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The game date is now 13 Feb 44.

An update on the New Britain and New Guinea theatres.

Canadian 4th Bde. is ashore at Umboi Island. The unit is 100% prepped and the Japanese defence won't hold for long. The first deliberate attack achieved 2:1 odds and reduced the forts to level 2. One or two more attacks should do it.

U.S. 6th Division has landed at Manus. I rushed the amphibious landing with only 56% prep and suffered 100+ disabled squads. Portions of the division have yet to arrive by amphibious landing. The defence is weak, so the division will recover disruption and await the arrival of it's remaining components before launching an assault.

U.S. 24th Division has landed at Madang. The unit is 100% prepped and two deliberate assaults have reduced the forts. The last attack yielded 1:1 odds. Two U.S. tank battalions will arrive shortly to reinforce.

There has been no response from Japanese air or naval forces to these latest landings, excepting a sweep by Georges against Nadzab on the 13th, which caught a number of Martlet's performing long range CAP out of Buna, eight were lost. This was offset by Spitfire VIII sweeps of Madang which downed five Frank's for the loss of one Spitfire.


What next?

Allied units continue to consolidate their recent gains. Supply is now pouring into Buna, Milne Bay, Lae and Port Moresby. Fuel is arriving at Rabaul in large amounts with 110k currently stockpiled. This should reach 200k in a few days as tankers are already queued at the docks.

Unit fragments are rejoining their parent LCU's. Combat LCU's continue their preparation for new targets, but I will not hesitate to trade disruption for increased speed of advance.

The next targets are Hollandia and Sarmi, which will be hard to take. These will require 100% prep and well planned amphibious operations. The support of the navy will be crucial to the success of the operation. Madang's and Manus's airbases will provide LBA support once captured and operational. I've already damaged Hollandia's airbase with two 4E raids, but losses were heavier than anticipated as a result of poor coordination and errant orders on my part, resulting in a further 15 B-24J's destroyed needlessly.

Allied 2E's have not been terribly effective against the Japanese defenders at Madang, Manus, New Hanover or Umboi Island. I'm not sure why, but I have to make better use of these assets. At worst, perhaps the supply situation for the Japanese is decreasing.

Three new battleships will reach Rabaul within a week. The navy hasn't lost a beat with damaged ships being sent to Tulagi, Suva and Sydney for repairs, and new replacements arriving on a regular basis.

Japanese submarines have been neutralized in the theatre. Allied ASW forces are performing stellar service and Japanese submarines are paying a heavy price when encountered.

Forces are now being gathered for an amphibious operation against Merauke. Darwin is the ultimate objective, but will require a splitting of Allied naval forces to capture. I'm not in a position to do so yet. Merauke first, then I'll set myself up for a hammer blow against Darwin.

Operations against the Gilbert's and Marshall's has been postponed. I need to assign permanent amphibious shipping to these theatres, but right now all assets are required for operations against New Guinea.


Erik has commented that I'm keeping the pressure on in So Pac. The tough fights are ahead, but it's nice to know he's starting to feel the weight of the Allied push. I think I can cause concern if I can get to Hollandia, Sarmi and Biak within a month. Taking these bases opens up moves against the Celebes, Borneo, the Philippines, Babeldoab and even the Marianas somewhat. Of course, it also means the full weight of Japanese air and naval forces can be brought to bear against me. I believe there will be some massive battles in a few months time.

Burma Update:

Burma's a mess. Interior lines allow the Japanese to react and block any moves I make. I am hesitant to attack with 41/42 squads and devices against well fortified, supplied and better equipped Japanese forces.

Without supply I can't upgrade any TOE's. I'm pulling the plug on the whole damn campaign and I'll begin withdrawing U.S. and Australian forces out of the theatre immediately. I should have done this four months ago.

Feb. 14th, 1944.

I'm still completing orders for the next turn.

