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21-22 May 42

Highlights - Port Hedland continues to be hit by naval bombardment; KB is supporting the amph invasion of Normanton!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Jpn ships unsunk:
BB: 1 (Hyuga - figured that a torp and mine strike weren’t enough; no surprise here)

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 64
Allied: 44

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (small xAP sunk off Carnarvon)
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Amph Inv:
Normanton (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

SIGINT/Intel: None

West Coast/Admin. IJN sub misses AMC escorting convoy returning back to LA about 300 miles SW of San Diego - convoys still have minimal ASW escorts; will send ASW TF out to find/destroy sub.

In NOPAC. P-38Es make their debut in the Pacific, sweeping Attu losing 2 in exchange for 8 Rufes.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, 132nd Reg/Americal Div convoy arrives at Noumea to begin offloading. It will hold at Noumea, with surface TF and reorganize to support amph of Efate. Amph TF finishes loading at Auckland and will head to Noumea to stage for invasion of Efate. US CVs loiter SW of New Caledonia providing some ASW support - a number of subs have been identified and ASW TF will depart Noumea to attack the sightings. 270 a/c currently based on New Caledonia to support operations. So far, the Efate invasion is still a go as KB remains near Normanton.

In SWPAC, Normanton is the reason the KB is the Gulf of Carpentaria! IJN begins landing the Guards Mixed Bde with the KB in full support - no separate bombardment TF, just warships embedded in the amphib TF(s). Normanton defenses aren’t robust - only an Aus tank “regiment” , a recce squadron and a small BF. The tank regiment includes the first Grant/Lee tanks in theater - but with only a total of 70 Grants and Stuarts - and very, very little infantry, I don’t think they will do well against a full Bde. Help is on the way, but not nearly in time to hold the base. I’m just hoping the KB remains in support a while longer - SS Argonaut should drop its mines in the Torrez straight in the next 3 days. Possibly in support of the Normanton venture, Zeros out of Moresby sweep Cooktown and catch my CAP at 40%; 7 P-39s and 15 P-40s are lost for 9 Zeros. If he tries again, he’ll find a much more robust CAP! On the other coast, Port Hedland is bombarded again (BB, 2CA, 4CL, 5DD) and there isn’t anything we can do about this. So we take the punches and push supply and troops into Carnavon - which the IJN knows and has subs in the area and has also laid mines. US/Brit CVs continue to loiter west of Carnavon - the big question is whether the Mini-KB or a surface force attempts to interdict the convoys going into Carnavon. Aus ground forces (another tank “regiment”) is moving on Exmouth which I hope to find abandoned by the IJA. In the ground fight between Tennant Creek and Daly Waters, the IJA is making a solid attempt to encircle and destroy the Australian forces trying to pull back. I only have one Aus combat Bde outside of the “cauldron” and am hesitant to commit it decisively to try and save the troops - nor do I want to push more troops to Tennant Creek until I can get some more supplies flowing. But - I do want to hold Tennant Creek, so I’ve started a Bde moving there, and will follow it with the US 41st Div out of Sydney in a few days. I’m sure the IJA forces are having supply issues - Derby is a LONG way off, but so are the Aussies. Lastly, the first of two large tanker convoys out of Capetown is closing on Perth that should get Australia healthy with fuel.

In the Philippines, only one sub reached Bataan during the turn. Another xAK is headed in, and is currently in the Philippine Sea, but I figure L_S_T is better prepared for a ship after the first one actually made it. More subs are also enroute, but turn-around time to secure ports make for a LONG trip.

In China, IJA ground forces are putting a lot of pressure on the defense of Sian and the surrounding area - and Chinese forces hold off the IJA, but losses are high. The withdrawal continues. AVG P-40s out of Sian do well against IJA ground support; 10 P-40s are lost in exchange for 19 Oscars and 12 Anns. IJA just has too many a/c for the AVG at this point - I’m running low on P-40s across the Pacific and can’t afford to replace losses in China right now.

In India/Burma, NSTR

Normaton can only hold 8,000 supplies and it is in range of your bombers... KB can't stay forever, once it departs, you can do quite a lot of damage if you have built Charter Towers/ Cairns/ Townsville.

