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Captain and crew of the SS Sargo deserve medals!

DELETED - I copied to post using this format, but forgot to exit. So we lost it all. [:@]

That is a lot of Kates down in one day. Almost 50% of the total lost to date before the battle. A lot of pilots gone too.

Playing Japan in another game and the issues is pilots, not airframes. He lost lots of quality pilots. My losses were spread out.

Instead of this division sitting on the West Coast until early '45, can I get her shipped to western Australia?? [;)]

That is PP cost and allocation of PP question. I find I am using a lot of PP to get the Burma Camp going but I am still in April 42 (and I have the house rule to pay the PP cost across borders). If your floating in PP's, why not. Otherwise, I look at PP as the most important strategic decision I need to make. What area of operations needs reinforcements and then assigning them the assets by paying the PP cost.

Is Aus the main focus, or Cen Pac or Nor Pac or Burma and what PP's do you need to get the reinforcements there and under the unrestricted commands.

Just my two cents to take a look at the big picture.

On the other hand, that is one nice division to get into the battle.

PP usage in early '42 is always a tough decision. So many needs, so few points. I could use about 5000 now. [:D] Don't overlook the need to spend them on your fighter air groups that you will have throughout the war. Some bomber groups get them, but my fighters come first.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Instead of this division sitting on the West Coast until early '45, can I get her shipped to western Australia?? [;)]

That unit is perm restricted isn't it? Is this just a "wish list"?

That unit is perm restricted isn't it? Is this just a "wish list"?

Yes it is! The Allies have to face multiple Japanese tank divisions, so I would like to have just one to play with.

In ref to the AA unit situation from a couple posts back - have you pulled the two NZ units over to use? Someone mentioned them in another thread and they seemed pretty competent..

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

That unit is perm restricted isn't it? Is this just a "wish list"?

Yes it is! The Allies have to face multiple Japanese tank divisions, so I would like to have just one to play with.

don't the ALlies get one very late... I believe to have seen one coming up either late 44 or early 45... (I know - WAYYY TOO LATE )

In ref to the AA unit situation from a couple posts back - have you pulled the two NZ units over to use? Someone mentioned them in another thread and they seemed pretty competent..

I have one of the big NZ AA Bde over at Esperance. She came with the last reinforcement convoy.

June 10, 11, 12:
The wounded leave the battlefield (or ocean).
We find out who is at Kalgoorlie.

Key: TT = Torpedo; bb = ground bombardment; c = casualties; b = base hits; s = supply hits; r = runway hits; p = port hits; f = fuel hits; AV = Assault Value; DC = Depth Charged; (*) = destroyed aircraft; If odds are underlined, they are the Allies; BG = Bomber Group of 48 planes (4 x 12 bomber squadrons); group = 25 fighter planes if American

Subs:
Blackfish is hit once by escort of Mini-KB on its way back to Perth.
S-36 gets the draw on I-11 off Albany and sinks her with TT hit. [:)]

CVs:
Mine are off Esperance.
Mini-KB is back at Perth.

India/Burma:
Shwebo area (base and 1 hex to west) - Up to 84 Tojos sweep or escort with 56 Oscars followed by over 100 Helens hit the AF and troops daily.

Taung Gyi - My Chinese Corp and /or Indian Division to the east of this base is attacked by 27 Helens.

China:
Lanchow - Up to 40 Oscars with up to 130 Sally/Helen attack AF along with the troops daily. The Oscars are now assigned strafing missions.

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34) (10th)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33107 troops, 465 guns, 905 vehicles, Assault Value = 3489

Defending force 46155 troops, 300 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1012

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 2542

Allied adjusted defense: 587

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
2438 casualties reported
Squads: 50 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 15 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 40 (21 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Vehicles lost 43 (22 destroyed, 21 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1306 casualties reported
Squads: 82 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 11 (2 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Ind Engineer Regiment
110th Division
3rd Division
34th Division
15th Division
27th Division
2nd Tank Division
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
15th Tank Regiment
1st Engineer Co
20th Ind Engineer Regiment
1st Tank Division
5th Guards Division
11th Army
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
North China Area Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th AA Regiment

Defending units:
34th Separate Brigade
100th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
99th Chinese Corps
12th Construction Regiment
1st War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
8th War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment
19th Chinese Base Force
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
21st Chinese Base Force

A large stack moves in with overstacking penalties coming soon, I hope.

