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Combat Report: April 1-3, 1944

 
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Combat Report: April 1-3, 1944 - 12/16/2008 4:25:03 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
April 1-3, 1944

The three week long hiatus in Dan and I's game finally ends yesterday as we get a pair of turns in.  Life is pretty exciting for Japan but I begin to see glimmers of possibility within a couple of theatres that just days ago were is pretty bad shape.  I'll go around the Pacific for the update:

North Pacific
Umnak
Dan begins a major landing at Umnak in the Aleutians.  Starting on the 1st a group of six TF begins dropping off soldiers from the 41st Inf Div, 4 RCT, and a FA Regiment.  There are very troops of any significance in the Aleutians right now.  The Americans attack on the 3rd and a 4-1 against Fort 9 Defenders.  There is about 1,000 Inf and one Base Force present on the island.

I choose to not respond whatsoever to this backwater theatre.  If Dan wants to take these islands back then that will take time and I like that.  Let the Americans recapture Dutch Harbor, Kiska, and Attu.  To do that will require at least 4-8 weeks pending on additional forces used.

Kuriles
The Americans have begun working on expanding their hold here.  There isn't much that I am willing to do.  Paramushiro Jima has strong Forts, a stout garrision, and supplies still over 10,000.  Considering the Fortresses here, a landing would be quite costly and I would welcome that event.  The Island just NE of Hokkaido would also be a target but it is in a similar situation to Paramushiro Jima.  I don't have much CD based here but there is enough to make it a costly proposition. 

Sakhalin
There has been move ship movement out of here in the last days.  I won't do anything major in response.  The fight is elsewhere...

Central Pacific
I have decided to withdraw another pair of Brigades located at Pagan and Marcus for redeployment.  About a week ago I pulled a Brigade from Saipan and it will arrive at Legaspi, Phil on about the 5th.  The units pulled from Pagan and Marcus will be droppoed off at Luzon, Formosa, or Okinawa.  Japanese HQ hasn't made a decision as to where at the moment.

South Pacific
Rarotonga
The Rarotonga Invasion Force is about halfway to its target.  I have let the 200 Betty/Frances in the Society Islands rest for the last two days and ordered them back into the fray for April 4th.  Two Daitai are hitting the AF and 4 Daitai will hit troops.  I expect the landing to occur on April 7th.  I move my CVs up to refuel on the 4th and they will move in once the Invasion Force is discovered.  It should be interesting.  I've done recon every day for the last month and know that there are 3 units on the island with one of them being a large Base Force.  Consistent Intel says 7,000 troops and low Forts.  Since the island was grabbed, I have kept the AF damaged and so I don't expect the Forts to be more then 1 or 2. 

Truk
I have a major CV TF arrive at Truk on the 3rd.  It refuels and heads SE towards Suva to support the Rarotonga Invasion Force and will then do some training by hunting Allied convoys.  These CVs have the worst trained Japanese air groups and they need some real experience.

Logistics
Considering my supply and fuel state, I have spent most of the last two months of gametime slowly leaching fuel and supply to allow these moves to occur.  I have cached about 30,000 Fuel at Truk and Suva with about 50,000 in AO/TK moving around to keep these levels up.  Supplies have been a bit more dicey but I am in OK shape there. 

DEI
Eastern DEI
The Time for Japanese in Australia will end on April 4, 1944.  Nearly 20 Australian units have arrived at darwin where a small BF fragment of 1,500 men have 150,000 Aussies RIGHT WHERE THEY WANT THEM!     Japanese defense is completely reset with troops safely digging in at Amboina, Lautem, Dili-Dili, Koepang, Kendari, and Makassar.  The Allies were quite considerate in allowing me to withdraw the final 100,000 Japanese troops from Australia.  We'll wait and see if Dan intends to launch Amphib attacks from Darwin.  Considering all the Political Points he has lost over the last two months, I find this to be fairly doubtful...

Central DEI
Java is beginning to receive troops from my evacuation from Saigon.  I've got about 300 planes here upgrading and training.

Western DEI
Palembang continues to fully function without interference!  Another convoy carrying 50,000 oil and 50,000 resources leaves the port on the 3rd.  I have about 125 Fighters flying CAP here.  The Allies have show no interest in attacking whatsoever.

SS
There must be at least 25 Allied SS patroling between Saigon and Soerabaja.  I have shifted a decent amount of LBA over to ASW Attack.  Allied SS were hit once on both the 2nd and 3rd.  There are three ASW TF patroling around the area right now and they damaged an SS on the 2nd.

Indochina
The Allies have shown no inclination to move south from Hue.  I cannot understand why Dan has stopped!  After the lose of all those troops at Haiphong, I am in no condition to resist a move from Hue to Cam Rahn Bay.  My most badly damaged units are evacuating from Saigon without Allied LBA interference.  Nearly 150 Fighters protect this vital Port.

Rahaeng falls on April 2nd after I evacuate it.  I will fight a delaying action at Pisanluke with a Brigade, HQ unit, and small Base Force.

There are three Divisional Combat Commands moving overland east from the hex just east of Tavoy.  They are crawling eastwards at only 2-3 miles a day.  I hoped to hold on long enough to save these valuable troops.  There are five Allied units in the same hex as these Combat Commands and they have made no effort to attack.

My holding action west of Bangkok continues to occupy the dozen or so Allied units there.  In a contining theme, Dan doesn't attack them.  His LBA is hitting the troops here every day.

Malaya
Johore Bharu
The resistance in this hex FINALLY ends on April 3rd when the entire 14th Indian Division surrenders!  Japan grabs 9,000 Prisoners of War.    This surrender immediately opens the supply valve to units north of the position.  I am sure that Dan had no idea that my troops were starving with supplies stuck down in Singapore!  Thankfully those supplies now move northwards.

The surrender opens up nearly 1,200 AS worth of troops for operations.  I order soldiers to move up towards Georgetown and Malacca.  Once they reach these hexes (which should allow me to hold them indefinately) I will see what happens.  This surrender at least provides me a chance to extend the defence of Malaya for a while.  I will still evacuate the most badly damaged troops from Singapore to Java so they can rebuild.

Georgetown
The Allied troops there are sitting tight (Thank God) and don't appear to be interested in moving.  My evacuation from Alor Star and Singora now appears to be wat too fast!  Troops will move back into these hexes tomorrow.  If Dan doesn't want to exploit the success of the landing then I will fight for every base until forced out.

Air Action
There are only a few Allied fighters flying CAP at Georgetown and I have two small Jill raids hit 4 AK that are unloading there.  Hoping for another day of success, I move a good number of planes into the area to conduct strikes on the 4th.  We'll see if the planes fly and do anything.  It seems to be worth the risk if his Fighter strength doesn't change.

