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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> The Sounds of Silence

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The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 3:37:15 PM

John 3rd

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February 24, 1943
Sabang

Following Japanese tactical philosophy of 'if it worked ONCE, it will work..."

From the Isle of Phuket (where the Airfield just became operational) three Japanese TF depart heading for Sabang:

1. Sweeping Force: 4 DD
2. Surface Action Force: Yamato (Rr-Adm Kono) and 8 DD
3. Bombardment Force: Kongo, Hiei, Kirishima, Haruna and 8 DD

0225-0321
The Sweeping Force comes into range of Sabang and kills two groups of five American PT Boats. In the process they become entangled in a freshly laid minefield and an old WW1-era DD sinks.

0247-0621
The SAF falls into this minefield as well with another older DD hitting a pair of mines and mighty Yamato taking one (CRAP!). There is game out there tonight once they pass through the minefield. Two more PTs are destroyed and a group of four sub-chasers are sunk around dawn.

0302-0355
Just as before, the Bombardment TF (under Rr-Adm Tanaka), slips through the chaos of the other two groups and--without interference--begins a horrific bombardment of Sabang's airfield. For the last ten-twelve nights, the Floatplanes from these Battlecruisers have flown over Sabang to further familiarize themselves with the topography of their target. There are now detailed maps with fixed reference points for the huge anti-personnel 14" shells carried within the venerable warships. The shellfire is methodically walked back and forth through the revetments, concrete runways, and fuel/bomb dumps. It is nothing short of amazing. Having suffered no interference, the Battlecruisers return to Phuket. Tomorrow they go to Georgetown to re-arm...

Daylight
Aerial recon throughout the day reveals nearly TWO HUNDRED Allied Fighters destroyed. (HOLY CRAP!) The AF is, once again, badly damaged.

An early Sweep of 50 Tony encounters NO ENEMY RESISTANCE! The radio calls goes out immediately to sortie the bombers. This day the Japanese Helen and Sally fly at 20,000 Ft. Very few planes are lost but not much damage is achieved either. Further Sweeps throughout the day find no aerial resistance at all.

The recon pilots watch as three waves of Betty/Nells attack a pair of Allied cruisers in the harbor. CL Cleveland is hit twice by Torps (and two USELESS Duds).

To the NW, the Kido Butai receives orders to close on Sabang and prepare to strike...

A delightful day for the Empire: BANZAI!

Damage
We lost two DDs to mines. Yamato takes a mine and has 27 Flot Damage but only 5 is serious. She'll retire to Singers for repairs.

LOOK at these results!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/30/2016 4:53:49 PM >

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Post #: 1651

RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 3:39:02 PM

John 3rd

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His CVs are a mess. Though they haven't been in the action, his fighters planes, SBDs and Avengers have. They have taken continious heavy losses. Have to LIKE that. My CV pilots have been sparingly used and are in GREAT shape.

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 5:17:41 PM

Lowpe

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I don't think the Allies at this stage of the game can keep an air force at Sabang except for one off missions to protect shipping, and then they risk this treatment.

Of course losing ships to the mines sucks, but it is a tradeoff.

But, still, what can you do with such potent AA there other than hit his ships?

Well done!

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Post #: 1653

RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 6:02:58 PM

John 3rd

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What do we do now?

I'll keep bombarding for a while. Need to keep the AF knocked out as well as destroy some of his 1,000,000,000+ supply there.

The real answer is in PREVENTING more reinforcements and convoys from arriving. This is why I'm building AF ASAP at Great Nicobar, the island just south of Port Blair, and Phuket. Once they reach AF 3+ then I'll move the KB away from the Interdiction Mission. I cannot imagine Dan being willing to risk his CVs while I have sooooooooooo pounded his Naval Air. Doubt if he has lost many pilots but his airframe situation is critical. Losing nearly 200 fighters probably KO's use of that AF and his CVs.

