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RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM

 
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RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/15/2005 10:13:30 PM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 8-16-42 The Gilberts Campaign

The IJN BBs ran away along with the lightly damaged transports but 50 plus DDs, AKs,APs etc tried to hide in Makin Port along with 2 damaged CAs protected by 100 Zeros. Allied fighters blew through the CAP like a speed bump while medium bombers and naval AC worked over Makin for 3 days until ALL were sunk in Port. At the same time, 350 heavy bombers worked over and sank another 28 ships ships in Jaluit port.

Remnants of the IJN withdrew to Kwajalein and beyond. Intell believes that there are currently 2 undamaged IJN BBs, Hiei and Kirishima which have been escorting KB. No intell available on undamaged CAs.

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 91
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/16/2005 1:31:13 AM   
Alikchi2

 

Posts: 1785
Joined: 5/14/2004
Status: offline 		At this rate, both navies will cease to exist by October. Utterly insane.

_____________________________


(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 92
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/16/2005 11:08:53 AM   
Bison Frontier

 

Posts: 54
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline 		Situation update August 1st to 27th, 1942

On August 1st, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Hirohito bestowed an Imperial Rescript upon Kido Butai for its services rendered to the Empire (read: for sinking all those big bad Allied ships and shooting down countless hundreds of enemy aircraft). Vice-Admiral Nagumo was also promoted to full admiral for his inspired command of said force.

That same day, Prime Minister Tojo addressed the Diet. After acknowledging the great accomplishments of the imperial armed forces, the premier adopted a slightly more somber tone in his appraisal of the strategic situation. While Japan retains the strategic initiative on all fronts, there is no questioning the enemy’s resolve and increasing ability to defend his remaining possessions in the south and central Pacific. The heavy battles in the Gilberts and Marshalls amply demonstrated that. To counter the enemy’s reliance on the proverbial “wall of steel”, it is no longer pragmatic to merely rely on yamatodamashii. Spiritual vigor must be accompanied by industrial/economic prowess. Going forward, Japan’s economy must be placed on a “total war” footing – full mobilization, especially of hitherto untapped resources, and also increased production of more and better armaments. Only then can we be assured of final, total victory.

By the first week of August, Imperial General Headquarters assessed that the enemy had (despite suffering unbelievable losses) over 80,000 troops on Tarawa, backed up by at least a thousand land-based aircraft on Tarawa (including over 250 heavy bombers), Apamama and Baker. In light of such strength, Tokyo has decided to postpone the invasion of the Gilberts until such time as conditions warrant a resumption of offensive moves there. While the troops that managed to land at Tarawa are very badly outnumbered and outgunned, we are nonetheless confident that they will give the enemy forces an endless headache with their resourcefulness and valor.

In the meantime, the fighting around Tarawa was winding down but wasn’t quite over.

Despite long lines of communication and supply, and many of our valiant crews’ exhaustion, our forces still had plenty of fight left in them. On Aug 1st, USN and IJN carriers clashed for the third time. This time, however, the enemy had the invaluable assistance of the hundreds of land-based planes at Tarawa and Apamama to further distract Kido Butai’s harried pilots. Superb coordination and tactics helped our fighters destroy some 240 aircraft, including 115 SBDs, 68 Wildcats and 42 TBFs. By this time however, Kido Butai’s own Val and Kate groups had become quite worn down and were only able to mount a relatively weak counterblow, which was defeated by the enemy’s fighters.

At sea, the opposing fleets clashed yet again. On Aug 5th, Admiral Tanaka’s battleship TF (including the unsinkable Yamato) attacked the enemy at Tarawa, quickly sinking the damaged (from earlier battles) BB Arizona and the heavy cruiser Portland. A day later, not having quite recovered from the third clash with enemy carriers, Kido Butai’s Zeros destroyed another 100 enemy aircraft in fierce air battles near Tarawa and Apamama. Before retiring, KB’s Kates put an end to DMS Long and DMS Elliot, and a stray enemy transport.

From Aug 9th to 10th, our surface forces braved incessant enemy LBA attacks to sink enemy heavy cruisers Chester and Vincennes, DD Waters and also 13 transports at Tarawa. CA Northampton was also hard hit. Our own losses from enemy air and sea action included two light cruisers and eight destroyers. Again, our LRCAP from the Marshalls made the enemy LBA pay a heavy price for their success. Almost seventy aircraft were shot down.

