Matrix Games Forums

Hi...

Still here and still loving the AAR. I am tackling WPO this week as a sort of infant school approach to the university that is WITP AE but loving the engine already.

Before I saw the result of TITAN I was going to say your analysis seemed spot on and I think it was definately a risk worth taking.I am getting the impression though that the "spotted" levels of particular forces very much seem to affect their vulnerability and I am wondering if the relatively meagre pickings you had were down to incomplete intel on the BB's and invasion fleet.I think the point you made still stands though and those invasion troops are going to lack properly supplied naval and logistic support given how hyperactive Dave has been[:)]

He seems a very well organised opponent though.

China seems interesting as the strategy of hardening the strongpoints and concentrating suppies and reinforcement on the front line troops, as you are now doing ,I think should pay off as long as the AVG can stop intensive bombing by LBA wearing the troops and fortifications down.If they cant then I think they may only prove to be "road humps!"

Keep it up..... and if it is any consolation, in my first game of WPO my ship losses to 1920'sJap air are as bad as yours and they are flying biplanes[:(] !!!!

Cheers
Ian

sval: Yeah, the distance is definately shorter. Allthough his BB's and carriers have been very active so I suppose they eat fuel just as much as allied ones.

He does have the central position and that is going to multiply soon as DEI falls.

Appreciate the comment very much.

Sardaukar: Actually bumped into that discussion yesterday. That is definately new "feature" and an problem for the allied side.

I had nice bunch of tankers in Australia and they have been given moving orders to start hauling fuel into Oz. I think I can manage to stockpile Australia before anykind of an offensive is about to start. Well, I don't have worry about carriers and BB's since almost every single one of them is sunk or out of picture for months,

That is a definately a good reminder what the war is about in AE.

jrlans: Agreed. That is the shortest and safest route. I will move some bombers into Perth to cover that short run. Definately somewhat disappointed that fuel flows cannot be controlled since it has become vital issue. The land supply works as intended.

I did already recieve those Banshee divebombers and now with the new CAP those might work wonders. The P40E's are due within few days time. Looks like 2 squadrons worth of fighters.

Also I did send few US fighter/bombers into Cape Town and will move them into Oz ASAP.

Thank god for the new off map bases. These really add reality into battle. Now that Noumea is gone he would have pretty much isolated Oz. Not with the AE though.

devoncop: That is good to hear. I want to say thanks to all the guys participating/ reading. This have made the AE experience "sweeter".

Hopefully this kind of an AAR gives people the impulse to buy this game since it is an work of art.

Hmmm, maybe. Allthough my recon planes did keep track on those BB's. So, it might have made an diffrence or than again not. I think it just came down to bad luck. There has been plenty of that already. We shall see whether he landed enough supplies into Singawang. I bet that the base will fall.

Dave is organized and that makes him tough, "evil" and fun. I'am really trying to give him an game for his money worth. If we haven't played allready in Witp i think I would be even worse shape. I still remember when Feinder said that he is tough. I didn't think so at the beginning but oh boy was he right.

AVG already did enter the scene last turn and downed around 20 aircraft. At least if the combat reports are to be trusted.

As for China... it is developing into huge battleground and I'am starting have some doubts whether I can hold. I will post an pic from there next turn.. but already I'am forced to fight my way through southern china to reach my defensive perimeter.

WPO! Hmmm, really have never played and I doubt I have the time now either. AE and Carrier Force Beta testing eats up my spare "computer time"... oh, and this AAR too.

Luzon (december 31st - january 1st 1942)


As the intel screen indicated this has been the most hard fought battle so far.

IJA entered entered Clark Field and the battle of Luzon is going to start immediately. There are currently 1000av value units behind level 3 fortifications.

I have also upgraded quite a few commanders in this theatre too and supply situation is good in whole Luzon area.

The bad news is that US fighter losses are mounting. I cannot resist those numerous bomb raids coming through... and yes he has a lot of lba power here including zero fighters.

