Jorge's(A) crusade to the fabled kingdom of PresterJohn(J) DBB-C --- Allied AAR

[Jorge_Stanbury]

He went to the pools, most likely he will end on a 2 engine bomber

[Lowpe]

Put him in an assault bomber for strafing ships, he can't strafe,but I bet he can plant some bombs![:)]

[Jorge_Stanbury]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

I'd actually kill for those pilot stats! With the exception of the guy who just can't bomb!

Looks like you have a pretty good pilot training program!! I'm lucky to have one good skill set in Army pilots, let alone two. But why waste good low nav skill pilots in divebombers? Like I said, you must have one heck of a robust pilot training to do that!

Kudos[&o]

Well, that is what a year of inactivity does [;)]. other than small skirmishes in early 1942, this theatre had been as quiet as the west coast.
Same can be said about the Marines and the Australians, most have now 2 or even 3 skills. Problem is Japan has also spent a year in training

Why low naval + dive bombing? I know this is redundant, and I would not have done it with Navy pilots.
In my view, dive bombing (or high level bombing) is not an army skill. Early on the war, there are many dive bombing squadrons that form in Australia, but most of them disband by the end of ABDA, sometime in Q2.
Then, of course, the Banshee is just very briefly produced. I had to select a secondary skill by the time Banshees got depleted, this didn't happen yet, but I didn't know that Australia was going to be quiet. Low naval looked like a good transition, as the pilots could be used, later on, on naval dedicated 2E level bomber squadron or on attack squadrons. Navy goes high, Army goes low

[IdahoNYer]

I'm tracking. US Army bomber skills are the toughest for me to train. I've been critically short bomber pilots since the US squadrons expanded - and skills have taken a hit. Agree on low naval for US Mediums - and of course ground. I also find ASW skill useful when (seldom) I have extra training time avail.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Another massive Chungking assault, this was preceded by days of heavy bombing (aerial and artillery).
Fort level reduced to 5.. horrendous losses, only good news is that Japan also suffered horrendous losses and 15 LCUs were destroyed, so en a few weeks I will get fresh troops

Other news: Ledo
For the last few days there had been intense sweeps over Ledo. These are getting contested so losses are very high for both

These tracker losses are almost completely due to Ledo's battle. The good news is that the Hurricane's high experienced pilots are holding their own quite well against the Tojo horde.
Moreover, pilot losses are not a concern as I am fighting over my own base.
The bad news, of course, is that I am depleting the British and Canadian aircraft pools rather quickly. He in the other hand, can produce as many as he wishes.
This will continue for some more days, maybe a week, but afterwards I will need to withdraw the C-47s out of Ledo. The hump had failed/ China will fail, so anyway it won't be a big deal




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ledo , at 65,38

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 49
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 11
Hurricane XIIb x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 2 destroyed
Hurricane XIIb: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet
13 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet
10 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.880 Sqn FAA with Hurricane XIIb (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
No.881 Sqn FAA with Hurricane XIIb (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.155 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chungking , at 76,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 22
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 25
Ki-32 Mary x 3
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 24
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 17
Ki-51 Sonia x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 7 damaged
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
401 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 35

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
25 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-32 Mary bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 59th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Chungking ...
Also attacking 41st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 71st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Chungking ...
Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Chungking ...
Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Chungking ...
Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 59th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Chungking ...
Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Chungking ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chungking , at 76,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 3
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 16
Ki-51 Sonia x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
177 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Chungking ...
Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chungking , at 76,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 12
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chungking , at 76,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-32 Mary x 19

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-32 Mary bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chungking , at 76,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 163190 troops, 1821 guns, 1441 vehicles, Assault Value = 4585

Defending force 202208 troops, 341 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3118

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 5

Japanese adjusted assault: 1662

Allied adjusted defense: 1531

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 5

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
13875 casualties reported
Squads: 117 destroyed, 688 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 160 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 142 disabled
Guns lost 180 (5 destroyed, 175 disabled)
Vehicles lost 93 (9 destroyed, 84 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
16520 casualties reported
Squads: 183 destroyed, 306 disabled
Non Combat: 345 destroyed, 483 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 73 (52 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Units destroyed 15

