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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

 
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/11/2007 2:36:33 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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ny59giants:  Thanks for the info. Item #3 was precisely what I had in mind, though even when not in range of Jap LBA I would save a game turn or two of travel time (depending on the aircraft in question). I had been hoping to carry Army aircraft (P-40's and such, maybe 2E bombers as well but no luck).

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 181
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/11/2007 3:35:29 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Summary of Operations 4/25 - 4/26/42

First dateline, San Francisco... A TF of six submarines arrived here from the Philippines transporting elements of 120 USN Base Force that were evacuated before the fall of (wherever they came from) to Japanese forces. A seventh U.S. sub is still enroute with another small detachment of 120 Base Force. The unit was reassigned to HQ South Pacific and is to be rebuilt in the U.S. The subs are going in to repair light system damage (5-15 range) and then undergo 4/42 upgrades.

The first batch of DD's have completed 4/42 upgrades and are now being attached to carrier TF's. They are replacing DD's in these TF that will now go in for their 4/42 upgrades.

Another Jap submarine caught by ASW forces about 800 miles off San Francisco - AAR follows. The I-172 only took 13 "flesh wounds" and last reported still afloat - with a lot of luck it's crew might get back to Tokyo for extended shore leave.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 131,53

Japanese Ships
SS I-172, hits 13

Allied Ships
DD Talbot
MSW Pelican
DD Kennison
DD Schley
DD Chew
DD Litchfield

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

South Pacific: Two Jap LCU's (probably engineers) occupy Ndeni.

Appears that Pillager's next move is on Noumea and Luganville. A light Japanese surface combat TF is operating in this area and intercepted a TF of three Allied ML northeast of Noumea - one ML sunk, one critically damaged (expected to sink), the third ML is continuing to its objective (Luganville) undamaged. AAR follows. Minelaying operations have been underway for several weeks and a substantial number of mines await the Japs in Efate and Luganville.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 67,113

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Kinu
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
DM Stronghold, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DM Thracian
ML Kung Wo, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

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

There are no Allied LCU's are defending either Luganville or Efate - this due to the general shortage of ground combat units in the ANZAC area which pretty much dictates these forces are deployed as a priority to defend the east coast of Australia and New Zealand itself rather than forward bases. A NZ Infantry Brigade had been garrisoning Noumea but has been pulled back to Auckland since the fall of Suva.

Needless to say, the Japanese push deep into the South Pacific will factor into future Allied offensive plans. Hopefully in a way that will not be to Pillager's liking.

Australia: A (unidentified as of now) Japanese LCU is reported south of Wyndham, looks like an overland move in the works to outflank Darwin. Just from my own ground movement along the Katherine-Wyndham road, Pillager will find this march slow going. And I have LCU's in front of him. Otherwise, air bombing continues at Darwin.

The last three U.S. submarines operating from Darwin are leaving Darwin after refuelling for the last time. They will be proceeding to Townsville, from there to the U.S. for repairs (12-15 system damage each) and 4/42 upgrades. The subs were based in Manila before moving south and had been engaged mostly in submarine transport operations to evacuate LCU elements from bases in the Philippines and DEI. Their final sortie from Darwin was to evacuate remnants of Makassar Garrison Bn from Pinrang (Celebes) which is still in Allied hands (though with no supply or fuel on hand there).

Philippines: Ormoc and Roxas captured by the Japanese on 4/25 in mop-up operations. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ormoc

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9453 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 170
65th Infantry Brigade
Defending force 658 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19
93rd Reserve Rgt

Japanese max assault: 150 - adjusted assault: 290
Allied max defense: 14 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 290 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Ormoc base !!!

Allied ground losses:
1281 casualties reported (93rd Regiment eliminated)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Roxas

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9457 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 285
56th Infantry Division
Defending force 1002 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 24
61st Reserve Division, 11 PAF Air Base Force

Japanese max assault: 222 - adjusted assault: 105
Allied max defense: 19 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 105 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Roxas base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1569 casualties reported (Both units eliminated)

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

China: The Battle of Hex 48,31 drags on. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31 (4/25/42)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 110815 troops, 383 guns, 124 vehicles, Assault Value = 1504
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 21815 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 358
9th, 13th, 12th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1440 - adjusted assault: 1440
Allied max defense: 205 - adjusted defense: 13
Japanese assault odds: 110 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
480 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3713 casualties reported (76th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31 (4/26/42)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 111112 troops, 383 guns, 127 vehicles, Assault Value = 1523
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 18322 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 306
9th, 13th, 12th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1477 - adjusted assault: 1858
Allied max defense: 175 - adjusted defense: 17
Japanese assault odds: 109 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
746 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
1157 casualties reported

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

All other sectors quiet - no significant activity to report.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 182
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/11/2007 3:44:03 AM   
ny59giants


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quote:


First dateline, San Francisco... A TF of six submarines arrived here from the Philippines transporting elements of 120 USN Base Force that were evacuated before the fall of (wherever they came from) to Japanese forces. A seventh U.S. sub is still enroute with another small detachment of 120 Base Force. The unit was reassigned to HQ South Pacific and is to be rebuilt in the U.S. The subs are going in to repair light system damage (5-15 range) and then undergo 4/42 upgrades.


I would advise that you consider holding off on some of those 4/42 upgrades for your subs until you examine what their capacity is for transport. For many of those subs, the upgrade does nothing useful except lower their transport capacity. When the 10/42 upgrade comes, they get radar. Thus, you may need to manually turn off each subs ability to upgrade.

I usually transport fragments from the PI to northern Australia by sub and, if needed, load them up on empty AK's to transport back to the USA.

_____________________________


(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 183
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/11/2007 4:05:23 AM   
wneumann


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At this point, there is practically nothing left in the PI or DEI worth evacuating. With nearly all bases in the area in Japanese control, refuelling options for the subs were limited to only Darwin itself. With Darwin as a likely Jap invasion objective (I expect within the next 15-30 days or less), there is no place left in that area for basing subs. Perth is the only remaining useable Allied naval base in West Australia.

