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

[njp72]

It could have been much worse for Lowpe but the final DD sqn let me down with no torp hits

What could have been.

[njp72]

Disaster in the Central Pacific

In the space of just one turn/ day Japan's fortunes took quite a steep nose dive.

As predicted by the wise punters (Nomad and Jan) the invasion of Marcus was a non starter. Despite multiple BB bombardments over the last 2 weeks, the veteran 9th Division failed to secure a beachhead and lost 100+ inf squads in a failed shock attack.

To add injury to the wound, KB wandered over a previously unsighted sub who promptly put 2 x torps into Shokaku who responded with incredible fighting spirit by sinking like a stone

Thus after all the prep and planning Marcus survives and the IJN loses their best CV.

I think I may just try to isolate Marcus for now but it is in a damn awkward position.

[njp72]

Whilst the Central Pacific has been a temporary disaster, the one shining light has been China.

Probably 2 to 3 months behind schedule but finally (!!!!) the Chinese are starting to crumble. Been a few false starts before but no new reserve formations are being sighted up North and Lowpe is retreating. About time,

[njp72]

Aside from Marcus, the Allies are also making steady progress below.

Not much I am prepared to do here particularly after my last failed atoll assault.

Some light surface forces will head on down with a degree of air cover and look to cause trouble or at least impede progress.

Reorganising CV forces after Shokaku's loss and Akagi and Kaga are refitting.

[njp72]

Lowpe is also causing a degree of trouble in Burma as well but its fortune is really linked back to China's.

As China's fortunes continue to head south, Lowpe will be limited to the mischief he will cause here.

The problem is the Pacific.

[ny59giants]

"The Art of Attacking Atolls" by Allied players is a very good book.
You need well prepped infantry troops, tanks, and combat engineers. Lots of BB TFs to disrupt enemy troops and eat at his supplies. Lowpe was at the end of long logistical tail that placed his force on land and sea at risk. Patient my young Jedi.

KB going forward may need a CVL with Jills trained up highly in ASW after their trained up in NavT and NavB cause Jan '43 is right around the corner, sir.

[njp72]

"The Art of Attacking Atolls" by Allied players is a very good book.
You need well prepped infantry troops, tanks, and combat engineers. Lots of BB TFs to disrupt enemy troops and eat at his supplies. Lowpe was at the end of long logistical tail that placed his force on land and sea at risk. Patient my young Jedi.

KB going forward may need a CVL with Jills trained up highly in ASW after their trained up in NavT and NavB cause Jan '43 is right around the corner, sir.

As always, good advice Mike.

Currently regrouping and thinking about the problem. Cutting off his supply would have to be the first course of action.

Not easy to resupply Marcus from an Allied perspective.

[ny59giants]

Now that he has Gilberts, the Marshalls will fall (the question is how much you delay him and the cost each of you are willing to pay). That will make it more plausible for him to keep Marcus and it to be a thorn in your side. Your naval advantage will last maybe another 6 months more or less. This area of the Pacific may be the decisive battle whether you want it there or not. Thoughts??

[njp72]

Now that he has Gilberts, the Marshalls will fall (the question is how much you delay him and the cost each of you are willing to pay). That will make it more plausible for him to keep Marcus and it to be a thorn in your side. Your naval advantage will last maybe another 6 months more or less. This area of the Pacific may be the decisive battle whether you want it there or not. Thoughts??

My thoughts are I'm in trouble here . After a very good start I am now headed for a moment of reckoning in the Central Pacific which I am very keen to avoid.

Probably by early 43 (he may not even wait for hellcats) Lowpe will come steaming into Marcus looking for a serious CV engagement. He doesn't even have to win the engagement but a draw will suffice as long as KB is brutalised.

As soon as KB relatively combat ineffective, major Allied landings will commence and Japan will be strat bomb into oblivion. He will probably bypass the Marianas and look towards the North of Japan.

Nasty stuff coming in 43.

[njp72]

Whilst the IJN does its best to lose the war around Marcus Island, the IJA in contrast continue to make steady gains in China.

End game for Northern Chinese forces who are now completely cut off and isolated. Interesting the movement arrows out of the capital- it begs the question is he finally giving up on China and just keen to secure a supply corridor into Burma?

Its been one helluva fight but no new formations are being committed up north. I suspect Lowpe won't fight hard for Chungking as well which will make it more interesting.

*Whilst massive armour and artillery forces have been used (bought out from Manchuria) the key break through up north was achieved by 2 inf divisions. All armour forces are supported by infantry elements and arty. If I didn't use a combined arms approach there was no way I was going to break through against Lowpe.

The other critical factor was supply. The Chinese in the Northern Theatre don't have it whilst down South they somehow still have some.

[njp72]

A/C losses

Fairly standard except I take note of the significant Skytrain losses. What is also not on the list is the number of 4e Bombers which have been lost not due to combat but due to op losses (B17 D&Es + B24s).

Lowpe has gone all out in keeping China supplied via aircraft which has been partially to blame for the slow progress on the ground down South.

[njp72]

Snapshot of the Japanese economy.

I really like to smash out engines, vehicles and armaments and stockpile them for a rainy day.

I never carry many HI points and I have never ran out of them. Everyday the Empire is preparing for the inevitable strat bombing campaign.

[njp72]

This game is now likely to head into 45. But it won't get too far into 45 before an Allied auto victory is likely to be achieved.

From a point perspective I expect to lose about 20K to strat bombing and have my base points at least halved.

To remain competitive, the most likely source of points will be Allied air and ground losses to counteract the above (forget naval, Lowpe won't lose too much from here).

A large source of these points reside in China hence the IJA's determination to crush the Chinese.

[JohnDillworth]

Strategic Bombing against Japan is tough and tougher still without the Marianas. You need big bases and the service level of the B-29's is awful. Can't see where else he could base those beasts unless he goes for a Northern Home Island. Never to early to start thinking about night fighters.

[njp72]

Strategic Bombing against Japan is tough and tougher still without the Marianas. You need big bases and the service level of the B-29's is awful. Can't see where else he could base those beasts unless he goes for a Northern Home Island. Never to early to start thinking about night fighters.

Thanks JD,

I am in the process of heavily fortifying both the Marianas and the Northern Islands. I think it will be very hard to attempt a campaign until the B29s arrive in 44 but Lowpe knows it is the quickest pathway to victory. If he can get his B24Js in range sometime in 43 I will be toast.

[njp72]

The grind continues in Northern China with some progress. Resistance from the Allies has dropped off somewhat.

Has Lowpe exhausted his reserves or is he more concerned about Southern China and the land link to Burma?

[njp72]

Some interesting moves in Burma.

I hope he overextends here and I can cut off a Brit division.

[njp72]

Marianas being heavily fortified.

3 x Inf divs digging in at Saipan, Guam and Pagan. Forts will be at 6 for all 3 of these positions by 43.

[njp72]

Difficult situation for the Empire around the Gilbert Islands.

Not wanting to risk valuable naval assets on a fight that has largely been lost. More interested in the action around Marcus Island.

[njp72]

Digging in hard up North as well.

A very logical avenue of approach for Lowpe which no doubt he will utilise at some point.

Hokkaido is a fortress but more work is required on the Kuriles.

Should be relatively safe for the majority of 43.