Fleet
With Johore Bharu getting cleared out, I disband all my warships that have been running bombardments and let them rest and repair at Singapore.  I have a large fuel convoy arrive at Kuching carrying 48,000 fuel.  I decide to split it so 24,000 unloads there and the aother 24,000 heads for Singapore.  This should be enough for me to refuel all of my warships in Singapore and provide me a location for refueling with nearly 40,000 fuel stockpiled in it.

Home Islands
4EB Raids
Takamatsu (4/2)--30 Tony take on 104 4EB and manage to influict enough damage for all but 27 to abort their attacks.  I lose 2 Tony for 4 4EB and damage to 31 more.  This raid hits 9 Resources in the hex.

Aomori (4/2)--18 Jacks take on 35 P-38 and 127 4EB from Sakhalin.  This is far roughter due to the limited number of planes my CAP puts up (should have been 3-4 times that) and the damned P-38 escort.  I lose 12 Jacks and 54 Resources. 

These attempts at hitting Resources are worrisome but as my Retired Economics Minister would note--they are the WRONG TARGET!  It should be Oil, Oil, Oil...

I got a brand new Fleet DD on the 1st and it arrives at Nagasaki on the 3rd.  If they get about 10-12 days of decent reapirs I will have a substantial TF ready o move out in the form of 1 BC, 3 CA, 2 CL, and about 10 DD.  All these ships (except new construction) were badly damaged when the Americans landed in northern Japan.

Economy
Tracker
SINCE I AM NOW USING TRACKER---Had to say that Damian and Michael!    I see where I have supply issues in the HOme Islands.  There are three convoys on the way from DEI to Japan.  Instead of having them land at Nagasaki, I order them to land at points along the north coast of Japan to drop off oil and resources.  We'll see if that helps.

Fighter Production
I shift about 60 Tony over to Tojo to begin conversation to that airframe.  As the shift occurs it should help with my Army Fighter issues as well as set-up a quick conversion into Frank production when that valuable plane comes on line.

Warship Construction
Reality sets in that the 4 Japanese CV I have accelerated will be of little use so I shift them back to normal and, in a few days (Tracker help), will accelerate a variety of DDs.

Merchant Construction
I shutdwon about 50% of my merchant shipyarrds and will stop building on all AK for the rest of the war.  AO and TK will continue.  After a few days I shoudl begin to see some improvement in my HI stockpile and perhaps see faster repairs to engine plants and other things.


Summation
I felt that things were done when Georgetown and Hue fell but Dan isn't taking advantage of his success so I am getting some breathing space.  This won't last long but I will try to take advantage of it and see if I can extend my defense some in this vital area. 

The surrender at Johore Bharu adds a huge amount of hope to my Malaya situation so we'll see if I can use those freed up troops to buttress the Japanese line for a while.


< Message edited by John 3rd -- 12/16/2008 6:48:52 PM >

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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1231
RE: Combat Report: April 1-3, 1944 - 12/16/2008 4:43:18 PM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		No more excuses on your economy allowed. 

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1232
RE: Combat Report: April 1-3, 1944 - 12/16/2008 4:55:05 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Michael--I am running the morning Dan turn right now and will send it to you so we can walk through some Tracker questions.



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(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 1233
Tracker - 12/16/2008 6:47:19 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		How does one actually USE all this info??!!  

I just went through oil and resources finding them in a number of places that I need to move ships to so I can bring it home.

Went through Air Leaders for my Daitai and Sentai, CV and Surface Captains, and Generals to improve my various ships and units.

Damian---This is AMAZING work!

BANZAI!!!   


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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1234
April 4-7, 1944 - 12/17/2008 6:27:42 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
April 4-7, 1944

The Japanese are in high spirits having gotten four turns done today with Mister Roper!  Dan was happy as all Hell and so was I.  I have to admit that this is the first time in ages when four days have gone by with minor Japanese successes and NO failures!  Of course that means I just jinxed the whole thing now...

North Pacific
Aleutians
The Americans take Unmak and drive the Japanese troops from the AF on the 5th.  The troops are surrounded on the 7th.  I still possess Cold Harbor, Amchitka, and Kiska.

Kuriles
Dan is staging some sort of diversion around Kunashiri.  A group of CVs, STF, and some APs move out from Sakhalin and act like they intend to land at this base.  The Bombardment TF led by the New Jersey shells the Japanese base on the 6th for little results.  The CD responds with heavy and accurate fire that sinks two US DDs and cripples another!    The New Jersey is hit six times and the four escorting CLs all take hits too...

No landings take place (at least yet)...

Central Pacific
Pagan
Five AP arrive and begin loading the 2nd South Seas Detachment (a Regiment) for delivery to Formosa. 

South Pacific
Operation Phantom Wind
My invasion of Rarotonga begins on April 7th.  None of my TF are spotted prior to that day and the American garrision watches in stunned wonder as they get hit with the normal 150 or so Betty from Bora Bora AND nearly 170 Carrier-Based planes!  I order nearly all my Zeros to strafe (48 Z) and 114 Dive Bombers to pound the troops on the island.  When the planes move off, they leave behind nearly 400 Casualties.  To the stunned disbelief, the 52nd Naval Base Force watches a procession of 30+ AP drop anchor and calmly begin unloading troops.  Surprise is total...

We'll see if I can do this for a last hurrah!

DEI
Eastern DEI
Everything is set for whatever the Allies want to do.  April 4, 1944 sees the last Japanese soldier die on the Australian shore.  The Japanese still possess all the towns along the coast west of Darwin but no troops hold them.

Central DEI
The Allied SS in this area are getting hit by LBA and ASW nearly every day.  There are 4 good ASW Attacks and two LBA hits on SS within this arena.  The Lionfish sinks on April 6th.  I'm moving more ASW assets into the area north of Soerabaja to continue this trend.

Troops from Saigon are landing at Batavia.  Two blasted Infantry Divisions and elements of a Tank Division are being offloaded with more to come.

Western DEI
I have a large resource/oil TF assembling at Jesselton right now.  With Tracker I found a group of bases with a lot more resources and oil then I thought.  I figure the convoy will sail on about the 10th with nearly 150,000 resources and 200,000 oil.

Indochina
No sign of movement south of Hue by the Chinese Hordes.  I cannot believe my luck with that!  I am leisurely pulling badly damaged units out of Saigon with no aerial opposition.

Malaya
Thinking that the campaign in Malaya was finished when Georgetown fell, I had withdrawn from Alor Star.  When Allied resistance at Johore Bharu ended right after that, I decided there was a chance I might be able to hold for a while longer.  Unfortunately Alot Star was empty.  I don't think that Dan noticed because there were no Japanese troops there from the 4th-6th.  Four units move back in to hold it on the 7th.