Need to deal with his Subs and the Minefield. Will shift some bombers back to ASW to harass those subs and think I shall move some DMS into the Bombardment TF. There has been NO CD response whatsoever to my bombardments. Raises the rather interesting question of IF there is CD there or not. Got to assume so but why hasn't it acted against my BC? I've attacked from 15,000 Yds and seen NADA. Thoughts here?

Not too far from getting the march going for the overland assault. There are three ID en route to northern Sumatra to unload and then they will work to cut the supply/rail line between Langsa and Sabang. I hope to force an immediate retreat out of Langsa with this move then we close in on the Allied Fortress. It shall be HORRIBLY overcrowded and his disruption will skyrocket as the Japanese attack and close in...

OTHER ARENAS:
Frustrated here and in Burma, Dan will look to attack elsewhere. I've already got troops redeploying to Timor, Celebes, and Solomons. North Pacific is in excellent shape. The Marianas have Forts at 5+ and a full ID at 100 Prep at Tinian, Saipan, and Guam. Am working to place two full-strength ID at Balikpapan to act as the theatre reserve in the DEI/Philippines. Dan LOVES to go through the Othr Crust and land somewhere deep in the rear. THIS is what I plan for...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/30/2016 10:45:08 PM >

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Post #: 1654

RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 6:06:09 PM

John 3rd

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The real thought I have right now is about going on the offensive in a bit. He has few fighters left. Perhaps hit Ceylon? Go convoy hunting elsewhere? Deep Strikes? I do so love fighting from the DEI. Got LOTS of fuel to use! Want to think about that.

Haven't seen any of his short-legged Brit/ANZAC Fighters so have to imagine we'll have to fight them if a Deep Strike is launched.

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 6:47:19 PM

kjnoel

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If he has CD guns there you can't sweep the mines, they will get nowhere. He presumably has ACMs but even killing them will be a long term solution. You are probably stuck only using bombard missions which tend to stay out of mine range whereas SCTFs will hit them.

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 7:05:58 PM

John 3rd

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Good notes.

The sticky part of this is finding out if he has CD. Perhaps risk an old CL and DD to see? Sad but might work...

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 7:16:42 PM

desicat

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Good notes.

The sticky part of this is finding out if he has CD. Perhaps risk an old CL and DD to see? Sad but might work...

What is so bad about the results you are getting now? Sure you took some hits last raid but the bombardment TF was untouched. Do you think your clearing efforts at this point could overcome the existing mines plus what he can still put in the water?

Every ship is going to count in the next year, I'm not sure you should waste any.

< Message edited by desicat -- 1/30/2016 8:18:51 PM >

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 7:29:47 PM

kjnoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Good notes.

The sticky part of this is finding out if he has CD. Perhaps risk an old CL and DD to see? Sad but might work...

How about you send a single AMc if you must send something? If there's CD guns it'll sink, no loss. If there aren't you get to sweep some mines.

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 9:43:27 PM

John 3rd

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An AMc is certainly expendable. Have got a couple of them in Singers. LIKE that idea.

Desicat is correct in not needing to hurry this along. I just am curious as to what--if any--CD he has present. Could REALLY pump up the damage (Port and Supply) if I can add those little 5" pop guns...

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 9:48:54 PM

John 3rd

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On a differing note: Am watching his defeated army from Burma retreat up the coast towards India. It is gonna take a while for those Aussies and Brits to replenish their destroyed squads. We shall see them again but right now and probably for a couple of months, they are out of the picture.

Just cleared bad guys out of Katha and have the 12th ID loving on up to Myitkyina. Once they blast those troops out then everything will be back to 'status quo' from before Dan invaded Burma. Cannot believe that this actually worked!

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 1/30/2016 10:07:53 PM

Lowpe

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

An AMc is certainly expendable. Have got a couple of them in Singers. LIKE that idea.

Desicat is correct in not needing to hurry this along. I just am curious as to what--if any--CD he has present. Could REALLY pump up the damage (Port and Supply) if I can add those little 5" pop guns...

