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RE: Frustration - 5/16/2007 5:55:35 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		Good luck. Your readers are anxious to find out how it turns out.

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 181
RE: Frustration - 5/16/2007 2:24:05 PM   
USSAmerica


Posts: 18715
Joined: 10/28/2002
From: Graham, NC, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Thank you Sir!  Good to know another...

Am having kittens awaiting the return of one of my opponents.  To stop for 10 days at the point were are offers up images of cruel and unusual punnishment...



John, in his AAR, Mandrake described this as the Japanese suffering from Invasion Interruptus.

_____________________________

Mike

"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett

"They need more rum punch" - Me


Artwork by The Amazing Dixie

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 182
RE: Frustration - 5/16/2007 10:51:51 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		"Invasion Interruptus!"  That is great!

I just sent back the July 6th turn and my Perth TF just got spotted only two days (4 hexes) from its landing site.  GAME ON!  Invasion date is set for July 8th.

The NZ Invasion Force is still 8-10 days from target.  Invasion date set for July 16th.

Take a deep breath because things are about to get WAY interesting!  These are the final rolls of the dice...

I am pounding his Port Moresby Invasion Force with nearly 100 Bettys!  So far they have lost a CA, 2 CL, 5 DD, and about 20+ other ships with numerous more damaged.  I'll detail this when I update formally.


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(in reply to USSAmerica)
Post #: 183
The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/22/2007 10:59:40 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
June 30-July 7, 1942
 
I have to apologies for the long period between updates.  Life has been frightening and crazy in the Cochran Household.  We are anxiously awaiting word about a fulltime Professorship in History at the community college that I Adjunct at.  We are thinking GOOD THOUGHTS about landing the dream job…
 
We have also had a slowdown due to my shifting locations where I stay when I am working at the casino on the weekends.  The couple I am staying with had only dial-up and balky phone line at that.  They are getting broadband and I should be able to get more turns and reports done once that has occurred.
 
It has been a crazy period of time for the Japanese Empire: 
 

As I speak the July 8, 1942 turn will see the beginnings of landings on the coast of NW Australia.  Operation Southern Fury FINALLY gets rolling!  I will detail the preliminary fighting that has occurred within the report.
 

The bulk of the Combined Fleet has made the turn from due south to west and I expect the landing at Dunedin, NZ to occur about the 18th. 
 

The allies seek to divert my attention and intentions by making a surprise landing at Port Moresby.  They pay for this pretty severely…
 
To the Regional Reports:
 
North Pacific
 
Kiska   With the Port and Airfield going to Sz-3, I am moving an AE, AS, and several support ships to augment the small striking force that I have there.  I have placed 3 CL and 8 DD there to try and harass the American shipping lands if anything gets spotted.  Additionally, I have a Daitai of Zeros, Chutai of Kates, and Chutai of Emily flying from this base.
 
On July 2nd, S-38 puts a TT intro an AK bringing supplies to the island.
 
Central Pacific
 
Midway           The normal strikes from Johnson Island occur with B-17s.  The base is minorly damaged by consecutive raids on the June 30th, July 1st, and July 2nd.
 
Guam              AF-3
 
South Pacific
 
Woodlark Island          Capture it on the July 1st and then move the SNLF unit to Gili-Gili to reinforce that garrison.
 
Port Moresby              This counter-attack catches me completely by surprise!  Somehow…my Emily/Mavis Recon units don’t spot three separate TF approaching until they START LANDING on July 2nd.  After the initial surprise wears off, I rapidly redeploy Betty/Nell/Zero Daitai to Lae and Rabaul and begin to HURT my opponents.  Here is the chronicle of events:
 
July 2nd            Two TF begin landing at PM.  I have a CD Unit, SNLF troops, an Aviation Regiment, and a Base Force.  I immediately realize that cannot hold against the troops that are landing but perhaps I can lengthen the landing time for me to BLEED his shipping!  My CD Unit makes his ships pay dearly for little to no bombardment:  I hit 18 ships in the first phase and 16 ships in the second.
 
Damaged/Sunk Ships of note:  4 US DD (MacDonough, Worden, Selfridge, and Ellet) with damage to CA Minneapolis, CLs Tromp and St. Louis, 3 more DD, and 15 AP/AK
 
July 3rd             Rapidly moving planes from Timor and New Caledonia to Lae/Rabaul!  CD hits an additional 15 ships in first phase and 3 ships during the second.  Amazingly, the Allies don’t try for a quick grab of the base!  They bombard and I find that I am up against the following units:  1st Australian Corps HQ, 6th & 7th Aussie Infantry Divisions, 101st Aussie AT Regiment, and 2 American Base Forces.  OUCH!  This is a lot of firepower!
 
The Allies could have taken the site on this day but don’t!  It allows for my counter-attack to gather steam.  Two Raids come in:
 
Raid 1—9 Betty         2 MSW and CL Tromp take single TT hits.
Raid 2—7Z and 45 Betty       They SCORE!  CA Minneapolis—5TT, CL Honolulu 2TT, CL Tromp 1TT, 4 AK/1AP each take a TT.
 
The Allies lose CA Minneapolis and 3 MSW for the day.  Move more planes!
 
July 4th             On the day AFTER the Allies should have taken PM, they elect not to attack AGAIN!  Banzai!  My CD hits 3 AK/AP and CL Adelaide.  A B-17 raids hits my troops defending the town. 
 
Unfortunately, bad weather slows my aerial assault but several raids do come in to the landing area:
 
Raid 1—5Z 19 Betty hit 2AK and CL Adelaide with 2TT.
Raid 2—24 Betty hit CL Adelaide with 4TT and nail 4 AKs as well.
Raid 3—6 Betty hit CL Tromp as it retreats with 1TT.
Raid 4—12Z and 35 Betty hit 7 AK.
 
The Allies lose CLs Tromp and Adelaide as well as 3 AK.
 
July 5th             Port Moresby finally is attacked and falls.  My units retreat along the trail towards Buna where they can live to fight again.  Good News—the AF is damaged at 35% and Port at 63%.  I immediately shift some of my aerial assets to attack the AF tomorrow.  If I can keep it non-operational, then I can starve the troops there and come back at my leisure to finish them…   
 
Aerial Action:
Raid 1—7Z 53 Betty hit 1 MSW, 8AK, and 3AP with TTs.
Raid 2—9 Betty hit an AP and 2AK.
 
