Mid Septemberish, ~15th I think. 1942 (combat report not on this box [:D])
BURMA/INDIA
Mannargudi is now level 3 airfield, and has everything in position except for an RAF HQ, which is just a few days away. Colombo still holds out well, that unit of his on the trail is still on the trail and not in position there yet.
I'm starting to get Vindicators, one of the 2 Blenheim squadrons at Bangalore has been upgraded to those, with an eye of stationing them in Mannargudi with the Beauforts and Tomahawks of the AVG half, which is currently at Madras.
Speaking of the AVG, the latest Tomahawk design just hit the production line, so their numbers - always very low - should begin to swell.
Two Chinese corps are now at Calcutta recovering. Three Chinese divisions are pretty much ready to go, and a BFF Commonwealth brigade is about half ready.
CHINA
As mentioned above he's quit Sian. I assume he'll be amassing a land death star and heading for Chungking. With that in mind I'm not sitting back in Sian. Three corps are being detached to head for Ichang which is in Jap hands, the rest I am torn - send em to Chungking, or advance? I'm inclined to the former as supply in the Communist part of China is extremely tight.
Meanwhile he's been bombing the tar out of Sian with firebombing raids, getting about 100 manpower hits every time. Doesn't seem to have all that much effect. This is the first time Jap aircraft have flown offensive missions in CHina for what seems like months.
The Chinese airfarce is just that, a farce. I really need to reinforce this place with better air units - I was considering pulling the heavy bombers out of India, but there are no suitable airfields bar Chungking, which is besieged. I'm working on improving the airfields at Chengtu and Kweiyang I think it is (SW of Chungking) to 4, but with naff Chinese engineers its going to take ages. I cant send over British engineers because they are all busy at Mannargudi. What I think I'll do is send the AVG back to its rightful place in China when the new Tomahawks have beefed it up a bit. I won't need the extra range when Mannargudi is up and running.
DEI
Those Liberators I mentioned were destined for India, ages ago, have arrived at Koepang, so thats another 100 Heavy base. Waiting a bit for all the damaged stragglers to catch up - some in Noumea, some in Cairns. Am pondering whether to risk the dangerous trip to Bombay in an AK - dangerous because Trimcomalee is in enemy hands and KB is known to be on the prowl up there.
Events in China I think are forcing my hand. Illustrious and Hermes are already on the way to Derby, when the British carriers get there I think they are going to be put into convoy escort mode and cover the Liberators on their journey to India.
Kendari airfield is still being suppressed by Fortresses and Hudsons.
SOPAC/AUS
All quiet around here. I've begun diverting some of the 20 odd destroyers in this theatre to northern Australia with a view for using them as fast transports in the Flores area. Examination of the DEI reveals that I dont even need to go up as far north as Bali to get a good airbase in easy range of Soerabaja, so I'm thinking of moving just a couple of islands up the chain to start getting stuck in. C-47s out of Koepang and these destroyers can keep em in supply.
4 x ARs are south of Australia, headed for India.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
The armada at Midway set sail for Wake yesterday. Battleships and carriers are speeding ahead of the slower transports to get stuck in at Wake Island. AKs and APs carrying the troops follow along at the best speed that they can manage.
Meanwhile Kwajalein has been thoroughtly dusted by raid after raid of 100 heavies out of Tarawa.
Heres hoping Wake isnt that heavily defended - its only an airfield 3 so I presume not.
The Allied Pacific carrier fleet is in really good shape. A total of 8 are in theatre, 4 currently in refit - but only 2 have sys damage above 3 (4 and 6). In addition I got three battleships which will be ready to leave San Fran and join the three already in the Pacific, and two more with sys damage around 10 being fixed at Seattle.
EUB vs Sprior - see who gets his banana straightened
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Tarawa recaptured
Bit of a hiatus, hard drive died on me.
19th September
BURMA/INDIA
Atrocious weather has effectively closed down all operations here. This is bad for me, because in the air I have superiority, but on the ground he does. Also it seems to be hampering my basebuilding efforts.
Never mind, eh.
He has his 2 to 1 odds at Colombo in numbers, but the forts aren't being reduced yet. However he has still more reinforcements on the way, so it looks like I won't be able to cling on there after all. Still, I can evacuate with Dakotas, and hopefully when Mannargudi is up and running - estimate about 1 week to go now - the place will be closed off and a big jail.
DEI
Submarine attacks remain moderately high - a surface attack off Saigon which caused a few deck gun hits, the odd torpedo hit in the Java Sea. A double layer of Gato class subs is off the Home Islands now.
