NYGiants (A) vs. BlamO (J) - CHS 158c 2 Day Turns

[ny59giants]

Here is my current carrier (and major naval) strength. I have 2 CVs in respawn mode and they will not show up till 5/42 at the earliest. Most of it is now around Suva (or headed that way) supporting a move back into my empty bases at Nukufetau and Funatuti. I have 6 American CLAAs, 12 American CAs, 6 British/Australian CAs, 14 American BBs (with Tenn still at Seattle - sys 24, recovering from initial attacks at Pearl [:(]), and 4 other BBs.

There are no Japanese carriers sunk. My opponent (Jon Mark) has used them very sparingly and I think most are at Truk. [&:]

Reinforcements are:
CVL Indy at Panama in 30 days
CV Victorious at Panama in 37 days
CV Formidable at Aden in 54 days
CVL Princeton at Panama in 68 days
CVE Barnes at Seattle in 85 days
CVL Belleau Woods at Panama in 89 days
CV Essex at Panama in 121 days
CVL Cowpen at Panama in 123 days
CVE Breton at Seattle in 137 days

Current offensive operations to follow.

[ny59giants]

South Pacific (eastern part)

I have lost 2 APs and 3 AKs in recent landings at Funa/Nuku (shortening the names) over the last 8 to 10 days (FYI - we are playing 2 day turns just to refresh your memory [:D]). Most of my carrier strength and surface fleet was used to support the intial landings at Nuku (3 SB, large BF, 1/2 Aviation Rgt, 2 FA, 2/3 of Americal Div, 1 AA). If KB came, which it didn't, I needed everything I have. No Bettys came down from Tarawa. [8D]. The AF at Nuku was built up to size 2 in 6 days (and on the 7th, they rested). [:D]

I pulled out my naval strength and then lost my AK/AP as my deployment of figthers was not done well (forgot to LRCAP over APs coming up to Funa). [:@] The other 1/2 of the Aviation Rgt and a large BF landed before their APs were sunk and 2 SB are in the TF just 1 hex away in screenshot with 2 CV and 3 CVE TF at Funa to ensure no more Ms Betty. [8|]

I have 7 squadrons of Lightnings (both F and G models) in the South Pacific with plans to upgrade 2 P-39s to them asap. My opponent has Emilys at Nanumea along with a small BF to support them. I will use it to train my fighters (most with experince in high 50s). Those 2 bases will have about 200 planes on each shortly.

I have LCUs prepping for both Nanumea and Abemama (update those units later).

[ny59giants]

South Pacific (western part)

I have moved back into Luganville for over one month. There was like a no man's zone for some time along parts of the South Pacific as I didn't move back into these empty bases (Luganville and Efate) until I felt I could do so without fear of being evicted. Now Luganville has the AF maxed out to level 6 and the port is up to level 4 and growing. I have 12 B-17 squadrons there (make visits to Lunga when able), 3 Wildcats, 1 Lightning, 1 Warhawks, 1 Beaufort I, 1 TBF Avenger, 1 PB2Y, and 4 planes worth of F-4 for recon. 278 planes total. 6 PT boats protect the coast along with over 900 mines. FYI - seems that some PT boats come with 1 DC and have an ASW value of 4. [X(] That should be a surprise for some poor sub. [;)]

Just after I moved back in (12/42), KB came for a visit and my Wildcats and Lightnings took it on the nose. However, he lost over 90 planes (mainly Vals) when he ran into 2 large BF (those with lots of 90mm AA) and 2 AA Rgts. He said in an email that recon showed over 900 guns of all types based there. Needless to say, I haven't seen KB since then. [:D]

I have units prepping for both Ndeni (3 SB, 1 large BF, 1 RCT) and Rennell Islands (3 SB, 43 Div, 1 CBT Eng, 1 AA, 1 BF). I started the thread about time and engineers required to raise an AF 0(0) to level 1 specifically about Ndeni.