The Allies lose DD Patterson, 2 MSW, 1AP, and 7AK—Nice day’s work…
 
July 6th             I shift entirely to Aerial action:
Raid 1—16Z, 49 Helen hit the AF—4 P-40, 93 Cas, and AF damage is raised to 46%.
Raid 2—28Z, 47Betty/Nell destroy 1 P-40, 15 cas, and more AF Damage
Raid 3—3Z 15 Betty hit 2AK
Raid 4—16Z 36 Betty strike 4AK
 
Allies lose 7 AK this day.
 
July 7th             PM AF is knocked out—58% Damage
Raid 1—17Z and 58 Bombers destroy 2 P-40, 117 Cas, and AF.
 
Allies lose 3 more AK…
 
THOUGHTS:  I will continue to pound PM from Lae with a force of 2 Zero Daitai, 3 Helen Sentai, and 2 Betty Daitai set for shipping attacks.  Thursday Island is providing Recon now with 2 Emily Chutai and 1 Alf Chutai. 
 
I have reinforced Gili-Gili with an SNLF unit, 2 small Construction units, and have two Naval BF units headed there.
 
Buna will get the retreating units from PM and begin building that up for a base.
 
Salamaua (Sp??) is already at AF-1 and will soon move to AF-2.
 
As long as I can keep PM’s AF out of commission, then I can really beat-up anything that approaches…they will need CVs to stop my attacks…
 
New Zealand
Operation Typhoon has its landing date set for July 18th.  The KB FINALLY makes it into Suva and refuels on July 2nd.  It heads south to cover the landings on the South Island.
 
Allied LBA is driving me nuts with my SS!  On July 3rd/5th/7th, I have SS damaged due to aerial attack.  What a load of CRAP!
 
NW Australia
Operation Southern Fury is spotted and the fight begins!
 
July 3rd             My forces spot a MSW (left in the middle of the ocean to be a lookout and decoy) and sink it at hex 5,88.  Alfs and Vals do the work so I am revealed to be in the area…an Ro SS is damaged at Perth while trying to recon the harbor.
 
July 4th             No sightings by either side this day.
 
July 5th             I am 7 hexes from my target beach and don’t get spotted…
 
July 6th             A small ASW TF is working around Perth—they damaged to Ro on the 3rd and damage an I-Boat on the 6th.  I make sure that all aircraft are ready on my CVEs and CS’s…spot several TF operating outside of Perth…
 
July 7th             Only 2 hexes from my target, the action commences!  It is a GOOD day and it is a not-so-good day!
 
Allied Aerial Attacks:
Three Small raids by Beauforts, B-25s, and Brewsters are decimated by my CAP of 29 Z
 
Raid 4—the last raid, however, causes REAL trouble—14 Brewsters, 4 B-25, and 8 Beauforts attack.  MY CAP does well and shots down 3 Brew and 6 Beauforts but the remaining planes bore in and get hits on CVE’s Taiyo (2 Bombs) and Unyo (1TT)!  DAMN!  Laser-Guided munitions I guess…
 
Japanese Attacks:
I spot a large STF comprising BC Repulse, CAs Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Exeter, and CL Hobart!  WOW—Go get ‘em!
 
My forces launch a total of four small strikes comprising Kates, Vals, Alfs, and Jakes.  At the end of the day, they do WELL: 
BC Repulse takes 8 small and large bombs as well as FOUR TTs! 
CA Devonshire takes 2 bombs and 2 TTs.
CA Exeter takes 3 bombs
 
I expect Repulse to sink!
 
Status:
If not for the hits on TWO CVE’s, I would say that this is a good day.  As is, I think I managed to take out the only Capital Ship in the area.  This is good.  The impact on my CTF is bad; however, nearly all the planes on Unyo shifted to CVL Ryuho and now she cannot launch planes (rated for 30 and has 48 aboard).  Taiyo is not in bad shape (Sys-25, Flot-1, and Fires 13) and should be savable.  Unyo though has Sys-36, Flot-34 and 11 Fires.  I expect to lose her…
 
I split the CVEs into separate TF and order them to withdraw.
 
To remain viable, I must clear Ryuho’s decks!  Order the CTF to move north for at least a day or two and launch the extra planes to Amboina.  This will deprive my TFs of CAP but I need to do it so I can strike at any Allied counter-response coming from south Aussieland.  I would expect at least 5-7 days of clear seas prior to reinforcements arriving…
 
I begin my landing tomorrow.  The Invasion TF is covered by BB Nagato, 3CA, 2CL, and 11DD.  They should handle anything coming at them from the sea.  From the air however…
 
DEI
Nothing of importance.
 
Burma/India
Allied airpower continues to rotate around and hit Mandalay, Akyab, and units that are holding hexes. 
 
On a mining mission, I-158 is hit by 5DC from a MSW Group.
 
China
Yenen—daily bombardments and airstrikes. 
 
July 5th             I finally have enough Political Points to transfer an entire Infantry Division to the South Pacific.  The 36th Inf Div (Experience 83 and Morale 73) is transferred to the SE Fleet and given Port Moresby for a planning objective.  It will arrive at Shanghai on the 8th and be loaded aboard 12 large 14-knot APs and head for Rabaul.
 
 
Combat Summary
 
Ships Lost
Japan—2 ships—1PC and 1AE
 
Allies—34 Ships—1CA, 2CL, 5DD, 5MSW, 20AK, and 1AP
 
Nice to see these ship numbers in MY favor for a change!
 
Planes Lost
Japan—38 total—14 Zero, 10 Betty, and 14 Floatplanes
 
Allies—23 total—10 Fighters, 2 Bombers, and 11 Torpedo Planes
Note:
My Allies payed a VERY heavy price at the start of the month!  They lost 2000 PP due to not withdrawing a British BB and 2 DD.  Hmmm…..
 
That is the report and summary of the action.  What does anyone THINK???
 

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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 184
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/22/2007 2:11:19 PM   
ny59giants


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

Operation Southern Fury


I'm glad to see this taking place...However, you could be in trouble "IF" he can get some more Beauforts over there to hit your ships.
Those are the best LBA anti-ship aircraft the Allies have throughout '42.

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Post #: 185
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/22/2007 2:46:34 PM   
USSAmerica


Posts: 18715
Joined: 10/28/2002
From: Graham, NC, USA
Status: offline 		I think the Allies will wish they had the ships lost at Port Moresby to react to your landings at Perth and New Zealand. 