By mid-August, Tokyo decided on a temporary disengagement from the Gilberts. While Tarawa remained in enemy hands, our forces had inflicted severe air and naval losses on the enemy, including savaging the USN carrier air arm three times. Our forces took losses too, but since the bulk of our losses was in destroyers, transports and light craft (all easily replaceable), we must conclude that the Gilberts campaign was on the whole a stunning strategic and operational victory for Japan.

Meanwhile, throughout our newly won empire, Imperial forces continued their consolidation moves, taking Kuala (Aug 8), Singkawang (Aug 12), Gasmata (Aug 15), Russell Islands (Aug 20).

Major combat vessels confirmed sunk during the Gilberts campaign (July 7th to to August 27th, 1942)


Allied: 8 BB (New Mexico, Idaho, Maryland, Tennessee, Mississippi, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona), 6 CA (Pensacola, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Portland, Chester, Vincennes), 2 CL (Hobart, Concord), 30 DD, 4 DMS

Japan: 2 BB (Mutsu, Hyuga), 3 CA (Takao, Suzuya, Kinugasa), 4 CL (Sendai, Tama, Yura, Natori), 37 DD

< Message edited by Bison Frontier -- 1/16/2005 9:14:37 AM >

(in reply to Alikchi2)
Post #: 93
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/16/2005 11:21:50 AM   
Bison Frontier

 

Posts: 54
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Alikchi

At this rate, both navies will cease to exist by October. Utterly insane.


You're absolutely right. If we keep up this "insane" pace, there will be no ships left to sink by end-1942, which is why both forces have declared three whole months of R&R for all major units

(in reply to Alikchi2)
Post #: 94
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/17/2005 10:13:19 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 9-2 -42 The Gilberts Campaign: Final Analysis

While the IJN could conceivably perform suicide transport missions and the IJA troops on Tarawa still need to be liquidated the Gilberts campaign is pretty much over for all intents and purposes. Out of the approximately 100,000 IJA troops landed on Tarawa about 40,000 effectives remain....soon to be liquidated. Makin with another 80,000 IJA troops will become the largest unguarded POW camp in the Pacific. Jaluit with over 100,000 IJA troops is virtually cut off and the entire KB will need to be committed to withdraw any troops there.

Fighting has quieted down a bit over the last week. 1000 AC are roto-tilling IJA forces on Tarawa daily but ship losses are minimal. Current ship losses include:

Allies: 11 BB, 8 CA, 5 CL, 1 CLAA, 52 DD, 16 MSW, 4 PG, 2 PC, 18 SS, 2 AO, 8 TK, 2 ML, 3 APD, 3 DM, 1 MLE, 32 PT, 23 AP, 72 AK

Japan: 2 CS, 3 BB, 4 CA, 7 CL, 62 DD, 37 MSW, 19 PG, 17 PC, 30 SS, 2 AO, 10 TK, 5 ML, 83 AP, 90 AK

It was probably a strategic error for the Allies to extend themselves into the Gilberts this early in the war. There was plenty of airbase capacity and AC available but there was a definite shortage of aviation personel to provide an effective defense. On the other hand, the Gilberts Campaign has been a huge battle of attrition and the Allies should be able to replace most of their losses over the next year. Both sides will have their repair shipyards maxed out for some time.

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 95
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/17/2005 10:32:00 PM   
Capt. Harlock


Posts: 5358
Joined: 9/15/2001
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline
quote:

On the other hand, the Gilberts Campaign has been a huge battle of attrition and the Allies should be able to replace most of their losses over the next year. Both sides will have their repair shipyards maxed out for some time.


The Allies will be able to replace much of what sank, but those battlewagons are gone for good. Also, isn't it interesting that nearly every other ship type suffered major losses, but not one carrier went down?

