PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[PzB74]

If we compare the statistics for March with those of January it becomes obvious that there's
an increase in most of the different types of raw materials as well as production. There's a slight
reduction in fuel, but this can be explained by the major sorties that have been conducted by the
Combined Fleet over the last month.

Engine production, especially of Nakajima, has almost been doubled - but a large amount of my stocks
have been expended. Have to continue the expansion and bring them back up again.

I got another plan to achieve this quickly though: I went over my ac production and decided to halt a lot
of factories that are producing ac that are plentiful in supply.

Some stats

Aboard my ships there are currently:

137 float planes
9 float fighters
259 A6M2 Zeros
156 Kates
143 Vals
-----------------------
567 fighters and bombers + 137 search planes
----------------------

(I've moved many of the CVE units and the Kaga's air units ashore and these
are not part of this equation. In all there can be as many as 800 combat ac aboard my carriers
if I need to sorty them in max strength)

Ashore there are 4241 ac divided in
1429 fighters
348 transports
100 Emily patrol ac
321 float planes
27 float fighters
322 recon ac
132 night fighters
1035 level bombers

These are divided into:
222 Tonys
175 Tojos
600 Oscar IIs
81 A6M3s
387 A6M2s
81 Helens
254 Lilys
350 Sallys
340 Bettys
10 Nells

When I compared production umbers and units in the pool I found that it was possible to halt production in many factories.

Type.....In pool/used/rate/order
Oscar II -49/695/250/stop production at 400 ac (production reduced by 50 units)
A6M2 -351/2492/222/stop production at 600 ac
A6M3 -775!/289/92/production halted
Tojo - 581/350/96/production halted
Tony - 713/289/73/production halted
Betty -584/956/96/production halted
Sally -117/914/80/stop production at 300 ac
Kate -1053/325/80/production halted
Val -858/248/66/production halted
Lily -8/529/68/stop production at 250 ac
Dinah III 3/169/53/stop production at 100 ac
Emily 178/233/53/prodiction halted
Helen 192/186/24/production halted
Irving 0/77/16/stop production at 50 ac (production increased by 16 units)
Topsy 0/155/10/stop production at 100 ac (production increased by 16 units)
Tabby 77/125/10/stop production at 100 ac
Jake 17/283/8/stop production at 50 ac (production increased by 16 units)

As you can see the pools are mostly flooding over with ac and I don't need anymore of
them before newer models become available. So it should be possible to save lots of resources and
stock up ac engines over the next 3-4 months. I'm also considering to divert production to research
for some cruicial models including the George, Frank, and A6M5.

Production statistics January 1943

[PzB74]

Only got 115 vehicles in the pools, is this enough Laurent? Aichi production has already been stopped as you can see.
But you're right in regards to my merhcant shipyards.

[Tom Hunter]

After reading the Freeboy Vs. Zeta16 AAR I think the Japanese are best off raiding when the perimeter is still large and risking the loss of thier major fleet units.

My reasoning for this is as follows:

If the fleet stays intact until close to the end the Allies can easily find it and then smash it. That is what happened to Zeta in 1945.

But earlier in the war its harder for the Allies to locate the fleet because more of the Pacific is out of search aircraft range. Also Allied fleet units are not concentrated in the mid war, you can start a raid knowing that the US CVs are weeks away. Late war they will all be clustered around Japan and will turn and catch you. This is what happened to Zeta and he lost all his major fleet units.

Basically my reasoning is that you will lose them all eventually, but if you fight it out mid war you will get a better point ratio for them, and if your lucky you may cross paths with a large poorly defended allied transport fleet.

As to the rest of your plan it sounds good, but I would do some thinking about China and India because its very possible that your opponent will also think about them.

[String]

10k supplies in shortlands won't last for very long. I'd say about 2 weeks and then it's gone due to the supply hits.

[WhoCares]

Looks like you run low on naval shipyard but have plenty of merchant shipyard points. You might consider to convert some of those Merchant Shipyards to Naval. Curently you might have delay in the arrival of some of those precious DDs, CVs, ... (does switching those actually cost Supply?)