What will prpbably be the last Allied ships to set foot in Darwin are several short-ranged (3500 mi) Dutch subs based at Perth that I am trying to get to India - these will stop in Darwin to refuel and then proceed via Singkep Is (E of Singapore) which is still in Dutch control and has some fuel points left to India. These subs are far more useful operating from Colombo or Trincomalee than Perth - also have a shortage of operational (non-damaged) subs based in India.

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 184
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/12/2007 1:58:36 AM   
wneumann


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Summary of Operations 4/27/42

Central Pacific: Japanese sub I-169 spotted and attacked NNW of Johnston Is - no hits reported.

Three more U.S. submarines arrived in San Francisco from the Philippines - transporting elements of 2 Philippine (Inf) Rgt. Subs are unloading the LCU in San Francisco and will then go in for repair (8-15 system damage) and 4/42 upgrades.

Australia: Japanese landing reported on the beach hex at Exmouth (NW corner of Australia between Broome and Perth). Two unidentified Jap LCU are disembarking. No available Allied units to counter the landing - other than two Australian Inf Brigades defending Perth. However, a British carrier TF is in the eastern Indian Ocean area that can reach attack range of the Jap TF landing at Exmouth in 1-2 days sailing time (unfortunately too late to stop the landing but still in time to get the Jap transports).

Although it will take some time for the Japs to build a base at Exmouth, this base will eventually place much of the southern map edge approaches to Perth within range of Japanese patrol aircraft and land based bombers. Not good.

Other action in NW Australia... Japanese ground attack of RAN Base Force LCU withdrawing from Wyndham - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 30,86

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7185 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 187
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 2180 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
109 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 148 - adjusted assault: 142
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 3
Japanese assault odds: 47 to 1

Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating! (safely into the Australian front lines, which nicely happened to be the unit's march destination hex!)

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

China: Latest action from the Hex 48,31 Pocket.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 111352 troops, 383 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 1529
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 16909 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 243
9th, 13th, 12th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1488 - adjusted assault: 1251
Allied max defense: 138 - adjusted defense: 11
Japanese assault odds: 113 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
404 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
8050 casualties reported (12th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 13

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 185
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/12/2007 6:18:49 PM   
wneumann


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Summary of Operations 4/28/42

No sightings of Val ASW air patrols in the Ops Reports for the last two days - either (1) the entire KB is now at sea, (2) KB has moved to other friendly bases where no U.S. submarines are present, or (3) Pillager has grounded his Vals from flying ASW patrols.

Australia: Two Japanese engineer LCU captured the beach hex at Exmouth. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Exmouth

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2296 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10
56 & 4 AF Construction Bns
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 8 - adjusted assault: 4
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Exmouth base !!!

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

Situation in the Perth area - Perth garrison includes two Australian Brigades (3rd and 13th) and an RAN Base Force LCU - 13th Brigade began marching overland to occupy the base at Geraldton (N or Perth). Two Allied transport convoys are now approaching Perth and will arrive within the next 2 days - these convoys are transporting 6 Australian Division plus a total of 34K supply points.

My original plan for 6 Australian Division was to either deploy it into NW Australia to support forces around Darwin & Katherine or move it to a location to replace other ground units sent to NW Australia. The situation at Exmouth requires a revision of this plan, especially given the importance of Perth and the eventual Japanese threat to it.

"Plan B" is going to require that 6 Australian Div remains in the Perth area to defend the base there. Until now there was no need to garrison Geraldton - this has changed as Japanese control of Geraldton would be a very logical jumping off point to an attack on Perth.

With 6 Australian Division garrisoning Perth, this allows the possiblity of operations against Exmouth. The arrival of 6 Division makes 3 Australian Brigade (in Perth) available for operations elswehere. With the proximity of Japanese forces in superior strength within range of Exmouth, it is unfeasible for Allied forces to recapture the Exmouth beach hex and hold it permanently. However, a plan may be possible to make a "hit and run" attack on Japanese forces at Exmouth - land 3 Brigade at Exmouth and recapture it (destroying the two Jap engineer LCU in the process), re-embark 3 Brigade, and withdraw to Perth.

Sigint reports indicate two Japanese LCU (HQ 14th Army and 3 Mountain Gun Rgt) are loaded on transports and now enroute to Wyndham. The presence of HQ 14th Army speaks very much for itself.

Jap forces reported landing at Wewak (last remaining Allied base on New Guinea).

Japanese bombers (G5N Liz) attacked Australian base at Coen (N or Cairns) for the first time.

Below is situation map of NW Australia as of 4/28/42





Attachment (1)

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 186
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/12/2007 6:33:30 PM   
wneumann


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Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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More Operations from 4/28/42

U.S. submarine Greenling reports contact with Jap AS Heian Maru at Truk. Pillager creating or expanding a Jap submarine base there?

China: Japanese Army aircraft began heavy bombing of Ichang. Next Jap objective in China?

The latest communique from the Hex 48,31 Pocket... AAR follows

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 111806 troops, 383 guns, 127 vehicles, Assault Value = 1554
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 13279 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 212
9th, 13th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1513 - adjusted assault: 2220
Allied max defense: 122 - adjusted defense: 11
Japanese assault odds: 201 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
590 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
10293 casualties reported (12th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 13

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

Situation map of China as of 4/28/42 follows






Attachment (1)

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 187
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/14/2007 1:43:20 AM   
wneumann


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From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Summary of Operations 4/29/42

U.S. West Coast: CV Hornet completed 4/42 upgrade - it rejoins the fleet replacing CV Enterprise in an Air Combat TF that returned to the U.S. West Coast to exchange ships for 4/42 upgrades. The Enterprise will now undergo refit (5 system damage) and 4/42 upgrade. All escort ships in the (CV Hornet's) Air Combat TF are also being replaced with ships that finished the 4/42 upgrade.

Two other Air Combat TF's (CV Yorktown & Lexington) have DD escorts that completed the 4/42 upgrade. The carriers themselves and escorting CA/CL in these TF's are not upgraded as of yet - these ships be rotated out of the TF's and replaced with upgraded ships as ships completing the 4/42 upgrade become available.

CV Saratoga began its upgrade 10-12 days ago and still in progress. Per the ship arrival (reinforcement) display, CV Wasp is due to enter the game in 39 days.


