Andy Mac v PZB This time India will Stand !!!!

[Andy Mac]

OK in this game I am modifying my normal tactics to some extent.

Normally I would make sure to transfer 1 NZ Fighter and Bomber Sqn and 1 x Aus Bomber and Fighter Sqn and 1 x Canadian Bomber and Fighter Sqn to India

And send 2 x British Bomber Sqn and 1 Fighter Sqn to Aus/NZ

I do this for a number of reasons.

1. It spreads the pilot pool about and means the load is spread more evenlly.
2. Canadian Kittyhawks and Bolingbrokes arrive quicker than almost any other type so they are worth having spread about so you have a better chance of countering different thrusts
3. US West Coast Sqns can cover off any gap in Canaian coverage

I would love the option for the allies to accelerate US types delivery to CW nations or to increase numbers via PP's

e.g. Pay 1,000 PP's to increase US shipments of Mitchell I's to the RAF by 100 (reducing USAAF inventories by 100 to do it obviously)

or 500 PP's to increase Catalina delivery to RAAF by 25 etc etc

i.e. pay PP's to top up lend lease.

never happen but I can dream !!!

 

[Andy Mac]

In this game I get 1 NZ and 1 Aus Fighter Sqn that start at malaya no longer disband.

I also get a couple of Aus Bomber Sqns in malaya so they will go to India.

RAF Sqns from Malaya at least 1 fighter a dn 1 bomber sqn will retreat south

[Andy Mac]

A good day for the USN at manus got another DD TF in amopngst a small Jap TF.

Lots of TF's off of Kota heading SW no sigint so need to wait and see whats going on??

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 19, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Ternate
 
Japanese Ships
      TB Hayabusa
      APD Hagi
 
 
 
TB Hayabusa firing at enemy troops
APD Hagi firing at enemy troops
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Manus at 101,119, Range 7,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      PB Kyo Maru #7, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
      PB Nichi Maru #1
      xAKL Kaijo Maru #2, Shell hits 4,  heavy fires
      xAKL Tateyama Maru, Shell hits 10,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
Allied Ships
      DD Alden
      DD Edsall
      DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1
      DD Whipple
 
 
 
Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 0% moonlight: 7,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
DD Whipple engages PB Kyo Maru #7 at 7,000 yards
DD Whipple engages PB Kyo Maru #7 at 7,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #7 sunk by DD Alden at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Edsall engages PB Nichi Maru #1 at 5,000 yards
DD Edsall engages xAKL Kaijo Maru #2 at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAKL Tateyama Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Edsall engages xAKL Tateyama Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages PB Nichi Maru #1 at 2,000 yards
DD Edsall engages xAKL Tateyama Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAKL Tateyama Maru at 3,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages xAKL Tateyama Maru at 3,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages xAKL Kaijo Maru #2 at 3,000 yards
DD Alden engages xAKL Tateyama Maru at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAKL Tateyama Maru at 2,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages xAKL Kaijo Maru #2 at 2,000 yards
DD Alden engages xAKL Kaijo Maru #2 at 2,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Benkoelen  at 43,91
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-153
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Tanda, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
 
xAK Tanda is sighted by SS I-153
SS I-153 attacking on the surface
SS I-153 low on gun ammo, Kawasaki D. breaks off surface engagement and submerges
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Laoag  at 81,72
 
Allied Ships
      SS Seadragon
 
 
 
SS Seadragon is sighted by escort
Sub escapes detection
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kota Bharu  at 52,74
 
Japanese Ships
      xAK Nissyu Maru
      xAK Tatutaki Maru
      xAKL Yoshinogawa Maru
      DMS W-5
 
Allied Ships
      SS KXI
 
 
 
SS KXI is sighted by escort
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Laoag  at 81,72
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Fumizuki
 
Allied Ships
      SS Seadragon
 
 
 
SS Seadragon launches 4 torpedoes at DD Fumizuki
Seadragon bottoming out ....
Sub escapes detection
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Ternate
 