It does suck to have to leave your invasion force at Perth without air cover...

Let's have the next chapter! 

_____________________________

Mike

"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett

"They need more rum punch" - Me


Artwork by The Amazing Dixie

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 186
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/22/2007 9:07:24 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		The next chapter got played at 3:00am this morning when I got home from the casino.  Suffice it to say--there was a TON of ACTION!  British CVs make an appearance!  A suicidal but successful attack by 3 Jap DDs at Perth!  More ships head to the briny deap!!  Troops are ashore in Aussieland!!!

Full details when I get home from the start of the Summer Semester today...


_____________________________



Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
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(in reply to USSAmerica)
Post #: 187
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/23/2007 9:26:42 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		I am going to do an AAR Update and Industrial Report tomorrow morning.  Have the whole family out for 1/2 the day tomorrow!  Cannot wait for a little bit of alone time to get in some turns, write a summer course syllabus, and update the AAR!

Got a turn from my opponents a little while ago.  Will do it first thing when I get navigating!

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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 188
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/23/2007 2:30:26 PM   
USSAmerica


Posts: 18715
Joined: 10/28/2002
From: Graham, NC, USA
Status: offline 		I've got my fingers crossed for you to get the Professorship, John! 

_____________________________

Mike

"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett

"They need more rum punch" - Me


Artwork by The Amazing Dixie

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 189
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/23/2007 10:07:13 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
July 8-9, 1942
 
 
To the Regional Reports:
North Pacific
Nothing
 
Central Pacific
Midway           Hit by 36 B-17 on July 8th.
 
 
South Pacific
Port Moresby  I continue to pound PMs AF and have it up around 80-85% Damage.  An average of 45 Zero and 100 Bombers are hitting it.  On the 9th, 12 Bettys hit and sink an AK there.  
 
Lunga  goes to AF-4
 
New Zealand
Operation Typhoon has its landing date set for July 18th. 
 
Allied ASW continues to cause chaos with my SS!  An ASW Group hits Ro-66 with 3DC and LBA (YET AGAIN!) hits I-174.  Do get a little payback though—Ro-64 puts a TT into MSW Vireo at Christchurch.
 
NW Australia
Operation Southern Fury is spotted and the fight begins!
 
I have been given a VERY rude surprise.  The Royal Navy’s entire CV Force appears to be near Perth.  I would wager that all three of their CVs are present.
 
July 8th             I send a small Kamikaze TF of 3DD to hit Perth and try to catch Repulse.  They don’t see her but do engage a STF of 2CA, 3CL, and 5DD.  In a splendid fight, they manage to sink CL Emerald and severely damage CL Hobart.  Several of the Allied DDs take hits as well.  As expected, there 3DD get sunk by airpower that day.
 
I must note that IJN Hibiki goes down this day.  Sorry Cuttlefish…
 
My Landing Force is ashore and rapidly growing in strength.  Enemy LBA as well as the Brit CVs raise some Hell though.  I have 7 AP/AK hit with TTs as well as BB Nagato take 3TTs (she is a goner), and CA Kinugasa 2TT (Ditto).  My long-range CAP (about 12 Zero) manage to exact a stiff fee for this by shooting down 10 Fighters, 5 Bombers, and 6 Swordfish.
 
July 9th             The Allied airstrikes continue as the Brit CVs move closer and NW of my landing site.  I lose BB Nagato (3TT) and have 2ML, 1PG, and 3AP hit.
 
The Allies try to break-in to my transports with a STF of 2CA, 1CL, and 6DD.  This is the force that I hit on the 8th.  I have 2CL and 3DD make an intercept.  Though I lose all 3DD, I damage the CL and 3DD pretty well and drive them off.
 
I still have an effective STF here of 1CA, 2CL, and 10DD.  Leave them in place one more day and then will take a swing at Perth.
 
There are nearly 45,000 troops ashore with 30,000 left to unload.  To spread the damage chances, I split the Invasion TF up into about 10 5-6 AP/AK TF. 
 
CV TF             I have moved my CV TF NE to the corner of Australia so I can relieve the congestion of CVL Ryuho’s decks.  I fly off the Daitai of Zeros (down to 16 of 27 planes) from Taiyo and send a fresh Daitai from Amboina to her.  Tomorrow should see me launch the Vals cluttering Ryuho’s deck to Amboina.  I will then have a force of 48 Zero and 20 Kate available.
 
Secondary Landing TF           I had the transports moving in two groups with the second about 3 days beyond the first.  I have ordered these 90,000+ troops NE away from the fracas since I am not sure how well I can protect them.
 
This will leave the initial force to take Perth—2 ½ Inf Div, 4 Artillery Regiments, 2 Parachute Regiments, 2 Engineering Regiments, and 2 Base Forces.  HOPEFULLY this will be enough to do the job…
 
DEI
Nothing of importance.
 
Burma/India
Allied airpower continues to rotate around and hit Mandalay, Akyab, and units that are holding hexes. 
 
China
Yenen—daily bombardments and airstrikes. 
 
 
Combat Summary
 
Ships Lost
Japan—11 ships—BB Nagato, CA Kako, 6 DD, 1AP, 1MSW, and 1ML
 
Allies—4 Ships—CL Emerald, 2MSW, and an AK
 
 
Planes Lost
Japan—7 total—5 Zero and 2 Betty
 
Allies—30 total—17 Fighters, 1 Bombers, and 12 Torpedo Planes
 
 
That is the report and summary of the action.  What does anyone THINK???

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Reluctant Admiral Mod:
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(in reply to USSAmerica)
Post #: 190
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/24/2007 12:00:30 AM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		What LBA do you have available to transport over and assist with your conquest of Perth??

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Post #: 191
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/24/2007 12:38:56 AM   
USSAmerica


Posts: 18715
Joined: 10/28/2002
From: Graham, NC, USA
Status: offline 		John, how far north of Perth did your initial forces land?  I'm curious about how quickly you estimate you can capture an airfield to use.

_____________________________

Mike

"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett

"They need more rum punch" - Me


Artwork by The Amazing Dixie

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 192
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 5/24/2007 1:01:40 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		I currently have 2 Daitai of Zeros, 3 Daitai of Bettys, and 2 Sentai of Sallys that should be able to make the hop over to Perth.  The key is grabbing the AF.  If I can't then life is going to be VERY bad for my Expeditionary Force...