Just run your bombardments in a little closer.

The AMcs will work though, if you can keep the pesky PT boats off them.

You can strafe/naval attack the PT boats too with fighters, don't forget that!

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The Sounds of Silence - 1/31/2016 2:53:12 PM

John 3rd

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February 25, 1943

Whereas hundreds rose just 10-14 days ago, just seven P-39 meet the Japanese assault on this day. The Kido Butai swings into action and crushes shipping outside the Port: CA Hawkins, CL Cleveland, CL Birmingham, DD Morris, DD Patterson, and at least another dozen or more ships sink forming a marvelous artificial reef!

Glorious...

Attachment (1)

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/1/2016 4:52:08 PM

John 3rd

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February 26, 1943

For the moment Japan commands the air over Sabang. I've raised the altitude on all bombers over the base and the attacks are really nothing but nuisance raids presently. My four Kongos will hit the base again today. Have decided on the next bombardment run to throw everything at the Port at a lower altitude and HOPE to smack his 50+ ships in harbor and cause some serious damage. I really want to hurt his support ships. In particular anything that is supporting his minefield is a prime target.

Naval War: Except for PT Boats nothing is left here. Kido Butai sank (probably) CA Hawkins, Wichita, CL's Cleveland and Birmingham, a DD, 7 AK, 2 SC, 1 AP, 1 AP, and an AO. To that total one can add two DDs on the 25th. The Patterson is sunk escaping Sabang and Gransevoort is sunk near Cocos. One of Dan's raiding DD TF took it on the chin here.

Currently am moving many more Engineers to Great Nicobar, Trinkat, and Phuket. All AF well on there way to 2 presently.

There are five ID presently at sea and four of them are going to western Sumatra for the overland campaign there.

Have decided to NOT go Raiding with KB. Bad Idea presently. Will rotate half of KB to Singers for repairs. That Repair Yard has been essential for this campaign. When Dan hit it those days I panicked but then he chose to stop. Thank Goodness. With Sabang dealt with (for the moment) I can safely use everything at Singers and will gladly do so.

Have to keep up the skeer on his fighters so I am moving 100+ Tojo back into Burma to Sweep his AF up there. Recon shows fighters present so we'll bomb and sweep those bases to keep his pools on empty...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/1/2016 5:53:23 PM >

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/5/2016 3:46:44 PM

John 3rd

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March 4, 1943

The BAD News:
The trio of Kongo-Class BC blast Sabang again destroying another couple of dozen of planes as well as re-cratering the AF. On the approach, THREE DDs hit single mines. One sinks and two are seriously damaged.

The GOOD News:
A startled gasp goes up at Southern Fleet HQ when the lowly AMc (sent on a suicide mission) arrives at Sabang and sweeps mines for a full day with no interference.

He didn't bring ANY CD with him. HOLY CRAP!

Immediately order three more AMc at Phuket to join their little sister. Five DMS sortie from Georgetown. We may only get a couple of days to sweep but we'll work as fast as we can.

At Sinabang, the skippers commanding the escorting DDs for the Kongo's get smiles on their faces. They will be allowed to SHOOT BACK this coming bombardment run.

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/6/2016 6:05:54 PM

John 3rd

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March 5, 1943

As expected, Dan attempted to catch my AMc and DMS with several of his crippled warships in Sabang port. DD Morris is sunk by Kates and CL Birmingham takes a TT from I-174 as well as several Judy bomb hits. She is now certainly out of it.

My minesweeping goes well with over 100 mines swept without issue. We're going to proceed at this in a slow pace. If my noble opponent wants to sacrifice ships trying to stop this action then we'll sink them when they are open for targeting.

