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RE: 1942 November 16 - 10/23/2012 4:07:33 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

A suggestion from the peanut gallery: With KB and almost all the rest of the Combined Fleet poised a little NW of Ndeni, ready to smack anything that approaches, it might be better to redirect your effort and try to engage the little KB to the east while the whereabouts of Big Brother KB is known. I'd think you might also want to orient at least some of your invasion capability to other "fronts" so that you can strike at multi locations at will when Big Brother's location is known.

A strike at Wake (N Pac), Marcus (Cen Pac), Tarawa (Cen Pac), the other islands near Kwajelein or even Kwajelein (Cen Pac), or Parashiro Jima (N Pac) would all likely bear fruit, avoid KB and perhaps froce him to reposition Big Brother to react to your bidding. This might make the grab for Ndeni something less than suicide.

Right now, I do believe that an invasion of anything north of Efate will bring the LYBs swarming south in search of a decisive CV battle. That is something you snooked him out of at Noumea (adroitly, I might add), but at this stage of the game it is very unlikely to be a fair fight for you. Give it another 6 months and I'd welcome it, but right now....major danger.

If however, you successfully engage the little KB in isolation, then the shoe is on the other foot. It would likely turn out very badly for the LYBs should you achieve that.

Against the powerful foe, strike where he is weakest and disappear into the vast stretches of the Pacific, only to remerge and strike again where he remains weak. Make Admiral Wa swing his mighty club at empty space and sting his heel, When he smashes the earth at his feet sting his elbow. Be ye cunning as the fox and as sleathy as the leopard.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 571

RE: 1942 November 16 - 10/23/2012 5:52:51 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

A suggestion from the peanut gallery:� With KB and almost all the rest�of the Combined Fleet poised a little NW of Ndeni, ready�to smack anything that approaches, it might be better to redirect your effort and try to engage the little KB to the east while the whereabouts of Big Brother KB is known.� I'd think you might also want to orient at least some of your invasion capability to other "fronts" so that you can strike at multi locations at will when Big Brother's location is known.

A strike at Wake (N Pac), Marcus (Cen Pac), Tarawa (Cen Pac), the other islands near Kwajelein or even Kwajelein (Cen Pac),�or Parashiro Jima (N Pac) would all likely bear fruit, avoid KB and perhaps froce him to reposition Big Brother to react to your bidding.� This might make the grab for Ndeni something less than suicide.�

Right now, I do believe that an invasion of anything north of Efate will bring the LYBs swarming south in search of a decisive CV battle.� That is something you snooked him out of at Noumea (adroitly, I might add), but at this stage of the game it is very unlikely to be a fair fight for you.� Give it another 6 months and I'd welcome it, but right now....major danger.

If however, you successfully engage the little KB in isolation, then the shoe is on the other foot.� It would likely turn out very�badly for the LYBs should you achieve that.

Against the powerful foe, strike where he is weakest and disappear into the vast stretches of the Pacific, only to remerge and strike again where he remains weak.� Make Admiral Wa swing his mighty club at empty space and sting his heel,� When he smashes the earth at his feet sting his elbow.� Be ye cunning as the fox and as sleathy as the leopard.

Basically you've taken the words right out of my mouth. If the small carriers had either continued in or had they gone north I might have gotten in the landing with a pretty much 1 on 1 battle. Given his reaction at Noumea, I think that Wa would have declined that battle. As it is, we will not know that for certain. I'm in the middle of the turn now (turnus interruptus - I started then had to tend to some other things). That sKB is now neatly tucked into the Ellice Islands, 40nm from all three of them (see the game map). Allied fleet is where indicated in the last turn's post - BUT - only the mine sweepers have been spotted! Of course that might be enough to trigger alarm but it might not. The Battle Fleet plus the CVEs and the old BBs will head NE while the convoys and mine sweepers retire SE to await developments.

_____________________________

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(in reply to princep01)

Post #: 572

RE: 1942 November 16 - 10/23/2012 6:54:20 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

For what its worth I agree completely. Better to move elsewhere where the KB is not!

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 573

1942 November 17 - 10/23/2012 7:07:06 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 17

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Another tanker brought down near Karachi. OK, I'll have to call off the tankers and escort them, reducing efficiency but at this point there is so much fuel surplus that doesn't matter. The sharks below Noumea claimed an empty xAK, the first non-combat ship they have hit in that area. Up at Belep Islands the AVP servicing the search planes there was sunk. Another is en route.

Some action in China. First, the stubborn 64th still refuses to retreat in the face of 3 to 1 odds. Second, the boys held nicely near Lanchow. And last, something strange happened.

quote:

Ground combat at 74,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2640 troops, 0 guns, 490 vehicles, Assault Value = 271

Defending force 3986 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Japanese adjusted assault: 207

Allied adjusted defense: 64

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
128 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps

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

Ground combat at 82,34 (near Lanchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24515 troops, 200 guns, 34 vehicles, Assault Value = 665

Defending force 20399 troops, 113 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 436

Japanese adjusted assault: 169

Allied adjusted defense: 173

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
655 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
368 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Assaulting units:
19th Division
53rd Infantry Brigade
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
9th Prov Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
22nd Group Army

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

Ground combat at 76,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30255 troops, 248 guns, 212 vehicles, Assault Value = 1014

Defending force 19706 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 547

Japanese adjusted assault: 36

Allied adjusted defense: 1045

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 29

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
950 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 83 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
374 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
5th Recon Regiment
3rd/C Division
6th Tank Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
3rd/A Division
9th Division
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
120th Red Chinese Division
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
115th Red Chinese Division
32nd Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