The whole of point of grabbing perth is that it is isolated.  The only way my opponents can get LBA there is by rail and I have cut that.

If I can take the town then I will deploy almost 90 Tina's from Soerabaja so I can make an immediate grab for Alice Springs with my 2 paratrooper regiments...

As to the other question, I landed at hex 7,97.  This is three hexes to the north of Perth and on the railroad.  It should take 2 more days to get the rest of my troops off...

Question is how many ships will be lost since I have lost CAP over the Invasion Force...


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(in reply to USSAmerica)
Post #: 193
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/2/2007 11:07:51 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Hello Readers!

I am planning on writing an update this weekend to fill everyone in on actions through July 15th. 

Things have been hot and furious near Perth!  The action is desparate and losses high for both sides.  The issue remains in doubt as my Landing Force is now approaching Perth.  Nearly 100,000 men, though lightly supplied, move towards this vaulable objective...

There has been a massive redrawing of plans and objectives in the east as well.  Operation Typhoon is cancelled and only 4 days from landing.  The plans are now to reinforce Operation Southern Wind with the Combined Fleet, sink the British Far Eastern Fleet, and capture the 40,000+ stranded troops at Port Moresby.

This should be enough to wet the appetite of the readers.  Should post tomorrow or Sunday with a comprehensive update.


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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 194
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/6/2007 10:06:45 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
July 10-19, 1942
 
Events have been hot and crazy for this period of 10 days!  My last report detailed the wild slugfest off of Perth, Australia, the Allied counterstroke at Port Moresby, and the impending landing on the South Island of New Zealand.  Let us proceed to the Regional Reports:
 
North Pacific
Kiska   S-34 puts a TT into the side of a Tanker on the 13th.
 
Dutch Harbor              I stage a sweep into the area on the 15th with 3 CL and 7 DD—the entire North Pacific Fleet—and sink 2 PT boats operating there.  In return, I have 2 DD somewhat shot-up by their .50 Calibers.  No comment as to this.  The small STF returns to Kiska and disbands on the 17th.
 
Attu     I have moved 2 construction units from Kiska to here to enlarge the AF and begin to create fortifications.
 
Central Pacific
Midway           Hit by between 25-36 B-17 on July 11, 12, 13, and 19th.  The base takes minor damage, a few casualties, and I lose several Bettys during these attacks.  No big deal (so far).   
 
Wake               Goes to Port Sz-2 on the 17th.  
 
South Pacific
Port Moresby  I continue to pound PMs AF, Port, and begin hitting the troops stationed there.  The damage to the AF and Port is averaging over 90%.  No planes can fly and, more importantly, no Fortifications can be built.  The service troops (there were 3 base forces landed) are taking anywhere from 75-200 casualties per day.  My planes hitting ground units are doing an average of 100 per days as well.  I do sink an AK that was damaged previously in harbor on the 19th. 
 
Massive and Rapid Building of Airfields within the area:
Lae      I have 27 Z and 175 Betty/Helen/Sally/Lily based at Lae.  It is about to go to Sz-5 as an airdrome.
 
Gili-Gili           Without any Allies interference, I massively reinforce this base and crank-up the construction.  G-G goes to AF Sz-1 on the 11th and jumps to Sz-2 on the 19th.  As of the 18th, I move three Daitai of Zeros, Vals, and Kates to operate from this base.  Two Coastal Defense units are landed and I have about 150 assault points digging in there.
 
Salamaua        Two construction battalions are landed there as well as two Base Force.  The base is moving rapidly towards Sz-2 and will take another Daitai of Zeros and Vals.
 
 
Thursday Island          Two Base Forces and two SNLF have been placed here.  AF is still Sz-1 but it is expanding as well.  I have 18 Emily and 18 Alfs flying out of this base to provide recon.
 
Engineering:
Suva    Pt-4 on the 13th
Luganville       AF-4 on the 15th
Canton                        AF-4 on the 17th
 
New Zealand
Allied ASW and LBA continues to cause chaos with my SS!  Ro-61 is sunk by 5 DC on the 11th.  Ro-65 is hit by LBA on the 12th.  Good note:  I-165 hits an AK on the 12th but takes 3 DC.  Ro-64 and Ro-66 are both damaged on the 14th sue to an ASW TF and LBA.  I order all SS out of the NZ area on the 15th. 
 
Due to the events on the NW coast of Australia and the Port Moresby Invasion, I officially cancel Operation Typhoon on July 14, 1942.  My invasion convoys were—literally—8 hexes from Dunedin, NZ and had not been spotted.  The entire Combined Fleet was 5 hexes east of them providing LR CAP and looking for trouble.
 
With the recall, Combined Fleet sails due North for 3 days and then heads for Noumea.  Leading elements dock on the 19th and refuel.
 
The ponderous Invasion TF swing their bows NE and head for Suva.  I want them to move away from New Zealand for about a week and then I will change their course towards Noumea.  They have no protection now and I cannot risk the Americans spotting them… 
 
NW Australia
Operation Southern Fury has been VERY costly.  I had no idea that the entire British Eastern Fleet was near Perth.  The only thing I can say is THANK GOODNESS the Brits went for armored flight-decks so they couldn’t carry many planes!  Three British CVs have caused all sorts of trouble as well surface elements of the various Allied Navies.  I will chronicle this day-by-day:
 
July 10th           Surface battle!  CA Atago, CL Natori, and 10 DD fight in out against a STF including:  CA Exeter, CLs Birmingham, Mauritius, Newcastle, Enterprise, and 4 DD.  By the end of the battle, 3 Japanese DDs sink in exchange for CLs Birmingham and Mauritius plus 2 DD.  Additionally, CLs Newcastle and Enterprise take significant TT damage. 
 
Bad Weather limits flying sorties and I only lose another 2 DD (damaged earlier), 1 ML, 1 PG, and 1 AP.  Troops continue to unload.
 
July 11th           No surface action but Swordfish manage to put TTs into CA Atago and CL Kashii.  Lose Kashii, 2 DD, 2 AP, and 1 SS for the day.  Troops continue to unload (now 50% unloaded).
 
