Newbie Allies vs. Experinced WitP

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: Alfred

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

The diagram below shows the Burma front as of mid-May 1942. In thinking about the operations to retake Burma, a lot of contraints come to mind. It is impossible to supply attacking forces going back West to East. The only supply route with connected LOC's is to China and that is a deprived supply sink hole. All other routes are disconnected from a main source of supply. I do not think I have enough resources to air supply a full campaign ala la Stailingrad. The other route requires an amphibious landing and seizure of ports/roads to Ragoon.

The good news is I have a long time to think about it. In the meantime I work on dominating the air over Burma and ground attacking with a focus on units moving in the open.

You are just abut to get more time than you realise. The monsoon starts tomorrow and will last for 5 months.

Alfred

I am not really sure what that means in game terms? I have read in the Tech Support thread that many players have home rules for no attacks duringthe Monsoon because it does not really change the game. Do you have any thoughts? Extra pilot fatigue? no air ops? Extra LCU fatigue?

[Crackaces]

************************************************* 15 MAY 1942 **************************************

DEI:

Usually I just ignore the DEI as a lost cause and I have not commented much ... but this turn the IJN landed unprepared at
Koepang. What has happened is not enough forces landed in the first place so quickly forces had to come from afar to reienforce. The results were an Alled victory of sorts:


Amphibious Assault at Koepang (68,116)

TF 83 troops unloading over beach at Koepang, 68,116

Japanese ground losses:
1025 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 88 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 74 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (0 destroyed, 10 disabled)




So the OOB is at this point:

Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2343 troops, 38 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 175

Defending force 1823 troops, 22 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 65



Assaulting units:
Sasebo 8th SNLF
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
65th Bde /1

Defending units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
Koepang Base Force


That would be 1K boys of the 65th bde that went for a swim ..

BURMA:

First the bad news Lashio falls


Ground combat at Lashio (62,46)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22496 troops, 286 guns, 145 vehicles, Assault Value = 739

Defending force 6281 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 207

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 413

Allied adjusted defense: 139

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lashio !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
1651 casualties reported
Squads: 148 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 70 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (11 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 3


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
18th Division
1st Tank Regiment
55th Division
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st Burma Brigade
200th Chinese Division
36th Chinese Division


But Prome yields 5 Ocars and ..

WO Higgins L. of No.17 Sqn RAF attains ace status!!

PO Picton T. of No.605 Sqn RAF attains ace status!!

Afternoon Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 8



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 12
Hurricane IIb Trop x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses


Afternoon Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 1



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 11
Hurricane IIb Trop x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

JAPAN:

The SS Grenadier puts two slugs on target .. all duds .. that is 14 torps on target .all duds .. But just wait unitl this Commander gets live torps !


Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 99,57

Japanese Ships
TK Akebono Maru
PB Santo Maru
TK Tatekawa Maru
TK Ogura Maru #2
DD Kazegumo

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier
SS Grenadier launches 2 torpedoes at TK Akebono Maru

So the next turn is about staging our Carriers for a showdown. A KB of right now 2 CV's is off of Tarawa. He could have split the KB up set up a trap or any number of things so I shall be very cautious. The big thing is ... I know where he is to the exact hex .. and he has no clue where I am.

More later ..

[Crackaces]

I thought it was about time to post a strategy update:

BURMA:

Forces have been assembled at Calcutta, Chittagong, Akyab, Comilla, and Imphal India. A Division at Imphal and Cornilla with 3 bgdes at Akayb. More coming into theater soon. By the time the monsoon stops we should have 5 divisions along the border of India and more imporantly .. 5 level 7 bases to lanch air attacks into Burma.

CENPAC:

We jump to CENPAC because this turn shows a dramatic increase in committment into teh area. Multiple xAK convoys rolled over submarines .. no torps ..It looks the IJ will in fact resist strongly in this area. I suspect something more akin to a Solomon's like campaign with lots of bombardments and exchanges of naval platforms is a bloody duel. The only differnce is the distance from fuel sources -- a distinct advnatage to teh Allies in my opinion.

