Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

JocMeister · Post by **JocMeister** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 3:31 am

Looking good! Congrats! [:)]

BBfanboy · Post by **BBfanboy** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 3:39 am

Did your lonely TF arrive and land troops yet?

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 4:02 am

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Did your lonely TF arrive and land troops yet?

Hah! They unloaded completely when they arrived on D+1. The only consequence was that particular convoy did not get an extra day to unload supply, but I had it covered.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 4:21 am

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Looking good! Congrats! [:)]

Thanks, but maybe the harder part is yet to come. At some point, he will realize he has a little room and start hitting the troops from the air and from the sea. My notion is to get Daito Shoto and be able to support a better offensive at Okinawa with 1) PacAO on Daito Shoto, 2) continuous bombardment runs against Naha, 3) CAP/search/recon from Daito Shoto providing a somewhat safer area for the fleet.

The ground troops on Okinawa have all built forts level 1 except for the army HQ which has built forts level 2. I would love to know how that happened! [:D]

At the end of all that, even if the troops do not get beat up in the meantime, I really don't know how that first attack is going to come off.

Drakanel · Post by **Drakanel** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 7:50 am

Is it weird that I'm happier about Soerabaja at the moment?
You reclaimed your holy land! Err... I mean, your previous colonial holdings XD

Anyway, I guessed you would stay around a bit more with the big flat whales, providing air support. Is there a any particular reasons for your immediate retreat? I mean, aside from not wanting to be in the line of sight of kamikaze-capable airfields. Were you low on sorties, or torpedoes, or simply you want to use them to support the Daito Shoto invasion and cover up for the retreating convoys?

Also, what's a tentative ETA for the Daito Shoto invasion?

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 1:23 pm

ORIGINAL: Drakanel

Is it weird that I'm happier about Soerabaja at the moment?
You reclaimed your holy land! Err... I mean, your previous colonial holdings XD

Anyway, I guessed you would stay around a bit more with the big flat whales, providing air support. Is there a any particular reasons for your immediate retreat? I mean, aside from not wanting to be in the line of sight of kamikaze-capable airfields. Were you low on sorties, or torpedoes, or simply you want to use them to support the Daito Shoto invasion and cover up for the retreating convoys?

Also, what's a tentative ETA for the Daito Shoto invasion?

Daito Shoto, for the reasons enumerated earlier.

And, the method of the operation succeeded on an important front so far. Some degree of tactical surprise was achieved, which resulted in a much less robust surface action response initially. Pulling back so quickly has (so far) avoided the second IJN punch. That punch might have been heavier or equal to the first, but if they had both come on the same day the effect would have been potentially much greater. Getting in that air attack on some IJN cruisers and destroyers was sweet and really a best case scenario. It means fewer torpedoes flying through the water at my cruisers even the IJN did not penetrate to the transports.

When I make the first ground attack at Naha I want to give it all the advantages I can: days of naval bombardment before, multiple naval bombardments same day, air strikes from all CVE on station, multiple days of not being attacked for the ground troops to be as fresh as possible, the fully prepared PacAO HQ on Daito Shoto, and whatever else I can think of.

I haven't worked out an ETA. When the troops are actually loading it will be easier to do that.

Lowpe · Post by **Lowpe** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 1:53 pm

Ah, quit your whining and order that shock attack! You know you want to![:D] Heck with the forts...just let lose the dogs of war on Okinawa.

Andav has to have something up his sleeve here, something that will really hurt the Allies. You have had your way too long on the waves, time for some serious Allied over reaching.

At least that is what I want to see.[:D]

I keep expecting to see a new super plane for instance.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 3:24 pm

[:D]

Well, we never upgraded from the 'Beta' Babes aircraft re-base lining to the final version, so Japanese fighters are better (the final version toned them down a bit). I suppose when his R&D on the F-15 comes in it will be more like an F-22!

Crackaces · Post by **Crackaces** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 3:28 pm

I think it was mentioned earlier about the IJ rebuilding destroyed units on the Home Islands. I can say N=1 this turned
out very badly for the IJ in one of my games. Much like this AAR I bagged a bunch of IJ units in Burma/Thailand
that beginning in January 1944 the IJ started rebuilding. Unfortunately he did not plan the economy for this project.
The supplies used to rebuild bankrupted the home islands and with a tremendous amount of pressure in China a total
collapse occurred. It took only 3 months.

BTW) The rebuilt units have low experience and morale .. as well as sucking up resources that could be replenishing more
experienced units. The systems map of cause and effects is not simple in my opinion and if not delicately planed for ..
easily turned into disaster ..

Witpqs assault on Okinawa might just spur such a reaction to rebuild units ...