Kido Butai keeps moving so its position does not get fixed and Judy/Jill are all set at 60% ASW. The 'reported' sub hits have been gratifying:

3-3 15
3-4 16
3-5 22

While not enough to probably sink these SS, there can be no doubt that they are taking damage. Hopefully we can weed the patch some and make it a little less dangerous. There are also 4 ASW TF working the waters and they get 2-4 attacks a day in on those subs.

The Kongo's hit the target again next turn.

Have Kirishima and Ise due for operational readiness within seven days. Nagato will be operational in about twenty. Mutsu and Musashi are out for a LONG time.

Deception Plan and REAL Plan
The 19th ID lands at Sibolga and shifts its prep to Langsa. Begin loading the 16th ID and 2nd TK Div and set the TF destination as Langsa. Use way points to swing it out so it ends up near Sibolga where I'll then change the destination. If Dan's intelligence catches a whiff of this then he will be in a dizzy and diverted from the real operation. Looking forward to that!

Once landed, those three Divisions will advance along the west side of Sumatra heading for Sabang.

The 48th and 10th ID plus other ID will be landing within 2-3 days at Sibolga and they will be the group to cut the rail-line between Langsa and Sabang.

Moving North
Dan had an Inf Reg following a Base Force of mine that was driven out of Sabang. I still expect it to be located along the west coast. We will BLAST it east or north towards Sabang. I am leaving it there for Dan to 'see' elements of troops moving towards Langsa THEN I'll crush it. This is all supposing it it STILL there!

Elsewhere
NoPac
Everything good and troops well dug-in.

CenPac
Got 4-5 convoys bringing out supplies as well as a few small garrison additions.

SoPac
Am beginning to build-up a small Naval Force at Truk (7 CVE, 1 CA, 2 CL, and 12 DD) to counter any moves he lakes in the Central Pacific/South Pacific area. These ships will be joined within three weeks by several CVLs to give them some real strength.

Just dropped off 200,000 fuel between Truk, Kwajalein, and Tulagi so we have a decent operational amount to use if needed.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/6/2016 7:08:39 PM >

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/6/2016 8:40:39 PM

John 3rd

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March 5, 1943

While never a milk run, the Bombardment of Sabang by Tanaka's remaining trio of Kongo's is pretty simple. This night sees the approach course set coming in from the SW (from Sinabang). As the Task Force begins to slow to its bombardment speed, a target is spotted in the Minefields. How lucky can one get? It is an minelayer! Battlecruiser Hiei trains her 14" turrets to starboard and sinks the ship with her first salvo. Scratch one very valuable Allied ship.

NICE!

Course the new mines she laid cause two Japanese DDs to get hit but luckily they are low order detonations. Neither DD is badly hurt.

The Kongos go to work. This day sees the AF pummeled as normal but with the escorting ships now shooting as well, ammo is plentiful enough to rain shells down into the anchorage. Aerial spotters report 3 AK, an AP, a CM, DD Cushing, a small YMS, and the crippled Birmingham take damage. Outstanding work. Two dozen more Allied planes are destroyed and the AF is at nearly 100% damage. Satisfactory work done, Tanaka takes his trio back to Sinabang to reload.

During the day Allied subs get pummeled by Japanese airpower. Nearly twenty reported sub hits come in and during the day (turn) several subs are believed to be sunk. (Sinking Sub sounds heard THREE times at the end of the turn.

Great Nicobar accepts its first warplanes today as 48 Zero, 27 Val, and 27 Kate fly in and begin CAP or ASW Operations.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/6/2016 9:42:05 PM >

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/8/2016 12:39:55 AM

John 3rd

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March 6-8, 1943

Sabang
The last three turns carry important numbers: 28, 153, and 327. These are the numbers of mines that have been swept at Sabang. Figure we're halfway. My guess was about 1,000 to start with. Tomorrow the DMS and AMc TFs are being joined by one more of each type.