Central Pacific: U.S. submarine S-34 torpedoed and sank (confirmed) two Japanese MSW at Kwajalein. S-34 also reports Val air patrols resumed over Kwajalein (Jap fleet CV in area). SS Grenadier at Saipan also reporting Val air patrols.

Southwest Pacific: Wewak was captured by Japanese (134 IJA Base Force).

Australia: Japanese TF consisting of CL's Naka & Sendai bombarded Darwin. Also noted is that air bombing raids on Darwin that previously targeted base facilities are now attacking ground units in Darwin (3rd Australian Div).

**A Warm & Fuzzy News Item for Royal Navy Carrier fanboys **

British Air Combat TF (CV's Indomitable & Formidable) intercepted and attacked Japanese transport TF off the beach hex at Exmouth. It appears the Jap transports they hit were enroute to Exmouth and carrying reinforcements to land there. Combat replay of the attack shows that 139 IJN Base Force was aboard the transports when they were struck. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 16
Albacore x 33

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Izumo Maru, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 25, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ussuri Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
114 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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

Indian Ocean: Japanese landed on and captured Christmas Island (Indian Ocean off Sumatra). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Christmas Island (Indian Ocean)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 379 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20
1 Parachute Rgt
Defending force 50 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Christmas Island Garrison

Japanese max assault: 20 - adjusted assault: 22
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Christmas Island IO base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported

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

A curious item on today's Operations Report... Catalina I reports oil slick at 15,30

Hex 15,30 is located NE of Trincomalee in the Bay of Bengal. A Japanese submarine is shown on the map in this location - likely the I-122 sighted several times near and at Colombo in the past few days and now appears to be enroute back to its home base. However, Allied forces made no attacks on the I-122 nor were any hits reported scored on it (in either the Allied or Jap combat reports) - no known damage on it either. Chalk up this report as a dead whale...

Burma: Japanese air strikes on Akyab base by Sally bombers based at Magwe. No Allied troops are in Akyab, which is in no-man's land between the Allied and Japanese lines. Cox's Bazaar is the forward Allied outpost in this sector. Possible forecast of a move by Japanese ground forces from Rangoon along the Burma coast. Sizeable Allied forces are already in the path of this advance.

China: Japanese air bombing of Ichang continues - next move in this direction (?)

The long, painful saga of Hex 48.31 is nearly over... AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 113086 troops, 401 guns, 134 vehicles, Assault Value = 1615
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 7914 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 116
13th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1578 - adjusted assault: 2849
Allied max defense: 67 - adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 569 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
8140 casualties reported (13th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 3


(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 188
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/15/2007 4:11:13 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
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From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Summary of Operations 4/30/42 - The Japanese "Zero Bonus" is over edition.

Central Pacific: Contact between U.S. ASW TF and Japanese sub I-29 approx 550 miles W of San Francisco. AAR follows. DD Kennison has moderate system and fire damage, somewhat heavier flooding - should make it to San Fran if flooding and fire damage can be kept under control. I-29 received one direct hit from depth charges, the other hits all near misses. It's a long ride back to Tokyo, boys...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 133,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-29, hits 7

Allied Ships
DD Kennison, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Pelican
DD Talbot
DD Schley
DD Chew

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

South Pacific: A Japanese TF probably consisting of two or three AV (plus escorts?) spotted and attacked a lone Dutch AK sailing eastbound from NZ to Panama City. AAR's follow. Location of this contact was near the southern map edge due S of Tonga. Pillager employed a similar tactic in the Indian Ocean at the end of 2/42 against Allied shipping moving between India and Perth (Australia) - the three AV's in question meeting their demise vs Swordfish from two British CV's.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 91,146

Japanese aircraft
E8N Dave x 5
F1M2 Pete x 2
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
E8N Dave: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Abbekerk

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E8N Dave bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E8N Dave bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 91,146

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Abbekerk

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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

While no hits were scored on the Abbekerk, this encounter did serve as an "early warning" to the KB (or elements thereof) that Allied shipping is moving across the South Pacific. It would not be much of a surprise to find one or more Japanese Carrier TF(s) in mid-ocean east of this position or moving into this area. The KB carrier(s) in these TF(s) are likely to be those from which whose Val air patrols were detected while based at Pago-Pago. Now we know where they went.

There are also a number of TK's sailing individually from the U.S. to New Zealand on a westbound course that are yet to reach the area from the east but soon will. I am considering holding some of these up, but also deliberately allowing several to sail "into harms way". Although I'd rather not lose the ships, the sacrifice of them could provide some insight into Japanese anti-shipping tactics in this theater and aid me in getting transports through later.

The possibility could also be entertained of later using the KB's anti-shipping activity here as an means of entrapment (to attacks from my own CV's).

Australia: A transport TF carrying 6 Australian Division has reached Perth and the division is now embarking. Also carried aboard this and a second transport convoy is a total of 34K supply. With the situation in NW Australia and eastern Indian Ocean, 6 Australian Division is likely to remain in the Perth area to help defend the base.

A Dutch submarine finished what the British CV's started. The lone Japanese survivor (Taizan Maru) of the reinforcement convoy bringing 139 IJN Base Force that was attacked on 4/29 by British CV's took two additional torpedoes. AAR follows. No confirmation as to whether the Taizan Maru sank. In any event, most or all of 139 Base Force went up in smoke.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Exmouth at 11,86

Japanese Ships
AP Taizan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (ship now has 3 torpedo hits total)

Allied Ships
SS KX

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

Burma: More Japanese air raids on Akyab. This is definately a new area of interest to Pillager.

China: The finale of Pocket 48,31. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 113768 troops, 399 guns, 138 vehicles, Assault Value = 1650
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 4354 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 55
84th Chinese Corps (eliminated)

Japanese max assault: 1614 - adjusted assault: 1791
Allied max defense: 31 - adjusted defense: 3
Japanese assault odds: 597 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
8647 casualties reported
Guns lost 11

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

Other sectors pretty quiet.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 189
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/17/2007 6:37:25 AM   
wneumann


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From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Summary of Operations 5/1/42

Top Story: Carrier battle off Exmouth (NW Australia) between British and Japanese forces (Baby KB). AAR's and situation map follow.