The big news over the last four days in this theatre has been the renewed Japanese aerial and naval campaign.  Flying CAP over Georgetown has never been more the 25 planes during this time.  Several large and small Japanese strikes have gotten through to good effect.  Numerous AKs were hit:  7 AK on the 4th, 10 AK on the 5th, 2 AK on the 6th, and 2 more AK on the 7th.  Beyond this damage was a strike at the British Fleet SE of Sabang.  A strike of 8 Tony, 8 Lily and 20 Jill sweep over a STF holding the BB Queen Elizabeth and venerable BC Repulse.  I cannot tell you how many times I have hit that BC over the last THREE years!  This day finds two Torps slam into her with DD Pakenham taking another.  Though I lose 8 TB for the effort it does have effect since I think this TF was going to provide cover at Georgetown.

While my air attacks were drawing attention and damaging ships I decided to take a risk and throw a STF out of Singapore and aim it at Georgetown.  The problem was that my ships couldn't do the attack in one day.  I chose to form a STF of 2 CA, 2 CL, and 6 DDand send it halfway up the strait to disband and then reform for the final assault.  The ships made it to Kuala Lumpur only to get hit by nearly 50 Liberators before they could disband.  CA Myoko and CL Yura each take several bombs.  I order them back to Singapore and press on with my suicidal assault.  Little did I know that the TF with Repulse was to cover my target!

Early in the evening of April 6/7, my remaining ships (CA Takao, CL Oyodo, and 5 DD) enter the harbor without the Allies having a single warship present!  The turkey shoot commences as guns and torpedo attacks ring out for the next 90 minutes.  The fast-moving TF sinks 2 AK, then 2 more, encounters a group of 4 AK--sinking 1 with another sinking later in the day, and finally nailing 3 more AK as they exit the harbor at full speed.  Nine AK are sunk and the warships manage to get all the way down to Johore Bharu before Allied planes find them.  Nearly 60 Tony fly CAP over the TF and no Allied planes elect to attack.  Excepting the damage to my CA and CL from bombing I am very happy to score an actual victory this late in the game!

This four day period sees Dan lose 9 AK with another 20 damaged by air attack.  He HAS to run low on AK at some point...

Home Islands
Sapporo
Sakhalin's aerial forces strike this AF on the 4th and 5th to cover the naval demonstration near Kunashiri.  I'll wager that Dan is mighty curious as to why I haven't responded strongly to his attack on Umnak as well as his demonstration in the Kuriles.

There are no other Home Islands raids during these days.

Reinforcements
In just a few days I get a massive set of reinforcements!  The Home Islands will receive (I think) 7 Infantry Divisions and 1 Brigade.  This should fix it so I do not have to worry about an assault by the Americans anytime soon.  The irony is that the Home Islands were wide open for attack after Iwo Jima was taken and even more so when Hokkaido and Sakhalin were grabbed.  That window of opportunity has now closed.  Japan proper will be in very good shape once these troops arrive. 

 


< Message edited by John 3rd -- 12/17/2008 6:29:16 AM >

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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1235
Reports - 12/21/2008 2:05:31 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		I cannot believe that I have allowed the AAR to slip to page two! Dan and I have been getting the turns cranked out. I am ten days behind in the action and need to get caught up fast. As I work on the update, this is the current picture of Malaya/Indochina/Sumatra:






Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1236
Eniwetok Invasion? - 12/21/2008 5:26:33 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Dan is moving another HUGE Invasion Force into the Marshalls. It appears that Eniwetok is the primary target. I may have a little surprise for him:






Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1237
April 8-17, 1944 - 12/21/2008 6:36:15 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
April 8-17, 1944

Things continue on at a torrid pace.  The Malaya-Sumatra-Indochina Theatre remains the primary focus but other areas are highly active.  There is action WAY down south at Rarotonga, approaching action at Eniwetok, and possible action at Paramushiro Jima in the frozen north.  Very wide-ranging events with some victoiries as well as defeats for the Empire of Japan.

North Pacific
After getting stung by CD at Kunashiri, an American TF centered around BB New Jersy moves north and begins pounding Paramushiro Jima.  The attacks occur nearly everyday and are made up of the BB, 2 CA, 4 CL, and 1-2 DD.  I hope to cause some mischief by placing 3 SS in Paramushiro Jima's waters to try to hit 1 or 2 of these targets.

Central Pacific
I have been staging supplies and fuel along a Philippines--Truk--Suva line over the last two months to support my invasion of Rarotonga.  While I have gradually pulled back my outer forces, I have kept a decent amount of Recon aircraft in the area to spot trouble.  On April 12th an Emily flying from Wake picks up a large Invasion Force. 

At first I don't think there is much I can do until I think things through.  I've had nearly 250 bombers hitting Rarotonga for nearly two months.  With its capture these highly experienced planes are freed up.  Another 100+ bombers move in to strengthen the attack force.  Biggest problem is a lack of fighters.  Originally there was a single Sentai of 36 Tony at Truk.  I decide to weaken the Home Islands by moving 36 Zero, 27 Zero, and 48 Jack to Tkyo, then Pagan, to Truk. 

By April 16th it is obvious that Dan's target is Eniwetok.  While litely defended, I (as normal) do not understand this decision.  I have powerful bases at Wake, Truk, and Kwajalein.  A landing here will put a crimp into my planning but I have basically abandoned the SE Pacific now.  My forces are coming back up from their Rarotonga Operation but they can move through Rabaul to wherever I want to place them. 

Operational Chance
As Spock might say "random chance has seemingly operated in our favor."  I've detailed the concentration of Japanese Carrier strength around Rarotonga (1 CV, 2 CVL, and 5 CVE) for that Operation.  What I didn't say was that Akagi/Kaga and 3 CVL (Ryuho, Ryujo, and Shoho) went to join them.  They reach Suva on the 12th (same days as I spot the Allied TF).  Immediate orders are dispatched for a rendezvous at Tarawa of ALL these carriers.  The 19th should see a total force of 3 CV, 5 CVL, and 5 CVE at Tarawa where they will top off their fuel.  Carrying 511 aircraft they will join in the attack with nearly 500 LBA. 

I cannot stop the invasion but I might make the withdrawal EXCEEDINGLY costly. 

South East Pacific
Operation Phantom Wind carries itself off FLAWLESSLY!  My troops unload at Rarotonga on the 8th/9th/10th.  After being hit daily by 150 bombers and then by another 150 CV aircraft, the troops there surrender on the FIRST attack!  The 22nd Inf Div accepts the surrender of 6,300 Allied troops on the 10th.  BANZAI!

As planned, I immediately order all units to be loaded back onto ship and head back to the Central Pacific.  When the Invasion Force bearing down on Eniwetok is spotted on the 12th, I order all convoys to head for Truk.  I take the 35,000 men used in the landing as well as another 10,000 of the Society Island troops.  These troops will seriously help to buttress the defense line.

How about getting an American surrender in April 1944??!! 

