Variants - Empire Side - Game over

[Xargun]

More British bombers arrived on target at Uttaradit, furthering the damage there.

Morning Air attack on Uttaradit , at 59,56

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 7 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4



I put some Franks and Nicks up on LR CAP at Toungoo to try to kill some British Hurricanes. The air battle came out in my favor but only by half a dozen fighters - not worth the losses for that little victory.

Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 22
Ki-84r Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
===
Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 21
Ki-84r Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
===
Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 17
Ki-84r Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 2 destroyed
===
Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 12
Ki-84r Frank x 5

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
===
Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 12
Ki-84r Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses


The turn ended with some more Chinese artillery shells actually inflicting some losses on my men at Lashio.

Ground combat at Lashio (62,46)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30687 troops, 204 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1403

Defending force 10287 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 367

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

Assaulting units:
14th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
9th Group Army

Defending units:
59th Infantry Brigade
11th Garrison Unit


Xargun

[Xargun]

I am quite pleased with my new Escorts. They have really ramped up their ASW abilities. The E Mutsure has now been authorized to put a 2nd allied sub on their kill board. The SS Gato took 3 Depth Charge hits and then surfaced in time to catch 3 shells from the Mutsure's 12cm gun before sinking.

Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 98,58

Japanese Ships
E Mutsure
E Matsuwa

Allied Ships
SS Gato, hits 10, and is sunk


The allies are on the move in the SRA with landings at both Ternate and Manado. Looks like he is rushing the invasions as the units took heavy losses from the landings. If I had a real fighting force at either location I could possibly hold them.

Pre-Invasion action off Ternate (78,102)

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead
DD Aylwin
SC PC-1078
SC PC-578
SC Force
LCI-217

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Amphibious Assault at Ternate (78,102)

TF 465 troops unloading over beach at Ternate, 78,102

Allied ground losses:
651 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 124 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 99 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 78 (0 destroyed, 78 disabled)
Vehicles lost 79 (1 destroyed, 78 disabled)
===
Pre-Invasion action off Manado (75,99)

Allied Ships
CL Trenton
CL Detroit
DD Cushing
SC-981
SC-750
SC-749
SC-640
LCI-84

Japanese ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Amphibious Assault at Manado (75,99)

TF 477 troops unloading over beach at Manado, 75,99

Allied ground losses:
873 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 166 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 97 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 79 (0 destroyed, 79 disabled)
Vehicles lost 78 (0 destroyed, 78 disabled)


So I stood down my LR CAP over Toungoo but forgot the Nicks so they still flew and got slaughtered by themselves.

Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses
===
Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses



And the turn ends with another futile Chinese bombardment at Lashio.

Ground combat at Lashio (62,46)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 41243 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1407

Defending force 10278 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 366

Assaulting units:
14th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
9th Group Army

Defending units:
59th Infantry Brigade
11th Garrison Unit


Xargun

[Xargun]

More allied subs begin to filter into the waters west of Japan - in the main convoy routes. My ASW TFs do a decent job finding and prosecuting them; including landing 2 depth charge hits on SS Barb and one hit on SS Kingfish. Not sure if they are enough to send those subs home, but damage is damage.

Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 99,58

Japanese Ships
E Iki

Allied Ships
SS Kingfish, hits 1
===
ASW attack near Fukue-jima at 99,58

Japanese Ships
E Matsuwa
E Iki

Allied Ships
SS Drum
===
Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 98,58

Japanese Ships
E Iki

Allied Ships
SS Barb, hits 8


Allied bombers showed up over Rangoon - I knew they would be coming - but Franks repair so slowly. I just don't have the numbers to stay in the fighter business in Burma. But Rangoon has several AA units so they inflicted some actual damage on the bombers.

Afternoon Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-29A Hudson x 8
Liberator II x 16
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-29A Hudson: 2 damaged
A-29A Hudson: 1 destroyed by flak
Liberator II: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 35
===
Afternoon Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-29A Hudson x 8

Allied aircraft losses
A-29A Hudson: 3 damaged

Runway hits 1
===
Afternoon Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9
===
Afternoon Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
B-24D1 Liberator x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 24

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 14
Runway hits 16
===
Afternoon Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7


The allied divisions at Ternate and Manado attack capturing both bases.

