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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> Bearding the Wolf - No canines please!

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Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/19/2008 9:37:37 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

This AAR will follow the progress of my game with Big Bad Wolf. His AAR pretty well covered what has happened up to date. Now that he's gotten to more current events, and has asked me, quite reasonably, to stay away from his AAR, I'm starting up this one.

This is my first PBEM in WITP that really got going. I started one with Yava some time ago, but that was abortive, entirely due to issues on my end. Yava, if you are reading this, you have my apology.

I doubt I can match Wolf's turn of phrase, but try to bear with me.

A partial list of our house rules for this game:

2e bombers at least at 5000 ft
4e bombers at least at 10,000 ft
Both sub doctrines off
ASW TFs no larger then 6 vessels
No stupid cutoffs. (ie one battalion slipping in behind 50,000 men and cutting off retreat.)
Historic first turn on
December 7th surprise on
-B29s can operate only at 6+ AFs
-2E Allied bomber can't upgrade to 4E
-Japanese dive bombers can't upgrade to Sallys or Helens (light 2E bombers only)
-50x stacking limit (+15%) per airbase level, except for transferring planes
-No Allied air units (except AVG-Flying Tigers) can operate from China (except in transit, and this restriction comes off (mostly)in 1944)
-After January 1944, non-Chinese aircraft can operate in China, but only from bases with non-Chinese base forces.
-No Japanese strategic bombing of China
-6PT boats per TF max, 2 PT TFs per hex max, only PTs in TF (except for transit)

Major items before 14 Jan, 1942

Disaster at Pearl � 3 Battleships sunk, 3 more reduced to hulks. 2 are in condition for withdrawal to West Coast for repairs.

Loss of the Lexington � Lexington's battlegroup engages IJN light cruisers supporting the successful Japanese conquest of Wake Island. One IJN light cruiser is sunk, others are damaged. Sadly, shortly thereafter, the fleeing Lex group is caught by the KB. Lexington goes down, along with a heavy cruiser, and other ships are damaged.

Canton Island � Japanese forces easily subdue the small garrison of Canton Island, giving the Japanese a foot hold all too near Pearl.

Force Z and Friends � Force Z withdraws to the DEI, joined by Houston, Boise, and Marblehead, along with some Australian cruisers. Successful raids sink numerous Japanese ships supporting the conquest of Amboina, though a number of Force Z's destroyers were badly savaged by air attack.

The Sub War � Both sides' submarines are quite active, though Allied submarines seem more effective in the anti-shipping role. Japanese ASW is reasonably effective, especially where several ASW groups can congregate in the same general area. The dud torpedoes are a major problem. Almost daily torpedoes strike targets, and simply don't explode. Still, I feel the subs are better used for anti-shipping, mine warfare, and reconnaisance, then relocating tiny shards of doomed units.

The Air War - The Japanese are dominating in the air, so far. Most allied fighters are simply no match for the Japanese counterparts, and in those few cases where pilot skill and reasonably good machines allow for near parity individually, sheer numbers win the day for the enemy. Only time will deal with this problem.

Current Operations:
Operation Dorothy � Just getting underway, this is a massive reinforcement of Australia and NZ. Over a hundred freighters and tankers, escorted by a carrier group and two ASW groups, are taking the southern route. As a small diversion, two other carrier groups are striking at Canton Island, along with a cruiser group performing shore bombardment. Once they complete that mission, they will sail south to reinforce the convoy. Fuel convoys are moving to Pago Pago, and to Noumea, to prepare them as supply and fueling bases for the reinforced naval units.

Operation Rudolph � Attu island is being garrisoned, and built up, to make it a major air and naval base. Ideally, the base will support air units transiting to India, and once B-29s become available, they can fly out of there to strike Japanese targets.

Operation Speed Bump � Divisions and air groups are being poured into Pearl Harbor, from there they are moving out to reinforce and/or garrison other locations. Midway now has a brigade, as does Palmyra. Substantial fighter and 2E and 4E bomber units are also enroute, or already on station. The goal is to discourage the IJN from idly sailing around too close to major USN bases.

Post #: 1

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/20/2008 5:30:00 AM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

January 14th, 1942

Soerabaja � Two Japanese battleships, KONGO and HARUNA, escorted by heavy cruisers TAKAO and ATAGO, one light cruiser, and six destroyers, arrive off the coast. This is the same force that savaged Batavia a few days ago. A number of actions ensue, with two attacks by flotillas of Dutch torpedo boats, a Dutch submarine attack, and bombing runs by Dutch and US 2E bombers in small numbers. The net result is two torpedo boats sunk, and a few bombs bouncing merrily off the superstructures of the battlewagons.

A Japanese airstrike of 70+ escorted 2E bombers hits the harbor at Soerabaja, smashing up several Dutch submarines, an American destroyer, and two subtenders, all of which had been damaged in previous attacks. All the really seaworthy ships made for Perth a few days ago. Not all of them made it, however, as Japanese LBA from Koepang, on Timor, made itself felt. This is a new development, and not an unexpected one, but still it fairly well cuts the DEI off from Australia.

With land troops landed just north of Soerabaja, the fall of the city is only a matter of time. I suspect a couple of weeks at most. A lot less if heavy land forces make a landing.

Rangoon � Japanese paratroopers landed in the undefended city. Lacking any defense other then a few unarmed Burmese constables, the city fathers immediately sent a stern note of protest to the rather amused commander of the Japanese troops.

SitRep

India � The Hurricanes have started arriving, and the air squadrons evacuated from the Philippines are starting to fill back out. There are 150+ reasonably modern fighters in India now, and another 20+ Buffaloes. 50+ bombers, mostly outmoded, are also on hand. My defenses are starting to take shape. The main line of resistance is Akyab-Mandalay-Lashio, with some bases forward as speed-bumps and fighter fields. Chittagong is my primary support base, with SE Asia Command firmly in place. Supplies are adequate, with over 100k at Chittagong. Royal Navy strength is building, with 3 battleships in the Indian Ocean. Only one badly overmatched CVL, though, and badly inadequate destroyer strength. If I get two months, the RN will be strong enough to hold it's own, unless the KB comes calling in strength.

