14 May 42'
Darwin Area
This time, the TF spotted near Darwin was a bombardment force. BBs Yamashiro and Fuso were accompanied by 2 CA, 2 CL and about 5 DD to try and lay waste to the town and airfields. The CD guns at Emery Point did spoil the party a bit, early in the attack Fuso was hit and she became a target for every gun around the city. 21 shells found their mark, structural damage was light, but he might just have to replace a number of AA guns. The airfield was hit decently, with 40 runway damaged reported.
New Guinea
Milne Bay is invaded, the Japanese are building up a position around the tip of NG, as nearby Woodlark Island fell earlier.
China
A small fight between Oscars and the AVG end with nearly even losses. Combat replays shows at 3-4 loss for the AVG.
Subs
Pompano and KXII are both unlucky near the Kai-Eilanden. They respectively hit an xAP and a DD, but both suffer from duds. Light damage is done to both subs and they are returning to base.
Troop Movements
Part of the 41st Division arrives in Adelaide, unfortunately some of the problems with TFs have delayed most of the AT and AA guns and a good chunk of support.
A Marine regiment destined for Luganville has reached Auckland, as soon as N force has been brought to Efate they will load and move to the Island. 32nd Division and another Marine Regiment are close to reaching New Zealand as well.
War across the Atlantic - Smeulders (Allies) vs. SqzMyLemon (Japan)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
15-18 May 42'
15-18 May 42'
Port Moresby
The most important news over the past few days has been the fall of Port Moresby. I had rather decent forces behind level 3 forts, but a lack of supply proved their undoing very soon. A first attack dropped the forts to two, but worse revealed the lack of supply, follow up attacks took the town on the 17th. I had shipped in supplies and part of a Motor Bde early in the game, but since the Japanese built up some airbases in the area the base has been isolated for months. Multiple betty raids against the airfield and supplies didn't help in keeping supplied either. Now we'll see how much further his ambitions in the area are.
DEI
Even though the first Japanese units have arrived in Soerabaja a few days ago, no shots have been fired so far. We'll see how much longer the stand-off lasts. The Dutch P-40 have contested some air raids, leading to 4-1 losses against Oscars. The unit has been withdraw so the pilots aren't lost if Soerabaja should fall suddenly.
China
The AVG was responsible for another air battle near Changsha, they go 2-2 versus the Oscars.
The Chinese make a small counterattack in the Changsha area. 3 corps cross the river South of the city and shock attack Japanese positions on the other side. Unfortunately, these positions are held by 2 brigades and the Chinese only hold a 950 vs. 400 AV advantage, so losses are heavier for the Chinese. The Japanese do however make a tactical withdrawal out of the hex and the Chinese forces are returning over the river as well.
Port Moresby
The most important news over the past few days has been the fall of Port Moresby. I had rather decent forces behind level 3 forts, but a lack of supply proved their undoing very soon. A first attack dropped the forts to two, but worse revealed the lack of supply, follow up attacks took the town on the 17th. I had shipped in supplies and part of a Motor Bde early in the game, but since the Japanese built up some airbases in the area the base has been isolated for months. Multiple betty raids against the airfield and supplies didn't help in keeping supplied either. Now we'll see how much further his ambitions in the area are.
DEI
Even though the first Japanese units have arrived in Soerabaja a few days ago, no shots have been fired so far. We'll see how much longer the stand-off lasts. The Dutch P-40 have contested some air raids, leading to 4-1 losses against Oscars. The unit has been withdraw so the pilots aren't lost if Soerabaja should fall suddenly.
China
The AVG was responsible for another air battle near Changsha, they go 2-2 versus the Oscars.
The Chinese make a small counterattack in the Changsha area. 3 corps cross the river South of the city and shock attack Japanese positions on the other side. Unfortunately, these positions are held by 2 brigades and the Chinese only hold a 950 vs. 400 AV advantage, so losses are heavier for the Chinese. The Japanese do however make a tactical withdrawal out of the hex and the Chinese forces are returning over the river as well.
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19-20 May 42'
19-20 May 42'
Not a lot happening over the past few days. A couple of landings on undefended bases in the area of Timor and New Guinea.
In the New Hebrides N force is landing at Efate and both marine regiments for Luganville are ready at Auckland, we're only waiting for the APs and AK to get back. At the moment there is only one carrier and a bunch of cruisers in the area to cover these transports, but Japanese interest in the area seems minimal as well.
