Matrix Games Forums

Carrier battle south of Saipan. Great fun!

How long does it take you to issue an orders phase? My computer and windows X have me taking two hours a turn. Four hours if there are a lot of reinforcements.

Hate to think what it'll be like in mid-1944.

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

Carrier battle south of Saipan. Great fun!

How long does it take you to issue an orders phase? My computer and windows X have me taking two hours a turn. Four hours if there are a lot of reinforcements.

Hate to think what it'll be like in mid-1944.

If you take care of admin. stuff like leader changes as units arrive, even 1944 should not be a huge grind. Big waves of reinforcements are not frequent, but if you neglect the constant trickle it can build into a chore.

With the front lines in the Caroline Islands and near the Thai border ... the Jap AI mounts a raid on Addu???

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

Carrier battle south of Saipan. Great fun!

How long does it take you to issue an orders phase? My computer and windows X have me taking two hours a turn. Four hours if there are a lot of reinforcements.

Hate to think what it'll be like in mid-1944.

A turn normally takes an hour for me...that includes issuing orders and watching the replay, but it can take longer if I have a big OP loading up in port.

I am similar to BBF in that I try and take care of reinforcements as they come in (I look for them at the bottom of the OPS report), so its not such a big job. I also keep running notes on things I'm working on so I can pick up where I left off if I go a few days between turns.

ORIGINAL: jwolf

With the front lines in the Caroline Islands and near the Thai border ... the Jap AI mounts a raid on Addu???

My thoughts exactly. Just when I thought that the AI scripts had run their course and its gonna just sit back and let me island hop my way to Honshu....it launches a coordinated LBA & KB attack near the Marianas and the KB Jr. sorties west of Colombo. The Colombo incursion almost caught 2 big TK task forces incoming from Cape Town, but luckily a patrolling American sub picked up the enemy carrier force and launched a few torps at CV Akagi. None of them hit, but the Japanese lost the element of surprise and able to divert my precious tankers south.

Week 92: September 7th – September 14th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Truk bombing campaign is transitioning to sustainment mode as squadrons are being rested and moved to Hollandia to assist with the upcoming Babeldaob operation. Truk Damage is hovering around 100% Airfield and 73% Port.

Allies hit Babeldaob with a 6BB bombardment and a CV attack early in the week which prompts the IJN ships in the harbor to beat a hasty retreat westward. Carrier based SBDs hit two DDs and sink an AMC before the enemy ships get away. The Allies follow that success up with daily 4EB missions on Babeldaob to keep the base suppressed. Currently base damage is at 100% AF and 9% Port.

The Japanese continue to hit the Yap/Ulithi area with raids of about 20 Bettys, origin seems to be the Marianas. Allied Jugs on CAP perform well, allowing a total of 4 bombers through all week…and those 4 were all downed in the post attack phase. The Japanese keep coming though, like in Burma, they seem to have an unlimited pool of bombers.

Allied CV assets move back from Yap/Ulithi zone towards Rabaul to cover the empty transports and gear up for Babeldaob. The new Allied bases in the Central Pacific will be on their own for a week or so.

Japanese carriers are still posted in Tinian harbor, the enemy port is a beehive of activity, with lots transports seen moving to and fro. I have a mass of subs staking out the approaches from the home islands, but I’ve had very few attacks this past week. Enemy air must have lots of ASW patrols, because half my subs have 10/10 detection. I attempt to shuffle spotted boats around daily (allemande left style) to shed the detection as much as possible.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.





South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.

Half of the amphibs have returned to Rabaul and are engaging in a quick repairs before their next task. All ships should be patched up and loaded with troops by the end of the week.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.




SE Asia/China:
The Allies shock attack west of Rahaeng and push the Japanese back into Rahaeng proper, while causing much damage to the fleeing troops. Japanese combat troops suffer 109 destroyed, 39 disabled combat squads, and lose 242 Non-combat, 26 guns and 16 vehicles. The Allies suffer relatively light losses [4 destroyed squads, 59 disabled squads, and 2 vehicles lost]. Post combat, the Allies advance about halfway to Rahaeng during the week. The movement is a little slower than usual because all troops are ordered to follow the slowest artillery unit. Rahaeng lies across a river and I don’t want a repeat of the Moulmein debacle.

The Allied reinforcements reach Tavoy late in the week and the Allies now have the AV advantage 600:300…preparations are being made for a deliberate attack early next week.

Allied air power continues to suppress the Tavoy airfield. Intel reports 99% damage and only 6 enemy fighters are left.