I suspect the next move is to strike Ocean Island while bombarding Tarawa. I have 3 SST's to try and evacuate the Marines ...

OZ:

The IJA have decided to plunge deep into the depths of OZ. They are 2 hexes from Katherine at the moment. I have assumbled one complete AUS division, about 700 AV plus support. Very soon B-17's will be raining hell on earth on 2 IJA divisions or 800 AV. I think I want to assemble a full 1K AV and then begin to maneuver to cut off supplies and push the IJA back.

SOPAC:

Mac' is waiting impatiently for his forces that are moving toward Sydney. Three divisions, plus 4 art units are in route. Once assembled at Sydney will we see how things develop but forces are prepping for locations on the Solomons ..I am thinking of a strong diversionary strike, and establsih some airbases on Lunga and the Russel Islands while the IJ is busy with Tarawa. I at least have forces prepping ...

AIRWAR:

Ok . The numbers go total loss A2A ... ground but the Total loss is what I am loking at the IJ rank the top 7 and though Nates suck .. the A6M2 Zero's are in 2nd place for aircraft losses. Then 4 bomber models are all close together all around 150 losses .. the Oscar's got smashed in Burma .. The second col is important because its A2A which is more believable ...

752 Ki-27b Nate Fighter 226 127 2 0 97
603 A6M2 Zero Fighter 196 107 1 8 80
788 Ki-48-Ib Lily Level Bomber 175 20 69 0
670 G3M2 Nell Level Bomber 171 62 54 0 55
747 Ki-21-IIa Sally Level Bomber 151 38 57 0 56
761 Ki-43-Ic Oscar Fighter 128 87 0 2 39
673 G4M1 Betty Level Bomber 126 29 40 0 57

[Crackaces]

****************************************************** 16 MAY 1942 *******************************************


First it was Betty's and then Lilly's and now Nell's are trying to supress Chittagong. And failing ....

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 89 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 14
Mohawk IV x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

No Allied losses



I probably have to devote more airpower to nighttime duty.

The other significant event was an ASW contest at Colombo .. it did not go well for the IJN as I saw no less than 5 "taking on water messages" 2 "Severe Engine Damage" and 1 "Ship's side penatrated" message. However, we kept dropping DC's and kept contact so maybe she will make it home ..

ASW attack near Colombo at 26,48

Japanese Ships
SS I-15, hits 5

Allied Ships
DD Pakenham
DD Inconstant



The Dutch are fighting for their little lives at Koepang .. but their fate is sealed ..


Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7432 troops, 71 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 191

Defending force 1841 troops, 22 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Japanese adjusted assault: 73

Allied adjusted defense: 37

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled


More tommorow ..

[Crackaces]

The KB comes to play ...

The picture below illistrates that the KB most assuredly has come into theater. I have the USN CVTF's a safe 33 hexes away. At full speed he can do 18 hexes and add 8 the maximum range of a launch and at least the CVTF's are safe for this turn.

In the meantime every hex in all those slots between the Marshall's and Gilbert Islands are filled with Dutch and USN submarines. I know I know ... it takes the same odds of filling an inside straight as it takes to get an USN torp to stick .. but it has the same effect of getting lucky and winning a big pot. In this case the dominant hand does not know I am drawing free cards ..[;)] [It's a poker analogy ...[:D] ]

OK I will post the combat report as soon as it comes ..

[Crackaces]

We did get submarine attacks off .. and one of our USN boys made a torp stick ...

Submarine attack near Hengchun at 85,68

Japanese Ships
xAK Mansyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish



xAK Mansyu Maru is sighted by SS Sailfish
SS Sailfish launches 2 torpedoes



The other did not ..
[8|]

Sub attack near Ponape at 117,112

Japanese Ships
AV Kunikawa Maru
AV Sanyo Maru
DD Fubuki

Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 4 torpedoes at AV Kunikawa Maru


Interestingly the IJ detected our submarine mines at Milli and have xAK's ready to land troops. They are reinforcing like mad after I kicked the hornets nest over! [:D]

TF 483 encounters mine field at Mili (136,121)

Japanese Ships
AMc Tama Maru #3
AMc Shonan Maru #7



15 mines cleared

We come in low over Malkin and cause 30 causualites ..our bombing of units at Prome yielded no joy ..