DEI
There are Allied SS everywhere right now!  In the 10 game days of this report my LBA hits 5 SS while ASW TF add another 7 attacks.  Two Allied SS are sunk and another 8 damaged.  This said, the Allied SS are now hitting at least one ship a day despite my best efforts.  Not good.

A huge convoy leaves Jesselton on 12th carrying 152,00 oil and 175,000 resources.  This large convoy will really help things in Japan.  Another convoy is forming up now and should leave on about the 19th.

Malaya--Sumatra--Indochina
April 7th
This area starts and ends with Japanese naval victories.  In the middle is a sad defeat.  We last left off with me hding a STF at Kuala Lumpur.  This STF departs on a suicide mission to hit Goergetown at FULL SPEED.  The force comprises CA Tahao, CL Oyodo, and 5 DD.  To my immense surprise there is nothing guarding the shipping within the harbor!  The Japanese TF, not believing its good luck, attacks and sinks 9 of 12 AK unloading there.  After accomplishing this they head back down the coast of Malaya as fast as possible and reach Johore Bharu by sunrise.  Happily no Allied aircraft hit them and they reach Singapore on the 8th.

April 10th
British CVs are spotted escorting another set of AK/AP moving slowly southwards into the strait.

April 12th
It appears to be a supply run to help out the trapped soldiers at Malacca.  I order up two STF led by Ise/Hyuga and Yamato.

April 14th
A wild naval battle is fought off the Malacca Beachhead.  The British SHOULD get their clocks cleaned but don't.  The Japanese send in their two TF (Ise/Hyuga, CA Chikuma, CL Oyodo, and 4 DD AND Yamato, CA Maya/Takao, and 4 DD).  The British TF is comprised of BB Queen Elizabeth, 5 CL, and 15 DD.  First Ise/Huga try to get in--are held off--then the Yamato TF tries to slip by--held off again--and finally Ise/Hyuga fail for the second time.  During this wild gun fight, BB Queen Elizabeth manages to hit Yamato at 10,000 Yds with TEN 15" sheels that all penetrate!  Horrifically damaged, she is sunk the next day by Abvegers from the Brit CVs who put 4 TTs into her and finish the battlewagon off.  Total losses for the battle end up as BB Yamato and 1 DD sunk with BB Ise badly damaged.  The British lose CL Dauntless and 3 DD with heavy damage to several more CLs and 5-6 DD.  Should note Queen Elizabeth sailed through the action taking only a single 14" shell...

BB Queen Elizabeth of World War One vintage sinks BB Yamato.  Go figure...

April 17th
Having to try and do something I decide to send the least damaged ships against Malacca again.  I knew that there couldn't be TOO much left to defend the convoys after the fight on the 14th.  CAs Maya, Chikuma, Takao, Myoko, CL Oyodo and Yura, and 4 DD clash with the remaining British Escort.  The British are gamely led by CL Glascow with 8 DD.  This time the Japanese armor holds up and the results are delightful to watch!  For no losses the Japanese sink 7 British DDs and cripple Glascow for NO LOSS!  They also nail a group of 3 AK before returning to port.

Summary:
My forces are all damaged and eghausted but the Brits are in about the same shape.  I have a group of 2 CL and 5 DD due to arrive having been repaired at Soerabaja, Cebu, and Manila.  These will bolster my fighting force as I pull 1 CA, 2 CL, and 4 DD out of Singapore to repair at the places I just listed.  The battle goes on...

Ground Action
The Allies finally drive my troops from the hex west of Bangkok and they retreat to that city on the 10th.  The Allies then proceed southwards towards Ban Don.  It appears they are going to bypass Victoria Point which is a dangerous move.  I have two full strength Brigades and a TK Regiment trying to withdraw from there.  a group of 4 units appraoch Ban Don on the 17th just as a fresh Brigade arrives to help the two small construction units defnd it.  Forts are nearly at 8 and it should hold.

I have now pulled at least 6-8 units out of Saigon and Singapore for reconstruction.  Several are already in Java refitting.  I don't have a clue as to how long I can hold but I've cobbled together a defense out of nothing for the 4th or 5th time.  I cannot understand why Dan doesn't go for the throat and just end this by concentrating SOMEWHERE!  Until then I can hold (I hope).

Home Islands
The bombing campaign continues as Dan hits cities and targets their resources.  While worrisome, it is the wrong target and my fighter defense continues to improve as his bomber morale stays very low.  He hits the following targets:  9th--Sapporo, 13th--Osaka, 17th--Hakodate and Akita.  The American 4EB losses stay pretty solid 8-15 per raid while my fighter defense is getting stronger.  I've moved another 150 fighters in from China to add to the defense.  I know that the B-29s cannot be too far away!

Strategy
The above statement leads to me to rethink my strategy.  I've been worried about an invasion of the Home Islands, Okinawa, and Formosa.  With the addition of 7 Inf Div to my Home Islands defense (reinforcements) I can safely say that the Home Islands are safe.  Additionally I feel that the same can be said for Okinawa and Formosa. 

Dan seems stuck on the 'bombing me back into the Stone Age' Philosophy and that means he needs more bases that can fly those darned 4EB.  He will need to make room and to do that he needs a large field for it.  This brings things back to the Marianas.  I've decided to reinforce these Islands with an additional force of 2 Inf Div and another Brigade.  All three bases are still well-supplied, have units 100% prepped, and are Forts 9. 

The only other weak area of my line is Palau--Yap--Truk.  The forces used in the Operation Phantom Wind will go here as well as two Brigades from China and Manchuria. 

If I can get a month of time in, these reinforcements will be stationed where I want them and we shall see what happens.
  


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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1238
April 18-22, 1944 - 12/23/2008 8:11:55 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
April 18-22, 1944

The Allies are on the attack nearly everywhere on the map.  They are attacking in the North Pacific at Paramushiro Jima, Central Pacific at Eniwetok, Exmouth, Australia, and Malaya-Indochina.  One wonders where the hammers will fall next right now!

Of course the Japanese are scheming and looking forward to an attempted counterattack whereever possible!

North Pacific
Paramushiro Jima
Starting on the 19th, 5 Invasion Convoys begin landing 2 Inf Div, 4 RCT, and an Art Regiment.  The island is bombarded everyday day by 2 TF of BBs.  New Jersey anchors one and 4 old BBs the other.  There has been no attack as of yet but it is obvious what shall happen.  The island is defended by 2 Fortresses (who did nothing to the invasion forces landing), 2 partial Brigades, and 2 Base Forces. 

There are very few DDs attached to these units so I move a group of 3 SS towards the hex hoping to get lucky.

Central Pacific
Eniwetok
The Americans continue their landing here and easily (287-1) take the island on the 18th.  The Japanese lose just 1,500 men. 