From the Allied side, this battle was neither planned nor was it a surprise. The British carrier TF had been escorting the convoy with 6 Australian Division travelling from Aden to Perth (via Colombo), before diverting to Exmouth on 4/29 to attack the Japanese reinforcement convoy that was heading into Exmouth.

Following the attack on the Jap reinforcement convoy at Exmouth, the British carrier TF was starting its return to Colombo and moving on a SW heading when it engaged the Japanese TF (three CVL and at least two AV, with escort).

Heavy damage was taken by CV Indomitable (51 system, 48 float, 21 fire) and CA Dorsetshire (49 system, 61 float, 29 fire), all from torpedo hits. Both ships are still moving at 12-14 kts and ordered to proceed to Perth. Nearly all remaining serviceable aircraft in the air units from CV Indomitable landed on CV Formidable - these aircraft are aboard the Formidable and available for action.

CV Formidable is still fully operational. Available aircraft on Formidable include 32 Fulmar, 12 Albacore, 9 Sea Hurricane. Of the three Japanese CVL's in this action, only one (Zuiho) remains undamaged. Of the other two CVL's - Shoho is probably no longer operational, Ryuho is undetermined. None of them reported sunk. Based on information from intel and turn replay displays (both Allied & Jap), the majority of Kate TB's (41 of the 48 attacking) were destroyed or damaged in action.

CV Formidable and remaining escorts are continuing on a SW heading (towards the Japs) and will attempt to engage the Jap carriers again while leaving the area. The SW heading is necessary as the fuel situation among all ships in the TF requires the TF to proceed on a direct as possible course towards Colombo (there is insufficient fuel in Perth for this TF to replenish).

From the standpoint of my own game experience in WitP, this action was my first vs a human opponent in WitP and also the first carrier action playing CHS and NikMod. A relatively small-scale action was certainly in my best interests before diving into bigger, more decisive battles. I had figured that carrier battles in stock WitP vs the Japanese AI were just a little bit too easy, and that estimate proved correct.

Also noticed that at least one of the Jap CVL's carried Vals. So much for the premise that only Jap fleet CV's carried them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 7,74

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 11
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 7
Fulmar x 16
Albacore x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 5 damaged
Fulmar: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
Albacore: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 3, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 12
A6M2 Zero x 19
D3A2 Val x 8
B5N2 Kate x 48
F1M2 Pete x 4
E13A1 Jake x 2

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 9
Fulmar x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged
D3A2 Val: 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 37 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 4 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Fulmar: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Glasgow, Torpedo hits 1
CA Dorsetshire, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 9
F1M2 Pete x 5
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 3 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Formidable
DD Tjerk Hiddes
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Exeter

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A2 Val x 5
B5N2 Kate x 5
F1M2 Pete x 8
E13A1 Jake x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 1
CA Exeter
CA Cornwall

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

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






Attachment (1)

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 190
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/17/2007 7:05:17 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
More Operations for 5/1/42

As for 6 Australian Division, it is now fully disembarked in Perth.

A Japanese AK (Kanto Maru) was reported torpedoed and sunk in the Malacca Straits by British submarine Rover.

With the end of the Japanese "Zero bonus" - Allied fighters will now begin to more actively engage Japanese aircraft in air-to-air combat.

With the way the "front lines" are located at the current time, opportunities for LBA to engage in air-to-air combat against each other are actually rather limited (outside of Burma, eastern India, and NW Australia). There are very few bases anywhere on the map where either the Japanese or Allies can place LBA within striking range of an enemy-controlled airfield.

All other sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity detected or encountered.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 191
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/19/2007 2:41:05 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 5/2/42

Indian Ocean: Light Japanese air strikes launched against both CV Formidable and CV Indomitable task forces - attacks were made entirely with small bombs (100 & 250 lb). CA Exeter (with Formidable TF) took moderate damage from a single bomb hit. Several bomb hits on other ships caused no significant additional damage. AAR's follow.

Both British CV's are retiring - Indomitable due to damage, Formidable running low on fuel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,79

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,79

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage
CA Dorsetshire, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
F1M2 Pete x 2
E13A1 Jake x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 2 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
F1M2 Pete x 3
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable
CL Glasgow
CA Exeter, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,73

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

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

South Pacific: KB has appeared just east of Efate, attacking a minelaying TF of 3 ships. All three ML were sunk. Japanese air groups participating in the attack were identified as from Akagi, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku. AAR follows.

It appears that the KB is appearing in support of imminent Jap invasion operations on Luganville and/or Efate to discourage interference from "Force Z and friends" during operations in this area (and a repeat performance of what happened at Suva). "Force Z and friends" had not been projected to engage Japanese operations at Luganville or Efate due to the KB being expected in the area (since its detection at Pago Pago).

Val air patrols continue at Kwajalein - possible location of Kaga.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Efate at 72,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
D3A2 Val x 106
B5N2 Kate x 102
Air Groups Identified: Akagi, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
ML William van der Zaan, Bomb hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
ML Prins van Oranje, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
ML Bungaree, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
5 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
5 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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


China: Heavy Jap air raids continue against Ichang. Chinese and Japanese ground forces now engaged W of Ichang (Hex 47,32). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21978 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 708
13th Infantry Division, 11 Independent Brigade
Defending force 22342 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 707
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

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

Burma: Japanese bombing raid on Cox's Bazar.

All other sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity detected.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 192
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/20/2007 8:37:58 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 5/3/42

Central Pacific: Japanese sub (w/oil slick?) spotted W of San Francisco, possibly the I-29 encountered by our ASW TF on 4/30 four hexes E of this location. If it is indeed the I-29, it will have some more visitors shortly. Japanese surface TF (CA Haguro & Myoko) bombarded Palmyra - light casulties and damage, one shell hit on the Myoko.

South Pacific: KB still off Noumea, bombed and sank the ML Kung Wo docked in Noumea. The Kung Wo was severely damaged (99 system) on 4/26 by a Japanese surface TF near Efate.