It also gives you time to move lots of LCUs to defend the NE

23-24 May 42

Highlights - KB remains off Normanton which isn’t yet attacked; P-39s do well over Cooktown

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-67 by ASW TF off Carnavon)
AMC: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 67
Allied: 30

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ship hit
RO-67 claimed as sunk off Carnavon
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (AMC sunk)

Amph Inv:
Mangole (DEI)

Bases lost:
Mangole (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. IJN sub I-2 located and attacked (1 confirmed hit) by ASW TF 200m off San Diego. BBs Pennsylvania and Tennessee arrive at Bremerton from PH. Pennsy will join BB Nevada and head to Aleutians shortly. Tennessee, along with Idaho and Mississippi, coming out of the Aleutians, will begin refit in June.

In NOPAC. NSTR

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, 132nd Reg/Americal Div convoy completes offloading at Noumea and the Efate Amph TF is enroute to Noumea from Auckland and should arrive next turn. CVs remain off the west coast of New Caledonia. At least three IJN subs are known to be off Noumea, and two ASW TFs (2 DEs ea) will attempt to put some hurt on them. If all goes well (and the IJN subs don’t upset things), the Amph TF will reorganize in Noumea, and head to Efate with CV and Surf TFs in support. Lastly, I fly one USMC F4F-3 squadron off the CVs to Australia to bolster the army fighters at Cooktown.

In SWPAC, Normanton remains the focus of the IJN for the time being. KB remains just off the coast providing air support against ground targets and the IJN also bombards (2CA,2DD). Also looks like the Mini-KB is heading into the Gulf of Carpentaria, as it’s observed just off Darwin heading east. IJA forces landed at Normanton look to be the Gds Mixed Bde and two SNLF - too much for just a raid. Troops continue to offload, but no ground attack was made. As expected, Zeros return to sweep Cooktown, and this time are met by a robust two squadron P-39 CAP in which 31 Zeros are lost in exchange for 12 P-39s. Nice! Will be interesting to see if the KB provides a sweep next turn - if so, L_S_T may be looking to invade the NE by gaining air superiority (and moving the Mini KB that direction is another indicator). If not, he’s limiting the invasion to Normanton. On the western side, Allied convoy arrives at Carnarvon and two RO class subs are attacked - one looks to have been sunk. Further at sea, CV Indomitable with 3DDs are detached to head to Capetown to withdraw out of theater. The remaining two Brit CVs will move to join the US CVs still loitering about 280m off Carnarvon. On land, its still a mess around Daly Waters as the IJA attempts to encircle the withdrawing Australian forces (about a Division plus support). Tennant Creek is FINALLY gaining some supply and I move a P-40 squadron back in to escort B-26s hitting ground targets.

In the Philippines, 2 subs offload. I need to shoot the logistics officer at Bataan for how he is distributing the supplies - Mac’s HQ is well supplied while the 4th Marine Rgt has nothing…..go figure.

In China, continued heavy pressure around Sian - although the Chinese hold off the attacks, even when they hold, the casualties are heavy. The AF at Wenchow is now repaired, and I fly in a squadron of the AVG to see if they can bushwack the unescorted Nell strikes.

In India/Burma, confused fighting around Lashio continues. Lashio still holds, and the IJA forces still try to isolate the withdrawing British forces pulling back from Mandalay through the jungles. In the air, IJA ground support wonders a bit too close to LRCAP over Lashio and lose 8 Oscars and 9 Anns to Brit Buffalos out of Paosan and US P-40s out of Myitkyina for 1 Buff and a P-40. I still expect to lose Lashio, but its been a grinding fight which is a victory of sorts in May 42.

HQs always end up with the last bit of supply because they don't expend any in the fighting. They are probably boiling up their paper stocks for the troops right now!

25-26 May 42

Highlights - KB is joined by the Mini-KB off Normanton which falls in the second attack. Efate Amph TF arrives at Noumea without issue; Efate invasion a go.

Jpn ships sunk(all old sinkings being confirmed apparently):
DMS: 2
AMC: 1
xAP: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
DD:1 (Yugiri)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 26
Allied: 24

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Amph Inv:
Djailolo (DEI)
Waingapoe (DEI)

Bases lost:
Katherine (SWPAC)
Normanton (SWPAC)
Waingapoe (DEI)

Bases Liberated:
Exmouth (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Troop convoy begins forming at LA to depart next turn for Auckland.

