THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

[Rio Bravo]

Hans-

I will check on the xAKs for your mentioned conversions next turn, turn 49 (January 23, 1942).

Tonight, I will read up a bit on conversions and what AKE's do, etc.

Thank you for stopping by and for your help, Hans.

Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Tahiti Defense[/center]
[center]As of January 22, 1942[/center]

Opening Note

AS many of you are already aware, Tahiti is very important to the Allies as the main logistical route from the U.S. West Coast to Australia is via Tahiti. Accordingly, the Allies intend to make it difficult for the Japanese to capture Tahiti!

Tahiti

Port 2 (55%)
Airfield 1
Fort 3

ENG 114th USAAF BF
ENG 115th USAAF BF
INF 49th Australian Bn
ENG 808yj EAB
ENG C Det USN Port Svc
INF Tahiti Detachment
INF 2/3 Ind Coy

53 AV
12 Aircraft

*There are presently four FA Artillery Regiments at Tahiti, but they are loading up and heading for Australia.

**The following units are in route to Tahiti from Pearl Harbor: 34th Combat Engr Rgt (63 AV), and the 95th and 97th Coastal AA Regiments.

***Transports are in route to Nadi and Suva to pickup the 30th NZ Bn (48 AV), 29th NZ Bn (48 AV), and 34th NZ Bn (48 AV) and deliver these ground forces to Tahiti.

***The following reinforcement units to arrive within the next 30 days are earmarked for Tahiti: 1st/102nd Infantry Bn (38 AV), 2nd/102nd Infantry Bn (38 AV), 3rd/102nd Infantry Bn (38 AV), and the 2/198th Cst AA Bn.

Unfortunately, this is all I think the Allies can afford to invest in Tahiti for the next thirty days.

End Note

As always, your analysis and comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]January 23, 1942[/center]

Damn Evil El Lobo Captures Manado:

Ground combat at Manado (75,99)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8241 troops, 72 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 218

Defending force 1622 troops, 8 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 55

Japanese adjusted assault: 149

Allied adjusted defense: 37

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Manado !!!

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

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

Allied ground losses:
793 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 37 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
24th Infantry Regiment
Kure 1st SNLF
7th Base Force
5th JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
Manado Garrison Battalion
Manado Base Force

Greedy Japanese Launch Another Amphibious Assault at Tandjoengpinang:

Amphibious Assault at Tandjoengpinang (50,85)

TF 75 troops unloading over beach at Tandjoengpinang, 50,85

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

17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 15th Nav Gd
17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost in surf during unload of 16th Nav Gd
10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 16th Nav Gd
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 16th Nav Gd

Japanese Mop-up Near Kuala Lumpur and Temuloh:

Ground combat at 49,78 (near Kuala Lumpur)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8022 troops, 163 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 254

Defending force 195 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 183

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 183 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
276 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
4th RTA Division
7th RTA Division
25th Army
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
5th Field Artillery Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
1st Mysore Battalion

And

Ground combat at 50,77 (near Temuloh)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7364 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 254

Defending force 8 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 175

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 175 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

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

Mandado Defensive Guns Dent xAK Bengal Maru!

Invasion Support action off Manado (75,99)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Wales Maru
xAK Koki Maru
xAK Bengal Maru, Shell hits 1
AMC Awata Maru

75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Wales Maru at 7,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Koki Maru at 7,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Bengal Maru at 7,000 yards

Assaulting units:
56th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
3rd ISF Base Force

AM Launceton Dents SSI-24 Near Portsea!

ASW attack near Portsea at 81,172

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 1

Allied Ships
AM Launceton

SS I-24 is sighted by escort
I-24 bottoming out ....
AM Launceton attacking submerged sub ....
AM Launceton cannot reach attack position over SS I-24
Escort abandons search for sub

Chinese Slap Japanese Around Near Long Son!

Ground combat at 71,56 (near Lang Son)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3318 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 97

Defending force 8151 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 173

Japanese adjusted assault: 72

Allied adjusted defense: 147

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
242 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps

Allies Bombard Japanese into the Turf at Batavia!

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6952 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 344

Defending force 15613 troops, 159 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 447

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

Assaulting units:
1st Regt Cavalerie
1st KNIL Regiment
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
2nd KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL AA Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
ML-KNIL
Merak Base Force
Batavia Base Force

Defending units:
55th Infantry Regiment
III/81st Naval Guard Unit
15th Guards Regiment
14th Guards Regiment
II./143rd Infantry Battalion
21st/B Division

Side Note

From the outset of the war, Japanese aircraft have pounded Chinese and continue to do so!

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]January 24, 1942[/center]

Japanese Capture Tandjoengpinang:

Ground combat at Tandjoengpinang (50,85)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2662 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 103

Defending force 88 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 71

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 71 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tandjoengpinang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), fatigue(-), morale(-)
experience(-)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
104 casualties repored
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Bintan Det. Base Force

Japanese Sub Mangles Allied xAK Near Noumea:

Submarine attack near Noumea at 112,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-7

Allied Ships
xAK Taiping, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

xAK Taiping is sighted by SS I-7
SS I-7 launches 2 torpedoes

Japanese Beat Back Chinese Near Sian:

Ground combat at 83,40 (near Sian)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12409 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 459

Defending force 16480 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 525

Japanese adjusted assault: 392

Allied adjusted defense: 187

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(+)

Japanese ground losses:
843 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2735 casualties reported
Squads: 300 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 195 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 13 (7 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
110th Division

Defending units:
36th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps

Japanese Destroy Allies Near Kuatan:

Ground combat at 50,79 (near Kuantan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3760 troops, 5 guns, 355 vehicles, Assault Value = 236

Defending force 116 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 148

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 148 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
5th Recon Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
1st ISF Base Force

Allies Whip Japanese at Batavia!

