Matrix Games Forums

Your divisions should attack better when not broken down into thirds, for their recovering after the battle then they should be broken down since they seem to recover faster. If needed, sometimes I recombine the divisions and then break them down again if some parts heal faster than others so the disabled devices are spread evenly and the entire division recovers faster. The divided parts each can take replacements but I usually don't give the units in China replacements until/unless they have been bought out.

RangerJoe, Good advice there! Took Palembang last turn, ended up with some damage, 153 oil and 153 refinery damage, but could have been much worse. Started to repair the oil, but will leave the refinery damaged. No need to waste supplies on that, and will use the supplies generated by the refinery for the oil repairs. Sweeping the port now, and will have landed an airbase unit, and several AA units to ensure no sneaky allied refinery bombing gets off scot free. Pulling together phase 2 now, should be loaded up once KB is close and can ride shotgun...

InHarmsWay wrote: Wed Sep 25, 2024 3:56 pm RangerJoe, Good advice there! Took Palembang last turn, ended up with some damage, 153 oil and 153 refinery damage, but could have been much worse. Started to repair the oil, but will leave the refinery damaged. No need to waste supplies on that, and will use the supplies generated by the refinery for the oil repairs. Sweeping the port now, and will have landed an airbase unit, and several AA units to ensure no sneaky allied refinery bombing gets off scot free. Pulling together phase 2 now, should be loaded up once KB is close and can ride shotgun...

Once the enemy is gone from the area and if you have enough supplies, you might want to repair the refineries. That will then use up most of the oil so you will only have a little to move. You will need the oil from Djambi to run the refineries without running low on oil. You will also want to expand the airfield to 5 so Palembang will hold all the fuel without any wastage. I suggest building up the airfield next to Palembang since it can't be bombarded, although you should not have to worry about that for a long time. You will also want to build the Palembang forts to the highest possible, not only for the land defensive bonus but also for the barrage balloons to impact low flying bombers. Have both radar and searchlights there for defensive purposes both for your fighters and your AAA.

January 30, 1942

The investment of the DEI has progressed well, Adm Wa did not try and contest any landings. The initial showing of the KB in the area had him run to bases likely at Perth or Colombo which has resulted in low casualties. The only attempt was over near Rabaul, and that went fairly well, with only the loss of 2 AKs and damage to a CA and DD, for the loss of an allied CL. Map shows the current status. Much loading currently ongoing at Singapore.... . Also many ASW TFs in the Singapore area as a couple of British subs have shown up. cannot have a sub gather intel and spoil the surprise!

Feb 02, 1942

Admiral Harmasaki looks over the Pacific Map in contemplation. "Yes" he thought, things will be getting interesting in the next few weeks. "I think I have obtained strategic surprise with the upcoming phase 2. I pushed hard to take the DEI and all major bases between Manila, Singapore and Timor. Java has been neutralized, and it looks like extensive efforts are being made for Australia, however, that will not be the case. The second large push beyond the DEI will fall on India. The purpose is to strike a heavy blow on the weaker of the allied commands, the British Empire. Enough damage and maybe Churchill will concede defeat and give up his attempt at re-exerting control over his former colonys... Time will tell..."
Yes, the pieces have been set in motion. Now to see if we can also obtain operational surprise and limit Adm Wa's awareness to just 1-2 days before Japanese troops are ashore.

Here is the Rangoon theater prior to kicking off the Phase 2 Operation. I need a good operational name for this.... Maybe Operation Vindaloo? or maybe Operation Darjeeling? Operation Bombay Sapphire anyone? Ah the options!