In NOPAC. IJN PBs are reported at Attu, US TF (CL, 4DD) escorting ships offloading at Amchitka will investigate.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, Efate Amph TF (CL, 2DD, 2DMS, 3APD, 9AP, 3AK) reorganizes at Noumea and will depart next turn for Efate carrying 7th Marine Reg and support. Bmb TF (3CA, 6DD, DMS) will precede the invasion and US CVs will loiter SW of of Luganville to provide support. Other than subs and perhaps mines, I don’t expect much IJN interference. The real question is whether the KB (and perhaps Mini-KB) stays away or heads full steam to SOPAC.

In SWPAC, Normanton falls in the second attack to the Guards Mixed Bde and two SNLF units. Not surprised. What is surprising, or rather concerning is the Mini-KB joining the KB off Normanton. Much too much firepower for taking Normanton in my humble opinion. While Argonaut laid its mines in the Torrez Strait, that’s about all I can do to harass the enemy CV fleet if they head east. Cooktown was hit by bombers at night with no damage, and its as ready as it can be if the KB decides to sortie against it. The US 32nd ID begins offloading at Sydney, and will rail to NE Aus. The US 41st Div will also depart Sydney and head to Alice Springs to safeguard Tennant Creek - really don’t want to push a full division up to Tennant Creek with the supply situation, but I don’t want to lose Tennant Creek either. Katherine falls, and continued confused fighting around Daly Waters as the IJA continues to attempt to isolate (effectively) the Australian troops pulling back. He’s got a division to every Bde I have in the area, so this isn’t going to turn out well. Port Hedland has been quiet for a few turns, the IJN BB force has perhaps moved on to other targets. On the bright side, Exmouth is liberated as the SNLF force there pulled out.

In the Philippines, 3 subs offload. The xAK enroute just rounded Luzon for its final approach and was SW of Vigan - unless the weather gods ground the IJA LBA, its chances of making the last 160m are slim.

In China, continued heavy pressure around Sian - including a major IJA rebuff at Sian itself, losing over 1200 men for only 140 Chinese. Other attacks are basically held, but casualties mount. This HAS to be burning a lot of supply, but not enough apparently to prevent the continued attacks. Sian will fall, but it will cost both sides heavily. And losing Sian will likely lead to the loss of the rest of NE China - from Ankang to Lanchow at least. Picked the wrong time to put an AVG squadron at Wenchow - first time in a couple of turns that the IJN returned to bombard (2BB, CA, 4DD) which destroyed 2 a/c and closed the AF.

In India/Burma, the IJA pushes across the bulk of the 16th Army (2+Div and support) across the river north of Akyab. While the ensuing shock attack costs 1300+ casualties to the Allied 130, I only have 2+ Bdes against his 2+ Divisions. I may be able to delay his attack, but in the end, this won’t end well. With this size IJA force committed, I have decided to pull out the British 18th Div from Ceylon to the Chittagong area. This will take a while, but it should secure Chittagong. Lastly, Nells hit Calcutta industry at night and AA does nothing. Will have to put some fighters up for nighttime CAP.

Maybe mini-KB is taking the post; allowing KB to be redeployed elsewhere

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Maybe mini-KB is taking the post; allowing KB to be redeployed elsewhere

That sounds reasonable. Makes a lot more sense than committing both to the Gulf of Carpenteria.

27-28 May 42

Highlights - US Marines storm the beaches on Efate! KB and Mini-KB head WEST out of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Jpn ships unsunk:
DD:1 (Uranami)

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Mataram (DEI)

Allied Amph Inv:
Efate (SOPAC)

Bases lost:
Djailolo (DEI)
Memboro (DEI)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: The KB and Mini KB moving west is a surprise - perhaps to support an assault on Port Hedland? Indian Ocean venture? No idea at this point.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. No IJN shipping observed or engaged at Attu. P-38s sweep and no Rufes come up to challenge.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, 7th Marine Reg and support lands apparently unopposed on Efate. Jpn garrision air evac’d out perhaps? All troops offload in one day - with the IJN carriers heading west, I decide to advance the Luganville operation, and also begin considering Ndeni. Two AKs are left at Efate with a small escort, while the Amph TF and Bmb TFs will return to Noumea to pick up the 6th Marines and support for landing at Luganville as soon as possible which still has a IJN Naval Guard battalion defending it. CVs remain at sea SW of Espirutu Santo.