Burma � Everything south of my defenses is abandoned, since the bad roads will delay an overland advance by the Japanese almost as much as a scattered defense would have. The only action immediately planned here is fighter sweeps and airfield bombing of Rangoon, to try and slow down the inevitable buildup of the city as a forward Japanese base.

Malaya � Everything here is Singapore. The rest of Malaya was abandoned swiftly, except for a short rear guard action at Johore Baru. Singapore itself has little or no air power, since the air battle there was decisively lost by the Allies. The Flying Tigers made a pretty good showing, but eventually were simply swarmed over by the sheer number of Japanese aircraft. Singapore is pretty strongly held, and it's forts are building despite Japanese attacks. So far the siege has seemed pretty light. It may be that he's getting stretched a little, hitting everything at once the way he has.

Australia � Not much action here, some bombing raids on northern ports. He's coming, I think, though. Probably after he finishes chewing up the DEI. Three infantry brigades continue their long trip to reinforce Broom, Wyndham, and Darwin. That should at least discourage casual attacks. The air situation is really bad here. Wirraways and Hudsons just can't compete with Oscars and Nells, let alone Zeros and Betties. A few American aircraft are present, but not enough to make a difference. The heavily reinforced Force Z is operating to the east of Australia, in the Coral Sea.

New Guinea/Solomons � Rabaul is Japanese, as is most of Northern New Guinea. Tulagi has been occupied, and Shortlands. Noumea has received reinforcements in the form of a New Zealand brigade, and a US RCT. Not enough to hold against a determined attack, but enough to discourage random island grabbing. Port Moresby is weak, and will fall in the next month, I think. An Australian division may be sent to reinforce, I haven't decided, though I will in the next day or two of game time.

Dutch East Indies � Swarming with Japanese ships, he's taken Amboina, and most of Borneo, Koepang on Timor, and is strongly threatening Soerabaja. Palembang has fallen, as well. The Dutch subs are doing good work, and their air force has done fairly well. Now though, it's almost broken, with most of fighter and bomber formations either in rebuild or reduced to uselessness. The Mini-KB is here, and the KB might be, haven't decided yet.

Philippines � The Japanese are heavily assaulting Clark, with a much smaller force keeping Manila locked up. Bataan, so far, is not under attack. In hindsight, I should have moved back into Manila sooner. In the southern islands, Cagayan holds out. But Clark seems to be holding, as is Manila, at least for now. A trickle of reinforcements keep appearing at Bataan, so it may be possible to hold out for a couple more months. There are some fighters covering Manila, but most air units have been sent out, either south through the DEI, or transiting China to get to India. A single P-35 keeps flying over Clark, uselessly harassing the waves of Japanese bombers as they come over.

China � I don't really have much of a coherent strategy here, other then to survive till help comes. There is some fairly heavy fighting between Canton and Chungking, and Japanese units are mopping up the guerilla units in their rear. The Chinese Air Force just isn't getting the job done, though some of their units have picked up costly experience.

Central Pacific � Defenses are building, and Hawaii would be a very tough nut to crack. LBA is growing strong there again, with fresh drafts of planes and troops from the US. Otherwise just a waiting game, till he makes a move, or Allied forces grow enough to make decisive strikes.

Northern Pacific � Attu is now garrisoned, and supplies and support is building up. Soon enough, a brand new bomber base will be born.

South Pacific � Suva is reinforced, as is Pago Pago and Noumea. A lot of convoy and logistic activity here, but not much fighting, as yet.

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 2

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/21/2008 8:16:56 AM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

15 January 1942

Most of the serious action is near Soerabaja. More attacks by Dutch torpedo boats are ineffective, though the shore batteries do some decent work, leaving one Japanese heavy cruiser a bit battered, and burning. Air attacks finish off the damaged ships in the harbor, and the garrison is digging in deep. A Dutch regiment is moving towards Kragen, which seems lightly defended, possibly only by a base unit. If it can be taken, the initial landing forces will be forced to deal with the unit in their rear.

In Rangoon, a huge air armada moves in to the captured city, and an amphibious group is landing more troops. This is a very dangerous development, and while his forces aren't fully in place yet, Allied forces are switching to night bombing in an attempt to disrupt the Japanese landings a bit, and cause as much delay as possible. Recon shows 137 fighters, and 131 auxiliaries, which will hopefully make for a target rich environment for the night sweeps and bombing runs.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Soerabaja at 23,66

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
PT TM-11
PT TM-12
PT TM-13
PT TM-14
PT TM-15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Soerabaja at 23,66

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
PT TM-5
PT TM-7, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT TM-8, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT TM-10

Naval bombardment of Soerabaja, at 23,66 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

110 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 9
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 7
DD Akatsuki
CA Atago, Shell hits 16, on fire
BB Haruna, Shell hits 7
BB Kongo, Shell hits 10

Allied Ships
AS Colombia, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
240 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 1

Runway hits 5
Port hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 23,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G3M Nell x 38
G4M1 Betty x 46

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 4
CW-21B Demon x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AS Zuiderkruis, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS O24, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS O21, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported

Port hits 7
Port supply hits 1

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 3

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/21/2008 9:56:43 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

16 January 1942

The bombardment of Canton Island happened, apparently he has very little there, since only 24 coastal guns replied. I suspected that, though I am not tempted to invade the place, at least not yet. The air attacks should happen tomorrow, it should be interesting to see what response it draws, if any.

At Soerabaja, his battleships and cruisers linger on, pounding the base and causing considerable damage. There really isn't much I can do about it, other then keep hoping a sub or torpedo boat gets lucky.

At Rangoon, night bombing began, though some American air units apparently didn't get the memo, and ran into a sky full of Zeros. Little result so far.

