From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japan's Thoughts

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]Combat Report[/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 6-10, 1942[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Everything continues to progress at Port Moresby and the relief of Perth.  I’ll throw in notes at the end of the report.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Regional Reports:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]North Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kiska               I have a sense of impending action here.  The Allies have begun to Recon this base from Dutch Harbor.  Current forces based there:  Air--27 Zero, 9 Kate, and 9 Emily, Ground—135 Assault Points—primarily 3 SNLF, a CD unit, and 2 Base Forces, and Naval—3 CL, 5 DD, and 3 SS.  Begin looking around to find more of anything to reinforce this base some.             [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Midway            The 3rd Battle of Midway???  The base is hit on the 6th and 8th by 24-27 B-17 causing little damage.  On the 10th, THREE TF are spotted about 9 hexes to the east of Midway moving in a westerly direction…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Immediately move my Bettys from Wake to Midway (27—9—9= 45 total) and set for Naval Attack.  Order my small STF (1 CL and 3 DD) based at Wake to move to a position NW of Midway at 5 hexes away to a possible attack.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The last time the Allies attacked Midway, it cost them an RCT and numerous damaged/sunk ships.  Since then, I lifted off 2 weaker SNLF and replaced them with stronger Naval Guard units as well as added a 2nd CD unit.  Add to this that there are now over 3,500 mines there that weren’t last time and it might be FUN to watch![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]This garrision cannot hold against a large attack—say 1 ½ Infantry Divisions but it sure will bloody their noses…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kwajalein         Convert an Oscar Sentai (Exp: 79) to TONIES!  They will move to Midway when ready…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]South Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Operation Black Wind has a promising start.  The PM landing seems to have caught the Allies out-of-position or they are simply going to sacrifice over 45,000 men…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lae      Strikes launch from here to PM every day.  I have 3 Daitai of Betty (81 planes) ready to attack ANY naval shipping that approach the base.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Port Moresby   All 4 Infantry Divisions and 2 Construction Btns (well supplied) are ashore by August 7th and I launch my first Deliberate Attack on 9th.  I get a 1-1!!!  The attack nearly takes the base (639-399) since I missed a 2-1 by just a little bit.  Reinforcements begin landing on the 10th—a Army HQ, 2 small Base Forces, and another Construction Btn.  Barring a massive change, I will launch a Shock Attack about the 14th and get the base.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Reinforcements:  I have 2 Engineering Regiments, 2 Artillery Regiments, and an Infantry Brigade all en route from Noumea---these are being sent just-in-case…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Gili-Gili Having been pasted by 4EB earlier, G-G works to put the pieces back together and continues to launch strikes, provide CAP, and serve as a staging point for the PM Operation.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Salamaua          As of the 9th, this base becomes operational by going to AF-2.  The 2 Daitai of Vals and 1 Daitai of Zero immediately begin operations over PM. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Noumea           Sortie a STF (1 CL and 8 DD) to G-G from here to support operations.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sub Action:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 7th--SS Grayling hits a Mine at PM[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 8th—SS Silversides hits an AK with 6 Shells and takes 2 Shells back near G-G[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 8th—East of Cairns sees Ro-60 take 4 DC and sink[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 9th—SS Herring hits a Mine at PM[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 9th—I-175 sunk by ASW TF near Brisbane[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 10th—KXVI hit by ASW TF near PM by 3 DC[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]MAN—I am losing SS at a fast rate…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]On the 10th, my Recon from Thursday Island spots what might be an Allied response.  Several TF are spotted moving northwards along the Aussie coast between Cairns and Cooktown.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kiriwina           On the 6th, I notice that my ships east and northeast of G-G are being spotted by Catalinas.  Rather perplexed at this, I suddenly notice activity at this island.  The Allies have moved some troops and recon planes there by SS!  Thoroughly impressed--as well as irritated—I invade the island on the 10th.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]NE Australia[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Perth    Normal routine of naval, air, and land bombardment every day.  Troops are out of supply but continue to hold.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]7,97     My blocking force has been eliminated down to a single brigade.  There are now 1 Inf Div, 2 Brigades, and a TK Regiment pounding this unit.  It does not look good…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Naval Developments:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]As my many TF are moving into position NW of the Aussie Coast (about 8 hexes), I spot a small TF moving towards India.  Planes from CVs Soryu and Ryujo launch and SINK BC Repulse with 5 Bombs and 4 TT on the 10th!  A gallant opponent slips beneath the waves.  BANZAI![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]While nice, some of my surprise factor has now been lost…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]DEI[/font]
[font="times new roman"]SS Action:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 8th—SS O21 is hit by an ASW TF and takes 5 DC[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Singapore         Convert a Sentai of Oscars (Exp: 82) to TONIES![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Burma[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Continous story of massive Allied Airpower being used all along Nate’s perimeter hitting troops near Myitkina, the base at Mandalay, Akyab, and elsewhere.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Andaman          I think the Allies have re-thought bombarding this base TWICE in the last two weeks.  I spot ships approach, get attacked by LBA from the base (usually Sally) and then NOT move in.  We’ll see if this continues…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Yenen              Strong Dog Fight on the 8th when the Allies try to recapture aerial control over the city—they lose—we lose 8F and 4 B and they lose 14 P-40.  After a long wait (and getting another Inf Div, Inf Brigade, and Engineering Regiment), Nate prepares to attack once more…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]49,26               Nate’s troops continue to hold the hex to the west of Yenen against aerial and ground attack.  If he can hold the hex a while longer, then Yenen MUST begin to run out of supply![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engineering:  Tatung AF-4[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Home Islands[/font]
[font="times new roman"]My warships from the SE Pacific Campaign spread out throughout the ports of Japan for repair and upgrade.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]To deal with Allied 4EB better, I change 4 AA units in Japan from Home Islands to 4th Fleet ‘ownership’ and ship them out on the 6th.  Two head for Midway and the other two go towards Rabual—Lae—G-G.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Combat Summary[/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 6-10, 1942 [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Planes[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan—40 total—15 Fighters, 13 Bombers, 2 Recon, and 5 Float Planes. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies—47 total—21 Fighters, 4 Bombers, and 22 4EB.  Fighters lost in China and a nice amount of 4EB lost over New Guinea! [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Shipping[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan—5 Ships---I-175, Ro-60, 1 ML, 1 AK, and 1 AP. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies—1 Ship—BC Repulse[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Notes:[/font]

