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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: KB Destroy enemy convoys!

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RE: KB Destroy enemy convoys! - 12/16/2010 12:13:08 PM

beppi

Posts: 382
Joined: 3/11/2004
From: Austria
Status: offline

From my experience against the AI on very hard (so 100 prep always for defending troops) the best way to capture an 6k atoll is just to drop an division on it. Just pick the smaller division for it and go through with it. You just have to provide continuous flow of supply for a few days until the island i captured.

In case of the Palmyra invasion i am not even sure that any had the proper USMC 43 squads in his division (54 from 12/42 and 1/43 + upgrade time + travel time is a close call) An invasion with the UMSC squads is not the best idea as the squads are quite weak. In addition a 100 prep is a must have, but from the report and the landing losses it seemed that there was a 100 prep available.

I tried different approaches like 2/3rd of a division, 1/3rd of a division and artillery and a HQ and 1/3rd of a division,tanks and a HQ but usually the best result was just to drop off an division and supply it as much as possible.

(in reply to janh)

Post #: 1741

RE: NEWSFLASH; Efate captured! - 12/17/2010 5:46:53 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: janh

But given Andy is a quite ambitious and aggressive player with tendency to accept some risks,

Not, that I give any credit, to psychological crap, but Andy is undoubtedly very cautious, and attack only with bigger stick. Heck, for Palmyra he concentrated all Allied heavy vessels.

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB

Java is already garrisoned, a tank div is in place.
An enemy offensive in Burma will not happen before 44, so we will leave a strong force there but reduce our presence.

Well, in that case, those Panzer Divisions will be sitting idle for at least 6 months.

quote:

Still, we delivered a perfect and deadly strike - no doubt Andy will choke on this one.

Could be better, but at least there were also AKs. Interesting, that they are worth less points, than xAKs. Also, DDs seems to not have enough punch to sink transports. 30-40 hits are far too many. What is ammunition situation after "hunt"? I hope, they were at least, loaded with supplies. Was there any reported "ground loses" planes after?

quote:

Nice 1stSentai Fighter unit here, almost like in Vanilla.
TOJOs are somewhat outdated by this time, since CORSAIRs and HELLCATs coming online. It would be better to save those pilots, as I do not see any DECISIVE BATTLE in near future. Plus, with their experience, there is nothing new they could learn anyway. Maybe save them for TOJO c? Does experience allows better targeting with those crappy heavy cannons?
Anyway, when are the next generation army fighters are due?

Also, what is projected TOE of 2nd Tank Division? Now, after rebuilding, it have 2 types of AT guns, and 4 types of AA. I hope it is not permanent?

quote:

So what's your best approach for dealing with atolls this size; multiple invasions of regimental sized units or a massive assault by a full division that will eventually prevail?

If I would have to guess, I would say disruption/losses during unloading are applied per-ship-basis. So with ONE BIG UNIT which gets combined, after landing, you get average disruption for all. So it would probably be better to assault with as many units as possible, so maybe at least some of them will be lucky during unloading. But then again, if units are too small, they could be wiped out after one attack, because of disastrous disruption during landing.
IIRC Marine Division during first attack was short of supply, so low AV was mainly because too few landing ships.

< Message edited by inqistor -- 12/19/2010 10:47:41 AM >

(in reply to janh)

Post #: 1742

Carrier strike against Midway! - 12/19/2010 8:27:52 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

That's great info, much appreciated Beppi

Andy is opportunistic and right now he can't and won't take too big risks.
Within 6 months he will have more birdfarms than we do, if he is sloppy and engage in combat before that he knows he may suffer another defeat and be
set back another 3-6 months.

The Jap Army is huge and most of it is sitting idle right now; not a lot of tank battle fields to be found outside of the jungle...and Oz is not an option Inq

No troops or fuel reported, the largest convoy was most likely a supply convoy enroute to PH while the other was an empty convoy returning to the West Coast.
- Ammo situation is good, the surface units that spent their main gun ammo have been rotated into the KB Car Divs to act as ASW-AA units.

Northern Oz is a resting zone for the crack Tojo unit; it's based there to act as a rear area reserve CAP unit in Darwin.
If I need it in the Solomons, New Guinea or Oz the unit can be quickly redeployed. We won't get any new Army fighters until the end of the year when the Frank arrives.

Ok, busy days; a quick summary.

Horn Island has been recaptured by the Allies; enemy bombers nuked the garrison, I picked up the remains before the place fell and the unit will now
be reconstructed.

We're into June 1943 and I had hoped the George would be accelerated from 07-43 to 06-43 as we have 110+ ac in research, but nothing has happened...

Today the KB moved within 8 hexes of Midway on its return leg and spotted an enemy fuel convoy.
Imperial HQ reports that the convoy was destroyed

2 destroyers, 1 AM, 2 tankers and an AK were sunk!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 02, 43

Mine Clearing

Enemy Liberators have been laying mines near Rangoon and Darwin and this is the effort to clear them.
I have dedicated night fighters at Rangoon but it's not possible to intercept minelaying bombers.

According to Andy this is to reflect the fact that no minelaying ac was ever intercepted historically as they laid mines
out to sea in shipping lanes.

TF 241 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 19
AMc Wa 3

35 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 241 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 19
AMc Wa 3

58 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

The large tanker isn't loaded and should make it.

Sub attack near Babeldaob at 93,96

Japanese Ships
TK Goyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1
SC Ch 7
TK Tatekawa Maru
TK Kaizyo Maru
TK Huzisan Maru
E Hatsutaka
E Naryu

Allied Ships
SS Mingo

SS Mingo launches 6 torpedoes at TK Goyo Maru
Mingo diving deep ....
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Naryu fails to find sub and abandons search
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on TF, near Midway Island at 158,91
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 51
A6M3a Zero x 14
A6M5 Zero x 48
B6N1 Jill x 13
D4Y1 Judy x 30

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Allied Ships
AM Ungava, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK Hagood, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Gilmer
DD King, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Adoniram Judson, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

CAP engaged:
VMF-222 with F2A-3 Buffalo (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

Training flight from VMF-222 has been caught up in attack
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AM Ungava
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Midway Island at 158,91
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 7
D4Y1 Judy x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Gilmer, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD King, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK Sunadmiral, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Adoniram Judson, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TK Hagood, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD King
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring TK Hagood
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Midway Island at 158,91
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 48
D4Y1 Judy x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AM Ungava, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Gilmer, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
DD King, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Strike on Midway!

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to inqistor)

Post #: 1743

RE: Carrier strike against Midway! - 12/19/2010 10:03:36 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

We continued to hit Midway today as KB's heavy escorts bombarded the place.
The KB followed up with a major strike on the ground facilities.

Tomorrow a full sized division will land on Midway and capture the place. 100% preparations and numerous smaller transports will ensure a quick unload
of the storm troops. There is a Marine Defense Battalion and a Base Force unit there, so I don't expect any problems.

Will leave a regiment and air units as well as hundreds of mines there and force Andy to use a full division to recapture the place.
With Midway in our hand we will have full controll of both the northern and southern approaches into the Pacific ocean between Hawaii and the West Coast.
- Future raids can therefore be mounted with more ease. I also see a major benefit in isolating Pearl Harbour.