Early in the week, KB junior (3CV-46F/80B) launched a few more strikes on Addu before retiring to the southeast. Damage to the Allied base seems light, but the enemy CV presence has diverted a few convoys coming in from the Cape. They will hold their positions at the west end of the map until Allied command is sure the enemy has vacated the area.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.




IJN Watch:
-3 CV (50F/91B) spotted near Addu, ships disappear to the SE mid-week.
-9 CV (136F/110B), and 1BB spotted near the Southern Marianas




Notable Base Captures:
-None




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,449 [+182]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (525), Hurricane IIc (501), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 18,148 [+402]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,365), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,009), Ki-27 b Nate (1,621)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 572 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,243 [+5]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,562 [+42]
Japanese: 8,428 [+94]
A/J Ratio: 1.25 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 51,510 [+521]
Japanese: 30,900 [+282]
A/J Ratio: 1.67 to 1




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 100% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 4 units/10.5 K troops/58 guns/23F/5B/12AUX. 0 ships in port].




Other Notes:
-Last week’s CVstrike/Bombardment of Babeldaob was a nice little success. Enemy fighter/bomber numbers were cut in half, the airfield was 100% damaged, and the 12 enemy surface ships skedaddled like a bunch of cockroaches. Now we just have to keep the pressure on until the troops arrive.

Week 93: September 15th – September 21st 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Truk bombing campaign is maintaining pressure on the enemy base despite losing almost half its Liberator squadrons (10)…as they are now at Hollandia pounding Babeldaob. Truk Damage is hovering around 100% Airfield and 87% Port.

The Babeldaob invasion fleet departed Rabaul early in the week fighting off multiple Japanese bomber raids, and anchored 40 miles off the landing zone on the 20th. Proceeded by a 6BB bombardment, the troops hit the beaches on the 21st and got most of their fighting strength offloaded (550 AV). The Japanese did not bombard, so I am not certain of their strength, but I estimate a regiment plus (about 150-200 AV total). We bombard tomorrow to test the enemy defenses.

The Japanese continue to hit the Yap/Ulithi area with occasional raids but allied Yap CAP performs nicely. Ulithi still doesn’t have an airfield, so P-38 CAP is flying from Yap. Next week a re-supply TF is due into Yap (and enemy bomber raids are drawn to them like moths to a flame) so I might give them a nice reception…a Yap CAP Trap – if you will.

Speaking of surprises, I finally got the jump on IJN supply TFs sneaking into the Marshalls. They were slipping by North East of Eniwetok…just out of Land based DB range. I sent two small Fletcher TFs into the area and they managed to sink 8 enemy AKs this week. This drew quite a response from enemy bombers at Kwajalein…but the Allied Destroyers were able to escape without a scratch.

Japanese carriers are still posted in Tinian harbor, the enemy port is still a beehive of activity, with lots transports seen moving to and fro. Once the Babeldaob operation winds down, I will have significant CV assets to properly deal with this problem.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.
Amphibs loading for quick invasion of Morotai, to allow better recon of next op.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.




SE Asia/China:
The Allies pursue the fleeing Japanese to Rahaeng and after two days of bombardment, they attacked and captured the base. The infantry will pursue the retreating enemy to Pisanuloke, while the armored units will swing south to cut the Japanese retreat path to Bangkok.

At Tavoy, the Allies now have the AV advantage 861:231. Deliberate attacks last week got nearly 1:1 odds, but failed to reduce the level 5 forts. This may be another slow grind situation with more deliberate attacks scheduled for early next week.

KB Jr. disappears from the Addu/Diego Garcia area. I keep allied supply/fuel TFs in place for a few more days just to make sure the danger has passed. Assuming we don’t see a re-appearance of enemy CV assets, Allied TFs should resume their movement by mid next week.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.




IJN Watch:
-6 CV (100F/90B), and 3-5BB spotted docked at Tinian




Notable Base Captures:
- Rahaeng [Indochina] captured by the Allies (9/18)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,551 [+102]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (545), Hurricane IIc (505), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 18,692 [+544]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,004), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,121), Ki-27 b Nate (1,791)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 573 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,259 [+16]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,594 [+32]
Japanese: 8,529 [+101]
A/J Ratio: 1.24 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 52,207 [+521]
Japanese: 31,902 [+1,002]
A/J Ratio: 1.64 to 1




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A:
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 100% damaged]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C:
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Invasion secures beachhead, deliberate attack upcoming].