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 96
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/23/2005 12:26:08 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		Capt. Harlock......you are right about the lack of CV losses. This is what happens when the IJN stacks 8 CVs and 3 CVLs in KB and flies 90% CAP with 200+ Zeros. I lost 400+ land based AC in the DEI /OZ theatre in April 1942( my P-40 groups are still trying to rebuild as of Sept. 1942) and 600+ Naval AC in the Gilberts campaign( I actually ran out of naval pilots). And there is a problem with the game design if ALL the CAP flies EVERY time regardless of altitude or direction of attack while the attackers always go in piecemeal.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)
Post #: 97
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/23/2005 1:27:56 AM   
Capt. Harlock


Posts: 5358
Joined: 9/15/2001
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline
quote:

And there is a problem with the game design if ALL the CAP flies EVERY time regardless of altitude or direction of attack while the attackers always go in piecemeal.


Wow -- I didn't realize that was happening. Pacific War incorporates command difficulties in launching CAP. (The Allied player needs to wait until 1944 until four-carrier TF's put up full CAP most of the time.) How did we go backwards on the game engine?

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 98
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/23/2005 7:55:44 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 9-24-42

After 3 months of continuous assaults, Mandalay falls to the IJA in early Sept. The 150,000 IJA assault force forces the 60,000 defenders back toward Lashio. The Imperial Guards SS Panzer Division leads the irresistable assault against Lashio which capitulates on 9-23-42. Remnants of Allied formations are now fleeing towards Chinese and Indian borders.

On a happier note, Tarawa was completely secured by mid Sept. I give the IJA some style points for launching a suicide Banzai attack the night before their final liquidation. 1000+ AC are carpet bombing Makin on a daily basis. Things are quiet with regards to naval forces....both sides are repairing and re-equiping for the next major engagement.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)
Post #: 99
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/23/2005 8:05:08 AM   
Luskan

 

Posts: 1897
Joined: 7/11/2002
From: Down Under
Status: offline 		Interesting reading. Normally I would say that the allies have come out on top in the exchange rate (especially against the jap DDs!!! This is going to make the allied sub arm very dangerous in the late game) but the allies have lost 11 BB. In sinking those 11 BB the japs look like they've damaged KB enough to loose their good pilots - but on the other hand, they've just reduced a whole dimension of allied surface firepower.

Means that for isolated atolls, the allies will need to bring in CVs to pound the place, and fihgt air to air without being able to bombard with BBs.

_____________________________

With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 100
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/23/2005 5:18:13 PM   
Bison Frontier

 

Posts: 54
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline 		August 28th to September 25th, 1942

Seizure of additional bases throughout our defensive perimeter:
Hollandia (Aug 30), Woodlark Island (Aug 31), Kiriwina Island (Sep 2), Ormoc (Sep 16).

Burma front: Fortress Mandalay was declared secure on September 1st after our victorious troops defeated the well-dug defenders (British, Australian, Indian, Nationalist Chinese and Burmese) despite the enemy enjoying local air superiority in west Burma.
Lashio was quickly taken on September 23rd. 5 Wirraways were destroyed at the airbase.

Tokyo radio recently disclosed certain details of our ramped up armaments production. An excellent new fighter, the Ki-61 KAIc Tony, has entered service with the IJA air units. Tony production has already exceeded 100 aircraft per month. Zero production is around 500 planes per month and the improved A6M3a is expected to reach our front-line squadrons in November. Total monthly aircraft production is some 1,100 planes, a figure that continues to grow steadily. Our superbly organized pilot training program has made good all the losses from earlier battles and a strong reserve pool is being cultivated.

Banzai!

(in reply to Luskan)
Post #: 101
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/23/2005 5:37:51 PM   
AdmFletcher

 

Posts: 13
Joined: 12/25/2004
Status: offline 		Till now the Allied losses are quite considerable relative to the Nippys.

Worse news to come. Adm Fletcher has been especially vulnerable to the Gilbert Islands warmth and humidity and has developed a more than accute rash and itch which clearly undermines his operational command. The troops are worried as Fletcher's condition isn't getting any better, including a persistent itch on the butt. Fletch the old man also has some breathing complexities brought on by the nasty sultry weather, predicted for the coming months! Far worse than an aerial plague of Nagumot's Zeroes and Kates prowling around.

Fletcher has been confined to his quarters so Adm Spruance will have to do everything else, especially to ensure the structural integrity of the carrier fleets. That Nagumo's capital ship loss ratio superiority isn't encouraging Fletcher's full recovery. Perhaps Fletch may need to relocate Command back to the mainland to regain full health.

