Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: JohnDillworth

And now, a commercial interruption [i.e. hijack] ...

OK - I have been quiet about this for a long time but my fifth grade teacher drilled some things into me that will not be compromised.

Let's get it straight: a strait does not have the letters "gh" and it may or may not be straight!

And "dire straights" would be heterosexual people opposed to gay marriage, while "dire straits" are narrow and hazardous channels that must be navigated carefully to avoid disaster.

Is everybody straight on straits now? Good! We resume the regular program ...
[/hijack off].

I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine[:)]

The real Dire Staits.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dire_Straits

Lots of assuming taking place.

JIII has built up the Malaysian airfields. Why?
He has just been fighting for Burma and would have his support there, normally japanese airfield construction is pathetic so why build bases 2000miles in the rear? His view of the threat was shown by the lack of defences in the area.

JIII wont attack Ceylon as it has been built into a "fortress". How will he know that? You have so many forces in Sumatra & Burma that he might think the cupboard is bare. Dont base JIII's plans based on your knowledge of your dispositions.

"Th Gulf of Siam as an option" While he could hit Malay Peninsula bases its 9 hexes to Sabang, IMHO too far to make much mischief. (Though sending a sub there might also dissuade him from basing there)

Lots of views of BB around Singapore, almost useless in a CV battle they may be there to get your attention but close enough for attacks after your CV have been scattered.

PS If only you had more AP which might pick up something easy in the New Guinea area!!!

I'm not sure John III has built up the Malaysian airfields. It's something we haven't discussed in here. If it's something he discussed in his AAR, we oughtn't to bring it up. But it's clear that he wasn't prepared for this operation and that he's scrambling to react.

There's a memorable scene in the movie Gettysburg. Union cavalry general John Buford is talking to his subordinates early in the battle about how he can "see" what's going to happen; how if the Confederates take the high ground, the Union will have to throw its trooops up those ridges, feeding them into slaughter. "And men in tall hats will thump there chests and talk of the glory of these charges," he says (or word to those effect).

I love the comments and insights posted in here by you gents. But like General Buford, I can "see" what's going to happen here (or I think I can). While you guys are often posting based upon what you would do, or what a dispassionate opponent would do, I have a long knowledge of my opponent, and I am privy to the hundreds of minor details on the map and in the game that make up a mosaic of which you gents only have a few scattered fragments. I'm in a position, I think, to better gauge what's going to happen.

While I don't know how this battle is going to shape up in all respects - there will be lots of things John may do to surprise, or events yet to come that will alter his conduct or mine - there are some things I'm pretty sure I can predict with near totaly certainty. Under the current circumstances (meaning, in part, with the Allied carriers intact):

1. John will not invade Ceylon. It's hard enough going up against a surprised enemy who isn't prepared. Going up against a level nine airfield full of bombers and fighters and with reinforcements nearby - and throwing your carrier air into the teeth of LBA - just isn't going to happen.

2. John will not post the KB in the Gulf of Siam or move its squadrons to Malaysia. He isn't going to want to blunt his carrier air against Allied LBA or leaves his carriers out of position for a lengthy time in which the Allies will be free to operate between India and Sumatra. (If John does choose this course of action it's because he's desperate to open an LOC between Burma and Victoria Point. So implementation of this strategy will tell me that he's desperate beyond all reason.)

3. John will not send the KB up the Malacca Straits. Combat ships, maybe. Carriers, no. (Although I discount this vector heavily, I of course keep my guard up because there is a small chance he might do this.)

4. John will not do anything that I would "like," such as diverting a substantial force to New Zealand or Oz. Sumatra is considerably more important, so he will concentrate everything he has in an effort to overwhelm the Allies.

5. John will choose Door # 1.

6. John cannot sneak up on the Allies - I think. I've established a pretty saturated line of DD patrols and picket ships and PBYs to cover the sea lanes west of Cocos Island. He can use "full speed" and perhaps even "no search aircraft" to try to penetrate, but it's unlikely that will succeed. He's more likely to gather everything he has and just come straight for the crucial triange region.

Now, if I'm wrong, you guys get to tell General Buford that he's full of crap.

Buford got to write his memoirs on July 4th.

