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RE: 1-2 Dec 42 - 3/29/2016 3:34:30 AM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		At least you are close to port. but now you have to avoid any fight against KB. I mean not even within LBA range

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 571
RE: 1-2 Dec 42 - 3/29/2016 6:51:50 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

At least you are close to port. but now you have to avoid any fight against KB. I mean not even within LBA range


I have no intent of seeking out the KB with 5 or even 6 CVs.....I don't have your kinda luck Jorge!!!

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 572
3-4 Dec Dec 42 - 3/31/2016 6:38:03 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		3-4 Dec 42

Highlights – Horn Is SBDs catch a fast transport run to Merauke

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Nagara)
SS: 1 (I-17)
xAP: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 28
Allied: 07

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
I-17 sunk by DD Bailey off Ndeni
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (2 xAK hit)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Baker Is Amph TF completes loading at Christmas Is; will depart for staging at Canton Is next turn.

In SOPAC, so far, so good, CV Yorktown has slipped through the sub infestation and is just off Noumea by turn’s end. She’ll continue on to Sydney with the 4 DD escort and two DDs on ASW. CVs Lex and Sara TF (2CV, BB, 2CA, DDs) will depart Noumea to rendezvous with the remaining 3 US CVs currently refueling east of Luganville. The CVs will hit Vaitupu, then proceed to support CENPAC’s Baker landings. Vaitupu landings will launch after Baker. IJN subs continue to infest waters from KiraKira to Luganville – including midgets at Kira. US DDs and Aussie ASW Hudsons are having some success, I-17 reported sunk as well as a midget. Will continue to focus on ASW effort as supplies remain good – over 5k at Kirakira, although will also run in a pair of APDs and SSTs with supply.

In SWPAC, 5 PTs run out to Merauke from Horn Island to disrupt a TF sighted heading there, and my guess pays off – it appears to be a fast transport run with a CL TF (CL, 4DD). The PTs intercept in daylight, and lose 2 PTs for no damage – but delay the TF enough for the IJN to remain in range in daylight. Poor weather prohibits AM strikes, but PM strikes of SBDs from Horn and B-25s out of Portland Roads land 4 bombs on the CL (claimed Nagara sunk) and a DD dam. B-17s hit Merauke, doing moderate damage to the port and AF without loss. No CAP for the sweeping P-38s. Still holding off a landing at Merauke for a bit – hoping I can ID the IJN CVs somewhere! On that note, recon sites a large concentration – over 100 ships at Rabaul – but nothing specific.

In WAUS, DD Meredith reaches Perth enroute to Melbourne. B-17s hit Port Hedland with minimal effect, but no CAP either.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, IJA effort to link up with troops at Katha is held by the US 112th CAV Reg, but the Allied attack on the IJA 48th Div is held – stalemate for now. The IJA force will break through, its just a matter of time. Allied air forces rest, with the exception of the usual night bombing – this time rather successful at Magwe with a single squadron of Wellys destroying a reported 12 a/c on the ground! Which means, Magwe continues to be a target rich environment.





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Post #: 573
5-6 Dec Dec 42 - 4/6/2016 5:35:19 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		5-6 Dec 42

Highlights – Busy day over Cox’s Bazaar; subs continue to plague SOPAC waters despite losses.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-169)
xAP: 1
xAKL: 1


Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 32

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
I-169 claimed sunk by DD Lardner off Vanikoro; ASW Hudsons claim 2 subs hit north of Espirutu Santo
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Baker Is Amph TF departs Christmas Is, enroute to Canton Is to stage.

In SOPAC, subs remain very thick in waters north of Espirutu Santo, despite aggressive efforts of both LBA ASW a/c and ASW TFs – both claim hits, and DD runs to Kirakira have run out of DCs before returning to Luganville. Two APDs land supplies on Kira and avoid the subs. Will continue to run ASW TFs to suppress subs. US CV TFs hit Vaitupu with carrier air, sinking a derelict xAP. B-24s also hit ground targets with good effect. The CVs complete refueling and will begin to move towards Baker Is. PBYs sight CA TF (3-4CAs, 2CLs, DDs) off Thousand Ships Bay presumably heading to bombard Kirakira. B-26s attack without success. PTs are on station to intercept, as well as US subs of course – hope they can be slowed in their departure back up The Slot so Ndeni based US LBA (B-26s and SBDs) can get another shot at them – moonlight is at 0%, so there is a chance that the PTs might get in close. US CA TF will remain at Luganville due to heavy sub threat – not worth the risk right now.

In SWPAC, Moresby hit by B-17s with moderate effect, no CAP met by sweeping P-38Fs. Sallys hit Horn Is at night with no success, met ineffectually by Beaufighters. Otherwise, quiet.

In WAUS, Crippled DD Meredith departs Perth enroute to Melbourne. B-17s hit Port Hedland ground targets for a change of pace, hitting the 14th Garrison Unit with minimal effect, but no CAP either. So, the major infantry formations do seem to have pulled out. Cape Town convoy arrives at Perth.

In China, IJA forces clear the hex north of Chungking. Still have some semblance of forces in the south near Changsa, as well as Lanchow in the north, but supplies are pretty much non existent – Chungking is down to 4k of supplies. I’ve pretty much given up here….will try to tie down troops as long as possible, but Chungking’s time is running out.

In India/Burma, heavy IJA fighter sweeps over Cox’s Bazaar go well for the defending CAP – got lucky here as I wasn’t expecting anything major – trying to rest the air force. CAP was gathered from Cox and other surrounding bases of all sorts of fighters Spitfires, Wildcats, P-40Ks, P-39s, and Hurris. All told about 30 Allied fighters at any one time – the sweeps by Oscar IIbs and Tojos don’t fare well – after the two days: 23 Oscar IIb and 14 Tojos lost in exchange for 9 P-40K, 4 F4F, 3 P-39, 2 Hurri and 2 Spits. I’ll take the exchange. Will continue to try and rest the air forces…


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 574
7-8 Dec Dec 42 - 4/9/2016 11:44:30 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		7-8 Dec 42

Highlights – Synch bug again to celebrate the war’s one year mark – didn’t see half of what happened! Kirakira bombarded by CA TF

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (SS-42)
PT: 4

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 38

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
S-42 came up as sunk by bomb – never saw it, wasn’t previously damaged. Apparently off Koepang.

