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RE: 12-13 Aug 44 - 11/28/2019 1:53:34 AM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Seems like really fast progress now. I wonder when you will hit an ambush or some really hardened defense. Whatever logistic troubles LST has, I'm sure he has something, somewhere, waiting for you.



I REALLY thought L_S_T was going to throw the kitchen sink at me during the Luzon landings. But now, I'm starting to think he's saving what he has to protect the Home Islands - so a Downfall Scenario is in the making.

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 1351
RE: 12-13 Aug 44 - 11/30/2019 6:57:13 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline 		Speaking for the fans, a Downfall scenario would indeed be cool to see -- someone else suffer through it! I'm anxious to see how this shapes up for the endgame.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1352
16-17 Aug 44 - 12/3/2019 12:02:05 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		16-17 Aug 44

Highlights – CVs hit a few targets in the East China Sea with good effect; Lang Son retaken by IJA.

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 1
SC: 7
APD: 3
xAK: 2
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 42
Allied: 27

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Lang Son (SE Asia)

Bases Liberated:
Aparri (SWPAC)
Laoag (SWPAC)
Bacolod (SWPAC)
Guiuan (SWPAC)
Almagan (CENPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: SIGINT tells me that the IJA’s 9th ID is on transports at Nagasaki - and air search and recon confirms transports still at sea at the port.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Almagan Island, one of the smaller atolls in the Marianas just south of Pagan flips to Allied control - it had a garrison on it that LBA had been hitting; either that eliminated the last man standing or L_S_T pulled the garrison out. Will make a good PBY base once engineers do some work. At Guam, US forces hold tight, no ground bombardments from either side, just the continued work of the BBs and LBA which continue to accomplish little. The Amph TF enroute to Ponape to bring in another US division apparently had an LSD that had grounded during the assault - 80+ float damage. I managed to miss that, so the TF traveled a total of three hexes - so will detach the LSD back to Rota with a DD escort and the TF can now continue to Ponape, a few days late.

In SOPAC, the CV TFs move into the East China Sea and air strikes hit a convoy with about a half dozen good size xAKs off Tokara Retto, about 80m off the SW coast of Kyushu with good effect. Four strikes go in and report hitting all xAKs as well as a pair of Escorts and SCs. An E, 2SCs and 2xAKs are reported sunk, but most other ships are left burning. Strikes also find and sink an ASW TF of 3SC off Saisho To and sink three APDs apparently returning from Amami Oshima. A good two days work! Recon and air search report a convoy still at Nagasaki, so as planned, the CV TFs will move one hex closer next turn and launch strikes. Plan is to start with three Helldiver squadrons hitting the AF at night, hopefully disrupting the expected CAP a bit. Daylight will hopefully bring sweeps by F6Fs and Corsairs followed by strikes on the convoy as well as port strikes. I fully expect a solid CAP of Franks and Georges waiting, so if the sweeps don’t go in first, it could be an ugly day at the races. Still, it will be a good test to see how well the CVs can provide the “Big Blue Blanket” over the Home Islands - although hitting the convoy is important, just as important is seeing how well Naval air can cope with CAP over a Japanese city. I plan on using the CV TFs to provide sweeps and LRCAP in support of the strategic bombing campaign. Regardless of effectiveness, I plan to pull the CV TFs south of the East China Sea where they can still interdict naval transports inbound to Formosa and Okinawa and then begin replenishment operations.

In SWPAC, a good day in the PI! Both Aparri and Laoag were taken on northern Luzon paving the way for establishing those AFs for 20th Air Force’s B-29s. A few IJA remnants remain in the north, and a few ground troops will hunt those down in the coming days. The majority of the ground troops continue to mass against Manila which remains the hottest target in the Pacific for the bomber crews. Flak claimed three B-24s and three mediums over two days with a number more being shot up as ops losses. LBA will continue to work over troops in Manila despite the losses. Ground troops will await one more division moving in from central Luzon before starting bombardments. In the outer islands, Bacolod, just north of Cebu, is taken by an Aussie IN Bn after a number of attacks against its SNLF Co defenders. They fought hard to the last! Guiuan, on Samar was also taken, but was not defended.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, I’m surprised by an IJA attack by three IN Bdes to re-take Lang Son. I saw the troops approaching, but didn’t expect three Bdes nor that they would be well supplied. I could have easily missioned LBA, but never thought it would be necessary. I was reinforcing Lang Son with the US 475th IN Reg by air, but only about 1/3 had been brought in to reinforce the Indian 50th Para Bde. So, the IJA retook the base at a cost of 1475 Allied casualties in exchange for 600 IJA. Will look to have the Indian IV Corps retake the base enroute to Hanoi/Haiphong. I have plenty of Chinese troops available, but they are restricted, so can’t enter Vietnam. The 5th Indian Div is mostly ashore at Kwangchowan, but will take a few more days to completely offload, and the Aussie 9th ID should start offloading next turn. The Indian IV Corps elements are now mostly planning for Haiphong. CVE TFs continue to provide CAP, but will pull off when the 9th ID completes offloading to support the Formosa landings. Vinh continues to be a roadblock to the XXXIII Corps elements which are getting closer to beginning their assault. A few more days.




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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 1/4/2020 11:35:24 PM >

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 1353
18-19 Aug 44 - 12/4/2019 10:38:53 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		18-19 Aug 44

Highlights – East China Sea FURBALL!!!!

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 3
xAKL: 3

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (KVII - lost to a mine off Pescadores)

Air loss:
Jpn: 1378 (not a typo!)
Allied: 107

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ship hit (xAK, xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Baler (SWPAC - flipped)
Culion (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: SIGINT is still telling me that the IJA’s 9th ID is aboard transports heading to Okinawa - no sign of this convoy in the East China Sea though. While I do think L_S_T is having supply/fuel problems, this past turn shows that he still has the ability to mass air and sail the KB!

West Coast/Admin: BB West Virginia has finally finished its repairs from Pearl Harbor damage in Washington; she’ll begin her journey to join the fleet. Also, CV Bunker Hill and three CVLs have completed refit at Soerabaja and are enroute to join the Fleet.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the US 38th ID begins loading on assault transports at Ponape, bound for Guam. BBs finally had a reasonable bombardment effect at Guam, inflicting over 300 casualties. Once the 38th ID is ashore - which will likely overstack - will look to begin ground attacks. With some luck, will have Guam secured by the end of the month.

In SOPAC, well….what can I say….I didn’t see this one coming! Good possibility L_S_T set this whole thing up to draw me in with the IJA 9th ID potentially on transports in Nagasaki, but in truth, I wanted to test defenses around Nagasaki as well. Outcome….he’s got a hell of a lot of capability left!! The carefully crafted Allied plan started to unravel right off the bat when the initial night raid on Nagasaki AF with Helldivers doesn’t fly at all. With daylight, sweeps don’t find any CAP over the target and instead, the first of 45 (FORTY FIVE!!!!) separate raids start coming in against the US CV TFs. On the positive side, although I had fighters sweeping and on LRCAP over Nagasaki, I still had planned a robust CAP over the CV TFs. About 350 fighters, including the brand new F6F-5s as well as a good number of USMC and Brit Corsairs augmenting the F6F-3s were stacked from 5k through 31k on CAP. And every single one was needed! The raids included conventional strikes as well as Kamikazes, some well escorted and some came in without any escorts. The raids also came in from all points of the compass; bases in China, Okinawa, Japan and Formosa were all likely used.

The screenshot below shows some of the strikes and the direction of origin.



CAP did very well, and the F6F-5 looks to be a solid improvement over the F6F-3. Still, despite shooting over one thousand aircraft (many squadron tallies were over 100 planes!) the sheer number of strikes started to wear down the CAP and strikes were making it through to attack ships. Ironically, the first strike to get through targeted the CA Boise II….how the heck did L_S_T manage that! AA fire was fairly good, but raids concentrated (randomly?) on one CV TF and ammo was concern with many 5” batteries in the red by the time it was all over. The 6th raid consisted of 195 Oscar IVs, some escorting, some Kamikazes, and was the first raid to break through CAP to manage any hits, scoring 2 hits on CVL Belleau Wood out of 8 raiders that broke through. Belleau Wood was lucky, she received a third Oscar Kamikaze hit in the afternoon. By nightfall, fires were extinguished and she’s still well capable of flight operations at (28/8/19) and no major damage. By late morning more and more raiders were getting through an exhausted CAP which was only managing to get a half dozen planes up to engage. Even unescorted strikes were getting through such as a flight of 18 Sallys which although losing 6 to AA fire, planted a single bomb on CV Long Island II’s flight deck which caused moderate damage at (30/17(5)/17(1)). She’s still capable of flight ops, but will need yard time. The change to the PM phase allowed CAP to recoup a bit, and the first afternoon raid was met by a robust, but very fatigued CAP of over 250 planes. As in the morning, by late afternoon, more and more raiders were slipping past the CAP, but my luck was holding as no hits were scored. Intermixed with all these Japanese strikes, the US port strike on Nagasaki found and hit a single xAK with 5 bombs. The naval strikes found no targets in Nagasaki during the morning, but did find a convoy there in the afternoon, leaving 12 xAKs burning - but no troops were reported lost. Other morning and afternoon US strikes hit a few small convoys roaming the East China Sea; a few xAKs and xAKLs sunk and a few more damaged. No CAP on any of these targets.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 1/4/2020 11:35:46 PM >

