THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]June 26, 1942[/center]

Bruised, Battered, and Mutilated Chinese fight hammer and tong against war mongering Japanese near Kweiyang and near Chungking.

Japanese Surface Fleet Bombardment of Koggla:

Pre-Invasion action off Koggala (29,50)

5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
DD Sawakaze
DD Shinonome
DD Hatsushima
xAK Taian Maru

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

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

BB Hiei firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Sawakaze firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Shinonome firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Hatsushima firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Shinonome fired at enemy troops
DD Hatsushima fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

Japanese Amphibious Assault Koggla:

Amphibious Assault at Koggala (29,50)

TF 26 troops unloading over beach at Koggala, 29,50

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

Japanese Slaughter Chinese Near Ankang:

Ground combat at 81,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5851 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 211

Defending force 3665 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Japanese adjusted assault: 306

Allied adjusted defense: 73

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), morale(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)

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

Allied ground losses:
1405 casualties reported
Squads: 46 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 68 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
9th Chinese Corps
4th Group Army
38th Chinese Corps

Japanese Bombard Chinese in the Forest South of Tienshui:

Ground combat at 81,39 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 64567 troops, 1203 guns, 753 vehicles, Assault Value = 1877

Defending force 19114 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 219

Allied ground losses:
237 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
59th Infantry Brigade
10th Division
37th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
14th Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th RF Gun Battalion
3rd RF Gun Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Field Artillery Regiment
26th Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
6th RF Gun Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
18th Group Army
14th Group Army
6th War Area
129th Red Chinese Division

Chinese Mow Down Japanese Crossing the River Near Kweiyang!

Ground combat at 75,48 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 74928 troops, 783 guns, 114 vehicles, Assault Value = 2492

Defending force 42403 troops, 166 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1470

Japanese adjusted assault: 1381

Allied adjusted defense: 1181

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
9980 casualties reported
Squads: 123 destroyed, 702 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 85 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 102 disabled
Guns lost 28 (1 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
4718 casualties reported
Squads: 99 destroyed, 226 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 134 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 33 (1 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Division
51st Infantry Brigade
104th Division
6th Division
40th Division
39th Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd RF Gun Battalion
1st JAAF AF Coy
23rd Army
2nd JAAF AF Coy
8th Mountain Gun Regiment
28th Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
RGC Army
5th RF Gun Battalion
67th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Chinese Base Force
29th Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
16th Group Army
1st Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
9th Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force

Chinese Punish Japanese Near Chungking!

Ground combat at 77,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 59283 troops, 544 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 1579

Defending force 36364 troops, 217 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 821

Japanese adjusted assault: 891

Allied adjusted defense: 904

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2756 casualties reported
Squads: 118 destroyed, 116 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Guns lost 34 (2 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1994 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 214 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

Assaulting units:
61st Infantry Brigade
34th Division
13th Division
35th Division
116th Division
32nd Division
11th Army
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
46th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
22nd Group Army
10th Group Army
33rd Group Army

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]June 27, 1942[/center]

Allied submarines spot two Japanese CVE Carriers just South of Toyohara. The Taiyo and Unyo are off the Coast of Bathurst Island and the Siryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku are off the Coast of Ceylon.

Japanese Force Allies to Retreat Near Koepang:

Ground combat at 70,116 (near Koepang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3236 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 126

Defending force 488 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Japanese adjusted assault: 108

Allied adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 27 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
58th Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
Koepang Base Force

Japanese Attack at Koggla:

Ground combat at Koggala (29,50)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5125 troops, 50 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 114

Defending force 719 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 29

Japanese adjusted assault: 16

Allied adjusted defense: 57

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

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

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

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

Assaulting units:
5th Guards Div /1

Defending units:
9/8th Punjab Battalion

And Of Course the Japanese Bombard the Chinese in the Forest South of Tienshui:

Ground combat at 81,39 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 64673 troops, 1203 guns, 753 vehicles, Assault Value = 1889

Defending force 18745 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 193

Allied ground losses:
112 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
10th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
14th Division
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Field Artillery Regiment
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
4th RF Gun Battalion
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
26th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd RF Gun Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
6th RF Gun Battalion
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
18th Group Army
14th Group Army
120th Red Chinese Division
6th War Area
129th Red Chinese Division

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Questions[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]The War College[/center]
[center]June 27, 1942[/center]

Background

As most members of The War College are aware, the Allies intend to launch Operation Land Shark no later than October 15, 1942 (at the end of the monsoon season in Burma).