Ground combat at Ternate (78,102)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9914 troops, 211 guns, 285 vehicles, Assault Value = 216

Defending force 413 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Allied adjusted assault: 91

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 91 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Ternate !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
470 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 30 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

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

Assaulting units:
37th Infantry Division

Defending units:
65th Nav Gd /4
===
Ground combat at Manado (75,99)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10016 troops, 211 guns, 205 vehicles, Assault Value = 262

Defending force 973 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

Allied adjusted assault: 113

Japanese adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Manado !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
491 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
43rd Infantry Division

Defending units:
65th Naval Guard Unit



Xargun

[Xargun]

My subs finally find an easy target and sink it !!

Sub attack near Taliaboe at 72,104

Japanese Ships
SS I-172

Allied Ships
xAKL Ngakuta, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



Allied troops land at Sidate - chasing my retreating troops.

Pre-Invasion action off Sidate (75,100)

Allied Ships
SC Adroit
LCI-402
DD Reid
APA President Polk
===
Amphibious Assault at Sidate (75,100)

TF 456 troops unloading over beach at Sidate, 75,100

Allied ground losses:
465 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 73 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 90 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 24 (0 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Vehicles lost 23 (0 destroyed, 23 disabled)


Another artillery attack at Lashio - the gig is up - my other troops just moved south leaving the Thai unit by itself. I expect an attack next turn - not sure they will hold.

Ground combat at 62,45 (near Lashio)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 79055 troops, 434 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3460

Defending force 2205 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 123

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

Assaulting units:
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
55th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
31st Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
12th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
24th Indian Engineer Battalion
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Group Army
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Group Army

Defending units:
3rd RTA/A Division


The Chinese troops at Lashio get cocky and attack. My single Rgt there takes some losses but repels them.

Ground combat at Lashio (62,46)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41242 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1406

Defending force 4336 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 161

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5

Allied adjusted assault: 802

Japanese adjusted defense: 442

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 5

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

Japanese ground losses:
212 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1068 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 49 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
75th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
9th Group Army

Defending units:
11th Garrison Unit



Xargun

[Xargun]

Because I was foolish and did not move my sub last turn an allied ASW TF moved in and sank her

ASW attack near Taliaboe at 72,104

Japanese Ships
SS I-172, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DE Parrott



Another day of bombing at Palembang - targeting my troops.

Afternoon Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 36

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 24

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


The invasion at Sidate captures the base, but somehow my beat up unit there survives.

Ground combat at Sidate (75,100)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3169 troops, 42 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 91

Defending force 542 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6

Allied adjusted assault: 42

Japanese adjusted defense: 4

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Sidate !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
11th NZ Brigade

Defending units:
65th Naval Guard Unit



Allies tried a bombardment attack at Toungoo - mostly to see what all I have defending it.

Ground combat at Toungoo (57,50)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 222660 troops, 2310 guns, 1538 vehicles, Assault Value = 7322

Defending force 47079 troops, 588 guns, 1549 vehicles, Assault Value = 1817

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
25th Indian Division
8th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
2nd British Division
20th Indian Division
XV Corps Engineer Battalion
23rd Indian Division
9th Indian Division
Gardner's Horse Regiment
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
26th Indian Division
1st Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
50th Tank Brigade
86th Chinese Corps
14th Chindit Brigade
9th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
6th Construction Regiment
5th Indian Division
16th Group Army
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
103rd RAF Base Force
8th Medium Regiment
8th Belfast Heavy AA Regiment
2nd Indian Heavy AA Regiment
26th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Regiment
22nd Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
1st Tank Division
25th Division
2nd Tank Division
12th Tank Regiment
17th Division
14th Guards Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment



Near Lashio the allies attack crushing the Thai unit and forcing it to retreat into the mountains to the east, The unit is disorganized and needs a day or two to be able to do anything with it; but at least it retreated in a useful direction.