Koepang is being played with. The Warhawk production rate seems to have rocketed, in any case I have 72 Warhawks there now, and the Spits I brought down from India are no longer needed. Therefore the Spits (3 squadrons) are getting crated up and will go to India. I need more fighters there as I'm starting to send over British squadrons to China to put a spoke in his strategic bombing campaign there.
I'm also concentrating light warships at Derby for future fast transport operations up towards Bali. Aussie DDs, some Noumea veterans, and two DDs from Karachi. Should have quite the force before too long.
CHINA
Trying a 3 corps attack on Ichang out of Sian, reinforcing Chungking with a couple of corps, and sending two corps up to his forces around Yenen. Also I'm sending Spitfires slowly into China. The AVG has already been relocated here. The Japs have been having a rest lately though.
SOPAC/AUS
Slowly moving the focus of units towards the north coast. SOPAC is fast becoming a backwater. Noumea has been stripped to less than 100 aircraft, though Lunga has about 150 and there is a small airbase on Luganville. Beauforts watch the east coast of Aus just in case.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
My troops hit Wake, get a nasty surprise. More Japs than anticipated, the naval garrison unit there has 100 assault points. I'll take him - but it'll cost, it'll mean another combat ineffective division I fear.
Battleships and carriers have been constantly attacking Wake, but after tomorrow I'm pulling them back - the BBs will be out of ammo, and I'm wary of Jap counters. KB was lost to sight some time ago, I expect it to rudely intrude at some not too distant point.
on the plus side a reinforcement Div has arrived in SF, to be thrown into the cauldron of battle.
19th September
BURMA/INDIA
Atrocious weather has effectively closed down all operations here. This is bad for me, because in the air I have superiority, but on the ground he does. Also it seems to be hampering my basebuilding efforts.
Never mind, eh.
He has his 2 to 1 odds at Colombo in numbers, but the forts aren't being reduced yet. However he has still more reinforcements on the way, so it looks like I won't be able to cling on there after all. Still, I can evacuate with Dakotas, and hopefully when Mannargudi is up and running - estimate about 1 week to go now - the place will be closed off and a big jail.
DEI
Submarine attacks remain moderately high - a surface attack off Saigon which caused a few deck gun hits, the odd torpedo hit in the Java Sea. A double layer of Gato class subs is off the Home Islands now.
Koepang is being played with. The Warhawk production rate seems to have rocketed, in any case I have 72 Warhawks there now, and the Spits I brought down from India are no longer needed. Therefore the Spits (3 squadrons) are getting crated up and will go to India. I need more fighters there as I'm starting to send over British squadrons to China to put a spoke in his strategic bombing campaign there.
I'm also concentrating light warships at Derby for future fast transport operations up towards Bali. Aussie DDs, some Noumea veterans, and two DDs from Karachi. Should have quite the force before too long.
CHINA
Trying a 3 corps attack on Ichang out of Sian, reinforcing Chungking with a couple of corps, and sending two corps up to his forces around Yenen. Also I'm sending Spitfires slowly into China. The AVG has already been relocated here. The Japs have been having a rest lately though.
SOPAC/AUS
Slowly moving the focus of units towards the north coast. SOPAC is fast becoming a backwater. Noumea has been stripped to less than 100 aircraft, though Lunga has about 150 and there is a small airbase on Luganville. Beauforts watch the east coast of Aus just in case.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
My troops hit Wake, get a nasty surprise. More Japs than anticipated, the naval garrison unit there has 100 assault points. I'll take him - but it'll cost, it'll mean another combat ineffective division I fear.
Battleships and carriers have been constantly attacking Wake, but after tomorrow I'm pulling them back - the BBs will be out of ammo, and I'm wary of Jap counters. KB was lost to sight some time ago, I expect it to rudely intrude at some not too distant point.
on the plus side a reinforcement Div has arrived in SF, to be thrown into the cauldron of battle.
RE: Tarawa recaptured
Looks like my fears were unfounded, Wake fell on the second day. Still lots of Japs to clear out mind, but with the base in Allied hands my troops can get ashore without continuing casualties, and presumably the Japs just lost their supply.
Going to adopt defensive positions until the whole force is ashore, and then crush the remaining Nips, as worked so effectively at Tarawa.
I think that concludes Operation Running Wild. Tarawa, Baker and Wake have all been hoovered up in a remarkably short period of time. Tarawa now houses a major airbase and is quite capable of defending itself - Wake is considerably more exposed, but will soon sport 2 USMC CD units, and SeaBees are very near, and there are aircraft either at the West Coast or en route earmarked for the place.