New Britain and New Guinea:

Lae has just expanded to a level 2 airbase. That brings my fighter reach that much closer to Hollandia. Providing land based CAP for amphibious operations in the theatre is a big deal right now. I'd like to free up some carriers for other operations. The capture of Madang and Manus will solidify my position even more. I need to conduct further amphibious landings to reinforce both bases. Other than a few combat formations, the bulk of the reinforcements will consist of engineer and aviation support units.

I need to reorganize my air strength in the theatre. A few 4E squadrons are upgrading to B-24J models, freeing up replacements for squadrons still using B-24D and D1 models. There are signs of Japanese naval activity around Hollandia, and I'm contemplating a quick dash with my CV's to try and catch an enemy surface TF with its pants down. There is a risk of running into strong Japanese CAP over Hollandia and Sarmi though.

I hope to make my next leap forward in about two weeks, that being Merauke. As soon as preparation allows, I'll be moving against Hollandia and Sarmi.

I've decided to start peeling off some amphibious shipping for an amphibious operation against Tabiteuea. The units have been fully prepped for months, I just didn't have the shipping available. I am making it available. I need to start to widen the front to open up more options for advancing. My chosen path along the north coast of New Guinea is too narrow and allows Erik to concentrate his defences against me.

I hope you realize that putting a Cndn unit on a Pacific island is a huge mistake....they will simply refuse to reload!! That's why they sent us to Europe mud holes.

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I hope you realize that putting a Cndn unit on a Pacific island is a huge mistake....they will simply refuse to reload!! That's why they sent us to Europe mud holes.

[:D]

No Canadian units have been assigned to the Aleutians either. Too much like home!

It's Pacific island hopping for the snowbirds all around, excepting the Winnipeg's in Burma.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I hope you realize that putting a Cndn unit on a Pacific island is a huge mistake....they will simply refuse to reload!! That's why they sent us to Europe mud holes.

[:D]

No Canadian units have been assigned to the Aleutians either. Too much like home!

It's Pacific island hopping for the snowbirds all around, excepting the Winnipeg's in Burma.

Dang it! More mosquitoes! [:@]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Dang it! More mosquitoes! [:@]

Just for you, I'm redeploying the Winnipeg's to the Pacific. [8D]

The next turn is away. I've committed the carriers to supporting the reinforcement of Madang and Manus.

A good portion of my reorganizing was accomplished too, but I need to get more radar equipped base forces deployed forward. There's no point trying to set up an airbase to provide CAP without radar, you are just dead meat for enemy sweeps without it.

Allied 2E's have not been terribly effective against the Japanese defenders at Madang, Manus, New Hanover or Umboi Island. I'm not sure why, but I have to make better use of these assets. At worst, perhaps the supply situation for the Japanese is decreasing.

What are their overall experience levels? I know you train in Gnd skill, but do they have over 50 in some other skill like NavB? I would start to rotate the worse groups back to get a secondary skill up and thus increase their overall experience level up above 55 or better.

Tabiteuea - Its the key to the Gilberts, IMO. Once you get it and build it up, you can steadily invade base to the north. Use some of those LST and get a handful of the troop carrying barges over here.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Tabiteuea - It's the key to the Gilberts, IMO. Once you get it and build it up, you can steadily invade base to the north. Use some of those LST and get a handful of the troop carrying barges over here.

That's the plan. [8D]

Even though it looks like Erik won't mount much of a defence in the Gilbert's or Marshall's, I definitely want to defeat what is here. If for no other reason then the psychological effect of seeing more Allied flags on the map.

Feb. 15/44:

A frustrating turn for the Allies.

Failed ground assaults at Madang and Umboi Island.

Reinforcement amphibious TF's and supporting carrier and surface TF's don't move as ordered and are out of position. My reinforcement of Madang will be delayed an additional day instead of landing tomorrow. Manus received supply, but the additional troop landings won't occur until tomorrow.

On a positive note, another Japanese submarine was sunk near Kavieng. I love British destroyers and three of them send SS I-172 to the bottom, to join SS I-171 sunk a few days earlier.

Japanese fighter strength at Hollandia has increased to 100+ and there are 50+ at Sarmi. I'm looking to mount a naval bombardment of Hollandia soon. Madang can provide some LBA CAP once captured and repaired.