Ground combat at 62,45 (near Lashio)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 96345 troops, 475 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3460

Defending force 2193 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 122

Allied adjusted assault: 2370

Japanese adjusted defense: 7

Allied assault odds: 338 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1032 casualties reported
Squads: 180 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (7 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
426 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
55th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
61st Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
12th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
24th Indian Engineer Battalion
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Group Army
8th Group Army

Defending units:
3rd RTA/A Division




Allied bombardment at Taung Gyi send allies soldiers scurrying for cover.

Ground combat at Taung Gyi (59,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72918 troops, 494 guns, 135 vehicles, Assault Value = 2692

Defending force 31578 troops, 286 guns, 89 vehicles, Assault Value = 1117

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
99th Chinese Corps
150th RAC Regiment
19th Indian Division
36th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Corps
4th War Area
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Group Army

Defending units:
35th Division
65th/B Division
2nd Division
65th/C Division
1st RF Gun Battalion



And a final artillery bombardment at Lashio does nothing.

Ground combat at Lashio (62,46)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 40399 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1310

Defending force 4121 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 138

Assaulting units:
14th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
9th Group Army

Defending units:
11th Garrison Unit



Xargun

[Xargun]

I really wish there was a 'Do Not engage' button on the TF screen. I lose way too many subs mining enemy ports because they had to fire some torpedoes at an enemy DD that they will never hit - and then get pounced on by ASW forces and sunk. Allied AMs and DMS (Which I did not spot) cleared the mines the same turn I laid them.

ASW attack near Madjene at 65,103

Japanese Ships
SS I-158, hits 1

Allied Ships
AM Jan van Amstel
===
Sub attack near Madjene at 65,103

Japanese Ships
SS I-155, hits 28, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher



More worthless allied bombing at Toungoo. I damage a couple planes but nothing much to speak of. B-25s came in low and paid the price. IJA AA isn't very strong, but if you come in low enough it will sting you.


Morning Air attack on 25th Division, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
===
Morning Air attack on 25th Division, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
===
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank Division, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 9 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 17th Division, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 24

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 10 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed by flak


Sidate falls to the enemy but the beat up Naval Guard Unit there somehow survives.

Ground combat at Sidate (75,100)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3169 troops, 42 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 91

Defending force 441 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Allied adjusted assault: 37

Japanese adjusted defense: 4

Allied assault odds: 9 to 1

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

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

Assaulting units:
11th NZ Brigade

Defending units:
65th Naval Guard Unit


Allied artillery fires on Toungoo - IJA guns fire back inflicting minor losses.

Ground combat at Taung Gyi (59,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72948 troops, 494 guns, 135 vehicles, Assault Value = 2695

Defending force 31592 troops, 286 guns, 89 vehicles, Assault Value = 1118

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
36th Chinese Corps
150th RAC Regiment
19th Indian Division
99th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Corps
4th War Area
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Group Army

Defending units:
35th Division
65th/B Division
2nd Division
65th/C Division
1st RF Gun Battalion



Xargun

[Xargun]

I moved a bunch of Franks up to Toungoo in an attempt to hurt some bombers. Not sure what the difference is, but the
P-47D Thunderbolts ripped through my Franks. Not sure if it was an XP thing or simple luck. But my Franks definitely took it on the chin.

Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 127

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
===
Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 111

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
===
Morning Air attack on 25th Division, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 91

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses
===
Morning Air attack on 25th Division, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 90

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 89

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
===
Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 79

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses



My Helens also hit the allied mass at Toungoo.

Morning Air attack on 50th Chinese Corps, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 39
Ki-84r Frank x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 28 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 50th Chinese Corps, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 25
Ki-84r Frank x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 7 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 1st Chinese Corps, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 15
Ki-84r Frank x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 7 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed by flak
===
Morning Air attack on 25th Indian Division, at 57,50 (Toungoo)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 17
Ki-84r Frank x 52

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 9 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

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


Allied troops attack again at Sidate finally destroying my Naval Guard Unit there.