[ny59giants]

I wanted to post a recent BB TF or two that was sent to Luganville back in 12/42 and ask if these results are common.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/26/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 68,106

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21
B-24D Liberator x 4

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 2
CL Natori
DD Hamakaze

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 68,106

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 7
B-17E Fortress x 67
B-24D Liberator x 15

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze
CA Suzuya
CL Jintsu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Natori, Bomb hits 1
CA Mogami
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Oyashio

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/27/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 83 encounters mine field at Luganville (71,111)

Japanese Ships
DD Kiyonami, Mine hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 71,111

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei
CA Tone
CA Chikuma
CL Oi
DD Teruzuki
DD Kazegumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Naganami
DD Kiyonami, on fire

Allied Ships
PT PT-66
PT PT-67
PT PT-68
PT PT-73
PT PT-74, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT PT-75

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 71,111

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei
CA Tone
CA Chikuma
CL Oi
DD Teruzuki
DD Kazegumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Naganami
DD Kiyonami, on fire

Allied Ships
AK Empire Cato, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Empire Haven
AK Empire Impala
AK Empire Lynx, Shell hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Prairie, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Empire Raleigh, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Empire Ranger, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Empire Rowan
AK Enggano, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Modjekerto

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 71,111

Japanese Ships
CL Oi
CA Chikuma
CA Tone
BB Hiei
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
212 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 2

My "big" question was why I didn't suffer any aircraft losses??

Since this attack and another that didn't get to the base, I've placed 2 TB squadrons just in case. The second attack seems to have turned around 5 hexes from the base as both B-17/24 and then B-25s from Efate scratched the paint on his BBs.

[Jim D Burns]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
My "big" question was why I didn't suffer any aircraft losses??

You must have a non-disrupted CD unit in the base. I've found in my game that bases suffer little damage if the CD guns are not disrupted before a shore bombardment goes in.

Jim

[ny59giants]

QQ - He has Emily's stationed at Nanumea. This is only a dot hex with a single LCU (probably a small BF for support). Since this is only a dot hex without any bases, how do I use LBA to take out his Emily's??  Or do I need to send in a BB TF to do the job??  I've never come across this issue before, so I need some feedback.
 
Thanks!! [&o]

[Jim D Burns]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

QQ - He has Emily's stationed at Nanumea. This is only a dot hex with a single LCU (probably a small BF for support). Since this is only a dot hex without any bases, how do I use LBA to take out his Emily's??  Or do I need to send in a BB TF to do the job??  I've never come across this issue before, so I need some feedback.

Thanks!! [&o]

Blast hell out of the baseforce unit. If you damage all his aviation support, his planes will become damaged and he'll be unable to repair them. I’d use bombardment task forces and air strikes liberally until you no longer see his Emily’s in the air.

Jim

[ny59giants]

Eastern Australia

This are has been relatively quite since the fall of Port Moresby ealry in the war. I make periodic bombing runs from Portland Road and/or Cooktown to PM (and now Lae). He has sent in barges to resupply, but those have slowed down to a trickle over the last few months. In this area, he has only 3 AF built up to support Betty/Nell - Lae, Rabaul, and Lunga.

Plans: I have LCUs prepping for Milne Bay (2/3 of 32 Div, 3 x SB, Aviation Rgt, large BF, 3 x AA, HQ) and Port Moresby (7 Div AIF, 2 x Aus Bde, small BF, large BF, HQ, 2 x AA, FA, Aus AF sqdn - eng). However, the 2 Bde need PP to change commands and the 7 Div needs to be transported from Perth to Townsville. The first to go will be the reoccupation of Milne Bay probably in 3/43.

