Too much Iron in my Diet - Mundy(A) vs KenchiSulla (J)

[Mundy]

19 September 1944

Wake up call.

Well, they crossed the river and tried to attack.

Ground combat at Howrah (52,36)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 119915 troops, 1982 guns, 1169 vehicles, Assault Value = 3092

Defending force 62037 troops, 742 guns, 1379 vehicles, Assault Value = 2118

Allied adjusted assault: 997

Japanese adjusted defense: 5999

Allied assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1565 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 154 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 28 (3 destroyed, 25 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
8194 casualties reported
Squads: 736 destroyed, 799 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 184 disabled
Engineers: 62 destroyed, 111 disabled
Guns lost 350 (106 destroyed, 244 disabled)
Vehicles lost 69 (8 destroyed, 61 disabled)

Assaulting units:
20th Indian Division
102nd(Sep) Infantry Regiment
26th Indian Brigade
7th Indian Division
25th Indian Division
81st (West African) Division
111th LRP Brigade
77th LRP Brigade
475th USA Regiment
14th LRP Brigade
18th British Division
82nd (West African) Division
14th Indian Division
23rd LRP Brigade
Lushai Brigade
19th Indian Division
Nowshera Brigade
Peshawar Brigade
122nd British AT Gun Regiment
86th Medium Regiment
85th Medium Regiment
1st Indian Medium Regiment
18th SP Field Artillery Regiment
87th Medium Regiment
3rd (Special Force) Division

Defending units:
4th Guards Division
6th Guards Division
1st Tank Division
2nd Tank Division
2nd Raiding Regiment
58th Division
Guards Tank Division
25th Army
53rd Field AA Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
35th JAAF AF Bn
84th JAAF AF Bn
9th RF Gun Battalion
82nd JAAF AF Bn
53rd JAAF AF Bn
1st RF Gun Battalion
14th JAAF AF Coy

I've pushed these troops far too hard. Some of the regiments involved here have next to zero functional fighting squads within them. I'd say the combat potential of my force is probably about half what it should be. I'm pulling them out forthwith. I've split them down the middle, with half going to Jamshedpur and the other half to Asansol. All the paras are going to Ranchi where I can rail them somewhere with lots of supply. Everyone needs a long rest period. Likewise with my overworked bombers. Everyones rested, and I've had to do a serious restocking of pilots in many of these squadrons. The replacements coming in aren't all that great either. I'll have to check my training units and start releasing pilots pronto. I'm keeping recon going heavy watching his troops in India as well as checking out many of the bases in Burma and the Kohima area in India. I'm even watching Paoshan. I'm heavily CAPping all my forward airfields.

If he decides to make a move, I can hopefully catch them in open ground.

Within two weeks or so, two RN CVEs will have departed Cape Town for Colombo. Maybe I can entertain grabbing an island somewhere with my two units there.

Four days and my big op kicks off.

[Sangeli]

Ouch that's like two divisions worth of destroyed squads! Ya your troops definitely need a rest here before trying to break these heavy Japanese defenses. What do your reinforcement pools look like?

[Mundy]

Not real good for infantry squads in the pools.

Per Tracker.

USA 44 Squad 114

UK 44 Squad 36

Indian 0

USMC is in better shape, but they haven't been fighting much lately.

5,600 in the Chinese pool... go figure.

[Sangeli]

My Chinese pools are through the roof and I still hold China and most of my units are in supply. I guess I just need excess supply to reinforce them which I don't have.

Your British/Indian pools are pretty much depleted. I think it's time you put this theater to rest for a while. If you really have an excess of xAPs in Cape Town, why not start an Indian withdrawal and get them active in the Pacific?

[Mundy]

I agree. I am a little paranoid about him starting another offensive in India - especially to the coast eastwards.