Australia:
Horn Island -
10th - 23 P-38s sweeps before the bombers. 30 SBDs sink a CM and "E." 65 B-25s hit the AF.
11th - 22 P-38s sweep, then 50 P-40s escort in 49 B-25s to hit the AF.
12th - similar to 11th at AF. But, on the waters around the base we have 25 P-40s escort in 4 B-25s (coming in at 100' naval attack) to sink an AMc. Another 4 B-25s come in too fast for the 15 Tojo on LRCAP to get too before they get a bomb hit on an xAK. 16 Hellcats straf 2 barges.

Kalgoorlie -
10th - 40 P-47s sweep the empty skies. 36 PB4Y & 48 B-24s hit the AF.

Ground combat at Kalgoorlie (56,147)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 41478 troops, 412 guns, 267 vehicles, Assault Value = 1374

Defending force 29702 troops, 580 guns, 458 vehicles, Assault Value = 862

Japanese ground losses:
319 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (4 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 26 (16 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Assaulting units:
48th Division
5th Division
3rd Ind Engineer Regiment
21st Ind Engineer Regiment
18th Division
25th JNAF AF Unit
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
48th JAAF AF Bn
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
14th Army
8th JAAF AF Bn
14th JAAF AF Bn
21st Ind.AA Gun Co
85th JAAF AF Bn
40th Field AA Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
45th Field AA Battalion
106th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
2/6th Armoured Regiment
6th Australian Division
32nd Infantry Division
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
70th Coast AA Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
168th Field Artillery Battalion
181st Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Medium Regiment
Defenders are three divisions, 6 BFs, 14th Army HQ, 4 FA, 3 AA, 2 Ind Eng, but NO tanks!

11th - 15 P-47s sweep. 36 PB4Y & 47 B-24s hit the AF. & Zeros, 5 Oscars, and 53 Helens hit the two tank rgt to SE of base (rail line from Port Augusta) = 4 vehicles destroyed, 43 disabled. His troops conduct an ground bb attack.
12th - 15 P-47s sweep followed 36 PB4Y to hit AF. Another ground bb attack from Nick.

Albany -
11th - 59 Hellcats with 33 SBDs hit the AF followed by 16 TBFs attacking the infantry rgt.
12th - 19 P-40s escort in 33 SBD, then 16 TBFs, and finally 48 PV-1.

South Pacific, Solomons, & New Guinea:
Luganville - 10th - 36 B-17s & 36 B-24s hit the AF.

Central Pacific: [>:]

North Pacific: [>:]

Engineering: Canton Is - F6; Myitkyina - AF6; Ceduna F3; Mornington Is - AF3; Coen AF8; Bella Bella AF4;

Recon/Intel:

Notes:
Kalgoorlie will not fall easily. Plans are to gain control of hexsides if Nick chooses to stay. Troops are marching up from Esperance except for three Aussie tank have just upgraded (light tanks replaced by 18 M3 Lee/Grant).

Albany has my troops arriving soon (inf rgt, cmbt eng, 3 tank). Follow up from Esperance will be lead by 2nd Marine Division. I expect something for either sea (Fast Transport) or marching down the road from Perth while I have to go over trails.

June 13, 14, 15:
Surprise visitors at Horn Island.
First attack at Albany.

Key: TT = Torpedo; bb = ground bombardment; c = casualties; b = base hits; s = supply hits; r = runway hits; p = port hits; f = fuel hits; AV = Assault Value; DC = Depth Charged; (*) = destroyed aircraft; If odds are underlined, they are the Allies; BG = Bomber Group of 48 planes (4 x 12 bomber squadrons); group = 25 fighter planes if American

Subs: No hits, no runs, no errors this inning. [:D]

CVs:
Mine are headed back to Melbourne.
Mini-KB is back at Perth.

