The Good The Bad & The Indifferent

[Canoerebel]

8/12/42

Bay of Bengal: Another unexectedly serene day in the Bay of Bengal. CA Australia makes it back to Colombo for some yard work. CVL Hermes is into the Arabian Sea and probably safe. CA Pensacola forms a new TF at Chittagong. Ramree Island now has 6k supply and will become a level four airfield tomorrow. xAKL are delivering supply to Ramree (a more efficient and less hazardous way of doing things). Now that most of the ship-shifting is complete (most are now safely far north of Ceylon), I'm moving a bunch of fighter units back up towards Calcutta Chittagong. All-in-all, the dangerous two-week period in which so many ships were chancing the "gauntlet" (as John termed it) went very well.

Burma: John has made a series of email comments that we've reached a "summer doldrums" kind of boring spell. I understand where he's coming from - no sexy carrier action has taken place in quite some time and I hope none is pending. But I disagree. Every turn is full of excitement as I wait for John to pounce in the B of B. Every day there are ships moving to Ramree (at a minimum the CA Vincennes TF to interdict possible enemy bombardment action or combat TFs that might interdict my shipping). Most days I have important ships in the vulnerable position of running the gauntlet near Colombo. We have vast airforces in close proximity so that a massive battle could begin at any moment. And, if nothing happens at all, the Allies continue to move and build along the vital corridor streteching from Kalemyo to Akyab to Ramree.

Pacific: Four USN carriers are perhaps four days from Pearl. SigInt that 31st Reg't is aboard a maru bound for Attu (if 7th Div. is moving there also, as SigInt indicated last week, that's a huge garrison for that outpost. I'm waiting for SigInt confirming that 7th is indeed there; if John diverted it and is relying on 31st Reg't to garrison, that would be a favorable development). The influx of IJ troops into the Aluetians is amazing. Is it because (1) John managed to get some kind of SigInt tipping him off as to my intentions? (2) John is preparing like crazy so that the Aluetians can stand on their own while his carriers go far away? (3) Or does that game give enhanced info for the Aluetians since it's American territory so that the massive amount of SigInt isn't truly out of proportion to what's going on elsehwere (for instance, I'm getting very little info about troops moving to or at the nearby Kuriles).

[Canoerebel]

8/13/42

I ran a "quicky" turn early this a.m., before departing on a run to Atlanta, so that my opponent would have something to work on. I returned to learn that he went to work early, so all my forethought was for naught! And now I hardly remember what happened during the turn!

Bay of Bengal: Preturnaturally quiet once again. Ramree airfield goes to level four and the base has 8k supply - only a meager amount, but abundant compared to where it was at 10 days ago. I'm beginning to shift a good bit of my air back up north (it's following the ships). A decent CAP and most of my India-theater 2EB - will be left at Ceylon's bases.

Burma: Oops, I somehow ordered an RAF base force too far forward. It's out in the open and will get pushed back into the jungle hexes where it belongs. No big deal, but John will enjoy whacking it.

Elsewhere: All is calm. All is bright.

[paullus99]

John seems get caught in a tactical loop - he loves it when it kills troops, but it doesn't seem to lead anywhere.....not very strategic thinking.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: JeffK

The original book was "The Glorious Glosters",
I think this was written by Anthony Farrar-Hockley.

Was part of the Battle of the Imjin River were the British 29th Bde suffered just over 1000 casualties (600 odd from 1st Bn Gloucestershire Rgt)and inflicted approximately 10,000 Chinese/Nth Korean casualties.

At the same time 27th British Bde with 3Bn Royal Australian Regiment and 2Bn Pricess Patricias Light Infantry fought the Battle of Kapyong.

The PPCLI were also nearly overrun, but they called artillery down on their own positions, just as the Marines did at Bloody Ridge on Guadalcanal. Between that and being able to roll grenades down the hill, they killed a lot of enemy troops.