20 September 1944

I get my last licks in at Calcutta from the sea, encountering more MTBs. I caught them at the docks, so I hurt them good.

ight Time Surface Combat, near Calcutta at 52,37, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-875, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-876
MTB G-877
MTB G-878, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-879, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-880, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-881
MTB G-883
MTB G-884
MTB G-886, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-231, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MTB G-232, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Montpelier
CL Columbia
CL Mobile
CLAA Argonaut
DD Beale
DD Burns
DD Hutchins
DD Cassin
DD Reid
DD Phelps
DD Aylwin
DD MacDonough

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF begins to get underway
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 3% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 4,000 yards
MTB G-232 sunk by CL Mobile at 4,000 yards
Massive explosion on MTB G-231
MTB G-231 sunk by CL Columbia at 4,000 yards
MTB G-878 sunk by CL Columbia at 4,000 yards
MTB G-875 sunk by CL Columbia at 4,000 yards
orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Columbia engages MTB G-886 at 2,000 yards
MTB G-880 sunk by CL Columbia at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
MTB G-886 sunk by DD Reid at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
MTB G-879 sunk by DD Burns at 8,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Calcutta at 52,37, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-839
MTB G-841, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-842
MTB G-843, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-845
MTB G-846
MTB G-847
MTB G-848
MTB G-871, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-872, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-873, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-874, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Montpelier
CL Columbia
CL Mobile
CLAA Argonaut
DD Beale
DD Burns
DD Hutchins
DD Cassin
DD Reid
DD Phelps
DD Aylwin
DD MacDonough

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF begins to get underway
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 3% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
Massive explosion on MTB G-874
MTB G-874 sunk by CL Columbia at 2,000 yards
MTB G-872 sunk by CL Columbia at 2,000 yards
MTB G-871 sunk by CL Columbia at 2,000 yards
MTB G-846 engages CL Columbia at 2,000 yards
MTB G-841 sunk by CL Mobile at 2,000 yards
MTB G-843 sunk by CL Montpelier at 2,000 yards
MTB G-846 engages CL Mobile at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
MTB G-873 sunk by CL Montpelier at 5,000 yards
orders Japanese TF to disengage
Task forces break off...

Followed by the bombardment - so-so.

Night Naval bombardment of Calcutta at 52,37

Allied Ships
CL Mobile
CL Columbia
CL Montpelier
CLAA Argonaut
DD MacDonough
DD Aylwin
DD Phelps
DD Reid
DD Cassin
DD Hutchins
DD Burns
DD Beale

Japanese ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 20

SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Mobile
CL Mobile firing at 18th Division
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Columbia
CL Columbia firing at 34th Division
CL Montpelier firing at 34th Division
CLAA Argonaut firing at 21st Division
DD MacDonough firing at 21st Division
DD Aylwin firing at 34th Division
DD Phelps firing at 18th Division
DD Reid firing at 34th Division
DD Cassin firing at 34th Division
DD Hutchins firing at 34th Division
DD Burns firing at 21st Division
DD Beale firing at Calcutta

This disturbing thing is Calcutta now showing 5% damage after being in the 90s a few days ago. Not sure if recon is just off or what.

Lead armor catches the retreaters SE of Chittagong. They're attacking.

I forgot to rest bombers at one base and Howrah gets hit again for minimal damage. They're at 85% right now.

Invasion loading has started. All the troops are boarding as well as the follow on base forces. I've assigned a 4+ oiler strong replenishment group to each invasion force, as well as ASW and mine support. In about 3 days, I'll parcel out the CVEs when they get off the docks. Tico is about two days out from Pearl. My home state's battleship, Wisconsin, just left Panama for Pearl. She probably won't make the fun. I'll have four fast battleships with the fleet carriers anyway.

More base forces at Christmas Is are also loading and headed to Roi-Namur before continuing. One TF for each target. They'll probably arrive later anyway.

[Mundy]

22 September 1944

[:@]

I don't know how he did it, but some of KS's units slipped behind mine trying to get out of Howrah. Drives me nuts. They're impeding my movement out, forcing my troops to cross through the jungle, slowing them to a crawl. On top of that, his bombardments are inflicting 400+ casualties per turn which is very high. The direct route to Jamshedpur is now blocked, forcing me, to have to go the slow NE route.

At this point, I'm stopping to counter-bombard right now.