In Burma base forces have started moving towards Kalemyo, the base South of Imphal. This is going to become a fighter base so shorter legged aircraft can launch sweeps over the Mandalay area.
Quite interesting is the calm that has returned around Darwin. After the bombardement of the town, I was expecting things to heat up soon, but there have been no follow-up raids either from the air or sea.
Subs
A Japanese sub is spotted again, I-4 was attacked by a Canadian flotilla near Tahiti, but no hits were scored.
Spearfish hits AO Notoro near Mindanao
Not a lot happening over the past few days. A couple of landings on undefended bases in the area of Timor and New Guinea.
In the New Hebrides N force is landing at Efate and both marine regiments for Luganville are ready at Auckland, we're only waiting for the APs and AK to get back. At the moment there is only one carrier and a bunch of cruisers in the area to cover these transports, but Japanese interest in the area seems minimal as well.
In Burma base forces have started moving towards Kalemyo, the base South of Imphal. This is going to become a fighter base so shorter legged aircraft can launch sweeps over the Mandalay area.
Quite interesting is the calm that has returned around Darwin. After the bombardement of the town, I was expecting things to heat up soon, but there have been no follow-up raids either from the air or sea.
Subs
A Japanese sub is spotted again, I-4 was attacked by a Canadian flotilla near Tahiti, but no hits were scored.
Spearfish hits AO Notoro near Mindanao
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21-22 May 42'
21-22 May 42'
Darwin
It seems like Joseph is reading my posts, because he obliged by bombing Darwin with unescorted Betties. Damage was minimal and chances are this won't be followed up, but zeroes will probably be sweeping the following days. The same happened at Darwin earlier and at Horn Island recently
China
Some skirmishes in China, but nothing serious. Things have quieted down again after the fall of Anking.
Indian Ocean
Interesting information for later reference, an air flotilla goes ashore on Great Nicobar Island in the first wave, the undefended island of course falls.
Subs
Spearfish tries to finish the job on AO Notoro, but suffers from duds, Snapper joins the hunt and puts a dud in an APD escorting the convoy.
To end the dud parade Silversides engages a large AMC North of Truk.
Darwin
It seems like Joseph is reading my posts, because he obliged by bombing Darwin with unescorted Betties. Damage was minimal and chances are this won't be followed up, but zeroes will probably be sweeping the following days. The same happened at Darwin earlier and at Horn Island recently
China
Some skirmishes in China, but nothing serious. Things have quieted down again after the fall of Anking.
Indian Ocean
Interesting information for later reference, an air flotilla goes ashore on Great Nicobar Island in the first wave, the undefended island of course falls.
Subs
Spearfish tries to finish the job on AO Notoro, but suffers from duds, Snapper joins the hunt and puts a dud in an APD escorting the convoy.
To end the dud parade Silversides engages a large AMC North of Truk.
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23-24 May 42'
23-24 May 42'
Darwin
An air campaign has started against the base, the 23th saw a zero sweep, but on the 24th 40+ Betties started bombing the airbases covered by zeroes. The USAAF fighters at Katherine are itching to get back in the fight, but today they wait to see if they aren't going to run into all zero-sweeps again.
Horn Island
Horn is also subject to air attacks, nearby Merauke has fallen to the Japanese advance, so I wouldn't be surprised if this base gets attacked to close down the Horn Straight for good.
In support of the Island a squadron of B-17 fly against Buna from Charter Towers, but do no damage. Either Buna or Lae is the base from which attack against Horn are launched, but I haven't gotten a large base close enough to Lae to attack it.
Java
The attack against Soerabaja has finally been launched, the clear terrain is no benefit to the defenders and forts go to 4 on the first attack, with heavy casualties suffered by the Dutch.
Subs
S-39 scores a victory against a hunting SC off Buna, but 2 direct hits from it's companions mean a dangerous trip to Cooktown for emergency repairs and from there to the Brisbane drydock.
Seadragon hits a DD escorting tankers to or from Truk but it's a dud. (I'm starting to hate that word)
Mini-KB on a trip ?
The following TF has left Singapore today and seems to be heading through the Malacca straights. This may get interesting if they head for Colombo.
Darwin
An air campaign has started against the base, the 23th saw a zero sweep, but on the 24th 40+ Betties started bombing the airbases covered by zeroes. The USAAF fighters at Katherine are itching to get back in the fight, but today they wait to see if they aren't going to run into all zero-sweeps again.
