Avian aggression leads to murder most fowl - Sqz(A) vs. Chickenboy(J)

[SqzMyLemon]

Aug. 28/42:

Pretty quiet turn.

There was no surface engagement near Diego Garcia. The two TF's, strangely enough, are still adjacent to one another. I've begun to withdraw some empty transports from the base heading southwest. I'm leaving my surface TF at Diego Garcia to protect the last few transports unloading elements of U.S. 40th Division.

Isn't this always the way? I send only P-38's on sweep missions against Madras to be followed by a 3 squadron B-17 raid. No one is home. When CAP was present my P-38's either didn't fly or were present, but not committed. Now they finally sweep and there is no opposition. Go figure. All Japanese fighters have withdrawn from the base. The bombers enjoy the milk run, but unfortunately thunderstorms limit the damage. Recon after the attack shows damage at 45%. I believe this value represents service damage IIRC?

The amount of men, material and supply arriving at Australia is starting to back up. Perth, Albany and Esperance are filled to capacity with unloading transports with many more awaiting their turn. I should have committed more engineers to expanding these ports earlier as I spread them throughout Australia to gain more VP's building up more bases. The American CV's have just appeared on the map from Cape Town. I will begin to put into motion operations to liberate Northern Australia. If I find Japanese CV's in the DEI, I am prepared to shift the focus of operations to New Caledonia. I am desperately short of DD's though. I have numerous high value naval assets that I'm afraid to move without adequate DD protection against Japanese submarines, including two new BB's at Balboa.

It's going to get ugly in China soon. Japanese forces are now contesting the first of my positions blocking an advance towards Kienko. I'm in great terrain with level 3-4 forts, but the problem is my units have less than half their supply capacity. I'll have to dig up my Door's cd and fire up "This is the End" as a precursor to collapse in China.

So, what next?

Well, to finish my post from above and after a period of reflection, I've decided the Rangpur-Darjeeling offensive is a go. I am going to whack the hornet's nest and see what happens. Transport aircraft have been ordered to drop 1st USMC paratroops on Rangpur tomorrow after initial recon on the 28th indicated the dot base was unoccupied. All follow up units are in position at their kickoff points in strategic mode. As soon as the base is captured, they will simultaneously rail from three bases. I'm hoping the three different routes may place a few units short of Rangpur, but on the crucial portions of railway that lead to Darjeeling. If so, they will be ordered to transition to combat mode and block the rail lines as long as possible. B-17's assigned ground bombing missions will target Rangpur and Darjeeling tomorrow to support the air drop and suppress Darjeeling's airbase. I've ordered all P-38's, heavily supported by escorts and LRCAP to sweep Ranchi to catch any bleeding Japanese CAP. Any degradation of Japanese fighter strength on day 1 of the operation will certainly help.

So it's on Gentlemen. I've decided to name my operations after movies I have seen over the course of my 46 years. So it seems appropriate that I name this first major ground offensive in India, Operation "Risky Business" because sometimes you just have to say "What the !@#$, make your move."

[BBfanboy]

You are correct - the rollover AF damage assessment is for the AF Service portion. You can only get a sense of the runway damage if nothing flies from the AF or if the service damage starts going down.

I like your choice of movie title to name this op - but the leading man ... not so much (even if he is a Canuck)!

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I like your choice of movie title to name this op - but the leading man ... not so much (even if he is a Canuck)!

Would you prefer one of Guido, the killer pimp? Or Rebecca De Mornay?

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I like your choice of movie title to name this op - but the leading man ... not so much (even if he is a Canuck)!

Would you prefer one of Guido, the killer pimp? Or Rebecca De Mornay?

The latter option is waaaaay better than the others.

[SqzMyLemon]

Ha! If I'm successful Rebecca may make a special appearance, if not, I'm afraid it will be Guido. [:D]

[witpqs]

I just figured "he's Canadian!" [:D] [;)]

[SqzMyLemon]

Just received the replay and next turn from Andre. I can't check anything until I get home, but it sounds like the air assault against Rangur was successful. "Arnhem in India" is how Andre described it.