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Absolutely no idea where any enemy CV is at this point. Never a good feeling.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, troops finish loading aboard transports to land at Buldir Is, between Kiska and Attu. Island still under Allied control, but not occupied. Will land engineers to build up AF to support ops into Attu come spring.

In CENPAC, Baker Is Amph TF arrives at Canton, and will begin move to Baker next turn. Baker looks to be vacant. US CVs link up off Vaitupu, complete refueling ops and will move to support landings.

In SOPAC, the IJN CA TF (4CA, 4DD) did hit Kirakira with minimal effect – and the PTs did close to 2000yds which allowed a couple to launch torps – all missed of course, and 4 boats were lost after three engagements. Allied LBA never launched, either due to weather or IJN getting out of range. Despite minimal damage inflicted, Kirakira AF reaches level 1 and is operational with a squadron of P-39s.

In SWPAC, Moresby hit again by B-17s, and 4 lost to ops/flak – not good at 8000 ft. Damage was moderate, and no fighters on CAP. AF not shut down however, and it looks like L_S_T has got some good AA units there now.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, two squadrons of Blenhiems get chewed up by heavy LRCAP over the Burma-India frontier line near Akyab - losses after two days: 8 Blen, 10 Hurri, 4 P-39, 3 F4F against 5 Zero and 2 Tojo. Not good. Will focus much more additional air in the hex to attack the IJA’s 48th Div with 2 Brit and 2 Indian Divs; air will include heavy sweeps as well as B-24s/B-25s supporting the ground attack. Will likely be a busy day in the air. Also on the ground, the Brit 18th Div with support has successfully pulled back from Akyab before being attacked by the two IJA Divs in the Akyab hex.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 575
9-10 Dec Dec 42 - 4/15/2016 4:47:48 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		9-10 Dec 42

Highlights – PTs torp CA off Kirakira; Baker Island occupied.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Kinugasa - listed, but I don't think so)
SSX: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (RO-60)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Baker Is (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Baker Is (CENPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:Looks like the entire IJN CA force (8-10 CAs) based in the Solomons – can the CVs be far off??

West Coast/Admin. On an admin note, CV Yorktown safely docks at Sydney for repairs – initial estimate is 40 days!

In NOPAC, troops begin landing at Buldir Is without interference, other than bad weather.

In CENPAC, Baker Is secured without opposition – garrison pulled out some time earlier. US 21st IN Reg already reboarding transports for movement back to Christmas Is, to be relieved by 1st USMC Def Bn. PBYs and a squadron of P-40Ks already based on Baker. US CV TFs will sortied toward the Gilberts, then move south to cover landings at Vaitupu – which also now appears to be evacuated. Amph TF has departed Suva, and will not stage at Funifuti, but press directly to Vaitupu.

In SOPAC, not one, but two IJN CA TFs (4CA, 4DD /4CA, 6DD) hit Kirakira again – this time, PTs closed to 1000yds due to 7% moonlight and put a torp into Kinugasa (reported sunk now for the third time in the last year!!). Two PTs were lost, and the second CA TF was engaged, but not pressed – no losses to either side. Both IJN TFs bombarded, causing moderate damage (30s), destroying 3 PBYs and a P-39. AF remains in operation, but progress of the engineers slowed. Seeing this many CAs in one theater is surprising – but if L_S_T wants to commit them in trying to slow a buildup of a level 1 AF base – great! Will continue to try and attrit the enemy sorties with subs and PTs, and perhaps get lucky as the PT did this turn. I doubt the Kinugasa was sunk as it participated in the bombardment, and no IJN floatplanes were listed as ground loses. Will continue to run in supplies and additional engineers as well.

In SWPAC, with the IJN CA force in the Solomons, I’ve started to put in motion the invasion of Merauke – initial loading of troops in Townsville and moving ships to staging at Portland Roads. B-17s in SOPAC, as well as P-38s, will also return to SWPAC to support the landings – Bde of the US 32nd Div will spearhead the landing – hopefully in the next week or so. Some risk here – still don’t know where any IJN CVs are – but wouldn’t the CVs be in the vicinity of the CAs??

In WAUS, it remains quiet. Lead Allied troops (Aussie Bde and Tk Reg) begin the long trek toward Port Hedland overland from Exmouth.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, Allied air focuses on supporting the attack of 4 Allied Div against the IJA’s 21st Div which holds back two deliberate attacks – of course weather prevents strikes the first day! Still, in the air, the Allies do well 20 Zeros downed in exchange for 3 P-39, 4 P-40K, and 3 Hurris. One B-24 and B-25 were lost to ops as well. Will attempt a repeat again next turn before the IJA can reinforce on the ground. To spice things up, Brit sub Truant sighted what appears to be another BB bombardment TF heading out of Rangoon towards Akyab – my bet another bombardment heading toward Cox’s Bazaar. Subs, mines, and a pair of MGBs will hopefully hinder their progress to allow Allied air to get in some strikes!





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Post #: 576
RE: 9-10 Dec Dec 42 - 4/15/2016 7:25:28 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline 		In my admittedly limited experience one fish won't sink a CA unless there is a catastrophic side effect such as a fuel or ammo explosion. It might not even be damaged very much. But this looks like the kind of op you need to do to put some "friction" (as I read on Canoerebel's AAR) into those Japanese bombardment runs. Overall IMHO you're doing well as you are gradually taking control of the initiative from neutral to the Allied side.

That much IJN pressure on Kirakira seems disproportionate, unless he's got some wider agenda there.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 577
RE: 9-10 Dec Dec 42 - 4/15/2016 10:48:58 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		PT boat torpedoes are small, it most likely didn't sink. In my Japanese game, Chiyoda took 2 PT torpedoes, and it was in OK shape to return to port.

