ALLIED ONLY: aztez (A) vs erstad (J) ...2nd ROUND

[aztez]

New Guinea / South Pacific (January 14th 1945)


The invasion at Sorong went as expected and we routed the defending enemies there. Now we are busy building up this and other bases in the region.

Japanese did try to intervene there but we downed 150 enemy aircraft and suffered very moderate losses in return.

CA Tone along with couple of destroyers made an quick an run bombardment at Sorong last turn. Those ships were lucky since they survived 15 Avenger strike due to the fact that escorts did not fly.

These ships are around Namlea and I think this was an decoy operation where he tried to get my carriers to react further south.

That is not happening though since carriers are covering our landings at Morotai. The troops have mostly landed and shock attack is ordered next turn.

Dave is gathering his isolated troops into Hollandia and that base will be bombed heavily next turn.

Allied paratroopers are capturing isoltated bases around Port Moresby and Lae.

There is smaller invasion ongoing at Madang. Also, we are fighting it out at Wevak and Vanomo region.

Allied B29's will make their first contribution in large scale next turn too.

There is 150 of them bombing the enemy airfields at Guam. I have no intel what he has there BUT most likely reserves / depleted squadrons.

[aztez]

China (January 14th 1945)


Dave has sweeped the airfield at Chungking in past turn. His George fighters did short work of chinese P40N's.

I think the ratios were about 20:1 in his favour. Last turn he bombed the airfield there with his Helen's.

I will deal with this situation in due course but at the moment it is not first priority.

We had few small skirsmish ground battles in central china. Those were his "recon" units moving into their kamikaze faiths.

[aztez]

Definately an good turn for allied side.


Pacific (January 15th 1945)


Burma


Allied fighters and bombers took off in numbers and blasted the airfields at Bangkok.

Here is an summary from those bombing runs:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 26
Ki-61-Id Tony x 16
Ki-84a Frank x 23



Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 16
F-6D Mustang x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Thunderbolt II: 5 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 15
Ki-61-Id Tony x 9
Ki-84a Frank x 19



Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 2
P-51D Mustang x 22


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51D Mustang: 3 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 12
Ki-61-Id Tony x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 12



Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 11
P-38J Lightning x 14
P-38L Lightning x 79
P-51D Mustang x 54


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed
Ki-61-Id Tony: 3 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 55 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2
Ki-84a Frank x 1



Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 39
B-25C Mitchell x 32
B-25G Mitchell x 15
B-25H Mitchell x 15
B-25J1 Mitchell x 3
B-25J11 Mitchell x 36
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 24


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 1 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 4 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 12 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 7 destroyed on ground
P1Y1 Frances: 12 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Id Tony: 5 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-56 Thalia: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-25J11 Mitchell: 2 damaged

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



Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 61


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 55 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 14
B-24J Liberator x 14
B-25J11 Mitchell x 12
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 3 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25J11 Mitchell: 1 damaged



Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 47 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3
Ki-61-Id Tony x 3



Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged



Runway hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-Id Tony x 1



Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged



Runway hits 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-25J11 Mitchell x 12


Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J11 Mitchell: 1 damaged



Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 50 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 9
Ki-61-Id Tony x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 21



Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 39
P-38J Lightning x 14
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 20
P-51D Mustang x 71


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-61-Id Tony: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed on ground
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
P-51D Mustang: 1 destroyed



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13
Ki-61-Id Tony x 9
Ki-84a Frank x 12



Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 11
Thunderbolt II x 3
P-38J Lightning x 2
P-38L Lightning x 10
P-51D Mustang x 51


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-61-Id Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51D Mustang: 4 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 48 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-Id Tony x 3
Ki-84a Frank x 2



Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 2
B-25C Mitchell x 20
B-25D1 Mitchell x 11
B-25G Mitchell x 15
B-25H Mitchell x 3
B-25J1 Mitchell x 12
B-25J11 Mitchell x 47
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 44


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-61-Id Tony: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 2 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 destroyed on ground
P1Y1 Frances: 2 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed
B-25G Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25J11 Mitchell: 5 damaged
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed



Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 36


Not bad, not bad at all. I do not have the exact numbers what the losses since don't have the turn yet.

Overall though very pleased how that raid played out.


New Guinea / Southern Pacific


Allied troops captured the Morotai base just north of New Guinea.

Now I can move in some patrol planes and LBA aircarts.

The poor japanese souls did not have an chance againts allied shock assaults:

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

Ground combat at Morotai (80,101)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 18563 troops, 488 guns, 183 vehicles, Assault Value = 733

Defending force 4937 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 158

Allied adjusted assault: 552

Japanese adjusted defense: 103

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Morotai !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
1168 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 83 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 76 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
425 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)


Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Engineer Regiment
25th Infantry Division
637th Tank Destroyer Battalion
43rd Infantry Division
5th Australian Division
193rd Tank Bn /2
39th Aviation Base Force
1st Marine Defense Battalion
26th USN Naval Construction Battalion
VII US Fighter Cmnd

Defending units:
10th Exped.Force
51st Naval Guard Unit
60th JNAF AF Unit

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

Ground combat at Morotai (80,101)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 18675 troops, 532 guns, 210 vehicles, Assault Value = 715

Defending force 3863 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 99

Allied adjusted assault: 467

Japanese adjusted defense: 13

Allied assault odds: 35 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
1413 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
193rd Tank Battalion
637th Tank Destroyer Battalion
25th Infantry Division
2nd USMC Engineer Regiment
43rd Infantry Division
5th Australian Division
26th USN Naval Construction Battalion
39th Aviation Base Force
1st Marine Defense Battalion
VII US Fighter Cmnd

Defending units:
10th Exped.Force
51st Naval Guard Unit
60th JNAF AF Unit


This is good news also and gives us more tactical options.

