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The Battle for the DEI

In my one and only PBEM game it’s coming to end of August 1442 and the DEI is still in my hands. My opponent had other priorities before the DEI so I had a chance to reinforce the area before the main assault . In doing this I caught my opponent by surprise and he’d allocated a lot of troops elsewhere meaning he would have to free the Philippines before moving onto Java. I’d thought I write and account of the situation over the next couple of months.

The air battles over Java have been massive over the months pitched battles with over 600 planes fighting for air superiority. My opponent would come with 300 bomber with 200 zero escorts some of the time and I would try and counter with up to a hundred and fifty fighters. In the start I was losing about 6-1 but gradually as the zero bonus depleted this became more favourable for me and I started getting 1 - 1 or 2 -1 or somewhere in between. Each time the airfield would be flattened but reinforcement of 3 construction units and tonnes of engineers meant the airfield repaired quicker and quicker and the air battles became more frequent . I felt happy with the situation as the air over Soerbaja was always under my control and I was sure this would be enough to halt an invasion.

This was until recently my opponent managed to sneak in 6 BB to bombard the poor airfield (Soerbaja) in doing this he destroyed 120 of my best fighters on the ground causing me to lose control of the air in an instant (I don’t really mind as it make the game very interesting however it did bug me a little bit that these massive ships weren’t spotted 6 hex out by the 5 recon squadron dotted around Java). Not only that but with the massive and continuous area battles in the area and add to that the planes destroyed on the ground or by Bombardment a good portion of my fighter pools are now empty. Below is the fighter planes pool as they stand.


PLANE IN POOL USED SO FAR
Brewster 339D 0 174
Kittyhawk 0 306
P-39D Airacobra 0 401
P-40B Tomahawk 0 95
P-40E Warhawk 6 335
Hurricane II 12 516
Hawk 75A 19 150
P-36A Mohawk 58 110
CW-21B Demon 60 123
Mohawk IV 69 117
Spitfire VB 78 64
Buffalo I 92 83
Wirraway 280 125
F4 F-4 Wildcat 429 365
F2A Buffalo 230 -60



So as we all know who ever wins the air will win the war.

At the moment there is a little bit of fighter protection over the skies below is a list of current fighter strength on or near Java. I’m flying in as much fighter protection as is possible.



With these massive Bombardments I’ve relocated my main airfield to Madioen and Bandoeng for protection both are level 4 now.

Overall airfield status

Madioen Level 4
Bandoeng Level 4
Batavia Level 5
Merak Level 1
Tjilitjap Level 2
Djokjakarta Level 3
Kragen Level 1
Soerabaja Level 6
Malang Level 4

To be continued…

On the Ground.

I’ve got various troops on the ground but haven’t been able to go over board as there have been pressures elsewhere. There is certainly enough supplies in Java for now Soerabaja has over 400’000 available but once the air is lost these can be depleted fairly quick, previous air attacks have destroyed 20’000 supply points in a turn when the full force of the enemy air power is used.



So here’s the low down…

Batavia (North strong point)

AV: 572
Main units: 2nd UK Division (304), 200th Chinese Division (104), 96th Chinese Division (91)
Forts: 9
Port size: 6
Aviation support: 134
Supplies: 7850
CD guns present.

Merak (delaying base)

AV: 106
Main units: 2nd Dutch Rgt (83)
Forts: 5
Port size: 1
Aviation support: 48
Supplies: 1934
CD guns present

Banboeng (1st air field of the north)

AV: 179
Main units: 29th Chinese Division (104)
Forts: 6
Port size: 0
Aviation support: 187
Supplies: 26658
HQ present

Tjilitjap (delaying base)

AV: 168
Main units: 1st Dutch Rgt (89), Tjilitjap Garrison (40)
Forts: 4
Port size: 4
Aviation support: 24
Supplies:1848
CD guns present

Djokjakarta (delaying base)

AV: 121
Main units: Gull Force BN (27), 6th Dutch Rgt (85)
Forts: 5
Port size: 0
Aviation support: 22
Supplies: 1653

Kragen (delaying base)

AV: 101
Main units: 4th Dutch Rgt (70)
Forts: 6
Port size: 1
Aviation support: 28
Supplies:3050
CD guns present

Madioen (1st air field of the south)

AV: 157
Main units: 3rd Australian TK Rgt (48), 12th Australian Bde (109)
Forts: 7
Port size: 0
Aviation support: 405
Supplies:8376
HQ present

Soerabaja (Strong point and capital)

AV: 755
Main units: 7th Australian Division (346), 55th Chinese Division (152), 2nd Australian cavalry div (185), 11th PA division (49)
Forts: 9
Port size: 9
Aviation support: 210
Supplies:471611
CD guns present
HQ present

Malang (delaying base)

AV: 30
Main units: Sparrow Force (30)
Forts: 4
Port size: 0
Aviation support: 50
Supplies: 1230

There a motley bunch and all I could spare from all over the pacific I think there are member from each nation bar Russia as she isn’t activated.