Horn Island
Horn is also subject to air attacks, nearby Merauke has fallen to the Japanese advance, so I wouldn't be surprised if this base gets attacked to close down the Horn Straight for good.
In support of the Island a squadron of B-17 fly against Buna from Charter Towers, but do no damage. Either Buna or Lae is the base from which attack against Horn are launched, but I haven't gotten a large base close enough to Lae to attack it.
Java
The attack against Soerabaja has finally been launched, the clear terrain is no benefit to the defenders and forts go to 4 on the first attack, with heavy casualties suffered by the Dutch.
Subs
S-39 scores a victory against a hunting SC off Buna, but 2 direct hits from it's companions mean a dangerous trip to Cooktown for emergency repairs and from there to the Brisbane drydock.
Seadragon hits a DD escorting tankers to or from Truk but it's a dud. (I'm starting to hate that word)
Mini-KB on a trip ?
The following TF has left Singapore today and seems to be heading through the Malacca straights. This may get interesting if they head for Colombo.
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25 May 42'
25 May 42'
Java
Soerabaja fell on the second attack, despite forts still at level 4. With this the last organized Dutch resistance has come to an end. About 40000 soldiers are captured with minimal losses to the Japanese.
Darwin
The air campaign continued and today Sallies join in over Darwin, the airbase is at 55 runway and 35 service damage so it's close to being closed. About a 100 USAAF Fighters flying from Katherine will LRCAP over the base. Chances are they will be mauled by the daily 20 plane zero sweep, but the unescorted Betties and Sallies will suffer.
Mini-KB
Sighted again, now at Sabang (Tip of Sumatra). Float planes spotted a sub I have patrolling there, so he probably knows I know his position. 2 RN CVs leave Bombay to lurk Northwest of Colombo.
Java
Soerabaja fell on the second attack, despite forts still at level 4. With this the last organized Dutch resistance has come to an end. About 40000 soldiers are captured with minimal losses to the Japanese.
Darwin
The air campaign continued and today Sallies join in over Darwin, the airbase is at 55 runway and 35 service damage so it's close to being closed. About a 100 USAAF Fighters flying from Katherine will LRCAP over the base. Chances are they will be mauled by the daily 20 plane zero sweep, but the unescorted Betties and Sallies will suffer.
Mini-KB
Sighted again, now at Sabang (Tip of Sumatra). Float planes spotted a sub I have patrolling there, so he probably knows I know his position. 2 RN CVs leave Bombay to lurk Northwest of Colombo.
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26-27 May 42'
26-27 May 42'
Darwin
Only a small number (15-20) of the almost 100 fighters actually show up over Darwin, but they did a pretty good job. Around 15 Betties are shot down in an unescorted raid. A second raid of Sallies and Zeroes show up later and meet an even further reduced CAP, 1 P-39D goes down in the short engagement. The following day I had pulled the fighters back to CAP the Katherine airfield instead while betties and sallies showed up again, though the zero escort seemed to have increased.
Mini-KB
Seems to have stayed at Sabang during the 26th, but I have lost track of them on the 27th. They probably didn't go back to Singapore or off to Rangoon though as I have subs that probably would have spotted search planes if they went that way.
Subs
Tarpon attacks a CM off the Chinese coast, but no damage.
I-24 did score a hit on Pensacola near Auckland, but damage is not too bad. 30 flotation, which should be fixed in about 3 weeks.
Darwin
Only a small number (15-20) of the almost 100 fighters actually show up over Darwin, but they did a pretty good job. Around 15 Betties are shot down in an unescorted raid. A second raid of Sallies and Zeroes show up later and meet an even further reduced CAP, 1 P-39D goes down in the short engagement. The following day I had pulled the fighters back to CAP the Katherine airfield instead while betties and sallies showed up again, though the zero escort seemed to have increased.
Mini-KB
Seems to have stayed at Sabang during the 26th, but I have lost track of them on the 27th. They probably didn't go back to Singapore or off to Rangoon though as I have subs that probably would have spotted search planes if they went that way.
Subs
Tarpon attacks a CM off the Chinese coast, but no damage.
I-24 did score a hit on Pensacola near Auckland, but damage is not too bad. 30 flotation, which should be fixed in about 3 weeks.
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28-30 May 42'
28-30 May 42'
Darwin
More attacks on the base, the airfield is getting beat up a bit.
NG
3 squadrons of B-17 do a short raid on Lae, but due to little recon hardly any damage was done.