Allied troops did seize couple of minor bases too at Dague and Umboi Island.

At Wevak and Madang japanese troops pushed off allied assaults.

Dave also tried an "ambush" at Marshall Islands. He had moved some Oscars and Judy's into Eniwetok.

These raiders sunk 2-3 AK's but in return he lost maybe around 30-40 aircraft.

The first B29 at Guam did not succeed too well. We only scored minor hits there and "suprise" the waves got dispersed a bit.

The poor hit ratio was down to recon and high alltitude.

[Jzanes]

Interesting to see another game in 1945. I'm in March 1945 vs. Rader. My advice is to keep the pressure on the japanese. P51s, Spitfires VIIIs, Thunderbolts, and Hellcats are significantly superior to the japanese front line fighters. Here's my AAR if you wanta compare notes;

tm.asp?m=2347310&mpage=8&#2852590

[aztez]

Thankx Jzanes. I will catch up with your saga this week.

I had an quick glimpse and already can say that you are doing much much better in China.

I made some heavy and costly mistakes there early on paying for them everyday.

Also in points wise you are doing better. I have still around 15k deficit to catch up there.

I would have loved to get this offensive started 6-12 months ago but KUDOS to Dave.

He did play excellent forced the "delay".... simple as that.

Now I'am forced to go forward with less organized fashion than I would love to. Thus it is grind, assault and grind some more.

The good thing is that I never play for points and the aim is to get into 1946 end screen.

I will keep fighting and give him best possible opposition. How things turn out well that remains to be seen [:)]

[crsutton]

Looks like he had Bankok overstacked. That was a nice raid.

Don't feel so bad about your position in China. It is actually not too bad. In my game with Viperpol, he has pretty much taken all of China by 1/44. I don't think it can be avoided if the Japanese commits all out. I am in better position that you were in the Pacific but China is history.

[aztez]

Yeah. I'am not feeling bad.. you never will when you play your hardest! [:)]

I had an quick glimpse of ac casualties and I think we destroyed around 300 enemy aircraft in total. Not bad turn ratio/sum at all.

I will update later when I get home on this issue... also have the japanese game to worry about too! [:D]

[aztez]

Burma (january 19th 1945)


It has been slaughter here for 4 days (2 turns).

Both sides exchaging blows one after another.

Allied bombers have hit the following airfields: Bangkog, Chiang Mai, Pisanuloke, Rahaeng and few other airfields.

Fighters sweeps conducted as well and very hard to tell how many planes actually have been destroyed due to FOW.

An wild estimate 200-400 aircarft by japanese side. As for allied losses 100-200... more to expected next turn.

At ground we launched another assault last turn and reduced forts but the odds are still in their favours.

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

Ground combat at Chiang Mai (58,53)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 53399 troops, 1154 guns, 921 vehicles, Assault Value = 2188

Defending force 39141 troops, 435 guns, 117 vehicles, Assault Value = 1218

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Allied adjusted assault: 1526

Japanese adjusted defense: 3823

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), preparation(-)
fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2302 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 205 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 241 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
3441 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 271 disabled
Non Combat: 40 destroyed, 229 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 62 disabled
Vehicles lost 160 (8 destroyed, 152 disabled)


Assaulting units:
25th Australian Brigade
4th British Brigade
18th British Division
18th Australian Brigade
3rd Carbiniers Regiment
111th Chindit Brigade
7th Indian Division
16th Chindit Brigade
50th Tank Brigade
150th RAC Regiment
82nd (West African) Division
9th Australian Division
IV Indian Corps
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
101st Garrison Unit
29th Division
124th Infantry Regiment
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
68th Brigade
12th Garrison Unit
18th Garrison Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit
4th INA Nehru Rgt /1
89th Field AA Battalion
104th AA Regiment
34th Road Const Co
101st Machine Canno AA Battalion
22nd Ind.AA Gun Co
45th JNAF AF Unit
32nd Ind.AA Gun Co
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
34th Field AA Battalion
6th Field AF Construction Battalion
8th Field AF Construction Battalion
5th Field AF Construction Battalion
7th Field AF Construction Battalion
20th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Naval Const Bn /1


He can keep hold off that base as long as he holds the air thus you can only expect this airwar intensive since we are not giving that.

There has been some japanese success as well in this region. IJA sunk some RN cruisers and destroyers in Rangoon.

I did not put up proper CAP in place. I thought I had but in reality forgot. My mistake and KUDOS to Dave. He took immediate advantage.