Philippines: Japanese 65th Infantry Brigade lands at and captures Zamboanga in mop-up operations W of Mindanao.

Australia: Coen bombed by Jap G5N bombers from Port Moresby. Japanese air strikes continue on Darwin.

Indian Ocean: No further action in the battle off Exmouth (NW Australia), looks like everyone is going home.

Burma: Japanese continue air bombing of Imphal air base - no significant damage reported.

All other sectors mainly quiet.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 193
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/22/2007 3:08:07 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 5/4/42

Indian Ocean: CV Formidable sunk and CA Exeter severely damaged (likely to sink) in air attack from Baby KB. Japanese air groups participating in the attack were from CVL's Zuiho and Hosho. The Hosho had not been previously spotted and was not involved in any of the earlier carrier action. Also noted was several land-based (apparently carrier-capable) Chutai that also appeared in the strike - Hainan (equipped w/Kates) & BI/Bako (Vals). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 22
F1M2 Pete x 7
E13A1 Jake x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA Exeter, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A2 Val x 5
B5N2 Kate x 11
F1M2 Pete x 10
E13A1 Jake x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question.....

While I can see several things in this display that would in some way restrict the Formidable's ability to launch a full complement of CAP, there isn't any one factor here that would appear to account for it launching no planes at all for CAP or in its own defense. Of the fighters carried on board, 60-70% of them were allocated to CAP. Granted, the ship was a bit low on fuel and ammo (but not low enough for a fuel AND an ammo explosion after torpedo hits), we had 6 whole points of system damage, 16 extra planes on board (which I would fully expect those not to be launched), and (okay) the radar wasn't working. Even with all those problems, you'd think that at least one plane would get off the flight deck to fly CAP and show up. Also granted... Fulmars are practically useless vs the Zero. But still, would have been nice to at least make a contest out of this.

At least I might have sank one (CVL) in this battle (Shoho w/3 torp hits), maybe a second one (Ryuho w/1 torp hit) if I was very lucky. Worst case scenario is two more ships to clog the Jap shipyards and more Jap sailors on extended shore leave.







Attachment (1)

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 194
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/22/2007 3:16:45 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
More Operations from 5/4/42

Australia: Japanese ground forces pushing eastward along the Wyndham-Katherine road. AAR follows. This (flanking) movement could eventually become a problem in the Allied defence of Darwin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 31,86

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 7376 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 197
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 2925 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 31
Sparrow Force Bn, 109 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 150 - adjusted assault: 288
Allied max defense: 28 - adjusted defense: 8
Japanese assault odds: 36 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
142 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

Central Pacific: Val air patrol contact reports continue from Kwajalein - D3A2 Val attacking S-34 at 81,84.

Other sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity reported.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 195
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/22/2007 2:25:35 PM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline
quote:

Indian Ocean: CV Formidable sunk and CA Exeter severely damaged (likely to sink) in air attack from Baby KB.


The best way to combat this is to send the two PBY squadrons from the PI to India early in the game. They have greater range than the British search planes. Plus, the Americans get plenty of these throughout the war.

The Formidable has too many planes on her to conduct air operations. I think you can have only 110% capacity and still have CAP work.

_____________________________


(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 196
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/23/2007 2:08:25 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 5/5/42

Indian Ocean: Baby KB shadowing remaining ships of British carrier TF withdrawing to Colombo. AAR follows. CA Cornwall and CL Glasgow both heavily damaged. Is there any limit on Japanese air ops? Guess we'll see next turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,67

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow
CA Cornwall

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
F1M2 Pete x 7
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Norman
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 1
DD Nizam

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Norman
CL Glasgow, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A2 Val x 3
B5N2 Kate x 7
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Nestor
CA Cornwall, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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

South Pacific: Japanese landing at Luganville (or more precisely, stepping across the mines to get on the beach). LCU(s) not identified as of now. Pillager is getting some good practice at minesweeping ops.

Central Pacific: Two subs for the price of one. Where I expected to find the I-29 off San Francisco, the four newly upgraded DD enroute to Pearl Harbor found instead the I-8 and I-25 - both subs receiving a barrage of depth charges. The I-25 was sunk, the I-8 heavily damaged (6 hits, bridge flooded), and someone left an oil slick on the way down. Small compensation for the Indian Ocean affair, but I guess I can't be picky. Wonder if my true calling is playing with U-boats in the Atlantic...

Other sectors relatively quiet for now.

Interesting idea, ny59giants. I am removing a few excess aircraft (mainly Dutch evacuees) from Australia. Some of the Do-24's (soon to be PBY) could head for India. Thanks.

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 197
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/23/2007 2:42:43 AM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline
quote:

Central Pacific: Two subs for the price of one. Where I expected to find the I-29 off San Francisco, the four newly upgraded DD enroute to Pearl Harbor found instead the I-8 and I-25 - both subs receiving a barrage of depth charges. The I-25 was sunk, the I-8 heavily damaged (6 hits, bridge flooded), and someone left an oil slick on the way down. Small compensation for the Indian Ocean affair, but I guess I can't be picky. Wonder if my true calling is playing with U-boats in the Atlantic...


If you don't look at playing a PBEM in two ways, your in trouble.

Men just want to have FUN!!!

It's a LEARNING experience every time you play.

That's why games against the AI aren't as beneficial...You can always restart the game after the first few months of mistakes.

_____________________________


(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 198
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/23/2007 8:32:53 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 5/6/42

Indian Ocean: Japanese continue naval air attacks on British ships - two DD hit and heavily damaged. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 6,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
B5N2 Kate x 1
F1M2 Pete x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
F1M2 Pete x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,63

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A2 Val x 2
E13A1 Jake x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Nizam
DD Norman

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,61

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Norman

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 8
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Tjerk Hiddes, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Nestor, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Napier

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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

Japanese air raids on Port Blair reported - Andaman Is may now be a Jap objective.


South Pacific: Luganville falls to Japanese forces. At least three Jap AP's were hit in Allied minefields during landing ops. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3332 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 101
Yokosuka 8 SNLF, 18 & 19 Naval Guard
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 91 - adjusted assault: 35
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 35 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Luganville base !!!