New Hebrides
Occupying Luganville might get a little more dangerous than anticipated, enemy recon/naval search has started flying over the Island meaning I don't want the convoys around the Island too long. Threat from LBA is nearly non existent with only a lvl 2 airfield in range, but KB is unaccounted for.
Subs
KX misses when attacking a small PB in the Makassar straight
S-23 hits a rather large xAK between Woodlark Island and Milne Bay. It was loaded with troops, but there was no indication whether it was getting troops out of Milne or forward to somewhere else.
Darwin
More attacks on the base, the airfield is getting beat up a bit.
NG
3 squadrons of B-17 do a short raid on Lae, but due to little recon hardly any damage was done.
New Hebrides
Occupying Luganville might get a little more dangerous than anticipated, enemy recon/naval search has started flying over the Island meaning I don't want the convoys around the Island too long. Threat from LBA is nearly non existent with only a lvl 2 airfield in range, but KB is unaccounted for.
Subs
KX misses when attacking a small PB in the Makassar straight
S-23 hits a rather large xAK between Woodlark Island and Milne Bay. It was loaded with troops, but there was no indication whether it was getting troops out of Milne or forward to somewhere else.
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May Overview
May Overview
Another month has passed without many surprises. The Japanese have subdued Java and seem to make preparations for an invasion of Northern Australia. The Allies have cemented their MLR in the Pacific and are ferrying in forces to Australia. Preparations are also being made for the first moves into the Solomons.
Theatre by theatre
DEI
The Japanese have strengthened their hold around on the Islands surrounding Darwin. Java was the scene of the greatest battles, it took the Japanese the greater part of the month to clear up all the forces. Finally some smaller islands have been taken near the Sumatran coastline.
NG
Port Moresby fell disappointingly quick, but that seemed to be the end of Japanese ambitions here. Besides this offensive some smaller islands around the tip of NG have been captured.
Burma
The offensive has ended here, Myitkina has not been taken by the Japanese. Indian troops North of the border are building up for a counterattack.
China
A large offensive against Anking easily took the city, but there was no follow-up.
Another month has passed without many surprises. The Japanese have subdued Java and seem to make preparations for an invasion of Northern Australia. The Allies have cemented their MLR in the Pacific and are ferrying in forces to Australia. Preparations are also being made for the first moves into the Solomons.
Theatre by theatre
DEI
The Japanese have strengthened their hold around on the Islands surrounding Darwin. Java was the scene of the greatest battles, it took the Japanese the greater part of the month to clear up all the forces. Finally some smaller islands have been taken near the Sumatran coastline.
NG
Port Moresby fell disappointingly quick, but that seemed to be the end of Japanese ambitions here. Besides this offensive some smaller islands around the tip of NG have been captured.
Burma
The offensive has ended here, Myitkina has not been taken by the Japanese. Indian troops North of the border are building up for a counterattack.
China
A large offensive against Anking easily took the city, but there was no follow-up.
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RE: May Overview
Naval Losses
Japan Allies
CV 1 0
SS 1 0
SC 1 0
xAK 2 0
Calm month, only the subs have been giving battle. The first Allied sub has now been lost, and it seems to be the first of the war. They don't get too much result, with very few convoys engaged. The CV is a FOW correction from the battle of the Java Sea.
Japan Allies
CV 1 0
SS 1 0
SC 1 0
xAK 2 0
Calm month, only the subs have been giving battle. The first Allied sub has now been lost, and it seems to be the first of the war. They don't get too much result, with very few convoys engaged. The CV is a FOW correction from the battle of the Java Sea.
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RE: May Overview
Air Losses
Japan Allies
Total 165 99
Air 31 42
Flak 16 1
Ground 1 0
Ops 117 56
The air war stays calm, some battles over Darwin that favoured the Japanese sweeps heavily until the Betties were intercepted without escort.
Japan Allies
Total 165 99
Air 31 42
Flak 16 1
Ground 1 0
Ops 117 56
The air war stays calm, some battles over Darwin that favoured the Japanese sweeps heavily until the Betties were intercepted without escort.
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-
Speedysteve
- Posts: 15974
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Reading, England
RE: May Overview
Where do you think KB is located now?
Are you plannimg any offensive ops yourself or not yet? Where are your CV's?
Are you plannimg any offensive ops yourself or not yet? Where are your CV's?