Each base has at least some AV available but there are clearly weak points. Also this is it, I don’t think I have time to bring in any more and there are tonnes of troops tied down in New Zealand and tonnes in Colombo. I feel if I lose the DEI both of these places will just be steam rolled with the freed up troop from this operation. So there’s a lot of risks involved. If I lose the DEI I lose India and the game, so it isn’t all one sided plus I don’t think my opponent is going to bring a token force if you know what I mean.

My opponent stated in his last e-mail “I brought another 600 aircraft into the theater, but they didn't do anything.”

Below is a list of the bomber forces available in and around Java at this moment in time… to be continued...

i think it might be a good idea to move all british, australlian and perhaps chinese divisions to any inland base to avoid opening naval bombardmends and after he invade quickly move them to counter invasion in attempt to destroy his landing force. Seems you can gather up to 1200-1500 AV for such reserve. Landing will take 2-3 turns and forts will give you some more - so you have a chance.

Splitting your force to the north and south group may cause they will be divided and defeated.

Also, if your HR allow you - night bombardment of his main airfields with B-17 can help you greatly.

Also - didn't you get any sigint report were he is going to land? Try to check those reports for the last 2 months.

The Sea

I have no control here all my ships have been allocated to other areas apart from a PT boat, 4 heavily damaged AK (which I might use to take some of the force off a bombardment) and 6 of the short legged British subs. These are using Soerabaja as there base and will be hanging around possible invasion points all I need to do is get them into position.

I will think about bringing a surface task force in to kinda mess up the landings. These forces will have to come all the way from the shore of New Zealand, which would take time to arrive, maybe missing the landing and putting themselves under huge risk from Japanese air power.

The enemy seem to have allocated a numerous force to the area including CV’s, I’m not sure how many but I would think in the region 1 to 4, almost all BB’s and CA’s have been allocated to, these are hanging around the Java sea.. Also the invasion force doesn’t seem to be far off heading down towards the East coast of Java, numerous task force’s of AK’s and AP’s have been spotted.

There isn’t a lot more to add to this really apart from a list of forces not available for operations…


Welcome to the AAR Sayer…

It maybe not a bad idea to move them main divisions from the shores although when reading through AAR’s and the forum people have suggested in the past that the Bombardment concentrate most of there power against the support squads engineer units and the likes and don’t really have an effect on the main combat squads. All though I could be wrong which case moving them off the shore will happen, I’ll try and find some more info about it.

I’ll try a night time air field attack next turn. I’ve never really thought about it in the past and never tried it so far so it will be interesting to see what results come about. I’ll use just 1 squadron for that and the other squadron to try and pick a few of the incoming ships off.

Sigint hasn’t been of any use, I recently for the last 2 months have started checking it every turn and have found some quite useful information but this time it’s left me dry.

Divide and conquer is defiantly something I’m going to try and avoid. I’m going to try and stop the conquest at the first base so I’m going to keep my forces spread out as much as possible and hopefully use them like a quick reaction force, the railroads on Java should allow me to do this. This is because there are 5 level 4 or above airfields on Java, if these start to fall then there’s no hope left… he will have complete control of the sky. He has the planes available I don’t

Cheers for the advise, it's always welcome J

28/08/42


Right here’s the first turn there is good and bad, like most turns

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/28/42

It turn’s out Kragen is selected as the main target there were a number of CD units available so the invaders never got away Scot free…

TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


802 Coastal gun shots fired in defence.
Japanese Ships
PG Kongosan Maru, Shell hits 11, on fire
PG Chiyo Maru, Shell hits 18, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.18, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Heian Maru, Shell hits 9, on fire
AP Arugun Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.17, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
2779 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

Then after the landings there is a bombardment that strikes the shore a couple of hits back but probably only paint scratches