July 12th           Massive growth in LBA operating out of Perth.  Now, at least, 36 B-17s and 70 Medium Bombers stationed there.  Lose CL Natori, 2 DD, 1 ML, 1 PG, 4 AP, and 1 AK.  Unloading…
 
July 13th           Brit CVs move to Perth to reprovision.  LBA begins to split its attention between the remaining ships unloading and the approaching ground units.  Lose 1 DD and 3 AP.  Unloading nearing completion…
 
July 14th           I-11 sinks a MSW at Perth.  CAs Exeter and Dorsetshire with 2 DD move into the unguarded invasion beaches and sink 3 AP causing the loss of almost 500 men.  Up until this point, all my losses hadn’t hurt the manpower situation…  Lose for the day 9 AP and 1 AK.
 
July 15th           Ro-33 damaged by 5 DC at Perth.  LBA concentrates on ground forces.  Lose 1 AP, 1 AK, 1 PC. 
 
My KB-3 makes it to Amboina, Timor this day.  CVL Ryujo and CVE Hosho refuel while CVE Taiyo does the same (damage from earlier bomb hits ends up at 30%).  The 3 carriers carry a total of 71 planes—50 Zero and 21 Kate.  This is not enough to attack the Brit CVs with…  
 
July 16th           Brit CVs get back into it.  They sink 5 AP during the course of the day. 
 
CVE Unyo limps into Amboina, Timor with Sys-41% and Flot-54%.  A small break in a bleak situation.  She should make it.  I’ll pump her out and send her to Singapre for repairs.
 
July 17th           I-11 is sunk after missing CA Exeter with a TT spread!  Lose 4 AP and 2 AK.  Unloading FINISHED! 
 
Troops, with very little supply, move to 60 miles from Perth…
 
July 18th           A bad weather day!  Nothing happens and nothing sinks!
 
July 19th           Same story!  Air raids hit my troops but that is it.  Order the army to move into the Perth hex.  We’ll see what I am up against…
 
 
Secondary Landing TF           I have ordered these 90,000+ troops and 55,000 supply NE away from the fracas towards Bali.  They will stay in this area until Combined Fleet arrives and will then move to relieve the Perth Expedition…
 
DEI
Have started regular resource and oil convoys.  About every 10 days, a convoy forms up at Tarakan or Kuching and heads for Japan.
 
Sabang, SUM Port-3 on the 15th. 
 
Hit SS Sturgeon near Kuching with 3 DC on the 14th. 
 
Burma/India
Allied airpower continues to rotate around and hit Mandalay, Akyab, and units that are holding hexes. 
 
The brigade that had cut the Burma Road at hex 36,29 is ejected from there on the 14th. 
 
China
Yenen—daily bombardments and airstrikes. 
 
Notice the arrival of the AVG on the 19th and shift my aerial operations away from Yenen to see what they are up to…
 
 
Combat Summary
 
Ships Lost
Japan—54 ships—CLs Kashii and Natori, 9 DD, 4 SS, 2 ML, 3 PG, 31 AP, and 5 AK.
 
Allies—9 Ships—CLs Birmingham and Mauritius, 2 DD, 2 MSW, 2 PT, and an AK
 
 
Planes Lost
Japan—6 total—6 bombers
 
Allies—11 total—3 Fighters, 5 Bombers, and 3 Torpedo Planes
 
 
New Planning
 

Port Moresby—There are 40,000 Australian and American troops trapped in a bombed out base with little hope for supply.  I am redirecting THE ENTIRE NEW ZEALAND force to this site.  The 3 Infantry Divisions that are presently refitting in Noumea have already been given PM for a planning objective.  The Chinese Infantry Division that sailed from Shanghai on the 9th also has PM as its planning objective.  I have a mass of nearly 7 divisions capable of landing there within the next 30 days.  Add to this nearly 500 aircraft and things look pretty decent!  My plans are to retake the base and eliminate over 40,000+ Allied troops.
My weakest Division of the 7 shall be spilt among Noumea and Suva in case the Allies decide to get frisky…
Combined Fleet—I am going to entrust the PM Operation to surface units and my LBA while 50% of the Combined Fleet heads home for rest and refit.  Of my six CVs, 3 have nearly 20% System Damage and are due for upgrade.  They, plus all other ships with a Sys Damage of 10 or higher will head for home waters.  The remaining ships (3 CV and supporting units) will head for Amboina to continue the Battle for Perth.
NW Australia—I will take a crack at Perth but my supply situation is terrible.  Once the Fleet arrives (as well as CVE Chuyo—about to be completed), I will have a total of 7 CVs to use for destroying the Royal Navy.  The 2nd Landing Force shall approach Perth itself to land and help take the city. 
 
 

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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 195
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/6/2007 12:32:27 PM   
castor troy


Posts: 14330
Joined: 8/23/2004
From: Austria
Status: offline 		John,

you know that Perth has some strong coastal defense? I don´t know how many guns exactly but there are bigger guns than 5 inch (don´t want to look it up as this is too gamey ). Fully supplied they could make your transports scrap metal and Perth will get a Great Barrier Reef!

Perhaps there are even two 9,1 inch CD guns, like at Darwin. Those will hurt IJN CAs and even the less armored IJN BBs! So be aware!

Chris

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Post #: 196
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/6/2007 2:23:56 PM   
USSAmerica


Posts: 18715
Joined: 10/28/2002
From: Graham, NC, USA
Status: offline 		17 total planes lost and 63 total ships lost over 10 days! 

What a shooting gallery. 

John, any longer term planning going on, assuming you are able to retake PM and capture Perth?  Marching north into more Aussie bases?  Or, will it be time to start manning the defenses and digging in across the map?

Fun stuff, my man! 

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(in reply to castor troy)
Post #: 197
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/6/2007 6:40:46 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Good Questions.

Retaking PM is the prime operation now for the SE Pacific.  Should eat up Allied Resources and with my LBA there, I should exact a terrible price if they try to save it.  Once I have done that, then I will spread those troops around and dig in for the Allied counter-offensive.

Regarding Perth, his LBA is growing by the day at the moment.  Put simply, it frightens me. 

I am toying with the idea of landing the second force at Broome and THEN move out to grab other points.  This is dangerous since I would leave the Perth Force alone and relatively unsupplied.  It will be about 10-14 days befone I am able to counter their moves there anyway so I am going to think about it.  As long as it is ONLY the Brit CVs, I should easily destroy them.  If the Americans move over there (and thus leave New Zealand and PM uncovered, then life will be...interesting...

