From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japan's Thoughts

[Canoerebel]

Good luck. Your readers are anxious to find out how it turns out.

[USSAmerica]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Thank you Sir!  Good to know another...

Am having kittens awaiting the return of one of my opponents.  To stop for 10 days at the point were are offers up images of cruel and unusual punnishment...

John, in his AAR, Mandrake described this as the Japanese suffering from Invasion Interruptus. [:D]

[John 3rd]

"Invasion Interruptus!"  That is great!
 
I just sent back the July 6th turn and my Perth TF just got spotted only two days (4 hexes) from its landing site.  GAME ON!  Invasion date is set for July 8th.
 
The NZ Invasion Force is still 8-10 days from target.  Invasion date set for July 16th.
 
Take a deep breath because things are about to get WAY interesting!  These are the final rolls of the dice...
 
I am pounding his Port Moresby Invasion Force with nearly 100 Bettys!  So far they have lost a CA, 2 CL, 5 DD, and about 20+ other ships with numerous more damaged.  I'll detail this when I update formally.
 

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]Combat Report[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]June 30-July 7, 1942[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have to apologies for the long period between updates.  Life has been frightening and crazy in the Cochran Household.  We are anxiously awaiting word about a fulltime Professorship in History at the community college that I Adjunct at.  We are thinking GOOD THOUGHTS about landing the dream job…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]We have also had a slowdown due to my shifting locations where I stay when I am working at the casino on the weekends.  The couple I am staying with had only dial-up and balky phone line at that.  They are getting broadband and I should be able to get more turns and reports done once that has occurred.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]It has been a crazy period of time for the Japanese Empire:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]

[font="times new roman"]As I speak the July 8, 1942 turn will see the beginnings of landings on the coast of NW Australia.  Operation Southern Fury FINALLY gets rolling!  I will detail the preliminary fighting that has occurred within the report.[/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]

[font="times new roman"]The bulk of the Combined Fleet has made the turn from due south to west and I expect the landing at Dunedin, NZ to occur about the 18th.  [/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]