The convoys headed to Oz finally got underway, it will be interesting to see how that works out. Hopefully the air power being sent will make some progress in slowing down the Japanese air onslaught.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/16/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lingayan at 43,50

Japanese Ships
MSW W.7, Shell hits 1
MSW W.9
PC Kyo Maru #2
PC Kyo Maru #13, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
PT PT-45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Soerabaja, at 23,66

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Do 24K-2: 2 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed
Hawk 75A: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
DD Hibiki
DD Akatsuki
CA Atago
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
187 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 52

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Canton Island, at 100,100 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed

24 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CL Honolulu, Shell hits 1
CL Phoenix, Shell hits 7
CL Helena
CL St. Louis
CL Raleigh
CA Astoria
CA Portland

Japanese ground losses:
396 casualties reported
Guns lost 13

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 58
Port hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Pescadores at 47,44

Japanese Ships
CL Naka

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Canton , at 43,41

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 6
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2c: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
2 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 13

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 10 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 12 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 9
Hurricane IIb x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hurricane IIb: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 15

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 23,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
G3M Nell x 34
G4M1 Betty x 32

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 3
CW-21B Demon x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 2 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
8 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 89th Regional Army Corps, at 49,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 13
Ki-51 Sonia x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 11th PA Division, at 43,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 16
Ki-49 Helen x 4
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 8 damaged

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 45th PS Regimental Combat Team, at 43,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 38
Ki-49 Helen x 14
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
14 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 23,66

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 2
CW-21B Demon x 2
Martin 166 x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 2

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 2
BB Haruna

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Martin 166 bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 57,90

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 25,45

Japanese Ships
PG Sozan Maru
PC Ch 9

Allied Ships
SS Pike

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palembang at 20,55

Allied Ships
SS KXIII

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 25695 troops, 273 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 699

Defending force 47167 troops, 294 guns, 113 vehicles, Assault Value = 851

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Clark Field

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 75624 troops, 878 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 2283

Defending force 27746 troops, 186 guns, 252 vehicles, Assault Value = 726

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,36

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 43437 troops, 566 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 932

Defending force 41036 troops, 199 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1215

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pucheng

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30289 troops, 366 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 575

Defending force 19291 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 483

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20816 troops, 250 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 647

Defending force 11632 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 292

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9215 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 292

Defending force 40084 troops, 365 guns, 35 vehicles, Assault Value = 647

Japanese ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Madioen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2612 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 141

Defending force 962 troops, 11 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 4

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/22/2008 6:10:06 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

17 January, 1942

Clark falls, which wasn't unexpected, but I'd hoped for a couple more days. This means that Manila will go in a week, maybe less. I should have pulled back faster, but I wanted to use up all the supplies at Clark I could, before falling back on the pile at Manila. If either Bataan or Manila are still in Allied hands by mid-February, I'll be very surprised. That'll free up a lot of Japanese troops, which isn't going going to be good.

Worse, he may have Java sewed up at about the same time, if not slightly before. Given that he also holds Rangoon, India and/or Australia seems likely as the next target. India is pretty strong, but Australia is bad off. New Guinea and the Solomons are also a possibility.

At Soerabaja that Japanese surface force just keeps on keeping on. I'm hopeful that eventually they'll run out of ammo, or get peppered enough by the shore batteries to need some (sadly minor) repair time.

Fuel has been a major issue for me. Force Z is running on fumes, and even the US carrier groups ran themselves dry just hitting Canton Island. I've got boatloads of fuel heading for Oz, but it'll be a good month till it gets there, even assuming all of it gets past the Japanese. I have lots of fuel, but I haven't quite got the hang of getting it where it's needed, just yet.

I'm hoping to have a very strong force operating in Australian waters by mid-February, with strong ground and air reinforcements, amply supplied, also in place. Three US carriers, a couple of US battleships, and two US divisions, plus 200 fighters, and about 100 medium bombers are on the way.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Clark Field

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 105086 troops, 1142 guns, 320 vehicles, Assault Value = 2341

Defending force 27648 troops, 185 guns, 252 vehicles, Assault Value = 725

Japanese max assault: 2284 - adjusted assault: 1867

Allied max defense: 711 - adjusted defense: 390

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Clark Field base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
835 casualties reported
Guns lost 35
Vehicles lost 12

Allied ground losses:
1087 casualties reported
Guns lost 38
Vehicles lost 15

The air attacks on Canton Island came off fairly well, though there was little there to hit. Carrier planes don't seem all that good at hitting land targets.

Day Air attack on Canton Island , at 100,100

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 41
SBD Dauntless x 68

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Canton Island , at 100,100

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 17
TBD Devastator x 15

Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator: 2 damaged

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 5

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/22/2008 6:15:05 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

18 January, 1942

The bombardment of Soerabaja continues, Japanese land troops getting closer. Some night bombing of Rangoon. A slow news day.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/18/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Soerabaja at 23,66

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki
DD Akatsuki

Allied Ships
SS KXII

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Soerabaja, at 23,66 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

43 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 5
DD Hibiki
DD Akatsuki
CA Atago, Shell hits 10
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

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

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 29
Port fuel hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 58,45

Japanese Ships
PG Unkai Maru #1
PG Shinko Maru #3
APD APD-35
APD APD-33
DD Murasame
DD Asagumo

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 25,45

Japanese Ships
PG Sozan Maru
PC Ch 9

Allied Ships
SS Pike

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gasmata at 59,91

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweichow , at 45,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-32 Mary x 5
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-32 Mary bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,93

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 58,45

Japanese Ships
PG Unkai Maru #1
PG Shinko Maru #3
APD APD-35
APD APD-33
DD Murasame
DD Asagumo

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 25678 troops, 273 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 698

Defending force 47196 troops, 293 guns, 114 vehicles, Assault Value = 853

Allied ground losses:
88 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Madioen

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3690 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 142

Defending force 960 troops, 9 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese max assault: 73 - adjusted assault: 35

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Madioen base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,36

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 43599 troops, 570 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 935

Defending force 41043 troops, 202 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1214

Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pucheng

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30457 troops, 372 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 580

Defending force 19211 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 481

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21015 troops, 250 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 663

Defending force 11562 troops, 82 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 294

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Gasmata

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 264 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 6 - adjusted assault: 2

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Gasmata base !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9164 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Defending force 40472 troops, 366 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 663

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 6

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/22/2008 9:31:28 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

19 January, 1942

Phillipines - Another Japanese brigade lands at Cagayan, though the coastal defenses (in an amazing display) give it a warm welcome. Cagayan has lasted longer then I would have thought, but he has really made a major effort to take it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Cagayan, 43,59, firing at TF 117
TF 117 troops unloading over beach at Cagayan, 43,59

389 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
801 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21051 troops, 254 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 762

Defending force 11542 troops, 82 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9678 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Defending force 44469 troops, 402 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 762

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

In India, the Japanese just rip apart the CAP over Mandalay. I need to either really consolidate my fighter forces somewhere, and do a sweep over Rangoon. That or pull all my fighters north, and hide them till May, when the Brits can turn in their flying coffins for Hurricanes and Spitfires.

