Pauk's corner: sake break for Japanese fanboys

[PzB74]

Great work Pauk! [&o]

It will take Andy a lot of time to get 'in position' again both in regards to Australia/DEI and the Central Pacific!
One more decisive battle and it will be late 43 before the enemy can organize powerful counter offensives.

Just keep the main objective in mind: the destruction of enemy fleet units!!

[pauk]

Thanks PzB... you are welcomed to post here anytime. I'm not ego-maniac (although is nice to hear such compliments from the Defender of the Empire[;)]) for me is more important that when you post here, hits rapidly goes up in this AAR (50 hits after your post here)[:D]...

Seriously, you are right, as always. I'm aware that i didn't hurt his navy (i think i sink app 20 DDs and just two CAs so far.) and if i want to get chance to stay alive in 1943 i have to hurt his naval force.... Only possible way to do it is forcing him into battle and Gilberts are certainly best choice - if he stays out of Gilberts his ground forces will be anihilated and i think he can not allow that. But i have no illusions Gilberts could be my graveyard too. I'm planing careful, preparing for all options but i'm going to need godess Fortune on my side as well...


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42

I'm keeping pressure on his main AF in the China. AF is still operational.


Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
Ki-21 Sally x 89
Ki-49 Helen x 8
Ki-15 Babs x 5

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 1 destroyed
SB-2c: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 62

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombing at 6000 feet




Huh guys, i found that is getting hard to entertain you. That's reason i started another daring assault in the Chinese backyard (well i'm joking - reason for that strike is to interupt Chinese lines and keep Andy awake in that theatre. Perhaps he would be fooled and won't realise that Odbij-go is operation for capturing Homan before it becomes to late).


Day Air attack on Kungchang , at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 22
Ki-49 Helen x 23

No Japanese losses

Air base hits 1

Paras didn't capture Kungchang, but forts going down!...

Ground combat at Kungchang

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 554 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1453 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3


Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported

I stop transfering rest of my paras to Kungchang - i'm expecting that Andy will react and move fighters in the base. Knowing him, i wouldn't be suprised he start air-lifting reinforcements in the Kungchang. Thats why i ordered Zero daitai to LR CAP Kungchang. Let's see if we can catch Andy by suprise....


Other than China nothing else to report....

[Sneer]

PZB you are right but what to do with sb who really refuses to fight ?
the only strongholds are Oz and PH - rest is heavily fortified but Raver showed he will not send fleet to support
destroying my opponents naval forces is sth what makes me really unsatisfied in my game
Maybe after october allied upgrades he will decide to stop hiding and I 'll see his fleet
going for pacific is not under consideration as he will allow me to take them and attacking PH in second half of 42 is suicide.
can't force him to defend Nomua as he left base and waits for a moment when I stretch too far.

[pauk]

Sneer, i will jump in and try to answer... first, you should agree on automatic victory. I know your reasons to avoid these terms and appreciate it very much. But, IMO you should be awarded with MORAL victory....

then, go for Pacific islands - take them and leave garnisons just to pretend you going to defend them. When you see that Raver (i guess that you are talking about your PBEM against him) leave these exposed bases imediately. He must go for them otherwise you will be in great position to hurt him if he go without proper support from the land. Of course, this will work only until first half of the 1943.... after that there is no sense to hold garnisons on Pacific islands.... it is not a much but with such strategy you can earn few months...




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/42

Chungking AF bombed again.

Dobodura captured (to denie retreath path for defeated PM defenders).

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42

Hmm... fast transport? Unfortunatly no hits there....

TF 1048 encounters mine field at Palmyra (106,85)

Allied Ships
DD Shaw
DD Helm
DD Bagley
DD Hammann
DD Cassin
DD Tucker


Chungking AF bombed from Ichang. Andy moved some bombers to Homan and i switch these bombers on Homan. Bombers from Wuhan will strike Chungking..

My units are now one hex from Homan and will engage few Chinese LCU outside the base. Enemy movement reported - Andy reacting to Odbij-go... let's see what will happend here and who planned better...

As you saw no big news these days, so here is war industry and statistic screen...

