Matrix Games Forums

Posted: **Sun Jun 14, 2015 6:21 pm**

Didn't you say before that Hornet's fires were at 80? And now they're completely out? [X(] How many days did that take? It sounds amazing that the fires went out at all, let alone so quickly. But it's great news when you certainly needed some. Is the Hornet the only Allied carrier to survive the battle now? [:(]

Posted: **Sun Jun 14, 2015 6:49 pm**

Yep.

I was amazed they were out so quickly. Just one day. Must have parked her in a giant CO2 tent.

I forgot to check, but I think Essex is on map from Panama now.

Posted: **Sun Jun 14, 2015 7:38 pm**

23 May 1943

He's finally pulled out of New Zealand.

Checking around...

Actual stats for Hornet: 75 sys, 50 flt and 35 engine. Of the flt and eng damage, only 13 flt and 4 eng are serious. If she can get to a real port, the yards should have her fixed up fairly quickly.

Nevada is still alive with a bunch of cruisers and destroyers 2 hexes NE of Waipapakauri. Damage on the BB is very minimal. < 10 on everything. They're extremely critical on fuel though, with several at zero and no ability to transfer. I have an xAK TF from Sydney enroute to hopefully replenish at sea. I've flipped off all of New Zealand's heavy industry. North Island has been sucked dry, so I'll get some fuel from the states enroute. A bunch of Tankers just arrived at San Francisco, so after they heal up I'll get them out. A second freighter TF from Sydney is hauling about 30k of fuel also, just to top things off. The only enemy ship there right now is one sub sitting at Gisborne.

I have two invasion TFs loading up for Tarawa and Ocean Island. They're filling up the docks, so when they finish, I'll load up any remaining island targets. I want them to hit everyone simultaneously when they get there. This is still provisional, and if things don't feel right, I'll cancel the whole thing. I have enough battleships to escort the whole works. Base forces, engineers, flak, etc will closely follow them in.

I'm also closely looking at the extreme end of the Kuriles. Only two are even inhabited.

Posted: **Mon Jun 15, 2015 1:34 pm**

ORIGINAL: Mundy
This does hit home the fact that CVEs have no business facing enemy carriers of any sort. I guess you read all sorts of advice on this forum, but nothing drives things home like seeing it for yourself.

NOW you see where I was coming from! CVEs are pretty much guaranteed to get sunk in these sort of carrier engagements where they are expected to act as carriers. Had this been a pure CV battle it would have gone much worse. Luckily for you there was bad weather the first day allowing you to charge with your BBs. Had the weather been decent you may not have had that opportunity.

ORIGINAL: Mundy
I had hoped to ship my carriers east without any encounters, but if I had known what would transpire, I would have kicked off my Gilberts invasion. I may do it now anyway, as he's fully occupied and they'll need to recover.

Bringing them between NZ and a mostly Japanese occupied Fiji was a sure way to get the IJN into a battle as you found out. Why didn't you just go between the two NZ islands or south of them? At most that's just an extra week.

ORIGINAL: Mundy
I have two invasion TFs loading up for Tarawa and Ocean Island. They're filling up the docks, so when they finish, I'll load up any remaining island targets. I want them to hit everyone simultaneously when they get there. This is still provisional, and if things don't feel right, I'll cancel the whole thing. I have enough battleships to escort the whole works. Base forces, engineers, flak, etc will closely follow them in.

You don't even have Baker IIRC. Why are you going for these deep targets when you don't even have any sort of air cover at all? Where do the Japanese have their Betties in the Marshalls/Gilberts? I don't think it is wise to launch an amphibious operation in range of torpedo armed LBA without any air cover at well. Aren't there closer targets for you to hit than Tarawa and Ocean Island? What about Tabiteuea? That really is the pearl of the Gilberts.

Posted: **Mon Jun 15, 2015 1:43 pm**

ORIGINAL: Mundy

Addendum...

I also launched a bit hit at Colombo. Of course, they all got strung out without escorts, so the Wellingtons and lighter bombers got hit hard.

