Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[John 3rd]

Just got another good round in the books but I am due at work in 9 minutes! Did you hear that SINKING sound at and near Noumea? YEP--I thought you did!

[zuluhour]

Kampai!

[buutsy]

That looks real good, Mr. John [:)]
Bad thing is, we will see more Allied players duck and cover till ´44 next time,
if your counter offensive works that great [:D]
Banzai !

[Bif1961]

According to a book written by Captain Eric M. Brown, RN he rates the Tojo as a very capable fighter and calls dogfighting between it and a Hellcat II as a near thing with a slight edge to the Hellcat if pilot skill was equal. He also rated the Corsair slightly inferior to the Tojo in dogfighting capability. The Book "Duels in the Sky" was published in 1988 by Naval Institute Press Annapolis, MD. Which equates to the U.S. Naval Academy. I think the Tojo got bad press by the Japanese pilots because it was not as maneuverable as the Oscar or Zero, which both far outclassed any allied fighter in that catagory as well. However the Tojo possessed other qualities, high speed for an early war fighter rated between 386-376 MPH, and depending on model 4 x 12.7 MMs or 2 x 12.7MMs and 2 x 20MM.

[zuluhour]

back yet? [:'(]

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 16, 1942

This has to be a fast update since it is beddy-bye time for John Boy.

South Pacific
As expected Dan is forced to give up on Noumea. The surprise is that he is leaving his troops behind. YUMMY! Three Brigades/Regiments on the platter for the 56th ID. Bring me a knife, fork, spoon, and some good soy sauce!

He pulls back all but a single somewhat large Task Force that then gets pummeled by my air. Strikes by 34 Zero, 15 Betty, and 19 Vals manage to hit five AKs with at least two bombs a piece. Sinking sounds are heard at several points and the VP Screen states CVE Prince William and 3 AKs go down to meet Davy Jones.

Send in the Jintsu and 5 DDs to finish what is presently at Noumea. A Supply TF arrives tomorrow with 15,000 supply and I shall first have it unload at Koumac then move it down to Noumea (once the hex is clear). Enough troop carriers are at Milne Bay to pick-up the Inf Div there so this fight is FAST and we can destroy the troops on the beach before he comes back. Of course when he does come back, he will be facing a MUCH STRONGER opponent. Better to just leave a weep for the soon to be dead troops.

Sumatra
Bomb Nias and Sinabang. Start loading a Brigade and Nvl Guard unit for landing at Nias.

Sibolga
AF goes from 1/23 to 1/45 today. FAST!

Medan
BB Yamato travels through this hex and sinks 2 of 8 PT boats then bombards Langsa CREAMING the AF with 68 Runway hits damaging 12 B-25.

MAJOR NOTE: Dan has never moved more troops into Medan. He has had 13 units at Langsa for weeks. They are not moving south. I think he is making Langsa his main defense line before Sabang. We're going to see because I think we'll threaten Langsa FIRST and try to force him to abandon Medan. There are two ID about 4 days from unloading at Sibolga.

Medan's AF is 100% damaged. I order the 4 BC to move past Medan and bombard Langsa.

Burma
Troops along 55,49, 56,48, and the middle hex are plastered by over 150 bombers this day.

Sub Operations
I-30 sinks PC Jackson with a TT near Great Nicobar

I-6 hits AK Iron King with a TT and then sinks AK Singu NW of Sabang.

Naval Stuff
My ASW work is really beginning to score on his SS in the Malaya--Sumatra area. Am averaging inflicting damage to 4-6 SS EVERY turn the last 5-6 days.

The SS pick-up a batch of small TF departing Sabang so I order two TF of a CL and a few DDs to go hunting west of Sumatra.

CV Junyo finally departs Gasmata with an escort of 3 DD and an AR. Ut shall travel along the northern edge of New Guinea and make for either Manila or Soerabaja for repairs.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 17, 1942

Another solid day of work in the Pacific.

North-Central Pacific
OK.

South Pacific
My DD Sweep of Noumea meets NOTHING. He has pulled back and is retreating towards New Zealand leaving behind 15,000 troops. YUMMY! Time to get me some Allied troops. The 2nd Brigade of the 56th ID arrives at Noumea and I order a bombardment just to make sure of what is there. Will place screenshot next turn tonight. Start loading the 6th ID from Milne Bay to provide pulverizing power to wipe these troops out ASAP!