[Sneer]

you are quite low on supply - hope you don't have bit problems
as for auto victory - not an option - i want to play this game till end

[pauk]

You are right - i'm quite low on supply but i'm not worried (yet). IMO it is better to expand war industry (of course Japan have to know his limits:)) and fortify/expand bases early in the game then stocking supply for the next years of war:

a) Allies will destroy certain amount of the supply anyway
b) i wont be able to shot down Corsairs with supply (hey, where is Ron[;)])

As for your game, please pay attention to what i wrote - moral victory. It means that you are free to continue till end. I have one opponent who told me recently (after i capture Noumea without opposition) that he don't care for VP. I replied that i don't care for VP too but i will consider myself as moral winner if on the january 43 i achive automatic victory. IMO, VP are here to prevent "extreme Sir Robin" for the Allies and waiting for his toys (of course i'm not referring to Raver - he tried to defense but you "blitzed" him...after all punches he took i would turn to that kind of defensive).

now, lets back to the job..

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42


ASW attack at 43,59 - near Cayagan.

Japanese Ships
APD APD-36
APD APD-35
DD Minekaze
DD Yamagumo
DD Kagero

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

My ASW TF failed to find enemy subs this time. As you may see in the attached picture, Andy still sending subs in the shallow waters. I count that my ASW Air force at Cayagan will do job but i afraid of the next patch - me thinks it wouldn't be possible to stop allied subs. I need to make small digression here, and that have nothing with Andy (he said me it was his fault to keep sending subs in shallow waters and he have reasonable attitude about ASW).

We can found lots of complaints about murderous air ASW in the game. While i could agree to the certain degree it is true, most of players forgot one important issue about air ASW - i think that murderous ASW is fault of the Allied players! Every Allied player who allows that his opponent can mass more than 100 highly experience bombers for ASW duty in the one place is guilty for that.

Evacuating cadres with subs, allowing Japanese to train his bombers to exp 80+ with "Sir Robin" defense (no opposition in the air)and massing them at one place can make Japanese side experts in ASW. I know all relevant fact about poor jap ASW equipment but i can not be convinced that if Japs (in RL) assign more ships and planes would achive same pathetic results. Ok, rant is over:)




Chungking AF is still on the pressure - 100 Army bombers visit the place. Homan didn't attacked due bad weather

Kungchang was attacked from the air, but SNLF wasn't able to take the base. Ok, it will take some time for Andy until he deals with my paras. I hope these paras cut him from supply source in the North China...


Ground combat at 49,31- south of Homan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 118025 troops, 1230 guns, 312 vehicles

Defending force 23362 troops, 134 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1018 casualties reported
Guns lost 24
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
540 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Defeated Allied Units Retreating to Homan!

Two Chinese corps and three enemy HQs are defeated - Homan is now defended with 120.000 men.

Ground combat at 49,29

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4521 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1699 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
762 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Mongolian calvary div engaged enemy northwest of Homan...

Ground combat at Kungchang

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 515 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4539 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
98 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42

I'm dissapointed with ASW performance. Although i had more than 100 bombers on ASW, Andy's subs were attacked only once - without any success. Enemy sub TF is now three hex east from Cebu and don't think i would be able to do anything here:(. I'm bit suprised how fast they moved from Cebu (port is damaged - 45) and load troops - all in one turn?... tjah...

Believe me or not that was all action.

I'm sending PCs and PGs to Truk too and i think i will need them cause Andy just love PTs (i will form 3 or 4 SC with one DD and several aux and send them to fight with PTs).

All four divisions are loaded at Darwin together with 2 tk rtgs and eng unit and heading for Tarawa.


NAVAL LOSSES


--------------------Allies-------------Japan[/color]

CA__________3_____________0

CL/CLAA______5____________2

DDs__________20__________13

Subs_________38__________14

PG/PCs_______10__________10

PTs__________29___________0

MSWs________10___________5


Tenders______8____________1

TK/AOs______19____________0

AKs________106___________7

APs_________15___________21

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

CHINA

Bad weather in China again but i manage to strike Kweiyang (don't want operational enemy AF so close my industry plus supply is needed for repairs) and Homan AF.