Probably 5% damage there, so I'm going to cool it at Ceylon for awhile.

I think your tactics don't take into account the main feature of Ceylon. It's an island. That is where fighter sweeps dominate. Those damaged planes can't rail out to a safe base; they have to stay on Ceylon. I think you really need to conserve your strength until your fighters are engaging on the Japanese on such favorable terms that CAP is becoming too costly for them. Only should you commit the Wellingtons. The Wellington is a very unique plane in that it has the bomb load of a B-17 but has the defensive capacity closer to that of a Hudson. In other words, they pack a punch but its quite easy to shoot them down. Your tactics should reflect that but instead you are throwing them into the battle like they are have the defensive abilities of 4E which they certainly do not.

Posted: **Mon Jun 15, 2015 6:04 pm**

24 May 1943

Fairly quiet.

Hornet's air group is assembled at Gisborne, so they'll be ready to board when I'm ready to ship CV-8 out.

I'm standing down the Gilberts forces at Pearl. Sangeli is correct in that I haven't accounted for Baker yet. My recently bought out division in the states is prepping for there. The Kuriles can wait.

Essex is speeding for Pearl. A CLAA and 4 DDs have already merged with her. Two of the Essexes are slated to be named Lexington and Saratoga. A shame, as I did want one named Reprisal. I should be getting an influx of CVLs before too long. Pretty much CVEs with speed.

Another arty slogging match at Suva. My artillery is apparently better than his.

Ground combat at Suva (132,160)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 204 troops, 21 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 1250

Defending force 30792 troops, 475 guns, 289 vehicles, Assault Value = 307

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 8 (5 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Tank/A Division
63rd Division
36th Division
35th/B Division
35th/C Division
28th Engineer Regiment
71st Engineer Regiment
3rd Tank/B Division
35th/A Division
3rd Tank/C Division
17th Army
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
34th Infantry Regiment
Fiji Brigade
8th NZ Brigade
Samoa Det.
2nd Marine Defense Battalion
41st Base Group
2nd RNZAF Base Force
7th Port Advn Base Force
134th Field Artillery Battalion
3rd Marine Defense Battalion
6th Port Maint Engineer Battalion
276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
1st RNZAF Base Force
198th Coast AA Regiment
33rd Medium Regiment
13th MAG
216th Coast AA Regiment
24th Base Group
46th Construction Regiment
12th Marine Defense Battalion
1st Fiji Commando Battalion
Nandi Base Force

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

Ground combat at Suva (132,160)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14497 troops, 293 guns, 118 vehicles, Assault Value = 307

Defending force 46990 troops, 427 guns, 557 vehicles, Assault Value = 1250

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
8th NZ Brigade
Fiji Brigade
34th Infantry Regiment
Samoa Det.
198th Coast AA Regiment
12th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Port Maint Engineer Battalion
24th Base Group
216th Coast AA Regiment
2nd RNZAF Base Force
134th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Fiji Commando Battalion
1st RNZAF Base Force
41st Base Group
276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
33rd Medium Regiment
3rd Marine Defense Battalion
2nd Marine Defense Battalion
46th Construction Regiment
13th MAG
7th Port Advn Base Force
Nandi Base Force

Defending units:
35th/C Division
63rd Division
3rd Tank/A Division
28th Engineer Regiment
35th/B Division
36th Division
35th/A Division
71st Engineer Regiment
3rd Tank/B Division
3rd Tank/C Division
17th Army
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Posted: **Mon Jun 15, 2015 7:09 pm**

ORIGINAL: Mundy
I'm standing down the Gilberts forces at Pearl. Sangeli is correct in that I haven't accounted for Baker yet. My recently bought out division in the states is prepping for there.

You should not use a division to invade Baker. That is enormous overkill. One infantry regt + some tanks is plenty. Better off prepping that unit for Tabiteua. But you should also look into occupying the other dot bases close to Tabs since Tabs is likely heavily defended. LBA from the other Gilbert atolls will make a big difference. Can you post a map of the base situation there? I think Baker is probably the only atoll you can take without any air support provided you catch the KB looking elsewhere. also, I think Xmas island is a better staging area for Gilbert operations than PH since as you've found out the LoC to PH is not secure (and by that I mean has huge holes in patrol coverage).