A Japanese battleship showed up south of New Guinea, which does not bode well at all. I have an awful lot of stuff heading that way, I hope it can get through.

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 7

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/23/2008 9:03:21 AM

Alfred

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Carny,

1. I understand that this is BigB v1.4. Is it scenario 190 or 191 -ie stock or AB map?

2. You should be receiving Hurricane IIB units soon. They can compete against Oscars and Nates. In BigB v1.4, the Buffaloes are cannon fodder for Nates, let alone the better Japanese planes.

3. Your planned February 1942 naval dispositions in Australian waters is going to consume a lot of fuel, far more than is produced locally in Australia (I presume they will be operating out of Australian ports). Taking into account the carrying capacity (and travel range) of AO/TK in this mod, you are going to be confronted with a major logistical exercise is despatching supply convoys from the West Coast. To ease your logistical difficulties, I would recommend operating out of Noumea, once the combined AF + Port = 10. Doing so saves about 10 steaming days and avoids the need for a refueling stop en route from the west coast.

Alfred

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 8

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/24/2008 5:13:10 AM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

Alfred, welcome!

This is the extended map scenario. (191 I believe)

I have some Hurricane IIBs now, but I can't convert any of the Buffaloes to Hurricanes till May. The Flying Tigers can't convert to P40Es or P38E/Fs either, just due to lack of enough airframes. The Curtis planes aren't bad, but there aren't enough of them to replace losses.

On the logistics front, I have 20,000 oil, 400,000 fuel and 220,000 supply on the way to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and NZ. It'll be a good month till it all gets there, however, and I may have to fight a running battle on the way through, which can't help but attrit the convoys harshly. Noumea might end up being where they go, if the Japanese get real control of the Coral Sea. As you'll see in the reports to come, they are knocking firmly on Port Moresby's door right now.

< Message edited by Carny -- 1/24/2008 5:17:21 AM >

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 9

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/24/2008 5:59:34 AM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

20 January 1942

Diary of Leftenant Adam Smythe-Woodville, 138th Rail Detachment:

The Pater Familias always said that the railroads were the backbone of democracy. I suppose that's inevitable, given how many generations of our family have made their living from Scottish Rail stocks. I don't think he had what I'm seeing in mind, though. Today at Meiktila, in the middle of the Northern Burmese jungles, a dusty little airfield, and pair of single gauge railroad tracks, have been host to almost all the British and American fighter aircraft in the Southeast Asian theater. The cursing of the ground crews has been quite the thing to hear, as squadron after squadron of P-40s, Hurricanes, and even Curtises with their peculiar shark markings have landed, refuelled, and taken off again. Over one hundred fifty aircraft have been through here. Far more then the local ground crews could possibly handle. They make a brave sight, stacked up in the sky over the airbase, and heading off to give the Nip what for over Rangoon. A pity there aren't a hundred and fifty Wellingtons or Lancs to fly with them. Even those silly Yank B-17s would do.

Later:

Well, it's been a busy day. Those brave looking fighters have been coming back. From what the flying lads say, they killed ten Zeros, and nine Oscars. Given what the landing fighters looked like, it seems like a poor score. Twenty three planes confirmed lost, and almost that many damaged. More planes were damaged landing on the airstrips here. Then it was my lads' turn. As fast as the aircraft in good order could be refuelled and rearmed, they flew off into the afternoon sky, back to the scattered bases from whence they took off at first light this morning. Far fewer in number then they started the day, sadly. The rest were loaded onto my tiny little trains, by the laboring hands of some five hundred soldiers, and sent chugging off to their respective bases. It is now midnight, and as I write this, the only planes, in flying condition or damaged, remaining on the field, are those of the Hurricane squadron usually stationed here. Most of my lads are dead asleep on flat cars, amongst the last load of shot up planes leaving the base. Good thing the Nips aren't this far north, just yet. Well, off to sleep myself. Tomorrow is another day.

We traded air sweeps today. He struck Mandalay, I struck Rangoon. Honors were aboout 2.5:1 in favor of the Japanese, between the two engagements, which is annoying, but not totally unforeseen.

His subs are starting to score, and of course I don't have near enough escorts to cover the huge convoys moving now. My subs are doing the same, and I should have an additional twenty subs on patrol in a week or two. I can take the damage a lot better then he can. He does seem to have a better escort/transport ratio then I do.

21 January 1942

A Japanese task force of two battleships and two heavy cruisers have begun bombarding Port Moresby, and there is little I can about it, with the air situation, and Force Z so low on fuel. If he follows up, I may indeed have to settle on Noumea or NZ as my staging areas. I had a convoy of reinforcements heading to PM, I'll be sending them to reinforce Cairns, now.

I tried sending bombers over Rangoon at 20,000 feet, and they got mauled. I'll be switching back to night bombing hereafter.

Attu island is building up nicely, and North Pacific HQ should arrive at Dutch Harbor shortly.

Now it's just a matter of waiting for things to actually get into place, and waiting for his next blows to fall.

< Message edited by Carny -- 1/24/2008 6:15:26 AM >

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 10

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/24/2008 5:40:51 PM

floydg

Posts: 2052
Joined: 6/27/2004
From: Middletown, NJ
Status: offline

Carny -

As I have found, I suppose anything he wants, he's going to take. You can slow him down, take some pot-shots, but for now, you need to just sit back and take the beating.

Floyd

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 11

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/24/2008 5:48:45 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: floydg

Carny -

As I have found, I suppose anything he wants, he's going to take. You can slow him down, take some pot-shots, but for now, you need to just sit back and take the beating.

Floyd

Indeed, that is the case. And even the pot-shots cost my poor lads more then they cost him. We both need 1943 to just get here, I think.

