When Animals Attack - Threadwar 3x3: Humans Strike Back

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Here is the aircraft losses screen for 31 March 42:

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/01/42 – this is another “calm after the storm” turn, as well as being a “calm before the storm”... it appears not much is going on, but appearances are deceiving in this case. As far as noticeable action, there isn’t much - there is the usual round of aerial bombings and artillery barrages, and a couple of failed submarine attacks... The TK Gulfcrest managed to locate a Type 88 mine at Suva - the hard way.

One noticeable event was the Chinese managed to capture Hangchow... I was later told the approach of this large stack of units (which, unfortunately lacked the assault value that the number of units suggested) threw Major Mike into something of a panic. Unfortunately for me, there was (another) movement glitch in here somewhere around this time. The stack of Chinese units moved into the woods at some point when they were ordered to march to the next Japanese occupied city... a replay was done, but it gave Mike a week or two to reinforce Shanghai and he used this time to good advantage, shipping in something like 2-3 full strength divisions.

Anyway, things are about to get interesting on a couple of fronts.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/02/42 – things start to heat up slightly
1) More Animal troops unloads at Davao with heavy casualties, and MSW Tomorzono Maru #3 takes some shell hits, AK Nichiran Maru hits a mine.
2) SS Bass attacks a convoy but suffers her torpedoes running deep.
3) SS I-26 torpedoes the AK Dorothy Philips 300 miles SE of Suva. An ASW counterattack or two is unsuccessful.
4) A convoy near Tavoy is attacked by Allied aircraft from Rangoon - the attackers are escorted by 7 fighters, but meet almost 30 Oscars... the Allies lose a Hurricane in air to air, but AK Kansai Maru is hit by 3x500 pound bombs... the third one is a dud, but manages to take out an AA gun. She is reported heavily damaged and on fire.
5) Another IJN TF near Victoria Point is CAP’d by the 14 x A6M2 Zero of the F1/Tainan Daitai when it is attacked by 12 Wellingtons and 16 Hudsons... one Wellington is shot down but AK Okuni Maru is hit by 4 x 250 pound bombs, AK Celebes Maru is hit by 250 pound bomb, AK Nichian Maru is hit a 250 pound bomb and set on fire. There are a 183 casualties reported among Japanese troops on these ships.
6. S-44 hit in air attack.
7. There are the usual rounds of unopposed air attacks on the hapless Chinese, as well as bombardment attacks at Davao, Moulmein and Noumea.
8. Luganville is bombed but the attackers lose an LB-30.
9. The Animals continue their cleanup efforts when they invade Tacloban (44,57).
10. The Animals invade China from Vietnam with the 1st and 2nd Yobi Eki Regiments, and run into Chinese forces that stop them at 38, 37.
11. An attack by the 51st/C Division NW of Amoy forces a Chinese Guerilla unit to retreat.
This is just the start of a very bloody effort by Bruce to get into Burma... [X(]

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/03/42 – Strange days... it appears Oz is about to be invaded... not sure what Bruce’s and the Animal High Command were thinking... maybe trying to convince us that no attack was about to happen by sea in Burma... but suddenly there are convoys steaming towards Oz...

One convoy is attacked 240 miles NNE of Wyndham and AK Buenos Aires Maru is hit by 250 pound bomb from Kingfishers and set on fire (and takes ~50 casualties in the troops being carried), and another TF is attacked 60 miles NE of Wyndham without success.

An Allied counterattack at Moulmein succeeds in driving back the Animal’s 55th Division, but not be be outdone, Mike’s troops coming up from Vietnam shock attack and drive back the Chinese that had stopped them the turn before.

Animal troops unload at Tacloban (in the central Philippines)
Animal troops also invade Zamboanga in the southern P.I.
There are the usual bombing raids of the Chinese, as well as cut off contingents of troops in New Guinea.

The usual bombardment attacks at Noumea and Davao also happen.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/04/42 – The Animals start a two-pronged attack: one prong attacks from Port Blair and Malaya towards Rangoon, and a second prong attacks north Australia from Koepang. The pressure stays on at Noumea. The action heats up dramatically:

1) Noumea is bombarded by four CLs with an escort of 3 DDs inflicting a couple of dozen casualties. An Animal TF then unloads some troops there, and the defenders managed to plug the MSW Toshi Maru #7 with a couple of shells.

2) At Suva, the MSW Kingfisher hits a Type 88 mine and sinks, taking her skipper with her.

3) An Animal TF near Tavoy at 28,37 is located and attacked by 6 x Blenheim Is, 12 x Blenheim IVs, escorted by 7 x Hurricane IIbs. The convoy is protected by 9 x Ki-43-Ib Oscars from 84th Fighter Chutai and the F2/24th Fighter Chutai. The Blenheims get away with minimal injury, but hit AK Tatsukami Maru with 3 x 500 pounders, and AK Kansai Maru is hit with 4 x 500 pounders. Both are on fire, and the Kansai Maru is heavily damaged. (Note: she has been hit in the previously on 1 and 2 April as well).
Later:

4) Another TF near Victoria Point at 25,39 protected by A6M2 Zero x 12 from F1/Tainan Daitai, and Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 31 of the 50th Fighter Sentai, 11th Fighter Sentai is attacked by 3 Wellington III’s and 16 x Hudson I’s. Two Hudsons are shot down, but AK Nansin Maru, AK Tatebu Maru are each hit by 250 pounder.

5) Another air attack on on a TF, near Victoria Point at 25,39 is protected by a dozen Zeros and 31 x Oscars. Two of the three attacking Wellingtons are shot down, and the other turns back.

6) At 31,84 (north of Oz), two Zeros try to protect another Animal TF, when it is attacked by 6 Kingfisher and 13 A-24 Dauntless. AK Meiyo Maru, Bomb is hit by a 250 pounder, PG Tosho Maru, Bomb hit by a 1000 pounder, PG Shosei Maru is hit by 3 x 1000 pounders. Eleven casualties are reported among the Japanese troops being carried.

7) The same convoy is later attacked by 3 x OS2U-3 Kingfishers which hits the AK Unyo Maru with 250 pound dud. This dud apparently still manages to inflict 15 casualties.

8) Another air attack on an Animal TF at 31,84 60 miles NE of Wyndham is protected by a single A6M2 Zero. 52 Hudsons escorted by 3 Brewsters, 4 Kittyhawks and 8 Tomahawks attack and AK Taigen Maru is hit by 5 x 250 pound GP bombs, AK Amakusa Maru is also hit by 5 bombs, AK Meiyo Maru is hit by one, and AK Alaska Maru is hit by one bomb.

There are 123 casualties and 4 guns reported lost.

9) Another TF is seen near Port Blair at 23,34 protected by 5 Zeros, but 11 Blenheim IVs and 3 Hudsons get through the CAP and hit AP Haisho Maru with one and AP Kuroshio Maru is hit by two 500 pound GP bombs. Another 43 casualties are reported.

10) Nearby (in the same hex) the CL Kashii is hit by 250 pounders from Hudsons which knock out 2 main gun turrets.

11) There are the usual rounds of bombing of Chinese troops.

12) Additional artillery attacks occur at Noumea and Davao.


EDIT: oh yes, one last thing:
AK Yae Maru SINKS (from prior damage) - 4240 capacity - 9 points - hit by 1 torpedo from S-42 on 15 March 1942

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/05/42:

1) We located the KB!! The S-46 tries to close to attack but the escort prevents it.

2) The I-17 is located almost 500 south of Canton Island and depth charged, sustaining mild damage.

3) AK Amakusa Maru sinks off Wyndham - she took 5 x 250 pound bomb hits yesterday - (1110 capacity - 2 points)

4) Thousands of rabid dogs pour off the Animal task force at Wyndham. PC Ch 12, AP Rakuyo Maru, AP Hakozaki Maru, and AP Awata Maru each take a shell hit.