Admiral Harmasaki paces back and forth in front of the newly installed Indian Theatre Subcontinent Operations Map that was only recently installed under high security. The KB and a sizeable fraction of the IJN surface strength has been committed to one of the most audacious attacks that the good Admiral has undertaken. The decision has been made to invade India at the Diamond Harbor location and attempt to take Calcutta quickly by a Coup de Main with 4 Divisions. This will open up the subcontinent to a concerted attack. Goal is not to take India, but to cause damage and hamstring the British and commonwealth forces into late '43 / early 44. Following are the 4 Steps that have been put in motion:

First phase (Phase 2A) - entails neutralizing any attemp to impede the landings from allied forces in the area. I am hoping to catch a CV or CVL at either Colombo / Trincomalee. Any other damage or sinking of combat ships will be a bonus. KB will be hitting both ports on the next turn, and Subs are moving into interdict any ships routing out of the area following the attack. I have three subs with Mines as well, and will place the mines depending on the results of the air strikes. I do not think Adm Wa knows I am in the area, as there has been no detection level increases the last few days as I have made my approach. Below map outlines the hopeful next day's action! Will plst the Rangoon area fleets next.
Operational plan is to quickly isolate and trap significant Brit/Commonwealth forces in Burma. Eventually eliminating the units and associated devices I am hoping will hamstring the counteroffensive here. I feel one of the British weaknesses are the slow replacement rates. I will use three Para rgmts to land at the dot bases along the india border, and fly in reinforcements to keep British from breaking out of the trap before the main IJA infantry divisions to seal the border. Of course all plans do not survive first contact...

Rangoon Area, showing India invasion fleet in progress. I expect we will be landing in ~3 days... I will begin dropping the Paratroopers the day he detects the main invasion fleet. The only fleet to be spotted is the surface TF next to Little Andaman.

Saki for All!!!! The KB was not spotted, and surprise was complete against Ceylon. It was the Brit Pearl Harbor on Feb 07, 1942... The airstrike against Trincomalee ended up whiffing as there was no ships in port. However we drew aces against Colombo. Adm Wa had withdrawn Force Z to Colombo and had the CV Indomitable and CVL Hermes also in port. Multiple 800kg bombs impacted his capital ships. Good day, and an extra ration of Saki for all members of KB. Here is the Map, and below is the combat report:
Morning Air attack on Colombo , at 29,48

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
B5N2 Kate x 72
D3A1 Val x 90

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 12 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage (counted 1 x 800kg bomb)
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage (counted 2 x 800kg bombs)
BB Royal Sovereign, Bomb hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage (counted 5 x 800kg bombs)
CL Hobart, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Prince of Wales, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires (counted 4 x 800kg bombs)
BC Repulse, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage (counted 4 x 800kg bombs)
CA Dorsetshire, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Ceres, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL Danae, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CL Tromp, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Repair Shipyard hits 1
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

This will severely impact the British effort to interdict any activy in the Indian ocean. Also the invasion fleet was somehow not spotted in its approach to Diamond Harbor and Calcutta, there were severe storms and thunderstorms over the two TF hexes... luck favors the brave! TFs should be 2-3 hexes offshore next day.

If you do decide to take all of India, invade Karachi! You also need Socotra then as well. His American navy may not be positioned to assist the Commonwealth forces. If you just destroy all of the units in India, that will set back the Allies since they won't have the replacements to rebuild very fast.

RangerJoe, I have decided not to take all of India or invade Karachi (do not want to auto activate any units), but to only try and kill allied LCUs and limit the ability of the British given their slow replacement value. I will set up a defense in India, and will likely take Ceylon in the next few months. Key points to take and hold for a while are:

• Ceylon, - hold for a while, make him commit to retaking this.

• NE India industrial zones (Asansol, Jamshedpur, Calcutta) - hold until I am endangered of being flanked... (loss of Ceylon and airbases) - this area will generate sufficient supplies and also HI

• Madras - keep him from rebuilding and respawning Indian units, he will have to ship them in, for additional delays.

Should I take Bombay and Cawnpore? I don't really know if that is worth the effort and force I would need to commit to continue to fight across the sub continent. Thoughts? Others out there have their 2 cents worth? ( will take a higher worth as well!)