The IJN cruisers are also back. Large surface combat TF bombarded the Rangoon last turn and "nuked" the airfield.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rangoon at 54,53

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
P-51D Mustang: 2 destroyed on ground
P-38L Lightning: 2 destroyed on ground
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
CA Chokai
CA Maya
CA Atago
CA Takao
CA Chikuma
CA Tone
CL Abukuma
CL Natori
CL Isuzu
CL Nagara
CL Jintsu
CL Naka
CL Sendai
DD Satsuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Yamakaze
DD Shigure
DD Asagumo
DD Minegumo


Allied ground losses:
227 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled


Airbase hits 53
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 250

I will take appropriate measures end of this Tokyo express in due time! I wonder if these guys are coming all the way down from Singapore?

I'am moving additional troops into this theatre since have now properly closed off India.

[aztez]

CenPac / Southern Pacific (January 19th 1945)


This also has been heavily contested area and it will continue be so.

The beacheads in northern New Guinea and Morotai are now secured.

A bit of an suprise that KB has not shown itself here but I can remain certain that it is not far off.

I would assume that it could be at Manila. No intel on this guess though.

We are conducting sweep up operations in New Guinea.

Japanese still hold Hollandia, Wewak and few other places. These bases will be overrun when we see fit do so.

Paratroopers are capturing enemy bases around the region so he cannot transport "kamikaze" troops into area.

Our recon spotted that Dave moved some japanese fighters Babeldaob. The icons showed 150 of them and when the dust settled last turn only +50 was reported.

Allied P51D fighters and B29 heavy bombers closed that airstrip and to finish it off we strike it again in forthcoming turn.

Plenty of stuff happening and I can guarantee that it is not going to be peaceful 1945 and 1946 so keep you can't enjoy your martini drinks in this sunny sector.

I have many variable options what to do next and we also strong reserves in CenPac region waiting their orders.

[aztez]

Random thoughts of this PBEM game now that we have reached january 1945


* It is vital to keep your CV's unharmed at the begiining. If you lose even 1 of them it can give japanese player sealane domination.

* China. As many pointed out you need to make terrains work for you whenver possible. If you commit forces than do it 100% not 50% aggression,. I made some blunders here.

* You really need to start your manual training of the pilots from day 1. I did not pay attention to that part of the game for months. It became very evident that this was an mistake.

* You really need to start haul fuel and supplies to main strategical theatre early. The allied offensives consume tons of it and I can say you never have too much of them.

* Make full use of your 4E bombers when you have enough of them. Hit and run.. than hit again. These planes cause a lot damage with trained pilots.

* Fight KB at earliest possible time when you feel you have 50/50% delivering blows. I did commit them twice once in Aleutians and once in Southern area. Both times draws but with some luck could have taken out more of them. If yoy achieve this than japanese advance via sea will be halted.

* Submarines. Use them wisely however on this game Dave is killing them for fun! I don't know how he does but that is laser guided ASW. This is one of the main problems in the game in my opinion. I think he most likely flying tons of bombers trained on ASW on low alltitude.

* Eventhough you are on the recieving end commit to battles.  When you do than do it in strong force! I halted the enemy at the gates on Fiji's. IF I had lost that battle when things would be much worse.

* Really start shipping fuel into Oz. I thought I had decent amounts convoying there but to be honest I was wrong.

* Plan your DEI (Sumatra, Borneo and Java) defense well. The more you delay your opponent there the better it will be for you in all areas.

* Force surface combat engaments whenever there is possibility. Even with equal losses you will win. I should have used my naval assets more aggressively in couple of occasions.

* Personally think that you should replace any lousy leaders in your ground combats. Especially in china. It will cost some PP but in my mind worth it.

* Never invade atolls unless you are prepped +50% at least. Those battles with poorly prepped troops can give out odd results.

* Change your fighters + bombers (training squadrons) into obsolete aircraft. That gives you extra decent aircraft from early on.

* Once you halt the enemy than choose a grand plan with backup and stick to it. If you do not general idea what and where you want than you will make the game harder for you.

* Burma! If possible try get into Rangoon as soon as possible! If not than the battles there will be a grinding affairs.

* Russia! Setup the trainings for your aircraft there from day 1. It might sound like not worth the investment but believe me it will pay off. The Russia is not active yet but I have tons of good pilots just waiting to get show started.


In general respect your PBEM opponent too. If he feels there is something wrong in the game than discuss things.

You will find solutions to bugs etc. I guess this is the most imporatant thing "in the game". We have worked few glitches and both sides are enjoying the battles that now rage on.

KUDOS to Dave for being such an damn good opponent and plus he is nice guy to play againts.

Not to say anything less about katsuragi (ex Warspite) either. That game is definately diffrent than this and we now in late summer of 1943. I might update that AAR when I get around it.

These are random ramblings so take them as they are. You can pick some general tips how to handle your allied forces from between the lines.

[GreyJoy]

ORIGINAL: aztez

Random thoughts of this PBEM game now that we have reached january 1945


* It is vital to keep your CV's unharmed at the begiining. If you lose even 1 of them it can give japanese player sealane domination.

* China. As many pointed out you need to make terrains work for you whenver possible. If you commit forces than do it 100% not 50% aggression,. I made some blunders here.