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
3rd Division
110th Division
1st Tank Division
37th Division
6th Division
26th Division
17th Division
36th Division
104th Division
41st Division
59th Division
15th Division
63rd Division
2nd Tank Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
China Expeditionary Army
11th Army
1st Army
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
23rd Army
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
21st AA Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
81st Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
38th Group Army
47th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
7th Artillery Regiment
34th Chinese Corps
31st Group Army
67th Chinese Corps
7th Construction Regiment
7th War Area
10th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
26th Group Army
89th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Base Force
3rd Chinese Base Force
15th Group Army
11th Construction Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
21st Group Army
1st War Area
33rd Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
China Command
24th Group Army
37th Group Army
7th New Chinese Corps
22nd Group Army
8th Group Army
17th Group Army
12th Group Army
7th Group Army
34th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
Jingcha War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
16th Group Army
35th Chinese Corps
9th Group Army
22nd Artillery Regiment
61st Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
4th War Area
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
Lusu War Area
49th AA Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment
4th Chinese Base Force
62nd Chinese Corps
4th Group Army
Central Reserve
5th War Area
Red Chinese Army
39th Group Army
6th Chinese Base Force
3rd Group Army
8th Construction Regiment
3rd War Area
15th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Base Force
90th Chinese Corps
41st AA Regiment
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
CAF HQ
48th Chinese Corps
18th Artillery Regiment
21st Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force

[Jorge_Stanbury]

It's being a long time since the last Japanese carrier foray. Yesterday I was visited by two, maybe 3 carriers. losses are high, but not crippling.
Ship Loses:
xAP Chaumont Sunk by 45cm Type 91 Torp at 150,136 near Baker Island
AM Wasaga Sunk by 45cm Type 91 Torp at 150,136 near Baker Island
AM Toowoomba Sunk by 45cm Type 91 Torp at 150,136 near Baker Island
AM Cootamundra Sunk by 45cm Type 91 Torp at 150,136 near Baker Island
xAP Aleutian Sunk by 45cm Type 91 Torp at 150,136 near Baker Island
xAK Clan Maciver Sunk by 500 kg SAP Bomb at 148,139 near Baker Island
xAK Wing Sang Sunk by 500 kg SAP Bomb at 148,139 near Baker Island
xAP Bloemfontein Sunk by 45cm Type 91 Torp at 150,136 near Baker Island

LCUs
HQ c I US Corps
7,800 supply




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 148,139

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D4Y1 Judy x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Tanfield
xAK Clan Maciver
xAK Wing Sang

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x D4Y1 Judy bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 150,136

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Bloemfontein, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Chaumont, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AM Toowoomba, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
1365 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 90 destroyed, 50 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 150,136

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AM Cootamundra, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Bloemfontein, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 148,139

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D4Y1 Judy x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Wing Sang, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Bengal
xAK Tanfield
xAK Clan Maciver, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x D4Y1 Judy bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Wing Sang
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Clan Maciver


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 150,136

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 15
D4Y1 Judy x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Aleutian, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAP Bloemfontein, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
AM Wasaga, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
3393 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 196 destroyed, 250 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
19 x D4Y1 Judy bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Bloemfontein

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I guess I put too much faith in my naval patrols. On the screen shot, I can see tankers; he most likely set "full speed" to warp into position. So I can't blame the Cats.

