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

[Milman]

Hi PzB

Reading from the beginig and like this match very much. It is going to be very interestring like it was "India Gambit" plaied by you in original WITP.

I would like to know few things becouse i prepare my self for first pbem in AE.

1. I don't remember that your carriers were in port on repairs since begining. If that is true what dmg they have now ? I have problem that afther one month my cv's are over 5 sys and few engine and flood dmg. How are those things in your match ?

2. Those divisions which are retreating from S. Australia. Would you check their fatigue and moral when you unload them in friendly port. It will be nice to know how much were they on sea and how much penalty they took.

thx in advance.

[PzB74]

Intersting discussion and very valuable info guys! [:)]
- Andy confirmed that an HQ can't march into a target hex first...had no idea about this!

I use WitP tracker, but not every turn - especially not after I started a second game.
Pretty low on time to get them around before night creeps up.

The air units I swept Calcutta with were quite experienced and all "packets" arrived with their full individual strenght.
The air units does not belong specifically to the Air HQ in the base hex.
Can someone tell me if it's worth paying the PP's to change them and what exactly the effect will be?

Also; when having an Air HQ prepare for a target - will this effect strike coordination?
E.g. if my Air HQ had 100 prep points for Calcutta, how much will this increase strike effectiveness and coordination?
- Since it take months to get a 100 prep value for a single base it is almost impossible to prepare for more than a single enemy base in the general target area at the time unless multiple Air HQ's are brought in.

Weather in Burma - India is highly unpredicatble, impossible to know what it will be like next turn.
Still, if I can never sweep an enemy base with more than a single air unit at a time there could be trouble.
If 100 fighters are ordered to sweep I'd expect 60-95 of them to arrive over the target somewhat coherently unless something went totally awry. By taking of, circling, joining formation and heading towards target it should be possible to achieve more than individualism!?

Andy had no explanation about the coastal gun unit that withstood 2 armored units LeBaron...most likely a routine that needs tweaking!

Hi Milman, welcome aboard! [:)]

Yep, carriers accumulate system damage. I just sailed the KB into Truk after prolonged operations around Oztralia.
Damage varied from 0 to 5 sys and a the occasional major engine damage point. Nothing that the repair ship, port facilities and Naval HQ's at Truk can't repair in a week's time.

The divisions had fatigue from 20 to 80 when unloaded at Soerabaja.
I found that units loaded on AP's (troop transports) suffered a lot less fatigue than those loaded on AK's (cargo ships).
This is most likely a trade of cause AP's unload horribly slow during an amph landing.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 12, 42

Bombardments

Our big guns visits Bundaberg today to complain about the beer!
Donkey pi$$ [:D]

Naval bombardment of Bundaberg at 96,155

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
BB Kirishima
BB Kongo
CA Myoko
CA Maya
CL Tenryu

Allied ground losses:
166 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 6 (0 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 16 (2 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 18
Port hits 15
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 6

BB Mutsu firing at Americal Infantry Division
BB Nagato firing at Americal Infantry Division
BB Kirishima firing at Bundaberg
BB Kongo firing at Americal Infantry Division
CA Myoko firing at Americal Infantry Division
CA Maya firing at Americal Infantry Division
CL Tenryu firing at Americal Infantry Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW Attacks

Noticing a major enemy naval presence at Brisbane the I-154 is sent to investigate and is
given quite a welcome...she's now limping back to port with leaks everywhere.

ASW attack near Brisbane at 96,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-154, hits 8

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
DD Dale
DD Paladin
DD Norman
DD Express
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Brisbane at 96,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-154, hits 7, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CL Nashville
DD Hull
DD Gridley
DD Craven
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 95,152

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 Det with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Kawai Det with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at 73,147

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 984 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 35

Defending force 501 troops, 20 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 15
Japanese adjusted assault: 17

Allied adjusted defense: 3
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Recon Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Australian Brigade
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Argh, Andy simply railed a division into Cunderdin; probably got them waiting in the backyard already
loaded on trains :-\ No surprise a full division was a bit much....