Japanese Ships
      TB Hayabusa
      APD Hagi
 
 
 
TB Hayabusa firing at enemy troops
APD Hagi firing at enemy troops
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Ternate
 
Japanese Ships
      TB Hayabusa
      APD Hagi
 
 
 
TB Hayabusa firing at enemy troops
APD Hagi firing at enemy troops
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 206 encounters mine field at Laoag (81,72)
 
Japanese Ships
      SC Ch 15
 
 
 
1 mine cleared
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Laoag  at 81,71
 
Japanese Ships
      SC Ch 14
      SC Ch 15
 
Allied Ships
      SS S-36
 
 
 
SS S-36 is located by SC Ch 14
S-36 diving deep ....
SC Ch 14 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 14 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 14 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 14 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 14 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Hengchun  at 83,68
 
Japanese Ships
      SC Ch 10
 
Allied Ships
      SS Spearfish
 
 
 
SS Spearfish is located by SC Ch 10
Spearfish diving deep ....
SC Ch 10 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 10 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 10 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 10 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 10 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kota Bharu  at 52,75
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Takao
      DD Sagiri
      DD Hibiki
      DD Akatsuki
 
Allied Ships
      SS KXI, hits 1
 
 
 
SS KXI is sighted by escort
DD Sagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hibiki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hibiki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akatsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sagiri attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hibiki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 10
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      10 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet *
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th PA Infantry Division, at 80,74 (San Fernando)
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 5
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 53 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 9
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
       2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 11
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 16000 feet
       2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 22000 feet
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 14th PS Engineer Regiment, at 80,74 (San Fernando)
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 7
      Ki-48-Ib Lily x 6
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      11 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 4000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
       3 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 4000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
Also attacking 26th PS Cavalry Regiment ...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 31st PA Infantry Division, at 80,74 (San Fernando)
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-48-Ib Lily x 14
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      6 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      14 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 4000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-21-IIa Sally x 54
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
 
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 11
Port hits 2
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      27 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 17000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
      27 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 20000 feet
               Port Attack:  4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
 
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      23 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 15000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Chinese Corps, at 82,49
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-30 Ann x 12
      Ki-51 Sonia x 12
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-30 Ann: 1 damaged
      Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      46 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      12 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 15000 feet
               Ground Attack:  1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
      12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
               Ground Attack:  4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
 
Also attacking 87th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 68th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet *
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Indian Brigade, at 50,77
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-48-Ib Lily x 22
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      36 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      22 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 5000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 4th Marine Regiment, at 80,74 (San Fernando)
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-48-Ib Lily x 9
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-48-Ib Lily: 2 damaged
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       9 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
Also attacking 11th PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 4th Marine Regiment ...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 16
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Gorontalo at 73,97
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      B5N1 Kate x 8
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      B5N1 Kate: 4 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      DD Van Ghent, Bomb hits 1,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Stewart, Bomb hits 1
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       8 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 7000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Van Ghent
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 88th Chinese Corps, at 90,56
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-32 Mary x 15
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      20 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x Ki-32 Mary bombing from 3000 feet
               Ground Attack:  1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 88th Chinese Corps, at 90,56
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-48-Ib Lily x 15
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      65 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 5000 feet
               Ground Attack:  4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 77,101
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      139WH-3 x 3
 
 
No Allied losses
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Amatsukaze
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 15000 feet
               Naval Attack:  3 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kota Bharu  at 52,75
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Isonami
      DD Ayanami
 
Allied Ships
      SS KXI, hits 4
 
 
 
SS KXI launches 2 torpedoes at DD Isonami
KXI bottoming out ....
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Ayanami is out of ASW ammo
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Noumea  at 115,160
 
Japanese Ships
      SS RO-63
 
Allied Ships
      AO Bishopdale
 
 
 
