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Looks like you have some subs in the area. I'd bring them all in and converge on whatever is there. Good chance for a CV hit.

I dont think it is possible to protect everything. The area north of Darwin is a vital sector as it involves oil and access to the philipines/Java/Sumatra. If I was going to set something up with the KB that is where I would do it.

What you see happening right now is an opportunity. Any invasion he begins he has to support with supplies. You can target the island with surface fleets and wait until he responds while having the KB in the wings ready to swoop in and nail him.

Make him fight for an area and you know where he will be ;]

Well, the turn is away. I've done all I can with the forces available. Lets see if the submarines get lucky, but I'm not optimistic. I've deployed what LBA I could on a moments notice and tried to cover the most likely targets. The big question is will the American CV's appear?

I expect this to be another smash and grab then pull the surface ships out. I don't think he's going to stick around. He'll sacrifice the troops if need be rather than risk ships. Even if I counterinvade I doubt he'll commit his fleet again. These operations are all probes meant to grab territory on the cheap and he'll let them wither as he has Makin if I put up too much resistance.

I should also point out another amphibious TF of 9 ships was spotted at Cooktown. It's either another assault force or the follow up support units for this operation. Jocke doesn't like to land base or aviation support units with his first wave.

It's nice to have some action on the horizon, but I think I'll have only two days before he melts away and leaves the assault force to its fate. I fully expect another operation to hit me in the Gilbert Islands within days. You heard it here first. [:D]

Oh, and I bled another 10k supply in the Home Islands last turn. I have no idea what is happening, I've lost 128k of supply in Japan over the last 28 turns. WTH!

Sigh. I was enjoying the game again until I ran this turn. Am I the only person that can't get any kind of break or success playing Japan? It's one disappointment after another.

Quick and dirty. I lose 86 aircraft to the Allied 4. My units from Rabaul and Shortlands don't fly. My escorts were shot out of the sky supporting my smallest raid which actually was one Nell unit of 27 aircraft that was split in two. My other raids flew with no escorts whatsoever. My Kate's were untouched by CAP on their attack run and scored one hit which was a dud.

Naval search gives no indictation of the enemy BB TF, the CV's prior to appearing off the coast of Milne Bay. I always read about how Allied players need AKA and LST's for successful invasions yet Jocke is able to unload over 450 AV including armour just from AP's at a base with no port. Is it some kind of fast transport TF? What am I not understanding here?

Oh and Buna is obliterated.

I'm proud of myself for not complaining to Jocke. The AAR says it all:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 15, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BB South Dakota
BB North Carolina
BC Repulse

Japanese ground losses:
127 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 10
Port supply hits 4

BB Prince of Wales firing at 16th Infantry Regiment
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB South Dakota
BB South Dakota firing at 2nd Field Artillery Regiment
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB North Carolina
BB North Carolina firing at Port Moresby
BC Repulse firing at Port Moresby


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay (101,133)

12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Monaghan
AP Thomas Jefferson
DD Worden

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

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

DD Monaghan firing at 47th Naval Guard Unit
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 Milne Bay (101,133)

TF 172 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133

Allied ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)

3.7" Mk II AA Gun lost overboard during unload of 7th RAN Base Force
13 troops of a USA 42 Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 27th Infantry Div /1
13 troops of a USA 42 Rifle Squad lost in surf during unload of 27th Infantry Div /4
13 troops of a USA 42 Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 27th Infantry Div /6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay (101,133)

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AP Thomas Jefferson
DD Worden

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 7th War Area , at 70,48 , near Kunming

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar sweeping at 15000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kunming , at 69,48

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 28

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
28 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 22

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,134

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
G3M2 Nell x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 29
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Wasp

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 7th War Area , at 70,48 , near Kunming

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar sweeping at 15000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Chinese Corps, at 79,43 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 33

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally 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

Also attacking 96th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 11th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 96th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 11th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 96th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 11th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 96th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 11th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Chinese Corps, at 79,43 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 15

No Japanese losses

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

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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kunming , at 69,48

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 59th Chinese Corps, at 78,44 , near Chungking

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 26

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Makin , at 136,125

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 82 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged

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

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 96th Chinese Corps, at 79,43 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 17

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 48
LB-30 Liberator x 12
B-24D Liberator x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 18
Runway hits 87

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 8

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 53 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 6 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (21 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
21 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (21 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
21 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 91 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 27

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 17 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
21 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
21 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 11 destroyed, 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CA Salt Lake City
DD Scout
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 21 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 21 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay (101,133)

5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AP Thomas Jefferson
DD Worden

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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

Ground combat at 78,44 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13246 troops, 111 guns, 174 vehicles, Assault Value = 473

Defending force 9184 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 219

Allied adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 109 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Allied ground losses:
6526 casualties reported
Squads: 425 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 380 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (7 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
9th Tank Regiment
36th Division

Defending units:
59th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at 76,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45103 troops, 398 guns, 662 vehicles, Assault Value = 1685

Defending force 36055 troops, 117 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 834