Back in the South Pacific, a close look shows that two of our subs near Ndeni each show DL of 10/10. There was also a sub encounter one hex east of Rekata Bay, but escorts kept the sub from seeing the principals. My assessment is that the sub encounter was with the retiring BBs. The sub DLs indicate that the large carriers (KB) have moved to be near Ndeni and are planning to rendezvous with the sKB to the east of Ndeni. The elements of the Battle Fleet are heading for (and near) GR 131,150, which is more ENE of their present position than it is NE (as I previously intended). The intention is to stay out of range of KB while possibly being within range of sKB. TF Southern Cover (2 x Australian CA and 1 x Australian DD) will move at high speed from north of Horn Island to sKB's present position and then move west before turning south in an attempt to overtake the small carriers and/or disrupt their movement. the main Battle Fleet will also have 4 x SCTF deployed, two built around CAs, one around fast BBs, and one around slow BBs.

BTW, the subs around New Caledonia are taking a beating from the 3 x squadrons of New Zealand AF radar equipped search planes (Hudson III) with pilots trained in both search and ASW.

Many convoys beginning to move again with the departure of that sKB from the shipping lanes.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 574

RE: 1942 November 16 - 10/23/2012 7:07:41 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

For what its worth I agree completely. Better to move elsewhere where the KB is not!

That's sort of what I'm doing - we'll see!

_____________________________

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(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 575

RE: 1942 November 16 - 10/23/2012 8:06:07 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

I am assuming that your CVs and other elements of the main battle fleet are showing no signs of detection? They seemed to have passed fairly close to Efate....does he have search AC there?

And way to go on those ASW AC out of Noumea. Pour it on those sharks and smash their stinking Glens into the waves too:).

Large tanker convoys with large British escorting elements is a capital idea.

Exciting point in the game. Talloy-ho the LYBs!!

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 576

RE: 1942 November 16 - 10/23/2012 8:13:26 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

I am assuming that your CVs and other elements of the main battle fleet are showing no signs of detection?� They seemed to have passed fairly close to Efate....does he have search AC there?

And way to go on those ASW AC out of Noumea.� Pour it on those sharks and smash their stinking Glens into the waves too:).

Large tanker convoys with large British escorting elements is a capital idea.

Exciting point in the game.� Talloy-ho the LYBs!!

I know that he did have search A/C out of Efate before, but that was the whole cat and mouse game involving bombarding the base and sending cruisers up that way to catch the AV at sea. You recall that Trenchard's Torpedoes got the short end of that deal. Currently it seems there are no search A/C there and maybe not even at Ndeni. They might be at Ndeni - I have no recon on Ndeni yet - and maybe weather hid our ships. Only the the mine sweeper TF has any detection level. Might be enough of a clue, might not... BTW, forecast for the area is clear.

_____________________________

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Post #: 577

1942 November 18 - 10/23/2012 10:35:06 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 18

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Another tanker goes down near Karachi, and in several battles hits are scored on subs. It will take a while until those tankers already in the pipeline transition to convoys. Several subs are attacked and hit near Noumea too, and CAP shot down a Glen one hex east.

In China, it's "defend to the last man!"

quote:

Ground combat at 74,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2646 troops, 0 guns, 490 vehicles, Assault Value = 398

Defending force 3900 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Japanese adjusted assault: 224

Allied adjusted defense: 61

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
30th Infantry Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps

Stuart is hurting some, but the cruisers are OK. Victorious Southern Cover is ordered back to Suva for repairs, but is still in hex with the enemy.

quote:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Funafuti at 139,146, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 1
CL Natori, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Yubari, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Fumizuki
DD Kiku, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra, Shell hits 15
DD Stuart, Shell hits 3

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 17,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Natori at 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Natori at 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Nagara at 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Fumizuki at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CL Natori engages CA Canberra at 11,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Natori at 11,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Nagara at 11,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages CA Canberra at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Yubari at 8,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Natori at 8,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Nagara at 8,000 yards
DD Kiku engages CA Canberra at 8,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Fumizuki at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Yubari engages CA Canberra at 6,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Fumizuki at 6,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Kiku at 6,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Fumizuki at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CL Yubari engages CA Canberra at 4,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Natori at 4,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 4,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Kiku at 4,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Yubari at 5,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Natori at 5,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Canberra at 5,000 yards
DD Kiku sunk by CA Canberra at 5,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 5,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Yubari at 5,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Yubari at 5,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Fumizuki at 5,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CL Yubari engages CA Canberra at 8,000 yards
CL Yubari engages CA Australia at 8,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 8,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Nagara at 11,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Natori at 11,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Nagara at 11,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CL Yubari engages CA Canberra at 14,000 yards
CL Natori engages CA Canberra at 14,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Stuart at 14,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Fumizuki at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Yubari at 15,000 yards
CL Natori engages CA Australia at 15,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Australia at 15,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Nagara at 17,000 yards
CL Natori engages CA Australia at 17,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Australia at 17,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Stuart at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
CL Yubari engages CA Canberra at 18,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Natori at 18,000 yards
CL Yubari engages DD Stuart at 18,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Fumizuki at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Yubari at 26,000 yards
Task forces break off...

