Pauk's corner: sake break for Japanese fanboys

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/15/42

CHINA

Raids on Kweiyang (50 Sallys) and Chungking.


Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 60
Ki-49 Helen x 34
Ki-15 Babs x 3

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
SB-2c: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 37

Nice raid - 8 SB-2c destroyed in both mission, while some of my green Zero pilots gained experience, killing chinese pilots. One of them (2 kills) is now at 60, while two other (1 kill each) are in mid 50s. Not a bad for their very first mission. Only one pilot is lost - operational loss.


Day Air attack on Dacca , at 31,24

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 4 destroyed, 8 damaged

Phew! I've sent Nells on resource raid. No hits, and 6 Nells are lost. Fortunatly they aren't crack pilots (they were regulars - app 65 exp)


SS Porpoise found again and hit with 4 250kg bombs. Poor sub, she did not have chance to survive. "Dirty Harry", Commander of sub goes down with her - his name was Callaghan [:)]

PACIFIC - Baker island captured with NLF.

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/16/42

Nothing to report.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/17/42

Not eventful turn, but one accident could me cost a much. Alf from my "Armada" fleet located enemy ships in the Indian ocean!


I was thinking what to do, and finally choose: as you can see from the screenie, most of my ships will try to hide themselfs - i've also reduced their search planes to range 4. My plan is simple - oredered CS to sail (full speed) towards enemy 's ships and hope that Andy will think that Alfs coming from her. I've also detach SCL Shosho and sent her to west.

Well it wasn't easy decision, temptation to sink enemy ships (are these transports loaded with troops?)was great. But, I'm expecting that Andy will disperse his ships and in that case i would probably sink one or two ships....

Enemy ships could be protected with CVs and in that case i can say goodby to Mizuho and Shoho. But I'm still hoping that Klokan go is secret and that's why i decide that sinking of several enemy transports is not worth of showing KB position.

One thing is for sure, i can imagine how Japanese felt before Midway. I'm hoping that this operation wont end with similar outcome. My nerves are stretched, but i've already decide!






I have now 430 VP for strategic bombing. Yeah!


Day Air attack on Derby , at 24,85

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
G3M Nell x 49
G4M1 Betty x 52
Ki-21 Sally x 62
Ki-46-II Dinah x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Resources hits 26


Remains of 2nd Burma bde recaptured Myitkina - i've already sent SNLF to deal with that routed unit.

[Sneer]

I will see what will happen with great interest. Going for exotic targets is always interesting to me as I like being aggressive in game

In my game I took all I wanted and will use additional months go dig deeper into ground. I want to have fortresses everywhere. CD guns,infantry and support units ready and in amount high enough to stop one reinforced division assault before half of 42 and two reinforced division before end of 42 - no matter how many BB will support invasion.

Let's assume you will take objectives ( perth). what next ? how long will you stay there? what if he reacts ? and what if you will be ignored for 2-3 months( i'd do that).
enemy can withdraw easily so ground losses inflicted will not be high - HI will be halved anything else ?

[pauk]

hi, i admit it is exotic target[:)]... but as you probably aware,

CENSORED

That's leaves me two gates to keep closed: Burma/Malaya (i'm expecting counterstrike exactly in this area) and Pacific.

IMO, Baby KB + Hiyo and Junyo, together with land based air force will be enough to defend my west frontiers.

So i have to reinforce defence of the Solomons/Marshalls and conduct limited offensives (PM...)

I admit that I'm very reculcant to send my carrier force far away from friendly ports(I'm just don't want to run in his ambush with KB - 100 Mitchells, Liberators or whatever will get through and decimate KB), and knowing Andy's character (he is little bit hasty) i'm expecting that he will have to come to me.

But, we shall se what will happend...

Thanks for interest, it is encouraging for me when someone reads AAR... [:)]

[Sneer]

are you aware you activate "locked" Aussie units that offers allied lot of additional forces ?
of course you are - this one was rhetoric
what LCU are dedicated to conquest of N Australia ??
how much troops are you ready to commit there?

BTW - each AAR become interesting when enters march 42 unless Japan fails in initial offensives [:D]

burma will obviously be place for allied counterattack - how do you look there?

If only i had free 2-3 divisions .... i would gladly go for N Australia too
I would be nice secured from allied for additional year at least

[pauk]

um...no, i'm not aware of that... i never played Allied except one game for experimental reasons (i'm learning young Padawan[:D])... so i don't know anything about "locked" Aussies...[&:]

Australia invasion... all divisions except 55th and 33th... and one from SAA (2th i think, which is badly hurt from Philippine campaign - this one goes to Malaya)....