Operation Land Shark's objective is to re-take Burma, push through China, invade Manchukuo, and conquer Korea.

Operation Land Shark assault forces, include but not limited too, seven U.S. Army Infantry Divisions. After Burma is liberated, the Americal Division will lead the push into China. The Americal Division will be accompanied by the Southwest Headquarters, two Base Forces, two Combat Engineer Regiments, two AA Regiments, eleven Artillery Regiments, and five Artillery Battalions.

Whether the five U.S. Armor units and four Tank Destroyer Battalions join the Americal Division presently depends on advice provided to me by The War College Members.

I do realize that circumstances may dictate change in any composition of any assaulting group or entity. However, at this time, your help with the following questions will be most appreciated.

First Question: The 159th Motorized Infantry Regiment

In reading through AARs, I have read that armor performs better when accompanied with infantry.

Would the 159th satisfy the "Infantry" requirement?

Second Question: Four Tank Battalions and the 159th

Assuming that the 159th would satisfy the "Infantry" requirement for Tank Battalions to fight more efficiently, do you think that having these tank battalions and the 159th as a separate entity would be better than attaching them to the Americal Division?

I like the idea of having them as a separate entity as they won't be slowed down by regular infantry, etc.

Third Question: Tank Destroyer Battalions

Assuming the four tank battalions and 159th are a separate entity (i.e., not attached to one of the seven infantry divisions), do you think the Tank Destroyer Battalions should all be attached to the armor group, or all four attached to the spearhead Americal Division, or perhaps have one Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to each of four infantry divisions?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Mike McCreery]

3rd question:

You need them where the Japanese armor is.

Without a map and plans for movement it is impossible to tell you what grouping would be best.

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]June 28, 1942[/center]

Japanese DD Dents Allied Submarine Near Madras:

Sub attack near Madras at 39,46

Japanese Ships
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Katsutade
DD Hatakaze

Allied Ships
SS KXIV, hits 1

SS KXIV launches 4 torpedoes at DD Tokitsukaze
DD Katsutade fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Katsutade fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Katsutade attacking submerged sub ....
DD Katsutade attacking submerged sub ....
DD Katsutade fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Japanese Force Chinese to Retreat Near Kiuchuan:

Ground combat at 82,28 (near Kiuchuan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3090 troops, 0 guns, 435 vehicles, Assault Value = 233

Defending force 1102 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Japanese adjusted assault: 95

Allied adjusted defense: 7

Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
658 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 49 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 5

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
5th Armored Car Co
12th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
82nd Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Base Force
303rd Brigade
27th Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Base Force

This Time Japanese Bombardment of Chinese in the Forest South of Tienshui Takes a Heavy Toll:

Ground combat at 81,39 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 64717 troops, 1203 guns, 753 vehicles, Assault Value = 1893

Defending force 18585 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 186

Allied ground losses:
559 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
59th Infantry Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
10th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
14th Division
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
4th RF Gun Battalion
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
1st Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
6th RF Gun Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
26th Field Artillery Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
18th Group Army
120th Red Chinese Division
14th Group Army
6th War Area
129th Red Chinese Division

Allies Defend Japanese Ground Attack at Trincomalee!

Ground combat at Trincomalee (31,47)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12957 troops, 124 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 731

Defending force 7735 troops, 95 guns, 113 vehicles, Assault Value = 141

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 270

Allied adjusted defense: 251

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
848 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
38th Division
143rd Infantry Regiment
4th Division
41st Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Trincomalee Fortress
99th Indian Brigade
1st RM Heavy AA Regiment

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

3rd question:

You need them where the Japanese armor is.

Without a map and plans for movement it is impossible to tell you what grouping would be best.

Wargmr-

Thank you for responding.

Yes, it makes sense that Tank Destroyers are best at destroying tanks.

What I am trying to do is organize fighting units. And, I am wondering if the Tank Destroyer Battalions would fight better attached in an Infantry Division or Tank Battalions?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]June 29, 1942[/center]

The 4th Chinese Corps arrived safe and sound in the forest South of Tienshui.

