Sitrep March 15, 1942
AI continues to rampage through undefended bases but is a (smaller) struggle at Batavia and (larger) one at Bataan.
For some reason AI seems to have abandoned previously untaken bases. Airedale recon shows no Japanese at Luganville. Odd. Luganville is a place I fight like a wildcat for. If AI holds it Noumea and Suva are in question and without those my USA-Australia link is in serious question. I look to have Red Mike and the 1st Raiders hit it within a week or so. This time I have defensive units to follow up.
A few days earlier a weak IJN cruiser force tried to find my transports unloading at Noumea. Not a bad idea as I am building up at Noumea as fast as I can. Before longer it will beyond taking without committing KB (currently no place to be seen.) They found a force of seven US cruisers. The weak force got shot to bits but some of my sinks ran down their ammo. I have a replenishment TF (AO and AE) sitting in Pago Pago so I sent these three ships to Pago Pago to rearm. They are now on their way back with a couple more cruisers that had just arrived at Pago. Before that reinforcement, AI sent in cruiser force based on one CA, two DDs, and a CL. Although the US force was stronger the engagement was indecisive. Their CA took couple hits and bugged out. I expect the IJN to return in greater force but Noumea is a long damn way from Tokyo. Sure wish I had the Showboat to deal with a Kongo. That is pretty much what AI has to send. I have a bunch of Treaty cruisers and Brooklyns there to mess up his day.
II Fighter Command and the 35th PG are approaching Pago Pago and I intend to put a strong fighter force there even if they have almost no offensive punch. They are not ready for KB but can hold their own against anything else and Noumea is out of range of even long range Zeros from Guadalcanal. Could be a big Betty-bash that will run up the training level of these weak fighters.
Problem is I'll have to kick II fighter to the Port Moresby area. AI nabbed Milne Bay and landed at PM. AI's problem is that I had stationed force of ANZAC cruisers, and they massacred his transports. Now an attenuated and out of supply regiment is there with a bunch of angry Diggers. My Aussies outnumber him 7:1 an AI (typically) didn't land much supply. I think I have a chance to kill off this unit before AI sends help. AI will send help. PM is worth a bunch of VP.
I have a bomber group of B-17Es working its way toward Brisbane to pound his positions in Papua NG. I have a number of B-17D fugitives from the PI to recon and search. I like B-17Ds for this work. By staying at high altitude, even Zeros are struggling to bring them down, but I have to balance Zeros and OP losses. I don't have a lot of B-17Ds and some are due to be withdrawn before long.
I have a lightweight (nothing but aviation support) that can be airlifted into PM from Cairns. I'll have a strong base force and can support a whole PG of fighters. Trick is getting P-39s from Cairns to PM. P-39s are short-legged. Gotta develop Cooktown. Gonna be a lot of xAKLs sacrificed in the short term. Aussies are beginning to show up but even the mighty No. 75 Squadron of the RAAF is still green as grass.
It is March 1942 and my forces are still an unprepared mish-mosh. My carriers still have a lot of Buffaloes and biplane dive bombers. They all are sitting at San Diego. Two CV are getting upgrade refits and the other three will be eligible next month.
On the 14th, the last of the Burma Army took up defensive positions on the the Imphal ridge and Chittagong is already at fort level four with two Indian engineer units beavering away. AI finally got off his duff and took Rangoon and has rampaged up the central Burma valley taking undefended bases. I still sorta hold Myitkynia. Now we stare at each other across a hundred miles of impenetrable jungle.
My sub campaign has not been aggressive. AIs escorts are better than stock but at least they don't have those thermonuclear depth charges.
Here We Go Again
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Here We Go Again
Using drop tanks, the P-39s should be able to make it to PM.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia ChildRE: Here We Go Again
Absolutely right, RJ. 6 hexes Cairns to PM. P-39s and P-400s make it from Cairns but have to have drop tanks.
Occasional minor problem, supply is not overwhelming at Cairn - about 22,000. Gotta keep it over 20,000 to have drops tanks.
I'll have to be rotating squadrons once AI gets serious about PM. My pilots are still green and the P-39 is still the P-39.
Occasional minor problem, supply is not overwhelming at Cairn - about 22,000. Gotta keep it over 20,000 to have drops tanks.
I'll have to be rotating squadrons once AI gets serious about PM. My pilots are still green and the P-39 is still the P-39.
RE: Here We Go Again
Sitrep March 23, 1942
Batavia fell yesterday. Reinforces my usual contempt for Dutch mercenaries and askaris. They were doing pretty well. They still had level 2 forts and over 5,000 supply. AI wasn't exactly pressing them with a shot-up division and a solid regiment. I figured even the dutch had a good week left in them but they suddenly just collapsed. Well, I hope they like bridge building. Madoeng and Tjilitjap are hanging on but I really doubt they'll be holding out to next report. I got all the Dutch naval assets I could out - even six local minesweepers. Anybody got any idea what to do with Tromp? Fragile and short-legged. At least those four Dutch DD can do local ASW.
Feeling OK about Noumea. 132nd Infantry is unloaded complete and the 182nd is unloading. Plenty of supply. Fighters should arrive in a week or so.
Port Moresby is holding out. The militia-based 4th Aus is stomping the remnants of the IJA 144th Rgt. Not bad but a reinforced and fairly well supplied division in a fort should handle an isolated fragment of a regiment regardless of initial quality. I have a lightweight (wrench turners only) BF moving by rail in Australia toward Cairns.