5) Bruce’s boys raid Rangoon: Japanese aircraft from Bangkok including 45 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar of the 59th Fighter Sentai escorting 27 x Ki-21-II Sally of the 12th Heavy Sentai and 52 x Ki-49 Helen of the 14th Heavy Sentai and 61st Heavy Sentai raid the airfield. Five Oscars and 1 Helen are shot down in exchange for the loss of 3 Hurris, 2 Falcons, 2 Blenheims and a Catalina when the runway takes 15 bomb hits.

6) 23 Blenheims escorted by 17 Hurris from Rangoon attack a TF near Tavoy protected by 25 Oscars. A Hurri is shot down, but AK Kansai Maru is hit by 5 x 500 pound bombs, which knock out another AA gun - this makes 14 bomb hits, iirc.

7) Another of Bruce’s TFs is attacked by 6 x Kingfishers and 14 x A-24 Dauntless aircraft. The AP Hakozaki Maru is hit by 2 x 1000 pound bombs.

8) Yet another TF is attacked by 21 Hudsons near Wyndham, and AK Shinrei Maru, Bomb takes 2 x 250 GP bombs. She is set on fire and heavily damaged with 27 casualties reported.

9) A sub attack at 22,54 (60 miles SW of Sindkep) on AK Momokawa Maru by Dutch sub KXVII which fires a total of 7 torpedoes. Three hit! This ship was already damaged by an attack by Truant on 4 March (2 shell hits and a torpedo) and she SINKS!! along with the C.O. - (2930 capacity - 6 points)

10) The Animals retaliate with a sub attack at 102,95 (300 miles NE of Canton Island) by I-156 which torpedoes the AO Sepulga which sets the fuel cargo burning.

11) There are the usual rounds of air attacks in China, as well as several failed sub attacks and artillery bombardments from both sides at Noumea and Davao.

12) Major Mike’s troops bombard the defenders at Pucheng.

13) The Allies make a deliberate attack at Moulmein, and drive back the 15th Army HQ towards Tavoy.

14) In an attempt to clean up the PI, the Animals attack at Tacloban.

15) Lastly, a Japanese deliberate attack by 4th/C Division on the 20 remaining troops 93rd Reserve Regiment/2 causes it to surrender. They capture Zamboanga.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/06/42 –
Things start to pick up pace even more.
In Australia:
1) Bruce’s TFs including TF80,114,162 and 181 unload troops at Wyndham. PG Hayakafuku Maru takes a hit from shore batteries.

2) A Day Air attack on TF, near Wyndham at 30,85 by 3 x Hudson I hits the PG Hayakafuku Maru, with a 250 pound bomb, which destroys 25mmx2 AA gun.

3) Sub attack near Wyndham at 30,85 by Dutch sub SS KXVIII hits AK Shinrei Maru with a 533mm W1 torpedo - the ship which was previously damaged by 2 bombs from Hudsons on 5th April is reported on fire with heavy damage... a counterattack by a couple of PCs is ineffective.

In Burma:
4) Another raid by Bruce’s flyboys on Rangoon by nearly 100 bombers escorted by 43 Oscars gives a split decision - 2 Oscars and 2 Sallys for 4 Hurricanes, and FK.51 and a CW-22 Falcon... of course, most of my pilots will be around to fly again.

5) The AK Kansai Maru is spotted again, and despite being under CAP, some Blenheim Is manage to drop another 4 x 500 pound GP bombs on her... AK Kansai Maru’s name is changed to AK Bomb Magnet... this is 18 bomb hits by my count. Not surprisingly, she is reported to be “on fire with heavy damage”.

6) An unescorted day air attack on a TF at 27,37 costs a couple of British bombers, but no hits are obtained, however, a second strike with 10 Hurris as escorts vs. 15 Oscars as CAP costs the Animals 3 of the Oscars (vs. no Allied losses) and AK Yahiko Maru takes a 500 pound bomb hit, AK Shogen Maru another 500 pound bomb hit, and AK Meikai Maru eats 500 GP pound bomb. There are ground losses of 69 casualties reported. The damage was inflicted by 28 x Blenheim IV bombing at 1000 feet flying out of Rangoon.


Elsewhere:
7) Mike’s TF166 unloads more stuff and troops at Noumea;

8) Mike’s TF58 unloads troops at Efate.

9) AO Sepulga sinks with her skipper (previously damaged by sub attack on 5th April.

10) More cleanup: TF 142 troops unloading over beach at Munda, 65,98.

11) Up in the Aleutians, some of Speedy’s boys locate I-5 and hit it 5 times, setting her on fire.

12) There are the usual rounds of air attacks on the poor Chinese, as well as artillery duels at Davao and Noumea.

13) In addtion, the Japanese bombard at Pucheng, China, and launch an attack at Tacloban, PI... the last causes the retreat of about 400-500 Filipinos towards Ormoc, and Tacloban is captured.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/07/42 – Bruce’s simultaneous invasions of Northern Oz and Burma (while also picking off the occasional cut-off Allied base) heats to level of action of dramatically:

1) TF114, TF142, TF145 and TF181 unload troops at Wyndham... Dutch sub KXVIII tries to intervene, but somehow the crew forgets how to launch torpedoes (or fire a deck gun).

2) PC Shosei Maru sinks with her C.O. - hit on 4 April with 3x1000 pound bombs

3) AK Kansai Maru (aka the AK Bomb Magnet) sinks (after taking 19 bomb hits) - FINALLY!! [8|] [:D]

4) The KB makes an appearance around Norfolk island (one of the two attacks shown):
Day Air attack on Norfolk Island , at 60,123
Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 139 - AI-3 Daitai, AII-3 Daitai, BI-3 Daitai, BII-3 Daitai, EI-3 Daitai, EII-3 Daitai...
Something peculiar here... [&:] we had long suspected that there was something going on with the KB based on SigInt - and now it appears only half of the available daitais are flying their planes... so maybe the KB has been split... why, we don’t know, but the KB had been operating nonstop so maybe part of it went into port to get refurbished... an elaborate plan is put into motion to engage the KB while it is still split up... this takes a LONG time to come to fruition, though.

5) Another big air raid on Rangoon manages to destroy some Allied fighters. Apparently, at least on Sally is shot down by flak (according to the Intel report).

6) I-2 torpedoes TK Antietam near Christmas Island, and sets her fuel cargo burning...

Now we get to the fun part - at least for the Allies... moaning was heard over the internet as this played out:

7) Three B-17s penetrate Animal CAP and attack CV Zuikaku... and unfortunately miss:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet

8) An Animal TF (protected by 17 Zeros) is attacked by 11 B-17s near Port Blair... the Allied bombers make good use of the overcast to avoid most of the defending fighters and score: AP Kagi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 500 pound bomb
Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

9) Niceguy’s defending aircraft (Hudsons in this case) have clear weather and no CAP to contend with, and also hit the invaders:
AP Brazil Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 250 pound bomb
AP Kamo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 250 pound bomb
AP Rakuyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire – 250 pound bomb

10) I have been carefully husbanding Vildebeest torpedo bombers, and now they come into play (finally) after avoiding the CAP at low altitude:
AP Sangetsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chowa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
MSW Banshu Maru #56, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
Japanese ground losses: 69 casualties reported

11) Another set of outdated torpedo bombers (Dutch TIVa’s) attacks and hits the invaders near Wyndham:
AP Aki Maru, Torpedo hits 1
Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported

12) Back near Tavoy, Blenheims attack through a CAP of Oscars... one Blenhim is shot down, but they hit a troop-carrying AK:
AK Shogen Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bomb, ship was already showing damage
Japanese ground losses: 34 casualties reported

13) Another TF near Port Blair is spotted by a pair of B-17s which use the overcast again to swoop in and attack successfully despite 18 Zeros on CAP:
AP Kashiwara Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs – good aiming - 2 for 2!

14) Here come the Vildebeest’s again - this time escorted by 10 Hurris which easily fend off the 5 Oscars on CAP:
AV Sagara Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Terukuni Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

15) A partial squadron of Hudsons temporarily based out of Akyab make a valuable Animal ship pay for its audacity... they manage to avoid the CAP of 3 Oscars:
AV Sagara Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 250 pound bomb

16) The TIVa’s put in another appearance:
AP Kokuryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

17) The Empire strikes back: a couple of Allied ships have been trapped on the north coast of Oz... things do not go well for them when they belatedly try to escape - a dozen Nells swoop in:
MSW Goulburn, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
PC Beneb, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!! [:(]

18) One of Speedy’s S-boats (S-42) scores near Noumea:
AK Yosida Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Not shown are a lot of attacks that failed to connect, the usual round of artillery duals, the usual bombing of Chinese units with no AA guns.

