January 15, 1942
Strategic Analysis
Friendly Situation
On the whole, the first 1.5 months of the war have gone well. We finally have our forces allocated as desired and are for the most part past the somewhat annoying "organize and orient while simultaneously conducting a major offensive all over the map" phase.
Air losses were initially lopsided in our favor while the enemy contested the skies over northern Malaya and Luzon. Since then, Cuttlefish has ceded air superiority at the front and pulled back to key bases, a wise move as the rate of attrition was unsustainable given fixed Allied replacement rates. We will soon attempt to force a return to attritional air combat on favorable terms at Singapore and, to a lesser degree, in Burma. We are equally pleased with the early seizure of LBA bases in the DEI, allowing Netty coverage of approaches to key bases such as Palembang, discouraging enemy movements in these areas. Fighter and bomber production is proceeding well and pilot pools are decent and improving as training moves ahead.
At sea, we have not suffered significant losses and the IJN remains ready for battle. The flip side of this is that CF has also suffered minimal naval losses other than Pearl Harbor, where it appears at least three BBs were sunk and the rest were crippled for a long time. KB is fresh, KBL is currently enlarging air groups at Babeldoab to increase its combat potential.
On the ground, once again everything is proceeding according to plan except for the annoying but temporary reverse at Nanyang. We are concerned, as many JFBs are at this stage of the game, with how thin we are in Southern China. These fears are augmented by aerial recon showing 18 enemy LCUs gathered at Kukong and Kanshien. Luzon is bottled up and we are moving to finish Singapore. In Burma, we are advancing on Pegu and Rangoon in the face of minimal opposition. In the Pacific, we have so far overwhelmed the at start enemy garrisons in place.
Enemy Situation and Intentions
The enemy, after suffering initial heavy losses in the air, has generally avoided battle on land, at sea and in the air. Cuttlefish's e-mail chatter and initial moves indicated unfamiliarity with the Allied OOB and dispositions, resulting in a mostly passive approach at first.
However, as predicted, our fine opponent appears to have re-organized and re-oriented his forces and is prepared for a more active defense, beginning with his bold CV raid in the eastern DEI. We were fortunate indeed to guess right and pull out there, and we expect stiffening resistance going forward, particularly in the DEI. It appears CF has settled on trading space for time and withdrawing to strong points in the rear, but that once we cross his red lines we can expect an aggressive response. For example, he appears to be conceding New Guinea, but we suspect he is preparing to defend the second layer of the DEI as best he can. Cribtop Intel estimates he is husbanding his main strength in rear bases such as India, CONUS, SE Oz and perhaps Pearl.
That said, he has not elected a full Sir Robin, as his actions with Force Z and the USN carriers show. He appears willing to raid and nibble but not waste unrestricted ground forces in forward bases. One very open question is where his supply hubs will be and the extent to which he has improved the garrisons of rear bases such as Fiji, Noumea, Darwin, etc. Recon shows no evidence of an intention to create Fortress Palembang, Fortress Timor, or any other forward festung.
Desired Endstate
The course of the war to date has so far gone according to plan. We do not intend to alter much of our intentions or dispositions in most AOs (4th Fleet, 14th Army, 25th Army or Burma). However, there are two areas of concern and one possible opportunity.
16th Army
The enemy has shown his CVs here, and we must assume he will continue to commit his fleet to guard against our leap into Timor and Java. After consideration, we have determined that our initial plan to seize Samarinda, Balikpapan, Makassar and Bandjermasin can still be accomplished with acceptable risk under cover of LBA. We will position three Air HQs and numerous air groups to cover rapid seizure of these bases in very short hops. Timor is a bit more difficult but may not be essential for the time being. We will consider moving KB into the region for use against Timor and Dempassar, but even Timor may be doable with LBA assuming it remains unreinforced and we have Air HQs at Makassar, Kendari and Ambon. The whole question may be academic as we planned to hit Java and Sumatra after the fall of Singapore from the west rather than the east. The eastern DEI offensive was primarily a drive to isolate Java from Oz.
China
After the escape of a rather mauled but still potent Loyang garrison, we face two decent sized armies in North China. Intention is to engage the weaker Loyang force with 11th Army, while using advances that appear to be aimed at this army to actually cut the road to Nanyang. At that point, our still powerful and much reinforced 12th Army will re-engage the enemy army at Nanyang from the South. We hope to keep these enemy forces divided, seeking to isolate or force the abandonment of Nanyang.
Cribtop Intel is concerned the enemy may be gathering for a thrust towards the coast along an axis Kanshien to Amoy. We are thin here and CF surely knows it given his experience with the Japanese OOB. Significant reinforcements due in about 30 days will address the balance of forces and even allow offensive action in the south, but until then we are vulnerable. Cribtop HQ hopes to keep the enemy off balance in North China and elsewhere, but the danger cannot be ignored entirely. The enemy's big stack at Ichang remains in place. We are confident we have enough force over the river to counter any thrust from this army.
SE Fleet
This is the interesting AO. Enemy resistance has been nominal, and our phase one objectives will be achieved with the seizure of Lae, Buna, Milne Bay and Port Moresby. We plan subsidiary Ops to grab Horn Island, etc, but the big question is whether to press on more aggressively.
Our instinct is to move KB to the DEI to counter the enemy and ensure completion of the conquest of the vital SRA. However, we estimate that CF has not yet materially reinforced Noumea and Fiji. We have a regiment prepping for the former at Truk and could buy out a Division in Korea prepping for the latter.
PRO - The proposed ops would capture important rear area bases with significant VP value and could deliver a shock to Cuttlefish, keeping him mentally focused here. We can recon the bases to ensure they are unimproved, and, if so, take them quickly. They would not be held by major ground forces after capture but rather would serve as sub and nav search bases and defensive foregrounds to slow the enemy from reaching the MLR before it is ready. Capture of these bases could also cause CF to decide he "must" act in the Pacific, achieving the aim of keeping him away from the Darwin-Timor axis.
CON - The proposed ops would keep KB in the less important SE Fleet AO when our strategic focus is on the DEI and, eventually, NW Oz. Delay is not preferred. That said, if we want to come back for these bases later they will be reinforced and the price of capture much higher.
At present, we are leaning against any deep moves in the SE Fleet AO until we secure the DEI. However, we want to know what our readers think before deciding.
Execution
Awaits final decision on whether KB is headed to the DEI after the fall of PM or not.
Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 16, 1942
Subs
I-154 misses a DD in Force Z as it retires toward Soerebaja and pays the price with a solid DC hit. She will limp back to Kendari to pump out. I-174 misses a Dutch DD one hex SW of Kendari. We put the sub here in anticipation of a bombardment attempt, but the enemy TF doesn't bombard. Was this an attempt at a shipping intercept with "retirement allowed" or a bombardment TF with flubbed orders? Unknown but Cribtop Intel guesses the former.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
We will divide Operation LPM into two wings. Lae and Buna will be seized by a TF that begins loading today and will approach from secure waters north of New Britain. Milne Bay and PM will be assaulted by a TF that loads tomorrow. The PM invasion will sport our LSD and nine AKs so as to unload quickly under fire, as the waters around PM are somewhat exposed due to the geography of the region (of course, enemy CVs are probably not a concern unless they are moving at top speed from the DEI right now).
