Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Subscribed

Schlussel –

Thank you for continuing to maintain and update this.

I am a new player to the game and I have followed your AAR with intense interest.

There are many interesting aspects of this AAR that mirror my own game and interestingly many that don't. We seem to be playing at a remarkably similar pace.

One key difference "I think" is that I am playing PDU Off. In your settings you don’t specifically mention this on page 1; this may explain some very different air squadron dispositions in the Coral Sea.

I think this will be an excellent resource for many new players (much as the older one by Sardaukar) is.

Request as always:

1)You have not updated key base and supplies level in some time.

I think I found this most interesting because you are possibly envisioning these bases as a series of mutually supported (i.e. 2 -3 bases in area) hard points from which you will choose to counter attack as the opportunity arises. At least I may be putting my thoughts in to your AAR but I suspect we are thinking alike.

These key base statistics speaks to your diligence in supply management early which is important to learn in this game. It provides new players a bench mark to understand logistics in 1942 are much more important than shuffling Carriers around in open ocean.

2)You also used to update a section called KB Watch. Could you continue to update or expand it to be Imperial Japanese Navy watch with key ships that FOW allows you to spot? I am thinking of the BB’s of course when spotted. Additionally small flotillas with multiple Cruisers

Perhaps you dropped it as you have not discovered a CV in some time. You seem to have been more (and less) successful than I. I think I have indeed sunk some 3 – 4 carriers and a CVL in my game but my Carrier force is fully intact (no losses compared to Enterprise). I last spotted the 2 mini KB around Rabul some months ago but I think the AI has sent them away for upgrades (December 1942)

<spoiler caution?> My own stand off at Akylab and southern New Guinea each drew a 2 BB surface combat and bombardment strike from Japan. It was not a complete surprise but the point I could do nothing about it (positioning). I think that no matter what the Carrier status of Japan is..knowing where their powerful BBs are is equally important in the game... if you spot them... even with FOW.

Welcome to the thread Macclan5!

I really appreciate your kind words and comments. I agree, the contributions by the other fourumites have really helped me, and I'm glad its helping other players as well.

One key difference "I think" is that I am playing PDU Off. In your settings you don’t specifically mention this on page 1; this may explain some very different air squadron dispositions in the Coral Sea.

I am also playing with PDU off. Not sure if it affects a Japanese AI though. I'll have to defer to the other fourumites on this.

1)You have not updated key base and supplies level in some time.

You are correct, I update those at the first of each month...which is right about now. [:D] I'll post those shortly. I've found that posting those has helped me keep track of base stockpiles at major hub ports, and adjust accordingly. One of these days, I'll use tracker...

I agree supply management is not the most exciting, but I love the challenge of planning and getting things where they need to go....and they satisfaction when it works out according to plan.

2)You also used to update a section called KB Watch. Could you continue to update or expand it to be Imperial Japanese Navy watch with key ships that FOW allows you to spot? I am thinking of the BB’s of course when spotted. Additionally small flotillas with multiple Cruisers

Yeah I have continued to maintain my KB watch, but haven't really spotted any lately (with the exception of their most recent raid on my supply line). I can definitely expand that to include the other IJN key ships & TF's I spot...I keep track of their sightings already, and if it would be beneficial, I have no problem sharing them.

Good luck in your campaign against the AI. Maybe one of these days we can face off in a PBEM. For now, keep following along and feel free to ask any questions. I find that by explaining my actions and thoughts, it really helps me to better understand the game.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,961 [+37]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (249), Wildcat (246), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 3,949 [+129]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (935), Zero (729), Lilly (472)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 368 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 441 [+14]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,358 [+29]
Japanese: 2,843 [+114]
A/J Ratio: 2.94 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 21,091 [+466]
Japanese: 20,456 [+112]
A/J Ratio: 1.03 to 1

ok, you're at a point in a stock AI game where things are going to start falling apart due to losses.

You have 2 choices:

1. You can either just keep going, and it will get easier and easier as the AI falls apart.

2. You can intervene on the AI's behalf.

You won't need any suggestions for strategy 1, but here are a few things for strategy 2.

Aircraft:
....
So, you want/need to do both. Open up the turn Head-2-Head.
Then look at the air groups and pools for Betty. If low, see if you have Nell pools.
You can't add aircraft into the game, but you can increase production (build AC factories)

Ships:
+400 ships lost by IJN at this date is a big deal.
You can't replace ships, but you can accelerate them... accelerate ~50 ships now.

Materials:
Look at Tokyo. It should have +1M on ALL materials: resources, oil, ,fuel, supply.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Edited above

Thank you Sir PaxM for this advice and additionally the specific instructions.

Your observations ~ and importantly specific instructions add a lot of value to this AAR for new players.

This is equally true for Mr Moose, BB, Herr Hans, et al

+1, I couldn't agree more.

[Schlussel]

Situation Report–September 1st 1942





Central/North Pacific:
Surface Forces: 2-CV, 3-BB, 5-CA, 30+-DD (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 621K @ Pearl Harbor
Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians.
Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls.







New Guinea/Solomons:



Surface Forces: 3-CV , 1-CVL, 9-BB, 11-CA, 16-DD (@Noumea)
Fuel Reserves: 205K @ Noumea
12K @ Port Moresby
189K @ Sydney
Near-Term Plans: Evict Japanese forces from Milne Bay.
Long Term Plans: Operation Cumberland: The advance up Solomon Island Chain to secure forward bases (Shortlands/Buka) to threaten Rabaul. Operation also includes a diversionary attack across the Owen-Stanley Range toward Buna on New Guinea.