India/Burma:
Shwebo area (base and 1 hex to west) - Up to 84 Tojos sweep or escort with 56 Oscars followed by over 100 Helens hit the AF and troops daily.

Taung Gyi - My Chinese Corp and/or Indian Division to the east or two hexes east of this base is attacked by 27 Helens.

China:
Lanchow - Up to 40 Oscars with up to 130 Sally/Helen attack AF along with the troops daily. The Oscars are now assigned strafing missions.

Australia:
Horn Island -
13th - 22 P-38s sweep. 46 B-25s continue to hit the AF. 29 SBDs with escort of P-40 are able to sink 2 PBs & 2 xAKs.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 13 Barge busters!![:D]

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
LB-110, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
LB-112, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-111, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-107, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-105, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-106, Shell hits 9, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-103, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-108, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-109, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Beaufighter Ic bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

14th - I wonder why there is so much LRCAP/CAP over the base today. [&:]

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 15
N1K1-J George x 8
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 76
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 18
P-40K Warhawk x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 9 destroyed

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 9
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 44
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 3
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 9
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 9
P-40K Warhawk x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 5 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Unryu-1 with A6M5b Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Amagi-1 with A6M5b Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Katsuragi-1 with A6M5b Zero (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 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 59 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
286 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (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 30000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 80 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
13th Sentai Det with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (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 14000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
9th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Zeros from 3 Unryu Class CV are involved!! [X(]

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 57 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 2
AK Seattle Maru
BB Yamato
Now it is becoming clear why the large CAP/LRCAP is present for most of the day.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 1
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Nice to get the hits, but somebody had left his Beauforts on training NavT. [:(]

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD Yakaze
AK Amagisan Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Seattle Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AK Azuma Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Nick replies in the next turn that he brought the BB there because of an important reinforcement TF and they would not be hurt by 1000 lb bombs. Was this it??

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 15
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 17
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 13
P-40K Warhawk x 11
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 4 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
SC CHa-33
BB Mutsu
The afternoon doesn't start that well.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 9
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 4 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
AK Canberra Maru
DD Asashio
AK Tacoma Maru
DD Natsugumo
More confirmation this was a big resupply effort or to bring in tanks.

Kalgoorlie -
13th - 15 P-47s sweep. 33 PB4Ys hit the AF.
14th - 15 P-47s sweep & then 25 PB4Ys hit the AF. 21 Zeros escort in 25 Helens to hit 1st Marine Div (1 SW of base).
15th - The P-47s come in after the 33 PB4Ys.

Albany -
13th - The attack below is one hex to NW of base. This attack is followed by another 27 Helens.

Morning Air attack on 50th Cmbt Engineer Regiment, at 51,152 , near Albany

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M5 Zero x 11
A6M5b Zero x 16
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 20
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 37

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

25 P-40s escort in 33 SBDs to hit the AF while 16 TBFs & 36 PV-1s hit the troops.
14th - 20 P-40s escort in 32 SBDs to hit AF while the 16 TBFs & 35 PV-1s hit the troops again.

Ground combat at Albany (51,153)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3461 troops, 48 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 340

Defending force 9019 troops, 90 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 166

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

Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
50th Cmbt Engineer Regiment
1st USMC Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion

Defending units:
9th Infantry Regiment
31st Fld AA Gun Co
21st Special Base Force
21th JNAF AF Unit
23rd JAAF AF Bn

I hope this is a good sign.

15th - The 24 SBDs, 13 TBFs, & 25 PV-2s don't inflict much as they battle through severe storms.

Ground combat at Albany (51,153)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6549 troops, 59 guns, 366 vehicles, Assault Value = 339

Defending force 9044 troops, 90 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 172

Allied adjusted assault: 224

Japanese adjusted defense: 124

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
1259 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 37 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 17 (7 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
127 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
50th Cmbt Engineer Regiment
1st USMC Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion

Defending units:
9th Infantry Regiment
21th JNAF AF Unit
31st Fld AA Gun Co
21st Special Base Force
23rd JAAF AF Bn

Darwin - 6 B-24s hit the port at night, but hit nothing on 13th.

Esperance -
15th - Nick tries to take advantage of the moonlight. A total of 5 Nell, 6 Betty, 23 Helens don't hit anything.

