Beans, Bullets and Black Oil :: obvert (A) vs Lowpe (J)

[obvert]

The bombardments were decent against the fields but really must have messed up the support units on the ground. It feels like this base is trashed for a good long while.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 24, 1942
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Night Naval bombardment of Singkawang at 56,88

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 8 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M3 Zero: 6 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
F1M2 Pete: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CA Northampton
CA Portland
CL Boise

Japanese ground losses:
1075 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 88 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 12 (3 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 45
Port hits 14
Port supply hits 2

SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CA Astoria
CA Astoria firing at Singkawang

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Night Naval bombardment of Singapore at 50,84

Allied Ships
BB Resolution
BB Ramillies
BB Royal Sovereign
BB Revenge

Japanese ground losses:
377 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Walrus II acting as spotter for BB Resolution
BB Resolution firing at 2nd/C Division
BB Ramillies firing at 10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
BB Royal Sovereign firing at 18th Division

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Night Naval bombardment of Singkawang at 56,88

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 8 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 13 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
CA Canberra
CL Glasgow
CL Mauritius

Japanese ground losses:
261 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 18
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

CA Exeter firing at Singkawang
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[obvert]

The Lightnings then got a chance to have an impact, and took out 4-5 IJ Oscars and zeros for only a few damaged.

[obvert]

The 4Es still then met a strong LR CAP and didn't do much, but put a few extra hits on the fields, and might have downed 1-2 more fighters.

[obvert]

The 4Es also hit Pntiniak port where a surprising number of ships were still hanging out. The AKE is good to take out for sure, especially since another was likely sunk earlier in the turn.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 24, 1942
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Morning Air attack on Pontianak , at 56,90

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16
LB-30 Liberator x 7

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AKE Kashino, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Rumoe Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Seikai Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yomei Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk

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

Port hits 11
Port supply hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Massive explosion on AKE Kashino
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[obvert]

On the ground Malaybalay was attacked for the first time. The PI troops did well, getting a 1:6 in defence with the IJN naval guards taking significantly more damage. Supply is now low here, so I'll try to start some flying in from nearby Cebu.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 24, 1942
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Ground combat at Malaybalay (80,90)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11262 troops, 117 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 403

Defending force 9210 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 346

Japanese adjusted assault: 127

Allied adjusted defense: 691

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1459 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 120 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 16 (5 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
322 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
89th Naval Guard Unit
85th Naval Guard Unit
87th Naval Guard Unit
86th Naval Guard Unit
1st Engineer Co
18th Naval Guard Unit
88th Naval Guard Unit
Sasebo 1st SNLF /1
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Constabulary Regiment
2nd PA Infantry Regiment
101st PA Infantry Division
Agusan Constab Battalion
Mindanao Force
35th Avn Sup /1

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[obvert]

Here is the tally for he past few days battles, not including all of the 4E port strikes.
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Japanese Ships

BB Ise, and is sunk

CA Atago, Shell hits 30, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage{Sunk or in serious trouble)

CL Jintsu, Shell hits 3
CL Nagara, Shell hits 4

DD Hasu, and is sunk
DD Sanae, and is sunk
DD Namikaze, and is sunk
DD Wakatake, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage

DD Isokaze, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 1, on fire

PB Tatsumiya Maru, and is sunk
PB Hirota Maru, and is sunk
PB Seikyo Maru, and is sunk
PB Shinkyo Maru, and is sunk
PB Nikkai Maru, Shell hits 1
PB Konsan Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Karimo Maru, Shell hits 1

CM Wakataka, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
CM Katsuriki, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

AKE Tazima Maru, Shell hits 7

Allied Ships

CA Dorsetshire, and is sunk
DD Encounter, and is sunk

Damaged ships shown below in Singapore repair yard

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[obvert]

This I don't understand. Where were these B4Y1 Jeans lost? I've never seen one, and this is too many to have been lost by transferring planes. Did some go down on a torpedoed xAK? Did a CV go down and for some reason have these old biplanes on board?

Odd. The air war is moving in the right direction though, still. These last few days were the first actions against the A6M3, and although it's a slight tick upward in speed, it's still incredibly fragile as an airframe.

Gotta take what I can get now and get lots of good AA units in during the next few months. I might prioritise more AA over more grunts with rifles right now in terms of what to buy out from WC.

[BBfanboy]

Now that you have so many assets laid up in the Singers yards, you will need to prevent him bombing your cripples as you have done unto him ...[:D]
I think a carrier strike is the only thing you need fear at the moment. Do you know where his bigger carriers are?