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

There's a memorable scene in the movie Gettysburg. Union cavalry general John Buford is talking to his subordinates early in the battle about how he can "see" what's going to happen; how if the Confederates take the high ground, the Union will have to throw its trooops up those ridges, feeding them into slaughter. "And men in tall hats will thump there chests and talk of the glory of these charges," he says (or word to those effect).

I remember watching that scene during CGSC (Command and General Staff College), the topic was Commander's Vision. We also did a reading on NB Forrest at Brice's Crossroads, where he was able to visualize how the following day would unfold and arrange his columns to take advantage of that. I tend to agree, you are in position to see so much more than what is conveyed in the AAR, and as a reader I certainly hope you are right, and that you are able to position yourself take full advantage of it!

But that probably won't stop us from rampant speculation on the alternatives! [:D]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

There's a memorable scene in the movie Gettysburg. Union cavalry general John Buford is talking to his subordinates early in the battle about how he can "see" what's going to happen; how if the Confederates take the high ground, the Union will have to throw its trooops up those ridges, feeding them into slaughter. "And men in tall hats will thump there chests and talk of the glory of these charges," he says (or word to those effect).

Now, if I'm wrong, you guys get to tell General Buford that he's full of crap.

The french have a phrase that has been expanded a bit in its meaning by later writers, that sorta encompasse this.

Coup d'œil

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_d'%C5%93il

Kind regards,

Rasmus

11/17/42 - Operation Des Wallace, D+7

Some key things happening today, so it's worth excerpting from the combat report:


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 17, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Alor Star (49,73)

28 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
KV Auricula
xAP Aorangi

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

An Indian brigade continues to come ashore.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Koggala at 30,52

Japanese Ships
SS RO-67

Allied Ships
AO Ramapo, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Lots of Allied oilers in the region between Ceylon and Sumatra; several IJN subs operating out here too.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Alor Star at 49,73

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire
CL Ceres
CL Achilles

Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 23
Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Fairly effective cruiser bombardment. It certainly messes up the airfield.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Alor Star at 49,73

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota
BB North Carolina
CA San Francisco

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 9
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Ditto.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Victoria Point at 51,66

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 43 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 21 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed on ground
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 16 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed on ground
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 23 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-II Topsy: 11 damaged
Ki-57-II Topsy: 2 destroyed on ground
H6K2-L Mavis: 10 damaged
H6K2-L Mavis: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 11 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 5 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CLAA Concord
CLAA Detroit

Japanese ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 43

Absolutely a nuclear bombardment by cruisers. Allied ships can replenish at Sabang and then easily sortie to hit airfields at Victoria Point, Alor Start and Georgetown. John will have to come up with a counter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Alor Star at 49,73

Allied Ships
BB Washington
CA Northampton
CLAA San Juan

Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (3 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 1

Okay, Alor Start airfield is neutralized, but I wish the combat ships were more effective against enemy troops in the jungle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Mataram at 59,112, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Ashigara
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CL Sendai
DD Kishinami
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
xAK Era, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied picket ships, which were once posted between Oz and south of Cocos to guard the flank of the invasion ships, then moved north almost to the island between Java and Timor. I'm surprised that these IJN combat ships are only this far a week after D-Day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Sinabang at 42,76

Japanese Ships
SS I-20, hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Grenfell, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

One of the few remaining exposed and naked Allied transports exacts some revenge.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Alor Star at 49,73

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
xAP Aorangi, Torpedo hits 1

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, at 44,85 (Padang)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
B5N2 Kate x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

...
Also attacking 205th FA Bn /1 ...
Also attacking 2nd Marine Raider Bn /3 ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Alor Star at 49,73

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 7
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Tai Sang
xAK Garmula, Bomb hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 39,67

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 4 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
xAP Montoro, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Evi Livanos
xAK Kooringa, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Alphard, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

Probably from Port Blair (I haven't seen the replay yet. John has torps up and running finally. I'll have to move my Sabang to Colombo LOC a bit further out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 762nd Tank Battalion, at 49,73 (Alor Star)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 8
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 3 damaged

Trying to hit Rangoon's port faciities.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 24

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
DMS W-14, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
B-24D Liberator x 10

