BACK IN BUSINESS - PzB goes East again(st) Andy Mac

[Rob Brennan UK]

Yes I know Rob, capturing Adelaide would be a must early on but the causalties from continued coastal arty rounds would wreck a lot of ships and troops. I can land 4 divisions there, the question is if we should go for 2 and land the rest in nearby towns with less defences, then we would be able to get our bridge head and race to the support of our troops in Adelaide.

AH ok i see now, my opinion (take it with a large grain of salt) would be to hit adelaide with all 4 divs. its too important to not take it and the primary target in the area for you. that port would be lovely for supply and base force follow on units. Actually having just re looked at the map port augusta would be a great target too as it straddles both rail lines. Tough choice !

Brain swop over to realist mode

ah .. go for what your prepped for else landing losses will be horrendous.

would 1-2 turns using the TF float planes on recon missions delay you too much ? might help make up your mind if you see too few/many troops in any one place. also one big landing is easier to cover with KB ,, lordy .. decisions decisons .. now i'm confusing myself all over the place and almost as nervous about this move as you must be ! eek !

final advice , just go with your own plans , last minute changes almost inevitably go wrong. You are the master samurai after all. [&o]

Afterthought ? new aussie reinforcements rule , do any of these new militias start at adelade ? as your landings will almost certainly trigger this event (i think).

I'm off to lie down now.

[PzB74]

Western Oz

[Mynok]

Size of port matters nothing if you are unloading amphibiously because you are unloading over the beach.

[PzB74]

True Mynok, it's the value of having a large size port for my follow up transport TF's that's tempting!
I asked Andy about what Oz reinforcements he will get and when and here is the reply:

------------------------------------------------------
It’s a line parallel to Brisbane so any city or non base hex on that row or below will trigger it but its not militia I get a sizable reinforcement ….at Capetown !!! No freebies I need to ship them inwell the LCU’s anyway

In total I get about 3 Divs worth of troops at Capetown (one of which is an accelerated 9th Aus Div)

I also get a very important Convoy which can be applied to all units straight away.

The convoy has about a Divs worth of replacement devices that can be taken on by my troops straight away i.e. devices stripped from training cadres etc.

I also get about 150 Aircraft of all types
------------------------------------------------------

- Seems like he has to ship em from Capte Town... [:)]
If we invade Adelaide they will be released, going for Port Augusta they will not!

Yes Rob, this is a bit more exciting than I appreciate.
Problem is that I initially planned to invade Port Augusta and our troops will be slaughtered at Adelaide I'm afraid.
I will send Jake's on recon missions over Adelaide and Port Augusta tomorrow. Some extra long range Mavis recon's will also be able to reach Port Augusta.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 21, 42

Invasions

A reinforcement TF arrives at Xmas Island and unload simulatanously with our already landed troops
start an offensive (to coordinate with the shock attack). Our landings at Esperance continues; our regiment has all but the heavy equipment ashore. It was prepped for Perth So it goes when you have to improvise, another day and we will attempt a shock attack.

Amphibious Assault at Christmas Island

TF 50 troops unloading over beach at Christmas Island, 174,141

Japanese ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

More fighting over Alice Springs

Morning Air attack on 8th Tank Regiment, at 74,143 (Alice Springs)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
P-400 Airacobra x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kawai Det with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 9th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 8th Tank Regiment ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We stumble over some minelayers - the 2 ac leaky CAP from Adelaide cost us a handful of bombers

Morning Air attack on TF, near Adelaide at 74,163
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 13

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CM Oglala
DM Sicard

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy moved his fighters out of Rockhampton but left his ships...not good!-)

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 95,152
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G3M2 Nell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Torpedo hits 1
CL Concord

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 95,152

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Dunlap, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Russell
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The follow up raid is less merciful and the Zero's clean out the Kittyhawks before we sink the
minelayers!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Adelaide at 74,163

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
B5N2 Kate x 22

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CM Oglala, Bomb hits 11, and is sunk
DM Sicard, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

First attack at Alice Springs goes fairly well; we get a 1-1 odds and lower forts from 3 to 2.
We outnumber the enemey 2.5 to 1 and I'm confident that we'll rout him in 3-4 days at most!