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Post #: 1354
RE: 16-17 Aug 44 - 12/4/2019 10:40:23 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		So, at the end of the first day the Fleet was still in good shape, and although the CAP was tired, it could still fly about 300 planes for day two. But then the wild card shows up in the deck - the KB appears just off the south coast of Korea! Not sure if it sailed in from the Yellow Sea or Sea of Japan, I’m betting on the latter. In any case, at this point I’m now starting to seriously worry. The KB could really tip the balance if the land based flyers come back in strength, and I figure I’m likely low on AA ammo at this point. Then again, I’m also a bit concerned whether or not what I’m seeing has actually happened….or is it the dreaded synch bug! And now the computer AI admirals decide to muck up a solid disposition with all US TFs in range of the KB and in the same hex, along with supporting CA, BB and ASW TFs. Think General Sickles moving into the Peach Orchard on day 2 at Gettysburg for this stellar move! Adm Spruance decides to close the range by not one, but two hexes - closing to within 120m of the KB. My naval strike range was set at 6 hexes, so no move was needed and Spruance has just taken over 100 CAP fighters with him! But the weather gods come to the rescue and apparently sock in BOTH US CV TFs for both AM and PM phases! Not a single strike is launched against any US or IJN TF in the East China Sea. Amazing! So, at the end of the turn, the US Fleet is in very good shape. The US CVs lost 45 fighters in air to air, and another 34 to ops losses. Relatively few pilots were killed - 18. Considering a reported 1181 planes were shot down, that’s about a 15-1 loss ratio…WoW!

Below screenshot from Tracker shows respective losses - there was minimal air combat elsewhere, except for the usual Allied bombing runs.



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 12/5/2019 1:39:59 AM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1355
RE: 16-17 Aug 44 - 12/4/2019 10:41:19 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		So, the question for the turn was of course, “now what?”. Three courses of action came to mind, stay forward and attempt to engage the KB, or pull back and perhaps engage the KB if they come south, or run like hell at flank speed out of the East China Sea. Since I don’t need to sweep or hit Nagasaki, I actually have more fighters available for CAP (363 to 442), and enough fighters (235 assigned escort) to likely overwhelm the KB CAP. However, I think there is just too much risk to warrant a prolonged stay in the East China Sea, but not enough to warrant a bug out at speed either. I’m steaming south to just WSW of Okinawa at mission speed. If Spruance wasn’t two hexes away, I might have chosen to stay, but I think I’ve had a lot of luck go my way in the last turn. To many aircraft got through CAP and just plain missed targets. If L_S_T can manage another mass LBA attack, I probably won’t be as lucky. AA Ammo, especially 5” ammo, is short on a number of ships, and although I rebalanced the TFs in the same hex, some CVs and many DDs are in the red, and that is NOT a good way to start a fight. But what really tipped the balance is I really don’t relish being able to be hit by LBA from all four compass points - so by pulling to the SW a bit, I hope to outrange much of the LBA in the HI. China, Okinawa and Formosa will still range, but the majority of the LBA was coming from Japan. The major questions that won’t be answered until next turn are: First, what will the KB do - come south, hold in position or withdraw. I’m thinking L_S_T will withdraw unless he can put another 2000 LBA into the air again, which is the second question. Not sure that’s feasible at this point, but heck, I didn’t expect 45 separate attack waves against the CVs either. Still, I’m worried about Spruance’s position - his TF is vulnerable to a highspeed surface TF heading south, so I’m moving my BB TF (2BBs, DDs) to Spruance which hopefully can reach him before any excitement begins. I’ve detached 2DDs within his TF as a Surface TF, but that will only be much use against MTBs. In any case, the plan is for Spruance to catch up to the Main Body before morning strikes go in, and then all the TFs head southwest together. The two other CV TFs still have a CA TF (2CA, DDs) and a DD TF (4DD) for protection against surface engagement, and will be slowed a bit by the two damaged carriers. Two CVE TFs (about 180 fighters each), with their supporting CA TF will sortie NE from Batan Island to link up with the CV TFs on day 2 as they comes south. The CVEs will also launch small strikes against Okinawa’s AFs, perhaps catching some planes on the ground, along with the lone B-24D squadron that can range from Naga. B-29s out of Vietnam and B-24s out of Clark AF will hit Taihoku AF on Formosa with the same purpose. Lastly, subs will of course attempt to intercept the KB, wherever it heads. If the KB does come south, I figure there’s still a good shot at a carrier battle, starting with the first night phase - I’ve got a few US squadrons on night naval. Also coming towards the fray is a BB TF (2BB, DDs) with the newly arrived in the Pacific Brit BB Howe, and freshly upgraded Indiana. They’ll depart Naga and head north to join the Fleet - likely too late to participate in any fight next turn, but can potentially swap out ships with depleted AA ammo. Lastly, the Repl TF is moving to range a/c replacement and will loiter south in the Philippine Sea. The CV TFs will also be needing fuel that the Repl TF can help with as well, but it can not provide AA ammo or sorties, both of which will also need to be replaced - and that will require a port visit. But before I even think of how to do that effectively, I need to get through the next replay without pulling what’s left of my hair out!

Hopefully the outcome will resemble this screen shot below.



In SWPAC, northern Luzon AFs are starting to become operational. As mentioned, Clark AF has a B-24 group now operating from it, P-38s out of Laoag will sweep Formosa, and recon aircraft are operating out of Tuguegarao. Engineers still have much work to do, and most are still enroute to destinations, both at sea or marching overland from Lingayen. With the CVEs departing Batan Is waters, CAP will fall to LBA. P-47s out of Batan will also attempt to provide some LRCAP over the Fleet once they move in range. The Orchid Island amphib is moving forward with the Amphib and support TFs heading to Lingayen and Vigan to initially stage. The landings on Orchid, just off the coast of Formosa, will need the CV TFs in the vicinity, so hopefully actions in the East China Sea go well!

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, NSTR.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 12/4/2019 10:43:17 PM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1356
RE: 16-17 Aug 44 - 12/5/2019 1:23:47 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		Forgot this....here's combat report from the last turn.

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1357
RE: 16-17 Aug 44 - 12/5/2019 2:37:17 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline 		At minimum, I think you need to rearm especially for the AA guns which probably saved your butt. It's probably not prudent to stay or return so close to Kyushu until you have neutralized some of the airfields from China, Taiwan, and/or Okinawa.

I'll bet your heartrate accelerated a bit during that turn ...

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1358
RE: 16-17 Aug 44 - 12/7/2019 4:28:22 PM   
Bif1961


Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline 		The great Marianas turkey shoot pales in comparison to what you just did.

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 1359
RE: 16-17 Aug 44 - 12/10/2019 1:34:40 AM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: jwolf

At minimum, I think you need to rearm especially for the AA guns which probably saved your butt. It's probably not prudent to stay or return so close to Kyushu until you have neutralized some of the airfields from China, Taiwan, and/or Okinawa.

I'll bet your heartrate accelerated a bit during that turn ...


Just a tad jwolf……..kept thinking my luck was going to run out with each raid!

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 1360
RE: 16-17 Aug 44 - 12/10/2019 1:35:29 AM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

The great Marianas turkey shoot pales in comparison to what you just did.


Heck, I didn't do anything....the bloody planes just kept coming!

(in reply to Bif1961)
Post #: 1361
20-21 Aug 44 - 12/10/2019 5:36:01 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		20-21 Aug 44

Highlights – US CVs successfully withdraw from East China Sea; China and Commonwealth forces link up north of Kwangchowan.

