This group had been commanded by Tanaka in the DEI, but I forgot to reinstall him as TF commander after the TF put in at Rabaul for minor repairs. So the commanding officer was the captain of the Haruna, who is a 79 Naval but only a 69 aggression, so he is not the equal of Tanaka. (No one is). Nevertheless he handled the combat well. He kept the BBs at range for a time and closed after the allied CAs were burning. Torpedo runs at 5K, 6K, and 8K by the Oi and Kitakami failed to score hits, so that was a disappointment. Both BBs performed well, however, and the DDs were exemplary. Both BBs scored hits with their main guns on the allied CAs, each of which suffered 2 or 3 hits from the BB main guns. Kitakami took a 2 CL shells and a hit from a CA gun that penetrated the belt armor. Kitakami was the only Japanese ship to suffer more than light damage in the battle. It is making 18 knots and will join up with an amphib group to return to Rabaul, hopefully.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Koumac at 113,156, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 3
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Oi, Shell hits 2
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 3
DD Maikaze
DD Isokaze
DD Shiranui
DD Tokitsukaze
Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Perth, Shell hits 1
DD Stuart, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Electra, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Express, Shell hits 3
CL Perth and DD express splintered off from the main group and were encountered later in the night. DD express suffered a direct hit from a secondary gun Kongo, and it was burning with heavy damage after the brief engagement. Sinking sounds were heard after the battle, and I suspect that Canberra sunk. Australia (probably) was spotted the following morning by a float plane from the Transport group, and she is laboring at less than 10 knots to the southwest. I do not have many subs in the area still, as most of my medium range fleet subs in the Pacific are just now returning to Kwajalein from Pearl and Christmas Island. Nevertheless 4 short-range Submarines are en route to try to intercept the Australia and any other ships that may have survived the battle.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
The allies also sortied a large CA group after the small transport group that was moving down the Solomons. Recon planes from Rabaul today identified that allied seaplane base is at Rennel Island, and the Rennel Island seaplanes had spotted the transport group, along with a light covering TF composed of Kiso and 5 Shiratsyu-class DDs. As I mentioned, I decided 2 days ago to use these groups as bait to see if I could lure an allied SCTF in.
An allied SCTF composed of the CAs San Francisco, Louisville, New Orleans, Pensacola, and Minneapolis found the transport group in the morning. Kiso-group moved to cover and performed admirably against the much heavier allied SCTF. Several allied DDs were burning and crippled.
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 119,142, Range 22,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 1
DD Shigure, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1
DD Samidare, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Shell hits 2
CA Pensacola
CA New Orleans
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 1
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 2
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
CL Helena
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 1
DD Shaw, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Flusser, Shell hits 1
DD Downes
DD Cassin, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Reid, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, CA San Francisco, and several DDs broke off from the allied group and found Kiso later in the morning, finishing off Kiso and the DDs, but not before Kiso scored a penetrating hit on the CL Helena and left it burning, along with 3 more allied DDs hit and burning.
An allied SCTF composed of the CAs San Francisco, Louisville, New Orleans, Pensacola, and Minneapolis found the transport group in the morning. Kiso-group moved to cover and performed admirably against the much heavier allied SCTF. Several allied DDs were burning and crippled.
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 119,142, Range 22,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 1
DD Shigure, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1
DD Samidare, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Shell hits 2
CA Pensacola
CA New Orleans
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 1
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 2
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
CL Helena
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 1
DD Shaw, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Flusser, Shell hits 1
DD Downes
DD Cassin, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Reid, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, CA San Francisco, and several DDs broke off from the allied group and found Kiso later in the morning, finishing off Kiso and the DDs, but not before Kiso scored a penetrating hit on the CL Helena and left it burning, along with 3 more allied DDs hit and burning.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
As I mentioned, however, this was a trap. In the night and that morning, the full KB had moved to within range of the allied SCTF and both CV groups launched in the AM phase. KB underperformed badly on the day. Neither Yamamoto nor Nagumi launched their full complement of aircraft (which indicates to me that the allies have a naval air in the theater somewhere). The attack on the main body of the allied force was also a severe disappointment, as the majority of the Kates and Vals targeted the DDs rather than the CAs and aborted their attacks once the DDs were sunk.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,142
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
B5N1 Kate x 28
B5N2 Kate x 78
D3A1 Val x 49
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 8 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Louisville
DD Reid, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Minneapolis
DD Shaw, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 1
An AM strike on the San Francisco group, however, performed admirably, and San Francisco was left burning and badly crippled.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 118,140
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 34
D3A1 Val x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1
DD Flusser, heavy fires
DD Cassin, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Vals from the Akagi also struck a TF that had splintered off from the main allied group. Helena had been set on fire earlier that morning from a shell by the Kiso and was still burning after taking a 250 KG that penetrated amidships.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 117,141
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A1 Val x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Conyngham, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
Unfortunately, neither Yamamoto nor Nagumo followed up with a second strike in the PM phase, despite being only 4 hexes from the allied TFs. The CAs Takao, Maya, and Atago are only 1 hex from the Louisville, Minneapolis, Pensacola, and New Orleans, however. Hopefully they can find the allied CAs in the night. KB is moving west by south west to try to strike the allied CAs again tomorrow if they flee either to the east or to the southeast.
