I'll put 4-6 high experience pilots into a Daitai and 2-3 into a Chutai. Have never done anything like an experiment but could try. Will look on the Home Islands and see if anything applies.
Racing the Sunrise: RA 4.0--Japanese Side
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: 80+ Pilots
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
The Net
Figuring to have Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Port Kembla, and Newcastle within the next 4-6 days, the target selection shifts to one of cutting off any chance of reinforcements arriving from without. To close the net we shall land at Hobart and use it for air search and naval attack:
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
March 21, 1942
Things begin to rapidly become more complicated as my opponent begins to see what is developing. Lew sat on the turn for two days being depressed and admitted that he is 'highly' concerned at what might be coming. He better be because the hammer is out and it is swinging left and right at Australia right NOW BABY!
Eastern Australia
As I withdraw the majority of shipping from Northampton, the Mutsu and Nagato run into a small STF of CA Australia, CL Concord, and DD Mahan. Since the BBs are out of ammo this turns out to be rather inconclusive. Each side hits a few times but no one is damaged seriously during the 4 gunnery round fight.
Daylight brings the inevitable Allied attempt to close the AF. A strike of 21 B-17 and 8 2EB fights its way through 47 Zero and hits the Airbase twice and the Runway 13 times. Not bad. Nearly every B-17 is damaged and 2 2EB fall. I lose two Zeros and have 2 Topsy destroyed on the ground.
The TEETH of Rockhampton (Akagi's Vals) attack the STF that had run into the BBs during the night. The ships are at Marysborough. The morning strike of 35 Zero and 27 Val fight through 24 P-40 and MISS their targets! I lose 2 Zero and shot down 7 P-40. Afternoon is MUCH better! A strike of 23 Zero and 23 Val sweep past 6 P-40s and PLASTER the shipping there. CA Australia is smacked 4 times, CL Concord is hit 7 times and possibly sinks, while the Mahan is struck twice. A Daitai of 23 Vals score 13 hits: NICE!
The KB finds another AK sent out to draw fire (I guess) and sinks it with a small strike.
ORDERS:
1. Form-up two small AK TF at Rockhampton to finish unloading their supplies. (24,000 supplies)
2. Troops begin to fan out from the base heading north, south, and west.
3. Imperial Guards Brigade rests and is order to prepare for Hobart. It will load in 2-3 days.
4. A Sally Sentai arrives at Rockhampton.
5. KB and Nagato-Mutsu head for Noumea to restock their ammo and sorties.
6. Order a Base Force at Koumac to head for Norfolk Island so we can fly Mavis-Emily from there.
7. Tomorrow will see 3 SS ML will deposit 120 mines at the choke-point hex just outside of Melbourne.
Western Australia
The Carnavon Invasion Force lands and is facing just one small Base Force. Will take the base tomorrow.
The Gerldton Invasion Force will be formed up just NE of Exmouth bay in 2-3 days and it will then sail for its target.
ORDERS:
1. CV Hiryu forms up with her 2 BC, 3 CA, 1 CL, and 8 DD at Soerabaja to provide cover and raid the area.
2. The Paratroopers of the 2nd Raiding Force board their Tina's to attack Kalgoorlie to cutoff troops moving from western Aussieland to Melbourne. If they grab the base quickly then we shall begin flying in the elite 90th Inf Reg. If they don't have enough strength to take it then we shall load the 1st Raiding Force to augment the attack. Regardless, the troops at Kalgoorle will interrupt any Allied movement.
NW Australia
The TK Reg at Daly Waters easily beats off an attack by the 2nd Aussie ID. Am bombing the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Aussie ID everyday.
Am moving 65th Brigade to Katherine as well as Base Forces to build-up that AF and move on south towards Daly Waters.
The 2nd and 3rd Aust Inf Div are bombed this day near Daly Waters.
Darwin serves as an air hub as planes fly from it to Madang in New Guinea and then south to the fight near Rockhampton.
Comments?