Jpn ships sunk:
SC: 2
ML: 5
TK: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 5
xAKL: 2

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 123
Allied: 49

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 12 Attacks, 5 ship hit (TK, xAK, xAKL sunk, 2xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Babuyan (SWPAC - flipped)
Calayan (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Appears as if only an IJN CA TF ventured south in the East China Sea looking for trouble; KB still just south of Korean peninsula.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, the CV TFs manage to steam out of the East China Sea without issues. BB TF accompanying Spruance’s CV TF did manage to bump into a small convoy, sinking 4 of 5 xAKs and its SC escort as well as all 5MLs in another engagement. Surprisingly, no airstrikes were launched against the CVs on the first day when they were all still north of Okinawa. L_S_T apparently had the KB stay put, but had some sightings of a CA TF heading south and then west, likely trying for a night intercept, but no contact was made. The second day had the CV TFs as well as supporting CVE, BB and CA TFs all together as planned, WSW of Okinawa. The second day did have two strikes coming from Okinawa against the TFs which resulted in another good day for the Allied pilots - 102 Zeros lost, 97 to the CAP, with no losses for the good guys. One Kamikaze managed a run on the CA Boston, but was downed by AA. The supporting air TBF air strikes against Okinawa accomplished nothing, although recon is still reporting fighters based there. Two CV TFs will remain in the hex next turn, with one CV TF heading to Naga to refuel from the Repl TF and rearm sorties and AA ammo. Pretty much all the air losses have already been replaced by the Repl TF CVEs, less the Spits and Corsairs. CV Long Island II with a couple of DDs is cut loose to head to Manus for evaluation, and then likely on to either Pearl or Sydney for repairs. CVL Belleau Wood, also with a few DDs, is detached to head to Soerabaja for repairs. Will loiter with 2 CV TFs and support in this general area for a while to support the upcoming landings at Orchid Island, SE of Formosa and Itbayat Island, just NW of Batan Island. At Saigon, arrived assault transports start organizing for the Formosa landings.

In SWPAC, Heavies support the CVs with raids on Taihoku AF on Formosa and were a bit more successful that the raids on Okinawa, although it cost 2 B-29s lost to AA and another 2 to Tojos that were missed by the sweeps. Bombers claimed 3 Tojos and 9 single engine bombers destroyed on the ground. Another B-24 group is flown into Clark AF, and will continue with raids on Taihoku. Raids also continue against Manila, and both targets are “hot” in regards to flak. Ground troops on Luzon will begin bombardment against the Manila defenders next turn. I don’t expect much. The best news out of Luzon is that the first engineer battalions arrive to begin expanding Aparri and Tuguegarao AFs. And as mentioned, the landings at Orchid and Itbayat Islands will launch in the next few days - assault shipping should stage next turn at Batan Island, and if all goes well, will proceed with the landings. This will take some pressure off Manila as LBA will need to focus on supporting the landings.

In China, the 8th Route Army catches up with withdrawing IJA troops along the coast and inflicts over 1000 casualties at a cost of 7 men. 8th Route also links up with the British 29th Bde coming up from Kwangchowan. Chinese troops will take over the bulk of the fighting from Kwangchowan towards Canton, and will also attack to seize Pakhoi next turn.

In SE Asia, troops landed at Kwangchowan will begin to head predominately NW, towards Hanoi-Haiphong. Two divisions and two Bdes as well as support are already ashore, and more troops will be inbound as transports are available. XXXIII Corps is still building combat power at Vinh, and struggling with terrain which limits stacking. Lastly, the XV Corps is closing on Singora on the Malayan peninsula.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 1/4/2020 11:36:23 PM >

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Post #: 1362
22-23 Aug 44 - 12/15/2019 2:19:39 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		22-23 Aug 44

Highlights – Heavies have a bad day over Formosa.

Jpn ships sunk:
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1 (collision)

Air loss:
Jpn: 26
Allied: 35

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Tacloban (SWPAC - flipped)
Pakhoi (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: KB has disappeared from the south coast of Korea.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 38th ID is landed on Guam with no interference. Once the fatigue is reduced a bit, will begin the first ground assault. In the meantime, the naval and air bombardments continue.

In SOPAC, no attacks on the CV TFs for a change. One CV TF has replenished fuel, AA ammo and air sorties, and will head back to rejoin the Fleet. The remaining CV TFs and supporting TFs will move west a bit to provide cover for the upcoming SWPAC landings at Orchard and Itbayat islands beginning next turn. This officially begins the operation to secure Formosa. Assault transports continue to gather at Saigon, and should be able to begin loading for Formosa next turn, so initial landings should begin within a week. It does appear that the majority of the Formosa defenders have moved to Takao and Taihoku bases, so looking to reduce the initial landing force at Hengchun while increasing the troops numbers landing at Kagi and Taichu. Goal remains to secure the western end of the island before securing Taihoku which looks to be heavily defended.

In SWPAC, Heavies hitting Taihoku on Formosa are met with a still CAP of 37 Tojos and do solid damage against the raiding B-29s and B-24s. 2 out of 3 squadrons assigned to sweep never got off the ground,a the one squadron that did sweep, never engaged the Tojos. After two days, 12 B-24s were lost as well as 5 B-29s in exchange for 18 Tojos. Not an acceptable loss ratio. Bombing was ineffective as well. Landings will begin at Orchid and Itbayat Islands next turn, supported by CA and CVE TFs providing cover. I don’t expect any response from L_S_T, but one can never be 100% sure. Each will have an infantry Bde landing, plus some support. Defenders are expected to be an SNLF each, so should not pose too much of an issue. Mediums out of Luzon will provide support as well.

In China, Chinese troops secure Pakhoi, at the cost of over 800 IJA defenders. The pursuit of the withdrawing IJA troops continue, and there is even a slim possibility of Chinese troops cutting off the route of withdrawal Slim, but some chance.

In SE Asia, with the Chinese troops potentially looking at the possibility of halting the IJA’s withdrawal, the lead Brit Bde and a tank battalion will move east to assist instead of heading toward Hanoi/Haiphong - at least for the time being.




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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 1/4/2020 11:36:46 PM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1363
24-25 Aug 44 - 12/28/2019 7:21:41 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		24-25 Aug 44

Pace has slowed a bit as L_S_T and I didn't do a great job coordinating our Holiday schedules! Oh well...

Highlights – Orchid and Itbayat Amphibs go in; a few Kamikazes respond and are splashed by CAP.

Jpn ships sunk:
AMc: 2
TK: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-104)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 55
Allied: 17

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Orchid Is (SWPAC)
Itbayat Is (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Luangprabang (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 38th ID still has a little too much fatigue and disruption, so will wait another turn before making the first attack. BB TF continues to bombard, as do bombers with minimal effect, but it has to be adding up.

In SOPAC, the replenishment of the CV TFs continue with the first CV TF returning to sea and the second CV TF, along with a CA TF, will head to Naga to replenish fuel, AA ammo and air mission capability. Also, CV Bunker Hill and 3 CVLs arrived in Naga to take on fuel, and Bunker Hill swapped out F6F-3s for -5s, and will move north to join the Fleet. The CV TFs moved to support the landings at Orchid and will continue to hold in the vicinity until the Formosa landings. On that note, the first assault transports began loading at Saigon, and hopefully the 2 divisions and supporting troops will complete loading and can head out, bound for Hengchun next turn. The next group to load will be the roughly two divisions and support bound for Kagi and Taichu on the north coast. Not sure if I need to stage the first group or send them direct to target yet, but hope to land first at Hengchun and then the following turn at Kagi/Taichu.

In SWPAC, landings go in at Orchid and Itbayat Island with minimal response - a couple dozen single engine bombers tried to sneak in low level, but were all splashed by the CVE provided CAP covering the Orchid landings. Will launch ground attacks to secure the islands next turn as troops arrived in good order with minimal fatigue. On Luzon, the ground bombardments against the Manila defenders continue. Even with over 1000 guns, they are having minimal effect, perhaps 100 casualties inflicted or so. But, they are inflicting more losses than receiving, so the bombardments will continue. Trying to rotate and rest bombers hitting Manila targets. AA fire is still “hot” and fatigue is building on some squadrons. Bombers will also be diverted to hit Formosa targets in the coming weeks. The ground assault against Manila is still a few weeks away, more troops are enroute, including some artillery units that have just departed the West Coast, so its going to be a while. While I have decided to secure Manila, primarily for the port, I’m in no major rush to do so….let the ground and air bombardments reduce the defenders a bit.

In China, Chinese troops are gaining on the pursuit of the withdrawing IJA troops along the coast. The IJA formations are still getting hit with good effect by Allied air, allowing the pursuing troops to close - as well as causing sizeable casualties. The Allies have “loaned” a tank battalion and an IN Bde to the effort, but for the most part this is a Chinese ground operation.

In SE Asia, troops secure Luangprabang in the jungles of NW Indochina, inflicting about 800 casualties to the withdrawing IJA troops. The IJA remnants are pulling back into the jungles, and will be pursued by Chinese troops - the bulk of the Allied III Corps (about 2 Div or so) will focus on flanking Vinh from the north. XXXIII Corps should be ready to launch its first attacks against Vinh and the adjacent hex in a week or so. In the Malayan Peninsula, the XV Corp’s lead elements will launch its attack against Singora next turn. Securing Singora will allow a two axis attack into Malaya, with the priority effort along the west coast. Will still take another month to close on Singapore which is being kept entertained by regular BB and air bombardments. Like Manila, no rush here. And also, like Manila, gaining the port, and in Singapore’s case, the extensive repair shipyard is the ultimate goal.