[font="times new roman"]Sinking the Repulse was nice but it has given away that I have at least 2 CV in the area.  I am not sure as how I want to handle that.  I have my Glen-SS looking around and think that I will still try to see what is down there by sending in my Decoy (Suicide) Convoy.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]It APPEARS that PM will be mine within a week-to-ten days.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have about 10-12 damaged AP/AK/TK moving from PM to Rabaul and expect to lose about 50% of them.  Considering the losses I took when I landed at Pago-Pago, those a light indeed![/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]

[John 3rd]

My opponents are making ANOTHER attempt at recapturing Midway Island! 
 
History:
Captured Midway on January 15th
Destroyed the 161st RCT when the Allies tried to retake the island in Mid-March
Reinforced the island in early May
August 10-12th Prelude to a new invasion
 
The Invasions Force was spotted on August 10th, attacked by Bettys on the 11th, should be bombarded on the 12th with a landing on the 12th or 13th.
 
These are the statistics of the base currently:
 
Midway  Pt-2/AF-6  Fortifications 7
Supply  26,000
Fuel  2543
 
Minefields--3,200 total
 
Troop Assault Strength:  352
 
Composition:
Sand Island:  61st/88th Naval Guard, 6th CD Btn, 21st Reserve Engineers, and 24th Aviation Unit
Eastern Isaland:  51st/52nd Naval Guard and 14th CD Btn
 
I shall expect a landing of AT LEAST 1 1/2 Infantry Divsions.  Perhaps one of them is Marine?  Do the Marines have anything other then the 1st (Auckland I think) and 2nd (destroyed at Pago-Pago) Divisions at this stage of the war?
 
If they are Army, I have a real chance to throw them back into the sea AGAIN!
 
Otherwise my troops shall die honorably! 
 
Banzai!  BANzai!!  BANZAI!!! 

[Grotius]

I've just read through the AAR and wanted to add my voice to the chorus of praise! I like your format, and I am intrigued with the course of the war so far. I will mostly be lurking because I'm about to go read Cap's AAR now, and I don't trust myself not to reveal secrets. Good luck.

[bobogoboom]

Not sure if i have posted to say this but this and Cap's are my favorite aar around. Yall both do a wonderful jobs with you aars. Keep up the good work(though as an afb i am rooting for him).