Japanese adjusted assault: 1049

Allied adjusted defense: 583

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2556 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 171 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Guns lost 34 (1 destroyed, 33 disabled)
Vehicles lost 81 (1 destroyed, 80 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2617 casualties reported
Squads: 46 destroyed, 236 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Recon Battalion
3rd Division
13th Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
40th Division
15th Tank Regiment
3rd Mobile Infantry Regiment
17th Division
2nd Tank Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
8th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
1st War Area


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

Ground combat at 70,48 (near Kunming)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27816 troops, 355 guns, 160 vehicles, Assault Value = 968

Defending force 16907 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 499

Japanese adjusted assault: 347

Allied adjusted defense: 1153

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
2191 casualties reported
Squads: 25 destroyed, 120 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 12 disabled

Allied ground losses:
800 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Division
13th Division
19th Tank Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
11th Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
26th Chinese Corps
54th Chinese Corps
7th Group Army
7th War Area
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment


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

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 948 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Defending force 16779 troops, 336 guns, 295 vehicles, Assault Value = 456

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
47th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
27th Infantry Div /9
2/8th Armoured Rgt /2
71st RAAF Wing
1st RAAF Base Force
94th Coast AA Regiment
7th RAN Base Force

This is about normal Joseph. LBA after the beta can't handle coordination without absolutely perfect conditions flying from big bases. It's too bad, but you too will reap the benefits of this when 100s of DB and TB fly uncoordinated into your KB. Did you have a lot more escort from the same base as bombers that didn't fly in this one?

As for his unloading, this is where small quick surface ships will need to be used to get in there and mess things up. He's most likely using big TFs. I would see some in the 50-60 ship range for quicker unloads.

The only way to slow these invasions of the farther points in the Empire is to have the KB there and ready.

I've written and deleted this post about five times now...

I think it best if I just say nothing.

Joseph, where's your KB?

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I've written and deleted this post about five times now...

I think it best if I just say nothing.

You can't let this stuff frustrate you. It's not about what should happen in this game, only what works and what doesn't. LBA is a good support for arrier based air, and that's it. There aren't many instances in the war either where Japanese LBA was really a big factor (pre-kamis) in sinking Allied ships or stopping invasions, so I think they've actually got this right.

Just don't let the little stuff get to you. It's all about slowing things, taking a little bit away each time the Allies advance. In 44 you'll be losing 500-1000 planes for these strikes that might hit nothing. Ready for that? [:D]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Joseph, where's your KB?

I just needed to spot the invasion force one day sooner than I did. How he's able to land that much men and material within 24hrs when I never see more than two transport ships in any of the TF's spotted is beyond me.

He's got it down on how to land a huge amount of force in less than 24hrs over the beach in 1942.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12121 troops, 215 guns, 253 vehicles, Assault Value = 457

Defending force 834 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 25

Allied adjusted assault: 386

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 386 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Milne Bay !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
269 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (12 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

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

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
27th Infantry Division
2/8th Armoured Regiment
94th Coast AA Regiment
71st RAAF Wing
1st RAAF Base Force
7th RAN Base Force

Defending units:
47th Naval Guard Unit

Well, I guess I'm having to fight here sooner than I anticipated. There's no way I can let Milne Bay be developed to a level 8 airbase and dominate the Solomons this early. I have no choice, I have to counter-invade.

Like I said though, Jocke has little fear of my forces. He's playing far more aggressive with the experience he's gained and has invasions down to a science. I really don't have much optimisim anymore. You all are much more excepting of what happens in this game then I am. I respect players that play Japan and are successful with them. I can't seem to accomplish anything with them when the stakes are high.

I'm done spending hours working on turns only to come up short every time.

ORIGINAL: obvert

This is about normal Joseph. LBA after the beta can't handle coordination without absolutely perfect conditions flying from big bases. It's too bad, but you too will reap the benefits of this when 100s of DB and TB fly uncoordinated into your KB. Did you have a lot more escort from the same base as bombers that didn't fly in this one?

As for his unloading, this is where small quick surface ships will need to be used to get in there and mess things up. He's most likely using big TFs. I would see some in the 50-60 ship range for quicker unloads.

The only way to slow these invasions of the farther points in the Empire is to have the KB there and ready.

I will say again, that I too have never had any success with getting LBA 2E's to successfully attack CAP's naval vessels. Yours at least launched, mine rarely do, and when they do your results mimic mine perfectly: a slaughter.

Sorry to see your Kate's went in unescorted. Those are the ones that will work for me. Really bad roll that happened ....

As for Jocke getting in an out quick ... yep, that's what the allies need to do at this point. Can't fault him for getting his tactics down.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Well, I guess I'm having to fight here sooner than I anticipated. There's no way I can let Milne Bay be developed to a level 8 airbase and dominate the Solomons this early. I have no choice, I have to counter-invade.

Like I said though, Jocke has little fear of my forces. He's playing far more aggressive with the experience he's gained and has invasions down to a science. I really don't have much optimisim anymore. You all are much more excepting of what happens in this game then I am. I respect players that play Japan and are successful with them. I can't seem to accomplish anything with them when the stakes are high.

