May 12, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw an Australian AM chase a Japanese Sub off of the Northern Australian coast, half way between Exmouth and Port Hedland. The sub got away but it didn’t get a shot at the Freighter in the little Allied TF.
Daylight brought the usual mix of Allied Bomber Attacks in Burma.
First off were 2Es which hit the Japanese Troops in Bhamo fairly well. This was a mix of bombers from India and China.
Next 2Es and DBs attacked the Japanese Troops at Warazup, but missed their Target again. There was a surprising amount of Flak at Warazup.
Then a Chinese Bomber Squadron attacked the Japanese Troops at Nanning again. Once again the Chinese Pilots missed their Target, and fortunately, there still wasn’t any Japanese CAP. (My guess is that the Japanese Fighter Units that used to be in China are now in Southern Burma.)
It turns out that the planes in this Chinese Bomber Squadron didn’t have the Range to hit the Japanese Troops at Bhamo, so the Attack switched to Commander’s Choice. I’ve now set a closer Target that all of the Chinese Bombers will reach.
Finally, a couple of B-24 Squadrons flew over to Noumea and hammered the Air Base and Air Fields there again. The Damage at Noumea isn’t getting repaired very quickly so I’m taking my time and resting the 4Es between attacks.
SIGINT has been reporting Heavy Radio Traffic moving across the mid-Pacific for quite some time. This turn the Report came from Kwajalein. I wonder if some portion of the KB has sailed over to there? Maybe my opponent is getting tired of me flying Very Long Range Recon into the Gilberts.
Last Stand at San Diego (no Richard please)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
Active China Again
May 13, 1943 –
There was no Night Action this turn.
Daylight showed me that I had spoken too soon about the lack of Japanese Air Action in China as Liuchow was Swept repeatedly by Oscar IIs and Oscar Is, with some Tojos thrown in for Good Measure. Then the Japanese bombers came in and hammered the Air Base hard. I’m not sure if this was a Tit-for-Tat raid after the unplanned Chinese raids on Nanning, or if my opponent has decided to move on Liuchow again. Never-the-less, there is nothing that I can do about it so I’m just glad that so many Japanese planes are being committed to such a Back Water place.
But that wasn’t the only Japanese Air Target as Oscar IIs also Swept in over the Chinese Unrestricted Troops that are trying to move and cut the Rail Line to Myitkyina. These Japanese Fighters were also followed by Bombers, and the Chinese Troops in Burma received some hits, albeit not as much as their compatriots in Liuchow.
The Allied Air Forces then, to an extent, took to the Rain-Filled Air. The British Dive Bombers finally hit their Target in Warazup for a change, while 2Es repeatedly hit the Japanese Troops that are parked across the River to the East of Kalemyo.
The 4E Pilots and Crew stayed home and played cards, etc, while watching the Rain Fall.
The Action ended with the Allied Troops in Warazup firing off an Artillery Attack. The Allies had 3 Artillery Regiments, 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade and 1 Armoured Regiment. The Japanese had 2 Infantry Regiments, 1 Mortar Regiment, and for some reason the Tank Division was split into its 3 separate Regiments. I wasn’t expecting a lot, and I was a bit worried about Counter-Battery Fire, but the Allied Troops ended up causing a handful of Japanese casualties while not taking any themselves.
There isn’t a lot of point in continuing Artillery Attacks under these conditions, so I ordered the Allied Troops at Warazup to go back on the Defense, and then I ordered more Artillery Units to start the Long Trip to Warazup, including an Anti-Armour Regiment. I’m happy to keep the Japanese Tank Division tied up at Warazup, and I can afford the time to bring up more Forces.
In other news, I got a number of Fresh LCUs and Air Units this turn. The LCUs are always welcome.
The Air Units were the usual mixed bag of cast-offs. I received a couple of B-25C Squadrons at East Coast, and surprisingly enough the Squadrons each were full-up with planes. Of course, the Pilots were fresh out of Flight School, so I’m sending the 2 Squadrons to the West Coast and putting them on Training/Search Duty for the next several months.
I also got 3 P-38G Squadrons in Charters Towers. Now that sounded very promising because I almost never get decent Air Units delivered near the Front Lines. But things were Back-to-Normal as each Squadron came with a Grand Total of 2 planes, along with more Rookie Pilots. So I swapped out the P-38Gs, filled up the Squadrons with P-39Ds, and sent them Down South for Extended Training. I’ll eventually give those 6 P-38Gs to an experienced Squadron that can use them.
There was no Night Action this turn.
Daylight showed me that I had spoken too soon about the lack of Japanese Air Action in China as Liuchow was Swept repeatedly by Oscar IIs and Oscar Is, with some Tojos thrown in for Good Measure. Then the Japanese bombers came in and hammered the Air Base hard. I’m not sure if this was a Tit-for-Tat raid after the unplanned Chinese raids on Nanning, or if my opponent has decided to move on Liuchow again. Never-the-less, there is nothing that I can do about it so I’m just glad that so many Japanese planes are being committed to such a Back Water place.
But that wasn’t the only Japanese Air Target as Oscar IIs also Swept in over the Chinese Unrestricted Troops that are trying to move and cut the Rail Line to Myitkyina. These Japanese Fighters were also followed by Bombers, and the Chinese Troops in Burma received some hits, albeit not as much as their compatriots in Liuchow.
The Allied Air Forces then, to an extent, took to the Rain-Filled Air. The British Dive Bombers finally hit their Target in Warazup for a change, while 2Es repeatedly hit the Japanese Troops that are parked across the River to the East of Kalemyo.
The 4E Pilots and Crew stayed home and played cards, etc, while watching the Rain Fall.
The Action ended with the Allied Troops in Warazup firing off an Artillery Attack. The Allies had 3 Artillery Regiments, 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade and 1 Armoured Regiment. The Japanese had 2 Infantry Regiments, 1 Mortar Regiment, and for some reason the Tank Division was split into its 3 separate Regiments. I wasn’t expecting a lot, and I was a bit worried about Counter-Battery Fire, but the Allied Troops ended up causing a handful of Japanese casualties while not taking any themselves.
There isn’t a lot of point in continuing Artillery Attacks under these conditions, so I ordered the Allied Troops at Warazup to go back on the Defense, and then I ordered more Artillery Units to start the Long Trip to Warazup, including an Anti-Armour Regiment. I’m happy to keep the Japanese Tank Division tied up at Warazup, and I can afford the time to bring up more Forces.
In other news, I got a number of Fresh LCUs and Air Units this turn. The LCUs are always welcome.
The Air Units were the usual mixed bag of cast-offs. I received a couple of B-25C Squadrons at East Coast, and surprisingly enough the Squadrons each were full-up with planes. Of course, the Pilots were fresh out of Flight School, so I’m sending the 2 Squadrons to the West Coast and putting them on Training/Search Duty for the next several months.
I also got 3 P-38G Squadrons in Charters Towers. Now that sounded very promising because I almost never get decent Air Units delivered near the Front Lines. But things were Back-to-Normal as each Squadron came with a Grand Total of 2 planes, along with more Rookie Pilots. So I swapped out the P-38Gs, filled up the Squadrons with P-39Ds, and sent them Down South for Extended Training. I’ll eventually give those 6 P-38Gs to an experienced Squadron that can use them.
Lord of Ops Losses
May 14, 1943 -
There was no Night Action again this turn.
Daylight brought out a couple of squadrons of Helens that bombed the US Army Tank Battalion that has been sitting at the crossroads southeast of Wyndham since my failed Armoured Assault on Wyndham some time ago. Up until now my opponent didn't seem to notice the US Tanks, so I left them there just in case my opponent decided to try to play Desert Fox himself. But now that he has noticed the Unit I will move it away until I can close Wyndham with 4Es.
In clear contrast between bombing LCUs in the open Desert and in the Darkest Jungle, 45 well-experienced British Dive Bombers once again attacked the Japanese Troops at Warazup, and this time the Brit Pilots got back into their usual routine and missed the Target again.
Elsewhere in Burma 2Es hit the Japanese Troops to the East of Kalemyo again with multiple and accurate attacks, despite the similar jungle setting. And the 4Es got off the ground and hammered the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is two hexes southwest of Kalemyo. I'm going to continue to hammer that Infantry Regiment with my 4Es until the British Division that is moving in can launch an Assault.
And finally, the Chinese Air Force attempted to hit more Japanese Troops on the Chinese border, and once again missed their mark.
At the End-of-the-Day USS S-35 hit an xAKL with two torpedoes at Paramushiro-jima. The little freighter went down like a rock and S-35 got away clean. There are a couple of Japanese Transport TFs sailing in the Kuriles right now so I am attempting to swarm them with US Subs. We'll see if the other US Sub Captains in the Region are equally skilled.
The Big News this turn was the Arrival of Lots of new US Ships, including the Long Awaited USS Essex. Surprisingly, the Essex Air Units were topped-up with planes and reasonably good pilots. Essex will sail to San Diego to join up with a decent Escort Force and then sail into the Pacific to add to the US presence.