[Cribtop]

Thanks to all those who contributed more on on the Gloucestershire Korea story. My Dad was in Korea, and that one really hit home for me. Brave men that day.

[Canoerebel]

8/14/42 and 8/15/42

Bay of Bengal: Two more quiet days on the seas. Ramree now has 9k supply. An escorted raid by Helen bombers did enough damage to the airfield to suppress base building on the 15th. Leaky CAP by P-40Es from Akyab got chewed up (I have all fighters there set to range one, but move in a new P-40E group and forgot to set it properly).

Burma: A significant air battle over Akyab on the 15th. Several large groups of Tojos flew sweeps against the massed Allied air on CAP. The Allied fighters did well - actually losing fewer fighters than Japan, which lost in the low 20s. The Allies lost small numbers of Kittyhawks, Hurricanes and P-39s, but the P-40Es didn't do as well. This is a key battle. Can John take control of thea ir or will the Allies eek out a win? The P-38Fs will become a factor in a week or two. But if John masses his fighters - including Zeroes - then who knows. I won't have any fighters at Ramree tomorrow (I'm thinking John might stand down bombers and sweep), but probably will load up the airfield day after tomorrow.

Pacific: The four USN carriers finally reached Pearl. Two of them are due 3/42 upgrades.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

...Can John take control of thea ir or will the Allies eek out a win?

LOL - You mean like this?
Whatever works![;)]

[Canoerebel]

8/16/42

I won't get to see the 17th turn until tomorrow morning, but you guys might have it already in John's AAR. There are a couple of things I'm interesting in finding out tomorrow morning when I watch the movie....

Bay of Bengal: An enemy carrier TF of unknown strength shows up in the middle - objective unknown. I'm moving most of my ships to Chittagong and Akyab. A sizeable Helen raid molests Ramree airfield. Tomorrow, I'm loading up the field with fighters, plus adjusting Akyab squadrons' range to provide support. I'm interested in seeing whether Allied fighters can hold their own.

Burma: Two IJA divisions moved into a hex occuped by a UK brigade, a recce unit, and Eastern HQ. Another UK brigade was to arrive, but somehow it's mileage reset from 41 to 0, so now my force is underprotected. Against two divisions I'm concerned I may not have enough. This is just one of the vagaries and uncertainties of playing a complex game. I will say I like having two enemy divisions this far forward. Let's see if I can work out something effective.

Pacific: Lex and Sara upgrades will take 29 days. Ouch! That's a long time, but I had to do it at some point. An IJ sub picks off an ASW DD - this has happened alot in the game thus far - much more often than happened in the war. John's about due for a very long dry spell.

Oz: A sub puts two torps into Warspite, which I was pulling back from Perth to Esperance to mix up "the look of things." She'll retire to Melbourne.

[Canoerebel]

8/17/42

The answers to my questions were encouraging, which was nice....

Bay of Bengal: A series of Tojo sweeps and bomber raids were met and repulsed with results decidely favoring the Allies. On the day, Japan lost 31 Tojos. The Allies lost roughly 11 fighters. Some Kates did manage to pierce Ramree's CAP to sink a DMS and an xAK. None of the Helens got through, so some repairs were made to the field. The fact that the Allies have held their own or prevailed in consecutive battles against Tojos is most promising. Elsewhere, the IJN carriers disappear from my screen and an IJ sub sinks an xAK near Colombo. SigInt that 25th IJA HQ is prepping for Ramree. It would be very advantageous to tie down two to four IJA divisions in that hex (I have to play this carefully - keep the hex "weak" enough to draw opposition, but don't allow the hex to fall under any circumstance).

Burma: Encouraging word, part II: The two IJA divisions near Akyab attacked my little outpost anchored by one UK brigade. The attack came off at 1:2, with few squads destroyed for either side, but the Japanese taking much higher disablement. Sadly, my bombardment TFs refused to work in this hex, just like last week's frustrations in the adjacent hex.