Other Notes:
-CV Bunker Hill arrives in Balboa on the 18th, and heads for Cape Town under ASW escort. Allied high command needs a CV presence in the Bay of Bengal/Andaman Sea to allow further progress in the region. The American CV should arrive in the theater in about a month.

-The last troops load up on transports and depart Lunga on the 19th. The base has meant so much to the Allied cause…being an important outpost that checked the Japanese SoPac advance in in ’42. Since that time, it was the jump off point for the Allied counterattack through the Solomons and an important heavy bomber base for Liberators dropping incendiaries on Rabaul. But the conquering tide has moved forward and now Lunga has lost its military significance…but the base at Lunga Point will always live on in the pixelated hearts of the Allies.

Week 94: September 22nd – September 28th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.





Central Pacific:
Part of the KB sorties from Tinian and hits Hollandia with a well-coordinated strike…brushing aside the P-40s on CAP and scoring some hits on the airfield. On the return trip, it swings east towards Truk and hits my amphibs fleet returning from Babeldaob. Fortunately, I am much better prepared for this attack and the 104 Hellcats/Wildcats on CAP chew up the two strikes. 41 Jills and 38 Judys are flamed…but 7 Jills get through and hit CVE Barnes with a single bomb hit (7-SYS 9-FLT 2-ENG). Not a bad exchange for the Allies, especially since the AI timed this strike perfectly. All my carrier assets were spread out supporting island invasions, so I couldn’t press home my advantage after savaging the Japanese bomber force. By the weeks end, the enemy carriers were back in the safety of Tinian harbor.

Truk bombing campaign is maintaining pressure on the enemy base. This week saw over 50 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground, and all of that came from Truk. Damage is hovering around 98% Airfield and 100% Port.

The Babeldaob invasion launched a few deliberate attacks, but is unable to root out the defenders, though the enemy forts have been reduced from 6 to 1, so the end is near. Current AV ratio is 540:36 in favor of the good guys.

The Jap Yap CAP trap does marginally well, as the ships resupplying Yap draw two 20+ bomber raids from the Marianas. I counted 38 bombers destroyed by the Allied CAP made up of P-47s and P-38s.

The Morotai invasion makes landfall near the end of the week and the first deliberate attack drops forts from 5 to 4. Carrier dive bombers will help soften up the defenses further before the next attack….which is planned for early next week.

Recon shows Talaud-Eilanden is un-garrisoned, so I’ve dispatched a small force of paratroopers (fully prepped) to take the island. The base will help protect Babeldaob’s flank, hosting fighters and PBYs. Boots should hit the ground on Sept. 30th, once the base is captured, base forces and aviation groups will unload and get the facilities up and running.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.




SE Asia/China:
The Allies pursue the fleeing Japanese at Pisanuloke (SE of Rahaeng). The infantry takes the direct approach, while two armored formations perform flanking maneuvers. The northern force (268 Motorized Brigade) fords the river at Uttaradit and captures the base before turning southwest. On the other flank, the British 50th Armored brigade reaches the river crossing halfway between Pisanuloke and Bangkok and begins crossing. In the center, the infantry storms across the river and the auto shock attack ejects the disorganized defenders from Pisanuloke. The Japanese head Southwest towards Bangkok, but their retreat should be cut off in a few days.

At Tavoy, the Allies now have the AV advantage 876:211. Deliberate attacks during the week reduce the forts from 5 to 3, but fail to disable the enemy fighting strength. Hopefully the fort reduction will have a snowball effect here.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.




IJN Watch:
-4 CV (95F/105B), and 3BB raids Hollandia
-5CV (65F/45B) and 4BB spotted at Tinian all week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Uttaradit [Indochina] occupied by the Allies (9/23)
- Pisanuloke [Indochina] captured by the Allies (9/26)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,649 [+98]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (568), Hurricane IIc (506), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 19,207 [+515]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,316), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,296), Ki-48 IIa Lily (1,677)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 582 [+9]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,265 [+6]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,606 [+12]
Japanese: 8,633 [+104]
A/J Ratio: 1.23 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 52,439 [+232]
Japanese: 31,355 [-547]
A/J Ratio: 1.67 to 1




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 98% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Babeldaob - IN PROCESS [Invasion secures beachhead, AV 540:36 and Forts down to 1].





Other Notes:
-Ulithi AF reaches level 1, and P-47s/P-40s fly in, thus securing the Allies Northern flank in the region. The base should now be able to defend itself until carrier assets are ready to take the fight to the Marianas, and the source of Japanese air attacks.