The amazing thing here is that even though the IJN carriers were not engaged, there were no air attacks. As can be seen below, the Battle Fleet is entirely unspotted, and will proceed NE tomorrow.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 578

RE: 1942 November 18 - 10/24/2012 12:49:14 AM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

Hummmm, did your naval search from the Aussie CRs in Southern Cover confirm the presence of the little KB in the Ellice Is area? It is a bit strange that those CAs would not draw the attention of the CVLs. Are we perhaps looking at a small SCTF covering a relatively small invasion TF? Still worth the price of admission to sink the lot, but a shame if we don't see a carrier battle that favors the Allies for a change.

Looks like KB is well to the west given the detection levels shown on your subs near Ndeni.

Good hunting, Admiral.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 579

1942 November 19 - 10/24/2012 2:21:24 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Your fears of 'no carrier battle' were unfounded.

1942 November 19

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

No retreat!

quote:

Ground combat at 74,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2652 troops, 0 guns, 489 vehicles, Assault Value = 398

Defending force 3826 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 17

Japanese adjusted assault: 264

Allied adjusted defense: 70

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), fatigue(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
9th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps

The first carrier battle of Nanumea saw Wasp torpedoed once and three small IJN carriers either sunk outright or destroyed, all while KB looked on from more than 500nm away.

The battle began in the night, with Southern Cover having a go at Nagara.

quote:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Funafuti at 139,146, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CA Canberra
DD Stuart

Improved night sighting under 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 85% moonlight: 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Matsuki R. crosses the 'T'
CL Nagara engages CA Canberra at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Nagara at 10,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Australia at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Australia at 8,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Stuart at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Canberra at 7,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Australia at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Canberra at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Then a submarine encounter revealed USN surface combat forces far in advance of their carriers... hunting prey?

quote:

ASW attack near Vaitupu at 139,142

Japanese Ships
SS RO-64

Allied Ships
DD Mugford
DD Perkins

SS RO-64 is sighted by escort
RO-64 diving deep ....
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Heavy search would provide the answer.

quote:

SBD-3 Dauntless from VS-71 has spotted CL Nagara at 140,138
CL Nagara is reported HIT
SBD-3 Dauntless from VS-71 has spotted CL Nagara at 140,138
CL Nagara is reported HIT
SBD-3 Dauntless from VS-2 has spotted CS Chiyoda at 137,138
CS Chiyoda is reported HIT
SBD-3 Dauntless from VS-2 has spotted a Ryujo class CVL at 137,138
a Ryujo class CVL is reported HIT
SBD-3 Dauntless from VS-5 has spotted a Zuiho class CVL at 137,138
a Zuiho class CVL is reported HIT
SBD-3 Dauntless from VS-5 has spotted CA Kako at 137,138
SBD-3 Dauntless from VS-5 has spotted a Japanese CVL at 137,138

Yes, all three surface combat TFs in the hunt.

quote:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Arorae at 139,139, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 6

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 1
CA Minneapolis
DD Helm
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Craven
DD Gridley

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 26,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Minneapolis at 20,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Pensacola at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Minneapolis at 13,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Helm at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CL Nagara at 10,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Pensacola at 10,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Helm at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CL Nagara at 7,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Craven at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Minneapolis at 11,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Helm at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CL Nagara at 14,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CL Nagara at 14,000 yards
CA Northampton engages CL Nagara at 14,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Craven at 14,000 yards
Matsuki R. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 16,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Northampton at 16,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Helm at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CL Nagara at 19,000 yards
CA Chester engages CL Nagara at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CL Nagara at 20,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Northampton at 20,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Pensacola at 22,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Northampton at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CL Nagara at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CL Nagara at 27,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Pensacola at 27,000 yards
CA Chester engages CL Nagara at 27,000 yards
Range increases to 30,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Arorae at 140,138, Range 26,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 27, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Shell hits 1
CA San Francisco
DD Sims
DD Mugford
DD Perkins

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 26,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 26,000 yards
CA Portland fires at CL Nagara at 26,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Portland at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CL Nagara at 18,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Mugford at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CL Nagara at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CL Nagara at 13,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Perkins at 13,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Sims at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CL Nagara at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA San Francisco at 8,000 yards
CA Portland engages CL Nagara at 8,000 yards
DD Sims engages CL Nagara at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Perkins at 10,000 yards
DD Mugford engages CL Nagara at 10,000 yards
DD Sims engages CL Nagara at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Portland at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CL Nagara at 11,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Perkins at 11,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Sims at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA San Francisco at 9,000 yards
DD Sims engages CL Nagara at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CL Nagara at 11,000 yards
CA Portland engages CL Nagara at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA San Francisco at 9,000 yards
CA Portland engages CL Nagara at 9,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Perkins at 9,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Sims at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA San Francisco at 13,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Perkins at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CL Nagara at 16,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Mugford at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA San Francisco at 23,000 yards
CL Nagara engages CA Portland at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Arorae at 139,139, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
CL Yubari, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
BB Washington
DD McCalla
DD Bancroft
DD Caldwell
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Mustin

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 23,000 yards
BB Washington fires at CL Natori at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
CL Natori engages BB Washington at 20,000 yards
CL Natori engages BB North Carolina at 20,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Anderson at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CL Natori engages BB Washington at 18,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Hammann at 18,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Anderson at 18,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Caldwell at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Natori at 15,000 yards
CL Natori engages BB North Carolina at 15,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Mustin at 15,000 yards
DD Hammann engages DD Fumizuki at 15,000 yards
DD Anderson engages DD Fumizuki at 15,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Bancroft at 15,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD McCalla at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CL Yubari sunk by BB Washington at 11,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Mustin at 11,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Hammann at 11,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Anderson at 11,000 yards
DD Bancroft engages DD Fumizuki at 11,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD McCalla at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages BB Washington at 10,000 yards
DD Anderson engages DD Fumizuki at 10,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD McCalla at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CL Natori sunk by BB North Carolina at 7,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Mustin at 7,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Anderson at 7,000 yards
DD Caldwell engages DD Fumizuki at 7,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD Bancroft at 7,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages DD McCalla at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
BB North Carolina engages DD Fumizuki at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
BB North Carolina engages DD Fumizuki at 6,000 yards
DD McCalla engages DD Fumizuki at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
Massive explosion on DD Fumizuki
DD Fumizuki sunk by BB Washington at 8,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

The pilots of the IJN drew first blood from the air, but that was also their last.