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15551 troops, 159 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 460

Defending force 13438 troops, 181 guns, 79 vehicles, Assault Value = 348

Japanese adjusted assault: 118

Allied adjusted defense: 1181

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 10 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1656 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled

Allied ground losses:
428 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
55th Infantry Regiment
II./143rd Infantry Battalion
15th Guards Regiment
14th Guards Regiment
21st/B Division
III/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Merak Base Force
1st KNIL AA Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
ML-KNIL
Batavia Base Force

Allies Put the Lead to Japanese at Batavia!

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6673 troops, 121 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 302

Defending force 14572 troops, 159 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 361

Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Merak Base Force
1st KNIL AA Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
ML-KNIL
Batavia Base Force

Defending units:
15th Guards Regiment
II./143rd Infantry Battalion
14th Guards Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
21st/B Division
III/81st Naval Guard Unit

Best Regards,

Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Australian Defense[/center]
[center]As of January 24, 1942[/center]


Opening Note

I feel a little sorry for Australia considering I stripped the country of every armored unit and every machine gun battalion, and shipped them off to India. However, I just think India is more important to the Allies than is Australia for reasons I will set forth when I present India's Defense Plan to The War College.

Outer Base

Other than bases having troops that can not move, only one base will serve as an outpost.

Alice Springs will provide early warning of an invasion from Darwin. Only the airbase is being built-up. Aircraft will be transferred to Alice Springs as the airbase builds. Aircraft will pound the Japanese coming South. When the enemy gets too close, the Base Forces in Alice Springs will take the train to points South of the Whyalla-Brisbane Line. Basically, the Base Force units that are presently at Alice Springs (or will be there soon) are those Base Forces withdrawn from bases North of Alice Springs.

The Whyalla-Brisbane Line

Most all of the Australian ground units and aircraft have withdrawn to the Whyalla-Brisbane Line and points South. I have chosen this defensive plan for the following reasons:

1.) Australia is a vast land and with so few troops it would have been difficult to provide any defense anywhere.
2.) Having more Base Forces at fewer bases will help to build forts and airbases faster. Both of which will be critical should the Japanese choose to invade Australia.
3.) Interior lines will be much shorter providing the opportunity for the bases to quickly support each other should the need arise (i.e., troops from one base rushing to assist troops at a base likely to be attacked or attacked).
4.) Unless the Japanese choose to invade on the coast between Brisbane and Whyalla, the Japanese will have long supply lines and hopefully the Allies will have ample opportunity to interdict such supply lines.

The Wyalla-Brisbane Line consists of the following Bases: Whyalla, Port Augusta, Broken Hill, Bourke, Toowoomba, and Brisbane. These bases and all bases South of the Whyalla-Brisbane Line (20 bases total), are all garrisoned. With few exceptions, each are presently garrisoned with a minimum of one Infantry Brigade, one RAAF Base Force, and one RAN Base Force. The majority of the bases have an assault value close to 100; some bases have a higher assault value.

Example: Broken Hill...5th RAAF BF, 4th RAN BF, and 6th Aus Cav Bde. This is typical of the 20 garrisoned bases though some have a bit higher assault values and some have CDs.

Allied Forces Earmarked for Australia

The following troops are presently loading in Tahiti and bound for Australia: the 131st FA Bn, 147th FA Regiment, the 148th FA Bn, and the 205th FA Bn. Upon arrival in Australia, these artillery units will join the 1st Medium Regiment and 2/16th artillery units at Wagga Wagga (remember, Wagga Wagga already has an Infantry Brigade, and the two Base Forces previously mentioned).

The following troops are in route from Pearl Harbor to Australia: the 64th and 251st AA Regiments, and the 101st and 111th USN Base Forces.

Though earmarked for India, the following U.S. Army Infantry units (as soon as they can be bought out) will leave Pearl for an extended layover in Australia (i.e., if need be, they will be available to help defend Australia): the 19th, 21st, 27th, and 35th Regiments.

The following USMC troops are in Hawaii loading on transports bound for Australia: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Defense Battalions, 2nd USMC Engineer Regiment, 1st Raider Battalion, 2nd USMC Parachute Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and I Amphibious Corps HQ.

The following USMC troops are in San Diego and as soon as they can be bought out will load on transports bound for Australia: 2nd Marine Regiment and 2nd USMC Tank Battalion. The 1st USMC Airwing is already in route from San Diego to Australia.

The following USMC reinforcements will head for Australia within the next 30 days: 2nd and 3rd Raider Battalions, and 2nd USMC FA Battalion.

About Perth

Right now the 2/7, 2/8, 2/9, and 2/10 armored units are in Perth awaiting boarding on transports bound for India. Once they have left, Perth is naked. As much as I'd like to keep Perth, I don't think it is worth weakening the Whyalla-Brisbane Line and points South. Especially considering that Australia will be supplied from the U.S. West Coast via Tahiti to Melbourne and Sydney.