I going to fight it out in the sea too. I can make surface combat raids and try to hit something here. Again the combat.txt file showed this...


Night Time Surface Combat, near San Fernando at 80,74, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Torpedo hits 1
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
PT-36
PT-38
PT-39
PT-45


Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
Kurohara, Taizo crosses the 'T'
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Sanae engages PT-45 at 2,000 yards
DD Sanae engages PT-45 at 2,000 yards
DD Sanae engages PT-38 at 2,000 yards
DD Sanae engages PT-36 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-39 at 3,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-38 at 3,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-36 at 3,000 yards
Tilden, C. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-45 at 5,000 yards
DD Sanae engages PT-39 at 5,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-36 at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-45 at 11,000 yards
DD Sanae engages PT-45 at 11,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-38 at 11,000 yards
BB Nagato engages PT-36 at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...


... I have seen so much of this that I'am skeptical whether we hit anything. Hopefully but I'am not counting on it.

Oh, as you see from the pic the new submarine patrol setup "button" has done good job spreading around my submarines. They cover a lot of hexes now and I'am hoping to see some results in the forthcoming days.

At the moment though focus is on Clark Field. I'am moving extra 300av worth of infantry from Manila into Clark Field. Those will be replaced from the base south of Manila.

Blue arrows = Allied infantry movement.
Red circles = The invasion fleets "home bases". I'am conducting raids againts these bases.

Celebes (december 31st - january 1st 1942)


I did include an pic here to show how careful and devious Dave really is. Hats off to him again.

Red circles = IJN invasions.
Red arrow = Invasion TF heading into Kendari

I had some bombers staged in Amboina but these have now withdrawn. I didn't like this at all since Ambona kind of controls the whole Celebes area.

If you look at the picture you see mini KB covering any attempts of surface interdiction south of Kendari. Nice move and it is working as he intended.

I had few bombers flying assaults here last turn but unfortunately we did not hit anything.

I am surprised that Dave didn't split off some of his forces and land at Naga. If he had, he could have forced you to split your Luzon forces in order to hold onto Manila. Normally there is a Legaspi invasion force but I don't see that it landed there. Did he bring that around to Lingayen or did he use it farther south like maybe at Noumea?

ORIGINAL: seydlitz

I am surprised that Dave didn't split off some of his forces and land at Naga. If he had, he could have forced you to split your Luzon forces in order to hold onto Manila. Normally there is a Legaspi invasion force but I don't see that it landed there. Did he bring that around to Lingayen or did he use it farther south like maybe at Noumea?

With new naval combat system, it is easy to smash uncovered TFs with Allied heavy surface assets. So I don't think IJN player is too keen to split forces. Kind of very good commander he is, I bet his TFs are properly covered with Surface Combat TFs, backed with Carrier TFs.

IJN has certain limited amount of assets to cover very wide front, which gives Allied some chances even in early war.

Looks like an early landing at Abom to cut you off from evacing to Darwin. How is your defence strategy looking for Java? I would imagine those landings are only 30 to 45 days away depending on how long Singapore holds. Also is there still no sign of any incursions into Burma?

seydlitz: I have come to same conclusion what Sardaukar said. He could not have split his forces due lack of escorts and surface combat ships.

I still have sizeable army in Manila preparing for the assault there so he would have just ended up fighting in fronts and supplying runs would have hazardous.

Only way I see it he could have made 2 landings is with carrier support.

As for where those troops are well to be honest I do not know.

Sardaukar: Agreed 100%! I think it would have cost a lot more to land in the southern luzon.

jrlans: Yeah, that is definately his intent. He also puts pressure on Timor too with this move. Good job and not much to be done againts this.

It is coming along slowly. I would say that your estimate is correct. Allthough the only base he has captured so far is Miri and he needs more.

I doubt Singapore will be an pushover. I have been building up forts here and preparing. The supply levels are high. I will replace more leaders here too so we shall see whether he can actually wipe the peninsula quickly.

There seems to be many units in malaya but I have no intel what kind of strenght there actually is.