(in reply to floydg)

Post #: 12

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/25/2008 7:40:28 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

22-24 January 1942

The Highlights:

Darwin - Naval bombardments continue. I have bombers that could strike at the surface forces, but the bases in range are all size 3 or less, and we've agreed not to run 4E bombers out of anything smaller then size 4.
A hundred Japanese bombers strike at Darwin's airfields, effectively closing them, at least for now. No invasion force yet, but we'll see.

Port Moresby - Japanese troops are ashore, possibly a division and half worth, all told. Lots of support units, so he's planning to stay and build up. Given the defenders are a weak brigade, and some Papuan militia, he'll have the place in a few days, at most. An Australian brigade that was sailing to reinforce Port Moresby has landed instead at Cairns.

Force Z - Currently refueling in Sydney and Melbourne, Force Z will sortie again when the US carriers arrive to give some air cover. Over 250 US fighters and fighter bombers, 2.5 divisions of US troops, and about 100 US medium bombers will be entering the operations area at about the same time. The Coral Sea and New Guinea/Eastern Australia is where I want to give the Japanese their first reverses of this war.

India - The 18th UK Division is landing at Chittagong, and extensive aviation support is moving overland from Karachi. Once Attu Island is opened up, aircraft should flow fairly well from the US, and that might allow some operations other then simple defense to occur on the ground. Defenses run Akyab-Magwe-Meiktila-Lashio, with strong reserves at Chittagong. Further west, defenses are weaker, though the 2nd UK Division is going to garrison Ceylon, when it arrives. The RN in the Indian Ocean is getting stronger, with 3 battleships on station. The first CV should be arriving very soon, to bolster their air defenses a bit.

China - The Japanese seem to have their eye on Changsha, with heavy pressure at Ichang. They are also working to take Pucheng, the last real Chinese stronghold in the southeast of China. Chinese bombers have begun resource bombing in Canton.

Naval - In general, things are starting to look up. The Hornet will be available shortly, though after that, it'll be six months till another carrier shows up. The USN should have six to eight BB active over the next month or so, as well. Sealift is becoming a problem, since much of what is available is locked up in long convoys to Oz and NZ. Still, it's workable, there is enough shipping to go around, and once there is fuel and supplies at both ends of the convoy routes, things will go smoother.

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 13

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/27/2008 11:27:42 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

25-28 January, 1942

SitRep

India/Burma � The war here is starting to heat up a bit. Mandalay seems to be the focus of continuing aerial attacks, with heavy daily Japanese sweeps, and bomber raids. The airfields have largely been abandoned here, since there aren't yet enough ground crews available to support the number of fighters it would take to resist the Japanese air power. I have 70 ground crew enroute, and once they are in place, the air battle over Mandalay will truly begin. On the ground, the place is strongly held, with some 800 AV, and 600 or so more on the way there. A serious issue is that two of my main planned centers of resistance (Mandalay and Akyab) are at the end of dirt roads, which really inhibits my supply efforts. Chittagong has truly ample supplies, but even with III Corps HQ in Mandalay, only 6500 supply has built up.

Malaya � Singapore holds. Under constant land and air bombardment, but the forces there are standing very firm, very little real disruption. Supplies will be the killer, and there are 45K supply still there. Still and all, it's just a matter of time.

Australia � Heavy bombing raids, and naval bombardment, of Darwin. A fresh brigade arrived to reinforce the garrison, and three more brigades are on the way to the north coast. With US reinforcements only very slowly arriving (delayed at Pago Pago) the north is very vulnerable to attack.

New Guinea/Solomons � Port Moresby is under attack, with several naval landing forces ashore, and reinforcements still landing. The defenders are holding, but its pretty much another doomed last stand. Reinforcements can't get to them, and Japanese air power rules the sky from Rabaul. Lae is also under attack, in a sideshow.

Dutch East Indies � Actually fairly quiet. He's working on mopping up central Java, leaving both Batavia and Soerabaja largely alone for the moment. Still, it won't be long. The Dutch Air Force has recovered a bit, but it isn't going to get strong enough to really challenge the Japanese in the air.

Philippines � Bataan and Manila are both besieged, with the units that were beaten at Clark herded up in Bataan. Cagayan also holds out, in the south. Still, in all three cases, there isn't any real hope of success, just a waiting game till supplies run out, or they just get overrun. I may run in and take some cadres out of both places, and run them back to the West Coast to start building up.

China � Not much going on here, fighting at Yenen and Pucheng. The Chinese air force is getting some experience at dodging Japanese fighters and bombing troops and resources.

Central Pacific � Hawaii just grows and grows, I halfway think there is an airplane parked on every street in Honolulu. A lot of forces just took ship for Pago Pago (more see below) but the place is still a fortress. I think my first offensives will be in this vicinity, but we'll see what develops.

Northern Pacific � Attu Island keeps building, with more engineers and supplies landing and getting to work.

South Pacific � Pago Pago is being built up as a jump-off point for convoys and troops heading to Oz and NZ. It's just too far a trip to happen in one jump, and the escorts just don't have the range. Once Pago Pago, Noumea, and Suva are ready, I can literally flood Australia with help.

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 14

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/28/2008 9:56:01 AM

Alfred

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Carny,

IMHO transporting cadres from PI to west coast is too time consuming. I assume you are evacuating by fleet sub (the S class can be used to attack enemy shipping)? I would evacuate the cadres to Darwin and get them to move overland to Brisbane/Sydney where you are transporting 220k supplies.

Alfred

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 15

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/28/2008 7:45:25 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

Alfred,

You make a good point. I'm not even sure I'm going to do the cadre thing, but if I do, either Darwin or the East Coast is where they'll go. Right now, even with dud torpedoes, the fleet subs are still doing a fair bit of damage to Japanese shipping.

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 16

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 1/30/2008 10:15:33 PM

DanielAnsell

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Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

28-31 January, 1942

The big news, as my opponent has detailed, is the loss of both SARATOGA and YORKTOWN off Pago Pago. They and ENTERPRISE were on their way to refuel at Pago Pago, before moving on to escort heavy reinforcement convoys along to Noumea, Brisbane, and Auckland.