So, Operation Risky Business is underway. If I was Andre, I'd target as many of my bases as possible to knock units out of strategic mode to disrupt rail movement. I will provide large CAP over my bases tomorrow as a precaution. I will determine when and where to strike with my 4E's, depending on how Andre reacts with his air force. I'm not ruling out a strike against Calcutta if the bulk of the Japanese fighter force is committed to sweep and escort missions.

I forgot to mention earlier that I think three Japanese divisions were drawn towards Ranchi. In total, there are still 23 Japanese units at Calcutta, but 18 between Jamshedpur and Ranchi. How many are in strategic mode is what matters. This should be quite the battle.

I'll provide a map of D+1 after we run that turn tomorrow.

[SqzMyLemon]

Aug. 29/42:

Hindsight is 20/20. With a mistake in orders, I inadvertently set B-24's to ground attack, but forgot to set the target (Darjeeling) so the AI in its infinite wisdom set Calcutta. [8|]

I wish I'd sent everything there, but on airbase attack! It looks like I could have caught the Japanese CAP napping and put a hurt on the airbase. It appears there isn't much radar at Calcutta. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 5th Division, at 52,37 (Calcutta)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
50th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
260th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (8 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

I lost three B-24D's though. They may have helped the cause though, there is movement ticks out of Calcutta, Jamshedpur and Ranchi and they might have knocked something out of strategic mode. It appears I underestimated the number of Japanese LCU's still in strategic mode.

Lots of Japanese sweeps and bombing raids in Southern India to try and slow my advancing units down to allow their forces to withdraw by rail from Madras. Damage was light to my forces and it hasn't slowed me down...yet.

With Rangpur in Allied hands, everything on rails is rushing for the base. I've ordered a crazy amount of sweep and bombing missions to try and stress the Japanese air defence. I just hope the paratroops don't get wiped out in one day at Rangpur from heavy Japanese raids. The next few turns are going to be crazy! I'm excited to see this play out.

[SqzMyLemon]

In the excitement of starting "Risky Business" I may have been a little rash with my orders for D+1. I've targeted Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Jessore for bombing and sweep raids. I expect heavy bomber losses. My reasoning was to put maximum pressure on any LRCAP assigned from Calcutta and to disrupt the rail movement of reinforcements to Darjeeling. I will post a screenshot of the current situation after I run the Aug. 30th turn.

I'm anxiously awaiting the turn.

[nikoslejeune]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I'm anxiously awaiting the turn.

So am I[:D]

Maybe I missed that info but how is the Industry in Calcutta? Is it worth it to hang on to it for CB?

Ty for the AAR !!!!!


Nick

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: nikoslejeune

Maybe I missed that info but how is the Industry in Calcutta? Is it worth it to hang on to it for CB?

Ty for the AAR !!!!!

Nick

Welcome aboard Nick and thanks for posting. Here's a mouse over of Calcutta. It suffered substantial damage upon capture. It will be interesting to discover Andre's defensive plans for the area.

[SqzMyLemon]

Aug. 30/42:

D+1

Maybe I should have named this operation "A Hex too Far" as ground forces railing to reinforce Rangpur come up short by 46 miles. The mouse over shows the LCU's that are one hex west of Rangur.



As expected, Japanese bombers concentrate on Rangpur and 2nd USMC Parachute Bn. is almost destroyed with only three engineer squads remaining. With the failure of reinforcements arriving at the base in time I expect to lose control of Rangpur tomorrow, so I did something I hope will not be a mistake. I'll explain. I expect Andre will spot most of my units strung out along the rail line and realize I came up short. If the situation was reversed, I'd bomb Rangpur again to destroy the remaining Allied paratroops, and then land an airborne force of my own to capture the base. Once the base falls that means all my LCU's currently in strategic mode cannot continue rail movement into the base and are stranded in no man's land. Not good! So what have I done to counter? I have switched all the units that came up short to combat mode (it will take 1-2 days to transition) except one U.K. Armoured Bde. which remains in strategic mode just in case Andre does not counter assault and flip the base. If the worst happens and I lose control of the base, at least my forces are now in position already in combat mode to launch a river assault. It means getting bombed for 3-4 days, but I can't help that. To me, what I've done is a huge risk, but I also think I made the right call. I have to anticipate Andre doing what I suspect he will and this seems to be the best solution. Of course if he doesn't, my LCU's could have easily railed into Rangpur and avoided now having to march in. I'll know whether I'm an idiot or not tomorrow.