Portland Roads - 57 Helens visit at night (15th), very light damage to AF.

South Pacific, Solomons, & New Guinea:
Merauke -
14th -

Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 18
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 17
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 22

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 3 destroyed
As usual, the first wave takes the most losses.

Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 12
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 7
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
The second wave does much better, especially against the out classed Nicks.

9 more P-38s sweep, but neither side shoots anybody down.

Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 7
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 2
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses
Have the numbers edge usually helps. [;)]

Luganville - I visit the AF on the 15th with 24 B-24s in the first wave and find 15 Nicks on CAP. 36 more come in. We each lose one.

Central Pacific: [>:]

North Pacific: [>:]

Engineering: Koggala F4; Viza F5; Cairns F4; Majuro P3; Portland Roads AF8;

Recon/Intel:

Notes:
CA Salt Lake City sinks while still part of CV Enterprise TF.

Air Losses for 14th were 116 Allies vs 80 Japan.

Most of fleet is back at Melbourne and being repaired. CV Lexington will take 24 days.

Screenshot - It looks like armor/tanks of some sort is leaving Perth for Albany while I have the 2nd Marines just to the NW of Esperance. At Kalgoorlie, you can see that the Allies have control of three hexsides. In the SW corner is the crippled CV Enterprise TF.

I know it's rather late, but one fairly effective ways to save pp you might be tempted to spend early in the war is squadron leaders. The random stats on your recruits can be up to 59 air skill (both fighter and bomber, naturally), which is decent enough for any but your crack units at that point, imo, and can be obtained for free with enough patience (at least for the nearly infinite us pilot pool). You can also cheese a lower leadership/higher air skill pilot for your restricted training groups so they can build skills faster before they hit the 50ish xp slowdown in skill training. Personally, in the early war, I aim for 70 a2a skill pilots as fast as possible, whatever their xp, and try to transfer them to cap groups in theoretical range of the Japanese but unlikely to see combat against fighters before they can train a bit to build regular xp up to get my pilots competent as early as possible. I think you could probably make it work with the aussies and brits too, though the other pools are probably too thin to rely on the rng.

I know it's rather late, but one fairly effective ways to save pp you might be tempted to spend early in the war is squadron leaders. The random stats on your recruits can be up to 59 air skill (both fighter and bomber, naturally), which is decent enough for any but your crack units at that point, imo, and can be obtained for free with enough patience (at least for the nearly infinite us pilot pool). You can also cheese a lower leadership/higher air skill pilot for your restricted training groups so they can build skills faster before they hit the 50ish xp slowdown in skill training. Personally, in the early war, I aim for 70 a2a skill pilots as fast as possible, whatever their xp, and try to transfer them to cap groups in theoretical range of the Japanese but unlikely to see combat against fighters before they can train a bit to build regular xp up to get my pilots competent as early as possible. I think you could probably make it work with the aussies and brits too, though the other pools are probably too thin to rely on the rng.

Thanks for the comment. I tend to train my fighter pilots up in Air skills until it is at least 65 before switching over to Straf at 100' in Sweep mode at 100% training. You want your Defend skill up so your pilots and more importantly the airframe has a better chance of survival. My American Army fighter pool is about 700 right now with some of them steadily going back into USA restricted air groups to finish getting their training. You disband so many air groups in the first 9 months that you have too many pilots to use and most of them require training.

June 16, 17, 18:
CV enterprise is finally sunk.
Albany sees a big push by Japanese air.
Lanchow finally falls.
Fletcher DDs in daylight are not to be messed with. [:-]

Key: TT = Torpedo; bb = ground bombardment; c = casualties; b = base hits; s = supply hits; r = runway hits; p = port hits; f = fuel hits; AV = Assault Value; DC = Depth Charged; (*) = destroyed aircraft; If odds are underlined, they are the Allies; BG = Bomber Group of 48 planes (4 x 12 bomber squadrons); group = 25 fighter planes if American

Subs:
The final sinking of CV Enterprise begins with sinking one of four DMS that is in an ASW TF within the same hex of Enterprise (5 east of Esperance) by I-157. She in turn get hit once by DCs on 16th.
On 17th, I-1 is hit one hex to east of Enterprise as I have an ASW group trying to clear a path. I-27 is hit 4 time by my ASW TF in hex with Enterprise and sunk. Then....