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
PB Okiyu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Port hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 39,67

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Mary Livanos

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Alor Star at 49,73

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 12
G4M1 Betty x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
KV Auricula

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Alor Star at 49,73

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 15
G4M1 Betty x 7
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Tai Sang
xAK Garmula, heavy fires


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 40,63

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Felix Roussel, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
xAP Zealandia
xAP Klipfontein
xAP Cap St Jacques


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 39,67

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Lulworth Hill, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Mary Livanos

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 40,63

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAP Klipfontein

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Georgetown at 49,74

Japanese Ships
AMC Aikoku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Gunnel

John currently has no ASW operating in the Straits of Malacca region (all subs have shown zero detection since D-Day. He's using all patrols to ferry men. But it's good that he knows Allied subs are in the Straits, because I'd rather he be concered about using that path. I think I prefer that he come the long way around.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Alor Star (49,73)

29 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
KV Auricula
xAP Aorangi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Langsa (46,74)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-744
SC-743
SC-740
xAK Arkaba

This is supply coming ashore in conjunction with the new invasion of Langsa.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Langsa (46,74)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAK City of Manchester
xAK Siantar
xAK Tjikandi

Ditto.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Langsa (46,74)

17 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-708
DD Arunta
CVE Copahee
AP William Ward Burrows

This is 27th Div. beginning to come ashore late in the afternoon.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Langsa (46,74)

TF 449 troops unloading over beach at Langsa, 46,74

Allied ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 99 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 110 (1 destroyed, 109 disabled)

Motorized Support lost overboard during unload of 27th Infantry Div /16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Langsa (46,74)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAK Deslock
xAK Hatterlock
xAK Vitorlock

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

Supply

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Langsa (46,74)

TF 487 troops unloading over beach at Langsa, 46,74

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

Ground combat at Sibolga (44,79)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1512 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54

Defending force 11332 troops, 356 guns, 292 vehicles, Assault Value = 309

Assaulting units:
16th Naval Guard Unit
91st Naval Guard Unit
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
145th Infantry Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Rgt /5
9th Marine Rgt /5
148th Infantry Regiment
34th Combat Engineer Regiment
129th Infantry Regiment
21st Marine Rgt /3
205th Field Artillery Battalion
E Det USN Port Svc
175th USAAF Base Force /4
A Det USN Port Svc
110th USA Base Force /5

I"m hoping a shock attack at Sibolga tomorrow or day after (depending upon whether I need to rest my guys one more day) can finally take this critical base. Thank goodness John seems preoccupied with Malaysia, because I'm having one tough time cracking this nut.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Alor Star (49,73)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4182 troops, 232 guns, 130 vehicles, Assault Value = 161

Defending force 2769 troops, 48 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Allied adjusted assault: 22

Japanese adjusted defense: 27

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), op mode(-), disruption(-)
preparation(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
127 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
762nd Tank Battalion
99th Indian Bde /1
18th British Div /8

Defending units:
Imperial Guards Div /3
10th Indpt SNLF Coy /1
15th JAAF Base Force

Much higher casualties for Japan. Both forces are weak, but mine just haven't been able to break through, despite the big bombardments. I may be in a position to add paratroops in two or three days.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sibolga (44,79)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2749 troops, 74 guns, 88 vehicles, Assault Value = 309

Defending force 3333 troops, 27 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 54

Assaulting units:
34th Combat Engineer Regiment
9th Marine Rgt /5
129th Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
145th Infantry Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Rgt /5
21st Marine Rgt /3
A Det USN Port Svc
E Det USN Port Svc
205th Field Artillery Battalion
175th USAAF Base Force /4
110th USA Base Force /5

Defending units:
16th Naval Guard Unit
91st Naval Guard Unit
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment


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

Ground combat at 44,71 (near Sabang)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9386 troops, 257 guns, 106 vehicles, Assault Value = 650

Defending force 1824 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Allied adjusted assault: 82

Japanese adjusted defense: 4

Allied assault odds: 20 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1092 casualties reported
Squads: 84 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 15 (15 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units pursuing 1

