Niceguy vs Graycompany: Death to the Meatball....Strategy talk

[niceguy2005]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/10/42

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Coastal Guns at Palembang, 20,55, firing at TF 74
TF 74 troops unloading over beach at Palembang, 20,55
The lasts gasps of a defense at Palembang. The Duth soldiers are writing goodby letters to their loved ones knowing that they will never be delivered...still they fight on.

34 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Sanae

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
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Coastal Guns at Palembang, 20,55, firing at TF 74
TF 74 troops unloading over beach at Palembang, 20,55
More of the same

26 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Sanae, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported


Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on Baker Island , at 94,92
US 4E bombers begin probing attacks against the Japanese held islands. Today B-17s launch a strike on Baker. Zeros punish them for their effort
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed, 8 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
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Day Air attack on 17th Mixed/B Brigade, at 46,36
Chinese light bombers attack Japanese soldiers blocking the rail line to Changsa.

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
6 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on 116th/C Division, at 43,39
More of the same

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on 33rd Division, at 33,26
Japanese fighters had been intercepting transports evacuating troops from Impahl. The AVG was tasked to sweep the skies over the besiegd base. The burma army watched and listened to the roar of engines and the explosions from the viscious dogfight that ensued high overhead. The American pilots had a reasonably good day downing zeros and Oscars at about a 3:1 rate.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 7 destroyed, 5 damaged

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Day Air attack on 5th Division, at 33,26
the battle continues
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged


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Ground combat at Sian
For a second straight day the battle at Sian continues as the Emperors best troops hurl themselves at the massive numbers of Chinese defenders. It appears that there is no end to the carnage of either side.
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 239027 troops, 1727 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3919

Defending force 93401 troops, 12 guns, 28 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2428

Japanese max assault: 1970 - adjusted assault: 640

Allied max defense: 2109 - adjusted defense: 449

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
7079 casualties reported
Guns lost 50
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
2759 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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Ground combat at Imphal
The fall of the Burmese army. Almost half of it was evacuated to Calcutta by air prior to its defeat. I handled this attack poorly. My opponent was slow to attack and I could have evacuated almost all the troops by air if I had started a month ago.
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 47599 troops, 378 guns, 145 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 854

Defending force 10658 troops, 35 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 127

Japanese max assault: 732 - adjusted assault: 493

Allied max defense: 107 - adjusted defense: 41

Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Imphal base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
19123 casualties reported
Guns lost 53

[niceguy2005]

5/12/42

Was a slow weekend and the game is quiet. I'm not even going to bother posting the combat report.

Highlights of the last few days.

32nd US Div just arrived at Suva and will immediately load for transport to Towneville.

2 battalions of the American US Div unloaded at Noumea, one battalion is preparing to make a mad dash for Louganville where it will rapidly unload covered by a surface group of 2 CAs. Hornet is also along providing air cover.

a 40 ship convoy is loading at SF and heading to PH. This convoy represents the "supply hump" The allies have been a little short of supplies throughout the south pacific. This load should rectify that problem.

CVE Long Island has spent 3 weeks at sea shuttling AC from PH to Palyrma to Canton. The allies will have about 40 fighters at all their front line bases.

Tranpsorts are standing by at SF to rush the 1st USMC Div to the South Pacific and the 1st para rgt is moving to Suva. The US will be trying to establish a forward base at Wallis Is before the end of May.

Lots of USN ships have been shuttling back to PH and WC for upgrades. About half the DDs and CA/CLs have been upgraded.

NorthPac now has 4 RCTs. In June they will move to establish a forward base at Adak. Anchorage is almost a level 9 port. 2 DMs will operate out of there to mine the Aleutians. The port will also serve as a repair port for AK and AP. THe ports around NZ have been similarly set up, as will Vancover.