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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 1/4/2020 11:37:09 PM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1364
RE: 22-23 Aug 44 - 12/29/2019 7:39:43 PM   
Bif1961


Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline 		Unfortunately my game ended in early April 44 as I was landing on Luzon and preparing to land in Formosa in about a month. I am now swapping sides with my opponent and will be the evil empire.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1365
26-27 Aug 44 - 12/30/2019 6:22:52 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		26-27 Aug 44

Highlights – Orchid and Itbayat taken; Formosa Amphib troops loaded.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
SC: 1
MTB: 1
TK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Spikefish)

Air loss:
Jpn: 03
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (TK, SC sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Noemfoor (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Orchid Is (SWPAC)
Itbayat Is (SWPAC)
Lao Cai (SE Asia - flipped)
Singora (SE Asia)
Lolobato (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the curtain rises next turn for the ground attack on Guam. All three divisions (2 Army, 1 USMC) and support will attack an estimated 20k dug in defenders - hopefully a lack of supply will balance the defender’s likely extensive fortifications. Shooting for a reduction of forts for the first attack - even with the naval and air bombardments for the past few weeks, I think the ground attack will take a few days or a week or so to take the base - and that’s being optimistic.

In SOPAC, I manage to glitch the Fleet’s move when I failed to have the returning replenished CV TF to remain on station…and of course, all the other TFs were linked to follow that “lead” TF. The result….the entire Fleet headed to Naga! This of course left the two CVE and CA TFs at Orchid high and dry. I thought about rushing the Fleet back out to sea, but in truth, quite a few ships need some minor repairs and I really don’t think L_S_T is going to push a major sortie at this point. He may throw some focused Kamikaze raids, but between the two CVE TFs, they have more fighters available than what the Fleet CVs defended themselves in the East China Sea Furball. Will leave the Fleet at Naga, many ships disbanded in port for minor repairs for a few turns, but the majority will head back out to sea to support the Hengchun landings on Formosa in a few turns. On that note, the Hengchun Amphib TFs will depart Saigon next turn and head pretty much towards the target. Supported by two CVE TFs, and will link up with supporting CA TFs at Vigan or on target. In any case, the two Amphib TFs carry two divisions, one Army and one USMC plus support for the initial landings. Meanwhile, Saigon remains a busy port as two divisions worth of troops begin loading for Kagi and Taichu next turn and will follow when loaded - to ultimately stage at Hengchun, gain additional CVE TFs and head to targets. On the subject of CVEs, a big refit is coming up next month for CVEs, so the two CVE TFs departing Indochina in support of the Formosa landings will each sail with 6 instead of 8 CVEs, four heading to Saigon for the upgrade. In the rear areas, the Fiji Bde continues to clear the Moluccas by taking Lolobato in the second assault against the remnants of three Naval Guard units. Cost was minimal, after two days, the Fijis lost about 70 men while inflicting about 750 casualties. The fight will continue into the jungles to the south. Also, a US IN Bn landed at Noemfoor to clear out remnants. Landed in good order, and supported by DD bombardment, they’ll attack next turn.

In SWPAC, Orchid and Itbayat Island are taken in the first assault. Both were minimally defended, and those defenders were eliminated. The Aussie troops will now be remissioned. The troops on Orchid Island will be pulled off, and follow up the landings at Hengchun where the Aussie II Corps will head to seize the mountain base of Karenko, the Corps being re-missioned from Pescadores which will be bypassed. The 2nd Aussie Bde on Itbayat Is will go into the Aussie I Corps reserve and has not yet been retasked. With the two islands secure, engineers will now start pouring in. PBYs will begin flying searches out of Orchid next turn, and hopefully engineers will get airfields ready for fighters in a few days to support Formosa operations. SOPAC’s CVE and CA TFs will maintain station at Orchid for a few more days, then they’ll shift to supporting Formosa landings. Manila remains the focus of SWPAC, and the 31st ID will start boarding transports at Davao to ferry to Naga and then reinforce the troops at Manila - currently six infantry divisions and plenty of support.

In China, the Chinese troops manage to catch up with a rear guard - a construction company which is easily pushed back, but successfully delayed the pursuit. One Chinese Corps has managed to get two elements “in the way” of the IJA withdrawal. Not a blocking position, likely more of an annoyance. Also of note is the IJA pullback from the river line north of Kweiyang - Chinese troops are moving to occupy the abandoned territory - and getting across the river without a fight. Not sure what to make of this pull back right now, but to get across the river without a fight is bonus!

In SE Asia, XV Corps troops continue to clear the Malayan peninsula by taking Singora in the second attack. Not sure why they didn’t carry the base in the initial attack, the defenders were only some support troops. In any case, the base was taken and the advance will now split between the east and west coasts. Up to this point the Indian 17th ID has been the advanced guard and doing all the fighting. Now, additional troops will be brought up as the advance splits.




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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 1/4/2020 11:37:31 PM >

(in reply to Bif1961)
Post #: 1366
28-29 Aug 44 - 1/5/2020 8:55:54 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		28-29 Aug 44

Highlights – Ground assault on Guam begins as forts are reduced.

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
AO: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied: 12

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph and Airborne Inv:
Camiguin (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Camiguin (SWPAC)
Noemfoor (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the first two ground attacks on Guam go in and successfully reduce the forts as planned. However, I did NOT expect level 6 forts!! US forces reduce the forts to level 4 after two attacks, losing 1800 troops in exchange for about 2000 IJA. All three US divisions are still in good shape, the losses spread amongst them, largely disabled squads. They are fatigued of course and will need some rest before the next round of attacks. As long as the IJA defenders at Guam aren’t reinforced, the situation isn’t in doubt, but will take a bit more time than expected. The reserve IN Reg will ferry over from Rota to make up for losses in the next attack, and in the meantime, bombers and BBs will continue bombardments.

In SOPAC, with the Formosa amphib TFs now moving from Saigon towards the target, I’ve decided to cut short the repairs for two CV TFs - each (3CV, 3CVL, 2BB, 2CA/CL, DDs) will head back out to just off Orchid Island to provide support for Hengchun landings. They also have a BB TF (BC, CL, DDs) and ASW TFs in support and will be joined by additional elements as they are repaired at Naga. A number of the CVs and BBs left behind are all trying to get sys damage under at least 5. The Hengchun Amphib should close on Batan Is next turn, and then move to the landing site the following turn - so about 3 days out. Kagi/Taichu Amphib is just departing Saigon and will head to eventually stage at Hengchun - then make the dash to landing sites on the north side of Formosa - about a week away. That will be the dicey moment when L_S_T will have another opportunity for a massed strike. Will want to have all three CV TFs available and will need to sail them north of Formosa. Going to be a complicated and worrisome landing operation! In the rear area, Noemfoor was secured without issue or loss - taking the 6 gun remnant of a Mixed Bde that was left behind. What was a bit surprising was a Banzai charge at Manokwari from an SNLF that likely was anticipating a weakly defended base - not the infantry regiment still garrisoning the base that’s due to withdraw in a few days! Needless to say, the 500 man SNLF was eliminated without any Allied casualties.

In SWPAC, the famed Aussie 2/9 Cdo takes another vacant base, Camiguin north of Luzon. The focus in SWPAC returns to Manila as the ground and air bombardments seem to be having better results - over 350 casualties in exchange for 50 Allied in the latest bombardment for example. Two US divisions will be arriving at Naga next turn, both eventually bound for Manila. Still in no rush here…will keep the bombardments going for a few weeks. What I need to start working out is getting the Aussie I Corps situated for upcoming landings at Miyako-jima, 160m due west of Okinawa and then Kume-jima just off the NW coast of Okinawa. Those troops are still in the Celebes and will need to be moved by civilian transports north to either Davao or Naga to board assault transports.

In China, the Chinese pursuit in the south seems to be worrying L_S_T as the withdrawing IJA troops attempt two counterattacks. Both fail. This isn’t the old feeble out of supply Chinese formations of old. The first counterattack southwest of Wuchow cost the IJA 1200 troops in exchange for 600 Chinese which held and the other to the south along the coast, 1500 IJA troops were lost in exchange for 800 Chinese. These Chinese troops are in an exposed “blocking position” which isn’t going to stop the exodus, but if they continue to hold, could delay the IJA withdrawal enough for the mainbody of Allied troops to catch up. Not likely, but possible. In any case, Allied air continues to extract a significant cost to the withdrawing troops - over 1000 troops reportedly shot up.

In SE Asia, ground bombardments at Samah show only a sizeable (4300men) Naval Base Force defending the base, so the ground assault will go in next turn with 2 IN Bdes and engineers.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1367
30-31 Aug 44 - 1/8/2020 6:20:08 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		30-31 Aug 44

Highlights – Samah is taken; DD raid at Kagi wipes out barge convoy.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
TK: 1
xAK: 2
AG: 1
ACM: 3
AMc: 2

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (PB and AG sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Samah (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: CV Long Island II is assessed at Manus - repairs will require yard time, so she’ll head to Sydney. CVL Belleau Wood arrives at Soerabaja and will need about two weeks or so to repair as she’s deemed “critical”. Also, the newly arrived CV Hancock departs the West Coast with night fighters aboard to join the Fleet and CV Ticonderoga arrives at Balboa - she’ll head to LA to also embark night fighters.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, with forts reduced, the air and naval bombardments at Guam do a bit better - BBs inflict over 300 casualties while the bombers only chalk up around 50 after two days of attacks. Ground forces rest again to allow another round of bombardments to do their work. Look to resume the ground attacks in Sep.