Ground combat at Alice Springs (74,143)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 10265 troops, 120 guns, 386 vehicles, Assault Value = 414
Defending force 4684 troops, 41 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 128

Japanese adjusted assault: 259
Allied adjusted defense: 233

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
144 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 18 (1 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 22 (16 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Assaulting units:
8th Recon Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
26th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /18
3rd Mortar Battalion
8th RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Recce Battalion
3rd Australian Brigade
1st Fgtr RAAF Wing
Tennant Creek RAAF Base Force
Katherine RAAF Base Force
107th RN Base Force
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
10th Patl RAAF Wing
NW Aus Aviation Rgt /15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tried some counter battery to little effect;

Ground combat at Geraldton (49,141)
Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7944 troops, 120 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 330
Defending force 4660 troops, 77 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 178

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
16th Recon Regiment
65th Brigade
20th Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
1st Engineer Co
40th Field AA Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
18th Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
Geraldton Fortress
10th Light Horse Battalion
276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
27th Infantry/C Division
1st RAN Base Force
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No casualties from enemy bombardment this turn - strange.

Ground combat at Geraldton (49,141)
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 577 troops, 15 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 178
Defending force 9826 troops, 143 guns, 153 vehicles, Assault Value = 330

Assaulting units:
276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
10th Light Horse Battalion
Geraldton Fortress
27th Infantry/C Division
1st RAN Base Force

Defending units:
2nd Tank Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
65th Brigade
16th Recon Regiment
1st Engineer Co
40th Field AA Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One more attack and we will capture Xmas Island!
Our bungled invasion is almost over...

Ground combat at Christmas Island (174,141)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2620 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 86
Defending force 818 troops, 2 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 6

Japanese adjusted assault: 34
Allied adjusted defense: 8

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
98 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Assaulting units:
18th Nav Gd /17
31st Infantry Rgt /6
I/19th Nav Gd /17

Defending units:
Christmas USN CPNAB
E Det USN Port Svc
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Had hoped Andy had moved his troops out, but he left a battalion...good for him!

Ground combat at Kalgoorlie (56,147)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3
Defending force 802 troops, 0 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 67
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)

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

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /5

Defending units:
44th Australian Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Unit(s) Wiped Out at Kalgoorlie by attrition!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Setting Up

[PzB74]

Regarding fuel; I gathered all the AO's in 2 replenishment groups and topped em up.
We now have 10 and 30% left of the fuel and most of our TF have been refueled.

Should be enough to sail both back to Java or to Rabaul as I intend. The fast transports will follow the KB, the slow ones will go back to Java and the damaged ones will stay in port.

Not a shoe string ops, but a fairly close shave [:'(]

[aprezto]

Hmmm, no HR about landing in non-base hexes? (the hex below Adelaide)? I know we didn't stipulate that rule - good to know.

[kevini1000]

Hi, I've been reading both AAR's. Don't worry I won't give anything away to either side. All most like watching a movie here. My question is have you gotten any good recon of the allied disposition in the area yet.

Sath

[PzB74]

Well, today's good news first; Xmas Island fell and we'are finally done there.
That about sums up the good news [8|]

As the invasion force moved closer to Port Augusta and Adelaide 8 air strikes were launched at us despite t-storms and general poor weather. In all 225 ac came out, we shot down 46 and lost 15 Zero fighters.
- 4 transports and an escort vessel sank outright and another 8 more are damaged, 4-6 of which will have to be run aground before sinking.

Our first recon over target areas indicate strong enemy formations; 12 units reported in Port Augusta alone together with 15k + troops including 200 guns and 108 tanks.

- I had not expected such a massive force in the little port town of Augusta. The massive air onslaught indicates that numerous base units already are in the area.

The conclusion is simple: We did not achieve surprise, Andy is well prepared and any attack into the Port Augusta cauldron is suicide! There is simply no other option than turning around.