Chinese Retreat Upon Japanese Attack Near Yenan:

Ground combat at 89,34 (near Yenan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5856 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 211

Defending force 449 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 220

Allied adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 44 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
192 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
81st Chinese Corps

Chinese Retreat Upon Japanese Attack Near Balikpapan:

Ground combat at 64,96 (near Balikpapan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1468 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Defending force 260 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 25

Allied adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
51st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Samarinda KNIL Battalion
Balikpapan Base Force

The Japanese Sure Spend a Fortune on Artillery Shells:

Ground combat at 81,39 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 64757 troops, 1203 guns, 753 vehicles, Assault Value = 1898

Defending force 27503 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 514

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

Allied ground losses:
336 casualties reported
Squads: 21 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
59th Infantry Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
10th Division
14th Division
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
6th RF Gun Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
26th Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th RF Gun Battalion
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Field Artillery Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
14th Group Army
6th War Area
120th Red Chinese Division
18th Group Army
129th Red Chinese Division

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]June 30, 1942[/center]

The four Japanese Carriers that were off the Coast of Ceylon have not been spotted for two days. Intercepted radio communications indicate that El Lobo is sending a Japanese Infantry Division to Rangoon. Perhaps, the Japanese Carriers have simply moved southwest to protect the Japanese Infantry Division or, perhaps the Japanese Carriers intend to leave the Bay of Bengal to refuel and to rearm carrier aircraft. In any event, allied bombers flew unimpeded by Japanese aircraft and bombarded Japanese troops at Trincomalee with less than effective results.

Japanese Capture Lautem:

Ground combat at Lautem (72,115)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3095 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 80

Defending force 428 troops, 37 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 69

Allied adjusted defense: 7

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lautem !!!

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

Allied ground losses:
432 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 43 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 45 (45 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
124th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
2nd KNIL AA Battalion
Lautem Base Force

Japanese Combat Surface Ships Bombard Allied Troops at Koggla:

Pre-Invasion action off Koggala (29,50)

4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
DD Shirayuki
DD Yudachi
DD Hagikaze
AMC Aikoku Maru

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

BB Fuso firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Shirayuki firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Yudachi firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Hagikaze firing at 9/8th Punjab Battalion
DD Hagikaze fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

Japanese Land More Troops at Koggla:

Amphibious Assault at Koggala (29,50)

TF 220 troops unloading over beach at Koggala, 29,50

Japanese ground losses:
1191 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 146 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 40 (0 destroyed, 40 disabled)

19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of 5th Guards Div /1
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 5th Guards Div /17
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 5th Guards Div /18

Japanese Rout Chinese Near Kiuchuan:

Ground combat at 81,27 (near Kiuchuan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3090 troops, 0 guns, 435 vehicles, Assault Value = 232

Defending force 696 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Japanese adjusted assault: 182

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 60 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
462 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 57 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Units destroyed 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
23rd Tank Regiment
5th Armored Car Co
12th Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
19th Chinese Base Force
27th Chinese Corps
303rd Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Base Force

Japanese Artillery are Becoming More Accurate in Bombarding Chinese in the Forest South of Tienshui:

Ground combat at 81,39 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 64843 troops, 1203 guns, 753 vehicles, Assault Value = 1907

Defending force 27341 troops, 53 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 516

Allied ground losses:
500 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
10th Division
37th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
14th Division
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
26th Field Artillery Regiment
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
7th RF Gun Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
6th RF Gun Battalion
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
4th RF Gun Battalion
1st Field Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
4th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
6th War Area
14th Group Army
18th Group Army
129th Red Chinese Division

SS Gato Nails xAK Kuroshio Near Tokunoshima!

Sub attack near Tokunoshima at 98,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Kuroshio Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Bokuyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Gato

SS Gato launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kuroshio Maru
Gato diving deep ....
PB Bokuyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Bokuyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Bokuyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Bokuyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Bokuyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Pitiful Allied Aircraft Bombing Results at Trincomalee:

Morning Air attack on 4th Division, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 18
Wellington Ic x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Wellington Ic bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x Wellington Ic bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 143rd Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th Division ...
Also attacking 143rd Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th Division ...
Also attacking 143rd Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th Division ...