In month or so i will have enough points to free one division from China or Kwantung and will probably send it to Burma. But i will see, doubt that Andy will try amphibious invasion of Burma. If he tries trough Burma jungles, it will give me enough time to bring additional forces.

My main concern for now is Pacific....

[Sneer]

locked - most aussie units is under Australia HQ which is restricted HQ so Allied cann't move these units out of continent - even PM is to be reinforced by SW PAC units. so you go to fight forces which can't fight you for a very long time ( unless he buys them out what takes a lot of time)

be careful about pacific - it builds up slowly and time is even more critical than on other theaters as a fury of US military very likely goes there

also without pressure on PM /Nomua he can leave east Oz under building up SW Pac forces and throw amost all Aussie troops on you

[pauk]

oh, yes, now i can remember that I was read this in manual when i bought game. Well it's too late now and have to live with unlocking...

thanks for advices, Sneer...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/18/42


CHINA

Another air raid on Kunming resources - Andy has now 100 less supply from this base. Unforutnatly, raid from Wuhan on Chungking was aborted due bad weather.

As i stated earlier, i have no illusion that i can conquere china, especially after bad performance at the notorious crossroad. Anyway, i'm back there on 5.500 AP and two more divisions coming so it's mean that i will have more than 6.000 AP (i will wait till my disrupted divisions regain some of disabled sqads, so hope that will have app 6.200 AP at the begining of the April). Furthermore, base forces arrived at crossroad and now i have enough support for all units (they are all in the green).

Meanwhile i will bomb Kunmning and Chungking resources, trying to force Andy to reaction. Actually, i would like to see his monsters in big numbers in the China (but not this turn:) for two reasons:

#1. his AFs repairs slowly which means he did not bring lots of air support there. At least 4 chinese air base units are at crossroad.

#2. Although I suspect that i can starve him in China (Oleg's AAR), it might be that he will be faced with supply problems if he send 4E bombers in the theater (does anyone knows how much supply burn 100 4E bombers?) - I've reduced his resource industry, and did not destroyed lot's of his LCUs which means that he must feed almost all of them.



Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 59

No Japanese losses

Resources hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
All Sally bombing at 6000 feet



SRA


Andy withdrew his convoy NE, but my Armada stays hidden. This is not a bad move, he will lost some time with conwoy and have to think what Alf doing there. I said to him only that this Alf not coming form sub so it's up to him to decide what will he do in that particular area.

I'm learning about strategic bombing. Although all three strikes scored app 25 resource hits, effiency drops with every new strike (every new strike destroys less resources). This time i've got only 10 victory points.

Day Air attack on Derby , at 24,85

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
G3M Nell x 47
G4M1 Betty x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 60
Ki-46-II Dinah x 4

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed

Resources hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 7000 feet

Look at this cunning Scott. He sent PA division and BF hoping not that he could capture Davao (defended with SBF, fort level 3), but that these units will be destroyed - so evacuated cadres would become main unit and start to rebuilt themselfs. Aaaa -aa, no way Andy.


Ground combat at Davao

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 594 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4530 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)



Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/19/42

Again not much action there, but very interesting turn. Actually, we are playing chess here. My subs find his transport fleet.


Sub attack at 3,73

Japanese Ships
SS I-162

Allied Ships
TK British Motorist, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Clive
AK Empire Latimer
MSW Baroda

Fuel cargo burning. Hmmmm... he transporting fuel to Australia. Any Allied expert could explain why.. does India have surplus of fuel?

Andy's move. Lone DD was sent as kamikaze naval search. But my carriers (see picture) are further on south. Hope that he wouldn't change course and head DD to south. I guess he think Alfs coming from CS...






Day Air attack on TF at 10,79

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Edsall

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet

... and would be confused...

A good raid on Ledo. 10 enemy fighters for one Zero lost (ops losses). I've transfered quite a few bomber groups in China and had 5 more ops. That's certainly leave bad taste in my mouth...

Day Air attack on Ledo , at 36,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 76

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 7 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed


Another unsuccesfull attack on Davao with remains of 119th US BF.

CHINA

Last two days my opponent got free intel ("air missions from Wuchow are cancelad"). I usualy withdraw planes from that airfield, but i decide to gamble. Tomorrow forecast is overcast and hope that my bombers will raid resources in the Chungking.