AO Bishopdale is sighted by SS RO-63
SS RO-63 launches 4 torpedoes at AO Bishopdale
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Aparri  at 82,73
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Shiratsuyu
      xAP Teikyo Maru
      DD Yukaze
      DD Sawakaze
 
Allied Ships
      SS Searaven
 
 
 
SS Searaven launches 4 torpedoes at DD Shiratsuyu
DD Yukaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Ternate
 
Japanese Ships
      TB Hayabusa
      APD Hagi
 
 
 
TB Hayabusa firing at enemy troops
APD Hagi firing at enemy troops
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at 90,56
 
Japanese Bombardment attack
 
Attacking force 11122 troops, 102 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 380
 
Defending force 4508 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 165
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      7 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Assaulting units:
    22nd Division
 
Defending units:
    88th Chinese Corps
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Atimonan (80,79)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 1025 troops, 3 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38
 
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 19
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1
 
Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1 (fort level 0)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Atimonan !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)
 
 
 
Assaulting units:
    16th Recon Regiment
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Alor Star (49,73)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 4782 troops, 142 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 496
 
Defending force 333 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 57
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1
 
Japanese assault odds: 57 to 1
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), morale(-)
 experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:
 
Japanese ground losses:
      11 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
      Units pursuing 1
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      422 casualties reported
         Squads: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
      Units retreated 1
 
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    5th Engineer Regiment
    11th Infantry Regiment
    5th Recon Regiment
    1st Tank Regiment
    114th Infantry Regiment
    23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
    6th Tank Regiment
    3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    5th Field Artillery Regiment
    11th Shipping Engineer Regiment
    3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    7th JAAF Base Force
 
Defending units:
    3rd SSVF Battalion
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Manus (101,119)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 402 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 33
 
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 5
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1
 
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Manus !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Attacker: disruption(-)
 
 
 
Assaulting units:
    4th Engineer Co
    I/66th Naval Guard Unit
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Manado (75,99)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 1911 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 71
 
Defending force 1628 troops, 2 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 61
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 11
 
Allied adjusted defense: 37
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 1)
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      98 casualties reported
         Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      49 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Assaulting units:
    15th Naval Guard Unit
    8th JNAF Coy
 
Defending units:
    Manado Garrison Battalion
    Manado Base Force
 
 

[Andy Mac]

My outer perimeter in the PI is now set and I am reinforcing the line in malaya reinforcements are arriving in Burma and in SWPAC I need to keep digging in and see what happens

I now have a Canadian Fighter and Bomber Sqn en route to Capetown for use in India

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

The single hardest thing to accept in any of these games is that you cannot stop the Japanese you can delay you can make costly but its very hard to totally stop them.

I am going to try and hang onto PM in this game as its loss puts back any attack back from that area hard to achieve.

Now what do I have to achieve that.

One of the most powerfull (albeit undertrained) combined arms units the Allies get is 3rd motor Bde

Its a nice combined arms unit (in theory at least) convoy WS 14 due in 30 days provides enough modern 25 pounders and AT guns and some Matildas to allow the unit to become combat effective I am placing Major General Basil Morris in charge of getting the unit to nominal combat efficiency when it will be sent to PM.

There is a real danger of rushing forward Aus or NZ Militia units but great caremust be taken - they are low exp and not well supported and you need to preseve the manpower which is low so I tend not to rush forward un prepared units except at great need.

My intended garriosn of PM is goping to be

CMF

30th Aus Bde (weak though it is)
3rd Motor Bde

AIF

2/4th MG Bn
Sparrow and Lark Bns
(Gull Bn is going to be cannibalised and is being sent to Sydney to disband as it will accelerate squad upgrades in 3rd Motor Bde)

So that will give me the equivalent of a single Division.

I will look to augment that force with as many AA guns as I can spare and at least one NZ Bn.

Again not committing forces until they are at least marginal.