All supply and fuel at Cape Town is earmarked for India.

End Note

It will take an extended time period to get troops to Australia. Especially those that need to be bought out.

Australia is in a precarious position and will be for the next few months. If El Lobo invests heavily in Australia, I feel sorry for the Australians.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[BBfanboy]

It is hard for the Japanese to get supply to move south from Darwin to Alice Springs, but if there is no fighting going on they will have enough to reach the latter. Their tanks will be the first thing to get there. Since you are removing all the allied tanks you should put at least one anti-tank gun unit in Alice Springs.

He will likely find out from recon that N. Aus is empty, but he may not know how far south it goes and may not want the empty north. But if he gets any indications that India has a lot of Australian units he may go whole-hog for Australia. If he does capture it, I am not sure whether your Australian units can get any replacements or updates, other than the ones shared with other nations. You will also lose some aircraft factories that produce pretty good aircraft, like the Beaufort torpedo planes.

Other players have shown that it is possible to hold in both India and Australia by keeping the most important industrial and port cities with good internal lines of communication between them. This is a viable alternative to the all-or-nothing gamble you are taking, but it will also be interesting to see how your strategy works out. Good luck.

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

It is hard for the Japanese to get supply to move south from Darwin to Alice Springs, but if there is no fighting going on they will have enough to reach the latter. Their tanks will be the first thing to get there. Since you are removing all the allied tanks you should put at least one anti-tank gun unit in Alice Springs.

He will likely find out from recon that N. Aus is empty, but he may not know how far south it goes and may not want the empty north. But if he gets any indications that India has a lot of Australian units he may go whole-hog for Australia. If he does capture it, I am not sure whether your Australian units can get any replacements or updates, other than the ones shared with other nations. You will also lose some aircraft factories that produce pretty good aircraft, like the Beaufort torpedo planes.

Other players have shown that it is possible to hold in both India and Australia by keeping the most important industrial and port cities with good internal lines of communication between them. This is a viable alternative to the all-or-nothing gamble you are taking, but it will also be interesting to see how your strategy works out. Good luck.

BBfanboy-

I think India is more important than Australia. I also want to stuff India to prepare to take back Burma commencing October 15, 1942. Lastly, I think El Lobo will choose India over Australia.

So far the Australian armored units and machine gun battalions that are in route to India or already in India have not been detected. Only four more armored units to get there without detection. And, I agree, I don't want him to really know that I am stuffing India with the I Australia Corps and the bought out armored and machine gun units. That is why I am hiding all Auzzis in the interior of India versus leaving them at Cochin, Bombay, Madras, etc. I am thinking on sending the NZ armor units (three of them) to India.

Artillery and marines are on the way to Australia. More troops are earmarked for Australia. I am hoping that I can hold off the Japanese for about 45 days. If I can, Australia should have enough units to continue to hold as more units pour him from the West Coast.

I figure if he invades Australia within the next three weeks or so, like you say, it is going to be touch and go as to whether I can at least hold Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

The other thing that won't help Australia, but will help India is that all war ships west of Pearl are either in Bombay or shortly to arrive in Bombay.

Only a few short legged DDs and two short legged CLs are left in Australia (at Melbourne). And, all but two subs went to Colombo and are working out of there.

I don't have any anti-tank armor except for the one that is in route from the east coast to Cape town.


Best Regards,

Terry

[Rio Bravo]

Sure miss the Boisie!

[BBfanboy]

Rio Bravo: I don't have any anti-tank armor except for the one that is in route from the east coast to Cape town.

There are some Australian units named "Tank Attack Battalion (or Regiment)" that look like artillery but if you check the TOE they have only 2-pounder A/T guns and some kind of vehicle to tow them.

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]January 25, 1942[/center]

Japanese Forces Capture Balikpapan and Victoria Point:

Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13079 troops, 124 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 450

Defending force 1524 troops, 35 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 29

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 415

Allied adjusted defense: 14

Japanese assault odds: 29 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Balikpapan !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

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

Allied ground losses:
615 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 37 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 22 (19 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
19th Division

Defending units:
VI KNIL Battalion
Balikpapan Base Force

And

Ground combat at Victoria Point (51,66)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4365 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 148

Defending force 355 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Japanese adjusted assault: 60

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Victoria Point !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(-), preparation(-)
morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Allied ground losses:
234 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (7 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
17th Indpt Guards Regiment

Defending units:
108th/2 Base Force

Allied ASW Punches Japanese Sub 13 Times Near Port Kembla!

Sub attack near Port Kembla at 89,170

Japanese Ships
SS I-6, hits 13, heavy damage

Allied Ships
AM Latrobe
AM Lithgow

SS I-6 launches 2 torpedoes at AM Latrobe
I-6 diving deep ....
AM Lithgow attacking submerged sub ....
AM Latrobe fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Lithgow fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Latrobe fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Lithgow fails to find sub and abandons search
AM Latrobe fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Latrobe attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-6 forced to surface!
AM Lithgow firing on surfaced sub ....
AM Lithgow firing on surfaced sub ....
AM Lithgow firing on surfaced sub ....
AM Lithgow firing on surfaced sub ....
AM Lithgow firing on surfaced sub ....
AM Lithgow firing on surfaced sub ....
AM Lithgow firing on surfaced sub ....
Contact with submarine is lost

Allied Batavia Bombardment Rips Into Japanese!

