I am enjoying the way your writing this. Hoepner puts in a lot of combat reports so we don't need them hear, but reading your strategy and your interpretation of his strategy is very interesting.
Keep it up
The Italian Job (2) - Comments from the Allies
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Northern Australia under attack
ORIGINAL: Tom Hunter
I am enjoying the way your writing this. Hoepner puts in a lot of combat reports so we don't need them hear, but reading your strategy and your interpretation of his strategy is very interesting.
Keep it up
Thanks again, your comments help keeping the motivation to write [:)]
Nec recisa recedit
RE: Northern Australia under attack
January 1st, 1942
Attached a picture showing the situation of the reinforcements for Northern Australia.
The following Australian units are on their way:
180 RAN Base force
105 RAAF Base force
102 RAN Base force
2nd Cavalry division
6th Cavalry Brigade
3rd Brigade
3rd Division
4th Division
My assumption is that they’ll be enough to hold Daly Waters until the first US divisions arrive. Probably in March-April.
I’m keeping a wolf pack of 5 subs in Darwin hex. That’s because Darwin is port size 2 and he cannot dock. I’m hoping for some lucky shot. So far I’ve only been diving deep! [8|]
INDIA
The 18th UK Division has arrived and is being loaded in Karachi for transportation to Ceylon.
I can’t shake the idea that, sooner or later, he’ll come for Ceylon. The Carabineers Tank Brigade is there already. Together with the 18th and the fragments taken from Singapore Ceylon should become a tough nut to crack, should he ever decide to come.
I had to use up all the available PP’s to convert 4 ABDA air units stationed in Koala. Medan has fallen and Northern Sumatra will soon be Japanese. Hence I had to evacuate those squadron temporarily stationed in Medan.
They are now in Victoria Point on their way to India.
The units are 2 Falcon’s recon, 1 Lockheed and 1 Catalina I.
I need the recons for obvious reasons (they help a lot the bombing efficacy), the transport to airlift as many supplies I can from Ledo to China. 8 Loadestar’s are already at work.
SOUTH PACIFIC
The 2nd Marine Division is en route to Noumea. Once on station I’ll consider Noumea secure enough.
Attached a picture showing the situation of the reinforcements for Northern Australia.
The following Australian units are on their way:
180 RAN Base force
105 RAAF Base force
102 RAN Base force
2nd Cavalry division
6th Cavalry Brigade
3rd Brigade
3rd Division
4th Division
My assumption is that they’ll be enough to hold Daly Waters until the first US divisions arrive. Probably in March-April.
I’m keeping a wolf pack of 5 subs in Darwin hex. That’s because Darwin is port size 2 and he cannot dock. I’m hoping for some lucky shot. So far I’ve only been diving deep! [8|]
INDIA
The 18th UK Division has arrived and is being loaded in Karachi for transportation to Ceylon.
I can’t shake the idea that, sooner or later, he’ll come for Ceylon. The Carabineers Tank Brigade is there already. Together with the 18th and the fragments taken from Singapore Ceylon should become a tough nut to crack, should he ever decide to come.
I had to use up all the available PP’s to convert 4 ABDA air units stationed in Koala. Medan has fallen and Northern Sumatra will soon be Japanese. Hence I had to evacuate those squadron temporarily stationed in Medan.
They are now in Victoria Point on their way to India.
The units are 2 Falcon’s recon, 1 Lockheed and 1 Catalina I.
I need the recons for obvious reasons (they help a lot the bombing efficacy), the transport to airlift as many supplies I can from Ledo to China. 8 Loadestar’s are already at work.
SOUTH PACIFIC
The 2nd Marine Division is en route to Noumea. Once on station I’ll consider Noumea secure enough.
- Attachments
-
- Darwin.jpg (197.98 KiB) Viewed 314 times
Nec recisa recedit
RE: Northern Australia under attack
Hi, interesting game. I'd be very carefully about not getting all those units destroyed at Daly Waters. You state he has brought several divisions into Northern Australia. Well, that is quite a large force at this early stage of the scenario. The terrain up there looks open so I think the Japanese could send their tank regiments around the flanks. It wouldn't be too difficult to find yourself trapped. Plus your supply line is very long while he has the short railroad back to Darwin.
Maybe Alice Springs is the better defensive position in the short term? I don't see any big advantages to holding Daly Waters at this point. If you wait for more reinforcements to arrive you can be sure to overwhelm the Japanese at that point.
Just some thoughts.
Maybe Alice Springs is the better defensive position in the short term? I don't see any big advantages to holding Daly Waters at this point. If you wait for more reinforcements to arrive you can be sure to overwhelm the Japanese at that point.
Just some thoughts.