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 137,138

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 38
SBD-3 Dauntless x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Nanumea at 135,141

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
B5N1 Kate x 28

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 8 destroyed, 14 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Torpedo hits 1
CV Hornet
CV Lexington

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 137,138

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 120
SBD-3 Dauntless x 131
TBF-1 Avenger x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hagikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Yamagumo
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
CA Kako, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 4, on fire
DD Nenohi
CA Furutaka
DD Nowaki

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 76 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 83 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Shoho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Ryujo
Fuel storage explosion on CVL Zuiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho
Ammo storage explosion on CVL Zuiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hagikaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Kako

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 137,138

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 137,138

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CA Kako, heavy fires
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 140,138

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

It was over before noon time, except for an unsuccessful raid by an intrepid Nell flight leader.

Wasp stands at 3-27(24)-1-0 and can make 21 knots. That means she is at least as fast as the CVEs operating in concert with the fleet carriers, so the entire Battle Fleet will retire in unison. Southern Cover will retire to Sydney for yard work. A turret plus the radar is out on Canberra, Stuart needs time in dry dock, and Australia will be fully repaired while they are tended to. Tomorrow's ordered position for the Battle Fleet is 1 hex west of Funafuti.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home

(in reply to princep01)

Post #: 580

RE: 1942 November 19 - 10/24/2012 2:44:39 AM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

Bravo, Admiral, Bravo. Three nasties that will not bother the Allies again along with a nice haul of smaller fish and AC.

One word of caution. You might wish to consider moving your fleet southward on the EASTERN side of Funafuti. The KB actually can sprint quite some distance (I think up to ninteen hexes). They could arrive within their range, but might not have any op points to launch a strike. No point in risking dampening the well deserved celebration! Just melt away into the unseen stretches fof the Pacific and live to do this another day.

Again, well planned and executed. This will give Admiral Wa a restless night!

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 581

RE: 1942 November 19 - 10/24/2012 3:31:36 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

The deal is done as far as the fleet movement orders go. Almost always the turn is sent just before I post the AAR entry. Anyhow, in this case I would be OK with a carrier battle versus the full KB. Saratoga is not there, but Wasp is fully functional and there 90 USMC fighters and 18 USMC dive bombers on the CVEs. I never did actually put any other planes on the fleet CVs. And, I want to head toward Fiji where there is a ton of additional air power. Can't get there in one go but will the turn after.

Plus, this way the surface groups will over run the subs, always dangerous, but bringing the carriers to the eastern side would run the carriers over the subs. I want to give Wasp that little extra help.

I always might be wrong, but I think he'll want to keep KB as a fleet in being, and carefully control the risks to KB. So, provided there are no complications, once I get the fleet back to Suva to replenish maybe the invasion will proceed. Need to sleep on it.

Wa said he will get to the turn tomorrow.

_____________________________

Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home

(in reply to princep01)

Post #: 582

RE: 1942 November 19 - 10/24/2012 7:27:08 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Bravo! Another example of how great recon/search of enemy positions enables you to take advantage of a dangling juicy tidbit. Like stealing bait from a trap without setting it off!

.
Looks like the CS and CA Kako are hurt badly - they may head to the nearest dot hex to stand down for fire fighting and fixing system damage. Hope your recon can check them out. Subs can do the clean up work if anything is found.

Re:Wasp, I am not sure if launching and recovering aircraft puts greater than usual strain on shored-up bulkheads. I would split her off as soon as the fleet gets to safer waters. Many players beach the air complement when a carrier goes for long term repairs. Could be a nasty surprise for him somewhere!

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 583

RE: 1942 November 19 - 10/24/2012 10:20:23 AM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Well done!

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 584

RE: 1942 November 19 - 10/24/2012 12:38:58 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Thanks, guys! Our search covers all of the nearest bases. It really does help the subs so let's keep our fingers crossed. We have fewer subs up there than are hunting the KB in its recent haunts but there are some. When we get a base force to Vaitupu - now on the way - the search situation will improve.

Saratoga's air group is on Fiji. Wasp's air group might disembark, I'm not certain yet. Certainly a powerful one-two punch if two full carrier air wings are grounded on, say, Luganville. Given her small size I might send Wasp to Sydney for repair and refit. Saratoga should now be able to get to Pearl Harbor without further delay.

Strategically, I would like to strike while the iron is hot and get troops ashore at Ndeni. As positions in the rest of the New Hebrides are consolidated Ndeni would be gradually secured. These things could take place while the carriers are refitting to get those very important late-'42 AA improvements. The 5th CVE is now bearing down on Pago Pago with a USMC fighter group on board and will soon join the other CVEs.

I know this is a concentration of sea power to get the New Hebrides but with the Empire's current strength it couldn't be helped without given the objective of getting into the New Hebrides before defenses could be built up there.