In SWPAC, with the loss of Normanton, relative quiet throughout Australia as Allied troops continue transit to the “front”. With the IJN CVs out of the Gulf, US air will begin hitting Normanton shortly. US and Brit CVs off Carnarvon will move further west to refuel. With the entire IJN CV fleet possibly heading in this direction, I’m about ready to send the US CVs back to SOPAC and the Brit CVs to Capetown and then on to India. Continued confusion on the “road to Darwin” front, the IJA ring is likely to bag the Allied forces as their tank units moved successfully to cut off routes of retreat.

In the Philippines, the xAK enroute arrived during the night at Bataan to be sunk at first light by Nells. Doubtful if any supply was offloaded. Another sub arrives with supply.

In China, pressure continues near Sian with 2 battered Chinese Corps surrendering NW of the city (instead of retreating -I just don’t understand ground combat in this game!) Total supply in China continues to dwindle; all replacements turned off, no fortifications building. Any ideas how to gain some supply in China other than airlift from India?

In India/Burma, Zero fighter sweeps over the IJA attack north of Akyab catch some wondering CAP from Chittagong losing 5 to the Allies 9 fighters.

Do your Brit CVs near Carnarvon have any D/L? If he got a sniff of them, that may be the reason KB headed west. It isn't all that far from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Carnarvon.

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Do your Brit CVs near Carnarvon have any D/L? If he got a sniff of them, that may be the reason KB headed west. It isn't all that far from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Carnarvon.

Probably close to the mark - one of my US CV TDBs attacked an I-Boat, so he knows its a US CV in the area. He might figure SBDs are Marine off the Brit CVs, but TBDs would only be on US flattops.

but TBDs would only be on US flattops.

Should've pushed them over the side for all the good they'll do. [;)]
(Well, I suppose you need them for the TBF upgrade.)

29-30 May 42

Highlights - Yorktown dodges a sub attack, PTs skirmish with a CA bombardment TF off Cooktown, and 3 BB TFs bombard Darwin.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Kinugasa listed as sunk from PT torp hit off Cooktown)
SS: 1 (I-6 after missing Yorktown)
PB: 2 (old sinkings confirmed)

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Dolphin sunk by sub off Efate)
PT: 2
TK : 1 (small at Darwin)

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (SS Dolphin sunk by I-174 off Efate)
I-6 sunk by escorts off Efate
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
SS Dolphin sunk
SS O24 hit mine off Batavia, heavy dam

Jpn Amph Inv:
Batjan (DEI)

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Batjan: (DEI)
Siberoet (DEI)

Bases Liberated:
Efate (SOPAC)
Pucheng (China)

SIGINT/Intel: KB and Mini-KB vanish after being sighted off Darwin.

West Coast/Admin. Fast convoy departs LA for Auckland while a troop convoy forms at LA. CV Wasp arrives in Panama and will head to LA. BBs Nevada and Pennsylvania depart Bremerton for Dutch Harbor.

In NOPAC. US Bmb TF (2CL, 5DD, DMS) bombard Attu and remain on station for another round of bombardment. Adak AF reaches Lvl 4. Will continue to maintain pressure on Attu in preparation for invasion once 22nd Marine Reg becomes avail.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, 7th Marines take Efate without opposition. Amph and Bmb TFs return to Noumea to begin prep for Luganville. Follow on TR convoy begins landing two engineer battalions at Efate. PBYs begin operating from Efate. Tulagi AF reported at level 1. Enemy sub (either I-10 or I-6, depending on reports) misses CV Yorktown and is forced to surface by escorts where it engages in a robust fight - launching at least 4 torp attacks against escorts, and the sub is hit it repeatedly with gunfire - and - a torpedo! Never saw a sub torpedoed by a destroyer before! Numerous sub sightings west of Espirutu Santo/Efate so I’m moving the CV TFs to the east of the New Hebrides to support landings on Luganville. With luck, the amph TF will complete loading next turn and the KB will remain away from SOPAC so we can move on Luganville.