Sumatra--Malaya--Burma
Adm Tanaka's TF has gotten two extra days off as the mines are swept. Tomorrow CL Nagara and 4 DDs will rejoin his unit. The combined TF will then come in and POUND Sabang again. As soon as the minefield is cleared, 6 CA will detach from the KB and deliver another solid punch. It will then turn into nightly bombardments. We have the AF is rough shape now we'll CLOSE it for the future. Cannot fly in planes and mount a defense if the AF is 100% damaged. Takes supplies as well.

We pound Langsa so that AF doesn't become available.

Elsewhere:
1. Leaving Hong Kong is a Battleship. Her holes are patched and she joins five DDs heading for Singapore. At Singers she will join another repaired BB. The two will then smack Langsa to keep Dan guessing as to landing there...

2. Nearly 200 planes have now left the Sumatra area and are at Java resting and training. They will move to Kendari to form a reaction force for the eastern DEI.

3. Three CVL leave KB to join a CV and additional CVL at Soerbaja.

4. Koepang and Dili are being reinforced by ground units.

5. Munda and Buin are re-garrisoned. The withdrawal from New Caledonia is complete. Just need to go to Efate and pick-up the 65th Brigade. An ID now sits at Lunga and Rabaul. These are reaction troops for quick response.

6. At Truk sits 7 CVE, 2 CL, and 14 DDs. They will be joined in about 14 days by 2 CVE, 1 CA, 1 CL, and 4 more DDs.

All this attention to Sumatra is a have to. It doesn't mean he cannot come from another direction...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/8/2016 1:42:48 AM >

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/8/2016 2:00:09 AM

John 3rd

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March 9, 1943

We lose a second DMS to mines but sweep--get this--282 of them.

Tanaka's beefed up Bombardment Force is ordered in...

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/8/2016 4:39:23 AM

John 3rd

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March 10, 1943

The minefield is now GONE!

BANZAI!

Tanaka brings his Bombardment Force in to 10,000 Yds. Previously it had been 15,000. The results are magnificent. The runway is cratered with 152 hits, 814 Casualties, planes, and nine ships are hit.

Time to prepare to send in the CAs. SIXTY 8" rifles should truly add to the carnage...

Am considering mining Sabang myself with about 1,000 mines but I've heard in a non-controlled hex these mines can be just as dangerous to friend and foe. Thoughts on this?

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 2/8/2016 5:36:26 PM

traskott

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Not very useful. They drop at high rate, and as a non-friendly base the chance of getting hurt by them is high too. I remember do it and in the same night got my ships hit by my very own freshly-deployed mines.

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 2/8/2016 5:47:38 PM

Lowpe

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Yep, don't do it. You will run into them too.

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Post #: 1672

RE: The Sounds of Silence - 2/11/2016 5:02:55 AM

John 3rd

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Remembered that whole they ain't my mines and they ain't your mines rule when doing that at bases not under your control. BERRY BAD!

March 16, 1943

Sumatra
Dan tries to get all tricksy! He flies in over 100 aircraft to the battered AF at Langsa to stage a quick raid. Doesn't work out too well. Nearly 200 bombers hit the fuller base before his planes even fly. A good number are destroyed on the ground and the AF moves closer to 70% damage. Three raids are launched: one is wiped out by CAP, another hits some already damaged shipping at Sinabang, and a third whiffs and misses at a Port Attack. Day's result in some damaged ships in exchange for 40 Allied planes. NICE!

The Port will be hit tomorrow by CAs and many more planes. Expect him to pull out but I should bag a few more aircraft (damaged from today) and will fully close the AF.

Soerabaja
CV Soryu, 4 CVL, 2 CL, and 9 DD depart Soerabaja for the South Pacific. They carry their full complement of aircraft. In about 10 days they shall join the 7 CVE waiting for an Allied move in the South/SE Pacific. These ships will have nearly 350 aircraft to attack with...

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The Sounds of Silence - 2/15/2016 4:34:31 PM

John 3rd

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March 26, 1943

Haven't Posted in quite a while. Busy with life so it hasn't been easy to get time for an update in.