Logistical situation slightly better. My last US SS transport ops may be headed toward Bataan. I still have 45,000+ supply in Soerabaja but with Dutch troops being what they are...
I continue to harden Midway. I have 60+ fighters there. Can't hold off KB by themselves but nuisance attacks can be repulsed.
Batavia fell yesterday. Reinforces my usual contempt for Dutch mercenaries and askaris. They were doing pretty well. They still had level 2 forts and over 5,000 supply. AI wasn't exactly pressing them with a shot-up division and a solid regiment. I figured even the dutch had a good week left in them but they suddenly just collapsed. Well, I hope they like bridge building. Madoeng and Tjilitjap are hanging on but I really doubt they'll be holding out to next report. I got all the Dutch naval assets I could out - even six local minesweepers. Anybody got any idea what to do with Tromp? Fragile and short-legged. At least those four Dutch DD can do local ASW.
Feeling OK about Noumea. 132nd Infantry is unloaded complete and the 182nd is unloading. Plenty of supply. Fighters should arrive in a week or so.
Port Moresby is holding out. The militia-based 4th Aus is stomping the remnants of the IJA 144th Rgt. Not bad but a reinforced and fairly well supplied division in a fort should handle an isolated fragment of a regiment regardless of initial quality. I have a lightweight (wrench turners only) BF moving by rail in Australia toward Cairns.
Logistical situation slightly better. My last US SS transport ops may be headed toward Bataan. I still have 45,000+ supply in Soerabaja but with Dutch troops being what they are...
I continue to harden Midway. I have 60+ fighters there. Can't hold off KB by themselves but nuisance attacks can be repulsed.
RE: Here We Go Again
I feel pretty good about the early months.
Despite strictly adhering to house rules:
1. My Singapore outlasted historical Singapore by a few days.
2. My Soerabaja has already outlasted historical Singapore. (under initial probing now)
3. Never discount a collapse, particularly in a supply starved garrison, but I only need about ten days to have outlasted historical Bataan. Could be close. (Key units are frittering away like bacon fat.)
4. AI has not raided the Indian Ocean nor bombed Darwin (although the latter could happen soon)
Beware of hubris, Taxcutter
AI has run a number of "Morgan's Raid operations" Distant and ephemeral raids on places he cannot hold (Canton, Luganville, Normanton, Bora Bora). My war machine at this point reacts too slowly to be pulled off the main plan by these raids.
AI rode KB hard in December and February but I haven't seen it since mid-February. AI is using CVLs, CVEs, and their small, less trained air groups to support ops in the DEI. I'd do the same. Train up those inexperienced units in an environment where they have a good chance to survive and at little risk to their CVs. Dutch B-10s are less dangerous to the Japanese than Mk. 14 torpedoes.
As always, my early 1942 US subs (beyond the occasional lucky shot) are worthless. I shamelessly use them to supply Bataan, with just a token force in Japanese home waters. AI escorts nearly everything, and his escorts are better than the stock scenarios although he doesn't have the nuclear depth charges - - yet.
My escorts are nearly worthless, although that may change shortly. April is the first great upgrade month for my ASW, AAW, and radar. Without radar my cruisers are vulnerable at night, but AI's emphasis on nuisance raids often mean a lot of his outmatch surface groups don't come back. Note to AI: Don't let two Brooklyns see one of your DD or CL.
Historically, the Japanese didn't give a rip about land unit casualties, and this scenario is no exception. Singapore and Bataan have, have mangled nine of his divisions. His divisions (when fresh) are equipment-light and manpower-heavy so I expect he can replace losses quickly. Effect on quality yet to be seen.
AI's land aggressiveness is non-existent. His army sat at Pergo and looked at Fortress Rangoon (one shot-up Burma rifle battalion) for two weeks. His efforts in China are comatose. Without supply all Chiang and Mao can do is camp on good defensive terrain and hold on, but AI make no attempt to move them off when he can. Changsha is at a Level 5 fort and with three engineer units there and the Japanese not within 150 miles, I'm expending precious supply to reach the unicorn level 6.
My big problem is lack of land units. One regiment of the Americal Division is stuck in Frisco attached to the West Coat demand and needs 800 PP to chop over to South Pacific. Also five BFs are stuck there at half strength.
The first real Liberty ship showed up at Portland (no antifa?). Amazing what those things do for my logistics with their 600 to cargo capacity and enormous endurance.
Strange days, indeed.
Despite strictly adhering to house rules:
1. My Singapore outlasted historical Singapore by a few days.
2. My Soerabaja has already outlasted historical Singapore. (under initial probing now)
3. Never discount a collapse, particularly in a supply starved garrison, but I only need about ten days to have outlasted historical Bataan. Could be close. (Key units are frittering away like bacon fat.)
4. AI has not raided the Indian Ocean nor bombed Darwin (although the latter could happen soon)
Beware of hubris, Taxcutter
AI has run a number of "Morgan's Raid operations" Distant and ephemeral raids on places he cannot hold (Canton, Luganville, Normanton, Bora Bora). My war machine at this point reacts too slowly to be pulled off the main plan by these raids.