Naval bombardment of Kragen, at 22,63 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

49 Coastal gun shots fired in defence.
Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 4
BB Fuso, Shell hits 4
BB Mutsu
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 8
BB Hiei


Allied ground losses:
833 casualties reported
Guns lost 18

The PM wave

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 10
TF 10 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


6 Coastal gun shots fired in defence.
Japanese ground losses:
443 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Then a third wave
TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


153 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Peking Maru, Shell hits 1
MSW W.17, Shell hits 5
AP Tatuwa Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Kofuku Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
AP Hakone Maru

Japanese ground losses:
1996 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

A few Fortress fancy there chances but don’t succeed
Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Then a nice little raid from those Beaufort… brilliant planes

Day Air attack on TF at 26,66


Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Some more attempts at breaking up the invasion force

Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 7
B-17E Fortress x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Biyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Unsuccessful this time…

Day Air attack on TF at 26,66


Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 7


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Some more disruption

Day Air attack on TF at 23,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Kuramasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet

The enemy is dedicated to clearing the whole area…

TF 112 troops unloading over beach at Pontianak, 25,58


Japanese ground losses:
374 casualties reported

Unsuccessful Bombardment attempt

Ground combat at Kragen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4592 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 112

Defending force 28836 troops, 375 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1058


I don’t intend on using the combat reports a lot as I prefer to talk tactics however I’m a turn behind so have used it this time.

So Kragen is the target a small base with a small stopping force (below is a list of what has been landed so far)

And a reminder of what available to defend…

Kragen (delaying base)

AV: 101
Main units: 4th Dutch Rgt (70)
Forts: 6
Port size: 1
Aviation support: 28
Supplies:3050
CD guns present

As Sir Winston speech goes “we will fight them on the beaches” and indeed we will, currently moving a number of forces to Kragen in the hope that the base can be saved..

Currently on the way…

From Soerabaja

11th PA division (50)
2nd Australian Cavalry division (182)
55th Chinese Division (147)
HQ Aus I corps

From Madieon

12th Australian Brigade (107)

From Tjilatjap

Tjilatjap Garrison (40)

From Batavia

200th Chinese Division (102)


+ 3 see bees
So if every thing arrives in time there will be a total AV of 729 and forts of 6, hopefully enough to stop the invasion. Maybe I’ll have to find some more from somewhere.

Below is a list of what has just landed plus a list of total plane losses so far…

It work’s out he has been losing about 4 zero’s a day every day from the beginning of the game is this sustainable? Well it must be, my losses are even greater.

well, kragen is classical for invading Java. At least you still have Tjilitjap and can send reinforcement. If you have what to send.

I'm not sure but those chinese and aussie cav brigades have only few AT weapons - so 18 UK division should be much better.
Also he will have something like 1500 AV with engineer support on the beach after landing, and your forces will be disrupted by constant air strikes. 730 AV seems insuffisient.

Were are his other divisions - do you expect another landing of 2 or more divisions?

Can you downgrade some of your hurricanes in India and OZ and P-40 in west coast to get more planes?
And also you can withdraw some of them in West Coast and India - this should provide you enough planes.

Were are your carriers? Parhaps sending air groups from british CV's could be a good idea.

Seems you don't have the time for the nightair strikes - you need at least few weeks of constant attacksto get real profit from them. Does he protects his airfields with strong CAP? Can you recon them?

29/08/42

I’m going to do the combat report again and then a follow up!!

Fairly big air losses this time roughly 140 allied to 62 Japanese, don’t forget though a third or more of these are crack aircraft carrier pilots so hopefully he‘s losing experience for later in the game. As you will see in the combat report below my huge losses weren’t in vain either.

More and more troops unload over Kragen making it less likely I’ll be able to keep it, although more than half of what I’d allocated for defence turned up this turn so it at least has a chance.

Luckily I kept a division at Soerabaja as from the picture below you can see there might be a landing there.

No CD shot’s made any effects on the ships there obviously beginning to tire.