In SOPAC, all assets are in position for beginning the Formosa Campaign. Hengchun Amphib TFs with supporting elements are staged at Batan Is and will head to target next turn to begin landings. Support includes three CVE TFs (one remaining at Orchid Is to support ongoing engineer landings) and three Cruiser TFs, one of which will bombard, and of course the usual DDs patrolling for subs and light surface forces. PTs are also in the flotilla, heading over from Orchid. Orchid level 1 AF is already supporting fighters for CAP, and with some luck the engineers can get it expanded to provide LRCAP over Hengchun shortly. The follow-on landings at Kagi and Taichu Amphib TFs will head to Hengchun to stage, and will begin landings once Hengchun is secured. Time is also needed for the third CV TF to join the Fleet, and the Fleet to move from off Orchid to the NE coast of Formosa - again in the East China Sea. Lastly, the DD TF (3DD, DMS) sortie to Kagi struck paydirt, finding and wiping out a large barge convoy. 24 barges and an AMc were sunk, and a reported number of guns and vehicles reported lost - the question is whether the ground troops were landing or being pulled out!

In SWPAC, air raids and ground bombardments continue with solid progress against the Manila defenders. Ground bombardments tally 300 casualties inflicted to only a dozen Allied while air adds another 400 or so. This is all while the majority of SWPAC bombers shift to hitting Formosa targets, focusing mainly on Hengchun. That will expand starting next turn to hit all Formosa bases except Karenko, assisted by SE Asia based B-24s out of the newly captured Samah. Elsewhere, convoys are slowly started to pick up the Aussie I Corps elements scattered throughout SWPAC to Naga where they will embark on Sep’s upcoming Amphib operations at Kume-jima and Miyako-jima. Troops have mostly completed planning prep (80+), but need to be transported to Naga. Figure mid Sep or so to begin loading the Amphib TFs.

In China, more indication of L_S_T pulling back to perhaps shorten lines, this time east of Kweiyang. Chinese troops are following up these withdrawals with ground advances and available Allied air are hitting the moving troops with reasonably good effect. That air is still mostly concentrated on slowing the troops withdrawing along the coast towards Canton - air is doing an outstanding job and casualties over 2 days are well over 1000 troops lost. Still doubtful whether the pursuing Chinese troops can catch up to the IJA main body, but are nipping at the rear guard and may be able to launch an attack on them next turn.

In SE Asia, Samah is taken in the first assault, the Naval Base troops abandoning the level 5 fortifications after losing 500 troops to barely 30 Allied troops lost. Samah is now a mop-up operation as a B-24 Group is flown in to support Formosa landings. The majority of SE Asia air is still fully engaged in shooting up the withdrawing IJA troops SW of Canton. The focus of the bombers will shift in Sep to China wide interdiction and supporting the final mop up in Vietnam.





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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1368
Aug 44 Summary - 1/9/2020 6:48:02 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		Aug 44 Summary

Another very positive month for the Allied Cause, highlighted of course by the East China Sea Furball - the signature event of the month, if not the war! In that single day long fight, Japan lost more aircraft than in the previous 2+ months combined. Across most Theaters, significant gains were made: SOPAC’s CV TFs raided the Japanese mainland, held off massive air attacks in the Furball, and is now postured to begin the Formosa campaign. The Fleet is also prepared to support additional island hopping toward Okinawa, and is once again prepared to enter the East China Sea looking for trouble. In SWPAC, the campaign to secure the PI progressed extremely well, culminating with the siege of Manila as well as some northern islands secured well ahead of schedule. In CENPAC, Guam was invaded and the fight there continues toward its inevitable successful conclusion. NOPAC remained quiet and is about to have a major change of plans going forward - the landings in the Kuriles are postponed until spring ’45. In China events are picking up as the IJA appears to be consolidating and withdrawing in unexpected places - such as central China. SE Asia troops in Indochina built up combat power near Vinh and will begin that offensive shortly in Sep towards Hanoi. Landing at Kwangchowan, other SE Asia troops linked up with Chinese troops and are preparing to advance on Hanoi from the east as well. Lastly, SE Asia troops continue the slow but effective grind towards Singapore in the Malay Peninsula. At sea, while the KB showed itself during the East China Sea Furball, it was not brought to combat and remains a threat. Naval losses for the month were light to both sides; the IJN reportedly lost 3E and a MTB, compared to the Allies losing 5SS to the increasingly effective ASW effort. In the air, it was all about that one day in August - 1737 for Jpn to 473 Allied for the month’s tallies.

Also noteworthy is that August was the month the Allies gained a “minor victory” in victory points tally. Now to keep it going!

INTEL: I’m still not sure how much L_S_T will bring to bear during the upcoming Formosa Campaign. The US Fleet sortie into the East China Sea did bring the KB out from hiding, but its sortie was limited and remained just off Korea. At this point, I don’t think major IJN surface elements will sortie south toward Formosa, but wait until the US Fleet is once again close to Japan. What L_S_T did reveal was that Japan’s combat power is far from finished. Being able to mount such a massive attack on a single day was “troublesome”. Even though that threat was handled (with more luck than skill!), rest assured that a similar threat will appear again at some point in the near future. I’m betting Okinawa rather than Formosa landings will be the next trigger. What has me puzzled is the pullback in China - the lines have been very static, why abandon them without a fight - especially those along river lines?

SUBWAR: I keep pushing Allied subs to patrol with minimal results. Jpn ASW is more formidable than ever, and as the hunting grounds shrink towards the coastal waters near Japan itself, more subs become the hunted rather than hunters. Still, the subs are kept at sea, and do occasionally pick off a merchant or support ship. Also, need to keep the subs at sea just in case the IJN sorties - that said, I am keeping an ever growing number of subs at home ports, around 50% of available subs. As for the IJN sub - none have been recently seen, less the rare supply transport sub.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production increases to 895 in Sep with the addition of the latest version of the Corsair, the US Navy’s F4U-1D - which looks to be a downgrade from the -1A version, although more reliable. Pilot pools are short for US bomber pilots, and it will take another month or so before that is fixed. US Navy and USMC fighter pools got a big quality boost from the East China Sea Furball - many new aces were made that day, and quite a few were reassigned across the fleet and into the reserve pool. Two new Essex class CVs joined the Pacific Theater in August, the last two before December. Also of note, the numerous Casablanca class CVEs are due for a 21 day refit in Sep, and I will shuttle them through refits as missions permit.

NOPAC. I’ve decided on a major change in NOPAC. The plan was to shift the main axis of attack in the Pacific to the Kuriles in September, while ground forces fought to secure Luzon and Formosa. That plan was based on a hard, long fight in Luzon and time needed before troops could be released for Okinawa. Well, with the IJA troops are under siege in Manila, the rest of the PI cleared. Troops are also almost fully prepared for Okinawa and other supporting islands - so I’ve decided to maintain the momentum to gain fighter bases to range Kyushu rather than shifting assets for probably at least 2 months to gain the Kuriles, which recon has reported to be increasingly well defended. So, NOPAC will have to wait until spring ’45. The two US divisions (6th Mar Div and 6th IN plus support will remain, and will likely be reinforced prior to any landings in the spring.

CENPAC. The Guam operation has been going pretty much as planned, although the level 6 forts were a bit of a surprise. Guam will be secured in September, but that is as far as clearing the Marianas will go. If Guam is at level 6 fort, I have to assume both Saipan and Tinian forts are built up as well - with more troops defending as well. Just don’t see the gain to secure either of these two islands. A limited Strat Bombing campaign against central Japan can be accomplished from Guam, hopefully beginning by Oct. The three US divisions engaged on Guam will redeploy to other Theaters (TBD).

SOPAC. The Fleet was fortunate to extract itself from the East China Sea after the Furball with only two carriers damaged - neither seriously. The Fleet remains in great shape, and the incoming two Essex class CVs and the recently refitted British CV Indomitable joining the Fleet in a few weeks more than makes up for the required paint and body work on Belleau Wood and Long Island II. The focus will be Formosa and then the islands approaching Japan, culminating with landings on Okinawa possibly by the end of the month, or beginning of October. The Fleet will remain in support, and will again sortie in the East China Sea to seek out targets of opportunity, provide fighter cover for the Amphib operations as well as providing sweeps in support of LBA bombers over mainland Japanese bases before the month is out. All of that beyond Formosa really depends on whether or not Formosa is bitterly defended by air and IJN fleet assets.