Recon's showing 300+ fighters at Calcutta now, so I'm doing massive sweeps and bombardment of the base. It feels like everything's going to hell on me there right now. I don't think he can outright wipe me out, but he's putting a huge strain on my forces there.

My invaders are nearly loaded up and will sail in two days. Tico is one day out from Pearl.

[Sangeli]

I guess Japan is taking advantage of your heavy losses of late to launch timely counterattacks.

Don't waste your bombers trying to shut down the airfield of Calcutta. With the number of engineers he has, he can repair the bases too quickly. I say keep to sweeping and let your P-47s do their magic. I would be hesitant to use cruisers here given how well the IJN does in those sorts of surface engagements, especially after your cruisers have discharged their ammo bombarding the base.

If you're still trying to be active in India, I think you should concentrate on tightening the noose around Calcutta by reinforcing Chittagong and keeping the supply lines open to it. Based off the current map it seems you left Chittagong empty while advancing SE...that seems very risky. I don't see much harm in letting the Japanese have control of the area around Calcutta either assuming you keep the railway to Chittagong open. The Japanese cannot hope to sustain such a large number of land units and air units in Calcutta if they can't get resupplied. Have you seen convoys going that direction or do you think they are relying on already accumulated stockpiles?

Also, what is your plan for base suppression in the Marianas? Are you going to try to take out the AFs before landing?

[Mundy]

I restarted my movement out of Howrah, and everyone seems to be moving faster. 15 miles in two days. I just want everyone out to reconsolidate. I started on the airfield again. After the first day, KS withdrew all the aircraft again. Howrah's at 60% and Calcutta's at 71%. It's a fact of life, I think, that I'll have to just keep it up. I don't want any Japanese air showing up in India.

Truk's been under recon for awhile now. Almost zero air there, currently, with about 8 fighters and a dozen search planes. At this point, I'll rely on the CVEs for cover and any direct support, starting with airfields. You know the moments I turn my fleet ships on ground targets, KB will show up that turn.

25 September 1944

Transports away. Everyone's leaving Pearl for points east. Probably be at least two weeks until they get there. The fleet carriers are divided into two groups of 5 CVs and 4 CVLs each. One group has two South Dakotas and the other has two Iowas, plus a couple CLAA each.

British infantry reach Kohima and will take it next turn. Other troops are a day or two from catching the Japanese retreating towards Akyab. As mentioned, I'm keeping Calcutta suppressed.

I don't know how to deal with this:

Ground combat at Howrah (52,36)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1000 troops, 99 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 1363

Defending force 108219 troops, 1883 guns, 1162 vehicles, Assault Value = 1912

Allied ground losses:
587 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 16 (5 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Raiding Regiment
6th Guards Division
4th Guards/A Division
2nd Tank Division
58th Division
4th Guards/B Division
4th Guards/C Division
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
82nd JAAF AF Bn
53rd JAAF AF Bn
53rd Field AA Battalion
25th Army
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
35th JAAF AF Bn
84th JAAF AF Bn
9th RF Gun Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
14th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
23rd LRP Brigade
Lushai Brigade
25th Indian Division
14th Indian Division
20th Indian Division
81st (West African) Division
475th USA Regiment
19th Indian Division
111th LRP Brigade
102nd(Sep) Infantry Regiment
14th LRP Brigade
77th LRP Brigade
82nd (West African) Division
26th Indian Brigade
Nowshera Brigade
7th Indian Division
18th British Division
Peshawar Brigade
86th Medium Regiment
1st Indian Medium Regiment
122nd British AT Gun Regiment
85th Medium Regiment
87th Medium Regiment
18th SP Field Artillery Regiment
3rd (Special Force) Division

I stopped once to counter bombard and took even higher casualties. I have no idea what can influence this.

[BBfanboy]

Try reserve mode with a destination set. They will still move and should not engage the enemy unless they are forced to by a shock attack or deliberate attack.

[Mundy]

Thanks for that. I'd have never thought of it.

The things you learn...