A disappointing performance by KB: focusing on DDs rather than CAs and not following up in the PM phase. Nevertheless, there is a good chance for another engagement in the night, and the possibility of a 2nd air attack tomorrow. The scoresheet shows 4 SOC-1 Seagulls and 1 Seagull V destroyed, so it appears that at least 2 CAs sunk. I believe they were Canberra and San Francisco. A CL may have sunk as well. I am not sure what types of floatplanes allied CAs and CLs carry.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,142
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
B5N1 Kate x 28
B5N2 Kate x 78
D3A1 Val x 49
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 8 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Louisville
DD Reid, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Minneapolis
DD Shaw, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 1
An AM strike on the San Francisco group, however, performed admirably, and San Francisco was left burning and badly crippled.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 118,140
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 34
D3A1 Val x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1
DD Flusser, heavy fires
DD Cassin, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Vals from the Akagi also struck a TF that had splintered off from the main allied group. Helena had been set on fire earlier that morning from a shell by the Kiso and was still burning after taking a 250 KG that penetrated amidships.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 117,141
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A1 Val x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Conyngham, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
Unfortunately, neither Yamamoto nor Nagumo followed up with a second strike in the PM phase, despite being only 4 hexes from the allied TFs. The CAs Takao, Maya, and Atago are only 1 hex from the Louisville, Minneapolis, Pensacola, and New Orleans, however. Hopefully they can find the allied CAs in the night. KB is moving west by south west to try to strike the allied CAs again tomorrow if they flee either to the east or to the southeast.
A disappointing performance by KB: focusing on DDs rather than CAs and not following up in the PM phase. Nevertheless, there is a good chance for another engagement in the night, and the possibility of a 2nd air attack tomorrow. The scoresheet shows 4 SOC-1 Seagulls and 1 Seagull V destroyed, so it appears that at least 2 CAs sunk. I believe they were Canberra and San Francisco. A CL may have sunk as well. I am not sure what types of floatplanes allied CAs and CLs carry.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Here is an image of the situation as it now stands. KB will move west by south west to try to follow up tomorrow if the main allied CA group moves east or southeast. The Chokai group will try to engage the main CA group tonight.
The yellow arrow represents the movement of the 2 CV groups and the Chokai group yesterday and last night. The green arrows represent KBs AM airstrikes. As you can see, I have a number of transport groups and a fast AO group in the area, so the situation is still tense, and it is far to early to claim a Japanese victory. However, if U.S. CVs do not intervene, if the Chokai group can intercept, and/or if KB can attack again tomorrow, the IJN may get a few more allied CAs.
The yellow arrow represents the movement of the 2 CV groups and the Chokai group yesterday and last night. The green arrows represent KBs AM airstrikes. As you can see, I have a number of transport groups and a fast AO group in the area, so the situation is still tense, and it is far to early to claim a Japanese victory. However, if U.S. CVs do not intervene, if the Chokai group can intercept, and/or if KB can attack again tomorrow, the IJN may get a few more allied CAs.
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RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Looks like he might be in trouble and won't have to worry about refitting several CAs.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Feb. 9th.
Another day that was good for the IJN in some respects and very frustrating in others. Chokai grp. found the allied CA group at night, and fought a series of battles, in which Chokai distinguished herself again. KB failed again to follow up, however, and did not detect the crippled allied CA group during the daylight despite have over 50 planes on patrol, including 12 at low alititude to find small, fragment TFs.