**FLASH REPORT September 30, 1943**


**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**


Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to isolate the DEI from the Home Islands.




Code-name: CHIMERA




Plan: With Truk neutralized, the next objective is Japan's lifeline to the DEI.

Allied command has decided that to sever this lifeline requires a three pronged approach:

Mindano: Landings at Catabo (a very undeveloped and under-garrisoned base) will provide the beachhead to take back this southernmost island of the Philippines. Once captured, Mindano will lengthen the northern defensive line and provide a base to launch a proper liberation of the Philippines in the future.

Borneo: Landings near Balikpapan and Tarakan Close off the Celebes Sea, while a reinforcement of Brunei (still Allied after all this time) will bring the South Chine Sea into the range of LBA.

Celebes: Landings at Watampone and Kolaka will allow Allied advance and capture of the large Japanese bases of Makassar and Kendari, respectively. Capture of these enemy installations will allow a future offensive aimed at Java.




Timetable: Troops for the targeted invasion sites are already 100% prepped, so once amphibious shipping returns from Morotai and Talaud-Eilanden, the wheels will be put in motion.


**END TRANSMISSION**

Is there a particular reason you are going into the Celebes and then on towards Java? Would it not be faster, requiring less troops and less asset dispersion to hit Hainan, Saigon and Cam Ranh Bay from Northern Borneo while also providing an anvil upon which to smash the retreating forces from Burma. Or will that break the AI?
On that note do you intend to take the Palawans? As they look to flank the small islands between Luzon and Mindanao while together with Sanadakan, Jolo and Cotabato allow the short legged P-40s and P-39s to LRCAP the entire way through the Philippines relieving your Carriers for the Marianas or other operations.

I cannot answer for Sch - but I am equally curious in his response.

Sch ?? What are your thoughts on this corridor less traveled ?

--

What I have discovered - I understand - this game models millions of independent bits of supply management into a simpler level of complexity; further oils and supply reasonably historically accurate

I am no historical professor of 20th century warfare; but I do note I have discovered that Balikpapan, Brunei and Tarakan were far more important oil centers that I realized. As a student of the pacific war I was of course very aware and opinionated about allied being more aggressive to Palembang. However equally the proximity of Palembang to Singapore and therefore in real like proximity to a vast part of the combined fleet - made such an invasion corridor very risky.

For example the IJN relied upon Brunei as a fuel stop for the combined fleet leading to the Battle of Leyte. I do not know what troop levels they maintained there historically - but they should have been placing a priority upon it.

This 'corridor of advance less traveled' seems to be anchored in an objective to eliminate fuel from Japan in September 43.

Well before the real life decimation of the Japanese merchant fleet, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the ascendance of the fast carrier task forces.

ORIGINAL: HMASAustralia

Is there a particular reason you are going into the Celebes and then on towards Java? Would it not be faster, requiring less troops and less asset dispersion to hit Hainan, Saigon and Cam Ranh Bay from Northern Borneo while also providing an anvil upon which to smash the retreating forces from Burma. Or will that break the AI?
On that note do you intend to take the Palawans? As they look to flank the small islands between Luzon and Mindanao while together with Sanadakan, Jolo and Cotabato allow the short legged P-40s and P-39s to LRCAP the entire way through the Philippines relieving your Carriers for the Marianas or other operations.

Welcome to the thread HMASAustralia. Yes you are correct, the path you suggest would require fewer troops and less asset dispersion, but like you mentioned, I fear it may break the AI (other forumites have advised that it doesn't react too well to deep invasions). Furthermore, my plan from the beginning has been to try and spread out the Japanese and force them to defend multiple axes of advance.

To do this, I need to advance on a wide front while still moving to cut off the Japanese access to the DEI. Operation Chimera will form the southern pincer of this move on the DEI, while the allied advance from Burma into Indochina will form the northern. Hainan may eventually be invaded, but for now the current op should prove sufficient in severing Japan's fuel/oil lifeline.

As for the Palawans, I have not looked there yet (but I will definitely consider your suggestion), as I have been eyeing bases on the other side of the Sulu Sea, specifically Jolo and Zamboanga, as they already have developed airfields.

Your comment about LBA coverage is spot on, and my plan is to use Mindano as my base and work my way up the Philippines under the cover of army fighters, thus freeing my carriers to strike at more isolated targets...the Marianas being one of those.