SWPAC. Securing Luzon’s northern airfields was accomplished much quicker and with much less force than planned. By month’s end, Manila is under siege and most outer islands are fully secure. This has released the entire Aus I Corps for further operations much earlier than planned, and they will be employed to secure the island approaches to Okinawa. Manila will remain under siege, with ground and air bombardments continuing for the most of September. Once Guam is secured, will look to add BBs to bombarding Manila as well. Will decide, based on the effectiveness of those bombardments, when to begin the ground assault - not earlier than the last two weeks of Sep at the earliest. Additional troops and artillery are still enroute, and frankly, there is no rush to secure Manila. The real prize in the PI are the level 7 airbases in Luzon. They are secured and are already expanding. The goal remains to begin the strategic bombing campaign of Japan from these bases before the end of Sep.

China. Events are starting to pick up in China. Surprisingly so! For example, the IJA looks to be pulling back in a number of places - near Kweiyang where the front has been static for quite a long time. With Pakhoi and Kwangchowan in Allied hands, supply flow into mainland China will increase and should top 200k during Sep. Chinese forces will advance to contact as the IJA pulls back. I have no firm plans for a Chinese based offensive, but rather its more of a wait and see where the IJA pulls back to. In any case, Allied Air will be increasingly brought to bear to interdict withdrawing IJA troops throughout the Chinese mainland.

SE Asia. The landings at Kwangchowan and Kiungshan, as well as securing Samah, were the culminating events of the month, and although the main body of IJA troops have moved east, the landings effectively cut off over an estimated 75k IJA troops remaining in Vietnam. Their reduction will be the focus in Sep, with attacks coming in from the west at Vinh and the east toward Haiphong. The Indian XV Corps will continue its progress in Malaya, slowly grinding toward Singapore. The real question in SE Asia is what’s next once Vietnam is secured? That is undecided at this point. Options include coastal landings on China’s SE coast, reinforcing a Chinese attack to liberate Chungking or perhaps a landing in Korea. All of these potential decisions, and perhaps others, are still a while away.





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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1369
1-2 Sep 44 - 1/15/2020 3:11:01 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		1-2 Sep 44

Highlights – Curtain rises on the Formosa campaign as troops land at Hengchun.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-109)
TK: 1
xAK: 1
ACM: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-39)

Allied ships sunk:
LST: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 06
Allied: 24

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Hengchun (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: So far, no response to the landings on Formosa. Still scratching my head at the IJA pullback in central China.

West Coast/Admin: The first 5 CVEs go in the yards (4xSaigon, 1xPH) for upgrade.

In NOPAC, now that the Kurile landings are postponed, I’ve started pulling out some of the assault shipping I had started to send to Dutch Harbor, mainly a few APA/AKAs I had routed directly from the West Coast when they arrived as reinforcements.

In CENPAC, another attack on Guam will go in next turn supported by the usual naval and air bombardments. Hoping for the best!

In SOPAC, Hengchun landings go in with no major response from L_S_T so far. One LST (ship type) was sunk by hitting a rock, but that was the extent of damages. Both US divisions and supporting troops landed in great shape (100% prep) and will attack the IJA Mixed Bde defending - likely well fortified as bombardments, both air and ground have had little effect. Max air effort next turn to pound Hengchun defenders in support of the ground attack. The air strikes at other bases on Formosa were mixed, with good results at Kagi and Taichu indicating low fortifications which is great! Taihoku remains a tough target, likely well fortified, even more so than Takao. The Kagi and Taichu Amphib TFs have closed on Hengchun and will remain for a turn as the last of the three US CV TFs (3CV, 3CVL, 2BB, 2CA/CL, DDs) will depart Naga next turn to rendezvous with the Fleet. 3xCV, 2xBB and a number of CA/CL/DDs remain at Naga doing continuing minor repairs, and will sortie to join the Fleet in a turn or two. Next turn, the Fleet will remain off Orchid Island, but then will sortie back into the East China Sea to cover the landings on Formosa’s north coast. That is when trouble is likely to develop - a great location for L_S_T to throw in the kitchen sink…numerous Japanese bases capable of launching air and naval strikes (I’m thinking MTBs and SSXs) at the Amphib TFs in confined waters. Having the Fleet present will draw off some strikes and keep any IJN major assets clear. That’s the plan anyway.

In SWPAC, the majority of LBA on the PI will focus on supporting Formosa operations, leaving just two Bomb Groups to pound Manila. Two fresh US Divisions and some additional artillery have railed from Naga to Batangas south of Manila, and one of the two divisions and the artillery will move to join the party laying siege to Manila, the other will remain in reserve until after the first ground attack. Looking to have over 1500 guns bombarding Manila on a daily basis once these reinforcements deploy. The bombardments are having an increasing effect - since starting ground bombardments about a week ago, the IJA’s AV has been reduced from 1700 to around 1600. Not nearly enough for the ground assault, but it’s getting better! Also of note is that an Aussie AM moves to Manila to investigate whether or not mines are present and begin clearing. Surprisingly, no mines were found.

In China, west of Canton, the Allied advance keeps nipping at the IJA’s rear guard, but just can’t close on the main body. Air continues its pounding with good effect, although the Mediums out of Vietnam are now hitting targets at extended range - the only closer capable AF is Samah, and B-24s have moved in there to range Formosa targets. The Chinese advance in the center also looks very promising - another potential blocking of withdrawing IJA may be possible south of Chungking.

In SE Asia, as mentioned, Two B-24 Groups have moved into Samah to support Formosa operations. The ground attack at Vinh is getting close, waiting for one last Armored Bde to get into position. Once there, XXXIII Corps will begin the assault. Will need to begin re-missioning at least a couple of Medium Bomber Groups to support this attack as well, which is something I’d rather not do with the success they have been having in China.




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Post #: 1370
RE: 1-2 Sep 44 - 1/15/2020 1:47:41 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline 		Do you expect to be able to break through in Vietnam up to Hanoi and Haiphong very soon? Those are both really good airfields and would help your operations a lot. Further, I doubt that LST can hold there, at least not very long.

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Post #: 1371
RE: 1-2 Sep 44 - 1/19/2020 6:52:30 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Do you expect to be able to break through in Vietnam up to Hanoi and Haiphong very soon? Those are both really good airfields and would help your operations a lot. Further, I doubt that LST can hold there, at least not very long.


YES! As soon as I can sort out the supply and overstacking issues the Indian XXXIII Corps is facing. I'll look to attack the defended hex north of Vinh in an attempt to prevent the defenders from withdrawing east towards Hanoi.

Haiphong/Hanoi will be attacked from both east (Indian IV Corps, advancing from China) and west (Indian XXXIII Corps). This will culminate the SE Land Campaign planned so far. What's next....I'm not sure yet!

Haiphong is key though - great port to start really pushing supplies to for the Mainland Chinese Army!

(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 1372
3-4 Sep 44 - 1/19/2020 10:43:21 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		3-4 Sep 44

Highlights – Hengchun and Guam taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
SC: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 08
Allied: 17

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph or Airborne Inv:
Nabire (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Hengchun (SOPAC)
Guam (CENPAC)
Nabire (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the attack on Guam surprisingly seizes the base in the first attack! Did not expect that with a level 4 fortified base. Was costly, but not excessively so. Allied losses for the two days of attacks tallied about 1200 men, IJA losses at just under 2000. Allied troops need to rest before resuming mop up operations, and engineers have work to do to repair both the port and airfield. The BB TF (3BB, DDs) will bombard one more time, then head to Naga and the PI to begin bombarding Manila. Will look to begin moving troops off the island as they are overstacked, likely after the next round of attacks.

In SOPAC, Hengchun is taken in the first attack, and the defending Mixed Bde retreats with heavy loss - 3600 IJA compared to about 200 US. Much less expensive than I anticipated. The two US divisions and support have now changed their planning focus to Takao, and will begin grinding toward that base. The lead Bde of the II Aus Corps will be brought in next, and will head towards Karenko. The big event is the Amphib landings that will happen next turn at Kagi and Taichu. LBA will focus to support these landings, with a bit of emphasis on Taichu. Each Amphib TF will have two CVE TFs (total about 14 CVEs ea) as well as CA TFs for bombardment and protection. The three US CV TFs plus their accompanying surface and ASW TFs will head to a position off the NE coast of Formosa to provide distant cover and perhaps launch strikes on any IJN intervention attempt. Three CVs with accompanying BB/CA/DDs remain at Naga finishing out repairs and will join the Fleet in a few days - I don’t think they will be missed, but having 4 instead of 3 CVs per CV TF is much preferred. Will keep the Fleet in the East China Sea for a while, moving the Fleet east to prevent reinforcement of the Okinawa chain once troops are successfully ashore on the northern coast of Formosa. Hengchun Amphib elements are well on their way to Saigon and Mindanao to pick up follow on forces - three additional US divisions and plenty of support are earmarked for Formosa. Plus another 2 or so divisions from the Aussie II Corps. With Hengchun secured, once Kagi and Taichu are taken, the island will be pretty much cut in two, and the focus will be to secure Takao.