Lastly, the Animals scoop up Munda and Efate (both undefended).

Here’s a map of the Burma area at the end of the turn (ie. - beginning of 08 April) - the Allied ships near Port Blair are subs... notice the TFs near Rangoon - all heading northeast

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/08/42 –
More action in Noumea, Oz and Burma, as well as in the Philippines.

1. More Animal troops unload at Davao - and MSW Tomozono Maru #3 takes a hit.

2. More troops unload at Noumea, and DD Makigumo might need a bit of time in the shop after taking a pair of shell hits. A TF including HYUGA then bombards the Allies at Noumea but inflicts only 41 casualties. Later in the day, more troops land and DD Manazuru takes 3 shell hits.

3. POMPANO torpedoes AP Mitsu Maru #3 near Noumea.

4. TRUANT gets into it with an ASW TF, and takes significant damage... back to the shop.

5. The expected blow finally lands at Rangoon: Animal AKs and their escorts start landing troops. AK Uyo Maru hits a type VH2 mine (sub laid). Then the ships move inshore to be met by a hail of artillery: ML Kamome takes one hit from the CD unit, MSW W.8 takes 12 and is heavily damaged, AK Kinryo Maru takes 2 hits, MSW W.7 is hit by 2 shells and sustains heavy damage, AK Hokusho Maru is hit once, MSW Wa 3 hit 10 times (on fire, heavy damage) and AK Aden Maru takes 3 shell hits and is set on fire. Later, another TF starts to land troops and AK Udo Maru tales 2 shell hits. It isn’t enough, though: almost 10000 troops of the IJA 16th Division are landed (more or less successfully).

6. A sub attack near Rangoon by ROVER hits AP Terukuni Maru with 3 torpedo hits - she is set on fire, sustains heavy damage – previously damaged by aerial torpedoes (2) on 7 April 1942, she now SINKS (for 12 points)! Troops of the 48th Division are reported “in the water being rescued”.

7) An attack by Niceguy’s flyboys in Hudsons (from Darwin) finds a TF near Wyndham:
AP Taizan Maru is hit by 2 x 250 pound bombs, one a dud. AP Brazil Maru is hit by a 250 pound “dud” bomb which manages to destroy a 3"/40 Type 88 AA gun.

8) The Allied shipping trapped on the north coast of Darwin is cut to pieces: Nells from Koepang (escorted by 20 x Ki-43-Ib Oscars) hits AK Magallanes with a torpedo, and AK Palawan with 3 torps. Later in the day, Magallanes is hit by 3 more torpedoes, and Palawan with another - both sink.

9) Aircraft from Rangoon strike at the invaders: MSW Banshu Maru #52 is hit by 2 x 500 pound bombs and SINKS![

10) Another attack from Rangoon with 7 Blenheim I’s - AK Kinugasa Maru is hit by a 500 pound GP bomb, and AK Chohei Maru is hit by 3 of them.

11) The KB smites Norfolk Island with 133 Kates.

12) Bruce’s boys capture Wyndham: 1st Heavy Brigade, 3rd Engineer Regiment, 56th Division, 3rd Mortar Battalion, 7th Tank Regiment evict an understrength Allied base force, who retreat down a long road through the desert to Katherine.

There are a bunch of unsuccessful attacks by Allied aircraft as well, as well as unsuccessful sub attacks (a detonator failure probably saves a CL.)

Other peripheral actions:
The THRESHER hits a mine when it tries to poke its nose in at Marcus Island... damage is not serious, but she will need some time in drydock.

Animals clean up another green dot by landing troops at Vella Lavella.

SS I-9 reported HIT by a Catalina.

There are the usual rounds of air attacks on the Chinese, as well as artillery duals at Noumea, and Davao.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/09/42 –
A busy little day:
1. More troops (or maybe supplies) are unloaded at Noumea by the IJN, - and the PG Yachiyo Maru takes 4 shell hits.

2. More troops unload at Rangoon. AK Uyo Maru takes a shell hit, as does AP Kaedesan Maru and PC Ch 14. AK Taisei Maru hits a VH2 mine (laid by sub).


3. More troops unload at Davao.

4. More troops unload at Vella Lavella (in an attempt to fulfill the Animal motto: “Death to Green Dots!”

5. Admiral Niceguy stages a raid at Luganville with a surface combat task force:
combat starts at around 7000 yards, and the Japanese ships manage to “Cross the T”!! It didn’t help all THAT much, though... it’s PG Kaikei Maru, PC Fumi Maru #3, PC Kyo Maru #7, PC Shonon Maru #3, Shell vs. CA Minneapolis, CL Perth, DD Helm, DD Phelps, DD Stuart, and DD Le Triomphant - 2 of the IJN ships are sunk, and the rest escape. The Allied fleet is undamaged.

6. AK Shinrei Maru SINKS (~ north of Wyndham) - damaged on 5 April and 6 April 1942 by at least 2 bombs and 1 torpedo

7. TK Antietam SINKS (set on fire by submarine torpedo 8 April 1942)

8. Rangoon undergoes naval bombardment: CA Kumano, CA Suzuya, CA Mogami
BB Haruna, BB Kongo, bombard, and Suzaya takes a shell hit, and about 500+ casualties inflicted on the defenders.

9. Troops land at Derby: DD Asagiri is hit 3 times and set on fire, AP Tofuku Maru, Shell is hit once (and also on fire), PC Ch 20 is hit by one shell and set on fire... there are almost 1700 IJ casualties.

10. Another day air attack on Rangoon with 53 Oscars, 47 Sallys, and 26 Helens vs. 6 Fulmars, and 17 Hurris... 1 Oscar and 2 Sallys shot down vs. 7 Hurris, 1 Blenheim, 1 Buffalo reported destroyed.

11. The Allied airpower comes into play: a day air attack on TF, near Rangoon protected by 3 A6M2 Zero from the F1/Tainan Daitai and 7 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar of the 24th Fighter Sentai vs. 12 x Swordfish, 12 x Albacore, 15 x Hurricane IIb, 5 x Vildebeest IV, 5 x Blenheim I, and 25 x Blenheim IV result in 1 Zero shot down vs. no Allied losses (on the initial report) AK Nansin Maru takes torpedo hit, AK Kinryo Maru is hit by a 500 pound bomb, ML Kamome takes torpedo hits and SINKS with her C.O.; AK Hokusho Maru is hit by 1 500 pound bomb and takes 1 torpedo hit; AK Tatebu Maru takes a torpedo hit, AK Shin'yu Maru is hit by 3 torpedoes and sinks, AK Taiko Maru #3 is also hit by 3 torpedoes and also sinks... casualties among the IJA are disappointingly light.

Another day air attack escorted by 3 Zeros and 7 Oscars vs. 5 Fulmars, and 6 x
Hurricane IIb’s, 3 x Blenheim I, 6 x Blenheim IV results in no air losses (on initial reports) but AP Tientsin Maru takes 2 x 500 pound bomb hits (and is set on fire).

A third attack with the same CAP vs. 3 Blenheim I’s has the AP Sangetsu Maru hits with 3 x 500 pound bombs... the ship had been previously damaged, and SINKS along with he skipper.

A fourth air attack encounters the same CAP, but ther are 4 Fulmars, and 14 P-40B Tomahawks on escort which shoot down 2 Zeros and 1 Oscar to 1 Hurri, but the attacking bombers (12 Swordfish, 24 Vildebeest IVs, 14 Blenheim Is, 3 Martin 139s) lost a Swordfish. They hit AK Udo Maru with 2 torpedoes, AK Saiho Maru takes a 500 pound bomb, AK Hakonesan Maru is hit by 2 x 500 pound bombs, AK Azuchisan Maru, Bomb is hit by 4 x 500 pound bombs, and AK Fukkai Maru is hit by a torpedo.