With the high merchant pool you might also think about accellerating some TKs and AOs - the more Oil you can ship home (or fuel forward) early the better; not that you are running low on oil just yet, but anyway. [;)]
You could also check your current auxilliary pool, but I don't think you had a lot of flux in AR/AS/MLE/...

Your Nakajima engine pool looks fairly low - halting some Zero fabs (assuming the pool is fair enough) could probably help. Zeke is ~6month out and if there are no major prolonged air campaigns to be expected till then you wouldn't want to have all those nice engines in the old frames.

I don't know, is it possible (and is it usefull) to have a high HI pool? If yes, then you might consider to increase some small ones as well, China should be fairly safe by now, no?!


Edit: Your second post already covers some of my points above...

Edit2: I am not absolutely sure, but I think vehicles are build by need and compared to the low production you have already accumulated a considerable pool. By now you only used 40k vehicle points from pool throughout the war and the actual pool of those three tanks shown in your screenshot is fairly high as well; but that might also come from replacement with a new model, I don't know. You should also check the Reinforcement Table - are there many tank units supposed to come in the future?

[AmiralLaurent]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Only got 115 vehicles in the pools, is this enough Laurent? Aichi production has already been stopped as you can see.
But you're right in regards to my merhcant shipyards.

You've got 3400 in the pool and you have also hundreds of tanks in the squad pool.

To reply at WhoCares, yes it is possible and useful to build a HI pool. Better to use HI points to build good late-war AC than early or mid-war AC that will remain in the pool. This pool can be useful in the late war when it will be difficult to get oil in Japan.

You should have between 500 and 100 point of heavy industry running in India. Do they have enough oil ?

[PzB74]

I will use my navy to good effect before 1945 Tom, rest assured about that. In 1945 and 46 it will be a
painful slugging match using kamikaze and smaller naval task forces. I don't want to loose my carriers unless I have to
though, they can provide Ken with thousands of points. (12 bb's and 15 cv's = ca 5-6000 points!)

My planned raids should take place in mid to late 43 or early 44 at the latest.

String: Shortland is a size 3 port and 1 af - I'm not sure how many supplies I can stack in here without suffering
wastage!? Have to check the tables. I do have barges and air transports that frequently bring in fresh supplies though.
The base doesn't burn too many supplies itself as long as it's not constructing now af's, forts or expanding the port.

Good advice WhoCares, I'll accelerate AO, and TK production! Will need them when Allied subs grow numerous in my
shipping lanes. I'd like to have 600 A6M2's in the pools before halting production, I suffer big losses now and then.
Think I've received most of my tank units - so it's possible that I can cut back on tank production as well.

I'm in the process of repairing a lot of HI in India and China - think oil output is fairly high as well. Will check this out when
I get the next turn from Ken Laurent!

Found one ac factory in Manchuria - produced 20 Oscar II's - I changed it to researching the George. Should be safe from Allied bombs.
If I can reduce supply production in China it should be impossible for the Allies to operate, reinforce or upgrade ac from there. A chinese
ground offensive should also be out of the question.

[PzB74]

Checked my air units today and found that I got 2 Daitai's that upgrade to the George. One A6M3
and one Tojo group. These will be trained to perfection and upgraded on 1/1/44. Other George reinforcements
will first arrive in a year or so. Same with Franks.

Ordered the accelerated construction of 15 tankers today, all the fleet oilers will arrive within a year. Don't need
em any earlier anyway. I've also received all of the armoured units. Halted most of my vehicle factories!

In India there are to oil producing bases (50) - they're both working at full capacity.