If the losses continue and the Allied war objectives are not satisfactory, Adm Nimitz may "retire" both Adm Spruance and Fletch old boys. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen!

Interestingly this forum remains one of the top "hottest" exchanges on Matrix so keep those reply alls coming. And those battle reports and statistics are the best I've seen in these forums. Keep it up my colleague Spur-in-da-Ass and crafty opponent Nagface.

(in reply to Bison Frontier)
Post #: 102
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/29/2005 10:29:14 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 10-22-42

With the horrendous ship losses that occurred over July/August 1942, both the USN and the IJN have withdrawn their surface combatant ships for refit and repair. Curriously, with the ships gone the air war seems to have heated up over both sides forward airbases. With the Japanese attempting to bomb forward Allied bases at Tenibar and Aru islands(north of OZ) and the Allies bombing Mili and Jaluit in the Gilberts and Rangoon AC losses have mounted for both sides. Up to now the Japanese seemed to retreat their AC out of range(of Allied fighters) everytime the Allies established a forward airbase but now with the Allies gaining new fighters with extended range(P-38) and extending the air war into the Marshalls and the DEI the Japanese resistance seems to have stiffened.

Current score is :

Japan: 21,464 points
Allies: 13,091 points

A few more AKs,APs, MSWs, SS, have been lost on both sides and I dont feel like recounting now but overall ship losses look like:

Japan: 386 ships; 3558 points
Allies: 287 ships; 4383 points

Aircraft losses look like this:

Japan: 3479 points
Allied: 4874 points

Aircraft losses > 100 look like this:

Japan: 1006 AM62 Zero; 222 AM63 Zero; 432 Kate, 170 Jake; 159 Nate, 134 Oscar; 344 Val; 384 Betty

Allies: 364 F4F-4, 313 P-40B; 293 P-40E; 135 Brewster; 102 Demon; 194 Kittyhawk; 367 B-17E, 357 B-25; 192 Beaufort; 104 Blenheim IV; 198 Hudson; 498 SBD, 125 TBD

The Allies have established forward bases at Espirutu Santo and Tarawa and are staging in troops, AC, and materiel in advance of planned 1943 offensives.


WARPLANS: Fall 1942 by Command

SEAC: strategic defensive....after getting booted out of Lashio is conducting a last-ditch defense of Burma at Myitkina(sp)

CHINA: strategic defensive

CENTRAL PACIFIC: planning future offensive to establish bomber and fighter bases within range of Japan

SOUTHERN PACIFIC: planning 2 major offensives in next 12 months

NORTHERN PACIFIC: planning minor offensive in conjuction with Southern Pacific

SOUTHWESTERN PACIFIC: completing initial stages of major offensive

(in reply to AdmFletcher)
Post #: 103
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/29/2005 2:18:33 PM   
Bison Frontier

 

Posts: 54
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline 		September 26th to October 24th, 1942

Having already wrested the resource-rich territories from her former imperialist predators, Japan is now adopting an essentially strategic defensive posture. Construction of our impenetrable perimeter is near completion, our industries are booming. Labor productivity is up 22% from 1941 and worker morale has never been higher. Furthermore, enthusiasm for our great Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere has brought countless thousands of workers from all over the Empire to slave, err… work in our factories.

We have every reason to believe that any attempt to breach our defenses will lead to a swift and punishing riposte on our part. To that end, we have deployed our approximately 3,350 (land-based) aircraft into seven massive fleets throughout the Empire:

I Air Fleet – China and Manchukuo, 300 aircraft
II Air Fleet – Dai Nippon (Japan home islands), 300 aircraft
III Air Fleet – Siam and Malaya, 400 aircraft
IV Air Fleet – Dutch East Indies, 600 aircraft
V Air Fleet – New Guinea/Solomons, 550 aircraft
VI Air Fleet – Marshalls, 600 aircraft
VII Air Fleet (reserve) – Truk/Philippine islands, 600 aircraft

We will be somewhat vaguer with our naval dispositions, but there are essentially four main groupings:

1st Fleet – Dai Nippon
2nd Fleet – Truk and Rabaul
3rd Fleet – Borneo and Philippine islands
4th Fleet – currently in transit

The first two fleets are the strongest, with the bulk of the aircraft carriers and capital ships at their disposal. Naval-based aircraft amount to another 600+ aircraft.