Dagua occupied.
14th Army
Camiguin falls. DA Cagayan takes the base, odds 4:1. 3 LCUs retreat, but the largest infantry unit unexpectedly surrenders, casualties 6447(579) vs 154(0). This ensures the fall of Mindanao without the need for reinforcement.
16th Army
Recon from Kendari confirms Koepang is not reinforced, which is good news. As an aside, enemy concentrations appear to be Batavia, Singapore and Rangoon, which buttresses our theory that CF is pursuing a more intentionally historical strategy.
Our fleet is safe at Babeldoab. KBL is re-sizing air groups and we are clearing a little SYS damage before the next op. Ground forces for Timor are gathering at Babel while the Operation SM (Samarinda to Makassar) forces will stage to a jump off point at Jolo.
For the moment the focus is on shifting Air HQs to Kendari, Ambon and Tarakan. The Tarakan HQ will leap ahead to Makassar once it falls. These Air HQ movements will be accomplished by a combination of transport aircraft and FT TFs to maximize force protection.
25th Army
We continue to get base forces, AA and engineers into Kuala Lumpur. We also flew in a Sentai of Oscars and set a CAP trap, but the enemy does not raid the field. The coming air offensive will feature three Sentai of Oscars and one Daitai of Zeros. We will sweep Johore to draw off a partial CAP from Singers, then tackle Singers itself. Finally, the daily bombing begins.
15th Army
BA 1 hex NE of Pegu shows the enemy is a remnant of the Burmese unit we carved up at Moulmein. DA Tomorrow. Recon of Pegu shows minimal opposition and 33rd and elements of 55th Divisions are ordered to cross the river. We have officially cut the rail line from Rangoon to the interior, so the large enemy concentration at Rangoon will either attempt to flee by ship or die in place.
China
No change.
Subs
I-154 misses a DD in Force Z as it retires toward Soerebaja and pays the price with a solid DC hit. She will limp back to Kendari to pump out. I-174 misses a Dutch DD one hex SW of Kendari. We put the sub here in anticipation of a bombardment attempt, but the enemy TF doesn't bombard. Was this an attempt at a shipping intercept with "retirement allowed" or a bombardment TF with flubbed orders? Unknown but Cribtop Intel guesses the former.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
We will divide Operation LPM into two wings. Lae and Buna will be seized by a TF that begins loading today and will approach from secure waters north of New Britain. Milne Bay and PM will be assaulted by a TF that loads tomorrow. The PM invasion will sport our LSD and nine AKs so as to unload quickly under fire, as the waters around PM are somewhat exposed due to the geography of the region (of course, enemy CVs are probably not a concern unless they are moving at top speed from the DEI right now).
Dagua occupied.
14th Army
Camiguin falls. DA Cagayan takes the base, odds 4:1. 3 LCUs retreat, but the largest infantry unit unexpectedly surrenders, casualties 6447(579) vs 154(0). This ensures the fall of Mindanao without the need for reinforcement.
16th Army
Recon from Kendari confirms Koepang is not reinforced, which is good news. As an aside, enemy concentrations appear to be Batavia, Singapore and Rangoon, which buttresses our theory that CF is pursuing a more intentionally historical strategy.
Our fleet is safe at Babeldoab. KBL is re-sizing air groups and we are clearing a little SYS damage before the next op. Ground forces for Timor are gathering at Babel while the Operation SM (Samarinda to Makassar) forces will stage to a jump off point at Jolo.
For the moment the focus is on shifting Air HQs to Kendari, Ambon and Tarakan. The Tarakan HQ will leap ahead to Makassar once it falls. These Air HQ movements will be accomplished by a combination of transport aircraft and FT TFs to maximize force protection.
25th Army
We continue to get base forces, AA and engineers into Kuala Lumpur. We also flew in a Sentai of Oscars and set a CAP trap, but the enemy does not raid the field. The coming air offensive will feature three Sentai of Oscars and one Daitai of Zeros. We will sweep Johore to draw off a partial CAP from Singers, then tackle Singers itself. Finally, the daily bombing begins.
15th Army
BA 1 hex NE of Pegu shows the enemy is a remnant of the Burmese unit we carved up at Moulmein. DA Tomorrow. Recon of Pegu shows minimal opposition and 33rd and elements of 55th Divisions are ordered to cross the river. We have officially cut the rail line from Rangoon to the interior, so the large enemy concentration at Rangoon will either attempt to flee by ship or die in place.
China
No change.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 17, 1942
Subs
Anns from Cam Ranh Bay and Formosa harass enemy subs. Tracker reports that a Dutch CMc is sunk by a sub laid defensive minefield at Sinkawang. The enemy must have been trying to lay an offensive minefield but was instead a victim of our mines. Fun! We will have to send a DMS to the port in case the Dutch got their mines overboard before sinking. This result will tend to ward off the expected but so far non-existent bombardments at the base.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
The Milne Bay/Port Moresby invasion loads while the Lae/Buna invasion sails. KB and South Seas Fleet will escort the PM invasion to the target.
Truk makes level 7 port. We will shift construction engineers to other bases and begin the arduous process of creating a defensible perimeter. That is a good sentence for a Japanese AAR entry on January 17, 1942.
14th Army
Polillo invaded as dot base duty continues.
16th Army
Repairing and re-orienting for the next ops. All enemy fleet units have been observed retiring by Mavis search planes.
25th Army
No enemy raids at Kuala Lumpur. Looks like CF won't fall for our CAP trap. The main army is still marching on Malacca.
15th Army
DA NE of Pegu sweeps aside weak opposition, odds 32:1, casualties 104(14) vs nil. The sooner we formally cut the Burma Road the less we need to be worried about enemy offensives in China.
China
No change, still marching.
Subs
Anns from Cam Ranh Bay and Formosa harass enemy subs. Tracker reports that a Dutch CMc is sunk by a sub laid defensive minefield at Sinkawang. The enemy must have been trying to lay an offensive minefield but was instead a victim of our mines. Fun! We will have to send a DMS to the port in case the Dutch got their mines overboard before sinking. This result will tend to ward off the expected but so far non-existent bombardments at the base.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
The Milne Bay/Port Moresby invasion loads while the Lae/Buna invasion sails. KB and South Seas Fleet will escort the PM invasion to the target.
Truk makes level 7 port. We will shift construction engineers to other bases and begin the arduous process of creating a defensible perimeter. That is a good sentence for a Japanese AAR entry on January 17, 1942.
14th Army
Polillo invaded as dot base duty continues.