[font="times new roman"]The allies seek to divert my attention and intentions by making a surprise landing at Port Moresby.  They pay for this pretty severely…[/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]To the Regional Reports:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]North Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kiska[/i]   With the Port and Airfield going to Sz-3, I am moving an AE, AS, and several support ships to augment the small striking force that I have there.  I have placed 3 CL and 8 DD there to try and harass the American shipping lands if anything gets spotted.  Additionally, I have a Daitai of Zeros, Chutai of Kates, and Chutai of Emily flying from this base.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]On July 2nd, S-38 puts a TT intro an AK bringing supplies to the island.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Midway[/i]           The normal strikes from Johnson Island occur with B-17s.  The base is minorly damaged by consecutive raids on the June 30th, July 1st, and July 2nd.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Guam[/i]              AF-3[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]South Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Woodlark[/i] Island[/i]          Capture it on the July 1st and then move the SNLF unit to Gili-Gili to reinforce that garrison.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Port Moresby[/i]              This counter-attack catches me completely by surprise!  Somehow…my Emily/Mavis Recon units don’t spot three separate TF approaching until they START LANDING on July 2nd.  After the initial surprise wears off, I rapidly redeploy Betty/Nell/Zero Daitai to Lae and Rabaul and begin to HURT my opponents.  Here is the chronicle of events:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 2nd            Two TF begin landing at PM.  I have a CD Unit, SNLF troops, an Aviation Regiment, and a Base Force.  I immediately realize that cannot hold against the troops that are landing but perhaps I can lengthen the landing time for me to BLEED his shipping!  My CD Unit makes his ships pay dearly for little to no bombardment:  I hit 18 ships in the first phase and 16 ships in the second.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Damaged/Sunk Ships of note:  4 US DD (MacDonough, Worden, Selfridge, and Ellet) with damage to CA Minneapolis, CLs Tromp and St. Louis, 3 more DD, and 15 AP/AK[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 3rd             Rapidly moving planes from Timor and New Caledonia to Lae/Rabaul!  CD hits an additional 15 ships in first phase and 3 ships during the second.  Amazingly, the Allies don’t try for a quick grab of the base!  They bombard and I find that I am up against the following units:  1st Australian Corps HQ, 6th & 7th Aussie Infantry Divisions, 101st Aussie AT Regiment, and 2 American Base Forces.  OUCH!  This is a lot of firepower![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies could have taken the site on this day but don’t!  It allows for my counter-attack to gather steam.  Two Raids come in:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 1—9 Betty         2 MSW and CL Tromp take single TT hits.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 2—7Z and 45 Betty       They SCORE!  CA Minneapolis—5TT, CL Honolulu 2TT, CL Tromp 1TT, 4 AK/1AP each take a TT.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies lose CA Minneapolis and 3 MSW for the day.  Move more planes![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 4th             On the day AFTER the Allies should have taken PM, they elect not to attack AGAIN!  Banzai!  My CD hits 3 AK/AP and CL Adelaide.  A B-17 raids hits my troops defending the town.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Unfortunately, bad weather slows my aerial assault but several raids do come in to the landing area:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 1—5Z 19 Betty hit 2AK and CL Adelaide with 2TT.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 2—24 Betty hit CL Adelaide with 4TT and nail 4 AKs as well.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 3—6 Betty hit CL Tromp as it retreats with 1TT.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 4—12Z and 35 Betty hit 7 AK.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies lose CLs Tromp and Adelaide as well as 3 AK.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 5th             Port Moresby finally is attacked and falls.  My units retreat along the trail towards Buna where they can live to fight again.  Good News—the AF is damaged at 35% and Port at 63%.  I immediately shift some of my aerial assets to attack the AF tomorrow.  If I can keep it non-operational, then I can starve the troops there and come back at my leisure to finish them…    [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aerial Action:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 1—7Z 53 Betty hit 1 MSW, 8AK, and 3AP with TTs.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 2—9 Betty hit an AP and 2AK.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies lose DD Patterson, 2 MSW, 1AP, and 7AK—Nice day’s work…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 6th             I shift entirely to Aerial action:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 1—16Z, 49 Helen hit the AF—4 P-40, 93 Cas, and AF damage is raised to 46%.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 2—28Z, 47Betty/Nell destroy 1 P-40, 15 cas, and more AF Damage[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 3—3Z 15 Betty hit 2AK[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 4—16Z 36 Betty strike 4AK[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Allies lose 7 AK this day.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 7th             PM AF is knocked out—58% Damage[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 1—17Z and 58 Bombers destroy 2 P-40, 117 Cas, and AF.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies lose 3 more AK…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]THOUGHTS:  I will continue to pound PM from Lae with a force of 2 Zero Daitai, 3 Helen Sentai, and 2 Betty Daitai set for shipping attacks.  Thursday Island is providing Recon now with 2 Emily Chutai and 1 Alf Chutai.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have reinforced Gili-Gili with an SNLF unit, 2 small Construction units, and have two Naval BF units headed there.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Buna will get the retreating units from PM and begin building that up for a base.