As for my esteemed Canadian colleague's question, taking the path less traveled to those oil centers has been high on my priority list for many of the reasons you mentioned. I would also add that having these oil centers will supply my own naval forces with the fuel they will need to operate for extended periods without having to return to Rabaul to gas up. That's the plan anyway, time will tell if it works out as intended.

Situation Report – October 1st 1943





Central/North Pacific:



Capital Ships: 1-CVL, 3-BB (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 3,286K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians. Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls/Gilberts. 27th, 43rd, and 7th Inf. Divisions are prepping for Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Roi Namur respectively.

Long Term Plans: Advance on Marianas/Philippines.





SW Pacific:



Capital Ships: 6-CV, 6-CVE, 2-CVL, 13-BB

Fuel Reserves:
1,701K @ Noumea
325K @ Milne Bay
273K @ Rabaul

Near-Term Plans: Secure bases Borneo/Celebs/Mindano to assist cutting off oil/fuel from Japanese home islands..

Long Term Plans: Capture Java/Sumatra




SE Asia/China:



Capital Ships: 2-BB (@Colombo) 1-CV in route

Fuel Reserves:
1,779K @ Colombo
1,419K @ Rangoon

Near-Term Plans: Advance down the coast and capture Tavoy/Mergui. Separate Allied advance to head inland and capture Bangkok via the Rahaeng road.

Long Term Plans: Threaten Singapore/Saigon. Link up with Chinese in Indochina.




Base Supply/Construction Status:

Attu:
Port Size: 3.79 (+0.19)
Airfield Size: 3.97 (+0.20)
Supplies: 1K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Babeldaob:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 22K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Eniwetok:
Port Size: 5.00 (+0.34)
Airfield Size: 1.48 (+0.35)
Supplies: 20K (17 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.88 (+0.28)
Supplies: 84K (100+ Weeks of normal operations)

Manus:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 95K (14 Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (+0.71)
Supplies: 166K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 4.12 (+0.11)
Airfield Size: 6.48 (+0.07)
Supplies: 44K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Rabaul:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 345K (11 Weeks of normal operations)

Rangoon:
Port Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 336K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Ulithi:
Port Size: 4.02 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 1.03 (+0.47)
Supplies: 21K (11 Weeks of normal operations)

Yap:
Port Size: 3.12 (+ 2.12)
Airfield Size: 4.01 (+2.01)
Supplies: 20K (9 Weeks of normal operations)

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

**FLASH REPORT April 30, 1943**

**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to isolate and neutralize Truk.


Code-name: FORBEARANCE


Plan: With Rabaul neutralized, the next operation will target Truk, the Japanese island fortress in the Central Pacific. The Allies have vowed to take the lessons learned from the Rabaul operation and apply them to this upcoming effort.

Truk is much better suited for defense (Jungle-Rough terrain, and 60K stacking limit) than Rabaul, so Allied high command has opted to bypass the enemy concentration and use multiple flanking movements to render it useless to the Japanese. These movements will also serve to cut off Japanese positions in the Marshal/Gilbert Islands and set the stage for future operations toward the Philippines and the Marianas.





Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD's and submarines.
-Knock out Truk Airfield.


Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie.
-Assault & capture Ponape.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.


Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai.
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaob.




**END TRANSMISSION**

Thats a really Good plan; the south door¡..i liked; as the americans did; forget TRUK, the japans always thought that around truk will sink many Cvs; but the IA Knows also and always TRUK is the most strong point of the map; recieving around 120.000 soldiers with CD/ART invencible; maybe i will try to take truk in my ALLIED WITP GAME; if Rabaul is allowed to fullfill B-29 or high with no escorts.

Any chance those cut-off troops SW of Rabaul are being hauled out by Mavis or Emily?

Thanks Zecke. Yeah I think avoiding Truk has proven to be a good decision so far. And now that I have Babeldaob, I've got a good port close to the frontline.

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Any chance those cut-off troops SW of Rabaul are being hauled out by Mavis or Emily?

Sure BBF, rain on my parade![;)]

Actually that brings up a few good questions:

1. Does the AI evacuate troops via airlift?
2. Can you evac troops from a non-base hex?

I thought the answer to both questions was "no", but correct me if I am wrong. (its happened many times before) [:D]

Not sure what the AI will do. You may be right that it does not do evacs.
But a human player can pick up at a non-base coastal hex with Patrol seaplanes and FT TFs using the "Pick Up Troops" setting (which only shows itself after you pick the target hex).