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6725 troops, 121 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 311

Defending force 14579 troops, 157 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 366

Japanese ground losses:
229 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 7 (3 destroyed, 4 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
1st Regt Cavalerie
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
1st KNIL AA Battalion
ML-KNIL
Merak Base Force
Batavia Base Force

Defending units:
14th Guards Regiment
15th Guards Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
II./143rd Infantry Battalion
21st/B Division
III/81st Naval Guard Unit

End Note

El Lobo advised in an email that January 26, 1942 is going to be a doozy. Intelligence Report advised Japanese Aircraft was sighted off San Francisco. Personally, I think he finally has enough supply to try to assault Sian (for a couple weeks, the Chinese have blocked supply route roads behind the Japanese Assault Forces targeting Sian). Or El Lobo has troops freed from Singapore and is ready to hit Burma! Guess we'll find out what he means by "a real doozy" tomorrow.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Rio Bravo: I don't have any anti-tank armor except for the one that is in route from the east coast to Cape town.

There are some Australian units named "Tank Attack Battalion (or Regiment)" that look like artillery but if you check the TOE they have only 2-pounder A/T guns and some kind of vehicle to tow them.

BBfanboy-

I will check the Australia armor bought out under I Australia Corps.

However, all Australia armor is either already in India or somewhere between Perth and India except for three armor units still at Perth. I don't believe any of the armor still at Perth are anti-tank units.

As you recommend, I probably should have kept back a couple armor units, especially an anti-tank killer.

As always, thank you for your analysis and comment.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]INDIA DEFENSE[/center]

[center]As of January 25, 1942[/center]

Opening Note

Early in the war, Defense of India is perhaps the most critical turf for the Allies for the following reasons:

1.) Considering El Lobo has already shown that he intends to conquer all of China, it makes good sense that he will want Burma and India too.
2.) The Allies plan to take back Burma commencing October 15, 1942, and from there move through China toward Manchukuo and Korea.
3.) On the other side of the world, the Allies plan to hit the Marianas Islands (but no doubt, not as early as October 15, 1942).
4.) The Allied Grand strategy is to hit the Japanese in the West and in the East, to stretch out his defensive lines making it more difficult for El Lobo’s troops, ships, and aircraft to support each other.

Further, I think it will be great fun fighting a land war in China as early as possible. I am no doubt dreaming, but I would love to cross the Burma border into China during January, 1943. If El Lobo struggles in India, it might just be possible to roll into China during January of 1943.

Military Forces Presently in India

Of course, all of the Northern Command, Eastern Command, and Southern Command forces.

ABDA: ABDA HQ, KNIL Army Command HQy, Burma Command HQc, B Sqn 3rd Hussars Armor Rgt, 2/2nd Ind INF Coy, Gull INF Bn, and Sparrow INF Bn. 129 AV.

III India Corps: 85th British AT Rgt, 6th Heavy AA Rgt, 77th Heavy AA Rgt, 21st Light AA Rgt, 36th Light AA Rgt, 48th Light AA Rgt, 251st Recon Armor Bn, 5/14th Punjab INF Bn, 44th Indian INF Bde, 45th Indian INF Bde, 53rd British INF Bde, 54th British INF Bde, and 55th British INF Bde. 817 AV.

Burma Corps: 100th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd, 104th, 105th, 106th, 107th and 108th BFs, 27th Indian Mtn gun ART Rgt, 1st Burma Auxiliary AA Rgt, 2nd Royal Tank ARM Rgt, 7th Hussars ARM Rgt, 2nd King Own YLI INF Bn, Tenassesrim BAF INF Bn, 1st Gloucestershire INF Bn, BFF INF Bde, Mandalay BMP INF Bn, Railway BAF INF Bn, Rangoon BAF INF Bn, Upper Burma RAF INF Bn, 9/11th Sikh INF Bn, 4/14th Punjab INF Bn, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Burma Rifles INF Bns., 1st and 2nd Burma Bdes, 4/8th Gurkha INF Bn, 48th Gurkha Bn, and the 16th, 46th, and 63rd Indian INF Bdes. 1,272 AV.

Eastern Fleet Forces: Not much.

I Australia Corps: I Australian Corps HQ, 10th Light Horse ARM Bn, 1st Motor ARM Bde, 2nd Recon ARM Bn, 2/3rd and 2/4th MG INF Bns, and the 16th and 17th Australian Bdes. 517 AV.

Aircraft: 221 Group RAF (75 aircraft), 222 Group RAF (6 aircraft), 223 Group RAF (66 aircraft), 224 Group RAF (119 aircraft), AHQ India (52 aircraft). 318 total aircraft in India.

Military Forces In Route to India

ABDA: B Coy/NG Rifles INF Bn, Lark INF Bn, Port Moresby INF Bde.

I Australian Corps: 3rd Motor ARM Bde, 108th Anti-Tank Bn, 2/4, 2/5, 2/6, 2/7, and 2/11th ARM Bns, 19th Australian INF Bde, 6th Australian Calvary INF Rgt, 17th, 19th, and 25th INF Bns. The 2/8, 2/9, and 2/10 ARM Bns are loading at Perth.