I don't know yet how much I want to commit into defense of Java. The ABDA fleet is intact. I have moved some smaller units into Java. I'am building up forts here on the strong points.It is an alomo for sure the only question is how much I want to sacrifice here. All the british reinforcements were turned away and ordered to move into India.

I could move those Banshees and P40E's from Oz into Java and might be doing so since I send fighters/bombers to Oz via off map bases from WC. I might get them in action as long as I have them instead just letting them sit there and wait for withdrawals.

Luzon (january 2nd and 3rd 1942)


As expected Dave launched an immediate ground offensive againts Clark Field.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 92336 troops, 921 guns, 257 vehicles, Assault Value = 2826

Defending force 33572 troops, 503 guns, 573 vehicles, Assault Value = 1042

Japanese adjusted assault: 1454

Allied adjusted defense: 2134

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
6206 casualties reported
Squads: 25 destroyed, 358 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 369 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 39 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 11 (0 destroyed, 11 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
3430 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 249 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 222 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 24 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 92 (14 destroyed, 78 disabled)


Assaulting units:
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
21st Division
Sasebo 8th SNLF
22nd Recon Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
Tanaka Detachment
48th Engineer Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
Kanno Detachment
113th Infantry Rgt /1
16th Infantry Regiment
4th Division
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
I./33rd Inf Regt
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
56th Engineer Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
33rd Division
4th Tank Regiment
56th Recon Regiment
65th Brigade
24th Infantry Regiment
I./4th Infantry Bn /4
1st RF Gun Battalion
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
3rd Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
6th Naval Construction Battalion
12th JAAF Base Force
26th Fld AA Gun Co
56th Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field AA Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
31st Fld AA Bn /1

Defending units:
11th PA Infantry Division
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
31st Infantry Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
Subic Bay Defenses
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
21st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Far East USAAF
Provisional Field Artillery Regiment
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
I Philippine Corps
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
1st USMC AA Battalion
1st PI Base Force
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

...WOW! Japanese have landed almost 3000av worth of troops. Thank god the forts held up and I think the leader changes were worth every PP spent!

The good thing is that supply levels are high so we ban rebuild units and keep building up forts here.

This land offensive is supported by massive lba raids againts our ground units.

Take an NOTE here: Every single Japanese ground assault is in SHOCK mode. This is happening in china and all over the map. I haven't seen any delibarate assaults. Not an single one yet!

I will receive 100av worth of troops in Bataan within 4 days and I have 2 fresh units entering Clark Field next turn. I can add up at least another 400av points here.

China (january 2nd and 3rd 1942)

The things are not going as planned here.

Red arrows = zero sweeps and lba bomber raids.
Blue arrows = chinese infantry movement.
Red circle = The japanese ground combat victory

As I pointed out earlier all the assaults have been in shock mode here. Chinese are not doing as well here. A couple of ground combat results from previous turn...


Ground combat at Tsiaotso (88,42)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 19667 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 633

Defending force 11118 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 295

Japanese adjusted assault: 548

Allied adjusted defense: 136

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tsiaotso !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
525 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
4977 casualties reported
Squads: 180 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 168 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 35 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
101st NCPC Route Brigade
15th RGC Temp. Division
17th RGC Temp. Division
16th RGC Temp. Division
16th Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st NCPC Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps

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

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 15561 troops, 124 guns, 65 vehicles, Assault Value = 457

Defending force 2206 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 421

Allied adjusted defense: 13

Japanese assault odds: 32 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wenchow !!!

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


Allied ground losses:
930 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
38th Division

Defending units:
14th Chinese Base Force

...so without forts you are going to get routed here. I have taken an note about the effectiviness of shock assaults. (Amboina did fall too with the initial assault. level 2 forts did not do much againts shock offensive)

Basically I'am shifting units in order to halt this offensive here.

AVG did not perform well againts those sweeping zeros either. We lost more than ac than downed. Not good at all.