I have built up the AFs of all these bases to max with a few more ports still being maxed out. However, I can reach Rabaul from Thursday Island (AF 5) with my B-24s at extended range. and I will not do this until the invasion is ready to go. I am using the "Leningrad Seige" at Darwin (still my base) to train my fighters (Katherine) to somewhere in the 70s experience and some of my bombers to the 80s before they rotate back to the east coast. I "hope" to keep this a secret as much as possible since he sends no recon flights to the coast. [;)]

[ny59giants]

Counter Offensive Plans:

I will discuss my other theaters, but first wanted to go over what is going to be the main area of concern. This will be my first PBEM game that has gotten into '43 and thus the learning curve on conducting invasions will hopefully not be too steep. [:D]

The three areas are as follows:
Gilbert Islands: Plans are to use Nanumea with its small BF to train my Lightnings and other fighters in the South Pacific from their low experience (high 50s) to 70s before an invasion takes place. Since it is so close to the other Ellice Islands, no carriers should be required. Next will be Abemama, but this is rated as last out of 6 in priority.

Solomons Islands: I have plans to go next with a small landing at Ndeni with 3 x SB to see if I can build an AF 0(0) to a level 1. I have decided to send in a small CD unit as I expect to have some BB TF visit here. I have plenty of PT boats to send. Then will be a landing on Rennell Island to begin the long journey up the Solomons in earnest.

New Guinea: I just mentioned my plans for first Milne Bay and then Port Moresby.

The order will be: Ndeni, Rennell Is/Nanumea (subject to how long my training program takes), Milne Bay, Port Moresby, and Abemama.

Opposition will be BB TF and LBA against Ndeni. KB will not show up until Milne Bay (I hope).

OK fellow Admirals, any holes in my logic??

[ny59giants]

Northern Australia & Perth

All of northern Australia along the coast has been captured except Darwin. This is our "Leningrad." [:D] It has been going on for months with me barely holding on (forts went down to 2) and with some reinforcements they are back up to level 6 and growing. I recently moved in a BF (Aviation Support - 54) to base 2 fighter squadrons with a Dutch BF (Aviation Support - 100) on the way from Alice Springs. He has been sending barges to keep it supplied, but I found out that those useless Wirraways can upgrade to Beaufighters VIC which have good range 7/9 with cannons and nice bomb loads. I might as well use them to build experience while I await the arrival of Kittyhawks III.

Daly Springs and Tennant Creek have maxed out AF and forts while Katherine has AF 7(5) and forts 7.

After moving ANZAC Command HQ from Townville to Cloncurry and transported to Tennant Creek before marching to Alice Spring to replace the SW HQ (SW HQ in CHS does NOT pull up supply from anywhere!! [:@][:@]). My supply situation has vastly improved. [:D]

Currently, we have a stalemate at Darwin. he has about 1950 assault value and I have just over 1200 with my forts growing. I use it for training my LBA, especially my fighters, as I prepare for my New Guinea adventure. He usually does a ground bombardment, but has not made an assault in weeks. he stated that he doesn't know what he wants to do here, which is fine by me.

Darwin is maxed out and Geraldton is slowly being built up. Here is where most of my Dutch LBA ended up. Some have now moved over to northern Oz for training. Mini-KB came for one visit, but I was able to move my B-17s from Tennant Creek to scare him away.

Plans: None!! This area will continue to be quite, I hope.

[Yava]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Counter Offensive Plans:

I will discuss my other theaters, but first wanted to go over what is going to be the main area of concern. This will be my first PBEM game that has gotten into '43 and thus the learning curve on conducting invasions will hopefully not be too steep. [:D]

The three areas are as follows:
Gilbert Islands: Plans are to use Nanumea with its small BF to train my Lightnings and other fighters in the South Pacific from their low experience (high 50s) to 70s before an invasion takes place. Since it is so close to the other Ellice Islands, no carriers should be required. Next will be Abemama, but this is rated as last out of 6 in priority.

Solomons Islands: I have plans to go next with a small landing at Ndeni with 3 x SB to see if I can build an AF 0(0) to a level 1. I have decided to send in a small CD unit as I expect to have some BB TF visit here. I have plenty of PT boats to send. Then will be a landing on Rennell Island to begin the long journey up the Solomons in earnest.