AI rode KB hard in December and February but I haven't seen it since mid-February. AI is using CVLs, CVEs, and their small, less trained air groups to support ops in the DEI. I'd do the same. Train up those inexperienced units in an environment where they have a good chance to survive and at little risk to their CVs. Dutch B-10s are less dangerous to the Japanese than Mk. 14 torpedoes.
As always, my early 1942 US subs (beyond the occasional lucky shot) are worthless. I shamelessly use them to supply Bataan, with just a token force in Japanese home waters. AI escorts nearly everything, and his escorts are better than the stock scenarios although he doesn't have the nuclear depth charges - - yet.
My escorts are nearly worthless, although that may change shortly. April is the first great upgrade month for my ASW, AAW, and radar. Without radar my cruisers are vulnerable at night, but AI's emphasis on nuisance raids often mean a lot of his outmatch surface groups don't come back. Note to AI: Don't let two Brooklyns see one of your DD or CL.
Historically, the Japanese didn't give a rip about land unit casualties, and this scenario is no exception. Singapore and Bataan have, have mangled nine of his divisions. His divisions (when fresh) are equipment-light and manpower-heavy so I expect he can replace losses quickly. Effect on quality yet to be seen.
AI's land aggressiveness is non-existent. His army sat at Pergo and looked at Fortress Rangoon (one shot-up Burma rifle battalion) for two weeks. His efforts in China are comatose. Without supply all Chiang and Mao can do is camp on good defensive terrain and hold on, but AI make no attempt to move them off when he can. Changsha is at a Level 5 fort and with three engineer units there and the Japanese not within 150 miles, I'm expending precious supply to reach the unicorn level 6.
My big problem is lack of land units. One regiment of the Americal Division is stuck in Frisco attached to the West Coat demand and needs 800 PP to chop over to South Pacific. Also five BFs are stuck there at half strength.
The first real Liberty ship showed up at Portland (no antifa?). Amazing what those things do for my logistics with their 600 to cargo capacity and enormous endurance.
Strange days, indeed.
RE: Here We Go Again
Sitrep: April 3, 1942
No surprise, Tjilitjap fell yesterday. IJA on Java now have nothing better to do than assault Soerabaja. Bataan hangs on but things are getting shaky.
The great refit orgy is underway. Within 20 days the aether will be full of SD and SJ radiation, IJN subs will have to withstand double the depth-charging, and Japanese aircraft will be a little more circumspect about Allied escorts.
New Caledonia is firmly in hand. Two infantry regiments reinforced by two tank battalions. In a couple of days I'll have fighter cover.
Port Moresby is looking OK. Ground attack was crushed. I now have plenty of wrench-turners at PM and the 35th FG is unloading at Brisbane. I have 30,000+ supply at PM. The 6th Aus Infantry is unloading at Perth.
AI did do an amphibious landing at Akyab. A whole infantry division. Now it gets to fight through the jungle and two divisions before it really gets near Chittagong. The Flying Tigers are covering Chittagong while the RAF builds up and trains unmolested in India.
I'll be a bit less active til my escorts come out of refit.
No sight of KB.
No surprise, Tjilitjap fell yesterday. IJA on Java now have nothing better to do than assault Soerabaja. Bataan hangs on but things are getting shaky.
The great refit orgy is underway. Within 20 days the aether will be full of SD and SJ radiation, IJN subs will have to withstand double the depth-charging, and Japanese aircraft will be a little more circumspect about Allied escorts.
New Caledonia is firmly in hand. Two infantry regiments reinforced by two tank battalions. In a couple of days I'll have fighter cover.
Port Moresby is looking OK. Ground attack was crushed. I now have plenty of wrench-turners at PM and the 35th FG is unloading at Brisbane. I have 30,000+ supply at PM. The 6th Aus Infantry is unloading at Perth.
AI did do an amphibious landing at Akyab. A whole infantry division. Now it gets to fight through the jungle and two divisions before it really gets near Chittagong. The Flying Tigers are covering Chittagong while the RAF builds up and trains unmolested in India.
I'll be a bit less active til my escorts come out of refit.
No sight of KB.
RE: Here We Go Again
FLASH Sitrep April 12, 1942
Soerabaja fell today. The mercenaries and askaris threw in the towel and shuffled off into prison camps.
This pretty much ends to sub resupply of Bataan. I have 10 loaded subs headed for Bataan but whether the Allies will hold out is very questionable. I may try to run supplies out of Darwin but the entire PA 2nd Corps has been wiped out and the 1st Corp is down to two weak formations.
Soerabaja fell today. The mercenaries and askaris threw in the towel and shuffled off into prison camps.
This pretty much ends to sub resupply of Bataan. I have 10 loaded subs headed for Bataan but whether the Allies will hold out is very questionable. I may try to run supplies out of Darwin but the entire PA 2nd Corps has been wiped out and the 1st Corp is down to two weak formations.
RE: Here We Go Again
Darwin has a hard time getting supplies if the Japanese is determined to deny them the supplies - unless they are for their own troops.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia ChildRE: Here We Go Again
More FLASH traffic, March 13, 1942
Bataan surrendered. It was inevitable but at least they lasted a few days longer than historical and they reduce four full-strength IJA infantry divisions to battalions. IJA divisions are more manpower than firepower so they can replace their losses easily enough although a lot of experience is now lower.
AI tried a cruise raid off Pearl but ran into four CAs. Neither side did much.