Ground combat at Sidate (75,100)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3169 troops, 42 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 91

Defending force 445 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Allied adjusted assault: 77

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 77 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
516 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
11th NZ Brigade

Defending units:
65th Naval Guard Unit



Another artillery bombardment at Toungoo goes poorly for the allies.

Ground combat at Taung Gyi (59,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72916 troops, 494 guns, 135 vehicles, Assault Value = 2690

Defending force 31605 troops, 286 guns, 89 vehicles, Assault Value = 1121

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

Assaulting units:
19th Indian Division
150th RAC Regiment
36th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Corps
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
4th War Area
14th Group Army

Defending units:
2nd Division
65th/B Division
35th Division
65th/C Division
1st RF Gun Battalion


Xargun

[Xargun]

A brave allied sub engages a TK convoy near Takao in shallow waters. The SS Redfin fires 2 torpedoes and lands one of them on a TK but then gets pounced on by the escorts, forced to surface and than sunk via gunfire.

Sub attack near Takao at 83,64

Japanese Ships
TK Akatsuki Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
TK Tatekawa Maru
TK Rikko Maru
TK Nissyo Maru
E W-9
E W-8
E W-7, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Redfin, hits 11, heavy damage



As expected, heavy Fighter sweeps over Toungoo but my Franks are already elsewhere safe and sound - whats left of them.


Xargun

[Xargun]

While the allies fighters are concentrating on sweeping Tougoo, my Helens strike at Bassein hitting the Chinese unit there again.

Morning Air attack on 18th Chinese Corps, at 54,52 (Bassein)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 55

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Chinese Corps, at 54,52 (Bassein)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged

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



Xargun

[Xargun]

More air strikes at Bassein punish the Chinese there a bit more.

Morning Air attack on 18th Chinese Corps, at 54,52 (Bassein)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 35

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Chinese Corps, at 54,52 (Bassein)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 28

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Chinese Corps, at 54,52 (Bassein)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged

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


I was moving some forces into position and they came upon an allied sub. They managed to sink it before it got off any shots.

Submarine attack near Samarinda at 68,96

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
DD Yamagumo
DD Natsugumo
DD Isonami
DD Usugumo
DD Ikazuchi
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
SS Salmon, hits 33, and is sunk


Xargun

[Xargun]

Well I was trying to move my CVEs into position to sprint into Balikpapan, supported by a BB-led surface force and try to load up and get some fuel and oil out of there - there is over 200k of each sitting there. While waiting for the tankers to catch up so they could all move together under the CAP umbrella, the allies spotted them and had more forces in the area than I thought. A TF led by 2 US BBs showed up and disrupted my plans. Not a single torpedo landed and most of the Yamashiro's shots either missed or bounced off enemy armor

Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 68,96, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsushio, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Oshio, Shell hits 2
DD Michishio, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Arashio, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 5
BB Indiana, Shell hits 3
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 4
DD Anthony, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD LaVallette, Shell hits 2
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 1
DD Waller, Shell hits 1
DD Fanning
DD Downes, Shell hits 2, on fire

The enemy TF then plowed right into my CVE TF, which actually put up more of a fight than I thought they would. Surveying the damage after the fight nothing was heavily damaged, not even the Taiyo.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 68,96, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVE Hosho
CVE Taiyo, Shell hits 3, on fire
CVE Unyo, Shell hits 1
CVE Chuyo
CVE Shinyo
CVE Kaiyo, Shell hits 2
CA Kako, Shell hits 2
DD Natsugumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Arare, Shell hits 2
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Ikazuchi
DD Usugumo
DD Isonami, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Indiana, Shell hits 2
DD Fletcher, on fire
DD Anthony, on fire
DD LaVallette
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 2
DD Waller
DD Fanning
DD Downes, Shell hits 1, heavy fires



Xargun

[Xargun]

After the loss in the surface battles, I expected the allies to push their advantage and I ordered everything to retreat. It seems the allies did the same, but in the opposite direction. Maybe the damage to the US BBs was worse than I thought?