New Guinea: I just mentioned my plans for first Milne Bay and then Port Moresby.

The order will be: Ndeni, Rennell Is/Nanumea (subject to how long my training program takes), Milne Bay, Port Moresby, and Abemama.

Opposition will be BB TF and LBA against Ndeni. KB will not show up until Milne Bay (I hope).

OK fellow Admirals, any holes in my logic??

Hmmm looks nice and should work.[:)]

This is our "Leningrad."

Place looks better than before from what you have written, it seems that maybe the enemy is just keeping it blocked indeed...

[ny59giants]

1/19/43 to 1/24/43

Before I get back to the individual theaters, there is a war going on. [:D]

India/Burma:
My opponent has pulled back his LBA to defend only Ragoon and Moulmein from my 4e bomber hordes. I will have over 200 B-24/Liberator IIIs in the next two months (have 192 now). During this time period my fighter training continues. Fighters and 2e bombers from Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, and Jorhat hit Myitkyina while the same happens at Magwe with those from Cox's Bazar and Chittagong. The 1st AVG is now over 80 experience while most of the rest is over 65 with many climbing quickly towards the high 70s. LCUs from the SW corner are headed back to Calcutta/Dacca for final prep before the reconquest truly begins. The USN is there with 2 Wildcat squadrons and 1 Corsair.

China:
We have a land combat truce and allow only LBA to roam freely. I ended up pulling back my Chinese LBA to India for training and they will return when the large BF and Aviation Rgt arrive over the next few months. Some in new P-40N. He is sending about 25 Zeros, 65 Nates, & 35 Oscars on daily training flight without opposition yet.

Northern Australia:
My fighters at Katherine continue to use his ground troops at Darwin for target practice. 1 P-38G Lightning is at 73 experience is rotated to the east coast along with 2 A-20's squdrons that have gone from Boston's to Havoc's (got to love that new gun value [:D]) as they are over 80 experience.
On the 21st, I switch from ground attack to esort for some reason and am rewarded as 2 groups of A6M2 Zeros fly LRCAP from Lautem met them. He losses 7 to 0 over those two days. 3 APDs end up too close to Darwin and my Beaufighter VICs bomb 2 of them on 21st.
Then on the 23rd, the regular barge run makes it to Darwin and 2 Beaufighter squadrons sink 6 of 10. Nice to find a use for those Wirraway (upgraded to Beaufighter VICs) while they wait for Kittyhawk IIIs. I now have 4 squadrons upgraded to them and they will use their barge busting abilities (range 7/9, multiple cannons, 250 & 500 lb bombs) to build up experience over the next few months. [;)]

Eastern Australia:
On the 21st, 35 Oscar IIs run into 24 Kitthawks & 12 P-39s over Thursday Island and we both lose 10 planes each.
On the 22nd & 23rd, 42 Oscar IIs & 41 Bettys visit Portland Roads and my CAP of 21 P-39s & 9 P-38Fs end with my lose of 14 to 8. The Oscar II does not seem to be that much of an improvement.