Other forces will be sent as and when they are avaiblable

Andy,

Your biggest problem at PM is going to be supply. If you are building forts, and using any air force out of PM then you will be hard pressed to keep all of theose troops fed. A smart IJN player is going to cut your supply fast by easily establishing dominance in the air. You have little transport AC and with the new surface combat system, it is easy for IJN crusier and DD forces to interdict any sort of ship moving to PM.

I am not fighting hard for PM. I have just the original forces there along with the leavings from Lae and Wau but it still seems impossible to keep them in supply. I had just a few air operations and ran one shock attack and it just ate up my supply. It is ironic that the Japanese marched a unit over the Owen's Stanley mountains from Buna and seem to have little problem keeping this unit is supply via the land line. The supply flow over jungle and mountain hexsides needs to be drastically cut in this game. It is just too easy to march fighting units over mountain ranges and terrain that should be virtually impassible. My opponent is moving against PM in early April.

Anyhoo, I don't think you can hold PM if your opponent wants it. It is not worth the loss of those units. I also think that motorized unit is going to be needed if there is an invasion of North OZ.

[Andy Mac]

I am not heavily reinforcing until the supply situation is adequate i.e. >100k supply and the Motor Bde is back up to strength.

Apart from that I am in wait and see mode to some extent keeping a weather eye on PZB and trying to work out his next move

[Andy Mac]

Still waiting on PZB to get back from holiday and send a turn ....not that i am getting antsy or anything ....

I need some advice on use of P38's

I managed to free up enough P38's to equip 1 Sqn of Fighters assuming I transfer in my best pilots to form an elite unit whats the best way to use them.

30,000 feet on CAP ?

I will commit them either to Rangoon and the battle for air supremacy there or to PM and the battle that is going to come over that AF.

Any thoughts ?

[Fishbed]

You've got a squadron of P-38 in... december 1941?!

[Andy Mac]

Yup exactly 26 planes no replacements.

p.s. I didnt choose PDU on so dont blame me [:D][:D][:D]

[Fishbed]

26 planes with no replacements?
I'd put them in some West Coast hangar, training up & waiting for their little friends ^^

How did you do that, where are they coming from...?

[Andy Mac]

I disbanded a couple of West Coast Sqns and downgraded others.

It would be a one shot use Sqn but I would hope the psychological impact of seeing front line Allied Fighters in Jan 42 would give PZB pause.

[Fishbed]

You'd better use them for high-value ambushes I guess

[Andy Mac]

Gotta love sigint....

SIG INT REPORT FOR Dec 19, 41

Radio transmissions detected at 114,72.
Radio transmissions detected at Pengpu (90,50).
Gifu JAAF Base Force is located at Gifu(110,59).
68th Ind.Infantry Battalion is located at Canton(77,59).
17th/B Division is located at Hangchow(90,55).
Radio transmissions detected at Nanking (91,52).
Radio transmissions detected at 51,87.
4th Field AF Construction Battalion is located at Vigan(80,73).
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade is located at Anyang(89,43).
6225 men are based at Nagoya (111,60).
2/1st Recon Regiment is planning for an attack on Lingayen.
4/41st Infantry Regiment is loaded on a Ehime Cargo class xAK moving to Mersing.
102nd Infantry Regiment is located at Amoy(83,61).
13th Border Defense Fortress is located at 114,31.
32nd Ind.AA Gun Co  is located at Hachinohe(118,55).
2nd Manchukuo Distr Division is located at Kirin(108,42).
5th Manchukuo Distr Division is located at Anshan(102,43).
61st Infantry Group  is located at Utsonomiya(115,60).
17th/C Division is located at Shanghai(92,55).
Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions detected at Cam Ranh Bay (64,72).

[Andy Mac]

OK so those TF's off of Kota must be heading for Mersing

[DivePac88]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

Still waiting on PZB to get back from holiday and send a turn ....not that i am getting antsy or anything ....

I need some advice on use of P38's

I managed to free up enough P38's to equip 1 Sqn of Fighters assuming I transfer in my best pilots to form an elite unit whats the best way to use them.