EDIT: I am actually to blame. Looking at the turn before, both destroyed TFs were spotted (DL of 4/4 and 2/2). He was obviously waiting on ambush mode for the next juicy convoy to arrive; once he saw the transports going SW he run his carriers to a perfect interception position
At least I am getting intelligence of his carriers location, force composition (I am surprised to still see one squadron with A6M2) and more important the fact that he is splitting his carriers; this strike was at most a 2 to 3 carrier foray.
Getting this intelligence will be valuable soon

EDIT: I re-run the turn, this was executed by Soryu and Hiryu. Maybe with some additional CVE in support

Strike package was:
AM phase
A6M2 Zero x 11
D4Y1 Judy x 11

A6M5 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 14

B5N2 Kate x 7
Total of 22 fighters, 11 dive bombers and 21 torpedo bombers

PM phase
A6M2 Zero x 11
D4Y1 Judy x 21

A6M5 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 15
D4Y1 Judy x 19
Total of 22 fighters, 40 dive bombers, 15 torpedo bombers

This is consistent with Hiryu + Soryu

[Jorge_Stanbury]

On December 22nd, the enemy carriers withdraw, direction west... Rabaul? most likely

[Jorge_Stanbury]

In other news, a big operation is starting; Australians under Collins will enter the gulf of Carpentaria.
TF is composed of CAs Australia, Canberra CLs Perth, Leander, Achilles + 7 DDs (1 Maghan, 2 Farraguts, 4 Admiralty S, W and leader)

Notice detection is 1/2 ... he knows something is happening

[Jorge_Stanbury]

December 23rd: Operation Ozawa

[BBfanboy]

You gotta get another TF Commnader- I read the rollover pop-up as Collision- Cruisers, and wondered what disaster they had! [:D]

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Lol, good point, I will avoid any bad luck naming convention... I also double checked that there is no 13-ship task forces
Both the Australian and Ceylon TFs are decoys: Operation Ozawa:

TF “Ozawa”: Soon to withdraw CV Illustrious (15 days), Damaged CVL Hermes (23 major flotation, 9 major engine). 2 BBs: PoW and Valiant. 3 CAs: Quincy, Exeter, Hawkins, CL Birmingham. 15 DDs. Several xAKs and xAKLs.

The idea here was to build a credible decoy. 3 TFs clustered together that move in direction to the Andaman sea, there his naval search picked it (dimly.. carriers at 1/1 detection level). I don’t think he will buy it, or not for too long anyway, but it is of great importance that the 2 carriers are spotted. He doesn’t know that CV Wasp left the theater, hence I took Hermes out of the shipyard, to become a “fake Wasp”. If this is achieve, he might decide to throw the KB into battle under disadvantageous circumstances.

Important to mention this is not a Leyte decoy, I will try not to sacrifice them

[Jorge_Stanbury]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

You gotta get another TF Commnader- I read the rollover pop-up as Collision- Cruisers, and wondered what disaster they had! [:D]

Question for you (anybody else open to discuss):

Would you launch a paradrop over an amphibious invasion? I have some amphibious task forces reaching the beaches next turn.
This is a "big island" so it won't trigger a shock attack. one TF is APDs will likely arrive very disrupted, the other one, in APs will barely reach the beach at the end of the turn

I have a parachute regiment ready, they can jump on the same turn, but this will trigger a shock strike. And I am not sure if I like a shock attack yet.. worst, would all LCUs shock?
My plan was to keep the paras on reserve, thoughts?

[BBfanboy]

Not positive, but I think all LCUs shock when paras are dropped.
What you haven't said is what intel you have on enemy strength.
If it looks like a BF and other engineer/AA/Air HQ type units and nothing more than battalion sized (around 40 AV) units, you might get away with your APD troops + paras + enemy disruption from bombardment/bombing.
If you think he has more than 50-60 AV I would hold back the paras one more day and do the drop the day after (if needed after you get some artillery intel on day 1).

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Thanks, that is what I wanted to know, certainly not worth to send them right away, maybe later, maybe by sea



Target is Ndeni, and I it will be a bang!, it would be easier to say what is not going to be part of this operation: no USN slow battleships, otherwise the whole USN
Also that with the exception of BB Warspite, or decoys this is a USN operation.