Sub attack near Esperance at 61,153

Japanese Ships
SS I-10, hits 26, heavy damage SUNK

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage SUNK
CLAA San Juan
DMS Long
DMS Perry
APD Kennison
DD Hughes
DD Stanly
DE Express

SS I-10 launches 6 torpedoes at CV Enterprise
I-10 bottoming out ....
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stanly fails to find sub and abandons search
DE Express attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

Salmon gets a TT hit on an xAK south of Denpasar.

CVs:
Mine are at Melbourne.
Mini-KB is back at Perth.

India/Burma:
Shwebo area (base and 1 hex to west) - Up to 82 Tojos sweep or escort with 60 Oscars followed by over 100 Helens hit the AF and troops daily.

Taung Gyi - My Indian Division two hexes to the east east of this base are attacked by 27 Helens daily.

China:
Lanchow - Up to 40 Oscars with up to 130 Sally/Helen attack AF along with the troops on 16th. The Oscars are now assigned strafing missions.

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75742 troops, 676 guns, 196 vehicles, Assault Value = 2250

Defending force 42696 troops, 293 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 823

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 4985

Allied adjusted defense: 275

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lanchow !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
3024 casualties reported
Squads: 38 destroyed, 191 disabled
Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 31 destroyed, 68 disabled
Guns lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 21 (3 destroyed, 18 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
18827 casualties reported
Squads: 649 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1330 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 77 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 239 (231 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Units destroyed 11

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
15th Division
2nd Ind Engineer Regiment
27th Division
15th Tank Regiment
34th Division
3rd Division
110th Division
20th Ind Engineer Regiment
1st Engineer Co
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
North China Area Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th AA Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
56th AT Gun Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
12th Construction Regiment
19th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
1st War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
34th Separate Brigade
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
21st Chinese Base Force
After weeks of relentless air attacks by over 100 bombers daily, my troops were in poor shape. The question now will be, "will Nick head south into the mountains?"

Sian -
17th - With the fall of Lanchow, Nick's bomber now come here. 21 Oscars (strafing) and 68 Helens.

Urumchi - On 17th

Ground combat at Urumchi (79,11)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1686 troops, 20 guns, 119 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Defending force 2234 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Japanese adjusted assault: 54

Allied adjusted defense: 47

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
4th Cavalry Brigade

Defending units:
259th Brigade

Australia:
Horn Island -
16th -

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 16
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 36
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
TK Moji Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
PB Choko Maru #5, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
I don't understand why he brought a TK this close to the front lines.

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
15 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *

I continue to get coordinated strikes from my 3 P-38 groups in NE Australia. [&o]

17th - It happens again!! [:)]

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 25
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 32
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 71

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 7 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 5 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
10 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
9 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *

18th -

Night Time Surface Combat, near Horn Island at 91,128, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Aulick
DD Conway, Shell hits 1
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 1
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD O'Bannon

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 100% moonlight: 12,000 yards

Although outnumbered 2:1, the Japanese DDs are able to hold their own.

5 Helens attack the DDs at night.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Horn Island at 91,128, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 22, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Aulick
DD Conway, Shell hits 1
DD DeHaven
DD Jenkins
DD O'Bannon
I've read other AARs about how good the Fletchers are, but damn!! [:D]

Kalgoorlie -
16th - 46 B-24s hit the AF.
17th - The 1st Marine is the target as she is 1 SW of base moving to the NW. Only 4 Hellcats make it as LRCAP despite the airgroup having a setting of 60% LRCAP from Esperance. 6 Zero, 9 Rufe escort in 35 Judy. 6 are shot down by flak as I have an American AA unit with this stack. More follow - 12 Judys, 9 Kates, 75 Helens. It will slow down my Marines for a few days as they recover. The AF is attacked by 45 B-24s. The 15 P-47s sweep afterwards.