The operation was not without cost - it involved three US divisions and many supporting units, these are exhausted due to the fairly sparse naval and air support given them in their landings, and will take several months to completely refit, I fear. Also I'm out of easy targets - the next easy hit would be a base near Kwajalein, but really, is it necessary? The place is cut off and in heavy bomber range, its already neutralised in effect.
If I was going to continue in the Central Pacific I'd like to jump over to Marcus Island or Saipan really, making life hard for him at Truk, Rabaul and Port Moresby, and given the lack of LCUs I don't think I'm ready for this for a long time yet.
No - time for consolidation, I expect a Japanese counterstroke here at some point, so I plan on digging in now probably until November 42 at least.
The next Allied offensive move is going to take place in the Dutch East Indies. Illustrious and Hermes are almost at Derby, and many light warships have been diverted here. Ground units are perhaps a month from readiness. This operation will definitely be extremely risky and will require carrier support. I think a CVE and three of the lighter US carriers will be diverted to the DEI, bring my force there to 1 CVE, 4 CV, 1 CVL. I think SoDak and Washington will be moved there too to link up the RN cruisers who got deprived of their R class battleships by KB some time ago.
Getting all this material in position is going to take two months minimum I would hazard, due to PMs loss.
On the plus side supply on the north coast of Aus is excellent and Timor is already a huge airbase with a hundred heavy bombers which can smite at will.
Going to adopt defensive positions until the whole force is ashore, and then crush the remaining Nips, as worked so effectively at Tarawa.
I think that concludes Operation Running Wild. Tarawa, Baker and Wake have all been hoovered up in a remarkably short period of time. Tarawa now houses a major airbase and is quite capable of defending itself - Wake is considerably more exposed, but will soon sport 2 USMC CD units, and SeaBees are very near, and there are aircraft either at the West Coast or en route earmarked for the place.
The operation was not without cost - it involved three US divisions and many supporting units, these are exhausted due to the fairly sparse naval and air support given them in their landings, and will take several months to completely refit, I fear. Also I'm out of easy targets - the next easy hit would be a base near Kwajalein, but really, is it necessary? The place is cut off and in heavy bomber range, its already neutralised in effect.
If I was going to continue in the Central Pacific I'd like to jump over to Marcus Island or Saipan really, making life hard for him at Truk, Rabaul and Port Moresby, and given the lack of LCUs I don't think I'm ready for this for a long time yet.
No - time for consolidation, I expect a Japanese counterstroke here at some point, so I plan on digging in now probably until November 42 at least.
The next Allied offensive move is going to take place in the Dutch East Indies. Illustrious and Hermes are almost at Derby, and many light warships have been diverted here. Ground units are perhaps a month from readiness. This operation will definitely be extremely risky and will require carrier support. I think a CVE and three of the lighter US carriers will be diverted to the DEI, bring my force there to 1 CVE, 4 CV, 1 CVL. I think SoDak and Washington will be moved there too to link up the RN cruisers who got deprived of their R class battleships by KB some time ago.
Getting all this material in position is going to take two months minimum I would hazard, due to PMs loss.
On the plus side supply on the north coast of Aus is excellent and Timor is already a huge airbase with a hundred heavy bombers which can smite at will.
RE: Tarawa recaptured
The last date, 19th of September, was actually a bit earlier - 17th I think.
As today it is definitely
21st September, 1942
BURMA/INDIA
The merciless flogging of Trimcomalee continues, with heavy bombers flying out of Bangalore despite constant thunderstorms. Every third day they fly, every time its 100 plus runway hits and 30 Oscars toasted on the ground.
Today they were assisted by 12 Vengeances from Mannargudi, which is almost, not quite, level 4.
A major redeployment is going on. With KB gone and Trimcomalee suppressed I'm moving fighters to China, where a major Jap air offensive is underway.
CHINA
Sian is a pile of rubble, all resources destroyed. He's working on Chungking now.
But here he meets resistance. unfortunately he struck the airbase there today - the precise day the AVG and Spitfires show up, and its SOP to let em rest a day after transfer so he toasted them on the ground. [:(]. Anyway, now I have a fully ready Spit squadron and AVG/Spit remnants as well, so tomorrow he'll be challenged.
Another 2 Spit squadrons are in the process of being moved to China to assist.
DEI
As part of a major Allied redeployment all SEAC squadrons at Koepang are being pulled out - a significant force, of 3 squadrons of Spits and a couple of Beaufort squadrons, as well as the AVG which I'm pulling back as well.
Going to have a convoy with a good six squadrons embarked, so the Illustrious and Hermes are detailed to act as escort for that very juicy target.
Today APs were sighted at Bali, so he's reinforcing the place finally. Damn.
Heavy bombers at Koepang are set for naval attack, hopefully he won't get away with it scot free.