Twice, the enemy attempted to probe our defenses in some strength. On October 1st, he launched a massive air strike against Jaluit from his bases in the Gilberts. This raid was countered by our Zero fighters from Kwajalein and Maloelap. 87 B-25Cs and 22 B-17Es were shot down, at the cost of two dozen Zeros destroyed and damaged. Two weeks later, another large strike against Mili was similarly thwarted. 109 enemy aircraft were destroyed, including 43 B-17Es and 38 B-25Cs. Our Tonys made their combat debut in this clash, performing brilliantly, losing only four of their number (and 18 Zeros).

We will be delighted to repeat such feats if/when the enemy decides on further adventures of an aerial/naval nature


P.S Admiral Fletcher, the quality and courtesy of Imperial Japan's medical practitioners are nonpareil. We would be happy to extend our services if we find out which atoll you are currently residing

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 104
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 1/30/2005 10:58:56 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		Since the Japanese Minister of Propaganda seems to have a selective memory the Allies feel compelled to respond to the previous post. Air Losses have been heavy and almost equal for BOTH sides. Sandwiched in between the 2 Marshall Island air raids mentioned in the previous post the Japs had a couple of aeronautical disasters themselves.

The Japanese attempted to interdict an Allied transport TF mission to Aru Island and lost 81 Zeros, Sallys, Helens, and Bettys vs 8 P-40Es. The Allies then launched an all out air assault on Rangoon killing over 100+ Nates, Oscars and recon planes in the air and on the ground before bombing the oil and resources down to zero all at a cost of 8 P-40Bs.

(in reply to Bison Frontier)
Post #: 105
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/4/2005 7:38:32 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: Mid-Nov., 1942


CENTRAL PACIFIC:

The air offensive into the Marshall Islands was postponed due to a lack of long range fighters and the resultant heavier than anticipated losses. Originally, the Allies were planning on island hopping past Makin due to the strong Japanese defenses there (21 units estimated at around 80,000 troops). The new P-38 squadrons started forming up in early October and they attempted to escort the bombers along with some P-40Bs. However, the 2 closest Japanese bases in the Marshalls were Jaluit and Mili some 480mi and 360 mi respectively from Tarawa. Makin would now have to be captured to provide forward air cover into the Marshalls.

1000 planes bombed Makin on a daily basis for 3 months as the USN assembled invasion shipping in the Gilberts. Virtually the entire USN array of combatant ships was upgraded with SG radar and 40mm Bofors AA during the fall and redeployed to the Gilberts. D-Day for Makin was set for 11-30-42.

SOUTHEAST ASIA:

The IJA pursued the retreating defenders of Lashio as they struggled to reach Myitkyina for a final stand. Not wanting to lose Myitkyina and the Ledo terminus of the Burma Road, the Allies committed some of their India theater reserves for the 1st time to Burma. The Chindits and some armor and arty were released to cross through the jungle into Burma. But the Japanese suddenly changed their strategy. They split up their 150,000 army into several groups. 7 units moved crosscountry from Lashio to approach Myitkyina from the SW. A 2 unit garrison was left in Lashio and a 9 unit garrison was left in Mandalay while the other 100,000 split into another 3 groups to cross jungles and mountains to attack Akyab from the SE, E, and NE. Another unit was sent north on the road from Rangoon to approach Akyab from the south. It was obvious that the Japanese not only wanted to capture Akyab but surround and annihilate the Allied forces there. Troops were transported in from SW Pacific command and SEAC to reinforce Akyab and the 1st IJA assault with 20,000 troops was promptly counterattacked and thrown back into the jungle. Meanwhile, the Chindits crossing over the border from India to Burma were joined by the Chinese divisions released from Myitkina and the 70,000 strong force marched down the road towards Mandalay.