[Zecke]

BBFB is sure that may 1942 is the key point for allys; should we invade Darwin; or wiat them at Kawaljen

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Now that you have so many assets laid up in the Singers yards, you will need to prevent him bombing your cripples as you have done unto him ...[:D]
I think a carrier strike is the only thing you need fear at the moment. Do you know where his bigger carriers are?

It would be tough. There are some extra AA units at Singers now, plus a CAP of 200+ very experienced fighters. I'd take the hit if he wants to wreck the KB's strike groups right now. I also still have the undamaged 'R' class BBs and two other SCTFs there, plus the mines and a few PTs and the CD guns, so I don't think he'd consider bombardment again.

The next turn was much quieter, but interesting nonetheless. I will be able to let you know exactly where the KB is located. [:)]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]May 25, 1942[/font]

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The IJN arrived in force at Singkawang. If they had been there the previous day, I'd have been in trouble. It looks like another cruiser TF and a BB TF are hanging out there, plus the KB is a few hexes off, ready to hit anything that strays too far or gets damaged. Luckily my last cripples limped into Singers today. I had to scuttle DD Farragut, unfortunately.

I've got more recon and search in the DEI now, and seeing more is great. I'm noticing a lot more TFs moving between upper Malaya and indochina, and I can get a pretty good handle on the troops on Malaya in the next few days. I want to find out if Ashigara and company, who are essentially trapped up near Georgetown, are going into port at Alor Star or Phuket or somewhere up there.

Troops have moved into Kluong, and I'll aim to get about 1,500 AV there against the 10-15k troops there for the IJA. I think a division is there, but it might be under full strength after recent battles at Malacca. There are beginning to be a lot of tanks here now.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 25, 1942
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Ground combat at Malaybalay (80,90)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 288 troops, 29 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 284

Defending force 8758 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

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

Assaulting units:
85th Naval Guard Unit
88th Naval Guard Unit
89th Naval Guard Unit
87th Naval Guard Unit
18th Naval Guard Unit
1st Engineer Co
86th Naval Guard Unit
Sasebo 1st SNLF /1
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd PA Infantry Regiment
3rd Constabulary Regiment
101st PA Infantry Division
Agusan Constab Battalion
Mindanao Force
35th Avn Sup /1
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This is the state of things today. A definite show of force by the Japanese, but the Allies won't take the bait this time. Everything heads to port under CAP.

The subs shown here are among about 75 between the PI, Borneo, Indochina and Malaya. About 50 of those have now been ordered to intercept the KB from their relative positions. [:)]

[Capt. Harlock]

This is the state of things today. A definite show of force by the Japanese, but the Allies won't take the bait this time.

There's a possibility it might not be bait. This looks like a good home port to launch attacks on Singapore.

[obvert]

Some of the original PI pursuit groups have done pretty well, even though using the much maligned P-40E. I've been trying to limit their exposure to being outnumbered, to close escort, and to sweeping against larger odds.

With an average pilot experience of 70, a healthy 100 kills to 44 A to A losses, with only 15 pilots KIA and 3 MIA. Even though we're still down in the overall air losses count by almost 200 airframes, a lot of these were on two CVs that went under (Enterprise and Lex) and we're fighting most often over home bases. Almost all fighter groups now have 60-70exp pilots throughout, with some of the ones that've been engaged longer, like these guys, having almost all pilots between 70-80exp. I filter the 80+ out for use in P-38s and others the will take offensive roles.

A lot of these are now withdrawing, as will the AVG soon. I've been cycling new groups in that are getting up to speed at Palembang and Oosthaven after shipping from OZ, and they're now ready to take over increasing CAP duties all over Sumatra and Malaya. The Tojo could be appearing anytime now, and I've already seen the A6M3, so it's only a mater of time before increasing numbers and better quality let the Japanese have a stab and beating down the Allied air forces. Once I see the tides turning I'll focus on must have bases and port protection (Singers, Oosthave, Batavia) and let the rest be defended by the many good AA units arriving.

[obvert]

The 26th opened with another good piece of work from the Silent Service. This time it was the Dutch having a go, and another air combat TF at Cam Ranh Bay. The O-19 nails CVE Unyo with one torpedo, and the resulting fuel storage explosion left her on fire and presumably in need of some time in the repair yards. Being at Cam Ranh Bay she'll have to move eventually, so I'll be ready and patrolling.

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Submarine attack near Cam Ranh Bay at 64,72

Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS O19

CVE Unyo is sighted by SS O19
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Unyo
SS O19 launches 4 torpedoes

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]May 26, 1942[/font]

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The Japanese pulled out instead of seeking combat on the 26th. I sent USN cruisers through the straits from Singers to Palembang to protect the amphibs loading there, but no need. The IJN managed to dodge the many subs in the area and the KB ends up about 4 hexes off of Malaya even with Mersing. Any direction she moves now there are patrols, and CAP will tighten up over Singers and Batu for the next turn.