IJA is also trying to trap out troops in southern china. There are 4 units north Pucheng trying to block the crossroad there. At least one of these unit was routed few days earlier. The push towards inner china will begin soon.

Central pacific (january 2nd and 3rd 1942)

I have been unloading at Christmas Island while Dave kept busy elsewhere with his operations,

There have been few submarines around and those have sunk few ships. Now it seems we are getting the attention of IJN carriers. I noticed this in operational report..

"TF 218 snooped by Japanese Aircraft at 174,141 near Christmas Island"
"PBY-5 Catalina reports radio transmissions at 174, 141 near Christmas Island"

So it seems some of his carriers have fueled at Truk and are heading towards this area. (The red circle indicate the estimate are of these carriers)

Lesson: Really check those reports since they can reveal a lot of stuff. Not directly but indirectly.

ORIGINAL: Sardaukar

With new naval combat system, it is easy to smash uncovered TFs with Allied heavy surface assets. So I don't think IJN player is too keen to split forces. Kind of very good commander he is, I bet his TFs are properly covered with Surface Combat TFs, backed with Carrier TFs.

IJN has certain limited amount of assets to cover very wide front, which gives Allied some chances even in early war.

It really depends on both the situation and japanese strategy.
On my pbem (playing Japanese) I was able to land at Legaspi, Davao and Altimoman in addition of Dave's landings at the same period. It happened the second week of the war and each invasion was covered by at least 2 CAs or 4 CLs, with CVLs providing air coverage. I agree to say that I had no unallocated warships.[;)]

--> It is possible if Jap player wants to [8D]

The only invasion made so far and not covered was Ternate since I wanted this base shortly in order to have air recon in the area.
The third weeks will see BB fleets to cover the second wave (since Force Z is still alive, I need BBs in DEI).

ORIGINAL: sval

ORIGINAL: Sardaukar

With new naval combat system, it is easy to smash uncovered TFs with Allied heavy surface assets. So I don't think IJN player is too keen to split forces. Kind of very good commander he is, I bet his TFs are properly covered with Surface Combat TFs, backed with Carrier TFs.

IJN has certain limited amount of assets to cover very wide front, which gives Allied some chances even in early war.

It really depends on both the situation and japanese strategy.
On my pbem (playing Japanese) I was able to land at Legaspi, Davao and Altimoman in addition of Dave's landings at the same period. It happened the second week of the war and each invasion was covered by at least 2 CAs or 4 CLs, with CVLs providing air coverage. I agree to say that I had no unallocated warships.[;)]

--> It is possible if Jap player wants to [8D]

The only invasion made so far and not covered was Ternate since I wanted this base shortly in order to have air recon in the area.
The third weeks will see BB fleets to cover the second wave (since Force Z is still alive, I need BBs in DEI).

I have no doubts that you can pull it off. It just the grand strategy you deciede to follow.

Actually have come around your "nickname" few times and lets just say that the allies where recieving end of those "stories"! [:D]

Allied supply lines in early 1942

I did recieve the combat replay turn. Somewhat quiet if you don't include the heavy lba raids againts Clark Field. These have been quite succesfull too in terms of ground losses.

So, instead of posting any operational summary I deciede to draw an map how the supplies / fuel will be delivered to the frontline.

These routes are mostly already on motion. Few of these are being build up ie. Tahiti area which can be useful now with AE.

It can serve as secondary fuel/supply are for the allies. It is not initially reachable with air raids and has few islands that can support large airfields. At least to my opinion this is not to be forgotten part of the map.

We also discussed about the "operational report" intel last post. I can confirm that carriers were spotted this turn and they will sunk few allied transports in the forthcoming turns. This also shows why you need Tahiti and few other bases in the rear since Pago Pago, Christmas Island and Fiji's are vulnerable to japanese carrier/surface raids at the beginning.

Instead of having all your supplies and fuel into these bases I think it will be wise to think those key bases as frontline bases which will recieve supplies and fuel when needed from nearby bases such as Tahiti.