Posted: **Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:09 pm**

25 May 1943

CF is committing more to the India Theatre.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cochin at 28,40, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki
DD Akebono
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
ML No. 189, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
ML No. 194, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
ML No. 201, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
ML No. 202, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
ML No. 245, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MGB No. 311, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 71% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages MGB No. 311 at 6,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages MGB No. 311 at 6,000 yards
DD Akebono engages MGB No. 311 at 6,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages MGB No. 311 at 6,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages ML No. 189 at 6,000 yards
ML No. 189 sunk by CA Mikuma at 6,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages MGB No. 311 at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Mogami engages MGB No. 311 at 4,000 yards
ML No. 245 sunk by CA Mikuma at 4,000 yards
DD Akebono engages ML No. 194 at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
MGB No. 311 sunk by CA Mikuma at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages ML No. 202 at 4,000 yards
CA Mogami engages ML No. 202 at 4,000 yards
ML No. 194 sunk by CA Mikuma at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages ML No. 202 at 7,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages ML No. 201 at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages ML No. 202 at 10,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages ML No. 201 at 10,000 yards
DD Akebono engages ML No. 202 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages ML No. 202 at 9,000 yards
CA Mogami engages ML No. 202 at 9,000 yards
DD Akebono engages ML No. 202 at 9,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages ML No. 202 at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
ML No. 202 sunk by CA Mikuma at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages ML No. 201 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CA Mogami engages ML No. 201 at 7,000 yards
DD Akebono engages ML No. 201 at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
ML No. 201 sunk by CA Mogami at 10,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cochin at 28,40, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 6
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1
DD Shirayuki
DD Akebono, Shell hits 1
DD Asanagi, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 11, on fire
CL Caradoc, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Isaac Sweers, Shell hits 1

Poor visibility due to Rain with 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 71% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CL Caradoc at 3,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Mogami at 3,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages DD Asanagi at 3,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages DD Akebono at 3,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages DD Hibiki at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Mikuma at 2,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CL Newcastle at 2,000 yards
DD Isaac Sweers engages DD Hibiki at 2,000 yards
DD Isaac Sweers engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Mikuma at 6,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CL Newcastle at 6,000 yards
DD Isaac Sweers engages DD Akebono at 6,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Isaac Sweers at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Caradoc engages CA Mikuma at 10,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Newcastle at 10,000 yards
DD Isaac Sweers engages DD Hibiki at 10,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages DD Shirayuki at 10,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Isaac Sweers at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CL Caradoc at 13,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CL Newcastle at 13,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Isaac Sweers at 13,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages DD Isaac Sweers at 13,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Isaac Sweers at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cochin at 28,40, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Abukuma
DD Maikaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
PT-80, Shell hits 1
PT-81, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-82
PT-83
PT-84

Poor visibility due to Rain with 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 71% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
DD Arashio engages PT-84 at 1,000 yards
PT-81 engages DD Arashio at 1,000 yards
DD Arashio engages PT-80 at 1,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages PT-80 at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
PT-81 engages CL Abukuma at 2,000 yards
DD Arashio engages PT-83 at 2,000 yards
PT-81 sunk by CL Abukuma at 2,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages PT-80 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cochin at 28,40, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Shell hits 2
CA Mikuma
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki
DD Akebono
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
PT-79
PT-109
PT-110, Shell hits 1
PT-115
PT-117

Poor visibility due to Rain with 60% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 60% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Sakiyama, Shakao crosses the 'T'
PT-117 engages CA Mogami at 1,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-110 at 1,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-109 at 1,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-79 at 1,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages PT-110 at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
PT-79 engages CA Mogami at 2,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-110 at 2,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages PT-110 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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

Day Time Surface Combat, near Cochin at 28,40, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Abukuma
DD Maikaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio
DD Arashio

Allied Ships
PT-80
PT-82
PT-83
PT-84

Low visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 14,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 13,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 13,000 yards
Both TF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
DD Arashio engages PT-84 at 19,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages PT-84 at 19,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I've pulled everyone except for the PBYs out. They're getting ground down. My pool is about out of P-38Es, so I'll be flipping those two squadrons to P-40Ks at first opportunity.