An Infantry Division blasts an Ind US Reg out of its hex on the west side of Sumatra. There is another ID and 2nd Tank Div coming in behind it. These units shall drive up the coast road.

Three ID keep him tied down below Medan. This will soon change as he doesn't bombard in the hex whatsoever. Am going to split out one ID into its components and withdraw the other two. They are needed elsewhere in Sumatra.

FIVE ID gather at Medan. Getting ready for an amphibious move...

Kido Butai (5 CV and 4 CVL--247 Zero-116 Judy-145 Jill) gets a chance to catch its breath at Georgetown for four days. It scoots past his subs and is headed out for a 'recon in force' of the Diego Garcia area. Appears that Dan is setting up a picket scheen west of Port Blair/Sumatra. Whenever he has done this, SOMETHING important is moving or getting ready to move. We shall attempt to find out what it is and KILL IT!

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< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/15/2016 5:35:42 PM >

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RE: The Sounds of Silence - 2/22/2016 3:48:02 AM

John 3rd

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Dan and I have reached April 1943. Took us two years and three months to get here but we've entered the realm of MISTER Hellkitttie! Dratted Hellcats are now coming into the US Navy. Those will be fun----NOT!

Want to do some sort of decent update so let me get a screenshot of Sumatra and we'll try to explain the current planning.

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Post #: 1675

Operation SU - 2/22/2016 4:58:21 AM

John 3rd

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From: La Salle, Colorado
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April 4, 1943
Sumatra

The last month has been wonderful and frustrating for Japan in the Sumatra Region. The ground victories in Burma paved the way for a massed redeployment of nearly 100,000 troops. While needed, time is not my friend whatsoever!

Planning has evolved as the Kaigun has been able to reduce the Langsa and Sabang AFs. Those AFs are like bottled lightning. Japan MUST keep them hammered down so there is little chance of the Allies coming back in with massed airpower. Over 400 aircraft have redeployed to Java, the Eastern DEI, and Rabaul. If the Allies did bring modern fighters and bombers back into these two AF, I could not concentrate quick enough to neutralize them again. We have used naval bombardment and some aerial attacks to keep on top of these two bases.

The Army has taken time to heal, redeploy, gather, and begin its massed movement.

Here is the current OOB:
West Wing
10th and 48th ID with 2nd Tanks in Support advancing along the west coast of Sumatra.

Task: Draw attention and troops towards them as they methodically move towards Sabang.

The 10th ID is the only division engaged so far as it has driven a banged up Inf Reg back two hexes. A roadblock of sorts now confronts it. Three units block the road. The decimated Inf Reg, 1st Marine Division, and an unknown unit. Aerial recon has revealed the marines. These guys are banged up. They have had about a month to recover from several forced retreats near Langsa. I expect them to be at an assault value of 250-300. Add whatever else is with them and the jungle and this will be a hard nut to crack. We have the advantage of aerial supremacy so that SHOULD help some. While forcing these units back is the goal, it is better if the fight takes some time.

East Wing
Three Army HQ, Imperial Guards, 19th and 16th IDs are just below Langsa in the jungle hex.

Task: Pin down multiple Allied troops by threatening to attack and move on Langsa.

IJA Bombers have started to attack the troops here as a feint to make Dan THINK a MAJOR attack is coming from this axis. They will make a lot of noise and DO NOTHING in the upcoming action.

Invasion Force
Southern Army, 25th Army HQ and the 2nd--5th--14th--15th--21st--38th Infantry Divisions. Four Independent Engineers and 6 Artillery units support the Assault Divisions.

Task: Once the Allied army has been drawn as far as possible from Sabang, the Invasion Force shall make a massed landing at the heart of the Allied defenses. Bombardment and Recon detail three Independent Infantry Regiments as the heart of base's defense. MASSED Naval Bombardment will pulverize the defenders raising disruption upon landing and then we'll see how fast it takes for a decision to be reached.