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31 May - 1 June 42'
Speedy
I have no indications whatsoever about the location of KB. Mini-KB has been sighted often enough over the past months (one sighting in the PI and recently around Singapore and Sabang), but there is no indication about full KB. It's probably in a central location, Truk is likely, but I won't exclude it being further East. My own CV's are at Pearl Harbour (4) and one at Auckland, which will cover debarking troops at Luganville. Once Wasp joins the other CVs they will start moving towards the South Pacific as well. Once they arrive I want to start the first counter-attacks at Ndeni and Guadalcanal/Tulagi. Problem is that I'm not quite sure if my CVs can take on KB. Sinking the Hiryu was a windfall, but he'll soon be up to 7CVs and I have no idea if that is a match-up I can win. Due to this I will limit myself to smaller attacks that have little risk to run straight into KB and LBA.
Darwin
Some more air raids, the port is targeted as well.
AMC Raid
An AMC is found raiding Southwest of Australia. Unfortunately for the AMC, she is found by DD Kortenaer and DE Edsall and Paul Jones. In a very short and short-range encounter 2 torpedoes shot by the Americans find their mark and end the raiders career.
Subs
Finback attacks a convoy around New Britain with no succes
I-29 is found off Sydney and is engaged by AM Cessnock, no damage reported.
I have no indications whatsoever about the location of KB. Mini-KB has been sighted often enough over the past months (one sighting in the PI and recently around Singapore and Sabang), but there is no indication about full KB. It's probably in a central location, Truk is likely, but I won't exclude it being further East. My own CV's are at Pearl Harbour (4) and one at Auckland, which will cover debarking troops at Luganville. Once Wasp joins the other CVs they will start moving towards the South Pacific as well. Once they arrive I want to start the first counter-attacks at Ndeni and Guadalcanal/Tulagi. Problem is that I'm not quite sure if my CVs can take on KB. Sinking the Hiryu was a windfall, but he'll soon be up to 7CVs and I have no idea if that is a match-up I can win. Due to this I will limit myself to smaller attacks that have little risk to run straight into KB and LBA.
Darwin
Some more air raids, the port is targeted as well.
AMC Raid
An AMC is found raiding Southwest of Australia. Unfortunately for the AMC, she is found by DD Kortenaer and DE Edsall and Paul Jones. In a very short and short-range encounter 2 torpedoes shot by the Americans find their mark and end the raiders career.
Subs
Finback attacks a convoy around New Britain with no succes
I-29 is found off Sydney and is engaged by AM Cessnock, no damage reported.
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khyberbill
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:29 pm
- Location: new milford, ct
RE: 31 May - 1 June 42'
You can if you ambush the KB, other than that, you are toast. Your foe doesnt appear to be very aggressive, in that he has only established roughly historical advances so I would not expect KB to be that adventurous.Problem is that I'm not quite sure if my CVs can take on KB.
"Its a dog eat dog world Sammy and I am wearing Milkbone underwear" -Norm.
2-5 June 42'
Khyberbill: Thanks, that's what I figured as well, I hope he'll bring out KB again for an attack, but I doubt he will use them against a target where I can bring both LBA and the USN CV's into play. Otherwise it'll take a while for the counter-attack to pick up steam.
2-5 June 42'
Darwin
More bombardments escorted by zeroes come in. I'm wondering what the goal of these attacks are, both airfield and port are quite damaged already and even if repaired they aren't used by the Allies. I'm thinking he's doing this to stop forts from building. This is working, but I'm not really planning on fighting it out in Darwin itself anyway, so it's a wasted effort.
Burma/India
Akyab is finally taken by a regiment. This units has been near Akyab for quite a while, but only now has Joseph decided he really wanted the base, which has been empty all trough the war.
Pacific
A one CA bombardment hits Palmyra. I'm not quite sure what goal this serves, he might very well just be trying out the new bombardment routine. No convoys are in the area and CVs in PH will not react to this as KBs location is not known.
Subs
A victory for the Japanese as I-30 sinks AM Bunbury off Sydney. This is the effect of Japanese subs flooding the approaches to Sydney. They may be doing the same to other ports, but there are less Hudsons patrolling there.
Around Tahiti a Japanese sub is aggressive as well, but chose the wrong convoy. An escorting DD puts a direct hit on I-4.
From now on the game will pause for 2 weeks due to a trip.
2-5 June 42'
Darwin
More bombardments escorted by zeroes come in. I'm wondering what the goal of these attacks are, both airfield and port are quite damaged already and even if repaired they aren't used by the Allies. I'm thinking he's doing this to stop forts from building. This is working, but I'm not really planning on fighting it out in Darwin itself anyway, so it's a wasted effort.