________________________________________
I feal so dirty when I sink convoys with 4E bombers, makes porn feal wholsome. - Brady, Founding Member of the Japanese Fanboy Club
-
invernomuto
- Posts: 944
- Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 4:29 pm
- Location: Turin, Italy
RE: Northern Australia under attack
Really interesting game and great AAR!
RE: Northern Australia under attack
January 2nd, 1942
It looks like he is not going to let me keep Daly Waters. He is already pursuing (see picture).
Despite the risk of being surrounded - true - it would have been an excellent air base to try to attack Darwin.
My reinforcements however won’t make it. By the time they get there it’ll be Japanese already. To retake it will be much harder than to keep it.
It’ll be a tough fight.
DEI
I’ve converted, in Teloekbekoeng, the 4th NEIAF base force to SWPAC and it’s loading for Lautern and, in Banjarmasin, the 8th NEIAF base force, also on the way to Lautern. 1 PP left.
The problem will be to survive his TB‘s. Darwin has just reached size 4. I’m sure it’s packed with Nell’s and Betty’s. I’ve moved one squadron of Brewster’s and one of Demon’s to Lautern. My goal is to manage to unload before sinking. Those fighters won’t probably be enough. I think I’ll also move one squadron of Warhawk’s from Koepang, but I’ll do it just before the transport arrival. There isn’t enough air support.
Koepang meanwhile is now at 253 aviation support points! And this is some good news!!
It should get over 20k supplies in 2-3 turns. That will be a nice day.
CHINA
Ichang is under attack, but holding. However I only have 1 INF division and 1 HQ close (1 hex). The other reinforcements are at least one week away. I’m worried, if it falls everything is in peril.
The air bombing campaign is going quite well anyway. Chungking will soon be size 6 and I have 32 Liberators and 16 B-17’s waiting in Diamond Harbor to move to Chungking. That will provide me with some 100 heavies. I’ll probably be able to do give him some headaches.
INDIA
The pilot training over Akyab runs splendidly. Every turn one more exp point. I’m really satisfied.
I am however moving one Indian brigade, 2 base forces and one artillery battalion towards Akyab. But I won’t attack unless necessary.
Two Dutch ML’s are mining the Eastern Indian coast from Trincomalee. Just in case.
Three supply convoys (2 cargo’s and 1 tanker) are en route to Timor from Karachi. The first one is just South of Ceylon now.
It looks like he is not going to let me keep Daly Waters. He is already pursuing (see picture).
Despite the risk of being surrounded - true - it would have been an excellent air base to try to attack Darwin.
My reinforcements however won’t make it. By the time they get there it’ll be Japanese already. To retake it will be much harder than to keep it.
It’ll be a tough fight.
DEI
I’ve converted, in Teloekbekoeng, the 4th NEIAF base force to SWPAC and it’s loading for Lautern and, in Banjarmasin, the 8th NEIAF base force, also on the way to Lautern. 1 PP left.
The problem will be to survive his TB‘s. Darwin has just reached size 4. I’m sure it’s packed with Nell’s and Betty’s. I’ve moved one squadron of Brewster’s and one of Demon’s to Lautern. My goal is to manage to unload before sinking. Those fighters won’t probably be enough. I think I’ll also move one squadron of Warhawk’s from Koepang, but I’ll do it just before the transport arrival. There isn’t enough air support.
Koepang meanwhile is now at 253 aviation support points! And this is some good news!!
It should get over 20k supplies in 2-3 turns. That will be a nice day.
CHINA
Ichang is under attack, but holding. However I only have 1 INF division and 1 HQ close (1 hex). The other reinforcements are at least one week away. I’m worried, if it falls everything is in peril.
The air bombing campaign is going quite well anyway. Chungking will soon be size 6 and I have 32 Liberators and 16 B-17’s waiting in Diamond Harbor to move to Chungking. That will provide me with some 100 heavies. I’ll probably be able to do give him some headaches.
INDIA
The pilot training over Akyab runs splendidly. Every turn one more exp point. I’m really satisfied.
I am however moving one Indian brigade, 2 base forces and one artillery battalion towards Akyab. But I won’t attack unless necessary.
Two Dutch ML’s are mining the Eastern Indian coast from Trincomalee. Just in case.
Three supply convoys (2 cargo’s and 1 tanker) are en route to Timor from Karachi. The first one is just South of Ceylon now.
- Attachments
-
- DarwinII.jpg (147 KiB) Viewed 314 times
Nec recisa recedit
Stemming the tide
January 3rd, 1942
CHINA
In the picture the situation in China. Ichang is hard pressend, but holding. Help is on its way.
Sian is also besieged, but with a fortification level of 5 already I try to be optimistic.