SOPAC/AUS
Still stripping Noumea and there are lots of units on the railroad headed for my big base at Derby. Hopefully what he's sending to Bali isnt an enormous Port Moresbyesque force.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
Wake is going to be difficult to clear out, not good, though its not a huge problem. All naval assets are regrouping at Pearl. The USN is getting geared up for the big 10/42 upgrade, so I'm going to start juggling the navy, and spreading the work out around the West Coast and Pearl.
I'm not going to make moves to the DEI until all this work is done, and given the length of the trip and distance from friendly shipyards, I'm going to get their sys damage down to zero.
I think that basically means that, after the islandgrabbing frenzy,the USN as well as the US Army is going into hibernation for some time. [:(].
We'll have to see what the cursed Jap gets up to in this 2-3 months of grace!
As today it is definitely
21st September, 1942
BURMA/INDIA
The merciless flogging of Trimcomalee continues, with heavy bombers flying out of Bangalore despite constant thunderstorms. Every third day they fly, every time its 100 plus runway hits and 30 Oscars toasted on the ground.
Today they were assisted by 12 Vengeances from Mannargudi, which is almost, not quite, level 4.
A major redeployment is going on. With KB gone and Trimcomalee suppressed I'm moving fighters to China, where a major Jap air offensive is underway.
CHINA
Sian is a pile of rubble, all resources destroyed. He's working on Chungking now.
But here he meets resistance. unfortunately he struck the airbase there today - the precise day the AVG and Spitfires show up, and its SOP to let em rest a day after transfer so he toasted them on the ground. [:(]. Anyway, now I have a fully ready Spit squadron and AVG/Spit remnants as well, so tomorrow he'll be challenged.
Another 2 Spit squadrons are in the process of being moved to China to assist.
DEI
As part of a major Allied redeployment all SEAC squadrons at Koepang are being pulled out - a significant force, of 3 squadrons of Spits and a couple of Beaufort squadrons, as well as the AVG which I'm pulling back as well.
Going to have a convoy with a good six squadrons embarked, so the Illustrious and Hermes are detailed to act as escort for that very juicy target.
Today APs were sighted at Bali, so he's reinforcing the place finally. Damn.
Heavy bombers at Koepang are set for naval attack, hopefully he won't get away with it scot free.
SOPAC/AUS
Still stripping Noumea and there are lots of units on the railroad headed for my big base at Derby. Hopefully what he's sending to Bali isnt an enormous Port Moresbyesque force.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
Wake is going to be difficult to clear out, not good, though its not a huge problem. All naval assets are regrouping at Pearl. The USN is getting geared up for the big 10/42 upgrade, so I'm going to start juggling the navy, and spreading the work out around the West Coast and Pearl.
I'm not going to make moves to the DEI until all this work is done, and given the length of the trip and distance from friendly shipyards, I'm going to get their sys damage down to zero.
I think that basically means that, after the islandgrabbing frenzy,the USN as well as the US Army is going into hibernation for some time. [:(].
We'll have to see what the cursed Jap gets up to in this 2-3 months of grace!
-
Tom Hunter
- Posts: 2194
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:57 am
RE: Tarawa recaptured
I find that I have to use my fleet in surges because just moving around runs the ships down so much.
LBA can maintain constant pressure. The trick is to find ways to keep the Allied LBA in contact with the Japanese while the fleet rests up.
It looks as if you are getting the upper hand against your opponent, if he thinks your winning he may go over to the defensive early which is a gift for an Allied player.
LBA can maintain constant pressure. The trick is to find ways to keep the Allied LBA in contact with the Japanese while the fleet rests up.
It looks as if you are getting the upper hand against your opponent, if he thinks your winning he may go over to the defensive early which is a gift for an Allied player.
RE: Tarawa recaptured
ORIGINAL: Tom Hunter
I find that I have to use my fleet in surges because just moving around runs the ships down so much.
LBA can maintain constant pressure. The trick is to find ways to keep the Allied LBA in contact with the Japanese while the fleet rests up.
It looks as if you are getting the upper hand against your opponent, if he thinks your winning he may go over to the defensive early which is a gift for an Allied player.
Well... I have about 300 heavy bombers in constant contact with the enemy across the whole theatre (100 each at Bangalore, Tarawa and Koepang), and a reserve of another 50 or so currently unused. I'm definitely attritting him - some time early in September the Japanese aircraft lost total finally exceeded the Allied total, mostly thanks tot he heavies.
It took this long to get decent baseforces and adequate airfields in position. [:(]
I've been rotating carriers happily all 1942 - I have 10 in the Pacific, bear in mind, so overkill really, and I have a hefty reserve of DDs all on 0 sys damage at Pearl.