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 10
TF 10 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


Japanese ground losses:
133 casualties reported

A couple this time should help my sub campaign for 43

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 52
TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


142 Coastal gun shots fired in defence.
Japanese Ships
MSW W.17, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.16, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
1821 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

The third wave again a couple more hits which is promising plus some troops taken out on the shore

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 61
TF 61 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


149 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Kinjosan Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Keizan Maru, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
1384 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Go go go little PT boat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 1
MSW Wa 2
MSW Asahi Maru
MSW Ataka Maru
MSW Atsu Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #8
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Choun Maru #6
MSW Choun Maru #18
AK Gyokurei Maru
AK Kinrei Maru
AK Hiyori Maru

Allied Ships
PT TM-9, Shell hits 9, and is sunk

Oh well

There’s a fourth wave this time

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 52
TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


291 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
1454 casualties reported

And a fifth but a lot of casualties on the beach again

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 61
TF 61 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


167 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Kizan Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
1251 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Completely closed and to be expected

Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 77
Ki-21 Sally x 169
Ki-48 Lily x 149
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed, 23 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 4 destroyed, 13 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 3 destroyed
T.IVa: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
65 casualties reported

Airbase hits 55
Airbase supply hits 24
Runway hits 447

Not too bad not too good, the base is still open but won’t be able to take much more

Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 89
Ki-49 Helen x 26
Ki-46-II Dinah x 6

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 3 destroyed
Hawk 75A: 6 destroyed
Hudson I: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 119

Now it’s my turn…

Day Air attack on TF at 23,60


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 6
P-40B Tomahawk x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tenryu Maru
AP Shinwa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet

An attack on the carriers is unsuccessful and it took my ages to built the AVG to that strength, wiped out in a turn, plus it turns out there are 4 or more…

Day Air attack on TF at 23,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 92

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 5
T.IVa x 3
P-40B Tomahawk x 27
B-17E Fortress x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
CW-21B Demon: 3 destroyed
T.IVa: 3 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 25 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 7 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo
CV Soryu
CV Junyo
CV Kaga

These ships have already unloaded good a hit but they should be going for the one’s that haven’t
Day Air attack on TF, near Pontianak at 25,58
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Mitsu Maru #3, heavy damage
AP Tenpei Maru
AP Ryoyu Maru #21, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Keeping that float damage up (hopefully)

Day Air attack on TF, near Banjarmasin at 27,64


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

More attacks on transport in and around Java sea

Day Air attack on TF at 23,60


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Kuramasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet

A failed attack on a BB

Day Air attack on TF at 26,65


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Ise

1 Beaufort breaks the cap with no success

Day Air attack on TF at 23,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
Brewster 339D x 8
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 3 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And here we go the main attack 2 torps and a bomb hit on carrier Greg has stated back to the yard for repairs so it doesn’t look like it will sink plus it’s only on fire.

Day Air attack on TF at 23,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36

Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Wirraway x 5
Mohawk IV x 3
Brewster 339D x 3
Kittyhawk I x 22
T.IVa x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 46
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 23 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 3 damaged
Wirraway: 4 destroyed
Mohawk IV: 2 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 2 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged
T.IVa: 3 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 9 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 16 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Akagi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet

I think I surprised him this turn with the amount of air power I had left, I brought a lot from Australia way so I think he became complacent with his cap. Maybe this is why there were only a small portion on cap.

Nearly 60’000 the actual turn on screen says 70’000 but some of my reinforcement have arrived more to come but not enough I’ll have to find more!!

Ground combat at Kragen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4669 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 514

Defending force 58143 troops, 634 guns, 241 vehicles, Assault Value = 1402


Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

I can’t help but notice how Matrix or 2 by 3 happened to incorrectly spell defence. A minor glitch to say the least though. (and you could probably pick up on tonnes of mistake I’ve made)

The main thing that is bugging me at the moment is the fact that I have chosen Madieon as a main air base, so to perform as one it will need 20’000 plus supplies. In respect of this I place the rescued USAFFE HQ from the PI to bring the supplies in but it’s not working at all. Therefore my main airfield base in the South can’t accept plane reinforcement. The USAFFE is only 10/12 toe but I thought it would function the same. To combat this I’m going to swap it with HQ from a base (Bandoeng) that currently has 20’000+ supplies and bring the ABDA HQ to Madieon.

Soerabaja supply situation: 446’202 nearly 30’000 gone hopefully some of this has been transferred to other base but maybe not. Just started to load an extra 200’000 at Karachi but without control of the air a lot of ships will be sunk and most not make it. We will see.

The combat report was massive but I took the bits I thought irrelevant out, there’s a lot of information to pass on in a turn and the combat report helps although I’m going to doing a post of my plan next and I’m going to do a section on possible reinforcement to the area too.