The last game, I retreated and gave up the frontier too quickly. This game I want to defend forward into mid 43 at least given we should have near parity. Once the US starts putting an essex a month in the water, then I will have to fall back and defend in depth. Adm Wa has taught me well the dangers of deep allied landings in mid/late 44 and early 45...

February 8, 9142 Situation.

The day after the KB strike at Colombo, Admiral Wa (Andav) sortied multiple surface groups in an attempt to hit the KB at night. I do not think he was aware that I had Tanaka with 2 BBs, 3 CAs, a CL, and 3 DDs riding shotgun for KB. Best call of the war so far as Tanaka ended up fighting three separate TFs of British CLs. After all nighttime and followup air strike carnage was over (and 2 CLs even got a shot at KB), the brits lost at least 8 CLs (four from Tanaka, 3 from KB strikes, and 1 from a sub). I did not see any BB's, CVs or CVLs anywhere, and hit Colombo a second time with reduced planes just for good measure. I am hopeful I bagged all three BB's, the CV Indomitable, and CVL Hermes.... Adm Wa has been silent on this despite my prodding

The Invasion force was finally spotted, several hexes outside of Diamond Harbor. I expect Admiral Was is not happy with his search teams...


February 9, 1942 Situation

Two days after the strike at Colombo, IJA troop storm ashore at Diamond Harbor. Coastal guns put up a fight, and troops were lost in the landing, but overall operational surprise was achieved. As the troops came ashore, a furious allied air counterattack was waged over both the invasion forces and the offshore mini KB support fleet. Here is the "abbreviated combat report" of just the attacks on the Invasion TF's..., note the multiple attacks!!! You can imagine the bridge officers in charge of coordinating CAP that afternoon!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
PBY-4 Catalina x 3
PBY-5A Catalina x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5A Catalina: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 3
Blenheim IV x 3
Hudson IIIa x 3
Hurricane IIb Trop x 9
Lysander II x 7
Hudson I x 10
Wirraway x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Hudson IIIa: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed
Lysander II: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Lysander II: 1 destroyed by flak
Hudson I: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Yamashiro
CVL Ryujo
CVE Taiyo
CVL Zuiho
CVE Hosho

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Lysander II bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Blenheim I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x Hudson I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
5 x Hudson I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Lysander II bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Blenheim IV bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Wirraway bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 5 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Raid is overhead
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAP Husimi Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 17000.
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 7000.
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson IIIa: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Raid is overhead
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4
Hudson IIIa x 6
Swordfish I x 2
Hudson I x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed
Hudson IIIa: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
xAK Yamakaze Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x Hudson I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 9080.
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 14
Lysander II x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged
Lysander II: 1 destroyed
Lysander II: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
xAK Okuyo Maru
xAK Toyooka Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Lysander II bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 110 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 6 destroyed
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed by flak

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 281 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 89 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 6
Swordfish I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIa Trop: 1 destroyed
Swordfish I: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Raid is overhead


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 3
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1
BB Mutsu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAP Katori Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 9
Hurricane IIa Trop x 7
Hurricane IIb Trop x 7
Lysander II x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Lysander II: 1 damaged
Lysander II: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Lysander II bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
PBY-4 Catalina x 3
PBY-5A Catalina x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 3
Blenheim IF x 9
Hudson IIIa x 3
Hurricane IIa Trop x 3
Hurricane IIb Trop x 7
Lysander II x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 2 damaged
Blenheim IF: 3 destroyed
Hudson IIIa: 2 damaged
Hurricane IIa Trop: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed
Lysander II: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
CVL Ryujo

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Lysander II bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Blenheim I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 6
Lysander II x 4
Hudson I x 7
B-17D Fortress x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIa Trop: 3 destroyed
Lysander II: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Nagato
xAP Teikyo Maru
xAP Huzi Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x Hudson I bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Lysander II bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 68 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 95 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25

Allied aircraft
Audax I x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Audax I: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Zuiho

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diamond Harbour at 51,40

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Samarinda at 65,96

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Atutasan Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

For those gentle readers wondering at the situation following the landing at Diamond Harbor, here is the current map!
My parachute gambit was hurt bad landing at Dimapur, will try again at the dot base NW of Imphal (Silchar)

It looks like if you are quick enough, you can either trap the Commonwealth units in Burma if you can also take Chittagong and rapidly push inland or cause a collapse in Burma to make the conquest easier. This could also protect the Magwe oil production somewhat.