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

Other sectors mostly quiet.


(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 199
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/25/2007 7:24:42 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 5/7 - 5/8/42

Most sectors have been quiet.

Central Pacific: ASW vs Japanese sub actions NE of Hawaii. Jap submarine I-29 engaged by DD's on 5/8 - four hits, minor or no damage to the I-29. Another ASW TF was attacked by Japanese sub I-17 - one MSW sunk, I-17 was not attacked.

Indian Ocean: Japanese Baby KB task force withdrew on 5/7, no further contact.

Anyway... Here's the "big picture" map as of 5/9/42.






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Post #: 200
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/28/2007 5:47:45 PM   
wneumann


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Summary of Operations 5/9 - 5/10/42

Central Pacific: ASW vs submarine action has moved to the waters NE of Hawaii. One U.S. MSW torpedoed and sunk. Two Japanese subs attacked: I-28 hit 3 times and damaged on 5/9, I-20 hit twice (light or no damage) on 5/10.

Japanese have intensified their submarine activity between Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast since 5/1. So far, the combination of land-based naval search air patrols picking up sub contacts with several ASW TF's stationed at sea to move in and attack detected subs have been quite effective. While there is a considerable quantity of transport shipping activity moving between the U.S. West Coast and the Central Pacific "front lines", I have been able to easily route Transport TF's around Jap sub contacts. However, there is no doubt a "gap" of some undetermined size between Hawaii and the U.S. that land-based air patrols cannot reach. Might be possible to load a small air unit on CVE Long Island, put it in a TF with some escorts, and send it out to fly naval search operations in the "gap" if needed.

Plans are underway to send several one-ship surface TF's (Omaha-class CL's) into various areas of the North Pacific to probe Pillager's land-based air coverage. Objective is to see how far west these TF's can move before being spottted, otherwise avoiding contact as much as possible.

NW Australia: Japanese working on a rapid buildup of airfields in NW Australia. Beach hex at Exmouth built to a size 1 airfield (much quicker than expected) and the airfield at Wyndham expanded both on 5/9.

Below is a list of known Japanese ground units in NW Australia taken from AAR and Sigint reports - date following each unit is the most recent contact or report of that unit's location.

2nd Infantry Division Derby 420430
4th Infantry Division 23,85 (near Broome) 420419
5th Infantry Division Wyndham 420416
18th Infantry Division (reported enroute to NW Australia - exact location unknown)
21st Mixed Brigade 31,86 (E of Wyndham) 420504
3 NLF Wyndham 420416
22 NLF Wyndham 420416
1 Tank Regiment Broome 420426
2 Tank Regiment Wyndham 420416
3 Mortar Battalion Wyndham 420510
3 Mortar Regiment Wyndham 420416
3 Mountain Gun Regiment Wyndham 420428
5 Mortar Regiment Wyndham 420416
17 Heavy Field Artillery Regiment (reported preparing for attack on Darwin - exact location unknown)
18 Heavy Field Artillery Regiment Wyndham 420423
23 Aviation Unit 23,85 (near Broome) 420419
HQ 3rd Air Army Broome 420508
HQ 21st Air Flotilla Broome 420430
4 AF Construction Battalion Exmouth 420428
56 AF Construction Battalion Exmouth 420428

Ships in Australian and NZ ports not essential to conducting defensive operations in and around Australia/NZ have been departing both east and westbound for either the U.S. or India - most of these ships being extra transports or auxiliaries over and beyond the numbers, types, and cargo capacity needed to maintain current Allied positions in Australia/NZ. Many of the ships leaving the ANZAC area were earlier evacuees from the Phillipines or DEI - leaving them where they are serves no purpose other than providing cannon fodder to the IJN.


Indian Ocean: Contact between British DD's (remnant of the Carrier TF still operational) and Japanese sub I-27 east of Ceylon - one hit on I-27, damaged. Other British ships damaged during the carrier action still limping westward to Colombo. CV Formidable and CA Dorsetshire (both very heavily damaged) enroute to Perth - if I can fix flooding damage on these ships at Perth, both ships have a fair chance of getting back across to India later for more extensive repairs. Perth has a small shipyard so may be possible to also remove a small amount of system damage.

Philippines: Japanese mop-up operations in southern islands continue - Jap 56 Infantry Brigade landed at and captured Jolo on 5/9.

Burma/India: Jap air raids on Port Blair (Andamans) continue. Air-to-air combat between Allied and Japanese fighters over Imphal (AVG P-40's and British Hurricanes vs Jap Oscars & A6M3 Zeroes) - very light aircraft losses on both sides.

Other sectors mainly quiet.







(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 201
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/30/2007 4:10:24 AM   
wneumann


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Summary of Operations 5/10 - 5/12/42

Indian Ocean: CV Indefatigable and CA Dorsetshire sink just outside of Perth on 5/12 from damage taken in the carrier battle on 5/1 near Exmouth - both ships were attempting to reach Perth. Other British warships from this action are still making their way back to Colombo.

Australia: Two more Japanese ground units detected in NW Australia by Sigint - 3 Engineer & 3 Heavy Artillery Rgts (both units located in Wyndham). An additional engineer regiment (the 5th) was identified by Sigint as planning for an attack on Darwin.

Heavy Japanese air and naval bombardment continues at Darwin, particularly on 5/12. Heavy casualties and heavy damage to airfield and port facilities. Very intense naval bombardment on 5/12, I'll print the AAR's from 5/12/42 below to list all the Jap ships and TF taking part.

I haven't been repairing any of the airfield or port damage in Darwin since the time it was no longer usable as an Allied base. If anything, many of the Jap attacks on Darwin have had value as "demolition ops" from the Allied point of view.

No Allied aircraft remain in Darwin - of the handful of Kittyhawks that were there, some were damaged in bombardment attacks on Darwin, the others were withdrawn after facing (and surviving) hordes of Zeroes.