[niceguy2005]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/13/42

Another quiet day in the pacific. At the level of intensity this war is being waged at, AAA might upgrade its vacation rating for the pacific rim to 3 stars. [;)]

Coastal Guns at Palembang, 20,55, firing at TF 141
TF 141 troops unloading over beach at Palembang, 20,55
More troops unload at Palembang

33 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 1

Japanese ground losses:
288 casualties reported

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Sub attack at 24,62
Sub transporting troops evacuated from Palembang stops to say hello to a jap transport, empty of course. [8|]
Japanese Ships
AP Nagano Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Eiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-38, hits 2

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ASW attack at 59,85
Sub just arrived at station to spy on shipping around Rabaul finds an unwelcome matt has been rolled out. 1 of 8 hits was severe. Sys damage 35%, float damage 36%, she's going home to Brisbane for repairs.

Japanese Ships
PG Heijo Maru
PG Fukui Maru
PG Choko Maru #2
PG Takunan Maru #10
APD APD-33

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier, hits 8, on fire

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Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32
After months of absense Jap Zeros show up over Chunking. few fighters were on patrol. I'm not sure what to do about this. AVG is in Calcutta and I have 3 squadrons of bombers (Including 2 of Blens) that are flying important ground support missions near Hengchow. The AVG may need to do a sweep of the area.

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 27
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 3 destroyed

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Day Air attack on Toboali , at 22,57
Japs figured out that the dozen or so remaining dutch fighters fled to Toboali where they have been resting. No base forces here so the Dutch AF isn't long for this world.
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 75

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
13 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77
Us daily raid on the base. Today it was B-17s from Broome, tomorrow its B-25s from Derby.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on 116th/C Division, at 43,39
Softening up Jap ground forces for a major counter attack between Hengchow and Changsa

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 15


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
6 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on Imperial Guards Division, at 31,21
P-40s sweep the skies over Ansonal, but no one would come out to play. Recon shows 60 Zeros flying cap over Chandpur. This is the major Japanese base in the area

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 55


No Allied losses


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Ground combat at Benkolen
Japan doing a little house keeping, takes an undefended base.
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 676 troops, 0 guns, 51 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 41

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 34 - adjusted assault: 36

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 36 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Benkolen base !!!



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Ground combat at Palembang
Don't know what went wrong here for Japan. Despite the casualty reports not a good attack, but the allies did loose one fort level
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41131 troops, 239 guns, 15 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 863

Defending force 8434 troops, 51 guns, 4 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 169

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese max assault: 523 - adjusted assault: 229

Allied max defense: 171 - adjusted defense: 463

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
364 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
751 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

[fabertong]

You still hold Palembang.....in May.....well done.

[niceguy2005]

Pacifc Theater Update: Organization of Allied Naval Forces

May 1942

Summary:
Japan's relative innactivity has been a boon for allied forces in the Pacific theater. While Japanese forces are conducting mop up operations at Palembang and Impahl, the Allies have been working feverishly to put the final pieces in place for its major defensive lines.

Four major theaters of operation are emerging (Central/South Pac, Southwest Pac, Southeast Asia and China). Allied strategy calls for secure supply lines linking each theater. Given the inhospitable terrain of the Burma theater allied command is considering an alternative to an overland supply line to China. To this end, Southwest Pac is being reorganized, not only to contain considerable land and air assets, but also will have a strong naval component. This fleet, based at Perth contains 4 carriers (2 US CV and 2 UK CV), 2 BB, 10 CA/CL and supporting destroyers and escorts. The purpose of this fleet is to engage the enemy first in the Indian Ocean and ultimately in the DEI allowing allied access to Sumatra, Malaysia Java and Borneo.

Central and South Pacific commands will have a combined fleet that currently consists of 3 CV, 3BB, 10 CA/CL and supporting DD. The task of this fleet is purely defensive at this point in time.

The map below shows each fleet and its eventual planned areas of operation (I hope its legible). The green lines in each operation area shows the level to which each fleet can project its power effectively at this point in time.

[niceguy2005]

Lets try that map again

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: fabertong

You still hold Palembang.....in May.....well done.

The protracted battle for Java caused a delay for Japan. He just took Batavia about 10 days ago. He has admitted it also caused him to cancel another offensive operation. Japan already seems to be settling into a defensive position...except in China.