The Kaga is 3 days away from Truk together with her heavy escort.
In 2 days the super fast destroyer Shimakaze will arrive, remember I liked this one when I played
Warship [:)] Within 3 weeks another 2 fleet carriers will also arrive. I need the Zeke ASAP!!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/20/43

Air Combat

A rather quiet turn: Lae is still getting a lot of attention. Shortland and Buin
are the other lucky winners. I assume these targets will be on Ken's shopping
list in the near future!? [:-]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Allied aircraft
Sunderland x 4
Kittyhawk I x 7
P-38G Lightning x 33
B-25J Mitchell x 12
B-17E Fortress x 47
B-24D Liberator x 48

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 59
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
35 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
20 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
25 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Buin , at 64,92

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
SBD Dauntless x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 6

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Buin , at 64,92

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-38G Lightning x 11

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Shortlands , at 63,93

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
TBF Avenger x 13

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 4 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x TBF Avenger bombing at 10000 feet
7 x TBF Avenger bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Shortlands , at 63,93

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
TBF Avenger x 9


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 5 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x TBF Avenger bombing at 8000 feet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

The Kaga has almost reached Truk - seems like my CAP and heavy escort
is enough to chase away the enemy subs.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/21/43

Surface Combat

An interesting little skirmish: I've seen a barge sink a sub once, but
never a PT boat [;)] Btw the destroyer Conyngham that bombarded
Shortland 2 days ago also sank!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Buin at 64,92

Japanese Ships
AG AG-104
AG AG-105
AG AG-116
AG AG-369
AG AG-5048, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AG AG-5051
AG AG-5161, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-5189
AG AG-2091
AG AG-2092
AG AG-2093
AG AG-2094

Allied Ships
PT PT-189, Shell hits 3, heavy damage
PT PT-219
PT PT-222
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

Increased sub activity all along the fronties today! The subs that were
hiding in Balikpapan port moved into the narrow strait today and I sent
my ASW group after them!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,47

Japanese Ships
AP Teikei Maru - this ship is carrying parts of a heavy AA regiment!
MSW Wa 8

Allied Ships
SS Herring
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 33,64

Japanese Ships
DD Shiokaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage - will make it back to Balikpapan with 60 sys and 40 flood
PC Ch 13
PG Santo Maru
PG Kongosan Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #51
APD APD-38

Allied Ships
SS Sealion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,47 - another attack at my AA convoy

Japanese Ships
AP Teiyo Maru
MSW Wa 8

Allied Ships
SS Herring
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 33,64 - Sealion is one aggressive sub but I manage to deliver a little payback!

Japanese Ships
MSW Banshu Maru #51, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
PC Ch 13
PG Santo Maru
PG Kongosan Maru
APD APD-38
DD Shiokaze, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sealion, hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 48,46

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 7
PC Ch 30
PC Ch 15
PC Ch 9
PC Takunan Maru #5
PC Takuna Maru #7

Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Business as usual - continued attacks against Shortland and Buin.
Lae is also getting hammered, is it possible to oppose this areial armada?
(I did manage to move a full eng reg. to Finschafen - it's now building forts
and I'll bring in supplies by FT and air.)

Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
Sunderland x 6
Kittyhawk I x 8
P-38G Lightning x 40
B-25J Mitchell x 12
B-17E Fortress x 48
B-24D Liberator x 47

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 42

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Shortlands , at 63,93

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 13
B-25C Mitchell x 51

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Port supply hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
27 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shipping losses 3/43

Allies

4 CV (Lextington, Yorktown, Illustrious)
1 CVL (Hermes)
2 CVE
13 BB
1 BC
15 CA
20 CL
78 DD
4 APD
5 DM
4 DMS
3 AVD
4 AS
1 AV
4 ML
53 MSW
1 PC
16 PG
67 PT boats
5 SC
28 SS
24 TK
1 AO
36 AP
285 AK

Japan

2 CV (Hiryu and Soryu)
9 CL (Only older types)
2 CA (Both Tone class ships)
53 DD
5 APD
48 SS
4 PT
14 PC
16 PG
29 MSW
22 ML
2 AV
16 TK
2 AO
54 AP
18 AK

Jap destroyer, sub losses and the loss of 22 minelayers is what hurt the most.
Only 18 cargo ships, that's impressive. Most of the transports have been lost during invasions.