A fifth day has only 1 Zero and 4 Oscars left on LRCAP - but the Allied aircraft come in without escort... they avoid the CAP and 3 x Blenheim IVs, 3 x Wellington IIIs and 10 x Hudson Is attack and
AK Fukkai Maru (already damaged by torpedo this date) now takes three 250 pound bombs, one knocks out a 3" AA gun, AK Shinsei Maru is hit by 2 x 500 pound bomb, one knocks out a 3" AA gun, AK Saiho Maru is hit by a500 pound bomb, and AK Brisbane Maru is struck by another 500 pound bomb, which knocks out a 13 mm AA-MG gun

12. SS Searaven was hit an an air attack. [:(]

13. AK Chohei Maru SINKS (along with her C.O.) - she had been hit by 3 x 500 pound bombs the previous day.

14. There are also the usual round of air attacks in China, artillery exchanges at Davao and Noumea. There are couple of deliberate assaults around Sinyang forcing back Chinese troops who are low on supplies.

15. Vella Lavella falls to Animal hoardes (chanting “Death to the Green Dots!)” [X(] [:'(]

16. A Allied deliberate attack at Rangoon only obtains 1-1, and fails.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/10/42 – A very bloody turn for the IJN forces! [X(]

1. Bruce’s TFs (several of them) unload troops at Derby.

2. More of Bruce’s boy unload at Rangoon. PC Ch 14, APD Patrol Boat No. 34, and MSW W.12 each take a shell hit in the process of protecting the AKs and APs, but AP Kyuden Maru and AP Tachibana Maru are each hit by a shell.

3. AK Dorothy Philips sinks along with her C.O. - she had been hit by 1 torpedo from the I-26 on 2 April 1942.

4. The war against the green dots continues: Animal troops are reported unloading over beach at Panggoe, 65,97 and at Cotabato, 43,60.

5. Another Animal Day Air attack on Rangoon from Bangkok... 46 x Ki-43-Ib Oscars of the 59th Fighter Sentai escort 41 x Ki-21-II Sally x 41 of the 12th Heavy and 60th Heavy Sentais, 3 x Ki-48-I Lily x 3 of the 27th Light Sentai, and 26 x Ki-49 Helen of the 61st Heavy Sentai are opposed by 6 x Fulmars, 16 x Hurricane IIb’s, 10 x P-40B Tomahawks. Four Sallys are lost for 1 Hurri and 2 Tomahawks... and the attackers manage only minor damage to the air base.

6. Niceguy’s flyboys attack near Wyndham: Allied aircraft from Broome including 9 x OS2U-3 Kingfisher, 4 x T.IVa’s and 3 x Hudsons hit AP Kaiko Maru, Bomb with a 250 pound bomb.

7. The Allies strike back: a day Air attack on a TF, near Rangoon at 29,33 protected by Japanese aircraft 18 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 18 of the 77th Fighter Sentai, 24th Fighter Sentai, and 11th Fighter Sentai is attacked by 12 x Hurricane IIb’s, 10 x Swordfish, and 9 Blenheims. Initial air losses reported are 1 Oscar vs. 1 Hurri, 1 Blenheim and 2 Swordfish lost, but the Allies press home their attacks: AP Ryuosan Maru, suffers 3 x 500 pound bomb, and is set on fire and is reported as being heavily damaged. AP Enju Maru is hit by a torpedo.

8. Another Allied air attack on an Animal TF near Rangoon at 29,33 comes in throught the overcast, and is intercepted by Oscars of the 77th Fighter Sentai, 24th Fighter Sentai, and 11th Fighter Sentai. The outnumber Fulmars and Hurris lose 3 aircraft to 2 Oscars (in initial reports) - AP Chowa Maru is hit by 6 x 500 pound bombs and is set on fire with heavy damage and sinks.

9. A third air attack (without escort) is also intercepted, but the bombers zip by the CAP without serious damage, and AK Indus Maru is hit by a 500 pound bomb and set aflame.

10. A fourth air attack pits 7 Oscars vs. 9 Buffalos - and the Buffalos win! They manage to shoot down an Oscar, and the Blenheim, Wellingtons and Hudsons hit AK Shoryu Maru, Bomb hits with a 500 pound bomb and AK Akashi Maru with a 250 pound bomb.

11. The biggest attack yet: 9 Oscars oppose 8 Tomahawks, and lose 1 defender, but 1 Blenheim is shot down in the attack. AK Argun Maru takes 1 torpedo hits, AK Mito Maru is hit by 2 x 500 pound bombs, AK Unkai Maru #6 is hit by 1 500 pound bomb and 1 torpedo, AK Akashi Maru is hit by 3 x 250 pound bombs and a torpedo... the bombs are 250 pound bombs delivered by the Dutch Martins - the ship sinks!!! The AK Arizona Maru is hit by 1 torpedo, AK Seiwa Maru is hit by a torpedo, AK Genoa Maru is hit by a 500 pound bomb, AK Tsurushima Maru is hit by 2 torpedoes and sinks, AK Zuiko Maru is hit by 2 x torpedoes, AK Yoshida Maru #3 is also hit by 2 torpedoes, and AK Ryotoku Maru is hit by a 500 pound bomb.

12. Yet another of the relentless Allied attacks is escorted by Buffalos who shoot down another Oscar. AK Yoshida Maru #3 is hit by 2 x 250 pound bombs.

13. Yet another Allied attack by three Blenheims scores 3 for 3 with 500 pound GP bombs on the AP Tientsin Maru.

15. Back to Oz, and the Allies attack an animal TF near Derby... three x Hudson I’s manage to drop a 250 pound bomb on the AP Kaihei Maruon.

12. Another attack near Derby by OS2U-3 Kingfishers tag AP Kokuryu Maru with a 250 pound bomb causing heavy damage and fire, as well as 12 casualties reported among the troops being carried.

13 . Another Allied attack from Broome by T.IVa’s scores 1 torpedo hit on AP Ayaha Maru.

14 . A sub attack by S-47near Noumea scores one torpedo on PC Ch 29.

This is a total of 29 Animal ships damaged (and/or sunk) this day.

There are the usual rounds of bombing of the Chinese, and artillery duels.

The Squirrel troops at Noumea try to see if the barbed wire is still sharp, and find out it is: there are 1320 casualties reported and guns lost 28 for Mike’s troops vs. 521 casualties reported, 15 guns and 1 vehicle lost.

A deliberate attack at Davao reduces the Allied forts to 1.

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/11/42 –
Another busy day for Animals everywhere. Bruce forces take heavy losses but advance doggedly:

1. Canine troops unload at Rangoon, with AK Tenzan Maru taking 3 shell hits.

2. Doggy troops unload at Derby;

3. Unknown types of fuzzy fiends (dogs? squirrels? Or even (gasp) PENGUINS!) unload at Panggoe, Makin (falls undefended) and Cotabato;

4. AK Yoshida Maru #3 SINKS!!! - she had been hit by 2 torps and 2 x 250 lb. bombs 4/10/42

5. Just to add to the confusion, a ship with a NEARLY identical name gets tagged by one of Speedy’s subs (this one confused me for a while before I spotted the additional H in the name [&:] [:D]):
Sub attack near Ouv'ea at 67,115
Japanese Ships
AK Yosida Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 120 miles NE of Noumea - SINKS!!! had previously been damaged by a torpedo on 4/6/42

6. Bruce’s boys bomb Rangoon, inflicting scant damage and losing a Sally in the process.

7. Various Chinese troop formations are bombed, as well as some Animal formations (notably at Wyndham).

8. Niceguys ragged airpower from Broome tags the AP Argun Maru with 2 x 250 pound GP bombs and a torpedo hit.

9. British flyboys flying from Moulmein run up the cost of the Canine invasion:
AP Nichiryo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AP Eiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1

10. Things get a bit intense for the IJN and the AKs and APs transporting pooches to Burma - there are a seris of day air attacks near Rangoon that penetrate CAP and hit the incoming (and outgoing) ships, including these:

Three Blenheim I’s hit AK Yahiko Maru with a 500 pound bomb.