Albany -
16th -

Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Tank Battalion, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
A6M5b Zero x 47
D4Y1 Judy x 32
N1K1-J George x 11
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 126 [X(]

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 22 (3 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Almost 200 fighters here. Numbers I cannot match.

Morning Air attack on 50th Cmbt Engineer Regiment, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 57
B5N2 Kate x 9
N1K1-J George x 11
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 82

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Tank Battalion, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 36
N1K1-J George x 18
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 39
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Tank Battalion, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 66
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 39
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
This tank unit now has over 90 disruption with half the devices disabled.

Ground combat at Albany (51,153)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6202 troops, 59 guns, 362 vehicles, Assault Value = 283

Defending force 8817 troops, 105 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 152

Allied adjusted assault: 62

Japanese adjusted defense: 199

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+)
Attacker: supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
659 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 20 (3 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
1st USMC Tank Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
50th Cmbt Engineer Regiment
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion

Defending units:
9th Infantry Regiment
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF /1
31st Fld AA Gun Co
21st Special Base Force
21th JNAF AF Unit
23rd JAAF AF Bn

The air attacks did enough to change the picture here for the next few days. Need to rest my troops and recover disruption and disabled squads. I don't think Nick will allow me.

17th - With the sinking of Enterprise, my Corsairs decide on their own to go with the bombers to Albany. [8|] 20(4) of them escort in 27 SBDs vs CAP/LRCAP of 18(2) George and 10(1) Zero. Another strike comes in with 3(1) Corsairs & 13(2) TBFs to find a reduced CAP of 2 Zero & 6 George. 27 PV-1s come in without suffering any losses.
18th - They come again as I stood down my fighters for one day. 30 Zeros, 8 Rufe, 4 George with 31 Judy, Follow up are 9 Kates and a total of 74 Helens. My mistake was again in the area of AA units. None are with this stack, but 2 are on their way.

South Pacific, Solomons, & New Guinea:
Merauke - Intel shows 56th Division moving in.
18th - 23 B-24s attack the port at night and don't even hit a peer, let alone a ship.

Luganville -
16th - 27 B-17s vs 5 Nicks on CAP.
17th - 3 Zero & 24 Nick are on CAP as 35(2) B-17s hit the AF.

Central Pacific: [>:]

North Pacific: [>:]

Engineering: Shemya P2; Diamond Harbor P4; Attu F5; Delhi F6; Johnson Island F6; Dunedin AF9;

Recon/Intel:

Notes:
Air Losses for 17th were 34 Allied vs 81 Japan. I usually post air losses only on days with significant losses.

The race to reinforce Albany will be won by the Guards Tank Division. He has it broken down into A, B, C on the road. I hope it is still not fully recovered from its battle around Kalgoorlie. Next turn I've ordered my bombers to hit it from 3000' At least I control the hexsides here.

June 16, 17, 18:
CV enterprise is finally sunk.
Albany sees a big push by Japanese air.
Lanchow finally falls.
Fletcher DDs in daylight are not to be messed with. [:-]

Key: TT = Torpedo; bb = ground bombardment; c = casualties; b = base hits; s = supply hits; r = runway hits; p = port hits; f = fuel hits; AV = Assault Value; DC = Depth Charged; (*) = destroyed aircraft; If odds are underlined, they are the Allies; BG = Bomber Group of 48 planes (4 x 12 bomber squadrons); group = 25 fighter planes if American

Subs:
The final sinking of CV Enterprise begins with sinking one of four DMS that is in an ASW TF within the same hex of Enterprise (5 east of Esperance) by I-157. She in turn get hit once by DCs on 16th.
On 17th, I-1 is hit one hex to east of Enterprise as I have an ASW group trying to clear a path. I-27 is hit 4 time by my ASW TF in hex with Enterprise and sunk. Then....

Sub attack near Esperance at 61,153

Japanese Ships
SS I-10, hits 26, heavy damage SUNK

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage SUNK
CLAA San Juan
DMS Long
DMS Perry
APD Kennison
DD Hughes
DD Stanly
DE Express

SS I-10 launches 6 torpedoes at CV Enterprise
I-10 bottoming out ....
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stanly fails to find sub and abandons search
DE Express attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

Salmon gets a TT hit on an xAK south of Denpasar.