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
763rd Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
32nd Infantry Division
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
198th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
10th Garrison Unit - All but wiped out now and tanks in pursuit. The land route to Langsa is pretty much open now. 32nd Div. and 1st Marines are on the road.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Langsa (46,74)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 914 troops, 15 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 52

Defending force 5215 troops, 21 guns, 249 vehicles, Assault Value = 25

Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Div /2

Defending units:
27th Infantry Div /2

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

Ground combat at Langkawi (49,72)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1548 troops, 84 guns, 33 vehicles, Assault Value = 45

Defending force 48 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Allied adjusted assault: 10

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
18th British Div /6

Defending units:
79th Garrison Bn /2


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

Ground combat at Singora (51,72)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 486 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 28

Defending force 385 troops, 0 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Allied adjusted assault: 21

Japanese adjusted defense: 3

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Singora !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), leaders(-)
preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+), leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
179 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 7 (7 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st USMC Parachute Bn /1

Defending units:
7th Field AF Construction Battalion

This means the rail line from northern Malaysia and Singers is severed - the Allies have Singora on one line and are in the Alor Start hex on the other (meaning Japanese troops can move in via strat movement, but can't move out or through. A major development in and of itself, but even moreso if this continues to be (or becomes) a very high priority for John, overriding for awhile the situation in Sumatra. Sibolga is critical and my troops need some rest and need to take that base, so each day that John doesn't reinforce is important.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Alor Star (49,73)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1103 troops, 35 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 51

Defending force 4138 troops, 232 guns, 130 vehicles, Assault Value = 157

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Div /3
10th Indpt SNLF Coy /1
15th JAAF Base Force

Defending units:
99th Indian Bde /1
762nd Tank Battalion
18th British Div /8

ORIGINAL: JohnDillworth

And now, a commercial interruption [i.e. hijack] ...

OK - I have been quiet about this for a long time but my fifth grade teacher drilled some things into me that will not be compromised.

Let's get it straight: a strait does not have the letters "gh" and it may or may not be straight!

And "dire straights" would be heterosexual people opposed to gay marriage, while "dire straits" are narrow and hazardous channels that must be navigated carefully to avoid disaster.

Is everybody straight on straits now? Good! We resume the regular program ...
[/hijack off].

I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine[:)]

This is comic genius and deserves to be mentioned in dispatches! [&o]

PS - CR, for a guy with "rebel" in your name, you sure quote Yankee Generals a lot. [;)]

PPS - Put everything that can board a transport into Singora. It is the key to the rest of the front because John will have no choice but to retake it while you see to the rest of Sumatra. Plus, if you hold it, Malaya and eventually Singapore will fall. That in turn means you are teh winna.

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CLAA Concord
CLAA Detroit

Japanese ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 43

Absolutely a nuclear bombardment by cruisers. Allied ships can replenish at Sabang and then easily sortie to hit airfields at Victoria Point, Alor Start and Georgetown. John will have to come up with a counter.

Wow -- apparently what the CLAA's lack in shell weight, they make up in volume!

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CLAA Concord
CLAA Detroit

Japanese ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 43

Absolutely a nuclear bombardment by cruisers. Allied ships can replenish at Sabang and then easily sortie to hit airfields at Victoria Point, Alor Start and Georgetown. John will have to come up with a counter.

Wow -- apparently what the CLAA's lack in shell weight, they make up in volume!

They are living up to the Anti-Aircraft in their name, but I'm not sure that was the design intent!

Good turn for you (again!)

BTW, I base all my opinions on here on what I would do as it seems right. I don't read John's AAR

Hell, it may not be, but you've got to have an opinion!

Only 8 pages behind the Greyjoy and catching fast....

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Ashigara
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CL Sendai
DD Kishinami
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
xAK Era, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied picket ships, which were once posted between Oz and south of Cocos to guard the flank of the invasion ships, then moved north almost to the island between Java and Timor. I'm surprised that these IJN combat ships are only this far a week after D-Day.

I think these are his fastest ships. Probably broke off to go after your supply lines while the largest stuff is on the way. I would guess these ships were with the KB last week. They are about 8 knots faster than the Kaga so you might have 2-3 days before the KB hits the same distance.....or not. Move makes sense. As long as they stay out of aircraft range they can tangle with anything and wreck havoc to any convoys

Thanks for the "fastest" tidbit. I didn't realize that. From this point forward, I have to assume that the KB could show up at any time. I"m taking precautions, though continuing offensive moves.