SE Asia/China



Surface Forces: 1-CV , 5-BB, 9-CA, 6-DD (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 419K @ Colombo
Near-Term Plans: Fortify/develop bases along Indio-Burmese border to check Japanese advance.
Long Term Plans: Launch two-pronged attack into Burma. Force A will advance down the coast to threaten Prome/Rangoon, while Force B will advance through central Burma and threaten Mandalay. The goal of both advances is not to capture territory, but to keep Japanese LCU’s in this theatre occupied so they cannot be used elsewhere.








Base Status:
Adak:
Port Size: 7.30 (+0.42)
Airfield Size: 6.65 (+0.46)
Supplies: 72K (75 Weeks of normal operations)

Akyab:
Port Size: 3.32 (+0.35)
Airfield Size: 6.66 (+0.43)
Supplies: 19K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 3.90
Airfield Size: 6.66
Supplies: 12K (23 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 1.00
Airfield Size: 1.35
Supplies: 11K (200+ Weeks of normal operations)

Baker Island:
Port Size: 3.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 1.49 (+0.12)
Supplies: 19K (39 Weeks of normal operations)

Johnston Is.:
Port Size: 2.04 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 2.07 (+0.00)
Supplies: 17K (50 Weeks of normal operations)

Kalemyo:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 5.07
Supplies: 2K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Luganville:
Port Size: 5.11 (+0.26)
Airfield Size: 6.32 (+0.22)
Supplies: 18K (17 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 3.86 (+0.21)
Airfield Size: 6.27 (+0.13)
Supplies: 41K (8 Weeks of normal operations)

Midway:
Port Size: 3.10 (+0.30)
Airfield Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 60K (38 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 2.78
Airfield Size: 2.69
Supplies: 10K (5 Weeks of normal operations)

Munda:
Port Size: 0.34
Airfield Size: 1.18
Supplies: 8K (14 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 2.00 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 5.40 (+0.18)
Supplies: 2K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Port Moresby:
Port Size: 4.09 (+0.28)
Airfield Size: 6.95 (+0.37)
Supplies: 88K (16 Weeks of normal operations)

[Schlussel]

Week 39: September 2nd – September 8th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak, Amchitka and Attu. No sign of IJN.



Central Pacific:
Additional AV support and a squadron of SBD’s are on their way to Baker Island, in the hope it might catch the next Japanese surface raid. No IJN activity.



Southern Pacific:
A Japanese sub is spotted and attacked near Pago-Pago. No other enemy sightings.



New Guinea/Solomons:
The fighting at Buna and Milne Bay rages on, I have the force advantage at both locations, but disruption and fatigue are making these fights a battle of attrition. The daily bombardment results are favorable, so I am content with the situation but even so, artillery is being brought in to both ports to keep up the pressure. Also, B-17’s are inbound from Pearl…so we’ll soon see how the Japanese react to a steady diet of mid-to-high altitude carpet bombing [insert Dr. Evil laugh here].
In the Solomons, the slot continues to feature a bunch of air activity on both sides. The Japanese continue to raid Munda, while my Lunga based DB’s sink a few Japanese attempts to resupply their outpost at Tulagi. Munda’s AF is now at level 1 and I waste no time transferring in 2 squadrons of fighters (p-39’s & P-40’s) and some PBY’s. Definitely noticing an increase in CAP performance over Munda, now that it doesn’t have to take off from 150+ miles away.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff at Cebu continues. The Japanese are content to bombard for the time being.
In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei…no invasion force spotted yet.



SE Asia/China:
The bombardment stalemate continues at Akyab, while the Japanese bombers suddenly start targeting Kalemyo. The base’s AF is now up to level 5, but I’m waiting to transfer in airframes until the AV support arrives. The British/Indian forces there will just have to endure the bombs for a little while longer.
In China the Allies stay defensive, while the Japanese react strongly to my capture of Pakhoi last month as they send 3 TF’s that launch an amphibious assault on the port city. Even though the Chinese had the quantity advantage, the Japanese definitely had the quality edge and used that to oust my defenders.



IJN Watch:
-2 CV spotted anchored in Hollandia (9/2)
-CA Myoko + 2 DDs near Woodlark Island heading SW (9/4)
-CA Tone + 1 CA & 1 DD near Ontong Java heading SW (9/4)
-2 CA near Shortlands heading SW (9/5)
-2 CA/2 DD near Woodlark Island heading North. (9/6)
-2 CA/1 DD anchored at Rabaul (9/7)
- CA Kinguasa spotted by sub near Takao with Heavy Damage (9/8)





Notable Base Captures:
-Normanby Island [New Guinea] captured by Allies (9/2)
-Choseul Bay [Solomon Islands] captured by Allies (9/4)
-Pakhoi [Southern China] captured by Japan (9/8)






Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 2,066 [+18]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (274), Wildcat (255), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 4,171 [+90]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (987), Zero (554), Lilly (467)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 375 [+2]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 486 [+25]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,422 [+23]
Japanese: 2,949 [+29]
A/J Ratio: 2.86 to 1



VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 21,756 [+259]
Japanese: 20,932 [+105]
A/J Ratio: 1.04 to 1





Operation Cumberland
Phase 1: Aug.-Sept. 1942
-Capture Tassafronga - COMPLETE
-Secure Milne Bay - IN PROGRESS
-Capture Terapo - COMPLETE

Phase 2: Oct.-Dec. 1942
-Capture Tulagi – IN PROGRESS
-Capture Munda – COMPLETE
-Advance to Buna – COMPLETE

Phase 3: Jan. 1942 – July 1943
-Northern NG Coast – IN PROGRESS
-Bougainville





Other Notes:
-Though somewhat minor when compared to other battles raging across the map, the Japanese counterstroke at Pakhoi definitely shows the AI can effectively react to my movements. When I saw Pakhoi was un-occupied, I thought the Chinese were just going to get a freebie. But then the IJA stormed in and said “Domo Arigato” as they proceeded to whip some Chinese hiney and take their base back. Lesson learned!