I’m moving one infantry division from Pakhoi to Canton. The idea is to threaten his supply lines. If he moves forward I move in between Canton and his advancing units. Hence he’ll have to keep a rearguard of 2-3 units. It’s nothing substantial but it should annoy him somehow.
I’ve ordered an air resources strike on Yenen, it seems to be without CAP, I hope it’s not an ambush. I’m changing target every single day. It’s the only way with GH. He is too good at reacting. I’m sure he’ll soon start to guess well enough.
CENTRAL PACIFIC
Midway is now at 25k supplies (which makes it entirely autonomous replacements wise) and the supply convoy will now head for Johnston Island.
The 161st US Rgt. is loading in PH, final destination Luganville. The goal being securing South Pacific. I’m roughly one month away from the objective. But with so many units engaged in Northern Australia, I doubt the Pacific is in any serious danger right now.
Last, but not least the following BB’s have reached the safe harbour of SF where they’ll undergo a long time of repairs: Arizona, Maryland, Oklahoma, Nevada and California.
Tennessee is getting closer but flotational damage is up to 84, I don’t think it’ll make it. It will be my first flagship to go down.
CHINA
In the picture the situation in China. Ichang is hard pressend, but holding. Help is on its way.
Sian is also besieged, but with a fortification level of 5 already I try to be optimistic.
I’m moving one infantry division from Pakhoi to Canton. The idea is to threaten his supply lines. If he moves forward I move in between Canton and his advancing units. Hence he’ll have to keep a rearguard of 2-3 units. It’s nothing substantial but it should annoy him somehow.
I’ve ordered an air resources strike on Yenen, it seems to be without CAP, I hope it’s not an ambush. I’m changing target every single day. It’s the only way with GH. He is too good at reacting. I’m sure he’ll soon start to guess well enough.
CENTRAL PACIFIC
Midway is now at 25k supplies (which makes it entirely autonomous replacements wise) and the supply convoy will now head for Johnston Island.
The 161st US Rgt. is loading in PH, final destination Luganville. The goal being securing South Pacific. I’m roughly one month away from the objective. But with so many units engaged in Northern Australia, I doubt the Pacific is in any serious danger right now.
Last, but not least the following BB’s have reached the safe harbour of SF where they’ll undergo a long time of repairs: Arizona, Maryland, Oklahoma, Nevada and California.
Tennessee is getting closer but flotational damage is up to 84, I don’t think it’ll make it. It will be my first flagship to go down.
- Attachments
-
- China.jpg (237.29 KiB) Viewed 315 times
Nec recisa recedit
Mandalay is next
January 4th, 1942
INDO-CHINA
Mandalay has been heavily bombed. I had 16 Hurricane's as a defense. However, despite the 5 vs. 5 losses, I can’t take over 30 Zero’s and at least 3 squadrons of Sally’s. I’m not ready yet. I have too few Hurricane’s and not enough pilot experience.
Hence I’ve retreated the Falcon’s and the Hurricane’s from Mandaly. It’s going to fall anyway.
Myitkyina has been assaulted by two paratroopers regiments. The base force there held the first attack, but the odds were already 2:1.
I don’t care so much for the base itself, but he is clearly trying to cut my escape route from Mandaly (see picture).
I’m moving the 13th Indian brigade in (2-3 days to get there). It should be enough to keep the road open if not to succeed in pushing them back.
I’ve also put one AVG (24) from Imphal on LR CAP and one Buffalo I squadron in Ledo. That should at least reduce any reinforcement he’ll be bringing in.
As a last countermeasure I’ve also ordered 16 B-17’s and 28 Blenheim I to ground attack. That’s all I have available right now. (36) LB-30 are repairing in Diamond Harbor and the other LB’s are in Chungking.
The last air strike against Yenen has been successful and unchallenged. I’m really looking to attack Hankow again. He has tons of planes there.
I’m preparing. One squadron of Hudson I is flying recon missions to increase the hit chances and I have 5 heavy squadrons (LB-30 and B-17C/E) now resting. Once they are at full strength I’ll take the chance and I’ll attack with 1 AVG of 24 Tomahawk’s as escort. I’ll disperse the squadrons at different altitudes between 3.000 ft. and 15.000 to reduce the losses. With some luck I’ll inflict more losses than I’ll suffer and I may be able to cripple somehow his main air base.
DEI
Lautern has reached size (2). The first additional base force is now unloading in Lautern. Unchallenged by his Betty’s and Nell’s. I wonder why?[&:]
However the main problem is represent by the lack of supplies. I only have 600 in Lautern. It’s really not enough, so far I’m only in the orange, but it’ll be red real soon. [:(]
Koepang is growing real nice, 120 assault points, 280 aviation points, 12k supplies and growing. [:D]
I’ve reassigned a PBY Catalina’s USAFFE squadron based in Davao to SWPAC (I‘ll have to evacuate it sooner or later). Used up most of the PP’s, I still have one to reassign in Manila.