BTW – Currently I'm using my CVEs only for occasional Ferry Service. I Flew Off the planes that were on the non-replenishment CVEs to provide Air Support for my Ever-Growing Build-Up in the South Pacific. The Game Mechanics make CVEs WAY TOO vulnerable to bother sending them into Harm's Way.
BTW II – I've now upgraded two land-based Naval Fighter Squadrons to Hellcats and I now have 417 F4F-4s in the Pools. I hope that I never have to use them again.
BTW III – My opponent kidded me this turn that the God of Ops Losses is doing a much better job at taking out my Air Force than the Japanese Fighters. That is certainly true, but at least this way I'm not creating Japanese Aces...
There was no Night Action again this turn.
Daylight brought out a couple of squadrons of Helens that bombed the US Army Tank Battalion that has been sitting at the crossroads southeast of Wyndham since my failed Armoured Assault on Wyndham some time ago. Up until now my opponent didn't seem to notice the US Tanks, so I left them there just in case my opponent decided to try to play Desert Fox himself. But now that he has noticed the Unit I will move it away until I can close Wyndham with 4Es.
In clear contrast between bombing LCUs in the open Desert and in the Darkest Jungle, 45 well-experienced British Dive Bombers once again attacked the Japanese Troops at Warazup, and this time the Brit Pilots got back into their usual routine and missed the Target again.
Elsewhere in Burma 2Es hit the Japanese Troops to the East of Kalemyo again with multiple and accurate attacks, despite the similar jungle setting. And the 4Es got off the ground and hammered the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is two hexes southwest of Kalemyo. I'm going to continue to hammer that Infantry Regiment with my 4Es until the British Division that is moving in can launch an Assault.
And finally, the Chinese Air Force attempted to hit more Japanese Troops on the Chinese border, and once again missed their mark.
At the End-of-the-Day USS S-35 hit an xAKL with two torpedoes at Paramushiro-jima. The little freighter went down like a rock and S-35 got away clean. There are a couple of Japanese Transport TFs sailing in the Kuriles right now so I am attempting to swarm them with US Subs. We'll see if the other US Sub Captains in the Region are equally skilled.
The Big News this turn was the Arrival of Lots of new US Ships, including the Long Awaited USS Essex. Surprisingly, the Essex Air Units were topped-up with planes and reasonably good pilots. Essex will sail to San Diego to join up with a decent Escort Force and then sail into the Pacific to add to the US presence.
BTW – Currently I'm using my CVEs only for occasional Ferry Service. I Flew Off the planes that were on the non-replenishment CVEs to provide Air Support for my Ever-Growing Build-Up in the South Pacific. The Game Mechanics make CVEs WAY TOO vulnerable to bother sending them into Harm's Way.
BTW II – I've now upgraded two land-based Naval Fighter Squadrons to Hellcats and I now have 417 F4F-4s in the Pools. I hope that I never have to use them again.
BTW III – My opponent kidded me this turn that the God of Ops Losses is doing a much better job at taking out my Air Force than the Japanese Fighters. That is certainly true, but at least this way I'm not creating Japanese Aces...
Sub Wars Revisited
May 15, 1943 -
The Night Phase livened up in a Big Way this turn as there was Submarine Action all over the Map.
First off, a US DD attacked a Japanese sub just off of Suva. The DD got three hits on the sub and drove it off.
Next, a US S-Boat hit a mine at Etorofo and sank. This part of my Swarming exercise definitely didn't work.
Then USS Snook hit a PB with a Dud near Sepandjang in the DEI, just SE of Sumatra. Snook got away from the follow-up pursuit.
Next, USS Skipjack stumbled upon a heavily Escorted Transport TF in the Straights of Malacca. Skipjack couldn't get off any shots and was swarmed by the Escorts, suffering serious damage. Skipjack is now limping towards Colombo, and it better not run into any more Japanese Attacks.
Finally, USS S-33 was chased unsuccessfully by ASW Escorts at Paramushiro-jima.
Daylight once again belonged solely to the Allies.
First off the Chinese Air Force again attacked the Japanese troops on the Lashio Road, but this time the Bombers actually found their target and got some hits in.
This Bit of Luck was followed by another as the British Dive Bombers found their target too and hit one of the Japanese Armoured Regiments at Warazup.
Next, most of the Allied 2Es in the Theater repeatedly hammered the Japanese Infantry Division that is sitting just east of Kalemyo. One 2E Squadron also went off and hit some of the Japanese Troops at Bhamo.
Finally, the 4Es flew again and hammered the Japanese Infantry Regiment south of Kalemyo even harder. I was encouraged enough by this that I left the 4Es with Orders to just keep on going after than same unit until it vaporizes, gets driven out by the oncoming British Troops, or until some other Japanese Troops make the mistake of coming out in the Open.
And in the South Pacific 4Es hammered the Air Base at Koumac again. I fully intend to have to have the Air Bases at Koumac and Noumea totally closed before I move Troops into New Caledonia.
The Night Phase livened up in a Big Way this turn as there was Submarine Action all over the Map.
First off, a US DD attacked a Japanese sub just off of Suva. The DD got three hits on the sub and drove it off.
Next, a US S-Boat hit a mine at Etorofo and sank. This part of my Swarming exercise definitely didn't work.
Then USS Snook hit a PB with a Dud near Sepandjang in the DEI, just SE of Sumatra. Snook got away from the follow-up pursuit.
Next, USS Skipjack stumbled upon a heavily Escorted Transport TF in the Straights of Malacca. Skipjack couldn't get off any shots and was swarmed by the Escorts, suffering serious damage. Skipjack is now limping towards Colombo, and it better not run into any more Japanese Attacks.
Finally, USS S-33 was chased unsuccessfully by ASW Escorts at Paramushiro-jima.
Daylight once again belonged solely to the Allies.
First off the Chinese Air Force again attacked the Japanese troops on the Lashio Road, but this time the Bombers actually found their target and got some hits in.
This Bit of Luck was followed by another as the British Dive Bombers found their target too and hit one of the Japanese Armoured Regiments at Warazup.
Next, most of the Allied 2Es in the Theater repeatedly hammered the Japanese Infantry Division that is sitting just east of Kalemyo. One 2E Squadron also went off and hit some of the Japanese Troops at Bhamo.
Finally, the 4Es flew again and hammered the Japanese Infantry Regiment south of Kalemyo even harder. I was encouraged enough by this that I left the 4Es with Orders to just keep on going after than same unit until it vaporizes, gets driven out by the oncoming British Troops, or until some other Japanese Troops make the mistake of coming out in the Open.
And in the South Pacific 4Es hammered the Air Base at Koumac again. I fully intend to have to have the Air Bases at Koumac and Noumea totally closed before I move Troops into New Caledonia.
Weather and other Woes
May 16, 1943 -
The Night Phase saw another US Submarine, this time USS Growler, hit an enemy mine at Etoforo. Growler was badly damaged but ought to be able to limp back to safety. The rest of the US subs that are swarming Etoforo, Onnekotan-jima and Paramushiro-jima continue to be unable to spot any targets despite Recon and Search Flights spotting plenty of Japanese TFs.
Further to the West, a 5-SC Japanese TF chased USS Amberjack but couldn't hit the sub.
Finally, an Allied AVD attacked a Japanese sub along the northwestern coast of Australia between Exmouth and Port Hedland. One hit was reported on the sub.
Daylight brought Japanese Bombers out after the USMC Tank unit that is on the road south of Wyndham. I currently don't have any Air Fields within support range of the Leatherneck Tanks, so they will just have to tough it out and move out of range.
Japanese Bombers also attacked the non-restricted Chinese LCU that is attempting to cut the rail line between Mandalay and Myitkyina. The Japanese Bombers hit their target as usual. Given the Lousy Weather in Burma, that put me in a poor mood.
Sure enough, the Allied Air Attacks were scattered and mostly ineffective in the same region. The DBs missed their target at Warazup, the 2Es hit their targets lightly, and only 11 Liberator IIs flew to hit their target.
I've got to believe that Pilot Experience is the deciding factor in whether or not an Air Unit flies during Bad Weather, and also whether or not an Air Unit that does fly actually hits its target. The Allied Air Units in Burma have been flying missions for over a year, but their overall experience levels are still not much above average. I've seen in my Japanese pbems that the High Experience Japanese Air Units just fly more often, and with better results, regardless of the weather.
My questions are – why don't Air Units that fly hundreds of missions a year improve in their Experience more than they do, and why does Experience play such a significant role in overcoming Bad Weather? One would think that Bad Weather would wash out all flights, not just the flights of the pilots with less experience.
The Chinese Bombers also flew against a Japanese Tank Regiment on the Lashio Road but they missed their target as usual. They have no hope of hitting unless the Weather is perfect.
Elsewhere, 22 PB4Y-1s flew in much better Weather in the South Pacific and hammered the Air Base at Noumea again.
So all-in-all it was a rather frustrating turn. But on the positive side – my opponent still isn't interfering with my build-ups in the South Pacific and Northern Oz.