I talked about those WC air units that have withdrawal dates set to mid 1942. Some of these are sent into Cape Town and others will be deployed so that they can protect our supply lines.

It is pretty obvious that Japanese hold the "centre" position so the allies priority is to setup his own asap.

Here is the map... next time around the normal operational analysis will be posted.

Keep in mind that this very early stages yet but these guide lines will be followed. Even if some setbacks are made we still have plenty of options to deliver the goods.

Luzon (january 4th - 7th 1942)


There has been no additional ground assaults launched againts Clark Field after the initial offensive was repulsed.

Instead Dave has brought in even more lba bombers and our troops receive several raids daily with no chance of decent fighter cover.

I think this is good move regarding this operation. In the AE bombers really are not worthless flying ground combat missions.

Here is an example from the combat reports regarding these bombing missions.

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

Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
P-26A x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 18000 feet

CAP engaged:
35th PG/21st PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
6th PS PAAC with P-26A (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 21
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 43
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 14
Ki-51 Sonia x 12



Allied aircraft
P-35A x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 9 damaged
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged



Allied ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 10000 feet
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
35th PG/34th PS with P-35A (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...
Also attacking 31st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment ...
Also attacking 21st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 31st Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Clark Field USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team ...
Also attacking 57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team ...
Also attacking Clark Field ...
Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...
Also attacking 31st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment ...
Also attacking 21st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...
Also attacking 31st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment ...
Also attacking 31st Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Clark Field USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team ...
Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...
Also attacking 31st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment ...
Also attacking 21st PA Infantry Division ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Manila at 79,77

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 11



Allied aircraft
P-26A x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 3 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Scout



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-30 Ann attacking from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
35th PG/21st PS with P-40E Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
6th PS PAAC with P-26A (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 14



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 3 damaged



Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 21st PA Infantry Division, at 79,76 (Clark Field)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 15
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 14
Ki-51 Sonia x 12



Allied aircraft
P-35A x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged



Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 10000 feet

CAP engaged:
35th PG/34th PS with P-35A (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes

Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...
Also attacking 21st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...
Also attacking 21st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...
Also attacking 21st PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking Subic Bay Defenses ...


The biggest change vs witp is that these strikes harm more units than one. With this change these runs are definately worthwile efforts.

Dave also has several squadrons on naval strikes and taking into consideration of all the changes made plenty of reserve bombers too.

I do expect the Clark Field to recieve next ground offensive within days time or so.

Otherwise it has been relatively quiet around the map. Thus meaning he is propably planning for next huge operation. My bet would be large scale offensive againts ABDA forces.

Enemy carriers are near Christmas Island / Palmyra area. US submarine tried to attack CV Akagi but unfortunately this was not succesfull.

By the  way, don't forget to lay some mines. Allied mine pool is not too big, but use what you got. And have that Argonaut to lay minefields. You may get lucky with them. 

ORIGINAL: Sardaukar

By the  way, don't forget to lay some mines. Allied mine pool is not too big, but use what you got. And have that Argonaut to lay minefields. You may get lucky with them. 

Definately. I'am constantly mining in all areas possible.

Allthough they don't seem to mount for much but hopefully we will get some lucky hits! [:D]

Luzon (january 8th and 9th 1942)

As expected those numerous airstrikes were the beginning of the 2nd ground assault againts Clark Field. Yet again allied troops repulsed this offensive but the losses were horrible to both sides.


Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 95215 troops, 913 guns, 653 vehicles, Assault Value = 2690

Defending force 28661 troops, 484 guns, 541 vehicles, Assault Value = 855

Japanese adjusted assault: 1643

Allied adjusted defense: 2164

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
2356 casualties reported
Squads: 23 destroyed, 146 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 114 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 48 disabled
Guns lost 4 (3 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 54 (2 destroyed, 52 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
5326 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 291 disabled
Non Combat: 39 destroyed, 272 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 61 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 62 (16 destroyed, 46 disabled)