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Salamaua (Sp??) is already at AF-1 and will soon move to AF-2.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]As long as I can keep PM’s AF out of commission, then I can really beat-up anything that approaches…they will need CVs to stop my attacks…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]New Zealand[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Operation Typhoon has its landing date set for July 18th.  The KB FINALLY makes it into Suva and refuels on July 2nd.  It heads south to cover the landings on the South Island.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allied LBA is driving me nuts with my SS!  On July 3rd/5th/7th, I have SS damaged due to aerial attack.  What a load of CRAP![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]NW Australia[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Operation Southern Fury is spotted and the fight begins![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 3rd             My forces spot a MSW (left in the middle of the ocean to be a lookout and decoy) and sink it at hex 5,88.  Alfs and Vals do the work so I am revealed to be in the area…an Ro SS is damaged at Perth while trying to recon the harbor.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 4th             No sightings by either side this day.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 5th             I am 7 hexes from my target beach and don’t get spotted…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 6th             A small ASW TF is working around Perth—they damaged to Ro on the 3rd and damage an I-Boat on the 6th.  I make sure that all aircraft are ready on my CVEs and CS’s…spot several TF operating outside of Perth…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 7th             Only 2 hexes from my target, the action commences!  It is a GOOD day and it is a not-so-good day![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allied Aerial Attacks:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Three Small raids by Beauforts, B-25s, and Brewsters are decimated by my CAP of 29 Z[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raid 4—the last raid, however, causes REAL trouble—14 Brewsters, 4 B-25, and 8 Beauforts attack.  MY CAP does well and shots down 3 Brew and 6 Beauforts but the remaining planes bore in and get hits on CVE’s Taiyo (2 Bombs) and Unyo (1TT)!  DAMN!  Laser-Guided munitions I guess…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japanese Attacks:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I spot a large STF comprising BC Repulse, CAs Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Exeter, and CL Hobart!  WOW—Go get ‘em![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My forces launch a total of four small strikes comprising Kates, Vals, Alfs, and Jakes.  At the end of the day, they do WELL:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]BC Repulse takes 8 small and large bombs as well as FOUR TTs!  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CA Devonshire takes 2 bombs and 2 TTs.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]CA Exeter takes 3 bombs[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I expect Repulse to sink![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Status:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]If not for the hits on TWO CVE’s, I would say that this is a good day.  As is, I think I managed to take out the only Capital Ship in the area.  This is good.  The impact on my CTF is bad; however, nearly all the planes on Unyo shifted to CVL Ryuho and now she cannot launch planes (rated for 30 and has 48 aboard).  Taiyo is not in bad shape (Sys-25, Flot-1, and Fires 13) and should be savable.  Unyo though has Sys-36, Flot-34 and 11 Fires.  I expect to lose her…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I split the CVEs into separate TF and order them to withdraw.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]To remain viable, I must clear Ryuho’s decks!  Order the CTF to move north for at least a day or two and launch the extra planes to Amboina.  This will deprive my TFs of CAP but I need to do it so I can strike at any Allied counter-response coming from south Aussieland.  I would expect at least 5-7 days of clear seas prior to reinforcements arriving…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I begin my landing tomorrow.  The Invasion TF is covered by BB Nagato, 3CA, 2CL, and 11DD.  They should handle anything coming at them from the sea.  From the air however…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]DEI[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Nothing of importance.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Burma/India[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Allied airpower continues to rotate around and hit Mandalay, Akyab, and units that are holding hexes.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]On a mining mission, I-158 is hit by 5DC from a MSW Group.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Yenen—daily bombardments and airstrikes.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 5th             I finally have enough Political Points to transfer an entire Infantry Division to the South Pacific.  The 36th Inf Div (Experience 83 and Morale 73) is transferred to the SE Fleet and given Port Moresby for a planning objective.  It will arrive at Shanghai on the 8th and be loaded aboard 12 large 14-knot APs and head for Rabaul.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Combat Summary[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ships Lost[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Japan[/b]—2 ships—1PC and 1AE[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies[/b]—34 Ships—1CA, 2CL, 5DD, 5MSW, 20AK, and 1AP[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nice to see these ship numbers in MY favor for a change![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Planes Lost[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Japan[/b]—38 total—14 Zero, 10 Betty, and 14 Floatplanes[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies[/b]—23 total—10 Fighters, 2 Bombers, and 11 Torpedo Planes[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Note:[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]My Allies payed a VERY heavy price at the start of the month!  They lost 2000 PP due to not withdrawing a British BB and 2 DD.  Hmmm…..[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]That is the report and summary of the action.  What does anyone THINK???[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/b]