[pws1225]

Maybe it's time for Michaelm to take a look to see if he can figure out why bombardments aren't working.

[Canoerebel]

8/18/42 and 8/19/42

Bay of Bengal: The IJN carrier TF is still nosing around the Bay of Bengal, but hasn't made any strikes. Japanese LBA, mainly from Rangoon, has sortied against shipping at Ramree, with the Japanese losing decisively in the air, but sinking an xAKL. The airfield is operational again, so building resumes.

Burma: No further Japanese grounds attacks. Allied units are in the middle of shifting hexes. I think in another week, the Allies will move out of the jungle and begin offensive manuevers to threaten various LOCs. John will respond violently in the air, I think, which will add yet another ingredient to what has become a complicated recipe for him to put together. Thus far, the Allies have performed very well in the air battle - and since the Tojo is John's go-to fighter, that's a pleasant development. Now Burma is a big iron kettle with a simmering, bubbling, complex stew. Overall, the Allies are doing well, but we're only just starting and so very much is going to happen. Right now, the Allies are following Longstreet's counsel at Gettysburg - take the good terrain and fight defensively. I could use my big forward aifields offensively (sweeps, bombing, etc.), but I don't want to chance it. Allied fighter pools are too tenuous to risk right now except in unusual circumcstances. So the Allies continue to wait the various thrusts and probes that will eventually (IMO) lead to Pickett's Charge, which will consist of a massive commitment of enemy combat vessels in and around Ramree. P.S. The results of this Pickett's Charge are going to be very messy for the Allies, but the cause requires it.

China: Everything looks fine. Chinese bombers are training for low naval strike missions. Eventually, once the B-25s come on line in 1943, I'm going to buy these units and give them duty in India and Burma.

NoPac: No major SigInt reports and no signs of imminent enemy moves.

Pacific and Oz: Quiet.

OpSec Stuff:

John Email for the 7/24 Turn: Speaking of lucky...I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO sick of my STUPID pilots impaling themselves on your fighters. If I could get in just one or two strikes in a COORDINATED manner this would be a welcome change. Done with venting...

John Email for the 7/27 Turn: I am done with sending my land-based torpedo bombers into Ramree. That is a promise.

My Thoughts: Since John was obviously pulling out his hair, I knew he'd keep this rash promise for a week or so. So I pulled my fighters out of Ramree and ended up with two unmolested weeks to land reinforcements and build the airfield up to level four. He ended his promise this week with two raids by Kates, but I don't think he's real pleased with the results to this point.

John Email for the 8/16 Turn: Another set of 18.1” rifles enter Kaigun’s service!

My Thought: Thanks for the intel. I knew this meant Musashi was available. However, I also interpreted this as meaning Musashi had gone into action at Ramree Island. So I reminded John not to comment on current turns before I have a chance to view "the movie." OpSec failures are greatly appreciated, but not when they get in the way of enjoying the movie!

[paullus99]

I'm amazed at how myopic John appears to be. He's like a cat with ADHD (which is saying something), you put something new and shiny in front of him & he goes bananas.....it doesn't seem like he has a head for the ground game & with a mod solely focused on making the Allied island-hoping campaign difficult, if not impossible, he's suddenly sucked into a ground war that he is ill-equipped and ill-prepared to fight.

Of course, recognizing your current airframe limitation, it does limit your options for conducting mass offensive operations (and you don't want to get sucked into CAP traps or leaky CAP, for that matter), but overall, I think John is seriously underestimating the tenuousness of his position - all those big guns on the Yamato's don't mean a hill of beans in Burma.

[Crackaces]

all those big guns on the Yamato's don't mean a hill of beans in Burma.

I beleive Singapore is the only port with enough infrastrcuture to reload the huge guns . ..?? Unless hundred(s) of naval support are present ..I think 88 for level 8 port 188 for level 7 and then things get crazy at 1188 naval support required ... a ship more adjusted to playing in the DEI /Philipines IMHO than Burma .. Plus this monster uses fuel ... a price that accumulates into late game ...