[John 3rd]

Thank you Gentlemen!  Good to know two more readers are with the cause.  I appreciate the complements.  I don't have the techincal savvy that others do but simply try to put my thoughts to 'paper.'
 
I am waiting for my daily turn from my opponents!  Want to see if Midway gets hammered or not...
 
 

[John 3rd]

Hello Readers!  I have been unable to update the AAR over the last week.  Hope to get to it on Sunday or Monday.  Sorry about the delay but 'life happens.'
 
Have a good day!
 

[John 3rd]

I must release a selective amount of information!  Let August 19, 1942 go down in history as a glorious day for the Imperial Japanese Army with the complete capitulation of over 31,000 Austrailian soldiers at Port Moresby!
 
BANZAI!
 
Scratch the 1st Aussie Corps HQ
7th and 8th Aussie Infantry Divisions
A-T Regiment
2 Base Forces
 
How is that for August 1942??!!
 
The game is, once again, afoot off the coast of Perth as well...
 
 

[IS2m]

BANZAI!!!

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]Combat Report[/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 11-15, 1942[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies are trying AGAIN to take Midway!  To remind the reader:  the base was taken by the Japanese in mid-January, was attacked by the Americans in mid-March (causing the 161st RCT to surrender, and here we are in mid-August…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Regional Reports:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]North Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kiska               I still have a sense of impending action here.  I have an MLE strike a mine here on the 15th.  Will begin a minelaying campaign here very shortly.  Will be moving some SS and ML there to take care of that.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Dutch Harbor  Goes to AF-4 on the 11th.       [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Midway           The 3rd Battle of Midway is ON![/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]August 11th     I have 45 Bettys make very disappointing attacks on the Invasion Force as it moves to 4 hexes east of the Island.  There is at least ONE US CV present.  My attacks have to fly through 29 Wildcats flying CAP.  For 11 Bettys, I get single TT hits on BB Colorado and California.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Figuring that I am about to be bombarded, I fly all available planes from Midway to Wake that night.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 12th     Surprisingly the Allies don’t bombard the island during the day but do hit it at night.  A total of 3 BB, 1 CA, and 1 CL bombard and get hit anywhere from 10-30 times by CD.  The bombardment is strong; however, and I have 2,035 Cas and lose 39 Guns.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]A few F4F with 28 SBD hit the base during the day as well.  I ASSUME that Wasp is carrying the CAP and strike burden by herself.  With 3 US CV KNOWN to be in the South Pacific, perhaps there is an opportunity here…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Invasion TF is one hex away to the east.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 13th     LANDING!  My mines and CD do quite well.  Numerous AK, AP, and other support ships are hit by both.  About 12-15 ships are hit by one or the other.  The Shock Attack nets 0-1—my Forts are at 7.  Find out what is landing and have to say HOLY COW!  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]American Units in Midway Assault:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]US 1st Corps HQ[/font]
[font="times new roman"]1st Marine Division[/font]
[font="times new roman"]37th Army Infantry Division[/font]
[font="times new roman"]FA Regiment[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tank Battalion[/font]
[font="times new roman"]CD Regiment[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engineering Regiment[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]There is no doubt that Midway will fall.  Question is, how long can my troops hold out and will they give me a chance at a weighted counterstrike?  We shall see…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I order CARDIV 5 and its tired supports to reform in Tokyo Bay.  Figure to move Shokaku/Zuikaku, 2 BC, 3-5 CA/CL, and DDs into one TF and see what chaos may be gained…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kwajalein        Load my Tony Sentai about an AK on the 12th and send it to Wake.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 14th     My mines and CD do more damage.  Two American BBs take mine hits as well as numerous smaller vessels.  There are 6 BBs present including the Prince of Wales!  Wow…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 15th     Still unloading and taking damage.  No attack whatsoever to this point other then the Shock Attacks of landing.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]South Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Am preparing for my second land attack on PM.  I want this attack to TAKE the base!  Will wait until reinforcements have fully unloaded.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lae      Strikes launch from here to PM every day.  I have 3 Daitai of Betty (81 planes) ready to attack ANY naval shipping that approach the base.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Port Moresby  The airfield is struck repeatedly and a growing number of my bombers are hitting the Aussie Inf Div.  Casualties average about 300 a day with a few guns.  I now have an Army HQ, 4 Inf Div, and 4 small Construction Btns.  