Assaulting units:
I./33rd Inf Regt
56th Engineer Regiment
4th Division
48th Recon Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division
21st Division
48th Engineer Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF
56th Recon Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
65th Brigade
113th Infantry Rgt /1
Kanno Detachment
47th Infantry Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
Tanaka Detachment
I./4th Infantry Bn /4
3rd Mortar Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
14th Army
12th JAAF Base Force
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field AA Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
26th Fld AA Gun Co
56th Field Artillery Regiment
6th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
31st Fld AA Bn /1

Defending units:
31st Infantry Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
21st PA Infantry Division
45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
194th Tank Battalion
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
Subic Bay Defenses
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
1st PI Base Force
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
I Philippine Corps
Provisional Field Artillery Regiment
Far East USAAF
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment


Eventhough we did manage defend the perimeter our losses were nearly double compared to the japanese ones. I have no doubt that 3rd offensive is to be expected within 4 days time.

I don't have turn yet just the combat replay file so I cannot check what kind of damage this assault did. Not looking too good though.

China (january 8th and 9th 1942)


Another bad day in the office here.

This can be divided into 2 separate issue. It really seems that chinese infantry units are pretty much useless and japanese can roam free and assault at will. Here are the latest combat summaries below.

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

Ground combat at 89,31

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1536 troops, 0 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 81

Defending force 4904 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 130

Japanese adjusted assault: 69

Allied adjusted defense: 21

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1602 casualties reported
Squads: 58 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 64 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
23rd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese/C Corps

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

Ground combat at 92,36

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 39246 troops, 268 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 1236

Defending force 15410 troops, 87 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 388

Japanese adjusted assault: 1603

Allied adjusted defense: 67

Japanese assault odds: 23 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
938 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 54 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
8901 casualties reported
Squads: 238 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 247 destroyed, 115 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 5


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
41st Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
3rd NCPC Infantry Brigade
2nd NCPC Infantry Brigade
102nd NCPC Route Brigade
4th NCPC Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
35th Chinese/B Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
35th Chinese/C Corps
22nd Chinese/B Corps
13th Group Army

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

Ground combat at 84,48

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2634 troops, 12 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 108

Defending force 3611 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 71

Japanese adjusted assault: 119

Allied adjusted defense: 83

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
194 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
9th Armored Car Co
11th RGC Temp. Division

Defending units:
30th Chinese/C Corps


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

Ground combat at 84,48

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2642 troops, 12 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 107

Defending force 3388 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60

Japanese adjusted assault: 109

Allied adjusted defense: 13

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1

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

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


Allied ground losses:
1393 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 80 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
9th Armored Car Co
11th RGC Temp. Division

Defending units:
30th Chinese/C Corps


...this is horrible indeed. If you look at the losses than it speaks volumes. Chinese have suffered losses worse than 10:1! I sure do hope these guys are using bullets since we seem unable to cause any damage at all. I mean shocking is the most likely word to describe this.

There was the thread started by someone on "how japanese didn't stand a chance and chinese would storm through this theatre"...well, really no comments!

Keep in mind that we are not allowing any resource bombings made here by either side. Just think when japanese start bombing the light industry! It pretty much is good day and good night!

The second problem is AVG. These guys have yet to down a single Zero after those sweeps started. This is from the last turn.


Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14



Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 8


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 3 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 24000 feet

CAP engaged:
AVG/2nd Sqn with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
AVG/3rd Sqn with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

So, it seems he is sweeping at alltitude of 24,000. I have CAP at 16000 so I guess I need to up this to 25000 or such.

These are the elite pilots of AVG so I would expect a lot more from these. This is just one air battle of many that have occured. Oh, and there was the thread on how "poor and outdated the zeros are from the beginning".

All in all not good, not good at all!

ORIGINAL: aztez

China (january 8th and 9th 1942)


Another bad day in the office here.

This can be divided into 2 separate issue. It really seems that chinese infantry units are pretty much useless and japanese can roam free and assault at will.

Your statement nicely sums up the situation in China during the first months of the war. But take heart...the Chinese have more men than the Japanese have bullets.