But the IJAAF hitting Katherine find the flak intense!

Morning Air attack on NW Australia Base Force, at 76,129 , near Katherine

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 21



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 13 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 destroyed by flak


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


Koepang finally fell [:(]


Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7356 troops, 71 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 182

Defending force 1631 troops, 22 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 45

Japanese adjusted assault: 76

Allied adjusted defense: 9

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Koepang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
261 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 15 (10 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!


The tension continues in the Gilberts and the KB is not going home. This means we have to push the bowl of jello in a different place for now ..

[Crackaces]

************************************************ 18 MAY 1942 ****************************************


BURMA:

The night raids by the Nell's continue:

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 19



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 14
Mohawk IV x 2
Kittyhawk IA x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 6 damaged

No Allied losses
Airbase hits 1


We seem to be damaging our far share and the raid total has been reduced from 24 to 19. We need to get this group down in size soon ..

CENPAC:

The most interesting thing about the below is the number of ships involved. The IJN has committed no less that 25 ships here plus the KB of 12 or more ships. A tremendous comittment.


ASW attack near Wotje at 135,116

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio
CA Suzuya
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
CA Maya
CL Abukuma
CL Kinu
DD Yamagumo
DD Amagiri
DD Asagiri
DD Kasumi
DD Arare

Allied Ships
SS S-47, hits 1


ASW attack near Ailinglaplap at 134,117

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
CA Aoba
CA Haguro
CA Chokai
CL Yubari
CL Tenryu
CL Kitakami
CL Yura
CS Chiyoda
DD Kuroshio
DD Asagao
DD Mochizuki
DD Usugumo
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
SS Sealion



I have to think hard about how to manage this situaiton. I like the fact that the IJN has committed so much in terms of burned fuel. But I have to be very very careful about using my CVTF's. Once we exchange queens his BB's would rule this area making supply impossble ...

[Crackaces]

The Gilbert's vs. the Solomon's

In my blissfully ignorant mind the Gilberts have a couple of advantages over dueling in the Solomon's

I like the ability to sail submarines -- particularly the Dutch submarines in the deep open water hexes next to the IJ ports. The Solomon's have shallow water hexes in many locations making submarine warfare more difficult and risky. In the diagram below I illistrates the interlocking submarine patrols. It is just too difficult in my opinion in the shallow waters to do this. But the deep water hexes are primary submarine hunting grounds. We had two unsucessfull attacks for sure .. but its an odds game. Eventually it wil catch up.

The distance between his current ports and Tarawa is 11 hexes. He cannot make it to Tarawa from port bombard and back in one turn. For at least one night or one day turn he has to be exposed to air/sea/and submarine assest. His KB cannot stay out here foreever, and time is on my side. Although, I suspect the KB will postion in Truk and be able to react to the Solomons and Gilberts Equally.

Finally, after battles it is easier to get my damaged platform eventually to PH and safety. The Solomons offers a couple of close by Naval facilites but nothing beats getting into the Yard in the safe open arms of PH or eventually the WC.

Ok here is the situation today below:

[Crackaces]

********************************************** 19 MAY 1942 *********************************************************

Only two real air battles this turn in Burma of consequince:

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
Mohawk IV x 2
Kittyhawk IA x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

No Allied losses



He is premptively bombing Paoshan

Morning Air attack on Paoshan , at 65,45

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 21

Runway hits 8

No Japanese losses


In the CENPAC .. we met zeros ..

Afternoon Air attack on 2nd Naval Construction Battalion, at 136,125 (Makin)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9



Allied aircraft
B-18A Bolo x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-18A Bolo: 1 damaged

That means either LBA or the KB is close by ...

more later ..

[Crackaces]

Situation: 20 MAY 1942

It is indeed a critical day like in real life the battle of Coral Sea. The IJ have formed 3 CVTF's consisting of 6 CV's total and 2 CVL's. Intel has 2 BB's in each group along with 2 CA's and CL's.