Burma/India
Akyab is finally taken by a regiment. This units has been near Akyab for quite a while, but only now has Joseph decided he really wanted the base, which has been empty all trough the war.
Pacific
A one CA bombardment hits Palmyra. I'm not quite sure what goal this serves, he might very well just be trying out the new bombardment routine. No convoys are in the area and CVs in PH will not react to this as KBs location is not known.
Subs
A victory for the Japanese as I-30 sinks AM Bunbury off Sydney. This is the effect of Japanese subs flooding the approaches to Sydney. They may be doing the same to other ports, but there are less Hudsons patrolling there.
Around Tahiti a Japanese sub is aggressive as well, but chose the wrong convoy. An escorting DD puts a direct hit on I-4.
From now on the game will pause for 2 weeks due to a trip.
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6-7 June 42'
6-7 June 42'
After a little less than 2 weeks downtime we're back again.
China
A bombing campaign against force in the Sian area has been going on for some time now. Not much I can do against this due to the poor supply situation in the area, but I don't care too much about some Chinese squads getting destroyed. These probably are just training missions for the Japanese airforce. Kweilin is also often targeted by Sonias escorted by Oscars, I'm sending in the AVG to try and get some kills.
More interesting is that Anking, taken not even a month ago by a huge army has been completely abandoned by the Japanese. A push North from here would have seriously jeopardized my position in Sian and the Lanchow oilfields. Even if that wasn't his plan, I don't see any reason not to leave at least a brigade there with some forces to protect the road to the South. At the same time, one unit is probing to the East of Sian, moving North towards the Sian - Lanchow road.
Darwin
No change, the Japanese airforce keeps plastering the field, escorted by a good amount of zeroes.
Burma
Myitkyina is taken by the 33rd Division, this base has been abandoned by the Allies for some time now, I'm actually glad the VP losses from being under-garrisoned stopped.
Subs
Spearfish attacks a hunting SC near Mindaneo, but has no succes.
Around Australia and Lord Howe Island the ASW war heats up. A first attack is made by an AM group near Sydney, but it is unsuccessful. Near Lord Howe Island an RAN/RN ASW group first engages I-175, one direct his is scored, but the sub will probably survive. I-170 then attacks the ASW group to draw attention away from it's wounded comrade. A first attack misses, but the ASW group doesn't retaliate either. It's second salvo brings down the wrath of HMAS Nestor and HMAS Napier, mutiple DC hits are scored and when the sub surfaces it is finished off with gunfire. This seems to be the first Japanese sub sunk in the war (midgets not included).
After a little less than 2 weeks downtime we're back again.
China
A bombing campaign against force in the Sian area has been going on for some time now. Not much I can do against this due to the poor supply situation in the area, but I don't care too much about some Chinese squads getting destroyed. These probably are just training missions for the Japanese airforce. Kweilin is also often targeted by Sonias escorted by Oscars, I'm sending in the AVG to try and get some kills.
More interesting is that Anking, taken not even a month ago by a huge army has been completely abandoned by the Japanese. A push North from here would have seriously jeopardized my position in Sian and the Lanchow oilfields. Even if that wasn't his plan, I don't see any reason not to leave at least a brigade there with some forces to protect the road to the South. At the same time, one unit is probing to the East of Sian, moving North towards the Sian - Lanchow road.
Darwin
No change, the Japanese airforce keeps plastering the field, escorted by a good amount of zeroes.
Burma
Myitkyina is taken by the 33rd Division, this base has been abandoned by the Allies for some time now, I'm actually glad the VP losses from being under-garrisoned stopped.
Subs
Spearfish attacks a hunting SC near Mindaneo, but has no succes.
Around Australia and Lord Howe Island the ASW war heats up. A first attack is made by an AM group near Sydney, but it is unsuccessful. Near Lord Howe Island an RAN/RN ASW group first engages I-175, one direct his is scored, but the sub will probably survive. I-170 then attacks the ASW group to draw attention away from it's wounded comrade. A first attack misses, but the ASW group doesn't retaliate either. It's second salvo brings down the wrath of HMAS Nestor and HMAS Napier, mutiple DC hits are scored and when the sub surfaces it is finished off with gunfire. This seems to be the first Japanese sub sunk in the war (midgets not included).
