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This is an four day update. We managed to do some "quick turns" last night.

Thankfully I didn't invade Tokyo since I had few beers alongside.

Oh, I have checked, doublechecked and than some on the WC situation. The proposed strike againts Iwo Jima area is not looking that good. I managed to buy out an infantry unit which has 120av of troops. However as said the problem is transports.

We don't have enough docked at the moment. So, it looks like this operation is no go due to logistic reasons.

The time window is closing down too since Pago Pago affair seems to be all but over now.

We shall see what happens. I'am moving some +100 additional transports into west coast.

LoBaron: I actually used them both. The fighters stationed in the hex have CAP orders. Those fighters placed now at Ankang are on LRCAP orders protecting Sian. This is done because chinese lack aviation support units.

The Oscars are still coming at 35 000 feet but they might be a bit fatigued since we managed down a few.

No! He has a lot of bombers placed near Sian. This is an desperate struggle to counter wave after wave. I think we have shot +30 aircraft down though in past 4 days.

I could do those sweeps the only problem is that than skies near Sian are unprotected. Another problem is that he seems to be flying out from diffrent airfields so I don't have the number of fighters available to conduct these sweep missions.

Pago Pago is still holding out but I think it will fall on the next turn.

Btw, have you already encountered those sleepless nights you visioned?

Burma (april 18th - 21st 1942)

The long awaited river crossing towards Schwebo was done 21st of april. It was an bloody affair too as expected.

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Ground combat at Shwebo (59,45)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5951 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 484

Defending force 24220 troops, 237 guns, 106 vehicles, Assault Value = 457

Japanese adjusted assault: 3

Allied adjusted defense: 626

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 208 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3429 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 164 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 145 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
299 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Assaulting units:
2nd Engineer Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
55th Cavalry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
BFF Brigade
1st Burma Division
Upper Burma BAF Battalion
16th Indian Brigade
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
103rd RAF Base Force
Burma Corps
108th RAF Base Force
107th RAF Base Force
104th RAF Base Force
221 Group RAF
106th RAF Base Force
109th RAF Base Force


Dave has some additional 20 units currently at Mandalay. Thus I have given orders to start withdrawing towards Myithkina.

Japanese conducted another airborne operation and landed some troops between Schwebo and Myithkina. The idea here is to cut off supply routes.

The bombing campaign is also more intense now and my recon units indicate quite heavy traffic ongoing at Rangoon.

Java (april 18th - 21st 1942)


There has not been any shock/delibarate ground assaults againts Batavia.

Instead the enemy is using his artillerry units to wipe out defenders. We started with 750av worth of troops and are now down 595av worth of troops.

That is not very promising at all. I have level 4 forts here so maybe these bombardments become more vicious.

I think he might assault soon since he has already in place more than 1500av worth of infantry here.

Otherwise just minor operations ongoing around this region.

Those units that were reportedly prepping for Darwin offensive and now on ships heading into Kendari.

The invasion is close by judging this piece of intel.

Samoa Islands (april 18th - 21st 1942)


The battle is still ongoing allthough I think it will be over when the next turn arrives.

KB is still supporting his advance here. We wondered what he was doing with those Kate squadrons. Well, they came in play past 4 days and took part in the ground bombardment runs.

The few last strikes had +20 Zeros (escort), +140 Kates and +100 Vals per raid. That is massive to say at least.

Dave has also brought in BB Yamashiro which has now joined BB Hiei and BB Kirishima. The battleships are conducting daily naval bombardments.

The infantry battles have been meat grinders.

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Ground combat at Pago Pago (148,161)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 43210 troops, 293 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 1361

Defending force 17037 troops, 271 guns, 283 vehicles, Assault Value = 294

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 705

Allied adjusted defense: 235

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
4803 casualties reported
Squads: 58 destroyed, 179 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 152 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1408 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 122 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Vehicles lost 50 (2 destroyed, 48 disabled)


Assaulting units:
41st Naval Guard Unit
43rd Naval Guard Unit
144th Infantry Regiment
46th Naval Guard Unit
62nd Naval Guard Unit
52nd Naval Guard Unit
48th Naval Guard Unit
Maizuru 1st SNLF /1
42nd Naval Guard Unit
65th Brigade
47th Naval Guard Unit
67th Naval Guard Unit
4th Division
44th Naval Guard Unit
83rd Nav Gd /2

Defending units:
1st/102nd Infantry Battalion
182nd Infantry Regiment
132nd Infantry Rgt /4
46th Construction Regiment
2nd Marine Defense Battalion
104th USN Base Force
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
428th Coast AA Battalion
110th USA Base Force
8th Marine Defense Battalion
30th Aviation Base Force
811th Engineer Aviation Battalion
43rd Const Rgt /3