_____________________________

Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 585

1942 November 20 - 10/25/2012 2:46:45 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 20

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

An xAK was sunk near Surat. Finally the heroic 64th pulled back.

quote:

Ground combat at 74,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6852 troops, 26 guns, 488 vehicles, Assault Value = 398

Defending force 3683 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Japanese adjusted assault: 242

Allied adjusted defense: 58

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

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

Allied ground losses:
1542 casualties reported
Squads: 64 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 43 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 12 (12 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps

In a number of surface actions there were further IJN losses and several USN ships damaged.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Arorae at 137,137, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 1
CL Yura, Shell hits 1
CL Abukuma
DD Nowaki

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CA Pensacola
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Helm, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Craven, Shell hits 1
DD Gridley, Shell hits 2, on fire

Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 92% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CA Furutaka at 8,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CA Furutaka at 8,000 yards
CL Yura engages CA Minneapolis at 8,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages CA Minneapolis at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CA Furutaka at 3,000 yards
CL Abukuma engages CA Minneapolis at 3,000 yards
CL Yura engages CA Minneapolis at 3,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Craven at 3,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Gridley at 3,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Nowaki at 3,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot engages DD Nowaki at 3,000 yards
DD Helm engages DD Nowaki at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CA Furutaka at 8,000 yards
CL Abukuma engages CA Minneapolis at 8,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Chester at 8,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Northampton at 8,000 yards
DD Gridley engages DD Nowaki at 8,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Nowaki at 8,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot engages DD Nowaki at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Minneapolis at 10,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Pensacola at 10,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Chester at 10,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Helm at 10,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Gridley at 10,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Craven at 10,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Ralph Talbot at 10,000 yards
DD Helm engages DD Nowaki at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Minneapolis at 13,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CL Yura at 13,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CL Yura at 13,000 yards
DD Gridley engages DD Nowaki at 13,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Craven at 13,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Ralph Talbot at 13,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages DD Helm at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Arorae at 137,137, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Kako, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CA Pensacola
CA Minneapolis, on fire
DD Helm, on fire
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Craven, Shell hits 1
DD Gridley, on fire

Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 92% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CA Kako at 12,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages DD Nenohi at 12,000 yards
CA Kako engages CA Northampton at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CA Kako at 10,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Nenohi at 10,000 yards
CA Kako engages CA Chester at 10,000 yards
CA Northampton engages CA Kako at 10,000 yards
DD Gridley engages DD Nenohi at 10,000 yards
CA Kako engages DD Craven at 10,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Helm at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CA Kako engages CA Pensacola at 7,000 yards
CA Chester engages CA Kako at 7,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Craven at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages CA Minneapolis at 5,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot engages DD Nenohi at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CA Kako at 8,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Nenohi at 8,000 yards
CA Kako engages CA Chester at 8,000 yards
CA Northampton engages CA Kako at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CA Minneapolis engages CA Kako at 9,000 yards
CA Kako sunk by CA Pensacola at 9,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Gridley at 9,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot engages DD Nenohi at 9,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Ralph Talbot at 9,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Helm at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kuria at 135,132, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA San Francisco
DD Sims, Shell hits 1
DD Mugford
DD Perkins

Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 92% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Pye, Wm Saterlee crosses the 'T'
DD Nenohi engages DD Sims at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages DD Nenohi at 10,000 yards
CA Portland engages DD Nenohi at 10,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Perkins at 10,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Mugford at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Sims at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Mugford at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages DD Nenohi at 12,000 yards
DD Sims engages DD Nenohi at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Onotoa at 136,135, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, Shell hits 17, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CA Pensacola
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Craven

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 26,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 27,000 yards...
Range increases to 28,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 28,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CVL Ryujo at 26,000 yards
CA Chester engages CVL Ryujo at 26,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CVL Ryujo at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CVL Ryujo at 23,000 yards
CA Chester engages CVL Ryujo at 23,000 yards
CA Northampton engages CVL Ryujo at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards
CA Chester engages CVL Ryujo at 22,000 yards
CA Northampton engages CVL Ryujo at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CA Chester engages CVL Ryujo at 18,000 yards
DD Craven engages CVL Ryujo at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CA Chester engages CVL Ryujo at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Northampton engages CVL Ryujo at 12,000 yards
DD Craven engages CVL Ryujo at 12,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot engages CVL Ryujo at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CVL Ryujo sunk by CA Pensacola at 10,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

We now have several destroyers and some heavy cruisers that are still at sea but really could stand some TLC at a good port/ship yard. Every shell hole makes the Ndeni op less likely.

Here's the Intel screen. We've been closing the gap slowly but took a little jump with the latest developments.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 586

RE: 1942 November 20 - 10/25/2012 6:16:16 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

OH YEAH! Gotta like a man who tidys up after making a mess! Well done!

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Post #: 587

1942 November 21 - 10/25/2012 6:08:51 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 21

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

I'm a little unsure what happened here as I don't expect such a nose-dive performance from the IJA. Maybe an orders mix-up without all units set to attack?

quote:

Ground combat at 76,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29713 troops, 248 guns, 212 vehicles, Assault Value = 959

Defending force 19691 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 540

Japanese adjusted assault: 48

Allied adjusted defense: 1150

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 23

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1793 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 124 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Vehicles lost 20 (1 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
129 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
5th Recon Regiment
9th Division
14th Tank Regiment
3rd/A Division
3rd/C Division
6th Tank Regiment
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
120th Red Chinese Division
32nd Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

Milne Bay was hit from the air as it has been many times recently, trying to keep it suppressed until we seize it.