This was after the naval fight:

Night Naval bombardment of Cochin at 28,40

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 23 damaged
P-38E Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
Beaufighter VIc: 4 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 6 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
Hurricane IIc Trop: 10 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 6 damaged
Catalina I: 1 damaged
Martlet II: 5 damaged
Martlet II: 1 destroyed on ground
A-20A1 Havoc: 1 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami

Allied ground losses:
483 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 55 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 34

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Mikuma
CA Mogami firing at Cochin

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

Night Naval bombardment of Cochin at 28,40 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 19 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed on ground
P-38E Lightning: 42 damaged
P-38E Lightning: 2 destroyed on ground
Hurricane IIc Trop: 16 damaged
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed on ground
Martlet II: 6 damaged
Martlet II: 1 destroyed on ground
Beaufighter VIc: 29 damaged
A-20A1 Havoc: 6 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 13 damaged
Catalina I: 9 damaged
Catalina I: 1 destroyed on ground
Kittyhawk I: 7 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed on ground

19 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Isuzu
DD Arashio
DD Oshio
DD Hagikaze
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 21
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 74
Port hits 1

CL Abukuma firing at Cochin
CL Isuzu firing at Cochin
DD Arashio firing at Cochin
DD Oshio firing at Cochin
DD Hagikaze firing at Cochin
DD Maikaze firing at Cochin Fortress
Cochin Fortress firing at DD Maikaze

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:42 am**

After your successful port strike against Colombo, what are you now trying to achieve by hitting the airbase? You pulled off great results against the Japanese shipping in port, but that bolt has been spent. Are you trying to close the airbase, and if so, to what end? Do you have an amphibious operation planned that gaining air superiority right now is crucial? It seems Cochin is untenable right now with Japanese bombardment runs constantly reducing your aircraft numbers, not to mention the attrition from CAP to your bombers over Colombo. Can you sustain these losses?

You mention supply being an issue with the inland bases in Southern India. Is that situation improving and are you expanding the airbases so that you can stage your aircraft inland to avoid the naval bombardments? I obviously don't know the details and status of your air units in India, but I wonder if it isn't time for a reassessment on what you are trying to achieve? I don't think you are winning this particular battle and maybe if you get the logistics in place first and a safe haven for your air units inland then you might seriously start to erode CF's ability to defend Ceylon. It just seems to me from the combat reports you are posting that your current operations against Colombo and inability to defend Cochin from naval bombardment are bleeding you dry.

What's the state of damage to Colombo's airbase, is it close to being closed? I may have missed it, but can you repeat the end result you are trying to achieve with these attacks on Colombo? Just looking for clarification to better understand your current operation.

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:06 am**

I thought I could shut his air down, but like you said, I shot my bolt.  I probably should have hit the air first, and then the port at my leisure, but odds are his battleships would have left by then.
 
Lately it's been tit for tat strikes between Colombo and Cochin.  The issue is that his cruisers can reach there from port within a turn without any retaliation.
 
I had been holding my own at Cochin, but his numbers have been winning out in the end.  He has *lots* of Georges there, and even Corsairs and Lightnings struggle against them.  Cannonfodder seems to be the master at wringing out Japanese air production.
 
Inland supply has been dry, which is why I've been forced to use these coastal bases.  I'm going to beef up Madras' fighters a bit to try and stonewall.  I've been trying to get more supply in from Cape Town, but I'm only getting about 80,000 of it a month over.  I probably have a million and a half in fuel sitting in Bombay and Karachi.
 
After the last Colombo strike, airbase damage was only about 5%  I'm pretty sure he has Betties there yet, but I think my CAP has been to strong for them to venture out.
 