Eastern Australia
As I withdraw the majority of shipping from Northampton, the Mutsu and Nagato run into a small STF of CA Australia, CL Concord, and DD Mahan. Since the BBs are out of ammo this turns out to be rather inconclusive. Each side hits a few times but no one is damaged seriously during the 4 gunnery round fight.
Daylight brings the inevitable Allied attempt to close the AF. A strike of 21 B-17 and 8 2EB fights its way through 47 Zero and hits the Airbase twice and the Runway 13 times. Not bad. Nearly every B-17 is damaged and 2 2EB fall. I lose two Zeros and have 2 Topsy destroyed on the ground.
The TEETH of Rockhampton (Akagi's Vals) attack the STF that had run into the BBs during the night. The ships are at Marysborough. The morning strike of 35 Zero and 27 Val fight through 24 P-40 and MISS their targets! I lose 2 Zero and shot down 7 P-40. Afternoon is MUCH better! A strike of 23 Zero and 23 Val sweep past 6 P-40s and PLASTER the shipping there. CA Australia is smacked 4 times, CL Concord is hit 7 times and possibly sinks, while the Mahan is struck twice. A Daitai of 23 Vals score 13 hits: NICE!
The KB finds another AK sent out to draw fire (I guess) and sinks it with a small strike.
ORDERS:
1. Form-up two small AK TF at Rockhampton to finish unloading their supplies. (24,000 supplies)
2. Troops begin to fan out from the base heading north, south, and west.
3. Imperial Guards Brigade rests and is order to prepare for Hobart. It will load in 2-3 days.
4. A Sally Sentai arrives at Rockhampton.
5. KB and Nagato-Mutsu head for Noumea to restock their ammo and sorties.
6. Order a Base Force at Koumac to head for Norfolk Island so we can fly Mavis-Emily from there.
7. Tomorrow will see 3 SS ML will deposit 120 mines at the choke-point hex just outside of Melbourne.
Western Australia
The Carnavon Invasion Force lands and is facing just one small Base Force. Will take the base tomorrow.
The Gerldton Invasion Force will be formed up just NE of Exmouth bay in 2-3 days and it will then sail for its target.
ORDERS:
1. CV Hiryu forms up with her 2 BC, 3 CA, 1 CL, and 8 DD at Soerabaja to provide cover and raid the area.
2. The Paratroopers of the 2nd Raiding Force board their Tina's to attack Kalgoorlie to cutoff troops moving from western Aussieland to Melbourne. If they grab the base quickly then we shall begin flying in the elite 90th Inf Reg. If they don't have enough strength to take it then we shall load the 1st Raiding Force to augment the attack. Regardless, the troops at Kalgoorle will interrupt any Allied movement.
NW Australia
The TK Reg at Daly Waters easily beats off an attack by the 2nd Aussie ID. Am bombing the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Aussie ID everyday.
Am moving 65th Brigade to Katherine as well as Base Forces to build-up that AF and move on south towards Daly Waters.
The 2nd and 3rd Aust Inf Div are bombed this day near Daly Waters.
Darwin serves as an air hub as planes fly from it to Madang in New Guinea and then south to the fight near Rockhampton.
Comments?
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: March 21, 1942
Here is the furball with the B-17s and other planes trying to hit the AF:
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
Operational Update
From: GHQ, Tokyo
To: Fleet Admiral Cochran
Re: Operational Orders, modified
Admiral,
It has come to the attention of the Operations Dept via the Intel Dept that the Allies have been caught off guard with the scale of the invasion of Australia. Due to this information, orders will be modified to add an additional operation to the current plans.
1) At least a brigade, but preferably a division will be held as floating reserve off the coast near Syndey. If opposition is light like Intel is telling GHQ, then this division will be diverted to invade another base (Whyalla or Port Augusta).
2) At least one CarDiv will support the invasion of Hobart (Tasmania) that includes the Imperial Guards Brigade along with support troops and at least one BF. A SC TF will be present in case the Allies sortie any warships.