But as you mentioned, it adds a new unkown variable that a Japanese player will need to think about

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 578
RE: 9-10 Dec Dec 42 - 4/16/2016 2:16:16 AM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

PT boat torpedoes are small, it most likely didn't sink. In my Japanese game, Chiyoda took 2 PT torpedoes, and it was in OK shape to return to port.

But as you mentioned, it adds a new unkown variable that a Japanese player will need to think about

I thought the early PT versions had the four destroyer type tubes and full sized torpedoes and it wasn't until around late 1943 that the upgrades give them the smaller torpedoes so they have some weight savings for AA guns and radar?

_____________________________

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 Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 579
RE: 9-10 Dec Dec 42 - 4/16/2016 2:35:29 AM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		I was hit by 21' Mk 8 torpedoes.

And you are right it was a full sized, if WWI old, destroyer torpedo.

However, as per wikipedia:
"The torpedo also lacked the explosive power of newer models. It carried less than 500 pounds of TNT-based explosive which was far from a guaranteed ship kill on strike. This would frustrate many captains who, when lucky enough to hit an enemy dead on, would have the warhead go off but not do enough damage to sink the target, and allowed many of them to limp back home."

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Post #: 580
RE: 9-10 Dec Dec 42 - 4/16/2016 6:29:15 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

In my admittedly limited experience one fish won't sink a CA unless there is a catastrophic side effect such as a fuel or ammo explosion. It might not even be damaged very much. But this looks like the kind of op you need to do to put some "friction" (as I read on Canoerebel's AAR) into those Japanese bombardment runs. Overall IMHO you're doing well as you are gradually taking control of the initiative from neutral to the Allied side.

That much IJN pressure on Kirakira seems disproportionate, unless he's got some wider agenda there.


Kinugasa may not even be banged up mutch - no fires observed. But I'll take it - fingers crossed its at least some float damage requiring some yard time.

As you say jwolf, the PTs are just "friction" - hopefully slow up the bombardment runs to reduce their effectiveness and possibly delay their exit to allow LBA get in some licks. I've got a number of PTs now, and with low visibility for a few more turns, they could get lucky.

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 581
RE: 9-10 Dec Dec 42 - 4/16/2016 6:47:07 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline
quote:

...with low visibility for a few more turns, they could get lucky.


They only need to get lucky once to have a significant deterrence effect, or so I would think. Good luck.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 582
11-12 Dec Dec 42 - 4/18/2016 1:41:08 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		11-12 Dec 42

Highlights – Vaitupu liberated; heavy air raids on Kirakira

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Shinonome – old, from Carnavon)

Allied ships sunk:
MGB: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 32
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Vaitupu (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Vaitupu (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Fast convoy departs LA for Auck

In NOPAC, troops finish landing at Buldir Is, base construction begins.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Vaitupu secured without a fight – garrison pulled out. 8th USMC Def Bn will remain, the 24th IN Reg (Sep) begins boarding transports for deployment back to Suva. US CVs will pull south of Funafuti to replenish, but remain in the vicinity to support troop redeployments to both Vaitupu and Baker Is – however, that time will be limited as sortie ability is about half for the CVs. Kirakira remains a hotly contested base. 4 IJN DDs sweep in, missing PTs and resupply convoys, but catch two APDs in a brief fight. The APDs withdraw damaged, but make it back to Ndeni. Two small convoys drop troops and supplies, but a pair of xAKLs and an AM remain as the sun rises. Heavy Jpn air raids hit the base – including Zeros on sweeps and low naval attack, and Kates on AF attack. An xAKL is heavily damaged and a PT slightly damaged by Zeros. P-39 CAP and Wildcat LRCAP do well, 19Z are lost in exchange for 8 P-39 and an F4F. Damage to the base was minimal, but all 18 remaining P-39s are damaged, so LRCAP out of Ndeni will try and keep skies clear. Not sure at this point if the Zeros and Kates launched out of Munda or CVs are afoot. Weather is good, and PBYs haven’t sighted any CV TFs at sea – but it looks like another CA/CL TF is heading to bombard again – and will be met by PTs and subs only, but I am moving the US CA TF from Luganville to Ndeni.

In SWPAC, an interesting air battle occurred over Portland Roads – usual night time Sally raid was successfully intercepted by P-70 Havocs for a change – after two days, 5 Sallys are shot down in exchange for a single P-70. At sea, Allied coastal traffic increases significantly as troop and supply convoys increase, and shuttling troops for Merauke begin. B-17s at Coen are reinforced by SOPAC Heavies.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, The 4 Allied Div attack against the IJA’s 21st Div is held again with loss to both sides, but fatigue and disruption are denying the Allied success – they need to rest – hopefully can resume BEFORE the IJA reinforces. At sea, a CL TF (2CL, 2CLAA, 5DD) engage and sink the two Brit MGBs at Cox’s Bazaar, but do not bombard. Not sure what to make of this – weather prevented any Allied airstrikes (again!!), but not sure if this was just a raid or a sweep prior to the BBs coming up for a visit. In any case, air searches don’t spot anything at sea at turn’s end. A/C remain ready at both Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar for a naval strike – just need a target not obscured by storms.



(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 583
13-14 Dec Dec 42 - 4/19/2016 10:39:11 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		13-14 Dec 42

Highlights – Missed opportunity at Kirakira!!