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Ground combat at Pago Pago (148,161)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 40007 troops, 292 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 1178

Defending force 15198 troops, 272 guns, 282 vehicles, Assault Value = 216

Japanese adjusted assault: 236

Allied adjusted defense: 121

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1593 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 93 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 63 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
2485 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 54 destroyed, 211 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 44 disabled
Vehicles lost 108 (13 destroyed, 95 disabled)


Assaulting units:
62nd Naval Guard Unit
43rd Naval Guard Unit
144th Infantry Regiment
67th Naval Guard Unit
65th Brigade
48th Naval Guard Unit
42nd Naval Guard Unit
46th Naval Guard Unit
44th Naval Guard Unit
52nd Naval Guard Unit
41st Naval Guard Unit
Maizuru 1st SNLF /1
47th Naval Guard Unit
4th Division
83rd Nav Gd /2

Defending units:
182nd Infantry Regiment
1st/102nd Infantry Battalion
132nd Infantry Rgt /4
46th Construction Regiment
811th Engineer Aviation Battalion
30th Aviation Base Force
428th Coast AA Battalion
2nd Marine Defense Battalion
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
104th USN Base Force
110th USA Base Force
8th Marine Defense Battalion
43rd Const Rgt /3

The battle here is propably over when the next turn arrives. At least we fought and lflicted severe casualties to those troops that landed here.

Notice that Dave is still using "shock" assault command. I have very rarely seen any other type of ground assaults made by him in this PBEM.

China is an exception but than again we have an houserule in place there.

China (april 18th - 21st 1942)


AVG has been in constant action at Sian area. The kill ratio is around 1:1 now but still we would need better odds. At least we doing some damage to his operations here now.

Japanese are busy launching assaults againts those encircled chinese units. So far we have held our own and fought back.

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Ground combat at 85,42

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30084 troops, 183 guns, 213 vehicles, Assault Value = 931

Defending force 42497 troops, 252 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 641

Japanese adjusted assault: 493

Allied adjusted defense: 487

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1375 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1796 casualties reported
Squads: 38 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 125 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled


Assaulting units:
15th Division
138th Infantry Regiment
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
28th Engineer Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
3rd NCPC Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
9th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese/C Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
Jingcha War Area
14th Group Army
8th Group Army
36th Group Army
1st War Area
10th Chinese Base Force

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Ground combat at 85,42

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30020 troops, 195 guns, 273 vehicles, Assault Value = 1653

Defending force 40612 troops, 249 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 568

Japanese adjusted assault: 176

Allied adjusted defense: 427

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
818 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (0 destroyed, 8 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
2130 casualties reported
Squads: 74 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 28 destroyed, 67 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Assaulting units:
15th Division
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
59th Infantry Division
12th Tank Regiment
138th Infantry Regiment
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
110th Division
28th Engineer Regiment
3rd NCPC Infantry Brigade
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion

Defending units:
9th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese/C Corps
14th Group Army
36th Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
Jingcha War Area
1st War Area
8th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force


Not bad when you judge these results againts the situation these men are. Also goes to show that maybe opening an blockade here would be an mistake. The losses are more moderate this way.

Japanese troops are readying for somekind of an ground offensive south of Changhsa.

Chinese counterstrike is ordered near Nanning. Hopefully we can push the enemy out.

Its vey good idea to attack at Nanning, japan player could have very weak forces there and you can march to Hanoi !

Swenslim: That is most likely so. Unfortunately I'am running low on supplies so anykind of assault seems quite impossible at the moment.

Hanoi area is very tempting though even with those low experienced Vietnamese divisions activated.

If/Once the situation gets stabilized we will move forward towards Vietnam.

Pacific map (april 22nd -23rd 1942)

The last turn was not action packed. To give an idea what was ongoing I decieded to post the pacific map with few comments.

Java (april 22nd - 23rd 1942)


It seems Dave is either landing supplies or reinforcements at Semarang. My guess is that he brought in supplies since he wants his troops to refit fast once this campaign is over.

The regular zero and bomber raids continued againts our positions. These pilots propably aren't experienced ones since the damage compared to other areas is mild.

On 22nd of April IJA conducted the 1st ground assault againts Batavia.