The turn is April 4th presently and D-Day is set for the 22nd of the month. Getting units prepped has been the issue for holding this landing up to this point. Current Preparation Level is the following for the units: Southern Army (100%), 25th Army (100%), 2nd ID (34%), 5th ID (37%), 14th ID (100%), 15th ID (41%), 21st ID (33%), and 38th ID (53%). Add roughly twenty points and everyone shall be at a minimum of 50% and higher.

Kaigun Assets:
A. 1st Kido Butai (5 CV: Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku and 4 CVL with 550+ planes) keeps its face in front of Dan making him THINK the entire Japanese carrier fleet is locked into this fight.

Reality shows that a sizeable force in now deployed to the South Pacific. Nauru Atoll hides KB-2 (CV Hiryu, 4 CVL, and 7 CVE with nearly 400 planes).

CV Junyo (Manila) and Hiyo (Singapore) are still about 100 days from completing repairs. Don't like Hiyo at Singers but haven't had much option until recently. She is now repaired enough to send to Soerabaja or Hong Kong. Haven't decided YET what we're doing there.

If given 35-45 days, the navy gains the invaluable services of two Shokaku-Kai CVs, a Kawachi-Class BC, and some smaller ships. When formed up they shall probably join KB-2.

B. Battleships are being repaired presently. Nagato and Ise have just re-entered the operational fleet. Yamato will be available for the invasion in a slightly damaged state.

C. Tanaka's Battlecruisers have done the lion's share of the bombardments with Kirishima rejoining her sisters in just a day or two.

D. Six CAs form the third bombardment element.

E. There are still about 20 subs operating in the IO but I have moved and concentrated at least 12-15 subs at Koepang and Tulagi.

Air Assets:
Nearly 400 bombers surround Langsa and Sabang. There is an equal number of fighters. Many of the Fighters are upgrading as Tony, George, and the new A6M4 improve fighter performance ability. The Carriers are gaining the A6M5b which begins the upgrade into a heavier hitting naval version of the Zero airframe.

Remember in RA there is no JACK. Everything is staked to the ZERO air frame.

Am now beginning to concentrate planes in the Eastern DEI and South Pacific in anticipation of a counter move by Dan. The goal is to have a pool of about 150 Fighters and 200-300 DB/TB/Bombers in each location by May 1st. These two concentrations can then quickly move to any point of danger TOGETHER and cause some serious pain.

Coinciding with the plane movements are Base Force and Air HQ movements so these planes can maximize their power.

This is the first real update I've been able to do. Sorry about that. The reality of THREE games, family, work, and other responsibilities really makes time a precious thing...

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/22/2016 5:59:51 AM >

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RE: Operation SU - 2/22/2016 6:04:10 AM

Sangeli

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From: San Francisco
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Boy spring 43 is not a fun time to be the Allies in RA! I know this from first hand experience as well. Your Sabang invasion plan looks sound and I have every reason to believe you will pull it off.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 1677

RE: Operation SU - 2/22/2016 7:17:45 AM

John 3rd

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

Boy spring 43 is not a fun time to be the Allies in RA! I know this from first hand experience as well. Your Sabang invasion plan looks sound and I have every reason to believe you will pull it off.

Real Truth in that statement Sangeli. This version of RA is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO strong for the Japanese. Michael and I have worked the last two years (this was RA 5.0 and we're now on 7.9) to dial back the Japanese and make the trio of Mods more consistent. We've worked to help the Allies and pull Japan back. Think we have done quite well with the current Mod version, however, that does not help Dan in this game.

It bothered me enough that I offered to change Mods and/or do a regular Babes Mod instead of picking up this match. Dan would have none of it. He wanted to pick right back up and that was that.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/22/2016 8:35:47 AM >

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Post #: 1678

RE: Operation SU - 2/22/2016 7:33:57 AM

John 3rd

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

On Sangeli's note let me be specific with Carrier Deployment as of April 1943. NO Japanese carrier of ANY sort have been sunk.