You don't have to sink the subs in order SS I-171 then SS I-172.

Just got caught up reading the entire AAR. (beach vacation) Enjoying it. One comment, you have not posted a screenshot of Burma lately. Do you possess Ramree Island? If so supply will flow freely from Ramree Island into central Burma if the path is not blocked. Don't know why as it should not, but just flood Ramree with supply and you should have no trouble with supply in Burma. You will need LSTs of course. Or AKAs or AKs but LST are quick and can be lost.

You are pretty much doing everything that I would do. Except I would have moved some assets to the Indian Ocean for an amphibious attack at Pegu Moumein or further south instead of bulling around in central Burma. Burma is a death trap for the Japanese if one of these bases are taken. You really need many carriers to do it but it is worth it. It is my firm belief that the Japanese player needs to be out of North Burma by mid to late 1943. I always hope that my opponents choose to stay rather than move back. Other than the opportunity to kill off large number of trapped Japanese, Burma has no value anyways. So, the plan should be to take it fast or just ignore it. I would try flooding Ramree with supply before you decide to pull out. Since you are already there you might as well make the best of it.

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Just got caught up reading the entire AAR. (beach vacation) Enjoying it.

I'm glad to hear you picked up the AAR and are enjoying it. I get warm and fuzzy knowing you are following along now.

I've been meaning to post a screenshot of Burma, but it isn't much different from the last one to be honest. I've really screwed up in this theatre. I'll update with a new screenshot soon.

I agree, after my little rant, I decided to try one more time to get Burma sorted out. I'm facing an incredibly strong Japanese air defence in Burma. I've expanded Ramree to its maximum level 3 port, but unloading will take some time. I've slowly been sneaking LST's to Calcutta and smaller transports with the hope of a fast unload time. I'll begin airlifting in tons of naval support squads to help. I'm going to try and weaken the enemy air defence enough to risk getting supply to Ramree Island in quantities that will make a difference.

I'd prefer to ignore Burma, but as you reminded me, I'm already there so might as well give it one more shot. I've thought about redeploying my carrier force, but that will take months and severely put me behind schedule in the Pacific. The one positive about Burma is it does at least force Erik to keep large numbers of troops on hand that could be better used elsewhere. I think a landing at Pegu or Moulmein is out. I'm stuck in central Burma with 100% Allied commitment. There are no troops available for an Inchon type landing.

Well, there is something to be said for just grinding the Japanese in at least one theater. With China gone the drain on his resources is lessened. Grinding in Burma will both eat up resources for him but will also give valuable experience builds to your Indian troops. Provided you can get some supply there. The 42 squads are a serious handicap though. You are a bit behind in time but I see that your carrier losses are nil. His loss of five carriers is much more significant. If you can sink or even heavily damage another one or two then there will be a big balance shift in your favor. To the point where you might actually be able to split your carriers. It is amazing the decent shape of your forces combined with the logistical mess that Historiker left you. But I would have taken on the game no sweat. One because Obvert is a good opponent but the other for the challenge. You just might see the game go deeper in to 1945 and that would be fun. If you get to 8/45 you might just make a deal with him to not activate the Russians just to see if a game can ever run to 1946.

I agree the Solomons and NG looks like the best option. One again it is a theater that allows for some grinding. I am not looking at his AAR so I can comment. It looks like all of his fighter strength is at the front. I would do a carrier raid on one of his outlying oil centers just to let him know that you are willing. With the new patch it is much easier to raid and a Japanese player must keep air power at the oil centers to prevent it. I am willing to bet that he has nothing protecting Soerjaba or Palembang. I pulled a quick raid on Viberpol's oil at Soerjaba and pretty much knocked it all out. Truth is I tend to lay off attacking oil early on as it is pretty easy to do. But if my opponent is not protecting them and bashing me with is air force elsewhere........

The next turn is away.

I'm not sure whether all my taskforces heading for Madang and Manus are properly covered. If Erik decides to attack with either air or surface forces, he may have an opportunity to inflict some losses. I'm hoping just the presence of my entire carrier force will give him pause. I am nervous though and just want these reinforcement missions completed. I want to rely more on LBA so I can shift my CV's to move on Merauke and Tabiteuea.