No surface battles today, but a couple of hits were reported on possibly the same sub.

quote:

Hudson III (LR) attacking a Type B1/B2 class SS at 114,160
:::::::: a Type KD6A class SS is reported HIT
Hudson III (LR) attacking a Type KS class SS at 114,160
:::::::: a Type KD6A class SS is reported HIT

And our subs are indeed aided by aerial search.

quote:

Sub attack near Jaluit at 134,122

Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Gunnel

SS Gunnel launches 4 torpedoes at DD Yamagumo
Gunnel diving deep ....
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

I don't remember, but Yamagumo might have been damaged in the big fracas.

We have a number of Dutch support ships, graciously loaned for use in the Pacific until the liberation of the colonies, on their way to Noumea. The Dutch Battle Fleet is already there after getting ship-shape in Sydney. Wasp fully pumped out while underway, and now stands at 3-24(24)-0-0.

A tanker convoy at Christmas Island has DL 10/10 ("TF 308 sights Japanese Float Plane at 174,141 near Christmas Island"), and a supply convoy 80nm east has a 1/1 DL. The Omaha class CLs recently repaired at Auckland are being redirected there but they have a long way to go. An ASW group is also formed at Pearl Harbor, which will leave that terminus short of escorts to form important convoys, and is now on the way to operate out of Christmas Island. DAW HQ has rightly identified this as an important hub. So far it has been able to get along with minimal protection, but no more. There are already fighters and torpedo bombers from USN CVE replacement squadrons there, with pilots capable of ruining an adversary's day. A group of 4 Australian Catalinas is also present, although it could be better used for the New Hebrides axis of advance. Kingfishers will be sent in, but that too will take a while.

Here is a look at Central China. What a mess. I certainly will hold China until the end of 1942, but after that...

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 588

RE: 1942 November 21 - 10/25/2012 7:23:55 PM

princep01

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From: Texas
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Perusing thru the OB of the recent CV/CVL fight, the Yamagumo is seen dodging bombs and firing AA as the LYB CVLs are hit again and again. Definitely one of the CVL escorts as I am sure you have detected by now. I am not sure if it was damaged, but it is now (may it sink in honor of its Emperor).

That battle probably had Admiral Wa fielding insulting questions from the IJA and bow and scraping to said Emperor for losing the Emperor's fine toys.

Overextension/ Victory Disease...the bane of all Japanese players.

As to any possible surface raiders around Christmas Is (Pac Oc), a group of 4 CVEs might be just the ticket to go end that threat for good. Obviously, it would not hurt with the subs either.

So, on to Efate, Espiritu Santo and then Ndeni, right? I urge you to take care with Ndeni. You will operate within easy LBA range and they won't just be unescorted search planes. This is an island most IJ players worry about as it puts you within easy B-17/24 range of the lower Solomons and the island is large enough to sustain a decent port and good AF. If his first MLR is anchored on the Tulagi/Lunga area, do not go timidly into that dark night.

However, you have made a mark on him with your recent good deeds. There may remain a psychological shadow (probably quite temporary) that will instill reluctance to risk his CVs now. We can hope.

Good luck with your next foray. Very nicely done at New Caledonia and in the Battle of the Ellice Islands. The New York Times headlines are hailing you as Stephen Decauter Pacifica and the New Nelson! The Fleet is spoken of in hushed tones as the Ghost Fleet that whispers in, blisters the enemy and silently disappears into the misty Pacific.

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Post #: 589

RE: 1942 November 21 - 10/25/2012 8:28:19 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Thanks!

The repeated expectation of good players here that I would go for Efate-Luganville-Ndeni in that order illustrates why I want to go for Ndeni first. I do not expect it to fall right away, but I also expect that getting a stout, well supplied division fully ashore will stop development there and cause it to be the focus of attention. That latter point will make building Efate and Luganville easier and quicker. And - and - it will be most expected by DAW HQ that I go for Ndeni only after Efate-Luganville. Dropping troops there right away might be a surprise. Wa will have to say later on.

Strategically that might set a tone for the remainder of the game that the (then current) second line of defense is never safe. The Allies are willing to dive in.

So, when the Battle Fleet is back at Suva, the two CA TFs will combine so the remaining CAs have enough escorts. Everybody will replenish, and the 5th CVE will join up. Then, conditions permitting, the invasion will head for Ndeni. Of course that run could still be delayed or called off just like the last run was. This is a daring op, NOT a suicide run!

4EBs can now be based at Noumea and hit Ndeni. The LB-30s are there now. Two SeaBee units are heading for Tanna to get the airfield building. Koumac and La Foa both have airfields now but level 1.

BTW, Wa thinks he was baited into the carrier battle. From reading here you know I didn't really dangle bait. I almost took his bait and chased them but then chose to proceed with the invasion. Only when the sKB headed back west did I both have to stand down on the invasion and have an opportunity to intercept the carriers. When Southern Cover made their intercept but no other contact was made I thought the opportunity had slipped away. The Battle Fleet made one more day's move NE only because I thought they could do so safely. Meaning without KB showing up along with sKB. Southern Cover was not bait, it was just available to be part of the intercept.

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Post #: 590

RE: 1942 November 21 - 10/25/2012 9:43:11 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

Well, depending of course, on what your recon of IJ land forces in those 3 locations showed, I was really thinking you could do them essentially at the same time (three weeks apart) I really don't think Wa would consider any of these islands as part of his first MLR in the South Pac. They are speed bumps to draw the Allies into a decisive CV battle....or at least they were. He might not be so forthcoming now that 3 CVLs were removed from his OB. Nonetheless, I would expect resistance only at Ndeni as it is within escorted range of land based bombers. Beware.