A slight change of plan on my part too. Initially I had planned to air drop 1 USMC Parachute Bn. at Silchar to seal off the rail line from Chittagong and isolate the battlefield. Instead, I saw that contesting Jessore could potentially delay Japanese forces from railing towards Darjeeling. I ordered a P-38 sweep of the base from Patna and sent eight squadrons of B-17's to hit any enemy ground troops. The last recon report of Japanese troops at Jessore indicated 1st Naval Construction Battalion present and possibly IJA 6th Tank Regiment. Well, I also landed in the middle of IJA 33rd Division! The plan to disrupt rail movement worked, but now my paratroops are dead. Time will tell whether the sacrifice will pay dividends. AAR's of the sweep, bombing and air assault follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Jessore , at 53,37

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 12 (1 Lightning lost)

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed (all 6 were shot down)

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 25000 feet *

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 6th Tank Regiment, at 53,37 (Jessore)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 79

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 80 (4 destroyed, 76 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Jessore (53,37)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 460 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 28

Defending force 14017 troops, 126 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 474

Allied adjusted assault: 9

Japanese adjusted defense: 103

Allied assault odds: 1 to 11 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), leaders(+), disruption(-), preparation(-)
fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st USMC Parachute Bn /1

Defending units:
33rd Division
6th Tank Regiment
1st Naval Construction Battalion

My sweeps of Ranchi and Jamshedpur didn't sortie and neither did the bomber raid scheduled to hit Jamshedpur. The bomber raid against Ranchi did fly though and found IJA Imperial Guards Division in residence. Severe storms limited the damage.

In Southern India things are going well. It appeared that Japanese troops were going to rail out of Madras so I sent a U.K. Armoured Bde. ahead to contest the base ahead of the infantry and artillery. IIRC, this should prevent strategic rail movement out of the base. The infantry and artillery will arrive tomorrow in combat mode. I also sent targeted the defenders of the base with Blenheim bombers. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Guards Regiment, at 35,40 (Madras)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 24

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 65th Brigade ...
Also attacking 16th Guards Rgt /1 ...

If neither unit is in strategic mode they will have no problem withdrawing from the base. If either or both counter attacks, they could be in trouble as Australian 6th Division and five artillery units will be present in support of the armour.

There were also a couple of naval actions to report. AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Diego Garcia at 11,61, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Toyokuni Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Sterett

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Emirau Island at 108,115

Japanese Ships
xAKL Toyotsu Maru, Shell hits 39, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish

The xAKL later sinks.

I thought I better add the AAR of the Japanese bombing Rangur to show the numbers of bombers and escorts.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd USMC Parachute Battalion, at 58,34 (Rangpur)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 93
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 31
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 17 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 6 damaged

Allied ground losses:
543 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
27 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
27 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
24 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

So, lots of action today and the next few weeks should be pretty intense. I expect lots of Japanese air attacks against my troops strung out along the rail line preceded by heavy sweeps. Anticipating a weaker CAP over Calcutta, I've ordered all the 4E's to target the airbase. Let's see how D+2 goes.

NOTE: I have fragments of both USMC Parachute Bn.'s in India, so I will be able add replacements to restore both units, rather than having to reconstitute them in the U.S.

