Westerley Wind, Fine NJP72 (J) vs Lowpe (A) DBB Sce 30

[njp72]

Northern China continues to broken away from the centre of the Chinese position.

About 40 odd Chinese units now trapped in the North though most seem to be remnants of beaten down units.

Looking good.

[njp72]

To add additional pressure, the 3 tank divisions have commenced a push just outside Chihkiang.

Again another opportunity in the north and south to decisively break through. Let's see how Lowpe stops this one [:)]

[njp72]

Chinese reinforcements have stopped the offensive at Lashio [:@]

Not making much progress in Burma at the moment. Happy for the oil to still be flowing.

[njp72]

Expected- nice moves by Lowpe in the Gilberts taking advantage of KB's operations in the Maldives.

His amphib invasions have been nicely planned and our heroic defenders had no chance. Chose not to commit any surface units, subs only.

[njp72]

Unexpected- Another bold move by Lowpe seizing Marcus Island.

This was a fairly obvious target and was well defended (by my standards anyway) yet Lowpe nailed it in a turn.

My initial thoughts are; he has signed the death warrants for the 3rd Marine Div but we will see.

[njp72]

Combat results Marcus Island Invasion

[njp72]

Scoreboard

Needless to say this war continues to be incredibly bloody for both sides.

I am happy for this level of intensity in 42 because at least I have a chance.

[njp72]

]Big Push into Northern China about to recommence.

Units rested, armour assembled and air all ready to go.

[njp72]

Break through finally achieved up north.

[njp72]

A few problems here at Burma but nothing that can't be rectified.

Lashio is proving to be a very tough nut- Chinese troops now at the position in strength.

[njp72]

3rd Marine Division trapped at Marcus.

Some nasty naval bombardments have hurt them and planning an assault on Marcus in the next 7 days.

Lowpe is countering with subs which are very annoying!

[njp72]

Definitely getting closer to the end game in China.

Need one more hex to fall and then as per the blue arrow, cut a large chunk of the Chinese Army in half and isolated away from Chunking.

It will be interesting to see if Lowpe reacts or leaves the units in situ.

Finally!!!!

[njp72]

To ensure Lowpe can't block us up North, a furious attritional grinding campaign is happening down South with masses of a/c, heavy guns and the tank divs.

The objective here is not to break through (which would be nice but not achievable) but to grind down Lowpe's reserves and attrit his infantry formations. It is time consuming but starting to have an impact. Casualties are not too bad because the Chinese are now fighting without supply. They can still inflict plenty of disablements though

[njp72]

Just about ready to try my hand here.

Around 10 x BBs bombardments have gone through so I am hoping the 3rd Marine Div is completely disrupted.

Will find out in a couple of days.

Atoll invasions' are always tricky especially when I have next to zero prep.

The veteran 9th Inf div (the victors of Manilla and Bataan) has been given the tough gig.

[Nomad]

My feeling is that it will not work out well for you, but we will see.

[njp72]

You may be correct and I am a little nervous about it.

In saying that I don't think he has had any opportunity to build up any forts. Lowpe only seized Marcus Island 2 weeks ago in a pretty fierce battle. I am hoping the Allied forces on the atoll are badly disrupted or I am indeed in trouble.

[Nomad]

I am jut putting my opinion up front.

[njp72]

I am jut putting my opinion up front.

yep all good, you might be right.

Will soon see

[JanSako]

The best chance of success IMO depends on timing, must get the disruption as high as possible just before the assault otherwise US commander will reduce it fast:
Turn 1:
- get those BB's back, in at least 2-3 TF's with 2 BB's each bombard in the same turn, keep them in the hex to spend the rest of their ammo in turn 2
- KB ALL bombers bombard, both Kates & Val's
- CAP the hex so he can't fly supplies in/troops out

Turn 2:
- BB's use up the rest of their ammo, if you have another CA bombarding TF handy that would help
- Invasion lands - make sure to have at least a couple of CA's in the invasion TF, those marines will have a lot of guns that need to be suppressed.
- In the day phase KB planes bombard some more, should be less flak now.
- Shock attack goes in, pray real hard

[njp72]

A series of running naval battles this turn around Naru as I tried to reinforce the island and Lowpe tried to stop me.

Too many ships for the Allies to contend with and a small tactical victory for the IJN achieved. Scratch 1 x Cl and 1 x DD for no losses for the IJN but some banged up DDs.

Good to finally sink an Allied ship again.