At first, Allied intelligence believed that the Kido Butai had broken up, and there might be an opportunity to seriously hurt the IJN carrier force using the three available US carriers, supported by LBA from Samoa. It quickly became obvious that at the least a large portion of the KB was in fact present, and the carriers and convoys in the area were given orders to evade, with most of them routed back towards Pearl.

For reasons unknown, the commanders of the SARATOGA and YORKTOWN groups failed to fully implement those orders, and chose to engage what is believed to be the entire KB. (In truth, I forgot to zero out those two task forces' react radius, so they went after the Japanese ships.)

Vastly outnumbered, the two carrier groups did manage to damage SHOKAKU, but both US Fleet Carriers were sunk, and their task forces were savaged hard, as was the escorting ASW group.

At this time discussions are ongoing regarding strategic options now open to the badly mauled USN.

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 17

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 2/1/2008 6:59:00 AM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

1 February - 5 February 1942

North Pacific - Work on Attu Island continues apace, and air groups are being readied to ferry there as soon as the first airfield is completed. It is 67% completed now, with a base force and engineer battalion both working at it. An aviation regiment and air headquarters will arrive in the next few days, hopefully that will speed things up. The weather is definitely an issue, as fatigue and disruption in the units present is slow to fall. Still, ample supplies (45k) are on hand, so at least they are well-fed and equipped, whilst being cold and miserable. Dutch Harbor is also building up. One area of concern is a lack of ground forces. Only a few regiments are in theater, and while a division is waiting on the US West Coast

Central Pacific - Little going on, besides a steady stream of merchant ships and warships running for Pearl Harbor, with Japanese subs nipping at their heels. Once they get into port, under the heavy aerial umbrella of the base, we'll see about reorganizing. HORNET is in San Francisco, but I'm hesitant about sending it to Pearl, with no clear mission. I'm actually leaning towards sending ENTERPRISE back to SF, and keeping both extant carriers in reserve to support the Attu operation if needed.

South Pacific - Pure carnage, with the KB romping at will, ripping up merchant shipping, and any stray escorts they happen across. A convoy returning to the US was caught, and savaged, with a dozen AKs lost, and the escorts (a DD and PG) also getting shot to bits. A heavy convoy is pulling into Pago Pago, carrying big BFs meant for further west. Hopefully they can get the Samoa airfields ready for the 300 odd aircraft that will be there. Hopefully also, the fighter cover from Pago Pago will allow them to unload at least some of what they are carrying before the KB rips them apart.

New Guinea - More troops land at Port Moresby, the siege continues. PM should fall in the next few days, he has a 4-1 advantage in AV, and lots of air and naval support in place.

Australia - The units bombarding Darwin have largely pulled away, either to reload, or because he doesn't want to risk getting valuable units bombed. Possibly both. Still no fighter units in the country worth having, though I'm hopeful about being able to chain over some P-40s in the next month or so. The huge reinforcements coming from the US are stalled, now, with the KB hovering around Samoa. I have reinforcemetns heading north, both to reinforce the northern cities, and build up Daly Waters and Katherine as airbases outside the range of naval gunfire.

Phillipines - Nothing really new. Cagayan still holds, which is surprising. He just tried an attack (4 February) and got shut down pretty hard. The sieges of Manila and Bataan go on, with lots of bombardments underway.

Singapore - He's starting to bomb the place hard, now, and supplies are falling fast, with just about no hope of resupply. Still, it can hold a few more weeks, I think.

Burma/India - More reinforcements moving to support my defense line in northern Burma. An armored brigade, and 2 more full-strength, reasonably experienced infantry divisions will be available soon, and while one of the divisions will be garrisoning Ceylon, the other divison and the armored brigade will make a good reaction force. He still has a huge air presence in Rangoon, and I expect a big fighter sweep over either Akyab or Chittagong. I'm focusing my CAP over Chittagong, we'll see how that turns out.

< Message edited by Carny -- 2/1/2008 7:22:22 AM >

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 18

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 2/1/2008 4:53:16 PM

floydg

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From: Middletown, NJ
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Carny
Central Pacific - Little going on, besides a steady stream of merchant ships and warships running for Pearl Harbor, with Japanese subs nipping at their heels. Once they get into port, under the heavy aerial umbrella of the base, we'll see about reorganizing. HORNET is in San Francisco, but I'm hesitant about sending it to Pearl, with no clear mission. I'm actually leaning towards sending ENTERPRISE back to SF, and keeping both extant carriers in reserve to support the Attu operation if needed.

Not criticism, just questions:
With the aircover at Pearl, do you think having your carriers there is a risk? Do you think the Wolf will come back for another shot at Pearl? Keeping the carriers back at the West Coast does make them "closer" to the Aleutians, but doesn't really help react anywhere else (if the KB shows up in the Indian Ocean, you may get a chance to sail out in Central/South Pacific). If you want them to support the North Pacific actions, why not base them at Anchorage?

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 19

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 2/1/2008 6:35:07 PM

tlkiilerich

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Joined: 11/4/2004
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I would consider letting Attu island finish a few forts before letting it build AF, he might not know that you are there yet. But as soon as it grow to size 1, you can be sure he'll notice.

_____________________________

Fortes Fortuna Juvat

(in reply to floydg)

Post #: 20

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 2/1/2008 6:53:41 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: floydg

quote:

ORIGINAL: Carny
Central Pacific - Little going on, besides a steady stream of merchant ships and warships running for Pearl Harbor, with Japanese subs nipping at their heels. Once they get into port, under the heavy aerial umbrella of the base, we'll see about reorganizing. HORNET is in San Francisco, but I'm hesitant about sending it to Pearl, with no clear mission. I'm actually leaning towards sending ENTERPRISE back to SF, and keeping both extant carriers in reserve to support the Attu operation if needed.

Not criticism, just questions:
With the aircover at Pearl, do you think having your carriers there is a risk? Do you think the Wolf will come back for another shot at Pearl? Keeping the carriers back at the West Coast does make them "closer" to the Aleutians, but doesn't really help react anywhere else (if the KB shows up in the Indian Ocean, you may get a chance to sail out in Central/South Pacific). If you want them to support the North Pacific actions, why not base them at Anchorage?