Our fast transports are speeding out and heading towards Esperance. Should be another day before Andy concludes that we're going the other way.

Maybe we were over ambitious, maybe sig int gave us away; it was a good attempt but no matter what we have to adapt to reality. I needed 2-3 days to pull this off and got none.

The next question is: should we go home or should we back track and make an attempt at Perth instead?
We still have units prepped for this target. Will have to consider this, if we capture Esperance we have a starting point.
It's also possible that Andy will pursue so we will have to wait and see!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 22, 42

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 72,162
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 17
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
SB2U-3 Vindicator: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Buenos Aires Maru
xAK Shinanogawa Maru
xAP Kamo Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Manila Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
337 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 72,162

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 2
Hurricane IIb Trop x 2
Beaufort V x 6
Hudson III (LR) x 3
Kittyhawk IA x 2
A-24 Banshee x 13
P-38E Lightning x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V: 2 damaged
A-24 Banshee: 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tama
xAP Buenos Aires Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Johore Maru
xAP Suwa Maru
xAK Kashiwara Maru
xAP Mizuho Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 72,162

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 4
A-24 Banshee x 16

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Johore Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Shinanogawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Haruna, on fire
xAP Mizuho Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
E Kiku, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 71,162

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru
xAK Nako Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 72,162
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 2
Hudson III (LR) x 3
Kittyhawk IA x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 16
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged
Kittyhawk IA: 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Kinka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Shinanogawa Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kamo Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Suwa Maru
xAK Manila Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 71,162

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V x 6
Hudson III (LR) x 3
A-24 Banshee x 9
P-38E Lightning x 13
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 3
SBD-3 Dauntless x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAP Hakozaki Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AK Hirokawa Maru
xAP Yoshino Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Azumasan Maru
xAK Bunzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
330 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 71,162

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru
xAK Bunzan Maru, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 71,162

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Zenyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

We got a bad roll today; need to rest for a day and get in more supplies.
Enemy losses were heavy so we're on the right path.

Ground combat at Alice Springs (74,143)

Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 10253 troops, 120 guns, 384 vehicles, Assault Value = 408

Defending force 4237 troops, 35 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 124
Japanese adjusted assault: 182

Allied adjusted defense: 203
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
398 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 25 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 35 (32 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
26th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /14
3rd Mortar Battalion
8th RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Recce Battalion
3rd Australian Brigade
Tennant Creek RAAF Base Force
107th RN Base Force
10th Patl RAAF Wing
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
Katherine RAAF Base Force
1st Fgtr RAAF Wing
NW Aus Aviation Rgt /15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Christmas Island (174,141)
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2677 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 93
Defending force 679 troops, 2 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 57
Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Christmas Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Allied ground losses:
905 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 117 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 19 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 9 (8 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
18th Naval Guard Unit
I/19th Naval Guard Unit
31st Infantry Rgt /6

Defending units:
Christmas USN CPNAB
E Det USN Port Svc
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasion Area

[bbbf]

Right decision.

Without the amphib bonus and without full planning bonuses, I reckon you would have struggled against marginal opposition. This would have been a slaughter.

Grand moves for Japan after the bonus goes just aren't as viable in AE as they were in WITP.

[krupp_88mm]

well at least you kept him honest, sometimes the threat is worth more than the action, fleet in being doctrine

[Mynok]

RUNAWAY! [:D]

Seriously...the right move. Frankly I'd pull those troops back north and start setting up your defense of northern Oz/SRA.

[bklooste]

Send tehm to Ceylon If he has reinforced Oz he must be weak at other places...

[Fishbed]

Whenever I leave you alone, you just can't help doing crazy stuff, can you? [:-]

[Rob Brennan UK]

Good call imo too. Why not go for silver medal and drop them near Perth and get the consolation prize at least [;)]

[PzB74]

We managed to disengage in one piece; Andy is being reactive and not proactive - still cussing over what my intent is.
Number of enemy troops at Augusta peaks, also troops in Whylla. No free bees around there.