The Night Phase saw another US Submarine, this time USS Growler, hit an enemy mine at Etoforo. Growler was badly damaged but ought to be able to limp back to safety. The rest of the US subs that are swarming Etoforo, Onnekotan-jima and Paramushiro-jima continue to be unable to spot any targets despite Recon and Search Flights spotting plenty of Japanese TFs.
Further to the West, a 5-SC Japanese TF chased USS Amberjack but couldn't hit the sub.
Finally, an Allied AVD attacked a Japanese sub along the northwestern coast of Australia between Exmouth and Port Hedland. One hit was reported on the sub.
Daylight brought Japanese Bombers out after the USMC Tank unit that is on the road south of Wyndham. I currently don't have any Air Fields within support range of the Leatherneck Tanks, so they will just have to tough it out and move out of range.
Japanese Bombers also attacked the non-restricted Chinese LCU that is attempting to cut the rail line between Mandalay and Myitkyina. The Japanese Bombers hit their target as usual. Given the Lousy Weather in Burma, that put me in a poor mood.
Sure enough, the Allied Air Attacks were scattered and mostly ineffective in the same region. The DBs missed their target at Warazup, the 2Es hit their targets lightly, and only 11 Liberator IIs flew to hit their target.
I've got to believe that Pilot Experience is the deciding factor in whether or not an Air Unit flies during Bad Weather, and also whether or not an Air Unit that does fly actually hits its target. The Allied Air Units in Burma have been flying missions for over a year, but their overall experience levels are still not much above average. I've seen in my Japanese pbems that the High Experience Japanese Air Units just fly more often, and with better results, regardless of the weather.
My questions are – why don't Air Units that fly hundreds of missions a year improve in their Experience more than they do, and why does Experience play such a significant role in overcoming Bad Weather? One would think that Bad Weather would wash out all flights, not just the flights of the pilots with less experience.
The Chinese Bombers also flew against a Japanese Tank Regiment on the Lashio Road but they missed their target as usual. They have no hope of hitting unless the Weather is perfect.
Elsewhere, 22 PB4Y-1s flew in much better Weather in the South Pacific and hammered the Air Base at Noumea again.
So all-in-all it was a rather frustrating turn. But on the positive side – my opponent still isn't interfering with my build-ups in the South Pacific and Northern Oz.
Using the wrong ammo
May 17, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw USS Gar wipe out a Japanese SC at Paramushiro-jima with a single torpedo. Gar slipped away in the dark, leaving the rest of the Transport TF unmolested.
Daylight brought Japanese Fighters and Bombers out again. Japanese Bombers hit the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham without any interference. That Tank Unit has a Hard Journey ahead of it if the Weather doesn’t cooperate.
Then Tojos swept over the British Troops that are marching through the jungle southeast of Kalemyo. Some Hurricanes flew over from Kalemyo and one was shot down by the Japanese Fighters.
Next came 45 Helens escorted by 26 Nicks. A handful of Hurricanes showed up and attempted to intercept the Bombers but the Hurricanes couldn’t get past the Nicks and another British plane was shot down. The Japanese bombers attacked a British Artillery unit in the stack.
Later in the day another 18 Tojos swept over the Allied troops and were met by another handful of Hurricanes. Once again a Hurricane was shot down. The Hurricanes have reached the end of their useful life and I will need to replace them as soon as possible.
Allied Air Attacks then took the stage:
Chinese Bombers attacked the Japanese Tank Regiment on the Lashio Road but couldn’t find the target.
British Dive Bombers attacked the Japanese Troops at Warazup and scored a few hits for a change.
The Japanese 9th Division just east of Kalemyo was hit repeatedly by Allied 2Es, with moderate success.
The Japanese Infantry Regiment 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo was hammered by 4Es and 2Es.
So the Allied Air Attacks in Burma did better than the last turn, but in reality they still didn’t cause a lot of damage.
In the meanwhile, off in the South Pacific USN PB4Y-1s hammered the Air Base at Noumea again.
At the End-of-the-Day, USS Gar sneaked back in among ships in the Japanese Transport TF at Paramushiro-jima and hit an xAKL with a dud. This time the Escorts in the Japanese TF got 5 hits on the Gar and the US sub will be limping home now. (The sub captain should have saved the good torpedo for the freighter…)
The End-of-Day Air Combat results showed that the British lost 4 Hurricanes in Air-to-Air battles in Burma, but only 2 pilots. The Japanese lost 2 Nicks and 2 Helens to Ops losses.
I expect my opponent to try to slow down the advancing British Forces southwest of Kalemyo again next turn, so I have ordered P-38s and Corsairs on LR CAP over the British Troops. This time any Japanese Fighter Escort will have something more serious to deal with.
The Night Phase saw USS Gar wipe out a Japanese SC at Paramushiro-jima with a single torpedo. Gar slipped away in the dark, leaving the rest of the Transport TF unmolested.
Daylight brought Japanese Fighters and Bombers out again. Japanese Bombers hit the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham without any interference. That Tank Unit has a Hard Journey ahead of it if the Weather doesn’t cooperate.
Then Tojos swept over the British Troops that are marching through the jungle southeast of Kalemyo. Some Hurricanes flew over from Kalemyo and one was shot down by the Japanese Fighters.
Next came 45 Helens escorted by 26 Nicks. A handful of Hurricanes showed up and attempted to intercept the Bombers but the Hurricanes couldn’t get past the Nicks and another British plane was shot down. The Japanese bombers attacked a British Artillery unit in the stack.
Later in the day another 18 Tojos swept over the Allied troops and were met by another handful of Hurricanes. Once again a Hurricane was shot down. The Hurricanes have reached the end of their useful life and I will need to replace them as soon as possible.
Allied Air Attacks then took the stage:
Chinese Bombers attacked the Japanese Tank Regiment on the Lashio Road but couldn’t find the target.
British Dive Bombers attacked the Japanese Troops at Warazup and scored a few hits for a change.
The Japanese 9th Division just east of Kalemyo was hit repeatedly by Allied 2Es, with moderate success.
The Japanese Infantry Regiment 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo was hammered by 4Es and 2Es.
So the Allied Air Attacks in Burma did better than the last turn, but in reality they still didn’t cause a lot of damage.
In the meanwhile, off in the South Pacific USN PB4Y-1s hammered the Air Base at Noumea again.
At the End-of-the-Day, USS Gar sneaked back in among ships in the Japanese Transport TF at Paramushiro-jima and hit an xAKL with a dud. This time the Escorts in the Japanese TF got 5 hits on the Gar and the US sub will be limping home now. (The sub captain should have saved the good torpedo for the freighter…)
The End-of-Day Air Combat results showed that the British lost 4 Hurricanes in Air-to-Air battles in Burma, but only 2 pilots. The Japanese lost 2 Nicks and 2 Helens to Ops losses.
I expect my opponent to try to slow down the advancing British Forces southwest of Kalemyo again next turn, so I have ordered P-38s and Corsairs on LR CAP over the British Troops. This time any Japanese Fighter Escort will have something more serious to deal with.
More Whack-a-Mole in Burma
May 18, 1943 -
There was no Night Action, despite US subs camping out in Japanese Ports where Enemy TFs keep on showing up daily in Search and Recon Reports.
Daylight brought the Japanese Army Air Force out again to hit the USMC Tank unit in Northern Oz. Oh well, at least those Helens aren't bombing somewhere else.
Allied Bombers flew all over Burma again this turn:
Chinese Bombers finally hit the Japanese troops on the Lashio Road.
The Air Base at Warazup was hit by 2Es and DBs. So the same planes that can't hit any Troops in that Base can hit the Air Base without any difficulty.
Japanese Infantry Divisions east of Kalemyo and southwest of Kalemyo were hit by 2Es.
A Japanese Tank Regiment on the Road just to the West of Myitkyina was hit by Allied 2Es.
The Japanese Infantry Regiment 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo was hammered by 4Es again.
So all-in-all, the Allied Bomber Forces did better in Burma this turn, but no matter how many Japanese LCUs they hit, more pop up. This game of Whack-a-Mole is getting rather frustrating.
Way off in Australia US 4Es hammered the Air Base at Milne Bay. My opponent doesn't have any CAP out there so it was a good practice run for my Bomber Crews.
US 4Es also hammered the Air Bases at Koumac and Noumea in New Caledonia. If my opponent hasn't figured out by now that New Caledonia is a serious Allied Target, I don't know what else I can do other than to land some Troops.
And in one of those Wonderful Characteristics of this Game, a new British Catalina unit that just showed up at Calcutta decided to try to fly a Naval Attack on some sort of Japanese Picket Ship at Rangoon. Despite being at 100 feet altitude the Cats were easily Jumped by several dozen mixed Japanese fighters, and three Cats were shot down without any getting a look at their Target. Sure enough, I hadn't checked that new Air Unit carefully enough to notice that it was set to a default Naval Attack. Fortunately, I have other British Cats in Reserve.
And at the End-of-the-Day, USS Gato was checked out by some SCs at Etoforu but got away.
So next turn I will continue to attempt to use Air Power to contain the ever-growing number of Japanese LCUs in Burma. I need more Mallets, and Bigger Ones at that.