That's definitely a thought. ENTERPRISE needs a bit of work on accumulated systems damage, so I think she'll make a stop at San Francisco, at least briefly, but after that, I'll send both carriers, and the five battleships I've been hoarding, back to Pearl. That puts them in a position to react as needed. There are about 250 fighters at Pearl, and 150 2E bombers, so I'm pretty confident that the KB will keep a respectful distance.

(in reply to floydg)

Post #: 21

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 2/1/2008 6:56:09 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: tlkiilerich

I would consider letting Attu island finish a few forts before letting it build AF, he might not know that you are there yet. But as soon as it grow to size 1, you can be sure he'll notice.

He knows something is going on there, Mavises have overflown the place and spotted ships moving in and out. Forts are underway, but I want to get some LBA in there ASAP. It's a bit comforting to know that the KB is far to the south, though.

(in reply to tlkiilerich)

Post #: 22

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 2/4/2008 11:25:32 AM

Alfred

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Carny,

IMHO, at this stage there is no point in building up AF at Daly Waters and Katherine. Other AARs show that the top end of Australia cannot be held against a determined Jap landing - it is too difficult to move sufficient supply overland to maintain the units necessary to hold Broome, Derby, Wyndham and Darwin. Darwin itself is easily flanked by a Jap landing at Wyndham. Whilst the possibility of a Jap invasion remains, it is best (IMHO) to build up fortress levels and troop strength at Daly Waters and Katherine to fight a delaying rearguard action. Tennant Creek and Alice Springs are your most realistic locations to stop a northern invasion.

Alfred

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 23

RE: Bearding the Wolf - No canines please! - 2/4/2008 9:42:20 PM

floydg

Posts: 2052
Joined: 6/27/2004
From: Middletown, NJ
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

Carny,

IMHO, at this stage there is no point in building up AF at Daly Waters and Katherine.� Other AARs show that the top end of Australia cannot be held against a determined Jap landing - it is too difficult to move sufficient supply overland to maintain the units necessary to hold Broome, Derby, Wyndham and Darwin.� Darwin itself is easily flanked by a Jap landing at Wyndham.� Whilst the possibility of a Jap invasion remains, it is best (IMHO) to build up fortress levels and troop strength at Daly Waters and Katherine to fight a delaying rearguard action.� Tennant Creek and Alice Springs are your most realistic locations to stop a northern invasion.

Alfred

Yes, agreed.
As you can see my from AAR, the Japanese landed at Wyndham (now control it) and Darwin. They are now moving overland to Darwin to support the invasion. With support from Timor, I can barely muster much of an air defense (the Wirraways are just moving targets for the Zeros).
Once Darwin falls, the northern cities are doomed, since it's too hard to get anything up there to fight back.

< Message edited by floydg -- 2/4/2008 9:43:07 PM >

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 24

Darwin invaded! - 2/4/2008 10:31:53 PM

DanielAnsell

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Alfred,Floyd, I think you are both completely correct, and events have borne out your view, about northern Oz. More about that in a moment.

In general, the Japanese strategy seems to be based on cutting off Oz from any reinforcement from the US, while taking at least the northern Oz coast, and securing New Guinea and the Solomons. They've been quite successful, so far. The USN carrier force is gutted, till early to mid 1943. US sealift has taken some heavy hits, though at least for the moment, there is still ample shipping. USN surface capability is actually slowly rising, with five battleships available, and two more expected to be functional shortly. But without air support, they aren't going to get much done.

In the air, the Japanese are quite dominant. The dreaded Zero, the KB, sheer numbers of land-based planes, superior aircraft range and ability to concentrate, all have really chewed up the Allied air forces.

6-12 February, 1942

India/Burma
Land: A standoff of sorts in northern Burma, with a large Japanese force slowly building at Meiktila. A large, reasonably well-supplied mixed force of British, Indian, and Chinese troops are facing them, commanded by Joe Stillwell. The Japanese are expected to be able to push this force out of the forward base, but it should still slow any advance considerably.

Sea: Little action, some convoys moving in BFs and supplies, skirting as much as possible around the threat of Japanese LBA from Rangoon. Aside from a couple of submarines, no Japanese naval activity at all. The RN Indian Ocean fleet is growing in strength, with three battleships on station, and two more expected soon. Carrier strength is still anemic, though, making the surface power nearly useless.

Air: Continual fighter sweeps from Rangoon have savaged allied air defenses, with forces of 60-70 Zeros appearing over Akyab, Mandalay, and Chittagong. Most allied fighter units have been withdrawn north to rebuild and recover. In particular, the Flying Tigers are badly battered, and with supplies of fighter aircraft tight, aren't likely to be a factor for quite some time. Night bombing from Akyab and other bases has had some effect, but large bomber raids from Rangoon have made it necessary to withdraw most bomber units, as well.

Singapore
Land: Singapore continues to be strongly garrisoned. In fact, a slight advantage exists in assault value over the besieging Japanese forces. Supplies are at the 30k mark, and falling under continual air and land bombardment. Still, it will be some weeks, at least, till the fortress falls.

Naval: No activity, though Japanese vessels do operate in the area freely, mostly transports heading north to Burma/India

Air: No allied air activity, though hundred plus bomber raids on the fortress are a daily occurrence.

DEI
Land: The Japanese seem mostly content to sit in place, not even closely approaching Batavia or Soerabaja yet. Only at Djokjakarta are significant land actions taking place, and that is just bombardment, so far. It may well be that the Japanese are just leaving the remaining DEI mostly alone, now that they've grabbed most of the easy to take airbases and so forth, and will return to finish the conquest after they have achieved victories at Singapore and/or Phillipines.

Sea: Just about no Allied surface activity, though Japanese vessels pass through with near impunity, due to the weakness of Allied air power in the area. Allied submarines are scoring hits regularly, especially the excellent Dutch submarine fleet.

Air: The Dutch air force is in shambles. A few bomber units have withdrawn to rebuild in Australia, and a handful of fighters and bombers remain at Soerabaja. At Sabang, there is a small force of TIVa torpedo planes, but they rarely fly, despite being adequately manned and supplied. The Japanese have more then enough fighters and bombers in the area to bury any threat the Dutch might muster.