* You really need to start your manual training of the pilots from day 1. I did not pay attention to that part of the game for months. It became very evident that this was an mistake.

* You really need to start haul fuel and supplies to main strategical theatre early. The allied offensives consume tons of it and I can say you never have too much of them.

* Make full use of your 4E bombers when you have enough of them. Hit and run.. than hit again. These planes cause a lot damage with trained pilots.

* Fight KB at earliest possible time when you feel you have 50/50% delivering blows. I did commit them twice once in Aleutians and once in Southern area. Both times draws but with some luck could have taken out more of them. If yoy achieve this than japanese advance via sea will be halted.

* Submarines. Use them wisely however on this game Dave is killing them for fun! I don't know how he does but that is laser guided ASW. This is one of the main problems in the game in my opinion. I think he most likely flying tons of bombers trained on ASW on low alltitude.

* Eventhough you are on the recieving end commit to battles.  When you do than do it in strong force! I halted the enemy at the gates on Fiji's. IF I had lost that battle when things would be much worse.

* Really start shipping fuel into Oz. I thought I had decent amounts convoying there but to be honest I was wrong.

* Plan your DEI (Sumatra, Borneo and Java) defense well. The more you delay your opponent there the better it will be for you in all areas.

* Force surface combat engaments whenever there is possibility. Even with equal losses you will win. I should have used my naval assets more aggressively in couple of occasions.

* Personally think that you should replace any lousy leaders in your ground combats. Especially in china. It will cost some PP but in my mind worth it.

* Never invade atolls unless you are prepped +50% at least. Those battles with poorly prepped troops can give out odd results.

* Change your fighters + bombers (training squadrons) into obsolete aircraft. That gives you extra decent aircraft from early on.

* Once you halt the enemy than choose a grand plan with backup and stick to it. If you do not general idea what and where you want than you will make the game harder for you.

* Burma! If possible try get into Rangoon as soon as possible! If not than the battles there will be a grinding affairs.

* Russia! Setup the trainings for your aircraft there from day 1. It might sound like not worth the investment but believe me it will pay off. The Russia is not active yet but I have tons of good pilots just waiting to get show started.


In general respect your PBEM opponent too. If he feels there is something wrong in the game than discuss things.

You will find solutions to bugs etc. I guess this is the most imporatant thing "in the game". We have worked few glitches and both sides are enjoying the battles that now rage on.

KUDOS to Dave for being such an damn good opponent and plus he is nice guy to play againts.

Not to say anything less about katsuragi (ex Warspite) either. That game is definately diffrent than this and we now in late summer of 1943. I might update that AAR when I get around it.

These are random ramblings so take them as they are. You can pick some general tips how to handle your allied forces from between the lines.

[&o] Thanks mate. Great AAR

[aztez]

Thanx Greyjoy! Much appreciated.

The general idea is to increase the pressure as much as possible from now on.

As for the allied next plans.. well would not want spoil the suprise! [:D][:D][:D]

I will update the developments from past two turns later tonight. Those have been a bit more peaceful but yielded some intresting intel regarding Dave's naval assets etc.

Oh.. and really would love to unleash the Russian sleeping Bear already! [:D]

[crsutton]

Thanks, your advice and AAR has helped me map my game out. scen #2 (1/44 now) and avoid many mistakes.

[aztez]

crsutton: Thanx. There have been many wise man visiting this thread from the start! A joint effort! [:D]

Dave also needs to give me an rematch once we end at 1946! Well, maybe not to think that now since there is plenty of war to get done!

Pacific (January 24th 1945)


The battles rage on.

The monster battleship Yamamoto showed up and made night bombardment run at Morotai. This was not unexpected though.

I just wonder whether it sailed down all the way from Singapore or where does he has his capital ships?

Looking at the map the best bet in my opionion is Singapore... but he also could have assets in Manila or Soerabaja!

I'am moving in more recon planes to scan what is ahead of me. Really wondering whether he actually has his fleets all the way up in Singapore!

B29's visit Woleai and destroy nice amount of enemy transport aircraft there. The bases airfield is now showing 100% damage levels.

The newly arrived P59D's make sweep missions againts Tarakan and Baloebab killing 15-20 enemy aircraft.

We are still fighting hard in several rear area bases but Madang was overrun finally.

In Burma allied make heavy sweep and bombing runs againts several airfields. The main hammer was hit againts Tavoy where we burned quite a few enemy aircraft on the ground.

The recon shows that enemy has 50 000 men garrisoning that base. Thus making his Burma army having most likely 250-300 000 worth of troops.

At Lashio we finally wiped out those pesky paratroopers. We still need to clear the hex 40 miles east of that base.

Once that is done than we have clear supply routes into China! The Chinese are still organizing their troops and waiting extra supplies.

Next turn more of the same is ordered. I did move some additional divebombers into Northern New Guinea.

[aztez]

An slow day at work so time for an small general update. No pics or such since don't have access to the game here.


Pacific (January 27th 1945)


The additional allied recon planes have now reached the frontlines.

I'am hoping that our naval search and recon capabilities improves in forthcoming turns.