There was no Night Action, despite US subs camping out in Japanese Ports where Enemy TFs keep on showing up daily in Search and Recon Reports.
Daylight brought the Japanese Army Air Force out again to hit the USMC Tank unit in Northern Oz. Oh well, at least those Helens aren't bombing somewhere else.
Allied Bombers flew all over Burma again this turn:
Chinese Bombers finally hit the Japanese troops on the Lashio Road.
The Air Base at Warazup was hit by 2Es and DBs. So the same planes that can't hit any Troops in that Base can hit the Air Base without any difficulty.
Japanese Infantry Divisions east of Kalemyo and southwest of Kalemyo were hit by 2Es.
A Japanese Tank Regiment on the Road just to the West of Myitkyina was hit by Allied 2Es.
The Japanese Infantry Regiment 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo was hammered by 4Es again.
So all-in-all, the Allied Bomber Forces did better in Burma this turn, but no matter how many Japanese LCUs they hit, more pop up. This game of Whack-a-Mole is getting rather frustrating.
Way off in Australia US 4Es hammered the Air Base at Milne Bay. My opponent doesn't have any CAP out there so it was a good practice run for my Bomber Crews.
US 4Es also hammered the Air Bases at Koumac and Noumea in New Caledonia. If my opponent hasn't figured out by now that New Caledonia is a serious Allied Target, I don't know what else I can do other than to land some Troops.
And in one of those Wonderful Characteristics of this Game, a new British Catalina unit that just showed up at Calcutta decided to try to fly a Naval Attack on some sort of Japanese Picket Ship at Rangoon. Despite being at 100 feet altitude the Cats were easily Jumped by several dozen mixed Japanese fighters, and three Cats were shot down without any getting a look at their Target. Sure enough, I hadn't checked that new Air Unit carefully enough to notice that it was set to a default Naval Attack. Fortunately, I have other British Cats in Reserve.
And at the End-of-the-Day, USS Gato was checked out by some SCs at Etoforu but got away.
So next turn I will continue to attempt to use Air Power to contain the ever-growing number of Japanese LCUs in Burma. I need more Mallets, and Bigger Ones at that.
Snail's War
May 19, 1943 -
The Night Phase saw the AM Escorts in a small Allied TF spot and attack a Japanese sub off the North Coast of Australia between Port Hedland and Exmouth. The attackers reported getting 2 hits on the Japanese sub and driving it off.
Daylight brought a near-replay of the Air Attacks of the previous day with Japanese Helens hitting the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham and the Allied Air Forces in the Indo-Burma region hitting multiple Japanese base and troop concentrations.
There haven't been any Japanese attempts to interdict the Allied Air Raids in Burma for quite some time, however, that might change soon. I've increased LR Recon over Southern Burma and more Japanese Fighters are being reported – nearly 200 in Toungou and 100 in Rangoon. Given those numbers I'm definitely not sending my 4Es out to challenge them.
Instead I'm increasing the Snail's War in Northern Burma as more Allied Troops slog their way through various Jungle hexes in an attempt to break through the Japanese Defensive line. The British Infantry Division southwest of Kalemyo is the closest to engaging the Enemy. That ought to happen in 1 or 2 more days.
The South Pacific was quiet this turn because my Recon Planes last turn spotted a Japanese TF at Koumac, therefore I set my Long Range Naval Bombers to Naval Attack. But the Sighting disappeared this turn and my Bombers went nowhere. Now I've reset the Bombers to hit the Air Bases at Koumac and Noumea again next turn.
Finally, at the end-of-the-day USS Gato was chased and hit a few times by a Japanese SC ASW TF at Etoforu. Gato got away but it needs to go for repairs now. All-in-all, my Sub Swarming exercise in the Kuriles gave quite disappointing results.
The Night Phase saw the AM Escorts in a small Allied TF spot and attack a Japanese sub off the North Coast of Australia between Port Hedland and Exmouth. The attackers reported getting 2 hits on the Japanese sub and driving it off.
Daylight brought a near-replay of the Air Attacks of the previous day with Japanese Helens hitting the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham and the Allied Air Forces in the Indo-Burma region hitting multiple Japanese base and troop concentrations.
There haven't been any Japanese attempts to interdict the Allied Air Raids in Burma for quite some time, however, that might change soon. I've increased LR Recon over Southern Burma and more Japanese Fighters are being reported – nearly 200 in Toungou and 100 in Rangoon. Given those numbers I'm definitely not sending my 4Es out to challenge them.
Instead I'm increasing the Snail's War in Northern Burma as more Allied Troops slog their way through various Jungle hexes in an attempt to break through the Japanese Defensive line. The British Infantry Division southwest of Kalemyo is the closest to engaging the Enemy. That ought to happen in 1 or 2 more days.
The South Pacific was quiet this turn because my Recon Planes last turn spotted a Japanese TF at Koumac, therefore I set my Long Range Naval Bombers to Naval Attack. But the Sighting disappeared this turn and my Bombers went nowhere. Now I've reset the Bombers to hit the Air Bases at Koumac and Noumea again next turn.
Finally, at the end-of-the-day USS Gato was chased and hit a few times by a Japanese SC ASW TF at Etoforu. Gato got away but it needs to go for repairs now. All-in-all, my Sub Swarming exercise in the Kuriles gave quite disappointing results.
Sitting Ducks
May 20, 1943 -
There was no Night Action again.
Daylight brought out the Japanese Army Air Force in a Big Way in Northern Oz and in China.
First off, the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham was hammered again by Helens. The Wonderful Supply Movement Rules keep me from being able to keep enough supply in my Central Australian Air Bases to be able to fly LR CAP over the USMC unit, so the Japanese Bombers get a Free Pass.
Then Japanese Bombers hit Chinese Troops and Air Bases in Liuchow, Sian and Hengyang. Again, the Supply Movement Rules gave yet another Free Pass to the Japanese.
Finally the Allied Air Forces in Burma got into action. The DBs were able to easily hit the Air Base at Warazup again, and various Allied 2E units hit Japanese troops near Kalemyo and on the Lashio Road just outside of Myitkyina.
There was a surprise, however, as the Allied 4Es flew in to hit the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo – a half dozen Tojos showed up on LR CAP to try to intercept the Big Bombers. That would have been fine, except that 10 High Experience Hurricanes came along with the first wave of 4Es.
These were the same Hurricane Pilots that stopped multiple Japanese Air Attacks along the Indo-Burma Border, but as soon as they went into Escort Mode, they became Sitting Ducks, thanks to the Wonderful Air Combat Model.
So I lost several Hurricanes for nothing as the 4Es got through anyway to hammer the Japanese troops, as did two more waves of 4Es which, fortunately, weren't accompanied by Escorts.
And yes, for the next turn I made certain that the Hurricanes have their range shortened so that they can't provide Escort.
Elsewhere, Liberators hammered the Air Bases at Noumea and Koumac again.
So, frustrations with the current state of Air Combat aside, my plans continue to move along, albeit at a very slow march, in Burma, Northern Oz, and the South Pacific.
There was no Night Action again.
Daylight brought out the Japanese Army Air Force in a Big Way in Northern Oz and in China.
First off, the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham was hammered again by Helens. The Wonderful Supply Movement Rules keep me from being able to keep enough supply in my Central Australian Air Bases to be able to fly LR CAP over the USMC unit, so the Japanese Bombers get a Free Pass.
Then Japanese Bombers hit Chinese Troops and Air Bases in Liuchow, Sian and Hengyang. Again, the Supply Movement Rules gave yet another Free Pass to the Japanese.
Finally the Allied Air Forces in Burma got into action. The DBs were able to easily hit the Air Base at Warazup again, and various Allied 2E units hit Japanese troops near Kalemyo and on the Lashio Road just outside of Myitkyina.
There was a surprise, however, as the Allied 4Es flew in to hit the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo – a half dozen Tojos showed up on LR CAP to try to intercept the Big Bombers. That would have been fine, except that 10 High Experience Hurricanes came along with the first wave of 4Es.
These were the same Hurricane Pilots that stopped multiple Japanese Air Attacks along the Indo-Burma Border, but as soon as they went into Escort Mode, they became Sitting Ducks, thanks to the Wonderful Air Combat Model.
So I lost several Hurricanes for nothing as the 4Es got through anyway to hammer the Japanese troops, as did two more waves of 4Es which, fortunately, weren't accompanied by Escorts.
And yes, for the next turn I made certain that the Hurricanes have their range shortened so that they can't provide Escort.
Elsewhere, Liberators hammered the Air Bases at Noumea and Koumac again.
So, frustrations with the current state of Air Combat aside, my plans continue to move along, albeit at a very slow march, in Burma, Northern Oz, and the South Pacific.
Oscar IIs in Distant Places
May 21, 1943 -
There was no Night Action again, which is rather good for me because it means that my opponent isn't attempting to interfere with my build-up in northern Oz, nor in the South Pacific.
Daylight started out with reports of Bad Weather most everywhere. This appeared to have slowed down the Japanese Bombing Attacks a bit as there was only one Raid hit Liuchow and one on the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham.