That's about all that's happening in India right now.  I think my suspicions are right in that he's content to hold the eastern half of the country.  I'd love to think about invading, but I'd have to do a lot of re-routing of troop transports.  I figure I'd need a minimum of 4 divisions worth of troops, which I can probably scrounge up locally.  I do have one unit of Indian paras, which could be useful too.  I've moved my planes in Cochin all to Bombay, barring the patrol planes.  My F4U-1s are down with the pool emptied out.
 
I've been a bit rudder-less as of late, not having a coherent plan and bouncing between a number of ideas.  Whatever I do, I need lots of lead time to assemble the pieces.  I have been reinforcing the Pago Pago area, and have four of the islands there occupied with planes and decently supplied. (Pago Pago, Savaii, Ta'u and Niue)  Two squadrons of P-47s are enroute to beef this area up.
 
Forgot to mention...  All the air units I withdrew from Suva finally respawned at San Francisco.  The bomber squadrons are currently empty, since they fed the pools when I pulled them.  My bomber pools are very depleted right now, as far as USAAF is concerned -- Navy is much better.  Several hundred fighters are there though, so the re-spawned fighters can fill out right away.
 
I have four B-24 squadrons set to hit Rabaul's port.  Twice what I sent last time.  If he insists on using a single squadron of Oscars to defend it, I'll take advantage.  I hit a lot of ships last time.  A sweep of Port Moresby using Corsairs, Hellcats and Lightnings is also kicking off.  Time may be ripe there, but I want to feel it out.  Maybe I'll get lucky and catch KB docked there, but I'm sure CF is much smarter than that.

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:59 pm**

Could you post a map of Southern India?

I think you are falling into the trap a lot of players do, doing something for the sake of doing something.

Maybe a change in tactics? Have you tried sweeping other bases on Ceylon or in India to catch bleeding CAP rather than taking on the strength at Colombo? You mention a lot of coordination issues and your aircraft going in piecemeal. I'd stop the raids until you get a more mutually supporting group of airbases set up in Southern India. Are there soft raids elsewhere in India? Can you try to put your air in a position to dictate the advantage forcing CF to counter, but at a disadvantage?

I don't have much experience with the Allies, but knowing you are limited to historical production numbers trying to take on Japanese air without a clear objective means running out of aircraft and really having nothing to show for it. I think a change of tactics and a clear objective is the way to go here. Getting more supply to India and getting the bases in Southern India might be a priority. Your navy has taken a beating, but CF is in India where you can reach him without risking more naval assets. I'd push him hard here and see what develops, but push in a way that you are winning the day to day battles.

Just some thoughts.

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 1:57 pm**

ORIGINAL: Mundy
Inland supply has been dry, which is why I've been forced to use these coastal bases. I'm going to beef up Madras' fighters a bit to try and stonewall. I've been trying to get more supply in from Cape Town, but I'm only getting about 80,000 of it a month over. I probably have a million and a half in fuel sitting in Bombay and Karachi.

Where are you transport ships? As the Allies by now you should have thousands of them. Surely you can get more than 80k a month to India. That's only 1 big convoy of ~20 ships a month. If you had 250 xAK on this supply route you could fix the problem within a few months. And frankly I think you should wait that long before going on the offensive in India or elsewhere for that matter. As you say yourself you have 1.5 millions fuel in Bombay/Karachi but you had to shut off HI production in NZ due to fuel shortages! I think you really need to take a good hard look at your convoys and start rebalancing them. You can't fight the Japanese with one hand tied behind your back; unless you are being put to siege there is no good reason why India shouldn't be swimming in supply.

ORIGINAL: Mundy
I've been a bit rudder-less as of late, not having a coherent plan and bouncing between a number of ideas. Whatever I do, I need lots of lead time to assemble the pieces. I have been reinforcing the Pago Pago area, and have four of the islands there occupied with planes and decently supplied. (Pago Pago, Savaii, Ta'u and Niue) Two squadrons of P-47s are enroute to beef this area up.