Ground combat at Cunderdin (51,147)

Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 1046 troops, 8 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 53

Defending force 11226 troops, 199 guns, 287 vehicles, Assault Value = 360
Japanese adjusted assault: 23

Allied adjusted defense: 121
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
149 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 12 (0 destroyed, 12 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
2nd Recon Regiment
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /111

Defending units:
41st Infantry Division
3rd RAN Base Force
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lots of activity on the west coast of Oz...

[PzB74]

CAG - R&R Status

[Mynok]

Also; when having an Air HQ prepare for a target - will this effect strike coordination?

Yes....within its command structure and range.

Lots of reserve aircraft in those groups. Curious.

[ny59giants]

Per Mike Solli, the Ehime Class is the most cost effective of xAKs to increase cargo space to troop space via temporary conversion. The Aden Class is good second choice, but is also heavily used for carrying Resources.
 
Air coordination - I don't know if anybody has done so, but I wonder if you need the same Air HQ and the various Chutai, Sentai, and Daitai to all be the same command. You get good results initially when you attack into Malaya as they all come from 3rd Air HQ. As the game progresses, we all tend to mix and match too much.

[LoBaron]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
Air coordination - I don't know if anybody has done so, but I wonder if you need the same Air HQ and the various Chutai, Sentai, and Daitai to all be the same command. You get good results initially when you attack into Malaya as they all come from 3rd Air HQ. As the game progresses, we all tend to mix and match too much.

Thats a must have for coordination improvement.

I wonder how the exp discussion works out though. I know it has an influence (both, assigning squadrons to HQ´s and squad exp are part of my coordinaiton guide already) but I don´t know to which
extent and if theres a braking point - e.g. severe penalty with average exp. lower than 60.

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
Air coordination - I don't know if anybody has done so, but I wonder if you need the same Air HQ and the various Chutai, Sentai, and Daitai to all be the same command. You get good results initially when you attack into Malaya as they all come from 3rd Air HQ. As the game progresses, we all tend to mix and match too much.

Thats a must have for coordination improvement.

I wonder how the exp discussion works out though. I know it has an influence (both, assigning squadrons to HQ´s and squad exp are part of my coordinaiton guide already) but I don´t know to which
extent and if theres a braking point - e.g. severe penalty with average exp. lower than 60.

I was told this by a member of the dev team due to my complaining in my AAR, then tried it in my AI test game and had no effect at all, so I refrained from changing all my squadrons and spending hundreds of pps to do so in my PBEM. I then discussed this with AndyMac (as we know another dev team member) and he didn´t confirm that it´s a must or that it helps at all, which confirms my "tests". To point it out, I´m not doing test in a dozen with a dedicated test scenario, I´m playing the AI parallel to my PBEM when I´ve got time and there I use some empty bases as targets for example. Not taking notes, not doing statistics. I never saw a difference though in strike coordination, no matter what command the HQ is and what command the air unit is. Again something that sounds nice (the pps available have to be doubled at least then) but is IMO not true.

PzB, I was talking to Andy about this, I´m sure he will give you answer on it. DON´T spend any pps on changing around unrestricted daitais to different commands before Andy has answered you.

[aprezto]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Our big guns visits Bundaberg today to complain about the beer!
Donkey pi$$ [:D]

I'll take your word on that - interested on how you managed to find out how the former tastes... [:D]

[bbbf]

Bundaberg would probably be XXXX beer - although I don't know for sure in the 40's, may have had a local brew.

But if it was XXXX then your description is pretty close.

Bundaberg Rum (the distllery would be running in 42) on the other hand is a worthy acquisition for the Empire, although I imagine the Officers would prefer a decent Scotch, I'm sure the enlisted men would be quite happy with Bundy.

As the Yanks are about, you could probably make it a Bundy & Coke! Which is the most popular drink among young country males in Australia, if you gauge by bumper stickers.

[aprezto]

I was more worried about his knowledge of Donkey Pi$$ - bah - but I note I said 'former' sheesh.

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: castor troy

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
Air coordination - I don't know if anybody has done so, but I wonder if you need the same Air HQ and the various Chutai, Sentai, and Daitai to all be the same command. You get good results initially when you attack into Malaya as they all come from 3rd Air HQ. As the game progresses, we all tend to mix and match too much.