Totals: 6 CVs, 5 BBs, 5 CVEs, 13 CAs, 9 CLs, 4 CLAAs, 73 DDs

Task Forces from Suva:
TF Halsey: 5 CVs: Enterprise, Hornet, Saratoga, Yorktown, Lexington. 3 fast BBs: Washington, South Dakota, Indiana, 3 CLAA: Atlanta, Juneau, San Diego. 14 DDs, mostly Gridleys.
This TF will give some assets to Spruance, once they meet. I am still debating between one 6-carrier TF vs two 3-carrier alternative

TF Sherman: BB Warspite, 5 CVEs: Nassau, Altamaha, Copahee, Prince William, Long Island, 8 DDs, mostly Farraguts.

TF Ching Lee: 4 CAs: Astoria, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Vincennes, 8 DDs: 4 Fletchers, 2 Sims, 2 Livermore.

TF Burke: 4 CAs: Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Portland, New Orleans, 8 DDs: 4 Bristol, 2 Sims, 2 Livermore.

TF Clark: 4 CAs: Northampton, Chester, Chicago, Louisville. 8 DDs: 6 Bristol, 2 Simms

TF Scott: CA Wichita, 2 CLs: Phoenix, Columbia, 9 DDs: mix of Bristols, Fanning, Sims

TF ASW: two dedicated ASW TFs following the CVs and CVEs, 4 destroyers each.

Task Forces from Sydney:
TF Spruance: CV Wasp, BB North Carolina, CLAA San Juan, 10 DDs, mostly Bristol and Benham.
This task force is actually coming from Colombo, it had a short 3 day stop at Sydney to repair some wear and tear from the long trip. Because I am starting sooner, they will need to rush (full speed) for one turn, this in order to reach Noumea in time. They will merge or rebalance TF compositions with Halsey’s.

Task Forces from Luganville:
TF English: 4 CLs: St Louis, Helena, Honolulu, Nashville. 6 DDs: all Mahan. They will bombard Ndeni next turn

Invasion Forces (1st wave):
Main force (16 KTs) : 7 APs, 2 AKs carrying 22nd Marine Regiment, 3rd USMC Tank Battalion and 1st - 3rd Amphibious Trac Eng battalions

Raiding force (27 KT): 12 APDs, 1 AVP, 2 Teapa xAKL: carrying 4th Marine Raiders and 1st PionBattalion

Combat engineers (15 KT): 1 AP, 2 small xAPs: carrying 131 Combat engineers

Reserve: 503rd Parachute Rgt and 48 C-47s/ Skytrains at Luganville,

Escorts: 3 CLs Raleigh, Detroit, Concord, 1 DE, 4 DMs, 9 DMS, 3 SCs 2 KVs, 3 PG/ PCs : these are guarding the TFs


Note: regrettably, the HQ unit assigned (I US Corps) was recently destroyed when KB intercepted its convoy.

[BBfanboy]

Wow - you really brought the whole enchilada to the party!

Strongly recommend that the CV TFs go 3+3 rather than all six in one. In 1942 there is a chance of severe coordination penalties if you have too many aircraft in your TF. The chance of penalty is (I believe) much larger if you greatly exceed the 1942 limit (150 planes per strike IIRC). The limit increases in 1943 and 1944.

I would give Spruance two more CVs and one of the fast BBs. I would operate the two CV TFs one hex apart but with their CAP set to Range 1 to cover each other.

The estimate of 2700 troops/21 guns (if obtained on a DL of 9 or better) sounds like a BF and a battalion sized SNLF.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Port level 1, airfield level 1, few troops... it is not a place he had chosen as the last stand of the Japanese empire; but still it will be challenging as it is probably building forts for the last 9 months. Even a small 6 engineer BF can, with time, build strong fortifications.

Another factor is the KB; I am not expected them soon; I rushed this operation because of Soryu/ Hiryu foray, they are very close to Ndeni, but they spent torpedoes. I don't think he will be rushing the carriers. I give him a few turns to rearm and get ready. It might be an interesting battle if he commits them soon

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I got the replay, most likely no turn until tomorrow (it is late for Steve, as he lives in the UK)

In summary:
- Ndeni bombardment fleet found and hit RO-66. then their bombing was fairly good: 3 MTBs destroyed and one xAKL on fire. Airfield heavily damaged.