But this upgrade will be across the -entire- fleet pretty much, even the submarines, so I think the next period of quiet will be even more noticeable than usual...
RE: Tarawa recaptured
23rd September 42.
Not much to add really, just wanted to say that this was one of those days which saw a lot of air fighting, over Trimcomalee, Chungking and Kwajalein, and it turned out to be a pretty spectacular success story for the Allied air.
The end result was 90 Japanese aircraft shot down or destroyed on the ground for 18 Allied lost. 18 of the 36 Zeroes lost were in air-to-air combat with Spitfires over Chungking who went through them like curry through a nun. He must have some serious pilot experience issues now.
Battlehardened Spitfire squadrons continue to form up in China. Most of my Indian fighter squadrons just remain around Calcutta, Trimcomalee doesn't scare me anymore, non functional as it is.
More worryingly... this happened.
Naval bombardment of Pearl Harbor, at 112,68
Allied Ships
DD Rathburne
DD Lawrence
DD Worden
DD Helm
CA Minneapolis
CA New Orleans
BB Colorado
Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2
Pearl is mine. Colorado did just arrive there in a surface comabt TF, I believe, set to retire. Bug?
I hope 1.6 isnt at work here. It destroyed my game with SACorsair in very short order. [:(]
Not much to add really, just wanted to say that this was one of those days which saw a lot of air fighting, over Trimcomalee, Chungking and Kwajalein, and it turned out to be a pretty spectacular success story for the Allied air.
The end result was 90 Japanese aircraft shot down or destroyed on the ground for 18 Allied lost. 18 of the 36 Zeroes lost were in air-to-air combat with Spitfires over Chungking who went through them like curry through a nun. He must have some serious pilot experience issues now.
Battlehardened Spitfire squadrons continue to form up in China. Most of my Indian fighter squadrons just remain around Calcutta, Trimcomalee doesn't scare me anymore, non functional as it is.
More worryingly... this happened.
Naval bombardment of Pearl Harbor, at 112,68
Allied Ships
DD Rathburne
DD Lawrence
DD Worden
DD Helm
CA Minneapolis
CA New Orleans
BB Colorado
Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2
Pearl is mine. Colorado did just arrive there in a surface comabt TF, I believe, set to retire. Bug?
I hope 1.6 isnt at work here. It destroyed my game with SACorsair in very short order. [:(]
-
Mike Solli
- Posts: 16368
- Joined: Wed Oct 18, 2000 8:00 am
- Location: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
RE: Tarawa recaptured
ORIGINAL: EUBanana
...like curry through a nun...
eeww
Created by the amazing Dixie
RE: Tarawa recaptured
ORIGINAL: Mike Solli
ORIGINAL: EUBanana
...like curry through a nun...
eeww
[:D]
Well, given they were Spitfires, they needed a particularly British phrase.
[:D]
RE: Tarawa recaptured
25th September, 1942
BURMA/INDIA
The dark plans of the Supreme Commander have finally come to fruition. Mannargudi is level 4, and now sports Beauforts, Hurricanes and Vengeances, just 2 hexes from his port at Trimcomalee. Most of the engineers there are directed to Ledo, I'm gonna ship them over to China to build bomber bases there and take the offensive to him. Ceylon, whether he takes Colombo or not, is now a POW camp.
Good timing too, as a Jap convoy is sighted in the Bay of Bengal. The Vengeances and Beauforts are set to naval attack/rest, Warspite and her group are ordered to sortie from Diamond Harbor for Madras, who knows, maybe I'll be able to throw them in against the convoy as well.
...This convoy of supplies I dont intend to let land in one piece.
Colombo however has had a level of forts shaved off, its down to 7. 16 more Dakotas are about to land in India, they'll be uncrated and moved to Ledo.
CHINA
Very tough situation here. Supply is getting extremely tight. The Japanese air offensive has been more or less halted though. Spitfires and Warhawks cover the Chinese resource bases that i still possess. But really, something has to be done. I plan on building Chengtu up to level 4 and then basing Allied heavy bombers there and hitting back at his supply - I'm sure I can do a better job of it then his Sallies can manage.
DEI
Jap heavy cruisers sighted at Bali, they are bombed ineffectually by Fortresses. Whats going on here?
I stand down my heavies, fatigue is 20+ - for the last three days they bombed a supply convoy just coming in to Kendari, really mauling it good.
Submarines have been seeing a fair bit of action around the Home Islands as well, especially USS Gudgeon and USS Wahoo. A few times the torpedoes actually exploded, as well... A Dutch submarine off Saigon bagged an AK as well.