Jpn ships sunk:
ACM: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
DD: 1 Kasumi

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 4
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 77
Allied: 38

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Howland Is: (CENPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, busy day at Kirakira. Starts off with 4 IJN TFs coming in to create havoc. First, a CL TF (2CL, 2DD) and a DD TF (4DD) come in to sweep PTs at night – one of 9 PTs in two TFs is sunk, but 4 decide to head back to Ndeni after expending torps of which none hit. Next is a CA TF (3CA, 5DD) entering in daylight and the remaining 4 PTs foolishly decide to engage – losing 3 boats with no hits of course. Surprisingly, the CA TF remains to bombard, as does another CA TF (2CAs DDs). The first CA TF, engaged by PTs does little damage, but the unengaged CA TF causes heavy damage to the base, but does not close the AF. The key though is that both CA TFs remain at Kira come daylight – and in good weather for a change. Now the air forces come into play – first the Jpn LBA; Kates escorted by Zeros come in and are met by LRCAP of P-38Gs and F4Fs out of Ndeni – after morning and afternoon raids on both days, 37Z and 6K are lost to 4 P-38s and 4 F4Fs with little damage done to the AF. US LBA out of Ndeni now have a great opportunity – two full squadrons of SBDs, one USMC and one Navy, as well as two B-26 squadrons launch 4 strikes in the two days. That totaled to 61 SBD sorties at naval attack and 46 B-26 sorties at low naval attack. No CAP, good weather. Should be a shooting gallery, right??!! Not so much….NOT a SINGLE SBD hit a target!!! ARGH! The only saving grace is the last sortie of B-26s which land a single 500lb bomb on the Atago, and 3 hits on the Aoba. This is why I hesitate to bring a CV battle with the KB!!! Absolutely abysmal bombing by the SBDs and a golden opportunity missed…the pilots weren’t terrible – all with naval attack ratings in the high 60s and low 70s. I doubt L_S_T will allow ships to remain at Kira in daylight again; he knows he got lucky. Still, after a week, IJN CA runs to Kirakira have cost the IJN 3 CAs banged up (I really doubt the Kinugasa was sunk as reported), which isn’t too bad. I will run the US CA TF to Kira next turn, on the hope that his CAs stay the night to bombard and perhaps the US TF can catch them low on ammo – I doubt it, but I have to try. Lastly, I forgot to switch the LB-30 squadron back to night, and raid Shortlands port at 2000ft in daylight with amazingly good effect and no loss: 2AV and an AG crippled with multiple hits, AD hit and left burning, and an ACM sunk. Not back for a total of 8 sorties!

In SWPAC, Merauke convoys begin closing on staging port at Portland Roads. One bomb group of B-17s hit Milne Bay with moderate effect and no loss. Three B-25 squadrons hit ground units at Merauke, with minimal effect but no loss.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, a single weak Hurri squadron Allied sweep and some wandering CAP over the IJA’s 21st Div is met by a massive LRCAP of 22 Zeros, 20 Oscar IIb, 34 Tojo and for the first time, 5 Tonys. The Brits do pretty well though: 10 Zeros, 7 Tojos and 2 Oscars and Tonys are lost. Not too bad! Major Allied sweeps and LRCAP near Katha are unopposed, and B-25 and B-24 strikes on IJN ground forces near Katha do little damage. Allied air and ground focus will shift back to the attack on the 21st ID next turn.






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Post #: 584
15-16 Dec 42 - 4/21/2016 6:37:25 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		15-16 Dec 42

Highlights – Good day in Burma; quiet returns to Kirakira

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-35)
SSX: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 72
Allied: 62

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
I-35 claimed sunk by DD Hamman off Kirakira
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: SS Grunion spots big TF (2BB, 2CA, CL, 6+DDs) north of Kavieng – question is whether they are headed north or south. BBs perhaps to hit Kirakira??

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, after US CVs take on fuel, they move between Baker Is and Vaitupu – will sortie NNW to strike at reported shipping in the Tarawa-Ocean Is areas next turn. Carriers will then head back to port as sorties avail are getting low.

In SOPAC, its pretty quiet. Lone remaining PT near Kirakira is sunk by CA TF (3CA,4DD) before the IJN withdraws. US CA TF sortie from Ndeni to Kira finds the IJN long gone, and only accomplishes one sub sunk by its escorts. Small Fast TR TF (DMS, 2APD, 2xAKL) bring supplies into Kirakira without issue. IJN air strikes are limited to a few Kates at night, which accomplish little. Kirakira damage all repaired and engineers resume expanding facilities. LB-30s return to Shortlands Port, this time at night, and put 2 bombs on the CL Tama, leaving her on fire.

In SWPAC, Merauke convoys begin closed on staging port at Portland Roads without issue. They will move on to stage at Ndeni, along with the CL TF (2CL, 4DD) next turn, covered by about 100+ LB fighters. Taking a risk here, but curious to see if there is any reaction – figure L_S_T’s recon/searches has noticed the large amount of shipping gathered – but hopefully doesn’t know its target yet, and just might figure it’s a heavy reinforcement of Horn Island. One bomb group of B-17s hit Milne Bay with moderate effect and no loss. B-17s hit both Merauke and Milne Bay targets with moderate effect. Next turn, all assets focus on Merauke in support of the landing – as long as the KB isn’t all of the sudden sighted coming into the Arafura Sea.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, IJA forces, 20 units strong enter the outskirts of Chungking. The final drama for the Capital has begun – and with only 939 supplies in the city…not good.

In India/Burma, a good two days. Allied airpower masses to support B-25 and B-24 attacks on the IJA’s 21st Div. I try something new – LRCAP in addition to sweeps. While the sweeps coming in one squadron at a time, they are augmented each time by the fighters on LRCAP. So despite a very robust LRCAP over the 21st ID – better parts of 3 Tojo, 2 Zero and a Tony Sentai, the sweeps and LRCAP do very well at eliminating the LRCAP by the time the bombers come in. Total tally after the two days are: 36 Tojo, 18 AM3a, and 11 Tony (65 total) against 16 P-40K, 11 Martlet, 7 P-39, 10 Hurri, 4 Kittyhawk III and 2 P-38Es (50 total). I’ll take that exchange, especially with no bombers lost to fighters. First time the Allied fighters inflicted heavy loss on Tojos. Nice. Will follow up with a heavy night air attack on Magwe (I’m allowed one 8 squadron raid from L_S_T, since he did the same at Carnavon – we normally have a 1 squadron limit at night bombing in ’42 – figure now is a good time to call in that debt, perhaps catching a few damaged a/c on the ground). On the ground, the 4 Div Brit/Indian attack succeeds in pushing the IJA’s 21st ID back with heavy loss (2863 casualites, including 77 squads and 32 guns destroyed). Will now move one of the divisions to support (and later hopefully relieve) the adjacent US 27th ID. Lastly, the IJA has advanced out of Akyab toward Cox’s Bazaar – will hit this stack with the bombers next turn. Below screenshot shows the front on the India-Burma border.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 585
17-18 Dec 42 - 4/28/2016 8:57:45 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		17-18 Dec

Highlights – Another good day in the air over Burma; IJN returns to Kirakira

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-9)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 3
AM: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 84
Allied: 29

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Fast convoy departs LA for Auck.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the five US CVs in three TFs sortie northwards just west of Tabiteua in the southern Gilberts looking for naval targets – but only find a single TF of three PBs, and sink two. The CVs will move eastwards to provide distant cover for transports bringing a USMC Def Bn to Baker Is, and then retire to Suva for replenishment.