Unfortunately while retreating the CVE TF ran over an enemy sub who put 2 torpedoes into the Shinyo sinking her The second torpedo caused a fuel storage explosion which is probably the cause of the loss. What stinks about that is I just upgrades all of the fighters on the CVEs to brand new A7M2 Sams and was itching to test them. Now 30 of them are at the bottom of the ocean without ever seeing combat

Sub attack near Tandjoengselor at 69,95

Japanese Ships
CVE Shinyo, Torpedo hits 1
CA Kako
DD Akatsuki
DD Arare
DD Minegumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Natsugumo
DD Isonami
DD Usugumo
DD Ikazuchi
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack
===
Sub attack near Tandjoengselor at 69,95

Japanese Ships
CVE Shinyo, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack, hits 3


Xargun

[Xargun]

More allied sweeps in Burma go unopposed. Same at Palembang. The sweeps at Palembang are followed by bombers hitting my troops.

Morning Air attack on 10th Militia Regiment, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 96

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 113th JAAF AF Bn , at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 33
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 57 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Allied losses
===
Morning Air attack on 5th Amphibious Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

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



Allied bombers have started to hit Balikpapan so the invasion must be coming.

Afternoon Air attack on 12th Base Force, at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 152
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 12th Base Force, at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 136
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 18th JNAF AF Unit , at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 120
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 18th JNAF AF Unit , at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 131
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 41st Infantry Regiment, at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 48
F6F-3 Hellcat x 122

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 17 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
160 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 41st Infantry Regiment, at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16
F6F-3 Hellcat x 117

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 8 damaged

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


And here is the invasion forces landing...

Pre-Invasion action off Balikpapan (64,97)

77 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Trenton
CL Detroit
DD Cushing
DD Hughes
DD Sims
LST-19
LST-26
LST-23

Japanese ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Amphibious Assault at Balikpapan (64,97)

TF 367 troops unloading over beach at Balikpapan, 64,97

Allied ground losses:
1103 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 252 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 136 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 92 (0 destroyed, 92 disabled)
Vehicles lost 66 (0 destroyed, 66 disabled)

12 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 8th Australian Div /9


Xargun

[Xargun]

More troops wade ashore at Balikpapap.

Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)

30 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Trenton
CL Detroit
DD Cushing
DD Sims
LST-26
DD Hughes
LST-27
LST-28
LST-25

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

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LST-26
LST-25
LST-28
===
Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LST-29
LST-28
LST-25
LST-27
LST-26

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LST-29
LST-25
LST-26

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



Allies continue to hammer Palembang - an attack must be coming soon.

Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 36

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 10th Militia Regiment, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 36

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 10th Militia Regiment, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 36

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 5th Amphibious Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 5th Amphibious Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 48

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 21th JNAF AF Unit , at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 64

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 113th JAAF AF Bn , at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 21
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 113th JAAF AF Bn , at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Allied losses
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 5th Amphibious Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Allied losses


The turn ends with allied troops attacking Balikpapan.

Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4709 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 199

Defending force 12350 troops, 176 guns, 342 vehicles, Assault Value = 446

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

Assaulting units:
41st Infantry Regiment
16th Naval Guard Unit
12th Base Force
18th JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
2/5th Armoured Regiment
2/4th Armoured Regiment
8th Australian Division
===
Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12350 troops, 176 guns, 342 vehicles, Assault Value = 446

Defending force 9270 troops, 63 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 194

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Allied adjusted assault: 238

Japanese adjusted defense: 104

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
954 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 113 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
2/4th Armoured Regiment
2/5th Armoured Regiment
8th Australian Division

Defending units:
41st Infantry Regiment
16th Naval Guard Unit
12th Base Force
18th JNAF AF Unit



Xargun

[Xargun]

More troops come ashore at Balikpapan and there is nothing I can do about it.

Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LST-29
LST-28
LST-27
LST-25

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Pre-Invasion action off Balikpapan (64,97)

55 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead
DD Farragut
DD Reid
APA Fayette

Japanese ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
===
Amphibious Assault at Balikpapan (64,97)

TF 444 troops unloading over beach at Balikpapan, 64,97

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 29 (0 destroyed, 29 disabled)
===
Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead
APA Fayette



I setup another ambush at Palembang with my Franks from Singapore. Not as effective as it would have been if they were basing from Palembang but still did a great job. While I didn't get my main target of medium / heavy bombers I do rack up a lot of kills. By the time the mediums and heavies came along my LRCAP was done - though I did catch one group of heavies in the afternoon.

Overall losses were 12 Franks (6 in air to air; rest to ops) in exchange for 85 enemy aircraft (80 due to air to air; 5 from flak/ops). 40 SB2C-1C Helldivers, 35 SBD-5 Dauntless, 4 B-25D1 Mitchells, 3 SBD-3 Dauntless and 1 B-25C Mitchell.


Morning Air attack on 5th Amphibious Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 44

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 36

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 14 destroyed, 1 damaged
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 22

Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 54

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 13 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 36

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 10th Militia Regiment, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 80

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Afternoon Air attack on 5th Amphibious Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 35

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



The troops at Balikpapan got the lion's share of the bombers and took a beating.

Morning Air attack on 12th Base Force, at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
TBF-1 Avenger x 36

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 16th Naval Guard Unit, at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 18th JNAF AF Unit , at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 31

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 12 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
===
Morning Air attack on 41st Infantry Regiment, at 64,97 (Balikpapan)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 32

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 8 damaged

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


Then came the attack at Balikpapan which kicked my men out and they retreated to Samarinda.

Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12300 troops, 176 guns, 342 vehicles, Assault Value = 441

Defending force 8136 troops, 63 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 98

Allied adjusted assault: 190

Japanese adjusted defense: 26

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied forces CAPTURE Balikpapan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
2609 casualties reported
Squads: 94 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 138 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 30 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 28 (26 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 4

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2/5th Armoured Regiment
2/4th Armoured Regiment
8th Australian Division
3rd USN Naval Construction Regiment
7th USN Naval Construction Regiment

Defending units:
41st Infantry Regiment
16th Naval Guard Unit
12th Base Force
18th JNAF AF Unit


Xargun

[Xargun]

A pretty slow turn with the usual bombings at Toungoo, Palembang and now Samarinda (instead of Balikpapan).

In the mountains east of Lashio the Chinese attacked a lone IJA Brigade assigned with holding as long as possible. The Chinese have been bombarding, but decide to attack pushing the troops back towards Paoshan. The beatup Brigade has been ordered to retreat to Paoshan for reinforcements.

Ground combat at 63,45 (near Bhamo)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 93299 troops, 497 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3286

Defending force 6007 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 210

Allied adjusted assault: 2603

Japanese adjusted defense: 307

Allied assault odds: 8 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
3218 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 168 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 22 (10 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
652 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 77 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
31st Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
61st Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
85th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
24th Indian Engineer Battalion
3rd Group Army
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Group Army

Defending units:
59th Infantry Brigade


Xargun

[Xargun]

I setup some LR CAP over Prome to see if any allied transports where bringing in supplies - they weren't - but I got a surprise anyways. Apparently the leader decided to take his Franks to Toungoo instead. The target was Prome and range set 3, but they appeared over Toungoo at range 4 instead. Odd. I killed more than I lost but I don't like units disobeying.


Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 47,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 36

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
===
Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 45,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 14

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 67

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed


The usual bombings then came at Toungoo, Palembang and Samarinda.

At the end of the turn came the attack on Palembang. Allied tried stormed across the river and shock attacked. The fighting was bitter but in the end the allies overcame my defenses and pushed my troops out to the North. Apparently my engineers had the entire place wired to blow up as Nomad and I shared before/after intel and the entire base is wrecked. It was the Japanese worst nightmare - all oil and refineries leveled to 0. That would be a game over if he was the Japanese.

Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 101924 troops, 1378 guns, 2398 vehicles, Assault Value = 3540

Defending force 15844 troops, 174 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 481

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Allied adjusted assault: 5739

Japanese adjusted defense: 82

Allied assault odds: 69 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Palembang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
3525 casualties reported
Squads: 101 destroyed, 197 disabled
Non Combat: 188 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 56 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 117 (96 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Vehicles lost 73 (73 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 6

Allied ground losses:
2209 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 143 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 17 destroyed, 109 disabled
Guns lost 19 (2 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 47 (1 destroyed, 46 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
104th Combat Engineer Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
1st Australian Division
6th Australian Division
1st Army Tank Regiment
5th Australian Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
2nd Australian Division
4th Australian Division
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
7th Australian Division
4th Armoured Brigade
148th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Medium Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
131st Field Artillery Battalion
134th Field Artillery Battalion
147th Field Artillery Regiment
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
98th Field Artillery Battalion
2/13th Field Regiment
2nd Medium Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
1st RAA Jungle Regiment

Defending units:
18th Division
5th Amphibious Brigade
10th Militia Regiment
21th JNAF AF Unit
113th JAAF AF Bn
4th Air Army /6


Xargun

[Xargun]

Nomad and I have been talking for a couple weeks now and we have decided to call this game over. He was very surprised at how little I defended the SRA and to be honest I am laying the blame fully on my shoulders. I am slow moving troops out and simply neglected the area with only a token defense. Then when he started invading I was slow in moving reinforcements into the area.

Early in the SRA KB attacked one of his landings but it was protected by his CVE deathstar and Hellcats. My A6M3a and A6M5c zeroes died in droves to the Hellcats and he mauled my Vals and Kates. Judys and Jills were just coming online and they hadn't made their way to the CVs yet. I lost 100+ planes but worse was the loss of all those skilled Naval Pilots. With that I kind of retreated and for a couple game weeks I was afraid to move anything into the area thinking that was his CV deathstar and not just fighter-laden CVEs. By then he was landing on Java and had a foothold - there was no way I could dislodge him and I was to afraid of moving in reinforcements. By the time I realized what was going on Soerabaja had fell and he was marching on Batavia.

I tried again with CVs to thwart him but ran into his CVEs again with the same result - 100+ aircraft lost and no damage inflicted. This really put me in a funk and I felt like there was no stopping him. Franks had just started to come online and Sams were still months away.

Overall I was overly concerned with Burma and South Pacific and all but forgot about the SRA underbelly and he found it - game over basically. In my defense this is the longest game I have played - most of my previous games end in late 1942. I have only had one other game go into 43.

I have learned a lot - especially about defending against the overwhelming air / firepower of the US. Also that many of my thoughts on the economy in 43 were wrong... But that is all water under the bridge. We are working on another game, this time with a crazy 400 points each !! Yeah some of you think its completely crazy to use points at all, but I like the idea. It allows me to alter the game to my style and fill some of the spots I think Japan is weak in.

Currently Nomad has spent most (if not all) of his points while I still have 150 or so to decide on. Then once we are done, it will be a couple weeks for Nomad to make all the database changes and for us to get the game going. We both talked about slowing the pace down and I'm all for it - I tend to rush turns to simply get them done and this is costing me in lack of planning and execution, so I need to slow down. I will probably do another AAR - which will be easier with 1-2 less turns a day. Once we are closer to starting I will make a final decision and begin posting if I am doing one.

I want to thank those of you who stayed with me and read even though I wasn't consistent in posting and those who gave some advice when I asked. I was hoping for more interaction with the readers and realize my AAR is dry but if I knew how to liven it up some I would - comments and suggestions are welcome.

I plan on posting some end game stats while Nomad and I run another week or so of turns - we both want a CV showdown but I need a bit more time to produce enough Sams for the showdown...

Xargun