In SWPAC, a bombardment TF (3CA, 2DD) is intercepted off Cooktown by PTs resulting in CA Kinugasa torpedoed in exchange for 2 PTs. The resulting bombardment (less Kinugasa) does little. The IJN emphasis is now aimed at Darwin - THREE BB TFs (2BB, 3CA, 3CL, 7DD / 2BB, 4CA, 3CL, 9DD / 2BB, 3CA, 2CL, 7DD) bombard Darwin with good effect. At least I know where the entire IJN battle line is!! Other than the KB, and what was off Cooktown - that’s pretty much his entire fleet -less the Yamato/Hyuga TF bombarding Wenchow. I detach the Brit CV TF (2CV, 2CA, 3DD) from operating off Carnarvon back to Capetown and the US CVs will head back to SOPAC. I’ll leave some surface forces at Perth, but I intend to use LBA to hold Port Hedland/Exmouth/Carnarvon areas. He can mass naval forces much easier here than the USN can. Port Hedland is hit by Bettys with good effect, closing the AF again. However, an xAK is not hit and begins slowly offloading supply.


In the Philippines, four subs offload. Looks like the IJA is finally going to attack - the 56th IN Div is identified at Bataan.

In China, pressure maintained from Sian to Lanchow with a Chinese Corps forced back toward Lanchow. On the bright side, the Chinese might actually pull out most troops in the Sian area instead of having them encircled. One Corps is slated to remain behind at Sian, the rest are all slowly pulling back to the NW. In the SE, Wenchow is again bombarded by the Yamato TF, while the Chinese retake Puching NW of Wenchow. AVG remains on the ground.

In India/Burma, Nells hit Diamond Harbor at night with minimal effect - this just forces me to assign my already limited fighter strength to night CAP over Diamond/Calcutta. Fighting around Lashio remains fairly stagnant as second line IJA troops still haven’t forced the issue. The main IJA concentration and threat is to seize Akyab along the coast. Brit 18th Div begins will start moving by Bdes off Ceylon to the mainland and this formation will be brought into the Chittagong area. While I don’t think I can hold Akyab, I do think I can hold Chittagong.

That was an amazing sub vs. escort battle near Efate. I assume the torpedo hit sank the sub immediately? Talk about being hoist by one's own petard! Cosmic justice!

ORIGINAL: jwolf

That was an amazing sub vs. escort battle near Efate. I assume the torpedo hit sank the sub immediately? Talk about being hoist by one's own petard! Cosmic justice!

Yeah, she went down right after the torp hit. She took a number of 5" and 20mm hits while shooting her own torps at the US DDs. Very entertaining combat replay. Never really have seen that an extensive surface engagement on a sub forced to the surface.

End of May 42 Summary

Another interesting month. As expected, a new front was in fact opened up by the IJA, just not anywhere I expected it, by landing at Normanton, Aus. What was also surprising was L_S_T splitting off Kaga and Akagi to the Mini-KB, and finding that little tidbit out the hard way with the War’s second Carrier Battle, again off Port Hedland. Like last month’s battle, this one was also inconclusive, and with the 2xUS CVs not participating as planned, I was lucky not to have lost this engagement decisively. Also fortunately with this fiasco, was that the British Surface TF near Port Hedland wasn’t clobbered by carrier airpower but managed to inflict some damage on the IJN and withdraw. While Allied naval losses were minimal during the month, IJN airpower mauled two troop convoys, one off Port Hedland and the other in SOPAC. On the positive side, the US CV raid in CENPAC was fortunate to find a small convoy at sea, and made short work of it. Also positive was no major disaster befell the Chinese army, although they are steadily losing ground to the IJA near Sian. At the end of the month, the Allies managed to conduct the first amphib operation by taking back Efate. Naval loss ratio for the month was very positive, of course some of these IJN losses may come back from their watery grave; IJN reported losses for the month were 1BB, 1CA, 4CL, 5DD and 2SS as compared to the Allies losing only 2DD and 1SS. Air losses were also in the Allies favor, 532 for Jpn to 395 Allied. Lastly, two new aircraft were identified - the Rufe was engaged over Attu and the Nick was observed over Burma.

Screenshot shows Allied Forces disposition - Notes: 1)Ships are in service, not under refit or stood down. 2) a/c shown are combat available, not trainers or deployed on CVs. 3) CENPAC and Ceylon subs are those against IJN shipping or those bringing supply to Bataan, other Theater subs shown are “in close” for defense of that Theater. 4) Eng are Construction or Port Maint Bns, not BFs.