I think you need to go back the basics. Find the closest Japanese base to your current front lines. That's where you should be thinking of attacking. Even without a navy you can use LBA to propel yourself forward but *only* if you have the air bases to allow it (usually a level 9 has to be involved) so you have to plan it out well ahead of time. Reinforcing the South Pacific is a good move but that's not a great place for P-47s as they won't get the type of action worthy of the quality of the plane. Defense is where you can still use those short ranged pursuit fighters like the P-40.

ORIGINAL: Mundy
My bomber pools are very depleted right now, as far as USAAF is concerned

Another good reason to take a moratorium on heavy offensive action right now. Why not try some night bombing instead for a few months? It's a good way to build up experience without losing pilots/planes and you can cause some headaches if done correctly.

ORIGINAL: Mundy
I have four B-24 squadrons set to hit Rabaul's port. Twice what I sent last time. If he insists on using a single squadron of Oscars to defend it, I'll take advantage. I hit a lot of ships last time. A sweep of Port Moresby using Corsairs, Hellcats and Lightnings is also kicking off. Time may be ripe there, but I want to feel it out. Maybe I'll get lucky and catch KB docked there, but I'm sure CF is much smarter than that.

Isn't that an extended range strike? Nothing like giving your 4E pilots very dangerous missions with only half the capacity of dealing out damage. If you're wondering why your bomber pools are dry it's because of missions like this. It's one thing to try a long range strike once every blue moon to catch ships disbanded in port. It's another to do it one day then double the effort the next...the surprise is gone and you have no escorts/sweepers.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
I think you are falling into the trap a lot of players do, doing something for the sake of doing something

All of SqzMyLemon's comments have been right on the money. I think you have certainly fallen in this trap. Right now you don't have a clear realistic strategy you can pursue. You've had some ideas but they have either been to ambitious or not enough time/resources was allocated to them because you changed your mind too often. Goal should be to build forward momentum. Once you get going you can think more on the lines of big picture.

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 8:26 pm**

For B-24s, out of Portland Roads? I don't think that's extended range.

Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 17
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 22

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 10
B-24D1 Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Suwa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Naka, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Ussuri Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Kobayashi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Huzikawa Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Meigen Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAP Haruna Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Kinu, Bomb hits 5, on fire
E W-20, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Shiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Nichiyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Kizan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AR Yamabiko Maru, Bomb hits 1
AMC Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
E Kasasagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Susuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Kiku, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PC Sumire, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Daihachikyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
282 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
265th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (7 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Massive explosion on E W-20

I did lose two, but I think the results were worth it. I'm backing down now, since better defenders have arrived.

27 May 1943

CF hits Cochin.

Morning Air attack on Cochin , at 28,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 36

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Morning Air attack on Cochin , at 28,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 96 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 41
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Sussex, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 11000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Morning Air attack on Cochin , at 28,40

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 62

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Sussex, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
ML No. 187, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
ML No. 246, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
ML No. 214, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
ML No. 230, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
MMS-129, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
ML No. 204, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

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

Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 11000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
36 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 11000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Most of my planes are gone. A crippled cruiser has to take the brunt of this, along with all the chaff I had there.

I guess I've let the xAK population at San Fran build a bit. It's not like they've just been swinging at anchor, as most of them had been busy keeping Pearl and Christmas Is in supply. I've got 50 headed for Panama with Cape Town their final destination.

I'm working on some short range plans, short being about 6 weeks out.

Essex is safe at home at Pearl. Looking at the schedule, in the next 60 days, two CV-9 class carriers and three CVLs will have arrived. Basically three real carriers worth. Hornet's flt is slowly dropping at about 1-2 per day. I'll plan on moving her out when flooding is down to about 15 or so. By the end of the year, I may be able to match KB in airpower. I'll make sure I more than match, though.

Several more base/engineer units and airplanes are currently unloading at Suva.

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 8:42 pm**

ORIGINAL: Mundy
For B-24s, out of Portland Roads? I don't think that's extended range.

Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 17
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 22

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 10
B-24D1 Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Suwa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Naka, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Ussuri Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Kobayashi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Huzikawa Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Meigen Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAP Haruna Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Kinu, Bomb hits 5, on fire
E W-20, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Shiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Nichiyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Kizan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AR Yamabiko Maru, Bomb hits 1
AMC Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
E Kasasagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Susuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Kiku, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PC Sumire, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Daihachikyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 20000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
282 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
265th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (7 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Massive explosion on E W-20

I did lose two, but I think the results were worth it. I'm backing down now, since better defenders have arrived.

Ya that is extended range as you can see from reduced bomb loads but hey I guess it was worth it anyway! I was wrong yet again! Good lesson here: don't be afraid of port strikes with level bombers if you know there are a lot of ships. Even with decent CAP you're bound to do a good amount of damage. I'll probably have to organize my own strike on Rabaul like this...just don't tell my opponent [:D]

ORIGINAL: Mundy
I'm working on some short range plans, short being about 6 weeks out.

I hope you're not talking about opposed invasions unless the units are already being prepped.

ORIGINAL: Mundy
Several more base/engineer units and airplanes are currently unloading at Suva.

Is that a typo? How did you approach Suva safely?

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:11 pm**

Sorry, meant Pago.

Posted: **Tue Jun 16, 2015 10:07 pm**

Getting Hornet's floatation damage down to 15 does not give the best chance of making a run for Sydney. The system damage is what determines if pumps and temporary repairs can keep the water at bay. If system damage can be brought below 50, preferably below 30, her survival is much more likely. I know there is a danger in keeping her at Gisborne because he knows it is there, so a short hop to Wellington might be good before the big hop to Sydney. Hard to know what to do with that sub lurking too ...

Posted: **Wed Jun 17, 2015 8:52 am**

First thing is to get fuel shipped to North island.  After that, I can round up plenty of destroyers.  My DDs have been pretty good at beating up any subs trying something.  In contrast, in my other game, my IJN escorts always seem to let the sub get a shot at the cargo ships.
 
CF had two subs in the area, but I've beaten one up good.  I just wish he'd encounter one of my hedgehog equipped boats.  A big cargo TF is meeting Nevada to hopefully refuel her TF  They're at the north tippy-top base with the massively long-winded name.
 
I've flipped Hornet's dive bomber group to SB2Cs.  Same for Essex, but the pool was short for her.
 
Getting CV-8 to Wellington sounds like a good idea.  I'll just have to deal with the three day lag getting her off of portside repair.  I'm getting impatient, but I'll just have to live with it for now.
 
I haven't gotten any confirmations on any of the ships I've sunk recently -- even the two BBs I firebombed at Colombo.  I'm guessing he's down three fleet carriers right now.  Only one of the original KB ships, Kaga, being one of them.  My post above shows 27 A6M5s were shown killed due to "ground", which translates as going down with the ship.  I think I saw a similar one for Judys.  Tone's most likely toast too, due to an excellent B-25 strike.
 
As a side note, I've been running the art mod which automatically cycles the aircraft paint schemes and markings as the war progresses.  It's been neat watching this progress over time.  Finishing my Independence (ships I'm waiting for...)  I started work on my 1/350 CA Chikuma.  I've also been distracted by a YMS kit I've gotten -- very tiny in comparison.  I've had delays due to mysteriously losing a part to my airbrush.  [:@]

Posted: **Wed Jun 17, 2015 10:12 am**

The 1/700 scale waterline Chikuma was one of the first I built - interesting rail system at the back for the aircraft. Hope you can post a picture when you get her done. About the airbrush parts ... do you have kids? Or a neglected wife? Or a cat? [;)]

Posted: **Wed Jun 17, 2015 11:03 am**

That's a mystery. The wife and I share a hobby room -- our first son's ex-bedroom. We both have hobbies, so I don't have to worry about appeasing her. My (5) cats can get over-curious, but this isn't something they'd steal.

It's the rod shaped piece with a flat part hinged at one end. It fits against the trigger right behind it. At least an inch long. I have no carpet in that room.

I looked everywhere but nowhere to be found. I wound up ordering a replacement.