Wake/Truk/Kwajalein
The Japanese conclude their redeployment of air assets to these three islands.  There are 150 Fighters and 400 TB/Lily/Betty/Frances sitting and ready for attack.  I order an Emily to fly from Wake to Eniwetok to catch CAP strength.  Based on this result I will give the order to attack.  I woudl PREFER to wait for him to move away from the atoll first but we shall see.

Tarawa
The Japanese Carrier Force reaches this island on the 20th and refuels on the 21st.  There isn't enough fuel to top off all the ships tanks but there is enough to conduct operations.  I have two Replennishment TF moving up to Maleolap with 40,000 fuel.  The Carriers shuffle themselves and move up towards Maleolap in preparation for attack.

I divide them as follows:
KB-1----CV Akagi/Kaga, 2 CVL, 2 CL, and 6 DD under command of Yamata (246 Planes)
KB-2----CV Untryu, 3 CVL, CA Tone, 2 CL, and 5 DD under Nagumo (157 Planes)
KB-3-----4 CVE, 1 CL, and 5 DD under Kusaka (108 Planes)

The Marianas
If Dan is going to stage another major invasion to support his 4EB Raids over Japan he MUST land here.  I have loaded the 18th Inf Div at Hakodate and it is heading for Guam.  This Inf Div is elite with Experience at 94 and morale at 91. 

Yap and Palau
More troops are moving to strengthen these islands.  There will be no cheap landings for the Americans anywhere west of Truk.

South Pacific
All the convoys carrying troops from Operation Phantom Wind and the soldiers at Society Islands have now passed Suva and are moving NW towards Truk and Rabaul.  There are nearly 50,000 troops in these convoys and I need them to strengthen Truk, Guam, and Yap.

Australia
A small TF lands at Exmouth disembarking an Aussie Brigade.  It falls on the 21st.  I have my 4 remaining CV refueling at Tarakan when this happens.  Since I am short on fuel (just like the Japanese in the summer of 1944), I detach 2 CV that are fully fueled with escorts in an attempt to destroy this TF.  The Japanese still claim ownerships of all those towns west of Darwin so he will move here.  Maybe I can get in a lick!

DEI
Troops are flowing out of Saigon and Singapore to be sent to Java, Kuching, Brunei, Miri, and Davao. 

I have another large Resource/Oil Convoy forming at Jesselton and it should leave within a few days.

SS Action  I sink KXVIII and see LBA hit 5 SS during this time.  Dan has been using the strait between Java and Sumatra for moving his SS around.  This area is now blockaded by two strong ASW TF and bombers flying out of each side of the strait.  This rachets up on the 22nd so I expect some action pretty quickly.

Malaya--Indochina
Ban Don
The Allies hesitate to attack this base for ONE day and it provides time for me to slip in a Brigade from the south.  I hold the base handily against 4 units.

Victoria Point
I am evacuating this base (2 Brig, 1 TK REg, and support units) and the troops retreat into the rear of the units moving into Ban Don.  I cut their supply line and am working to accomplish something here.

Georgetown
I anxiously watch as the units climb in number at Georgetwon.  There are now 22 Allied units there.  When they move IT WILL BE BAD!  I'll wait a few more days and then withdraw from Ban Don to Alor Star or Kota Bharu.  Don't want to get cutoff!

Singapore
B-29s!!!!
The world offically takes step towards HELL when a force of 90 B-29 hit Singapore on the 19th.  Bankha sends 38 P-38s in a Sweep proceeding the attack.  The base places 107 Tony/Jack/George up to fight.  When the aerial duel resolves, the results are fairly grim:  The Japanese lose 38 Fighters (21 pilots) in exchange for 13 P-38 and 5 B-29 with 31 more damaged.  The attack strikes at shipping in the Port where they hit 8 Ships.  To say that this is ominous is an understatement.

Home Islands
Nagasaki
The Iwo 4EB try to hit this base on 18th.  The AF at Nagasaki put up 74 Fighters versus 122 4EB.  The brawl last FORVER!  In the end, only 2 planes drop their bombs and the rest run for their lives.  In exchange for just 2 Fighters the Americans lose 13 4EB with another 37 Damaged.  Those planes based in Iwo need about 10 days to recoup their morale.

B-29s, Part 2!!!!
On the 21st Sapporo is hit from Sakhalin by a force of 30 P-38 (I TRULY hate that plane) and 194 4EB (including 80 B-29).  With the exception of Hakodate, I am not really contesting the air space over Hokkaido sot hey destroy 120 Resources.  The day that Dan figures out that OIL is my issue then I am sunk!


That be the happenings around the Empire.




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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1239
RE: April 18-22, 1944 - 12/23/2008 9:17:45 PM   
tocaff


Posts: 4781
Joined: 10/12/2006
From: USA now in Brasil
Status: offline 		Good an insightful AAR John.

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Todd

I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1240
RE: April 18-22, 1944 - 12/24/2008 10:40:32 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Thank you Sir.  I always appreciate catching a positive comment or two.  Doing an AAR isn't easy and can become work.  Keep in mind how Cuttlefish must feel with his magnificent work.  What I try to do in relaying the action is nothing compared to his achievement.

Dan and I are slowing our play today and tomorrow due to his celebration of the holidays.  I am forced to live apart from my beautiful sons and wife so I LIVE for a turn!

Thanks Again.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 12/27/2008 1:29:59 AM >

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(in reply to tocaff)
Post #: 1241
April 23-29, 1944 - 12/27/2008 2:20:54 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
April 23-29, 1944

No major action for this period but a lot of contact and a definate build-up to something.  I can feel major events just over the horizon and don't have aclue as to what or where they are or will be. 

North Pacific
Paramushiro Jima
The Americans hit this base everyday with 4-5 Battleships as their troops work to occupy the island.  A Deliberate Attack is held off by the defenders on the 24th but the base falls on the 28th.  The remaining troops will hold on as long as possible to keep the Americans occupied.  There will be no major losses from this island falling.  The 2 Brigades that formed the backbone of the defense (6th/9th) had about 1,000 troops pulled out by aircraft transports just prior to the landing.

Shikuka, Sakhalin
YIKES.  The Americans have built the AF up to Sz-8 and there are now at least 250 4EB (including nearly 100 B-29) operating from there.  Scary...

Central Pacific
Maleolap
The Japanese CV refuel for the final time before setting out for combat on the 29th. 

Eniwetok
Surprisingly the Americans pull away (due North) from Einwetok that same day.  This might be interesting.  About 50% of the Landing Fleet remains at the base and I will probably focus my attack here.  There are at least 8-10 CVE in the force elaving Eniwetok and they MIGHT turn to face my CVs.  I doubt that but we'll see.

Wake
This base is AF-5 and it is crammed with 240 planes.  I set the Attack Planes (60 Kamikaze/50 Frances/60 Torpedo Bombers) to attack at range 6.  This is the maximum range with my 80 Fighters providing cover.  Floowing advice from Nemo earlier, I set the 2 Daitai of Kamikazes to opposite extremes.  One flies at 1,000 Ft and the other at 25,000 feet.  I hope to split up the CAP this way so my bombers can bore in.  50-50 as to whether the Americans continue North into range.