The Ashigara and company are attempting to extract the regiment from Langsa, which fell today to the Indian Armored Brigade there. I thought of meeting them while they're in fast transport mode around Georgetown with a larger RN cruiser force, but decided to be prudent instead. The KB is in range and there are other well escorted strike planes close by, plus there is no need to lose ships fighting this TF. It's increasingly trapped, with mines and CD guns now in place along the retreat path toward Singers, and a long way around Sumatra to any kind of safety. I'll just wait and pick my time once I find out where they're holing up.

Air combat was intense over Malaya, with zeros jumping our bombing runs to Kluong. The Allies lose about 19 2E on the day which sucks. All bombing is temporarily halted. I don't really need it now anyway, as shore bombardment to Johore and Singers can work on supply while troops are now entering Kluong to fight for the place. Our sweepers also took out almost an entire IJAAF Oscar Sentai at Georgetown. Unexpectedly easy. The pilots must not be great.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 26, 1942
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Night Air attack on Kirin , at 108,42

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 12

Allied aircraft
SB-2 x 28

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2: 6 damaged

Light Industry hits 4
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SB-2 bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 100 kg GP Bomb

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Langsa at 46,74, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
CL Sendai
DD Kawakaze
DD Shinonome
DD Minazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Yukaze
DD Karukaya
DD Susuki

Allied Ships
MTB 12

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...

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Morning Air attack on Georgetown , at 49,74

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 28

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 7 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-40E Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
70th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 14 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Georgetown , at 49,74

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x P-39D Airacobra sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on 55th/C Division, at 50,82 (Kluong)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 21
B-26 Marauder x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Kluong , at 50,82

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 3
Hudson I x 4
Hudson III (LR) x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hudson I: 1 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

This is the state of things today. A definite show of force by the Japanese, but the Allies won't take the bait this time.

There's a possibility it might not be bait. This looks like a good home port to launch attacks on Singapore.

I was wary of that, but he pulled back. I think also he may have extracted Mutsu and Myoko from Singkawang. That port shows 0 ships now. So the sub hunt is on. I spotted a cruiser TF in the South China sea moving NE, so I'll try to intercept.

[obvert]

Here is a look at recent IJN and Allied ships listed as lost. I'm hoping the Atago joins this count soon, but it might have made Kuching port. Who knows?

It's really interesting Aka keeps making the sunk list. I really doubt the single torpedo she took cold have sunk her, but why does she keep appearing 5 months after being hit?

The Zuikaku is not sunk, but it's good she's listed, as that might mean an increase in float damage. The Allies are sad to lose Dorsetshire, but those are the breaks.

Myoko took some bomb hits in port, so could have actually gone under. Very interesting. Mutsu doesn't appear, and she took a 6inch hit in bombardments a few days ago, so I think she's escaped Singkawang.

The little patrols add up for Japan, with those PBs beginning to hurt as fewer and fewer are available to escort fuel and troop convoys. I love getting the DMS, a lot of which have been sunk already, as they're good fast escorts for Japan and provide much more effective minesweeping than the AMc and other sweepers.

On the other side, the Allies hate to lose KVs, and these were just a stupid mistake on my part. My air ASW is hugely improved in the DEI now though, with lots of newly trained Aussie units moving in. I see multiple hits per day now from the Hudsons and Beauforts.

[ny59giants]

I just realized its May, so how goes the Avenger upgrades for your American CVs? By end of '42 you will be swimming in them unless you have huge losses. I don't remember which air groups (SBD or large FP), but even in stock there are a few that can upgrade to them. You will have to go through all the groups to find them. They should help in ground attack in a few months.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants_MatrixForum

I just realized its May, so how goes the Avenger upgrades for your American CVs? By end of '42 you will be swimming in them unless you have huge losses. I don't remember which air groups (SBD or large FP), but even in stock there are a few that can upgrade to them. You will have to go through all the groups to find them. They should help in ground attack in a few months.

CV groups are upgrading as soon as they are able. I also have two groups arriving back soon from the lost CVs that can use them as LBA. I knew there was a Marine group able to use Avengers, but didn't know about the float planes. I'll have a look.

[obvert]

Here is the current state of mine pools. I have been wanting to sift through these for a while since I knew there were some I had no clue about. It turns out that the Soviets have several kinds of mines that only a few ships use.

The one I still can't figure out is the the KB mine. It was supposed one of the best and most laid Soviet mines, but no ship seems to use it. [:(]

One other thing. USS Keokuk is full up with Mk16 mines, but they apparently aren't producing until 12/42? [:-]