< Message edited by AdmSpruance -- 2/4/2005 6:08:08 AM >

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 106
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/4/2005 8:26:47 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 11-29-42


CENTRAL PACIFIC: D-DAY minus 1

A 150+ ship armada sailed out of Tarawa harbor shortly after dusk and made its way north towards Makin. During the summer of 1942, Makin had been a busy port and staging area for the nightly Tokyo Express to Tarawa . Now after 3 months of continuous bombardment the port lay in ruins and Makin was reduced to Bubba Gump shrimp wharf status. The defenders had been steadily attrited until only 8 units with approximately 10,000 defenders remained. Loaded into the USN transports were the veteran heroic defenders of Tarawa: 1st USMC Div., 37th Inf. Div., 2nd and 3rd USMC Raider BN, 1st and 3rd USMC Para BN, 153rd RCT, 138th RCT, 112th Calvary Regiment and other supporting HQ, Seabee, and Av Eng units in excess of 60,000. This would be the 1st US amphibious assault of the war and CINCPAC felt that Makin would be a good dress rehearsal within support range of LBA.

SOUTHEAST ASIA:

The 70,000 strong Chindit/Chinese force entered Mandalay today. 30,000 IJA troops attacked only to lose 5000 of their own against negligible Allied losses. Tomorrow SEAC would finally go on the offensive.

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 107
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/4/2005 7:15:31 PM   
Bison Frontier

 

Posts: 54
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline 		October 25th to December 5th, 1942

For some months intel had been warning of the advent of a new high-performance long-range USAAF fighter. In late October, the P-38G Lightning made its first combat appearance over the Marshalls. In a clash above Jaluit on Oct 29th, this new enemy plane tangled with our Zero fighters.

The P-38 was a new breed of aircraft, extremely rugged construction and boasting heavy firepower, but it was relatively clumsy and easily hit. Our Zeros succeeded in shooting down four P-38s and another 20 B-17Es for 13 Zeros destroyed/damaged. A second air battle on Nov 8th saw the destruction of 30 P-38s and 3 B-17s. Over 40 Tonys and Zeros were damaged or lost in repelling this attack, but most of our pilots were rescued. Having lost so many of his P-38s in two battles, the enemy was dissuaded from further air attacks against our bases in the Marshalls. During November, several of our Zero squadrons also upgraded from the older A6M2 to the improved A6M3a.

Further consolidation by our forces: Sansapor in western New Guinea (Oct 27), Kavieng (Oct 28), Green Island (Oct 30), Buka (Nov 1), Admiralty Islands (Nov 6), Emirau Island (Nov 10).

In Burma, our forces fanned out after taking Lashio. While a strong force moved against Akyab, subsidiary units held Mandalay and while continuing to threaten Myitkyina. Unfortunately, our intel had not detected the presence of fresh Nationalist Chinese troops (sent by bandit chieftain Chiang Kaishek) and redeployed Australian, Indian and "Chindit" brigades. The lack of good roads into Akyab also meant our troops' advance was relatively slow. The enemy managed to gain tactical surprise and massed a huge force of over 63,000 troops for a counterattack at Mandalay on November 30th. This was successful, but our troops managed to inflict heavy losses before evacuating the city. Our Burma Area Army is regrouping and some reinforcements have arrived from Siam. The theater commander in Burma has assured me that Allied gains in western Burma will be temporary and of a VERY localized nature

The enemy also landed over 20,000 troops on Makin on Nov 30th, supported by his carrier fleet, battleships and numerous other ships. Our combatworthy troops had long since been evacuated from Makin, leaving only about 6,000 wounded soldiers and mostly support and administrative personnel there. Nonetheless, these forces gave a bully account of themselves, inflicting almost 3,000 enemy casualties before succumbing. In any case, Makin was within easy range of the extremely large enemy LBA concentrations (over 1,200 aircraft!) in the Gilberts and quite indefensible. Further attempts by the enemy to move against the Marshalls will however receive prompt and devastating attention by Imperial air and naval forces. Reinforcements are on the move to/from our great naval base at Truk.

The news from the other fronts is gloomy. Our valiant German and Italian allies are in full retreat in Africa and the Russians have encircled an entire German army at Stalingrad. 1943 will truly be the year of destiny that will decide the outcome of this great war.