In SOPAC, an IJN CL TF (CL, 6DD) returns to Kirakira, avoiding a sub attack by SS S-47 SW of Guad. The TF doesn’t bombard, but sinks three PTs from two TFs, and the offloading small xAKL and its AM escort. In the air, Bettys hit Kira at night with little effect, while an 18 plane Zero sweep is met by P-39 CAP which does well – 9 A6M3s lost to 3 P-39s. Will send in a small fast xAKL convoy and hope it can avoid the IJN with only a pair of PTs to provide cover.

In SWPAC, I’m a bit surprised Horn Island wasn’t hit by LBA with all the ships there staging for Merauke – I have to assume they were seen by patrol planes. In any case, so far so good. Merauke Amphib operation will begin next turn, naval forces setting out from Horn Is and overwatched by 4 squadrons of fighters on LRCAP also from Horn Is. B-17s and B-25s will also provide direct support with ground attacks. Fingers crossed the KB doesn’t show up!

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, SE of Chungking, IJA forces force the river line, despite 1-4 odds. Lack of supply is preventing any meaningful resistance.

In India/Burma, another good day in the air. Poor weather prevents about half the medium bombers from hitting Magwe at night, but even so, after two days, 17 a/c are destroyed on the ground, and the AF slightly damaged. Not too bad for only two B-25s brought down by flak – especially since they hit the target at 2000ft. Near Akyab, the IJA ground troops that pushed toward Cox’s Bazaar into the hex occupied by the Brit 18th Div are hit by B-24s, supported by heavy sweeps and LRCAP. Jpn air is limited to Oscar IIbs – and they don’t fare well. After two days 30 Oscars are lost in exchange for 6 Hurris, 2 P-40Ks, and a Spitfire. The B-24s lose two to Ops, and only inflict minor losses on the 16th Army HQ and 18th ID. Even with the last two days of fairly successful air combat over Burma, the Allied LBA fighter squadrons are low on replacement a/c, especially Brit Hurris and US P-40Ks. On the negative side, the IJA finally clears the route from Shwebo to Katha by forcing back into the jungle the US 112th CAV Reg and B/19th ID (IN) with heavy Allied loss (1394 casualties).

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 586
19-20 Dec 42 - 5/2/2016 6:24:54 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		19-20 Dec 42

Highlights – Merauke Amphib goes in without problems; KB appears south of Guad heading SE.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Shirayuki – old, another Carnavon victim)
SS: 1 (I-19 – between Horn and Merauke)
TK: 1 (old)

Jpn ships unsunk:
CA: 1 (Kinugasa – that didn’t take long!)

Allied ships sunk:
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 49
Allied: 31

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Merauke (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB, or at least parts of it, sighted in the Solomon Sea just off Guad – which isn’t terrible with an Amphib going in at Merauke.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, US CV TFs begin heading to Suva for replenishment. With potential KB headed toward the Santa Cruz or New Hebrides, naval a/c are sent off the CVs to reinforce SOPAC LBA.

In SOPAC, IJN CA TF (4CA, 6DD) bombard Kirakira with minimal effect after brushing aside the pair of PTs there without loss to either side. In daylight, a small raid (41Z, 9V) hit the fast transport TF (DMS, 2APD, 2xAKL) offloading at Kira, sinking one of the fast banana boat xAKLs and damaging an APD. This was clearly a raid launched from Akagi and Kaga, and included the A6M5 Zero for the first time. So the KB, or at least parts of it are at sea, just to the SE of Guad. Another TF is sighted with it, but weather doesn’t give the PBYs much – I figure it’s a BB TF (those BBs sighted off Kavieng a few days ago) headed to give Kirakira a good pounding. The remaining xAKL and escorts will depart Kirakira and avoid contact, and I’ll bring in two more squadrons of PTs (4 boats each). With 100% moonlight, I don’t expect much at all, but still hope to disrupt bombardment and perhaps delay the ships so LBA can get in a strike. More concerned of where the CVs might be headed – with two USMC Wildcat squadrons withdrawn recently, I’m actually short fighters squadrons again in SOPAC. So, I fly in VF6 and VF71 as well as VT5 from the CVs as they head to refuel. For now, the Navy fighters will be held back to protect Luganville and Ndeni bases incase L_S_T gets an idea for port attacks in my “rear areas”.

In SWPAC, Merauke amphib goes in better than expected, with minimal air and sea opposition! At least 3 subs attempt to take shots at the passing ships, one sunk on the surface (unless it was a synch bug!) and another banged up pretty well by escorts. CL TF (2CL, 5 DD, DMS) start the landings with a preliminary bombardment, followed by the full weight of B-17s (88) and B-25s (65) in SWPAC on ground support. The Amph TF (CL, 4DD, DE, 3AM, 2APD, 2AP, 5AK, 4xAP) escorted by a ASW TF (DD, DE) and Minesweeping TF (2AM) land A/32nd ID, an AR Bn, and 4 EN units (including one combat engineer coming out of Horn Island on LCMs – first use of landing barges in an assault). Everything goes well, protected by cloud cover on the first day as there were no Jpn air raids. Day two only one raid – 54Z, 18B – intercepted by a mixed LRCAP of 27 fighters. No hits are scored and both sides lose about 6 fighters, with 3 Bettys lost to AA. At the end of two days, all the troops are ashore and plenty of supplies – the ships will pull back to Horn Is, leaving only the 2AM and 4PTs to provide cover and continue to sweep mines. With some luck, the ground pounders can take the base next turn!