Several W-hawks located in Kunming and I'm aware that Andy could transfer them in Chungking. If he do it, well, my green Zero pilots and army bomber crew are screwed....

I'm observing enemy movement toward Yenen, but I'm still concetrated on crossroads - 5600 AP today - still two division have to come....

[Sneer]

fuel question is extremaly easy
iraq, kuwait and many other terrain was UK protectorate during WWII

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/20/42 and 03/21/42

Agrhhh, he found me at Australia waters! And he waited for me - obviously his intel was good and my tricks not fooled him.

First of all, my carriers found two old American DD's - refugeees from Philippines and sunk them. At this moment i still had hope that he would think it's only carrier force sent in the Indian ocean raid....


Day Air attack on TF at 8,89

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
D3A Val x 44
B5N Kate x 59

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD John D. Edwards, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Parrott, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/21/42

But next day, it start to getting from bad to worse...

Sub attack at 5,91

Japanese Ships
AP Buyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
PG Edo Maru
PG Kamitsu Maru
PC Ch 22
PC Ch 21
PC Ch 20
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 10

Allied Ships
SS Searaven

Japanese ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

As you can see from the picture, lots of subs in the area! Well there is still a slightly hope that these subs were transporting troops to Darwin but i don't believe.

There is no turning back, i have no choice other than proccede with first phase of the Klokan-go. Let's cross our fingers and hope that cunning Scot have no many options to defend Perth...I'm still about 10 hexes from the Perth...

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/22/42


Again, very interesting turn.






CHINA




Bataan captured. SS Skipjack hit with 250 kg bomb near Balikpapan.

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/23/42

Andy wasn't pleased with my naval ASW effort from the carriers. But, IMO i took a significant risk - he could had (and still can have!) at least 4 CVs in the region (2 British and 2 American). Knowing him as a person who like to move carriers "in misterious ways", i consider it as a risk. Just imagine he sent carriers against my while DB and TB are on ASW duty!

Desperate persons take desperate measures (i'm talking about myself).

Damned Allied naval ASW is overrated too.. poor I-6 sinks near Noumea.


ASW attack at 74,114

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

Allied Ships
DD Rathburne
DD Lawrence
DD King
DD Sands

This was only success of his crippled sub force in east Australian waters. Buyo was already damaged and sinks but not before men from 65 bde disembarks on Australian soil!

Sub attack at 7,93

Japanese Ships
AP Buyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported

I think that Tautog get another hit from air (left one Val daitai on ASW duty). I've lost operational report so i can not be sure 100%


Day Air attack on TF at 6,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 112

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 7 destroyed

Dutch TB strike on my ships on extendend range. My Zero deals with them easily.

I'm now 5 hexes from Perth which means bombardment TF will visit Perth next turn. I have two B TF (don't want to risk failure of single bombardment TF), and i've order BB TF 1 to strike on Perth (1 fast BB and 6 cruisers) - CAs have more rapidly fire guns than BBs and hopefully will destroy enemy air force there.

Second BB TF consist of 3 fast BB and one cruiser and will strike in next few days.

Carriers and invasion fleet ordered to approach Pert for another 60 miles (4 hexes). Do not know if Andy have only 15 Hurricanes there (Alfs on recon reported them ) so i've decide to send about 30 Zeros on escort (DBs are on naval /AF attack + 2 Kate groups). Remaining Zeros will provide strong CAP in case that Andy was hiding fighters with longer legs (holding them on escort 0 CAP).

Lets hope that my move was a good one.

CHINA

Sweep from Ichang cant be considered as great success, but I'm still keeps the preasure on Andy in the China.

Day Air attack on Chengtu , at 41,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 2
I-16c x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Crack Zero daitais arrived in China (they are now in Canton, Wuchow) but will wait till fatigue gone..

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/24/42

As i expected naval bombardment of the Perth is not outstanding achivement. But, i can not complain - 10 Beauforts and 6 Hurricanes are destroyed on the ground.

Naval bombardment of Perth, at 7,100


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 3 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Aoba
CA Kumano
CA Atago
CA Takao
BB Haruna


Allied ground losses:
375 casualties reported
Guns lost 15
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 31

Three remaining Beauforts attacked KB and CAP had easy homework - all three are shot down.

Afternoon bombing of Perth AF went good, our losses are acceptable. AF damage is 38 and i've ordered another round for tomorrow. After that i can start bomb his war industry. Invasion fleet approaching Perth and should be two hexes away from the base tomorrow. 1st bombardemt fleet still have enough ammo and we see if we going to include ships from this TF to inv fleet or send them to bombard Perth again....