Yeah Darwin can be a bear this time of the war.
Bataan surrendered. It was inevitable but at least they lasted a few days longer than historical and they reduce four full-strength IJA infantry divisions to battalions. IJA divisions are more manpower than firepower so they can replace their losses easily enough although a lot of experience is now lower.
AI tried a cruise raid off Pearl but ran into four CAs. Neither side did much.
Yeah Darwin can be a bear this time of the war.
RE: Here We Go Again
Sitrep: April 30, 1942
A little long since my last sitrep but basically nothing dramatic has happened since the last one. At this point in game time that is the way I like it.
For some reason AI is bombing the bejeebers out of undefended bases in the PI and DEI. He can keep doing that for all I care.
I have New Caledonia built up, receiving a regiment of the 1st USMC Division. I have some fighters present. Naval support is a little thin as I work through the 4/42 refit schedule.
PM is looking good. I'm halfway through the second changing of the guard of fighters. Half of the 35th FG is back in Cairns fleshing back up and half of the green 8th FG is in PM. (Both groups P-39D)
My P-39 FGs are holding up pretty well despite numerous fights with Zero escorts. But I'm totally defensive - range = 0. Numbers help.
AI is trying another CL raid on the PH convoy route. I see him coming this time and have a fair solid response waiting.
China is comatose - both sides.
India is not real active AI send a solid division out of Akyab but it ran into three divisions in good defensive terrain. I have reserves in Chittagong and Calcutta. The Hump is beginning with three 9 x C-47 squadrons. US Tenth AF HQ is at Aden and should be in place shortly. I'll send a FG of P-39s from Eastern US in the next week. The Flying Tigers will be withdrawn about the Fourth of July. I'm trying to get the RAF trained up to carry the load of a completely defensive campaign in this theater.
Midway is being a really tough nut to crack.
Fuel is a problem. Its moving OK but not enough tankers yet.
A little long since my last sitrep but basically nothing dramatic has happened since the last one. At this point in game time that is the way I like it.
For some reason AI is bombing the bejeebers out of undefended bases in the PI and DEI. He can keep doing that for all I care.
I have New Caledonia built up, receiving a regiment of the 1st USMC Division. I have some fighters present. Naval support is a little thin as I work through the 4/42 refit schedule.
PM is looking good. I'm halfway through the second changing of the guard of fighters. Half of the 35th FG is back in Cairns fleshing back up and half of the green 8th FG is in PM. (Both groups P-39D)
My P-39 FGs are holding up pretty well despite numerous fights with Zero escorts. But I'm totally defensive - range = 0. Numbers help.
AI is trying another CL raid on the PH convoy route. I see him coming this time and have a fair solid response waiting.
China is comatose - both sides.
India is not real active AI send a solid division out of Akyab but it ran into three divisions in good defensive terrain. I have reserves in Chittagong and Calcutta. The Hump is beginning with three 9 x C-47 squadrons. US Tenth AF HQ is at Aden and should be in place shortly. I'll send a FG of P-39s from Eastern US in the next week. The Flying Tigers will be withdrawn about the Fourth of July. I'm trying to get the RAF trained up to carry the load of a completely defensive campaign in this theater.
Midway is being a really tough nut to crack.
Fuel is a problem. Its moving OK but not enough tankers yet.
RE: Here We Go Again
FLASH traffic. Sitrep May 3, 1942
Surface action a-go-go. (Shows my age)
1. NW of Pearl Harbor. AI has been running in small cruiser raids picking off my ASW assets (PC, AM,etc) and looking for a fat AK or two. this is the approach to Pearl from Frisco. So AI sends in the Furutaka, 2 x CL, and 2 x DD). He got surprised. My search found him this time and I was ready. 3 x Standard BB, 1 x CA, 4 x CL (2 were Brooklyns) and 7 x DD). Furthermore every airedale at Pearl wanted a piece of this action. AI's cruiser force was wiped out. They did get a couple of Long Lances into the New Mexico. She'll be at Mare Island into 1943.
2. Port Moresby. AI sent 3 x CA and two DD into PM and found my Anzac cruisers. The surface action was not decisive but AI also sent one of his CVE mud-mover TFs. I say this because they were not as effective as KB air groups. They opened a 55 gallon drum of whoop-ass of my Anzacs. All that is left is the Achilles and Leander trying to limp into Cooktown. AI has an invasion force, but knowing AI's M.O. I doubt it has the sand to beat the well-supplied division sized force I have am PM. AI's 15 Zeros got the wrong end of my PM air force (the 8th FG - 55 x P-39). My green Airacobra drivers mangled both his carrier Zeros and his strike Vals. Good thing for AI he didn't wait a week longer. I was fixing to unload a Australian CD battalion (16 x 6" guns) into PM.
3. AI has been feinting an invasion of Cooktown. Good luck, fool. The Desert Rats are nearby.
4. AI is re-invading Canton Island. An inconveniece but nothing I can do. I'm trying to jam and infantry regiment and a battalion of CD 6" guns into Luganville. Takes a while at these primitive colonial ports.
I've noticed a balancer in this scenario. All of my ENG and BF units start at one-third to one-half strength. So I leave them in Frisco to replace up. I'm getting them built up but it takes a while.