Day Air attack on Homan (from Ichang)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6
Ki-21 Sally x 47
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Airbase hits 20
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 40

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombing at 6000 feet

Allied tries to deblocade Kungchang but with current ground model it would take some time til my paras are evaporated. So i decide to help my dear opponent and open retreat path for paras[:D]

Ground combat at Kungchang

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1623 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 420 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported





Lanchow - you have to love paras! Andy still leave his backyard open and i know how to punish him for that. Part of Yokosuka 3rd SNLF now can retreat to Lanchow. Unfortunatly i did some poor planing there - no available unit for air transporting to Lanchow which is extremly important base:

a) threat from the north and puting enemy at Yenen in danger to be surrounded
b) As long as i own Lanchow i denie 300 supply for Chinese plus supply produced with HI at this base)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 275 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lanchow base !!!


Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 1 destroyed

PACIFIC

I tried to send AK for evacuating construction unit from Mili but enemy bombers are extremely effective even from the 15.000 ft.... hm, training them with supply transport mission?

Day Air attack on TF, near Mili at 84,85


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

Japanese Ships
AK Cheribon Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet


AUSTRALIA

I attacked enemy troops south of Darwin, but all except one (cadre of 4th US Rtg) didn't retreat - i guess that these units have forts and that's the reason why they did not retreated... ordered another attack, but expecting Andy will withdraw them to Charters Town.


Ground combat at 36,91

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 49777 troops, 573 guns, 158 vehicles

Defending force 26171 troops, 111 guns, 14 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
1165 casualties reported
Guns lost 38
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
495 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating (only one cadre actually retreats)!

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/01/42

Shokaku and Zuikaku upgraded in HI - sys damage is low (5 sys) and they are ready for action. But i didn't think about airgroups upgrade (Zeros and Vals from 24 to 27, while Kates Daitai's are reduced) - ah, bad design me thinks cause i can not reduce number of pilots in Kate groups... ahhhh...nano-micromanagment again....

Asashio class upgraded and now these DDs have 126 AA rating (instead 36). Yugumo class upgraded too - they recived two radars and will replace Kitakami and Oi (i have other plans for them then using these nice ships in risky Gilberts invasion).


CHINA

Heavy strike on Chungking AF with 112 Army bombers. AF is now at 60 damage, according to my recon but i thought that this AF is closed when i got recon reports earlier in the game with 100 damage (but i was wrong)...


Day Air attack on 4th Chinese/A Corps, at 48,31 - south of Homan

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 38
Ki-49 Helen x 23

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Andy have 8 corps defending Homan. I can not attack him frontally so the main battle would be outside city: i want cut off these Chinese in the base but Andy sending reinforcements to Homan.

Ground combat at Homan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22210 troops, 251 guns, 4 vehicles

Defending force 107392 troops, 661 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported

Division and two brigades defeat Chinese sent to block me one hex south of Homan, but i don't be able to encircle Chinese at Homan cause Andy sending divided units to this hex. Once they arrived my movement is canceled.

Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54066 troops, 619 guns, 7 vehicles

Defending force 2774 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1689 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
883 casualties reported
Guns lost 9


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Ok, Odbij-go turns in to more flexible plan. In few days i will start airlift bde to Lanchow and threat Chinese from the north. Chinese units in Yenen will be in danger and if this variation of Odbij-go succed i would be more than happy.

Ground combat at Kungchang

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1579 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 445 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Paras retreated to Lanchow.


DEI/AUSTRALIA

Bombers at Cayagan closing Cebu port - i don't want that Andy evacuate troops from there anymore - i need that training camp. After i close Cebu port i will do the same with Iloilo.


Day Air attack on 107th USAAF Base Force, at 36,91 -south of Darwin.

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 6 damaged


Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 10000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 10000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 10000 feet

Phew!

Ground combat at 36,91

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 48076 troops, 523 guns, 151 vehicles

Defending force 21298 troops, 91 guns, 13 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
354 casualties reported
Guns lost 21
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
364 casualties reported
Guns lost 5




BURMA

Still very quiet there and i'm awaiting for armaggedon here every day. Andy didn't use strategic bombardment so far in the game and when it happens my AFs will be doomed (i guess he trains his bombers with supply missions flying to China).