Kwajalein/Truk
Nearly 500 planes sit at these two AF waiting orders. 

Palau
I have gathered a fairly substantial TF of repaired ships from the Home Islands (2 CA, 2 CL, 10 DD) and sent them here on the 27th from Nagasaki.  At the same time I order the servicable ships at Singapore to head for Palau too.  A TF of 2 CA and 9 DD leave for the rendezvous.  CV Taiho and Shokaku with 5 DD will arrive at Palau on the 30th.  My intention is to gathered these forces and then mvoe them to Truk.  From there they will strike at Eniwetok in an effort to force the AP/AK clustered there AWAY from the island so my LBA can hit them without CAP providing protection.

Might work--might not.  It depends on whether they are still present when I get to the point of attacking.  

Inner Perimeter Reinforcements
I have a number of troops moving into place at Yap, Palau, Guam, and Truk.  If Dan is to stage another major invasion it will have to fall somewhere along the line of the Marianas and I intend to have enough troops here to make it a serious fight.  There are 6 ML laying mines as fast as possible around these islands.

South Pacific
There are several convoys picking up troops from various outposts and delivering them to new homes.  This area has been effectively abandoned for a year and now I am simply pulling out the last of the major units.

DEI
Troops pulled from Saigon and Sinagpore are filling various bases right now.  Troops are landing at Brunei, Miri, Kuching, all Java, Balikpapan, and Tarakan.  There are probably about 100,000 men that have been pulled out so far.  I want to double that within the next two weeks if possible.

SS
I have 6 ASW TF of 35-40 Strength operating under aggressive leaderships as well as 300 bombers flying ASW missions trying to hit Allied SS.  They are everywhere right now.  In the week-long period of this report I have ASW TF hit 3 SS and LBA hit another 4 SS.  No sinkings as of yet but definately a batch of damaged subs. 

Unless these SS immediately sink a ship, most of my damaged ships are making port.  The waters are so tight here that a port is usually only a day away and it makes a difference.

Convoys
25th--A large convoy of 82,000 Oil and 195,000 Resources departs Jesselton for Hiroshima
27th--Smaller convoy carrying 24,000 Oil and 65,000 Resources leaves for Nagasaki

Australia
I didn't think I would use this regional heading again but I stage a small CV Raid (Zuikaku and Amagi plus 5 DD) on the 28th where I sink 2 AK that were carrying elements of the 31st Aussie Brigade to Broome.  The Aussies lose 1,000 men and my pilots get a safe mission in. 

The CVs head for Palau to join-up with the rest of the concentration there.

Malaya--Indochina
Ban Don
After holding Ban Don for about 10 days, I elect to fallback to Singora.  Don't have to do this but I watch with great alarm the gathering troops strength (now 22 units) at Georgetown and cannot take the risk of these troops being cutoff if they march out and take Alor Star.  I'll hold Singora easily (Fort 8) and can retreat down the east side of the Peninsula if needed.

Aerial Fighting
The air is think with Allied aircraft hitting nearly every major base over the last week.  The only base not hit so far is Saigon.  I am lucky this way in that I couldn't pull these troops out of Singapore and Saigon if Dan was attacking the AF. 

Singapore
I face some serious panic earlier in the week when Dan starts flying P-38 Fighter Sweeps from Bankha here.  It gets pretty ugly quickly when he ties 4EB to follow-up.  My pilots do fairly well in the fighter exchange 1 for 2 roughly but do manage to really cream a Liberator raid on the 23rd.  A group of 58 Liberators fly down from Padang without Fighter support and runs into 146 Fighters!  In exchange for 3 Fighters, 36 B-24 fall and all the rest are damaged!  There hasn't been another Sweep or Raid here since then.

Home Island
The Raids continue and get far more ominous when I realize that there are now 150 B-24/B-17 and 100 B-29 flying out of Shikuka as well as 150 4EB at Iwo Jima.  Another 100 B-29 are in China hitting various targets as well.  This SHOULD be the maximum until he grabs more bases in the area (translate that to the Marianas).

Raids
I'll provide date, number of planes, where flown from, and results:
24th--Sapporo (Sakhalin) 12 F vs. 30 P-38 and 185 4EB--I lose 5 Fighters and 59 Resources
25th--Hamamatsu (Iwo Jima) 22 F vs.  138 4EB--I lose 3 F for 11 4EB (37 Damaged) and 14 Resources
29th--Hakodate (Sakhalin) 33 F vs.  52 P-38, 112 4EB, and 85 B-29--I lose 21 F 3 P-38 and 3 4EB.  Lose 29 Heavy Industry.

Hokkaido
I have turned the repair function off for everything on the island.  The fact that those DAMNED P-38 can fly Escort from Shikuka is killing me up there.


If anyone has any ideas on Home Island Defence I will GLADLY take it!  I'm doing well in the southern Home Islands but those long-range escorts are playing merry Hell with me in the north.



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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1242
Central Pacific - 12/27/2008 2:28:54 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Here is a Screenshot of the Central Pacific:






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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1243
Malaya--Sumatra Region - 12/27/2008 2:48:10 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Screenshot of this mess:






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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1244
Home Islands - 12/27/2008 3:11:49 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Continuing with the Home Islands:






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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1245
RE: Malaya--Sumatra Region - 12/27/2008 3:13:51 AM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		Weather - Your screenshot of the Central Pacific shows rain somewhere. IF you go after his TF in this area, before you plot your moves see where the rain is. I saw it in our 2x2 cover all of Hawaii, all the Line Islands, Canton Island, and Johnson Island. You can use it if it exist to come out of it without being spotted.

For Northern Japan, I feel you are going to have to pick and chose where you imploy your CAP/LRCAP to protect whatever strategic assets you can least afford to lose. I don't what you have for subs, by you need to try to interdict his re-supply. Those 4e bombers eat it up fast. His capture of most of the Aleutians will allow his AKs to be under LRCAP for most of their journey. 

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1246
The Marianas to Palau - 12/27/2008 3:26:47 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		This is a cluttered screenshot but I want to show the massive redeployment going on without any sign of Allied interference:






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(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 1247
RE: The Marianas to Palau - 12/27/2008 3:32:15 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Michael is dead right.  I am trying to use the weather front moving in to cover my approach.  I figure it might work either way.  If he sees my CVs then he may order his shipping back to Eniwetok and LBA and if he doesn't then he continues without knowing I am on a stern chase.

My SS are in terrible shape.  Less then 10 boats are repairing in Home Waters. I have about a dozen repairing in Shanghai with another dozen on patrol in the Northern Waters and the Central Pacific.  There are about 10 SS operating out of Singapore deploying mines.