[ny59giants]

Operation Southern Fury [:D]

I'm glad to see this taking place...However, you could be in trouble "IF" he can get some more Beauforts over there to hit your ships.
Those are the best LBA anti-ship aircraft the Allies have throughout '42. [&o]

[USSAmerica]

I think the Allies will wish they had the ships lost at Port Moresby to react to your landings at Perth and New Zealand.  [8D]
 
It does suck to have to leave your invasion force at Perth without air cover...
 
Let's have the next chapter! 

[John 3rd]

The next chapter got played at 3:00am this morning when I got home from the casino.  Suffice it to say--there was a TON of ACTION!  British CVs make an appearance!  A suicidal but successful attack by 3 Jap DDs at Perth!  More ships head to the briny deap!!  Troops are ashore in Aussieland!!!
 
Full details when I get home from the start of the Summer Semester today...
 

[John 3rd]

I am going to do an AAR Update and Industrial Report tomorrow morning.  Have the whole family out for 1/2 the day tomorrow!  Cannot wait for a little bit of alone time to get in some turns, write a summer course syllabus, and update the AAR!
 
Got a turn from my opponents a little while ago.  Will do it first thing when I get navigating!

[USSAmerica]

I've got my fingers crossed for you to get the Professorship, John!  [:)]

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]Combat Report[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]July 8-9, 1942[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]To the Regional Reports:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]North Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Nothing[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Midway[/i]           Hit by 36 B-17 on July 8th. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]South Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Port Moresby[/i]  I continue to pound PMs AF and have it up around 80-85% Damage.  An average of 45 Zero and 100 Bombers are hitting it.  On the 9th, 12 Bettys hit and sink an AK there.   [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lunga[/i]  goes to AF-4[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]New Zealand[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Operation Typhoon has its landing date set for July 18th.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allied ASW continues to cause chaos with my SS!  An ASW Group hits Ro-66 with 3DC and LBA (YET AGAIN!) hits I-174.  Do get a little payback though—Ro-64 puts a TT into MSW Vireo at Christchurch.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]NW Australia[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Operation Southern Fury is spotted and the fight begins![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have been given a VERY rude surprise.  The Royal Navy’s entire CV Force appears to be near Perth.  I would wager that all three of their CVs are present.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 8th[/i]             I send a small Kamikaze TF of 3DD to hit Perth and try to catch Repulse.  They don’t see her but do engage a STF of 2CA, 3CL, and 5DD.  In a splendid fight, they manage to sink CL Emerald and severely damage CL Hobart.  Several of the Allied DDs take hits as well.  As expected, there 3DD get sunk by airpower that day. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I must note that IJN Hibiki goes down this day.  Sorry Cuttlefish…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My Landing Force is ashore and rapidly growing in strength.  Enemy LBA as well as the Brit CVs raise some Hell though.  I have 7 AP/AK hit with TTs as well as BB Nagato take 3TTs (she is a goner), and CA Kinugasa 2TT (Ditto).  My long-range CAP (about 12 Zero) manage to exact a stiff fee for this by shooting down 10 Fighters, 5 Bombers, and 6 Swordfish.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]July 9th             [/i]The Allied airstrikes continue as the Brit CVs move closer and NW of my landing site.  I lose BB Nagato (3TT) and have 2ML, 1PG, and 3AP hit.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies try to break-in to my transports with a STF of 2CA, 1CL, and 6DD.  This is the force that I hit on the 8th.  I have 2CL and 3DD make an intercept.  Though I lose all 3DD, I damage the CL and 3DD pretty well and drive them off.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I still have an effective STF here of 1CA, 2CL, and 10DD.  Leave them in place one more day and then will take a swing at Perth.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]There are nearly 45,000 troops ashore with 30,000 left to unload.  To spread the damage chances, I split the Invasion TF up into about 10 5-6 AP/AK TF.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CV TF[/i]             I have moved my CV TF NE to the corner of Australia so I can relieve the congestion of CVL Ryuho’s decks.  I fly off the Daitai of Zeros (down to 16 of 27 planes) from Taiyo and send a fresh Daitai from Amboina to her.  Tomorrow should see me launch the Vals cluttering Ryuho’s deck to Amboina.  I will then have a force of 48 Zero and 20 Kate available.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Secondary Landing TF[/i]           I had the transports moving in two groups with the second about 3 days beyond the first.  I have ordered these 90,000+ troops NE away from the fracas since I am not sure how well I can protect them.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]This will leave the initial force to take Perth—2 ½ Inf Div, 4 Artillery Regiments, 2 Parachute Regiments, 2 Engineering Regiments, and 2 Base Forces.  HOPEFULLY this will be enough to do the job…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]DEI[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Nothing of importance.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Burma/India[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Allied airpower continues to rotate around and hit Mandalay, Akyab, and units that are holding hexes.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Yenen—daily bombardments and airstrikes.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Combat Summary[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ships Lost[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Japan[/b]—11 ships—BB Nagato, CA Kako, 6 DD, 1AP, 1MSW, and 1ML[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies[/b]—4 Ships—CL Emerald, 2MSW, and an AK[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Planes Lost[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Japan[/b]—7 total—5 Zero and 2 Betty[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies[/b]—30 total—17 Fighters, 1 Bombers, and 12 Torpedo Planes[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]That is the report and summary of the action.  What does anyone THINK???[/font]