[Macclan5]

Excellent update thanks.

Akyab:

I will eagerly follow your progress on this front.

- Do you contemplate any Amphibious operations further south along the coast line ?
- What is your Naval OOB in the area ?
- Curious what OOB - ARM / ART / INF have you bought out or deployed at the Burma / India Border ?

This front is such a huge quagmire

1) Air supply to Burma "spots/bases" from air transport can significantly impact bases in China
2) terrain favors the defenders everywhere it seems
3) Marching is painfully slow / air transport robs you of supplies in other areas
4) Fragile British surface forces unable to suppress IJN "bombardment runs"
5) British ASW performance in the Bay of Bengal very poor


Do you have good recon on the IJA units ?

---


I face an exact replica of this battle circa Dec 1942. The 10th /14th Tank Battalions /Imperial Guards. AV is not so strong but the number of guns and in particular armored vehicle is very high. 53000 troops IIRC.

Behind Level 3 / 4 forts I am dug in and the IJA cannot dislodge me. However I have been unable to dislodge the IJA for months despite the usual tactics. I have established air superiority in northern Burma - along the coast line and my supply runs to Akyab are getting through despite some small IJN submarine success.

This stand off in my game is 4 months old.

My developments...

I only recently got 3 brigades (?) of Chindts and I successfully marched them 'slowly' to surround this Panzer armee Japan on all sides. I am hopeful this will cut off their supply and allow accelerated attrition.
I too planned / slowly marched / attacked at Myitkynia as my 2nd pincer. I was then able to divert some air transport from the hump to air lift further Allied units in Northern Burma.
My effort to pin down and draw forward IJA units has seemed to leave Mandalay to Pegu un-garrisoned !!

However I feel I lack the Naval strength to conduct an amphibious landing (based on Royal Navy Performance). I too have lost too many good Royal Navy ships to withdrawl schedules... BB's CA's even DD's.. and I cannot seem to suppress IJN submarines

So I sit here constantly debating... every effort forward in Burma seems to set back things in China... and any "progress from our stalemate there in China by the IJA will liberate forces allowing them to counter attack exposed forces in Burma...

[:(]

Any way I am eager to see your progress to see if someone can think better than me [:)]

Regards and respects... good luck.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Excellent update thanks.

Akyab:

I will eagerly follow your progress on this front.

- Do you contemplate any Amphibious operations further south along the coast line ?
- What is your Naval OOB in the area ?
- Curious what OOB - ARM / ART / INF have you bought out or deployed at the Burma / India Border ?

I have been reconning Ramree Island as a possible location for an amphib operation for a good month now. There used to be a IJA garrison there, but it disappeared a few weeks ago...probably heading towards Akyab. This makes Ramree a perfect target, the only problem is I have limited ability to provide fighter coverage over the invasion fleet. Most of the British CV's have been recalled to the Atlantic, an the ones that remain have a very small aircraft capacity. Bettys still prowl the Bay of Bengal, and any operation south of Akyab would need more CAP than I can currently provide. Additionally, the status quo is very advantageous for the Allies right now. The Japanese have about 80,000 troops at Akyab and every day of bombardment hurts them more than it does me (as you pointed out, this theater favors a defensive posture). For now I intend to stay defensive on the coast and probe inland with my available forces towards Mitkyna (I'ts encouraging to hear you had success with this). Like you, the idea here is to shorten the travel time for my ragtag group of C-47s and DC-3s hauling supplies over to China...as the current trip is at the end of their range and I get way too many OPS losses.

Naval OOB in SE Asia (based at Colombo):
1-CV, 5-BB, 9-CA, 6-DD.

I use the BBs to periodically bombard the Japanese at Akyab and the DDs are busy on ASW duty, so not much else is planned with these forces in the near future.


Land OOB in SE Asia: [see screenshot below]:

I have yet to buy out any Indian forces, but the 20th & 23rd Indian Divisions are at Cox's Bazaar, ready to be bought out and used if needed. My strategic reserve is at Chittagong (1247 AV) and includes the 26th Indian Div and 7th British Div (both attached to a reserved command). Chittagong is also home to about 100 Allied bombers (Blenheims, Wellingtons & Mitchells...OH MY!) that have been pounding the IJN at Akyab for the last 4 months or so.

ORIGINAL: Macclan5
Do you have good recon on the IJA units ?

The only recon I have is at Akyab, where the IJA consists of 5 Divisions (5th/10th/14th/18th/33rd), the 15th Army, plus 3 artillery regiments and 1 tank battalion.

I agree that the Allied forces in this region are fragile. Other forumites are much more experienced in this theater, but my goal is to just avoid a disaster and keep the Japanese occupied in Burma...where the Allied defensive position is advantageous. Don't get me wrong, if an opportunity pops up, I won't hesitate to grab it, but for now I am content with the situation.

I have not had much luck with the Chindit units, but I would be interested to hear how they fare for you in the coming months.

[Macclan5]

Cheers you are very obliging... great detail [8D]

--

I think this AAR is a real treasure trove for rookies (ourselves and future generations).