In WAUS, the first ground element heading across the desert from Exmouth to the IJA positions at Port Hedland/Coruna Downs has made it 4 hexes so far. This is the lead force, an Aus IN Bde with AR and FA support, headed ever so slowly to take Coruna Downs. The best news is supply is better than good for these troops – an xAKL has been offloading in the adjacent coastal hex for two days – slow offload, but the supplies seem to be getting to the troops ashore. This is good enough for me to start the next ground echelon – the US B/41st ID with FA and tank support moving from Exmouth. This force will attempt to isolate Port Hedland for the final force – the remaining elements of the US 41st ID, just loading transports at Perth, the take Port Hedland over land. This will continue to be a long, slow process – but if I can continue to bring in enough supplies in from non-dot beach hexes, this should take the base.

In China, nothing bad happened.

In India/Burma, the B-24s focus on Akyab AF, destroying 5 OscarIIb on the ground, and heavily damaging the AF. No CAP is present and the B-24s, along with B-25s will hit the target again next turn – denying the IJA ground troops any supply coming up from the base. Lastly, the US 43rd ID completes offloading in India, and will move to the Burma frontier shortly. Also arriving in mainland India, are two Indian Bdes pulled from Ceylon – both will move to the coastal area of the Burma frontier.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 587
RE: 19-20 Dec 42 - 5/2/2016 7:57:46 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline
quote:

In China, nothing bad happened.


I guess that's as good as it gets for that theater.

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Post #: 588
RE: 19-20 Dec 42 - 5/4/2016 4:44:20 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

quote:

In China, nothing bad happened.


I guess that's as good as it gets for that theater.


it won't last.....

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Post #: 589
21-22 Dec 42 - 5/5/2016 4:59:44 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		21-22 Dec 42

Highlights – Merauke taken; KB hanging back near Tulagi

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Mutsuki – old)
SS: 1 (I-9 – near Horn)
xAK: 1 (old – opening days)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 55
Allied: 24

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
3 subs banged up pretty well by escorts near Horn, only one claimed sunk.
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Urumchi (China)

Bases Liberated:
Merauke (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB – at least two CVs perhaps – hanging SW of Tulagi likely providing air cover over Tulagi as there is a lot of activity there – probably reinforcements.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, surprisingly Kirakira does not suffer a naval bombardment. Jpn activity limited to air raids, both night and day. Bettys at night are unopposed, and do little, daylight strikes of Oscar IIb sweeps preceeding Nick low level strikes also achieve little – but are costly to the Empire: 17 Oscars and 15 Nicks fail to return at a cost of 9 P-39, 4 Wildcats and a P-38G. AF remains operational, and I put in an F4F squadron to bolster the P-39s. Apparently, the IJN CVs are providing cover for much shipping activity at Tulagi. I’m assuming its reinforcements, but no way of knowing right now. Sending in four PTs to see what’s up next turn. Seven Kates, presumably from the CVs are shot down while searching the waters near Kirakira. Focus remains to keep Kirakira expanding – ever so slowly with the bombardments. Once the IJN CVs depart the area, will move in another small convoy of more engineers and a badly needed AA Bn. Elsewhere, the US CV TFs arrive at Suva and suck all 20k+ fuel there. Will rest and refit the CVs, a turn or so to repair some minor sys damage to some ships, and also link up with the first two Cleveland Class CLs enroute from PH.

In SWPAC, Merauke falls in the second assault as Allied Airpower doesn’t fly in the first turn due to weather. While the AF and port are both somewhat damaged, F4Fs are flown in to provide CAP. Amph TF successfully pulls back to Horn Island, banging up three subs enroute. Minesweeping TF clears remaining mines at Merauke. First resupply and reinforcement convoy (eng and AA) will go in next turn. Will send a TR TF to Normanton from Horn Is next turn – first time Normanton in the Gulf of Carpentaria will be used as a port to support future operations. Will see how that goes! Surprisingly, no enemy air attacks hit Merauke or any of the shipping now moving between Merauke, Horn and Portland Roads. So far, so good!

In WAUS, remaining two Bdes of the 41st Div load at Perth, and will head to Exmouth with a small CA TF (2CA, 3DD) as cover.

In China, Urumchi in the far north falls. Supplies continue to dwindle elsewhere.

In India/Burma, Allied air focuses on Akyab again, hitting both the AF and port with good effect. No CAP, only a pair of B-24s lost due to Flak. Large enemy ground force – presumably the two tank divisions – close on the line near Akyab – where the IJA’s 21st Div was just forced to retreat. Allied air will “recon by fire” to see what’s in the hex next turn. If they are tank divisions – and in the jungle – perhaps an attack by the 4 Allied IDs in the hex might be worthwhile???

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 590
23-24 Dec 42 - 5/9/2016 11:40:56 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		23-24 Dec 42

Highlights – More ineffective air raids against TFs at Merauke

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-67)
SSx: 1

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 62
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: IJN CVs hanging back in “The Slot” between Munda and Guadalcanal.

West Coast/Admin, a slow convoy departs LA for Auck.

In NOPAC, more engineers are landed at Buldir Island without issue.

In CENPAC, SeeBees landed at Vaitupu.

In SOPAC, except for Betty night raiders, quiet at Kirakira. IJN activity limited to Tulagi and Lunga – US PTs missed the IJN at Tulagi. IJN CVs to the NW in the slot apparently providing air cover and air-search Kates provide scouting – 6 are shot down by US CAP. One of the Kates put a bomb on an AM at Kira, sinking her, leaving the previously escorted xAKL alone at anchor offloading. Supplies are getting low, but with the IJN CVs hanging back, but in range, don’t want to push a major supply convoy into Kirakira. In the mean time, single escorted xAKLs, barges, sub transports and C-47 airlift will suffice. I’m in no real rush here.

In SWPAC, convoy with AA Bn and supplies arrives and begins offloading. 300+ mines dropped by CMs. USMC F4F squadron on site providing CAP does well, augmented by some P-40Ks out of Horn Is – Four escorted Betty raids sink an LCM (with a torp), losing 17 A6M2, 6 Bettys in exchange for 5 F4Fs and 6 P-40K. More convoys from Horn, Portland Roads and Normanton all loading and will be moving toward Merauke. No sign of the IJN so far.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, IJA troops bombard Chungking for the first time.