SOPAC/AUS
Very quiet theatre, redeployment continues.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
The Japs are reduced to banzai charges at Wake Island, their engineer unit is destroyed in the process, leaving just an extremely below strength South Seas Detachment. The US continue with their attacks.
Dauntlesses have been moved to Wake and are bombing the Jap troops there.
At Kwajalein a Jap convoy is sighted, the Fortresses at Tarawa are too tired to take off against CAP though and they unload. Port attacks hopefully have been hindering this. I peeled off a US Heavy Cruiser + escort from Wake Island, they are heading in as a surface combat TF, ETA 3-4 days. Hopefully they might be able to hit the convoy before it's done unloading.
BURMA/INDIA
The dark plans of the Supreme Commander have finally come to fruition. Mannargudi is level 4, and now sports Beauforts, Hurricanes and Vengeances, just 2 hexes from his port at Trimcomalee. Most of the engineers there are directed to Ledo, I'm gonna ship them over to China to build bomber bases there and take the offensive to him. Ceylon, whether he takes Colombo or not, is now a POW camp.
Good timing too, as a Jap convoy is sighted in the Bay of Bengal. The Vengeances and Beauforts are set to naval attack/rest, Warspite and her group are ordered to sortie from Diamond Harbor for Madras, who knows, maybe I'll be able to throw them in against the convoy as well.
...This convoy of supplies I dont intend to let land in one piece.
Colombo however has had a level of forts shaved off, its down to 7. 16 more Dakotas are about to land in India, they'll be uncrated and moved to Ledo.
CHINA
Very tough situation here. Supply is getting extremely tight. The Japanese air offensive has been more or less halted though. Spitfires and Warhawks cover the Chinese resource bases that i still possess. But really, something has to be done. I plan on building Chengtu up to level 4 and then basing Allied heavy bombers there and hitting back at his supply - I'm sure I can do a better job of it then his Sallies can manage.
DEI
Jap heavy cruisers sighted at Bali, they are bombed ineffectually by Fortresses. Whats going on here?
I stand down my heavies, fatigue is 20+ - for the last three days they bombed a supply convoy just coming in to Kendari, really mauling it good.
Submarines have been seeing a fair bit of action around the Home Islands as well, especially USS Gudgeon and USS Wahoo. A few times the torpedoes actually exploded, as well... A Dutch submarine off Saigon bagged an AK as well.
SOPAC/AUS
Very quiet theatre, redeployment continues.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
The Japs are reduced to banzai charges at Wake Island, their engineer unit is destroyed in the process, leaving just an extremely below strength South Seas Detachment. The US continue with their attacks.
Dauntlesses have been moved to Wake and are bombing the Jap troops there.
At Kwajalein a Jap convoy is sighted, the Fortresses at Tarawa are too tired to take off against CAP though and they unload. Port attacks hopefully have been hindering this. I peeled off a US Heavy Cruiser + escort from Wake Island, they are heading in as a surface combat TF, ETA 3-4 days. Hopefully they might be able to hit the convoy before it's done unloading.
RE: Tarawa recaptured
27th September, 1942
Not many turns done lately - too much sunshine and too much beer!
BURMA/INDIA
The Jap convoy is one, maybe 2 days out of Trimcomalee. So is Warspite and her battlegroup. She's ordered to press on. Today Fortresses splattered Trimcomalee airfield, tomorrow Liberators will do likewise. Every raid is 2-4 supply hits, hopefully this adds up.
Three squadrons of Beauforts are at Mannargudi, ready to rumble, and the Blenheims at Bangalore - now highly experienced, with scores 90+ mostly - are set to skip bomb.
That convoy must not land!
CA Hawkins is on the way too, it'll be too late to see battle but the plan is for her to join up with Warspite and chums.
DEI
He's resupplying Kendari still, he's not doing it without loss though, heavy bombers have exacted a toll - a DD sunk, a half dozen AKs damaged, probably too heavily to leave the place.
He still has cruisers sitting off Bali, makes me suspicious.
Two Aussie AF construction units are about a 2-3 months out from Derby, I think we'll have to slowly advance up the chain rather than hit Bali directly, so I'm going to drop those on Flores when they are in position.
CHINA
Too early to call. I've got fighters in position over all remaining resource centres so he's not going to have an easy time laying waste like he did in Sian. The LCUs are still shifting positions, so I dont know how effective the new deployments will be.
SOPAC/AUS
Nuthin.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
A convoy lands at Kwajalein, mines laid by submarine over many weeks strike several ships, but mostly PGs and PCs, so expendables. I have a cruiser force incoming but I think its too late - missed the boat.