Allied Bombing started out with another Navy Liberator Raid on the Air Base at Noumea. That Air Base is now pretty much closed up tight, so I'm resting my 4Es in that region for a bit prior to my next Air Offensive.
In Burma weather scrambled the Allied Air Attacks, but since most are at relatively Short Range it didn't cancel many. Dive Bombers hit the Air Base at Warazup, 2Es hit various Japanese Troop concentrations outside the Bases, and the 4Es hit the Japanese Infantry Regiment 2 hexes S/W or Kalemyo again.
What was a bit of a Surprise was that 6 Oscar IIs showed up on LR CAP over the Japanese units that are on the Mandalay Road just to the West of Myitkyina. There were 18 Ace Hurricanes on Escort for the 2Es that flew in for Attack, and I guess because the Hurricanes outnumbered the Oscar IIs 3-to-1 only one Hurricane was lost. The Experienced 2Es got through to hit their target.
Next turn will be a Big One as the British Infantry Division will try to drive the Japanese Infantry Regiment out of its hex with a Shock Attack. I have the 4Es set to provide an initial Air Attack, and I have all of my P-38s and Corsairs set to LR CAP in expectation that my opponent will attempt an All-Out Air Raid to try to disrupt my Troops. It will be interesting to see how this goes.
There was no Night Action again, which is rather good for me because it means that my opponent isn't attempting to interfere with my build-up in northern Oz, nor in the South Pacific.
Daylight started out with reports of Bad Weather most everywhere. This appeared to have slowed down the Japanese Bombing Attacks a bit as there was only one Raid hit Liuchow and one on the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham.
Allied Bombing started out with another Navy Liberator Raid on the Air Base at Noumea. That Air Base is now pretty much closed up tight, so I'm resting my 4Es in that region for a bit prior to my next Air Offensive.
In Burma weather scrambled the Allied Air Attacks, but since most are at relatively Short Range it didn't cancel many. Dive Bombers hit the Air Base at Warazup, 2Es hit various Japanese Troop concentrations outside the Bases, and the 4Es hit the Japanese Infantry Regiment 2 hexes S/W or Kalemyo again.
What was a bit of a Surprise was that 6 Oscar IIs showed up on LR CAP over the Japanese units that are on the Mandalay Road just to the West of Myitkyina. There were 18 Ace Hurricanes on Escort for the 2Es that flew in for Attack, and I guess because the Hurricanes outnumbered the Oscar IIs 3-to-1 only one Hurricane was lost. The Experienced 2Es got through to hit their target.
Next turn will be a Big One as the British Infantry Division will try to drive the Japanese Infantry Regiment out of its hex with a Shock Attack. I have the 4Es set to provide an initial Air Attack, and I have all of my P-38s and Corsairs set to LR CAP in expectation that my opponent will attempt an All-Out Air Raid to try to disrupt my Troops. It will be interesting to see how this goes.
Slip-Up
May 22, 1943 -
The only Night Action was a Japanese sub that took a shot at and missed a Dutch DD northeast of Exmouth. The DD couldn't find the Japanese sub in return.
Daylight brought a change in Japanese Air Action as 10 Oscar IIs showed up over the Japanese Infantry Division on the Lashio Road at the Chinese border where Chinese Bombers have been flying fruitlessly the past few turns. There were 12 Chinese Lancers on Escort and the Chinese pilots valiantly tried to fight off the Japanese attackers. In the end 5 Chinese fighters went down, but so did 2 Oscars, and the Chinese Bombers got through to their Target. But once again the Chinese Bombardiers couldn't hit their target in the Rain and Jungle.
After this the rest of the Allied Air Attacks on Burma got underway in a Big Way, with DBs pounding the Air Base at Warazup, and 2Es pounding the Japanese Troops on the Mandalay Road just west of Myitkyina and also just southeast of Kalemyo.
Then the 4Es got to work and repeatedly pounded the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is now facing a British Infantry Division. The Cream of the Allied Fighter Forces showed up over the hex, but no Japanese Fighters or Bombers showed up.
Finally, in the South Pacific Liberators hammered the Air Base at Koumac again.
At that point I waited with Tremendous Anticipation for the British Shock Attack on the Japanese Infantry Regiment in the Burmese Jungle.
And nothing happened! [X(]
I pulled my jaw off of the floor, swore in a number of languages and rushed through to see the Turn itself. There, in all its Glory, the British Division stood set at Defend.
I then shutdown the Turn, moved the files out of the Save Folder into a temporary folder, and moved over the last Working Turn from yesterday. I opened the Turn, went directly to the British unit and, @#$%^ , the unit was set to Defend too.
So somewhere along the way, between my many Interim Turns and various distractions, I missed setting the Brits to attack.
So this turn I've left most of my Attacks set the same as last turn, except this time I was careful to set the Brits to Shock Attack. And I rechecked them later.
So, I'll now have to wait another turn to see what happens. In the meanwhile, more and more Japanese Fighters are showing up in Southern Burma – the latest Recon and SIGINT show 86 in Rangoon and 232 in Toungou!
Let's hope that I haven't messed up anything again this turn.
The only Night Action was a Japanese sub that took a shot at and missed a Dutch DD northeast of Exmouth. The DD couldn't find the Japanese sub in return.
Daylight brought a change in Japanese Air Action as 10 Oscar IIs showed up over the Japanese Infantry Division on the Lashio Road at the Chinese border where Chinese Bombers have been flying fruitlessly the past few turns. There were 12 Chinese Lancers on Escort and the Chinese pilots valiantly tried to fight off the Japanese attackers. In the end 5 Chinese fighters went down, but so did 2 Oscars, and the Chinese Bombers got through to their Target. But once again the Chinese Bombardiers couldn't hit their target in the Rain and Jungle.
After this the rest of the Allied Air Attacks on Burma got underway in a Big Way, with DBs pounding the Air Base at Warazup, and 2Es pounding the Japanese Troops on the Mandalay Road just west of Myitkyina and also just southeast of Kalemyo.
Then the 4Es got to work and repeatedly pounded the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is now facing a British Infantry Division. The Cream of the Allied Fighter Forces showed up over the hex, but no Japanese Fighters or Bombers showed up.
Finally, in the South Pacific Liberators hammered the Air Base at Koumac again.
At that point I waited with Tremendous Anticipation for the British Shock Attack on the Japanese Infantry Regiment in the Burmese Jungle.
And nothing happened! [X(]
I pulled my jaw off of the floor, swore in a number of languages and rushed through to see the Turn itself. There, in all its Glory, the British Division stood set at Defend.
I then shutdown the Turn, moved the files out of the Save Folder into a temporary folder, and moved over the last Working Turn from yesterday. I opened the Turn, went directly to the British unit and, @#$%^ , the unit was set to Defend too.
So somewhere along the way, between my many Interim Turns and various distractions, I missed setting the Brits to attack.
So this turn I've left most of my Attacks set the same as last turn, except this time I was careful to set the Brits to Shock Attack. And I rechecked them later.
So, I'll now have to wait another turn to see what happens. In the meanwhile, more and more Japanese Fighters are showing up in Southern Burma – the latest Recon and SIGINT show 86 in Rangoon and 232 in Toungou!
Let's hope that I haven't messed up anything again this turn.
Breaking the Line
May 23, 1943 –
There was no Night Action this turn.
Daylight brought the now-usual Japanese Air Attack on the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham. I still haven’t been able to move enough Supply forward to send out any P-38s on LR CAP.
The rest of the Day belonged to the Allies. First up was a series of Navy 4E attacks on the Air Base at Luganville.
The first wave consisted of 30 PB4Y-1s which were met by 27 A6M3as on CAP. The Navy Bombers blasted by the Japanese fighters, shooting one down on the way in and hitting the Air Base hard. An Emily was destroyed on the Ground as a Bonus.
Next 9 more Navy Liberators flew in and this time met 19 A6M3as. Once again the Big Navy Bombers blasted past the Japanese Fighters and hit the Air Base.
Finally, 7 more Navy Liberators flew in, facing another 19 A6M3as, and hit the Air Base again, shooting down another A6M3a on the way.
There are a number of Japanese TFs at Luganville. I’m not sure if they are bringing in reinforcements, taking out troops or sailing ASW missions. I’ve got a few subs hanging around the Port but they haven’t run into any of the Japanese ships. So next turn I am sending the 4Es back, along with more LR Recon, and with any luck, a Surprise for the Japanese TFs.
The Air War in Burma belonged solely to the Allies today. Allied 2Es hammered Japanese Troops southeast of Kalemyo and west of Myitkyina, and Dive Bombers hammered the Air Base at Warazup again.
Then several waves of 4Es came in and once more hammered the Japanese Infantry Regiment that was 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo.
I was surprised that no Japanese Planes flew in to try to either interfere with the Allied Air Attacks, or to attack the British Infantry Division that was locked in contact with the Japanese Infantry Regiment. Perhaps my opponent had noticed the ever-increasing numbers of Allied Fighters on CAP in the region and decided not to attempt a shoot-out.