Most of the Combined Fleet has sortied; will be interesting to see if Andy moves out; I would like to face his carriers again before they become more numerous than locusts.
Midway has now a chance to become a Japanese victory!

BANZAII!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 03, 43

Bombardments

Night Naval bombardment of Midway Island at 158,91 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

46 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
CA Nachi
CL Ninaru
DD Natsugumo
DD Maikaze
DD Makinami
DD Shimakaze

Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 16 (9 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 18
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Haruna
BB Haruna firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Haruna
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Kongo
BB Kongo firing at Midway Island
CA Nachi firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Nachi
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at CL Ninaru
CL Ninaru firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
DD Natsugumo firing at Midway Island
DD Maikaze firing at Midway Island
DD Makinami firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Makinami
DD Shimakaze firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Shimakaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Midway Island at 158,91 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground

72 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CA Myoko
CL Isuzu
DD Kawakaze
DD Makigumo
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Yugumo

Allied ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 16
Port fuel hits 1

BB Kirishima firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Kirishima
BB Hiei firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Hiei
CA Myoko firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Myoko
CL Isuzu firing at Midway Island
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Kawakaze
DD Kawakaze firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Makigumo
DD Makigumo firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
DD Akigumo firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Akigumo
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Yugumo
DD Yugumo firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub-ASW Attacks

I've spotted huge fleets of enemy subs moving west towards Formosa.
Sent several ASW groups to intercept...

ASW attack near Naha at 95,68

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-42

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish

SS Flying Fish is located by SC CHa-42
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Naha at 95,68

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-36, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
SC CHa-42

Allied Ships
SS Whale

SS Whale launches 6 torpedoes at SC CHa-36
Whale diving deep ....
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-42 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

We hit Horn Island with Army bombers today.
Pretty sure Andy wants to move up to capture Merauke and establish himself in the region.
Our newly established major airfield complex at Hollandia will dispute that wish.

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
48 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 5000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 54

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 24

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 6th Marine Defense Battalion, at 158,91 (Midway Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
B6N1 Jill x 46
D4Y1 Judy x 145

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
111 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CAP engaged:
VMF-222 with F2A-3 Buffalo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 6th Marine Defense Battalion ...
Also attacking 116th USAAF Base Force ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 6th Marine Defense Battalion, at 158,91 (Midway Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
B6N1 Jill x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 6th Marine Defense Battalion, at 158,91 (Midway Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Midway

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1744

RE: Carrier strike against Midway! - 12/19/2010 10:38:11 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

Midway is isolated, and completely undefendable, by both sides. But it will be nice propaganda victory. What is Kure Island potential? You could put there Float Planes, and AV, as anything at Midway will be destroyed anyway, during first attack.

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB
Today the KB moved within 8 hexes of Midway on its return leg and spotted an enemy fuel convoy.

Interesting, fuel for Midway? Maybe it is preparation for Wake invasion? What is the name of nearest island? Marcus? Better prepare it, just in case.

quote:

I have dedicated night fighters at Rangoon but it's not possible to intercept minelaying bombers.

According to Andy this is to reflect the fact that no minelaying ac was ever intercepted historically as they laid mines
out to sea in shipping lanes.

And in new beta patch we see:
036. Fixed Aerial mine-laying mission was left out of the bomber interception check; should have been as it was added to the other checks

I was generally dwelling on overall combatants abilities there are few areas:
(a) industry. Japan can try to be competitive, but ultimately there is not enough oil on the map. So this is lost case
(b) ships. They are predetermined, and even, when accelerated, Allies ultimately greatly outproduce Japan
(c) planes. Not only airframes will be outproduced, but also Allies have much more pilots
and finally:
(d) troops. Now, here things are getting interesting. Allies have predetermined reinforcements, but Japan uses general Armament Pool, and in fact can outperform Allies all the time. So this is the main point, where Japan should constantly push. Even getting larger loses, in long term, Japan can burn all Allies reinforcements pools.

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1745

RE: Carrier strike against Midway! - 12/19/2010 10:56:30 PM

janh

Posts: 1216
Joined: 6/12/2007
Status: offline

Nice OPS, sneaky plan in fact. Suppose that takes care of an advanced sub base for Andy, which should probably hurt a little and give your convoys breathing space.

I am pondering about your idea to isolate Pearl that late in the game. On the one hand I believe it will disturb his force build-up and organization for the next invasions, on the other hand I wonder whether it will be so stuffed with supply, fuel and platforms anyway that a few weeks of cut lines will not make a difference, but put KB in a position that will allow Andy to start a free hunt with dozens of subs?

How long would you estimate the time until Pearl ran out of supply? 3 months? 6 months? If it were possible to isolate it with KB until that point, it would be an opportunity for a port strike. Else, a blockade might also induce Andy to venture out with the remainder of the USN to lift the cordon, or even induce him to use his CV earlier than he probably should... On the other hand, if there is just enough supply, and Andy sits tight until he got formal CV superiority, you will only waste tons of fuel, risk your ships to subs and LBA, and perhaps not gain a lot? But doing nothing and just sitting tight yourself will definitely win nothing, and KB will be sort-of defeated without a battle once he can form his CV death star. Suppose an attempt to isolate Pearl would make sense?!

(in reply to inqistor)

Post #: 1746

Midway invaded! - 12/19/2010 11:40:34 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Will get back to your comments tomorrow; late for an appointment with my bed!-)

Midway was invaded; landed in PM phase and unloaded the juicy part of the division with plenty support.
Got a 4-1 in the first assault, the place is ripe for picking tomorrow.

Andy moved in more ac so not sure he expected this.
Let's see what'll be in the bag tomorrow.

Even when the Allies recapture Midway we will only loose part of the division that will be rebuilt in the Marianas.
Perhaps we can intercept the enemy invasion or cause losses with mines, subs etc.
- Invading Midway is maybe not the most important thing to do but it's one of the relatively few offensive actions we could carry out at this point of time.

Enemy subs are again stepping up their activities; need to deploy my ASW sea and air units and look into the routes my most important convoys are using.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 04, 43

Sub Attacks

Sub attack near Dadjangas at 77,93

Japanese Ships
TK Nisshin Maru #2, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
E Naryu
TK Nissyo Maru
TK Kaizyo Maru
TK Huzisan Maru
E Hatsutaka

Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish

SS Cuttlefish launches 4 torpedoes at TK Nisshin Maru #2
Cuttlefish diving deep ....
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hatsutaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hatsutaka attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Dadjangas at 77,93

TK Nisshin Maru #2 is sighted by SS Grouper
SS Grouper attacking on the surface

Japanese Ships
TK Nisshin Maru #2, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grouper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on TF, near Midway Island at 158,91
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2U-3 Vindicator: 5 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Midway Island at 158,91
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2U-3 Vindicator: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments and Invasion

Naval bombardment of Midway Island at 158,91 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 3 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
SB2U-3 Vindicator: 1 destroyed on ground

25 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
CA Kako, Shell hits 3
DD Akebono
DD Isonami
DD Inazuma
DD Ikazuchi

Allied ground losses:
122 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 65
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