And Zip

Morning Air attack on 38th Division, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 24

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

And Nada

Morning Air attack on 143rd Infantry Regiment, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 15

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb

And Nothing

Morning Air attack on 38th Division, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged
Hudson IIIa: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]China[/center]
[center]as of June 30, 1942[/center]

From the outbreak of hostilities with Japan on December 7, 1942, El Lobo has made it crystal clear that he intends to hammer China into submission. He has made steady progress toward that end.

The Chinese are critically low on supply, surrounded by numerous Japanese Infantry Divisions, Japanese Tanks, and Japanese Artillery. Chinese ground forces continue to dwindle on a daily basis.

My best guess is that Chungking will remain in Allied hands through the month of July, but will fall during the month of August. Thereby, falling into Japanese control well before Operation Land Shark forces can save them.

Our stubborn and courageous Chinese, in the face of an overwhelming invasive enemy, have bought enough time to permit the Allies to become very strong in India and to prepare to launch Operation Land Shark on schedule (i.e., no later than October 15, 1942).

The map below illustrates the dire China situation.

Best Regards,

Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Japanese Progress[/center]
[center]as of June 30, 1942[/center]

As the strategic map below illustrates, El Lobo's blood thirsty, greedy land-grabbing war mongers have expanded the Evil Emperor's Empire West to a landing on Ceylon, East past Java, and South to Bathurst Island just North of Darwin.

El Lobo's soiled hands have not yet touched the Aleutian Island chain, Wake or Midway Islands, the Line Islands, Tahiti, Pago Pago, Fiji, Rabual, Ne Caledonia, Port Moresby, New Zealand, Australia, nor India.

The present hot spots are China and Ceylon.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Month End Report[/center]
[center]By the Numbers[/center]
[center]as of June 30, 1942[/center]

The Agreement between El Lobo and I to ignore Victory Points has provided the Allies with a free hand to build a solid rear-line perimeter while at the same time build-up substantial forces in India in preparation to launch Operation Land Shark on October 15, 1942.

Allied forces, in mass, will cross the India-Burma border at the end of the monsoon. I am concerned about being able to supply such a massive Allied Force. At a minimum, it is obvious that a dedicated supply airlift will be necessary. To that end, the Allies are shipping all Transport aircraft to India.

On October 15, 1942, El Lobo will still have naval superiority and be able to control and water he wishes. Supplying Operation Land Shark from the sea might prove to be not only difficult, but quite costly in terms of Allied transport ships.

Further, I suspect, unless the Allies do something quickly, that El Lobo will have Ceylon within his grip prior to the commencement of Operation Land Shark.

The 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions with additional U. S. Marines will all be in Australia prior to July 7, 1942. It is highly unlikely that El Lobo has any intent to invade Australia this late. Accordingly, I am thinking on sending the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions to Ceylon. The 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions would leave Ceylon in plenty of time to get to Pearl Harbor prior to the launch of Operation Sea Shark presently scheduled for June 1, 1943.

That leaves Port Blair, of which I have no plan, but don't like El Lobo having Port Blair when Operation Land Shark commences. I might have to dedicate one of the seven U.S. Army Infantry Divisions in India to capture Port Blair.

As all of you are no doubt aware, fighting for Ceylon and Port Blair prior to October 15, 1942 could be very dangerous with El Lobo having Sea superiority due to those damn Japanese Carriers.

An option is to send the American Carriers and Surface War ships to the Bay of Bengal to support the Allied landings on Ceylon and the Allied invasion of Port Blair; and perhaps a supply run to Akyab.

The Allies have much to consider!

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Ian R]

Edit: there looks to be a short route to the Kanto plain avalable here, via Rabaul/Ulithi & Wake/Iwo. Don't fight the war where he wants you to. Put just enough there to block him, no more.

Spanner. Works.

[Rio Bravo]

Ian-

Welcome to The War College.

I don't think I fully understand the advice you have presented. Please advise if I have at least part of your advice right:

Don't send the marines to Ceylon to fight on turf most favorable to El Lobo.

Instead...

Lay speed bumps at Rabaul and Ulithi or Wake and Iwo.

Where is the Kanto Plain?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Ian R]

Hi Terry.

When I look at that map I do not see crisis, I see opportunity.