I’m force to keep several AP’s at Sorebaja because I just don’t have the PP’s to convert the units there. I have to wait and hope.
PACIFIC
The picket line is almost ready ... What’s that? It’s an idea I had since I have no AWACS! [:D]
I’ve already experience, in other games, the devastating effect of raiding carriers slashing through my transport lines. The Catalina’s just aren’t enough.
Hence I’m sacrifying some AK’s to act as an early warning system. I have a screen of one AK every 5-8 hexes on the various potential carriers approaches. If the come they are going to find and hit one of those AK, when it happens I know they are coming and I can retreat the convoys under threat. I’ve used this system once already in another game and it seems to work. [8D]
Last couple of news.
I’m unloading fuel in Palmyra and I’m loading HQ South Pacific in PH, final destination Noumea. A week behind the 2nd Marine division. Better safe than sorry.
INDO-CHINA
Mandalay has been heavily bombed. I had 16 Hurricane's as a defense. However, despite the 5 vs. 5 losses, I can’t take over 30 Zero’s and at least 3 squadrons of Sally’s. I’m not ready yet. I have too few Hurricane’s and not enough pilot experience.
Hence I’ve retreated the Falcon’s and the Hurricane’s from Mandaly. It’s going to fall anyway.
Myitkyina has been assaulted by two paratroopers regiments. The base force there held the first attack, but the odds were already 2:1.
I don’t care so much for the base itself, but he is clearly trying to cut my escape route from Mandaly (see picture).
I’m moving the 13th Indian brigade in (2-3 days to get there). It should be enough to keep the road open if not to succeed in pushing them back.
I’ve also put one AVG (24) from Imphal on LR CAP and one Buffalo I squadron in Ledo. That should at least reduce any reinforcement he’ll be bringing in.
As a last countermeasure I’ve also ordered 16 B-17’s and 28 Blenheim I to ground attack. That’s all I have available right now. (36) LB-30 are repairing in Diamond Harbor and the other LB’s are in Chungking.
The last air strike against Yenen has been successful and unchallenged. I’m really looking to attack Hankow again. He has tons of planes there.
I’m preparing. One squadron of Hudson I is flying recon missions to increase the hit chances and I have 5 heavy squadrons (LB-30 and B-17C/E) now resting. Once they are at full strength I’ll take the chance and I’ll attack with 1 AVG of 24 Tomahawk’s as escort. I’ll disperse the squadrons at different altitudes between 3.000 ft. and 15.000 to reduce the losses. With some luck I’ll inflict more losses than I’ll suffer and I may be able to cripple somehow his main air base.
DEI
Lautern has reached size (2). The first additional base force is now unloading in Lautern. Unchallenged by his Betty’s and Nell’s. I wonder why?[&:]
However the main problem is represent by the lack of supplies. I only have 600 in Lautern. It’s really not enough, so far I’m only in the orange, but it’ll be red real soon. [:(]
Koepang is growing real nice, 120 assault points, 280 aviation points, 12k supplies and growing. [:D]
I’ve reassigned a PBY Catalina’s USAFFE squadron based in Davao to SWPAC (I‘ll have to evacuate it sooner or later). Used up most of the PP’s, I still have one to reassign in Manila.
I’m force to keep several AP’s at Sorebaja because I just don’t have the PP’s to convert the units there. I have to wait and hope.
PACIFIC
The picket line is almost ready ... What’s that? It’s an idea I had since I have no AWACS! [:D]
I’ve already experience, in other games, the devastating effect of raiding carriers slashing through my transport lines. The Catalina’s just aren’t enough.
Hence I’m sacrifying some AK’s to act as an early warning system. I have a screen of one AK every 5-8 hexes on the various potential carriers approaches. If the come they are going to find and hit one of those AK, when it happens I know they are coming and I can retreat the convoys under threat. I’ve used this system once already in another game and it seems to work. [8D]
Last couple of news.
I’m unloading fuel in Palmyra and I’m loading HQ South Pacific in PH, final destination Noumea. A week behind the 2nd Marine division. Better safe than sorry.
- Attachments
-
- Myik.jpg (222.98 KiB) Viewed 314 times
Nec recisa recedit
Ambush over Akyab
January 5th, 1942
Ambush over Akyab! [:(]
I’ve been an idiot, he almost ‘had to’ try and get me over Akyab. I would have done the same and still I kept sending the flight school with no escort. My idiocy.
In the picture the result. Overall it’s a 25:20, not so bad, but the air to air ... better forget it. [:(][:(]
Anyway I’m not going to give up so easily this important training field. I’m placing (48) P-40 from the AVG as escort.