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8-9 June 42'
8-9 June 42'
Burma
Forgotten to mention this earlier, but Akyab was taken by a regiment. It appears unsupported and is now advancing to an unoccupied Cox's Bazaar. This doesn't really concern me, It won't be long before my forces in India are strong enough to clean up outposts at both these bases.
Darwin
The Japanese airforce stayed away on the 9th, but this may just be due to weather
SWPac
Marines supported by a BF have started landing at Luganville. This base was never captured by the Japanese, but had been abandoned for months by Allied forces. Now it will be built as an advance base for a possible offensive into the Solomons.
Subs
A sub dropped mine heavily damages a DD escorting a convoy into Melbourne. The Portsea hex were the mine was placed is a training spot for Australian AM groups so the sub was pretty lucky to get in and out undetected.
Perch had a dud hit on an xAK near Buna.
Burma
Forgotten to mention this earlier, but Akyab was taken by a regiment. It appears unsupported and is now advancing to an unoccupied Cox's Bazaar. This doesn't really concern me, It won't be long before my forces in India are strong enough to clean up outposts at both these bases.
Darwin
The Japanese airforce stayed away on the 9th, but this may just be due to weather
SWPac
Marines supported by a BF have started landing at Luganville. This base was never captured by the Japanese, but had been abandoned for months by Allied forces. Now it will be built as an advance base for a possible offensive into the Solomons.
Subs
A sub dropped mine heavily damages a DD escorting a convoy into Melbourne. The Portsea hex were the mine was placed is a training spot for Australian AM groups so the sub was pretty lucky to get in and out undetected.
Perch had a dud hit on an xAK near Buna.
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10-11 June 42'
10-11 June 42'
Darwin
LRCAP from Katherine flies over Darwin again for a day. The battle goes well for the Allies, with at least 3 zeroes downed, possibly 5, for the cost of 1 P-40 and 1 P-39. The bombers do manage to bomb the field again though.
Oz
Part of the 41st Division had already landed in Oz, but now the remaining parts are landing in Adelaide and Perth. The long trip did disable a rather large part of the unit, so it will have to go to Sydney for R&R. At the same time the 27th has arrived in Melbourne and an African brigade is one day out from Adelaide. All in all my combat strength has risen considerably in Australia over the past week.
SWPac
The landings at Luganville have been completed, possibly even without the Japanese noticing this, a marine regiment is guarding the base.
32nd Division is close to being completely transported to Noumea, bringing the island up to 2 Divisions, only a bunch of Motorized support remains in NZ
Subs
A couple of skirmishes with ASW groups from both sides, but with little effect. USS Trigger lying in wait between Java and Sumatra did score a hit on an AMC trying to sneak into or out of the Indian Ocean.
25pdrs
These things are the bane of the Commonwealth, there are a couple of other devices that are in short supply such as Vickers and flak, but the shortage of these guns is staggering. Right now I'd need about 2 years of game time to upgrade all the 18pdrs and that is without first filling out the TOEs. The problem will probably be made a bit smaller by units withdrawing and convoys coming in, but I wonder if I'll ever be able to properly fill out all the Indian and Australian units. At the moment I'm thinking about disbanding 2 Canadian brigades just because this would give me an additional 48 of the guns.
Darwin
LRCAP from Katherine flies over Darwin again for a day. The battle goes well for the Allies, with at least 3 zeroes downed, possibly 5, for the cost of 1 P-40 and 1 P-39. The bombers do manage to bomb the field again though.
Oz
Part of the 41st Division had already landed in Oz, but now the remaining parts are landing in Adelaide and Perth. The long trip did disable a rather large part of the unit, so it will have to go to Sydney for R&R. At the same time the 27th has arrived in Melbourne and an African brigade is one day out from Adelaide. All in all my combat strength has risen considerably in Australia over the past week.
SWPac
The landings at Luganville have been completed, possibly even without the Japanese noticing this, a marine regiment is guarding the base.
32nd Division is close to being completely transported to Noumea, bringing the island up to 2 Divisions, only a bunch of Motorized support remains in NZ
Subs
A couple of skirmishes with ASW groups from both sides, but with little effect. USS Trigger lying in wait between Java and Sumatra did score a hit on an AMC trying to sneak into or out of the Indian Ocean.
25pdrs
These things are the bane of the Commonwealth, there are a couple of other devices that are in short supply such as Vickers and flak, but the shortage of these guns is staggering. Right now I'd need about 2 years of game time to upgrade all the 18pdrs and that is without first filling out the TOEs. The problem will probably be made a bit smaller by units withdrawing and convoys coming in, but I wonder if I'll ever be able to properly fill out all the Indian and Australian units. At the moment I'm thinking about disbanding 2 Canadian brigades just because this would give me an additional 48 of the guns.