Teaser.

I was right to be nervous. Erik throws the kitchen sink at me in New Britain. Can you say Japanese 8 hex carrier strike with no Allied response. [:D]

Great turn for the Japanese and well played on Erik's part. I'm happy though, the turn could have been a disaster for the Allies, but only one alpha strike ensures that the amphibious taskforces unload their troops and supply at Madang and Manus as intended.

I'm sure Erik is champing at the bit to tell his side of things as it's every Japanese player's dream to get an eight hex strike in. It's not all doom and gloom for the Allies though. There were a couple of good things to happen too. Next turn could be worse for the Allies, but it all depends on what Erik does. [:D]

Feb. 16/44:

A rough day for the Allies.

Two amphibious operations were conducted to reinforce Allied units at Madang and Manus. The naval phases were uneventful, but come the morning air phase, all hell broke lose.

Allied CV's were located one hex east of Madang, while two separate CVE taskforces were positioned directly at Madang to provide CAP to the amphibious taskforces. A large Japanese carrier force was exactly eight hexes away from my CV taskforces and launched a massive raid. Allied CAP performed ok, but couldn't stop the sheer number of attacking aircraft and 100+ enemy dive and torpedo bombers broke through.

Allied losses:

CV Wasp
DE (2)
xAK (2)

Damaged:

CV Hornet 42 system
CV Intrepid fuel storage explosion
CV Bunker Hill
CV Saratoga 13 system
BB Massachusetts 3 torpedo hits resulting in 75% flotation damage.
CVL Cabot
CVL Independence

Japanese naval aircraft destroyed was around 200-250 aircraft. Allied naval air losses were around 30 aircraft.

There were no afternoon strikes, so I consider myself extremely lucky. As a bonus, the amphibious taskforce unloading at Manus was well within range of the enemy carriers, but wasn't attacked. It could have been sunk outright and would have resulted in the loss of an old BB, a few CL's and numerous DD's, not to mention 5 AKA's and 5 AK's.

The good news is I only lost CV Wasp and a couple of minor ships. On the day, the Allies lost a total of 54 aircraft, which included 25 SBD's lost on the carrier. Japanese losses were listed at around 350.

Other good news. Both amphibious operations successfully unloaded their reinforcements at Madang and Manus. A deliberate assault launched at Manus the same turn, captured the base and destroyed 80+ fighters (George's and Tojo's) on the ground.

Something Bullwinkle said in a post some time ago stuck with me. Players get far too attached to their CV's. The purpose of the navy is to ensure the transports and amphibious ships perform their missions. In this case, they did their job by drawing the attention of the enemy air strikes, which allowed the amphibious taskforces to unload their troops and supply. Granted, I was lucky there were no afternoon strikes, otherwise the day might have been an utter disaster. It sucks to lose a carrier and have a number of ships heavily damaged, but Manus was captured and enough troops are now ashore at Madang to take the base.

Feb. 17/44:

A Japanese cruiser force tried to catch my amphibious taskforce at Manus, but only found a couple of damaged ships. One was a DE, the other an xAK. My amphibious taskforce succeeded in making a full speed run to Rabaul and safety. The Japanese CV's withdrew towards Truk.

All damaged ships are moving towards Buna rather than Rabaul. Japanese submarines concentrated on the route to Rabaul. [8D]

Feb. 19/44:

Madang is captured!

All damaged ships have reached Buna. Allied ASW prevented any further damage or loss en route.

Allied forces are now preparing for an amphibious operation against Merauke. Port Moresby is the staging point for the operation. I'm in the process of resupplying Horn Island and increasing the aviation support to allow a strong LBA presence for the operation.

Amphibious shipping has arrived at Luganville and will begin loading up the Tabiteuea assault forces. The Allies are a bit bruised, but it's imperative to keep the pressure mounting on the Japanese.

CV John Wick arrived at Balboa today.

Green machine, green machine, green machine...