Day Air attack on Perth , at 7,100

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 126
B5N Kate x 43

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 4 destroyed, 25 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 4 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 72


Myitkyina is recaptured.


As you can see, Andy reinforcing Northern Australia bases. I have no idea of his actual strengh but there is nothing I can do now. In few days i will load Derby invasion forces and that fleet will join with fleets from PI east from Celebes.

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/25/42

Bad weather prevents Perth AF bombing, nothing else happend except one hit on my AK in the Perth area.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/26/42

DDs from KB found SS Dolphin.

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

ASW attack at 6,99

Japanese Ships
DD Fumizuki
DD Kasumi
DD Natsugumo
DD Tanikaze
DD Urakaze
DD Isokaze
DD Akigumo
CA Chikuma
CV Zuikaku

Allied Ships
SS Dolphin, hits 1, heavy damage

She was hit later from air. Here are ASW activity report from commander Yamaguchi.

D3A Val attacking Dolphin at 6,100
Dolphin is reported HIT

E13A1 Jake attacking Searaven at 7,100
Searaven is reported HIT

E8N Dave attacking Searaven at 7,100
Searaven is reported HIT

Perth AF was bombed, but AF is not closed yet (48 sys damage). What makes me worry that only 3 Zeros escored bombers on their mission although Daitai from Hiryu was set on escort 0%.

Well, what to say about invasion. I'm not confident, not at all. He have more than 30 K men, 250 guns and 55 AFV according to last recon reports. I was questioned myself what to do - do i have to recall invasion, do i need to disembark troops north of Perth to avoid losses during amphibious landing (lots of guns there!)...but it would take forever and i dont have time!

I doubt that i have enough forces to capture Perth, and i don't know what i can expect from landings and coastal gun fire. It can be a disaster, i know, but i need experience in that kind of the operations.

Anyway, it was too late to recall operation, my troops are already on the Australian soil, and i guess that Aussie troops are unlocked from that moment.

Well let's see what will happend - i should look at the bright side of it - i have BB FF prior landings and i managed to get here before April the 1st when amph. bonus expires.

EDIT:: I've started a propaganda war aslo - told Andy it is full scale invasion and hope that i will caught and destroy lots of his troops here. Hah! first part is true, but second.... errr....





CHINA

Massive air raid launched from Wuhan. It was success, but that victory is certainly a sign that my Samurais will faced though days soon.

Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 108
Ki-21 Sally x 111
Ki-49 Helen x 12

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 10
P-36A Mohawk x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 27
I-16c x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 13 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 11 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 8 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 29 destroyed
I-16c: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
SB-2c: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 79


A2A - 43:15, destroyed on the ground - 16, overall losses today: Allied 61; Japan 23



Chungking was defended with 453 RAAF (Huricanes) and AVG. Hm, forgot about Mohawks, which shot down some of my crack pilots.. grrrr...

F2 Tainan daitai flew first and took heavy losses - it is now down to 15 pilots....

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/27/42

Hm, it happends what i thought - Andy reinforced Perth and now i'm in serious dilema. But lets see what happend today.


Naval bombardment of Perth, at 7,100

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
DD Uranami
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Shirayuki
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Akatsuki
DD Shigure
DD Asashio
CA Ashigara
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
BB Kongo


Allied ground losses:
638 casualties reported
Guns lost 19

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 17
Port hits 11
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 4


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

ASW attack near Perth at 7,100

Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami
DD Yudachi
DD Hatakaze
CA Takao
PG Edo Maru
PC Ch 22
PG Unkai Maru #1
PG Taiko Maru
PG Okuyo Maru
PG Nishho Maru
MSW Toshi Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Searaven, hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

I think that Searaven is history, although she did not sink - yet

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

Coastal Guns at Perth, 7,100, firing at TF 36
TF 36 troops unloading over beach at Perth, 7,100


596 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AK Syunko Maru, Shell hits 2
DD Harukaze
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Shuko Maru, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 4
CA Aoba, Shell hits 2
AP Tsunushima Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Takao, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
2421 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


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

Coastal Guns at Perth, 7,100, firing at TF 36
TF 36 troops unloading over beach at Perth, 7,100


14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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

Coastal Guns at Perth, 7,100, firing at TF 40
TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Perth, 7,100


510 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 1
AP Tatibana Maru, Shell hits 2
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 8
DD Yakaze
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
DD Hakaze

Japanese ground losses:
2454 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 7

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported

Casaulties aren't enormous, but they are serious...ok, at least transports aren't nailed.