Once the Air Attacks were over it was the turn of the British 2nd Infantry Division to do a full Shock Attack on the Japanese Troops. The long Air Campaign, the natural Supply issues in Burma, and the Jungle Conditions did the trick, and the result was very satisfying:
Ground combat at 58,44
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 10770 troops, 306 guns, 300 vehicles, Assault Value = 352
Defending force 2716 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 90
Allied adjusted assault: 486
Japanese adjusted defense: 3
Allied assault odds: 162 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)
Japanese ground losses:
848 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Allied ground losses:
168 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
2nd British Division
Defending units:
148th Infantry Regiment
What felt particularly good was that it was the British 2nd Division that had been thrown back from the position southeast of Kalemyo some time back and it had rebuilt in the Field and was now capable of opening up a path through the Japanese Jungle Defences.
So the hapless Japanese 148th Regiment is now out in the open, and you can guess where the 4Es are headed next. [:D] I’ve posted the current map and if you look carefully you will see that a number of other Allied units are on the move in multiple places, and all heading towards the Center of Burma. The Battle for Burma is only Beginning.
At the End-of-the-Day I got a bit more good news as the final Air Combat results showed that 3 A6M3as were shot down and one lost to Ops Damage over Luganville, while no Navy Liberators were lost.
One Strange Thing was reported by SIGINT – a Japanese TF is reported to be heading westwards away from the DEI island that contains the base called Bima. According to SIGINT, the TF contains 9 or more Patrol Craft of varying types. [&:]
That doesn’t make a lot of sense. I do have a couple of subs in the area, including one in the same hex. The Japanese TF could be a Combat TF on ASW duty (how to get around the 4-ship limit on ASW TFs), but somehow I don’t think so.
So I’ve increased my LR Search off of the north and west coasts of Oz and have more submarines moving in the region. I don’t have a lot of Shipping moving along the Coast right now, but I’ll keep it close to Port anyway.
There was no Night Action this turn.
Daylight brought the now-usual Japanese Air Attack on the USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham. I still haven’t been able to move enough Supply forward to send out any P-38s on LR CAP.
The rest of the Day belonged to the Allies. First up was a series of Navy 4E attacks on the Air Base at Luganville.
The first wave consisted of 30 PB4Y-1s which were met by 27 A6M3as on CAP. The Navy Bombers blasted by the Japanese fighters, shooting one down on the way in and hitting the Air Base hard. An Emily was destroyed on the Ground as a Bonus.
Next 9 more Navy Liberators flew in and this time met 19 A6M3as. Once again the Big Navy Bombers blasted past the Japanese Fighters and hit the Air Base.
Finally, 7 more Navy Liberators flew in, facing another 19 A6M3as, and hit the Air Base again, shooting down another A6M3a on the way.
There are a number of Japanese TFs at Luganville. I’m not sure if they are bringing in reinforcements, taking out troops or sailing ASW missions. I’ve got a few subs hanging around the Port but they haven’t run into any of the Japanese ships. So next turn I am sending the 4Es back, along with more LR Recon, and with any luck, a Surprise for the Japanese TFs.
The Air War in Burma belonged solely to the Allies today. Allied 2Es hammered Japanese Troops southeast of Kalemyo and west of Myitkyina, and Dive Bombers hammered the Air Base at Warazup again.
Then several waves of 4Es came in and once more hammered the Japanese Infantry Regiment that was 2 hexes southwest of Kalemyo.
I was surprised that no Japanese Planes flew in to try to either interfere with the Allied Air Attacks, or to attack the British Infantry Division that was locked in contact with the Japanese Infantry Regiment. Perhaps my opponent had noticed the ever-increasing numbers of Allied Fighters on CAP in the region and decided not to attempt a shoot-out.
Once the Air Attacks were over it was the turn of the British 2nd Infantry Division to do a full Shock Attack on the Japanese Troops. The long Air Campaign, the natural Supply issues in Burma, and the Jungle Conditions did the trick, and the result was very satisfying:
Ground combat at 58,44
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 10770 troops, 306 guns, 300 vehicles, Assault Value = 352
Defending force 2716 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 90
Allied adjusted assault: 486
Japanese adjusted defense: 3
Allied assault odds: 162 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)
Japanese ground losses:
848 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Allied ground losses:
168 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
2nd British Division
Defending units:
148th Infantry Regiment
What felt particularly good was that it was the British 2nd Division that had been thrown back from the position southeast of Kalemyo some time back and it had rebuilt in the Field and was now capable of opening up a path through the Japanese Jungle Defences.
So the hapless Japanese 148th Regiment is now out in the open, and you can guess where the 4Es are headed next. [:D] I’ve posted the current map and if you look carefully you will see that a number of other Allied units are on the move in multiple places, and all heading towards the Center of Burma. The Battle for Burma is only Beginning.
At the End-of-the-Day I got a bit more good news as the final Air Combat results showed that 3 A6M3as were shot down and one lost to Ops Damage over Luganville, while no Navy Liberators were lost.
One Strange Thing was reported by SIGINT – a Japanese TF is reported to be heading westwards away from the DEI island that contains the base called Bima. According to SIGINT, the TF contains 9 or more Patrol Craft of varying types. [&:]
That doesn’t make a lot of sense. I do have a couple of subs in the area, including one in the same hex. The Japanese TF could be a Combat TF on ASW duty (how to get around the 4-ship limit on ASW TFs), but somehow I don’t think so.
So I’ve increased my LR Search off of the north and west coasts of Oz and have more submarines moving in the region. I don’t have a lot of Shipping moving along the Coast right now, but I’ll keep it close to Port anyway.
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DanielAnsell
- Posts: 128
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RE: Breaking the Line
Well done! Is your division in any shape to cross the river and continue pursuit?
RE: Breaking the Line
ORIGINAL: Carny
Well done! Is your division in any shape to cross the river and continue pursuit?
Definitely! It has its orders and it is on its way!
Hammering Roaches
May 24, 1943 –
There was no Night Action again this turn.
Daylight brought Japanese Air Attacks on the hapless Chinese Troops at Liuchow and the equally hapless USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham. But I hope to change the situation in Australia next turn as I’ve been able to give Drop Tanks to a couple of P-38 Squadrons and have them set to fly LR CAP over the Marines.
The Japanese Air Force stayed quiet in Burma, but the Allied Air Units flew multiple Missions against various Japanese LCUs along the Front Lines. The retreating Japanese Infantry unit in the Open was hammered again by 4Es, and other Japanese troops received varying amounts of airborne punishment, depending upon the terrain where they were located.
But the Allied Bombing Campaign isn’t stopping my opponent from sending even more Japanese LCUs forward. Air Recon spotted 3 Japanese units at Katha this turn, and more moving in and out of Swebo. The Japanese troops are going up and down the Railway Line like crazy and I won’t be able to stop that until I move in some Troops to cut the line.
Things were relatively quiet in Northern Australia and my build-up continues without interference.
And finally in the South Pacific, while Koumac was pounded into Rubble by 4Es again, Luganville escaped attack due to Thunderstorms. We’ll try again next turn.
There was no Night Action again this turn.
Daylight brought Japanese Air Attacks on the hapless Chinese Troops at Liuchow and the equally hapless USMC Tank unit south of Wyndham. But I hope to change the situation in Australia next turn as I’ve been able to give Drop Tanks to a couple of P-38 Squadrons and have them set to fly LR CAP over the Marines.
The Japanese Air Force stayed quiet in Burma, but the Allied Air Units flew multiple Missions against various Japanese LCUs along the Front Lines. The retreating Japanese Infantry unit in the Open was hammered again by 4Es, and other Japanese troops received varying amounts of airborne punishment, depending upon the terrain where they were located.
But the Allied Bombing Campaign isn’t stopping my opponent from sending even more Japanese LCUs forward. Air Recon spotted 3 Japanese units at Katha this turn, and more moving in and out of Swebo. The Japanese troops are going up and down the Railway Line like crazy and I won’t be able to stop that until I move in some Troops to cut the line.
Things were relatively quiet in Northern Australia and my build-up continues without interference.
And finally in the South Pacific, while Koumac was pounded into Rubble by 4Es again, Luganville escaped attack due to Thunderstorms. We’ll try again next turn.
Getting the Jump
May 25, 1943 –
There was no Night Action again.
Daylight brought a change to the Daily Japanese Air Attacks on the USMC armour in northern Australia as USAAF P-38Gs flew in on LR CAP.
First off 21 P38Gs jumped 20 A6M3 Zeros that were Sweeping in alone. The Lightnings shot down two of the Zeros. Next, 26 Nicks Swept in and they were jumped by 18 P-38s. Two of the Nicks were shot down. Then the Helens started to fly in, but the Lightnings were out of position and couldn’t intercept either of the two Japanese bomber raids. Never-the-less it felt good to see the Japanese plans get a bit disrupted.
Burma continued to be an Allied Playground as Japanese troops throughout the north of the country were hammered relentlessly by hundreds of Allied planes. There isn’t much left of that Japanese Infantry Regiment that is trying desperately to reach the relative safety of Mandalay.
