Dark Side of the Moon

[Honda]

Tell it someone who cares. those troops haven't exactly been a thorn in my heel, haven't they. It's a self-governed POW camp and you know it. It's still there 'cause I choose it to be there.
The last 2 days have been mostly unevetfull. Most theatres are in the prosses of regrouping for future action.

[Raverdave]

Now mostly you get nothing from the intel screen but a load of crap, "sigs detected here" or "the third IJA blanket folding company is located at X" but in THIS case I have come across a number of real gems:-
 
3368 men are based at Sendai.
3rd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Matsue.
8th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Truk.
21st Division is planning for an attack on Rockhampton.[:)]
Radio transmissions detected at Diamond Harbor.
12th Army is located at Kunming.
22nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Bombay.
8th Construction Battalion is located at Shanghai.
2nd Division is located at Sydney.
13th Aviation Rgt  is located at Mukden.
Radio transmissions detected at Lunga.
Radio transmissions detected at Truk.
15th Mixed Brigade is planning for an attack on Pearl Harbor.[:)]
46th Road Construction Battalion is located at 62,33.
129th IJA Base Force is located at Lae.
Radio transmissions detected at Georgetown.
Radio transmissions detected at Noumea.
 
 
Forewarned is forearmed. [8D]
 

 

[Honda]

Thanks for this little piece of counterintelligence!

[Raverdave]

No problems...........I see that you have still not stopped your planning for the attack on Rockhampton.[;)]

[Raverdave]

Lots of turns being done........the only real thing to note is that Honda seem keen to take Darwin sooner rather than later.

[Honda]

My keenness payed dividends. Darwin fell yesterday.[8D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/03/42

This is a strike from Luganville:
Day Air attack on TF at 70,101

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Washingtonian, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Many solo merchies are making a run these days. Impending doom of Queensand is making them take this precarious route.

[Raverdave]

The build up in NZ continues.  Unfortunately this will take so time.  No need to hide this fact on the open forum as I have already telegraphed the fact that re taking Oz is my number objective.  The idea is to por troops and support into Oz via Brisbane, which is the only remaining strong point that Hero Honda can't take..

[Honda]

You must be joking, right? People, don't allow yourselves to be led astray by this mumbo-jumbo.

[Raverdave]

Yes Honda san is right, I am leading you all astray. My real target is Java, Manila,Tokyo, Peking,Bombay,Timor, The Marshall Islands and and Noumea in no particular order.
 
P.S.  Malaya would also be nice.[;)]

[Raverdave]

Honda continues his war crimes by hunting down un-armed merchant ships that are trying to flee from Brisbane to the US.  His pirate ships a.k.a KB, send as many as 40 dive bombers to hunt and sink just one peaceful transport ship. 

[Honda]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/07/42

Boo-hoo! How may peaceful Jap merchies would make it through the Panama Canal? Peciprocity my dear Raver...
One of the attacks in question is described bellow. Nothing peaceful about the guns on those merchies. My planes only attacked in selfdefence!
Day Air attack on TF at 54,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 48
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Burnie, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bittern, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Enggano, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bendigo, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 54,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 43
B5N Kate x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Bendigo, on fire, heavy damage
AK Enggano, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

KB sweep visits Brisbane:

Day Air attack on Brisbane , at 46,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Hurricane II x 14
P-40B Tomahawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 10 destroyed
Hurricane II: 10 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed

I've seen better sweeps in my time, but this one has produced my new leading ace - 12 kills!

[Raverdave]

Hero Honda san is making his move towards Brisbane/Rockhampton. Why he is even bothering is beyond me as to take Brisbane he will need at least 20 divisions to get 2 to 1 odds. And even then it would be hard, Brissy is WELL stocked with supplies and it's fort levels are good. Our friend also seems rather keen on Rockhampton as well.....it is from here that he will base his aircraft to help support his attacks against Brissy.

[wdolson]

Looks like he's ging to try and do a siege at Brisbane.

Bill

[Raverdave]

Yeah thats a given........but Melbourne has held out for a number of months now and that is only a quater of the strength that Brisbane is.  I am sure that Brisbane can hold out until '43 which is only 4 months away.  By then I will have troops ready to move in from NZ.  Honda SAn then will face a the worry of having to defend a long coastline against invasion.  [:)]

[veji1]

Well I guess he won't defend it... I mean if I were him I would try to destroy as much land forces as I can in Oz, and then leave just Weak garrison forces in southeastern OZ, because it is undefendable anyway against a big US move... And concentrate the firepower in northern OZ wher he would be able to wait for your ground troops to advance, bombing them heavily while being far enough to prevent you from bombing him...