Half the training planes are set at their top altitude the other half at 5.000 ft. Let’s see how the AVG will perform. He is in LR anyway. Maybe it’ll be good for me. If not I’ll have to consider to retake Akyab earlier than expected.
The problem is that it’s 3 hexes away, the only good fighters I have right now to use as escort are the AVG‘s, not enough for India and China.. I’m converting (2) Australian squadrons of Buffalo’s I into Hurricane’s. I need the Buffalo’s (the pool’s dry) and I need more real fighters for CAP duties.
I guessed correctly that he would have tried to bring in more troops in Myitkyina, I shot down four transport over the base [;)].
PACIFIC
I’m in dire need of AP’s, I have the troops but I don’t have the transports.
I’m also short of AK’s, not for long but now it’s hurting.
The Enterprise has docked at PH after her successful ride near Baker. Her fighters have been upgraded to F4F-4.
BB West Virginia has arrived in San Francisco, sys damage 99!!! [X(]
Also the Pennsylvania has arrived, over 60 sys damage.
They are going to stay docked for a very long time. [>:]
Ambush over Akyab! [:(]
I’ve been an idiot, he almost ‘had to’ try and get me over Akyab. I would have done the same and still I kept sending the flight school with no escort. My idiocy.
In the picture the result. Overall it’s a 25:20, not so bad, but the air to air ... better forget it. [:(][:(]
Anyway I’m not going to give up so easily this important training field. I’m placing (48) P-40 from the AVG as escort.
Half the training planes are set at their top altitude the other half at 5.000 ft. Let’s see how the AVG will perform. He is in LR anyway. Maybe it’ll be good for me. If not I’ll have to consider to retake Akyab earlier than expected.
The problem is that it’s 3 hexes away, the only good fighters I have right now to use as escort are the AVG‘s, not enough for India and China.. I’m converting (2) Australian squadrons of Buffalo’s I into Hurricane’s. I need the Buffalo’s (the pool’s dry) and I need more real fighters for CAP duties.
I guessed correctly that he would have tried to bring in more troops in Myitkyina, I shot down four transport over the base [;)].
PACIFIC
I’m in dire need of AP’s, I have the troops but I don’t have the transports.
I’m also short of AK’s, not for long but now it’s hurting.
The Enterprise has docked at PH after her successful ride near Baker. Her fighters have been upgraded to F4F-4.
BB West Virginia has arrived in San Francisco, sys damage 99!!! [X(]
Also the Pennsylvania has arrived, over 60 sys damage.
They are going to stay docked for a very long time. [>:]
- Attachments
-
- Ambush.jpg (192.93 KiB) Viewed 314 times
Nec recisa recedit
RE: Ambush over Akyab
Don´t overcommit on Daly Waters, maybe a delaying action. You have two tank regiments in Southern Australia, bring them to north to threathen encirclement, or to block his encirclements.
Your goal is to make him commit his forces in Northern Australia in a long term, so he cannot use them in other more dangerous "adventures", like India
Your goal is to make him commit his forces in Northern Australia in a long term, so he cannot use them in other more dangerous "adventures", like India
RE: Ambush over Akyab
ORIGINAL: Bliztk
Don´t overcommit on Daly Waters, maybe a delaying action. You have two tank regiments in Southern Australia, bring them to north to threathen encirclement, or to block his encirclements.
Your goal is to make him commit his forces in Northern Australia in a long term, so he cannot use them in other more dangerous "adventures", like India
I'm not entirely sure that my goal is ONLY to keep him engaged.
In the short term, yes it is. But in the medium term my goal becomes trapping and destroying those units. Not just keep them there.
To do that I need a sizeable force.
The two tank regiments are not yet at full strenght, they'll need at least one more month.
Nec recisa recedit
First dogfight over Timor
January 6th, 1942
The Tennessee has sunk just outside San Francisco. I’m not happy, but only one flagship down so far is a good enough result.
My surface fleet now has 1 BB, 9 CA and 7 CL operational. Plus of course 3 CV.
All of them are in PH.
INDO-CHINA
Today no CAP over Akyab, I like it this way [:)]. Although I had (33) P-40B’s as escort, my goal is to train, not to dogfight. At least so far.
In the combat reply I saw Myiktyina hold, in the turn I saw it in Japanese hands!! [&:]
Anyway no big deal, I’ll probably retake it in a couple of turns.
I was going to convert (2) Australian squadrons of Buffalo I into Hurricane’s when I discovered what follows:
- they can go into Hurricane but also into Kittyhawk I (which I like better for the good combination of range and fighting skill), not into Wirraway;
- however from Hurricane they can no longer go into Kitty I (only Kitty III), but they can go into Wirraway, which is good for training due to the (4) hexes range,
- from Wirraway however they can no longer get into Hurricane, Buffalo or Kitty I, only Boomerang II or Kitty III.