Yep, we had to pull out of this one! Even with the amph bonus I wouldn't have dared to land in that hornets nest.
Still got 95% of our troops intact, more gained than lost thus far so I will spend the next week figuring out whether to go home or invade Perth. Plan was to capture Port Augusta without much hassle, so the big divisions have a 36-37 preparation for Perth. Would this make a head on assault doable?

Capturing Perth would secure our flank, disrupt enemy convoys and free our troops in Geraldton and maybe destroy some Allied units.

You're to busy playing AFB to be providing useful JFB advice Fish! [8|]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 23, 42

Sub /ASW Attacks

Holy, look at this "Andy" type TF near Melbourne!
He must be burning precious fuel if nothing else...

ASW attack near Portsea at 81,172

Japanese Ships
SS I-29, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Gwin
BB Warspite
CA Canberra
CA Salt Lake City
CA Houston
CL St. Louis
CL Detroit
CL Leander
DD Gilmer
DD Dent
DD Express
DD Thanet
DD Scout
DD Schley
DD Chew
DD Bulmer
DD Allen
DD Balch
DD Phelps
DD Flusser
DD Shaw
DD Fanning
DD Hatfield
DD Lawrence
DD King
DD Sands

SS I-29 launches 6 torpedoes at DD Gwin
DD Hatfield fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lawrence attacking submerged sub ....
DD Lawrence cannot reach attack position over SS I-29
SS I-29 eludes DD Lawrence by hugging bottom
SS I-29 eludes ASW attack from DD Lawrence
DD King attacking submerged sub ....
DD King cannot establish contact with SS I-29
DD King cannot reach attack position over SS I-29
DD King cannot establish contact with SS I-29
DD Sands attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-29 eludes DD Sands by hugging bottom
DD Sands cannot establish contact with SS I-29
DD Sands cannot reach attack position over SS I-29
DD Lawrence fails to find sub and abandons search
DD King fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sands fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sands fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sands fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sands fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sands fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sands fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

An AR? in Esperance?

Naval bombardment of Esperance at 56,153

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma
DD Yugao
DD Hakaze
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
AR Castor, Shell hits 2, heavy damage

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10
Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 2

CL Kuma firing at Esperance
DD Yugao firing at Esperance
DD Hakaze firing at Esperance
DD Harukaze firing at Esperance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Most of our damaged ships sank asap....

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Whyalla at 71,160
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 5
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAP Hakozaki Maru, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
675 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 100 disabled -> Ouch!
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Hakozaki Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ships that didn't sink unloads at Ceduna; tiny enemy presence here; minute little annoyance for Andy.
An incursion will also cut one of the 2 railroads going to Perth.

Pre-Invasion action off Ceduna

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru
xAK Nako Maru, on fire, heavy damage

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

PB Sozan Maru firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ceduna

TF 189 troops unloading over beach at Ceduna, 71,156

Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Charleville should fall tomorrow;

Ground combat at Charleville (88,154)
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1805 troops, 2 guns, 163 vehicles, Assault Value = 235
Defending force 2810 troops, 36 guns, 43 vehicles, Assault Value = 116

Japanese adjusted assault: 72
Allied adjusted defense: 37

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
287 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Esperance should fall tomorrow; with a size 3 port and a size 1 (4?) AF it's a useful supporting base.

Ground combat at Esperance (56,153)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3962 troops, 28 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 101
Defending force 525 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Japanese adjusted assault: 37
Allied adjusted defense: 12

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
87 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
21st Infantry Rgt /15

Defending units:
1st Marine Raider Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operation Scuttlebutt

[PzB74]

Looks like the ant is being raised; enemy carriers spotted!
Andy will only fight in 42 if he got the upper hand, if he rush in we need to outfight him with skill and luck.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 24, 42

Sub Attacks

A good day for our subs!