Many were full of good ideas. Indeed Sadaukar's is wonderful for strategic suggestions / OOB / and innovative first moves.

Yours has now effectively added to the above : (1) Key base supply amounts (2) Enemy watch i.e. KB or IJN watch (3) etc

I mean you cant begin to start recording every ship in every task force [>:] - or can you [;)]...

... but this provides a lot of detailed insight to help another player (even me) compare milestones.

I will PM you as I "hopefully experience some success" in the future.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Cheers you are very obliging... great detail [8D]

--

I think this AAR is a real treasure trove for rookies (ourselves and future generations).

Many were full of good ideas. Indeed Sadaukar's is wonderful for strategic suggestions / OOB / and innovative first moves.

Yours has now effectively added to the above : (1) Key base supply amounts (2) Enemy watch i.e. KB or IJN watch (3) etc

I mean you cant begin to start recording every ship in every task force [>:] - or can you [;)]...

... but this provides a lot of detailed insight to help another player (even me) compare milestones.

I will PM you as I "hopefully experience some success" in the future.

Thank you sir, whenever someone takes time to read my AAR and write a thoughtful comment, I do my best to reciprocate. Also, I try to be as detailed as possible, because I want to revisit this in a few months and see if I was on the right track or not. I find that is part of the allure of writing an AAR, I can document the situation and my thoughts (and get great input from others), then I can come back later and see how my situation and my thinking has changed.

ORIGINAL: Macclan5
I mean you cant begin to start recording every ship in every task force [>:] - or can you [;)]...

Not at the moment, but I'm working on it. [:D]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5
... but this provides a lot of detailed insight to help another player (even me) compare milestones.

Yeah I'm grateful for all the input from you and the other forumites, and I'm glad its helping you just as much as it is me.

[Schlussel]

Week 40: September 9th – September 15th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak, Amchitka and Attu. No sign of IJN.




Central Pacific:
Quiet. No IJN activity.




Southern Pacific:
Another Japanese sub is spotted and attacked near Pago-Pago, 2 hits recorded, but no confirmed sinking. No other enemy sightings the rest of the week.




New Guinea/Solomons:
The fighting at Milne Bay rages on, but at Buna I finally oust the Japanese defenders. It took two consecutive deliberate attacks and the focusing of all my bomber strength in the area, but the base is finally back in the hands of the Allies. To keep the pressure on, a small infantry/artillery force will give chase to the fleeing Japanese while my main assault group gets some well-deserved rest in Buna. Once the follow-on forces from Port Moresby arrive in about two weeks, the main advance up the coast of New Guinea will resume.

In the Solomons, the slot continues to feature a bunch of air activity. The Munda airfield is now up and running and now hosts 2 squadrons of fighters and a recon unit. With Shortlands the next target, I order up a P-40 fighter sweep from Munda that runs into a combination of Zeroes, Claudes and Nicks. Losses are equal on both sides. As the week goes by, each successive sweep gets better and better results for the Allies (especially when the Zeroes are absent). Mid-week, I rotate in another P-40 unit into Munda and keep up the sweeps, with the goal of whittling down the Japanese CAP so bombers from Lunga can hit the airfield.

In other news, the Lark Battalion at Arawe (who retreated all the way across New Britain after the fall of Rabaul in early ‘42) finally disbands, and the base is quickly auto-occupied by Japan.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff at Cebu continues. The Japanese are content to bombard for the time being.
In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei…no invasion force spotted yet.




SE Asia/China:
As the bombardment stalemate continues at Akyab, I bring in 4 BBs to bombard the Japanese attackers. To my surprise, an IJN force of 3 CA/3 DD arrives the same night and a surface battle ensues. CA Nachi and CL Yubari are sunk, but not before one of their escorting DD’s puts a torpedo into BB Royal Sovereign, the damage isn’t fatal (18 FLT), but it forces my TF to retreat. To try and catch the IJN ships, I re-base two squadrons of Albacores from Colombo to Cox’s Bazaar and set them to naval search/attack. They don't catch the fleeing Japanese, but maybe they'll discourage them from coming back next time.

In central Burma, the Japanese bombers intensify their airfield attacks on Kalemyo and begin to do real damage to the facilities. AV support is still about a week away, so I fly in some P-40s to Imphal and have them LRCAP Kalemyo to protect the airfield from getting too messed up. LRCAP is much harder on the pilots though, so I have a squadron of Hurricanes ready to handle the load once fatigue gets too high.

In China the Allies stay defensive, while the Japanese stay on the offensive. In the South, they try an unsuccessful attack on Hankow. However, in the North the anticipated Japanese attack to retake Taiyuan occurs and again the quality edge of the Japanese results in Chinese defeat. I withdraw my battered defenders to the mountains just west of Taiyuan to build back up my strength.