Surface action a-go-go. (Shows my age)
1. NW of Pearl Harbor. AI has been running in small cruiser raids picking off my ASW assets (PC, AM,etc) and looking for a fat AK or two. this is the approach to Pearl from Frisco. So AI sends in the Furutaka, 2 x CL, and 2 x DD). He got surprised. My search found him this time and I was ready. 3 x Standard BB, 1 x CA, 4 x CL (2 were Brooklyns) and 7 x DD). Furthermore every airedale at Pearl wanted a piece of this action. AI's cruiser force was wiped out. They did get a couple of Long Lances into the New Mexico. She'll be at Mare Island into 1943.
2. Port Moresby. AI sent 3 x CA and two DD into PM and found my Anzac cruisers. The surface action was not decisive but AI also sent one of his CVE mud-mover TFs. I say this because they were not as effective as KB air groups. They opened a 55 gallon drum of whoop-ass of my Anzacs. All that is left is the Achilles and Leander trying to limp into Cooktown. AI has an invasion force, but knowing AI's M.O. I doubt it has the sand to beat the well-supplied division sized force I have am PM. AI's 15 Zeros got the wrong end of my PM air force (the 8th FG - 55 x P-39). My green Airacobra drivers mangled both his carrier Zeros and his strike Vals. Good thing for AI he didn't wait a week longer. I was fixing to unload a Australian CD battalion (16 x 6" guns) into PM.
3. AI has been feinting an invasion of Cooktown. Good luck, fool. The Desert Rats are nearby.
4. AI is re-invading Canton Island. An inconveniece but nothing I can do. I'm trying to jam and infantry regiment and a battalion of CD 6" guns into Luganville. Takes a while at these primitive colonial ports.
I've noticed a balancer in this scenario. All of my ENG and BF units start at one-third to one-half strength. So I leave them in Frisco to replace up. I'm getting them built up but it takes a while.
RE: Here We Go Again
FLASH Traffic 2245 hours
May 10, 1942
CinCPAC to Adm. King cc. USA CoS, CinCSWPAC
At 0130 this morning AI attempted a diversionary attack on the northeast shore of Oahu. This diversion consisted of eighteen landing barges, two small marus and some patrol craft. No carriers, no major surface combatants. RADM Friedell sortied TF 119 (2 x BB, 4 x CL, 6 x DD) and engaged about 0300. Apparently it was a slaughter. Surface and air search found only about dozen oil slicks, some debris and roughly a hundred floating bodies. Radar and air search found no surviving vessels.
CinCSWPAC to Gen. Marshall, cc: CNO, CinCPAC
At 0500 this morning – two years to the day after the Nazi blitzkrieg befell France and the Low countries – AI launched what is thought to be an attempt to grab Port Moresby and demoralize Australia.
1. Their main effort was an amphibious landing at Port Moresby supported by two BB (thought to be Kirashima and Nagato) and five small CVE and CVL. A supporting CV formation stationed near Goodenough Island provided more air assets. Two medium sized marus unloaded a landing force but the six 6” CD guns at Port Moresby inflicted about 250 casualties and damaged both marus. The two carrier strike forces attacked Port Moresby resisted by the 8th FG (Seventy P-39D Avg EXP about 65). Confirmed kills both sides ran about high single digit but the 8th suffered some operational casualties due to the fact the runways are mushy mixture of mud and PSP. The Japanese appear to have succesfully landed about 1,100 infantry troops but almost no equipment and only about as much supply as the assault force could carry.
2. The assault force is pinned on the beach and the commander of the 4th Aus Infantry plans to counterattack in the morning to drive them into the sea. The 4th is in a good position with plenty of supply and artillery support. The 4th currently occupies Level 3 fortifications.
3. A diversionary effort was directed at the allied base at Brisbane but this force was much smaller – looking to be one or two small CVE or CVL. This force launched two strikes of about 5-7 Zeros and 10-12 Kates. These strikes were resisted by the 49th FG (full strength of eighty x P-40E but green as grass). The result was much noise but few casualties (low single digits for both sides) and the base was not scathed.
4. Another diversionary force was spotted off Cooktown but no action was taken by either side.
5. Neither the base at Cairns nor Horny Island were attacked.
6. At dusk the force once at Goodenough Island was spotted on a northeastly course. It has been active for a few days and may be shaping for Rabaul to refuel/rearm but this cannot be confirmed.
7. Australian patrols have found evidence the unit dropped at Port Moresby is the IJA 48th division. The 48th was know to have taken extensive casualties at Bataan.
SWPAC expects more action tomorrow.
Analyst's note to all principals.
I. The diversionary action at Pearl Harbor follows a shakeup in command at Pearl Harbor. The diversionary for was noted two days earlier and inexplicably neither naval nor air assets – available in abundance - were dispatched to obliterate this nuisance. Weather was dead clear and air search had located and determined the composition of the force. This omission satisfied neither Gen. Marshall nor Adm. King. Both CinCPAC and the CO of the VII USAAF were relieved of command. Apparently their successors took the hint.
II. Gen. MacArthur hung his hat of three major and one minor airbases.
A. First was Port Moresby with the fatigued 8th FG (about fifty-five P-39D) on a somewhat degraded but well supplied base.
B. Cairns with the oversized and somewhat experienced 35th FG (one hundred P-39D) and one squadron of RNZAF fighters. (Sixteen fairly experience Hurricane IIb Trop) on a well supplied and pristine base.