The final Allied ships in Darwin leaving there on 5/10 - two short-ranged (3500 mi) Dutch subs that refuelled in Darwin and now enroute to India via Singkep Is (E of Singapore). Singkep Is is still in Dutch control and has a small amount of fuel points sufficient to refuel the subs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
G4M1 Betty x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Nowaki
CL Oi
CA Furutaka
BB Hyuga
BB Ise

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

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Shigure
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Kazegumo
CA Atago
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
290 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro
DD Sagiri
DD Ayanami
DD Shikinami
DD Isonami
CL Isuzu

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Inazuma
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba

Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

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

Central Pacific: Subs, subs, and more Jap subs around Hawaii. Three U.S. ASW TF's and every available (ASW capable) bomber or patrol plane in Hawaii working overtime chasing down and attacking Jap subs. At least some of my crews are getting combat experience. Situation Map of Hawaii on 5/12/42 follows.






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(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 202
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 5/30/2007 4:35:00 AM   
wneumann


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A brief post-mortem of the carrier action off Exmouth. Final (or at least appears to be final) score: two British CV & one CA sunk; two other CA's, one CL, one DD damaged. Japanese losses (if any) - CVL Shoho (3 torpedo hits), CVL Ryuho (one torpedo). Considering the odds: four Jap CVL's vs two British (Illustrious class) CV's - the end result did not depart greatly from what could be reasonably predicted.

At least three failures on the Allied side in this action - (1) The British CV TF diverted from its mission to escort 6 Australian Div (or rather its convoy) to engage the Japanese landing at Exmouth. In any event, attacking the Jap landing force at Exmouth was too late to stop them from capturing Exmouth. This action at Exmouth also pinpointed the British CV's to the Japs and also placed them within striking range of the Baby KB. (2) No Allied naval search aircraft were operating in support of the British CV's - the Japanese had a decided advantage in recon over this area of the Indian Ocean. Ny59giant's comments did indirectly hint on this. (3) Fuel situation in the British CV TF - ships were beginning to run low on fuel after crossing from Ceylon.

Could have been worse, like a full-scale Midway battle except the Japs won.           

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 203
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 6/4/2007 6:36:27 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Summary of Operations 5/13 - 5/14/42

Central Pacific: Japanese submarines around Hawaii retiring to the W and SW. Submarine I-8 attacked by U.S. ASW task force 240 mi SW of Oahu - 11 hits, on fire & oil slick, no confirmation of sinking. Other ASW task forces have returned to Pearl Harbor and disbanded for now.

Japanese carrier TF was spotted SW of Palmyra on 5/13 and continued moving on a NE heading on 5/14. Situation map of the area on 5/14 follows. U.S. Carrier TF's are scattered across various locations (one TF arriving at Midway, one TF at Pearl Harbor, a third enroute to the West Coast to swap CV's for 4/42 upgrade) - as of this time, no plans to engage this TF with carriers. However, there are 3 squadrons of land-based Dauntless DB's (A-24 & SBD-3) based on Palmyra - if the Japs get close enough, maybe a chance to put a hole through a flight deck or two. Ground units on Palmyra include a Marine CD Bn, one Army RCT, and two Base Force units. A second Army RCT is enroute to Palmyra, the transport convoy carrying it has been diverted temporarily until the current situation ends.






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(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 204
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 6/4/2007 6:41:03 AM   
wneumann


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More Operations from 5/13 - 5/14/42

China: The expected Japanese ground offensive on Iching started 5/14. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 44634 troops, 231 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 982
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt
Defending force 27373 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 787
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


Australia: Japanese ground forces pushing eastward from Wyndham towards Katherine. AAR and NW Australia situation map on 5/14 follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 31,87

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7631 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 204
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 1523 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15
Sparrow Force Bn, 109 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 159 - adjusted assault: 76
Allied max defense: 11 - adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 38 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
98 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!








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(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 205
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 6/6/2007 3:52:24 AM   
wneumann


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Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Would appreciate a little feedback from the readers, lurkers, or whatever y'all want to call yourselves...

With Australia fast becoming the main "front line" in this PBEM, and given the situation as described, the following questions might be in order.

1) What are the overall prospects of defending Australia? How much of Australia can be defended successfully and what areas? Right now there are a lot of points to defend - while I have ample forces, they are spread thin and across a wide area.

2) Current estimate of the situation in NW Australia is that the Japanese will take Darwin (probably by amphibious assault) and eventually Katherine as well. Question here is where can I best prepare a defense to stop Japanese advance into the interior from NW Australia? I am thinking Daly Waters , possibly Tennant Creek. The dilemma I see here is if the Japs reach Tennant Creek, they will be in position to threaten Allied positions in NE Australia.

3) Any suggested improvements in the current Allied LCU deployment?

4) Deployment of air units. There are no bases in NW Australia or the interior large enough or with sufficient supply on hand to support any more than minimal Allied air activity. Any defensive position in response to (2) above will likely have to be far enough from Jap airfields to reduce the number of aircraft they can bring to bear.

5) Anything else that may be relevant.

Additional information and data on the overall situation in Australia:

a) Maps below and in the previous post (5/14/42) - these maps include detail on current Allied ground & air unit positions.

b) Identity and estimated positions of known Japanese ground units already in NW Australia are listed in earlier AAR posts for 5/9 and 5/10/42.

c) Overall supply situation in Australia: Very good in SW Australia and most of the east coast - ample stockpiles of supply in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. Supply situation generally good in NE Australia, fair to poor in NW Australia and most bases in the interior.

d) Deployment of 1 Australian Motor Brigade @ Coen is intended to defend that base in the event of a Japanese landing at the beach hex east of Coen.

e) Fuel point stockpiles are adequate, though somewhat low for supporting large-scale naval operations. BB Prince of Wales, BC Repulse, most of the Dutch and Australian navy warships, a handful of U.S. DD's constitute Allied naval forces based in Australia. Single ship transport TF's (tankers) are enroute to Australia/NZ from both Aden and the U.S. West coast to augment fuel stocks on hand locally.

f) Over the last 10-15 days (game turns), a large number of transport ships (AK, AP, TK) and various auxiliary ships in excess of the quantities essential for coastal shipping around Australia/NZ and defense of Australia/NZ have been leaving Australian ports enroute to both India and the U.S. (Central Pacific).

g) HQ South Pacific departed Auckland the end of 4/42 and now enroute to Panama City (expected to arrive there by the end of May). South Pacific HQ is being re-positioned to head up the southern flank of a future Allied advance to the west and southwest from the Central Pacific area.