16th Army
Repairing and re-orienting for the next ops. All enemy fleet units have been observed retiring by Mavis search planes.
25th Army
No enemy raids at Kuala Lumpur. Looks like CF won't fall for our CAP trap. The main army is still marching on Malacca.
15th Army
DA NE of Pegu sweeps aside weak opposition, odds 32:1, casualties 104(14) vs nil. The sooner we formally cut the Burma Road the less we need to be worried about enemy offensives in China.
China
No change, still marching.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 18, 1942
Subs
The endless war against relatively immobile enemy subs continues, but now on two fronts as we combine Ann ASW aircraft with SC based ASW TFs near Cam Ranh Bay in addition to Formosa. Several attacks today but no hits. We are keeping the enemy spotted and his head down, however.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
The PM invasion TF loads. Next up are a series of reinforcements for Rabaul, including the small paratrooper units that began the game in Formosa, SE Fleet HQ to torpedo enable Rabaul and many nearby bases, and a second base force to add AV support. We have already posted an AG and an AS to Rabaul as well.
This is good because our Bettys futiley attempt to bomb two enemy xAK at Port Moresby today. We need those torps. Interesting intel as it proves there are no Allied fighters present.
Any thoughts on the question I posed in the Jan 15th analysis above?
14th Army
Polillo taken, Calayan invaded. Yay, dot base cleanup! I swear I love the rowboat corps just because every base they take is one more we don't have to invade.
One interesting note is that our daily assaults on Clark and Bataan airfields occasionally yield a dead Catalina. I thought the Allies could buy these valuable planes out of the PI? If not, the enemy is choosing to lose a scarce resource.
16th Army
Continuing to prep for the next big offensive.
25th Army
Marching on Singers.
15th Army
Marching on Pegu. Air recon confirms 13 enemy LCUs in Rangoon. Interesting. We have torp enabled Nells waiting at Chumphon in the event CF tries to evac.
The SNLF has been airlifted to Port Blair. Now to fly out the 1st Raiding Regiment for use in Burma.
Our brave Royal Thai Army allies barely take unoccupied Mergui. AS of 66 for a brigade of the RTA 1st Division drops to 9. [8|] FYI, in case you're wondering, our house rules allow use of the RTA in Burma.
China
The enemy's "Loyang" stack succeeds in withdrawing a hex, which actually enables our nefarious plan to encircle Nanyang. Other than that we are slogging ahead. Working on a program to "upgrade" Sonias to Lilys in this AO.
Recon shows an enemy LCU in Pakhoi. We were about to amphib both this base and Kwangchowan. Hmm. We will take Kwangchowan with both units and then decide our future actions.
Subs
The endless war against relatively immobile enemy subs continues, but now on two fronts as we combine Ann ASW aircraft with SC based ASW TFs near Cam Ranh Bay in addition to Formosa. Several attacks today but no hits. We are keeping the enemy spotted and his head down, however.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
The PM invasion TF loads. Next up are a series of reinforcements for Rabaul, including the small paratrooper units that began the game in Formosa, SE Fleet HQ to torpedo enable Rabaul and many nearby bases, and a second base force to add AV support. We have already posted an AG and an AS to Rabaul as well.
This is good because our Bettys futiley attempt to bomb two enemy xAK at Port Moresby today. We need those torps. Interesting intel as it proves there are no Allied fighters present.
Any thoughts on the question I posed in the Jan 15th analysis above?
14th Army
Polillo taken, Calayan invaded. Yay, dot base cleanup! I swear I love the rowboat corps just because every base they take is one more we don't have to invade.
One interesting note is that our daily assaults on Clark and Bataan airfields occasionally yield a dead Catalina. I thought the Allies could buy these valuable planes out of the PI? If not, the enemy is choosing to lose a scarce resource.
16th Army
Continuing to prep for the next big offensive.
25th Army
Marching on Singers.
15th Army
Marching on Pegu. Air recon confirms 13 enemy LCUs in Rangoon. Interesting. We have torp enabled Nells waiting at Chumphon in the event CF tries to evac.
The SNLF has been airlifted to Port Blair. Now to fly out the 1st Raiding Regiment for use in Burma.
Our brave Royal Thai Army allies barely take unoccupied Mergui. AS of 66 for a brigade of the RTA 1st Division drops to 9. [8|] FYI, in case you're wondering, our house rules allow use of the RTA in Burma.
China
The enemy's "Loyang" stack succeeds in withdrawing a hex, which actually enables our nefarious plan to encircle Nanyang. Other than that we are slogging ahead. Working on a program to "upgrade" Sonias to Lilys in this AO.
Recon shows an enemy LCU in Pakhoi. We were about to amphib both this base and Kwangchowan. Hmm. We will take Kwangchowan with both units and then decide our future actions.
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nashvillen
- Posts: 3835
- Joined: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:07 am
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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
You ask for comments, but as I am reading your opponents’ AAR also, anything I say will be tainted even if I try to not include anything I have read there, sorry. Also, if I go too far the other way it could be misconstrued as helping him! I am, clearly, a JFB, but I am above all a gamer with integrity that I wish to keep![:)]
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Looking back in your AAR, I would still like to see an invasion of Australia at some point. I would go for Noumea to anchor your eastern flank, but no invasion of Fiji or Pago Pago area. He can only reach you from there with CVs and 4e bombers. You stated that you would not go far beyond the historical boundary, but there could be an opportunity here if you want to be that aggressive. Most AARs show the Japanese player being more aggressive in India, but I want to see if Australia is a possibility.
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[/center]RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Nashvillen - I totally respect that point of view and adhere to it myself when reading both sides of an AAR.
Nygiants - well, I didn't plan to go past history in the Pacific. Parts of Australia are definitely on the menu!
Nygiants - well, I didn't plan to go past history in the Pacific. Parts of Australia are definitely on the menu!
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
You stated that you would not go far beyond the historical boundary, but there could be an opportunity here if you want to be that aggressive. Most AARs show the Japanese player being more aggressive in India, but I want to see if Australia is a possibility.
My thoughts are to go where the victory points can best be harvested. Now is the time you have overwhelming power against the Allies. Australia is useful not as a resource area, but as a place where the Allied player is more likely to commit forces to battle, and with luck, destruction.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 19, 1942
The very model of modern major quiet turn. We will only report the (few) highlights. Lots of Ops are in the prep stages, but most of the action today is in the tail rather than the tooth.
SE Fleet
Auki occupied by rowboat. Lae and Buna invasions hit the beaches tomorrow. Milne Bay/PM invasions RV with KB and South Seas Fleet and set course for the targets. This invasion TF is all 18kt, thus D-Day is only about 4 days out. Various reinforcements leave Truk for Rabaul, as does a TK convoy to deliver enough fuel to support sub ops.
14th Army
Calayan falls.