BB Mutsu firing at Midway Island
BB Nagato firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Nagato
CA Kako firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Kako
DD Akebono firing at Midway Island
DD Isonami firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Isonami
DD Inazuma firing at 116th USAAF Base Force
DD Ikazuchi firing at Midway Island
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Midway Island - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
60 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 3
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 3
DD Harukaze
xAK Ronsan Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hikokaze
xAK Sinko Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Toko Maru #4
PB Tokotsu Maru
PB Yodozo Maru
PB Tama Maru #8
PB Takashima Maru
PB Noshiro Maru #2
PB Hakata Maru #7
PB Hagoromo Maru
PB Choun Maru #8
PB Banshu Maru #56
SC Ch 34
SC Ch 31
xAK Alaska Maru

Japanese ground losses:
144 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

CA Furutaka firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Kinugasa
DD Harukaze firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Harukaze
7in CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Ronsan Maru at 8,000 yards
CA Furutaka firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
5in CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Sinko Maru at 8,000 yards
CA Furutaka firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
7in CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Sinko Maru at 8,000 yards
CA Furutaka firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
PB Toko Maru #4 fired at enemy guns
PB Tokotsu Maru fired at enemy guns
PB Yodozo Maru fired at enemy guns
PB Tama Maru #8 fired at enemy troops
PB Takashima Maru fired at enemy guns
PB Noshiro Maru #2 fired at enemy guns
PB Hakata Maru #7 fired at enemy guns
PB Hagoromo Maru fired at enemy guns
PB Choun Maru #8 fired at enemy guns
PB Banshu Maru #56 fired at enemy guns
SC Ch 34 fired at enemy guns
SC Ch 31 fired at enemy guns
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Midway Island

TF 156 troops unloading over beach at Midway Island, 158,91

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 19th Div /9
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 19th Div /11
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 19th Div /20
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 19th Div /31
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 19th Div /39
10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 19th Div /39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Midway Island (158,91)
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 891 troops, 30 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 43
Defending force 5284 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 160

Assaulting units:
116th USAAF Base Force
6th Marine Defense Battalion

Defending units:
19th Div /2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Midway Island (158,91)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5284 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 160
Defending force 1803 troops, 39 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Japanese adjusted assault: 26
Allied adjusted defense: 6

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 4)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
238 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
218 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 23 (7 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Assaulting units:
19th Div /2

Defending units:
116th USAAF Base Force
6th Marine Defense Battalion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Midway Invaded!

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to janh)

Post #: 1747

RE: Midway invaded! - 12/20/2010 9:41:38 AM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Have been many discussions around air minelaying, glad to see that a consensus has been reached!

Japan can train an undefined number of new pilots, the limitations ultimately lies in resources and oil as you rightly point out.
You may have a point about trying to cause as many Allied casualties as possible and try to bleed them white. Large losses will only be inflicted when the Allies are defeated; fighting a defensive battle will cause damage but few permanent losses. Continued offensives in 44-46 may be difficult, Burma is perhaps an exception. Our last offensive didn��t win us much ground but casualties were high on both sides. My plan is to make Andy fight for every single little atoll, island and base he wants to capture. Damage, disrupt, delay and counterattack constantly.

When I talked about isolating PH I didn��t mean to literally cut all of Hawaii of from supplies!-)
- I was more thinking about making PH into an isolated base without a surrounding network.

Historically Midway, Johnston Island, Line Islands etc were outposts were scout planes, subs and offensives could be launched from. The occasional raid by KB will as you say delay and disrupt but not much more. PH probably got millions of supplies, fuel is something else�Kno idea how much is stockpiled there. Would love to sink another tanker convoy ��

Keeping the KB a fleet in being is essential; this doesn��t mean we should avoid combat if this can be arranged on our own tactical terms.
Still waiting for a response to the invasion of Midway�Kwill the enemy storm north next turn or sit idle?

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1748

Midway captured! - 12/20/2010 10:45:58 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Tokyo Rose was on the radio today and announced the fall of Midway!

Some 38k fuel and 17k supplies on the island.

To my annoyance Andy clicked the "get PT boat" button twice and got 2 squadrons of little pests despite the island being totally under siege and hammered.
To add to my annoyance the PT boats ignored the 2 surface combat TFs and went straight for the Amph TF and sank 7 transports and a PB before being destroyed.

Will certainly remember this one for later when the Allies go onto the rampage!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 05, 43

Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Midway Island at 158,91, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
DD Harukaze
E Yugao
E W-5, Shell hits 1, on fire
E W-19
PB Banshu Maru #56, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Choun Maru #8
PB Hagoromo Maru
PB Takashima Maru
PB Tama Maru #8
xAK Ronsan Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Sansei Maru
xAK Taian Maru
xAK Taiko Maru
xAK Burma Maru
xAK Karachi Maru, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Liverpool Maru
xAK Sumatra Maru
xAK Thames Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Hiteru Maru
xAK Nikki Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Tihuku Maru
xAK Tatuha Maru
xAK Meisan Maru
xAK Tazan Maru
xAK Taian Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Taigen Maru
xAK Heian Maru
xAK Hukuzyu Maru
xAK Momoyama Maru
xAK Sekiho Maru
xAK Utide Maru
xAK Yamagiku Maru
xAK Yamahagi Maru
xAK Sinno Maru
xAK Ryuzan Maru
xAK Hokkai Maru
xAK Toyu Maru
PB Yodozo Maru
PB Tokotsu Maru
PB Toko Maru #4
SC Ch 31
SC Ch 34
xAK Alaska Maru
DD Hikokaze

Allied Ships
PT-62
PT-63
PT-64
PT-65
PT-103, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-104

Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 14% moonlight: 3,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
Japanese ships attempt to get underway
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru screened from combat
- escorted by E W-5 , PB Tokotsu Maru , PB Takashima Maru
PT-103 engages xAK Karachi Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages PT-104 at 3,000 yards
E W-19 engages PT-104 at 3,000 yards
PT-62 engages xAK Karachi Maru at 3,000 yards
xAK Taian Maru sunk by PT-63 at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Toko Maru #4
E W-19 engages PT-63 at 2,000 yards
E W-19 engages PT-63 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru , xAK Tazan Maru , xAK Meisan Maru ,
xAK Tatuha Maru , xAK Tihuku Maru , xAK Nikki Maru ,
xAK Hiteru Maru , xAK Thames Maru , xAK Sumatra Maru ,
xAK Liverpool Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Burma Maru ,
xAK Taiko Maru , xAK Taian Maru , xAK Sansei Maru ,
xAK Ronsan Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hikokaze , DD Harukaze , E W-5 ,
E Yugao , PB Toko Maru #4 , PB Yodozo Maru ,
PB Takashima Maru , PB Hagoromo Maru
CA Kumano engages PT-104 at 3,000 yards
PB Tokotsu Maru engages PT-63 at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Takashima Maru , PB Hagoromo Maru
PT-103 engages PB Tama Maru #8 at 4,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages PT-103 at 4,000 yards
E W-19 engages PT-104 at 4,000 yards
PT-103 engages E Yugao at 4,000 yards
PB Banshu Maru #56 engages PT-104 at 4,000 yards
SC Ch 31 engages PT-104 at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru , xAK Tazan Maru , xAK Meisan Maru ,
xAK Tatuha Maru , xAK Tihuku Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Harukaze , E W-19 , E W-5 ,
PB Tokotsu Maru , PB Yodozo Maru
SC Ch 34 engages PT-104 at 2,000 yards
SC Ch 31 engages PT-103 at 2,000 yards
E Yugao engages PT-104 at 2,000 yards
PT-63 engages PB Banshu Maru #56 at 2,000 yards
PT-62 engages xAK Karachi Maru at 2,000 yards
PB Choun Maru #8 engages PT-104 at 2,000 yards
PT-62 engages SC Ch 34 at 2,000 yards
SC Ch 31 engages PT-104 at 2,000 yards
PT-104 engages xAK Nikki Maru at 2,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru , xAK Tazan Maru , xAK Meisan Maru ,
xAK Tatuha Maru , xAK Tihuku Maru , xAK Nikki Maru ,
xAK Hiteru Maru , xAK Thames Maru , xAK Sumatra Maru ,
xAK Liverpool Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Burma Maru ,
xAK Taiko Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hikokaze , DD Harukaze , PB Toko Maru #4 ,
PB Tokotsu Maru , PB Yodozo Maru , PB Tama Maru #8
E W-5 engages PT-104 at 2,000 yards
PT-64 engages E W-5 at 2,000 yards
PT-104 engages SC Ch 34 at 2,000 yards
PT-104 engages xAK Ronsan Maru at 2,000 yards
PB Tama Maru #8 engages PT-103 at 2,000 yards
PT-65 engages xAK Karachi Maru at 2,000 yards
E W-19 engages PT-104 at 2,000 yards
PT-63 engages PB Banshu Maru #56 at 2,000 yards
E Yugao engages PT-62 at 2,000 yards
PB Yodozo Maru engages PT-104 at 2,000 yards
PT-104 engages xAK Thames Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru , xAK Tazan Maru , xAK Meisan Maru ,
xAK Tatuha Maru , xAK Tihuku Maru , xAK Nikki Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hikokaze , DD Harukaze , E W-19 ,
E Yugao , PB Toko Maru #4
E W-5 engages PT-104 at 4,000 yards
PB Yodozo Maru engages PT-104 at 4,000 yards
PT-104 engages xAK Taiko Maru at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
SC Ch 31 collides with xAK Yamagiku Maru at 158 , 91
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru , xAK Tazan Maru , xAK Meisan Maru ,
xAK Tatuha Maru , xAK Tihuku Maru , xAK Nikki Maru ,
xAK Hiteru Maru , xAK Thames Maru , xAK Sumatra Maru ,
xAK Liverpool Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Burma Maru ,
xAK Taiko Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hikokaze , E W-19 , E W-5 ,
PB Toko Maru #4 , PB Yodozo Maru , PB Tama Maru #8
DD Harukaze engages PT-103 at 6,000 yards
E Yugao engages PT-104 at 6,000 yards
PB Tokotsu Maru engages PT-63 at 6,000 yards
PT-104 engages PB Choun Maru #8 at 6,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru , xAK Tazan Maru , xAK Meisan Maru ,
xAK Tatuha Maru , xAK Tihuku Maru , xAK Nikki Maru ,
xAK Hiteru Maru , xAK Thames Maru screened from combat
PT-103 engages SC Ch 31 at 6,000 yards
PT-64 engages E W-19 at 6,000 yards
E W-5 engages PT-62 at 6,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru , xAK Tazan Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Harukaze , E W-5 , PB Tokotsu Maru ,
PB Yodozo Maru
PT-104 engages E W-19 at 6,000 yards
DD Hikokaze engages PT-64 at 6,000 yards
PT-65 engages E Yugao at 6,000 yards
PB Choun Maru #8 engages PT-62 at 6,000 yards
PB Hagoromo Maru engages PT-104 at 6,000 yards
PT-104 engages xAK Tatuha Maru at 6,000 yards
PT-104 engages xAK Taian Maru at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Taigen Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Harukaze , E Yugao , PB Yodozo Maru
PT-103 sunk by DD Hikokaze at 11,000 yards
E W-19 engages PT-104 at 11,000 yards
SC Ch 31 engages PT-63 at 11,000 yards
SC Ch 34 engages PT-62 at 11,000 yards
PT-104 engages xAK Hiteru Maru at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Midway Island at 158,91, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
DD Harukaze
E Yugao
E W-5, heavy fires
E W-19
PB Banshu Maru #56, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Choun Maru #8
PB Hagoromo Maru
PB Takashima Maru
PB Tama Maru #8
xAK Sansei Maru
xAK Taian Maru
xAK Taiko Maru
xAK Burma Maru
xAK Liverpool Maru
xAK Sumatra Maru
xAK Thames Maru
xAK Hiteru Maru
xAK Nikki Maru
xAK Tihuku Maru
xAK Tatuha Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAK Meisan Maru
xAK Tazan Maru
xAK Taigen Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Heian Maru
xAK Hukuzyu Maru
xAK Momoyama Maru
xAK Sekiho Maru
xAK Utide Maru
xAK Yamagiku Maru
xAK Yamahagi Maru
xAK Sinno Maru
xAK Ryuzan Maru
xAK Hokkai Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Toyu Maru
PB Yodozo Maru
PB Tokotsu Maru
PB Toko Maru #4
SC Ch 31
SC Ch 34
xAK Alaska Maru
DD Hikokaze

Allied Ships
PT-105, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-106, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
PT-107
PT-108, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-109, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-110, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
122 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (4 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 14% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
PT-109 engages xAK Hokkai Maru at 1,000 yards
PT-109 sunk by DD Harukaze at 1,000 yards
PT-107 engages xAK Hokkai Maru at 1,000 yards
PT-106 engages xAK Hokkai Maru at 1,000 yards
E Yugao engages PT-105 at 1,000 yards
xAK Taigen Maru sunk by PT-110 at 1,000 yards
PT-110 engages xAK Tatuha Maru at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru screened from combat
- escorted by E W-19 , PB Tokotsu Maru
PT-106 sunk by DD Hikokaze at 2,000 yards
PT-110 sunk by E Yugao at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru ,
xAK Ryuzan Maru , xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru ,
xAK Yamagiku Maru , xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru ,
xAK Momoyama Maru , xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru ,
xAK Tazan Maru , xAK Meisan Maru , xAK Tatuha Maru ,
xAK Tihuku Maru , xAK Nikki Maru , xAK Hiteru Maru ,
xAK Thames Maru , xAK Sumatra Maru , xAK Liverpool Maru ,
xAK Burma Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hikokaze , E W-19 , PB Toko Maru #4 ,
PB Tokotsu Maru , PB Yodozo Maru , PB Takashima Maru
PT-105 sunk by DD Harukaze at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Hokkai Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Yodozo Maru
PT-108 sunk by DD Hikokaze at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
xAK Yamagiku Maru collides with xAK Sinno Maru at 158 , 91
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Tokotsu Maru
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Ryuzan Maru ,
xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru , xAK Yamagiku Maru ,
xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru , xAK Momoyama Maru ,
xAK Hukuzyu Maru , xAK Heian Maru , xAK Tazan Maru ,
xAK Meisan Maru , xAK Tatuha Maru , xAK Tihuku Maru ,
xAK Nikki Maru , xAK Hiteru Maru , xAK Thames Maru ,
xAK Sumatra Maru , xAK Liverpool Maru , xAK Burma Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hikokaze , DD Harukaze , E W-19 ,
E Yugao , PB Toko Maru #4 , PB Tokotsu Maru
xAK Alaska Maru , xAK Toyu Maru , xAK Ryuzan Maru ,
xAK Sinno Maru , xAK Yamahagi Maru , xAK Yamagiku Maru ,
xAK Utide Maru , xAK Sekiho Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Harukaze , PB Takashima Maru
Range increases to 4,000 yards
PT-107 engages xAK Tatuha Maru at 4,000 yards
PB Yodozo Maru engages PT-107 at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Heavy air attaks against PM and a flight of Judy's is intercepted by LRCAP as they attack a convoy heading north towards Cairns.
Much activity in the area now.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Coen at 93,134
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 14
B-24D Liberator x 37
B-24D1 Liberator x 21
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
B-26B Marauder x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 60
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Midway Island (158,91)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6548 troops, 17 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 230
Defending force 1268 troops, 38 guns, 40 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Japanese adjusted assault: 124
Allied adjusted defense: 11

Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Midway Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1217 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 66 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 36 (36 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 41 (41 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
19th Division

Defending units:
116th USAAF Base Force
6th Marine Defense Battalion
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Midway

Found a unit that upgrades to the Jack; first unit into service!

Our ASW units tracked an enemy wolfpack today and attacked repeatedly:
This is just a small selection of the ASW reports today.

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jun 05, 43

Ki-21-IIa Sally from 16th Sentai attacking an Allied SS at 81,67
a Triton class SS is reported HIT

Ki-21-IIa Sally from 16th Sentai attacking a Triton class SS at 81,67
a O16 Class class SS is reported HIT

Ki-21-IIa Sally from 16th Sentai attacking SS Seawolf at 80,69
SS Seawolf is reported HIT

Ki-49-Ia Helen from 65th Sentai attacking a KXI Class class SS at 82,65
Ki-49-Ia Helen reports diving submarine at 82, 66 near Takao
Ki-49-Ia Helen reports oil slick at 82, 65 near Takao
Ki-49-Ia Helen reports oil slick at 82, 65 near Takao
Ki-49-Ia Helen reports periscope wake at 82, 66 near Takao
Ki-49-Ia Helen reports suspected submarine at 81, 67 near Hengchun
Ki-21-IIa Sally damaged by flak

Ki-49-Ia Helen from 65th Sentai attacking a KXIV Class class SS at 82,65
Ki-49-Ia Helen from 65th Sentai attacking SS Whale at 82,65
SS Whale is reported HIT

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1749

RE: Midway captured! - 12/20/2010 11:05:53 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

Uuu P-47.

You are making invasion with xAKs?
Well, with 38k fuel, Japan could even get more, than expended. Now, if KB turns north, to support quick capture of Kishka, the whole operation could be worthwhile.
Anyway, I like coordination so far. Raid on LOC, then transferring ships, which are low on ammo, into KB escort, then meeting with invasion fleet, on return trip. Nice.

I have actually checked Allied replacements rates. Every US branch, gets around 60-80 squads, per month. Then there is 60 Indian, and 55 Australian. NZ, and UK gets only 10-15.
But, what is most interesting, US gets only 24 Combat Engineers, and generally Combat Vehicles replacements are very low. In teens mostly. Even later, there is only 28 Shermans per month.
Of course Soviets are unbeatable. 600 squads, and almost 100 T-34.

PS. In the strange turns of events, Midway looks now, to be safest bet, for US invasion. No other bases nearby, so no danger of immediate counter-attack. There could be reverse-historical-Midway, but I do not think, it is worth the gas.

< Message edited by inqistor -- 12/20/2010 11:08:35 PM >

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1750

RE: Midway captured! - 12/21/2010 9:49:04 AM

janh

Posts: 1216
Joined: 6/12/2007
Status: offline

PzB, two quick questions: (a) what setting do you use typically for your fighters, VB, and VT on the carriers? What fatigue ranges result from that and are acceptable during routine ops?
(b) Wolfpack -- meaning a single TF with several subs, or just a bunch of subs in close proximity? I had quite surprising successes against AI lately with having 3 or 4 I-boats in a single TF in the Guadalcanal scenario, a really aggressive pack of grey wolves.

(in reply to inqistor)

Post #: 1751

RE: Midway captured! - 12/21/2010 10:57:58 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

I use standard 15k feet for most KB fighters and bombers. Sometimes I set some of the dive bombers and fighters to 10k; depends on what I'm attacking or fighting.
Fatigue is ok, but after 2 long range strikes it becomes very high. Range, CAP and search settings are key here.

Not sure, Andy is sending huge number of subs; I see numerous subs in one hex - no idea if there are multiple subs in one TF.
I must try that approach myself!

xAKs are ok to invade with, low number of troops is perfect. Spread a division over a large number of smaller transports speeds up unloading
and loss of a single ship isn't that serious.

Yep, lots of fun ac in the Allied inventory now. Doesn't matter if unescorted bombers are up against P-47s or P-40s though...
I'm now rerouting subs low on fuel to Midway - even shorter way into the north central Pacific!

What is so great about Kishka? Most desolate and useless rock on the map, no!?

I'm hard at work fortifying the Paramushiro chain of islands. An Allied counter invasion of Kishka will turn out as it did in WWII.
Setting up a strong perimeter near HI bases will be the best defensive barrier me thinks.

We have wiped out some US engineer units, will try to mount a few more Midway tye of ops to add to the tally.

No sign of enemy activity near Midway. Fleet is preparing to RTB!
Will add mines, subs, forts and search planes to the place. Even the raiders can now refuel and head back out into the shipping lanes.
Tempted to let the KB have another go at the convoys soon to take advantage of the situation.

Also considered Johnston Island but its to close to PH; guess Andy will airlift in a division if we try there

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to janh)

Post #: 1752

RE: Midway captured! - 12/23/2010 12:32:34 AM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Enemy convoy unloads at Horn Island and evokes interst from the Hollandia Air Fleet.
- Our distributed base network in New Guinea will be difficult for the Allies to shut down.

Their bombers hit Merauke, PM and other small garrison bases with little more effect than adding to existing damage.

No reaction from Pearl Harbour; either the enemy fleet is not there, not complete and in upgeade repair state or just inferior to the KB right now.
Did anyone notice that Mdway fell on June 5th 43, exactly one year after the historical battle of Midway.

So we've managed to continue our offensive rampage campaign for 18 months now.
The tables are slowly shifting but Andy will get nothing for free in 1943!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 07, 43

Air Combat

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 10
P-40K Warhawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 91,128
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
G4M1 Betty x 37

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD McCall
LCT-321, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-143
CL Leander
LCVP 542F
LCM 542A
LCT-140, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LCVP 542H, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Warramunga
LCT-325, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-164, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-322

Allied ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 39 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 18 (18 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
37 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *

542F dead in the water ...
542H dead in the water ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Guinea

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1753

RE: Midway captured! - 12/23/2010 2:37:42 AM

Mynok

Posts: 12108
Joined: 11/30/2002
Status: offline

Very tough to get surface forces around to southern NG. That's why I prefer slightly larger garrisons down there.