I still am in admiration of how Witpqs is still putting the sharp pointy ends on soft spots rather than be tempted to
get into a slugfest .. Let the IJ use up resources with lower risks to the Allies until such time the effects of economic
collapse take hold .. then strike at the heart .. I think many of AFB's see this map and AAR would think about a direct
attack on the home islands in some "soft spot" but waiting patiently given victory criteria is the right decision in the long run.

On a different note .. it looks like China is generating enough supply to maintain operations as long as the IJ
keep critical points with enough supplies to replenish units. The cutting off of units will bring (-) supply but
I am waiting for the first open combat where (-) supply is in the combat result .. we will know then China inherent supply is not
sustaining operations ..

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 5:31 pm

I've seen supply minus in the mountains but I think that is due to the geography and limited road net.

The points you mention are a big part of why I don't want to just slam everything into the main China offensive. Let's optimistic and suppose that the Allies prevail in that - how long would it take? Too long. So I am aiming the Allies along the coast. Let the IJA get trapped in the interior and routes to the north. As I gain bases at first like Wuchow/Canton/Hong Kong and later others farther along, the B-24 groups will be 'wolves in among the sheep' instead of held at arms length picking at the edges. They can start reducing Imperial supply generation in China.

As far as avoiding hard targets - Nanning is in decent defensive terrain and behind a river. It is on the best road in the area, the only one to allow strategic road movement from Lang Son, and that makes it both a more obvious target and a valuable one. If the Empire does not defend it well enough, the Allies get it for cheap and gain those advantages (including some supply generation). But Hong Kong is the most valuable target to me right now, and Canton is the key to Hong Kong, and Wuchow is the key to Canton. Those three together are a great prize for several reasons, so through the forest to Wuchow! As soon as we break the defenses at or can pass through Lang Son.

I most definitely do want to invade the Home Islands, but I know what will happen if I do that without having a sturdy platform.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 5:33 pm

Adding: Here's to hoping that Walter can balance replacements and avoid an economy collapse, and that I can force one anyway!

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:57 am

1944 October 19

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Soerakarta

There were Imperial amphibious or airborne operations at:

There were Allied amphibious or airborne operations at:
Denpasar

Imperial Naval Bombardments
Japanese Ships Bombarding enemy troops at Nago
Japanese Ships Bombarding enemy troops at Naha

Allied Naval Bombardments:

Our subs continue tangling with IJN forces north of Okinawa, and now are tangling with Imperial carrier task forces ESE of Daito Shoto.

Invaders ejected at Mengtze, enemy strength revealed at Kunming.

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

Ground combat at Mengtze (68,50)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 40133 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 899

Defending force 1566 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Allied adjusted assault: 655

Japanese adjusted defense: 37

Allied assault odds: 17 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
710 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 22 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
63rd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
2nd Construction Regiment
18th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
55th Engineer Regiment

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Ground combat at Kunming (69,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 240 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 760

Defending force 17545 troops, 120 guns, 92 vehicles, Assault Value = 563

Assaulting units:
6th Australian Division
54th Chinese Corps
Z' Force
11th Group Army
102nd RAF Base Force
22nd Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
55th Infantry Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
64th Infantry Brigade
32nd/B Division
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

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

Big air battles in the skies over our divisions outside of Pakhoi. The Empire won the sweep wars, with our fighters restricted to CAP, but they got even when Imperial bombers showed up. Both Aussie divisions and one USA division received strikes but it cost the Empire a lot of bombers to deliver ordnance. See the air losses below.

More IJA formations were spotted today. One on the northern approach to Nanning, and a unit at an additional location on the road Pakhoi to Wuchow. The position at the road junction now shows 4 Imperial units present. We already knew this was an obvious approach route and we would have to slog our way through.

On Sumatra, Sibolga will be taken tomorrow. On the Peninsula, it looks like Patani is being abandoned.

The two additional convoys have arrived in the Haiphong area. One is heading to Pakhoi first to unload a port engineer type unit, the other is heading into Haiphong to pick up troops. We also continue to activate landing craft at Haiphong to add to the boat lift. Hanoi airfield maxed out at size 9.

The Allied attack tomorrow at Soerabaja should finish off the defenders.