15th Army
DA Pegu tomorrow should take the base with no trouble. Enemy planes recon Moulmein, but we still have the 55th Division cav regiment there. Even if the Allies try an Amphib, our LoC runs to Chiang Mai and shouldn't be cut. We recon Toungoo and find the enemy now has 4 LCUs in position. A para assault may be off the table. We will sweep Rangoon tomorrow with Tojos and Oscars just to stir things up.
China
The "Loyang" stack has moved a hex and continues to retire down the yellow road toward Sian. We will try to catch them but for the most part are trying to cut off Nanyang without being noticed.
5th Fleet
All Operation AA (Aluetians) TFs have safely made port at Ominato. We will repair SYS damage and consider a descent on Adak if troops become available. Don't want to overdue the NOPAC front, but Adak would be a good base to take to forestall enemy counteroffensives.
The very model of modern major quiet turn. We will only report the (few) highlights. Lots of Ops are in the prep stages, but most of the action today is in the tail rather than the tooth.
SE Fleet
Auki occupied by rowboat. Lae and Buna invasions hit the beaches tomorrow. Milne Bay/PM invasions RV with KB and South Seas Fleet and set course for the targets. This invasion TF is all 18kt, thus D-Day is only about 4 days out. Various reinforcements leave Truk for Rabaul, as does a TK convoy to deliver enough fuel to support sub ops.
14th Army
Calayan falls.
15th Army
DA Pegu tomorrow should take the base with no trouble. Enemy planes recon Moulmein, but we still have the 55th Division cav regiment there. Even if the Allies try an Amphib, our LoC runs to Chiang Mai and shouldn't be cut. We recon Toungoo and find the enemy now has 4 LCUs in position. A para assault may be off the table. We will sweep Rangoon tomorrow with Tojos and Oscars just to stir things up.
China
The "Loyang" stack has moved a hex and continues to retire down the yellow road toward Sian. We will try to catch them but for the most part are trying to cut off Nanyang without being noticed.
5th Fleet
All Operation AA (Aluetians) TFs have safely made port at Ominato. We will repair SYS damage and consider a descent on Adak if troops become available. Don't want to overdue the NOPAC front, but Adak would be a good base to take to forestall enemy counteroffensives.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 20, 1942
Subs
We are gathering forces for Operation SM, using Jolo as a staging base since troops are coming from Hong Kong, Babel and Cam Ranh Bay. On the way in, DDs escorting one of these TFs DCs Seadragon.
4th Fleet
No change, but plans for Operation BC (Baker to Canton Is) have been approved and forces allocated. The Op will be carried out entirely by FT TF.
SE Fleet
Lae and Buna invaded. Milne Bay and Port Moresby are next. Then we have a decision to make about KB.
14th Army
No change. We will be able to pull out 6 construction engineers in a few days' time. 3 will go to 16th Army AO and 3 to 4th Fleet to begin constructing the perimeter defenses.
16th Army
Waigeo occupied by rowboat and Sarmi is invaded by a dot base clean up force. We have flown much of 21st Air Flotilla HQ to Ambon. The rest is loading tomorrow on an FT TF for delivery. We will then perform the same trick for moving 11th Air Fleet to Kendari. 5th Air Division is on ships bound for Tarakan.
At Babeldoab, KBL has finished re-sizing its squadrons and significantly augmented its air groups. Repairs on SYS damage for all ships of the fleet will be complete in 3 days. Recon shows Timor is almost undefended.
25th Army
Our troops are writing a new Kabuki play entitled "It's a long march to Singapore, but at least resistance is minimal." The air war over Singapore begins in two days.
An odd combat result at Beaufort, where a tiny SNLF company attacks two enemy base forces. Adjusted AS is 9:10, for a 1:2, but there are no casualties on either side. That is some gentlemanly warfare. [:D]
15th Army
The lone enemy defender at Pegu skulked off in the night, so our DA takes the base by default. We are at the gates of Rangoon, and the bulk of 15th Army, reinforced by 21st Brigade, are ordered to converge on the prize. Unfortunately, weather scrubs the sweeps ordered for Rangoon. We will try again tomorrow.
1st Raiding Regt has been retrieved from Port Blair and will be put to use in Burma somewhere.
Subs
We are gathering forces for Operation SM, using Jolo as a staging base since troops are coming from Hong Kong, Babel and Cam Ranh Bay. On the way in, DDs escorting one of these TFs DCs Seadragon.
4th Fleet
No change, but plans for Operation BC (Baker to Canton Is) have been approved and forces allocated. The Op will be carried out entirely by FT TF.
SE Fleet
Lae and Buna invaded. Milne Bay and Port Moresby are next. Then we have a decision to make about KB.
14th Army
No change. We will be able to pull out 6 construction engineers in a few days' time. 3 will go to 16th Army AO and 3 to 4th Fleet to begin constructing the perimeter defenses.
16th Army
Waigeo occupied by rowboat and Sarmi is invaded by a dot base clean up force. We have flown much of 21st Air Flotilla HQ to Ambon. The rest is loading tomorrow on an FT TF for delivery. We will then perform the same trick for moving 11th Air Fleet to Kendari. 5th Air Division is on ships bound for Tarakan.
At Babeldoab, KBL has finished re-sizing its squadrons and significantly augmented its air groups. Repairs on SYS damage for all ships of the fleet will be complete in 3 days. Recon shows Timor is almost undefended.
25th Army
Our troops are writing a new Kabuki play entitled "It's a long march to Singapore, but at least resistance is minimal." The air war over Singapore begins in two days.
An odd combat result at Beaufort, where a tiny SNLF company attacks two enemy base forces. Adjusted AS is 9:10, for a 1:2, but there are no casualties on either side. That is some gentlemanly warfare. [:D]
15th Army
The lone enemy defender at Pegu skulked off in the night, so our DA takes the base by default. We are at the gates of Rangoon, and the bulk of 15th Army, reinforced by 21st Brigade, are ordered to converge on the prize. Unfortunately, weather scrubs the sweeps ordered for Rangoon. We will try again tomorrow.
1st Raiding Regt has been retrieved from Port Blair and will be put to use in Burma somewhere.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 21, 1942
Lots of banzais, a successful sweep and sub on sub combat!
Subs
S-41 duds on a DD near Quinhon. Lucky ship. I-2 torpedoes SS Gudgeon near Pearl Harbor. The enemy sub shows up as sunk even though one torpedo hit was an outright dud and the exploding torp did not list "heavy damage" in the CR. We think we got her as Tracker also shows Gudgeon as a goner. Anns from Formosa report a hit on an S-boat.
4th Fleet
No change. We load soon for Canton Island as Glens recon the base.
SE Fleet
Lae and Buna fall. Milne Bay will be invaded tomorrow and PM the day after that. KB and South Seas Fleet will cross from the Solomons Sea into the Coral Sea tomorrow in support of the PM Op. Recon shows the garrison of PM unchanged and a small supply convoy unloading.
Lae will immediately begin building as a major air base. Buna is mostly intended as a supply base for PM and an overland escape route when the enemy comes calling in future times.