Hence I’m sticking to the Buffalo’s and I’ll wait for the Kitty I in April.
Kuala has fallen at the first attack. The units are now retreating towards Sabang where a meagre fate awaits them.
I’m using the (4) squadrons of SB-2c to fly supplies from Chengtu to Chungking, this way while training them I speed up the replenishment of Chunking.
DEI
Dogfighting over Lautern.
Zero’s and Kate’s launched from a carrier deck attacked the AP unloading the 8th NEIAF base force in Lautern (the third one to arrive there).
I had a mix of fighter CAP: P-40B, Demon, Brewster and WarHawk. The results have been real bad [:(]. The ship however is still floating and will be able to unload at least a part of the unit, which is good enough. A sub transport TF is also unloading a USAAF base force in Lautern.
The biggest problem in Timor now are the supplies, not enough [:-]. Soerebaja is getting low too. I’m sending one AK from Soerebaja to Kendari to try and snatch some supplies from there. It’ll probably be sunk from the bombers in Amboina, but I really need to give it a try. Maybe they won’t spot a single ship.
The Tennessee has sunk just outside San Francisco. I’m not happy, but only one flagship down so far is a good enough result.
My surface fleet now has 1 BB, 9 CA and 7 CL operational. Plus of course 3 CV.
All of them are in PH.
INDO-CHINA
Today no CAP over Akyab, I like it this way [:)]. Although I had (33) P-40B’s as escort, my goal is to train, not to dogfight. At least so far.
In the combat reply I saw Myiktyina hold, in the turn I saw it in Japanese hands!! [&:]
Anyway no big deal, I’ll probably retake it in a couple of turns.
I was going to convert (2) Australian squadrons of Buffalo I into Hurricane’s when I discovered what follows:
- they can go into Hurricane but also into Kittyhawk I (which I like better for the good combination of range and fighting skill), not into Wirraway;
- however from Hurricane they can no longer go into Kitty I (only Kitty III), but they can go into Wirraway, which is good for training due to the (4) hexes range,
- from Wirraway however they can no longer get into Hurricane, Buffalo or Kitty I, only Boomerang II or Kitty III.
Hence I’m sticking to the Buffalo’s and I’ll wait for the Kitty I in April.
Kuala has fallen at the first attack. The units are now retreating towards Sabang where a meagre fate awaits them.
I’m using the (4) squadrons of SB-2c to fly supplies from Chengtu to Chungking, this way while training them I speed up the replenishment of Chunking.
DEI
Dogfighting over Lautern.
Zero’s and Kate’s launched from a carrier deck attacked the AP unloading the 8th NEIAF base force in Lautern (the third one to arrive there).
I had a mix of fighter CAP: P-40B, Demon, Brewster and WarHawk. The results have been real bad [:(]. The ship however is still floating and will be able to unload at least a part of the unit, which is good enough. A sub transport TF is also unloading a USAAF base force in Lautern.
The biggest problem in Timor now are the supplies, not enough [:-]. Soerebaja is getting low too. I’m sending one AK from Soerebaja to Kendari to try and snatch some supplies from there. It’ll probably be sunk from the bombers in Amboina, but I really need to give it a try. Maybe they won’t spot a single ship.
Nec recisa recedit
RE: First dogfight over Timor
It depends of your stile of play. I`m here only to provide advice [:D]
Your short term objetive is to prevent the loss of southern Australia, your mid term goal is to pin the enemy forces so he cannot continue advancing.
Your long term objetive is the annilihation of these forces.
He has commited 100,000 troops here. If you can block him, he has commited 4 divisions+support in a backwater theather. Let have them here.
Your goal should be to remain strong in the places where he would be using those 4 Divs. For example Burma, Ceylon, Papua, Java. Not losing an inch here, he cannot be strong in every theather.
Time is on your side, once the P-38+B17 combo is avaliable obliterate Darwin into the stone age and make an amphibious assault of Derby or Whyndham to close the trap taking Darwin after Timor has been subjugated.
The best way of refusing a gambit is accepting it. He has come to Australia, so let him get deep into Australia.
Your short term objetive is to prevent the loss of southern Australia, your mid term goal is to pin the enemy forces so he cannot continue advancing.
Your long term objetive is the annilihation of these forces.
He has commited 100,000 troops here. If you can block him, he has commited 4 divisions+support in a backwater theather. Let have them here.
Your goal should be to remain strong in the places where he would be using those 4 Divs. For example Burma, Ceylon, Papua, Java. Not losing an inch here, he cannot be strong in every theather.