CVEs pass Koepang moving steadily east.

Junyo makes it to Aitape before taking a point of SYS Dam and this leads to FLOT raising from 52 to 56. Disband in Port, pump out, and move again in a couple of days. This will take FOREVER!

Sumatra
Langsa
BB Yamato's TF sweeps into the base and tangles with 3 DDs. The Grayson is sunk and another damaged. Yamato heads back to Singers for ammo.

Medan
Bombed by 75+ Bombers.

TJB
The 4 BC depart the Port and head northwest to BLAST Langsa.

Nias--Sinabang
Nias is bombarded and bombed. Sinabang gets bombed.

Nias Invasion Force on its way to target.

Buy out the 30th Regiment a few days ago and it loads for Sibolga. This unit, plus an SNLF Brigade, will assault Sinabang.

Malaya
Alor Star
The Infantry Brigade arrives and will bombard tomorrow. 48th ID will be there tomorrow. Predict this base will fall within 7 Days. Focus more bombers here to raise disruption of the 18th Brit ID.

Burma
Plaster the sack of Allied troops as normal.

Ramree
Sweep of 39 Tojo crush 11 Hurricanes flying CAP. Strike of 38 Zero and 14 Betty arrives to find 3 AKLs unloading. Two are sunk.

Plan to attack the RR hex SW of Katha and blast out the two small units holding that hex.

Port Blair
CAP provides 27 Zeros this day as 27 4EB make their daily run. Four of the big planes fall and many are damaged by AA.

SS Operations
My SS are really making their presence known right now.

I-31 sinks AK Lena Luckenbach with 7 Sh/2 TT near Sabang

Ro-63 hits a juicy target placing a Torp into AO Suamico near Great Nicobar


No more turns until this evening since I work 8am-5pm.

[ny59giants]

Malaya - Double check hexside control and/or you having troops across from those you don't control. Don't want you to spend extra time chasing down troops in the jungles.

[John 3rd]

Have to get up EARLY in the morning so this is a partial update. We had some naval ACTION on December 18, 1942!

Sumatra
Langsa
Vc-Adm Tanaka swings his Big Boys into the Langsa anchorage and is intercepted by two DD TF. The first TF gets in WAY CLOSE and there are stressful moments as all TTs are dodged from brave quartet of Allied DDs. They pay for their temerity by seeing DD's Norman and Preston SUNK and another seriously damaged. A single DMS is seriously hit on the Japanese side. The second quintet of DDs starts farther out and is PUMMELED by the 14" and 6" guns of the four old BCs. Two Japanese DMS get hit solidly, however, DD's Nizam, Arunta, and Dale are sunk with the remaining pair seriously pummeled as well. Scratch five solid DDs and the Aussie Navy loses three of their finest...

The bombardment proceeds and Langsa loses several B-25s, 215 casualties, and the runway takes 34 hits.

Amazingly BBs North Carolina and South Dakota arrive AFTER the fight and stay at Langsa during the day. What an opportunity! Japanese planes strike in the morning and afternoon and do pitifully. South Dakota takes a pair of 250Kg bombs, North Carolina takes three 250Kg bombs, and CL Ceres gets smacked by a pair as well. About 50 TTs are dropped and NONE hit. Crap. Scares the HELL out of Dan I bet...

NW of Sabang
Two Japanese small STF are operating and 4 DDs find a BIG PRIZE. During the day these Dds locate a group of large Allied AOs escorted by the rather strong PG Soerabaja. In a frightening moment, the Soerabaja SINKS the oldest of the Japanese DDs while her entire TF is CRUSHED. BIG AOs boys: Bishopdale, Sabine, and Kaskaskia as well as the valiant PG. OUTSTANDING!

SS Action
Add a fourth AO for the day as I-6 sinks AO Suamico off Sabang

I-31 tries to make it five but only damages AO Brazos with a single TT near Sabang

TOTALS
Japan loses 2 DD and 4 DMS
Allies lose 5 DDs, 4 AOs, and a PG. Five SS are hit as well.

How about that?

[John 3rd]

Scorecard for the day:

[obvert]

Sucks to lose those DMS, as there just aren't enough of the fast ones. Were mines swept that day?