I used Tamiya's IJN linoleum spray on the deck and it looks nice. The local hobby shops didn't have the bottle version of that paint (mistakes do happen...), so I had to put an order out for that too. After spraying, I had to hit the scores of deck bits with the gray. Tedious, but it does look good an busy in the end. Eduard's photo-etch set for this kit pops things out too. This ship is a good wash and drybrush candidate, too.

I was worried about deck color and details on the torpedo deck, as there's lots in there, and I didn't over-do the painting. As it turns out, you can hardly see much anyway, so I was good not to fret over it. I used a lot of etch on the torpedo tubes, most of which is facing the inside anyway. I didn't set them up to rotate. I did a nice job on the torpedo reloads, too and they're hidden.

Going to Combined Fleet's site, I figure she wore Kure gray in 1943, which is how she's set up for here.

I was trying to get a pic before, but had lighting issues.

It's hard to find time these last few days. With Cannonfodder and AW1Steve constantly volleying turns in lately, I can't get away from the computer.

Posted: **Wed Jun 17, 2015 4:52 pm**

28 May 1943

CF's hitting Cochin again. I'm glad everyone's out. It started out with a small miracle on my end.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cochin at 28,40, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Isuzu
CL Abukuma
CL Kitakami
CL Oi
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio
DD Arashio
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
PT-79
PT-109
PT-110
PT-115
PT-117

Low visibility due to Rain with 39% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 39% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
CL Kitakami engages PT-110 at 1,000 yards
DD Akebono engages PT-110 at 1,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages PT-117 at 1,000 yards
DD Arashio engages PT-110 at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
PT-115 engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
DD Akebono engages PT-117 at 2,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages PT-115 at 2,000 yards
DD Oshio engages PT-117 at 2,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages PT-110 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
PT-117 engages CA Mogami at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-115 at 6,000 yards
DD Akebono engages PT-110 at 6,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages PT-115 at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-117 at 6,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages PT-109 at 6,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages PT-117 at 6,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cochin at 28,40, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Torpedo hits 1
CL Isuzu
CL Abukuma
CL Kitakami
CL Oi
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio
DD Arashio
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
PT-80, Shell hits 1
PT-82
PT-83, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-84

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 32% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 32% moonlight: 3,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
Sone, Akira crosses the 'T'
CL Abukuma engages PT-80 at 3,000 yards
PT-80 engages DD Akebono at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-84 at 2,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages PT-84 at 2,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages PT-80 at 2,000 yards
Swingos, T.V. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 4,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages PT-80 at 4,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages PT-80 at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CL Oi engages PT-84 at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PT-80 at 6,000 yards
DD Akebono engages PT-80 at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages PT-84 at 8,000 yards
PT-83 sunk by DD Hagikaze at 8,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages PT-80 at 8,000 yards
DD Oshio engages PT-84 at 8,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I'm not sure what kind of damage was done, as I quick-escaped through the battle, not expecting much.

The follow-on bombardment must have been equally disappointing to him also, with my 6" guns getting their hits in.

Night Naval bombardment of Cochin at 28,40 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

160 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Oi, Shell hits 12, on fire
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 1
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 8, on fire
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Mogami
Cochin Fortress firing at CA Mogami
CA Mogami firing at Cochin Fortress
Cochin Fortress firing at CL Oi
CL Oi firing at Cochin Fortress
Cochin Fortress firing at CL Kitakami
CL Kitakami firing at Cochin Fortress
CL Abukuma firing at Cochin Fortress
Cochin Fortress firing at CL Abukuma
CL Isuzu firing at Cochin Fortress
Cochin Fortress firing at CL Isuzu

I've spotted some kind of cruiser force about 4 hexes east of Suva moving easterly. I don't think he wants to get too close to the Pago area, as my boys are ready. Between my four bases, I have half a dozen SBD squadrons, one A-20A and two B-25 squadrons. About two fighter squadrons per base also. The Jugs are unloaded at Ta'u, repairing up. Pago has its third USMC defense battalion unloading now, plus lots of supplies.

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