3) The floating reserve division plus at least one BF will follow the Hobart operation supported by the same CarDiv and SC TF. They will make their way to the Whyalla/Port Augusta area to conduct an invasion.
4) Two Glen equipped subs will be dispatched immediately to this area to recon both bases to determine which will be invaded. If only one, then there is a possibility that it is shot down and no recon occurs.
5) If Port Augusta has a sizable garrison, then Whyalla will be invaded first and the division will march overland on the road to capture Port Augusta.
6) If feasible, para will be used to capture Whyalla to minimize disruption to troops invading.
The objective is to deny the Allies the ability to transfer troops from one end of Australia to another through the RailRoad choke point that is Port Augusta. Those three divisions above Tennant Creek will never make it back in time for the decisive battles of Sydney and Melbourne. [;)]
To: Fleet Admiral Cochran
Re: Operational Orders, modified
Admiral,
It has come to the attention of the Operations Dept via the Intel Dept that the Allies have been caught off guard with the scale of the invasion of Australia. Due to this information, orders will be modified to add an additional operation to the current plans.
1) At least a brigade, but preferably a division will be held as floating reserve off the coast near Syndey. If opposition is light like Intel is telling GHQ, then this division will be diverted to invade another base (Whyalla or Port Augusta).
2) At least one CarDiv will support the invasion of Hobart (Tasmania) that includes the Imperial Guards Brigade along with support troops and at least one BF. A SC TF will be present in case the Allies sortie any warships.
3) The floating reserve division plus at least one BF will follow the Hobart operation supported by the same CarDiv and SC TF. They will make their way to the Whyalla/Port Augusta area to conduct an invasion.
4) Two Glen equipped subs will be dispatched immediately to this area to recon both bases to determine which will be invaded. If only one, then there is a possibility that it is shot down and no recon occurs.
5) If Port Augusta has a sizable garrison, then Whyalla will be invaded first and the division will march overland on the road to capture Port Augusta.
6) If feasible, para will be used to capture Whyalla to minimize disruption to troops invading.
The objective is to deny the Allies the ability to transfer troops from one end of Australia to another through the RailRoad choke point that is Port Augusta. Those three divisions above Tennant Creek will never make it back in time for the decisive battles of Sydney and Melbourne. [;)]
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[center]
[/center]
[/center]RE: Operational Update
Hmmmm...
That is QUITE an idea. I can fly Tina's from Rockhampton (I think) to drop Paras here. Just landing Paras to contest the hex might be beneficial.
The Divisional Floating Reserve is an idea that was already being considered. I am definitely in a Patton "jump the Rhine" sort of mood.
The I-Boats are already in place and can easily do recon.
Does anyone have ideas here.
That is QUITE an idea. I can fly Tina's from Rockhampton (I think) to drop Paras here. Just landing Paras to contest the hex might be beneficial.
The Divisional Floating Reserve is an idea that was already being considered. I am definitely in a Patton "jump the Rhine" sort of mood.
The I-Boats are already in place and can easily do recon.
Does anyone have ideas here.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Operational Update
It is 23 hexes from Rockhampton to Augusta. TOO much, even for Tina, to make that drop. It is do-able from Newcastle or Port Kembla though. The same can be said from Kalgoorlie also...
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Operational Update
I REALLY Need to do an Operational Update fro the whole Pacific. Just noticed how long it has been since doing this. Will add this to the 'to do' list...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: Operational Update
With the capture of Port Augusta, you isolate western and northern Australia from the rest of the continent. They could be pushed into the desert and left to wither on the vine.
[center][/center]
[/center]The JOYS of MISTER B-17
March 22, 1942
Eastern Australia
Lew shifts gears and goes after the shipping in the Port at Rockhampton. It is a GOOD move and I kick myself for not thinking about it first.