No IJAAF assets in the area?

_____________________________

"Measure civilization by the ability of citizens to mock government with impunity" -- Unknown

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1754

RE: Midway captured! - 12/27/2010 11:40:20 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

No need, last turn a cruiser TF from Darwin raided Horn Island.
It only tangled with PT boats as other units had moved south after taking a pounding from Betties and low level Helens conducting naval attacks.

As you can see from todays report we strike Horn Island hard with AAF units.
A major Allied amph landing against NG will require carrier support.

No sign of major Allied surface combat groups anywere; our Midway operation was carried out without opposition.
This means Andy can't or won't risk an engagement with his current resources.
- This is the reward for defeating his carriers near the Line Islands.

We have had major Sub-ASW attacks, some minor ASW vessels have been sunk but numerous subs have been damaged and/or sunk.
I have a large dedicated ASW force made up of ASW TFs and ASW patrol bombers - these can easily be moved to the area were US subs operate.
The subs have mined Palembang while nigh minelayers have mined Rangoon and Darwin. All mines have been cleared by our standing sweepers.

A new Tony model is now in production with 4x12.7mm cannons - still waiting for the George while the firt Jack unit has become operational.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 11, 43

Air Combat

It's Andy's turn to feel how vulnerable ground troops are in a clear terrain base like Horn Island.

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 30,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
A6M5 Zero x 13
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 23
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 30000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet *
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *

CAP engaged:
13rd PS (P) with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment, at 91,128 (Horn Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 24
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 14
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 29

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet *
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *

Also attacking 72nd RAAF Wing /1 ...
Also attacking 53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 72nd RAAF Wing /1 ...
Also attacking 53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 6th RAAF M/W Sqn , at 91,128 (Horn Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 3
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
140 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet *
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *

Also attacking 53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th RAAF M/W Sqn ...
Also attacking 53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th RAAF M/W Sqn ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment, at 91,128 (Horn Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 4
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet
21 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet *
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 38,450 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 3
Ki-46-III Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 4000 feet *
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Horn Island

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to Mynok)

Post #: 1755

RE: Midway invaded! - 12/29/2010 5:20:31 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

So, how actually Horn Island fell? Was it airborne invasion, or the fleet have sailed all the way, from south? Did not BETTYs intercepted them?

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB
Japan can train an undefined number of new pilots, the limitations ultimately lies in resources and oil as you rightly point out.

Still it is finite number. Considering, that during peak of battles in Burma, both sides were losing 50+ pilots a day, that could easily translate in over 1000 loses per month, in future. I actually made interesting discovery. Only USArmy, and USNavy have considerable number of new recruits. Britain have 180, USMarines 110, and Australians 70. The rest is around 30 per month. I see another interesting opportunity here.

quote:

xAKs are ok to invade with, low number of troops is perfect. Spread a division over a large number of smaller transports speeds up unloading
and loss of a single ship isn't that serious.

So, how many have you used for whole Division? I experience it painfully slow unloading without ports. Heck, it took me 6 large xAKs to load Regiment, and it unloaded in few days in friendly 1 level port, but one small Air HQ unit could not land half of strength in over a week, during unloading from single ship, without port.

quote:

What is so great about Kishka? Most desolate and useless rock on the map, no!?

BUT ALL THOSE SUBMARINES! I tell you, they are surely getting torpedoes on Alaska coast. It is nearer, than Pearl. But, with USA trapped on their side of Pacific, it would be better not to give them easy target now.

quote:

I'm hard at work fortifying the Paramushiro chain of islands. An Allied counter invasion of Kishka will turn out as it did in WWII.

Losing 200 soldiers during landing, against empty base? I am all after that

Anyway, I checked, it is spelled KISKA, not Kishka. Who would guess, it was completely different language?

quote:

Setting up a strong perimeter near HI bases will be the best defensive barrier me thinks.

One Allied base, and Japan is screwed. Problem is to suppress supply flow into newly conquered Island, as Allies can take what they want, if they really prepare.

quote:

Tempted to let the KB have another go at the convoys soon to take advantage of the situation.

It could be interesting, to send some CVEs, to intercept convoys to Perth in the same moment. Maybe risky, but probably with greater prize.

quote:

Also considered Johnston Island but its to close to PH; guess Andy will airlift in a division if we try there

I have also thought about that, especially during evacuation of Marines from Palmyra, but Johnston can keep only 6k troops, so not much to destroy there.
Anyway, I checked Allied reinforcements, and it looks, like they are getting now, literally, hundreds of transport planes. Like 8 units, with 25 full strength (but 5 planes at the beginning, with production only 10 per month, it will take some time to fill that). We can probably safely consider, that they have unlimited air-transporting power now. So not even reason to try to counter that. So sadly, no starving of surrounded forces in Burma, for example.

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1756

RE: Midway invaded! - 12/29/2010 6:32:14 PM

Mynok

Posts: 12108
Joined: 11/30/2002
Status: offline

quote:

So, how many have you used for whole Division? I experience it painfully slow unloading without ports. Heck, it took me 6 large xAKs to load Regiment, and it unloaded in few days in friendly 1 level port, but one small Air HQ unit could not land half of strength in over a week, during unloading from single ship, without port.

Transport vs Amphibious mission is critical. Transport is not going to unload well at small ports or over the beach.

_____________________________

"Measure civilization by the ability of citizens to mock government with impunity" -- Unknown

(in reply to inqistor)

Post #: 1757

RE: Midway invaded! - 12/30/2010 2:00:58 AM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Yep, amph TFs unload both troops and supplies at a quicker rate than transport TFs.
- Port size doesn't matter for amph TFs. I used ca 35 AKs to move a division to Midway. They carried 2-400 troops each plus 2-3000 supplies.
Now I've reversed the process and picked up the bulk of the division, leaving only 3-4000 men plus support units.
This will be enough to require a full scaled attack by Allies to retake it. Search planes are already operating from Midway and 200 mines and a tender are present.
All out subs that run low on fuel can now refuel both on Christmas Island and on Midway, same applies for raiders.

I kinda like holding Midway and that most likely mean that it' an annoyance to Andy, one way or the other - now or later. Just read his AAR and watch!

After 2 weeks of bombing all defending units on Horn Island had been disabled and or destroyed.
20 squads were whacked each turn, so I airlifted the remains out and a para assault captured the place and met hardly any resistance.
- Air lifting reinforcements into Horn Island would be a grand way of killing our own troops, clearly the place was not possible to hold.

Again, I think problem is killing Allied squads. Disabling is one thing, but to kill the majority we need to fight offensive battles that we have a chance to win.

Enemy subs are trickling in from both PH, West Coast and Alaska - have to capture key bases like Anchorage to stop them.
Not sure what effect capturing the dot bases in the Aleutians would have, Andy hasn't built any of them.

In WitP it was true; one Allied base and it was done. Not so in AE, even a large Allied base will not allow enough air support to stand against a handful of Jap bases.
Successfull invasions against major land bases will require multiple attacks in order to build up a strong position. This can be done from Darwin and Cairns and won't be a problem
against single smaller bases. Just take a look at the Line Islands, capturing Palmyra meant nothing for Andy as long as we controlled the others.

Yes indeed, Allied air supply capabilities have been very high for a long time already.
Think 3-400 Allied transports have been reported as A2A or Ops losses already.