14th Army
DA Malabalay drives the former defenders of Cagayan on down the road, odds 5:1, casualties 340(66) vs 30(0). We forgot Cagayan has a garrison requirement and suffer a partisan attack. Oops. Troops will scuttle back to put down the locals. The garrison requirements are more of an impediment to taking Mindanao than the Philippine Army.
Catanduanes invaded. Naga falls with resources intact.
16th Army
Sarmi falls. We continue to move to establish pre-conditions for Operation SM and the seizure of Timor, dubbed Operation DK after recon shows Dili empty but Lautem occupied. To that end, we had flown about half of 21st Air HQ into Ambon yesterday while loading the rest on an FT TF. These actions cause the "child" unit at Ambon to become the parent and inherit the torpedoes. As a result, Zeros and Nells with teeth take up residence earlier than expected. By the time we attack eastern Borneo and Timor in about 10 days, the local waters will hopefully be too dangerous for CF to try another carrier raid.
25th Army
An SNLF that marched down from Sinkawang takes Pontianak, odds 53:1, casualties 142(9) vs 3(0). I guess three of our squads had some sort of friendly fire incident as the retreated enemy base forces had 0 AS.
Kuantan falls to a recon regiment.
15th Army
The big move today was to sweep Rangoon with Oscars and Tojos from Rahaeng. As expected, AVG was still cooling its heels at Toungoo. We slice up a squadron of Buffaloes, losses 10:0 in our favor.
In my e-mail sending the replay to Cuttlefish, I joked: "So you do have an air force after all. Hadn't seen them in a while."
His response was classic: "No, I don't have an air force. I have Buffaloes. It's not the same thing."
China
Nothing to report other than relief as we checked the reinforcements list and the LCUs we thought were coming in 30 days actually arrive in 11 days. This greatly reduces any window CF has for an offensive in the South.
Lots of banzais, a successful sweep and sub on sub combat!
Subs
S-41 duds on a DD near Quinhon. Lucky ship. I-2 torpedoes SS Gudgeon near Pearl Harbor. The enemy sub shows up as sunk even though one torpedo hit was an outright dud and the exploding torp did not list "heavy damage" in the CR. We think we got her as Tracker also shows Gudgeon as a goner. Anns from Formosa report a hit on an S-boat.
4th Fleet
No change. We load soon for Canton Island as Glens recon the base.
SE Fleet
Lae and Buna fall. Milne Bay will be invaded tomorrow and PM the day after that. KB and South Seas Fleet will cross from the Solomons Sea into the Coral Sea tomorrow in support of the PM Op. Recon shows the garrison of PM unchanged and a small supply convoy unloading.
Lae will immediately begin building as a major air base. Buna is mostly intended as a supply base for PM and an overland escape route when the enemy comes calling in future times.
14th Army
DA Malabalay drives the former defenders of Cagayan on down the road, odds 5:1, casualties 340(66) vs 30(0). We forgot Cagayan has a garrison requirement and suffer a partisan attack. Oops. Troops will scuttle back to put down the locals. The garrison requirements are more of an impediment to taking Mindanao than the Philippine Army.
Catanduanes invaded. Naga falls with resources intact.
16th Army
Sarmi falls. We continue to move to establish pre-conditions for Operation SM and the seizure of Timor, dubbed Operation DK after recon shows Dili empty but Lautem occupied. To that end, we had flown about half of 21st Air HQ into Ambon yesterday while loading the rest on an FT TF. These actions cause the "child" unit at Ambon to become the parent and inherit the torpedoes. As a result, Zeros and Nells with teeth take up residence earlier than expected. By the time we attack eastern Borneo and Timor in about 10 days, the local waters will hopefully be too dangerous for CF to try another carrier raid.
25th Army
An SNLF that marched down from Sinkawang takes Pontianak, odds 53:1, casualties 142(9) vs 3(0). I guess three of our squads had some sort of friendly fire incident as the retreated enemy base forces had 0 AS.
Kuantan falls to a recon regiment.
15th Army
The big move today was to sweep Rangoon with Oscars and Tojos from Rahaeng. As expected, AVG was still cooling its heels at Toungoo. We slice up a squadron of Buffaloes, losses 10:0 in our favor.
In my e-mail sending the replay to Cuttlefish, I joked: "So you do have an air force after all. Hadn't seen them in a while."
His response was classic: "No, I don't have an air force. I have Buffaloes. It's not the same thing."
China
Nothing to report other than relief as we checked the reinforcements list and the LCUs we thought were coming in 30 days actually arrive in 11 days. This greatly reduces any window CF has for an offensive in the South.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 22, 1942
Subs
Seadragon duds on a DD near Jolo.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Milne Bay invaded. KB ambushes and destroys the supply convoy spotted at PM yesterday and thus reveals its presence. Two PGs and three medium size xAKs are sunk for no loss. Cribtop HQ is ok with this as Catalinas and Empires at PM spot our CVs anyway.
Recon shows Nadi appears to be unreinforced. Checking Suva tomorrow.
14th Army
Catanduanes falls. DA Surigao by a tank regiment takes the base and finishes the former defenders of Batangas. Resources are taken intact, the tanks will march on to other conquests.
16th Army
11th Air Fleet begins to fly into Kendari as the big Mavis group takes up residence and provides search coverage from Java to Darwin.
25th Army
As planned, we sweep Johore Baru with Zeros from Sinkawang and Oscars from Kuala Lumpur. Intention was to engage leaking CAP from Singers in order to ensure significant numerical superiority and thus favorable attrition. The ploy works as the Zeros destroy 13 Buffaloes and one Blenheim IF for no loss. The IJAAF is late to the party and has nothing to fight. Several pilots in the Zero Daitai get their second and third kills in this battle and the air group is quickly becoming elite in terms of experience.
SA by our little SNLF Coy at Beaufort again fails to take the base, odds 1:1, casualties 5(0) vs 26(0). The LCU is undamaged after the replay but is just too small in the face of the rough terrain. We were shipping another small unit by the area. They will stop in to finish this farce.
15th Army
Our LCUs have all gathered at Pegu and will march on Rangoon tomorrow. We choose not to sweep Rangoon again for fear the AVG would be laying in wait with superior numbers.
China
Our plan to shift the focus of the attack from the Loyang stack to the encirclement of Nanyang is about to break into the open. We will see what happens, but Cribtop HQ believes CF will be forced to withdraw from Nanyang or suffer annihilation of his forces there. We assume he will choose the former option.
Other
We now have enough ACMs to cover all existing minefields and they are en route to their destinations.
Subs
Seadragon duds on a DD near Jolo.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Milne Bay invaded. KB ambushes and destroys the supply convoy spotted at PM yesterday and thus reveals its presence. Two PGs and three medium size xAKs are sunk for no loss. Cribtop HQ is ok with this as Catalinas and Empires at PM spot our CVs anyway.