[ny59giants]

What LBA do you have available to transport over and assist with your conquest of Perth??

[USSAmerica]

John, how far north of Perth did your initial forces land?  I'm curious about how quickly you estimate you can capture an airfield to use.

[John 3rd]

I currently have 2 Daitai of Zeros, 3 Daitai of Bettys, and 2 Sentai of Sallys that should be able to make the hop over to Perth.  The key is grabbing the AF.  If I can't then life is going to be VERY bad for my Expeditionary Force...
 
The whole of point of grabbing perth is that it is isolated.  The only way my opponents can get LBA there is by rail and I have cut that.
 
If I can take the town then I will deploy almost 90 Tina's from Soerabaja so I can make an immediate grab for Alice Springs with my 2 paratrooper regiments...
 
As to the other question, I landed at hex 7,97.  This is three hexes to the north of Perth and on the railroad.  It should take 2 more days to get the rest of my troops off...
 
Question is how many ships will be lost since I have lost CAP over the Invasion Force...
 

[John 3rd]

Hello Readers!
 
I am planning on writing an update this weekend to fill everyone in on actions through July 15th. 
 
Things have been hot and furious near Perth!  The action is desparate and losses high for both sides.  The issue remains in doubt as my Landing Force is now approaching Perth.  Nearly 100,000 men, though lightly supplied, move towards this vaulable objective...
 
There has been a massive redrawing of plans and objectives in the east as well.  Operation Typhoon is cancelled and only 4 days from landing.  The plans are now to reinforce Operation Southern Wind with the Combined Fleet, sink the British Far Eastern Fleet, and capture the 40,000+ stranded troops at Port Moresby.
 
This should be enough to wet the appetite of the readers.  Should post tomorrow or Sunday with a comprehensive update.
 