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Not sure what the AI will do. You may be right that it does not do evacs.
But a human player can pick up at a non-base coastal hex with Patrol seaplanes and FT TFs using the "Pick Up Troops" setting (which only shows itself after you pick the target hex).

Thanks BBF, that non base hex airlift ability is a good thing to know...though hopefully I won't have to use it in this game.[:D]

Week 95: September 29th – October 5th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Midweek Babeldaob capitulates and the Allies begin the task of repairing all the base damage they caused (99 port/100 Service/100 Runway). By the end of the week, runway damage is low enough to allow a few squadrons of P-47s to operate. Not enough to stop a determined carrier strike, but it should deter any small/medium sized LBA raids. More aircraft will transfer in once additional support units unload.

No KB sorties this week, which is a blessing, as its allowing my repair of Babeldoab to progress un-interrupted.
Truk bombing campaign is maintaining pressure on the enemy base. Intel indicates all damaged aircraft at the enemy base have been destroyed. Damage is hovering around 99% Airfield and 100% Port.
Inconclusive deliberate attack this week @ Morotai, I get a 1:7 result but neither side loses much (10 disabled squads each). We’ll reform and try again next week.

Talaud-Eilanden was in fact un-garrisoned. Paratroopers seize the base and support units sitting off Morotai, dash over and unload. Work begins immediately on the Talaud-Eilanden airfield.





Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.





South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on. 400AV made the pilgrimage from Hollandia to Vanimo. A probing attack should occur early next week.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.





SE Asia/China:
The Allies finally cornered the ejected defenders of Pisanuloke. The main infantry force arrived from the northeast while the faster British 50th Armored brigade swung around the enemy’s left and moved up from the southwest. The Japanese still have a retreat path to the east, but it suits me fine if they move that way….as it means they will not add their strength to the defense of Bangkok. If they retreat east,I can use a small combat unit to pin them there.

The capture of Tavoy was completed this past week. In addition to 19K casualties (106 combat/400 Non-combat squads), over 60 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Now it’s onward to Mergui, where the Japanese have an even larger (lvl 9) air facility. Once the fields at Mergui and Bangkok are neutralized, the operation to secure Port Blair will be given the green light.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.




IJN Watch:
-6CV (90F/100B) and 4BB spotted at Tinian all week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Babeldaob [Caroline Islands] occupied by the Allies (9/30)
- Tavoy [Indochina] captured by the Allies (10/3)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,748 [+99]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (578), Hurricane IIc (522), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 19,738 [+531]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,905), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,330), Ki-27b Nate (1,615)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 588 [+6]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,274 [+9]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,680 [+74]
Japanese: 8,763 [+130]
A/J Ratio: 1.22 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 52,870 [+431]
Japanese: 31,538 [+183]
A/J Ratio: 1.68 to 1




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato
-Secure Mindano

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Tarakan
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone
-Assault & Capture Kolaka
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Other Notes:
-With the capture of Babeldaob, Forbearance is now in the books. It took about a month longer than anticipated, but now the door is open to fulfill MacArthur’s promise to return.

**FLASH REPORT October 8, 1943**


**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**


Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to cripple the enemies CV arm, and open the road to the Japanese home islands.




Code-name: APERTURE







Plan: In concert with the push into the DEI, this operation will widen the front line the enemy must defend...and will bring the Japanese home islands into B-29 range (once they begin rolling off the assembly lines in late spring).

Allied command has decided that to fulfill this mission, 3 of the Islands in the Marianas chain will need to be captured, along with Marcus Island (to provide a short and reliable supply line. In addition, the main portion of the Japanese carrier fleet have been reported in the area, so the plan is to strike with concentrated force, and hopefully catch them before they flee to the safety of Honshu or thereabouts. The phases of this operation are as follows:



Phase 1 - Guam, Tinain, and Saipan: Landings at the three most-developed Marianas islands will secure port facilities and large airfields close to the front line.



Phase 2 - Marcus: Capture of this Japanese outpost North East of the Marianas will open a significantly shorter supply line from the US mainland. This will be crucial to support the future air and land campaigns aimed at the home islands.



Other Factors: KB (4-5 CV) was detected @ Tinian a little over a week ago. 12 Allied CVEs and 4 CVLs will cover the amphibious groups, while the 7 American Fleet Carriers will position themselves to ambush the enemy.



Timetable: Troops for the targeted invasion sites (4 Divisions + Support units) are already 100% prepped. Operations should begin in a little over a week, once the required amphibious shipping is available at Rabaul.


**END TRANSMISSION**

I'm looking forward to this. Happy hunting! [8D]