In the initial engagement, Chokai group surprised the allied CAs and every ship fired torpedos from 8K yards, but no hits were scored. Chokai then led the group into very close range. Her initial salvo missed, and she took the worst of it from New Orleans and Minneapolis. 2 shells hit her aft-deck, one destroying a depth-charge rack. Maya followed on and loosed an accurate volley, and she struck New Orleans aft with a belt armor shot that crippled the allied CA with severe engine damage. Chokai then found her range and fired repeatedly, scoring hits on both New Orleans and Minneapolis. Maya further distinguished herself with more accurate gunnery, scoring hits on New Orleans and Minneapolis.
The allied TF the slipped away, but Chokai group found the allies later in the night. Carnage ensued. Chokai again led the charge and scored hits on Pensacola, New Orleans, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. Atago followed on and unleashed several accurate salvos. The allied TF was low on ammo and began conserving ammo, returning fire only on the CAs. The DDs swarmed in and scored multiple hits on the allied CAs.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 119,143, Range 11,000 Yards
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 2
CA Maya
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze, on fire
Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
Again, the allied TF slipped away, only to be encountered and surprised again at Ndeni. Chokai and Atago emptied their guns on the hapless allied CAs, who could return fire only with AA guns, and then Chokai group retired. Both Chokai and Atago suffered minor damage (18 or so system... all minor damage) in the 3 engagements. Very, very well done by Chokai group. One more allied CA is confirmed sunk, and Pensacola and Minneapolis are in serious trouble.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 12,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CA Maya
CA Chokai
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze, on fire
Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, on fire
Another day that was good for the IJN in some respects and very frustrating in others. Chokai grp. found the allied CA group at night, and fought a series of battles, in which Chokai distinguished herself again. KB failed again to follow up, however, and did not detect the crippled allied CA group during the daylight despite have over 50 planes on patrol, including 12 at low alititude to find small, fragment TFs.
In the initial engagement, Chokai group surprised the allied CAs and every ship fired torpedos from 8K yards, but no hits were scored. Chokai then led the group into very close range. Her initial salvo missed, and she took the worst of it from New Orleans and Minneapolis. 2 shells hit her aft-deck, one destroying a depth-charge rack. Maya followed on and loosed an accurate volley, and she struck New Orleans aft with a belt armor shot that crippled the allied CA with severe engine damage. Chokai then found her range and fired repeatedly, scoring hits on both New Orleans and Minneapolis. Maya further distinguished herself with more accurate gunnery, scoring hits on New Orleans and Minneapolis.
The allied TF the slipped away, but Chokai group found the allies later in the night. Carnage ensued. Chokai again led the charge and scored hits on Pensacola, New Orleans, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. Atago followed on and unleashed several accurate salvos. The allied TF was low on ammo and began conserving ammo, returning fire only on the CAs. The DDs swarmed in and scored multiple hits on the allied CAs.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 119,143, Range 11,000 Yards
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 2
CA Maya
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze, on fire
Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
Again, the allied TF slipped away, only to be encountered and surprised again at Ndeni. Chokai and Atago emptied their guns on the hapless allied CAs, who could return fire only with AA guns, and then Chokai group retired. Both Chokai and Atago suffered minor damage (18 or so system... all minor damage) in the 3 engagements. Very, very well done by Chokai group. One more allied CA is confirmed sunk, and Pensacola and Minneapolis are in serious trouble.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 12,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CA Maya
CA Chokai
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze, on fire
Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, on fire
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
It is very frustrating that KB could not locate the crippled allied CAs in the daylight and finish them. Here is the position of KB: perfect, it would seem, to follow up and finish off Pensacola and Minneapolis. Nevertheless, we have 3 allied CAs confirmed sunk, 9 allied DDs confirmed sunk, 3 CLs damaged and burning, and 3 allied CAs severely crippled with a difficult voyage to any repair facility. Japanese losses in the serie of battles were the CL Kiso and 5 Shiratsyu-class DDs. I will trade a CL and 5 DDs for 3-6 CAs and 9 DDs any time. Here is the current disposition of my naval forces in SoPac. The solitary naval construction battalion, which served as the bait that began this entire battle, proceeded through, oblivious to the carnage occurring all around it, and it appears that it will arrive safely at Espiritu Santo.