Chinese: the 36th and 88th Chinese INF Divisions are 1 nautical mile from crossing the Burma/India border. The 200th, 22nd, and 96th Chinese INF Divisions are 58 nautical miles from crossing the Burma/India border. The 2nd Reserve INF Division is 154 miles from crossing the Burma/India border (at Katha). The following Chinese INF units are in strategic mode loading on the train for Katha: 28th, 38th, and 39th New Chinese Divisions, 49th Chinese Division, 55th Prov Chinese Division, 93rd Chinese Division, and HQy Central Reserve China Command.

Aircraft: In route from Aden-135th and 139th Squadrons.

U. S. Forces: The II U.S. Fighter Squadrons, V U.S. Bomber Squadrons, Tenth USAAF, and the six U.S. Army Divisions (minus the four Infantry Regiments at Pearl that are earmarked for a long layover in Australia) supported with AA, ART, and BFs have all left the East Coast for Cape Town. The first of these U.S. forces arrive in Cape Town in 18 days. Many of these forces need to be bought out. I expect U.S. forces to begin arriving in India mid March.

Reinforcements Arriving Within the Next 30 Days and Earmarked for India

At Aden: RAF 221 and 224 Group BFs, 25th Indian Mtn Gun Rgt, 7th Aus Div Cav Rgt, the 2/9th, 2/11th, and 2/13th Field Rgts, and the 18th, 21st, and 25th Aus Bdes.

At Madras: 2nd Indian Cst Art Rgt, 23rd Indian Division, and 1st Madras Cnstr. Bn.

At Rangoon: RM Viper Force.

At Bombay: 1st Bombay Cnstr. Bn.

At Diamond Harbor: 1st Bengal Cnstr. Bn.

At Karachi: RAF 221 Group Wing and 95th Heavy AA Rgt.

India Two Main Defensive Lines

The first Defensive line (Karachi-Bombay Line) runs North to South along the West Coast of India and consists of the following bases: Karachi, Hyderabad (Sindh), Amedabad, Surat, and Bombay. The garrisons for these bases are as follows:

Karachi: Most of the Northern Command forces.

Hyderabad (Sindh): Half of I Australian Corps Forces (Reserve Force to Support Karachi if needed).

Surat: Most of the Eastern Command Forces.

Amedabad: Half of I Australian Corps (Reserve Force to support Surat and Bombay if needed).

Bombay: Most of the Southern Command Forces and all Chinese Forces that escape to India.

The Second Defensive Line (Bombay to Lucknow) runs West to East and consists of the following bases and hex: Bombay, Jalgaon, Bhopal, Hex 47/24, Cawnpore, and Lucknow. The garrisons for these bases are as follows:

Bombay: See above.

Jalgaon: All ABDA Forces.

Bhopal: All III India Corps Forces.

Hex 47/24, Cawnpore, and Lucknow: All Burma Corps Forces.

The Chittagong-Ledo Line

The Chittagong-Ledo Line is not really intended to be a major defensive line, but rather is viewed as an attempt to hold as long as possible to build up the airbases. This line will be the staging area line for the Allies to launch the Burma Offensive (hopefully on October 15, 1942) to take back Burma. The Chittagong-Ledo Line consists of the following bases: Chittagong, Silchar, Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, Johart, and Ledo. Each of these bases is presently garrisoned with one infantry battalion and one Base Force. If the Japanese press this line or attempt to cut these troops off, these troops will withdraw to points North of the Bombay-Lucknow Line.

Outpost Bases

The Allies would like to hold Madras and Calcutta. Should the Japanese press hard in India, the garrisons at these bases will most likely withdraw to points North of the Bombay Lucknow Line.

The U.S. Forces, Aircraft, and Combat Ships

As U.S. Forces arrive in India, those forces will consolidate and be held in reserve at Indore.

Aircraft groups are presently primarily training for ground attack and are presently situated at the following bases:

Karachi: 221 Group RAF

Hyderabad (Sindh): 222 Group RAF

Surat: 223 Group RAF

Bombay: 224 Group RAF

Delhi: AHQ India

When the II U.S. Fighter Squadrons, V U.S. Bomber Squadrons, and Tenth USAAF Squadrons arrive, they will be distributed to bases within the interior of the Karachi-Bombay and Bombay-Lucknow Lines.

Most all of the major surface combat ships that started the war West of Pearl Harbor, including the Prince of Wales, Repulse, Houston, and Marblehead are either at Bombay or soon to arrive in Bombay. The Hermes and Indomitable are at Bombay. Support ships are also in Bombay.

All Dutch and British subs (17 total) are presently either at or around Colombo. AS (4 total) are at Colombo.

End Note

If the balance of the I Australian Corps and the balance of the Chinese Divisions arrive in India prior to the Japanese arrival, I think India can give the Japanese a good fight for their fuel and supply expenditures.

Once the U.S. Forces (including all Aircraft Groups) arrive in India, I think the Japanese can be shoved out of India.

Well, for now, that is the defensive plan for India. However, as with all plans, one needs to be flexible to adapt to the circumstances of the war, as needed or as appropriate and beneficial.

Have I confused all of you yet?

As always, your analysis and comments are welcome.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]CHINA DEFENSE[/center]
[center]As of January 26, 1942[/center]

Opening Note

El Lobo’s Imperial Japanese Air Force has been heavily bombing China from the outset of hostilities. His grounds troops have steadily advanced toward Sian along the following roads:

Paotow to Lanchow
Taiyuan to Sian (both roads Sian)
Loyang to Sian
Nanyang to Sian

Presently, the Japanese have stopped advancing elsewhere in China.