Thats a must have for coordination improvement.

I wonder how the exp discussion works out though. I know it has an influence (both, assigning squadrons to HQ´s and squad exp are part of my coordinaiton guide already) but I don´t know to which
extent and if theres a braking point - e.g. severe penalty with average exp. lower than 60.

I was told this by a member of the dev team due to my complaining in my AAR, then tried it in my AI test game and had no effect at all, so I refrained from changing all my squadrons and spending hundreds of pps to do so in my PBEM. I then discussed this with AndyMac (as we know another dev team member) and he didn´t confirm that it´s a must or that it helps at all, which confirms my "tests". To point it out, I´m not doing test in a dozen with a dedicated test scenario, I´m playing the AI parallel to my PBEM when I´ve got time and there I use some empty bases as targets for example. Not taking notes, not doing statistics. I never saw a difference though in strike coordination, no matter what command the HQ is and what command the air unit is. Again something that sounds nice (the pps available have to be doubled at least then) but is IMO not true.

PzB, I was talking to Andy about this, I´m sure he will give you answer on it. DON´T spend any pps on changing around unrestricted daitais to different commands before Andy has answered you.

Makes no difference anyways as I just do not have the PPs to spend on this sort of HQ change. I barely have enough PPs to get my American divisions out of the West Coast. I suspect it would cost too much for the Japanese player as well. AE sure makes you count the beans when it comes to PPs.

[PzB74]

I'll look into which AK's I'll convert; choosing the ones with 12-15 knots speed.
Got so much resources that I'm not worried, it's oil - oil and fuel I need!

Yeah, Bundaberg Rum was a hit when I reconnoitered Oz back in 03-04!
The comparison is related to the experience with Mexican "beer" Al;
What looks like it, smells like it, tastes like it must be it right [:D]

Of course this turn took forever to run because of prolonged air battles.
Had to turn it of last night as the wife hauled me to bed, had to continue it today; puts a good background for our
talk around air strike coordination and set up of air HQ's [:)]

Firstly, this is what Andy said about the matter:

Sweeps are hard to co ordinate but are worth it when they come off
You need high general xp sqns – its gernal xp that derives flight type characterisitics.

Apart from that weather HQ leader are all important
Being close to a specific HQ not sure about ask the elf he will know.

String was sweeping me out of the sky over Colombo earlier but that was from range 2 sp I guess range is important as well he is having real problems getting them to co ordinate int eh south pacific from range 6 at present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
p.s. more because I am a neat freak than anything else I have spent a few hundred PP’s making two of my main strike commands only have sqns that report to them so if you see me getting good co ordination then that might be the reason

I am also using only 60xp or above sqns in general xp, the best co located HQ and leader I can find, plenty of av support, not overstackign the AF either in aircraft or sqns and am waiting for good weather.

I also hand picked all the sqn commanders so for a non micromanager like me I put a lot of effort into getting my 2 strike groups every advantage I could think of

I don’t have the PP’s to do it everywhere but I am where I can making my sqns match the local hq
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soo, what can we make of this.

Firstly, I also changed units to their respective air HQ's in Oz last turn and Andy came sailing in with several carrier TF's looking for my battleships. He didn't find em outside of Rockhampton though and we got a large air battle.
- In all 46 Zero's from 2 bases escorted the 8 crack Nells to attack his TFs, quite good coordination!
It was a dogged battle and despite the heavy escort more and more CAP fighters rose into the air, including Walrus and other antiquated seaplanes. In the end all of our 8 Nells were shot down - not very realistic but this happens quite often with the fragile Jap fire bombs.

Then 90 bombers and 7 Warhawks attacked our forward base at Magwe in Burma in clear weather, ref Andy's comments.
Our fighters rose, handled the escorts but failed to seriously harassed the bombers that only caused slight damage to the base.
The follow up packets (un-coordinated?) were picked from the sky. Didn't loose a single plane except from one destroyed on the ground. The Nick was very usefull and claimed lots of kills against Wellingtons and Hudsons. Even a small packet of B-17's managed to survive the massive CAP with moderate losses (3 shot down).