[SqzMyLemon]

Here's an updated screenshot showing some Allied troop dispositions. I got lucky with where some units ended up. All the rail lines leading into Darjeeling are currently blocked. I screwed up though. I meant to split 6th Australian Division so that 2/3rd continued on to Rangur in strategic mode and the final 1/3 to switch to combat mode to continue to block the rail line while moving towards Darjeeling. I ordered the switch to combat mode before splitting the division [8|] so it has a long march ahead of it and under threat of heavy air attack the entire way. Of course, I have so many targets for Andre to bomb maybe he'll over look a few [:D]. I have maxed out Patna's fighter capacity and ordered every fighter within range to CAP the base rather than any troops. Patna is the only Allied airbase that can provide air support over my ground forces and I must keep it intact. I will CAP troops next turn if Andre doesn't target the base. I'm trying to anticipate as many threats as possible and plan to defend against what I consider the most destructive ones to the Allied cause.

I will go into more detail of individual units involved as the battle progresses.



I should add, there is a large amount of Japanese shipping currently at Calcutta. I don't know if this signals reinforcement of India, or possibly the early stages of withdrawal by sea of any forces from Calcutta. I may actually be flying into a buzz saw of CAP, which I only just now realized after already ordering the bombing raid against Calcutta's airbase. There is just so much to try and remember at times. Now I'm nervous [:D].

[SqzMyLemon]

Don't you just hate waiting for turns sometimes?

[witpqs]

No, pretty much all the time! [:D]

[Rio Bravo]

Main Allied Squeeze-

I find it interesting that you chose to land Marines in India.

Are you finding them most useful in helping to defend India?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

I find it interesting that you chose to land Marines in India.

Are you finding them most useful in helping to defend India?

Another new poster! Thanks for your interest Terry. Of Marines, I only deployed 1st and 2nd USMC Parachute Bn.'s to India to take advantage of the vast rail network with this operation specifically in mind. I needed a deep penetration capability. Other than deploying a USMC EAB to Diego Garcia, all remaining U.S. Marine Corps units are earmarked for Australia.

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

I find it interesting that you chose to land Marines in India.

Are you finding them most useful in helping to defend India?

Another new poster! Thanks for your interest Terry. Of Marines, I only deployed 1st and 2nd USMC Parachute Bn.'s to India to take advantage of the vast rail network with this operation specifically in mind. I needed a deep penetration capability. Other than deploying a USMC EAB to Diego Garcia, all remaining U.S. Marine Corps units are earmarked for Australia.

Thank you for welcoming me, SqzMyLemon-

I've been reading your AAR all along. Been fun.

Hang in there...you are beginning to punch back good now that you have finally got something to punch back with.

Smooth move cutting those rail lines with Marine Paratroopers!

I might have to send the Marine Paratroopers to India too! *thinking on this hard now*

Best Regards,

-Terry

[SqzMyLemon]

Aug. 31/42:

D+2

Another month in the books!

First off, I am an idiot. No counter air assault against Rangpur, or bombing of any forces in the area, so I could have left everybody in strategic mode. However, in this case I'm happy to have been wrong. Every day I don't get bombed is a win in my book. The mouse over from yesterday showing Allied units one hex west of Rangpur still applies, but this new screenshot with mouse over shows the reinforcements that arrived at Rangpur today.



Unfortunately, the divisions that were to advance on Darjeeling will be delayed having to march to Ranchi first. In light of my mistake, I have ordered two U.K. Armoured Bde.'s to race for the base. A small armoured unit is ordered to rush to Tezpur in the hopes it can be reached before it's reinforced. If I can capture Tezpur quickly, I could threaten an early move towards Dimapur. I get ahead of myself though, first up is secure Rangpur and capture Darjeeling to secure my supply lines. Transport planes are ordered to air drop supply at Rangpur daily.

I was surprised that no Japanese bombers targeted my troops strung out along the rail line and wondered if they were grounded due to weather. They weren't. Instead, the remaining squads of 1st USMC Parachute Bn. were wiped out by air attack. When I saw the numbers I couldn't help but think complete overkill. I gained a day at Rangpur because of Andre's bloodlust to destroy units, no matter the situation. Those bombers could have wreaked havoc along the rail line and caused sever disruption/delay in getting to Rangpur, not to mention adding days and days of bombing my units in clear terrain. As I mentioned previously, both 1st and 2nd USMC Parachute Bn.'s have fragments available to replenish the units in India. They will be back and their sacrifice played a key role in capturing Rangpur and disrupting Japanese movements. Jessore AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Parachute Battalion, at 53,37 (Jessore)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 105
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 11 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 6 damaged

Allied ground losses:
492 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
30 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
30 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
24 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
24 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Now, I fully expect to suffer daily air attacks at Rangpur, but getting to the base in strength was key. It's now up to me to make air interdiction at Rangpur too costly for Japanese air units to stomach.