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Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 47080 troops, 487 guns, 199 vehicles, Assault Value = 1324

Defending force 27764 troops, 301 guns, 173 vehicles, Assault Value = 641

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 297

Allied adjusted defense: 959

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1992 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1335 casualties reported
Squads: 75 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 28 destroyed, 159 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 48 (11 destroyed, 37 disabled)


Assaulting units:
21st Division
Imperial Guards Division
113th Infantry Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
56th Engineer Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st Regt Cavalerie
Roodenburg Battalion
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
2nd KNIL Regiment
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
4th KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Regiment
Padang Garrison Battalion
1st KNIL AA Battalion
KNIL Army Command
ML-KNIL
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Merak Base Force
Batavia Base Force
ABDA
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
Bandoeng Base Force


Ouch but at least we held on. If you look at top of the stack though these numbers make a lot more sense. This spearhead was orchestrated by the 21st division and Imperial Guards Division.

The really bad news is that our forts fell even with 1:3 odds.

I do expect an shock assault to be launched here next turn.

China (april 22nd - 23rd 1942)

The counterstrike was halted near Nanning. This was mainly due to lack of supplies available.

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Ground combat at 73,55

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15156 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 508

Defending force 8656 troops, 72 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 247

Allied adjusted assault: 212

Japanese adjusted defense: 691

Allied assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
855 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled


Assaulting units:
31st Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment

We will fight another day here once our troops gain more supplies. The intresting note was that these japanese troops seem to lack experience.

Further up in the north Dave continued his assaults againts our troops trapped south of Sian.

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Ground combat at 85,42

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54892 troops, 361 guns, 273 vehicles, Assault Value = 1614

Defending force 39254 troops, 247 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 527

Japanese adjusted assault: 374

Allied adjusted defense: 370

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1448 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 57 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (0 destroyed, 8 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
4044 casualties reported
Squads: 75 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 142 destroyed, 59 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)


Assaulting units:
138th Infantry Regiment
110th Division
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
15th Division
59th Infantry Division
12th Tank Regiment
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
28th Engineer Regiment
3rd NCPC Infantry Brigade
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion

Defending units:
47th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese/C Corps
36th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
4th Chinese Base Force
8th Group Army
14th Group Army
1st War Area
10th Chinese Base Force

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Ground combat at 85,42

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54059 troops, 361 guns, 273 vehicles, Assault Value = 1562

Defending force 35848 troops, 244 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 455

Japanese adjusted assault: 243

Allied adjusted defense: 136

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1274 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
4125 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 100 disabled
Non Combat: 103 destroyed, 100 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Assaulting units:
28th Engineer Regiment
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Division
59th Infantry Division
138th Infantry Regiment
110th Division
12th Tank Regiment
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
3rd NCPC Infantry Brigade
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese/C Corps
8th Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
Jingcha War Area
1st War Area
36th Group Army
14th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force

The main thing was that our troops did not surrender. If these had been shock assaults than... well these troops would already have squashed earlier.

The main lba bombings were targeted againts Changhsa and Kweilin. Japanese rested their squadrons up in the north. Maybe AVG did some good here in previous days.

Dave has also brought in BB Yamashiro which has now joined BB Hiei and BB Kirishima. The battleships are conducting daily naval bombardments.

Aztez - how is he reloading the BB's with ammo? Don't they need a big port to replenish their ammo?

ORIGINAL: cfulbright

Dave has also brought in BB Yamashiro which has now joined BB Hiei and BB Kirishima. The battleships are conducting daily naval bombardments.

Aztez - how is he reloading the BB's with ammo? Don't they need a big port to replenish their ammo?

Yes. I think level 7 ports can handle most of the big guns. So, these battlewagons need to replenish either at Noumea or Truk. Due to the fact that I hold Noumea that only leaves Truk. (I do not have the manual with me so I cannot confirm this)

The same goes for KB too since I think that they will retire to Truk for refit once this is over.

This is first of many allied initial offensive plans.

Keep in mind that these can be disregarded or abandoned due to the developments in forthcoming months.

However I feel it is important to see what is ahead and what can be expected.

Marshall Islands offensive (late summer 1942 --> )

Timetable = late summer 1942 onwards.

Primary targets

Kwajalein Island
Port :Max. level 5
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: One of key bases here in the area due to port size.

Roi-Namur
Port :Max. level 3
Airfield : Max level 4
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The key airfield here and thus needs to seized quickly.

Mili
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 5
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 30 000

General: The key base at Marshalls. This airfield can support heavy bombers and can sustain significant number of troops. Most likely to have enemy air HQ unit present.


Secondary targets

Wotje
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The large port in this are and operational level 3 airfield.

Maloelap
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 4
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The base has operational level 4 airfield.

Eniwetok
Port :Max. level 5
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The largest port in this island chain alongside Kwaleijin.