Have you reconned Ndeni, Efate and/or Espiritu Santo? If so and if lightly held, I would not hesitate to grab them with the troops you have prepped and get Loganville operating as a base. It would give you P-38 (regular range) coverage over Ndeni and you could smoother any air resistance with medium/heavy bombers. Worth thinking about.

But, if you go for the deeper strike at Ndeni, I would not think it was strongly held. A brigade at best with auxilary units like a BF and maybe some AA/coastal guns.

It will be interesting.

Talley-ho the LYBs!

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Post #: 591

RE: 1942 November 21 - 10/25/2012 9:46:30 PM

BBfanboy

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From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Did he say whether he knew your carriers were in the area? It's a deadly dance when both sides know where the other is and try to gain advantage. One mis-step and you are out of the contest!

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Post #: 592

1942 November 22 - 10/26/2012 4:14:33 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 22

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

An xAK went down near Karachi. Oiler Neosho was torpedoed but is now safely in port at Christmas Island. CV Akagi was not torpedoed, but was targeted by 4 x good torpedoes.

quote:

Sub attack near Stewart Island at 119,138

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
BB Haruna
CA Chikuma
CS Nisshin
DD Samidare
DD Hayashio

Allied Ships
SS S-31

SS S-31 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Akagi
DD Samidare fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hayashio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hayashio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hayashio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hayashio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hayashio fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

KB is on station awaiting an invasion of Ndeni!!

There are also at least three IJN subs to the west of Fiji trying to pick off returning warriors. The other carrier TFs are a little faster, so the TF with Wasp is being directed around the eastern end of the island. Hopefully the charts of those waters are good. The 3 x USMC dive bomber groups at Nadi have all been ordered to 50% ASW work. They have basic training in ASW but some pilots are well skilled. A convoy with two SeaBee units will make Tanna tomorrow. It will be interesting to see if their presence is detected, and if so then any reaction it elicits.

I misspoke about La Foa, which has port level 1 but is still building the first airstrip.

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Post #: 593

RE: 1942 November 21 - 10/26/2012 4:15:53 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Did he say whether he knew your carriers were in the area? It's a deadly dance when both sides know where the other is and try to gain advantage. One mis-step and you are out of the contest!

Wa said that he did not catch a whiff of the USN carriers. I think he meant that's why sKB stayed around after the surface action involving Northern Cover.

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Post #: 594

RE: 1942 November 21 - 10/26/2012 4:28:24 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Well, depending of course, on what your recon of IJ land forces in those 3 locations showed, I was really thinking you could do them essentially at the same time (three weeks�apart)� I really don't think Wa would�consider any of these islands as part of his first�MLR in the South Pac.� They are speed bumps to draw the Allies into a decisive CV battle....or at least they were.� He might not be so forthcoming now that 3 CVLs were removed from his OB.� Nonetheless, I would expect resistance only at Ndeni as it is within�escorted range of land based bombers.� Beware.

Have you reconned Ndeni, Efate and/or�Espiritu Santo?� If so and if lightly held, I would not hesitate to grab them with the troops you have prepped and get Loganville operating as a base.� It would give you P-38 (regular range)�coverage over Ndeni and you could smoother any air resistance with medium/heavy bombers.� Worth thinking about.

But, if you go for the deeper strike at Ndeni, I would not think it was strongly held.� A brigade at best with auxilary units like a BF and maybe some AA/coastal guns.

It will be interesting.�

Talley-ho the LYBs!

Recon for Efate and Luganville, SigInt for all three. Bde at each, plus AF support Coy at Ndeni. I believe that I can take all three with forces assigned. Only an air/naval battle at Ndeni looms. the other two I doubt would be contested by sea or air at all. Efate = AF level 0; Luganville = AF level 2 (55% damaged); Ndeni = AF level 1.

I concur that they are not considered MLR by DAW HQ, but leapfrogging speed bumps sets a strategic problem for the Empire to address.

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Post #: 595

1942 November 23 - 10/26/2012 6:38:44 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 23

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

In China there was a bit of ground action, but nothing definitive.

quote:

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6975 troops, 50 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 538

Defending force 7840 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 217

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division

Defending units:
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army

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

Ground combat at Yenan (88,37)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1308 troops, 20 guns, 50 vehicles, Assault Value = 170

Defending force 14250 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 249

Assaulting units:
102nd Infantry Regiment
1st Cavalry Brigade

Defending units:
23rd Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
2nd War Area
18th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 73,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4401 troops, 34 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 141

Defending force 1936 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 42

Japanese adjusted assault: 139

Allied adjusted defense: 103

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
104th/B Division

Defending units:
15th Chinese Corps

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

Ground combat at 78,49 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4484 troops, 36 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 777

Defending force 46944 troops, 143 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1175

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 2827

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99

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

Japanese ground losses:
2889 casualties reported
Squads: 86 destroyed, 76 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 12 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
27th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th/A Division

Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/C Corps
19th Group Army
9th War Area
6th War Area
32nd Group Army

I suspect that last attack was a unit moving across the river to open the road hex-side so that supply can flow better to the other units already there via a different route.

We took a bit of a loss in the air to a successful Tojo sweep over Cox's Bazar.