Within 4-5 days, I will add  2 Engineering Regiments, 2 Artillery Regiments, and an Infantry Brigade.  Will attack at and capture the base at that point.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies have their 4EB trying to hit shipping and my troops surrounding the base.  There is a LR CAP of nearly 30 Zeros working to lesson their impact.  A number of 4EB are shot down or damaged as well as some Hudsons flying from Cairns.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Gili-Gili           Continues to provide support, strikes at PM, and LRCAP for convoys passing to and fro.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Salamaua         LR CAP over PM is being flown from here as well.  I have 1 Daitai of Zeros as well as 2 Daitai of Vals.    [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kiriwina          Dispatch this pest on the 11th.  My creative Allies were using it to stage a squadron of PBYs from this point.  NO MORE![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Deboyne          The same troops used at Kiriwina now land here on the 12th to make sure there are no more Allied surprises.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Thursday Island          My recon base (2 Chutai of Emily and 1 Chutai of Jakes) is hit by 20 B-24 on the 13th doing no real damage.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]US CVs!  I believe that I spot the American CVs at Townsville on the 13th.  An Emily (from Norfolk Island) flies a Recon mission there.  It doesn’t spot the CVs but does find 49 F4Fs flying CAP there.  Good to know…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sub Action:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 11th---SS Permit is hit by 3 DC by an ASW TF[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 12th---KXVIII sinks an AP at PM with 3 TT[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 13th---SS Flying Fish puts a TT into an AP[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 14th---SS Flying Fish hit by 4DC by an ASW TF[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 15th---SS KXVIII 4 DC and SS Grayback 3 DC at PM by ASW TF[/font]
[font="times new roman"]     I’ll wager that my opponents are trying to pull out unit fragments before they are lost.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]NE Australia[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Perth    Normal routine of naval, air, and land bombardment every day.  Troops are out of supply but continue to hold and pray for help.  They get hit by a 21-1 attack on August 15th and hold their ground…I have more Assault Points here but no supply.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]7,97     My blocking force has been eliminated down to a single brigade.  There are now 1 Inf Div, 2 Brigades, and a TK Regiment pounding this unit.  It continues to not look good…the unit takes (get this) a 254-1 attack on the 15th and STILL holds…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Naval Developments:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I try to refuel my fleet on the 11th and 12th and FOR SOME REASON they cannot.  I have 9 TK carrying 73,000 in fuel and they won’t/can’t do it.  Am I doing something wrong???[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Begin a slow move southwards for battle…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My Glen—SS spot the British CVs due south of Perth on the 11th and track them northwards on the 12th.   This MIGHT be fun![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]DEI[/font]
[font="times new roman"]No action.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Burma[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Continous story of massive Allied Airpower being used all along Nate’s perimeter hitting troops near Myitkina, the base at Mandalay, Akyab, and elsewhere.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Yenen              Strong Dog Fight on the 8th when the Allies try to recapture aerial control over the city—they lose—we lose 8F and 4 B and they lose 14 P-40.  After a long wait (and getting another Inf Div, Inf Brigade, and Engineering Regiment), Nate prepares to attack once more…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]49,26               Nate’s troops continue to hold the hex to the west of Yenen against aerial and ground attack.  If he can hold the hex a while longer, then Yenen MUST begin to run out of supply![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engineering:  Tatung AF-4[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Home Islands[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Re-forming the CV TF at Tokyo Bay as described earlier.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Combat Summary[/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 11-15, 1942 [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Planes[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan—48 total—25 Fighters, 22 Bombers, and 1 DB.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]            Most of these planes are lost in the fighting over Northern China. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies—69 total—26 Fighters, 21 Bombers, and 20 4EB.  Fighters lost in China and a nice amount of 4EB lost over New Guinea! [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Shipping[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan—4 Ships---1 ML, 1 AP and 2 TK. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies—3 Ships—1 DD, 1 MSW, and 1 AK[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
 
[font="times new roman"]Notes:[/font]