In another attack, two Vildebeest IV’s, and 15 different Blenheims score:
AK Sansei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 500 pound bomb
AK Takaoka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 500 pound bomb
AK Kuwayama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Indus Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs
AK Maebashi Maru, Bomb hits 1

A third air attack by 10 Blenheim IVs, 7 Hudsons, and three Wellington III inflict some damage:
AK Ryotoku Maru, on fire, heavy damage – 250 pound bomb
AK Tenzan Maru, Bomb hits 1

A fourth air attack by a total of nine Blenheims also scores:
AP Kaedesan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bomb
AP Tientsin Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs - previously damaged by at least 5 x 500 pound bombs - SINKS!!!

A fifth attack originating from Moulmein with six Swordfish, 15 x Albacores, and 12 Blenheim IVs under strong escort also puts the hurt on the dreaded pooches:
APD Patrol Boat No. 33, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage - I love damaging and sinking APDs [8D]
AP Aiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire – 500 pound bombs
AP Akashisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 500 pound bomb
AP Zukai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


11. Back to OZ:
A combined attack for Hudsons and Kingfishers from Broome inflict some damage:
AP Hokuhi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire – 250 pound bombs

Kingfishers from Broome score as well:
AP Kokuryu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – 250 pound bombs

The Boys from Broome flying TIVa bombers do their bit:
AP Kaihei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!

12. AP Okuni Maru SINKS!!! - hit 2 April by 4 x 250 pound bombs

13. The carnage isn’t entirely one sided... some transports trying to escape Northern Oz are found by nine Nells from Koepang which penetrate the CAP of Demons, Brewsters and Kittyhawks/Tomahawks at the price of one attacking bomber shot down:
AK Opon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

14. There are various artillery duals in China, Noumea, Davao, and OZ.

15. Davao is attacked, and while casualties are modest on both sides, the Allied forts are reduced to zero... the end is near...

16. Bruce tries a daring air assault at Daly Waters, dropping in the Yokosuka 1st SNLF from Koepang... they don’t do well at all and lose a quarter of their numbers attacking at slightly worse than 1 to 14 odds (in adjusted AV).

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/12/42 –
1. More Animal troops unload at Derby, Davao, Iliolo, Buka and Rangoon. DD Samidare takes 2 shell hits at Rangoon.

2. Truant scores again:
AP Kaedesan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!

3. AP Kokuryu Maru SINKS near Derby with her skipper! She had previously been damaged with 1 Torpedo hit, 4 Bomb hits.

4. Relentless air attacks start coming in on Bruce’s Tfs:
Two Albacores start the action: APD Patrol Boat No. 34, 500 pound bomb - on fire, heavy damage

Next, the Brits and Aussies get through the CAP of 6 Oscars (shooting down one 1 Oscar), the bombers including 9 Swordfish, 12 Albacores, and 20 Blenheims:
AK Azuchisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AK Nansin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AK Kinryo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs – SINKS!!!
AK Hokusho Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
MSW W.7, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!

Then 2 Hurris escort 3 Blenheims attack and shoot down another Oscar:
AP Ayato Maru is hit by a 500 pound bomb and there are 22 casualties reported.

Two Vildebeest IVs are the next to attack and AK Taibun Maru takes a torpedo hit.

Three Blenheims from Rangoon hit AK Ryuzan Maru, Bomb with a 500 pound bomb.

Twenty-nine Vildebeest IVs, 18 Blenheims, and three Martins attack next and
AK Takaoka Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 18" Mark XII torpedo SINKS!!!
MSW W.12, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AK Tasmania Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bomb
AK Genoa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs
AK Shoryu Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AK Tenzan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 250 pound bomb
AK Maebashi Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AK Ryuzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AK Hague Maru, Bomb hits 1 – 500 pound bomb

Yet another day air attack by nine Swordfish, 13 Albacores and nine Blenheims also scores:
AK Kokuryu Maru, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AK Lima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Cuba Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage. 156 casualties are reported.

5. The Kido Butai puts in an appearance, slamming Noumea: 110 Vals and 135 Kates destroy at least 4 bombers and a patrol plane on the field, but 3 Vals are destroyed in the process.

6. Six OS2U-3 Kingfisher and 3 x TIVa attack from Broome: AP Fukko Maru takes a 250 pound bomb hit.

Another 3 OS2U-3 Kingfishers and AP Nitta Maru takes a 250 pound bomb amidships.

7. At Derby, Bruce’s troops including almost 40000 troops and 200 guns of 38th Division, 5th Division, and 28th NLF force the 80 troops and 4 bulldozers of No. 111 RAF Base Force to retreat towards Broome, and Derby is captured.

8. There are the usual air attacks against the Chinese, and various artillery duals at Rangoon, Davao, Kanshien, Ningpo, and Noumea.

9. Panggoe (unoccupied) is captured by the Yokosuka 7th SNLF.

10. Menawhile, at Daly Waters, the 2/9 Armoured Regiment, 4th Marine Regiment, No. 111 RAN Base Force attack Bruce’s paratroops.

11. Cotabato suffers an Animal deliberate attack by 6250 troops and 30 guns of the 4th /B Division which forces the 20 remaining effective troops of 5th USAAF Base Force/1 to surrender.

12. PC Ch 29 - SINKS. She had taken a torpedo hit from S-47 on 10 April 1942.

13. AP Mitsu Maru #3 - SINKS. She had been damaged by a torpedo from Pompano on 8 April (near Noumea).

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/13/42
Lots more action throughout the theater in a very eventful turn:
1) More animal troops land at Iloilo, Waigeo Island (44,72) Abemama (180 miles from Tarawa, which is captured undefended) as well as Davao, Rangoon, and opposition is intense from the shore batteries at Rangoon:
MSW W.3, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
PC Ch 18, Shell hits 2

2) A whole slew of ships sink from prior damage:
APD Patrol Boat #33 SINKS! Damaged by 1 torpedo hit on 11 April 1942
AK Taigen Maru SINKS! Damaged by 5 x 250 pound bombs 4 April 1942
SS S-44 SINKS! ??? received a single penetrating (and very damaging) hit back on 4 March 1942.
AP Zukai Maru SINKS! - aerial torpedo hit 11 April
AK Udo Maru SINKS! - damaged by 2 aerial torpedoes on 9 April,, and 2 shell hits on 8 April

3) A bold Animal commander makes a night attack on the surface
I-122 attacks AK Wawa, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

4) Bruce’s flyboys try a fighter sweep at Rangoon from Bangkok
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 17 – 65th Fighter Sentai - a new unit AFAIK - welcome to the war, boys!
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 29
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 6 damaged

5) Various desultory bombing raids, including an attack by Niceguy’s fliers on Wyndham, Mike’s heavies at Noumea

6) Various units in China get bombed ...

7) OK - now the action picks up again around Rangoon:
First, there is an attack from Moulmein of 17 Blenheims, 11 Swordfish, 15 Albacores, escorted by Fulmars, Buffalos, Tomahawks, and Lancers at 28,34 that takes several pounds of flesh:
AK Aobasan Maru, 500 pound bomb hits 1 (a dud) and 1 torpedo hits from a Swordfish
AK Peking Maru, 500 pound GP bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, one from an Albacore, one from Swordfish - SINKS!!
PG Uji, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – both from Albacores - SINKS!
AK Kinugasa Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bomb delivered by Blenheim IV, 2 torpedoes from Albacores, 2 torpedoes from Swordfish... I don’t think she will be afloat much longer.

Another attack near Rangoon at 29,33 in a coordinated attack with aircraft from both Rangoon and Moulmein including nine Swordfish, 13 Albacores, 12 Vildebeest IVs, 17 Blenheims and three Martin 139s also comes in without opposition and scores heavily:
AK Kenkon Maru, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 7 x 500 pound bombs (Four from Blenheim IVs, three from Blenheim Is, 3 x 250 pound bombs from Dutch Martins, torpedo from Vildebeest - SINKS!!
AK Shinsei Maru, 500 pound GP bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – from Blenheim IV
AK Aden Maru, one torpedo hit from Vildebeest
AK Kinrei Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – 500 pound bomb from Blenheim I, torpedo from Swordfish
AK Nagano Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – from Albacore
AK Tatebu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – by Vildebeest - “MASSIVE EXPLOSIVE DAMAGE”
AK Nansin Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – from Albacores - SINKS!