South Pacific:
On the 21st, an AP with its DD escort tries to limp into Suva, but are sunk by I-26, 4 hexes NE of the base. [:(] A Japanese SC TF of 1 CL, 3 DD make their way into Nukufetau at night sink 2 out of 6 PT boats and then the 2 TKs unloading (lesson learned - no more unescorted AP/AP/TK to forward bases [:-]).
On the 22nd, 77 B-17s hit Lunga from Luganville against 15 A6M3a on LRCAP (he only leaves recon there as my first 4e bomber raid did serious damage). No losses, but 2 B-17s lost to ops.
At the end of the 22nd, KB ends up 1 hex east of Nanumea. [X(][:(][X(] Thankfully, the 2 CVs & 3 CVEs were directed back to the south on the 20th from Funafuti. [8D] Now, AK/AP up at the 2 Ellice Islands scatter. The P-38 squadrons are flown back to Suva and only 1 PBM, 1 Wildcat, and 1 Kittyhawk squadron are left. Reason - they have experience below 60 and there lost would cost almost 1 month of production and stand to and fight. My CV's at Tongatapu will meet those coming south just south of Suva. With the fighters at Suva (and B-25/26), plus their own planes will be a match for KB (at this time I knew there was 10 ships, but intel can be wrong). Other shipping heads away from a potential raid into my shipping channels by KB anc Co.
The 23rd/24th turn dawns with thoughts of ....[&:][&:]
On 23rd, I-34 puts a torp into an AK that had scattered from the Ellice Islands between Wallis Island and Suva. The original 6 CVs of KB hit Nukufetau with 69 A6M3a Zeros, 149 Vals, & 14 Judys (these are new) vs. 12 Wildcats & 14 Kittyhawks. I lose 13 to his 15. Not bad!!
On 24th, a damaged AK hits a mine entering Suva while a Jap MSW hits a mine at Tarawa and is sunk. Weather closed down other attacks in this area.
I move 5 squadrons of B-17s (60 planes) from Luganville to Canton Island and 24 B-24s to Savaii as 5 ships are spotted 240 miles SW of Gardner Island. It shows a force that includes 1 CV & 1 CVL. [:(] Is this a rading party into my shipping channels?? They go first and then the other 6 CVs of KB follow?? Thus, I'm having all carriers move back to Tongatapu and meet the 3 CVEs coming down from Pearl. Then head over to Pago Pago to see what develops.
LUV SEABEES!! Even after KB hits Nukufetau, they repair all damage and have the AF reach level 3 while her neighbor, Funafuti, has now reached level 2. [&o][:D][&o]

Central Pacific: [>:][>:]

North Pacific: [>:][>:]

Comments: I did not think he would send KB and Co over to this area, but it may be an opportunity. I will keep all my CV/CVE ships together in the same hex (hopefully), but separate TF. We shall see what develops.
QQ - Anyone have a magic formula for using LBA for search?? Again, mine laying subs make it in and out of a port (Suva) without being seen until an AK runs into it. [:@][:@]
He now has subs in this area after some time off, they will run away as soon as his CVs do as he has lost too many already. [:D]

[John 3rd]

Michael,
 
Doesn't look like your opponent is too agressive.  What CVs have been lost to date in the campaign?  Has there been a CV vs. CV Clash?
 
John
 

[ny59giants]

Good timing for that comment John. I've lost 2 CVs in 2/42 while the Japanese haven't lost any ...yet. [;)]

Just got the turn and took notes (over 1/2 page!) from combat report.
2 x 6 CV TF have been spotted and engaged. [X(][X(] 3 CVs have been hit. Whose and where to follow (see what happens when you read too much of CFs AAR). [:D]

However, today is my weekly meeting and I haven't time (probably over 1 1/2 hour) to go through replay before going to work. This should have happened last week when I was still on vacation. [:@] Unfortunately, I seem to have gotten the current reports, but the last turn combat replay and game files. [:@][:(] Multiple emails sent to Jon Mark.

[ny59giants]

1/25/43 & 1/26/43 South Pacific area only

25th: - 6 MSW are starting to clear the minefiled at Suva. S-28 undergoes an ASW attack by 3 DDs escorting BB Yamato 240 miles east of Nukufetau and is unable to get a shot off. [:(]