[font="times new roman"]My 3 CVE initiate LR CAP over the Decoy Convoy.  This should place about 35-40 Zeros over the convoy at all times.  SHOULD bloody the Allies noses when they attack…[/font]
[font="times new roman"]It APPEARS that PM will be mine within a week-to-ten days.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have about 10-12 damaged AP/AK/TK moving from PM to Rabaul and expect to lose about 50% of them.  Considering the losses I took when I landed at Pago-Pago, those a light indeed![/font]
[font="times new roman"]Things are coming to a head with simultaneous actions occurring at Midway, PM, and Perth.  The next few weeks will tell and tale…[/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]

[castor troy]

John,

you have to use AO not TK to refuel your ships! [;)]

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]Combat Report[/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 16-24, 1942[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]This is a GREAT update in that includes a series of massive Japanese ground AND air victories throughout the Pacific.  Action carries on at Port Moresby, Midway, and Perth.  Without further commentary, let us jump into the fray…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Regional Reports:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]North Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kiska               Supply Convoy offloads without issue here from the 17-20th.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Attu                 AF-1 on August 20th. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Midway           The action at Midway is pretty fast and furious.  I have already resigned myself to losing this base due to the massive troop landing that has and is occurring.  My sole goal is to damage as many ships and units as possible.  Have to admit that I VERY worried about this Allied concentration of troops in the Central Pacific.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I am fully deployed in the Southern Pacific.  Will detail troop movements in the South Pacific area of the report.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Basic Summation of the Action:[/font]

[font="times new roman"]My troops hold on but are horribly outnumbered.  The only things saving them thus far is having abundant supply and Forts of 7.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allied Shipping Damage:  My CD, mines, air and surface attacks have managed to damage and/or sink a number of vessels.  Notes thus far:  CL Detroit, 4 DD, and nearly 20 AP/AK heavily hit or damaged.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Allies content themselves to bombard my troops and not attack.  My guess is that they are trying to rest from the landing and then attack.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]There are two small naval battles on the 21st and 23rd:  a small STF of 4 CL and 6 DD manage to sink 4 US DDs (surprise gained for Long Lances!) and 2 AK.  [/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Naval Reinforcements:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]1.  CARDIV 5 (Shokaku/Zuikaku) will arrive at Wake on August 24th with 2 BC, 3 CA/CL, and 8 DD.  If I see a chance to destroy a bunch of shipping, they will move into the fight.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]2.  The 3 old BBs that I was using to hit Port Moresby with shall also arrive on the 24th or 25th.  They will get a bombardment order.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]3.  The smaller vessels will be converted into Troops Transports and I will order them to lift off the CD units and Aviation Regiment on Midway.  Would like to save these units…[/font]
[font="times new roman"]4.  Fly in to Wake a 3rd Daitai of Bettys.  The AF is only a 3 (expanding quickly—55% to 4) but these planes can do some damage.  I have 2 Chutai of Emilys and 1 Sentai of Tonys here.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engineering:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Guam  AF-4[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Woliei  AF-3[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]South Pacific[/font]
[font="times new roman"]GLORY for the Imperial Japanese Army at Port Moresby![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lae      Strikes launch from here to PM every day.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Port Moresby  The final act for Port Moresby opens with me resting my troops and having 2 Engineering Regiments as well as 2 Artillery Regiments begin landing on the 17th.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 18th     US Carriers!  The American CVs are spotted and a furious air battle ensues around Gili-Gili.  All 3 CVs are present and they take a pretty good amount of aerial losses.  For the loss of 7 Zeros, my Sea Eagles shot down 14 Wildcats, 5 SBDs, and 5 Avengers.  The American attacks focus on a haplass ASW TF of 6 PG.  While these ships are hit and sunk, they American planes fall.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Probably due to low morale and high CAP over the US CVs, I don’t get a counterstrike launched.  Move experienced and high morale Bettys to G-G that night.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 19th     I taunt my opponents in the email but they chicken out and head south.  TOO BAD!  No aerial action regarding the American CVs this day…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Notes:[/font]