The Combined Fleet is now composed of:

7 CV (the Kaga is hulked)
4 CVL
4 CVE
12 BB
13 CL (2 with heavy sys damage)
15 CA
80 DD
7 APD
13 SS

13 subs isn't much but reinforcements are on their way!
My accelerated carrier construction program will provide results soon:

CV Unryu - 18 days
CV Amagi - 20 days
CV Katsuragi - 53 days
CVL Chitose - 85 days
CVL Chiyoda - 85 days

Within 3 months the KB will consist of:
10 CV (1 out of action) (750 ac)
6 CVL (180 ac)
4 CVE (120 ac)

These ships can carry more than a 1000 planes. This force will be numerically equal
to the US fleet until early 1944 - parity will only be possible until ca July-August 1943.

[PzB74]

The Shimakaze arrived today, no AA, no radar and only 2 depth charges. Hm, hope the 07/43 upgrade
put some more 'spunk' into her. I'm planning to move a large TF from Truk back to Japan to perform some upgrades.
This includes several carriers and battleships.

Otherwise it's a waiting game, I've burned my powder for now and have to train my pilots and rest my ships.
In Rangoon I'm shipping one division to Calcutta while a brigade goes to Trimcomalee.

Trying to come up with a way to surprise Ken, but I can't think of anything that's worth the risk at this stage...
3 large subs have taken up position between PH and the West Coast. 2 of them got float planes and operates on each their axis
while the third lies in the center like a spider. The problem is that the darned sub doctrine got turned on for Japan and my boats
only fire at warships. Warships kill Jap subs..so I'm not sure it's really worth the effort [:'(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/22/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

Continued actions below the waves! The SS-45 was hit by an asw ac
just south of Truk. The Kaga is only 2 hexes from the lagune by now and
there are 2 enemy subs in our way - but they're getting a lot of heat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 62,80

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi
DD Hayate
DD Oite
DD Asakaze
DD Yayoi
DD Onami

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

The same old drairy milk run missions by the Allies in the South Pacific. I'm
resting my bombers in China but there's still lots of activity in the training academies there.
I've now got 3 bases with 250 ac support and there must be 1100 ac there altogether.

Yesterday I forgot to mention that the Allied carriers showed up at Wake Island! Bad weather grounded
their strike planes...this saved one of my cargo ships that was unloading. So I sent her at flank speed
due west, put all my Sonia dive bombers on 100% asw and grounded my Rufe's. Work on the fourth af
was also halted and today a small storm hit the island:

Day Air attack on Wake Island , at 82,63

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBD Dauntless x 93
TBF Avenger x 42
OS2U-3 Kingfisher x 1

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 5 damaged
TBF Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
33 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
15 x TBF Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
32 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
15 x TBF Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
14 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
14 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
12 x TBF Avenger bombing at 5000 feet

[Alikchi2]

My accelerated carrier construction program will provide results soon:

CV Unryu - 18 days
CV Amagi - 20 days
CV Katsuragi - 53 days
CVL Chitose - 85 days
CVL Chiyoda - 85 days

Within 3 months the KB will consist of:
10 CV (1 out of action) (750 ac)
6 CVL (180 ac)
4 CVE (120 ac)

These ships can carry more than a 1000 planes. This force will be numerically equal
to the US fleet until early 1944 - parity will only be possible until ca July-August 1943.

I'm impressed! [&o] How is the pilot situation looking? Will the KB's pilots be able to put up a fair fight? Even if they're untrained, you'll be able to swamp them with aircraft... a thousand airplanes!

[PzB74]

Hi Alikchi! The loss of only 2 fleet carriers and the construction of 6 new ones
helped! [8D]

I do have ac to man them all - but right now I'm busy replacing the vet pilots that
were lost in the last KB sorty. This is a bit difficult as some Daitais need as many as 13 pilots. So I've
disbanded some partial squadrons into them. Other units received green pilot replacements by mistake.
Left the 'accept replacements' button on. Not a problem really since these groups goes to China to be trained
into crack units again. I want my carrier fighter pilots to have an avg exp of ca 75!

The dilemma is whether to use the carriers and their low performance ac or wait until the Zeke, Judy and Jill
can replace them. By then the Allied carriers will have Hellcats - so I guess that's a mute point [;)]

The Kaga reached Truk today, 91 sys and 14 flood. So she's safe *phew*

Here are some ac stats that shows just why the Jap fighters are having a rough time...