In canceling the New Zealand Operation, I free up considerable resources for uses elsewhere.  Question is where and how much of a risk do I take?

Any thoughts on this?


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(in reply to USSAmerica)
Post #: 198
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/6/2007 6:57:36 PM   
rtrapasso


Posts: 22653
Joined: 9/3/2002
Status: offline 		Not listed were a BB and a CA claimed sunk by the Allies - did they sink??

(in reply to USSAmerica)
Post #: 199
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/6/2007 8:25:52 PM   
USSAmerica


Posts: 18715
Joined: 10/28/2002
From: Graham, NC, USA
Status: offline 		John, with the combination of Perth and then New Zealand being invaded, I pictured the available Allied forces being yo-yo'ed, first reacting to Perth, and then reacting in the other direction to New Zealand.  I admit your decision to cancel the New Zealand invasion was probably a good one given your losses at Perth.  I just don't like the idea of giving up the initiative.  Of course, that's a decision that Japan has to make in every game.   I hope canceling the NZ operation won't leave the Allies with enough free resources to crush the sons of Japan marching on Perth. 

I think their invasion of PM was a desperate attempt to distract your forces and disrupt your operations.  They have succeeded, and may even consider their forces at PM as expendable to buy time.  Sadly, you likely have no choice but to carry out your current plans.  I hope the chance to actually do something will still be available to you after PM is recaptured. 

As an FYI, I do read your opponent's AAR, but no plans are discussed there, so I'm not basing my thoughts on any "inside" information. 

You guys have quite an enjoyable war going on here! 

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"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett

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Post #: 200
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/7/2007 2:27:51 AM   
moses

 

Posts: 2252
Joined: 7/7/2002
Status: offline 		What a war!!! I finally took half an hour and read the whole thing. A classic John III slugfest!!!

I was not quite clear, but do you own the north coast of Austrailia and do you have a line of retreat for your guys at Perth?? It would seem that as long as you have the north coast you should be OK as in our game.

Whats the current carrier balance? I counted you lossing 5?? carriers and another two hit just recently. As far as I read the allies lost the 2 at the beginning. But I may have missed something. The allies should be getting the CV Wasp around now which would give them 4 good carriers.

I think I'm going to start reading this the next couple months look to be very interesting.

(in reply to USSAmerica)
Post #: 201
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/8/2007 7:52:18 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Thank you both for the questions!

On the CV side, I have lost CV Hiryu on the 5th or 6th day of the war and then had that disaster about 6 weeks ago gamtime where I lost Junyo, Hiyo, and 2 CVL.  I was SO mad!  My gut instinct warned me of damger but I overrode that feeling.  Cost me 1/3 of my CV Striking power.  Rather belatedly, I am concentrating my CVs.  The next time I fight (near Perth), I will field 3 CV, 1 CVL, and 3 CVE.  It SHOULD be enough to wipe out the British Fleet--I HOPE!

I do not have the NW coast of Australia.  I wanted to land at Perth because it is isolated and then quickly--by paratrooper--grab Alice Springs and THEN advance up the NW Coast. 

This plan is now out the window.  I have 100,000 poorly supplied troops at Perth facing 1 Aussie Inf Div, 1 CD unit, and 3 Base Force.  Should be able to EASILY take the town but don't have enough supplies...  Only way to take it will be to bring in the follow-on lift of 85,000 troops with nearly 60,000 supply.  MUST clear the sea first and then bring in the troops.  We'll see...

I do not like conceding the initiative by canceling New Zealand but fell that the chance to realistically wipe out 40,000 more troops is one I should not pass up on.  If I can keep the Allies going back-and-forth between Perth and elsewhere, I should have time to do this...

Thanks for the questions...


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Post #: 202
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/8/2007 8:33:12 PM   
moses

 

Posts: 2252
Joined: 7/7/2002
Status: offline 		Yea I don't see how you can risk NZ and Perth at once. You might end up losing both!!!

With your concentrated CV force you should be able to deal with the British carriers although I would still be scared about LBA out of Perth. You just have to have all the force you can. Even with your full force you still have some chance of a stray 500 lb bomb putting another carrier out of action.

It would be nice if you could do one of those Nuclear bombardments of Perth but of course you need the carriers there first or your BB's just get whacked.


(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 203
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/11/2007 9:33:29 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Hi Greg!  Looks like your campaign and AAR are REALLY rolling.  Be nice to have summers off again.  NOT going to happen here in the Cochran House...

I will update the AAR tomorrow.  My summer History courses are really picking up at the community college and I now have a 2 hour break in the morning between them.  I will write the update then for everyone.  Should be able to do regular Tues/Thurs updates from then on.  Should be nice...

I have totally shutdown the New Zealand Operation. 

In the east, I will go after the troops stranded at Port Moresby.  We just finished the July 26th round and I have FOUR Infantry Divisions heading for that base.  Once I retake that, I will try to figure things out for potentially retaking the initiative.  I have so much LBA spread between Rabaul, Lae, Salamaua, Gili-Gili and Thursday Island, I would LOVE for the Allies to try saving their troops.  There are nearly 600 aircraft of all types spread between those bases.

Perth is looking BAD.  I--TOO--am heavily concerned about their LBA.  This is why I am bringing all 4 CVE--even Unyo who has 41 Sys Dam--all carrying Zeros.  Add that to my 4 CV and 1 CVL and I MIGHT be able to knock back their LBA.  I am creating a Bombardment Force of Yamato, Kirishima, and Haruna to TRY for a nuclear bombardment.  If that occurs, then I will have a chance.  There will be no fooling around here.  First I clear the seas and skies THEN I try to land the second echelon of troops to finish the job.  If this does not succeed then I will try to lift as many troops off the shore as possible...

As to rtapasso's question, I lost the Nagato.  I had 3 CAs hit pretty hard but they have all survived and are headed for repairs.

ANYWAY--will update everything tomorrow!


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(in reply to moses)
Post #: 204
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/12/2007 7:08:34 PM   
moses

 

Posts: 2252
Joined: 7/7/2002
Status: offline 		You should be able to take that base down. The allies are still desperatly short of aviation support and probably more so in your game as you probably killed of lot of base forces while taking Numea etc. I would not be surprised if he has only 30 or 60 aviation support and very few engineers at Perth.

If you can land one hard blow to Perth's airfield it will take a long while to recover.

Good luck.