My glenn equipped sub reported small transport TFs at Trimcaloe (or whatever). Reinforcing Ceylon or gathering units for Malaya/Burma invasion?


PACIFIC

I'm suprised how fast my ships are repaired in Truk port. Yes i have 4 ARs there but more than 100 ships anchored (not that all ships needs r&r).

Enemy APs are reported at Tarawa but i'm reculcant to send Naval LBA on attack - to strong CAP for the bombers crew taste. But i'm going to do something there - more than 150 Samurais will visit Tarawa tomorrow....

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/42


PACIFIC





Day Air attack on Tarawa , at 85,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 164

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
Spitfire Vb x 6
P-36A Mohawk x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 22
P-40B Tomahawk x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 12 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 17 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 6 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 11 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 22 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 18 destroyed


12 courages Samurais didn't return, but their sacrifice for the Emperor shall not be forgotten. 76 enemy planes shot down and this would give Andy new material to think about it. Tomorrow is crucial turn because my Zeros are fatigued (i transfered them to Wotje and Kwajelain). I'm expecting retaliation strike - every turn few B-17E are reported as ops losses (guess this stubborn Scott sending them to Gilberts area).

As usual first Daitai took heavy casaulties - F3/Chitose lost 9 pilots and shot down 28 enemy. F3 Ominato lost pilot and achived 21 kills. F1/6 lost pilot and killed 5 enemy pilots. F2 Genzan killed three enemy for a loss of pilot.

F2 Kanoya claims 5 kills while F1/Omura is awarded with 9 kills (both Daitais didn't lost a single pilot).

Total air losses for today are 81-15 in my favour.


CHINA

Didn't realise that is impossible to airlift China Ex Army units until my "teacher" (Pfnognoff) told me that. I have no choice than spend 2000 PP to change one Ind bde (at Kaifeng) to SAA and after that airlift to Lanchow become possible. Lets hope for the best.

In addition i prepared one of my small and nasty suprises for tomorrow...


Ground combat at Homan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22261 troops, 251 guns, 4 vehicles

Defending force 108685 troops, 668 guns, 0 vehicles


Allied ground losses:
81 casualties reported


Andy air-lifted part of Indian division to Homan! Looks he is really worried about China. Ok, one more division wont throw me out of China and that means one less division in India - I think that is good for me.




AUSTRALIA

Enemy units south of Darwin-Wyndham junction withdrew. After they rest i will pursue them with 2 divisions and tk rtg (these troops are assigned for Darwin defense anyway).

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/03/42


CHINA

Another big raid on Chunking - AF is 80 % damaged - at least my recon say so...

Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-21 Sally x 98
Ki-49 Helen x 11

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 57


All bombing at 6000 feet

Chinese defeated my garnison two hexes north of Ichang.

Ground combat at 46,32

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 41827 troops, 216 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3514 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
278 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Allied ground losses:
544 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

My tranports flying to Lanchow are intercepted, but luckily no one was shot down. Part of Ind bde is transfered to L. - 34 assault points but i think will have problems there. Enemy fighters reported in Chengtu - lots of them (app 70) but i have no choice than continue with air lifting bde to Lanchow.

What concern me even more is that my supply in the Lanchow is 0! I'm not recieving supply from the base no more because in the base screen "supply numbers" are red - didn't know about that earlier. Anyway, even if i loose Lanchow Chinese will take damaged city - i have no sufficient force to keep this city and industry + oil are halved now (i have more than enough oil from other fields - more than 2700 so loss of chinese oilfields doesn't concern me a lot).

Zeros from Ichang caught 6 Dakotas flying to Chunking but it was bad trade - i lost 2 fighters (ops).

I was unable to cut Homan-Sian railroad because one Chinese units arrived in hex south of Homan and canceled my movement (as I expected).

It seems that Andy have serious plans in the China - beside part of Indian division, US BF is reported moving towards Sian... I'm on full alert in China because i can not allow hordes of Wellingtons, Liberators and B-17s in China.