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RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Tomorrow, I will reach the moment of decision on my strategy: what to do about Bandoeng, and what units to purchase from Manchuria. These are the considerations. With the damage to Atago and Chokai, the 3 Takao class CAs, including Takao (which did not participate in the action because it was reparing damage at Rabaul when Chokai grp left for New Caledonia) will return to the Home Islands to repair and for their March upgrades. Haruna will need approximately 3 weeks to repair, so I only one SCTF remains to cover TFs in the Pacific. Myoko group is in the Solomons. The 4 old CAs are on station in the DEI and will rotate to the Horn Island-Port Moresby area (which leaves me very little covering the DEI, except 4 slow BBs at anchor in Singapore. I plan eventually to station these in the Indian Ocean to ward off British BBs). At the moment, Mogami grp is moving into the Indian Ocean covered by the CVEs to support upcoming action in Burma.
The momentary shortage of surface elements to cover the whole Pacific front makes me reluctant to move two or three divisions to New Caledonia and inclines me to deal with Bandoeng now while the Haruna is repairing and the Takao class CAs repair and upgrade. However, Bandoeng is of almost no military significance whatsoever. There should be a price to pay for trying to hole up in terrain rather than defend significant objectives. To waste time besieging Bandoeng with my advance elements is to play into Apbarog's hand. I have 24 hours to decide and am open to suggestions or comments (only from those not reading Apbarog's AAR: since I have no idea if he intends to commit more naval or air assets to the defense of SoPac).
BTW: Chokai has participated in 6 surface actions, and if the Minneapolis is sunk, Chokai has sunk 8 enemy ships to date. Her crew experience is now approaching 90 at night. I love this ship. It seems that every game that I play, Chokai is an absolute menace.
The momentary shortage of surface elements to cover the whole Pacific front makes me reluctant to move two or three divisions to New Caledonia and inclines me to deal with Bandoeng now while the Haruna is repairing and the Takao class CAs repair and upgrade. However, Bandoeng is of almost no military significance whatsoever. There should be a price to pay for trying to hole up in terrain rather than defend significant objectives. To waste time besieging Bandoeng with my advance elements is to play into Apbarog's hand. I have 24 hours to decide and am open to suggestions or comments (only from those not reading Apbarog's AAR: since I have no idea if he intends to commit more naval or air assets to the defense of SoPac).
BTW: Chokai has participated in 6 surface actions, and if the Minneapolis is sunk, Chokai has sunk 8 enemy ships to date. Her crew experience is now approaching 90 at night. I love this ship. It seems that every game that I play, Chokai is an absolute menace.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Phase II in China is winding down. Wenchow has fallen, and there are 4 or 5 Chinese corps remaining trapped behind the line in Southern China. I should have these corps cleared out in a few weeks. So, I must start thinking about my next step. I would like to attack in southern China and along the front near Yenan. Some reinforcements brigades are filling out their ToEs and will soon reinforce the brigades in northern China. The Yenan area is the least conducive to defense of Sian and threatens to cut off north China.
An advance along southern China will create the "magic highway" for moving resources, oil, and fuel from Malaysia to Manchuria by rail and road. However, I want to retain operational flexibility so as to be able to strike at points of opportunity where pockets can be created: such as at Ichang or along the Kukong road. So, I am not committed to creating the "magic highway" as quickly as possible.. I am not sure how helpful this will prove to be in the long game, but I have started to move resources from Haiphong to Hong Kong on a few Adens, and I will add to this convoy route a few 12-knot Tks.
This may prove to be fuel wasted eventually if I do launch a southern Chinese offensive, but I do not want to pass up an opportunity to pocket another large Chinese force because I have committed myself to a southern Chinese offensive. What this little convoy route allows is for fuel, oil, and resources to begin to flow to Haiphong now in the early game, while the game engine is still creating resource and oil flow-paths.
An advance along southern China will create the "magic highway" for moving resources, oil, and fuel from Malaysia to Manchuria by rail and road. However, I want to retain operational flexibility so as to be able to strike at points of opportunity where pockets can be created: such as at Ichang or along the Kukong road. So, I am not committed to creating the "magic highway" as quickly as possible.. I am not sure how helpful this will prove to be in the long game, but I have started to move resources from Haiphong to Hong Kong on a few Adens, and I will add to this convoy route a few 12-knot Tks.