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to Mynok)

Post #: 1758

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/2/2011 12:12:03 AM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Been a quiet Christmas and New Year week!
Was good with a break from everything so gaming has been put aside for a few days.
- Would like to wish you all a Happy New Year; 2011 should be a good one!

Looks like our opponent is still rebuilding his fleets, nothing but skirmishes.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 14, 43

Sub Attacks

This was an interesting action! Not sure if this TF was heading to or from Hawaii but it's a massive surface combat TF.
Looks like Andy has robbed the Commonwealth fleets, shouldn't be much left on the other side of the map!

ASW attack near Lahaina at 189,103

Japanese Ships
SS I-38, hits 5

Allied Ships
BB Resolution
BB Ramillies
BB Royal Sovereign
BB Valiant
BB Warspite
BB Mississippi
BB Pennsylvania
CA Frobisher
CA Hawkins
CA Exeter
CA Cornwall
CA Devonshire
CA Canberra
CA Australia
CA San Francisco
CA Houston
CL Denver
CL Montpelier
CL Columbia
CL Cleveland
CL Nashville
CL Helena
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
CL Richmond
CL Glasgow
CL Ceres
CL Dragon
CL Danae
CL Perth
CLAA Reno
CLAA Juneau
CLAA Atlanta
DD Carmick
DD Hobby
DD Frazier
DD Lardner
DD Duncan
DD Waller
DD Radford
DD Jenkins
DD Abbot
DD Henley
DD Hammann
DD Anderson
DD Hughes

SS I-38 is sighted by escort
DD Henley fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hammann fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Anderson fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Numerous sub frights but we give as well as we take, the Searaven was hit by 2 direct DC hits and is most likely
out of business for quit some time.

Sub attack near Tandjoengbalai at 47,79

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 25, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
E Tachikaze

Allied Ships
SS Searaven, hits 5

SS Searaven launches 4 torpedoes at SC Ch 25
Searaven bottoming out ....
E Tachikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Tachikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Tachikaze attacking submerged sub ....
E Tachikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Tachikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

We've been bombing Horn Island regularly but this turn I rested our bombers and only sent in a sweep mission.
A LRCAP was now in place and we claimed 8-10 enemy fighters.

Most enemy 4Es hit PM in continous streams. Not much use interdicting; our fighters need bigger guns!
PM is well dug in and supplied anyway and these attacks don't cause much damage.

Morning Air attack on Horn Island , at 91,128
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 12
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 13
B-24D Liberator x 31
B-24D1 Liberator x 25
B-25D1 Mitchell x 3
B-26B Marauder x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 55

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1759

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/2/2011 1:24:18 AM

Mynok

Posts: 12108
Joined: 11/30/2002
Status: offline

I wonder how often the RN actually sailed east of Singers in real life......

_____________________________

"Measure civilization by the ability of citizens to mock government with impunity" -- Unknown

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1760

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/2/2011 3:39:49 AM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

Once during the "Enterprise vs Japan" phase of the Guad campaign and Okinawa are the two instances I recall.

_____________________________

(in reply to Mynok)

Post #: 1761

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/2/2011 4:59:54 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mynok

quote:

So, how many have you used for whole Division? I experience it painfully slow unloading without ports. Heck, it took me 6 large xAKs to load Regiment, and it unloaded in few days in friendly 1 level port, but one small Air HQ unit could not land half of strength in over a week, during unloading from single ship, without port.

Transport vs Amphibious mission is critical. Transport is not going to unload well at small ports or over the beach.

Naah. I am too impatient to wait whole day for unit to pack into strategic mode

Infantry seems to unload pretty quickly. It is Aviation Support which takes ages. Also supply seems to not unload that quick over beach.
Actually, looking at magic tables, seems, that there is no reason to use specialised landing craft if you assault with one Division. xAKs, and APAs have the same disruption upon unloading value.

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB
2011 should be a good one!

Well, considering future Allied reinforcements, not for Japan in this game

I wonder, how this gigantic battle convoy would fight in surface duel. Probably half of ships would get collided

Anyway, why are you letting those UNESCORTED 4Es go unpunished? Put a TONY unit at Buna (or whatever is the name of base at other way of Port Moresbys peninsula), some NICKs, and A6M3s at Lae, and unleash the Emperor Wrath. All those B-2x are pretty easy to shot down.
Actually, what can Allies use for escorting, except Lightnings? Are they actually have any fighters, which could escort to Port Moresby at normal range? They produce now only 40 Lightnings per month, so it could be worthy, to challenge them. Only in December things will go tough. It could be even beneficial to put another TONY unit, directly at Port Moresby, as bait. Also, TOJO IIb should be available now. Do not you give it a try?

OK, questions:
Are those all TOJOs, so far, unarmored? It was not changed in some patch, right?
1) Have you recombined Hong Kong Defense Force (sp)? It change designation to CD, and I am guessing it become static. It could be interesting, although somehow expensive to buy it piecemental, and put at some important island, like Ambon, or former Palau (Pel...somethingsomething).

2) What happens, when you recombine unit, which parts have greater AV sum, than recombined unit? It seems quite wastage...

3) How many trained Navy pilots do you have in reserve? In near months, it seems, that Japan will need hundred a month to fill all reinforcements. Heck there are months, where four 27 ZERO units come in ONE DAY!

And, at last, interesting discovery I just made:

quote:

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6348 troops, 50 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 192

Defending force 3518 troops, 43 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 86

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 486

Allied adjusted defense: 137

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Milne Bay !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: HQ(+)

Take a look, at modified AVs. There was HQ present, and battle was in double-range of Area HQ. Both HQs planned into Milne Bay. A day earlier I got only 1:2, and there was no modifiers for attacker (and local HQ was in part still on ships). So HQ modifier could be battle-winner, if orders are prepared right.

(in reply to Mynok)

Post #: 1762

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/2/2011 8:22:09 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

We don't have any rules againsty moving the entire RN to the Pacific, maybe there should have been political points to pay to do so but that's another question.

Belive me, I have intercepted the bombers over PM a few times; results have been either dissappointing or enemy bombers decided to stay home.
Moving short legged ac around and having them fly 80% LRCAP missions cost a lot of OP losses and fatigue quickly hit the roof while only a 20-30% of fighters ever get into a position to attack
the enemy bombers.

The Tojo is unarmored, may have a go at the IIb but focus is now on getting the George and Frances into the air followed by the Frank.
No I haven't the Hong Kong defense force battalions are spread out to cover a few coastal bases and I would have to find new garrisons for them.
- As long as the CD unit doesn't get CD guns its a mute point, if it on the other hand does it's another thing completely

Combining units with higher AV than the historically described strength will result in an overstrength unit. Got a few divisions with 5000+ AV.

Yes, 100% prepped HQs and units can increase AV substantially, your example is quite exceptional though.
Was most likely ultimately lucky with the dice rolls...

Challenge is to prep your HQs and units for the right place, if you dedice to change target it will take 3 months and if you change your mind 1 month later its back to nill again....

- I've always thought that HQs that prepped for a target should be allowed to keep its prep points.