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

Day Air attack on Perth , at 7,100

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 105
E13A1 Jake x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 25 damaged

Resources hits 25

This is becoming serious issue. I've decreased CAP level but same ol' story - only 3 Zeros flying to escort....(i have two CV TF)

I'm not satisfied with strategic bombing too. Scored 25 hits but only 37 resource damaged (less than 100 victory points achived here).


Ground combat at Perth

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29109 troops, 275 guns, 4 vehicles

Defending force 50586 troops, 436 guns, 154 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
111 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

DEPLOYMENT OF FORCES IN THE PERTH






And what to do now. I have no strengh to capture Perth, i think. Maybe it would be a close call but still would be short. If only there isn't Australian armoured unit.....

I need your advice guys - have several options:

#1. embark troops and leave - i don't like it but i would free KB for other operations. As long as KB is near Perth Andy have open hands in other theatres...

#2. Stay with KB few more days and bomb HI and resources. After my troops finish unloading i can try deliberate attack. As i mentioned i'm not hoping i will capture Perth, but doubt that Andy can bring additional reinforcements except via sea.

These troops will be in danger but i think they can hold until Derby is captured - about a month. For phase 2, i have in Soerbaya IM Guard div (PP 18 for Derby), 18th Div (21) and 21 Mix Bde. I can use several smaller units (naval guards, etc) and divisions which are traveling to Java at the moment - 48th div, 56th div, 2nd div, 16 div and 38th div (the least division is still at the Manila). These divisions are preparing for Darwin but i can switch them to Derby/ or take Derby with brutal force.

Once is Derby captured my troops at Perth are free to escape. I can move towards Derby earlier if they found themself in the danger at Perth (I'm clearing railroad with 65 bde).

What do you think guys?

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/28/42

Things are not looking good in Australia. Strategic bombing from KB was cancelad due bad weather and every day more i stay here it become more dangerous. I've decided to give one more day for strategic bombing (but leave most of Kate daitais on naval attack). Bombardment TF's are disbanded - BBs are now part of KB, same as CAs and DDs. But, this additional flak is weak comfort (consolation) if enemy arrives with his carriers. If everything go right, i will create ligth bombardment group (CAs and DD's) and send it to another visit to Perth, just before deliberate attack.

What makes me even more worried is new enemy unit that shows in the hex where 65th bde disembarks! If this is "serious" unit, well than I'm in trouble!

(Strategic redeployment of "Perth invasion group", or "Run Forrest, run-go" is my second choice).

Looks like Andy exactly knows where, when and how i will strike. I assume that allied intel gives him precious infortions. If is that case, than all whining about Allied fanboys of "bad intel design" drops in the water. I'm not complaining and think that intel should be quite effective (as it was in my game against Mac).


Coastal Guns at Perth, 7,100, firing at TF 40
TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Perth, 7,100


277 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki
CA Kumano

Japanese ground losses:

375 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Do i really have chance here?

Ground combat at Perth

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29270 troops, 277 guns, 4 vehicles

Defending force 56354 troops, 461 guns, 196 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Another kill by minelaying sub - maybe I really need to change all my subs to minelaying mission!

Sub attack near Karachi at 21,3

Japanese Ships
SS I-124

Allied Ships
AK Sibolga, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage - sinks -

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

Coastal Guns at Perth, 7,100, firing at TF 40
TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Perth, 7,100


73 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 1
AP Daifuku Maru, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kumano, Shell hits 8

Japanese ground losses:
190 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Derby invasion:

Imperial guard div, 18th div, 21 mix bde and 48 div will join together in next few days. Baby KB is two days from Soerbaya, while second wave assigned for Derby invasion includes 56 div and 2 div...

CHINA

We are trying to close Chungking AF and everything goes smoothly, for now. But what annoys me is that my bomber groups from Wuchow (no HQ but less then 100 ac there) refuses to attack enemy ground units at the crossroads - hey, i know that bombers had smaller chance to take off and bomb ground units, but i guess that founding one unit of 45 in 60 miles hex wouldn't be a problem.


Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-21 Sally x 108
Ki-49 Helen x 12
Ki-15 Babs x 4

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
61 casualties reported

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 71

He withdrew most of his beaten ac groups to Chengtu.

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/29/42

Still don't know what to do with the Perth - i've loaded two divisions and mix bde and transport fleet is now near Bali. Baby KB at Soerbaja with slow BBs

Maybe i should use these divisions for capturing Perth instead Derby?