IJN Watch:
-3 CA/3 DD near Akyab. 1 BB/3 DD near Hollandia (9/10)
-Lots of IJN tankers (7+) spotted in the Bismarck Sea (9/11)
-2 CV in Bismarck Sea, near New Hannover Island. (9/13)
-1 CV/ 1 BB/ 4 DD in Bismarck Sea, near Hansa Bay. (9/14)
-3 CV/ 4 DD in Bismarck Sea, near Hansa Bay. 2BB/2 CA/4 DD at Hollandia (9/15)




Notable Base Captures:
-Arawe [New Britain] occupied by Japan (9/9)
-Buna [New Guinea] captured by Allies (9/11)
-Taiyuan [Northern China] captured by Japan (9/12)
-Vella Lavella [Solomon Islands] occupied by Allies (9/14)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 2,104 [+38]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (274), Wildcat (256), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 4,254 [+83]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (682), Zero (627), Kate (394)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 376 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 498 [+12]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,468 [+46]
Japanese: 3,140 [+191]
A/J Ratio: 2.70 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 22,253 [+497]
Japanese: 21,233 [+301]
A/J Ratio: 1.05 to 1




Operation Cumberland
Phase 1: Aug.-Sept. 1942
-Capture Tassafronga - COMPLETE
-Secure Milne Bay - IN PROGRESS [Slow and steady]
-Capture Terapo - COMPLETE

Phase 2: Oct.-Dec. 1942
-Capture Tulagi – IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces at about 65 prep]
-Capture Munda – COMPLETE
-Advance to Buna – COMPLETE

Phase 3: Jan. 1942 – July 1943
-Northern NG Coast – IN PROGRESS [Buna captured, Salamaua is next]
-Bougainville- IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces for Shortlands at about 60 prep]




Other Notes:
-A KB junior appears in the SW Pacific but hasn’t made any offensive moves yet, nonetheless, I beef up CAP at Port Moresby and Lunga (where I have Supply convoys unloading). I’ll be keeping my eye on this in the coming days.

[Schlussel]

Week 41: September 16th – September 22nd 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak, Amchitka and Attu. No sign of IJN.




Central Pacific:
A bunch of PBY squadrons in Pearl Harbor reach the magic ’50 EXP’ threshold, so I ship a boatload (4 squadrons) of them to the SW Pacific. With the air losses and new bases I have gained, I can definitely use them.




Southern Pacific:
No enemy sub contacts this week. This always makes me nervous, but all I can do is keep searching.




New Guinea/Solomons:
The fighting at Milne Bay rages on, but after three deliberate attacks this week, the defenders (2 Naval Guard Units and 2 NJAF Coy) are down to 12 AV. I’ve got to give it to them though, through daily bombings, bombardments and attacks, the Japanese are unwavering.

The KB junior makes a move and launches a raid on Buna. My LRCAP from Port Moresby fends them off, but they are just about at the exhaustion point. I wait till mid-week when the KB disappears, and assemble an ad hoc convoy to move a base force from Port Moresby around the horn to Buna, as the air support is needed immediately to help defend the base. I have LBA that will be able to cover it the whole way but just in case, I load the base force onto 6 ships so the whole unit isn’t lost if a Japanese bomber gets lucky.

In the Solomons, the air above Shortlands is full of activity. I keep up my daily sweeps and they are mostly successful. Not sure how many fighters are left, but I am only getting about 3 or 4 Japanese aircraft opposing me now. Sounds like it’s time to turn loose some level bombers and see what happens.

In related news, B-17s and B-24Ds have arrived at Noumea via cargo ship. Once they are operational, they will fly to Port Moresby and get ready to target Rabaul. In a few weeks, my invasion of Shortlands will begin assembling, and Rabaul’s airfield will need to be neutralized if I want any chance of success.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff at Cebu continues. The Japanese try a couple inconclusive deliberate attacks, then go back to bombarding. Force balance is still about equal, but my forces are low on supply.

In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei.




SE Asia/China:
Late in the week, the Japanese try a sea bombardment of Akyab again, this time with a BB/CA Task Force. The IJN force does some damage to the base, but the next morning, my Albacores at Cox’s Bazaar strike back with torpedoes (that have working detonators!). BB Fuso is hit with 3, BB Nagato takes 1, CL Isuzi gets 2, and DD Isokaze 1. Fuso, Nagato, and Isokaze are reported sunk, however, the next day, the TF (containing a BB) is sighted heading south, so I think Nagato is still afloat.

In central Burma, a base force reaches Kalemyo (with AV support), and a squadron of Hurricaines and P-40’s are immediately flown in. The Japanese must have realized this, because they cancel air raids on the base the rest of the week.

In China the Allies stay defensive. The Japanese bombard at Hankow, Wuchang, Sinyang, and Chengchow, but no other advances are reported.




IJN Watch:
-2 CV near Wewak (9/16)
-20+ ships sighted in Rabaul. All reports indicate they are non-combat ships (AKs/TKs/etc) (9/19)
-15+ ships sighted near Lae. All reports indicate they are non-combat ships (AKs/TKs/etc) (9/21)
-Small amphib TF sighted off Horn Island. (9/22)




Notable Base Captures:
-Kaoping [Northern China] captured by Allies (9/16)
-Trinkat Islands [Sumatra] captured by Japan (9/21)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 2,146 [+42]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (274), Wildcat (256), Warhawk (134)

Japanese: 4,407 [+153]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (816), Zero (676), Lilly (395)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 383 [+7]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 518 [+20]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,504 [+36]
Japanese: 3,168 [+28]
A/J Ratio: 2.68 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 22,684 [+431]
Japanese: 21,116 [-117]
A/J Ratio: 1.07 to 1


Operation Cumberland
Phase 1: Aug.-Sept. 1942
-Capture Tassafronga - COMPLETE
-Secure Milne Bay - IN PROGRESS
-Capture Terapo - COMPLETE

Phase 2: Oct.-Dec. 1942
-Capture Tulagi – IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces at about 75 prep]
-Capture Munda – COMPLETE
-Advance to Buna – COMPLETE

Phase 3: Jan. 1942 – July 1943
-Northern NG Coast – IN PROGRESS [Buna captured, Salamaua is next]
-Bougainville- IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces for Shortlands at about 70 prep]


Other Notes:
-Lots of shipping sighted around Lae (AKs/APs/CMs/CSs/AMs). I’m not sure if they are supplying Lae or evacuating units…I would definitely prefer the latter.