This may prove to be fuel wasted eventually if I do launch a southern Chinese offensive, but I do not want to pass up an opportunity to pocket another large Chinese force because I have committed myself to a southern Chinese offensive. What this little convoy route allows is for fuel, oil, and resources to begin to flow to Haiphong now in the early game, while the game engine is still creating resource and oil flow-paths.
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RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
I spent 700 PPs buying out the heavy artillery from Manchuria. I have decided on a hybrid approach to Bandoeng. Normally, I do not like long sieges with big stacks of troops and artillery, because this uses too much supply. I prefer to make decisive moves and take objectives as quickly as possible. But rules are meant to be broken.
The Dutch units start the game with about 50% of their squads disabled. His units at Bandoeng have probably recovered a good portion of these disabled squads and have improved their morale. He has, not doubt, hoarded supply there, and if I leave this redoubt completely unmolested, it will be stronger, probably, in 2 month than it is now. So I will move the heavy artillery there and besiege it. 2 divisions will remain on Java. The other two divisions will move to New Caledonia to take Noumea, which is showing 15k allied troops.
I will also begin setting up my defense of Java for the (hopefully) distant future. What I want is to multiply my force by defeding in good terrain, but I also want access to 2 good airfields and a port, so that I retain the option to counterattack on Java and resupply my forces if the opportunity to do so presents itself. Soerabaja is the most significant objective on Java, followed by Batavia, but these bases are not in good terrain, so my defense of the island will focus on the West: in the jungles and mountains. The line from Bandoeng to Madioen must be held. Madioen provides an airfield and Tjilatjap provides a port in good terrain. There is also 40 light industry and sufficient resources to sustain this industry in this pocket. I will begin building up the airfield at Tjilatjap to size 4 to support Madioen and begin fortifying the bases along this axis.
I have an SNLF prepping for Christmas Island. I will also build up a base at Christmas island and fortify it. I want to base subs and Netties there to try to inderdict supplies, forces, and fuel en route to Australia.
The Dutch units start the game with about 50% of their squads disabled. His units at Bandoeng have probably recovered a good portion of these disabled squads and have improved their morale. He has, not doubt, hoarded supply there, and if I leave this redoubt completely unmolested, it will be stronger, probably, in 2 month than it is now. So I will move the heavy artillery there and besiege it. 2 divisions will remain on Java. The other two divisions will move to New Caledonia to take Noumea, which is showing 15k allied troops.
I will also begin setting up my defense of Java for the (hopefully) distant future. What I want is to multiply my force by defeding in good terrain, but I also want access to 2 good airfields and a port, so that I retain the option to counterattack on Java and resupply my forces if the opportunity to do so presents itself. Soerabaja is the most significant objective on Java, followed by Batavia, but these bases are not in good terrain, so my defense of the island will focus on the West: in the jungles and mountains. The line from Bandoeng to Madioen must be held. Madioen provides an airfield and Tjilatjap provides a port in good terrain. There is also 40 light industry and sufficient resources to sustain this industry in this pocket. I will begin building up the airfield at Tjilatjap to size 4 to support Madioen and begin fortifying the bases along this axis.
I have an SNLF prepping for Christmas Island. I will also build up a base at Christmas island and fortify it. I want to base subs and Netties there to try to inderdict supplies, forces, and fuel en route to Australia.
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GetAssista
- Posts: 2835
- Joined: Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:13 am
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
You can bomb away his supply to prevent the recovery of disabled squads. Extensive bombing is adviceable anyway before you assault the place. Malaria does not help recovery either, just station some LCUs there to not allow Rest modeORIGINAL: Aurorus
The Dutch units start the game with about 50% of their squads disabled. His units at Bandoeng have probably recovered a good portion of these disabled squads and have improved their morale. He has, not doubt, hoarded supply there, and if I leave this redoubt completely unmolested, it will be stronger, probably, in 2 month than it is now.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
ORIGINAL: GetAssista
You can bomb away his supply to prevent the recovery of disabled squads. Extensive bombing is adviceable anyway before you assault the place. Malaria does not help recovery either, just station some LCUs there to not allow Rest modeORIGINAL: Aurorus
The Dutch units start the game with about 50% of their squads disabled. His units at Bandoeng have probably recovered a good portion of these disabled squads and have improved their morale. He has, not doubt, hoarded supply there, and if I leave this redoubt completely unmolested, it will be stronger, probably, in 2 month than it is now.