So what is next for the mighty Japanese Empire? SIGINT isn’t helping much in that regard. While I don’t think he’s ready to concede the initiative just yet, I don’t anticipate another major landing or offensive - with the possible exception of perhaps, just perhaps - a landing on the coast of NE Australia. That is the only possible reason I can figure for the purpose of the Normanton landing - draw Allied forces off the coastal defenses, then invade the NE coast and trap them. While that may be the most dangerous course of action, its also the most risky, and probably least likely. Still, just the threat of it will tie down troops on the Australian coast. Most likely at this point is the IJA continuing current operations - take Darwin and eliminate the Allied refugee army heading south, secure Akyab and Lashio in Burma, and in China, take Sian and Wenchow.

SUBWAR: Subs haven’t done much the last month for a number of reasons. First, L_S_T has been very successful in his ASW efforts, as well as his convoy routing. Second, I’ve devoted a significant number of subs to resupply missions - Bataan, Darwin and Port Hedland. Third, I’ve kept a number of subs “close in” as part of defensive measure off the NW Australian coast and the New Hebrides which offer good search capabilities and the seldom chance to hit a warship. The most effective sub weapon has been the mine - there just aren’t enough mines in the inventory! Once Bataan and Darwin fall, most fleet subs will go back to hunting the merchant marine.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Will finish out the stragglers for the 4/42 upgrades and start the 6/42 upgrades on BBs as a priority. Will get Sara into the yards for her 6/42 upgrade, then Lex when she finishes. Fuel situation has improved in Australia, but will continue to push tanker convoys out of Cape Town and the US. Pilot training progresses well, and I’m still short airframes more than pilots. P-40s and P-39s are now very low and I don’t have the planes to sustain attritional fighter combat.

NOPAC. Attu remains the only IJA possession and will start to work to change that. Although I see no reason to expect the IJN to appear any time soon, the USN will maintain a fairly robust surface force which will focus on bombarding Attu through the month. The Marine 22nd Reg will spearhead the invasion, and it is due to arrive in about 2wks. So, the target date for invading Attu is the end of June.

CENPAC. Nothing going on here. I’ve pulled most of the warships out to other theaters, and a good portion of the aircraft as well. No plans for any Allied offensive action here for a while, and will continue to use Midway/Pearl as a hub for sub operations.

SOPAC. Looking to sustain the initiative here after taking Efate. First small steps on a long journey have to begin somewhere. Next step is Luganville (defended) and taking back Tanna (undefended). As long as the KB remains away, will continue north. Goal here is also to prevent the KB from raiding the shipping lanes east of Australia. That would be a welcome change. Should the KB come raiding, I’m not ready for a CV fight unless I can ensure I’m in range of LBA out of Noumea. That’s a small window, and I doubt L_S_T will fall into it.

SWPAC. First off, SWPAC is now fighting in two directions, so I’ve created “Western Australia Command” which will be responsible for Tennant Creek west, while SWPAC will focus on Normanton and east, and eventually up into New Guinea. SWPAC will remain the priority of US Army ground reinforcement, and the 40th ID is already enroute by brigades to augment the 32nd ID. The challenge will be to eliminate the landing at Normanton while holding firm on the coast - that will take a lot of troops. L_S_T has shown some interest in Cooktown, and will prioritize getting troops there.

WAUS. While SWPAC will be led by US ground troops, WAUS will be led by Australian troops backed by US troops and support. The US 41st Div will move to hold Tennant Creek, and I fully expect to lose most troops pulling back from Daly Waters. I expect Darwin to fall this month - only being defended by a Bde, out of supply. Carnarvon has been successfully established as a forward base, and Exmouth also needs to be established to support operations toward Port Hedland. The intent is to hold Port Hedland, but to do it without a major naval commitment - the threat is just too high. That will be a challenge.

Bataan. Amazingly, still standing at Bataan going into June! Getting the xAK in really helped the supply situation as the sub runs are just not enough. One more xAK is enroute, and will continue pushing subs in, but with the IJA 56th Div identified, I have to think the ground assault is close. Hopefully, L_S_T will attack while I have some supplies and give his troops a bloody nose before capitulating.