[Canoerebel]

To me there are only two options for John in the CBI - well, really only one if John is John. The first option is that he decides Burma is too hot to bother with. There's no way he does this, IMO, but I would love it if so. The second is the he comes with overwhelming force. I think he'll bring lots of BBs, CAs, and carriers. I think he'll employ his carrier air to combine with LBA, and I think result will be very ugly for the Allies for awhile. But there's nowhere else that I can force him to fight on terms as favorable to the Allies as this, so I'm going to stick it out and fight as long and hard as possible.

Right now, the Allies have nine combat TFs operating in theater (mostly out of Akyab, but sometimes out of Chittagong and Calcutta to keep the "look" mixed). This is a rag-tag and motley force to throw up against the cream of the Japanese navy, I think:

1) CA Vincennes, CLs Achilles, Mauritius, and Nashville. This force makes nightly runs from Akyab to Ramree Island to defend against bombardment runs or enemy ships that might target unloading merchants.
2) CAs Pensacola and Canberra and CL Concord. At Akyab, protecting against enemy raids.
3) CL Boise and two DDs. Like Vincennes TF, this one makes nightly runs from Akyab to Ramree.
4) CL Hobart and Captown. Usually posted at Akyab.
5) BBs Royal Sovereign and Ramilles and CA Dorsetshire. Moves between Akyab and Chittagong to vary looks.
6) BBs Revenge, CA Cornwall, CL Dauntless: ditto.
7) BB Resolution and CL Adelaide: Usually posted at Chittagong.
8) CA Devonshire and CLs Sumatra and Enterprise. Usually close to Chittagong.
9) CA New Orleans and CL Helena. Usually near Calcutta as my theater reserve.

CA Quincy TF is inbound from Capetown and will serve as a strategic reserve along with BB Valiant and a few other ships in the Arabian Sea.

I know this mongrelized group of ships is not optimized for combat by matching class, speed, etc. I also have far too few destroyers. Ramree and Akyab have lots of mines. And I have lots of good fighter CAP. Is the mix as a whole effective? We'll see. I am sure, we'll find out sooner or later.

[Bullwinkle58]

Is Akyab your ammo reloading point? If so, how is it configured?

[Canoerebel]

Akyab is a level two port with 124 naval support. As such, it seems she's replenishing everything up to 8" guns. The only things I haven't noticed replenishing are 15" RN guns and torps. However, AE Shasta just arrived at Chittagong, a level five port. I'm hoping that'll replenish the big stuff.

[JeffroK]

ORIGINAL: pws1225

Maybe it's time for Michaelm to take a look to see if he can figure out why bombardments aren't working.

Are they broken or have they ever worked in a non-base hex??

I have never tried as I have always assumed they didnt work.

[desicat]

Thanks to all those who contributed more on on the Gloucestershire Korea story. My Dad was in Korea, and that one really hit home for me. Brave men that day.

Fehrenbach has a great chapter in his book This Kind of War concerning the events at Glouster Hill. I highly recommend it!

[Cribtop]

No idea how you're stopping Mr. Tojo on sweeps. I love that plane!

[Canoerebel]

JeffK: I've done non-base bombardments before, so I think they're possible. But they aren't working for me in the two coastal hexes between Ramree Island and Akyab. I've tried a dozen times with now luck.

Cribtop: The Tojo is one tough customer early in the war. I think the Allies are having success for a couple of reasons: (1) The Allies have successfully waged a defensive air war thus far, resulting in pilots with good stats; (2) the Allies are fighting a defensive air war and John is willing to fight an offensive war (I don't blame him, but it does help me that I don't come to him); and (3) I'm using a good mix of P-39, P-40E and Hurricanes. The latter are usually pretty effective against Tojos, and even the P-39s can hold their own in a good "mixed flock."