Recon shows Nadi appears to be unreinforced. Checking Suva tomorrow.
14th Army
Catanduanes falls. DA Surigao by a tank regiment takes the base and finishes the former defenders of Batangas. Resources are taken intact, the tanks will march on to other conquests.
16th Army
11th Air Fleet begins to fly into Kendari as the big Mavis group takes up residence and provides search coverage from Java to Darwin.
25th Army
As planned, we sweep Johore Baru with Zeros from Sinkawang and Oscars from Kuala Lumpur. Intention was to engage leaking CAP from Singers in order to ensure significant numerical superiority and thus favorable attrition. The ploy works as the Zeros destroy 13 Buffaloes and one Blenheim IF for no loss. The IJAAF is late to the party and has nothing to fight. Several pilots in the Zero Daitai get their second and third kills in this battle and the air group is quickly becoming elite in terms of experience.
SA by our little SNLF Coy at Beaufort again fails to take the base, odds 1:1, casualties 5(0) vs 26(0). The LCU is undamaged after the replay but is just too small in the face of the rough terrain. We were shipping another small unit by the area. They will stop in to finish this farce.
15th Army
Our LCUs have all gathered at Pegu and will march on Rangoon tomorrow. We choose not to sweep Rangoon again for fear the AVG would be laying in wait with superior numbers.
China
Our plan to shift the focus of the attack from the Loyang stack to the encirclement of Nanyang is about to break into the open. We will see what happens, but Cribtop HQ believes CF will be forced to withdraw from Nanyang or suffer annihilation of his forces there. We assume he will choose the former option.
Other
We now have enough ACMs to cover all existing minefields and they are en route to their destinations.
-
Canoerebel
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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Cribtop HQ analyzes file size, eh?
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Well, yeah. But I misremembered and the replays are usually 2MB while orders are usually 3.1MB, so it was a false alarm. I deleted the reference to file size in my prior post, so these two entries will probably seem confusing to other readers.
However, all that silliness aside, I have observed that replay file sizes, at least, get much bigger in a turn with a lot of action, particularly long air or sea battles.
However, all that silliness aside, I have observed that replay file sizes, at least, get much bigger in a turn with a lot of action, particularly long air or sea battles.
-
Canoerebel
- Posts: 21099
- Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2002 11:21 pm
- Location: Northwestern Georgia, USA
- Contact:
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Yer inscrutable!
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
but there are no casualties on either side. That is some gentlemanly warfare.
Oh dear . . . these things with the pointy ends were supposed to go into the rifles, weren't they?[:D]
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
To Canoerebel: Or senile. A little young for that, but any excuse is a good excuse!
Oh, well, I'll always have that crazy lifeboat doctrine. Speaking of which, I've got two empty xAKs tagging along with the PM invasion fleet just in case.
To Capt. Harlock: [:D]
Oh, well, I'll always have that crazy lifeboat doctrine. Speaking of which, I've got two empty xAKs tagging along with the PM invasion fleet just in case.
To Capt. Harlock: [:D]
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 23, 1942
We storm ashore in good order at PM while Cribtop HQ argues whether to send KB to the DEI or the South Pacific next.
Subs
Searaven duds on an APD returning to Manado after dropping off the balance of 21st Air HQ at Ambon.
4th Fleet
The Canton Island invasion loads at Kwaj.
SE Fleet
D-Day at Port Moresby goes well. We take a few paint scratching hits to 2 CAs and minor penetrating hits to CL Katori and an xAK. Interestingly, the xAK hit was an empty lifeboat ship, so I guess we found another use for this doctrine. [:)]
The invasion escorts generally keep the enemy gunner's heads down and our troops and supplies pour ashore quickly and in good order thanks to high prep (for an early war target) and the fact we are exclusively using our precious AKs and our lone LSD for this op.
Kates from KB pound the port to further suppress the guns in the PM phase, our Bettys fail to fly from Rabaul due to weather but no real loss.
Allied BA shows raw AS at 459:104. We are at very low levels of DIS and fatigue and will DA tomorrow. At most two or three attacks to take the place, and even that's only due to terrain and what forts CF has managed to cobble together with only one base force and the organic engineers of his original infantry units. No sign of enemy air or sea intervention.
Elsewhere, Milne Bay falls and Lae begins building its airfield. Large reinforcements, including SE Fleet HQ, begin to unload at Rabaul. Additional reinforcements from the Home Islands will arrive at Truk tomorrow. Fast transports from Tokyo sail for Keijo as we will buy out the crack 20th Division for either a South Pacific invasion force or a theater reserve in about 3 days.
14th Army
No change except that we re-occupy Cagayan and sheepishly restore order. What's the hot key to see garrison requirements?
16th Army
Namlea occupied. 21st Air HQ is fully ensconced at Ambon. 11th Air Fleet has all flown to Kendari except for the motorized support and the torps. We doubt we can load motorized support on APDs but will use xAKs at Manado if necessary. 5th Air Division is two days sail from Tarakan. All fleet units will be fully repaired at Babeldoab tomorrow. Picket ships have sailed to watch the approaches to the Makassar Strait. Cribtop HQ authorizes Operation SM to proceed.
A word on pickets, since I mentioned them. My policy is to use combat ships for pickets rather than xAKLs as I think this is more historical (I've seen references to subs, DDs and the equivalent of PBs being used IRL, so that gives me a comfort level). I know this is a sometimes controversial topic, this is just my personal preference. We certainly need all the eyes we can get given the recent action by enemy CVs in these waters.
25th Army
We order another sweep of Johore Baru tomorrow. Then we will go for Singers itself. Southern Army HQ marches out of Saigon to provide support for the assault on Singapore and to help draw supplies to the front.
15th Army
Marching on Rangoon while 1st Raiding Regt gets in position to try an assault on Toungoo. Recon has deduced that although there are 4 LCUs there, they are very short of guns and AFVs, meaning they may just be base forces. We'll think about it.
China
Operation N, the attempted encirclement of Nanyang, begins in earnest today. We will carefully time various elements to arrive just outside the city on the day one division finishes moving from the yellow road from the plains to Sian over 1 hex to the grey road running from Nanyang to Sian. If CF notices this movement, he surely will have to react. If he does not, we may force him to retreat overland toward Anking or even catch his army in Nanyang. Cribtop Intel is still trying to determine the prospects for a march on Sian. Much of that depends on the results of Operation N. We shall see - Cribtop HQ has seen numerous players, even the high quality JFBs, sputter in the attempt to get Sian through the forests and isn't sure the game is worth the candle.
Otherwise just counting down the days until we get our South China reinforcements. We are beginning a small op to seize Kwangchowan and Pakhoi.
Home Islands
Resorce flows into the Home Islands are really humming along thanks to advice from Mike Solli, nygiants59 and others. Oil is starting to flow from Miri and Brunei as well - the first shipment of DEI oil will arrive at Nagasaki in about 48 hours. Banzai!