Pacific was quiet again. No strikes from Tarawa and i'm continuing to rest my fighters in Marshalls.

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/04/42

CHINA

Enemy airplanes reported at Homan. I sent air strike and look what i found:

Day Air attack on Homan , at 49,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9
Ki-21 Sally x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 61

Fortunatly Spits were fatigued so no heavy losses on my side this time. But I can not say the same for the Kungchang "incident". Wildcats from VF-2 are now located at Kungchang!

Day Air attack on Kungchang , at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 47
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
I-16c x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
I-16c: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

All bombing at 6000 feet

Bombing was miserable and i quit with attacks for now. Enemy again LR CAPed Lanchow but only one transport was lost.

Enemy corps with HQ support arrives hex south of Homan. But Chinese didn't stay for dinner:)

Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 56371 troops, 620 guns, 151 vehicles

Defending force 9081 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 23 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
318 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
622 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

PACIFIC

Andy starts to train his bombers on Mili. I have no choice than live with that. For now...

Day Air attack on Mili , at 84,85

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 34
B-17E Fortress x 20


Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2

All bombing at 15000 feet


ASW attack at 100,92-near Baker Island. My subs don't attack enemy anymore:(.

Japanese Ships
SS I-29

Allied Ships
AP Ormiston
AP Koolama
PG Dawson

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/05/42

At least my mines working good...

TF 1004 encounters mine field at Baker Island (94,92)

Allied Ships
AP Ormiston, Mine hits 1, on fire - no casaulties... they arrived empty to Baker...hm...

Mili AF bombed again.

Chungking attacked with more than 100 Army bombers again. Lets hope that AF is closed. I will have other job to do - Andy did not put LR CAP over Lanchow this turn which means that Wildcats rested this turn at Kungchang. Spitfires joined them this turn. Ok, time for massive Zero sweep and some nasty suprises for Andy (enemy AF is level one... buahahaha.. but lets leave something for tomorrow).

In short Norh China is completely mess[:D]

I had interesting chat with Andy:

Me: lots of foreigners in China (kidding him)
A: i dislike theatre and i'm only reacting to your moves. It seems you are dead serious to conquere China.
Me: i have no illusion to capture whole China. I just want to pacify this theatre because i dont want that China becomes AF for your monsters latter in the game.

moral of the story: It seems that both of us are paranoic about China[:D]

PS... no earlier arrival date for my Army fighters (Tony and Tojo).[:(] Will have to wait for regular arrival in August

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/06/42


Enemy attacked our forward base at the frointer. Andy trying to put some pressure to Burma but i will not send my Zeros from China until i finish the job there. But he is reinforcing atoll, that's more likely...

Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 36
B-24D Liberator x 31
IL-4c x 6

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 23

All bombing at 15000 feet


Mitchells and B-17E continuing to attack Mili. Big conwoy reported at Tarawa. If only Andy would became hasty and try to invade Mili.... i would caught him off guard...

Other than that no action, but again lots of stuff behind the scene. Shokaku and Zuikaku leaves Home islands, while Hiyo will follow them after few days. Transport fleet loaded with divisions for Tarawa invasion is near Gili Gili now.

The whole Combined Fleet (except Akagi, Kongo and 4 slow BBs) is ready to strike on Gilberts. I'm in rush to start this operation before August when B-17E start to getting bigger bombs. But i have to be careful with his carriers too - they are probably now in the ports after upgrading Avengers but i'm expecting he would react and bring his carriers to Gilberts...uh, i don't like it...

ODBIJ-GO

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/07/42


CHINA

I hoped that night attack would catch at least few enemy ac on the ground (AF is level 1, it is overcrowed and my Helens are above 80 exp). Will continue with night bombing (house rule: only one ac group is allowed to night attack)


Night Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

Hjah, Andy trying to exploit my fear of enemy heavies. He moved Liberators to Homan and tried to attack HI on my soil. Sorry Andy, you have to send more bombers[:'(]

Day Air attack on Taipei , at 50,43


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet

Strikes from Ichang and Wuhan on Chungking and recon photos show it totally closed (100%).