26th: - 2 CL & 2 DD engage my 4 PTs at Nukufetau and sink 2 and then 1 in two consecutive naval combats. BB TF consisting of BB Yamato & Musashi along with CAs Maya & Takao inflict casualties of 3755/47/24 at Nukufetau. Looks like my SB will be without some of their bulldozers for some time. [:D] Again, no LBA lost. [&:]
LBA from Savaii (12 P-38s, 12 B-25s, & 10 B-24s) attack the 2nd CV TF 420 miles NW. They run into 65 A6M3a Zeros over their CVs (CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CVL Ryujo, CVL Ryuho, CVL Shoho) and I lose 9 planes to 0 and do not hit any carriers. [:(]
The attack on KB located 240 miles NW of Suva begins with strike of 9 P-39s, 9 P-40s, 28 P-38s, 9 B-26s, 28 B-25s, & 32 SBDs vs. 82 A6M3a Zeros on CAP. I lose 39 planes for only 6 Zeros, but leakers get through. [:D] CV Shokaku takes 3 x 500lb, CV Zuikaku takes 3 x 500lb, & CV Akagi takes 2 x 500lb. All but one from my SBDs and none of them critical hits of any kind. [:@]
32 B-17s from Canton put in 7 hits on 2 AKs at Baker.
The port at Suva is hit by 67 Vals, 22 Judys, & 76 Kates (no Zeros!!) vs. 7 P-39, 7 P40s, 19 P-38s. He loses 43 planes and sinks 2 Dutch MLs and damages 2 PC, AK, SC.
The afternoon brings my second attack on KB with 7 P39s, 7 P-40s, 15 P-38s, and 4 B-25s vs. 73 Zeros. I lose 20 planes to 1 Zero with no hits.
My MSW at Suva come under attack by 56 Zeros, 56 Vals, 21 Kates vs. 7 P-39s, 7 P-40s, 19 P-38s. I lose 8 fighter for 4 Zeros while 2 MSW are sunk.

The damage at Suva stands at Port - 26, AF Service - 6, AF Runway - 2. Not bad. I will need almost 1 months production of P-38s to replace losses. Most of them where around 60 or lower experience. Thus, I knew they could not stand toe to toe with KBs Zeros and I had pulled them back from the Ellice Islands wondering if he would come towards Suva.

Thankfully, I had ordered my CVs that were in the hex just south of Suva/Nandi back to Tongatapu for fuel (I'm using this base for refueling and a small supply depot in the South Pacific as he can still come to Suva with minimal warnings playing 2 day turns). I had originally given them orders to move into Nandi for fuel since Suva had been mined, but I had to go to work for a while and thought it over. Glad I did!![&o] I have 4 Fleet CVs, 1 British CV (another CV and 4 DDs were sent back to Sydney for their 1/43 upgrades and I thought I wouldn't need them), and 3 CVEs (all their planes have low experience and need some training to be considered more that targets). Another 3 CVEs are coming from Pearl. I might be able to take on the smaller of his 2 CV TF, but not able to go against KB itself for a few more months. He did not lose many Zeros, but his Vals and Kates continue to take more losses which is good in the long run.

Plans: I have refueled my carriers and moved east about 10 hexes to await developments (will be SE of Pago Pago by about 8 hexes). Luganville has had the LBA from Efate and some from Noumea moved in. I have some B-17s there along with 2 squadron of TB and 2 DB squadrons. My B-24s and Liberator IIIs hit ships at Ragoon today. One of the strikes was with 2000lb GPs. [X(] Now I got to hope to get lucky with those bomb loads against KB. [:D]

Screenshot of SP area

[1EyedJacks]

Hi Michael,

Why do you have such a heavy picket of subs east of Nanumea? will you pull thim in to go after the Japanese TF?

[ny59giants]

Mike,
KB was there the turn before and I was trying to guess where he would move to. I now have some subs (not enough) moving to be 3 to 5 hexes away from Luganville. I think he may hit it before returning back to Truk.
 
However, just about everything south of the Noumea/Suva line has scattered or switched to full speed to get away. I think he threw just about everything he had at me now knowing that the tide is turning and in a few months the match will be even to in my favor.
 
How's RHS treating u?