The Raid of 11 P-40, 17 B-17, and 27 2EB brush aside the 40 Zero and drop their loads into the Port. The results are sad but good for the Allies as he hits 7 AK, 3 AP, and 1 PB. The PB sinks and 4 other ships are heavily damaged. Luckily the APs are not in bad shape. This could have been worse since I formed up two Cargo TF to unload supplies at Rockhampton last turn. They deliver 12,000 supply and have another 10,000 aboard them.
For the raid the Japanese lose 3 Zero and the Allies lose 7 P-40, 1 B-17, and 4 2EB. The bright side is that this is the 5th day in a row these planes have been used so their morale must be dropping. I WANT that so it sets up an easier time at Port Kembla and Newcastle.
My paramount fear is where are those dratted A-24 squadrons at. A whole WING of those nasties could really serve to ruin the Japanese day.
All convoys are now on their journey towards their respective targets. The two big Invasion Forces shall rendezvous east of Lord Howe before the final run in. Tomorrow will see The KB and BB's Mutsu and Nagato arrive at Noumea to replenish. Each Invasion Force shall then have the protection of 2 BB and aircover from the 4 CVs. I will fly off two Val Daitai and add Zeros so I can provide a strong CAP.
Other Developments:
1. Three ML I-Boats deposit 120 mines just off Melbourne. We'll see they bag anything.
2. An I-Boat is detached to recon Port Augusta.
3. Start loading Imperial Guards Brigade at Rockhampton for Hobart. They will have about 10,000 supply with them.
Western Australia
The 4 TF carrying 3 Inf Div and support units will rendezvous 40 miles NE of Exmouth tomorrow and they shall then make their run into Geraldton. This TF is heavily protected with 2 BBs, 4 CAs, and stout escorts. Hiryu is traveling down from Soerabaja to provide direct Cover.
Carnavon
The base is easily taken with a TF Reg in pursuit of the BF driven out. Immediately begin loading the 4th Inf Brigade there to move and meet-up with the Geraldton Force. If Geraldton is an easy mark, then I am now examining contingency plans for additional landings south of there.
Kalgoorlie
Over the peaceful skies of little Kalgoorle, 54 transport Tinas appear about 11am this day. They drop their 600 paratroopers and return to Corunna Down's having lost 2 of their number to AA fire. The base has just a small Base Force protecting it. The initial Shock Attack gets a 1-1 (21 to 20) and drops the Forts from 1 to 0. Tomorrow the Tinas shall return with another 450 men and we'll see if we can grab it. Odds look good. If we cannot then I will let the troops rest a day and then drop the 2nd Raiding Force which should tip the balance decisively over to the Japanese.
NW Australia
No real action here other then my 4 Sentai of Bombers hitting the 2nd and 3rd Inf Div near Daly Waters.
Eastern Australia
Lew shifts gears and goes after the shipping in the Port at Rockhampton. It is a GOOD move and I kick myself for not thinking about it first.
The Raid of 11 P-40, 17 B-17, and 27 2EB brush aside the 40 Zero and drop their loads into the Port. The results are sad but good for the Allies as he hits 7 AK, 3 AP, and 1 PB. The PB sinks and 4 other ships are heavily damaged. Luckily the APs are not in bad shape. This could have been worse since I formed up two Cargo TF to unload supplies at Rockhampton last turn. They deliver 12,000 supply and have another 10,000 aboard them.
For the raid the Japanese lose 3 Zero and the Allies lose 7 P-40, 1 B-17, and 4 2EB. The bright side is that this is the 5th day in a row these planes have been used so their morale must be dropping. I WANT that so it sets up an easier time at Port Kembla and Newcastle.
My paramount fear is where are those dratted A-24 squadrons at. A whole WING of those nasties could really serve to ruin the Japanese day.
All convoys are now on their journey towards their respective targets. The two big Invasion Forces shall rendezvous east of Lord Howe before the final run in. Tomorrow will see The KB and BB's Mutsu and Nagato arrive at Noumea to replenish. Each Invasion Force shall then have the protection of 2 BB and aircover from the 4 CVs. I will fly off two Val Daitai and add Zeros so I can provide a strong CAP.