[anarchyintheuk]

ORIGINAL: niceguy2005

ORIGINAL: fabertong

You still hold Palembang.....in May.....well done.

The protracted battle for Java caused a delay for Japan. He just took Batavia about 10 days ago. He has admitted it also caused him to cancel another offensive operation. Japan already seems to be settling into a defensive position...except in China.

Going to be a lot of oil to ship from there when he does capture it.

What units did you lose at Imphal? He's not continuing the Burma offensive from there is he?

Enjoying the aar.

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: anarchyintheuk

Going to be a lot of oil to ship from there when he does capture it.

Very good point mr. anarchyintheuk. I'll have to make sure Palembang is ringed with S-boats (the only allied subs that seem to hit anything).

What units did you lose at Imphal? He's not continuing the Burma offensive from there is he?

Enjoying the aar.

I actually saved a good portion of most of the Burmese army (BFF bde, 1st and 2nd Burma rifles, 2 Burm bde, 3 or 4 base forces) which was at Impahl, with a last minute massive airlift. They are being shuffled to Calcutta and then by plane back to Lucknow to rebuild.

Impahl was actually an "island" in an Imperial Japanese sea. He controls all the bases in India east of Impahl and also Diamond Harbor. He has not pushed the offensive further into India. His forces right now are stalled at Ansonal and he has not tried Calcutta.

This is probably due to his inability to control the air over India. In March the UK won a straight up fight for the skies over Calcutta, in which both sides lost about 100 fighters. That plus his Java campaign forced him to take more conservative approach in India.

[niceguy2005]

5/15/42

A little more action today...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/14/42

FYI, troops still unloading at Palembang. They must be coming off those ships single file. They are taking forever. Alas I have nothing to really threaten them with.

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Sub attack at 136,47
An insidious sub attack on an AK just out of San Fran. The Aroostook was one of three cargo ships making a fast run to Christmas Island carrying the 5th seabees. Float dmg 46%. She will turn back to port (taking the long way), while the other 2 continue on at top speed.
Japanese Ships
SS I-6

Allied Ships
AK Aroostook, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported

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Sub attack near Palembang at 20,55
S-36 used her last torp on a passing AP. She will stay at Palembang as part of the final mass evacuation mission.
Japanese Ships
AP Kumagawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PC Showa Maru #5

Allied Ships
SS S-36, hits 1

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34
With Allied air power in India growing, the allies carried out a mission deep over Japanese air space. 14 planes of the 93rd BS attacked the port at Rangoon today. The attack was to remind the Japanese to keep a large garrison of fighters there and to help recon the port. The hit on the CA Atago just bounced off the turret, but the hit on the AP was critical.

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 32

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 12 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Bomb hits 1
AP Tientsin Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
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Day Air attack on Diamond Harbor , at 28,23
Raid on airbase at Diamond Harbor. The enemy has no fighters patrolling the skies

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 14
Blenheim IV x 38
Martin 139 x 6
P-40B Tomahawk x 12


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
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Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77
Todays raid on Koepang
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 28

Aircraft Attacking:
45 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
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Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 30,23
Division just east of Calcutta
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 18
Martin 139 x 4
B-25C Mitchell x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
155 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
21 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion, at 20,55
Massive air raid on Palembang
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-21 Sally x 57
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on 4th DAF Base Force, at 20,55
Follow up raid. This one hurt as this is the only base force with engineers that can sabotage the oil fields.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 19
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
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Ground combat at 45,35
A Japanese Division flanks the main Chinese force near Changsa and now controls the road leading back to Chungking.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15684 troops, 178 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 324

Defending force 4628 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 149

Japanese max assault: 307 - adjusted assault: 536

Allied max defense: 144 - adjusted defense: 11

Japanese assault odds: 48 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
52 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

[BrucePowers]

It still seems to me (a novice) that the allied defense has been fairly successful. But I will keep reading and learning.

[niceguy2005]

Fairly successful is probably the operative phrase. Some successes, some failures, overall it could be a lot worse.