Pluses

- one Aus div, Aus bde, USMC rtg and Tk rtg will be anihilated (ok, not exactly, there is still enough subs to evacuate cadres).
- enemy forces would be streched all over continent
- enemy can't reinforce Perth except via sea rute

Minuses

- It would take another month till these divisions arrives.
- enemy planing offensive in the other areas, i'm sure. Reinforcing Perth would give Mac additional time for that
- Derby invasion can be suported from Koepang AF, while Perth is isolated (this is + and - in the same time




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My tank rtg was loaded on two AK and now it takes forever to unload.

Coastal Guns at Perth, 7,100, firing at TF 40
TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Perth, 7,100


31 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Otori, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported

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Sub attack at 6,98

Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Sanae
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
SS KIX

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Sub attack near Perth at 7,100

Japanese Ships
AK Tatsufuku Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 22
PG Unkai Maru #1
PG Taiko Maru
PG Okuyo Maru
PG Nishho Maru
PG Edo Maru
MSW Toshi Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Truant


I'm switching targets in the China just to give Andy headche. Also, when i set City bombing i'm sure that planes will attack.
Chungking AF ia offically closed /70 damage/, and another strike on Chungking resources (and oil) ordered.

Sweep over Chengtu is ordered for tomorrow with two Zero daitais. One of them is semi trained (65 exp) but fighters at Chengtu should be demoralised.

Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 60
Ki-49 Helen x 26

No Japanese losses

Resources hits 30

I can't resist, i know. Ordered for tomorrow strategic bombing too - but all Kates are on naval attack now plus one Val daitai. Still only 3 Zeros flying on escort... grrr... no matter what i do. I know that i could be faced with bad cordination (one of my CV TF is well above 200 planes) but something tells me that this is not a case: three time in row 3 zeros flew - if this was bad coordination than number of Zero would be different each time...

Day Air attack on Perth , at 7,100

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 125
B5N Kate x 20
E8N Dave x 2
F1M2 Pete x 2
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged
E8N Dave: 2 destroyed

Heavy Industry hits 34

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
23 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
19 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
17 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
20 x B5N Kate bombing at 7000 feet
24 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
19 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet

It's time for Padang. One more attack and last Dutch base is in my hand... Sub activity noticed in the Padang waters - Palembang is turned into ASW base. Let's hope my bomber crew will caught something.


Ground combat at Padang

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2566 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1363 troops, 4 guns, 2 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

EDIT: from what Andy said in his e-mail he isn't happy with my landings north of Perth with 65bde. I don't have problem with that, generaly speaking. What would be wrong if Japanese invaded Australia and part of troops invaded beaches 180 miles north of Perth and cut off supply/reinforcement patch?

Ok, it blocading units at Perth at the same time (no other way for retreat) but that's why i choosed Perth - it is far away and connected only with one railroad. But this is a double sword edge... it can become a big Japanese graveyard....

I have my own personal limitations about invading nonbase hex - like i never invading in the hex between Manila and Naga and blocade retreat path only with paras or small units...

[Honda]

At stake here is the princaple of not landing in non-base hexes. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't do it and I would be disapointed if my opponent did. Landing 180 miles north is not the problem, but the fact that it results in the surrender of the Perth defenders. I don't wan't to go deep into Australian geography here because I'm not familiar with it.

[pauk]

ORIGINAL: Honda

At stake here is the princaple of not landing in non-base hexes. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't do it and I would be disapointed if my opponent did. Landing 180 miles north is not the problem, but the fact that it results in the surrender of the Perth defenders. I don't wan't to go deep into Australian geography here because I'm not familiar with it.

thanks Honda for the input. However, no it doesn't mean surrender of the Perth defenders. He can move some unit from Perth (let's say N of the Perth) but not on the railroad and this way will ensure retreat path.

Next, in case that i wasn't landed there, MY retreat path wouldn't exist and my units would surrender (if Andy bring reinforcements, what is doing right now i assume) - well, the coin have two sides[:)], at least.


Anyway, I'm sure that Andy will save those units (if Perth become in danger) via subs and than rebuild them.

Well, we all different, i guess that same persons doesn't have the same oppinions on what is gamey.
I posted it not because Andy complain about it (he didn't, he noticed that he will do the same and this is fair enough; like i don't like picket line but noticed that I will do too), I've posted it because i hope that this will help other players to avoid misunderstandings. Fortunatly, Andy is nice guy (almost as me:) and we can settle down things.