Name-Speed-Climb-Man-Armour-Dur-Gun

A6M2 - 332 - 2642 - 35 - 0 - 22 - 12
A6M3 - 338 - 2700 - 36 - 0 - 22 - 12
A6M5 - 351 - 2810 - 34 - 1- 22 - 12
Tony - 368 - 2970 - 32 - 1- 29 - 14
Tojo - 376 - 3832 - 32 - 1- 28 - 12
George -363-2512- 36 - 1- 30 - 16
Frank - 392 - 2780 -35-1- 30 - 14

P-47D - 428-2780 -36-1-36 - 24
Corsair - 415-3120-37-1-32 -18
Hellcat - 380 -2980-36-1-32 - 18

The Jap Navy fighters are outgunned and have inferior speed and are less manouverable.
The new Army fighters are better though, and if I can get a large amount of highly experienced Zekes
and combine them with Tonys, Tojos - and in time Georges an Franks - Ken's Hellcats will be in trouble.

My aim is simple: stay away from Corsairs and T-bolts [8|]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/23/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

My asw group of Balikpapan ran into further trouble - an apd was hit by
2 torps! 96 sys and 98 flood - so I scuttled her.

Another sub was reported hit by an asw ac outside of Truk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,54 - dud hits on a loaded tanker [:'(]

Japanese Ships
TK Tatekawa Maru
PC Ch 23
MSW Kyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18

Allied Ships
SS Thresher
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,63

Japanese Ships
APD APD-38, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 13
PG Santo Maru
PG Kongosan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scorpion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

I've formed an ASW group that will hunt down allied subs:
It's based around the two seaplane tenders (CS) that holds 38 epxerienced float planes on asw duty.
6 good destroyers forms the escort and another 6 ship asw group will accompany them. 3 tankers and additional
escorts will also be dispatched from Tokyo. The hope is that this group will help keep the shipping lanes safe.

Several new asw groups have also been formed: One is based at Takao, another 2 in Java and Sumatra plus
an additional two groups at Balikpapan. Several heavy destroyer groups are daily chasing subs between Rabaul
and Truk - this is 'the killing fields'.

So I'm taking the sub threat seriously - and I believe that it's more fruitful to hunt the pests down than be hunted by them.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/24/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

The sub war intensifies! Today was a draw with 1 tanker sunk and one
transport damaged vs 1 sub sunk and another one reported hit by asw ac.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,54

Japanese Ships
PG Nikkai Maru
PC Fumi Maru #3
PG Shinko Maru #3
PG Keiko Maru
PG Chosa Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #52

Allied Ships
SS Thresher
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 62,80

Japanese Ships
DD Amagiri
DD Isonami
DD Shinonome
DD Hatsuharu
DD Murasame

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,53

Japanese Ships
TK San Clemente Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *scuttled*
PC Ch 23
MSW Kyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18

Allied Ships
SS O23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,47

Japanese Ships
AP Gokoku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (20 sys, 10 flood, 20 fires) - detached with escort for Bonin Isl.
PC Kyo Maru #7
MSW Wa 9
MSW W.26
MSW W.25

Allied Ships
SS Herring

Japanese ground losses: (this convoy is carrying an aviation regiment for Balikpapan)
20 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 62,90

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2064, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Dolphin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Tried to send my Nick night figthers against the Chinks to gain some epxerience.
Bad idea, lost 4 and shot down 2... Will train them to an elite level. Could become useful
later in the war.

Air losses are relatively low, 11 ac lost today to 28 enemy - mostly in accidents as I'm transfering a lot of
ac between the South Pacific and China.

Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 36

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 2 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another large raid against Chungking destroyed 15 ac on the ground.

Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 78

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
IL-4c: 2 destroyed
SB-2c: 6 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 63

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-49 Helen bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ken has kept his cv's close to Wake for 3-4 days now, he finally got
of another strike but it didn't achieve much!