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]Combat Report[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]July 10-19, 1942[/font][/b]
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[font="times new roman"]Events have been hot and crazy for this period of 10 days!  My last report detailed the wild slugfest off of Perth, Australia, the Allied counterstroke at Port Moresby, and the impending landing on the South Island of New Zealand.  Let us proceed to the Regional Reports:[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]North Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Kiska[/i]   S-34 puts a TT into the side of a Tanker on the 13th. [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Dutch[/i] Harbor[/i]              I stage a sweep into the area on the 15th with 3 CL and 7 DD—the entire North Pacific Fleet—and sink 2 PT boats operating there.  In return, I have 2 DD somewhat shot-up by their .50 Calibers.  No comment as to this.  The small STF returns to Kiska and disbands on the 17th. [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Attu[/i]     I have moved 2 construction units from Kiska to here to enlarge the AF and begin to create fortifications.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Midway[/i]           Hit by between 25-36 B-17 on July 11, 12, 13, and 19th.  The base takes minor damage, a few casualties, and I lose several Bettys during these attacks.  No big deal (so far).   [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Wake[/i]               Goes to Port Sz-2 on the 17th.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]South Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Port Moresby[/i]  I continue to pound PMs AF, Port, and begin hitting the troops stationed there.  The damage to the AF and Port is averaging over 90%.  No planes can fly and, more importantly, no Fortifications can be built.  The service troops (there were 3 base forces landed) are taking anywhere from 75-200 casualties per day.  My planes hitting ground units are doing an average of 100 per days as well.  I do sink an AK that was damaged previously in harbor on the 19th.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Massive and Rapid Building of Airfields within the area:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lae[/i]      I have 27 Z and 175 Betty/Helen/Sally/Lily based at Lae.  It is about to go to Sz-5 as an airdrome.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Gili-Gili[/i]           Without any Allies interference, I massively reinforce this base and crank-up the construction.  G-G goes to AF Sz-1 on the 11th and jumps to Sz-2 on the 19th.  As of the 18th, I move three Daitai of Zeros, Vals, and Kates to operate from this base.  Two Coastal Defense units are landed and I have about 150 assault points digging in there.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Salamaua[/i]        Two construction battalions are landed there as well as two Base Force.  The base is moving rapidly towards Sz-2 and will take another Daitai of Zeros and Vals.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Thursday Island[/i]          Two Base Forces and two SNLF have been placed here.  AF is still Sz-1 but it is expanding as well.  I have 18 Emily and 18 Alfs flying out of this base to provide recon. [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Engineering:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Suva[/i]    Pt-4 on the 13th [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Luganville[/i]       AF-4 on the 15th [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Canton[/i]                        AF-4 on the 17th [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]New Zealand[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Allied ASW and LBA continues to cause chaos with my SS!  Ro-61 is sunk by 5 DC on the 11th.  Ro-65 is hit by LBA on the 12th.  Good note:  I-165 hits an AK on the 12th but takes 3 DC.  Ro-64 and Ro-66 are both damaged on the 14th sue to an ASW TF and LBA.  I order all SS out of the NZ area on the 15th.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Due to the events on the NW coast of Australia and the Port Moresby Invasion, I officially cancel Operation Typhoon on July 14, 1942.  My invasion convoys were—literally—8 hexes from Dunedin, NZ and had not been spotted.  The entire Combined Fleet was 5 hexes east of them providing LR CAP and looking for trouble.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]With the recall, Combined Fleet sails due North for 3 days and then heads for Noumea.  Leading elements dock on the 19th and refuel.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The ponderous Invasion TF swing their bows NE and head for Suva.  I want them to move away from New Zealand for about a week and then I will change their course towards Noumea.  They have no protection now and I cannot risk the Americans spotting them…  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]NW Australia[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Operation Southern Fury has been VERY costly.  I had no idea that the entire British Eastern Fleet was near Perth.  The only thing I can say is THANK GOODNESS the Brits went for armored flight-decks so they couldn’t carry many planes!  Three British CVs have caused all sorts of trouble as well surface elements of the various Allied Navies.  I will chronicle this day-by-day:[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 10th [/i]          Surface battle!  CA Atago, CL Natori, and 10 DD fight in out against a STF including:  CA Exeter, CLs Birmingham, Mauritius, Newcastle, Enterprise, and 4 DD.  By the end of the battle, 3 Japanese DDs sink in exchange for CLs Birmingham and Mauritius plus 2 DD.  Additionally, CLs Newcastle and Enterprise take significant TT damage.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Bad Weather limits flying sorties and I only lose another 2 DD (damaged earlier), 1 ML, 1 PG, and 1 AP.  Troops continue to unload.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 11th [/i]          No surface action but Swordfish manage to put TTs into CA Atago and CL Kashii.  Lose Kashii, 2 DD, 2 AP, and 1 SS for the day.  Troops continue to unload (now 50% unloaded).