[Capt. Harlock]

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1000 troops, 99 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 1363

Defending force 108219 troops, 1883 guns, 1162 vehicles, Assault Value = 1912

Allied ground losses:
587 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 16 (5 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Raiding Regiment
6th Guards Division
4th Guards/A Division
2nd Tank Division
58th Division
4th Guards/B Division
4th Guards/C Division
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
82nd JAAF AF Bn
53rd JAAF AF Bn
53rd Field AA Battalion
25th Army
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
35th JAAF AF Bn
84th JAAF AF Bn
9th RF Gun Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
14th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
23rd LRP Brigade
Lushai Brigade
25th Indian Division
14th Indian Division
20th Indian Division
81st (West African) Division
475th USA Regiment
19th Indian Division
111th LRP Brigade
102nd(Sep) Infantry Regiment
14th LRP Brigade
77th LRP Brigade
82nd (West African) Division
26th Indian Brigade
Nowshera Brigade
7th Indian Division
18th British Division
Peshawar Brigade
86th Medium Regiment
1st Indian Medium Regiment
122nd British AT Gun Regiment
85th Medium Regiment
87th Medium Regiment
18th SP Field Artillery Regiment
3rd (Special Force) Division

I don't see how the summary of Japanese units at the top can possibly be correct. Only 1000 troops? From that list of engaged units, you are up against a major force, well-equipped with tubes and tanks. What have you got for bombers in the area?

[BBfanboy]

I interpret it to mean that his Infantry LCUs stood at Combat orders while only his heaviest siege guns were given orders to bombard. That way they outrange Allied artillery and there is no risk of losses to counter-bombardment.

[Mundy]

Setting them to reserve won't interfere with movement?

[BBfanboy]

I am not sure if it slows them down a bit, but they will definitely move in reserve mode. If they already have "move" orders just change the mode so you don't lose any progress already made.

[Mundy]

Seems to have made a difference. Thanks BB. I moved another 10 miles, too.

Ground combat at Howrah (52,36)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1008 troops, 99 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 1388

Defending force 108187 troops, 1874 guns, 1161 vehicles, Assault Value = 1931

Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th Guards/B Division
58th Division
2nd Tank Division
2nd Raiding Regiment
4th Guards/A Division
6th Guards Division
4th Guards/C Division
53rd Field AA Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
35th JAAF AF Bn
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
53rd JAAF AF Bn
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
9th RF Gun Battalion
82nd JAAF AF Bn
84th JAAF AF Bn
25th Army
14th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
82nd (West African) Division
14th LRP Brigade
20th Indian Division
7th Indian Division
Nowshera Brigade
26th Indian Brigade
14th Indian Division
102nd(Sep) Infantry Regiment
18th British Division
25th Indian Division
81st (West African) Division
111th LRP Brigade
Lushai Brigade
77th LRP Brigade
19th Indian Division
475th USA Regiment
23rd LRP Brigade
Peshawar Brigade
85th Medium Regiment
87th Medium Regiment
18th SP Field Artillery Regiment
86th Medium Regiment
122nd British AT Gun Regiment
1st Indian Medium Regiment
3rd (Special Force) Division

27 September 1944

The lone Japanese unit past near Cox's Bazar got wiped out. The armor will continue to take Cox's Bazar and Akyab while the infantry and artillery settle back at Chittagong.

Armor has reached Kohima and will take that next turn. I see a solitary unit at Imphal. Hopefully a base force or something. Otherwise, I'll have to wait for the infantry to catch up.

Armor has also reached Raipur, which will also be mine next turn.

Here's what he's parked NW of Howrah. I'll just bombard until more of my units get in there. I'll have more troops arriving from Jamshedpur also.

Ground combat at 51,35 (near Jamshedpur)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14877 troops, 229 guns, 814 vehicles, Assault Value = 718

Defending force 16230 troops, 238 guns, 599 vehicles, Assault Value = 683

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 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Division
Guards Tank Division

Defending units:
255th Indian Tank Brigade
41st Infantry Division
50th Tank Brigade


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


Ground combat at 51,35 (near Jamshedpur)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11982 troops, 202 guns, 125 vehicles, Assault Value = 682

Defending force 14868 troops, 229 guns, 813 vehicles, Assault Value = 716

Assaulting units:
255th Indian Tank Brigade
41st Infantry Division
50th Tank Brigade

Defending units:
1st Tank Division
Guards Tank Division

Calcutta's at 98%, but Howrah's in the 30s, so some bombers will switch to there. It looks like some fighters have showed up there, so I'll be doing heavy sweeps, too. A few bases worth of bombers are heading to bomb some troops he parked in the open ground NE of Calcutta. I couldn't do this at first due to 400 fighters showing up, but now they'll get my attention.