[niceguy2005]

China Reeling!

5/16/42
In an apparent surprise attack over 100,000 Japanese soldiers assaulted Sian today. Chinese defenders have been cut off there for over a couple of months. Today the Japanese achieved 3:1 odds and forced the surrender of pretty much all of the communist china army, over 155,000 soldiers! The road to Chunking is barely opposed.

[niceguy2005]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/15/42
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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 23
P-40B Tomahawk x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged


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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23
Japan launches the first attack against Calcutta in months. Results are mixed.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
Ki-49 Helen x 50
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 23
P-40B Tomahawk x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 20 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 25 destroyed
Ki-15 Babs: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 5 destroyed, 9 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 8 destroyed, 10 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed
Vildebeest IV: 1 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23
Second attack is more successful
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 117

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 10
P-40B Tomahawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 20 destroyed, 19 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 11 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 4 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 5 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed
Dakota I: 1 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Vildebeest IV: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 40

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 13000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 13000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 13000 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 13000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
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Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
31 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
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Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84
THis is the first air raid against the Ausie homeland. It is also the first time P-39s have appeared in combat. They did well. Its worth noting that the poor Asheville will be laid up in dock a few more weeks. It limped all the way from PI to Darwin with 90% sys damage and had repaired back down to 15%.
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 24

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 7 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
PG Asheville, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
9 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
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Day Air attack on 69th Division, at 45,35

Bombers from Chunking
Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 26
Hudson I x 8
IL-4c x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x IL-4c bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
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Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 253078 troops, 1829 guns, 4 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 4211

Defending force 90804 troops, 10 guns, 29 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2346

Japanese max assault: 4012 - adjusted assault: 1862

Allied max defense: 2108 - adjusted defense: 470

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Sian base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
7051 casualties reported
Guns lost 105
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
155403 casualties reported
Guns lost 78
Vehicles lost 18

[niceguy2005]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/17/42

Pensecola limped back to Suva today under heavy escort - she was badly damaged at the battle of Luganville. She will repair a little at Suva before making her way back to PH.

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ASW attack at 115,64
ASW group from PH finds its target.
Japanese Ships
SS I-5, hits 4, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Fanning
DD McCall
DD Gridley

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Day Air attack on Kendari , at 33,71
The allies snuck up on the port of Kendari and caught several ships docked. THere was no CAP.

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 29


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Amagiri, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Hatsuyuki, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Seizan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Somedono Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
DD Asagiri, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sumatra Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Syozin Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW W.16, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Saigon Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
MSW Choun Maru #8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Penang Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
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ASW attack at 115,63
The allies put a couple more holes in I-18.
Japanese Ships
SS I-18, hits 10, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Fanning
DD McCall
DD Gridley

[BrucePowers]

Oooh. Nice one at Kendari. I like it.

[niceguy2005]

BrucePowers: Thanks

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/19/42

NOw that it is almost 2/3rds the way through May I have to say, what an annoying month for the allies. While the allies have made great strides in improving their defensive position, some of the individual combat reports are really "grinding my gears."

Read on...

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Sub attack near Belitung Island at 23,58
Another sub captain misses the mark.
Japanese Ships
AK Erie Maru
MSW W.10

Allied Ships
SS Nautilus

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Sub attack near Suva at 86,114
A bold Japanese attack, I-5 sails into the same hex as Suva base and put 3 torpedos into the poor Pensecola...she sank in minutes with the loss of Capt Lowe and many of the ships hands. [:(]

Japanese Ships
SS I-15

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wasaga
MSW Deloraine
PG Moa

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Day Air attack on Tone Hvy Gun Regiment, at 31,24
Buffs strafe an enemy artillery position.

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 13
Martin 139 x 2
P-40B Tomahawk x 11


Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Buffalo I attacking at 100 feet

Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 46607 troops, 589 guns, 9 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1085

Defending force 75535 troops, 357 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2066
The enemy has withdrawn forces from the siege of Changsa, now five months old, to try and flank my forces in the area. A division and brigade of his troops were routed from a hex just west of Changsa yesterday. Reinforcements have moved in and will attack his forces there tomorrow. He still has a division of troops two hexes west of Changsa blocking the river crossing.