30,000 feet on CAP ?

I will commit them either to Rangoon and the battle for air supremacy there or to PM and the battle that is going to come over that AF.

Any thoughts ?

I've been testing this tactic on the AI, and it seems to work. But haven't had an opportunity to use it in one of my PBEM's yet.

Works like this; 2x Squadrons of P-40E's at 15,000 feet, and the P-38 Squadron at 30,000 feet. Normally the Jap fighters (Zeros, Tojo's, and Oscar's) dive on the P-40s in the first round, and the P-38's then dive on the Jap Fighters. Have been getting around 3 to 1 in kills, which I am very happy with, and only losing 1 or 2 P-38s.

[Andy Mac]

Tunrs out I only have 25 of them ah well I am sure a sqn will turn up that I can use them in !!!

[Andy Mac]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 20, 41

The line has managed to fight off the first japanese attack - yesterday morning a reinforced Japanese Division attacked MacArthurs forces at San Fernando and were sent back with their tails between their legs.

Victory (at least for now)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at San Fernando (80,74)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11698 troops, 120 guns, 302 vehicles, Assault Value = 490

Defending force 13303 troops, 250 guns, 338 vehicles, Assault Value = 611

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 169

Allied adjusted defense: 289

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
846 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 53 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (4 destroyed, 32 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
783 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 92 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 51 (6 destroyed, 45 disabled)


Assaulting units:
48th Recon Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
31st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
4th Marine Regiment
11th PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
14th PS Engineer Regiment
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment

[Andy Mac]

Today in the fine tradition of the RCN and RN a convoy battle was fought at knife range.

A convoy with troops and supplies headed to Suva was ambushed SW of Pearl Harbour by the Japanese cruiser in safe waters its carrier escort the Saratoga Group was still 240 miles away - distress calls have been sent...

Anyway the action unfloded when Chikuma emerged from the dawn light at 6,000 yardswith Guns and Torpedoes flashing.

The Tanker St Clair and the AVP Pelical took the brunt of the damage before the Canadian Corvette HMCS Wetaskiwin closed at max speed all of 12 knots with her 4" gun on rapid fire trying desperately to divert the Japanese Cruiser from the troopships.

Before she could get in range the Chikuma bracketed and hit the troopship Santa Inez.

But now the escorts were int he fight trying to buy time

HMCS Wetaskiwin was hit mutliple times by 8" shells but while she was dying th etroopships were scattering and the other Corvette HMCS Dawson closed to try and ram the japanese Cruiser but a 30+ knot cruiser cannot be rammed by a 12 knot Corvette unless she chooses to allow it

But again it bought time - time for the only escort that could put up a fight to get in range.

Out of the convoys midst the Armed Merchant Cruiser HMCS Prince Robert came on at maximum speed with her 3 WW1 Vintage 6 " Guns blazing and her 21 knot top speed she closed with the enemy bracketing her with 6" shells but not hitting her - Prince Henry closing from the far side of the convoy to join in covering the convoy.

A vicious battle ensued with Prince Robert going down but not before hitting Chikuma at least once with a 6" shell (I saw it in the replay but its not in the report so it might be FOW)

As Prince Robert went down Prince Henry entered the fight guns blazing - Chikuma must have misread the old ship as something else because she turned tail and ran

The convoy was saved by the gallantry of the RCN close escort.






AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 21, 41
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near San Francisco at 206,91, Range 6,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Chikuma
 
Allied Ships
      AVD Williamson
      AVP Pelican, Shell hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      AP Wharton
      AP Harris
      AP U.S. Grant
      AP William Ward Burrows
      xAP President Fillmore
      xAP President Taylor
      xAP Santa Inez, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      AG Spica
      xAK Minnesotan
      xAK Ohioan
      TK Esso Durban
      TK Gulfking
      xAK Cynthia Olson
      xAK Idaho
      xAK Liberty
      xAK Examiner
      TK H. M. Storey
      TK L. P. St. Clair, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      TK William H. Berg
      AMC Prince Henry
      AMC Prince Robert, Shell hits 1,  on fire
      KV Wetaskiwin, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
      KV Dawson, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      59 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)
 
 
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 6,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
CA Chikuma engages KV Dawson at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
AMC Prince Henry collides with TK L. P. St. Clair at 206 , 91
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AVP Pelican at 6,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages TK L. P. St. Clair at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages TK L. P. St. Clair at 7,000 yards
KV Dawson sunk by CA Chikuma at 7,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages xAP Santa Inez at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages xAP Santa Inez at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AVP Pelican at 5,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages xAP Santa Inez at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages TK L. P. St. Clair at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages TK William H. Berg at 5,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages KV Wetaskiwin at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 4,000 yards
xAP Santa Inez sunk by CA Chikuma at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
KV Wetaskiwin sunk by CA Chikuma at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 6,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages TK William H. Berg at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 15,000 yards
Task forces break off...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near San Francisco at 205,91, Range 6,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Chikuma
 
Allied Ships
      AVD Williamson
      AP Wharton
      AP Harris
      AP U.S. Grant
      AP William Ward Burrows
      xAP President Fillmore
      xAP President Taylor
      AG Spica
      xAK Minnesotan
      xAK Ohioan
      TK Esso Durban
      TK Gulfking
      xAK Cynthia Olson
      xAK Idaho
      xAK Liberty
      xAK Examiner
      TK H. M. Storey
      TK William H. Berg
      AMC Prince Robert, Shell hits 7,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
 
 
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 3,000 yards
Komura, Keizo* orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages AMC Prince Robert at 17,000 yards
Task forces break off...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near San Francisco at 205,92, Range 23,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Chikuma
 
Allied Ships
      AVD Williamson
      AP Wharton
      AP Harris
      AP U.S. Grant
      AP William Ward Burrows
      xAP President Fillmore
      xAP President Taylor
      AG Spica
      xAK Minnesotan
      xAK Ohioan
      TK Esso Durban
      TK Gulfking
      xAK Cynthia Olson
      xAK Idaho
      xAK Liberty
      xAK Examiner
      TK H. M. Storey
      TK William H. Berg
      AMC Prince Robert,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
 
 
Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range increases to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
Range increases to 25,000 yards...
Range increases to 27,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near San Francisco at 204,92, Range 23,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Chikuma
 
Allied Ships
      AVD Williamson
      AP Wharton
      AP Harris
      AP U.S. Grant
      AP William Ward Burrows
      xAP President Fillmore
      xAP President Taylor
      AG Spica
      xAK Minnesotan
      xAK Ohioan
      TK Esso Durban
      TK Gulfking
      xAK Cynthia Olson
      xAK Idaho
      xAK Liberty
      xAK Examiner
      TK H. M. Storey
      TK William H. Berg
      AMC Prince Robert,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
 
 
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards...
Range increases to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kuantan at 52,79
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Vildebeest III x 12
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Vildebeest III: 6 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      xAK Noto Maru, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy fires
      CA Takao, Torpedo hits 1
      xAK Mogamigawa Maru
      xAK Kogyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
Japanese ground losses:
      124 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
      Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      12 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
 
 
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kuantan at 52,79
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Vildebeest III x 5
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Vildebeest III: 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      AK Sado Maru, Torpedo hits 1
      xAK Koryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy fires
 
Japanese ground losses:
      57 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
 
 
 

[Andy Mac]

ps Rawalpindi and Jervis Bay came to mind when I watched this one

[Andy Mac]

Had PZB left a couple of DD's with that Cruiser it would have caused mayhem in the convoy

p.s. as you may have noticed Wing Commander Gaskells 36Sqn in Vildebeeste TB's managed to get in amongst the Japanese Transports heading I assume for Mersing