The thing that worries me in Honda's position is overextension... i mean Attackin India and taking KArachi prevents overextension because you take out the Brits, but attacking India with not that many forces and occupying a great chunk of it makes you more vulnerable when Brits have enough forces to counterattack... Honda could end up not finishing of OZ, and then being pushed back hard in India ( it takes only one Shock/pursuit to start a dreadfull cycle that could lead all the way to Burma...)...

[Honda]

Nothing wrong with some extra lebensraum...Although true, I don't like the negative aspect of your thinking. I choose to disbelive[:D]
Both operations have been well planned. True wnough, in India I am where I am beacuse oportunuty presented itself. I couldn't say no to 2 extra lines of defence. Great successes of '42 will prolong the period in '43 in which I will be able to hold my own against the allied counteroffensive. So, Brisbane should remain under seige for quite a while. I do belive it's well supplied, well maned and fortified. But, if it takes 6 months, let it take 6 months. I think I have them.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/10/42

Not much action. I oredered KB to cease attacks on Brisbane. Much more flak then the last time...

Great success of the day goes to Raver. Keep it up sport. You'll soon get the hang of it.[:D]
Sub attack at 50,114

Japanese Ships
MSW Tamozono Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tamozono Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Sealion

[Raverdave]

You can't afford to allow Brisbane to hold for six months............every day the new CVs get closer and closer.  Within the next six months I will have 10 fleet carriers ready to cut sick on your arse.  The US divs are already prepping for Brisbane.[:D] 

[Honda]

Good.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/11/42

Invasion fleet aproaching Rockhampton, part of KB attacks defending base force. Most Vals and Kates are on ASW duty, but more on that later...Waters around Rockhampton are full of enemy subs so escorts had their hands full today. Bloody well done also. Not only no capital ships are attacked, but 2 subs are sunk and one damaged without any losses on Japanese side:

ASW attack at 47,111

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuharu
DD Suzukaze
DD Yudachi
DD Shigure
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SS S-41, hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 47,111

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Minegumo
DD Michishio
DD Shiranuhi
DD Maikaze

Allied Ships
SS KIX, hits 10, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 47,110

Japanese Ships
PC Takuna Maru #7
PC Takuna Maru #6
PC Kyo Maru #7
PC Kyo Maru #2
PG Yoshida Maru
PG Koei Maru
PG Ikunta Maru
PG Hakkai Maru
PG Eiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS O21, hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 47,110

Japanese Ships
AP Oyo Maru
PC Takuna Maru #7
PC Takuna Maru #6
PC Kyo Maru #7
PC Kyo Maru #2
PG Yoshida Maru
PG Koei Maru
PG Ikunta Maru
PG Hakkai Maru
PG Eiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS O21, hits 4

During the day, KB bombers join the fun:
D3A Val attacking O21 at 47,110
O21 is reported HIT
D3A Val attacking Grayback at 47,111
Grayback is reported HIT

Today, RAAF tryed to find a hole in the CAP. Multiple attacks achieve nothing and more than 40 enemy planes are shot down in return (I would like to draw your attantion to the 1st strike[X(])

Day Air attack on TF at 47,110

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 155
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 11 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 46,109

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #8

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Brisbane at 46,114

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Tamozono Maru #2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 47,110

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 138
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 47,110

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 138
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 6
Beaufort V-IX x 6
P-40B Tomahawk x 2
B-25C Mitchell x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 6 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 6 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 4 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 47,110

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 138
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 47,110

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 138
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 12 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 47,110

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 138
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 4 destroyed

In return, part of KBs bomber wing with naval attck orders attacked and sunk the only ship foolish enough to stray to leave the relative safety of Brisbane harbor:

Day Air attack on TF, near Brisbane at 46,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 44
B5N Kate x 62

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
ML Prins van Oranje, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/12/42

Rockhampton landings start. What appears to be a large mine field is encounterd and the effect is augmented by my lack of MSWs and an oversight which sent the whole fleet into the Rockhampton hex. These are the consequences:

AP Heito Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Keisho Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire
PG Nishho Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Jouban Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire
CA Tone, Mine hits 1, on fire
CVE Hosho, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Yosyu Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Hatsushima, Mine hits 1, on fire

All ships are in good condition, praise heavens!

Tomorrow Rockhampton falls...

[Raverdave]

AP Heito Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D]
AP Keisho Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D]
PG Nishho Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D]
AP Jouban Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D]
CA Tone, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D]
CVE Hosho, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D][:D][:D][:D]
AP Yosyu Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D]
DD Hatsushima, Mine hits 1, on fire [:D]
 
 
Thats the best combat report that I have seen in awhile.  That will teach you !

[Honda]

Hey, getch yer own stuff![:@]