Remaints of divided Chinese corps (B & C) were anihilated one hex NE of Homan. My victorious units continuing flanking Homan from north. I cut Homan with Tk rtg arrived (from south) on Homan-Sian railroad (infantry still marching), but expecting that Andy will attack tk regiment and force my panzers to retreat.

Anyway, i can be pleased so far with Odbij-go: enemy retreating from Yenen! Only 3 units left at Yenen and i ordered deliberate attack for tomorrow. It is nice that i wont be involved in bloody siege of this base.

Chinese division didn't arrived at Lanchow yet (from the north - Sining) and some more supply produced. I do not know if Andy would try to re-take Lanchow, but i'm not worried about that.

Ground combat at 50,30

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33980 troops, 391 guns, 142 vehicles

Defending force 1673 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 518 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
1295 casualties reported - surrenders!

PACIFIC

Ah, didn't know that strike would be that coordinated! I would assign more LBA to naval attack...

Day Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 85,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 82
G3M Nell x 8
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
Spitfire Vb x 3
P-36A Mohawk x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40B Tomahawk x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed, 2 damaged
G3M Nell: 6 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 17 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 3 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 11 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 12 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 11 destroyed

Allied Ships
APD Little, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Wharton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Raleigh
APD Colhoun

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Not a big damage to his transport fleet, but 56 enemy planes are destroyed in the air (17 Wildcats, 12 Aircobras, 11 Warhawks. 11 Mohawks, 3 Spitfires[:'(] and two Tomahawks.

I lost 12 Zeros and 1 Betty...


TF 1017 encounters mine field at Palmyra (106,85)

Allied Ships
DD Kennison

Reports from our Airforce caused concern in Imperial HQ. Lots of troops at Tarawa and quite a long i did not recived message Tarawa port/af is expand to... which means Andy fortify there like hell... some old plans are actual again:





Kamikaze go have few weak points:

- Andy can use 2 AF for his land based bombers
- enemy CVs can be hidden behind Gilberts and waiting for opportunity
- Andy simply adore air transport - even if i unload troops safetly he can send reinforcements via air faaaast....

IMPORTANT NOTE: I'm not afraid of his bombers but their main purpose is not to destroy KB.
Even if massive 4E (+ Mitchells) don't score a single hit on KB they will attrite (?) my elite Daitais and fatigue them. Then his carriers could engage my KB and.... hm...

I know that i can bombard AFs on Gilberts but i will have to be at least one turn in range of B-17E and Mitchells. And that's is more than enough for him...

Many things could go wrong and i don't want i have Midway too. Andy's moves showing that he is probably aware with my Kamikaze go...

On the other hand Pipozloba- go is much more safer operation:
- no support of land based bombers
- Andy's intel probably alerted him at Tarawa (all divisions are preparing for Tarawa) and i can suprise him at Baker.
- with a little touch of Fortuna i can ambush his Navy there (lots of DDs on Baker-Palmyra route - probably FTs) and hurt his Navy
- if i have to fight with all American carriers Baker waters is better place than Gilberts...

So guys i would really appriciate your thoughts. What do you think?

[Honda]

)Hm...if you don't think you can take Tarawa than the Baker operation may be better. But thene again, what's the point od such an operation? Do you plan to cut off Tarawa? If so, you must plan to capture it later. To do so, Tarawa must go down to supply 0 and has to be bombed constantly and I don't see any of that happening. Maybe you should try one dummy invasion (it wouldn't be your first one[;)]) with an empty transport fleet and KB just to see his reaction. Maybe you can draw out his CVs and blast them to pieces and then you can think about invading with impunity.

[veji1]

yup, either you are just going on a raiding tour with KB to try and sink some ships around Baker, or if your going to invade there, then it is only really usefull as a surrounding move prepping for a Tarawa invasion later on.

It seems, possible, but it is a long campaign that would be your main focus for the next couple of month... could be the turning point if it goes wrong or hurt the allies a great deal by the troop destruction induced...

You only have 3-4 months ahead of you to stage a big offensive operation. Question : Do you want it to be there ? which effects would it net if it was to work ? Does it help for the next stages of war ?