This attack comes from inland at Mandalay and includs 12 Blenheims, 6 Wellingtons and 7 Hudsons, escorted by the feared Buffalo fighters:
AK Kinrei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire – 500 pound bomb from Blenheim IV
AK Nichizui Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire – 500 pound bombs from Wellington IIIs

Still another day air attack on an animal TF, near Rangoon with the Allied aircraft from Rangoon
with 21 Vildebeest IVs, and 18 Blenheims also inflicts heavy damage:
AK Mantai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – from Vildebeest
AK Singapore Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs from Blenheim Is, torpedoes from Vildebeests - SINKS!
AK Taibun Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bomb from Blenheim I, torpedofrom Vildebeests
AK Sumatra Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – from Vildebeest
PC Ch 18, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs from Blenheim Is

An attack by six B-17D Fortress from Calcutta
AK Kehi Maru, 500 pound GP bomb hits 1
AK Kitsugawa Maru, 500 pound GP bomb hits 1, on fire

An near Rangoon at 29,33 by nine Blenheims from Rangoon:
AK Yahiko Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bombs - every bomber found the mark!! She SINKS with her C.O.

8) The Animals strike back - picking off shipping fleeing Darwin:
Day Air attack on TF at 32,82 with 3 Nells from
Koepang: AK Surigao, Torpedo hits 1

Another day air attack at 25,83 from Koepang by 12 G3M Nells of G1/1st Daitai
AK Candesa, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!!
AK Bisayas, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

9) More delayed action sinkings:
AV Sagara Maru SINKS with her C.O. (SLDR Mackie!) – this ship took a bomb hit and a torpedo hit on 7 April 42, but was NOT reported to have “Heavy Damage”

MSW W.8 SINKS!!! Damaged by artillery during landings on 8 April 1942





10) There are various bombardment attacks, including Noumea, Rangoon, Ningpo and Sinyang.

11) Chinese troops pushed into Shanghai, assuming they would get a 4x bonus for defending in the city... they did not hope to take the city, but thought they could park there and truly mess up the supply situation for Mike... things did not work out the way I expected though... this could be due to a bad die roll, but the supply situation was iffy, and the morale of the Chinese troops was in the pits... at any rate, they were forced to retreat.
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 133956 troops, 561 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2669 – 17th Division, Shanghai Base Force, 7th Construction Battalion, 8th Construction Battalion, 110th Division, 41st Division, 3rd Independent Brigade, 26th Division, 58th Division, 59th Division, 120th IJN Base Force
Defending force 32734 troops, 143 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1042 – 4 Chinese Corps
Japanese max assault: 2931 - adjusted assault: 2048
Allied max defense: 884 - adjusted defense: 445
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
2110 casualties reported
Guns lost 32
Allied ground losses:
582 casualties reported
Guns lost 29
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

12) The end finally arrives at Davao:
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 20152 troops, 86 guns, 79 vehicles, Assault Value = 348 – 8th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Division, 8th Tank Regiment, 1st Engineer Regiment
Defending force 3795 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 87
Japanese max assault: 209 - adjusted assault: 140
Allied max defense: 66 - adjusted defense: 16
Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Davao base !!! – 101st Reserve Division and 102nd/ C Reserve Division SURRENDER!
Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
5501 casualties reported
Guns lost 28

13) Chinese forces at Kanhsien score a minor victory:
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 12618 troops, 63 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 467
Defending force 7325 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 165 – 51st/C Division
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1
Japanese ground losses:429 casualties reported, Guns lost 10
Allied ground losses: 480 casualties reported, Guns lost 33
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

14) Another Allied victory at Daly Waters with a deliberate attack on the remnants of the paratroopers that landed:
Attacking force 2028 troops, 23 guns, 31 vehicles, Assault Value = 62
Defending force 93 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2 – Yoksuka 1st SNLF/2 DESTROYED!!!
323 casualties reported, Guns lost 1 (no Allied losses)

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/14/42 – lots more action centering around Rangoon and Northern Oz...

1) Moving right into the thick of things: more of Bruce’s doggie troops land at Rangoon... the defenders take a toll on the shipping, with APD Patrol Boat No. 35 taking 5 hits from defending shore batteries and AP Hikawa Maru takes one hit. Bruce retaliates by bringing in his battleships and heavy cruisers which steam upriver (!) and shell the dug-in defenders. Mogami in turn takes 2 shell hits and Haruna takes one.

2) MSW Wa 3 SINKS!! She had taken 10 shell hits on the 8th (at Rangoon).
AP Ryuosan Maru SINKS with her Commanding Officer . She had taken three 500 pound GP bombs on 10 April.
AK Cuba Maru SINKS with troops of 31st Division - she took 2 aerial torpedoes on 12 April.
AP Kinugasa Maru SINKS with her Commanding Officer. She had been hit by 4 plane-launched torpedoes and a 500 pound bomb on 13 April.
AP Kuroshio Maru SINKS!!! She had been hit by a pair of 500 pound bombs back on 4 April.
AK Zuiko Maru SINKS with her C.O. - hit by a pair of torpedoes back in the shoot-em-up of 10 April, she finally gives up the ghost.
PC Ch 18 SINKS!!! She had taken 2 shell hits, then three 500 pounders yesterday.

3) The war against green dots continues - Iliolo is invaded.

4) Moulmein is attacked by two waves of aircraft: the first one comes in from Tavoy with 66 Lilys escorted by 29 Oscars, and is greeted by 4 Fulmars, 9 Hurris, 14 Tomahawks and 3 P-43 Lancers. Five Lilys are shot down for the loss of 1 Hurri, and a Blenheim is destroyed on the field.

The second wave from Bangkok, and 42 Oscars escort 26 Sallys and 44 Lilys. A vicious struggle develops between the fighters,and 1 Fulmar, 6 Tomahawks, and a Lancer are destroyed, as well as 1 Albacore on the field... only one Lily is shot down.

5) Wyndham is bombed by Allied aircraft from Darwin.

6) Allied aircraft at Moulmein and Rangoon rise like a disturbed nest of angry hornets and go after Animal ships:
First, three Blenheims (under heavy escort) from Moulmein tag AK Kitsugawa Maru, with two 500 pound bombs.
Second: Twelve Swordfish and thirteen Albacores locate the bombarding TF... unfortunately, the heavy ships are too far away to be attacked by torpedoes, and the 500 pound bombs are ineffective. Four bombers are shot down but a total of 8 nonpenetrating hits are scored on Haruna, Kongo and Suzaya... one manages to knock out an AA battery on the Kongo.
Third: a dozen Blenheims from Moulmein also score a nonpenetrating hit on the Kongo, knocking out another 25mm AA position.
Fourth: An attack on by Allied aircraft from Mandalay with 17 Blenheims, 6 Hudsons and 6 Wellingtons hits
AP Atsuta Maru, Bomb with two 250 pound bombs (from Hudsons) and AP Ayato Maru is struck by a 500 pound bomb.
Fifth: Four B-17Es from Calcutta put in appearance and AP Atsuta Maru, suffers another 500 pound bomb hit.
Sixth: Aircraft from both Rangoon and Moulmein locate the bombardment TF and attack, losing 2 bombers of the three Albacores, thirty-seven Blenheims and three Martin 139s... another five nonpenetrating hits are scored on Haruna, Kongo, and Kumano, but a 25mm AA gun position is knocked out on the Kumano.
Seventh: Finally, a commander with some common sense leads with 10 Vildebeests and 9 Blenheims against some thinner-skinned ships:
AK Hakonesan Maru takes three 500 pound bombs hits - and SINKS!!
AK Fukkai Maru, is hit by another 500 pound bomb - and SINKS!!
Eighth: More heavy 4EBs from Calcutta in the form of nine B-17D Fortress attack and AK Sasako Maru is hit by a 500 pound bomb.