I just ran the combat replay. Sabang airfield went to level four.

John is away until late tomorrow, so a bit of a sabbatical. At some point today or tomorrow, I'm going to open Reluctant Admiral from the Japanese side and figure out what capital ships he should have by now and which ones are arriving over the next three or four months.

Thanks for the "fastest" tidbit. I didn't realize that. From this point forward, I have to assume that the KB could show up at any time. I"m taking precautions, though continuing offensive moves.

I just ran the combat replay. Sabang airfield went to level four.

John is away until late tomorrow, so a bit of a sabbatical. At some point today or tomorrow, I'm going to open Reluctant Admiral from the Japanese side and figure out what capital ships he should have by now and which ones are arriving over the next three or four months.

I think he will keep the KB together, or at least the CV's. I'm not sure but I think the Kaga and the Hiyo have a max speed of 25, 26 knots. Might want to check that while you are poking around. John's has not posted his intentions so I can speculate for now. I would set my fast CA's loose in your rear. Thats a long line between Australia and Sumatra that is probably lightly guarded. I might even chance letting the CA's fan out individually for a few turns

There aren't any more Allied ships between Sumatra and Oz. It will have taken that long train roughly ten days between the time the engine reached the station and the caboose does. The latter, carrying elements of an infantry division and support is less than ten hexes out (with the lead APs arriving this turn). There are still some picket ships loiterng out there, but nothing meaningful.

I think Kaga is 28 knots. However, you are right that Hiyo is only 25, so if he wants to stay together, that's his speed. He may choose to group Hiyo with the CVEs, however, especially since Junyo has to sit this one out courtesy of the Silent Service.

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

There aren't any more Allied ships between Sumatra and Oz. It will have taken that long train roughly ten days between the time the engine reached the station and the caboose does. The latter, carrying elements of an infantry division and support is less than ten hexes out (with the lead APs arriving this turn). There are still some picket ships loiterng out there, but nothing meaningful.

You had some aircraft coming by ship that were possibly in danger of interception. Did they arrive yet?

I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine

BEST.... LINE ..... EVER !!!!! I'm making it my sig.


In other news:
Actually what we're seeing here isn't coup d'oeuil. You need that for it but it is an extension beyond coup d'oeuil whereby one not only has a perfect instant grasp of the situation but also can see how it unfolds.

It isn't fingerspitzengefuehl either although I think that's actually closer but also has the imputation of an ability to sense the critical point and time instinctively which clearly hasn't been a feature of this plan as the critical point and time haven't quite been pursued by the necessary force(s).

I'm not sure what you'd call it except for saying that he has a sense of how things will unfold but I'm also sure there must be a good one-word summation for that. Hmm, don't ask me what it is though, it isn't my first language. You native English speakers need to figure this one out [8D]

ORIGINAL: Nemo121

In other news:
Actually what we're seeing here isn't coup d'oeuil. You need that for it but it is an extension beyond coup d'oeuil whereby one not only has a perfect instant grasp of the situation but also can see how it unfolds.

It isn't fingerspitzengefuehl either although I think that's actually closer but also has the imputation of an ability to sense the critical point and time instinctively which clearly hasn't been a feature of this plan as the critical point and time haven't quite been pursued by the necessary force(s).

I'm not sure what you'd call it except for saying that he has a sense of how things will unfold but I'm also sure there must be a good one-word summation for that. Hmm, don't ask me what it is though, it isn't my first language. You native English speakers need to figure this one out [8D]

While i will agreee in the original french meaning at the times of horse and musket. A time where battles was confined and "within" eyes sight. The ability of "seeing the field at an instance" implying a here and now.

As I tried to point out some later writers has expanded on its meaning some what and talk about it also in the ability "to dominate events and not be dominated by them" implying a certain insight into events happening / possibly to happen, counters and therefor a progress in time.

It was in that expanded meaning i was refering too, but then im neither a native french or english speaker neither.[:)]

Kind regards,

Rasmus