Day Air attack on Wake Island , at 82,63

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBD Dauntless x 33
TBF Avenger x 2
OS2U-3 Kingfisher x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
31 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P39s are training on my barge convoys between Rabaul and Shortland

Day Air attack on TF at 62,90

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 39

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2060
AG AG-2065
AG AG-2068, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AG AG-2083
AG AG-2061

Aircraft Attacking:
All P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The new Etoforu escort

New ships of this new escort type are arriving in Japan now. Quite useful and I'm
including them in my asw groups. Exp is still a bit low, 47...

[PzB74]

I've created several plans for defense called the Sho-plans. These are ment to cover all the likely Allied invasions
between 1943 and late 44.

Sho I - enemy invasion of the Kuriles

Expected targets: Paramushiro or Shikka
Timeline: early to mid 1944
Operational plan: Move strong LBA units to the threatened area and load reinforcements at Sapporo.
The Combined Fleet will sorty from its base and counter attack if necessary.

These islands will be strengthened and provided with additional base forces and mined during the next 8-9 months.
The Northern Fleet will receive a surface TF, a full division and transports to carry it.

Sho II - enemy invasion of Northern Guinea - Timor and/or Java

Expected targets: Ambonia, Sorong, the eastern and western bases on Timor or bases on the west coast of Java
Timeline: late 43 to mid 44
Operational plan: Strong LBA units will be gathered and ordered to hit the enemy fleet. A strong CAP will be provided
for the threatened bases. The Combined Fleet will sorty and a counter attack force composed of 2 divisions at Balikpapan
will start loading.

The Imp division will arrive in Java tomorrow and the defenses there will soon be very difficult to crack.

Today a large convoy started loading 2 divisions at Truk. Together with a surface group composed of 3 heavy and 3 light
cruisers + 6 destroyers and 3 escort carriers this force will be stationed at Balikpapan. It will be the advanced striking force
in case of invasion. The plan is to reinforce Timor with at least a full division and engineers as well as loads of supplies.
The escort carriers with 90 Zero's can protect these efforts from the north side of Timor.

Sho III - enemy invasion of the Marshall islands

Expected targets: the bases immediately north of Mili - Maloelap and Wotje. Kwajalein will possibly be bypased in favor of Eniwetok.
Timeline: late 43 to early/mid 44
Operational plan: It will be difficult to oppose enemy land based fighters in the area. LBA will attempt to strike enemy fleet units.
The KB will sorty but only engage if a favorable opportunity should appear. A reinforcement convoy will load 2 divisions at Truk
if the enemy tries to land at Kwajalein or Eniwetok.

All the bases in the Marshalls are heavily fortified and it will take some time for the enemy to wear us down.
The capture of Eniwetok could be used as a steppig stone for the invasion of the Marianas.

Sho IV - enemy invasion of the Marianas

Expected targets: Tinian and Pagar - weak links in the 'chain'?
Timeline: mid to late 1944
Operational plan: This will be the all out defensive effort! Thousands of ac will be moved to the islands while the Combined Fleet
forms up to counter attack. 2 divisions will immediately be loaded and shipped. Transport ac will reinforce the threatened bases
as soon as the enemy intention becomes clear. It should be possible to bring in 2-3 regiments this way.

2 crack divisions are currently based at Truk - these may be moved back to Davao if Truk comes under siege.

Sho V - enemy invasion of India

Expected targets: Colombo, Trimcomalee, Trivandrum and Panaji
Timeline: mid to late 1944
Operational plan: Rely on existing ground forces and fortifications. Reinforce India with large numbers of
fighters and army/navy bombers. The goal is a protracted battle - and to prevent the enemy from ever
re-capturing Bombay or Karachi. The Combined Fleet will be moved to Singapore and strike at the enemy
if an opportunity arises.