The invaders from Pearl are just passing Niihau at the end of the chain. This won't be a fast trip over.

[Mundy]

30 September 1944

Below's the situation in India. Everyone, but one division is out of Howrah, escaping to the east. We were about equal in AV before my forces shock attack crossing the river as the first group crossed, but I'm probably stronger now. The last unit in Howrah will be out next turn. I've been bombing this bunch pretty good, inflicting several hundred casualties per day and now they're running to Calcutta. That's just as well, as they're blocking my path out to the north. Once he's out, I can get everyone out of there.

To the NW of Howrah, we're stalemated with me bombarding. He has two armored divisions there against my infantry and we're about equal in AV. No real threat there.

Now that the coast is mine, I can rail units around at ease. I have a bunch of base units going to Cuttack, in the hope that supply will flow there one day.

I bombarded Diamond harbor good last turn.

Night Naval bombardment of Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
J2M5 Jack: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Richelieu
CL Mobile
CL Columbia
CL Montpelier
CL Phoenix
CL Swiftsure
CLAA Argonaut

Japanese ground losses:
885 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 15
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 1

BB Richelieu firing at 38th Division
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Mobile
CL Mobile firing at 5th Division
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Columbia
CL Columbia firing at Diamond Harbour
CL Montpelier firing at 38th Division
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Phoenix
CL Phoenix firing at 38th Division
CL Swiftsure firing at 38th Division
CLAA Argonaut firing at Diamond Harbour

As a side note, Swiftsure is a very nasty little ship against subs, as she killed one on the way in. I'm moving these and another destroyer TF to Cox's Bazar, as KS has had an escorted convoy hanging out there. I'll just go in and out there, as I don't need them torped by Helens.

My invaders are now half way to the Marshalls. I'm getting "sub sightings" but kinda doubt they're real. I've had a few more near San Francisco, but nothing seems to be there either. Blimps are guarding the golden gate area.

At least my crap's getting straightened out in India, as I was worried my troops would be trapped in a slow death match.

My UK brigade reached Imphal and will now recon by artillery.

[Mundy]

01 October 1944

His escorted transports somehow made it to Calcutta. I've detached Richelieu from my original bombardment group and will send this cruiser force to Calcutta. Another group of 8 destroyers right behind them will also go in.

KS suddenly stocked Diamond Harbor with a squadron of Judys.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 49,40

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y4 Judy x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y4 Judy: 10 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 5 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Richelieu, Bomb hits 1
CL Mobile, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Montpelier

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
5 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
11 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
4 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000'

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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 47,40

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y4 Judy x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y4 Judy: 4 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Penn
DD Isaac Sweers
DD Beale

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
2 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
3 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb

Despite the hits, penetrating on the cruiser, both ships have next to zero damage from this. I'm getting CC Renown and the other two beat up battleships at Colombo ready to go to Cape Town, as the docks can't handle all three and repair time for them is longer than shipping them west. The CVE Rajah is about 8 days from showing up on-map from Cape Town. Unfortunately she won't be much of an escort, as she's carrying two Avenger squadrons. I can probably swap some RN fighters on map for one or both of them. Need to check.

One of my invasion TFs is showing detection at 3/3, so subs were probably nearby. My fleet carriers are roving well ahead looking for trouble. There's still about 800 fighters aloft on the CVEs alone, so I'm not worried yet. All the invasions TFs are co-hex, following the lead Truk invaders. They'll splinter at the last moment to their destinations.

[Sangeli]

Did these Judys come from air bases or carriers?

[Mundy]

Diamond Harbor.

[Mundy]

02 October 1944

Navy Day.

8 subs depart Colombo for patrol. Two RN ones for the Indian coast and 6 USN subs bound for the DEI.