Turning to Allied air operations, the bomber raid against Calcutta went ahead, but it was indeed costly. The day before weather over Calcutta was clear skies, so I had hoped for something similar. Instead, severe storms and efficient Japanese CAP greeted a lovely coordinated 4E strike. The initial losses weren't bad, but a dreaded post-air attack padded the numbers of downed bombers. I actually thought the CAP rather weak when I first saw it, but poor defensive shooting and two air interceptions against my main raid was the difference. The bombers were unlucky today. I believe it was the worst day of the war for the 4E's, with a total of 14 B-17E's and 2 B-24D's shot down. Ouch. Damage to the airbase was obviously reduced due to the storms, so a golden opportunity to plaster Calcutta was missed. On the bright side, 18 Japanese aircraft were destroyed on the ground and a number shot down in A2A. AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Calcutta , at 52,37

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 23
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 24

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 70
B-24D Liberator x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 14 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 5th Division, at 52,37 (Calcutta)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 26

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(19 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
68th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
260th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
68th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
260th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (6 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Also attacking 4th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking Calcutta ...
Also attacking 4th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking Calcutta ...
Also attacking 5th Division ...
Also attacking 4th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking Calcutta ...
Also attacking 4th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking Calcutta ...
Also attacking 143rd Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th Tank Regiment ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Calcutta , at 52,37

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 361 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 73 minutes
68th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
260th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

The bombers will get the day off tomorrow to recover somewhat and restore morale. A few squadrons took the brunt of the losses. It may have been costly, but bombing Calcutta will force Japanese fighter assets to CAP the base and not be available for sweep or escort missions over Rangpur. It will hopefully lighten the load for my fighters on CAP.

In other news, big time Japanese naval bombardment at Madras with BB Yamato and friends. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Madras at 35,40

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
BB Mutsu
CA Mikuma
CL Natori
DD Okikaze
DD Sawakaze
DD Minekaze

Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 12 (12 destroyed, 0 disabled)

BB Yamato firing at 267th Armoured Brigade
BB Mutsu firing at 267th Armoured Brigade
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Mikuma
CA Mikuma firing at 267th Armoured Brigade
CL Natori firing at 267th Armoured Brigade
DD Okikaze firing at 267th Armoured Brigade
DD Sawakaze firing at 267th Armoured Brigade
DD Minekaze firing at 267th Armoured Brigade

I knew this was coming and perhaps shouldn't have contested Madras until I have a counter in place. I've decided to withdraw from the base and consolidate my position, expand more airbases and deploy strong naval LBA to counter these bombardments. Especially if Andre is going to linger at the base in the future. I have a few ideas and things are already in motion.

Other than the bombardment, the only other action in Southern India was a few Allied sweeps over Salem and Madras that downed 3 A6M2's. A few bombing raids by both sides targeted Madras and Salem, but casualties were light all around.

Last up...China.

Japanese forces attack a Chinese blocking force near Tienshui. China holds, but no more supply. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 81,39 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 99284 troops, 932 guns, 313 vehicles, Assault Value = 3514

Defending force 45878 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1830

Japanese adjusted assault: 1542

Allied adjusted defense: 2689

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
3889 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 649 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 48 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1416 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 280 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 55 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 14 disabled

Assaulting units:
39th Division
3rd Division
37th Division
32nd Division
70th Division
35th Division
17th Division
51st Engineer Regiment
26th Division
13th Army
1st Army
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
14th Group Army
34th Group Army

Fun times in India, not so much in China. Loving the game at the moment and it's so nice to see the initial stages of my offensive going well. Let's see what D+3 holds in store for the Allies.

[SqzMyLemon]

Here's an overview of the Indian theatre.