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Ground combat at Soerabaja (56,104)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1479 troops, 116 guns, 130 vehicles, Assault Value = 353

Defending force 7650 troops, 84 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 23

Japanese ground losses:
233 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 16 (14 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
31st Infantry Regiment
Afdeling Ritman
158th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
30th Australian Brigade
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
205th Field Artillery Battalion
260th Field Artillery Battalion
134th Field Artillery Battalion
147th Field Artillery Battalion
131st Field Artillery Battalion
Provisional GMC Grp

Defending units:
13th Garrison Unit
31st Field AA Battalion
1st Base Force
51st Ind.AA Gun Co
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Field Artillery Regiment
36th Infantry Regiment
35th Army
35th Field AA Battalion
51st Air Defense AA Regiment
27th JAAF AF Bn

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51st Air Defense AA Regiment Wiped Out at Soerabaja by attrition!!!
5th Field Artillery Regiment Wiped Out at Soerabaja by attrition!!!
31st Field AA Battalion Wiped Out at Soerabaja by attrition!!!
35th Field AA Battalion Wiped Out at Soerabaja by attrition!!!
27th JAAF AF Bn Wiped Out at Soerabaja by attrition!!!
Japanese Unit(s) surrounded at Soerabaja
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are still more than 5,000 troops in 2 units at Soerabaja. Attack at Denpasar tomorrow as well. There were kamikaze attacks at Taytay but CAP destroyed them.

The Empire quelled their artillery bombardment at Nago, but continued at Naha.

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

Ground combat at Naha (95,66)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 17753 troops, 158 guns, 31 vehicles, Assault Value = 1016

Defending force 87064 troops, 1253 guns, 2121 vehicles, Assault Value = 2888

Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
35th Division
75th Infantry Brigade
15th Ind.Mixed Regiment
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd Tank Regiment
Det. 3rd Special Base Force
100th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
31st JAAF AF Bn
3rd Medium Mortar Battalion
Okinawa Naval Base Force
Nansei Shoto JNAF Base Force
79th Field AA Battalion
81st Field AA Battalion
39th Field AA Machinecannon Company
80th Field AA Battalion
32nd Army
244th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
6th Infantry Division
XIV Corps Engr Grp
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
766th Tank Battalion
40th Infantry Division
41st Infantry Division
25th Infantry Division
2nd Marine Division
3rd Arm Amphib Battalion
193rd Tank Battalion
710th Tank Battalion
43rd Infantry Division
1st USMC Tank Battalion
716th Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
767th Tank Battalion
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
XIV US Corps
3rd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
Sixth US Army
1st USMC AA Battalion

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

DAW HQ adapted faster than The Borg switch shield frequencies, transitioning directly to naval bombardment in our fleet's absence.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Nago at 95,65

Japanese Ships
CA Takao

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

CA Takao firing at 5th Marine Division

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Naha at 95,66

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi
DD Kisaragi
DD Shiranui

Allied ground losses:
186 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Yunagi firing at 2nd Marine Division
DD Kisaragi firing at 40th Infantry Division
DD Shiranui firing at 43rd Infantry Division

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

The Empire also made a number of air strikes on our troops at Nago, but they are all in good shape. The USA 6th ID at Naha was rattled by the naval bombardment, now standing at 25% disruption. Most of the units at Naha have fortified to level 2, the units at Nago are all still at level 1.

The forces sighted east of Daito Shoto are indeed IJN carriers! Our carrier aircraft attacked them and also attacked the bombardment force at Naha (prior to the bombardment but did not stop it), while LBA at Iwo Jima struck the surface forces trolling just north of Chichi Jima.

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Daito Shoto at 100,73

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 8
B6N2 Jill x 5
D4Y2 Judy x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 9
F4U-1D Corsair x 51
F6F-3 Hellcat x 35
F6F-5 Hellcat x 197

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 2 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed
D4Y2 Judy: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-34 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-40 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4U-1D Corsair (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-10 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-11 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Iwo-jima at 104,71

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 22
F4U-1D Corsair x 24
F6F-3 Hellcat x 24
F6F-5 Hellcat x 22
SBD-5 Dauntless x 41
TBM-1C Avenger x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 3 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 4 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Unyo, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
DD Ume
DD Kuwa, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Momi
DD Hatakaze
CL Oi, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
16 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x F6F-5 Hellcat sweeping at 10000 feet
18 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
16 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 10000 feet
19 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 10000 feet
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x F4U-1D Corsair sweeping at 10000 feet
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Genzan Ku S-1/A with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Genzan Ku S-1/C with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Ryuho-1 with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Ryuho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kuwa

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Chichi-jima at 111,72

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 34
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Katori, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Katori

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Iwo-jima at 104,71

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 52 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 25
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 16

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Momi, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Ryuho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hatakaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Momi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Naha at 95,66

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 65
TBM-1C Avenger x 47

Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Shiranui
DD Yunagi
DD Kisaragi

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
9 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
9 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Chichi-jima at 110,73

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 2

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Sugi

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

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Luckily the IJN carriers were not accompanied by fleets of battleships and cruisers, because our fast battleships did not react toward the enemy carriers, but all our fleet carriers did, some only 1 hex and some 2 hexes. Tomorrow the fleet carriers will stay about where they are now, while some CA and CL task forces change patrol to sweep between them and the IJN carriers. One CL TF is on a collision course with the IJN carriers just by virtue of heading back to Iwo Jima to rearm. Plenty of 6 inch rounds to be cordial, though! A CA TF and a DD TF will sweep NE through the positions of the CL and DD TFs near Chichi Jima.