[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 12th [/i]          Massive growth in LBA operating out of Perth.  Now, at least, 36 B-17s and 70 Medium Bombers stationed there.  Lose CL Natori, 2 DD, 1 ML, 1 PG, 4 AP, and 1 AK.  Unloading…[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 13th [/i]          Brit CVs move to Perth to reprovision.  LBA begins to split its attention between the remaining ships unloading and the approaching ground units.  Lose 1 DD and 3 AP.  Unloading nearing completion…[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 14th [/i]          I-11 sinks a MSW at Perth.  CAs Exeter and Dorsetshire with 2 DD move into the unguarded invasion beaches and sink 3 AP causing the loss of almost 500 men.  Up until this point, all my losses hadn’t hurt the manpower situation…  Lose for the day 9 AP and 1 AK.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 15th [/i]          Ro-33 damaged by 5 DC at Perth.  LBA concentrates on ground forces.  Lose 1 AP, 1 AK, 1 PC.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]My KB-3 makes it to Amboina, Timor this day.  CVL Ryujo and CVE Hosho refuel while CVE Taiyo does the same (damage from earlier bomb hits ends up at 30%).  The 3 carriers carry a total of 71 planes—50 Zero and 21 Kate.  This is not enough to attack the Brit CVs with…   [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 16th [/i]          Brit CVs get back into it.  They sink 5 AP during the course of the day.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CVE Unyo limps into Amboina, Timor with Sys-41% and Flot-54%.  A small break in a bleak situation.  She should make it.  I’ll pump her out and send her to Singapre for repairs.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 17th [/i]          I-11 is sunk after missing CA Exeter with a TT spread!  Lose 4 AP and 2 AK.  Unloading FINISHED!  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Troops, with very little supply, move to 60 miles from Perth…[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 18th [/i]          A bad weather day!  Nothing happens and nothing sinks![/font]
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[font="times new roman"]July 19th [/i]          Same story!  Air raids hit my troops but that is it.  Order the army to move into the Perth hex.  We’ll see what I am up against…[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Secondary Landing TF[/i]           I have ordered these 90,000+ troops and 55,000 supply NE away from the fracas towards Bali.  They will stay in this area until Combined Fleet arrives and will then move to relieve the Perth Expedition…[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]DEI[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Have started regular resource and oil convoys.  About every 10 days, a convoy forms up at Tarakan or Kuching and heads for Japan.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Sabang, SUM[/i] Port-3 on the 15th.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Hit SS Sturgeon near Kuching with 3 DC on the 14th.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Burma/India[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Allied airpower continues to rotate around and hit Mandalay, Akyab, and units that are holding hexes.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]The brigade that had cut the Burma Road at hex 36,29 is ejected from there on the 14th.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]China[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Yenen—daily bombardments and airstrikes.  [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Notice the arrival of the AVG on the 19th and shift my aerial operations away from Yenen to see what they are up to…[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Combat Summary[/font][/b]
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[font="times new roman"]Ships Lost[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Japan[/b]—54 ships—CLs Kashii and Natori, 9 DD, 4 SS, 2 ML, 3 PG, 31 AP, and 5 AK.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Allies[/b]—9 Ships—CLs Birmingham and Mauritius, 2 DD, 2 MSW, 2 PT, and an AK[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Planes Lost[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Japan[/b]—6 total—6 bombers[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Allies[/b]—11 total—3 Fighters, 5 Bombers, and 3 Torpedo Planes[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]New Planning[/font][/b]
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[font="times new roman"]Port Moresby—There are 40,000 Australian and American troops trapped in a bombed out base with little hope for supply.  I am redirecting THE ENTIRE NEW ZEALAND force to this site.  The 3 Infantry Divisions that are presently refitting in Noumea have already been given PM for a planning objective.  The Chinese Infantry Division that sailed from Shanghai on the 9th also has PM as its planning objective.  I have a mass of nearly 7 divisions capable of landing there within the next 30 days.  Add to this nearly 500 aircraft and things look pretty decent!  My plans are to retake the base and eliminate over 40,000+ Allied troops.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]My weakest Division of the 7 shall be spilt among Noumea and Suva in case the Allies decide to get frisky…[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Combined Fleet—I am going to entrust the PM Operation to surface units and my LBA while 50% of the Combined Fleet heads home for rest and refit.  Of my six CVs, 3 have nearly 20% System Damage and are due for upgrade.  They, plus all other ships with a Sys Damage of 10 or higher will head for home waters.  The remaining ships (3 CV and supporting units) will head for Amboina to continue the Battle for Perth.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]NW Australia—I will take a crack at Perth but my supply situation is terrible.  Once the Fleet arrives (as well as CVE Chuyo—about to be completed), I will have a total of 7 CVs to use for destroying the Royal Navy.  The 2nd Landing Force shall approach Perth itself to land and help take the city.  [/font][/ol]
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[castor troy]