In India/Burma, Allied air focuses on the two IJA tank divisions and artillery mass in the hex with the 4 Allied divisions – Flak is heavy downing two B-25s and damaging about 10% of the B-24s. Still not sure how effective the IJA armor will be in a jungle-rough hex, but not sure if I want to find out with an infantry attack either. Will shift the medium bomber air support to the coastal hex north of Akyab and rest the Heavies.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 591
25-26 Dec 42 - 5/15/2016 11:58:37 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		25-26 Dec 42

Highlights – Merry Christmas, 1942!

Jpn ships sunk:
CM: 1 (old)

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Tarpon, Pickerel -both from a/c)

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Wasu (China)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin, NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, 4xPTs engage IJN TF (CL, 6DD, 4AK, 4xAP) off Lunga without damage to either side. P-38Gs sweep Lunga, and engage CAP from CV based Zeros and LBA OscarIIBs. P-38s do well, downing 10 Oscars, 4 A6M2 and 4 A6M5 in exchange for 3 P-38s. Will sortie LBA next turn, with B-24s to hit the port and hopefully B-26s to hit some transports. Also sighted on the second day at Lunga is a BB TF – I’m presuming its going to raid Kirakira – so I’m sending a CA TF to Kira to engage (along with the usual PTs). Also heading to Kira, although won’t arrive that first night, will be some transports with an AA Bn and an Eng Bn – the night time Betty raids are getting to be a nuisance, so I need the AA. Lastly, sub Tarpon is hit by a 250lb bomb and goes down near Guad. ASW a/c remain deadly to the sub force.

In SWPAC, pretty quiet at Merauke, only ineffective night time Betty raids. AA Bn and Eng Bn lands, but transports will need more time to offload. Another TF, currently at Horn Is, will also head in next turn bringing more engineers and a CD Battery. Could be a busy day at Merauke. Another convoy is halfway from Normanton to Horn, then to Merauke.

In WAUS, convoy with the two remaining Bdes of the 41st Div will land at Exmouth next turn – CA TF (2CA , 3DD) escorting.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, IJA forces north of Akyab pull back to the base. Will rest the air forces and see what develops.


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 592
27-28 Dec 42 - 5/24/2016 7:36:38 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		27-28 Dec 42

Highlights – Surface action at Kirakira as expected results in tactical IJN victory.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 4 (Shimakaze (old), Hibiki, Fubuki, Usuugumo)
SS: 1 (I-21)
SSx: 2
xAK: 1 (old)

Jpn ships unsunk:
CA: 1 (Takao- really though she went down in the Carnavon fights)
SS: 2 (I-17, I-169)

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (St. Louis)
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 24

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Kashgar (China)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin, Slow convoy departs LA for Auck.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, busy two days at Kirakira. Starts off with IJN CL TF (CL, 4DD) brushing aside 2 PTs, sinking one. Then the IJN BB TF (2BB, CA, 6DD) brush aside 4 PTs which didn’t close beyond 8,000yds and neither side suffered any loss. Next, the IJN CL TF engages the US CA TF (3CA, CL, 6DD) by crossing it’s “T”. CA Salt Lake City and DD Frazier take the brunt of the fires, with SLC taking a torp, forcing her out of the remaining action. US gunnery (and a torp hit on Fubuki) begin to take good effect as ranges close to 2000yds before action breaks off. The downside to this engagement is that the US DD torps were pretty much expended here, before the main event. Next the IJN BB TF and US CA TF (less CA SLC and an escorting DD) run into each other and engage at 8000yds, this time with Adm Scott crossing the “T”. US CA gunfire largely ignores the Big Boys, and doesn’t do well overall. IJN gunfire focuses on the CL St. Louis, which also draws a torp, and is fairly quickly sunk. While ranges closed to 2000yds, damage inflicted seemed to be rather light before forces broke off. In any case, the US lost the St. Louis, and CA Salt Lake City (33/52(21)/12) will require some serious yard time and 3 DDs are moderately damaged as well. Although the IJN reportedly lost 3 DDs, the CL Kiso can’t be too well off. The BBs’ paint might, only might, have been scratched. Still – the engagement forced the IJN to withdraw without bombarding, AND the US transports carrying an AA and Eng Bn arrived in daylight and have begun offloading without interference (so far). Transports will remain to offload, overwatched by a DD TF (5DDs) and PTs. Night time Betty raids again on Kira, but no daylight attacks – appears that the IJN CVs have pulled back to vicinity of Munda. US Fleet remains at Suva.

In SWPAC, again quiet at Merauke, except for ineffective night Betty strike. Offloading of more engineers and AA continue, and another convoy will depart Horn Is for Merauke next turn. Kinda surprised at the lack of response against Merauke – figured this was going to be a very contested amphib. Looks like L_S_T focused more on Kirakira – that’s good by me.

In WAUS, convoy with the two remaining Bdes of the 41st Div begin offloading at Exmouth. B-17s raid Port Hedland and are intercepted by Nicks in daylight for a change. One B-17 is lost to 3 Nicks.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, NSTR.





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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 593
RE: 27-28 Dec 42 - 5/24/2016 7:55:02 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline 		It's fascinating -- and often horrifying -- in a tangle of TFs which ones actually end up fighting each other, and in what order. I think you were lucky it wasn't a lot worse, and maybe the very close range saved you as I don't think the big BB guns can fire that close. But even more amazing is that you were able to complete a transport mission there!

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Post #: 594
RE: 27-28 Dec 42 - 5/24/2016 11:30:58 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		BB guns can definitely engage at minimum ranges, but the AI seems to model the escorts getting in between the big boys to have their own knife fight at close range, and then when the forces pull apart the DDs get out of the way and the bigger ships have a go.