Allied B29's visited Saipan last turn. We send them out in numbers but due to flight ranges could not provide CAP yet.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M5 Zero x 36
      J2M2 Jack x 26
      Ki-84a Frank x 49
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-29-1 Superfort x 9
      B-29-25 Superfort x 72
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
      A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
      J2M2 Jack: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
      Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-29-1 Superfort: 6 damaged
      B-29-25 Superfort: 1 destroyed, 24 damaged
 
 
 
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M5 Zero x 24
      J2M2 Jack x 13
      Ki-84a Frank x 35
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-29-25 Superfort x 19
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-29-25 Superfort: 3 damaged
 
 
 
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M5 Zero x 21
      J2M2 Jack x 19
      Ki-84a Frank x 30
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-29-25 Superfort x 14
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-29-25 Superfort: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
 
 
 
Runway hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M5 Zero x 19
      J2M2 Jack x 15
      Ki-84a Frank x 28
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-29-25 Superfort x 6
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Runway hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M5 Zero x 36
      J2M2 Jack x 17
      Ki-84a Frank x 21
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-29-1 Superfort x 3
      B-29-25 Superfort x 91
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
      J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
      Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed, 14 damaged
      Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed on ground
      L3Y2 Tina: 3 destroyed on ground
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-29-25 Superfort: 35 damaged
 
Japanese ground losses:
      9 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
 
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 86


Not bad results considering what those bombers flew againts. We did destroy quite a few aircraft there and increased their fatigue/morale levels.

Allied submarines hit 2 x AK's near Iwo Jima. Those ships had combat troops in them so he must be strenghtening islands there.

At Burma Dave had relative success last turn. Allied bombers flew on their ground bombard missions at Chiang Mai. The only problem being that escorts did not take off.

I need increase the pressure in front in forthcoming turns.

The operational plans and resources are gathering for out next operations. More on these once they start to become an reality.

[aztez]

Quick update. At work so no pics available my apoligies for that.


Pacific (February 8th 1945)


Burma


In Burma the ground combat slaughter has continued in Chiang Mai. Also allied troops entered Rahaeng last turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Chiang Mai (58,53)
 
Allied Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 46254 troops, 1160 guns, 948 vehicles, Assault Value = 1745
 
Defending force 26360 troops, 521 guns, 206 vehicles, Assault Value = 629
 
Allied adjusted assault: 1382
 
Japanese adjusted defense: 997
 
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
 
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
Attacker:
 
Japanese ground losses:
      1474 casualties reported
         Squads: 125 destroyed, 54 disabled
         Non Combat: 83 destroyed, 69 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
      Vehicles lost 10 (2 destroyed, 8 disabled)
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      1475 casualties reported
         Squads: 7 destroyed, 117 disabled
         Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 100 disabled
         Engineers: 4 destroyed, 13 disabled
      Vehicles lost 49 (14 destroyed, 35 disabled)
 
 
Assaulting units:
    3rd Carbiniers Regiment
    4th British Brigade
    7th Indian Division
    18th Australian Brigade
    82nd (West African) Division
    16th Chindit Brigade
    111th Chindit Brigade
    150th RAC Regiment
    50th Tank Brigade
    25th Australian Brigade
    18th British Division
    9th Australian Division
    IV Indian Corps
    20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
    88th Medium Regiment
    134th Medium Regiment
 
Defending units:
    18th Garrison Unit
    41st Ind.Garrison Battalion
    12th Garrison Unit
    13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
    5th INA Rgt /1
    4th INA Nehru Rgt /1
    14th Div /1
    16th Naval Guard Unit
    29th Division
    124th Infantry Regiment
    33rd Div /1
    7th Field AF Construction Battalion
    32nd Ind.AA Gun Co
    45th JNAF AF Unit
    2nd Naval Const Bn /1
    20th RF Gun Battalion
    5th Field AF Construction Battalion
    21st Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
    101st Machine Canno AA Battalion
    22nd Ind.AA Gun Co
    34th Field AA Battalion
    34th Road Const Co
    104th AA Regiment
    6th Field AF Construction Battalion
    1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
    8th Field AF Construction Battalion
    89th Field AA Battalion
    23rd Ind. Engr Rgt /1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Chiang Mai (58,53)
 
Allied Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 45666 troops, 1160 guns, 943 vehicles, Assault Value = 1667
 
Defending force 25406 troops, 543 guns, 206 vehicles, Assault Value = 613
 
Allied adjusted assault: 924
 
Japanese adjusted defense: 1552
 
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      2005 casualties reported
         Squads: 80 destroyed, 30 disabled
         Non Combat: 84 destroyed, 39 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
      Guns lost 11 (4 destroyed, 7 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 9 (4 destroyed, 5 disabled)
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      911 casualties reported
         Squads: 9 destroyed, 69 disabled
         Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 49 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
      Vehicles lost 33 (15 destroyed, 18 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Rahaeng (58,56)
 