Paotow to Lanchow

Seven Japanese units are attacking in Lanchow. The 81st Chinese Corps is two hexes NW of Paotow; interdicting the Japanese supply line from Paotow to Lanchow.

The Chinese are in full supply at Lanchow, have an AV of 427, and have the 8th Army HQy leading them. The 259th Chinese Brigade (81 AV) is 23 nautical miles from Lanchow. Lanchow is Fort 3 (7%).

Taiyuan to Sian

The Japanese have one unit NW of Sian interdicting supply to Sian, one unit NE of Sian, and 32 units in Sian.

The Chinese are interdicting Japanese supply from Taiyuan to Sian on both roads as follows:

The 6th Group Army and the 19th Chinese Corps HQc (93 AV) are in the mountains 1 hex W of Taiyuan.

The 23rd Chinese Corps (50 AV) are in the woods 2 hexes W of Taiyuan.

The 9th Chinese Corps is 6 hexes SW of Taiyuan.

Sian only has 2,063 supply and 9,935 is required (not good). Sian is Fort 3 (80%). The Chinese have 2,783 AV at Sian.

Loyang to Sian

The Japanese have 22 units at the crossroads, 1 hex SE of Sian at hex 84,42; 3 units S4 of Sian at hex 83,42; 8 units 2 hexes SE of Sian at hex 85,42; 1 unit 3 hexes SE of Sian at hex 86,42; and 3 units 4 hexes SE of Sian at hex 85,43.

The Japanese have a fully open route for supply from Loyang to Sian.

Nanyang to Sian

The Japanese have 1 unit in Nanyang and 14 units 1 hex NW of Nanyang at hex 85,45.

The Chinese are interdicting the Japanese supply line from Nanyang to Sian with 1,129 AV one hex NW of Sian at hex 85,42 and with 12 AV 2 hexes NW of Nanyang at hex 85,44. All these units are fully supplied.

Lanchow to Tienshui

At Kunchang: Fort 2 (40%); 197 AV; 865 Supply; 1,099 Supply needed (not good)

At Tienshui: Fort 2 (1%); 170 AV; fully supplied

Sian to Kienko

1 Hex NW of Sian at Hex 82,39; 243 AV; 557 supply; 1,486 required
2 hexes NE of Sian at hex 84,39; moving West; 717 AV; 1,699 supply; 1,895 required
2 Hexes NW of Sian at hex 81,39; 461 AV; fully supplied
3 Hexes NW of Sian at hex 81,40, in the mountains; 362 AV; 790 supply; 842 required
1 Hex West of Kienko at hex 79,41; 829 AV; fully supplied
At Kienko: Fort 3 (6%); 2173 AV; 5,610 supply; 6,582 required

Nanyang to Hex 81,41

2 hexes SE of Ankang at hex 83,44; moving NW to Hex 81,41; 981 AV; 2,581 supply; 2,710 required
At Ankang: Fort 1 (0%); 195 AV; fully supplied
1 hex NW of Ankang At Hex 81,41 (in the mountains); 288 AV; 685 supply; 837 required

Chungking to Kienko

At Chungking: Fort 6; 4,639 AV; 11,078 supply; 14,010 required
1 hex SW of Kienko at hex 78,42; 410 AV; fully supplied

End Note

Well, that is the bulk of the battle in China. I have no idea how long it will be until Chungking falls nor how long until El Lobo conquers all of China.

As always your analysis and comments are most welcome and appreciated.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Bombardment Offensive?[/center]

To: Gentlemen of The War College
Topic: Bombardment Offensive
Date: January 26, 1942

Gentlemen and Some who Aren't too Sure-

I think it is time that the Allies give El Lobo something to worry about.

I am seriously considering a naval bombardment of either the Marianas Islands, the Marshall Islands, or Gilbert Islands. I would like to do this soon, dampen the escalation of fort building, port capacity, and air capacity. Perhaps, even catch and damage some aircraft on the ground. I have no idea what El Lobo has at any of these Island Groups.

Last I heard, the KB was in Singapore.

The following ships, at the following locations, are available for such a bombardment offensive (and I would like to use all of them except for the battleships that are refitting):

At Seattle

4 CV
9 BB (the Tennessee (35 days), California (35 days), and Pennsylvania (13 days)are refitting
12 CA
7 CL
35 DD (all with endurance of 6500 or above)

At Tacoma

8 DM
13 DMS
4 AD
3 AV
6 AVD
6 AVP
8 AO
3 AE

At Pearl

2 AR

Subs Soon to be at Midway Island

20 (perhaps to be used as a screen to give notice of KB heading toward the Island Group we bombard?)

Questions

Any thoughts on how to best recon these Island Groups?

Any Thoughts on which Island Group would give El Lobo the biggest pain in his ass?

End Note

If we decide to go forward with this, I will seek the counsel of The War College as to configuration of Task Forces, destination hexes for the Task Forces, timing for Task Forces to reach hex destinations (i.e., which Task Force goes in first, second, etc.), and settings for aircraft (I am thinking all CAP for 2 hexes?).

Rally Boys, let's give El Lobo some living hell!