CVE Copahee was torpedoed but is in port at Suva and in no danger of sinking. Repair time, of course! Perhaps a measure of revenge:

quote:

SBD-2 Dauntless attacking a Japanese SS at 131,161
:::::::: a Type KD4 class SS is reported HIT

All of the (operational) carriers have replenished and are heading south to refuel from oilers and avoid the IJN subs. The convoys are already away from Suva just to be clear of the subs. Damaged Saratoga has been spotted (DL 5/5) passing 80nm west of Christmas Island. She will proceed on course in hopes that the sub is closer to Christmas Island and can be outrun. We have base forces landing at Vaitupu and Gardner Island. Those convoys are not spotted so far.

I've discovered that I can not rearm the fast BBs 16in guns at Suva even with the AKEs present. It's port = 5 and needs loads of Naval Support to do that, and the AKEs are too small. A TF with AEs and additional ARs for the theater is now formed at Pearl harbor and will make its way to SoPac, careful to avoid subs. There is also a very large convoy (broken into two at the moment) finishing loading at San Francisco. That convoy will be off loading at Pearl Harbor where faster ships will pick up the troops and air groups for movement forward. Among those is the first advanced fleet base, which will provide massive facilities in the battle zone. Currently that unit is earmarked for Noumea. Noumea is currently level 4 port and building.

A side note, the whole landing/not landing/landing at Noumea with potential carrier battles around Fiji thrown in really screwed up the flow of units due to convoys circling at sea waiting for real or potential enemy actions to resolve themselves. The when things got moving again the small IJN carriers caused rerouting or freezing of empty convoys on their way back to Hawaii and the West Coast. Hawaii is still pregnant with units awaiting deployment and will get more so when that mega-convoy gets there.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by witpqs -- 10/27/2012 1:21:30 AM >

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Post #: 596

RE: 1942 November 22 - 10/26/2012 7:01:45 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

The big gun/BBs can replinish at Auckland in all likelihood. It's not a long haul from Suva. Also, you don't need many AKE/naval support types there, even if the port has not already been built out (to a 9). I ALWAYS buildout Auckland for that purpose and to ensure a place in the South Pacific where I can withdraw any nationality's ship. It wounds my soul to lose precious political points by forgetting that a ship is soon due to W/D and then discover I have no nearby place to W/D from.

Do you use tracker to keep up with things like prep for invasions? I don't, but I have never progressed past 9/1942 in the game. If you do, do you find it really helpful on administrative matters like that?

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 597

1942 November 24 - 10/27/2012 1:21:17 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 24

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

One ground unit in the forest retreated in China. Otherwise the same air beatings and hanging on by fingernails.

Yamato and friends paid a visit to Akyab. From looking at the troops and the base they did not achieve much, although the base was a disaster to begin with.

quote:

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Ashigara
CL Tama
CL Kuma
CL Jintsu
DD Shiranui
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hatsukaze
DD Yugumo

Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Yamato
BB Yamato firing at Americal Infantry Division
CA Ashigara firing at Americal Infantry Division
CL Tama firing at Americal Infantry Division
CL Kuma firing at Americal Infantry Division
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CL Jintsu
CL Jintsu firing at 27th Infantry Division
DD Shiranui firing at Akyab
DD Isokaze firing at Akyab
DD Maikaze firing at 27th Infantry Division
DD Hatsukaze firing at Akyab
DD Yugumo firing at 27th Infantry Division

Beatings of IJN subs from the air in the Pacific continues.

quote:

SBD-2 Dauntless attacking a Type L4 class SS at 130,161
:::::::: a Japanese SS is reported HIT
Hudson III (LR) attacking SS I-172 at 116,160
:::::::: SS I-172 is reported HIT

Saratoga seems to have outrun that sub neat Christmas Island, as TFs there are still under aerial surveillance. The convoy at Tanna has been spotted, but has already unloaded all troops and many supplies. Unloading will cease and the convoy will move south and wait until trying again. All of the battle and invasion assets are away from Fiji, but some are spotted by Imperial aircraft. As a precaution against the subs moving south to find them, the entire fleet will move east in the night to a new refueling area. Our convoy at Vaitupu has been spotted as well, so the fleet's movement SE then disappearing might give the impression that a movement into the southern Gilberts is imminent. To aid this impression, a newly arrived PBY squadron has been moved to Vaitupu and begun search (largely alongside the one at Nukufetau) with recon of Tabiteuea (the failed invasion site).

Significant IJN assets are now at Ndeni. Is it a reinforcement or a withdrawal?

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 598

RE: 1942 November 24 - 10/27/2012 1:25:42 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

The big gun/BBs can replinish at Auckland in all likelihood.� It's not a long haul from Suva.� Also, you�don't need many AKE/naval�support types there, even�if the port has not already been built out (to a 9).� I ALWAYS buildout Auckland for that purpose and�to ensure a place in the South Pacific�where I can withdraw any nationality's ship.� It�wounds my soul�to lose precious�political points�by forgetting that a ship is soon due to W/D and then discover I have no nearby place to W/D from.

Do you use tracker to keep up with things like prep for invasions?� I don't, but I have never progressed past 9/1942 in the game.� If you do, do you find it really helpful on administrative matters like that?

I use Tracker heavily, but not to track invasion prep. I use a combination of the in-game display ('g' hot key then sort by Target) and a text file/editor.

I have built out Auckland but I forget at this moment what it is built up to. Might be fully built out already. I just want something closer for fast turn around in situations like this.

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Post #: 599

RE: 1942 November 24 - 10/27/2012 6:17:50 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

That reported hit on a sub by a Hudson might be credible - he got close enough to read the I-172 stenciled on the sail!

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RE: 1942 November 16