[font="times new roman"]I got lucky!  I had an entire Brigade of Infantry approaching PM that wasn’t spotted by American Recon.  Would surely have lost over 10,000 troops had they been spotted…[/font]
[font="times new roman"]By revealing their positions, the Allies make my job FAR EASIER for the Perth Campaign happening at that moment on the other side of Aussieland. [/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]As the cowardly Americans slink away to the SW, my final attack on PM occurs on August 19th.  All 4 Inf Divisions with their new Engineering and Artillery support sweep into the base, capture the port, AF, and 31,249 Prisoners of War!  BANZAI!  BANZAI!!  BANZAI!!![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Scratch an entire CORPS of Aussie troops!  Wow…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Immediately order ships back to the Port so I can move troops around to other bases.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 24th     In a HUGE development, I have an Emily spot the Saratoga at Brisbane.  This implies that the US CVs are staying glued to the east coast of Australia.  PERTH IS CLEAR![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sub Action:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 16th---SS Grayback hits an AK with 1TT[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 17th---SS Triton hit by 3 DC at PM[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 17th---SS Saury attacks AP on the surface and hits it with 8 Shells but the plucky AP returns fire and hits the SS with 3 Shells causing it to be ‘on fire.’[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 20th---SS Narwhal is hit by LBA near Suva[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 22nd---SS Sailfish is hit by 7 DC from an ASW Group [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 23rd---SS KXIV is hit by 3 DC from the same ASW Group.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Troop Movement:[/font]

[font="times new roman"]South Seas Force to Wake Island from Noumea[/font]
[font="times new roman"]9th Independent Brigade to Kwajalein from Noumea[/font]
[font="times new roman"]11th Independent Brigade to Canton from Gili-Gili[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Start loading the battered 4th and 56th Infantry Divisions on the 24th at Port Moresby to shipped to Rabaul for rebuilding.[/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]NE Australia[/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Battle for Perth, ROUND TWO commences!  Operation Urgent Fury goes into full effect as a furious aerial battle develops over the seas of Western Australia.  Daily summary:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 16th          Deliberate attacks are launched at both Perth and 7,97 by the Allies.  Though they do well (1-1 and 11-1 respectively), I continue to hold on.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 17th          Bombardment Attacks at each site.  I order a small STF of 1 CL and 7 DD to do a surface sweep of 7,97 because of several AP spotted there and FOR SOME REASON they decide to loiter in that hex.  In come the Allied bombers and down goes a DD with 3 more DDs heavily damaged.  HATE THIS GAME![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aug 18th          Bombardment Attacks at each hex.  My Decoy AK TF is spotted this day but no strikes fly at it…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 19th     HOLY COW—Here we go.  As expected, the Allies launch everything they have at my Decoy TF and they get MASSACRED by the 32-42 Zeros flying LR CAP over it!  I lose 13 Zeros in exchange for (CATCH THIS) 40 Fighters, 3 2EB, and 5 Swordfish.  The convoy only takes superficial damage…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I mentioned Swordfish.  The 3 Brit CVs are spotted in the hex due west of Perth.  I want them but have to knock back the Allied air some more before I can risk my CVs.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The fuel crisis within the Fleet is starting to become acute at this point.  Cannot believe that I loaded TK and not AO for refueling purposes.  Feel like a damned rookie…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 20th     The aerial massacre continues this day.  For only 3 Zeros, I shot down 30 Fighters, 13 2EB, and 16 Swordfish.  The Brit CV air groups are utterly decimated in this action!  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]In what can only be described as a small disaster, the Allies sneak in a 30 Bomber strike at my CVE TF.  For some reason the CAP from CVL Ryujo and CVE Hosho doesn’t even fly.  These two TF are paired together for operating purposes.  My CVEs take it again:  Chuyo 3 Bombs (on Fire) and Taiyo 10 Bombs (heavily damaged).  Luckily nearly all of their Zeros bongo to other CVs nearby.  Chuyo has a chance to make it but Taiyo is a goner…  Strange that my CAP didn’t fly…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies bombard at Perth and Deliberate Attack 7,97 for a 7-1 attack.  My 35th Brigade stubbornly holds on there…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 21st      The KB reveals itself in strikes against Allied Shipping.  CL Dragon and 2 DD are pounded into the sea.  A strike from Perth of 11 Brewsters and 3 B-25 is destroyed entirely by 78 Zeros flying CAP in the morning and another 3 B-25 and 3 Hudson die in the afternoon.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Brit CVs are spotted fleeing the action heading southeast!  “Rule Brittiana!???”  Haa![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Order a BB TF and CA TF to Bombard Perth.  KB ordered in for a dawn strike against the AF.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Bombardments at Perth and 7,97[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 22nd     The KB hits Perth for disappointing results:  48 Zero, 68 Val and 19 Kate hit the AF.  They have to fight their way through 44 Fighters.  It is a crazy dogfight and losses end up at 17 Zero, 11 Val, and 1 Kate for 19 Fighters, 2 Bombers, and 1 Recon and minor AF damage.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The AF takes more minor damage from each Bombardment Group.  Planes fly from Perth and do some damage—BC Haruna takes 2 TT and CA Furutaka takes 1TT.  Both have a good chance of making it and are sent to Koepang.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]No ground action this day.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 23rd     Several small surface actions against PT Boats occur.  At 7,97, I lose a MSW to a group of 6 PT.  They lose 1 PT.  At Perth, 3 PTs are destroyed for no damage to my BB TF.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Small strikes come in against the KB.  In exchange for 3 Zero, I shot down 9 Fighters, 5 Bombers, and 3 TB.  NO DAMAGE to me![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Bombardment at Perth while a SCARY attack (72-1) hits my brigade at 7,97.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 24th     Lose CVE Taiyo to earlier damage.  Damn…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Have several PT Boat encounters at Perth and 6,97 and send DDs to dispose of them.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Bombardment at Perth and a scary 65-1 attack at 7,97.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]This is the situation at this point.  Notes:[/font]