It's possible that changing air units to their respective air HQ's is worthwhile but it's really hard to verify.
I'll try to keep the air units around their local HQ's and observe.

Another question I got is regarding Air HQ preparation. I'd say that 10 days should be enough to prep a HQ 100% for an enemy target. Why on earth should it take 100 days? Focus change during a battle, take Battle for Britain; german bombers bombed radar chains, coastal convoys, main airfields, sector airfields and London over a period of a few months. No way they spent more than a few weeks to prep for the different targets.

Again I have no idea how much effect a 100% prepped air HQ has on a strike on a given base.
Need to set up tests and launch the same attacks with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 preparation and observe the results.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 13, 42

Air Combat

Our sweep over Brisbane found 2 Martles that were shot down!


Morning Air attack on Brisbane , at 96,160

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 25000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We wasted time on shooting down Seagulls and Walrus "fighters" while 8 Zero's and all our bombers were lost in return.
No Wildcats were shot down here.... Overcast should be perfect weather to sneak some bombers through in.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 100,149
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 63 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
G3M2 Nell x 8

Allied aircraft
Walrus II x 1
Seagull V x 1
Walrus II x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 27
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SOC-1 Seagull x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed
SOC-1 Seagull: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 11 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
No.700 Sqn FAA S-11 with Walrus II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
No.700 Sqn FAA S-17 with Walrus II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 61 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VCS-4/1 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VCS-4/4 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VCS-5/1 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VCS-5/2 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VCS-5/3 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
VCS-6/3 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 58 minutes
VCS-6/4 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
VCS-8/1 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
No.9 Sqn RAAF S-2 with Seagull V (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Counterattack against our Burma base!

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 34
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 12
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 36

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 7
Blenheim IV x 15
Hudson IIIa x 24
Wellington Ic x 23
Bolingbroke IV x 9
B-17E Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed
Hudson IIIa: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Refinery hits 4
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Bolingbroke IV bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
8 x Wellington Ic bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
14 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
13 x Wellington Ic bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x Blenheim IV bombing from 15000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 6 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
84th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 24 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
27 planes vectored on to bombers
12th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 25 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
32 planes vectored on to bombers
264th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 25 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enemy strike on Rockhampton achieved nothing!

Morning Air attack on Rockhampton , at 95,152
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 12
Hudson I x 3
Hudson III (LR) x 16
B-18A Bolo x 5
B-17E Fortress x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson I bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-18A Bolo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow up strike that was obliterated.

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 31
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 35

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 6
Blenheim IV x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 3 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 9 destroyed

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det B with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (31 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
31 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
12th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (31 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
31 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
264th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (27 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
27 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
84th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another....

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 34

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det B with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (30 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
30 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
12th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (31 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
31 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
264th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (30 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
30 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
84th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and another.....

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 28
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 34

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson IIIa: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det B with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (28 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
28 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
12th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (30 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
30 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
264th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (30 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
30 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
84th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rockhampton , at 95,152
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
110 fighters vs 6 B-17's...we got 3.

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 28
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 34

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det B with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (28 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
28 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
12th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (29 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
29 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
264th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (30 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
30 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
84th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Battles over Burma and Oz

[PzB74]

Western coast of Oz - Enemy approaching?

[PzB74]

Back after a family weekend; now off for a week [8D]

Nothing much to report; lost some 20 ac in 2 air battles.
6 Sally's were murdered as Andy moved a very strong fighter contingent to Kalgoorlie.
10 bombers and a handful fighters were also lost over Brisbane; thought I had throttled range back a bit but must have forgot.

The big difference seems to lie in radar and detection; on average my raids are spotted 1 hour before arrival while I only get 6-10 minutes. Not a lot of my bomber packets are getting through, in the last 2 raids against TF's near Brisbane 100% of the bombers were shot down despite a heavy fighter escort.

Btw; is it necessary to have an Air HQ in a size 7-9 airbase to allow torpedo bombers to arm?