[Schlussel]

Week 42: September 23rd – September 29th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak, Amchitka and Attu. No sign of IJN.




Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




New Guinea/Solomons:
The fighting at Milne Bay continues. My infantry is fatigued, so I rest them all week…but artillery units keep up the bombardments. The good news is the Japanese aren’t firing back, which indicates they are probably low on supply.
The base force makes it to Buna via ship unharmed. Bettys and Lillys attack the transport convoy multiple times while anchored at Buna. A few ships were sunk, but they had already offloaded their ground troops, so the sacrifice was worth it.
In the Solomons, the air above Shortlands is mostly cleared of Japanese fighters. Two squadrons of Mitchells hit the enemy base all week, doing moderate damage. During the bombing runs late in the week, a few Claudes were present above Shortlands but had no effect on my bombers. The goal is to shut down the airfield so the invasion forces (slated to begin loading in 2-3 weeks) will face as little opposition as possible.

At Horn Island, a small IJN force attempts to land, but retreats the following day. Doesn’t look like it took many casualties.

A small IJN surface group (2 CAs) raids the shipping lanes in the area. PBY warning was critical, as I was able to divert Allied shipping out of their path. They returned to Japanese waters without intercepting a single allied ship.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff at Cebu continues. The Japanese are content bombarding my forces holding the base. Force balance is still about equal, but my forces are low on supply.
In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
Akyab is still under siege by the Japanese, but my bombers from Chittagong and Calcutta keep pounding them. Not sure how effective they are, but it’s turning into a nice little bomber training program.
In central Burma, I begin reconnoitering the Schwebo area with an armored car unit to get a feel for enemy strength.
In China the Allies recapture Pakhoi, but stay defensive elsewhere. The Japanese bombard at Hankow, Wuchang, Sinyang, and Chengchow, and take Kaoping with a large force (2,000+ AV). My forces at neighboring Tsiaotso are much more formidable (1,000 AV) and are dug in behind level 3 forts. No signs of advancing Japanese, but they will be ready just in case.




IJN Watch:
-1 CA & 2 DDs South of Rossel Island (9/24)

-1 CA & 2 DDs South of Lunga heading East (9/25)

-2 CA East of Lunga heading East (9/26)

-Lots of shipping at Rabaul (including 5 TKs). (9/27)
-2 CA East of Otong Java heading North West (9/27)

-2 CA & 1 DD near Buka heading West (9/28)
-10 ship TF (CM’s and PB’s) near Buka heading SW (9/28)
-2 CLs anchored at Finschafen (9/28)

-10 ship TF (CM’s and PB’s) near Feni Islands heading SW (9/29)
-2 CLs anchored at Finschafen (9/29)




Notable Base Captures:
-Pakhoi [Southern China] captured by Allies (9/24)
-Kaoping [Northern China] captured by Japan (9/26)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 2,174 [+28]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (274), Wildcat (258), Warhawk (137)

Japanese: 4,467 [+60]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (899), Zero (557), Val (352)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 388 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 520 [+2]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,560 [+56]
Japanese: 3,180 [+12]
A/J Ratio: 2.69 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 22,786 [+102]
Japanese: 21,547 [+431]
A/J Ratio: 1.06 to 1




Operation Cumberland
Phase 1: Aug.-Sept. 1942
-Capture Tassafronga - COMPLETE
-Secure Milne Bay - IN PROGRESS
-Capture Terapo - COMPLETE

Phase 2: Oct.-Dec. 1942
-Capture Tulagi – IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces at about 85 prep]
-Capture Munda – COMPLETE
-Advance to Buna – COMPLETE

Phase 3: Jan. 1942 – July 1943
-Northern NG Coast – IN PROGRESS [Buna captured, Salamaua is next]
-Bougainville- IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces for Shortlands at about 80 prep]




Other Notes:
-2 Chindit brigades arrive at Madras and are immediately shipped to the Burma border near Jorhat. The plan s to have them raid the Myitkyina area and stir up some trouble, and maybe link up/rescue an isolated British brigade east of Lashio.
-Lots of ASW attacks against my subs south of the home islands and in the Bismarck Sea. No hits are registered, but the IJN seems to have a renewed vigor to root out my subs from Japanese shipping lanes. I'll keep an eye on this, and I might have to move some of my sub patrols in the future.

[Bif1961]

Allies are ahead in VPs in Sep 43, that doesn't bode well.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Allies are ahead in VPs in Sep 43, that doesn't bode well.

The AAR shows date is Sept 1942

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Allies are ahead in VPs in Sep 43, that doesn't bode well.

The AAR shows date is Sept 1942

Agreed, the Allies are in a good spot right now. However, I think the VPs I have accumulated up to this point have have taken place in the easy part of the war, where I got to sit on defense and decide when to fight and when to tuck tail and run. At the locations I did choose to fight for, I have benefited from a defensive posture (flying CAP versus Escort missions, use of rough terrain, naval forces covered by LBA, etc.). The next phase of the war looks to be much more difficult. I will now be the one who will have to advance on prepared enemy positions, where they will have the defensive benefits that I used to enjoy. Once the allies start to get their cool "toys" (corsairs, Essex carriers, LST's/LCI's, etc.) the task will be made easier, but until then, I will have to make due with a limited carrier force, faulty torpedoes, and aircraft frames that still leave a lot to be desired. I think the net result is infantry, aircraft, and naval losses will be higher in this upcoming phase of the war...and that is assuming I don't make any bone-head "newb" mistakes. [:D]

[Schlussel]

Situation Report – October 1st 1942





Central/North Pacific:
Surface Forces: 4-CV, 5-BB, 5-CA, 30+-DD (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 803K @ Pearl Harbor
Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians.
Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls.