Burma/India. Well, the seaborne invasions in the Indian Ocean did not materialize! Even the expected end-around to grab Akyab didn’t happen - instead the overland slog was chosen. I expect to lose Akyab by the end of Jun, but should have enough troops on the ground to firmly hold Chittagong. I’m going to take some risk in pulling out the British 18th Div from Ceylon, and replacing it with a Bde size Indian Div which is rebuilding after being destroyed in Malaya. The interesting fight has been for Lashio - which I expected to fall quickly, but is still holding out with a mere Chinese Div defending it. Further, the British troops that went into the jungle after the fall of Mandalay, may just make it back to friendly lines. I still have the US 27th ID “training” at Cape Town and will likely commit that division to India at some point - unless something unexpected happens in Australia.

China. I still hate fighting in China. At least I’m learning through hard lessons, and may not lose an army in the defense of Sian. But I will lose Sian. And probably Lanchow as well. Despite the bad terrain, the IJA continues to push the Chinese forces back and cause heavy losses. Lack of supply is becoming more of a problem, and I don’t see any relief to that issue. In the SE, Wenchow continues to be a thorn in the IJA side. While the AVG is still present, planes are few and replacement P-40s are fewer.

It is amazing that you still keep Bataan! kudos for that

what are your plans for bombers? 4E bombers in particular,

By now you should have enough pools to put a credible force and start making life miserable for the invaders, of course you also need big airfields, but by now you should have them in the India-Burma frontier, NE Australia and Suva/ New Caledonia.

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

It is amazing that you still keep Bataan! kudos for that

what are your plans for bombers? 4E bombers in particular,

By now you should have enough pools to put a credible force and start making life miserable for the invaders, of course you also need big airfields, but by now you should have them in the India-Burma frontier, NE Australia and Suva/ New Caledonia.

On Bataan - thanks, but its only because L_S_T hasn't attacked it. My lesson learned is that I should have left an air HQ in Bataan to allow PBYs to operate with torps - give Bataan some "teeth" and provide some incentive for the IJA to attack it. As is, it really provides little value other than tying down some troops and denying Manila. But that is something....

As for my bombers, I saw your effective use in India and I'm envious. I can't manage that for a while - I messed up with my B-17s by allowing them to fly into an air ambush - not once, but twice - over Derby. At extended range, 30+ Zeros did very well against a bomb group. And with PDU-off, losses are slowly - very slowly - being replaced. As long as L_S_T maintains an effective fighter force, I'm leery about committing the bombers - I can't afford another Derby. One of the reasons I was asking about the Beaufighters in the open forum - I'd like to use them as escorts for raids against Moresby.

Once I get the P-38F, I can start some escorted raids preceded by sweeps. Till then, I'm going to try and remain conservative and avoid another Derby type drubbing - using night raids (we have a house rule limited #s of squadrons per target) and try and use recon more effectively to find good, less protected targets.

I forgot you are playing PDU off, that changes things quite a lot. You can't sweep for more than 7 hexes... which is quite short legged.

Beaufighters: In mid June 1942, I have only one RAAF squadron, 16 planes plus 17 more in the pools. Replacement rate is 12 planes per month, relatively adequate.

I haven't tried air-to-air with it, but the stats show a plane that is much better than a Fulmar, but inferior to all Allied front line fighters; you will need surprise, good crews and/ or expect heavy losses.

I won't ever use it as sweep, as I am playing PDU on, thus I have much better options, but I think it is a very good idea; use it sparingly on small airbases where recon shows few fighters. Surprise will be everything so you would like to overwhelm him with as many bombers on the same turn. Typical trick is to order sweep while the bombers are at naval range zero --> airbase... that way you have a good chance the sweep goes first. If the airfield gets heavy damage, then the fun starts

And I think you have plenty enough ground/ naval bombers, maybe a lot more than you can use at the moment, so I believe it is a good idea to use the Beaufighters as long range fighter. You can use it later on back on its preferred mission, right now you need long range fighters

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury


And I think you have plenty enough ground/ naval bombers, maybe a lot more than you can use at the moment, so I believe it is a good idea to use the Beaufighters as long range fighter. You can use it later on back on its preferred mission, right now you need long range fighters

Pretty much on the mark here J_S. I need fighters, fighters and more fighters...