C. Brisbane with a full-strength (seventy-five P-40E) with green pilots. Again the spacious and pristine base is well-supplied.
III. Long-term balance of land forces is not in question. The very expeience veteran Australian I
Corps (6th and 7th Infantry Divisions plus Corp artillery and engineers) is compactly waiting at Townsville in case AI tries a landing in mainland Australia.
IV. CinCSoPac took the opportunity to strengthen occupation of Luganville and move fuel and supply into the area.
May 10, 1942
CinCPAC to Adm. King cc. USA CoS, CinCSWPAC
At 0130 this morning AI attempted a diversionary attack on the northeast shore of Oahu. This diversion consisted of eighteen landing barges, two small marus and some patrol craft. No carriers, no major surface combatants. RADM Friedell sortied TF 119 (2 x BB, 4 x CL, 6 x DD) and engaged about 0300. Apparently it was a slaughter. Surface and air search found only about dozen oil slicks, some debris and roughly a hundred floating bodies. Radar and air search found no surviving vessels.
CinCSWPAC to Gen. Marshall, cc: CNO, CinCPAC
At 0500 this morning – two years to the day after the Nazi blitzkrieg befell France and the Low countries – AI launched what is thought to be an attempt to grab Port Moresby and demoralize Australia.
1. Their main effort was an amphibious landing at Port Moresby supported by two BB (thought to be Kirashima and Nagato) and five small CVE and CVL. A supporting CV formation stationed near Goodenough Island provided more air assets. Two medium sized marus unloaded a landing force but the six 6” CD guns at Port Moresby inflicted about 250 casualties and damaged both marus. The two carrier strike forces attacked Port Moresby resisted by the 8th FG (Seventy P-39D Avg EXP about 65). Confirmed kills both sides ran about high single digit but the 8th suffered some operational casualties due to the fact the runways are mushy mixture of mud and PSP. The Japanese appear to have succesfully landed about 1,100 infantry troops but almost no equipment and only about as much supply as the assault force could carry.
2. The assault force is pinned on the beach and the commander of the 4th Aus Infantry plans to counterattack in the morning to drive them into the sea. The 4th is in a good position with plenty of supply and artillery support. The 4th currently occupies Level 3 fortifications.
3. A diversionary effort was directed at the allied base at Brisbane but this force was much smaller – looking to be one or two small CVE or CVL. This force launched two strikes of about 5-7 Zeros and 10-12 Kates. These strikes were resisted by the 49th FG (full strength of eighty x P-40E but green as grass). The result was much noise but few casualties (low single digits for both sides) and the base was not scathed.
4. Another diversionary force was spotted off Cooktown but no action was taken by either side.
5. Neither the base at Cairns nor Horny Island were attacked.
6. At dusk the force once at Goodenough Island was spotted on a northeastly course. It has been active for a few days and may be shaping for Rabaul to refuel/rearm but this cannot be confirmed.
7. Australian patrols have found evidence the unit dropped at Port Moresby is the IJA 48th division. The 48th was know to have taken extensive casualties at Bataan.
SWPAC expects more action tomorrow.
Analyst's note to all principals.
I. The diversionary action at Pearl Harbor follows a shakeup in command at Pearl Harbor. The diversionary for was noted two days earlier and inexplicably neither naval nor air assets – available in abundance - were dispatched to obliterate this nuisance. Weather was dead clear and air search had located and determined the composition of the force. This omission satisfied neither Gen. Marshall nor Adm. King. Both CinCPAC and the CO of the VII USAAF were relieved of command. Apparently their successors took the hint.
II. Gen. MacArthur hung his hat of three major and one minor airbases.
A. First was Port Moresby with the fatigued 8th FG (about fifty-five P-39D) on a somewhat degraded but well supplied base.
B. Cairns with the oversized and somewhat experienced 35th FG (one hundred P-39D) and one squadron of RNZAF fighters. (Sixteen fairly experience Hurricane IIb Trop) on a well supplied and pristine base.
C. Brisbane with a full-strength (seventy-five P-40E) with green pilots. Again the spacious and pristine base is well-supplied.
III. Long-term balance of land forces is not in question. The very expeience veteran Australian I
Corps (6th and 7th Infantry Divisions plus Corp artillery and engineers) is compactly waiting at Townsville in case AI tries a landing in mainland Australia.
IV. CinCSoPac took the opportunity to strengthen occupation of Luganville and move fuel and supply into the area.
RE: Here We Go Again
Follow-up May 12, 1942.
Well it wasn't so dramatic. AI lost heart after a couple days. Both of us lost 15-25 planes and not much else. AI pulled back toward Rabaul but left a few marus to make three futile piecemeal attacks of PM. The 4th Aus became the Australian meat grinder and made fish fool of these attacks.
This AI script seems dedicated to lots of small invasions to keep me busy. Most of these raids end up badly for Japan.
AI is finding out that unless he brings out KB, he cannot bring enough forces to sustain taking more ground.
Well it wasn't so dramatic. AI lost heart after a couple days. Both of us lost 15-25 planes and not much else. AI pulled back toward Rabaul but left a few marus to make three futile piecemeal attacks of PM. The 4th Aus became the Australian meat grinder and made fish fool of these attacks.
This AI script seems dedicated to lots of small invasions to keep me busy. Most of these raids end up badly for Japan.