Time is on your side, once the P-38+B17 combo is avaliable obliterate Darwin into the stone age and make an amphibious assault of Derby or Whyndham to close the trap taking Darwin after Timor has been subjugated.
The best way of refusing a gambit is accepting it. He has come to Australia, so let him get deep into Australia.
-
CapAndGown
- Posts: 3078
- Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2001 10:00 am
- Location: Virginia, USA
RE: First dogfight over Timor
On aircraft upgrades:
Not only can you "upgrade", you can "downgrade" as well. So, for instance, if you want to turn those Bufalos into Kittyhawks, you can still upgrade to Hurricanes for the moment. When the Kittyhawks arrive, then you can downgrade the Hurricanes to Bufalos again, and then upgrade to Kittyhawks.
Not only can you "upgrade", you can "downgrade" as well. So, for instance, if you want to turn those Bufalos into Kittyhawks, you can still upgrade to Hurricanes for the moment. When the Kittyhawks arrive, then you can downgrade the Hurricanes to Bufalos again, and then upgrade to Kittyhawks.
RE: First dogfight over Timor
ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown
On aircraft upgrades:
Not only can you "upgrade", you can "downgrade" as well. So, for instance, if you want to turn those Bufalos into Kittyhawks, you can still upgrade to Hurricanes for the moment. When the Kittyhawks arrive, then you can downgrade the Hurricanes to Bufalos again, and then upgrade to Kittyhawks.
Nope you can't, that's exactly what I meant in the post.
I did upgrade and I discovered that I could not go back to Buffalo I, not even to Kitty I, I then upgraded (to test) to Wirraway and discovered that the path was further limited. I then reloaded [;)]
Nec recisa recedit
RE: First dogfight over Timor
ORIGINAL: Bliztk
It depends of your stile of play. I`m here only to provide advice [:D]
Your short term objetive is to prevent the loss of southern Australia, your mid term goal is to pin the enemy forces so he cannot continue advancing.
Agreed
ORIGINAL: Bliztk
Your long term objetive is the annilihation of these forces.
Agreed as well
ORIGINAL: Bliztk
He has commited 100,000 troops here. If you can block him, he has commited 4 divisions+support in a backwater theather. Let have them here.
If I had Daly Waters it'd be easier to bomb him, but I basically agree again. [;)]
ORIGINAL: Bliztk
Your goal should be to remain strong in the places where he would be using those 4 Divs. For example Burma, Ceylon, Papua, Java. Not losing an inch here, he cannot be strong in every theather.
Time is on your side, once the P-38+B17 combo is avaliable obliterate Darwin into the stone age and make an amphibious assault of Derby or Whyndham to close the trap taking Darwin after Timor has been subjugated.
The best way of refusing a gambit is accepting it. He has come to Australia, so let him get deep into Australia.
I hope you are right [:D]
Nec recisa recedit
A sad day
January 7th, 1942
A sad day, a sad day indeed.
A bombardment TF approached the shores of Lautern, (4) BB plus cruisers.
One squadron of Vildebeest and one of Swordfish were eagerly awaiting. They flew morning and afternoon missions .... not one single hit!
What can I say?
The (14) T.IVa's in Koepang did not took off and then he could bombard unchallenged. In the picture Lautern situation today.
Not the best. But I’m optimistic, I think I’ll recover. I have one recon squadron flying supplies from Kendari and one Martin squadron from Koepang. Anything helps.
I’m now sendind at flank speed a TF of 8 PT’s from Koepang, in case he decides to give it another go.
I have several CA, CL and DD in Koepang but I can’t risk facing his (4) BB’s and the fighter CAP is too tenuous.
INDO-CHINA
A wolf pack of (3) KX is going to Kuala Lumpur, another is already on station in the adjacent hex.
I’m hoping in some lucky shot.
The 13th Indian Brigade is now in Myitkyina facing his two paratroopers regiments. I won’t attack, I only need to keep the road open.
Big day for the air groups in Chungking. I’ve decided to launch a massive - unescorted - attack against Hankow. I’m counting on the fact that during the last three days the recon flights encountered only some 20 fighters and I’m counting on a scattered altitudes attack, every squadron at a different height, from 3.000 to 12.000.
I have Hudson, Blenheim 4, IL-4c - B-17C, B-17E and LB-30. Approx. 150 bombers. If the fighter screen is not too tough he won’t like the surprise, otherwise it’ll be my bad.
PACIFIC
Eventually one ASW success, I’m now sending a second ASW TF in the area. Palmyra and Johnston Island will act as replenishing bases.
Attu is becoming my HQ for North Pacific. One regiment is already on station together with a CD unit, one more regiment on the way as well as the North Pacific HQ. Base forces will follow.
The Yorktown is now ready in San Francisco. I’ll keep her there till I have enough F4F-4 to upgrade her fighter group.