Other Developments:
1. Three ML I-Boats deposit 120 mines just off Melbourne. We'll see they bag anything.
2. An I-Boat is detached to recon Port Augusta.
3. Start loading Imperial Guards Brigade at Rockhampton for Hobart. They will have about 10,000 supply with them.
Western Australia
The 4 TF carrying 3 Inf Div and support units will rendezvous 40 miles NE of Exmouth tomorrow and they shall then make their run into Geraldton. This TF is heavily protected with 2 BBs, 4 CAs, and stout escorts. Hiryu is traveling down from Soerabaja to provide direct Cover.
Carnavon
The base is easily taken with a TF Reg in pursuit of the BF driven out. Immediately begin loading the 4th Inf Brigade there to move and meet-up with the Geraldton Force. If Geraldton is an easy mark, then I am now examining contingency plans for additional landings south of there.
Kalgoorlie
Over the peaceful skies of little Kalgoorle, 54 transport Tinas appear about 11am this day. They drop their 600 paratroopers and return to Corunna Down's having lost 2 of their number to AA fire. The base has just a small Base Force protecting it. The initial Shock Attack gets a 1-1 (21 to 20) and drops the Forts from 1 to 0. Tomorrow the Tinas shall return with another 450 men and we'll see if we can grab it. Odds look good. If we cannot then I will let the troops rest a day and then drop the 2nd Raiding Force which should tip the balance decisively over to the Japanese.
NW Australia
No real action here other then my 4 Sentai of Bombers hitting the 2nd and 3rd Inf Div near Daly Waters.
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Threats
Should mention that Lew asked NICELY if Japan would leave Australia. I told him that his message would be hand-delivered to the Emperor but that the Emperor was VERY busy horse riding and planning some sort of Imperial Declaration freeing the 'aboriginal peoples' of Australia. [:'(]
He intimated the creation of a new PLAN by the Allies known as Plan Alpha that would be initiated quickly. Could be BS. Probably IS BS! Have 8 TF leaving Tokyo this turn with Atoll Defense units as well as a new SNLF Assault Brigade. All are moving to buttress the Pacific.
Also have 2 CA, 2 CL, and 4 DD on their way to join-up with the Jaluit Strike Force. Junyo and Nisshin have left northern waters and are making their way to Marcus and then to Truk.
He intimated the creation of a new PLAN by the Allies known as Plan Alpha that would be initiated quickly. Could be BS. Probably IS BS! Have 8 TF leaving Tokyo this turn with Atoll Defense units as well as a new SNLF Assault Brigade. All are moving to buttress the Pacific.
Also have 2 CA, 2 CL, and 4 DD on their way to join-up with the Jaluit Strike Force. Junyo and Nisshin have left northern waters and are making their way to Marcus and then to Truk.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Batter UP!
March 23, 1942
Damn. I really don't know where to start. OK. Let's hit the action and then shift to a BUTTLOAD of planning.
Northampton
Infantry continues to fan out on all points of the compass driving to targets north, west, and south.
The air battle has pretty good results this day:
RAID ONE: 52 Zero pounce on 10 2EB and shot down ALL of them (B-26--Hudson). None of them survive to drop their bombloads. NICE!
RAID TWO: 52 Zero make endless attacks upon a tight formation of 24 B-17. Success for the Japanese occurs within this attack also. THREE of the monsters are shot down with another dozen or so shot-up pretty badly. The bombs hit the Airbase 5 times and the Runways take 8 hits with 4 Vals destroyed on the ground. Damage is minimal and we continue wearing down the bombing crews.
A Daitai of M2 flyout to Koumac where they will transfer to KB and a Sentai of Sally replace them. A little bit of payback is planned with a swipe at Bribane planned.