A troop convoy from Rangoon arrived at Diamond Harbour today and unloaded a division for Calcutta.
This division will guard Diamond Harbour or Chandpur in case of enemy aggression. A large SNLF unit
also arrived at Trimcomalee. Need another brigade here + a regiment for Colombo. Then Madras, Trivandrum
and Panaji needs coastal defenses and larger garrisons. Bombay is protected by 2 full div's + support units
including an enginee regiment. At Karachi there are 3 divisions. Let Ken try to break this nut [8D]

Sho VI - invasion of Wake and Marcus island

Timeline: late 43 to mid 44
Operational plan: The garrison at Wake will have to fend for itself, but the KB will sorty but only intervene only if the
situation is favorable. If Wake falls Marcus Island will be heavily reinforced and the Combined Fleet will attempt to thwart
an enemy landing. The division at Sapporo can be used for this purpose. Ken can possibly use Marcus and Wake as a
springboard for operations against the Marianas and the Home Island. We don't want that....
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our submarines will be kept in one or two bases and head for the waters between the enemy objective and his home
bases. Their primary role will be to sink cripples and perhaps torpedo an enemy carrier. It's also possible to station
float plane equipped subs 10-12 hexes away from the most potential enemy objective and towards an invasion fleets most
likely approach vector. This could provide early warning.

If I've left anything out, please remind me! [8D] A plan for the Phillippines will be created if one of the Sho plans fail and
the enemy advances closer to the DEI and PI.

[PzB74]

A large TF made up by the following ships left Truk for Japan today:

Cv Akagi
Junyo
Hiyo
Ryuho
Soho
Zuiho
BB Hyuga
Kongo
Hiei
Kirishima
Kongo
Cl Kitakami
DD Naganami
Kiynami
Kuroshio
Urakaze
Arashi
Yudachi
Tachikaze

All of these ships are due for an upgrade and I have to take the pressure of the repair yards
at Truk.

The Musashi and Yamato both got sys damage in their high teens while the Nagao and Yamashior as well as the heavy cruiser
Maya have almost completed their repairs.

The score is currently: Japan 50743 - Allies 14296

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/25/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

The USS Grampus was hit again by asw ac today and sank. Cause: 250kg bomb [8D]
In all 31 Allied subs have been sunk thus far. Perhaps it's possible to defeat them.
I'll give it a try! Experienced Army bombers (Lily's and Sally's) have been ordered on asw
duty.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 25,53

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 23
MSW Kyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18

Allied Ships
SS O23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 33,64

Japanese Ships
TK Fujisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *burning* - heading for Tarakan
TK Nippon Maru
PG Kogyoku Maru
PG Kiso Maru
PG Kanko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grouper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Continued a2a fighting in China...

Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 35

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 7

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

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 4 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How long will Ken keep his carriers at Wake? The KB is not ready to take them on right now.

Day Air attack on Wake Island , at 82,63

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 24
TBF Avenger x 2
OS2U-3 Kingfisher x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBF Avenger: 2 damaged
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 2 damaged

Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

One of my subs is in pursuit of an enemy convoy heading for PH. Let's see if I can encourage
it to attack...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/26/43

Surface Combat

Ken sent 2 APD's with recon squads to Shortland and Buin, one of em hit a mine!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1024 encounters mine field at Buin (64,92)

TF 1024 troops unloading over beach at Buin, 64,92


Allied Ships
APD Stringham, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Buin, 64,92, firing at TF 1024
12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1109 encounters mine field at Shortlands (63,93)

TF 1109 troops unloading over beach at Shortlands, 63,93

Allied Ships
APD Dent

Coastal Guns at Shortlands, 63,93, firing at TF 1109
14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

The ASW group belinging to the Palembang defensive area gave a Dutch sub a scratch today!

ASW attack at 25,53

Japanese Ships
PC Fumi Maru #3
PG Shinko Maru #3
PG Nikkai Maru
PG Keiko Maru
PG Chosa Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #52

Allied Ships
SS O23, hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Nothing out of the ordinary..strikes at Shortland and Buin. Ken is really
interested in these bases. Now that he knows that there are 10k troops at the first
and 3500 at the latter it's not difficult to figure out were to invade next [;)]

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Shortlands

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9117 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 84 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buin

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3501 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 114 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

Not a lot of ac resisting the Allies in the Soth Pacific for the moment. With the introduction
of Corsairs and large numbers of bombers I've pulled back and now only protect key
bases like Rabaul and Kwajalein. The fighters on Wotje and Maloelap. Will soon retire these
to Kwajalein and Rabaul.