The USN is returning to Pearl mostly, its big october upgrade time. However, I've peeled off 10 of my fastest (35+ knot) DDs and they are going to Wake Island. The plan is that next time he resupplies Kwajalein I'm going to run in in a lightning raid and hit him with the destroyers. Tarawa is really a bit too far to intervene, the heavies don't often fly that far.
I've got a -lot- of DDs in the Pacific now, more than I need for escort duty really, and I wanna use em. So rapid reaction forces are the way to go I think.
Not many turns done lately - too much sunshine and too much beer!
BURMA/INDIA
The Jap convoy is one, maybe 2 days out of Trimcomalee. So is Warspite and her battlegroup. She's ordered to press on. Today Fortresses splattered Trimcomalee airfield, tomorrow Liberators will do likewise. Every raid is 2-4 supply hits, hopefully this adds up.
Three squadrons of Beauforts are at Mannargudi, ready to rumble, and the Blenheims at Bangalore - now highly experienced, with scores 90+ mostly - are set to skip bomb.
That convoy must not land!
CA Hawkins is on the way too, it'll be too late to see battle but the plan is for her to join up with Warspite and chums.
DEI
He's resupplying Kendari still, he's not doing it without loss though, heavy bombers have exacted a toll - a DD sunk, a half dozen AKs damaged, probably too heavily to leave the place.
He still has cruisers sitting off Bali, makes me suspicious.
Two Aussie AF construction units are about a 2-3 months out from Derby, I think we'll have to slowly advance up the chain rather than hit Bali directly, so I'm going to drop those on Flores when they are in position.
CHINA
Too early to call. I've got fighters in position over all remaining resource centres so he's not going to have an easy time laying waste like he did in Sian. The LCUs are still shifting positions, so I dont know how effective the new deployments will be.
SOPAC/AUS
Nuthin.
CENTPAC/NORPAC
A convoy lands at Kwajalein, mines laid by submarine over many weeks strike several ships, but mostly PGs and PCs, so expendables. I have a cruiser force incoming but I think its too late - missed the boat.
The USN is returning to Pearl mostly, its big october upgrade time. However, I've peeled off 10 of my fastest (35+ knot) DDs and they are going to Wake Island. The plan is that next time he resupplies Kwajalein I'm going to run in in a lightning raid and hit him with the destroyers. Tarawa is really a bit too far to intervene, the heavies don't often fly that far.
I've got a -lot- of DDs in the Pacific now, more than I need for escort duty really, and I wanna use em. So rapid reaction forces are the way to go I think.
WARSPITE'S GLORY!!!!!
Just going to concentrate on one thing on the 28th September.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!
Warspite's battlegroup turned up at Trimcomalee, making a perfect interception...
AND FOUND FOUR CARRIERS, split into 2 TFs.
Several night time engagements broke out, with the Royal Navy excelling. The first time around it was somewhat indecisive...
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25
Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Shoho, Shell hits 3, on fire (1 x 15"!)
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Murakumo
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Hasu
DD Sagi, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Shell hits 4
CL Emerald
CL Dragon, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 1
DD Tjerk Hiddes, Shell hits 1
DD Arrow, Shell hits 5, on fire
...but the second engagement, the RN achieved surprise!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25
Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (Blown to pieces by a hail of 15" shells! GO WARSPITE!!!)
CVE Unyo, Shell hits 2
DD Teruzuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Takanami
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 1
Allied Ships
BB Warspite
CL Emerald
CL Dragon, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 1
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Arrow, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When day broke, Warspite was legging it and the aircraft went to work. Horrible weather (its monsoon season) made matters hard for both sides. Kates attacked the fleeing battleship and the combat report claimed Warspite had sunk - lies, she survived her brush with the Kates!
Blenheims started skip bombing AKs as calculated, and Vengeances finished off another carrier.
Truly, a spectacular victory in the Bay of Bengal, two carriers sunk, many other ships damaged!
I'm gonna pull up some screenies of this in a minute. After I've had a lie down. [:D]
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!
Warspite's battlegroup turned up at Trimcomalee, making a perfect interception...
AND FOUND FOUR CARRIERS, split into 2 TFs.
Several night time engagements broke out, with the Royal Navy excelling. The first time around it was somewhat indecisive...
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25
Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Shoho, Shell hits 3, on fire (1 x 15"!)
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Murakumo
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Hasu
DD Sagi, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Shell hits 4
CL Emerald
CL Dragon, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 1
DD Tjerk Hiddes, Shell hits 1
DD Arrow, Shell hits 5, on fire
...but the second engagement, the RN achieved surprise!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25
Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (Blown to pieces by a hail of 15" shells! GO WARSPITE!!!)