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Short Term Strategic Plan
Now that 6/42 is in full swing, it seems like it's about time for the Allies to get advancing. I've made a quick and dirty plan for upcoming offensives, which can be seen on the included map. Blue arrows are the offensives in the short term. Red arrows are follow-up offensives or those that need more preparation.
1) Recovering Baker Island. Recon is needed here, but it seems unlikely the Island is defended heavily. None of the Gilberts have been built up, so it would be surprising if this outlier has a large garrison. Once captured, this island will be used for recon of the Gilberts and Catalina patrols.
2) Guadalcanal/Tulagi. Recon is needed here as well, but the Islands aren't really built up. This will make it fairly easy to gain control of the air needed for the landings, this also is an indication that the Islands aren't too important to Joseph so large garrisons are unlikely. I will have to bring forward more troops from the USA to get enough troops to properly garrison my base and the Guadalcanal area.
Both of these are unlikely to run into significant LBA, but the threat of KB is real for both the landings. This is why I chose easy targets where I can land enough forces in a short period of time.
Follow up offensives are dependant on the success of the previous landings and the fate of KB and the USN carriers. Right now I'm assuming no decisive battles so follow up will focus on short hops where my LBA can play a role in suppressing enemy LBA and the USN Carriers can be kept out of the fighting as much as possible unless KB shows up.
1) Towards the Bismarck Sea, there are 2 significant enemy bases here, Rabaul and Lae, so this will not be too easy. This does feel like a natural follow up to Guadalcanal landings. LBA from Oz and the Solomons can help here.
2) Gilberts area, LBA can't help here, but the area is hardly built up so landings may be able to dash in and out without too much threat of KB.
3) Opening the Torres straight. Darwin and the approaches from the West are very weak, so if I want to threaten the Southern DEI it will help to open up Torres Straight. This is very dependant on success and pressure from the offensive towards Rabaul as otherwise taking PM will be very hard.
4) Burma offensive, this won't start of immediately to give the Indians time to built up.
Overall the strategy is to start pressuring the Japanese, but without putting the USN at too much risk as losing them now would mean I'm essentially stopped until the Essex carriers come in. A loss for KB could shift the focus rapidly to a route through the pacific, while losses for the USN might make me send more troops to SE Asia to try and break into Thailand faster.
1) Recovering Baker Island. Recon is needed here, but it seems unlikely the Island is defended heavily. None of the Gilberts have been built up, so it would be surprising if this outlier has a large garrison. Once captured, this island will be used for recon of the Gilberts and Catalina patrols.
2) Guadalcanal/Tulagi. Recon is needed here as well, but the Islands aren't really built up. This will make it fairly easy to gain control of the air needed for the landings, this also is an indication that the Islands aren't too important to Joseph so large garrisons are unlikely. I will have to bring forward more troops from the USA to get enough troops to properly garrison my base and the Guadalcanal area.
Both of these are unlikely to run into significant LBA, but the threat of KB is real for both the landings. This is why I chose easy targets where I can land enough forces in a short period of time.
Follow up offensives are dependant on the success of the previous landings and the fate of KB and the USN carriers. Right now I'm assuming no decisive battles so follow up will focus on short hops where my LBA can play a role in suppressing enemy LBA and the USN Carriers can be kept out of the fighting as much as possible unless KB shows up.
1) Towards the Bismarck Sea, there are 2 significant enemy bases here, Rabaul and Lae, so this will not be too easy. This does feel like a natural follow up to Guadalcanal landings. LBA from Oz and the Solomons can help here.
2) Gilberts area, LBA can't help here, but the area is hardly built up so landings may be able to dash in and out without too much threat of KB.
3) Opening the Torres straight. Darwin and the approaches from the West are very weak, so if I want to threaten the Southern DEI it will help to open up Torres Straight. This is very dependant on success and pressure from the offensive towards Rabaul as otherwise taking PM will be very hard.
4) Burma offensive, this won't start of immediately to give the Indians time to built up.
Overall the strategy is to start pressuring the Japanese, but without putting the USN at too much risk as losing them now would mean I'm essentially stopped until the Essex carriers come in. A loss for KB could shift the focus rapidly to a route through the pacific, while losses for the USN might make me send more troops to SE Asia to try and break into Thailand faster.
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