That is basically the plan. The question really resolved to: did I want to spend the PPs to buy out the heavy artillery to bombard the position or use these PPs to purchase ground troops for the Australian campaign. Normally, I do not like to besiege strongholds for extended periods with both artillery and medium bombers, because of heavy supply use. I have been very fortunate in taking industry in this game and have none damaged. I have also taken several key industry and resource sites in China, such as Wenchow, rather quickly. I feel as though I have extra supply. So, I will do a classic siege, while sending two divisions forward. I will probably use Anns to bomb the position with 800 Kg bombs. The Anns are light and use half the supply of the medium bombers, and the 800 Kg bombs are more effective, it seems, in mountains. Eventually, the Anns will become my ASW patrol planes. But, for the moment, I have no pilots trained at ASW.
I always buy out the heavy artillery fairly early, because it reduces casualties when assaulting either Singapore, Manila, or Clark Field. In this game, I by-passed Luzon and took Singapore on the first attack. When I do invade Luzon, I will want the heavy artillery, but I do not intend to invade Luzon until May or June.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
So, I was reading last night, and I discovered that a Japanese mini sub nearly sunk the Brit BB Ramilles. I also learned of a Japanese night-time raid on Pearl Harbor using a small Emily squadron (which appears in the game 3 months ahead of the normal availability date for Emilies). I started thinking.
I had something interesting happen in this game. Two mini-sub carriers, with mini-subs, were set to patrol around Christmas Island in the first weeks of the war along with 2 glen-carrying subs. The plan was to wait for the glens to spot an allied TF moving to Christmas Island and then attack them at port with the mini-subs. What happened, however, was that the mini-sub carrier attacked an allied Tk group and hit an AO. So, if a sub TF set to "Mini Sub Carrier" is capable of patrolling and engaging, why not always send out the subs that have the ability to carry mini-subs with the mini subs? Then, have them operate in teams with the Glen-carrying subs to identify small ports (less than size 3 and without nets) that contain enemy shipping: thereby having the ability to attack both ships at sea and at anchor.
My second thought is: Mavis and Emily are actually Japan's best bombers. They are nearly the equivalent of heavy bombers in payload. I have decided to make a full project of producing Emilies, and I will use at least one squadron, probably two, as heavy bombers. I will produce 12-15 Emilies per month. The engine cost will be high, but it will give me a small and capable heavy bomber force. Can Emilies carry a full payload while being serviced only by an AV? That is an interesting question.
I had something interesting happen in this game. Two mini-sub carriers, with mini-subs, were set to patrol around Christmas Island in the first weeks of the war along with 2 glen-carrying subs. The plan was to wait for the glens to spot an allied TF moving to Christmas Island and then attack them at port with the mini-subs. What happened, however, was that the mini-sub carrier attacked an allied Tk group and hit an AO. So, if a sub TF set to "Mini Sub Carrier" is capable of patrolling and engaging, why not always send out the subs that have the ability to carry mini-subs with the mini subs? Then, have them operate in teams with the Glen-carrying subs to identify small ports (less than size 3 and without nets) that contain enemy shipping: thereby having the ability to attack both ships at sea and at anchor.
My second thought is: Mavis and Emily are actually Japan's best bombers. They are nearly the equivalent of heavy bombers in payload. I have decided to make a full project of producing Emilies, and I will use at least one squadron, probably two, as heavy bombers. I will produce 12-15 Emilies per month. The engine cost will be high, but it will give me a small and capable heavy bomber force. Can Emilies carry a full payload while being serviced only by an AV? That is an interesting question.
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MakeeLearn
- Posts: 4274
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:01 pm
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
ORIGINAL: Aurorus
So, I was reading last night, and I discovered that a Japanese mini sub nearly sunk the Brit BB Ramilles. I also learned of a Japanese night-time raid on Pearl Harbor using a small Emily squadron (which appears in the game 3 months ahead of the normal availability date for Emilies). I started thinking.