[ny59giants]

1/25/43 & 1/26/43 Everywhere, but South Pacific

India/Burma:
Magwe gets hit by 23 F4F-4s, 40 Hurricanes, 12 Spitfires, 14 Kittyhawks. Myitkyina get hit by 30 Buffalo (CAP), 37 Hurricanes, 71 P-40s, 25 Vengences, 14 A-20 Havocs, 79 B-25 Mitchells, 12 Lancers, 36 Vanguards. Just about everything is getting into the training program here over the last few months. If Jon Mark wants to keep his LBA back, I will continue this as I prepare to counterattack.
172 out of 196 B-24/Liberator III take part in hitting Ragoon (2 squadrons held out due to low morale). Tonys rise up to greet my bombers but none are shot down, just damaged. [:D] I go after his ships at sea and in port over 2 days. 3 AKs at sea are sunk with 2000lb GP bombs!!![X(][:D] First time I've seen those big boys. 6 more AKs are damaged. 2 APs hit mines at Victoria Point. Got to love O19 & 20 working together.

Northen Australia:
Over 2 days the Japanese troops are hit again, and again, and again (21st Div three times, 48th Div once, 65 Bde once, and 5th Div twice). On the 25th a deliberate attack is launch by the Japanese. His initial Assault Value (AV) of 2002 is down to 531 vs my modified to 1805. Losses are 6434/49/4 with mine less than 1/2 his.
Those Beaufigther VIC continue to push his barge building abilities as 4 are sunk over 2 days. 2 more squadrons of recently upgraded Wirraways to Beaufigthers will be coming over to join the fun. [:D] The Dutch BF (Aviation Support - 100) finally arrives at Darwin and some Dutch figthers squadrons are moved forward (those who have been upgraded to Hurricanes) for more trianing via ground attacks.

Eastern Australia:
B-24s at Cooktown were suppose to attack Lae, but did not fly. Now they have been assigned to attack Buna.

China, Central Pacific, North Pacific: [>:][>:]

Air losses for the 2 days

[ny59giants]

Ground combat at Darwin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 104643 troops, 194 guns, 73 vehicles, Assault Value = 2002

Defending force 56417 troops, 438 guns, 222 vehicles, Assault Value = 1230

Japanese max assault: 1088 - adjusted assault: 531

Allied max defense: 1285 - adjusted defense: 1805

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese ground losses:
6434 casualties reported
Guns lost 49
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
1405 casualties reported
Guns lost 53
Vehicles lost 8

He has 4 div, 1 bde, 4 eng, 1 tank, and 1 aviation rgt here. It seems to me that his supply situation is getting worse. Can someone better at understanding supply and ground combat tell me how bad it is? And what I would need to bring there to eliminate his troops?? Part of me feels it is a nice place for me to train my LBA and just leave the POW camp as it is. [:D]

He is only sending in barges to resupply them and now my Beaufigther VIC are taking a toll of them. I don't think it is enough and hope he tries to bring in more shipping (as long as it isn't KB).

[1EyedJacks]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Mike,
KB was there the turn before and I was trying to guess where he would move to. I now have some subs (not enough) moving to be 3 to 5 hexes away from Luganville. I think he may hit it before returning back to Truk.

However, just about everything south of the Noumea/Suva line has scattered or switched to full speed to get away. I think he threw just about everything he had at me now knowing that the tide is turning and in a few months the match will be even to in my favor.

How's RHS treating u?

RHS gives me fits... <laughter> I dunno - I'm really having to ramp up hard right now. Carl keeps nickle-diming me with his bombers and mining of ports. I'm having a few difficulties with the current production model for Japan but I think El Sid kind of planned this. Carl told me in an e-mail that he was having problems with aircraft production but he wasn't very specific. Maybe I'm shooting down planes faster then he can get them replaced?
I think there is just sooo much different that the learning curve hurts. The game date is 12-25-41 and I think it's the farthest Carl and I have made it in this mod w/o stopping. For now I just want to get 2-3 months into the game to get a good taste for this mod.

Have you been keping up on the AE threads? That looks like it's gunna be very fun; I can hardly wait for it to come out.

What are you looking at for a strategy in the next few months? Are you going to try and push up the DEI or try to drive thru the Pacific? It looks to me like driving up the DEI would be the most fun as the allies.