CVs:
Mine are at Melbourne.
Mini-KB is back at Perth.

India/Burma:
Shwebo area (base and 1 hex to west) - Up to 82 Tojos sweep or escort with 60 Oscars followed by over 100 Helens hit the AF and troops daily.

Taung Gyi - My Indian Division two hexes to the east of this base are attacked by 27 Helens.

China:
Lanchow - Up to 40 Oscars with up to 130 Sally/Helen attack AF along with the troops on 16th. The Oscars are now assigned strafing missions.

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75742 troops, 676 guns, 196 vehicles, Assault Value = 2250

Defending force 42696 troops, 293 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 823

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 4985

Allied adjusted defense: 275

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lanchow !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
3024 casualties reported
Squads: 38 destroyed, 191 disabled
Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 31 destroyed, 68 disabled
Guns lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 21 (3 destroyed, 18 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
18827 casualties reported
Squads: 649 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1330 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 77 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 239 (231 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Units destroyed 11

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
15th Division
2nd Ind Engineer Regiment
27th Division
15th Tank Regiment
34th Division
3rd Division
110th Division
20th Ind Engineer Regiment
1st Engineer Co
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
North China Area Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th AA Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
56th AT Gun Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
12th Construction Regiment
19th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
1st War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
34th Separate Brigade
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
21st Chinese Base Force
After weeks of relentless air attacks by over 100 bombers daily, my troops were in poor shape. The question now will be, "will Nick head south into the mountains?"

Sian -
17th - With the fall of Lanchow, Nick's bomber now come here. 21 Oscars (strafing) and 68 Helens.
18th - My CAP trap fails as he doesn't send bombers in today. I send mine back as he might send in a massive fighter sweep.

Urumchi - On 17th

Ground combat at Urumchi (79,11)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1686 troops, 20 guns, 119 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Defending force 2234 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Japanese adjusted assault: 54

Allied adjusted defense: 47

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
4th Cavalry Brigade

Defending units:
259th Brigade
Still trying to get that oil.

Australia:
Horn Island -
16th -

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 16
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 36
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
TK Moji Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
PB Choko Maru #5, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
I don't understand why he brought a TK this close to the front lines.

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
15 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *

I continue to get coordinated strikes from my 3 P-38 groups in NE Australia. [&o]

17th - It happens again!! [:)]

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 25
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 32
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 71

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 7 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 5 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
10 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
9 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *

18th -

Night Time Surface Combat, near Horn Island at 91,128, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Aulick
DD Conway, Shell hits 1
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 1
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD O'Bannon

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 100% moonlight: 12,000 yards

Although outnumbered 2:1, the Japanese DDs are able to hold their own.

5 Helens attack the DDs at night.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Horn Island at 91,128, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 22, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Aulick
DD Conway, Shell hits 1
DD DeHaven
DD Jenkins
DD O'Bannon
I've read other AARs about how good the Fletchers are, but damn!! [:D]

Kalgoorlie -
16th - 46 B-24s hit the AF.
17th - The 1st Marine is the target as she is 1 SW of base moving to the NW. Only 4 Hellcats make it as LRCAP despite the airgroup having a setting of 60% LRCAP from Esperance. 6 Zero, 9 Rufe escort in 35 Judy. 6 are shot down by flak as I have an American AA unit with this stack. More follow - 12 Judys, 9 Kates, 75 Helens. It will slow down my Marines for a few days as they recover. The AF is attacked by 45 B-24s. The 15 P-47s sweep afterwards.

Albany -
16th -

Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Tank Battalion, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
A6M5b Zero x 47
D4Y1 Judy x 32
N1K1-J George x 11
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 126 [X(]

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 22 (3 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Almost 200 fighters here. Numbers I cannot match.

Morning Air attack on 50th Cmbt Engineer Regiment, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 57
B5N2 Kate x 9
N1K1-J George x 11
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 82

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Tank Battalion, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 36
N1K1-J George x 18
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 39
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Tank Battalion, at 51,153 (Albany)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 66
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 39
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
This tank unit now has over 90 disruption with half the devices disabled.