[font="times new roman"]Fuel status is horrific.  I have ordered Akagi and Kaga back to Timor for fuel.  My BB TF as well as elements of my CA TF are doing the same.  I have Soryu, Ryuho, Rhujo, Hosho, and Unyo still operating here…[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have Supply TF approaching Perth and 7,97.  This SHOULD really help my troops holding there.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Perth Invasion TF is 5 hexes away and approaching fast (for Transports).  This TF carries 90,000 troops and 50,000 supply.  Landing is scheduled for August 27th.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Japanese control the waves but are now BLUFFING!  They Allies do not know that I am pulling my heavies back for fuel.  If I can bluff them for 3-4 days, then I have a chance at true victory.  We shall see…[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Thank goodness the American CVs were spotted off Gili-Gili on the 18th and 19th.  There is no way for them to make their presence felt for at least 7-10 more days…[/font][font="times new roman"] [/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]DEI[/font]
[font="times new roman"]No action.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Burma[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Continous story of massive Allied Airpower being used all along Nate’s perimeter hitting troops near Myitkina, the base at Mandalay, Akyab, and elsewhere.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Mandalay        For the first time in 3 months, Nate moves Fighters into Mandalay to challenge Allied airpower.  Several attacks are staged against the base for real casualties on the Allied side.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]37,30               Nate has cut the Burma Road here and puts 3 Daitai of Zeros from Mandalay on LR CAP.  They have two VERY good days on August 18th and 19th.  For a paltry 4 Zeros, 27 Fighters and 8 Bombers fall in flames.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Yenen              Stalemate[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]49,26               On August 19th, the Chinese finally blast through the Japanese troops holding this hex.  The road to Yenen opens and this is—yet again—another failed offensive within China.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Home Islands[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nothing major.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Combat Summary[/font]
[font="times new roman"]August 16-24, 1942 [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Planes[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan—85 total—53 Fighters, 4 Bombers, 14 DB. 7 TB, and 7 Recon.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]            About 50% of these losses are near Perth. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies—218 total—140 Fighters, 33 Bombers, 8 4EB, 8 DB, 28 TB, and 1 Recon.  HUGE Allied losses!  I take 2 ½ to 1 for losses.  At this stage of the campaign this is fantastic.  HUGE losses over Burma, near Perth, and off Gili-Gili make for a very nice report.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Shipping[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan—21 Ships---CVE Taiyo, 1 DD, 3 MSW, 2 AP, 7 AK, and 7 PC. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies—25 Ships—CL Dragon, 6 DD, 1 MSW, 11 AK, 1 DMS, 1 AP, 3 PT, and 1 PG[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]WOW!  This is a lot of information.  Any thoughts and/or ideas?[/font]

[USSAmerica]

More good stuff, John! 
 
My thought for the day:  [;)]  You mentioned pulling back to Timor to refuel some of your carriers.  Do you have enough supply there to replace air wing losses?
 
Congratulations at PM!  That's a lot of Allied troops that are now out of the fight!  [8D]

[John 3rd]

Mike,
 
Thanks again for your thoughts!
 
Koepang has PLENTY of supply (about 40,000 I think) to help with restoring my planes.  Problem is that it is so far away!  We'll see how this continues to develop.
 