I mean, imagine you took back Tarawa after a bloody fight, possibly losing 1-2 CVs and few other precious ships, but destroying x0 k worth of US troops and lets say a couple of CVs of theirs... Does it help in your future war plan ? do you think it buys you time to protect your perimeter well, or after such a fight he could as well just counter attack on the Midway-Wake-Bonin axis and all this effort would have been quite vain ?

Seems to me that this one of your last relly big shots... Anyway, not that this a piece of advice, rather just thinking outloud really.

[pauk]

thanks guys for the input! I really appreciate that...

ORIGINAL: Honda

But thene again, what's the point od such an operation? Do you plan to cut off Tarawa? If so, you must plan to capture it later. To do so, Tarawa must go down to supply 0 and has to be bombed constantly and I don't see any of that happening. Maybe you should try one dummy invasion (it wouldn't be your first one[;)]) with an empty transport fleet and KB just to see his reaction. Maybe you can draw out his CVs and blast them to pieces and then you can think about invading with impunity.

Point is: lure his Navy in battle in a place where i want (outside the range of his bombers - 4E, 2E but his land based torp planes too - remember that CVs can react one hex even if max react is set to 0).

I agree with you - Tarawa is hard to starve. I can use BBs if i deals with his carriers but i will not dream here...[:)]... As for dummy invasion ... Andy is not stupid and he would not send CVs outside his "land umbrella"... he will wait until his 4E bombers decimate my Zeros in KB (i know him well he don't care for planes as much he cares for his fleet). He will keep them behind (east, southeast of Gilberts) and wait for right moment...

ORIGINAL: veji1

yup, either you are just going on a raiding tour with KB to try and sink some ships around Baker, or if your going to invade there, then it is only really usefull as a surrounding move prepping for a Tarawa invasion later on.

It seems, possible, but it is a long campaign that would be your main focus for the next couple of month... could be the turning point if it goes wrong or hurt the allies a great deal by the troop destruction induced...

Yes, I can agree with you and Honda. But if invade Baker i could lure him (as mentioned above) and/or delay his offensive plans - he would spend some time for recapturing Baker.

ORIGINAL: veji1
I mean, imagine you took back Tarawa after a bloody fight, possibly losing 1-2 CVs and few other precious ships, but destroying x0 k worth of US troops and lets say a couple of CVs of theirs... Does it help in your future war plan ? do you think it buys you time to protect your perimeter well, or after such a fight he could as well just counter attack on the Midway-Wake-Bonin axis and all this effort would have been quite vain ?

Seems to me that this one of your last relly big shots... Anyway, not that this a piece of advice, rather just thinking outloud really.

Exactly my thoughts... does it help (to capture Tarawa) ? i'm not sure... will it delay Allied counter offensive (probably not if i dont hurt his Navy...)... so i'm looking for "easy" victories here... and Baker would be a better choice for that (but lets see what will recon say)...

Anyway, waiting for public transport can help sometimes....i came to idea to go with invasion fleet(s) east of Marshalls and then turn south (south east), approaching Baker from north (northwest)... this route allowing me flexibility and choosing target in the very last moment (it is not likely that he would send CVs west of Gilberts - and if he do it i will take Baker easily).

Thanks again Veji, it was really nice outloud thinking[:)]

[Sneer]

be very careful
you may not see his fleet for a long time after you start invasion - tou can't be there all the time and it will be his decision where and when to fight
i assume if he stayed on tarawa he feels strong there and ready for your counterattack

[pauk]

thx Sneer, it seems you are right - i have more info today. It seems that Andy is determined to stop me at Tarawa....



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/08/42


CHINA

Ok, we have the good news and the bad ones for today... let start in good oldfashioned way - the good news first[:D]...Chinese tried attack at Homan but they are repulsed!

11 Helens attacked Sian during the night but again no score on runaway.... bah, i was hoped that my crack bombers can hit runaway and damage few planes at least...


Ground combat at Yenen - Andy left Militia division at the base but they didn't resist for long!