But the real key is turning out to be Katha as Japanese troops there are attempting to move to the East in order to stop the oncoming Chinese Troops. Therefore, I’ve ordered EVERYTHING to hit the Japanese Troops at Katha next turn, including the 4Es and even the Dive Bombers. If the Weather doesn’t interfere it ought to be a spectacular Attack.
In other news, Liberators hit the Air Base at Koumac again, and PB4Y-1s went after Luganville. The Navy Bomber Pilots there even shot down an A6M3a.
But the Bad News was that for the Second Day in a Row the Navy Pilots on the nearby US CV TF flew Recon and Search over Luganville and spotted the various JP TFs that have been sitting there for days, and yet no CV Bomber attempted to attack for the Second Day in a Row.
I’m beginning to think that I ought to use my Fleet CVs for Air Transport too, along with my CVEs… [8|]
In any event, the Good News for the Day was in the End-of-Day Air Combat Results:
Ki-45KAIa Nicks – 4 A-to-A, 3 Ops
A6M3 Zeros – 4 A-to-A, 2 Ops
A6M3a Zeros – 1 A-to-A, 2 Ops
H8K1 Emily – 1 Ground
P-38Gs – 3 A-to-A, 3 Ops
No USAAF pilots were lost in the battles.
There was no Night Action again.
Daylight brought a change to the Daily Japanese Air Attacks on the USMC armour in northern Australia as USAAF P-38Gs flew in on LR CAP.
First off 21 P38Gs jumped 20 A6M3 Zeros that were Sweeping in alone. The Lightnings shot down two of the Zeros. Next, 26 Nicks Swept in and they were jumped by 18 P-38s. Two of the Nicks were shot down. Then the Helens started to fly in, but the Lightnings were out of position and couldn’t intercept either of the two Japanese bomber raids. Never-the-less it felt good to see the Japanese plans get a bit disrupted.
Burma continued to be an Allied Playground as Japanese troops throughout the north of the country were hammered relentlessly by hundreds of Allied planes. There isn’t much left of that Japanese Infantry Regiment that is trying desperately to reach the relative safety of Mandalay.
But the real key is turning out to be Katha as Japanese troops there are attempting to move to the East in order to stop the oncoming Chinese Troops. Therefore, I’ve ordered EVERYTHING to hit the Japanese Troops at Katha next turn, including the 4Es and even the Dive Bombers. If the Weather doesn’t interfere it ought to be a spectacular Attack.
In other news, Liberators hit the Air Base at Koumac again, and PB4Y-1s went after Luganville. The Navy Bomber Pilots there even shot down an A6M3a.
But the Bad News was that for the Second Day in a Row the Navy Pilots on the nearby US CV TF flew Recon and Search over Luganville and spotted the various JP TFs that have been sitting there for days, and yet no CV Bomber attempted to attack for the Second Day in a Row.
I’m beginning to think that I ought to use my Fleet CVs for Air Transport too, along with my CVEs… [8|]
In any event, the Good News for the Day was in the End-of-Day Air Combat Results:
Ki-45KAIa Nicks – 4 A-to-A, 3 Ops
A6M3 Zeros – 4 A-to-A, 2 Ops
A6M3a Zeros – 1 A-to-A, 2 Ops
H8K1 Emily – 1 Ground
P-38Gs – 3 A-to-A, 3 Ops
No USAAF pilots were lost in the battles.
Kitchen Sink
May 26, 1943 –
There was no Night Action again.
The Japanese sent out A6M3s and A6M3as on High Level Sweeps over the USMC Tank unit in northern Australia prior to an attack by almost a 100 Helens. There were no Allied planes on LR CAP so the poor Marines were hammered mercilessly.
This was followed by an ambush by Oscar IIs of the Chinese Bombers over the Japanese troops on the Lashio Road. The Chinese Fighters didn’t have their external fuel tanks on so they didn’t escort the Bombers. The result was ugly, with one redeeming feature – 4 Oscars were lost to Op Damage on the long flight.
The Allied Air Forces then got their opportunity as hundreds and hundreds of Bombers attacked Japanese troops at Katha. Untold tons of bombs were dropped with no opposition from the Japanese. The Might of the Allied Powers shook the Earth.
Unfortunately, the damage caused to the Japanese Troops at Katha was incommensurate with the effort, particularly when compared to the horrific damage caused by the Helens on the USMC armour in Australia.
My thoughts rapidly travelled to the phrase, O.F.O. ,as I contemplated the results.
Fortunately, my spirits were lifted a bit by the arrival of Flying Fortresses and Liberators over the Enemy Air Base at Wyndham. The 4Es were met by A6M3as, but with so many Japanese fighters on Sweeps and Escort over the Marines, the Japanese Fighters were at a disadvantage. Three waves of 4Es flew in, hitting the Air Fields and shooting down some Zeros on the way.
Finally, the Air Base at Koumac was hit again by 4Es, keeping it nicely closed.
The End-of-Day Air Combat totals were as follows:
A6M3a – 5 A-to-A, 2 Ops
Ki-43IIa Oscar – 4 Ops
Ki-45KAIa Nick – 2 Ground
B-24D1 – 3 A-to-A, 1 Ops
A29A (Chinese) – 3 A-to-A
DB-3M – 3 A-to-A
SB-III – 1 A-to-A, 1 Ops
So I’ve left my Massive Air Attack in Burma focussed on Katha, while I’ve brought even more 4Es into range of Wyndham. As long as my Supply holds out I will continue to blast the Japanese Troops in Burma into hamburger, and the Japanese Planes in Northern Oz into rubble.
There was no Night Action again.
The Japanese sent out A6M3s and A6M3as on High Level Sweeps over the USMC Tank unit in northern Australia prior to an attack by almost a 100 Helens. There were no Allied planes on LR CAP so the poor Marines were hammered mercilessly.
This was followed by an ambush by Oscar IIs of the Chinese Bombers over the Japanese troops on the Lashio Road. The Chinese Fighters didn’t have their external fuel tanks on so they didn’t escort the Bombers. The result was ugly, with one redeeming feature – 4 Oscars were lost to Op Damage on the long flight.
The Allied Air Forces then got their opportunity as hundreds and hundreds of Bombers attacked Japanese troops at Katha. Untold tons of bombs were dropped with no opposition from the Japanese. The Might of the Allied Powers shook the Earth.
Unfortunately, the damage caused to the Japanese Troops at Katha was incommensurate with the effort, particularly when compared to the horrific damage caused by the Helens on the USMC armour in Australia.
My thoughts rapidly travelled to the phrase, O.F.O. ,as I contemplated the results.
Fortunately, my spirits were lifted a bit by the arrival of Flying Fortresses and Liberators over the Enemy Air Base at Wyndham. The 4Es were met by A6M3as, but with so many Japanese fighters on Sweeps and Escort over the Marines, the Japanese Fighters were at a disadvantage. Three waves of 4Es flew in, hitting the Air Fields and shooting down some Zeros on the way.
Finally, the Air Base at Koumac was hit again by 4Es, keeping it nicely closed.
The End-of-Day Air Combat totals were as follows:
A6M3a – 5 A-to-A, 2 Ops
Ki-43IIa Oscar – 4 Ops
Ki-45KAIa Nick – 2 Ground
B-24D1 – 3 A-to-A, 1 Ops
A29A (Chinese) – 3 A-to-A
DB-3M – 3 A-to-A
SB-III – 1 A-to-A, 1 Ops
So I’ve left my Massive Air Attack in Burma focussed on Katha, while I’ve brought even more 4Es into range of Wyndham. As long as my Supply holds out I will continue to blast the Japanese Troops in Burma into hamburger, and the Japanese Planes in Northern Oz into rubble.
The Kitchen Sink Revisited
May 27, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw USS Rasher shoot off 6 torpedoes at an unloading Japanese xAK at Luganville but miss. The Escort ship in the small Japanese Transport TF couldn’t find Rasher afterwards. This was one of the multiple Japanese TFs that has been hanging around Luganville for the past several turns. This was the first turn in which Rasher actually spotted one of those Japanese TFs that have been sitting at the Base.
Daylight started out with lots of Japanese Long Range Air Recon over Allied Bases in Northeastern and Northwestern Australia, but Japanese Bombers didn’t venture out.
The first Air Attacks were by the Chinese Air Force on the Japanese Troops on the Lashio Road. This time Chinese Fighters went along as Escort and Japanese LR CAP didn’t show up.
The Japanese Troops at Katha received the Allied Everything-Plus-the-Kitchen-Sink Air Attack again. The results weren’t bad, but they didn’t seem commensurate with the number of planes in the Air, particularly when you consider the High Experience Levels of the Allied Bomber Pilots. It appears that nothing compensates for Bad Terrain.
The Real Air Battle occurred over Wyndham where even more US 4Es than last turn flew in to attack the Air Base.
The First Wave consisted of 10 B-24Ds, 19 B-17Es and 23 B-24D1s. The 4Es were faced by 34 Nicks and 30 A6M3as. The 4Es were able to blast past they Japanese CAP, shooting down several of each type of Fighter, and hit their Target fairly well. This attack was followed by 3 single squadron Straggler Attacks which faced varying quantities of Japanese Fighters but were still able to get in and hit the target.