My "bombardment" groups reached Calcutta. I set them to bombard, but their real intent was to catch his convoy there, and they were successful. I had to fight through the cloud of MTBs and I killed 9 on the way in. The only downer was one of his destroyers torpedoing one of mine.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Calcutta at 52,37, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Ume, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
E Etoforu
E Matsuwa
xAK Nagara Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Mogamigawa Maru, Shell hits 11, heavy fires
xAK Iburi Maru
xAK Hokuan Maru
xAK Osaka Maru
xAK Mikasa Maru, Shell hits 3
xAK Rokko Maru
xAK Takaoka Maru
xAK Kamoi Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Shinyubari Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
xAK Sugi Maru

Allied Ships
CL Swiftsure
CL Phoenix, Shell hits 1
CL Montpelier
CL Columbia
CL Mobile
CLAA Argonaut, Shell hits 2
DD Cassin, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Reid
DD Phelps
DD Aylwin
DD MacDonough
DD Warramunga
DD Nizam

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 100% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 25,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
DD Yuzuki engages DD Cassin at 1,000 yards
DD Cassin sunk by DD Ume at 1,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages DD Ume at 1,000 yards
DD Yuzuki sunk by CLAA Argonaut at 1,000 yards
Magazine explodes on DD Ume
DD Ume sunk by DD Nizam at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CLAA Argonaut engages E Matsuwa at 2,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages E Etoforu at 2,000 yards
CL Montpelier engages xAK Mogamigawa Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Nizam engages xAK Kamoi Maru at 2,000 yards
CLAA Argonaut engages xAK Mogamigawa Maru at 2,000 yards
DD MacDonough engages xAK Mogamigawa Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Phelps engages xAK Kamoi Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Nizam engages xAK Nagara Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CLAA Argonaut engages E Matsuwa at 5,000 yards
CL Columbia engages xAK Mogamigawa Maru at 5,000 yards
CL Montpelier engages xAK Shinyubari Maru at 5,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages xAK Shinyubari Maru at 5,000 yards
CL Swiftsure engages xAK Nagara Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Phelps engages xAK Takaoka Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Nizam engages xAK Shinyubari Maru at 5,000 yards
CL Columbia engages xAK Mikasa Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Aylwin engages xAK Shinyubari Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Phelps engages xAK Mikasa Maru at 5,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Calcutta at 52,37, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Etoforu
E Matsuwa, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
xAK Nagara Maru, heavy fires
xAK Mogamigawa Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Iburi Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Hokuan Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
xAK Osaka Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire
xAK Mikasa Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Rokko Maru
xAK Takaoka Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Kamoi Maru, Shell hits 10, on fire
xAK Shinyubari Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Sugi Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Swiftsure
CL Phoenix
CL Montpelier
CL Columbia
CL Mobile
CLAA Argonaut
DD Reid
DD Phelps
DD Aylwin
DD MacDonough
DD Warramunga
DD Nizam

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF begins to get underway
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 100% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 28,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 26,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
CL Mobile engages E Matsuwa at 4,000 yards
CL Montpelier engages E Matsuwa at 4,000 yards
CL Swiftsure engages xAK Takaoka Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Nizam engages E Matsuwa at 4,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Takaoka Maru at 4,000 yards
CL Montpelier engages xAK Osaka Maru at 4,000 yards
CLAA Argonaut engages xAK Hokuan Maru at 4,000 yards
Massive explosion on E Matsuwa
CL Montpelier engages E Matsuwa at 4,000 yards
CL Columbia engages xAK Hokuan Maru at 4,000 yards
CL Montpelier engages xAK Mogamigawa Maru at 4,000 yards
CL Swiftsure engages xAK Takaoka Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Nizam engages xAK Iburi Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Nizam engages xAK Mikasa Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Hokuan Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Osaka Maru at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CL Mobile engages xAK Osaka Maru at 5,000 yards
CLAA Argonaut engages E Etoforu at 5,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Sugi Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Kamoi Maru at 5,000 yards
xAK Takaoka Maru sunk by CLAA Argonaut at 5,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Mikasa Maru at 5,000 yards
DD MacDonough engages xAK Rokko Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Hokuan Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Phelps engages xAK Kamoi Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Hokuan Maru at 5,000 yards
Gardner T. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 4,000 yards
E Matsuwa sunk by CL Columbia at 4,000 yards
CL Montpelier engages E Etoforu at 4,000 yards
CL Montpelier engages xAK Kamoi Maru at 4,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages xAK Kamoi Maru at 4,000 yards
CL Swiftsure engages xAK Kamoi Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Rokko Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Nizam engages xAK Osaka Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Nizam engages xAK Osaka Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Iburi Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Mogamigawa Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Nagara Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Reid engages xAK Nagara Maru at 4,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Judys at Diamond harbor attacked again on the way out. More surprising were medium bombers flying out of Calcutta, despite it being at 80% damage.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 50,40