Targets D-day + 14

Jaluit
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The atoll has large enough airfield which needs to be seized quickly.


Overview

- Requires allied carrier cover and has an high risk to see KB intervene.
- All the bases are atolls thus resulting to instant shock assaults.
- Preparation points are important due to the atoll nature.
- Requires a lot of transports since the landings needs to simultaneous in order seize up chain of islands quickly.
- It is very hard to judge on how much troops are needed.
- We need to have floating reserve of lba fighters and reserves ready to jump in immediately.
- The island opens up good patrol routes towards Solomons and cuts off the southern islands. ie. Tarawa.
- Requires a lot of transports ships since troops need to unloaded very quickly. I'am not that familiar yet with the unloading process so this needs to figured out.


Those are the general thoughts regarding this operational area. One thing for sure these landings needs to be swift and decisive. The whole operation should be over at the lates D-day +20 meaning all of these bases are occupied and in allied hands.

Burma (april 24th and 25th 1942)

The 25th of april became the day when british defense collapsed at Burma.

Dave launched two assaults againts our forces here. The first was devastating and second delivered the knock out punch.

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Ground combat at Shwebo (59,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 48852 troops, 520 guns, 214 vehicles, Assault Value = 1405

Defending force 24313 troops, 238 guns, 107 vehicles, Assault Value = 454

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 631

Allied adjusted defense: 213

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
462 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
5080 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 224 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 137 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 25 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 28 (4 destroyed, 24 disabled)


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Ground combat at Shwebo (59,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 48528 troops, 520 guns, 214 vehicles, Assault Value = 1400

Defending force 20799 troops, 241 guns, 109 vehicles, Assault Value = 267

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 580

Allied adjusted defense: 85

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Shwebo !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
505 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
4567 casualties reported
Squads: 167 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 589 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 125 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 120 (112 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Vehicles lost 88 (88 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 12
Units destroyed 1

I must say that new ground combat system in AE is brutal. We lost 200 squads of infantry and yes, the japanese lost 0! That is amazing how the game handles low experienced troops. These guys were well supplied though.

As to even further add insult to injury those units retreated towards Lashio! I know that it is the closest base for these units but I had the rear hexes in my control. This ZOC retreat fiasco is the good old feature from the classic witp. I was hoping this would have been fixes for AE since the potential retreat paths should be left for the player to deciede. This kind of is an key issue/feature and even more important now with this brutal ground combat model.

I actually kind of guess it before this happened. I had set those troops moving towards Myithkina and they were some 20 miles off the hex when this disaster happened.

What this basically means is that these troops are doomed for good. I might try air evac some fragments but it will be long time before they see the light of the day.

There are no allied defense at Burma and the road to India is now open. I will withdraw an base force and chinese division from Myithkina and send them towards India. No need to keep them there anymore.

Java (april 24th and 25th 1942)


The turn was not much better at Batavia either. We did held the city but it is about to fall like an stone.

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Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 47324 troops, 487 guns, 292 vehicles, Assault Value = 1349

Defending force 25362 troops, 301 guns, 163 vehicles, Assault Value = 563

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 458

Allied adjusted defense: 499

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1165 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 57 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 62 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
4359 casualties reported
Squads: 21 destroyed, 63 disabled
Non Combat: 39 destroyed, 208 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (11 destroyed, 19 disabled)


Assaulting units:
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
56th Engineer Regiment
21st Division
21st Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
Sasebo 8th SNLF
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
1st KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Regiment
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
Roodenburg Battalion
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
Padang Garrison Battalion
Batavia Base Force
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
ML-KNIL
ABDA
KNIL Army Command
Merak Base Force
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
1st KNIL AA Battalion
Bandoeng Base Force

As you can see 1:2 odds reduced yet another fortfication level.

The losses are a bit better than what happened at Burma but we only destroyed 2 squads of the assaulting enemy. That is not much and since our losses were multiple times that it kind of spells disaster within a week or so. I know the ABDA forces were not up to standard but hoped to see more from them since they are well supplied and rested.

All in all not an good turn by any means.

I agree, the holding action that occured in Southern China is a minor victory, good to see. I just thought "things are looking up a bit" then you mentioned it being a minor victory and it is. I'm not sure if it's wise to counter-attack in the south though? It seems Chinese units are virtually incapable of effective counter-attacks, at all, it's lose-lose. Usually the supply situation combined with the general poorness of the units doesn't allow at all for a favorable outcome to one....Ahhh nevermind it already went ahead. Based on AE experience so far, i've found it absolutely futile to attack at all in China. At least in WITP you could do that to some extent, or at least have reasonable counter-attacks, but in AE you don't really have a chance. Not even minor attacking actions.