And below is a screen shot of some of the DEI…

Hello again Sayer,

I’ll try and be as informative as I can on the situation with regards to your questions. I sent a night time raid in last turn so we will see how it goes but like you say there may not be enough power there.

There is currently massive battles around Colombo and Auckland which I haven’t included in this AAR. Currently there are 50’000 Japanese troops on Colombo which if my memory serves me correctly involved at least a division and 3 tank units. On New Zealand there are 20’000 (recon numbers) troops which defiantly included 2 divisions. Add to that a possible 2 division which I expect are in Rangoon (recon states 50’000 troops) and the imperial guard that’s in north Burma (signet).

He has also got air units around Burma keeping me honest in India. His Oscars are taking my Hurricanes out of the sky even at distance. India is short on resource’s to say the least (in terms of men/planes/ships not supplies/fuel).

Plus the fact that Greg asked for all of China to remain silent (apart from the units already outside the area which explains why I have Chinese units in the DEI). I agreed because I think it’s a different way to play the game plus with the game being so big it’s nice to take a theatre out of the equation.

So apart from that I’m not sure what he has left, he may have another 2 divisions available maybe he doesn’t but being this late in the game I would think he’d throw the kitchin sink at me. Do you think he could bring more? With the vague description I have given you what do you think? It’s hard to tell.

With regard to the CV’s I have about 5 in and around Australia (2 x British and 3 x American one of each is damage enough not to be able to take part) and I have 2 American by Wake. I was planning massive offensives but got cold feet, Manly because I didn‘t know which water the KB was protecting. Plus I’d sent a British CV back to save PP when I had other priority’s

Below a list of overall scores. With a bit of India added.

My commands this turn.

After the last turn I decided to go defensive, all my fighter power has been dedicated to 1 base (Madieon) and are at full cap (which I assume is 90% as 100% turns to long range). There is a list of what’s available for defence below, hopefully it’s enough, Don’t forget Greg brought 600 aircraft to the field which we felt last turn.

It’s a bit like cat and mouse if he hits my main airfield full force then I’m doomed. But due to the railways in the DEI I can pick which airfield will be my main airfield and may hop to different base when the time seem good. There are many are many airfield’s but not many aircraft so I’m going to use this to my advantage as much as possible.

Bomber have been spread around the map with a couple on each base I don’t really expect Greg to hit them all. I expect to lose some but also keep some flying which is always good for the cause.

All in all I have 140 fighters ready to take the sky in Madieon but they won’t all take the skies when the time comes. Troops are moving to Kragen from all over Java but I expect more than 1 main invasion so each base will keep a little AV in each base.

well, with actions in Ceylon and NZ seems he will not be able to launch another 4 div invasion at Java. Perhaps brigade or 2, with some nav guards... i thing it will be good idea to move both 2 Uk from Batavia and 7th aus from Soerabaia. If you will manage to hold the beach it will be great victory.
Also - you can unload fighters from carriers, transport by land to derby and then to Java. You should have enough of wildcats in the pool to sustain heavy losses. It will take 5-7 turns. Also their bombers will be able to prevent reinforcements. And carriers can sail to perth then derby too.
You need to stand for month or too - then lightnings arrive, so it will be little easier.

Sayer,

Your right in the fact that I’ve not got enough to defend Kragen there at the moment. However I wouldn’t want to leave both Batavia and Soerabaja completely undefended, if he were to land a naval guard on these point and take control then all hope would truly be gone.

There is a compromise though I’ve split both divisions the 2nd UK division (Batavia) and the 7th Australian Division (Soerabaja) into 3 segments leaving 2 of the 3 segments in Batavia and one of the segments in Soerabaja. Each segment has a total of 100 AV plus the Chinese division that’s yet to get there will boost my total AV from 600 to 1000 I’m quite hopeful that this is enough to contain him at Kragen. He’s only managed to land 1400 AV so far I thought he would have brought more. Maybe there’s more to come.

I wouldn’t really want to use the carrier fighter's in this way but I do have 2 x 24 wildcat squadrons on there way from South East Australia which will take time. I’m currently putting pressure on his troops in New Zealand with shore Bombardment and am using carrier protection here plus what land protection fighters I have left. Crossing my fingers that I can wipe these troops out. There is also carrier on the way back to the west coast for repair 2 damaged and 1 pure escort and cap. The other 2 carrier are in Midway.