The End-of-Day Air Combat Results were reasonable when you consider that the 4Es were operating near to their Range Limit:
A6M3a – 5 A-to-A, 5 Ground, Ops 1
Nicks – 3 A-to-A, 4 Ground
B-24D1 – 3 A-to-A
B-24D – 1 A-to-A
B-17E – 1 A-to-A
The USAAF Bomber Squadrons need Rest now, so I have stood them down.
BTW – the USMC Tank unit survivors enjoyed a rare day without Japanese Air Attack. More importantly, the Allied Build-Up in Northwestern Oz continued without interference.
The Night Phase saw USS Rasher shoot off 6 torpedoes at an unloading Japanese xAK at Luganville but miss. The Escort ship in the small Japanese Transport TF couldn’t find Rasher afterwards. This was one of the multiple Japanese TFs that has been hanging around Luganville for the past several turns. This was the first turn in which Rasher actually spotted one of those Japanese TFs that have been sitting at the Base.
Daylight started out with lots of Japanese Long Range Air Recon over Allied Bases in Northeastern and Northwestern Australia, but Japanese Bombers didn’t venture out.
The first Air Attacks were by the Chinese Air Force on the Japanese Troops on the Lashio Road. This time Chinese Fighters went along as Escort and Japanese LR CAP didn’t show up.
The Japanese Troops at Katha received the Allied Everything-Plus-the-Kitchen-Sink Air Attack again. The results weren’t bad, but they didn’t seem commensurate with the number of planes in the Air, particularly when you consider the High Experience Levels of the Allied Bomber Pilots. It appears that nothing compensates for Bad Terrain.
The Real Air Battle occurred over Wyndham where even more US 4Es than last turn flew in to attack the Air Base.
The First Wave consisted of 10 B-24Ds, 19 B-17Es and 23 B-24D1s. The 4Es were faced by 34 Nicks and 30 A6M3as. The 4Es were able to blast past they Japanese CAP, shooting down several of each type of Fighter, and hit their Target fairly well. This attack was followed by 3 single squadron Straggler Attacks which faced varying quantities of Japanese Fighters but were still able to get in and hit the target.
The End-of-Day Air Combat Results were reasonable when you consider that the 4Es were operating near to their Range Limit:
A6M3a – 5 A-to-A, 5 Ground, Ops 1
Nicks – 3 A-to-A, 4 Ground
B-24D1 – 3 A-to-A
B-24D – 1 A-to-A
B-17E – 1 A-to-A
The USAAF Bomber Squadrons need Rest now, so I have stood them down.
BTW – the USMC Tank unit survivors enjoyed a rare day without Japanese Air Attack. More importantly, the Allied Build-Up in Northwestern Oz continued without interference.
Kitchen Sink Three
May 28, 1943 –
There was no Night Action.
Daylight saw a continuation of the Kitchen Sink Air Attack on the Japanese Troops at Katha. This time Weather interfered with the Air Attacks with only 2Es and DBs attacking in the AM, and only some of the 4Es attacking in the PM.
As I have observed in all of my games, more Bomber Squadrons attacking at once increases the odds of at least a few of them hitting the Target. The Morning Air Attacks were broken up and none of the individual Squadron attacks could find the Target.
So with the Diminishing Returns I decided that Enough-Was-Enough and I re-set my Bombing Attacks in Burma to hit different Targets, particularly Air Bases again. Recon and INTEL reported that the Japanese Troops at Katha have stopped trying to move, so maybe my Chinese Corps will be able to cross the river without having to Shock Attack any Enemy Troops.
BTW – the Chinese Bombers hit their target on the Lashio Road – there doesn’t seem to be any Rhyme nor Reason to when they hit and when they miss.
The only other Air Attack was in the South Pacific where 30 PB4Y-1s hit the Air Base at Luganville again. There was no Enemy CAP, and it appears that my opponent has pulled out his planes and ships. This makes my Build-Up up in the South Pacific even easier.
There was no Night Action.
Daylight saw a continuation of the Kitchen Sink Air Attack on the Japanese Troops at Katha. This time Weather interfered with the Air Attacks with only 2Es and DBs attacking in the AM, and only some of the 4Es attacking in the PM.
As I have observed in all of my games, more Bomber Squadrons attacking at once increases the odds of at least a few of them hitting the Target. The Morning Air Attacks were broken up and none of the individual Squadron attacks could find the Target.
So with the Diminishing Returns I decided that Enough-Was-Enough and I re-set my Bombing Attacks in Burma to hit different Targets, particularly Air Bases again. Recon and INTEL reported that the Japanese Troops at Katha have stopped trying to move, so maybe my Chinese Corps will be able to cross the river without having to Shock Attack any Enemy Troops.
BTW – the Chinese Bombers hit their target on the Lashio Road – there doesn’t seem to be any Rhyme nor Reason to when they hit and when they miss.
The only other Air Attack was in the South Pacific where 30 PB4Y-1s hit the Air Base at Luganville again. There was no Enemy CAP, and it appears that my opponent has pulled out his planes and ships. This makes my Build-Up up in the South Pacific even easier.
May 29 1943 - Interim Report
May 29, 1943 – Interim Report -
My opponent only had time to run and send the Combat Reply to me, so this is an Interim Report based upon the CR.
There was no Night Action. I continue to be pleased and somewhat surprised that my opponent is not attempting to send in Fast Surface Combat TFs to interfere with my Build-Up at Broome.
Daylight brought out a large number of Japanese Air Recon Missions over northeastern Australia, China and Burma, but no Japanese Air Combat Missions.
The Allied Air Forces also sent out plenty of Air Recon but also sent out Bomber Attacks over Burma.
First in were the Chinese Bombers which flew over the Japanese Troops on the Lashio Road again, but couldn't hit their target this turn.
Next were a series of 2E and DB attacks on the Air Base at Myitkyina. Unlike the recent attacks on Japanese Ground Troops in the area the Air Base attacks were very successful.
Japanese Troops at Katha were also attacked by 2Es this turn. The attacks were surprisingly successful in comparison with the past couple of days of All Out Air Attacks on the same troops, despite there being only a fraction of the Allied planes involved this time.
Japanese Troops in Shwebo were also attacked by 2Es. From the Reports it appears that the Japanese Troops there might be low on Supplies because there were more troops reported to be destroyed than usual.
And finally, the 4Es flew in and hammered the Air Base at Mandalay extremely hard. I'm going to continue to send the 4Es to hit various Air Bases in the Region over the next few days in advance of Allied Troops moving near to various Japanese-controlled bases along the Central Burma Road and Rail System.
So the Allied Advance in Burma, Build-Up in Northern Australia, and Build-Up in the South Pacific continue nicely. I should be able to cut the Rail Line in Burma and start Counter-Invasions in the South Pacific in June. And by the end of June I hope to be in a position to Close the Air Base at Wyndham in preparation for an Advance on Wyndham and Perth in July. Finally, I should be in a position to launch a Raid on the next Japanese TF that moves to Paramushiro-Jima. All-in-All, Summer 1943 ought to be interesting for the Allies.
My opponent only had time to run and send the Combat Reply to me, so this is an Interim Report based upon the CR.
There was no Night Action. I continue to be pleased and somewhat surprised that my opponent is not attempting to send in Fast Surface Combat TFs to interfere with my Build-Up at Broome.
Daylight brought out a large number of Japanese Air Recon Missions over northeastern Australia, China and Burma, but no Japanese Air Combat Missions.
The Allied Air Forces also sent out plenty of Air Recon but also sent out Bomber Attacks over Burma.
First in were the Chinese Bombers which flew over the Japanese Troops on the Lashio Road again, but couldn't hit their target this turn.
Next were a series of 2E and DB attacks on the Air Base at Myitkyina. Unlike the recent attacks on Japanese Ground Troops in the area the Air Base attacks were very successful.
Japanese Troops at Katha were also attacked by 2Es this turn. The attacks were surprisingly successful in comparison with the past couple of days of All Out Air Attacks on the same troops, despite there being only a fraction of the Allied planes involved this time.
Japanese Troops in Shwebo were also attacked by 2Es. From the Reports it appears that the Japanese Troops there might be low on Supplies because there were more troops reported to be destroyed than usual.
And finally, the 4Es flew in and hammered the Air Base at Mandalay extremely hard. I'm going to continue to send the 4Es to hit various Air Bases in the Region over the next few days in advance of Allied Troops moving near to various Japanese-controlled bases along the Central Burma Road and Rail System.
So the Allied Advance in Burma, Build-Up in Northern Australia, and Build-Up in the South Pacific continue nicely. I should be able to cut the Rail Line in Burma and start Counter-Invasions in the South Pacific in June. And by the end of June I hope to be in a position to Close the Air Base at Wyndham in preparation for an Advance on Wyndham and Perth in July. Finally, I should be in a position to launch a Raid on the next Japanese TF that moves to Paramushiro-Jima. All-in-All, Summer 1943 ought to be interesting for the Allies.