NW Australia
Bombers strike all THREE Aussie ID this day. I had lost track of the 4th ID and find it two hexes from Alice Springs moving south. 3rd ID is moving south from Daly Waters and the 2nd--for some reason--is hanging out around Daly. Pulling these boys back but NOT FAST ENOUGH! Keep bombing them to slow them down.
Western Australia
The Tk Reg that landed at Carnavon finish off the Base Force from that base with 72-1 attack. Order them to move south in march formation towards Geraldton.
Lew has Transports flying into Kalgoorlie. The rest of 2nd Raiders dropped and encountered a small amount of infantry present. Attack was barely 1-2. Rest the Paras (Disruption is 72%) and will strike again in a couple of days. Ket detail is the hex is now fully contested so the RR won't work to move troops. This is all I want when it comes right down to it.
Order Paras to shift targets for tomorrow.
SS Ops
Have decided to open a daily Aust SS Operations Page because it is now Dec 7th all over again BABY! Aussie ships are fleeing the east coast and moving towards--what they THINK is--safety at Melbourne. My sharks are having a BLAST:
I-175 sinks (two attacks) AP Sarpedonia near Newcastle
I-23 sinks AP Darvel near Canberra
A convoy is fleeing south near where I-23 struck. At least 12-15 ships there. Order 4 I-Boats to intercept.
Melbourne Minefield hasn't been noticed/hit yet. It will be a rude surprise when it is found.
PLANNING
Anyone who reads my AARs know that Operational detail work is something that I hate. Great at coming up with vision and plans but implementation can be tedious and BORING. These are the EXACT words I will use for the last two turns setting up the upcoming landings. Have shuffled transports into other TF, have replenished ships to get them out to escort and provide cover, have shown operational flexibility reflecting changes in the situation. Details time:
Western Australia
Geraldton Invasion Force starts its run-in from Exmouth. We are at D-2 for this landing. Composition: 4th and 16th ID, 2 Art units, an Air Div, and 2 Con Bn. Escort is BB Fuso and 5 DD.
Esperance Invasion Force is created reflecting operational reality. A FAST TF is formed of APs and AKs carrying 2nd ID, 4th Ind Mix Brig, and 6th Tk Reg. D-Day is the 30th. Escort is provided by 3 CA, 1 CL, and 5 DD.
Hiryu is halfway down from Soerabaja. Another Escort TF is in the same position adding 1 CA, 2 CL, and 4 DD to potential Cover help.
THINKING: Swinging around to Esperance will provide a pincer movement cutting off Perth and allowing me to get up to Kalgoorlie quickly. If, BIG IF, I can take Esperance easily then 2nd ID moves--by ship--to Augusta. There will be no landing bonus but I do want this chokepoint.
Eastern Australia
Port Kembla IF consists of 18th, 33rd, and 48th ID with 1st Air Flot and 91st Base Force. Two BBs (Hyuga and Ise) protect it and will provide heavy gun support.
Newcastle IF holds 21st and 56th ID, 25th Army HQ, 2nd Air Flot, 92nd, and 93rd Base Forces. Nagato and Mutsu protect these troops.
OPERATIONAL RESERVE: 38th ID. This ID might get immediate orders to move south and land at Sale (near Melbourne) IF--BIG IF--things look easy at Sydney.
Hobart IF carries Imperial Guards Brig and 93rd Base Force.
KB leave Noumea carrying 6 Daitai of Zero, 2 of Vals, and 4 of Kate. In addition to covering the Landings they will seek targets of opportunity.
The TF move to a position south of Lord Howe and await KB's arrival and then we GO IN! D-Day is March 30th. Talk about cutting it THIN on the Landing Bonus!
BANZAI BABY!
Damn. I really don't know where to start. OK. Let's hit the action and then shift to a BUTTLOAD of planning.
Northampton
Infantry continues to fan out on all points of the compass driving to targets north, west, and south.
The air battle has pretty good results this day:
RAID ONE: 52 Zero pounce on 10 2EB and shot down ALL of them (B-26--Hudson). None of them survive to drop their bombloads. NICE!