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 205
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/13/2007 1:12:41 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
July 20-26, 1942
 
With the cancellation of Operation Typhoon, events are now moving forward at a fast pace.  There are two goals for the Empire of Japan:
 
1.  Operation Urgent Fury (a sup-operation of Southern Fury)---Perth Relief           The vast majority of the Combined Fleet is moving from the New Caledonia region to Timor to spearhead the destruction of the British Eastern Fleet and the conquest of Perth.
 
2.  Operation Black Wind—This is the name of the Port Moresby operation.  Portions of the Combined Fleet, with massive LBA, are pounding this Allied base (so no Fortifications can be built) in preparation for a counter-landing by 4 reinforced Japanese Infantry Divisions.  Landing is scheduled for early August.
 
Let us proceed to the Regional Reports:
 
North Pacific
No real developments.
 
Central Pacific
No real developments.
 
South Pacific
Port Moresby  I continue to pound PMs AF, Port, and begin hitting the troops stationed there.  The damage to the AF and Port is averaging nearly 100%.  No planes can fly and, more importantly, no Fortifications can be built.  The service troops (there were 3 base forces landed) and regular troops (two Aussie Division) are taking anywhere from 100-300 casualties per day.    
 
Airfields within the area:
Lae      I have 27 Z and 175 Betty/Helen/Sally/Lily based at Lae.  It is about to go to Sz-5 as an airdrome.  I am keeping 2 Daitai of Betty on Naval Attack in case the Allies try a relief expedition.
 
Gili-Gili           The reinforcement and expansion of the AF continues to proceed at a rapid pace.  The AF is nearly at Sz-3 and I currently have a Daitai of Zero and Kates based here.  I will move two more Zero Daitai here to provide cover for the Invasion Force fairly soon.
 
Salamaua        In addition to the two small construction battalions here previously, I now move in two base forces and place two Daitai of Vals at the AF.  Though still Sz-1, it will move to Sz-2 within days.  The Vals will go to Naval Attack at that point.
 
 
Thursday Island          Two Base Forces and two SNLF have been placed here.  AF is still Sz-1 but it is expanding as well.  I have 18 Emily and 18 Alfs flying out of this base to provide recon.
 
A note as to my build-up:  the Allies have not used their 4EB whatsoever.  I think they are being used against my troops at Perth and have been drawn away…
 
New Zealand Invasion Force
Having been recalled, the 100,000 troops contained in three separate TF head in an northeasterly direction for four days and then shift to northwest heading for Noumea.  They should reach this base by August 3rd.  Pending the Port Moresby attack, they will then redeploy…
 
Operation Black Wind
I begin loading the three Infantry Divisions that have been resting in Noumea for the last month after their Pago-Pago victory.  All three Divisions are at 80% or stronger and have an experience score between 85-90%.  They depart New Caledonia on July 24th carrying over 60,000 troops and 15,000 supply.  These troops will rendezvous with the 36th Infantry Division arriving from China at Woodlark Island.  These 25,000 troops will also have an experience rating of 95%.  Put together, these troops SHOULD be able to destroy those Aussies!
 
My three old BBs (with 2 CL and 8DD) form a tough Bombardment Force that will begin regularly pounding PM soon.
 
NW Australia
Operation Southern Fury has become an albatross!  My troops, after leaving a rearguard of a Brigade and two Engineering units at 7,97) have moved to Perth where they are getting the crap kicked out of them. 
 
My troops get bombarded from the sea, land, and air!  A STF of the damaged BC Repulse, BB Ramillies, 2 CA, 2CL, and 3DD attack every day.  Over 200 fighters, fighter-bombers, and bombers pound the troops as well.  The end of the day sees a ground bombardment to culminate things…I am losing about 400-500 troops per day to this onslaught.
 
To make matters worse, the Allies are moving (probably by air and possibly by sea) troops into the city.  Originally there was an Infantry Division, CD Regiment, and 3 BF.  Now—two more Infantry Brigades have arrived.  I have also spotted troops above my beachhead at 7,97…things are degenerating rapidly…
 
I am adding a detailed description of Operation Urgent Fury to the end of this update.
 
DEI
Have started regular resource and oil convoys.  About every 10 days, a convoy forms up at Tarakan or Kuching and heads for Japan.
 
Engineering:
Lingayen  AF-4
Tacloban  AF-1 
 
Kendari, Celebes         SS Seadragon sinks an AK on the 16th. 
 
Koepang, Timor          My ships are refueling here.  I have had a major effort in trying to save two damaged ships from earlier in the Perth Battle.  CVE Unyo entered the harbor with 41 Sys Damage and 52 Flot—she is now being pumped dry.  As of July 26th, she is down to 40 Sys Dam and 33 Flot.  Additionally, CA Kinugasa limped into port at 56 Sys Dam and 63 Flot Dam.  She will be saved as well—Flot was down to 30 on the most recent turn.  These are ships that will sorely be needed for later so this is a welcome delelopment! 
 
Burma/India
Allied airpower continues to rotate around and hit Mandalay, Akyab, and units that are holding hexes throughout the area. 
 
Rangoon          Allied SS are mining the harbor and scoring some successes:  SS KXIII takes 3DC on the 20th,  KXII sinks a MSW on the 21st, and S-36 sinks another MSW on the 23rd.  Frustrating!
 
Andaman Island          A supply and reinforcement convoy arrives on the 24th and promptly gets the attention of SS KVII.  She puts a TT into an AP that day. 
 
Lashio             Goes to AF-3.
 
China
Heavy aerial combat rages here as the Allies try to shutdown Nate’s airstrikes against Yenen.  Everyday I have been intercepting air transports trying to fly supplies into the surrounded city.
 
From 22nd-26th, battles erupt over the Japanese airbase of Chengting and the Chinese airbase of Sian.  The Japanese do quite well!  Nate has three Daitai of Zero and 2 Sentai of Oscars conducting missions as well as nearly 100 bombers.  We take two Allied planes for every one Japanese!  Pretty good for late-1942, 
 
Japanese Home Islands
 
New Ship Construction:  CVE Chuyo completed on July 22nd and sent to Koepang.
 
BC’s Kirishima and Haruna plus 2 DD leave port the same day.  They have been out of action for nearly 3 months and are now repaired.  They head for Koepang as well…
 
I send home CVs Shokaku and Zuikaku, BC Hiei, 5 CA, and 6 DD for repairs and upgrade.  They all have Sys damage between 10-20%.
 