7) Retaliation: Japanese aircraft from Koepang including 9 Nells hit AK Surigao, with two torpedo – and she SINKS!!! [:(]

8) Niceguy’s fliers enter the fray:, near Wyndham
three T IVa’s from Darwin hit AP Astuga Maru with a 500 pound bomb.

9) SS I-122 attacks near Oz: AK Wawa takes 2 torpedo hits and SINKS!!! [:(]

10) Bunches of Chinese are bombed by Mike’s fliers.

11. Various bombardments of little effect are conducted all over the map.

More excitement to follow as the struggle for Burma intensifies... and a trap is set for the KB. [8D]

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/15/42 – lots more action today:

1) Bruce lands more troops at Rangoon... the CD unit fires away managing to hit AK Eifuku Maru with two shells.

2) The IJN is short a few more ships:
AK Indus Maru SINKS!!! - from 500 pound bombs from Blenheim attacks (last hit 11 April 1942 off Rangoon).
AP Nichiryo Maru SINKS!!! (taking her C.0. with her - hit by Albacore attack 11 April near Rangoon)
AK Shogen Maru SINKS!!! (from the effects of 500 pound bombs delivered by Blenheims, last hit on 7 April.)
AK Unkai Maru #6 SINKS!! - officially from the effects of a 500 lb. bomb delivered by Blenheim, however, she was also hit from a torp from either an Albacore or Vildebeest.

3) The two prior bombardments of Rangoon by the IJN were apparently disappointing, so fabertong orders the ISE and NAGATO to pound Moulmein... only mild-moderate damage achieved.

4) Bruce mounts a day air attack on Moulmein from Tavoy... 26 Oscars tangles with 21 Hurris and 5 Lancers... 47 Lilys get through, losing 2 in the process, and only very modest damage achieved.

A second attack comes in... the sequential attacks tire out, overwhelm and destroy the defending fighters... 37 Zeros escort 59 Sallys and 81 Helens... 8 Hurris are shot down, but so are 4 Sallys and a Helen.

5) Various Chinese units are attacked from the air by flying squirrels.

6) There are bombardment attacks at Pucheng, Noumea, Rangoon.

7) Mike’s squirrels mount a deliberate attack with troops moving up from Vietnam: the 1st and 2nd Yobi Eki Regiment with some 18000+ troops manage to force one of the two Chinese units (with a total of 10000 or so troops) opposing them to retreat. The other was well dug in and was not displaced.

8) The squirrels score another victory at Ningpo with a deliberate attack by the
15th Tank Regiment and 17th/B Mixed Brigade causing the defender to retreat.


9) And in bad timing at Sinyang, an Allied deliberate attack is just in time to be greeted by the 69th Division that was formed in the hex in that turn (or extremely recently)... I think if it had not been, there was a good chance I would have been able to take the city since those troops provided at least half the AV for the Japanese by my reckoning. However, since they DID show up, it’s moot. This causes a major problem with movement in the turns to come. For some reason, the Chinese will NOT move out the same way they came in, and this eventually requires the intervention from a dev to put things right... this is one of a whole series of movement problems for the Allied troops in Burma and China in the next few weeks.

10) Another Allied attack gets only a 1 to 1 result (just west of Ningpo)... this pretty much seals the fate of Southeast China, although it takes me a few turns to realize it.

Lastly a Japanese deliberate attack at Iloilo by 10,000+ troops of the 21st/B Division and 21st/C Division forces the surrender of around 3250 starving and sick Allied troops (only around 1/3 of them were able to fight at all).

Here is the intel screen after the events of 15 April - notice the radical upturn in ship losses (and points) for the Japanese... [8D] and the campaign still has a long ways to go!

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/16/42 – Another busy turn, inflicting more pain on the invaders of Burma.

1) More troops unload at Rangoon.

2) More troops unload at Broome.

3) O-19 scores on one of Bruce’s transports near Rangoon:
AK Nisshu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Inazuma
DD Ikazuchi
Allied Ships: SS O19 – 4 torpedoes fired. A later ASW attack on the O-19 failed. [8D]

4) A pair of raids by Bruce’s boys on Moulmein... the first one goes in unopposed, and costs a Lily. The second one meets up with some CAP of 13 Hurris and 6 P-40Bs (vs. 49 Oscars escorting 115 Lillys). Three Oscars and 4 Lilys are lost vs. 3 Hurris and 2 P-40Bs. A total of 29 bombs hit the runway.

5) Forty B-17Es hit Wyndham inflicting 281 casualties, knocking out 4 guns, and hitting the runway almost 20 times.

6) More Animals invade at Sansapor. They are said to be carrying buckets of red paint, and search out the green dot to paint it over. Some 2400 defenders prevent them from doing so, and repel a deliberate attack.

7) After Allied search planes radio in the locations of some of Bruce’s ships, a torrent of steel descends onto the invaders. First, planes from Rangoon including 24 Vildebeests, 19 Blenheims, and 3 Martins (under strong escort) strike:
APD Patrol Boat No. 35, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – SINKS!!! Yes, another APD bites the seabottom muck!!!
AP Conte Verde, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – 500 pound bomb.

A second attack by 6 Blenheims comes up dry.

A third attack by three Blenheims hits AP Hokuriku Maru with a 500 pound bomb.

A fourth attack by 3 Wellingtons misses its target.

A fifth attack by 3 Wellington scores:
AK Taibun Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs – SINKS!!!

A sixth attack by 4 Blenheims misses.

A seventh attack by two Albacores, 17 Vildebeest IVs, 12 Blenheims, and 3 Martins punishes the pushy pooches:
AP Atsuta Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – Blenheim 500 lb. GP, Vildebeest torpedo
AP Kasuga Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – Blenheim 500 lb. GP, Vildebeest torpedo
AP Ayato Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 250 pound GP bombs from Dutch Martins
AP Argentina Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – from Albacore

An eighth attack inflicts further pain: 12 Blenheims, 6 Wellingtons and 5 Hudsons attack:
AP Ayato Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs from Wellingtons.

8) An from Darwin by 9 Hudsons hits AP Tatsuho Maru with a 250 pound bomb.

A second attack by 6 Hudsons tags AP Nichiro Maru with a pair of 250 pound GP bombs.

9) Surprise, surprise: The animals try a sneak attack on Colombo. Japanese aircraft from a carrier (a CVL most likely, unless the Animals are trying extreme deception measures) by nine B5N2 Kate of CI-3 Daitai. They run into several AA regiments, and 7 of 9 were shot down by flak (I guess one crashed later)
ML Teviotbank, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 250 kg. AP bomb
PG Sutlej, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 250 kg. AP bomb
Neither sinks, but will be in repair for months.

10) An attack by a fleet sub scores a rare success: USS Bass hits
DD Makigumo with a torpedo, setting her on fire.

11) AK Bisayas SINKS at Broome with her Captain!!! [:(]

12) There are the usual artillery duals in the usual places, and various hapless Chinese endure yet another set of air attacks. I’ve also left out the usual ineffective sub attacks, ineffective ASW actions, etc.

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/17/42 –

1) More action at Rangoon... troops unload over the beach, and one of the ships hits a mine:
AP Atsuta Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – Mark 10 mine sub-laid just last turn. [:)]

2) Usually, I don’t mention unsuccessful sub attacks, but this one is notable:
Sub attack at 65,116
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku – appears to be damaged (i.e. - it is “smoking” and therefore has >10 SYS damage)
DD Kasumi
DD Hamakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Isokaze
DD Kagero
CV Hiryu
Allied Ships
SS Pompano – four torpedoes fired, failed to detonate. [:@]
This does supply some information, though, along with careful analysis of air units participating in their attacks (in prior turns) and some SigInt... it appears the KB has been split... Sir Speedy moves the Allied CVs down toward New Caledonia to confront them, and an elaborate deception scheme is hatched.