CVE Unyo, Shell hits 2
DD Teruzuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Takanami
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 1
Allied Ships
BB Warspite
CL Emerald
CL Dragon, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 1
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Arrow, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When day broke, Warspite was legging it and the aircraft went to work. Horrible weather (its monsoon season) made matters hard for both sides. Kates attacked the fleeing battleship and the combat report claimed Warspite had sunk - lies, she survived her brush with the Kates!
Blenheims started skip bombing AKs as calculated, and Vengeances finished off another carrier.
Truly, a spectacular victory in the Bay of Bengal, two carriers sunk, many other ships damaged!
I'm gonna pull up some screenies of this in a minute. After I've had a lie down. [:D]
-
DuckofTindalos
- Posts: 39781
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:53 pm
- Location: Denmark
RE: WARSPITE'S GLORY!!!!!
Just gotta love it when the big guns hit their mark!
We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.
RE: WARSPITE'S GLORY!!!!!
ohhh
very lucky
nice job tho[:D]
that happened to me once at Guadalcanal, except my carriers were on the RECIEVING end
no hits tho, i got very lucky[:D]
very lucky
nice job tho[:D]
that happened to me once at Guadalcanal, except my carriers were on the RECIEVING end
no hits tho, i got very lucky[:D]
RE: WARSPITE'S GLORY!!!!!
30th September 1942.
The battles in the Bay of Bengal are the only things of interest going on, still.
Warspite and company have retreated to Madras to rearm.
Today CA Hawkins attacked five damaged destroyers at Trimcomalee harbour, to my surprise ti was a daytime engagement. I had high hopes, Hawkins was pumping 7.5" into the DDs, but then she zigged when she should have zagged, got hit by a torpedo and promptly sank.
Still, those crappy Frobisher class ships are utterly useless for any task bar surface combat and bombardment, and any hit on a ship by a naval gun bigger than 5" is a special victory for me. [;)]
His carriers seem to have retreated, but his transports are still in range, so they met the full wrath of the Allied LBA at Mannargudi today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 17,25
Allied aircraft
Mohawk IV x 6
Hurricane II x 15
Vengeance I x 12
Beaufort I x 11
Beaufort V-IX x 36
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
AP Atsuta Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 10
AP Gyoko Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Saiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1
PC Showa Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Dainiti Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Gotake Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Dainiunyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
9 x Hurricane II bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow the forecast is rain instead of storms, so the heavies at Bangalore are set for naval attack.
I think my attempts to keep his supplies from landing at Ceylon are so far a brilliant success. Two carriers!
I'm still in awe. even if they were only CVLs.
The battles in the Bay of Bengal are the only things of interest going on, still.
Warspite and company have retreated to Madras to rearm.
Today CA Hawkins attacked five damaged destroyers at Trimcomalee harbour, to my surprise ti was a daytime engagement. I had high hopes, Hawkins was pumping 7.5" into the DDs, but then she zigged when she should have zagged, got hit by a torpedo and promptly sank.
Still, those crappy Frobisher class ships are utterly useless for any task bar surface combat and bombardment, and any hit on a ship by a naval gun bigger than 5" is a special victory for me. [;)]
His carriers seem to have retreated, but his transports are still in range, so they met the full wrath of the Allied LBA at Mannargudi today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 17,25
Allied aircraft
Mohawk IV x 6
Hurricane II x 15
Vengeance I x 12
Beaufort I x 11
Beaufort V-IX x 36
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
AP Atsuta Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 10
AP Gyoko Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Saiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1
PC Showa Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Dainiti Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Gotake Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Dainiunyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
9 x Hurricane II bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow the forecast is rain instead of storms, so the heavies at Bangalore are set for naval attack.
I think my attempts to keep his supplies from landing at Ceylon are so far a brilliant success. Two carriers!
I'm still in awe. even if they were only CVLs.
-
Tom Hunter
- Posts: 2194
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:57 am
RE: WARSPITE'S GLORY!!!!!
I'm amazed, and its a brilliant success.
You guys like to run tiny little TFs don't you? My surface combat TFs are all 10+ ships. Of course I don't have as many of them.
You guys like to run tiny little TFs don't you? My surface combat TFs are all 10+ ships. Of course I don't have as many of them.
RE: WARSPITE'S GLORY!!!!!
ORIGINAL: Tom Hunter
I'm amazed, and its a brilliant success.
You guys like to run tiny little TFs don't you? My surface combat TFs are all 10+ ships. Of course I don't have as many of them.
Its not really through choice. Thats the entire force of RN blue water ships currently allocated to India....
The RN is split between Timor and India in this game, with the carriers (and the choice P class destroyers with them) in the Pacific, to concentrate force.