John,

you know that Perth has some strong coastal defense? I don´t know how many guns exactly but there are bigger guns than 5 inch (don´t want to look it up as this is too gamey [:D]). Fully supplied they could make your transports scrap metal and Perth will get a Great Barrier Reef! [;)]

Perhaps there are even two 9,1 inch CD guns, like at Darwin. Those will hurt IJN CAs and even the less armored IJN BBs! So be aware!

Chris

[USSAmerica]

17 total planes lost and 63 total ships lost over 10 days!  [X(]
 
What a shooting gallery.  [:D]
 
John, any longer term planning going on, assuming you are able to retake PM and capture Perth?  Marching north into more Aussie bases?  Or, will it be time to start manning the defenses and digging in across the map?
 
Fun stuff, my man! 

[John 3rd]

Good Questions.
 
Retaking PM is the prime operation now for the SE Pacific.  Should eat up Allied Resources and with my LBA there, I should exact a terrible price if they try to save it.  Once I have done that, then I will spread those troops around and dig in for the Allied counter-offensive.
 
Regarding Perth, his LBA is growing by the day at the moment.  Put simply, it frightens me. 
 
I am toying with the idea of landing the second force at Broome and THEN move out to grab other points.  This is dangerous since I would leave the Perth Force alone and relatively unsupplied.  It will be about 10-14 days befone I am able to counter their moves there anyway so I am going to think about it.  As long as it is ONLY the Brit CVs, I should easily destroy them.  If the Americans move over there (and thus leave New Zealand and PM uncovered, then life will be...interesting...
 
In canceling the New Zealand Operation, I free up considerable resources for uses elsewhere.  Question is where and how much of a risk do I take?
 
Any thoughts on this?
 

[rtrapasso]

Not listed were a BB and a CA claimed sunk by the Allies - did they sink??

[USSAmerica]

John, with the combination of Perth and then New Zealand being invaded, I pictured the available Allied forces being yo-yo'ed, first reacting to Perth, and then reacting in the other direction to New Zealand.  I admit your decision to cancel the New Zealand invasion was probably a good one given your losses at Perth.  I just don't like the idea of giving up the initiative.[:D]  Of course, that's a decision that Japan has to make in every game. [;)]  I hope canceling the NZ operation won't leave the Allies with enough free resources to crush the sons of Japan marching on Perth. 
 
I think their invasion of PM was a desperate attempt to distract your forces and disrupt your operations.  They have succeeded, and may even consider their forces at PM as expendable to buy time.  Sadly, you likely have no choice but to carry out your current plans.  I hope the chance to actually do something will still be available to you after PM is recaptured.  [:)]
 
As an FYI, I do read your opponent's AAR, but no plans are discussed there, so I'm not basing my thoughts on any "inside" information.  [;)]
 
You guys have quite an enjoyable war going on here!  [8D]