Australia
Land: The Japanese invasion of Darwin is underway, beginning Feb 10th. A large number of engineer, tank, and base units are supporting a half dozen various landing force units and other infantry. From all appearances, the Japanese intend to stay and develop Darwin. Forces that were shifting north to guard the northern bases will now marshal in Alice Springs, to await developments.

Sea: Lots of Japanese naval activity in support of the Darwin invasion, and annoying submarine action at Brisbane. Force Z is at Sydney, fueled and ready to go. It is really a quite powerful force, but is hobbled, like all allied naval forces, by lack of air support.

Air: Heavy Japanese bombing in support of their invasion of Darwin. I expect to see air attacks on the east coast from Port Moresby shortly. The only fighter available in any numbers in Australia right now is the Wirraway, and I'd just as soon shoot the pilots myself on the ground as send them against the Japanese in those. Once the Kittyhawk becomes available, I'll be able to muster a hundred or so. There are about one hundred twenty two engined bombers in Australia, mostly Mitchells and Marauders. I've moved a lot of them to the north coast, hopefully they can score on the big assembly of ships at Darwin. Once the northern bases become untenable, I'll move them back south, to recover. A full air group of P-38s is on the way though, which might just make things interesting in the air over Oz

Samoa
Land: Pago Pago is now officially the fortress of the South Pacific. Just about three divisions on the island, and two brigades, and even a RCT or two. Lots of engineers, air base troops, artillery units. Once all the infrastructure is fully in place, this place will serve very well as a springboard.

Sea: Pago Pago is developing a harbor floored with shipwrecks. Tankers and freighters and destroyers and gunboats have been sinking here with abandon, as various convoys have come limping in, victims of the KB. Japanese subs have also been having a field day in Samoan waters. A dedicated ASW group is on it's way down from Pearl, to replace the one the KB slaughtered, and another one might be put together from surviving convoy escorts.

Air: Due to the mass migration of panicked convoys to Pago Pago, and carrier planes fleeing their sinking homes, I have over four hundred aircraft in Samoa. I have enough ground support for them, even a bit of excess, but the infrastructure isn't prepared. Due to the sheer number of engineers at hand, that is changing rapidly, but it's not a good situation.

Other Areas
Phillipines: Cagayan has fallen, and Bataan and Manila remain under siege. Supplies are falling, units are getting weaker, and its only a matter of time. Still a lot of submarine activity around the islands, and some hits are being scored.

Attu Island: The first airfield is finished, and a group of bombers is on the way. Two Canadian brigades will be making their way to the islands as well, and Adak Island is next on the list of development targets.

New Guinea/Solomons: The Japanese hold Port Moresby, and have landed unopposed at Lunga, A few Australian units are lurking in the hills of New Guinea, but they won't have any major effect on events.

China: Nothing much going on. Some nuisance air attacks on Japanese forces. Yenen is likely to fall soon, as is Pucheng in the south. With all my forces largely static under Big B, making large plans is quite difficult, so it may be a matter of just trying to hold here, till events elsewhere relieve some pressure.

< Message edited by Carny -- 2/4/2008 11:16:15 PM >

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 25

RE: Darwin invaded! - 2/8/2008 9:52:49 PM

DanielAnsell

Posts: 128
Joined: 5/5/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

13-18 February, 1942

India/Burma
Land: No real change here. The Allied forces at Meiktila actually considerably outnumber the Japanese forces assembled there. A deliberate attack on the Japanese has been considered, and a probing attack was launched, on 17 February.

Sea: Large losses of merchant shipping at Chittagong, from Betty raids out of Rangoon. All of it was empty, tied to the docks there. I was actually quite pleased to see him focusing his air attacks there, since the ships were not planned for use. I may miss those ships later, but for now I'm quite content to let freighters absorb punishment rather then airfields and ground forces. Otherwise, little activity. One Japanese sub was impressively sunk poking it's nose foolishly into Columbo harbor. Those RN lads really know how to discourage a sub crew. The RN has five battleships, and one CV(really a big, well-armored CVL) in place, with good cruiser and destroyer support. Then there is the Hermes, the joke of the Indian Ocean.

Air: Little change here. The Japanese continue to dominate the air, though fighter strength at Calcutta is growing to the point where I may be able to start giving Rangoon a bit of a pounding.

Australia
Land: Darwin has fallen, the defenders retreating to Katherine, despite a Japanese attempt to cut off the retreat by dropping paratroopers at Katherine. Sparrow Force heroically resisted the attack, allowing thousands of Australian troops to escape captivity, or worse. Current plans are to regroup the Darwin defenders at Tennant Creek, while defenses are prepared at Alice Springs. Two brigades are digging in there, and a third will be there in a day or two. Additional base troops are also enroute. Cloncurry is also being garrisoned, just to avoid a sudden Japanese airborne landing there.

Sea: Little change here, Force Z is ready to go, if an opportunity arises. Otherwise just some mining of Brisbane harbor, to discourage subs a bit. Broome, Wyndham, and Derby are partially evacuated by sea, since the decision has been made not to fight in Northern Oz.

Air: The P-38s have arrived, so there is now at least some semblance of a functional fighter force available in Australia. 60+ P-38s, and about the same number of B-17Es, are on hand, as well was 50+ 2E American bombers, plus a miscellany of Dutch and Australian machines. The primary bottleneck now is base personnel, since none of the big Aviation regiments made it past Samoa. This may be alleviated by shipping down a British one from Aden, but that will take time to make happen.

Samoa
Land: Nothing new here, other then shifting an RCT over to Savaii, along with a load of supplies and a battalion of engineers to help build up the airbase and forts. Samoa is looking more and more like it'll be a hard nut for him to crack, especially if I can grab back Canton Island before the end of 1942.

Sea: More battered tankers sink from accumulated flotation damage. A Japanese sub is smacked around a bit, and leaves the harbor. Sadly the USN hasn't quite gotten a clue in ASW warfare yet.

Air: Things are shaping up pretty well. 100 fighters patrol the skies, and a bomber group is unpacking, as the airfields continue to expand.

Other Areas

China: Yenan falls, with the defeated Chinese troops retreating towards Sian. Pucheng stands off a deliberate Japanese attack, fighting continues, there.

(in reply to DanielAnsell)

Post #: 26

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