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]January 26, 1942[/center]

Japanese Invade Bengkalis:

Amphibious Assault at Bengkalis (48,82)

TF 228 troops unloading over beach at Bengkalis, 48,82

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of 4th/A Div /2
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 4th/A Div /3
10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 4th/A Div /5

Japanese Bombard Sian:

Ground combat at Sian (83,41)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7530 troops, 486 guns, 580 vehicles, Assault Value = 1897

Defending force 84256 troops, 557 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2230

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
978 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
14th Division
24th Division
12th Division
1st Engineer Regiment
23rd Division
4th RF Gun Battalion
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
46th Const Co
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
9th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
22nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
1st Field Artillery Regiment
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
45th Const Co
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
69th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
3rd Construction Regiment
7th Group Army
1st War Area
4th Chinese Base Force
34th Group Army
15th Group Army
36th Group Army
39th Group Army
2nd War Area
8th Group Army
24th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force
Jingcha War Area
10th Chinese Base Force
14th Group Army
7th Construction Regiment

Chinese Get Stubborn Near Sian!

Ground combat at 83,40 (near Sian)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 20627 troops, 153 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 580

Defending force 11826 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 400

Allied adjusted assault: 379

Japanese adjusted defense: 609

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1323 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 65 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1025 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 147 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps

Defending units:
110th Division

Chinese Continue to Shred Japanese by Bombardment at Batavia!

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6770 troops, 121 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 319

Defending force 14630 troops, 154 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 373

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL AA Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
ML-KNIL
Merak Base Force
Batavia Base Force

Defending units:
55th Infantry Regiment
14th Guards Regiment
II./143rd Infantry Battalion
15th Guards Regiment
21st/B Division
III/81st Naval Guard Unit

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]January 27, 1942[/center]

Japanese Capture Bengkalis and Tandjoengselor:

Ground combat at Bengkalis (48,82)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4410 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 152

Defending force 79 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 76

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 76 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bengkalis !!!

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

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

Assaulting units:
4th/A Division

Defending units:
Bengkalis Base Force

And

Ground combat at Tandjoengselor (68,92)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3767 troops, 34 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 136

Defending force 1157 troops, 17 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 18

Japanese adjusted assault: 83

Allied adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tandjoengselor !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
387 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (9 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
21st/A Division

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Coastal Gun Battalion
Tarakan Base Force

Japanese Push Back Allied Forces Near Cagayan and Sian:

Ground combat at 79,90 (near Cagayan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8447 troops, 81 guns, 22 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Defending force 351 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 18

Japanese adjusted assault: 220

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 220 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(-), morale(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
485 casualties reported
Squads: 30 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
33rd/A Division
33rd/B Division

Defending units:
3rd/101st PA Battalion

And

Ground combat at 84,43 (near Sian)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2070 troops, 0 guns, 309 vehicles, Assault Value = 173

Defending force 1778 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 14

Japanese adjusted assault: 138

Allied adjusted defense: 31

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
533 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (5 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
5th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
38th Chinese Corps
4th Group Army

Georgetown Mine Punches Hole in xAK Shoho Maru!

TF 14 encounters mine field at Georgetown (49,74)

Japanese Ships
xAK Shoho Maru, Mine hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allies hold Near Kuala Lumpur!

Ground combat at Kuala Lumpur (49,79)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6149 troops, 36 guns, 286 vehicles, Assault Value = 305

Defending force 4849 troops, 41 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 47

Japanese adjusted assault: 123

Allied adjusted defense: 45

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
189 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 8 (6 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
14th Tank Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
4th RTA Division

Defending units:
22nd Australian Brigade
22nd Indian Brigade
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
112th RAF Base Force
2nd ISF Base Force
223 Group RAF
109th RN Base Force
5/2nd Punjab Battalion

Allies Bombard Japanese at Batavia!

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6818 troops, 121 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 324

Defending force 14755 troops, 154 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 384

Japanese ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st Regt Cavalerie
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
2nd KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
ML-KNIL
Merak Base Force
1st KNIL AA Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Batavia Base Force

Defending units:
15th Guards Regiment
II./143rd Infantry Battalion
55th Infantry Regiment
14th Guards Regiment
21st/B Division
III/81st Naval Guard Unit

Best Regards,

-Terry

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]Bombardment Offensive?[/center]

To: Gentlemen of The War College
Topic: Bombardment Offensive
Date: January 26, 1942

Gentlemen and Some who Aren't too Sure-

I think it is time that the Allies give El Lobo something to worry about.

I am seriously considering a naval bombardment of either the Marianas Islands, the Marshall Islands, or Gilbert Islands. I would like to do this soon, dampen the escalation of fort building, port capacity, and air capacity. Perhaps, even catch and damage some aircraft on the ground. I have no idea what El Lobo has at any of these Island Groups.

Odds are at this stage, he'll have little more than token units in the Marianas/Marshals/Gilberts.

I think you need to decide what you want to do with a bit more clarity for long term goals.

- Is this an early sortie into CentPac? You can focus your naval power on a single target (lets say Wake, fe, but there are plenty of other targets), smash the defenders with carrier and battleship power and land to take the base quickly while the KB is elsewhere. Leave behind a few Marine Defense Bns, engineers and fighters and a whole bunch of supply and mines to make re-taking the base difficult for Japan.

This has the advantage of forcing him to commit assets to recapture or suppress the island, or giving you a foothold for your later counter-offensives.

- Do you just want to raid? If so, the only real target worth attacking in CentPac is Truk, and getting close enough to Truk without being detected is risky.