I just don't see the point of keep CAP everywhere in the Home Islands.  I cannot compete against those EVIL P-38 flying out of Sakhalin.  Though it means sacrificing Hokkaido, I will be better able to concentrate my CAP in other locations that are vital to my interests. 

Anyone know the range of a P-38 on Long-Range Escort?
   

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 12/27/2008 3:34:33 AM >

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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1248
RE: The Marianas to Palau - 12/27/2008 9:25:59 AM   
ny59giants


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

Anyone know the range of a P-38 on Long-Range Escort?


Pull up Tracker, Sir John. There is a pull down that allows you to compare plane vs plane characteristics. This will also furnish you with their ranges.




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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1249
Procution/VP May 1, 1944 - 12/28/2008 7:11:36 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		May 1, 1944
Victory Points and Economic Summary

Victory Points:
 
Score
Japan     52,972  (Up 864 Points)
Allies    47,160  (Up 4,142 Points)
 
Strategic Losses  3,148

The only good thing to say is that for the second month in a row I GAIN victory points.  I don’t know about other players but for the Japanese to have a month in 1944 where they raise their victory points seems a small victory to me.    Most of Dan’s point gain comes in the area of strategic losses so I am including that for the first time in this report.
 
Main features of the month were the continued attritional slugfest in Malaya—Sumatra—Indochina.  I’ve pulled about 100,000 troops from this area during the month and hope to pull an equal amount in May.  

The capture of Eniwetok, Umnak, and Paramushiro Jima occur too.
 
Ships Sunk

Japan   833—8,594 VP (up 457)—I lost 31 ships during April.  Considering the heavy fighting in Malaya and my withdrawal from Saigon/Singapore, I expected this to be far worse..  These were my losses:  9 AK, 2 AP, 1 MSW, 2 PC, 1 ML, 2 TK, 1 AO, 9 AG, 1 DD, BB Yamato and 1 SS. 
 
Major Japanese Vessels Sunk to Date---CV Junyo, Hiyo, Hiryu, and Katsuragi, BB Fuso, Yamashiro, Mutsu, Nagato, Musashi, and Yamato, BC Kirishima, Haruna, and Kongo, 6 CA , 14 CL, 105 DD, and 44 SS.
 
Allies    1,237---14,042 VP (up 270)---Dan also lost 31 ships for the month of April.  Exact Losses are:  14 AK, 1 LCI, CL Dauntless, 11 DD and 3 SS.

Major Allied Vessels Sunk---CVs Enterprise, Lexington, Hornet, Wasp and Intrepid, CVL Langley, 5 CVE, BBs Colorado, West Virginia, Idaho, Tennessee, Arizona, Prince of Wales, Alabama, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Mississippi, BC Renown, 15 CA, 9 CL, 98 DD, and 57 SS.
 
Manchukuo Garrison---8,238---Down 1,142---(8,000 Needed)
Political Points---3,678
 
Units Transferred: 
I am about to buy an Infantry Division out of China.
 
 
Industrial Report
Supply              1,629,669--Down almost 300,000
Fuel                1,214,707—UP 80,000
Manpower       748 (1,345,900)—Down 43,000
Heavy Industry 14,537 (328,391)—UP 20,000
Resources        15,635 (1,852,301)—Lost 646 Resources from Bombing…
Oil                 2,319 (580,870)—Lost 72 Oil Centers

Seeing real fluctuation with the Strategic Bombing.  Managed to bring in a large convoy every week and saw some improvements.  It isn’t ALL bad.
 
Shipyards
Naval             1,309 (4,192)
Merchant          981 (4)
Repair            1,511

Carriers           I slow several CVs with the realization that they will be USELESS.
Kasagi             (174 Days--Accel)
Aso                 (245 Days)
Ikoma              (254 Days)  
Ibuki               (205 Days--Accel)
 
CL Sakawa           (185 Days—Accel)

Weapons
Armament        706 (12)
Vehicles           179 (12,433)

Armaments have collapsed!.  I increased armament production by nearly 68 in Manchuria.  Vehicle Production stayed the same but my stockpile decreased by nearly 5,500.  I had a HUGE influx of new units earlier this month and am rebuilding units all through the DEI.  Will have to see what happens next month with Aramaments.
 
Aircraft
Engines             2,235
Assembly         1,805+(367-Rd)

An OK month of this area.  I shifted a good number of Tony to Tojo in preparation for Mister Frank and shifted all Frank Research into the August copy.  Engines expanded by 20.
 
Engine Production
Mitsubishi         645(55)—Need 698—1,121 in Pool
Nakajima         1,234(57)—Need 1,270---1,239 in Pool
Kawasaki         237(23)---Need 258---161 in Pool
Aichi              119(1)---Need 98---163 in Pool
 
I am running slight deficits but with the big convoys that have arrived in the Home Islands I expect to see some engine expansion during the course of the month.
 
Plane Production
Fighters            Planes/Month (in Pool)
A6M2              0 (111)
A6M3              0 (0)
A6M3a            0 (210)
Oscar             0 (142)
Oscar IIa         0 (19)
Tojo              109 (8)
Tony              0 (15)
Jack              204 (64)
A6M5c            31 (211)
A6M5              315 (298)
Oscar III         44 (14)
Ki-61 Tony      258 (9)
N1K1 George  87 (52)
Frank 1a          210-Rd (08/44)
Frank 1c          0-Rd (12/44)
A6M8              16-Rd (06/45)
 
I am simply not producing enough airframes to keep up with the fight:   

Naval fighters are reasonably OK because I am producing three main models:  Jacks (expanding—up 10), A6M5, and George (up 4 over last month).   

The Army side continues to be the problem.  I am bringing Tojo back online (up 69) and pulling back Ki-61 Tony (down 56) while the research into Frank continues to expand at a decent clip (up 39).  I am going to expand Oscar III some to try take some of the load off Tony/Tojo.
 
 
Bombers
Betty                0 (207)
Betty 2              40 (180)
Frances             111 (82)
Sally                0 (17)
Helen                122 (213)
Lily                 40 (7)
Nick-a              0 (24)
Nick-b             0 (0)
Val                  0 (358)
Kate                 0 (149)
Judy                 98 (125)
Jill                 125 (99)
Grace                2-Rd (6/44)
Randy              0-Rd (07/44)
Peggy               107-Rd (8/44)              TWO months early.
Betty 2e           32-Rd (10/44)

Frances is now in solid production replacing Betty 1 and Betty 2.  I scaled back Betty 2 and am concentrating on Frances/Betty 2E.  Helen doing better and Peggy still expanding in research.  Naval aircraft (DB/TB) are doing pretty well.  Nice all-around increase in my bomber stockpiles.