- Raider invasion worked well, few losses.

- Then the only bad news of the day; DD Larson was sunk by submarine I-31. But I brought lots of spare destroyers (something I learnt the hard way), so not a big worry.

- Then a mistake: I kept the carriers on "escort", normal range... I should had changed them to short range only.. in consequence, lots and lots of Wildcats escorted the Ndedi strike... this really killed the FOG or any pretense that the USN carriers are not involved in this operation. So the (small) chance of seeing a poorly executed Japanese reaction is already lost.. He will either come in force or not come at all.
Otherwise, both Kirakira and Ndeni bombings went well

- Then good news, the Australian decoy worked; they were attacked (unsuccessfully) by Vals near Horn Island. This means that important bombing assets were diverted to Port Moresby and won't be available for at least another turn.

- Then both the main invasion fleet and a small combat engineer TF hit the beach. Losses look fine
Same for AVDs on fast transport (carrying supply) also hit the beach and start unloading.

- Finally, I got artillery combat at Ndeni, in consequence, I know the enemy forces are only two: 62nd Naval Guard Unit and 37th JNAF AF Unit
Interesting to see: "37th JNAF AF Unit /1" which means this is only sub-unit, a component of the full LCU. My guess is that he was expecting Ndeni to fall eventually and he didn't want to sacrifice the full unit

EDIT: 62nd Nav Guards starts with 50 EXP, and since it was not committed to fighting should most likely remain at that level. It is composed of 48 SNLF squads, 12 HMG, 4 81mm mortars, 4 37mm AT guns, 4 MGs and 58 support.
the 27th JNAF unit is composed of 9 SNLF squads, 10 MGs, 24 air support, 12 engineers, 45 support, plus sound detectors, observor and searchlight squads.
My best guess is that forts should be no less than 3, but more likely around level 4

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Utupua at 120,145

Japanese Ships
SS RO-66, hits 4

Allied Ships
CL Nashville
CL Honolulu
CL Helena
CL St. Louis
DD Perkins
DD Tucker
DD Reid
DD Flusser

SS RO-66 is sighted by escort
DD Tucker attacking submerged sub ....
DD Reid fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Flusser fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tucker fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ndeni at 120,143

Japanese Ships
MTB G-2, Shell hits 1, heavy damage
MTB G-7, Shell hits 1, heavy damage
xAKL Taiyo Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
MTB G-1, Shell hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Nashville
CL Honolulu
CL Helena
CL St. Louis
DD Tucker
DD Reid
DD Flusser
DD Perkins
DD Cushing
DD Shaw

Japanese ground losses:
262 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (2 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 16
Runway hits 83
Port hits 50
Port supply hits 12

CL Nashville firing at 62nd Naval Guard Unit
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CL Honolulu
CL Honolulu firing at Ndeni
CL Helena firing at Ndeni
CL St. Louis firing at Ndeni
DD Tucker firing at Ndeni
DD Reid firing at Ndeni
DD Flusser firing at Ndeni
DD Perkins firing at Ndeni
DD Cushing firing at Ndeni
DD Shaw firing at Ndeni


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Pre-Invasion action off Ndeni (120,143)

15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Detroit
APD Rathburne
AVD William B. Preston
DMS Hopkins

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

CL Detroit firing at 62nd Naval Guard Unit
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Ndeni (120,143)

TF 67 troops unloading over beach at Ndeni, 120,143

Allied ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Ndeni (120,143)

17 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
APD Rathburne
CL Detroit
AVD William B. Preston
DMS Hopkins

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Aoba Island at 122,150

Japanese Ships
SS I-31

Allied Ships
DD Lamson, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Downes

SS I-31 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Lamson
DD Downes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Downes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Downes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Downes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Downes fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 18
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 56
SBD-3 Dauntless x 36
TBF-1 Avenger x 15