Regarding reinforcement I have 3 squadron of Dakotas at Kopang which can bring them in slowly and 2 Australian division making there way to Darwin. 1 is coming from Perth (1200 left) and the other Townville (660 left), these are going to take time though but the air transport should do the trick. It would be completely desperate to bring in supplies via transport at the moment but I’ll make sure I have that opportunity when the time come.

I’m desperate to get 20’000+ supplies to Madieon so these planes can accept reinforcements…

They should have used the periscope...

30/08/42

A reasonable quiet turn my opponent use his force to attack Batavia again, this airfield was already closed so it was all good for me. A sub had a crack at a CVL but missed would have been a nice catch, not to worry.

More troops unload over Kragen a lot more by the amount of casualties

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 52
TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


344 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Seizan Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Aki Maru, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
1003 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Wave 2

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 61
TF 61 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


92 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
359 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 3

Wave 3

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 52
TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


145 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Tonan Maru, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
450 casualties reported

Wave 4

Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 61
TF 61 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
124 casualties reported

Dang and blast, my sub got away Scot free though

Sub attack at 23,63

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
DD Hagikaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze

Allied Ships
SS KXVI

Picked the same airfield that was already closed maybe he was making sure his damaged carrier’s had enough chance to get away maybe he wanted to kill some damaged aircraft on the ground. They had already left via railway.

Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
Ki-21 Sally x 137
Ki-48 Lily x 150
Ki-49 Helen x 26

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 6 destroyed, 21 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 3 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 27
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 258

6 x Hudson attempt at making escape impossible but fail, no cap over the damaged carrier [&:]

Day Air attack on TF at 23,61


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 13000 feet

Another attempt some cap makes it this time

Day Air attack on TF at 23,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet

Them battleships are still hanging around probably trying to draw my bomber away from carriers… maybe…

Day Air attack on TF, near Banjarmasin at 27,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Ise

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet

Here is the Japanese BB 52’957 here but on the map it states 81’000 I think this one is correct

Ground combat at Kragen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 52957 troops, 643 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 1471

Defending force 38072 troops, 306 guns, 53 vehicles, Assault Value = 644


Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
212 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

My attempt

Ground combat at Kragen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18239 troops, 198 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 639

Defending force 71326 troops, 658 guns, 326 vehicles, Assault Value = 1471


Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported


Well this turn could have completely knock out my fighter force but it never happened. He’s defiantly got the numbers available for a decent air attack but hopefully his fighter experience isn’t doing that good as I knock down 1000+ zero’s so far.

This turn I’ve sent more subs to the Hex where his carrier’s have been situated for the last couple of turns, that shot at the CVL has given me hope.

I’ve decided to spread my CAP over my main 2 air base’s Madieon and Bandoeng and also risked a few of them on escort with the new arrival of 64 fortress bombers from Darwin. Hopefully I’m going to catch them carrier at full force, although my bomber force is fatigued and don’t have the best escorts available.

As mentioned in the above post there is more reinforcements on the way. Below is a shot of the current troops on the beaches of Kragen. Plus how I’ve position my depleted fighter power over Java.

The ground at Kragen!!

Your opponent made a huge mistake! Java is the most important target that the Japanese have to take (even if he can get enough oil and resources from the other bases in the SRA he is doomed since these are all within B17/B24 range). When I play as Japan I always take Java as fast as possible. 2ndACR tought me that the hard way. Do you have more reinforcements and supplies underway? And are you building up a second base in the area such as Kupang or Kendari (then he is screwed even if he eventually takes Java)? Can you rotate planes into OZ and accept reinforcements there? This will save you supplies and relieve your aviation regiments a bit. It would be nice if you can bring in a few more torpedo and dive bombers. They will have high casualties but if you can get a few trough the enemy cap and hit his carriers he is in even bigger trouble...
 
 
 
 

Just send that big supply convoy from Karachi - seems you will be able to unload most of them at Tjilitjap. Perhaps he will sunk some AK but the most of supplies will be already unloaded. Perhaps weather will help you. Hopefully he will not intercept your convoy by a surface fleet.
With amount you already have and more than 30k/month from local resource centers thisshould be enough to cover your needs.
Also, bring air and land HQ units, if you can - they will help you both in fighting and recovering damaged units. They can be teansported by air.