Submarine attack near Colombo at 25,48

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Raja, Torpedo hits 1

xAK Empire Raja is sighted by SS RO-33
SS RO-33 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Empire Raja
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Colombo at 27,48

Japanese Ships
SS I-158

Allied Ships
xAK Durenda, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

xAK Durenda is sighted by SS I-158
SS I-158 launches 8 torpedoes at xAK Durenda
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Colombo at 27,48

Japanese Ships
SS I-158

Allied Ships
xAK Ethiopia, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Ethiopia is sighted by SS I-158
SS I-158 attacking xAK Ethiopia on the surface
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Looky here; enemy carriers approaching SSW of Adelaide!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 73,164
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CM Hirashima

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's the Albacore's that get our little minelayer; amazingly accurate these little things!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 73,164

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 3
Kittyhawk IA x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CM Hirashima, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Albacore I bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

We attack again and lower forts to 1. A couple more attacks and we should be done!

Ground combat at Alice Springs (74,143)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 10053 troops, 120 guns, 383 vehicles, Assault Value = 400
Defending force 3708 troops, 37 guns, 90 vehicles, Assault Value = 118

Japanese adjusted assault: 154
Allied adjusted defense: 125

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
552 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 28 (5 destroyed, 23 disabled)

Assaulting units:
48th Recon Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
26th Recon Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /14
3rd Mortar Battalion
8th RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
3rd Australian Brigade
2nd Recce Battalion
138th(Sep) Infantry Rgt /16
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
Katherine RAAF Base Force
1st Fgtr RAAF Wing
10th Patl RAAF Wing
Tennant Creek RAAF Base Force
107th RN Base Force
NW Aus Aviation Rgt /15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy railed in troops that arrived this very turn; as you can see defender Op mode give minus.
Drawing out Andy's troops is part of the reason with these flanking moves.

Ground combat at Charleville (88,154)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5123 troops, 22 guns, 162 vehicles, Assault Value = 229
Defending force 6325 troops, 97 guns, 172 vehicles, Assault Value = 219

Japanese adjusted assault: 59
Allied adjusted defense: 53

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
166 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 43 (3 destroyed, 40 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
861 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 42 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 29 (2 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Assaulting units:
5th Recon Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment
2/8th Armoured Regiment
4th Australian/A Division
109th Tank Attack Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We finally capture Esperance; this is quite important actually; got some damaged ships
that need to unload here. The airfield also provides local CAP and search capabilities.
A large base force unit unloads tomorrow.

Ground combat at Esperance (56,153)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3895 troops, 28 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 100
Defending force 450 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22

Japanese adjusted assault: 100
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 100 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Esperance !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
330 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
21st Infantry Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
1st Marine Raider Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy has reduced his presence at Geraldton; I may consider a reinforced landing here.
If we march south towards Perth Andy will have to choose between fighting - risking encirclement - or withdrawing.

Ground combat at Geraldton (49,141)
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 585 troops, 15 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 176
Defending force 10206 troops, 143 guns, 153 vehicles, Assault Value = 363

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
10th Light Horse Battalion
276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
Geraldton Fortress
27th Infantry/C Division
1st RAN Base Force

Defending units:
20th Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
65th Brigade
16th Recon Regiment
1st Engineer Co
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undefended rail junction!-)

Ground combat at Emerald (91,151)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 42 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 5
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Emerald !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My grounded fragments couldn't muster much of an attack - could need that banzai spirit now!

Ground combat at Ceduna (71,156)
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 864 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15
Defending force 303 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 1
Allied adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), preparation(-)
Attacker: disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)

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

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

Assaulting units:
11th Infantry Rgt /18

Defending units:
Katherine RAAF Base Force /16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schwerepunkt

[aprezto]

Oho, your kingdom for a local airbase now. As you say: Esperance takes on greater importance, as, I imagine, taking Perth. If this is his main carriers, although your scouting doesn't seem to necessarily come to this conclusion, then you must surely take 'some' damage, and you are a long way from a friendly port.

[PzB74]

Indeed Al, got 50 fighters in place there now and a size 3 port so we got emergency facilities, but that won't help if our carriers are routed. Need to get the troop transports out, fortunately they are fast.