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 1 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 12
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on Kirakira , at 116,140

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 9
B-26 Marauder x 39
B-26B Marauder x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 43

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 4000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kirakira , at 116,140

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 4
B-26 Marauder x 6

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kirakira , at 116,140

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kirakira , at 116,140

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 6

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-26B Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kirakira , at 116,140

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 6

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Ndeni (120,143)

15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh
CL Concord
SC-646
SC-640
SC-633
AP Arthur Middleton
DE Crane

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CL Raleigh firing at 62nd Naval Guard Unit
CL Concord firing at 62nd Naval Guard Unit
SC-646 fired at enemy troops
SC-640 fired at enemy troops
SC-633 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ndeni (120,143)

TF 38 troops unloading over beach at Ndeni, 120,143

Allied ground losses:
232 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 41 (0 destroyed, 41 disabled)

13 troops of a USMC 42 Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 22nd Marine Rgt /3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Ndeni (120,143)

14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
KV Vancouver
DM Montgomery
DM Ramsay
DM Sicard
DM Breese
AP Henderson

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

KV Vancouver fired at enemy troops
DM Montgomery fired at enemy troops
DM Ramsay fired at enemy troops
DM Sicard fired at enemy troops
DM Breese fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ndeni (120,143)

TF 74 troops unloading over beach at Ndeni, 120,143

Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Ndeni (120,143)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AVD Gillis
AVD Thornton
AVD Hulbert
AVD McFarland
AVD Ballard
AVD Williamson

AVD Gillis fired at enemy troops
AVD Thornton fired at enemy troops
AVD Hulbert fired at enemy troops
AVD McFarland fired at enemy troops
AVD Ballard fired at enemy troops
AVD Williamson fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ndeni (120,143)

TF 94 troops unloading over beach at Ndeni, 120,143

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Ndeni (120,143)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1800 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Defending force 7425 troops, 39 guns, 202 vehicles, Assault Value = 297

Assaulting units:
62nd Naval Guard Unit
37th JNAF AF Unit /1

Defending units:
22nd Marine Rgt /1
131st Cmbt Engineer Regiment
4th Marine Raider Battalion
3rd USMC Tank Bn /1
3rd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
1st AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
1st Pioneer Battalion

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Got the turn back, and things looked so good in terms of (lack of) disruption that I decided to try a first deliberate attack. This to be launched after 2 naval bombardments followed by significant ground strikes (B-26s and Dauntless/ Avengers).

Also, I decided to keep the carriers (including CVEs) into the relatively safely waters near Luganville. They will work as a sort-of strategic reserve, he already spotted them (10/10 DL). so he will be careful on what he throws into the fray. Moreover, Luganville at airfield level 8 is the perfect unsinkable carrier. It can take care of all naval/ ground strike requirements (distance to Ndeni is perfect = 7 hexes) while Vanikoro at level 1 is providing close CAP (distance to Ndeni is only 2 hexes). I already re-based 75 short ranged P-39s/ P-40Es there while the slightly longer ranged P-40K remains at Luganville and is taking care of escort missions.

What else, following BBFanboy advice, I made two CV TFs: each with 3 CVs, 2 BBs, 2 CLAA, 12 DDs

[Jorge_Stanbury]

On the second day of this operation, Ndeni was liberated, better to say overwhelmed by the might of Allied combined efforts

Enemy LCUs are not yet destroyed; mopping up will take a few more days.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Ndeni (120,143)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8386 troops, 46 guns, 230 vehicles, Assault Value = 325

Defending force 1731 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 58

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Allied adjusted assault: 140

Japanese adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 28 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Ndeni !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
582 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 54 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
22nd Marine Regiment
4th Marine Raider Battalion
131st Cmbt Engineer Regiment
3rd USMC Tank Battalion
1st AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
3rd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
36th US Naval Construction Battalion
1st Pioneer Battalion
40th US Naval Construction Battalion

Defending units:
62nd Naval Guard Unit