3) More delayed action punishment for the IJN:

PC Ch 20 SINKS!!! This apparently from a single shell hit from the Derby CD guns on 9 April.
APD Patrol Boat No. 34 SINKS with her C.O.!!! This one is from a single 500 pound bomb hit on 12 April (from Albacores) and a single shell hit from the Rangoon CD unit on 10 April. Another APD down!![8D]

4) A strange encounter by the IJN:
TF 176 encounters mine field at 25942384,21 – - these IJN ships hit their own mines - and gives a location somewhere near Mars... [&:] [:D]
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – Type 93 mine
AO Nichiei Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire – Type 93 mine

5) A fleet sub struggling to get back to base meets its end trying to get through the Johore Bahru hex:
TF 1122 encounters mine field at Johore Bahru (22,50)
Allied Ships
SS Searaven, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – Type 93 mine - SINKS - with her Captain!! This boat had been hit by air attack previously and had been struggling to stay afloat since then...

6) After their engines are warmed up, the Allied flyers begin to meet out the punishments to the invading Japanese dog troops and ships:

17 Blenheims, 6 Wellingtons and 5 Hudsons from Mandalay strike first:
AP Kasuga Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound bombs from Blenheims -SINKS!!!
AP Atsuta Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bombs from Wellington
AP Ayato Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – three 250 pound GP bombs from Hudsons, 1 x 500 pound GP bomb from Blenheim

Next from Rangoon: 11 Swordfish attack:
AK Hokusui Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Eifuku Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Another attack from Rangoon by 20 Vildebeests, and 8 Blenheims:
AK Mantai Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bombs from Blenheims, torpedoes from Vildebeests... I doubt she well float for long.

This time there are 12 Vildebeest IVs from Rangoon
AP Ayato Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Argentina Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

The Allied flyers are relentless, this time coming from from Mandalay with 4 Blenheim IVs, 3 Wellington IIIs, and 3 Hudson I’s:
AP Ayato Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage– 500 pound GP bombs from Blenheim IVs (1 was a dud)
AP Atsuta Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage– 2 x 500 pound GP bombs from Blenheim IVs, 2 from Wellingtons
AP Yamato Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage– 500 pound GP bombs from Blenheim IVs

And they are merciless, figuratively bayoneting the wounded - 28 B17s pick off crippled ships:
AP Atsuta Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage– 500 pound GP bombs -SINKS!!
AP Yamato Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bombs
AP Argentina Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bombs
AP Ayato Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bombs - SINKS!!!

Five Albacores from Rangoon add to the carnage:
AP Hokuriku Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

And seven Swordfish get in on the act as well:
AK Sasako Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Lastly six more Rangoon-based Blenheims put in an appearance:
AK Nako Maru, Bomb hits 1– 500 pound GP bomb

I’ve left off a few unsuccessful air attacks in the area... let’s just say the B-17s are a lot less successful when the ships are able to maneuver and steam at full speed.

7) In their continuing war against green dots, Rekata Bay is invaded.

8) Mike’s troops score a couple of successes in China, forcing the defenders near the Vietnam border back with his 1st and 2nd Yobi Eki Regiments, and capturing Hangchow from some badly outnumbered and out of supply defenders. [:(]

9) There are the usual bombardment attacks, and the Chinese are once again subjected to relentless aerial bombing attacks.

[rtrapasso]

oops - hit "quote" instead of "edit"... [8|]

[rtrapasso]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/18/42 – Some sub action as well as more punishment by Allied Flyboys on Japanese Dog troops:

1) First, a Dutch sub scores near Victoria Point - the KXI makes this attack on the surface:
AP Netsuda Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – at least 1 x 88 mm. shell hit, 450 mm. H1 torpedo hit.

2) Oh, the pain, the pain: [8D]
AP Argun Maru SINKS at Koepang!!! This was from the effects of damage taken off N. Oz when fliers from Broome hit her with 2 x 250 pound bombs and a torpedo.

3) AP Conte Verde, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 88 mm gun attack, and 2 x 450 mm. H1 torpedoes. SINKS!!!
Allied Ships
SS KVII – this attack was led by the semi-useless sub commander who failed to attack the last several times in a row. Finally, on encountering the crippled Conte Verde, he finishes her off!

4) KXI on a (mini)rampage, finishes off the ship she wounded earlier:
AP Netsuda Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 2 x 533 mm. W1 torpedoes - SINKS with her C.O., and Ikaiei SNLF troops aboard - some are rescued from the water. Historically, the Dutch used 21" British torpedoes (= 533 mm.) after they (quickly) ran out of their home-grown stock.
Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
KXI is promptly damaged by an air attack to pay for her kill.


5) The British submariners, feeling the pressure, get in on the game:
Sub attack near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 32, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage – 2 x Mk VIII 21" torpedoes - SINKS with her skipper!!! (woo-hooo!! Another APD under the waves!!)
APD Patrol Boat No. 39
Allied Ships
SS Truant – Truant, along with Trusty is a leading scorer. [:)]

6) 24th Fighter Sentai tries a sweep: 54 Oscars attack Rangoon’s CAP:
Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 11
Hurricane IIb x 62
P-40B Tomahawk x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 8 destroyed, 15 damaged
Ki-15 Babs: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 2 damaged
Hurricane IIb: 5 destroyed, 47 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

7) Bruce then sends in a couple of waves of planes to attack Rangoon... good tactics (unfortunately)... I’ve found these wave attacks quickly wear down the defenders:
Japanese aircraft – from Bangkok
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 8 – 59th Fighter Sentai, 65th Fighter Sentai
Ki-21-II Sally x 24 – 12th Heavy Sentai, 60th Heavy Sentai
Ki-48-I Lily x 45 – 75th Light Sentai, 67th Light Sentai, 8th Light Sentai, 16th Light Sentai
vs. 11 x Fulmars, 57 Hurris, 8 x P-40Bs,

One Sally and three Lilys shot down, vs. several Allied fighters damaged, and a few hits on the runway and airbase.

The next attack is a lot more painful:
A6M2 Zero x 38 – F1/Tainan Daitai
Ki-21-II Sally x 58 – 98th Heavy Sentai, 62nd Heavy Sentai
Ki-49 Helen x 22 – 14th Heavy Sentai
Allied fighters are 5 Fulmars, 25 Hurri, and 4 Tomahawks...

Losses: 3 Zeros and 1 Sally shot down vs. 2 Fulmars, 13 Hurris, and 8 Tomahawks destroyed [:(](Some of this on the ground when more hits are obtained on the airbase and field.)

8) Rangoon’s bombers are still ready to go though, and score more successes:
Three Blenheim I’s hit first:
AK Hokusui Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bomb

The 14 Swordfish, and 3 Blenheims swoop in through the clouds:
AP Yamato Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – 500 pound GP bomb
AP Argentina Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage – 18" Mark XII aerial torpedo - SINKS!!!

9) Wyndham and various Japanese troops in N. Oz are bombed by Niceguy’s fliers.

10) A bunch of Chinese troops are once again bombed.

11) Various and sundry usual artillery duals...

12) Broome is attacked - it holds, but looses a fort:
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 902 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 108 – 2nd Engineer Regiment, Sasebo 3rd SNLF, 3rd NLF
Defending force 1540 troops, 0 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 1 – No. 107th RAAF Base Force (adjusted to 2 to 1)

13) Lastly, the hapless Engineers (No. 109 RAN Base Force) that had been defending Wyndham and had been retreating down the long road to Katherine undergo an assault from the 7th Tank Regiment... they consequently retreat rather faster!

EDIT: Here are the losses i compiled for selected ship classes:

Update on IJN losses........Allied
Apr. 18....Apr 01................Apr 18......Apr 01
CA.......1........1.....................0.............0
CS.......1........1.....................0.............0
CL........0........0....................4.............4
DM.......0........0....................1.............1
AV.......1........0.....................5.............5
DD.......5........5...................18...........18
APD.....5........1....................0............ 0
AO.......0........0....................4.............3

AR........0.......0.....................2...........2
AS........0.......0.....................1...........1
MSW..15.......7.....................5...........3
PG.......4........2...................10.........10
SC.......0........0....................1............1
PT.......0........0...................30..........30
ML.......2........1....................1.............1
PC.......7........2....................2.............1
TK.......1........1....................6.............5
SS.......7........6..................11.............9
AP.....45......26....................6.............6
AK....68.......29..................58...........51

TOT.162......82 ...............165.........151
PTS...........602................870.........779


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