It is a difficult time for the Allies, the situation keeps shifting and usually it shifts for the worse.
A sad day, a sad day indeed.
A bombardment TF approached the shores of Lautern, (4) BB plus cruisers.
One squadron of Vildebeest and one of Swordfish were eagerly awaiting. They flew morning and afternoon missions .... not one single hit!
What can I say?
The (14) T.IVa's in Koepang did not took off and then he could bombard unchallenged. In the picture Lautern situation today.
Not the best. But I’m optimistic, I think I’ll recover. I have one recon squadron flying supplies from Kendari and one Martin squadron from Koepang. Anything helps.
I’m now sendind at flank speed a TF of 8 PT’s from Koepang, in case he decides to give it another go.
I have several CA, CL and DD in Koepang but I can’t risk facing his (4) BB’s and the fighter CAP is too tenuous.
INDO-CHINA
A wolf pack of (3) KX is going to Kuala Lumpur, another is already on station in the adjacent hex.
I’m hoping in some lucky shot.
The 13th Indian Brigade is now in Myitkyina facing his two paratroopers regiments. I won’t attack, I only need to keep the road open.
Big day for the air groups in Chungking. I’ve decided to launch a massive - unescorted - attack against Hankow. I’m counting on the fact that during the last three days the recon flights encountered only some 20 fighters and I’m counting on a scattered altitudes attack, every squadron at a different height, from 3.000 to 12.000.
I have Hudson, Blenheim 4, IL-4c - B-17C, B-17E and LB-30. Approx. 150 bombers. If the fighter screen is not too tough he won’t like the surprise, otherwise it’ll be my bad.
PACIFIC
Eventually one ASW success, I’m now sending a second ASW TF in the area. Palmyra and Johnston Island will act as replenishing bases.
Attu is becoming my HQ for North Pacific. One regiment is already on station together with a CD unit, one more regiment on the way as well as the North Pacific HQ. Base forces will follow.
The Yorktown is now ready in San Francisco. I’ll keep her there till I have enough F4F-4 to upgrade her fighter group.
It is a difficult time for the Allies, the situation keeps shifting and usually it shifts for the worse.
- Attachments
-
- Lautern.jpg (113.32 KiB) Viewed 314 times
Nec recisa recedit
Anpther bad day
The attack on Hankow has been a defeat.
Lots of air to air losses and then nothing on the ground. [:(]
The PT's sent to Lautern have been surprised. As if they didn't know what was there!! [:@]
Some ASW action in the Pacific. Let's see if I manage to get those annoying subs to go back home.
No other interesting news.
I'm going to sleep [>:]
Lots of air to air losses and then nothing on the ground. [:(]
The PT's sent to Lautern have been surprised. As if they didn't know what was there!! [:@]
Some ASW action in the Pacific. Let's see if I manage to get those annoying subs to go back home.
No other interesting news.
I'm going to sleep [>:]
Nec recisa recedit
Timor's invasion
January 9th, 1942.
Timor is going to fall!
A huge invasion TF has been spotted, direction Timor.
I’m afraid he is already coming for Koepang. I’m not yet ready to hold. I still needed a couple of weeks, to transfer Beaufort and to get it to size (5), and some more INF is needed. I only have 118 AV.
I think I’m done. With Timor the entire DEI and Northern Australia are lost for good.
Timor was supposed to be my stronghold. It’ll be the end of my resistance instead.
I’m evacuating all non-combat vessels.
I think I’ll fight to the bitter end. 1 CA, 7 CL and over 20 DD. Plus 15 PT and 2 T.IVa groups and 1 Beaufort squadron. They are all going down but I want to make him pay, if possible.
I’m not sure on how to employ the cruisers and destroyers. What would be the best way to try to inflict losses? Small groups? Docked or in TF? Any suggestion?
I’m really sad.
Timor is going to fall!
A huge invasion TF has been spotted, direction Timor.
I’m afraid he is already coming for Koepang. I’m not yet ready to hold. I still needed a couple of weeks, to transfer Beaufort and to get it to size (5), and some more INF is needed. I only have 118 AV.
I think I’m done. With Timor the entire DEI and Northern Australia are lost for good.
Timor was supposed to be my stronghold. It’ll be the end of my resistance instead.
I’m evacuating all non-combat vessels.
I think I’ll fight to the bitter end. 1 CA, 7 CL and over 20 DD. Plus 15 PT and 2 T.IVa groups and 1 Beaufort squadron. They are all going down but I want to make him pay, if possible.
I’m not sure on how to employ the cruisers and destroyers. What would be the best way to try to inflict losses? Small groups? Docked or in TF? Any suggestion?
I’m really sad.
Nec recisa recedit