In SWPAC, LBA will remain focused on supporting operations on Formosa, with minimal effort to hitting Manila likely for the next few weeks. Luzon AFs are progressing well, and are being fully utilized as they are being expanded to support the Formosa operation. Troops are enroute to Naga for landing at Miyako-jima and then the Kume-jima troops will head there as well. The challenge is now to free up enough assault shipping as quickly as possible to move these two Amphib operations forward.

In China, Chinese troops continue to follow on the heels of the withdrawing IJA formations. How long this will continue is strictly up to L_S_T. With some luck, the IJA Burma Army remnants (all 60+k of them) still might be able to be engaged prior to crossing the river to Canton. STILL have a shot…slim, but it’s a shot.

In SE Asia, NSTR.




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Post #: 1373
5-6 Sep 44 - 1/20/2020 10:58:09 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		5-6 Sep 44

Highlights – Kagi and Taichu landings go in; many barges sunk by Amph TF escorts.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-42)
E: 1
TK: 1
xAK: 1
AG: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied: 20

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit RO-42 sunk by escorts as she tried to approach Amph TF off Hengshun.
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Kagi (SOPAC)
Taichu (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Was a bit surprised to see a combat submarine at sea south of Formosa! Since it was a single sub, I’m assuming it was a recently repaired sub limping home from an isolated base such as Singers.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, BB TF (3BB, DDs) bombard Guam for the last time (with little effect) and begin heading to Naga in the PI. CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) also bombard with little effect and will remain in support. LBA continues to hit remaining IJA troops, also with minimal effect. Ground attacks will resume next turn; am expecting another bitter fight. Hopefully, this will be the last attack involving the 77th ID, as transports are moved in to be prepared to begin loading the division to rest and prepare for the next mission. Lastly, with the base on Guam secure, the repaired BB West Virginia will divert to bombard Marcus Is enroute from Pearl - will serve as a “recon by fire” as well as keeping L_S_T guessing on the next Allied move in CENPAC.

In SOPAC, amphib landings go in at Kagi and Taichu and while approaching the target, the bombardment CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) encounter SEVEN separate unescorted barge convoys off Taichu, sinking about 80 barges in the engagements with no loss. Figure the barges were supply runs, no troops reported lost. No major issues on the landings, and the only casualty was a PT that wondered into a minefield at Takao. Airstrikes were very effective against IJA troops at Kagi and Taichu, hundreds of troops lost, which should mean few fortifications. Attacks will go in at Taichu, heavily supported by LBA strikes and another naval bombardment next turn. Holding off attacking at Kagi as I don’t want the troops to withdraw into Taichu. CV TFs had little to do, other than a TBF putting a fish into an AG off Pescadores during the night. CV TFs will now head east 160m to put Okinawa in range where a reported convoy is located. A DD TF (3 DD) will also head to Okinawa’s Nago port to engage any ships there. Figure this could be another attempt to land the IJA’s 9th ID or just a supply run. Either way, with some 28 CVEs protecting the Kagi/Taichu area, the CVs shouldn’t be missed from covering the landings there. Work still progressing on the last three CVs repairing at Naga - Hornet still needs a few days. Lastly, two more divisions and support begin loading assault transports at Saigon and in Mindanao for voyage to Formosa.

In SWPAC, LBA remains largely focused on supporting Formosa operations, and trying to rest a few B-24 groups as well. Air recon out of Luzon will begin to focus hard on the Okinawa chain over the next few days to verify troop strength for upcoming and potential landings. Another US IN Div was moved into Manila to bolster the bombardments. Still some mopping up going on in the PI islands, two attacks with Aussie units will go in next turn on those mopping up jobs. The big challenge for SWPAC is shuttling troops - especially engineers and baseforces - forward. For instance, I managed to pull out the baseforce at San Jose on Panay - while there were still 5 or so squadrons based there. Not good.

In China, the advance continues. In the southern pursuit, mainbody forces finally close with the tail elements of the IJA’s Burma Army still west of the river. Perhaps 10k troops remain out of the near 80k, but perhaps we can launch one good attack to inflict additional loss.

In SE Asia, two ground attacks will go in next turn. XV Corps will attack to seize Alor Star in the Malay Peninsula while XXXIII Corps finally starts its long awaiting offensive near Vinh - attacking the hex north of the base in order to isolate the city. Also of note, British CV Indomitable enters the IO from Cape Town and will begin steaming initially for Batavia where she’ll resize her airgroups - plan to have two 24 plane Corsair squadrons and a 14 plane Avenger squadron.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1374
RE: 5-6 Sep 44 - 1/23/2020 7:01:33 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		Good to see you are doing great with your game!

when did you have your main carrier battle? I want to read that
probably soon after your Sumatra invasion?

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1375
RE: 5-6 Sep 44 - 1/24/2020 11:54:21 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

when did you have your main carrier battle?



Jorge! Good to see you back on the forum! Hope you'll be getting another PBEM rolling!

What!? You don't want to read through every riveting page of this AAR?!

As for the CV battle - you'll be disappointed. We've only really had one major, and it was a big SNAFU from the Allied perspective, although only Victorious was sunk. Was at the end of Aug '43, off the western tip of Sumatra as you guessed.

All IJN CV losses so far have come from subs! And the two US CVs sunk ....lost to a surface action including MTBs if you can believe it!

Been an enjoyable ride, L_S_T has been a super sparring partner!

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1376
7-8 Sep 44 - 1/25/2020 12:03:55 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		7-8 Sep 44

Highlights –Taichu secured; CVs hit convoy off Okinawa.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Minekaze)
E: 2
PB: 3
SC: 3

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 02
Allied: 22

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph and Airborne Inv:
Misool (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Taichu (SOPAC)
Alor Star (SE Asia)
Baybay (SWPAC)
Misool (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Japanese air force just isn’t flying. Even major targets such as the convoy off Okinawa wasn’t covered by CAP.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Guam continues to be a tough nut to finish off. Two more attacks inflict solid losses, but the price wasn’t cheap either. After two days of attacks, 3500 IJA troops are lost to about 1400 US. Again, US troops need a rest before continuing the attack, and I’m keeping all three US divisions for the next attack - still overstacked and sucking supplies. Not much work as gone into expanding the airfield either of course. As a slight diversion, a small convoy is found at Iwo Jima by air search, so Rota based PV-1 Venturas will attempt a raid along with P-38s sweeping. No idea of what is defending Iwo as I haven’t put much emphasis there - no intention of attempting a landing.

In SOPAC, Taichu is taken easily with minimal loss, 1500 IJA troops lost to about 25 Allied. Base is wrecked and engineers are starting to slowly flow in. Kagi is next on the list to secure, and that attack will go in next turn. Meanwhile, the US CV TFs found and engaged a fairly good sized convoy off Okinawa sinking a number of ships and leaving an equal number burning. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any of it due to the synch bug! Not clear if the convoy was heading home empty, or was an inbound supply run. Either way, no troops were reported lost. CVs will now launch some fighter sweeps against Naha on Okinawa in support of the first B-24 raids out of the PI against Okinawa. Recon has reported some ships in the port, as well as up to 50 fighters based there. For Formosa, three additional US divisions are aboard transports inbound to reinforce, still a turn or two away. Numerous smaller convoys are shuttling in engineers, and all convoys will direct to Kagi and/or Taichu in lieu of Hengchun which is proving to a poor choice for landing - the wooded rough terrain has severely hindered the troops moving out of the hex. Only the Aussie II Corps elements will go into Hengchun, and I may look to pull out one of the two US divisions from Hengchun to Kagi by sea. Lastly, the NZ “Fiji” Para Bn secures the undefended base of Misool, SW of Sorong.

In SWPAC, other than the bombers hitting Okinawa next turn, most Heavies will begin a rest cycle - will try and keep a group or so focused on Manila, but the others will begin focusing on the islands in the Okinawa chain. Northern Luzon airfields continue to expand, with Aparri reaching level 7. Still looking to get B-29s operational in Luzon before months end. In addition to expanding the airfields, the challenge will be space - all of Luzon AFs look to be packed with most of SOPAC and SWPAC’s Heavies by month’s end. Clearing out some isolated IJA island holdouts continue, with Aussies taking Baybay near Cebu.

In China, finally caught up with the remnants of the IJA’s Burma Army SW of Canton on the west side of the river - only a Bde size force was left, and it lost 1500 men from the attack. The force that got away was likely over 75k strong. Elsewhere, the advance behind the retreating IJA continues.