RAID TWO: 52 Zero make endless attacks upon a tight formation of 24 B-17. Success for the Japanese occurs within this attack also. THREE of the monsters are shot down with another dozen or so shot-up pretty badly. The bombs hit the Airbase 5 times and the Runways take 8 hits with 4 Vals destroyed on the ground. Damage is minimal and we continue wearing down the bombing crews.
A Daitai of M2 flyout to Koumac where they will transfer to KB and a Sentai of Sally replace them. A little bit of payback is planned with a swipe at Bribane planned.
NW Australia
Bombers strike all THREE Aussie ID this day. I had lost track of the 4th ID and find it two hexes from Alice Springs moving south. 3rd ID is moving south from Daly Waters and the 2nd--for some reason--is hanging out around Daly. Pulling these boys back but NOT FAST ENOUGH! Keep bombing them to slow them down.
Western Australia
The Tk Reg that landed at Carnavon finish off the Base Force from that base with 72-1 attack. Order them to move south in march formation towards Geraldton.
Lew has Transports flying into Kalgoorlie. The rest of 2nd Raiders dropped and encountered a small amount of infantry present. Attack was barely 1-2. Rest the Paras (Disruption is 72%) and will strike again in a couple of days. Ket detail is the hex is now fully contested so the RR won't work to move troops. This is all I want when it comes right down to it.
Order Paras to shift targets for tomorrow.
SS Ops
Have decided to open a daily Aust SS Operations Page because it is now Dec 7th all over again BABY! Aussie ships are fleeing the east coast and moving towards--what they THINK is--safety at Melbourne. My sharks are having a BLAST:
I-175 sinks (two attacks) AP Sarpedonia near Newcastle
I-23 sinks AP Darvel near Canberra
A convoy is fleeing south near where I-23 struck. At least 12-15 ships there. Order 4 I-Boats to intercept.
Melbourne Minefield hasn't been noticed/hit yet. It will be a rude surprise when it is found.
PLANNING
Anyone who reads my AARs know that Operational detail work is something that I hate. Great at coming up with vision and plans but implementation can be tedious and BORING. These are the EXACT words I will use for the last two turns setting up the upcoming landings. Have shuffled transports into other TF, have replenished ships to get them out to escort and provide cover, have shown operational flexibility reflecting changes in the situation. Details time:
Western Australia
Geraldton Invasion Force starts its run-in from Exmouth. We are at D-2 for this landing. Composition: 4th and 16th ID, 2 Art units, an Air Div, and 2 Con Bn. Escort is BB Fuso and 5 DD.
Esperance Invasion Force is created reflecting operational reality. A FAST TF is formed of APs and AKs carrying 2nd ID, 4th Ind Mix Brig, and 6th Tk Reg. D-Day is the 30th. Escort is provided by 3 CA, 1 CL, and 5 DD.
Hiryu is halfway down from Soerabaja. Another Escort TF is in the same position adding 1 CA, 2 CL, and 4 DD to potential Cover help.
THINKING: Swinging around to Esperance will provide a pincer movement cutting off Perth and allowing me to get up to Kalgoorlie quickly. If, BIG IF, I can take Esperance easily then 2nd ID moves--by ship--to Augusta. There will be no landing bonus but I do want this chokepoint.
Eastern Australia
Port Kembla IF consists of 18th, 33rd, and 48th ID with 1st Air Flot and 91st Base Force. Two BBs (Hyuga and Ise) protect it and will provide heavy gun support.
Newcastle IF holds 21st and 56th ID, 25th Army HQ, 2nd Air Flot, 92nd, and 93rd Base Forces. Nagato and Mutsu protect these troops.
OPERATIONAL RESERVE: 38th ID. This ID might get immediate orders to move south and land at Sale (near Melbourne) IF--BIG IF--things look easy at Sydney.
Hobart IF carries Imperial Guards Brig and 93rd Base Force.