Its July 1942 and the IJ haven't taken Rabaul, or the north coast of NG. He's fixated on the CBI. Where is your intel tracking locating his original offensive divisions? With 6 months of PP he's maybe bought another 3 out of China. Its not a lot. The KB (or 2/3 of it) is supporting his Ceylon invasion. You have enough stuff up that corner of the map already to turn that into your game's Cactus base, without the Marines. It maybe a happy coincidence that the IJ concentrated on the Asian mainland and you put an entire American/Australian ground army there for offensive purposes, but so be it.

I'm not suggesting you set up a speed bump in Rabaul. I am suggesting you build it (and Lae/Madang, Hollandia, and points northwest) up into a fortress, put 4Es on it to suppress Truk, and put LBA in the bases around it and train, train, train for air-air & bombing ships. If the KB comes over from the Bay of Bengal, good, 2000lb bombs through wooden flight decks. Put the whole Marine Corps there and prep them. As soon as you damage some IJN CVs go on the offensive. Or just go on the offensive anyway to generate an opportunity to damage them. I mentioned Ulithi, but Palau may work better, with secured air space down the NG coast for your supply line, and a threatening central position that also secures the southern flank of your planned sea shark offensive.

rgds

Ian

PS - I forget when you get the Marine Raiders, but you might have some Australian commando companies hanging around PNG or somewhere, currently unemployed. I'd be loading some raiding forces on the SSTs and sending them off to do a bit of recon. They might even find an empty base within Coronado range of Sorong or similar.

[witpqs]

Howdy, Rio. Was out of this AAR for a while but, like a bad penny, "I'm Baaack!" [:D]

[poodlebrain]

ORIGINAL: Ian R

Edit: there looks to be a short route to the Kanto plain avalable here, via Rabaul/Ulithi & Wake/Iwo. Don't fight the war where he wants you to. Put just enough there to block him, no more.

Spanner. Works.

It's June 1942 in the game. Is it practical to engage in an island hopping campaign outside LBA range? The opportunity to isolate and liberate the SRA from New Guinea looks like a more realistic approach. Valuable targets are well within range of advancing LBA, Allied TFs would have shorter sailing distances from friendly ports, multiple targets spread Japanese defenders, and any Japanese counter actions would have to come from known directions. All of these are advantages the Allies need until the latter half of 1943. I'd try and capture Manado and Talaud-illanden before the end of 1942. They would provide bases from which the Allies could threaten Tarakan and/or Mindinao in early 1943. The LCUs are available now, and offensive actions in the SW Pacific would force the IJN to respond. This would reduce the threat level of shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean that will be crucial to Operation Land Shark.

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]July 1, 1942[/center]

Japanese Shove Our Brave Chinese Out Of the Forest Hex South of Tienshui:

Ground combat at 81,39 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64880 troops, 1203 guns, 753 vehicles, Assault Value = 1911

Defending force 26934 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 496

Japanese adjusted assault: 1349

Allied adjusted defense: 598

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1341 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 145 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
8400 casualties reported
Squads: 479 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 405 destroyed, 63 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 13 (10 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units retreated 10

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
59th Infantry Brigade
10th Division
37th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
14th Division
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th RF Gun Battalion
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
26th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
6th RF Gun Battalion
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
77th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
14th Group Army
6th War Area
18th Group Army
129th Red Chinese Division

Japanese Destroy SE Borneo KNIL Battalion Near Sampit:

Ground combat at 59,96 (near Sampit)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3966 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 147

Defending force 181 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Japanese adjusted assault: 33

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 33 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
11th Garrison Unit

Defending units:
SE Borneo KNIL Battalion

Chinese Hold Firm at Tienshui!

Ground combat at Tienshui (81,38)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 960 troops, 0 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 81

Defending force 19358 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 456

Japanese adjusted assault: 54

Allied adjusted defense: 358

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 3)

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

Allied ground losses:
378 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
10th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
42nd Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
15th Chinese Base Force
Red Chinese Army
5th War Area
6th Chinese Base Force
5th Chinese Base Force
1st Construction Regiment

The 95th Chinese Corps Refuses to Budge Near Kienko!