We storm ashore in good order at PM while Cribtop HQ argues whether to send KB to the DEI or the South Pacific next.
Subs
Searaven duds on an APD returning to Manado after dropping off the balance of 21st Air HQ at Ambon.
4th Fleet
The Canton Island invasion loads at Kwaj.
SE Fleet
D-Day at Port Moresby goes well. We take a few paint scratching hits to 2 CAs and minor penetrating hits to CL Katori and an xAK. Interestingly, the xAK hit was an empty lifeboat ship, so I guess we found another use for this doctrine. [:)]
The invasion escorts generally keep the enemy gunner's heads down and our troops and supplies pour ashore quickly and in good order thanks to high prep (for an early war target) and the fact we are exclusively using our precious AKs and our lone LSD for this op.
Kates from KB pound the port to further suppress the guns in the PM phase, our Bettys fail to fly from Rabaul due to weather but no real loss.
Allied BA shows raw AS at 459:104. We are at very low levels of DIS and fatigue and will DA tomorrow. At most two or three attacks to take the place, and even that's only due to terrain and what forts CF has managed to cobble together with only one base force and the organic engineers of his original infantry units. No sign of enemy air or sea intervention.
Elsewhere, Milne Bay falls and Lae begins building its airfield. Large reinforcements, including SE Fleet HQ, begin to unload at Rabaul. Additional reinforcements from the Home Islands will arrive at Truk tomorrow. Fast transports from Tokyo sail for Keijo as we will buy out the crack 20th Division for either a South Pacific invasion force or a theater reserve in about 3 days.
14th Army
No change except that we re-occupy Cagayan and sheepishly restore order. What's the hot key to see garrison requirements?
16th Army
Namlea occupied. 21st Air HQ is fully ensconced at Ambon. 11th Air Fleet has all flown to Kendari except for the motorized support and the torps. We doubt we can load motorized support on APDs but will use xAKs at Manado if necessary. 5th Air Division is two days sail from Tarakan. All fleet units will be fully repaired at Babeldoab tomorrow. Picket ships have sailed to watch the approaches to the Makassar Strait. Cribtop HQ authorizes Operation SM to proceed.
A word on pickets, since I mentioned them. My policy is to use combat ships for pickets rather than xAKLs as I think this is more historical (I've seen references to subs, DDs and the equivalent of PBs being used IRL, so that gives me a comfort level). I know this is a sometimes controversial topic, this is just my personal preference. We certainly need all the eyes we can get given the recent action by enemy CVs in these waters.
25th Army
We order another sweep of Johore Baru tomorrow. Then we will go for Singers itself. Southern Army HQ marches out of Saigon to provide support for the assault on Singapore and to help draw supplies to the front.
15th Army
Marching on Rangoon while 1st Raiding Regt gets in position to try an assault on Toungoo. Recon has deduced that although there are 4 LCUs there, they are very short of guns and AFVs, meaning they may just be base forces. We'll think about it.
China
Operation N, the attempted encirclement of Nanyang, begins in earnest today. We will carefully time various elements to arrive just outside the city on the day one division finishes moving from the yellow road from the plains to Sian over 1 hex to the grey road running from Nanyang to Sian. If CF notices this movement, he surely will have to react. If he does not, we may force him to retreat overland toward Anking or even catch his army in Nanyang. Cribtop Intel is still trying to determine the prospects for a march on Sian. Much of that depends on the results of Operation N. We shall see - Cribtop HQ has seen numerous players, even the high quality JFBs, sputter in the attempt to get Sian through the forests and isn't sure the game is worth the candle.
Otherwise just counting down the days until we get our South China reinforcements. We are beginning a small op to seize Kwangchowan and Pakhoi.
Home Islands
Resorce flows into the Home Islands are really humming along thanks to advice from Mike Solli, nygiants59 and others. Oil is starting to flow from Miri and Brunei as well - the first shipment of DEI oil will arrive at Nagasaki in about 48 hours. Banzai!
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 24, 1942
I am taking a few extra days off for Memorial Day, so we are cranking the turns.
Today the enemy probably cast the deciding vote on where to send KB.
Subs
Nada.
4th Fleet
We are executing an odd op for Canton. Since FT TFs pile on the disruption, we plan to land the Canton SNLF at Tarawa to recover DIS before reloading for the final run in. The alternative is to await traditional invasion shipping currently busy in SE Fleet, or use 10 kt xAKLs that can't carry squat and are as vulnerable as newborn kittens.
SE Fleet
We bomb PM with Bettys and Kates while continuing to unload a few stragglers and a lot of supply. Our lifeboat xAK takes another minor shell hit but otherwise the enemy defenses are neutered.
We expected taking PM to be a weeklong operation needing two or three attacks to finish up. Instead, DA today reduces forts to 2 and easily takes the base with 9:1 odds. Banzai! [&o] Two enemy LCUs are destroyed, the rest flee into the jungle with casualties of 2005(208) vs 205(1). Apparently, CF expected the base to hold out too, or he just forgot, but either way our troops are surprised to overrun two enemy air search groups, destroying 10 Catalinas and 3 S23 Empires. Banzai! [&o] [&o] This is a nice boost as the Allies are chronically short of long range search aircraft.
As Tokyo Rose joyfully informs us, Operation LPM is thus just about wrapped up. We will linger a few more days to dump supply at PM, then all fleet elements will retire to Truk. Well, all fleet elements except KB (read on below).
14th Army
Legaspi falls, and the last base on Luzon except for Clark and Bataan is now under the grip of the Rising Sun. The PA air unit that we were chasing hasn't been seen since Naga. CF either disbanded it or flew out the remnants via Catalina (or perhaps it died of attrition). Dinagat is occupied by rowboat.
16th Army
Alert! Alert! Nells flying out of newly torp-enabled Ambon spot two TFs and report enemy CVs 5 hexes SE of Saumlaki. Our Nells scramble but the enemy is at almost extreme range for our Zeros (13 hexes) and the strike cannot locate the enemy. The enemy TFs are reported to be heading West along a line that would skirt the coast of NW Australia just off Darwin.
Cribtop Intel estimation of enemy intentions: 1) Enemy was lying in wait to ambush an invasion attempt against Timor; 2) Enemy is actually moving East and the report was in error, indicating a desire to transit the Torres Strait en route to SOPAC bases; or 3) Enemy was moving toward the Torres Strait in hopes of interfering with our PM invasion when the air raid by KB on a supply convoy on Jan 22nd alerted him to presence of our carriers, at which point the enemy reversed course and is making for the Indian Ocean in order to avoid contact. Alternative 3) is judged to be most likely, but in any case this situation makes it clear that the enemy intends to lurk in the eastern DEI.