Hello Guys…

There is 400’000 supplies in Soerabaja at the moment so it’s not crucial to the empire. It’s the lack of air power that’s killing me all my pools are dry and even if they weren’t they wouldn’t be any good to me because I’m finding it very difficult getting 20’000 to my main air base Madieon. I had a HQ there for about a month but the supplies wouldn’t go up so now I’m swapping the original HQ for the ADDA HQ in hope that the level of supplies will move above the magical 20’000.

I have been slowly building Kopang from the start it nearly at level 9 forts with about 150 AV and 70 ish AS. There’s also a level 4 airfield there and 3 units of Dakota’s waiting to troop transfer men into Java. Darwin has a HQ and enough supplies for planes to accept replacement there also 250 AS there as well useful for the heavy in and transfer of the fortresses. There’s a problem with a lot of the planes having short legs (hurricanes, Mohawks, Hawks) so have to transfer through numinous base to get to safety. I have Bali and Waungapu for this but these are getting hit as well.

Units on the way

10th Air force (HQ) loading at Karachi
108th Indian Brigade (INF) loading at Karachi
1st Australian Division (INF) 555 from Darwin heading in from Townville.
3rd Australian Division (INF) 1100 from Darwin heading in from Perth.

If these were to make it especially the Australian divisions then I’m sure Java will stay in my hands but there a long way off.

In the air is where the trouble lies I’ve still got a combat report to write and in it I lost over 200 planes, never got a single hit on a carrier, over 100 were lost on the ground which is frustrating. This is due to the lack of fighter cover. This turn I’ve started to withdraw all bombers to North Australia to regroup and concentrated my fighter cover to back to Madieon

31/08/42


This turn I got levelled, lost 200 plus aircraft including 13 of the priceless Warhawks lost on the ground. I’m still awaiting the first attack on Kragen to see if the forts move down or not.


More and more troops unload over Kragen


Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 52
TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


114 Coastal gun shots fired in defence.
Japanese Ships
AP Peking Maru, Shell hits 7

Japanese ground losses:
384 casualties reported





Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 61
TF 61 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported


A naval bombardment that never caused much damage considering the amount of fire power there



Naval bombardment of Kragen, at 22,63 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise, Shell hits 2
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Mutsu
BB Hiei


Allied ground losses:
449 casualties reported
Guns lost 24
Vehicles lost 2


More and more troops


Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 52
TF 52 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


54 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported




Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 61
TF 61 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported


This is one of the raid over India that are happening every other turn he’s actually winning here even though he planes have far to travel.


Day Air attack on Diamond Harbor , at 28,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 24
Ki-21 Sally x 43
Ki-48 Lily x 22
Ki-46-II Dinah x 5

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 7 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 30


This is the raid where I lost most of my planes a lot on the ground so they don’t show up on the combat report


Day Air attack on Bandoeng , at 19,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 130
A6M3 Zero x 54
Ki-21 Sally x 142
Ki-48 Lily x 136
Ki-49 Helen x 25

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 6
Mohawk IV x 4
Hawk 75A x 2
CW-21B Demon x 7
Hurricane II x 5
Kittyhawk I x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 27 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 10 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 11 destroyed
Mohawk IV: 10 destroyed
Hawk 75A: 6 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 8 destroyed
Hurricane II: 6 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 11 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 18 destroyed
Swordfish: 5 destroyed
T.IVa: 6 destroyed
Hudson I: 11 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 10 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 39
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 251


A small raid


Day Air attack on TF at 22,58


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Fukeui Maru #7, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 5000 feet


Why oh why did they go for the MSW when there are carriers 1 hex further


Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 5
B-17E Fortress x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 11 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 16 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW Atsu Maru
AK Gyokurei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Choun Maru #18
AK Hiyori Maru, Bomb hits 1
MSW Asahi Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #56, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage


Then a token force actually goes for the carriers [8|]


Day Air attack on TF at 23,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 89

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 6
Kittyhawk I x 6
Beaufort V-IX x 6
P-40B Tomahawk x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 24
B-17E Fortress x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 19 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 2 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 4 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 10 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo
CV Hiyo
CA Haguro
CV Junyo


Then again they go for the pointless targets


Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 77
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 6
P-40B Tomahawk x 3
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 5 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Chiyo Maru, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 5000 feet


There going to need a new paint job soon


Day Air attack on TF at 26,64


Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 4
Kittyhawk I x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 10
P-40B Tomahawk x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 19
B-17E Fortress x 28


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 2
BB Mutsu
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 2


Ground combat at Auckland

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16581 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 454