I see three possibilites this turn.

1) The force continues Southwest toward the western shores of Tarawa. He will meet 3 submarines and roll the dice. Maybe he will bombard Tarawa?
2) He plans to invade/bombard Tabeturea ..my carriers [future postions in grey] will be just out of range this turn ..
3) He will change direction on rush toward Baker Island.

It is quite possible to go full speed and cover Tabetuea and have a huge carrier battle. The USN would take the worse of it but getting just 3 -4 carriers wold be a big win.

Decisions ...Decisions ...Decisions ...

[Crackaces]

I have not gotten a turn back yet and thus I have not suffered from SCLS [;)]

But I decided against engaging this turn. The main reason for this is the risk of ended 8 hexes away and getting wacked without being able to launch. Instead I pulled my carriers to the East of Baker Island and will decide then of how to aproach the mass of IJN at Tabetuea.

[Crackaces]

*************************************** 20 MAY 1942 **************************************************

The KB stayed on Patrol over Milli .. I suspect that the KB will support an upcoming invasion in the Gilberts ..\

The night begins with an air raid .. the IJNAF they lose 2 aircraft ..


Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 10



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
Mohawk IV x 2
Kittyhawk IA x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses



The IJAAF actaully abadoned the raid! We shoot down two more bombers before the run like scared rabbiits!

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 22



Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses


We hit a tanker no explosiion .. the boom where is the boom!

Sub attack near Emirau Island at 104,121

Japanese Ships
TK Nihon Maru
PB Chiyo Maru #4

Allied Ships
SS Searaven



SS Searaven launches 4 torpedoes at TK Nihon Maru

Ok the IJN and USN are standing off waiting for the other to blink ..This might be an opportunity ..

More later ..

[Nemo121]

This really is a most impressive AAR.

A strategic appreciation was made, a plan conceived, forces marshalled and the limited, strategically relevant objectives defined. Furthermore it fits into an overall strategy which is effective and efficient. I'm not surprised at the high standard of play at all. I'd expect nothing less to be honest based on previous posts elsewhere. I just wanted to post to say I'm an avid reader. I just don't post since you have it all so well in hand.


One slight piece of advice. Kusaie is actually an excellent base from which to negate Truk. Its a dot base but objectively it can be built very quickly with the appropriate engineers and force the main Japanese logistic base back to Saipan/Guam. That'll buy you a couple of additional days of operational freedom if you can force KB to base out of such a retrograde position.

[Crackaces]

Thanks for the complement nemo! I am still trying to fathom this game which is the most detailed and complex thing I have yet to put my arms around.

Now for an update. The KB did not move and my submarines are converging to surround the force. The subs will probably get thier butt kicked but it is like Poker .. it is a free card or in this case a possible free shot with a torp ..

The situation below. I am gathering my CV's to the north of Baker Island and continuing this stand off. I think I can push the bowl of jello elsewhere but it is tempting to just go ahead and exchange Queens ..what to do [&:] In the meantime submarines!

[Crackaces]

The BB's came to vist Tarawa and killed 300 ... I have 6K there. I am not sure how long the IJ can keep this up. But it is intersting to me

Night Naval bombardment of Tarawa at 136,128

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CA Haguro
CA Chokai
CA Chikuma
CA Tone
CL Kitakami
CL Yura


Allied ground losses:
363 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 56 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 10 (2 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 24
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 2



he sailed right past 3 subamrines no action [:(]

A little funny we sent 6 torps into a Jap sub no explosions ..

Sub vs Sub: SS Tambor attacking SS I-28 at 144,118

Japanese Ships
SS I-28, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tambor



SS Tambor launches 6 torpedoes at 4,000 yards


We previal over the skies of Chittagong ..

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 87 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
Mohawk IV x 2
Kittyhawk IA x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses



Ok the bombardment of Tarawa and Tabiteua I susepct will continue . I beleive to let even encourage the IJN to continue this is to my advantage. Time to start staging more forces ..

[DOCUP]

I have to agree with Nemo.