I had something interesting happen in this game. Two mini-sub carriers, with mini-subs, were set to patrol around Christmas Island in the first weeks of the war along with 2 glen-carrying subs. The plan was to wait for the glens to spot an allied TF moving to Christmas Island and then attack them at port with the mini-subs. What happened, however, was that the mini-sub carrier attacked an allied Tk group and hit an AO. So, if a sub TF set to "Mini Sub Carrier" is capable of patrolling and engaging, why not always send out the subs that have the ability to carry mini-subs with the mini subs? Then, have them operate in teams with the Glen-carrying subs to identify small ports (less than size 3 and without nets) that contain enemy shipping: thereby having the ability to attack both ships at sea and at anchor.
My second thought is: Mavis and Emily are actually Japan's best bombers. They are nearly the equivalent of heavy bombers in payload. I have decided to make a full project of producing Emilies, and I will use at least one squadron, probably two, as heavy bombers. I will produce 12-15 Emilies per month. The engine cost will be high, but it will give me a small and capable heavy bomber force. Can Emilies carry a full payload while being serviced only by an AV? That is an interesting question.
I enjoy reading and learning from your insights into Japanese command.
The Emily is a great plane. As a heavy bomber force are there any specific target types that you will focus on?
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
ORIGINAL: MakeeLearn
ORIGINAL: Aurorus
So, I was reading last night, and I discovered that a Japanese mini sub nearly sunk the Brit BB Ramilles. I also learned of a Japanese night-time raid on Pearl Harbor using a small Emily squadron (which appears in the game 3 months ahead of the normal availability date for Emilies). I started thinking.
I had something interesting happen in this game. Two mini-sub carriers, with mini-subs, were set to patrol around Christmas Island in the first weeks of the war along with 2 glen-carrying subs. The plan was to wait for the glens to spot an allied TF moving to Christmas Island and then attack them at port with the mini-subs. What happened, however, was that the mini-sub carrier attacked an allied Tk group and hit an AO. So, if a sub TF set to "Mini Sub Carrier" is capable of patrolling and engaging, why not always send out the subs that have the ability to carry mini-subs with the mini subs? Then, have them operate in teams with the Glen-carrying subs to identify small ports (less than size 3 and without nets) that contain enemy shipping: thereby having the ability to attack both ships at sea and at anchor.
My second thought is: Mavis and Emily are actually Japan's best bombers. They are nearly the equivalent of heavy bombers in payload. I have decided to make a full project of producing Emilies, and I will use at least one squadron, probably two, as heavy bombers. I will produce 12-15 Emilies per month. The engine cost will be high, but it will give me a small and capable heavy bomber force. Can Emilies carry a full payload while being serviced only by an AV? That is an interesting question.
I enjoy reading and learning from your insights into Japanese command.
The Emily is a great plane. As a heavy bomber force are there any specific target types that you will focus on?
I have no idea, but it is a capability. There is a house rule against strat bombing in this game until 7/43, but after that... if I fail to take the whole of Australia, I would certainly try to destroy whatever industry I can before withdrawing. I think the best use, however, of this capability is to demonstrate it at range on port strikes in every theater to force Apbarog to stretch out his fighter cover over the whole map and reduce his fighter presence at the front. Late in the war, the Emily K2 is radar-equipped. Imagine a Japanese night-raid of 40 heavy bombers strat-bombing Pearl Harbor in late 1944.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Initial reconnaissance reports of Burma show that the allies have mostly evacuated the territory. There are some elements of AVG and about 7.5K ground troops at Rangoon and a few small base forces scattered here and there through Burma. 3 divisions are closing on the Burma border, and the Imperial Guards unit is in Singapore, fully recovered and in reserve for naval transport to any needed location.
The Burma-India border is an arbitrary boundary established by the imperial powers. The object for me in 1942 is always to force battles on the allies. If he has withdrawn from Burma, I plan to advance into India until I encounter resistance and then fight. I will need 2 more divisions, more armor, more anti-tank guns, more artillery, more everything for this theater eventually. It will be 6 weeks before my advance reaches into India, so in a way, while I want to fight battles, I am not unhappy that the allies evacuated Burma. I do not have to reinforce the West immediately, and I can focus on New Caledonia. Also, I can build up supply at the supply-limited bases in Burma to prepare for an engagement in India. I originally did not intend to invade India, but with no British or Indian forces in Burma, I am forced to go into India. I feel that it is very important for Japan to reduce British, Indian, and Australian force pools in the early war period. It is difficult enough to fight the Americans. It is much worse if the Aussies, Brits, and Indians still have full force pools to contribute to the allied offensive. I also want to push far enough to prevent allied fighter sweeps of Magwe, which seems to be a common tactic employed by allied players.