AI is finding out that unless he brings out KB, he cannot bring enough forces to sustain taking more ground.
RE: Here We Go Again
Sitrep June 1, 1942:
Not much to report. Mid-42 doldrums. We are deadlocked at Port Moresby. I have it but can't develop it enough to exploit. He comes and goes but can't drop enough troops to take the place. He props small assault forces and the 4th Aus kills them piecemeal. I can sneak in enough supply to hold even but until I can get the port expanded to level 4 getting a lot in is a slow process. My engineer unit keeps busy repairing bombardment damage.
My P-39 fighter groups are getting some experience. Because I'm totally defensive shot down does not always equate to a dead pilot, so the group slowly gains EXP and AIR ratings. The P-39 pool is deep enough to keep me in mediocre airframes, but I do need to get a P-40E group some experience. I am staging up the 49th FG (P-40E but green as Kermit the Frog) to get in the game.
On a positive note I've made Noumea and Midway into very tough places to attack.
More later.
Not much to report. Mid-42 doldrums. We are deadlocked at Port Moresby. I have it but can't develop it enough to exploit. He comes and goes but can't drop enough troops to take the place. He props small assault forces and the 4th Aus kills them piecemeal. I can sneak in enough supply to hold even but until I can get the port expanded to level 4 getting a lot in is a slow process. My engineer unit keeps busy repairing bombardment damage.
My P-39 fighter groups are getting some experience. Because I'm totally defensive shot down does not always equate to a dead pilot, so the group slowly gains EXP and AIR ratings. The P-39 pool is deep enough to keep me in mediocre airframes, but I do need to get a P-40E group some experience. I am staging up the 49th FG (P-40E but green as Kermit the Frog) to get in the game.
On a positive note I've made Noumea and Midway into very tough places to attack.
More later.
RE: Here We Go Again
Sitrep June 15, 1942
Still grinding away at Port Moresby. I seem to have gained a slight edge in the the air battle. I'm keeping 65-70 fighters active plus some A-24s and A-20As trained (sorta) for naval attack. This has cost him a bunch of transports along with the fact that I have caught two big transport convoys inadequately escorted. Four Brooklyns and four DD will make a mess of twenty marus. Loss of major sealift and the fact AI insists on his campaign of small nuisance raids seems to have crimped his amphib attacks on PM/
I think AI managed to sneak a lot of infantry over the Owen Stanleys. After enjoying a numerical advantage for months, suddenly he has about 25% more AV in PM. The incessant fighting has worn my PM garrison down buy about 50%. But they are still well-supplied and in level 3 forts in excellent defensive terrain. I have the Aus 6th and 7th Inf. divisions near Cairns and I think I can smurf in these divisions a brigade at a time if the NZ pioneers can get the port upgraded to level 4. The port is currently level 3 with 70% upgrade progress. But it takes forever to offload heavy equipment at a level 3 when you don't have LSTs.
My strategic subs are doing better in Japanese Home waters and I really cannot complain as to how well my S-boats have supported the PM defensive.
Grind, grind, grind.
Still grinding away at Port Moresby. I seem to have gained a slight edge in the the air battle. I'm keeping 65-70 fighters active plus some A-24s and A-20As trained (sorta) for naval attack. This has cost him a bunch of transports along with the fact that I have caught two big transport convoys inadequately escorted. Four Brooklyns and four DD will make a mess of twenty marus. Loss of major sealift and the fact AI insists on his campaign of small nuisance raids seems to have crimped his amphib attacks on PM/
I think AI managed to sneak a lot of infantry over the Owen Stanleys. After enjoying a numerical advantage for months, suddenly he has about 25% more AV in PM. The incessant fighting has worn my PM garrison down buy about 50%. But they are still well-supplied and in level 3 forts in excellent defensive terrain. I have the Aus 6th and 7th Inf. divisions near Cairns and I think I can smurf in these divisions a brigade at a time if the NZ pioneers can get the port upgraded to level 4. The port is currently level 3 with 70% upgrade progress. But it takes forever to offload heavy equipment at a level 3 when you don't have LSTs.
My strategic subs are doing better in Japanese Home waters and I really cannot complain as to how well my S-boats have supported the PM defensive.
Grind, grind, grind.
RE: Here We Go Again
Not sure when you get them, but one of those Company-sized commando units is Para Capable. It can be combined with another unit that comes later to make a Battalion-sized para unit with good experience. IIRC, look at 2-6th Commando. Anyway, if AV becomes critical at PM before you can get a brigade there by ship, you could paradrop a those commandos to help hold the line until you bring in the ships.
The other thing, of course, is to keep sinking the Japanese supply ships approaching Buna so their troops at PM will always be short of supply.
The other thing, of course, is to keep sinking the Japanese supply ships approaching Buna so their troops at PM will always be short of supply.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Here We Go Again
Sitrep June 23, 1942
Answering about the AV problem first. I have two battalion-sized units in Cairns - an Australian "Machine-gun" battalion and the 2nd USMC Raiders.
60 AV between them and both are airmobile. I have a few C-47s (never enough but that's 1942), so I've been airlifting them into Port Moresby. The MG battalion helped and the bigger Raider unit will help even more.
I finally got the port to level 4 so unloading a brigade of the Aus 6th won't take til Christmas now. I have a transport convoy escorted by US CAs heading for PM. If I get them in I may have the corner turned.