In general we are withdrawing but I will use the opportunity to try to manouver the KB in a position that will provide a clean shot at any enemy carriers moving towards us. With a wealth of targets around it should be possible to spot them first and one good shot is all we need. Have to live with that it will be impossible to get Andy to meet the KB on more neutral ground than this in 42.

Learning a lot here that will be put to use in another game I have going Wob [;)]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 25, 42

Air Combat

Catalinas attacks our ships near Ceduna - no hits but they're already sinking.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ceduna at 70,156

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Zenyo Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese CM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy airstrikes on our troops near Charleville, time to pull back.

Morning Air attack on 148th Infantry Regiment, at 88,154 (Charleville)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 9
B-18A Bolo x 3
B-17E Fortress x 25

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (0 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-18A Bolo bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 4th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 5th Recon Regiment ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 60 enemy ac reported in Alice Springs, Andy doesn't want to loose this place!

Morning Air attack on 8th Tank Regiment, at 74,143 (Alice Springs)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5
Kittyhawk IA x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-400 Airacobra x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 3rd Mortar Battalion ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A hotch potch of enemy ac from Perth attack our ships at Esperance.
Already got Oscars in place, but they have in general been crap and can't shoot down anything but Buffalo's.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Esperance at 56,153

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 5
PBY-5A Catalina x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5A Catalina: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Manzyu Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Esperance at 56,153

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAP Manzyu Maru
xAK Nojima Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Esperance at 56,153

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 21

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAP Ussuri Maru
xAP Kanzyu Maru
xAP Baikal Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Sooo close to capturing Alice Springs today and wrecking all enemy ac.
100% sure Andy will pull out his horses by tomorrow, cause then it'll be all over.

Ground combat at Alice Springs (74,143)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 9842 troops, 121 guns, 382 vehicles, Assault Value = 386
Defending force 3354 troops, 39 guns, 87 vehicles, Assault Value = 97

Japanese adjusted assault: 171
Allied adjusted defense: 61

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 17 (0 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
458 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 12 (7 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Assaulting units:
8th Recon Regiment
26th Recon Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /14
2nd Raiding Rgt /18
3rd Mortar Battalion
8th RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
3rd Australian Brigade
2nd Recce Battalion
138th(Sep) Infantry Rgt /16
10th Patl RAAF Wing
Tennant Creek RAAF Base Force
1st Fgtr RAAF Wing /15
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
NW Aus Aviation Rgt /15
107th RN Base Force /16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This place was occupied; want to make sure Andy garrisons every little sink hole in Oz!-)

Ground combat at Condamine (92,157)

Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 26 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

Defending force 418 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15
Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 9
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), op mode(-), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)

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

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /16

Defending units:
2/8th Ind Coy
Bundaberg RAN Base Force
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manouvering

Andy said "All In I hope I reallly wanted to catch you covering an invasion beach with massed SCTF and ACTF but this will do".
- This sounds like he's been lying in wait to spring a trap. He didn't exactly charge in today; maybe tomorrow but not sure it's his nature!

[2ndACR]

Only huge downside is the huge disruption all those troops on board ship have.......they have been at sea for a long time. You really need to land them in a friendly base and let them rest up before trying a forced landing anywhere with any major resistance.

If you were feeling brave, you could dump a bunch of them into Esperance now that you have it. Then they could rest up before traveling to Perth overland. But it is risky with his CV's and surface ships that close to you. Is Esperance a level 1 or bigger airfield?

If bigger, try dumping some strike a/c there to take some shots at his ships as he passes by.

[PzB74]

He's to close to unload the large transports in Esperance and it's only a size 1 airfield and supplies are not in abundance yet and no Air HQ unloaded.

Disruption is around 25-30 on loaded units; for now I will move the 4 big divisions out as quickly as I can and postpone the decision regarding were to land em until the "situation" becomes clearer. For now Andy got the initiative, but it's a big risk to dive headlong into a t-storm with a dozen smaller TF and the KB....

An amph invasion will only be performed when a) we have taken care of the enemy carriers or b) enemy carriers have withdrawn.