My biggest problem in the West is that I have destroyed almost no British aircraft. Apbarog has done a nice job withdrawing all the British air, and I will be up against Hurricanes with trained pilots. My Zeros are focused in the DEI and SoPac. This leaves the West mostly for Oscars, and Oscars against Hurricanes is a very bad matchup for the Oscar. Tojo is still 3 or 4 months away and then only 2 squadrons and the small prototype squadron will be available. I have 3 30-factories on Tojo (one of which will go into production and expand a little). The other two will continue R&D on Tojo IIb and then IIc. An additional squadron can convert to the IIbs, and there are some 200 of the IIcs in PDU:off in DBB. I have 3 30-factories on Tony. One of these will also convert to production and the rest will continue research on the Tony line. Not until I receive the Tonies will I have enough squadrons of capable army fighters: August or September. Mid 1942 is a very challenging period for Japan in the air-war in PDU:off, more difficult than 1943. P-38s begin to appear and Japan only has a few Nicks to counter the allied 4-Es. There are never enough Zeros.
The Burma-India border is an arbitrary boundary established by the imperial powers. The object for me in 1942 is always to force battles on the allies. If he has withdrawn from Burma, I plan to advance into India until I encounter resistance and then fight. I will need 2 more divisions, more armor, more anti-tank guns, more artillery, more everything for this theater eventually. It will be 6 weeks before my advance reaches into India, so in a way, while I want to fight battles, I am not unhappy that the allies evacuated Burma. I do not have to reinforce the West immediately, and I can focus on New Caledonia. Also, I can build up supply at the supply-limited bases in Burma to prepare for an engagement in India. I originally did not intend to invade India, but with no British or Indian forces in Burma, I am forced to go into India. I feel that it is very important for Japan to reduce British, Indian, and Australian force pools in the early war period. It is difficult enough to fight the Americans. It is much worse if the Aussies, Brits, and Indians still have full force pools to contribute to the allied offensive. I also want to push far enough to prevent allied fighter sweeps of Magwe, which seems to be a common tactic employed by allied players.
My biggest problem in the West is that I have destroyed almost no British aircraft. Apbarog has done a nice job withdrawing all the British air, and I will be up against Hurricanes with trained pilots. My Zeros are focused in the DEI and SoPac. This leaves the West mostly for Oscars, and Oscars against Hurricanes is a very bad matchup for the Oscar. Tojo is still 3 or 4 months away and then only 2 squadrons and the small prototype squadron will be available. I have 3 30-factories on Tojo (one of which will go into production and expand a little). The other two will continue R&D on Tojo IIb and then IIc. An additional squadron can convert to the IIbs, and there are some 200 of the IIcs in PDU:off in DBB. I have 3 30-factories on Tony. One of these will also convert to production and the rest will continue research on the Tony line. Not until I receive the Tonies will I have enough squadrons of capable army fighters: August or September. Mid 1942 is a very challenging period for Japan in the air-war in PDU:off, more difficult than 1943. P-38s begin to appear and Japan only has a few Nicks to counter the allied 4-Es. There are never enough Zeros.
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
For those who think that light bombers are useless, I provide the following. I have been softening up the Dutch positions in nothern Sumatra because I will soon land 2 regiments there to complete the conquest of the island. I especially want to try to destroy any engineers that may be stationed on the two remaining oil centers. I have been using Sonias for these attacks, because the targets are soft and in clear terrain. Against soft targets in clear terrain, Sonias are excellent bombers with their 4 x 50Kg bombs.
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Morning Air attack on Pakanbaroe Cdo , at 48,82 (Bengkalis)
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 18
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
170 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on Pakanbaroe Cdo , at 48,82 (Bengkalis)
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 18
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
170 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)
Since they are dive bombers with probably crews that have good experience the results are to be believed though the bonb load is light.