For the time I'm happy sniping at the enemy and getting easy kills in China. The 1200 pilots
that are training in China will come in handy soon enough.

I was unaware of that cve's could be accelerated on the account of merchant shipping points,
so all my escort carriers under construction have been speeded up.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/27/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

The sub war continues with another tanker as causalty. I've moved some convoys
from Palembang to Borneo to pick up oil storages there so the subs have had many
targets in the narrow Makassar Strait and Celebes Sea. Ken will have noticed these
successes and keep his subs around for a while - so I'll send in several asw groups.

The aim is to sink 1 sub each week for the rest of the war - that should do it [;)]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 36,62

Japanese Ships
TK Teiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire *fuel cargo burning* should make it to Tarakan

PG Kogyoku Maru
PG Kiso Maru
PG Kanko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pompon, hits 1 - a little payback
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

All Chinese ac that take to the air will be hunted down... They receive so few
replacements that it's possible to keep them suppressed!

Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ken's recon forces are wiped out or evacuated this turn. I will reinforce Buin in the coming
weeks. Both AA and a small Coastal Defense unit will be added together with another large
garrison force.

Ground combat at Shortlands

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5952 troops, 57 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 84 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 69 to 1

Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3501 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 110 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buin

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 96 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 7742 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Gen.Hoepner]

Impressive! PzB, you've climbed the Olympus for us Jap Fanboys!!!! Keep it up!!!

Just a little question....how many TKs/AOs have u lost so far?

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/28/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

The war on terror is going well [8D]
Today no less than 2 enemy subs were sunk *applause* for the cost of one pc!
Several other subs have been spotted and the new hunter killer group is going in for the kill.

So we've already fullfilled this and next week's quote!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 64,82 South of Truk

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo
DD Numakaze
APD APD-46
APD APD-36
APD APD-34
APD APD-31

Allied Ships
SS Dolphin, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,46 near Takao

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
PC Ch 30
PC Ch 15
PC Ch 9
PC Takunan Maru #5
PC Takuna Maru #7

Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 62,90

Japanese Ships
AG AG-121, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Allied Ships
SS S-23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 64,83 South of Truk

Japanese Ships
DD Amagiri
DD Isonami
DD Shinonome
DD Hatsuharu
DD Murasame
DD Makigumo

Allied Ships
SS Searaven
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 33,64 )Makassar Strait

Japanese Ships
PC Shonan Maru #7
DD Kisaragi
DD Karukaya
PC Shonon Maru #3
PC Toshi Maru #3
APD APD-2

Allied Ships
SS Grouper, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Another attack on enemy oil facilities in Cungking. An aggressive I-16
squadron brought down no fewer than 4 Oscars.

Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 45
Ki-48 Lily x 39
Ki-49 Helen x 80

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 3 destroyed

Oil hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following ac took part in combat training in China today:

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 96
A6M3 Zero x 24
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 36
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 45
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 126
A6M3 Zero x 54
G4M1 Betty x 146
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 56
D3A Val x 8
B5N Kate x 35
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'm continuing to send out barges despite the losses they suffer.
Supplies are needed and barges are expendable.

Day Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 63,92

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 50

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5165, Shell hits 16, on fire
AG AG-123
AG AG-5162, Shell hits 4
AG AG-2090, Shell hits 8
AG AG-2089, Shell hits 4
AG AG-2088, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-353, Shell hits 4
AG AG-5163, Shell hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
All P-39D Airacobra attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again there were numerous enemy attacks against Buin and Shortland.

[PzB74]

Thx Hoepner - defying the odds is a passionate hobby [;)]

We've lost 17 tankers and 2 fleet oilers thus far. It has been possible to salvage
many of the ships that have been torpedoed. One AO at Rabaul is still struggling to stay afloat - almost 2 weeks
after it got hit (99 sys and 70 flotation damage).

For the time being several tankers are being kept in port. I wish to reorganize my convoy system and introduce bigger
and better escorted convoys. I'm pretty sure we can discourage Ken if we sink enough of his boats!