Ground combat at 80,41 (near Kienko)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1320 troops, 0 guns, 197 vehicles, Assault Value = 110

Defending force 5115 troops, 71 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 164

Japanese adjusted assault: 127

Allied adjusted defense: 76

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Allied ground losses:
258 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Tank Regiment
13th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
95th Chinese Corps

Allied Bombers Continue to Have Little Success Bombing Japanese Troops at Trincomalee!

Morning Air attack on 38th Division, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 11
Wellington Ic x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Wellington Ic bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 4th Division ...
Also attacking 38th Division ...

And Again

Morning Air attack on 143rd Infantry Regiment, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
Wellington Ic x 24

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Wellington Ic bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x Wellington Ic bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 41st Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 38th Division ...
Also attacking 143rd Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 41st Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 143rd Infantry Regiment ...

And Once More

Morning Air attack on 41st Infantry Regiment, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 12

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb

And One Last Time Today

Morning Air attack on 41st Infantry Regiment, at 31,47 (Trincomalee)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 9
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb
16 x Hurricane IIc Trop bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Howdy, Rio. Was out of this AAR for a while but, like a bad penny, "I'm Baaack!" [:D]

Welcome Back, witpqs!

I can always use a bad penny.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: poodlebrain

ORIGINAL: Ian R

Edit: there looks to be a short route to the Kanto plain avalable here, via Rabaul/Ulithi & Wake/Iwo. Don't fight the war where he wants you to. Put just enough there to block him, no more.

Spanner. Works.

It's June 1942 in the game. Is it practical to engage in an island hopping campaign outside LBA range? The opportunity to isolate and liberate the SRA from New Guinea looks like a more realistic approach. Valuable targets are well within range of advancing LBA, Allied TFs would have shorter sailing distances from friendly ports, multiple targets spread Japanese defenders, and any Japanese counter actions would have to come from known directions. All of these are advantages the Allies need until the latter half of 1943. I'd try and capture Manado and Talaud-illanden before the end of 1942. They would provide bases from which the Allies could threaten Tarakan and/or Mindinao in early 1943. The LCUs are available now, and offensive actions in the SW Pacific would force the IJN to respond. This would reduce the threat level of shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean that will be crucial to Operation Land Shark.

Ian R & poodlebrain-

Both of you seem to have a good handle on what Operation Land Shark and Operation Sea Shark entail.

It is noted that you each view opportunity albeit by different routes heading north.

I do have nine Marine Infantry Regiments available (6 in Australia, 2 at Pearl, and 1 at San Diego) along with additional U. S. Marine units such as 3 Raider Battalions (in Australia), 3 Parachute Battalions (2 in Australia and 1 in San Diego), 5 Defense Battalions (4 in Australia and 1 at Pearl), FA Battalions (2 in Australia), 2 USMC EAB units (1 at Pearl and 1 in route to Pearl), Tank Battalions (2 in Australia). I U.S. Amphibious Corps is also in Australia. Only one of these units remain to be bought out: the 3rd Marine Parachute Battalion.

However, there are couple hurdles heading north via the Manado/New Guinea route, Rabaul/Ulithi route, or Wake/Iwo route as follows:

1. I have stripped everything I could from New Guinea, New Caledonia, Rabaul, and Fiji.

2. The 4Es need to be bought out. I still have two U.S. Army Infantry Divisions, 6 ART Regiments, and 3 AA Regiments waiting to be bought out at Cape Town to be shipped to India.

3. All of the above Marine units are earmarked for Operation Sea Shark (commencing with the invasion of the Marianas Islands scheduled approximately for June 1, 1943).

4. Accordingly, when I ship the above Marines back to Pearl for Operation Sea Shark, I don't know how I would be able to garrison Manado, Port Moresby, New Caledonia, Rabaul, Fiji, and more. Further, the majority of reinforcements to arrive between now and June 1, 1943 are also earmarked for the Marianas Islands.

Any ideas considering the new data provided herein?

As always, your advice, suggestions, and comments are welcome and appreciated.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[BBfanboy]

Does your mod impose garrison requirements at Fiji and New Caledonia? By June 1943 if you are about to land in the Marianas it should be virtually impossible for the IJN to mount an invasion in those backwaters, so you should be able to move out their garrisons. If you have Rabaul, I would even deem PM safe and start moving out its garrison.

If you use these places for transfer of aircraft by island-hopping you should only need a small air support unit there to make sure the aircraft can be made serviceable.