Allied Shock attack
 
Attacking force 83267 troops, 1510 guns, 1969 vehicles, Assault Value = 3180
 
Defending force 41708 troops, 553 guns, 318 vehicles, Assault Value = 1411
 
Allied adjusted assault: 2080
 
Japanese adjusted defense: 2465
 
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 6)
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      1596 casualties reported
         Squads: 3 destroyed, 72 disabled
         Non Combat: 46 destroyed, 210 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Vehicles lost 172 (47 destroyed, 125 disabled)
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      2871 casualties reported
         Squads: 63 destroyed, 362 disabled
         Non Combat: 128 destroyed, 656 disabled
         Engineers: 12 destroyed, 77 disabled
      Vehicles lost 485 (152 destroyed, 333 disabled)
 
 
Assaulting units:
    255th Indian Tank Brigade
    23rd Indian Division
    XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
    6th Australian Division
    254th Armoured Brigade
    20th Indian Division
    Provisionl Tank Brigade
    19th Motorised Division
    11th (East African) Division
    5th Indian Division
    6th Medium Regiment
    XV Indian Corps
    28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
    8th Medium Regiment
    III Indian Corps
    31st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
 
Defending units:
    27th Tank Regiment
    20th Recon Regiment
    34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    48th Division
    78th Infantry Regiment
    107th Division
    Yokosuka 4th SNLF
    47th Field AA Battalion
    20th AA Regiment
    25th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion
    21st Fld AA Gun Co
    40th Field AA Battalion
    36th Field AA Battalion
    3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    51st Field AA Battalion
    19th RF Gun Battalion
    36th JAAF AF Bn


The battle of attrition is slowly turning into our favour at Chiang Mai. The japanese av value is now a bit over 600av.

That is nearly 1/2 what it was couple of weeks ago.

The shock assault at Rahaeng went ok but was hoping to knock out few fort levels.

In terms of airwar. Well, it has been ongoing and a lot of planes has been lost here. IJA has conducted few of their bombing raids also.

There are still significant japanese naval assets in this region. Last turn BB Fuso, BB Nagato and destroyers bombarded Moulmein.

That was not an nuke bombardment though so I gather his recon levels are dropping a bit due to heavy aircampaigns.

I'am hoping to penetrate the japanese defensive perimeter in next couple of weeks here.


South Pacific / Central Pacific


Japanese have made couple naval runs againts Morotai.

One of those runs did not go as planned for them though...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Manado at 75,99
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 47 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M3a Zero x 4
      A6M5b Zero x 8
      Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      F4U-1A Corsair x 18
      SBD-3 Dauntless x 22
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
      Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
      SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CL Naka, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires
      CL Sendai, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CL Jintsu
      DD Shikinami


Good to catch few cruisers and those ships should be either sunk or out of war for months.

US Submarines are deployed also and have hit some troop transports near Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

The recon indicates that Japanese are moving troops into Luzon in numbers. Last turn showed +40 units at Manila.

Allied B29's visit Pelileu, Saipan and Guam regularly.

[aztez]

The update pics are turn old since only had the combat replay file with me.

Here is the intel screen on mid February 1945.

[aztez]

Burma (February 16th 1945)


The whole area has been in full blaze since last update.

Both sides exchaging blows after another.

Japanese have conducted large scale airstrikes againts Rangoon where 3 damaged RN cruisers were sunk.

The IJN cruiser TF have visited Rangoon and Moulmein.

In the air allied have conducted major ground bombing missions at Chiang Mai and Rahaeng.

The P51D's have made severeal sweep runs againts Japanese airbases in Thailand.

Allied have launched several ground assaults againts Rahaeng and last time we got twice 1:1 odds...

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

Ground combat at Rahaeng (58,56)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 71256 troops, 1509 guns, 1777 vehicles, Assault Value = 2605

Defending force 35427 troops, 549 guns, 128 vehicles, Assault Value = 1033

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied adjusted assault: 2673

Japanese adjusted defense: 2189

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
3377 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 144 disabled
Non Combat: 34 destroyed, 200 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Vehicles lost 31 (16 destroyed, 15 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1837 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 147 disabled
Non Combat: 76 destroyed, 191 disabled
Engineers: 74 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 108 (22 destroyed, 86 disabled)


Assaulting units:
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
20th Indian Division
11th (East African) Division
254th Armoured Brigade
19th Motorised Division
23rd Indian Division
Provisionl Tank Brigade
255th Indian Tank Brigade
6th Australian Division
5th Indian Division
8th Medium Regiment
III Indian Corps
6th Medium Regiment
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
XV Indian Corps
31st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
107th Division
78th Infantry Regiment
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
48th Division
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
36th Field AA Battalion
21st Fld AA Gun Co
19th RF Gun Battalion
51st Field AA Battalion
20th AA Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
47th Field AA Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
25th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion
36th JAAF AF Bn

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

Ground combat at Rahaeng (58,56)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 69079 troops, 1509 guns, 1755 vehicles, Assault Value = 2495

Defending force 33095 troops, 549 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 887

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Allied adjusted assault: 1276

Japanese adjusted defense: 809

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2284 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 125 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 152 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 15 (8 destroyed, 7 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1523 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 124 disabled
Non Combat: 24 destroyed, 184 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 14 disabled
Vehicles lost 81 (26 destroyed, 55 disabled)


Assaulting units:
20th Indian Division
23rd Indian Division
11th (East African) Division
6th Australian Division
Provisionl Tank Brigade
255th Indian Tank Brigade
19th Motorised Division
254th Armoured Brigade
5th Indian Division
6th Medium Regiment
31st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
III Indian Corps
XV Indian Corps
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
107th Division
48th Division
78th Infantry Regiment
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
19th RF Gun Battalion
51st Field AA Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
36th Field AA Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
47th Field AA Battalion
20th AA Regiment
21st Fld AA Gun Co
25th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion
36th JAAF AF Bn


The forts at Rahaeng are now down to lvl2. I don't what the distrubtion or fatigue levels are but if they are sustainable we will launch another one next turn.