KB-1 (553 Planes)
CV: Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku
CVL: Ryujo, Zuiho, Ryuho, Nisshin

KB-2 (385 Planes)
CV: Hiryu
CVL: Mizuho, Chitose, Chiyoda, Shoho
CVE: Kaiyen (18), Kuzuryu (18), Taiyo--Unyo--Chuyo (27), Shinyo (33), Kaiyo (24), and Hosho (18)

Under Repair
CV: Junyo and Hiyo

New Construction
CV: Ryukaku (31 days), Renkaku (34 days), and Taikaku (60 days) All three of these carriers are Shokaku-Kai Class 81 Planes, 3,000 more Tons, and very tough. These carriers replace CV Taiho and Shinano and are added to the 4th Circle Building Plan. I've juggled the acceleration to try and get all three very close to each other. This has led the Unryu's to be coming in at their historical time or a little bit later. When they reach their full plane complement they have 33 Zero, 24 DB, and 24 TB.

CB: Kawachi (B-64 Class) in 8 Days

CL: Niyodo (18 D) and Oyodo (31 Days) Improved Agano with 3x3 6" Guns, slightly more tonnage, and 4 Jakes.

Other: 3 DDs and 3 SS within 30 Days

Dan is up against it. He MUST make a move before May 1-15, 1943 or I shall gain a very powerful addition to my Naval Striking Power.

I spent most of 1942 converting ships to CVLs or CVEs as soon as it was allowed to do so. A good number of the CVLs and CVEs (2 CVL and 3 CVE) have just arrived for operational use.

Important to note that once these reinforcements arrive, there is just the sister ship to Kawachi, a couple more improved Agano-CL, and then the 'normal' Unryu-Class.

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Post #: 1679

Jack and Jill... - 2/24/2016 5:00:36 PM

John 3rd

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

April 10, 1943

Everything continues forward as the Japanese prepare to land at Sabang.

Decoys:
1. The troops below Langsa are making more noise and there are 50 bombers a day hitting Allied troops here. Add an occasional Naval Bombardment and there we go...

2. The West Coast is interesting. Dan saw that I had two ID move into the hex with 1st Marines, a TK Bn and the beat-up Inf Reg and he decided that this isn't too much of a threat. He is moving the 18th Brit ID back towards Sabang. NOPE! Not allowed. The 2nd Tank Div arrives tomorrow. That full strength unit plus Air and Naval Bombardment will--hopefully--force a retreat. If we can force the retreat then I am sure troops will move to help this side of Sumatra.

Sabang/Langsa
Both targets get hit at least every other day by bombardments. Langsa is hit every day by at least 100 bombers. The jungle interferes with doing heavy damage but things are OK so far. Am lowering the bombing altitude over Langsa from 9,000 to 7,000 Ft to see if that helps. We're keeping both AF at around 100% damage. The Kongo TF regains Kirishima after healing her Torp damage and they will smash Sabang next turn. Ise and Nagato deal with Langsa.

Redeployment
DEI
Java Area
Now have and Air HQ, Infantry Division, Inf Brigade, and several Naval Guards in Java. All south side Ports have Forts at 4+. Denpasar has an Air HQ and Brigade.

Eastern DEI
Timor has an ID and Brigade plus Air HQ.

Makassar, Kendari, and Ambon all getting reinforcements including Air HQ.

We shall--within 10 days--have a completely interweaving, mutually supporting set of AF that all allow for TTs. It isn't quite as deep or strong as I would like but it is looking pretty good at this point.

Coral Sea/South Pacific
There are full strength ID at Lunga and Rabaul. Brigade+ strength at Munda, Buin, Ocean, Nauru, Kusaie, and that base SE of Truk. Have deployed a number of CD units to help damage and buttress defense. There is serious depth here and Kido Butai 2 lurking...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/24/2016 5:02:05 PM >

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Post #: 1680

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