While Dave is pursuing to knock China out for years. I think he's doing more than just neutralizing that front, he's doing an all-out push by the looks of it. Which must be having some consequence on his resources.

and yes. I agree with staying on favourable terrain hexes, I was just trying to state the general defensive strategy the Chinese need to adopt. Terrain and city hexes, it's about all you can do. It's a really hair tearing situation sometimes. But that's the winning and only hope strategy in China. If you can raid behind Japanese lines that's good too. It looks like alot of players have been doing that too and it does have some effect.

BTW, in Marshalls, do not forget Ailinglaplap. It's dot base at start, but has 30k troop capacity and potential for AF size 5. This makes it in my books better than Kwajalein or Roi-Namur. Both it and Mili can be then mutually supportive and very hard to take back. Even your short-range fighters can support it from Mili. 

ORIGINAL: aztez

This is first of many allied initial offensive plans.

Keep in mind that these can be disregarded or abandoned due to the developments in forthcoming months.

However I feel it is important to see what is ahead and what can be expected.

Marshall Islands offensive (late summer 1942 --> )

Timetable = late summer 1942 onwards.

Primary targets

Kwajalein Island
Port :Max. level 5
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: One of key bases here in the area due to port size.

Roi-Namur
Port :Max. level 3
Airfield : Max level 4
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The key airfield here and thus needs to seized quickly.

Mili
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 5
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 30 000

General: The key base at Marshalls. This airfield can support heavy bombers and can sustain significant number of troops. Most likely to have enemy air HQ unit present.


Secondary targets

Wotje
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The large port in this are and operational level 3 airfield.

Maloelap
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 4
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The base has operational level 4 airfield.

Eniwetok
Port :Max. level 5
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The largest port in this island chain alongside Kwaleijin.

Targets D-day + 14

Jaluit
Port :Max. level 4
Airfield : Max level 3
Hex : Atoll
Maxium garrison : 6000

General: The atoll has large enough airfield which needs to be seized quickly.


Overview

- Requires allied carrier cover and has an high risk to see KB intervene.
- All the bases are atolls thus resulting to instant shock assaults.
- Preparation points are important due to the atoll nature.
- Requires a lot of transports since the landings needs to simultaneous in order seize up chain of islands quickly.
- It is very hard to judge on how much troops are needed.
- We need to have floating reserve of lba fighters and reserves ready to jump in immediately.
- The island opens up good patrol routes towards Solomons and cuts off the southern islands. ie. Tarawa.
- Requires a lot of transports ships since troops need to unloaded very quickly. I'am not that familiar yet with the unloading process so this needs to figured out.


Those are the general thoughts regarding this operational area. One thing for sure these landings needs to be swift and decisive. The whole operation should be over at the lates D-day +20 meaning all of these bases are occupied and in allied hands.

I love your plan here, I'm just wondering if a feint somewhere else before you do it would give you an even better chance of success. The KB steaming after some empty 1 point AKLs would be brilliant if you could pull it off. [:D]

aztez.

I have had this happen to me in a game I'm PBEMing as well... I have actually managed to walk the guys out. The nice thing about the new model is unless he garrisons every road hex you get a trickle of supply, and you can (slowly) march out.

So take it easy and start walking... (just like in real life!)

Cheers

Rob

ORIGINAL: aztez

Burma (april 24th and 25th 1942)

The 25th of april became the day when british defense collapsed at Burma.

Dave launched two assaults againts our forces here. The first was devastating and second delivered the knock out punch.


I must say that new ground combat system in AE is brutal. We lost 200 squads of infantry and yes, the japanese lost 0! That is amazing how the game handles low experienced troops. These guys were well supplied though.

As to even further add insult to injury those units retreated towards Lashio! I know that it is the closest base for these units but I had the rear hexes in my control. This ZOC retreat fiasco is the good old feature from the classic witp. I was hoping this would have been fixes for AE since the potential retreat paths should be left for the player to deciede. This kind of is an key issue/feature and even more important now with this brutal ground combat model.

I actually kind of guess it before this happened. I had set those troops moving towards Myithkina and they were some 20 miles off the hex when this disaster happened.

What this basically means is that these troops are doomed for good. I might try air evac some fragments but it will be long time before they see the light of the day.

There are no allied defense at Burma and the road to India is now open. I will withdraw an base force and chinese division from Myithkina and send them towards India. No need to keep them there anymore.

Aztez,

Did you edit the screenie to show the "0/0 0/0" over the bases or is there a key that displays that?