_____________________________

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 jwolf)
Post #: 595
RE: 27-28 Dec 42 - 5/25/2016 5:59:56 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

It's fascinating -- and often horrifying -- in a tangle of TFs which ones actually end up fighting each other, and in what order. I think you were lucky it wasn't a lot worse, and maybe the very close range saved you as I don't think the big BB guns can fire that close. But even more amazing is that you were able to complete a transport mission there!



Yeah, I got lucky considering the size of the IJN TFs. L_S_T seldom does things "small".

And BB is right - IJN BBs have had outstanding gunnery at all ranges. BBs are the IJN's "secret weapon" in 1942 in our game. I have not developed an effective counter. They soak up bombs in TFs, negating the best Allied air platform - the SBD. Their crews are top notch, so sending US BBs to counter is NOT a good idea - one that I found out the hard way in the Aleutians. US CA TFs, if they can get in close can damage the behemoths if they get lucky, and a DD from the screen scores a miraculous hit.

And the BBs are all too bloody effective in bombardments if not intercepted - they can shut down a level 4 fort protected airbase. So, they have to be intercepted with SOMETHING! I'm still looking for a solution....

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 596
29-30 Dec 42 - 5/25/2016 8:25:35 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		29-30 Dec 42

Highlights – More IJN BBs return to Kirakira

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Kinugasa – surprisingly returns to the sunk list!)
xAKL: 1 (old)

Allied ships sunk:
Allied ships sunk:
APD: 1 (Colhoun)
xAP: 2 (small/med)

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (DD Porter hit and crippled off Kirakira)
Allies: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin, NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Kirakira remains a busy place. Was surprised by L_S_T sending another BB TF (2BB,2CA, 5DD) preceeded by a DD TF (5DDs) into Kirakira – US DD TF (5DD) overwatching the offloading transports duly engages the BB TF, and doesn’t accomplish much, but only 1 DD is heavily damaged for the efforts. Only one PT squadron engages, and engages the DDs, but break off without loss to either side. One TR TF (APD, 2xAPs) is found and sunk by the IJN DD TF. The BB TF misses the other TR TF, which pulls back to Ndeni without loss. The BBs do however bombard with good effect – the AF remains operational (4 P-39 and 3 F4F destroyed on the ground), but the port is heavily damaged. This will slow progress of engineers, and most supplies did not get offloaded. Still a bit surprised by the L_S_T’s focus on Kira – will continue to push in the PTs and subs and hope for a lucky hit. With visibility decreasing, the boats may get lucky. Lastly, Rabaul is bombed for the first time – 3 LB-30s raid the port at 2000ft, reporting 2 hits on both BB Fuso and BB Mutsu, putting the deckhands back to repainting scratches and replacing deck wood.

In SWPAC, pretty quiet, convoys continue to push supplies and troops into Merauke.

In WAUS, IJN sub I-22 is likely heavily damaged off Exmouth by escorts – likely on a minelaying run.

In China, a US P-40 squadron arrives at Kumning, enroute to Chungking.

In India/Burma, NSTR.






Attachment (1)

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 597
RE: 27-28 Dec 42 - 5/25/2016 11:55:56 PM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer


quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

It's fascinating -- and often horrifying -- in a tangle of TFs which ones actually end up fighting each other, and in what order. I think you were lucky it wasn't a lot worse, and maybe the very close range saved you as I don't think the big BB guns can fire that close. But even more amazing is that you were able to complete a transport mission there!



Yeah, I got lucky considering the size of the IJN TFs. L_S_T seldom does things "small".

And BB is right - IJN BBs have had outstanding gunnery at all ranges. BBs are the IJN's "secret weapon" in 1942 in our game. I have not developed an effective counter. They soak up bombs in TFs, negating the best Allied air platform - the SBD. Their crews are top notch, so sending US BBs to counter is NOT a good idea - one that I found out the hard way in the Aleutians. US CA TFs, if they can get in close can damage the behemoths if they get lucky, and a DD from the screen scores a miraculous hit.

And the BBs are all too bloody effective in bombardments if not intercepted - they can shut down a level 4 fort protected airbase. So, they have to be intercepted with SOMETHING! I'm still looking for a solution....

The only solution I have found to IJN BBs and their high experience is torpedoes - from subs, from British & Dutch CLs and DDs (and even, once, from BC Repulse!) and of course from Avengers, Albacores and Swordfish. The TBs must wait for adequate escort before trying these attacks.

_____________________________

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 IdahoNYer)
Post #: 598
RE: 27-28 Dec 42 - 5/26/2016 1:51:31 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

The only solution I have found to IJN BBs and their high experience is torpedoes - from subs, from British & Dutch CLs and DDs (and even, once, from BC Repulse!) and of course from Avengers, Albacores and Swordfish. The TBs must wait for adequate escort before trying these attacks.




BB - Agreed, but you forgot to mention one very critical ingredient necessary for success with those tactics......
.......a whole lotta luck!!!!

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 599
RE: 27-28 Dec 42 - 5/26/2016 2:29:00 AM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		Luck, schmuck! You can stack the odds a bit more in your favour by training the subs/ships crews and pilots as high as possible before committing them and getting them some combat experience in low risk environments. Easy to say, but the hard part is resisting the urge to push them forward early. I often have to tell myself it really doesn't matter in the long run if I let the IJN take one more insignificant base so that I can keep my pilots training.

My subs get experience early on launching unsuccessful attacks (misses and duds) and suffering ineffective depth charging afterwards. Not exciting but necessary action.
My torpedo bombers get combat experience dropping bombs on easy land targets or poorly CAP'd merchants.
Surface ships get experience doing bombardments and escorting where they have to defend against sub and aircraft attacks.

And PT boats do their thing at night, but then I take the best of them into a separate TF and send it back to the pools to be used later when they are facing BBs rather than just DDs. The trick is to have enough of them with decent experience because the most aggressive will get shot up first and the rest better be able to get the hits.

And of course investing the points in good leaders for the ships/subs/squadrons is essential. I put this ahead of buying out a lot of LCUs early which will be risked in hazardous transport to exposed bases where they may or may not get enough support to survive. IOW, command of the sea and air comes first.

_____________________________

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 IdahoNYer)
Post #: 600
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