KB leave Noumea carrying 6 Daitai of Zero, 2 of Vals, and 4 of Kate. In addition to covering the Landings they will seek targets of opportunity.
The TF move to a position south of Lord Howe and await KB's arrival and then we GO IN! D-Day is March 30th. Talk about cutting it THIN on the Landing Bonus!
BANZAI BABY!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Batter UP!
Side Note: The 14th Inf Div is bought out a few days ago in Manchuria, arrives in Shanghai, and is now loading. It is now prepping for Melbourne...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Batter UP!
I think my opponent is terrified to run a turn now. He knows the hammer is falling and he now knows the target. Turns have slowed to one every 2-3 days...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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khyberbill
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:29 pm
- Location: new milford, ct
RE: Batter UP!
There really isn't much Lew can do. The reinforcements from the middle east are weeks away and the game doesn't allow for militias to be raised to protect the country in the mean time. Match game and set I suspect. I had a game like this in old WITP playing the Japs and after taking Hobart and Perth I was able to isolate Oz completely. My opponent tried a few suicide runs and then finally threw in the towel. AE has a larger map but once you hold some of the southern cities and place Nellies there, you will close the bag.
"Its a dog eat dog world Sammy and I am wearing Milkbone underwear" -Norm.
RE: Batter UP!
This is true.
I made this attempt with Dan (Canoe) in our Grand Campaign and got all of Australia but Sydney and Melbourne. It was SOOOOOOOOOO close.
He was depressed for weeks. Right Dan?
The scary thing about Lew is that he hasn't even SEEN the approaching Invasion Forces for Newcastle and Port Kembla. He KNOWS things are coming but hasn't seen the extent of it yet.
I made this attempt with Dan (Canoe) in our Grand Campaign and got all of Australia but Sydney and Melbourne. It was SOOOOOOOOOO close.
He was depressed for weeks. Right Dan?
The scary thing about Lew is that he hasn't even SEEN the approaching Invasion Forces for Newcastle and Port Kembla. He KNOWS things are coming but hasn't seen the extent of it yet.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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khyberbill
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:29 pm
- Location: new milford, ct
RE: Batter UP!
Anyone who reads my AARs know that Operational detail work is something that I hate
I think you did a good job against me at PH. You don't realize how close you came to success. If I hadn't had so many BB's available for bombardments I might not have been able to hold you off. When you pulled back, I was basically out of good fighters. I wasn't even able to put a LRCAP over the islands to keep you from air lifting your troops out. Fatigue was high and morale low. I was having to stand down squadrons for days to recover.
"Its a dog eat dog world Sammy and I am wearing Milkbone underwear" -Norm.
RE: Batter UP!
As a relatively new JFB with only 1 PBEM under my belt, I'm finding this AAR a pleasure to read. Congrats on your success to date and keep it up!
Regards, Paul
Regards, Paul
RE: Batter UP!
Bill: I was SOOOOOOOO frustrated with you and those damned BBs! Lesson was learned there. If you go after PH make sure you take multiple points so they cannot be shutdown easily. I WILL try that strategy again. PLAN ON THAT! Good to know that you were in bad shape. Makes me feel smidgen better.
Paul: THANK YOU for the kind words. Greatly appreciate the support and thoughts.
I HOPE Lew doesn't quit or anything. REALLY want to see if this happens or not. I am so curious to see if this works. Hopefully, AFB had better BEWARE this strategy! Long live the Empire.
Paul: THANK YOU for the kind words. Greatly appreciate the support and thoughts.
I HOPE Lew doesn't quit or anything. REALLY want to see if this happens or not. I am so curious to see if this works. Hopefully, AFB had better BEWARE this strategy! Long live the Empire.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: Batter UP!
Losing Australia will hurt, but the Allies can come back from this with a little patience. India/Burma will become more important and stopping you in the Central Pacific become a very high priority.
Lew's inactivity tells me a lot about his situation in Australia.
Lew's inactivity tells me a lot about his situation in Australia.
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