Happy to report that the battle of Chiang Mai is finally over. Last turn the allied troops seized the base.

This is good news since this gives me another solid airfield near the frontlines and don't need to worry about naval bombardments.

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

Ground combat at Chiang Mai (58,53)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 44378 troops, 1202 guns, 925 vehicles, Assault Value = 1541

Defending force 17873 troops, 503 guns, 162 vehicles, Assault Value = 415

Allied adjusted assault: 751

Japanese adjusted defense: 298

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Chiang Mai !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
6081 casualties reported
Squads: 181 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 393 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 204 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 228 (223 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 121 (121 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 23


Allied ground losses:
1737 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 79 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 122 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 20 disabled
Vehicles lost 33 (2 destroyed, 31 disabled)


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
18th Australian Brigade
111th Chindit Brigade
18th British Division
16th Chindit Brigade
82nd (West African) Division
7th Indian Division
150th RAC Regiment
25th Australian Brigade
3rd Carbiniers Regiment
4th British Brigade
50th Tank Brigade
9th Australian Division
88th Medium Regiment
IV Indian Corps
X' Force
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
134th Medium Regiment

Defending units:
29th Division
5th INA Regiment
13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
18th Garrison Unit
14th Div /1
33rd Div /1
5th Field AF Construction Battalion
34th Road Const Co
34th Field AA Battalion
104th AA Regiment
101st Machine Canno AA Battalion
8th Field AF Construction Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
6th Field AF Construction Battalion
20th RF Gun Battalion
7th Field AF Construction Battalion
32nd Ind.AA Gun Co
21st Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
22nd Ind.AA Gun Co
89th Field AA Battalion
45th JNAF AF Unit
2nd Naval Const Bn /1
23rd Ind. Engr Rgt /1


I don't know how many casualties both sides took here fighting for this hex but it was an awful mess for sure.

[aztez]

South Pacific / Philippines (February 16th 1945)


IJN did make few attempts to close the airfield down at Menado. These objectives failed.

In return allied troops have now landed and seized Manado just west of Morotai.

This base had already lvl 7 airfield ready thus it was worth the efforts...


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

Ground combat at Manado (75,99)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 13779 troops, 330 guns, 713 vehicles, Assault Value = 720

Defending force 7671 troops, 167 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 257

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Allied adjusted assault: 587

Japanese adjusted defense: 91

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Manado !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
5545 casualties reported
Squads: 200 destroyed, 119 disabled
Non Combat: 79 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 47 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 35 (35 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 9
Units destroyed 1


Allied ground losses:
393 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
5th Australian Brigade
CenPac Amphib Tank Brigade
131st Combat Engineer Regiment
763rd Tank Battalion
3rd Motor Brigade
24th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
145th Infantry Rgt /4
23rd Marine Rgt /4
76th Coast AA Regiment
1st USMC Engineer Aviation Battalion
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
Thirteenth USAAF
25th USN Naval Construction Battalion
35th Aviation Base Force
43rd Construction Regiment
XI US Corps
26th USN SeaBees /6

Defending units:
11th Div /1
Sasebo 7th SNLF /1
Sasebo 8th SNLF /1
47th Nav Gd /1
553rd Ind.Infantry Bn /1
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF /1
48th Naval Guard Unit
53rd Nav Gd /1
Gohoku JNAF Base Force
112th JAAF AF Bn


Japanese tried to intervene with some LBA Betty/Nell and Judy's. Allied LBA fighters did good job intervening with these strikes.

The allied CV TF's headed just north of Jolo in case IJN had strong forces there. We did find some shipping here but I think these were his ASW elite TF's.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sangihe at 76,97

Japanese Ships
SS RO-113, hits 32, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CV Hancock, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Alabama
DD Daly
DD Hopewell
DD Paul Hamilton
DD Hale

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,88

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 16
F6F-5 Hellcat x 13
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 21
SB2C-4 Helldiver x 29


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-3 Helldiver: 3 damaged
SB2C-4 Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Aiyo Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shirayuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Usugumo
DD Shirakumo
DD Isonami
DD Momi, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Fujinami
DD Sugi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tawi Tawi at 71,89

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 14
F6F-5 Hellcat x 15
TBM-3 Avenger x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PB Kinsyo Maru #2, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Yamahagi Maru #3, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Tonon Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
PB Okiyu Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,88

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 7
F6F-5 Hellcat x 14
TBM-3 Avenger x 14


Allied aircraft losses
TBM-3 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Aiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Fujinami
DD Isonami
DD Shirayuki, heavy fires