In SE Asia, the positive news is that Alor Star in Malaya was taken without much issue - another rear guard enemy action as the Indian XV Corps continues its advance south. On the negative side, the attacks on hex north of Vinh was held, with heavy loss - 1400 IJA lost to about 2000 Allied. Those two IJA IN Bdes have proven tough! Will look to attack again with troops that were earmarked as reserve last turn as well as the one Brit Div that wasn’t too badly bloodied.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1377
9-10 Sep 44 - 2/7/2020 11:45:03 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		9-10 Sep 44

Highlights –Two US CVs hit by subs off Formosa; CAP over Naha at Okinawa dealt with.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-42)
SC: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 55
Allied: 28

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CV Franklin dam (1 torp, CV Enterprise crippled (2 torps)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (SC sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kagi (SOPAC)
Patani (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: IJN subs come out to play with good IJN results. Hopefully this isn’t a prelude to a major surge effort.

West Coast/Admin: CV Ticonderoga arrives at Los Angeles and takes aboard some Corsairs. She’ll begin her journey to join the Fleet next turn.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the PV-1 naval strike on Iwo didn’t happen, likely due to weather. Will keep the Venturas on naval for another turn as ships are still reported at Iwo. Ground attack on Guam will go in again next turn, hopefully with enough success to pull off one of the IN Divs.

In SOPAC, on Formosa, Kagi is taken in the first assault without much issue; 2800 IJA loss to only about a dozen US. Troops will begin heading towards Takao. The big news is of course at sea, where despite having some 70+ DDs “supposedly” trying to find subs as escorts and ASW TFs, two IJN subs get through them to put torpedoes into both CV Franklin and CV Enterprise. Despite a reported fuel storage explosion, Franklin weathered the single hit with damage at 3/8(4)/0, still fully capable. CV Enterprise faired poorer, being hit with two fish and she’s badly hurt at 22/83(67)/24/(19). One sub was reportedly sunk, the other heavily damage - I of course saw none of this due to the synch bug! My version had a single CL being hit by one torp…I liked my version much, much better! In any case, I’ve grouped CV Enterprise with one of the CA TFs (CA, 2CL, DDs) as an Escort TF, and all other TFs will follow them towards Orchid Island - the closest Allied base. I’ve also put a few additional DDs on ASW TF duties, some to follow, some to patrol in the hexes traversed. Still it’s a longshot for the Big E to pull through this - more than likely she’ll succumb to damages or another sub will find her. To that, I’ve pulled off every pilot and they are safely back in the pools. The other CV and BB TFs will stay with her, providing additional protection, but of course also giving the half dozen or so reported subs additional targets, and the remaining CVs at Naga will head to link up in one TF (3CV, 2BB, 2CA, 2CL, DDs). Meanwhile the reinforcement effort to Formosa continues regardless, with one division expected to begin offloading at Taichu next turn, and two more coming in shortly thereafter. A big follow on convoy has begun loading at Saigon, laden with armor and engineers, both combat and construction. This dries up most follow on units coming out of Saigon, and the majority of the assault shipping will begin heading towards Naga for upcoming landings in the Okinawa chain.

In SWPAC, BB TF (3BB, DDs) from the Marianas arrived at Naga, and will begin bombardment runs on Manila. They’ll head to Subic Bay to rearm/refuel, and conduct shuttle bombardment runs from there.

In China, the Chinese advance continues…

In SE Asia, the attack north of Vinh carries the day, pushing the defending two IJA IN Bdes back, leaving behind 2200 men, while inflicting almost 400 Allied casualties. This effectively isolates Vinh, which will remain the focus on XXXIII Corps while III Corps maintains the advance towards Hanoi. XV Corps in Malaya now effectively splits into a two axis advance at Alor Star, with two divisions in the east heading to Kota Bharu, and 3+ divisions with the majority of support staying on the west coast attacking towards George Town.




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Post #: 1378
11-12 Sep 44 - 2/9/2020 10:11:32 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		11-12 Sep 44

Highlights – IJN MTBs create chaos in Kagi anchorage; Big E stays afloat.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Furutaka - replaces Tone)
DD: 1 (Shimozuki)
SS: 2 (I-43, RO-117)
MTB: 9
xAKL: 1
AMc: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CA: 1 (Tone)

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 2
AP: 1
LCI: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit (BC Renown missed; dozen or so IJN subs reported “hit” for their efforts)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Patung (China - small undefended dot base liberated!)

SIGINT/Intel: Although MTBs were committed to go along with the sub threat, these were not coordinated efforts, but each were focused on different target areas. However, it is showing that L_S_T is providing an active defense for Formosa, and leaving Pescadores intact will continue to be problematic as long as supplies remain.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the two US ground attacks on Guam move the campaign to the mop up phase - 8000 IJA casualties to only about 300 US. One IJA unit remains and that should be taken care of in the next turn or so. This allows the US 77th ID to begin loading out, with planning changed for the Kuriles. The division will winter in Pearl Harbor to rest and refit. The other two divisions, the 2nd Mar Div and the 38th plus available support will begin planning for reinforcing the Okinawa landings. Will keep the supporting CVE and CA TFs in the area to protect the transports, and once the troops are pulled out for their needed rest, the CVEs will likely head to Pearl for refit and the cruisers will rejoin the Fleet.

In SOPAC, the Formosa Campaign is living up to its forecast as a challenging endeavor, with IJN MTBs entering the Kagi anchorage and sinking a big AP and 3xLCIs. The timing was actually good from the Allied point of view - the CVE TFs moved to Taichu, which is what I’m betting L_S_T was aiming at as his target, and two big convoys with two divisions aboard arrived after the MTB fight. As was, the MTBs evaded the patrolling DDs and PTs to get to their targets, two small, lightly protected convoys carrying the bulk of the US XIV Corps HQ - which lost about 700 troops, and the commander, LTG Patch is currently MIA. Had the MTBs found the convoys carrying the incoming divisions, it could have been a lot worse. Allied surface TFs woke up after the fact, hunting down the MTBs in the daylight and some the following day off Pescadores, reportedly sinking 8 for no further loss. Also at sea, the Enterprise actually repairs some damage (float now down to 78) as she, her escorts and the Fleet crawl closer to Orchid Island. IJN subs continue to try and intercept, and battle both escorting DDs and ASW TFs sent to hunt them down. One sub made an attack on BC Renown; no other sub got through the screens, and at least a dozen subs were reportedly hit by ASW aircraft or ships. Six DDs will detach next turn and head to Naga to reload depth charges. While the Fleet will continue to stay with Enterprise until Orchid, three of the four CVE TFs covering Kagi/Taichu will pull out of the Formosa Straits and head to Hengchun to refuel and be prepared to support Enterprise at Orchid as well. Fighters out of Kagi and Taichu will bear the brunt of CAP duties for the anchorages from this point on. Once the convoy carrying the two incoming US divisions are offloaded, the last CVE TF will move to support the big follow on support convoy, then disengage - likely heading to Saipan to refit the CVEs. Surface TFs remain of course, both DD TFs and CA TFs patrolling the anchorages. Surprised mini subs haven’t been employed yet - but just in case, B-24s will mine Pescadores. A big support convoy has loaded at Saigon and will head to Kagi, and it will be well protected as it enters the Straits. On the ground, the lead US division with support will enter the outskirts of Takao from the north, with the other divisions following a few days behind. Until the reinforcements catch up, the lead division will be vulnerable to a spoiling attack.

In SWPAC, assault transports begin gathering at Naga for the upcoming landings at Miyako-jima and Kume-jima. In the air, medium bombers out of Luzon continue to hit ground targets around Takao and Manila while the Heavies rest, awaiting the renewed attacks on Takao and Taihoku. Manila will be left primarily to ground and naval bombardments for at least another week or two before the first ground attack goes in. The ground bombardments continue to slowly attrit the defenders a couple hundred or so each two day turn with no Allied loss.

In China, the first mainland Chinese city (other than southern Pakhoi of course) to be liberated is taken by advancing Chinese cavalry. The small undefended dot base of Patung is relatively worthless, but it’s a start! In the south near Canton, the main body of Chinese troops catch up with the withdrawing IJA on the west side of the river and will launch a deliberate attack next turn. Also, probably most significant, is that the supply totals for China exceed 200k for the first time….they will only get better once major supply convoys start arriving in Pakhoi and Haiphong.

In SE Asia, ground troops will continue to attack IJA positions around Vinh next turn to isolate the base which is estimated to have roughly 35k troops defending. The goal is that those troops can’t fall back on Hanoi or Haiphong.





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Post #: 1379
RE: 11-12 Sep 44 - 2/11/2020 1:51:01 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		Catching up!!

Your Aug18-19 was a hell of a fight!! you probably finished his air force; I doubt he will have the time or the HI to recover pilots or aircraft

Have you think about expediting the home island invasion? (instead or in parallel to Okinawa), based on the results of that battle?

Also, have you thought about pushing hard for Hong Kong? once you have it, you won't need to move the fleet back to PH anymore

< Message edited by Jorge_Stanbury -- 2/11/2020 1:54:07 PM >

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