I'm done spending hours working on turns only to come up short every time.

I agree ... I would need 3ID's fully prepped to take it, an additional 2 in reserve. AND some very good rolls on my preparatory bombardments, both air and naval. So, 2 months before I could go in ... until then, I am going to be in a slugfest to keep the Base closed. Just my timeline. Be watching to see how much faster you do it. [;)]

Where is he spotting you from?? Geez that looks like 560nm! As allied I seldom search past 480nm, and I mean seldom. Even with the arcs cut down I have missed some big TFs. Does he have seaplane bases we can's see here?

ORIGINAL: obvert

Just don't let the little stuff get to you. It's all about slowing things, taking a little bit away each time the Allies advance. In 44 you'll be losing 500-1000 planes for these strikes that might hit nothing. Ready for that? [:D]

I don't care about the losses, it's my inability to inflict any damage whatsover. Pearl harbor I didn't sink a ship. This is now the 4th time in the game Jocke has avoided KB by a day. My submarines have missed Allied CV's on two occasions now and I can only score a dud on a CA with 22 Kates?

My hats off to Jocke, he's adapted and embraced the game. I still struggle with the most basic things. I'm outmatched and being outplayed. I suck with Japan and this is it for me. I'm close to just suiciding my forces, attacking the Soviet Union and calling it a day. I am simply tired of all the disappointments I encounter playing Japan. I just can't play them. I don't ask for crushing victories, just some success here and there to feel like I have a chance, that isn't happening and ruins any enjoyment of playing. It's always all or nothing with this game and right now it's going all Allied.

Who cares how successful you are in China if you can't sink or hit amything larger than an xAKL.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: obvert

Just don't let the little stuff get to you. It's all about slowing things, taking a little bit away each time the Allies advance. In 44 you'll be losing 500-1000 planes for these strikes that might hit nothing. Ready for that? [:D]

I don't care about the losses, it's my inability to inflict any damage whatsover. Pearl harbor I didn't sink a ship. This is now the 4th time in the game Jocke has avoided KB by a day. My submarines have missed Allied CV's on two occasions now and I can only score a dud on a CA with 22 Kates?

My hats off to Jocke, he's adapted and embraced the game. I still struggle with the most basic things. I'm outmatched and being outplayed. I suck with Japan and this is it for me. I'm close to just suiciding my forces, attacking the Soviet Union and calling it a day. I am simply tired of all the disappointments I encounter playing Japan. I just can't play them. I don't ask for crushing victories, just some success here and there to feel like I have a chance, that isn't happening and ruins any enjoyment of playing. It's always all or nothing with this game and right now it's going all Allied.

Who cares how successful you are in China if you can't sink or hit amything larger than an xAKL.

Believe me, I understand frustration at these things. As you well know it's hit me many times as well. Just trying to offer some perspective. It's nearly 43 and he's just getting to Milne Bay. Now what will he do with it?

I'd think getting a very strong MLR farther back on New Guinea will be a better option for you while simply trying to suppress field building at Milne Bay. He'll have to sit CVs on it 24/7 if he wants to keep you from hitting it. Right now before it has a field hit the port. Eventually he'll have to bring some CVs back and then you have your shot.

Really, this kind of move doesn't look like his main line of advance. He did it in our game, so I would guess he won't repeat himself. I would start some deep sub searching and distant flying boat missions in the IO and No Pac. Think big, think long term and you'll get your shot. When you do the psychology of the game will change dramatically. If you win a CV battle or sink a bunch of invasion ships once everything will change. [;)]

One thing has become clearer the past two months in several AARs, both sides can hold their head in their laps at times.[8D]

I've decided to not counter-invade. I can't be bothered to. It worked against Smeulders in my first PBEM, it's not going to make any difference in this one. I stick to my plan of defending farther back and defending the Marianas, Kuriles and Sumatra.

I've missed my opportunity to damage his CV's at odds in my favour. By the time I see them again I'll be facing Hellcats and FLAK that will be murderous from an intact Allied Fleet. I fall back and prepare myself to get steamrollered. Fun times and I'm so glad I decided to play Japan one last time. What an idiot.

You can easily bomb the hell out of those invasion forces, keeping the KB right there and then counterinvade. He can't do anything in dec 1942 if your KB is in the area. If you chose not to do that, fine. You can sweep him to Death and then bomb the hell out of him from the skies.
He won't go anywhere from there if you decide to committ.

One more thing... even in 1944 an intact KB is more than a match for the allied DS. Don't sweat. Your surface forces are much stronger than his. It doesn't matter the paper strenght... the night experience will work your way.

I appreciate the comments. I just don't feel like discussing the game right now. If this is how the beta has supposedly improved the air model this will be my last game of WitPAE. It's simply replaced one extreme with another. If you need a level 9 airbase to get coordination that's an Allied player's wet dream.

I have a busy week ahead of me with work so I will not be posting much if at all until I have the time to waste documenting this debacle of a PBEM.