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: obvert

Sucks to lose those DMS, as there just aren't enough of the fast ones. Were mines swept that day?

That was the odd thing. They didn't sweep a single mine. The TF went through the Medan hex, which has mines from both sides, and then pounded Langsa without encountering ANY.

Think I have Dan figured out with Sumatra. He's decided that he doesn't have enough to grab TJB so he is making the battle for Sabang BEGIN at Medan (only four units and they are not repairing anything) with his MLR at Langsa (13 units). Sitting behind those two bases is his bastion of Sabang with 20+ units in it. There are now Japanese three ID in Sumatra (2nd, 10th, 14th) with two more arriving within days. As soon as Alor Star falls there will be another ID added to the mix. These six ID will form the core of the army seeking to drive the Allies out.

I want to cut Medan off from Langsa and attempt to surround units and force surrenders.

[obvert]

If the DMS get crushed anyway against his stronger DDs, maybe just follow a 2 DMS TF in and then your BBs won't be tied to their 20 knot speed and will perform better. Not sure if that's the best, but seems at least then if you met a bigger SAG you'd be in optimal configuration.

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: crsutton

The blemheim is just a pitful plane to put into combat without escort. I would not do it. The air frames are one thing but for the Allies bomber pilots are just as critical in 1942. The Allies just can't fight everywhere. Those blemheims would have served better training up pilots. I think in 42 the Allies need to concede air superiority in some theaters. It hurts to watch but in the long run he would be better off.

Crap I hated the Tojo in late 42. I had nothing that could really handle it and that gap does not close until the hellcat comes on line in the spring of 43. The smattering of lightnings and corsairs on hand just are not enough to staunch the flow. Once the F6F comes on line the Allies can start to think a little more offensively.

In real life the Tojo was not a great aircraft, but in the game it is king for almost a year. Enjoy yourself while you can.[;)]

Interesting you've read/heard this. I've always read the opposite, that it was one of the best the Japanese fielded but due to politics, manufacturing concerns, and pilots initial lack of interest in the faster, less maneuverable aircraft, it didn't see much action early but eventually actually fared well in combat. I have read a few comments from US pilots saying the same, including the one below.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Here some interesting comments by Mustang pilot 'Ax' Hiltgen of the 530th Fighter Squadron (from Roger Freeman's "Combat Profile: Mustang"):

"Altitude was important to get over the bad weather in combat and when we encountered 'Tonys' and 'Tojos' - particularly the latter."

"Fortunately for us, as the Japanese planes got better - with the 'Tojo' the best - their fighter pilot quality plummeted."

"As mentioned earlier, the only Japanese plane that came close to the characteristics of the P-51 was the 'Tojo'. With the 'Oscar' and 'Zero', if you stayed out of tight, slow manoeuvres and used the advantages of the Mustang you would win."

(He might not have encountered the Nakajima Ki-84 before he was rotated out of the theatre. However, from aviation enthusiasts familiar with the Japanese perspective, I've heard that the Ki-84 gave a lot of trouble initially and did not develop full engine power, so that many pilots still preferred the mature Ki-44 which gave comparable performance.)[/font]

Sorry for the hijack John!

Well on paper it looked good and compared to it's comtemporaries it was a far better plane. It was fast and had a sweet rate of climb but like all Japanese planes in 42-43, was not as well armed as Allied planes and lacked self sealing tanks. And I think the early version has some quality issues as well. Four heavy MGs look good but the syncronized center guns had a much slower rate of fire. And Japanese pilots found it difficult to fly. Not just because they preferred dogfighting planes but because it was hard to fly. Allied pilots were caught off guard by the plane intially. Lack of decent range made it a defensive fighter which is only good if you are losing a war.[;)] Acutally, few Allied planes other than the hurricane and buffalo fought the tojo in 1942. By 1943 all Allied second generation fighters were faster except the hellcat but the hellcat was not designed to fight the tojo. Somebody mentioned one pilot's account that it was more maneuverable than the corsair but I can't think why any corsair pilot would try to dogfight a slower tojo?

I really do not think the tojo fought the P40 but a handful of times.

The later tojos were better planes but not really much faster and totally outclassed by the speed of Allied fighters. The cannon equipped tojos could shoot down bombers but the slow muzzle velocity of the 20 mm and larger guns put them at a great disadvantage in combat with fighters.