AI-san continues his program of harrassment raids. Attu, Kiska, he's trying Dutch Harbor. Bora Bora and Tahiti. No doubt trying to accumulate VP on the cheap but he never garrisons the islands, but I follow him around with a Raider battalion and scoop the ungarrisoned islands back up denying him a lot of VP. AI-san tried Midway and found out if you want Midway, you better bring KB, the Yamato, and a couple of divisions you can unload quickly, or don't bother. He also found out New Caledonia is strongly garrisoned. He sent out a couple of his coral-cruncher CVL/CVEs but now they are on the way back to Truk with no strike planes. P-400s with experienced pilots are fine Val-killers.
Getting to be about time to withdraw the AVG, but the British are obviously up to their eyeballs with Rommel. IIRC this is about the time Rommel grabbed the air base at Mersuh Matruh, so the air line will be thinly held until the 23rd and 51st FGs arrive and get some experience.
Chiang is about to spring the trap on a division and a half northwest of Canton.
Supply, supply, supply. Fuel, fuel, fuel.
My strategic subs are doing better, but this scenario is still tougher than the basic stock scenario #1.
Answering about the AV problem first. I have two battalion-sized units in Cairns - an Australian "Machine-gun" battalion and the 2nd USMC Raiders.
60 AV between them and both are airmobile. I have a few C-47s (never enough but that's 1942), so I've been airlifting them into Port Moresby. The MG battalion helped and the bigger Raider unit will help even more.
I finally got the port to level 4 so unloading a brigade of the Aus 6th won't take til Christmas now. I have a transport convoy escorted by US CAs heading for PM. If I get them in I may have the corner turned.
AI-san continues his program of harrassment raids. Attu, Kiska, he's trying Dutch Harbor. Bora Bora and Tahiti. No doubt trying to accumulate VP on the cheap but he never garrisons the islands, but I follow him around with a Raider battalion and scoop the ungarrisoned islands back up denying him a lot of VP. AI-san tried Midway and found out if you want Midway, you better bring KB, the Yamato, and a couple of divisions you can unload quickly, or don't bother. He also found out New Caledonia is strongly garrisoned. He sent out a couple of his coral-cruncher CVL/CVEs but now they are on the way back to Truk with no strike planes. P-400s with experienced pilots are fine Val-killers.
Getting to be about time to withdraw the AVG, but the British are obviously up to their eyeballs with Rommel. IIRC this is about the time Rommel grabbed the air base at Mersuh Matruh, so the air line will be thinly held until the 23rd and 51st FGs arrive and get some experience.
Chiang is about to spring the trap on a division and a half northwest of Canton.
Supply, supply, supply. Fuel, fuel, fuel.
My strategic subs are doing better, but this scenario is still tougher than the basic stock scenario #1.
RE: Here We Go Again
Sitrep July 1, 1942
Well the AI crossed me up. After a weak feint at New Caledonia, he comes back with a massive CVE strike force at Noumea and wrecked my base and ships there. Fifty Zeros brushed aside my fighters and almost 200 Kates and Vals worked over my shipping and the base. Base damage is no big deal - I have three big USACoE engineer regiments and beaucoups supply so they fixed to runway holes overnight. But he sank three CAs, 4 DDs, and two nice APs. Ouch! Worse yet, he scattered my SoPac operations west of Pago Pago. Guadalcanal plans are on hold for a while.
He did try a demonstration at Midway, but I was serious ready for that. A hundred twenty-five P-40B and P-40E fighters smashed his air strike and weak escort. His attempt at naval bombardment lacked BBs, so my horde of CD 6 inchers wrecked transports and escorts. Midway is as tough now as two fleet CVs and two Brooklyn cruisers.
My airlifted battalions have balanced land AV at PM and I now have a brigade of the 6th Aus which will begin unloading tomorrow. Once the 6th is ashore, I'll put the two battalions on his LOC/LOR and I get get ready to exterminate him.
China and Burma/India remain comatose.
Well the AI crossed me up. After a weak feint at New Caledonia, he comes back with a massive CVE strike force at Noumea and wrecked my base and ships there. Fifty Zeros brushed aside my fighters and almost 200 Kates and Vals worked over my shipping and the base. Base damage is no big deal - I have three big USACoE engineer regiments and beaucoups supply so they fixed to runway holes overnight. But he sank three CAs, 4 DDs, and two nice APs. Ouch! Worse yet, he scattered my SoPac operations west of Pago Pago. Guadalcanal plans are on hold for a while.
He did try a demonstration at Midway, but I was serious ready for that. A hundred twenty-five P-40B and P-40E fighters smashed his air strike and weak escort. His attempt at naval bombardment lacked BBs, so my horde of CD 6 inchers wrecked transports and escorts. Midway is as tough now as two fleet CVs and two Brooklyn cruisers.
My airlifted battalions have balanced land AV at PM and I now have a brigade of the 6th Aus which will begin unloading tomorrow. Once the 6th is ashore, I'll put the two battalions on his LOC/LOR and I get get ready to exterminate him.
China and Burma/India remain comatose.
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Warofthe2ndWorld
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:58 am
RE: Here We Go Again
What were the names of the 3 CAs and 4 DDs you lost?[:(]
RE: Here We Go Again
I forget. The CAs were 1920s Treaty cruisers. I'll miss their 466 flak rating.