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Manado at 75,99

Japanese Ships
SS RO-41, hits 42, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Wren
BB Texas
BB Arkansas
CL Wilkes-Barre
DD Watts
DD McCalla

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 72,86

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 16
F6F-5 Hellcat x 14
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 46


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-3 Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Sugi, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Isonami, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Momi, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shirayuki, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Usugumo
DD Fujinami

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Zamboanga at 74,87

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 56 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 21
F6F-3 Hellcat x 21
F6F-5 Hellcat x 13
TBM-3 Avenger x 34


Allied aircraft losses
TBM-3 Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Shiokaze, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
E W-18, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
E Iki, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
E W-25, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 72,86

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes


Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 6
F4U-1D Corsair x 14
F6F-5 Hellcat x 16
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 21


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-3 Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Shirakumo
DD Sugi, heavy fires
DD Isonami, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Fujinami

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 72,86

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 14
F6F-5 Hellcat x 47
SB2C-4 Helldiver x 27
TBM-3 Avenger x 16


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-4 Helldiver: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Fujinami
DD Shirakumo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Usugumo
DD Isonami, heavy fires, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Jolo at 73,89

Japanese Ships
SS I-29, hits 18, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Hall
BB Iowa
CA Boston
DD LaVallette
DD Knapp
DD Kimberly
DD Kidd

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taytay at 75,82

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 11
F4U-1D Corsair x 16
F6F-5 Hellcat x 7
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 20


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-3 Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CM Okinoshima, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD T-13
APD T-9, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD T-4, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 73,83

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 7
TBM-3 Avenger x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shirakumo, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taytay at 75,82

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 56 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 21
F6F-5 Hellcat x 54
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 21
TBM-3 Avenger x 28


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-3 Helldiver: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD T-9, on fire
APD T-4, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD T-13, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CM Okinoshima, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taytay at 75,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 17
F4U-1D Corsair x 24
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7
F6F-5 Hellcat x 18
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 43


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
APD T-9, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD T-13, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
CM Okinoshima, Bomb hits 10, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Culion at 76,80

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes


Allied aircraft
TBM-3 Avenger x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PB Shotoku Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC Ch 8, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
ACM Wa 2
PB Fukui Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Zamboanga at 74,87

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3a Zero x 8
A6M5 Zero x 12
J2M2 Jack x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 17
Ki-61-Id Tony x 11
Ki-84a Frank x 7



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 28
F6F-5 Hellcat x 13
SB2C-4 Helldiver x 25


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 8 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 4 destroyed
SB2C-4 Helldiver: 6 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tatsushiro Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Jogu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAKL Awaji Maru
xAKL Nikki Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 24


Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 6 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Marcus Island
CVE Shah
CVE Tulagi
CL Columbia
CV Wasp II

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 10


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Sitkoh Bay
CVE Makassar Strait
CV Indomitable

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 27


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Missouri
CVE Makassar Strait
CV Indomitable
CVE Sitkoh Bay
CVE Takanis Bay
CV Victorious, Torpedo hits 1
CVE Thetis Bay

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Takanis Bay
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1
CVE Rudyerd Bay
BB Wisconsin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Thetis Bay
BB Wisconsin
CVE Shipley Bay

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Thetis Bay, Torpedo hits 1
CV Victorious, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Missouri

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 73,82

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 29
F6F-5 Hellcat x 14
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 19


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PB Shoei Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
AO Shiretoko, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Saiko Maru, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3a Zero x 5
A6M5 Zero x 8
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 23
Ki-61-Id Tony x 14
Ki-84a Frank x 8



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 12
TBM-3 Avenger x 16


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed
TBM-3 Avenger: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Nikki Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3a Zero x 5
A6M5 Zero x 8
J2M2 Jack x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 23
Ki-61-Id Tony x 14
Ki-84a Frank x 8



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 22
F4U-1D Corsair x 29
F6F-3 Hellcat x 55
F6F-5 Hellcat x 82


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed
Ki-61-Id Tony: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Corsair II: 1 destroyed
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 7 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1
A6M5 Zero x 2
J2M2 Jack x 1
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 9
Ki-61-Id Tony x 3
Ki-84a Frank x 2



Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 21
F6F-3 Hellcat x 21
F6F-5 Hellcat x 44


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-61-Id Tony: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1



Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 16
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8
F6F-5 Hellcat x 13
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 19


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Nikki Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
xAKL Daiei Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Awaji Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
PB Akitsui Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk


That concludes the carrier based reports from past 4 days.

The japanese subs did torpedo 2 US CV's. The damage is very moderate though and they are at 95% combat readiness.

Last turns night air attacks were good move from Dave. It seems that CV Victorious might be in trouble but cannot confirm that.

The lack of allied AA kills is a bit troubling thing to see as well.

LBA bombers hit Dadjanga, Kendari, Talud Island and Davao in support of landings at Madano.

D4Judy's hit some allied shipping near Lae. Dave had send those in "kamikaze" mission. We need to close the New Guinea area as soon as possible.

All in all action packed few days and we are not about to stop...

[zzodr]

Japanese Ships
SS RO-41, hits 42, and is sunk.
--
Fookin 'ell.... that hull would have popped like an egg.

Whats the plan to attack Jap oil supply in Borneo?