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y4 Judy x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y4 Judy: 4 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 5 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix
CL Montpelier

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
3 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
3 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 50,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 99 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 21 damaged
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 4 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Swiftsure
DD MacDonough
DD Phelps
CL Montpelier, Bomb hits 1
CL Mobile
CL Columbia
CL Phoenix
CLAA Argonaut
DD Aylwin

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
9 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
5 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
11 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
3 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
3 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 50,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 89 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 8 damaged
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Swiftsure, Bomb hits 1
CL Phoenix
CLAA Argonaut, Bomb hits 1
CL Mobile
CL Columbia

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
10 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 50,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 81 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 7 damaged
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 4 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CLAA Argonaut
CL Montpelier, Bomb hits 1
CL Phoenix
DD Warramunga

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
7 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
2 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 50,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy: 7 damaged
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Mobile
CL Swiftsure, Torpedo hits 1
CL Montpelier

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cuttack at 50,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CLAA Argonaut
CL Mobile

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vizagapatnam at 44,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy: 9 damaged
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Conner
DD Isaac Sweers
DD Fletcher

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

I guess you know what I'm bombing next turn... My ships are re-routing to Colombo rather than Madras. There's no real heavy damage on anyone, but everyone's worn down quite a bit and needs a good naval yard to fix.

I've stopped the troop bombing, as the returns on those raids have dropped considerably. I wonder of the "put in reserve" trick works on airplanes? My troops launched an attack and it was successful overall, so they'll keep going.

Ground combat at 53,36 (near Calcutta)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 101336 troops, 1855 guns, 1157 vehicles, Assault Value = 1628

Defending force 35782 troops, 401 guns, 94 vehicles, Assault Value = 922

Allied adjusted assault: 719

Japanese adjusted defense: 492

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
4266 casualties reported
Squads: 51 destroyed, 271 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 32 disabled
Guns lost 84 (26 destroyed, 58 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1443 casualties reported
Squads: 53 destroyed, 90 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 48 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 66 (5 destroyed, 61 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
82nd (West African) Division
23rd LRP Brigade
26th Indian Brigade
14th Indian Division
Lushai Brigade
7th Indian Division
Nowshera Brigade
19th Indian Division
81st (West African) Division
475th USA Regiment
111th LRP Brigade
25th Indian Division
18th British Division
77th LRP Brigade
20th Indian Division
Peshawar Brigade
1st Indian Medium Regiment
18th SP Field Artillery Regiment
102nd(Sep) Infantry Regiment
87th Medium Regiment
122nd British AT Gun Regiment
86th Medium Regiment
85th Medium Regiment
3rd (Special Force) Division

Defending units:
34th Division
21st Division
18th Division
48th Field AA Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
31st Field AA Battalion

My recon at Imphal:

Ground combat at Imphal (60,40)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3428 troops, 52 guns, 43 vehicles, Assault Value = 55

Defending force 1879 troops, 3 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 50

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

Assaulting units:
72nd British Brigade

Defending units:
20th Ind Engineer Regiment
1st Raiding Regiment

When my armor arrives, I should have double his AV here. My other troops reach Chittagong, and will camp there.

My invaders are passing the Marshalls. I'm estimating landings at Truk in 5-6 days. My two CV groups are at 10/10 detection, so we'll see if he challenges. Intel shows about 50 fighters at Truk, but not much else.