Ground combat at Albany (51,153)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6202 troops, 59 guns, 362 vehicles, Assault Value = 283

Defending force 8817 troops, 105 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 152

Allied adjusted assault: 62

Japanese adjusted defense: 199

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+)
Attacker: supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
659 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 20 (3 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
1st USMC Tank Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
50th Cmbt Engineer Regiment
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion

Defending units:
9th Infantry Regiment
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF /1
31st Fld AA Gun Co
21st Special Base Force
21th JNAF AF Unit
23rd JAAF AF Bn

The air attacks did enough to change the picture here for the next few days. Need to rest my troops and recover disruption and disabled squads. I don't think Nick will allow me.

17th - With the sinking of Enterprise, my Corsairs decide on their own to go with the bombers to Albany. [8|] 20(4) of them escort in 27 SBDs vs CAP/LRCAP of 18(2) George and 10(1) Zero. Another strike comes in with 3(1) Corsairs & 13(2) TBFs to find a reduced CAP of 2 Zero & 6 George. 27 PV-1s come in without suffering any losses.
18th - They come again as I stood down my fighters for one day. 30 Zeros, 8 Rufe, 4 George with 31 Judy, Follow up are 9 Kates and a total of 74 Helens. My mistake was again in the area of AA units. None are with this stack, but 2 are on their way.

South Pacific, Solomons, & New Guinea:
Merauke - Intel shows 56th Division moving in.
18th - 23 B-24s attack the port at night and don't even hit a peer, let alone a ship.

Luganville -
16th - 27 B-17s vs 5 Nicks on CAP.
17th - 3 Zero & 24 Nick are on CAP as 35(2) B-17s hit the AF.

Central Pacific: [>:]

North Pacific: [>:]

Engineering: Shemya P2; Diamond Harbor P4; Attu F5; Delhi F6; Johnson Island F6; Dunedin AF9;

Recon/Intel:

Notes:
Air Losses for 17th were 34 Allied vs 81 Japan. I usually post air losses only on days with significant losses.

The race to reinforce Albany will be won by the Guards Tank Division. He has it broken down into A, B, C on the road. I hope it is still not fully recovered from its battle around Kalgoorlie. Next turn I've ordered my bombers to hit it from 3000' At least I control the hexsides here.

Carrier Status:

As I have CVs recovering from the last reinforcement mission to western Australia, I must push forward with operations. The long delayed greater Luganville area is next up. Seeing 3 fighter groups from 3 different Unryu Class CVs over Horn Island and a missed sub shot on CV Shinano, I must prepare to face a reinforced KB (6 original CV, 3 Unryus, Shinano) and maybe more. I count about 800 planes without Mini-KB added. What and where are mine??

Melbourne: 481 planes (not including Sara)
Wasp - 76 planes
Yorktown - 90
Hornet - 90
Lexington - 90 (needs 21 more days to finish pier side repairs)
Saratoga - 90 (needs repair shipyard to get rid of 15 major flotation)
CVL Hermes plus 4 CVEs - 135

Sydney: 62 planes
2 CVEs - 62 (they need 24 & 42 days for repairs)

Vava'u: 172 planes
Essex - 90
Victorious - 54
CVE - 28

San Fran: 113 planes
4x CVEs - 113

Without the damaged Saratoga and CVE at Sydney, I have 797 planes more or less to face KB and LBA. However, I will need to wait almost 2 months for the following forces to arrive.

Arrivals: 279 planes
CVL Independence - 33 (7 days)
CV George Washington - 90 (23 days @ Panama)
CVL Princeton - 33 (26 days @ Panama)
13 DDs - 26 days (Eastern USA & Panama)
CVL Belleau Woods - 33 (27 days @ Panama)
CV Gttysburg - 90 (36 days @ Panama)

Part of me doesn't want to wait this long, but is it the best course?? I do have 2 new divisions arriving in USA in the next few eeks to join 4th Marine plus the division already in route to SoPac.

Comments??

The long delayed greater Luganville area is next up.

Why does it need to be done now, and not in two months?