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 77795 troops, 903 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 3714 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 8

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 8)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Yenen base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
193 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
477 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

I only can say that i realise how good was my move taking Lanchow with Paras - it forced Andy to give up with defense of well fortified Yenen (lvl 9!). City was taken with almost intact industry/resources. 91 HI and 175 resources are operational... now i have slightly more than 14 K HI and will help me to raise my HI stockpile (i have 107 K HI) cause i have more than enough oil for that (i can support 16 800 HI!). On the other hand i'm not able to raise my supply level (i have 2.5 million supply + -) but i should start think about that...

It is interesting that i captured more than 50 K of oil at Lanchow but i'm not able to transport them (no land route to my bases). I guess that i have destroyed his resources so well that he cant run HI at full capacity (there is enough resources for 300 HI production left in China).


Ground combat at 49,29 - north of Homan.

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3981 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1593 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 28 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Part of Chinese division couldn't resist to my Mongols! I'm own this hex too now...

But what is more important is...

Ground combat at Homan

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 93151 troops, 670 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 127373 troops, 1045 guns, 35 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
875 casualties reported
Guns lost 23
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
11097 casualties reported
Guns lost 185

[:D]

Yes baby yes!... I feel quite unsafe at Homan (based on my experience with ground combat in China) but my troops are real Emperors soldiers!. Lots of casaulties but what is more important at the moment is that enemy burns precious supply with this shock attack. Andy didn't attack my tk regiment on Sian-Homan railroad and that means no supply can move in Homan!

I've ordered Zero sweep (from Chengking) but don't count much on that - thunderstorms all over the China. Only after i clean the skies over Sian and Homan i can start bombing Homan from air - VF-2 Wildcats and Spitfires are serious menace to my Army Air Force...

Chinese div (or part of it, i hope) arrived at Lanchow from Sining. One more "green" unit traveling from Sining towards Lanchow. I have 150 AP there (part of Ind bde and Yokosuka paras) and ordered shock attack for tomorrow (my supply is in green)... lets hope i can win there...

Odbij-go not progressing how i thought, it progress even better than i thought. Andy certainly helped me with his moves, i think. But it is to early for cheering - i have no illusions i would be able to capture well dug Chinese in Homan (i sure Homan forts are at level 9).

The most important thing for me now is achiving control of Sian-Homan railroad. I think my div and bde would be able to join tk rtg there but other units are far away from there (two divisions are hex southeast of Homan, while other division and 2 bdes moving towards hex north of Homan). It would take long time before they arrives in wanted position, and Chinese reinforcements will arrive earlier than my units, me thinks...


PACIFIC

Now the bad news...

No combat today, but i've got crucial informations from my Emilys at Lunga!





There are two possibilities:

1. Andy starts offensive in NG/Solomons area

2. He moving all carriers to Gilberts

#1. can be eliminated - he is more than likely informed with my Kamikaze-go (intel report) and gathering navy for counterattack there. I can imagine what would happen if i continue with Kamikaze go - total dissaster... so my plans about invading Baker (Pipozloba-go) becoming more serious.

I will try to intercept his navy (with help of land based ac) if he came too close...350 planes in two TFs (4 CV, 2 CVL and one CVE should be able to fight with several Allied CVs...)

Ordered massive air strike on his transports at Tarawa (60 Zeros and 60 LBA - hope that wouldn't suffer big losses in A2A - CAP over Tarawa is decimated, my recon says...). Let's hope for the best!

[PzB74]

There are indeed opportunities here...both for great successes and great disasters!
Personally I'm very weary about engaging powerful US/UK carrier fleets. A large uncoordinated strike (or 5)
can ruin everything.

Sinking > 4 US carriers before 1/44 is great - but if you only sink 4 they will all be replaced by more capable
ships of the Essex class. So carriers shouldn't be your main objective me thinks. Destroyers, cruisers and battleships
will become more scarce.

A major offensive against the Gilberts is too risky in my opinion: the faint against Baker more promising.
If you're patient there will be openings: hit Andy in the flanks and when he transfers his major fleet units and convoys.

Not sure if this is a great help, it's a difficult situation and you need a good gut feeling!
Good luck, I'm sure you'll choose the right approach [8D]