I understand about not wanting to take all of India. Remember that you don't need to garrison bases to extract the resources and industrial production but it does leave them vulnerable to paratroopers.

You could actually do more damage to the allies by holding Eastern India and smashing the Australians as much as is possible. The strain on the Commonwealth common devices could be enormous.

RangerJoe, that is pretty much my strategy in this theatre. Lots have happened the past few days so will start with the update near Calcutta, which is the key area right now. Here is the combat results from the initial shock attack into Calcutta. A large number of allied units here.

Ground combat at Calcutta (52,37)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 52886 troops, 476 guns, 157 vehicles, Assault Value = 1844

Defending force 23466 troops, 321 guns, 472 vehicles, Assault Value = 698

Japanese adjusted assault: 775

Allied adjusted defense: 1861

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
3950 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 440 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Guns lost 29 (2 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1130 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 67 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Guns lost 17 (3 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Division
38th Division
4th Division
18th Division

Defending units:
3rd Assam Rifles Battalion
36th Indian Brigade
46th Indian Brigade
Fort William
43rd Cavalry Regiment
254th Armoured Brigade
23rd Indian/B Division
7th Armoured Brigade
23rd Indian/A Division
23rd Indian/C Division
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Bengal Construction Battalion
6th Medium Regiment
RAF 225 Group Wing
Eastern Command
224 Group RAF
77th Heavy AA Regiment
RAF 223 Group Wing
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
85th British AT Gun Regiment
5th Field Regiment


Admiral Wa has been throwing every plane he has trying to slow the advance into Diamond Harbour, with furballs every day. The AVG and multiple hurricane formations have showed up, but it feels like he may be running out of aiframes, I hope! I am winning the plane attrition battle, but may have to up my Zero production as I was not expecting this carnage.

Looking beyond Calcutta, I have been able to break out 3 tank rgmts into the plains behind Calcutta, and will race to close the trap on units in Burma. I had some fortunate luck in recently identifying where the British 18th Div is! She is at Cox's Bazaar, so trapped for now and unable to affect the envelopment. With two para units sitting on the rail line out, she will have to walk. To make this work, I probably will need several additional LCU's so am mobilizing 2 more tank rgmts and 2 inf rgmts, will also bring in another guards division that I just received. Northern Australia will have to wait till April.... hate to do that, if I can take Calcutta in the next week, may not need to.. If I can trap all those British units, it really will hamstring the Commonwealth well into late 43. Losing the 18th Div will hurt! Further south, Rangoon fell this last turn, as the IJA 33rd Div finally made the overland trek there. British troops there were minimal and it fell after the first attack. I currently only have about 1100 AV in total pushing into Burma from Thailand, but he is now retreating quickly.

One additional reason I wanted to take this deep attack besides crippling the british, is to take the supply airfields at Ledo into China. Last game, I am pretty sure Adm Wa kept the supplies flowing into China through a huge airlift. I always saw heavy transport Ops losses, and that base was built out quickly. Taking Ledo or at least neutralizing it early, will hasten the fall of China.

A lot has changed in China as well since the last update. Adm Wa had ambushed several bomber flights with the AVG, but that nasty group is getting decimated over Diamond Harbour right now (66 H81-A3 planes lost so far this war). My bombers once again are having fun in China. I have bypassed Sian and Changsha, and the IJA is rapidly moving toward Chungking from the South. We finally hit a strong defensive line NW of Sian. Good news is the attacks around Changsha were quickly successful and most industry was captured intact. Good to have supplies generating for me and not the Chinese!