Combat Summary
 
Ships Lost
Japan—8 ships—Ro-65, Ro-66 (damaged near New Zealand), 1 TK, 2 MSW, and 3 AP.
 
Allies—1 Ship—An AK sunk in PM Harbor.
 
 
Planes Lost
Japan—45 total—39 Fighters and 6 bombers
 
Allies—88 total—55 Fighters (nearly all P-40), 19 Bombers, and 14 Transports
 
Sidenote!
I thought it might be interesting to see who the leading Japanese Aces are to this point in the war.  I found a spirited competition between two pilots of the Tainan Daitai:

1.  CPO Hori, M with 19 Kills
2.  Ensign Yamazaki, I with 17 Kills
 
Tainan Daitai is based in Koepang at the moment and has 162 kills and an average experience of 74%.
 
 
Operation Urgent Fury
Goals:

Sink the British Far Eastern Fleet. 
Relieve or retrieve the Perth Invasion Force pending on the situation at sea.
 
Units to be used:
 
Kido Butai
KB-1  
Akagi (24Z/24V/24K/9K)      3 CA and 8 DD
Kaga (24Z/24V/24K/9K)
 
KB-2
Soryu (21Z/21V/21K/9Z)       3 CA and 8 DD
Ryuho (28Z/19K)
 
Aerial Strikes Force of 106Z, 69V, and 97K---all Daitai and Chutai experience around 70-80%.
 
Bombardment Force
BB Yamato, BC Kirishima, BC Haruna, 2 CL, and 8 DD.
 
Distant Cover Force
DC-1
Rhujo (18Z/12K)        5 DD
Hosho (5Z/5K)
 
DC-2
Taiyo (27Z)                 5 DD
Unyo (27Z)
Chuyo (27Z)
 
DC-3
CS Nisshin (20FP)
CS Mizuho (18FP)
3 AV (36 FP)
 
Aerial Cover Force of 104 Z, 17K, and 74 FP.  Their job is to provide CAP over the Invasion Convoys and limited striking power.
 
Close Cover Force
4 CA, 2 CL, and 9 DD will directly protect the Convoys.
 
Invasion TF
TF-1    Carries 85,000 Troops and 50,000 Supply
           
TF-2    Carries 15,000 Supply for hex 7,97
 
TF-3    Carries 15,000 Supply for Perth Units
 
Operational Thinking:
I am making this analogous to peeling an onion.  The KB with the Bombardment Force will strike at shipping in the Perth area.  The Distant Cover Forces will be 3-5 hexes behind and have their Zeros set for LR CAP over the Bombardment Force (and, thus add to the KB’s Uber-CAP):
 

They will proceed down the western edge of the board until spotted.
The Bombardment TF will go to full speed and hit Perth.  I HOPE for a ‘nuclear’ bombardment to get things rolling…
KB will hit anything possible and gain aerial control.
Once this has happened to my satisfaction, ONLY THEN will the convoys move in…
I want to SINK COMBATANT vessels!
 
 
This is going to be interesting…THOUGHTS???
 
           
 
 
 

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(in reply to moses)
Post #: 206
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/13/2007 1:35:15 AM   
moses

 

Posts: 2252
Joined: 7/7/2002
Status: offline 		If he has two BB's and other surface forces there you might have to go in as a surface fleet. If you go in with a bombardment mission the allied BB's might inflict heavy loss and worse use all your op points so that you won't get the nuclear bombardment anyway. In July the allies start getting a regular flow of PT's so I would be surprised if he doesn't have a few of those sitting there as well. Bombardment missions vs. PT's are bad.

Maybe it will be better if KB hits the airfield while your ships do a surface action.

Man this is a really scary operation. If you could only get one hard hit in to the airfield you could win. But I keep envisioning 7 or 8 500lb bombs hitting your carriers and the whole thing collapses.

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 207
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/13/2007 4:38:39 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Greg,
I completely agree with you!

Does anyone have another idea regarding this?

I am figuring that I can put a CAP of nearly 150 Zeros over my decks.  Since this is stock, the casualties SHOULD be horrific for my opponents.  If I hit the airfield with my CBA, what sort of losses will I be looking at?  I haven't attacked a major base in a few campaigns.  My available aircraft are listed above.  Would they be enough?

There is another element here.  He has been using these planes EVERY day without rest for nearly 10 turns.  Their morale cannot be too good.  Might that help as well?

I would need to flush the STF from there to get my bombardment.  As the King of Siam would say "'tis a puzzlement."

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Post #: 208
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/13/2007 5:07:29 AM   
ctangus


Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Does anyone have another idea regarding this?


Hi John,

I've been continuing to follow this quietly for a while.

I frankly think you're over-stretching here. If you could have achieved a quick grab - great. But how important is Perth to you, really? It would certainly be nice to have, but is it vital? At this point I'd try to pull out as many troops as I could while keeping the IJN as safe as possible.

In other words I don't think the risk (a good chunk of the Combined Fleet and lots of the IJA) is worth the reward - a base the allies can simply ignore in their offensive against the Empire.

It would mean giving up the initiative (other than your PM re-invasion) which would suck. But that will happen sooner or later anyway. It's better IMO to keep most of the IJN intact to counter the initial allied counter-attacks than to potentially waste it in a non-crucial area.

I'm sure this isn't the best advice in the world, but maybe it can provide some food for thought. I'm continuing to quietly root for you here...

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 209
RE: The Month of Decision: July 1942 - 6/13/2007 5:22:57 AM   
moses

 

Posts: 2252
Joined: 7/7/2002
Status: offline 		If his planes have been taking losses then his moral will drop. If so his bombers will not stand up to your CAP and will all run away after a few kills.

BUT if he's been bombing your ground troops every day without losses to his bombers then their morale might be just fine. In any event they should at least be fatigued and have a lot of disabled aircraft on the ground.

As for the airfield, I think you can deal with it just fine with the Val's and Kate's you have. 100 of those may not close the airfield but will certainly succeed in killing scores on the ground and leaving the rest disabled.

Your only problem is the counter-strike on the turn you bombard. If you can survive the first turn I think you'll be OK. But thats a big if.

Ctangus has a point. But it's got to be very hard to just leave your troops to die. I take it there is no other way to extract them then to win???



(in reply to ctangus)
Post #: 210
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