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to inqistor)

Post #: 1763

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/2/2011 10:07:40 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB
Moving short legged ac around and having them fly 80% LRCAP missions cost a lot of OP losses and fatigue quickly hit the roof while only a 20-30% of fighters ever get into a position to attack
the enemy bombers.

Base is 2 hexes away. That means leaking of CAP. I got there around 40-50% fighters from 50%CAP (16 from 35 last turn), so quite good. And without radar.

quote:

- As long as the CD unit doesn't get CD guns its a mute point, if it on the other hand does it's another thing completely

I hope it got CD designation, because of extra CD guns. Does anyone tested this already?

quote:

Combining units with higher AV than the historically described strength will result in an overstrength unit. Got a few divisions with 5000+ AV.

But it is not in TOE, and loses to extra troops are irreplaceable?

quote:

Yes, 100% prepped HQs and units can increase AV substantially, your example is quite exceptional though.
Was most likely ultimately lucky with the dice rolls...

Local HQ had seventysomething, but Area only twentysomething points of preparation. Take a look at "HQ(+)" designation. I have not seen it in any of AARs yet.
And Area commander had pretty lame Land skill. Seriously, I was preparing for a long siege.

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1764

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/2/2011 11:28:08 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Not much to report; enemy is continuing to mine places like Rangoon and Palembang and we clean up the mess.
Now have 200 AV at Midway including an engineer unit and a small base force. Total is some 5500 troops.
Idea is to evacuate the bulk when it becomes meaningless to occupy the place anymore.

The Tojo IIb enters production 7/43, still 2 weeks out. The 2x40mm cannons has a ****ty accuracy but I guess it's worth an upgrade.
Still no sign of the George; is it no longer so that 100+ researched ac would guaruantee a 1 month acceleration?

I don't use Buna as a major base; it can be just as easily smashed by 4Es as PM.
- Have the capacity to field 32 ac from a size 4 field there now.

Nah, the Singapore CD unit has a combined AV value exactly the same as the sum of its 3 inf Bats.
So no CD guns there.

True, oversize units will revert to normal size when taking combat losses.
The point about using divisions instead of sub units is that they pack a much bigger punch and take fewer losses than smaller units.
A fight between a division divided into sub units and a combined division would end in victory to the latter.
- Something like the sum of it all being being bigger than all its individual parts.

Usually you will not see such good attack odds, they usually appear when the enemy is very weak.
Still, nice when it does happen

I don't have a lot of crack Navy pilot reinforcements; some 40 in training command and all fighter units behind the lines train pilots that are released into the navy reserve
when skill exceeds 50 and air combat skill reaches 70.

Still have many crack Zero units behind the lines; could transfer the pilots to training command but don't see the need for more pilots there.
Will most likely be used to replace KB losses in due time. E.g. see unit below at Palembang.
- The reality is that such crack pilots are one shot Charlies, when they're gone much less capable pilots will replace them as its not possible to train pilots to such skills levels in game, not
even through combat.

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"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to inqistor)

Post #: 1765

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/3/2011 5:06:55 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
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quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB
Still no sign of the George; is it no longer so that 100+ researched ac would guaruantee a 1 month acceleration?

There is diminishing return on size of researching factory. I had 140 Oscars II researching for 2,5 months, to get one month acceleration. Sweet spot is rumoured to be factory of 30 size.

quote:

I don't use Buna as a major base; it can be just as easily smashed by 4Es as PM.

LOL, you are right. I probably play too much against AI

Considering, that there are 8 hexes to PM from nearest Australian base, probably Lae is also within range.
So... either you will leave things, as they are now, or you put your airforce into harms way. TONY is so far the only REAL fighter with armour, and with its puny range (what is it now? 2?) if it can intercept, it would be for sure in bombing range.
So, ze plan is:
Put TONYs at both PM, and Buna. NICKs, and ZEROs at Lae. TONYs airfields will be bombarded, so pilots would crash on landing, so it would be better to not fill units with experts. Pull Allies into struggle of PM. You will be fighting over friendly ground anyway, so pilot loses would be light, and Allies are at their extreme range. I have looked roughly through Allied airframes, and did not found any fighter, which could fly 8 hexes without drop tanks.
In the meantime prepare 3 bombardment groups build around BBs (Yamato twins preferably). When Allies fill coastal bases with fighter unleash BBs. It could be also fun, to send air bombers in the same turn, BBs will bombard.
WE WANT SOME ACTION!
Also it seems there is something ugly preparing for Palmyra, so quick action at PM could held Allied reserves.

quote:

Nah, the Singapore CD unit has a combined AV value exactly the same as the sum of its 3 inf Bats.
So no CD guns there.

Well, I do not think CD guns add any AV. It would be probably better to check in editor, not that I have used it before.

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1766

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/3/2011 10:20:59 PM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

I now got 150+ George's on research, over 100 for 2 months and nothing

Doesn't look like there's automatic 1 month advance anymore!

Intercepting PM from surrounding bases can be done but it's not great business, been there done that before.
Anyway, no further Allied bombing attacks over the last 2 days.
- Tony has normal range 4 hexes with drop tanks, so it can make it from Lae.

There will be action, but it may take some time

We dropped paras on a dot base between Midway and Hawaii today; enemy PT boats have been hovering there.

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_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

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Post #: 1767

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/4/2011 12:42:34 AM

ny59giants

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

I now got 150+ George's on research, over 100 for 2 months and nothing Doesn't look like there's automatic 1 month advance anymore!

Like in WITP, the factories have to be totally repaired before they contribute developmental points towards the magic 100 needed to move the airframes arrival time up one month. I had 2 x 30 and 2 x 60 factories working on Tojo IIa and with scenario 2, they moved up 1/2 month from 6/42 to mid 5/42. I forgot to switch them to the next generation of Tojo to speed up their availability date. Thankfully, I got the A6M3a being researched by moving them forward from A6M3.

Rule of thumb is to have most of your R&D factory size at 30 with a max of 60. It is not a linear result as I have tracked when each factory was repaired and when the Tojo finally arrived.

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1768

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/4/2011 4:45:36 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
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size 35 R&D works best for me ... Haven't had that good of results with larger ones.

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Post #: 1769

RE: Midway invaded! - 1/4/2011 8:27:08 PM

inqistor

Posts: 1813
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB

I now got 150+ George's on research, over 100 for 2 months and nothing

In how many factories? If in one it is pretty normal.

quote:

- Tony has normal range 4 hexes with drop tanks, so it can make it from Lae.

But with leaky CAP, you will get far more planes, than with LRCAP. And you must disperse anyway, when enemy can bombard all airfields.
I am actually wondering, if range of combat have same modifiers for every type of plane, or if it depends of planes maximum range (so 4 hexes is maximum for TONY, but only half range of ZERO). Also, if adding drop tanks lower performance.

quote:

We dropped paras on a dot base between Midway and Hawaii today; enemy PT boats have been hovering there.

French Frigate Shoal was exactly in normal range of ZEROs toward PH, in WITP, but does not looks like, anymore. I actually wanted to use it, as such, but had better bases, nearer to PH.

Well, I finally checked this Hong Kong Defence Unit (or how it is called). As I suspected, it become static, and gets additional whooping 6 guns (4*10cm, and 2*15cm). But they are some strange infantry guns, with lame 1/3rd accuracy of real CD guns.

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 1770