I think the tojo gets praise largely because it was so much better than the other Japanese product of the same era. But measured against Allied aircraft was only just a fair aircraft.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Dec 19, 1942

The 19th is a very quiet day with but one exception...

North--Central Pacific
Nada

South Pacific
Koumac
11th Air Fleet is now fully unloaded. Have 36 Zero, 27 Betty, and 18 Kates present for duty. Have quick access to an equal number of Zeros and 36 Betty-Nell.

Noumea
A TF with 10,000T of supply begins unloading. A small STF patrols the port hex. The AF hums with 42 Tojo and 27 Val.

The 6th ID will land at Noumea in 3 days. At that point the game is over for the Allied troops there.

The CVEs pass NE of Darwin heading towards Horn. A similar TF of 3 CVL and 5 DD pass Truk...

Sumatra
No major activity.

Dan appears to be clearing out Sabang. Makes sense to me. Emily's spot the Allied CVs pretty much at the extreme edge of their range not too far from Diego Garcia. Interesting...

KB is refueled, has picked up nearly 250 new planes (A6M5, Jill, Judy), and is now headed to Batavia to top off fuel and then head out to fight if needed.

Malaya
Alor Star
The garrison FALLS on the first attack! A surprising 2-1 result occurs and the two units there SURRENDER. The Japanese lose 105 men in exchange for just under 3,000 POWs. The 48th ID and the Brigade that helped are immediately entrained and sent to Singapore. They have missions elsewhere...

Malaya is Japanese AGAIN! BANZAI BABY!

Leave a THAI Div to hold the base and order two Construction units and two large base Force. Several CD units leave Singapore moving up here. We're about to get a new Lvl-5 AF team!

Supply TFs
Three supply TF carrying over 150,000 supply (14 Kn TF, 12 Kn TF, and a 10 Kn TF) move up the west coast of Malaya. They will pass Alor Star and Phuket tomorrow. If they are not attacked then I will have slipped them by safely without Dan really even knowing what happened.

Burma
First Allied unit enters the hex between Ramree and Prome. Will bombard to feel out the situation. Should easily be able to boot out a weakened unit. Will see just what is here and then give the order.

At hex 55,48 (East of Ramree) Dan launches a Deliberate Attack against the 21st ID. The Attack barely gets a 1-2 (just missed a 1-3). Japan loses 779 Troops and 12 Vehicles while the Allies lose 780 Troops, 46 Guns, and 59 Vehicles. Not bad but help will be needed eventually.


Those are the major events of the turn.

Thoughts?

[obvert]

Great news on Alor Star.

Also great you have Jills and Judys now, and the A6M5 is so much more durable than the previous versions. Seems like it's time to shut down the IO and look for a battle. If he lingers ouside of LBA range protection, and before Hellcats ... [8D]

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: obvert

Great news on Alor Star.

Also great you have Jills and Judys now, and the A6M5 is so much more durable than the previous versions. Seems like it's time to shut down the IO and look for a battle. If he lingers ouside of LBA range protection, and before Hellcats ... [8D]

They DO help. The KB exchanged out about 150 M2 for M5 (every CV now has M5) and two Daitai a piece of Judy for Val and Jill for Kate. Would love more but production for each is just a little less then 100 a month presently.

It is time to fight. Will re-organize the KB and mix my CAs back into the TF then move out. Need about 5-7 days and I shall have Alor Star, Georgetown, TJB, and Sibolga (AF-2 this turn) all within SWEEP Range of Tojo. I am coming BABY!

[ny59giants]

About damn time!! [;)]

[John 3rd]

Just thought I'd Post this screenshot of what my SS and several small STF are bagging. Can you describe this as a target rich environment?? Yaa! Thought ya could...

SS Operations (12-20)
I-2 SINKS AK Autotycus near Great Nicobar
I-174 hits AK Challenger with a Trop near Great Nicobar
I-30 hits TK Ferncastle with a Torp near Calicut
I-23 SINKS AK Jacalope near Diego Garcia

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

It is time to fight.

Don't forget to give ample time for your crews to 'repair' all your new planes, before plunging your CVs into battle. What's consensus on this with so many new plane types with SR=2? 7-10 days?