Can you believe the sheer volume of air losses I have inflicted on my opponents in the last couple of game weeks?  Over 300 (for a cost of 100) planes in a two-week period!  I know in the long run that this makes no difference but it an amazing stat for late-August 1942.
 
I know that the Allies are abandoning Perth to the winds of fate.  The American CVs are in Brisbane and the British CVs have had their air groups destroyed.  The only combat shipping, at this moment, are about 6 PT Boats that are being a pain in the butt. 
 
The plan will be to rotate my CVs for about a 7-10 days and provide air cover (at least some CAP) to try to keep Allied air down some...

[John 3rd]

It is not often that I have some time to simply write my thoughts on the forum.  Usually, I write my Combat Report between classes at the Community College where I teach and then come home and cut-and-paste.
 
Operations, after Perth, shall cease for a time.  My thinking hinges on the fact that my fleet is tired and I need to redeploy:
 
1.  Fleet Status--All my CVs are due for refit and upgrade.  Their System Damage is all between 4-10 and slowly climbing.  The losses I have taken are far more then any other campaign I have played:  CV Hiryu, CV Junyo, CV Hiyo, CVL Zuiho, CVL Shoho, and 2 CVEs have all been sunk.  While I still have an effective Strike Force, it is far lower that what I would prefer.
 
2.  Redeployment--My defence perimeter isn't.  I have concentrated all my troops and most aerial support units in the extreme South Pacific for the Port Moresby and aborted New Zealand Operations.  They must be moved about.  I am alarmed at the 2 Division landing at Midway.  My thoughts had been that the 1st Marines were in New Zealand.
 
This does not mean that I am settling onto the defensive.  I simply need some time to re-tool, redeploy, and rest my units.
 
As to Perth, I am still of the opinion that I can land, capture the port and THEN decide if I want to fight on in Australia or evacuate.  I simply don't look forward to the CD I will get when my transports begin landing...
 
'Tis a puzzlement.'
John
 

[John 3rd]

Am pondering the ground situation at the end of August 1942.
 
I have destroyed or rendered totally ineffective the following major units:  2nd Marine Division, 6th and 7th Aussie Divisions and the 1st Aussie Corps HQ.  The 1st marine Division and 37th US Infantry Division has landed at Midway.  How many more Divisions do the Allies have available at this point? 
 
Allied Players???

[ny59giants]

When it comes to Replenishment TFs, I thought it was imperative for the Japanese to never disband the TF (#2) that went to Pearl as it could replenish even with TK's in the TF. Is that right or wrong??

The Americans have the 24 & 25 Division at Pearl. They have the 7 & "??" Division on the west coast, but need PP to change commands (there may be a 3rd division, but I'm at work don't remember the number) and also currently playing CHS. [:D]

[bobogoboom]

If CHS he also has the RCTs in panama he can pay pp for. Also there are 4 us Divisons assigned to west coast he would have to pay PPs to unlock and also the Canadian brigs.

[John 3rd]

We, unfortunately, are playing a stock game.
 
I KNOW they reinforced New Zealand with at least 1 American Infantry Division.  A better bet might be two of them.  If we factor 4 Infantry Divisions available by this point, that leaves 1 available.  I can deal with that.
 
What about the Aussies?  I just wiped out 2 of their Divisions.  They cannot have very many available either...
 
Forgot to mention that the 161st RCT was destroyed in their first attempt to retake Midway back in march.

[bobogoboom]

Trying to remember from the last time i played stock but i thought the aussies had div 1-5 in australia and a cav division. plus assorted 5-6brigs. but thats normaly to cover the whole of oz
 

[USSAmerica]

Ok, John.  Here's what I can come up with for the Allies in stock, counting starting units and reinforcements as of Aug, 42:
 
Unrestricted Commands:
2 USMC Div (1 & 2)
7 USA Div (24,25,27,32,37,40,Americal)
2 Aus Div (6 & 7)
13 USA Regiments or RCT's
Didn't count unrestricted hq Aus/Nz Bde's

Restricted Commands:
2 USA Div (7 & 41) West Coast
1 USA RCT West Coast
3 Bde's Canada Command
Didn't count Aus/Nz restricted LCU's

Arriving on turn 298 (about Oct, 42):  USA 43 Div SOPAC Command
 
That's already a lot of Allied divisions!  [X(]
 
Happy Hunting!  [:D]