The convoys are making great time on the way to Guam, with the obvious exception of some badly damaged ships. The worst off have been detached to make their way to Babeldaob alone; possibly leaving the lane to Guam will take them away from the gathering IJN submarines. An additional ASW TF has been formed from 3x DE at Iwo Jima and will try to sink the sub presently seen closest to the main convoy route. Without the need to remain together the convoys are all making their best rate of advance and the fastest one will probably arrive at Guam tomorrow.

A 4x CL TF has arrived at Guam from Pearl Harbor and is making for Iwo Jima to join the festivities.

Indochina.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:57 am

Malay Peninsula & Sumatra.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:58 am

Java Sea.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:58 am

Okinawa.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:59 am

Today's air losses.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:59 am

Today's ship losses.

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:59 am

Complete combat report (attached but not displayed).

Lowpe · Post by **Lowpe** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 11:17 am

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Adding: Here's to hoping that Walter can balance replacements and avoid an economy collapse, and that I can force one anyway!

As long as he didn't go hog wild with planes, and super excessive fort building, my guess is he will be ok. Especially since Honshu is safe for now.

The supply cost is equal to the load cost, i.e. a 14,000 load typical Japanese Division costs 14,000 supplies to rebuild. Plus of course the HI to make the armaments etc.

In the excellent Obvert vs Jocke game, Obvert rebuilt 20+ Japanese divisions that were encircled in Thailand/Burma/China and he rebuilt them all. 280,000 supplies worth! He finally capitulated in July of 1945 with lack of supplies the great factor.

You have quite the shipping south of Okinawa![X(]

witpqs · Post by **witpqs** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 2:01 pm

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Adding: Here's to hoping that Walter can balance replacements and avoid an economy collapse, and that I can force one anyway!

As long as he didn't go hog wild with planes, and super excessive fort building, my guess is he will be ok. Especially since Honshu is safe for now.

The supply cost is equal to the load cost, i.e. a 14,000 load typical Japanese Division costs 14,000 supplies to rebuild. Plus of course the HI to make the armaments etc.

In the excellent Obvert vs Jocke game, Obvert rebuilt 20+ Japanese divisions that were encircled in Thailand/Burma/China and he rebuilt them all. 280,000 supplies worth! He finally capitulated in July of 1945 with lack of supplies the great factor.

You have quite the shipping south of Okinawa![X(]

I know he's been very conscious of the larger supply issues in the game, so it all depends on what unexpected difficulties he's encountered.

Yeah - strung out like that they look a lot more impressive!

There's another new fast battleship almost a week out from Guam (with a new CL and new DD), so I'll be able to have 2x fast BB TF of 3 each. Indiana finishes repairs in less than 2 weeks but then has a long journey from the west coast. Finishing up Singapore will allow transfer of the RN to the Pacific, which will help. Here and there a newly arriving DD is a Fletcher but most coming in now are Sumner class. Back to normal DD construction for the hull (not the equivalent of slightly armored like the Fletcher) and 35 knot top speed (vs 38), but an additional 5 inch gun (3x twin mounts instead of 5x single mounts) and more AA. A number are already with the carriers.

Last turn I took a bunch of USA P-40N groups that are fully trained air to air, and started training them low ground. Those groups have a default upgrade to the P-47D25, but that won't happen because the pool would run dry after a while. The P-51D comes in at 120/month in less than two weeks, and I've got a good pool of P-38L. The P-50N carriers 1x 500 lb + 2x 100 lb, the other three planes I mentioned all carry 2x 1,000 lb which would be great for hitting units in the open in China. I didn't look at what many of the other P-38 models with good pools carry. The P-37L is 37 durability vs 32 for the P-51D, so it might be a better choice in spite of the 3 service rating (2 for the P-51D).

Airfield administration-wise, a 4EB is 4x stacking and 10x 500 lb. 4x engines of the P-51D fives 8x 1,000 lb. But even the P-38L (2x stacking) is a win because all the fighters require smaller airfields and can be deployed forward while the 4EB are still making runs from a greater distance. Obviously plenty of fighters still need to be doing air to air to control the skies, but as we get into territory where airfields are more numerous and closer together this should be another force multiplier. The 2EB are farther along in their retraining cycle and will be ready after Lang Son is cleared. The P-40N groups should train quickly though, since they are all experienced pilots. The 2EB added a bunch of rookies to make up for losses.

Probably no turn until tomorrow.

Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

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