If you want to raid, go for the Home Islands. It is a much more target-rich environment than CentPac (cities can't sail away!) and this early in the game the defense of the Home Island tend to be sparse.

[Trout Bum]

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]Bombardment Offensive?[/center]

To: Gentlemen of The War College
Topic: Bombardment Offensive
Date: January 26, 1942

Gentlemen and Some who Aren't too Sure-

I think it is time that the Allies give El Lobo something to worry about.

I am seriously considering a naval bombardment of either the Marianas Islands, the Marshall Islands, or Gilbert Islands. I would like to do this soon, dampen the escalation of fort building, port capacity, and air capacity. Perhaps, even catch and damage some aircraft on the ground. I have no idea what El Lobo has at any of these Island Groups.

Odds are at this stage, he'll have little more than token units in the Marianas/Marshals/Gilberts.

I think you need to decide what you want to do with a bit more clarity for long term goals.

- Is this an early sortie into CentPac? You can focus your naval power on a single target (lets say Wake, fe, but there are plenty of other targets), smash the defenders with carrier and battleship power and land to take the base quickly while the KB is elsewhere. Leave behind a few Marine Defense Bns, engineers and fighters and a whole bunch of supply and mines to make re-taking the base difficult for Japan.

This has the advantage of forcing him to commit assets to recapture or suppress the island, or giving you a foothold for your later counter-offensives.

- Do you just want to raid? If so, the only real target worth attacking in CentPac is Truk, and getting close enough to Truk without being detected is risky.

If you want to raid, go for the Home Islands. It is a much more target-rich environment than CentPac (cities can't sail away!) and this early in the game the defense of the Home Island tend to be sparse.

mind_messing-

Thank you for your analysis and comments.

Recon indicates that the allies still possess all of the Gilbert and Marshall Island groups. Accordingly, no need to bombard these two island groups.

I am seriously worried about bombarding Japan's Home Islands for fear of the KB catching up to my four carriers and the bombardment task forces. As fun as it would be to dent his homeland or take a slice out of Truk, I think I am just too frightened to do that this early in the war.

At the outset, let me mention that I realize that I need to remain flexible with long term plans in order to be able to adjust to circumstances of the war as the war progresses. Having said that, I also realize that I need to have some long range plans, as without them, I won't be properly prepared to mount any kind of offensive.

In a nutshell or two, my long term offensive strategy entails the following:

1.) Avoid the middle of Japan's expanding Empire (ie, Malaya, the Philippines, Sumatra, Java, etc.).

2.) Intially, the first offensive phase, is to strike at El Lobo's flanks:

a.) On October 15, 1942 (i.e., after the monsoon season ends), cross the Indian border into Burma with ABDA, Eastern Fleet, III India Corps, Burma Corps, Chinese, I Australian Corps, and U.S. Army forces.

b.) As close as reasonably possible to October 15, 1942, invade the Marianas Islands with U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy forces.

3.) The second offensive phase is to link-up my Western Offensive and Eastern Offensive thereby cutting El Lobo's Empire in half and starving Japan Proper of oil and supply, as follows:

a.) From Burma, conquer China.

b.) From the Marianas Islands, conquer Ulithi Island, Yap Island, Babeldaob, Peleliu, and Formosa.

4.) The third offensive phase is as follows:

a.) From China, conquer Manchukuo and Korea.

b.) From Formosa, conquer Okinawa.

Bombarding the Marianas is in keeping with my long term offensive strategy as follows:

a.) Damage Fortification Levels, Port Capacities, Airfield Capacities, and hopefully, get lucky and destroy some land forces, aircraft, and ships.

b.) Hopefully, repeatedly bombard the Marianas(say once a month) to keep the Marianas Islands from building up too much so that it is easier to conquer as soon as seems practical after October 15, 1942 (no doubt won't happen until mid 1943 or a little later).

In other words, avoid the middle of the Japanese Empire, strike the Empire on its flanks, cut the Empire in half (thereby linking Allied Forces and blockading Japan Proper), and lastly bomb the heck out of Japan Proper from Korea and Okinawa.

I have been in the process of moving and positioning land forces, aircraft, and ships in keeping with such a Grand Strategy.

Would such a Grand Strategy be feasible? I have no idea. But, it sounds like fun.

What do you think, mind_messing and other War College Strategists; worth the gamble?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

Sorry, everyone.

I somehow managed to post as Trout Bum (my Matrix Games name versus Rio Bravo my forum name), I think.

This is making me laugh.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[pontiouspilot]

I think I had Trout Bum once but the cream the doctor gave me cleared it up nicely! You can get it from sitting on your ass playing computer games too much I'm told.

RE your bombardment. My suggestion is that you scout the home waters and shoot for one or more home city. Scout out of Alaska using smaller vessels. I would wager that your opponent is too busy elsewhere to have even bothered with routine recon at home. I'm not sure I would use any carriers, except to cover any pursuit. Assuming you have a few BBs this is good practice for them. Make sure you take plenty of replenishment since they will have to run like hell. I did read 1 AAR where the raid was done with carriers. It was enormously effective (maybe it was Loko or Mind Messer). I have done it in 2 games with BBs and in both they got in clean and got away without anybody shooting at them. To do this or your other raid you MUST know with almost certainty where KB is. If your opponent is dinking around having his way with you in Ind Oc. or some like spot this can be a considerable psych waker upper.