[Crackaces]

*************************************** 22 MAY 1942 ********************************************

The picture below illistrates the situation. I have about 22K supplies to support 19K men of which 6,000 are real troops from the 24th division. The rest are support. I can last 10 months no problem without resupplying. If 10 months from now I cannot resupply I am in deep trouble for other reasons.

The picture also shows that the IJN is heading north to rearm and thus the situation for him is a bombardment every 2 - 3 turns maximum. I can last months at this rate. Invasion is impossible without lots of troops and lot of preperation. This is a great thorn in the side of the LYB's.

The only concern I have is that I think I took a bad beat. I had no less than 4 Dutch Subs where the KB rolled over and I did not get a single submarine attack. either I did something wrong or I got bad die rolls ..[8D]

all I can do is build rings of subamrine patrols and hope that just once .. just once bag a CV .. that would be a game changer ..[;)]

Ok .. well this turn we continue our patrols and positoning forces. In the land of Oz I am wating for the 19th bdge and then combine the units at Alice Springs. I just moved 6 B-17's to make 10 total. Soon 20 B-17's will pound the IJ and the road to hell.. I mean Darwin [:D] i still need a month of positioning ..

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

I have to agree with Nemo.

Thanks for the kind words Docup!

I think the IJ have just learned that they no longer have the Invasion bonus as specified in 6.3.3.3.2 AMPHIBIOUS UNLOADING "....Note that there is also an “initial operations” bonus for the Japanese during the first 4 months of the war." 4 xAK's are still trying to unload in the DEI .. I have informed the IJ before they try and attack an atoll ..I would not want to ahve an IJ disaster because they did not understand this change ..and think it was the program gone bad ...

This turn was focused on beans, bullets, and butts mainly positioning forces and filling pilot slots. Also fatigue and training ...

I am biding my time and understanding at least the operational plan the IJ has for the Gilberts before further committment of forces outside of my strategic plan .. I am not sure the latest affair was a strategic response as much as to remind me of the current OOB of the IJN [:'(]


I suspect conflicts in four theaters at once Late Oct 1942 .. Burma, Oz, Solomons, and Gilberts for which the IJ will be hard pressed to respond. I also suspect that the IJ economy will become a problem around this time and choices have to be made.

More later ..

[Crackaces]

************************************************ 22 MAY 1942 ******************************************

Tarawa: He has shown me that the Nell's can reach Tarawa from where they are currently based:

Night Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 6



No Japanese losses

Runway hits 2


This is an interesting devleopment. I need to get 16 more aviation support in tarawa before I can really station fighters.

Chittagong:
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
Mohawk IV x 2
Kittyhawk IA x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

1 more Betty down ..[:D]

A little recon using ground attack at Katherine:

Morning Air attack on 21st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 76,128 (Katherine)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

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


The Flying Fish lets go of 6 .. and one finds its mark ..

Submarine attack near Tanegashima at 102,63

Japanese Ships
xAK Nasusan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish



The sounds of guggling IJN merchant marines could be heard in the background [:D]

This is significant because 1) Its a USN Sub .. one cannot ignore the odds no matter how minute that a USN sub can get one home .. 2) its in the Japanese homelands backyard .. that means PC's have to escort these convoy's ..or continue to let me draw a inside straight for free .. [;)] A few thousand resources here and there ending up in the East China sea rather than factories ....adds up over time ...

More later ..

[Crackaces]

Oz Update:

We have been focusing on the Gilberts and a slow change is occuring in the land of Oz.

The picture below shows the development. First, I started moving supplies & forces to Alice Springs on the first alert of an invasion of Darwin. The base is building slowly there. Now we have 1K AV with another 300 AV on its way. This does not include the USA forces in route. Mostly armor. I want an armor engagement out here. My USA TD's vs IJA armor ...

So the IJA is moving 400 AV down the road and once we have the 20 B-17's assembled we will start moving our forces up the road. The B-17's are msotly for recon using long range ground attack. But nothing like B-17's to break up armor columns ...I think Tennent Creek will be in the history books with tourist visting yearly ...[:D]. First stop the advance .. then cut off the forces from supplies... then destrcution in detail ...