Options: Cribtop HQ considers a full speed pursuit, but the distance and fuel status of KB makes this untenable. Our carriers and escorts are in the green, but a 16 hex sprint would leave us dangerously low without prospect of reliable refueling locally. We could ignore the enemy flat tops and proceed with Operation SM under LBA cover, but any attempt to invade Timor or Dempassar is deemed too risky without the presence of our CVs. While capture of these bases immediately is not essential, we will be hard pressed to invade Java or Sumatra without chasing off the USN CVs. We have carefully considered opinions expressed by Nemo and others that KB is not needed in the DEI. This theory holds that land bases plus dismounted KB air groups can be used to advance while keeping the vital CV hulls safe from viable Dutch torpedoes. We are inclined to utilize this approach or some variant thereof. However, even this will require KB to transit into the eastern DEI.
Decision: The enemy gets a vote, and sometimes his actions make a decision for you. We will postpone or perhaps even abandon the Fiji invasion and KB will head to the DEI to form MKB, which will probably remain joined for the rest of the game. We may still try a snap invasion of Noumea if recon shows it unreinforced.
25th Army
Sweeps of Johore Bahru find nobody home. On to Singapore!
Reinforcements land at Beaufort to clean up. They land with high DIS and we will wait a few days.
15th Army
No change.
China
No change.
Other
Much to our disgust, BB Nevada comes off the sunk list. [:(]
I am taking a few extra days off for Memorial Day, so we are cranking the turns.
Today the enemy probably cast the deciding vote on where to send KB.
Subs
Nada.
4th Fleet
We are executing an odd op for Canton. Since FT TFs pile on the disruption, we plan to land the Canton SNLF at Tarawa to recover DIS before reloading for the final run in. The alternative is to await traditional invasion shipping currently busy in SE Fleet, or use 10 kt xAKLs that can't carry squat and are as vulnerable as newborn kittens.
SE Fleet
We bomb PM with Bettys and Kates while continuing to unload a few stragglers and a lot of supply. Our lifeboat xAK takes another minor shell hit but otherwise the enemy defenses are neutered.
We expected taking PM to be a weeklong operation needing two or three attacks to finish up. Instead, DA today reduces forts to 2 and easily takes the base with 9:1 odds. Banzai! [&o] Two enemy LCUs are destroyed, the rest flee into the jungle with casualties of 2005(208) vs 205(1). Apparently, CF expected the base to hold out too, or he just forgot, but either way our troops are surprised to overrun two enemy air search groups, destroying 10 Catalinas and 3 S23 Empires. Banzai! [&o] [&o] This is a nice boost as the Allies are chronically short of long range search aircraft.
As Tokyo Rose joyfully informs us, Operation LPM is thus just about wrapped up. We will linger a few more days to dump supply at PM, then all fleet elements will retire to Truk. Well, all fleet elements except KB (read on below).
14th Army
Legaspi falls, and the last base on Luzon except for Clark and Bataan is now under the grip of the Rising Sun. The PA air unit that we were chasing hasn't been seen since Naga. CF either disbanded it or flew out the remnants via Catalina (or perhaps it died of attrition). Dinagat is occupied by rowboat.
16th Army
Alert! Alert! Nells flying out of newly torp-enabled Ambon spot two TFs and report enemy CVs 5 hexes SE of Saumlaki. Our Nells scramble but the enemy is at almost extreme range for our Zeros (13 hexes) and the strike cannot locate the enemy. The enemy TFs are reported to be heading West along a line that would skirt the coast of NW Australia just off Darwin.Cribtop Intel estimation of enemy intentions: 1) Enemy was lying in wait to ambush an invasion attempt against Timor; 2) Enemy is actually moving East and the report was in error, indicating a desire to transit the Torres Strait en route to SOPAC bases; or 3) Enemy was moving toward the Torres Strait in hopes of interfering with our PM invasion when the air raid by KB on a supply convoy on Jan 22nd alerted him to presence of our carriers, at which point the enemy reversed course and is making for the Indian Ocean in order to avoid contact. Alternative 3) is judged to be most likely, but in any case this situation makes it clear that the enemy intends to lurk in the eastern DEI.
Options: Cribtop HQ considers a full speed pursuit, but the distance and fuel status of KB makes this untenable. Our carriers and escorts are in the green, but a 16 hex sprint would leave us dangerously low without prospect of reliable refueling locally. We could ignore the enemy flat tops and proceed with Operation SM under LBA cover, but any attempt to invade Timor or Dempassar is deemed too risky without the presence of our CVs. While capture of these bases immediately is not essential, we will be hard pressed to invade Java or Sumatra without chasing off the USN CVs. We have carefully considered opinions expressed by Nemo and others that KB is not needed in the DEI. This theory holds that land bases plus dismounted KB air groups can be used to advance while keeping the vital CV hulls safe from viable Dutch torpedoes. We are inclined to utilize this approach or some variant thereof. However, even this will require KB to transit into the eastern DEI.
Decision: The enemy gets a vote, and sometimes his actions make a decision for you. We will postpone or perhaps even abandon the Fiji invasion and KB will head to the DEI to form MKB, which will probably remain joined for the rest of the game. We may still try a snap invasion of Noumea if recon shows it unreinforced.
25th Army
Sweeps of Johore Bahru find nobody home. On to Singapore!
Reinforcements land at Beaufort to clean up. They land with high DIS and we will wait a few days.
15th Army
No change.
China
No change.
Other
Much to our disgust, BB Nevada comes off the sunk list. [:(]
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
A few musings.
This is very early, but we believe sub & AMC recon in the South Pacific may finally be revealing the enemy's supply hub. At a minimum, we now know what Cuttlefish has NOT reinforced, namely Fiji, Noumea, Canton Island, and British Samoa (although our intel on British Samoa is a little old). However, we have received numerous radio intercepts out of Pago Pago. While Japanese SigInt is horrible, even level 1 SigInt usually shows airfield and/or anchor symbols, and each time Pago Pago shows an anchor. Is CF dumping supplies, fuel & troops here? Perhaps, perhaps not, but we will certainly investigate further as locating and attacking the enemy's deep hubs has been a goal for some time now.
We are feeling good about the decision to send KB to the DEI despite this discovery, but Pago Pago may be worth a visit during the early days of Phase II.
Ahh, the next turn just arrived - back to it!
This is very early, but we believe sub & AMC recon in the South Pacific may finally be revealing the enemy's supply hub. At a minimum, we now know what Cuttlefish has NOT reinforced, namely Fiji, Noumea, Canton Island, and British Samoa (although our intel on British Samoa is a little old). However, we have received numerous radio intercepts out of Pago Pago. While Japanese SigInt is horrible, even level 1 SigInt usually shows airfield and/or anchor symbols, and each time Pago Pago shows an anchor. Is CF dumping supplies, fuel & troops here? Perhaps, perhaps not, but we will certainly investigate further as locating and attacking the enemy's deep hubs has been a goal for some time now.
We are feeling good about the decision to send KB to the DEI despite this discovery, but Pago Pago may be worth a visit during the early days of Phase II.
Ahh, the next turn just arrived - back to it!