New Guinea/Solomons:




Surface Forces: 1-CVL, 9-BB, 5-CA, 8-DD (@Noumea)
Fuel Reserves: 290K @ Noumea
9K @ Port Moresby
140K @ Sydney
Near-Term Plans: Evict Japanese forces from Milne Bay.
Long Term Plans: Operation Cumberland: The advance up Solomon Island Chain and New Guinea coast to secure forward bases (Lae/Shortlands/Buka) to threaten Rabaul.






SE Asia/China




Surface Forces: 1-CV, 5-BB, 11-CA, 6-DD (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 642K @ Colombo
Near-Term Plans: Fortify/develop bases along Indio-Burmese border to check Japanese advance.
Long Term Plans: Launch two-pronged attack into Burma. Force A will advance down the coast to threaten Prome/Rangoon, while Force B will advance through central Burma and threaten Mandalay. The goal of both advances is not to capture territory, but to keep Japanese LCU’s in this theatre occupied so they cannot be used elsewhere.






Base Status:
Adak:
Port Size: 7.77 (+0.47)
Airfield Size: 7.00 (+0.35)
Supplies: 72K (70 Weeks of normal operations)

Akyab:
Port Size: 3.35 (+0.03)
Airfield Size: 6.71 (+0.05)
Supplies: 12K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 4.00 (+0.10)
Airfield Size: 4.15 (+2.69)
Supplies: 9K (18 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 1.44 (+0.44)
Airfield Size: 2.01 (+0.66)
Supplies: 10K (200+ Weeks of normal operations)

Baker Island:
Port Size: 3.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 1.61 (+0.12)
Supplies: 44K (44 Weeks of normal operations)

Kalemyo:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 5.59 (+0.52)
Supplies: 2K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Luganville:
Port Size: 5.35 (+0.24)
Airfield Size: 6.52 (+0.20)
Supplies: 15K (15 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 4.00 (+0.14)
Airfield Size: 6.55 (+0.28)
Supplies: 42K (8 Weeks of normal operations)

Midway:
Port Size: 3.35 (+0.25)
Airfield Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 69K (34 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 3.46 (+0.68)
Airfield Size: 3.84 (+1.15)
Supplies: 6K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Munda:
Port Size: 2.80 (+2.46)
Airfield Size: 3.42 (+2.24)
Supplies: 17K (11 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 2.23 (+0.23)
Airfield Size: 5.51 (+0.11)
Supplies: 12K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

Port Moresby:
Port Size: 4.60 (+0.51)
Airfield Size: 7.31 (+0.36)
Supplies: 60K (15 Weeks of normal operations)

[Schlussel]

Week 43: September 30th – October 6th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak, Amchitka and Attu. No sign of IJN.



Central Pacific:
Lex, Saratoga, Yorktown, and Hornet visit the shipyards at Pearl to get their scheduled upgrades (mostly AA improvements). They will be out of commission for about two weeks. Once finished, they will head to the SW Pacific to provide support for the upcoming Shortlands campaign.



Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



New Guinea/Solomons:
The fighting at Milne Bay continues on. My infantry is still fatigued, so I continue to rest them and get ready for one final attack that will dislodge the Japanese. While my infantry rests up, Mitchells from Port Moresby and artillery units keep up the bombardments to keep the enemy suppressed.

At Buna, the engineers that arrived last week have finally repaired the airfield, although there is still about 30 service damage still present.

In the Solomons, I’m shuttling around transports/escorts for the upcoming Tulagi amphib operation. In about a week transports will begin loading. Most LCU’s for this op are located at Noumea, with follow on forces are at Lunga. All involved land units will be fully prepped for the Allies’ first amphibious assault against a prepared enemy position.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff at Cebu continues. The Japanese try another deliberate attack. Both sides take similar losses (approx. 15 disabled squads), but the Japanese are able to repair their disabled squads while the Allies can’t (out of supply). A few more attacks like this and Cebu will most likely fall to the Japanese.

In the DEI, Japan halts the aerial raids on Brunei (those bombers were probably too busy hitting Akyab…see below). Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
Akyab is still under siege by the Japanese, but this week the enemy ups the ante and begins a determined aerial bombing campaign to shut down Akyab’s airfield. At its height, the Japanese were hitting Akyab with over 140 bombers in a single day. While I have about 50 Hurricanes stationed at Akyab, the constant escorted bombing raids take their toll, and by the end of the week, there were only 2 operable fighters at the base. Simply moving in more fighters to Akyab is risky, because it seems just as many fighters get damaged on the ground (by the IJAF airfield attacks) as they do in air-to-air combat. For now my plan for tomorrow is to have a few squadrons of P-40’s flying LRCAP from nearby Cox’s Bazaar. Along with that, I set a few Mitchell squadrons to perform a night airfield attack on the sources of the Japanese raids (Rangoon and Moulmein). Hopefully these bombing runs will catch the enemy’s air assets on the ground and exposed.

In central Burma, the two Chindit brigades reach Jorhat and begin their slow advance through the jungle towards Myitkynia.

In China, the Japanese continue bombarding Chengchow, Sinyang, Hankow, and Wuchang…while the Allies hunt down the IJA unit evicted from Pakhoi last week.