My units in this area are unusually well supplied, so expect a series of counter attacks.


Allied ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


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Ground combat at 41,39
The third time in a week he has attacked and routed this unit. [:@]

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 26915 troops, 238 guns, 7 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 515

Defending force 3522 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 91

Japanese max assault: 1012 - adjusted assault: 2032

Allied max defense: 86 - adjusted defense: 21

Japanese assault odds: 96 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

[niceguy2005]

May excerpt from the journal of General Bludenguts, Supreme Allied Comander, Pacific

The past weeks have led to a real strengthening of Allied forces across the Pacific, but the enemy still holds the initiative. The Allies must gain further strength and buy time. With the exception of eastern India, the enemy has still been denied a foothold on any homeland territory. Australia, the US and India remain strong and secure.

The enemies movements are worriesome. They have withdrawn four plus divisions from the front lines of Eastern India. General Pownall is preparing a counter-attack in India to try and force the enemies hand. Overall, at least 10 divisions and the Japanese Navy's main battleline are unaccounted for. I believe this indicates a major offensive is only days away, two weeks at best. WIth the enemy holding much of the pacific, there are few places left for the enemy to strike.

1. Pearl Harbor - This would be into the teeth of our defences and they would have to bypass our fortresses at Midway, Johnston and Palyrma. Unlikely they would attack here.
2. South Pacific - The enemy may attack our supply link to Australia by striking at Pago-Pago and Suva. Many recon flights have over flown our bases there. Our defences here are strong, but can't hold off 10 Divisions and the Emperial Navy. Still, we can sting them badly and Halsey has a nice surprise waiting for them.
3. Northern Australia - Easy reach for the enemy, but little for them to gain by an attack. Our defenses at Darwin and Derby are considerable, but reinforcement is difficult with the enemy at Port Morseby. This location is at risk, but I don't think the risk is high. A reaction fleet is based at Perth.
4. India - The UK forces are holding strong, but the enemy may try to open a second front on the Southern or Western ends of the Penisula. Three strong defensive lines are prepared, but UK forces are hard pressed to provide adequate defense throughout. Further, UK reinforcements are on their way (3 months out). If the enemy has designs on India it is now or never. Any attack here will proably be amphibious aimed at the southern end of India. This is what the allies will plan for.

[niceguy2005]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/21/42


Mostly quiet except for China.
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Day Air attack on 34th Division, at 47,36
Light bombers attack units at Changsa
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-27 Nate x 5

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2c: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SB-2c bombing at 4000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 4000 feet
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Day Air attack on 34th Division, at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-27 Nate x 3

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 7
Hudson I x 3
IL-4c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 3 damaged
Hudson I: 1 damaged
IL-4c: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on 15th Division, at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-27 Nate x 5

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2c: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-2c bombing at 4000 feet
6 x SB-2c bombing at 4000 feet
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Day Air attack on 15th Division, at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-27 Nate x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 3
Blenheim I x 12
Hudson I x 6
IL-4c x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 3 destroyed
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
IL-4c: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x IL-4c bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on 6th Base Force, at 94,92
Raid on Baker Is.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
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Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 46492 troops, 585 guns, 9 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1082

Defending force 76024 troops, 364 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2078



Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported


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Ground combat at Changsha
Allied units brake out of the seige at Changsa, but only route two units. Tomorrow the rest of the attackers will be pushed out of the city.
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 75424 troops, 364 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2078

Defending force 57360 troops, 660 guns, 9 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1082

Allied max assault: 4242 - adjusted assault: 3162

Japanese max defense: 958 - adjusted defense: 1093

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
712 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1940 casualties reported
Guns lost 45


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

[ny59giants]

In June '42, don't the British get their Spitfire's and are able to upgrade their air units??
If so, then the window of opportunity is closing. [:D]