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(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 206
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 6/10/2007 1:02:47 AM   
wneumann


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From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Summary of Operations 5/15/42

Most sectors quiet - little or no detected Japanese activity.

Central Pacific: Japanese TF heading northeast towards Palmyra has pulled away from the island - beyond range of air strikes from either Japanese or American sides. Movement of this TF on a W heading was reported by PBY patrols. The (still) unidentified Jap submarine remains at Palmyra.

South Pacific: Japanese mine clearing operations detected at Luganville. AAR follows. Patrol #35 APD later confirmed sunk after damage from hitting a mine. A large number of Allied mines probably remain at Luganville - at least several hundred were laid in several Allied minelaying operations, including the three ML sunk by the KB on 5/2/42 (returning after laying mines at Luganville).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 118 encounters mine field at Luganville (71,111)

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #7
MSW Tama Maru #2
MSW Fuji Maru
MSW Chitose Maru
APD Patrol Boat No. 35, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD Patrol Boat No. 33
APD Patrol Boat No. 32

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

Indian Ocean: British CL Glasgow sinks S of Sumatra from flooding damage received in the carrier action off Exmouth.

China: Ground combat at Ichang continues. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 44582 troops, 231 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 984
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt
Defending force 27177 troops, 113 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 783
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported



(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 207
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 6/10/2007 1:20:39 AM   
wneumann


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Summary of Operations 5/16/42

Once again, most sectors remain quiet.

Central Pacific: Still unidentified Japanese submarine has departed Palmyra. Contact has been lost with Japanese TF(s) that were SW of Palmyra.

South Pacific: More reports of Japanese minesweeping operations at Luganville. AAR follows. No further report on what (if anything) happened to Jap APD Patrol Boat #33.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 118 encounters mine field at Luganville (71,111)

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #7
MSW Tama Maru #2
MSW Fuji Maru
MSW Chitose Maru
APD Patrol Boat No. 33, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Philippines: Japanese amphibious landing reported at Dumaguete (beach hex) in the central Philippines. Identity of Jap LCU is not known at this time.

Australia: Naval and air bombardments continue in NW Australia, mainly at Darwin. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Katherine , at 35,87

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 12

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84 (Darwin)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84 (Darwin)

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G5N Liz x 11

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Shigure
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Kazegumo
CA Atago
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 18

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

Burma/India: Bombing attacks by small numbers of Jap bombers continue on Port Blair (Andamans). Small Allied bombing attacks have been ongoing against targets in Burma - including (ground attack on) Jap 33rd Division at Lashio and night attacks on Oil facilities at Magwe & Mandalay. Light damage reported on targets, very minor losses in aircraft reported on both sides.

China: Ground combat at Ichang continues. Hankow SNLF has joined attacking Japanese LCU's at Ichang. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 44585 troops, 231 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1008
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt, Hankow SNLF
Defending force 27273 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 783
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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

Major Japanese ground offensive begins on Sian. Attacking forces include six divisions & three brigades, plus some artillery support. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 55857 troops, 210 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2540
26th, 32nd, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 82433 troops, 429 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 2345
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
187 casualties reported
Guns lost 2




(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 208
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 6/10/2007 1:32:30 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 5/17/42

Again, light activity reported in most sectors.

Australia: Heavy Japanese naval bombardment of Darwin - multiple TF's. AAR's follow. Elsewhere, small Jap air bombing raid on Australian 1 Motor Infantry Brigade at Coen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Arashio
DD Michishio
DD Oshio
DD Tokitsukaze
CA Nachi
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
406 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Nowaki
CL Oi
CA Furutaka
BB Hyuga
BB Ise


Allied ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 18
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

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

Philippines: Japanese capture Dumaguete beach hex, eliminating remnants of Philippine 73 Reserve Rgt. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dumaguete

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4490 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
65th Infantry Brigade
Defending force 798 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19
Philippine 73rd Reserve Rgt (eliminated)

Japanese max assault: 48 - adjusted assault: 6
Allied max defense: 15 - adjusted defense: 3
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Dumaguete base !!!

Allied ground losses:
1627 casualties reported

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

Indian Ocean: British CA Exeter sinks S of Sumatra from flooding damage received in the carrier action off Exmouth. One damaged British CA and one DD damaged in the action off Exmouth continue moving toward Colombo.

Three DD's from the British Carrier TF at Exmouth (the only undamaged ships in the TF) arrived in Colombo and refuelled on 5/16 before continuing on to Bombay. The DD's encountered Japanese sub I-124 and sank it along the coastline of Ceylon just outside of Colombo - sinking of I-124 was confirmed.

China: Ground combat continues at both Sian and Ichang. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 45355 troops, 235 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1007
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt, Hankow SNLF
Defending force 27420 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 793
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th & (part) 8th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 128741 troops, 528 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 2923
26th, 32nd, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 82246 troops, 427 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 2348
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 209
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 6/10/2007 1:43:43 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
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Summary of Operations: 5/18/42

Most sectors remain quiet.

Central Pacific: A Japanese minefield has been detected at Palmyra, apparently laid by the unidentified Jap submarine that departed from Palmyra on 5/16. No damage reported to U.S. ships.

Australia: Japanese air reinforcements at Wyndham - an air group of 25 Zeroes now flying ops from Wyndham. No reports of air or naval bombardments at Darwin.

Burma/India: An unidentified Japanese LCU has appeared at Myitkyina - a group of five Chinese divisions are currently holding Myitkyina. No combat reported in Myitkyina.

Light Jap air bombing attacks resumed on Port Blair (Andamans). British and Chinese air bombing attacks against targets in Burma previously reported continue. Light damage to targets - light aircraft losses reported on both sides.

China: A lull in ground combat at Sian. Ground combat at Ichang continues - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 45366 troops, 236 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1013
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt, Hankow SNLF, 3 Construction Bn
Defending force 27369 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 784
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th & (part) 8th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 210
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