In general Allied air power is increasing both in Oz and in over Burma.
Need to strengthen our defenses in the latter, especially the rear bases were I will base the bulk of our army bombers.
Got 3 elite regiments in Luzon, considering to send them to Malaya / Burma area and replace them with garrison units until 1944.

I've now rested all Japanese carriers and their CAG units; can field 600 operational ac in the heavy and light carriers and the Hiyo will join soon. 3 CVE's are held in reserve for training, convoy and ac transport duties.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 16, 42

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on 44th Australian Battalion, at 56,147 (Kalgoorlie)
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 6

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 8
P-400 Airacobra x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 21
F4F-3A Wildcat x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Brisbane at 96,160

Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 63 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
G3M2 Nell x 4
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
Walrus II x 1
Martlet II x 3
Seagull V x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 26
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SOC-1 Seagull x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed
SOC-1 Seagull: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/35th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 13 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
No.700 Sqn FAA S-17 with Walrus II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VCS-4/1 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VCS-4/4 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VCS-5/1 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 59 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VCS-5/2 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
VCS-5/3 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VCS-6/3 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
VCS-6/4 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
VCS-8/1 with SOC-1 Seagull (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.9 Sqn RAAF S-2 with Seagull V (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Armored Lily's / Xmas Island

[witpqs]

I doubt that it's a bug. Truk is probably the same way. There are tiny atolls, huge atolls, and many in between.

[PzB74]

Hm, landing on a mega sized atoll will still trigger shock attacks and I wouldn't be very happy to land on one with a large number of guns and crack troops.

What do you say, is it worth building Xmas Island?
One question I'd like to evaluate is whether Andy can bypass Xmas Island if built up.

I expect to keep local air superiority into the last half of 43 unless the KB is beaten up.
So it is possible to put a truly strong garrison at Xmas Island and then withdraw parts of it before it gets isolated and then force Andy to assault it as Betties based there can interupt an invasion of the Marshalls.

With Oz heavily invested Andy will have to let out steam further north to get his train going.
Burma - Oz and Marshalls will most likely be the 3 most active theatres into 44.

[PzB74]

Today's main even was the sweeps against Kalgoorlie; as expected the 3 attacking units went in piecemeal.
The Oscars went in first and were cut up badly. I find the Oscars just as useless in AE as in WITP, no matter how experienced the pilots are they are just not capable of shooting down enemy planes and go down in drowes.
- Hopefully the Oscar II will be an improvement that shows, but I'm not counting on it.

The follow up Zero's cleaned up the mess though, Andy should be forced to stand his CAP down soon.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 17, 42

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on Kalgoorlie , at 56,147
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 14

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 8
P-400 Airacobra x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 22
F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ia Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
No.14 Sqn RCAF with Kittyhawk I (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
58th FG/67th FS with P-400 Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
17th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kalgoorlie , at 56,147

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 7
P-400 Airacobra x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 20
F4F-3A Wildcat x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed


Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
No.14 Sqn RCAF with Kittyhawk I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40E Warhawk (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
58th FG/67th FS with P-400 Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
17th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kalgoorlie , at 56,147
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 2

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
No.14 Sqn RCAF with Kittyhawk I (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kalgoorlie , at 56,147
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 1

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 25000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.14 Sqn RCAF with Kittyhawk I (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Losses

[Nomad]

Here is a link to the Wiki entry for Kiritimati( Christmas Island ) It says it has the largest land area of any atoll in the world. You can put a lot of troops into 124 square miles. BTW, Truk is not an atoll.

[CapAndGown]

The Oscar Ia is a worthless piece of junk. Its guns could not penetrate a cotton shirt. The Ic model is definitely better. By this time I am surprised to see that you still have Ia's in service. I would have thought you were building a good number of the Ic model.

[Milman]

Xmas Island

It is tricky. He can bypass them but it is going to be 2 weeks more of sailing to AUS. Check those french bases on south, if he bulid them than he can use them as fuel stations. Even if they are same as at the begining of war he can send there tankers for refuel duty.

Also look map, he don't need xmas if he attack Gilberts or Marshals. He can go directly from PH there.

Can you give us info about hes central and south pacific bases (airfields and ports size). That can tell you a lot about future plans ?