IJN Watch:
-1 BB, 1 CA anchored at Finschafen (9/30)

-1 CL anchored at Finschafen (10/1)
-1 BB South of Nagoya (home islands) heading East (10/1)

-IJN amphibious fleet (10+ ships) spotted unloading at Akyab. (10/5)

-IJN amphibious fleet (10+ ships) spotted unloading at Akyab. (10/6)



Notable Base Captures:
None



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 2,215 [+41]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (274), Wildcat (259), Warhawk (137)

Japanese: 4,612 [+142]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (1,156), Zero (731), Lily (547)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 391 [+3]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 531 [+11]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,575 [+15]
Japanese: 3,203 [+23]
A/J Ratio: 2.68 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 22,996 [+210]
Japanese: 21,677 [+130]
A/J Ratio: 1.06 to 1



Operation Cumberland
Phase 1: Aug.-Sept. 1942
-Capture Tassafronga - COMPLETE
-Secure Milne Bay - IN PROGRESS
-Capture Terapo - COMPLETE

Phase 2: Oct.-Dec. 1942
-Capture Tulagi – IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces at about 95 prep]
-Capture Munda – COMPLETE
-Advance to Buna – COMPLETE

Phase 3: Jan. 1942 – July 1943
-Northern NG Coast – IN PROGRESS [Buna captured, Salamaua is next]
-Bougainville- IN PROGRESS [Invasion forces for Shortlands at about 90 prep]



Other Notes:
-In a last ditch effort to get some supply to Darwin overland (efforts by sea have merely delivered supply to the bottom of the Timor Sea), I move a squadron of C-47’s to Cloncurry and set it to transfer supply to Tennant Creek. So far it looks to be working, as Darwin is gaining about 15-20 supply per turn.

[Macclan5]

Great update Sch !

1) Solomon's NG

Curious B17's. Are they V Bomber Command from Pearl or West Coast (historical nicety I guess) ?

Also do you have any Recon on Rabul in terms of AF Base and number of Fighters / Bombers / Aux on base ?

I am unsure what you have deployed but a squadron of PBYs out of Munda on Recon should get you some potentially good potentially shocking information.

Your B17 will probably have to fly at 21000 + alt to avoid losses and you still get some operational losses.

Good luck with Tulagi.

Burma

Yikes 140 LBA bombers.

My own experience is British forces are fragile this early but a nicely timed run in from American assets such at a P40 squadron could help; my land based air was less that satisfactory (British and Indian AF) on its own.

[Macclan5]

Other Notes:
-In a last ditch effort to get some supply to Darwin overland (efforts by sea have merely delivered supply to the bottom of the Timor Sea), I move a squadron of C-47’s to Cloncurry and set it to transfer supply to Tennant Creek. So far it looks to be working, as Darwin is gaining about 15-20 supply per turn.


---

Facing early Darwin supply issues myself... Normanton is / was my savior.

Singleton low endurance (i.e. 6000 endurance) xAK have been able to slip into Darwin with supply and fuel. Often I am hauling resources back out to Normanton which seem to feed down the rail lines to HI / LI in Brisbane and Sydney. I have 4 devoted to the runs. I / you / we have a number of these that start early in the game in Melbourne and Auckland IIRC.

In support of these 4 brave captains - strong CAP at Darwin including some of the first squadrons of Supermarine Spitfires chalking up easy experience against Betties / Zekes. Further 2 groups of American DD based in PM hunting around Horn Island ; and a number of low endurance dutch subs on patrol at the choke point of Horn Island.

[Schlussel]

Thanks for the thoughts Macclan5!

The B-17's arrived on the West coast if I remember correctly. I can't remember if I bought them out, but their current HQ is the VII US Bomber Command, a subset of the Pacific Ocean Areas Grouping.

I have done a bit of recon of Rabaul, and reports show about 200 aircraft there, 100 fighters/80 bombers/20 Auxillary. I agree with you, definitely not something I want to send my B-17's (with their low replacement rates) into! My plan is to wait until my 4 fleet carriers (Lexington, Yorktown, Saratoga, and Hornet) have completed their upgrades at Pearl and use them (along with Wasp, currently anchored @ Noumea) to provide strong CAP over the Shortlands invasion. On each carrier, I am switching out a squadron of SBD Dauntlesses for Wildcats...so the squadron count on each carrier will now be 2-F/1-DB/1-TB This way, I will still have strike capability if the KB shows up, but I will have extra fighter aircraft to protect the amphibs and carriers. As a bit of insurance, I am planning to provide LRCAP from Munda. Hopefully between these two efforts, I will be able to deal with the air raids from Rabaul...and any IJN surfaces forces that make an appearance.

Yes I agree, British forces are fragile, replacement rates are one of the major contributors to that.

Normanton eh? I'll admit, I dismissed that route because of the long secondary road that connects it to Katherine (Tennant also has a long road connection but its not as long). But if it works for a Canadien [:D], I will definitely give it a try. It's never a bad idea to have some operational redundancy. Plus, I've got plenty of idle xAK's in Sydney just twiddling their thumbs, itching to get into the war.

Appreciate the input as always, keep it coming!

[CaptHaggard]

Great AAR—I'm learning a lot and it's giving me courage to start my first game soon.

I used to experience a degree of paralysis with new boardgames—read the rules, once, twice, set up the map and pieces, lay out the charts and... "Uhhh. Hmm. Back to the rules."

But *whew* this endeavor is something else.

A fine read—thanks for posting!