Recon/Float
Emily                20 (1)
Alf                  16 (10)
Pete                 0  (99)
Pete A               0  (14)
Rufe                 23 (76)
Glen                 0 (34)
Dinah                0 (0)
Irving-R             24 (77)
Irving-S             23 (8)
Jake                 9 (0)
Babs                 0 (0)
Dinah-3              56 (15)
C6N Myrt             24 (64)

I restarted Alf and Jake production.  I still CANNOT keep enough Emilys!  On the last day in April I add 10 more Emily to be build.  My Myrts expanded by 10 having come into production in March.  
 
Transports
Tina                  10 (0)
Sally                 0 (0)
Topsy                28 (2)
Mavis-L             0 (0)
Tabby              0 (20)

I have learned in this game just how valuable these planes are.  I will not neglect the less glamorous side of airpower in my future games.  Build MORE of these will be the motto!  
 
 

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 12/28/2008 7:17:37 AM >

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 1250
Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 4:05:49 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		For Brian's benefit and ANYONE who might have a suggestion!






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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1251
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 4:19:54 PM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		More good news for you John.
A better climb rate and more maneuverable.




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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1252
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 4:42:13 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		At least the range stays the same at 8 for escorting purposes.  I cannot believe I have to cede the Ominato--Aomori Line north to fight the 4EB! 

Who else has been in this position?  What have you done about it?  Do I have to wait until August for my Franks and them cross my fingers???



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(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 1253
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 5:12:36 PM   
FeurerKrieg


Posts: 3397
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: Denver, CO
Status: offline 		That sounds like a plan. I'm not in your position yet (only in early 43) but I do my best not to tangle with P-38's unless it is 1) with my army pilots & 2) with massive numerical superiority.

Of course - the way war is we seldom get to always engage under the circumstances we would like to.

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Upper portion used with permission of www.subart.net, copyright John Meeks

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1254
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 5:22:32 PM   
RUPD3658


Posts: 6922
Joined: 8/28/2002
From: East Brunswick, NJ
Status: offline 		I found that you can not win vs the escorts. In fact I sent most of my airforce to China to cover the industry outside of P-38 range.

In my game Vs KDonovan AAR The Battle for New Jersey, what I did was send out a decoy transport TF just out of P-38 range but within B-24 range. I covered this with what was left of the KB and suckered about 200 B-24s to their doom. I managed to pull this off a few times.

By the way, cancel every ship that you currently have under production. They will on get sunk and score more points for the Allies.

< Message edited by RUPD3658 -- 12/29/2008 5:23:49 PM >

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(in reply to FeurerKrieg)
Post #: 1255
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 5:24:08 PM   
castor troy


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

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

For Brian's benefit and ANYONE who might have a suggestion!







you didn´t lose 60 A2A did you? can´t see the runway hits but with 39 hits on the airbase I guess there were 150+ on the runway so how much did you lose on the ground? Doesn´t mean losing 30 A2A for 2 of the enemy would be any better.

your problem was the low experience of your fighters, everything below 70 is just food for the Allied long range fighters.

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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1256
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 5:25:36 PM   
castor troy


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

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

At least the range stays the same at 8 for escorting purposes.  I cannot believe I have to cede the Ominato--Aomori Line north to fight the 4EB! 

Who else has been in this position?  What have you done about it?  Do I have to wait until August for my Franks and them cross my fingers???




no! It has 11 for escorting purposes, 8 is normal range which would be max range for LRCAP. Extended range is escorting range.

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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1257
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 6:10:10 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		John, I am currently getting slaughtered in my late '44 Big-B game. The range of the P-38 is 11; everything within that range is endangered. Don't dock a ship or park a plane anywhere within that range.

I would echo what has been said and add:

1. You need better pilots. You should be training them into the mid-70s. It takes about a month if you are bombing Chinese troops.
2. Anything within 11 hexes of an Allied base....defend with over 200 fighters, or don't bother. You will do much better with 3-1 advantage in fighters or more.
3. I would turn off all ship production, with the exception of Subs and maybe PCs. RUPD is right; they are just points for the Allies.
4. When I do counterattack, I move planes in quickly. I set all fighters to ESCORT and all bombers to ATTACK, hoping they get off the runway before it gets plastered. Most of the time they do.

There is no way to avoid losing hundreds of aircraft a month, other than stop fighting. Even when you win, you lose. Check out my latest turn. Hundreds of aircrews lost, all units at least 73 experience, even the Kamis:

Day Air attack on TF at 22,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
N1K1-J George x 21
J2M Jack x 73
P1Y Frances x 13
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 65
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 23
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 49
Ki-84-Ia Frank x 51

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 144
Hellcat II x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 33 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 15 destroyed
J2M Jack: 47 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 51 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 19 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 49 destroyed
Ki-84-Ia Frank: 32 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 85 destroyed
Hellcat II: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CVL Cowpens, Kamikaze hits 2, on fire
CVL Bataan, Kamikaze hits 1, on fire
CLAA Atlanta
CV Bunker Hill
CV Enterprise

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,46

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 24

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 59
Hellcat II x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 24 destroyed


Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Kamikaze hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Liscome Bay
CVE Anzio

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
J2M Jack x 7
P1Y Frances x 222
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 13
Ki-84-Ia Frank x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 59
Hellcat II x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
J2M Jack: 5 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 46 destroyed, 53 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 10 destroyed
Ki-84-Ia Frank: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 6 destroyed, 21 damaged
Hellcat II: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Anzio
CVE Chenango, Torpedo hits 2, Kamikaze hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 1, Kamikaze hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Manila Bay, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Corregidor, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CL Hobart, Kamikaze hits 2
CL Enterprise
CVE Liscome Bay, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet

< Message edited by Q-Ball -- 12/29/2008 6:11:25 PM >

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(in reply to castor troy)
Post #: 1258
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 7:24:10 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Brad--I see that at least you got HITS on some of the targets!  I really like the idea of an AA Trap using a decoy AK TF.  Just might try that...

The problem I have with training is that Dan has moved about 300 fighters into China and they appear anywhere I attack.  He is now using about 100 4EB to hit AF that show ANY planes on them.  I TRULY hate that feature of the game where anyone can see if an AF is occupied or not. 

Anyone got training ideas with that as a situation?
'


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

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(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 1259
RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 - 12/29/2008 7:38:38 PM   
Mike Solli


Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Brad--I see that at least you got HITS on some of the targets!  I really like the idea of an AA Trap using a decoy AK TF.  Just might try that...

The problem I have with training is that Dan has moved about 300 fighters into China and they appear anywhere I attack.  He is now using about 100 4EB to hit AF that show ANY planes on them.  I TRULY hate that feature of the game where anyone can see if an AF is occupied or not. 

Anyone got training ideas with that as a situation?
'


I put a recon unit on just about every airfield that could be used offensively. That way, unless your opponent keeps track of the air balance at each airfield, he won't have a clue.


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(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 1260
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