Defending force 83719 troops, 733 guns, 64 vehicles, Assault Value = 1272



Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported


The combat at Kragen

Ground combat at Kragen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 57417 troops, 644 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 1491

Defending force 36887 troops, 272 guns, 51 vehicles, Assault Value = 623


Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Guns lost 1



Ground combat at Kragen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22193 troops, 225 guns, 25 vehicles, Assault Value = 622

Defending force 77208 troops, 664 guns, 329 vehicles, Assault Value = 1491


Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported


Not a very good turn although I must have taken 30 - 40 of the crack zero pilots from the aircraft carriers decks though. And if my forces concentrated on the carriers then I think there would have been success but it wasn’t to be. Below a list of the total losse's for the day [:(]

05/09/042

Well we’ve had a very quiet couple of turns. No air action over Java for 3 turns at all. One of my subs had a crack at the BB’s that are regularly pounding the shore of Java but no luck. I did do a divert from Midway to Wake with a the 2 aircraft carriers (Saratoga and Wasp) which seem to divert a lot of his planes. In between turns the colour of the aircraft symbol went from a faded red to dark red and it’s still dark now…. this is on Wake.

I’ve been planning to go for Wake early most of the game I’ve actually loaded 3 divisions and support troops twice but have had cold feet and unloaded each time. This time I just sent the carriers they went out and were spotted then they came back to midway. . This seems to have won me the time I needed in Java and have now built up a reasonable force at Madieon to defend against his 600 planes attacks.

There is still the exchange of bombardment on Kragen and his are proving to be more powerful. I’m expecting another landing any time soon but haven’t spotted any incoming TF. If there was another landing like the last one then there’s going to be a real battle.

Madieon being the main air base I’ve now situated the 3 AA units from Java and the 3 See Bees as well to Madieon in the hope that it will keep this place open.

Below is a list of fighters available for the defence of Madieon which has to come soon or later otherwise I’ll regain complete air superiority over Java. I hope there is enough to break through to his bombers and shred his Zero‘s.

Going to be bringing in some fresh Beauforts over the next couple of turns.

06/09/42


There are still troops unloading over Kragen with the amount of AP’s the Japanese have I would have thought they could have done it in a few turns and saved time unloading but it hasn’t happened. Overall they have been unloading for about a week which won’t help the invasion

The first Deliberate attack was tried on Kragen which failed to lower the forts, so if there isn’t another landing somewhere then the war is pretty much won. Which would be a shame really as I wanted to try a bit of island hoping in the Pacific. Maybe my opponent will carry on but I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted to quit with Java in my hands.



More troops unload but these must be the last of them.




Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 79
TF 79 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


53 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Jinsai Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 2



Wearing the troops down on Colombo




Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 14,24


Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 16
Buffalo I x 16
Blenheim IV x 12
Wellington III x 3
Hudson I x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Guns lost 1



Here’s the attack on Kragen must have disrupted his troops some what. Think I’ve gain some time here, he’ll now have to wait for his troops to heal.



Ground combat at Kragen

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75315 troops, 715 guns, 355 vehicles, Assault Value = 1576

Defending force 50838 troops, 407 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 1110

Japanese max assault: 1592 - adjusted assault: 761

Allied max defense: 1078 - adjusted defense: 1619

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)


Japanese ground losses:
2550 casualties reported
Guns lost 73
Vehicles lost 15

Allied ground losses:
1846 casualties reported
Guns lost 70



The situation in Colombo




Ground combat at Colombo

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5310 troops, 81 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 812

Defending force 69483 troops, 618 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 1560


Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported



And the situation in Auckland



Ground combat at Auckland

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 56939 troops, 540 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 924

Defending force 27042 troops, 77 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 313

Allied max assault: 1872 - adjusted assault: 1078

Japanese max defense: 202 - adjusted defense: 66

Allied assault odds: 16 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
386 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1380 casualties reported
Guns lost 51

I haven't had a turn for all of Sunday which is quite normal, I think for the last 2 months it's been a question of trying my best or keeping the game going... I decided to try my best and defend Java but in this I was working to end the game and I think the game is due to end soon...


What would you do in this situation?


The reason I ask is because I have a lot of respect for my opponent and would love to swap sides but he already has something lined up. Do you want me to make you cry as Japanese? I can't be sure this game is over but I definatly want to play Japanese in the future open to any house rule but may debate some if I feel the need. I'm a novice...