InHarmsWay wrote: Thu Oct 03, 2024 1:05 pm Looking beyond Calcutta, I have been able to break out 3 tank rgmts into the plains behind Calcutta, and will race to close the trap on units in Burma. I had some fortunate luck in recently identifying where the British 18th Div is! She is at Cox's Bazaar, so trapped for now and unable to affect the envelopment. With two para units sitting on the rail line out, she will have to walk. To make this work, I probably will need several additional LCU's so am mobilizing 2 more tank rgmts and 2 inf rgmts, will also bring in another guards division that I just received. Northern Australia will have to wait till April.... hate to do that, if I can take Calcutta in the next week, may not need to..
Feb 17 1942 Calcutta invasion.jpg

If I can trap all those British units, it really will hamstring the Commonwealth well into late 43. Losing the 18th Div will hurt! Further south, Rangoon fell this last turn, as the IJA 33rd Div finally made the overland trek there. British troops there were minimal and it fell after the first attack. I currently only have about 1100 AV in total pushing into Burma from Thailand, but he is now retreating quickly.

One additional reason I wanted to take this deep attack besides crippling the british, is to take the supply airfields at Ledo into China. Last game, I am pretty sure Adm Wa kept the supplies flowing into China through a huge airlift. I always saw heavy transport Ops losses, and that base was built out quickly. Taking Ledo or at least neutralizing it early, will hasten the fall of China.

Looking at that map, I think that the Allied units in Burma are definitely not constipated and are in need of fresh undergarments! (Oh FECES!) You can also try air landing some units to replace the paratroopers while also dropping in on Darjeeling and that dot base. You could also paradrop on the railroad lines leading to Calcutta. Those paradrops will also interfere with any ordered railroad strategic movements orders if they go through those bases and the units may not move anywhere and may have to unpack to move.

Don't forget to bomb any moving units to increase their supply usage and to slow them down. If his units are moving along the coast, you may also be able to bombard them as well. If his fighters are busy around Calcutta, they won't be in Burma. But the number of reported air kills fluctuates, decrease the number by 1/3 and that is probably more accurate.

You are also showing how to defeat a forward defense at Cox's Bazaar.

InHarmsWay wrote: Thu Oct 03, 2024 1:23 pm A lot has changed in China as well since the last update. Adm Wa had ambushed several bomber flights with the AVG, but that nasty group is getting decimated over Diamond Harbour right now (66 H81-A3 planes lost so far this war). My bombers once again are having fun in China. I have bypassed Sian and Changsha, and the IJA is rapidly moving toward Chungking from the South. We finally hit a strong defensive line NW of Sian. Good news is the attacks around Changsha were quickly successful and most industry was captured intact. Good to have supplies generating for me and not the Chinese!

Feb 17 1942 China.jpg

Once you capture that base (Anyang?) two hexes away from Sian, you can cross the river and then go through the mountain rough to the yellow road to enter the Central Chinese plains/plateau. Then march on Chengtu since that produces a lot of supplies as well as Neikang, if I remember that base name correctly. That blocking force in the mountains will either move to counter your operations or lose its major supply sources. Either way, bombing will help to use their supplies as if they are moving, cause casualties and slow them down.

Don't forget to bomb every single stack that does not have AA that can draw supplies from somewhere even if you only use 1/3 of an air unit to do so. You can bomb them in the morning as well as the afternoon to increase their supply usage. Even fighter units flying at 6k can bomb them if you need to do so! That way, the fighters won't fly low enough to be hit by the Chinese small arms fire.

Good AAR so far! You just demonstrated why Colombo is not a safe harbor for the Allies; it is a mistake to dock any valuable ships there, unless you 100% know KB is elsewhere. The RN should've been in Calicut or somewhere else further back.

Honestly, Sydney the same way.......harder to sneak-up on, but not impossible

But good job taking advantage of that mistake!