< Message edited by Bison Frontier -- 2/4/2005 5:30:21 PM >

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 108
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/4/2005 7:25:46 PM   
AmiralLaurent

 

Posts: 3351
Joined: 3/11/2003
From: Near Paris, France
Status: offline 		Just a question. When both of you give enemy aircraft losses, do you use the numbers given by the intel screen (the real ones) or those shown by the combat reports (usually three times the real losses in big battles and twice in skirmishes AFAIK) ?

(in reply to Bison Frontier)
Post #: 109
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/4/2005 7:31:52 PM   
Bison Frontier

 

Posts: 54
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: AmiralLaurent

Just a question. When both of you give enemy aircraft losses, do you use the numbers given by the intel screen (the real ones) or those shown by the combat reports (usually three times the real losses in big battles and twice in skirmishes AFAIK) ?


We generally use the real intel screen numbers, not the FOW combat ones, although Japanese reports are far more reliable than the Allied propaganda

(in reply to AmiralLaurent)
Post #: 110
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/5/2005 5:19:07 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 11-30-42


CENTRAL PACIFIC: Makin Island.....D-Day

The first opposed Allied amphibious assault of the war began at precisely 4 AM as the 16" guns of the new fast BBs South Dakota and Indiana trained their turrets on suspected Jap emplacements on Makin and commenced firing. At dawn after a 2 hour bombardment small landing craft carrying the battle hardened Marines approached the shell pocked atoll under the protective umbrella of 1600 CV and land based AC. The stunned defenders could offer no effective resistance after 3 months of continous bombardment and it was all over before noon. The 6600 remnants of the Kure 1st SNLF, 65th Brigade, 23rd Mixed Brigade, 21st Division, 16th Army HQ and 3 base force units were liquidated by shock and awe before any Banzai attacks could be launched. That afternoon, the Seabees started offloading their bulldozers and heavy equipment and began filling the in shell holes on the airstrip and laid down Marsten mat. The airbase here will be repaired and enlarged ASAP.

SEAC:

At Mandalay, the 70,000 strong force of Chindits and Chinese attacked the 30,000 IJA defenders and pushed them out of the city and across the Irrawaddy River. The Allies have now gone over to the offensive in Burma.

< Message edited by AdmSpruance -- 2/12/2005 3:42:46 AM >

(in reply to Bison Frontier)
Post #: 111
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/5/2005 5:26:59 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 12-1-42


CENTRAL PACIFIC:

Thousands of Allied troops cheered as the 1st Marine F4F-4s extended their landing gear and touched down at the new air field on Makin. Auxilliary troops and supplies were offloaded as Makin is being transformed into a forward base.

SEAC:

After securing Mandalay, troops were sent due west to help isolate the 100,000+ Japs surrounding Akyab. The rest of the Allied ground forces were sent south across the Irrawaddy River to attack the IJA troops attempting to entrench there.

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 112
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/5/2005 5:37:10 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 12-4 -42


CENTRAL PACIFIC:

All quiet here as transports continue to unload and the airbase at Makin is about to double in size.

SEAC:

The now 25,000 strong IJA force attempting to entrench just south of the Irrawaddy River is soundly defeated by the Allies and is last seen retreating towards Pagan. The SEAC forces have now completed a major breakthrough and are in position to surround 125,000 IJA troops in Pagan and surrounding Akyab plus another 7 LCUs loitering around Lashio. In addition, only 6 IJA LCUs stand between the Allied forces and Rangoon.

< Message edited by AdmSpruance -- 2/5/2005 8:40:43 AM >

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 113
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/5/2005 4:12:35 PM   
AdmFletcher

 

Posts: 13
Joined: 12/25/2004
Status: offline 		Situation Report: December 1942

Daily headline news of the constant bloodshed in the Pacific Theater has reached my son who is applying for our finest Naval Academies in the Eastern Atlantic seaboard. Fletch Jr. wants to be as famous as Spruance or myself one day, yet sadly two of his three teachers wrote rather poorly in support of his application. They're from an insecure land far away and do not appreciate talent.

As 1942 passes, I notice our forces have not had a Doolittle raid on the Nippys' home islands or Tokyo yet. I was hoping we might relish such an opportunity to get back at his imperial slugesty, Hirohitoto and reduce Nip morale. Perhaps the game doesnt incorporate the elements of such sneaky tactics or the effects of a volcanic eruption on Hawaii itself..

Adm Nagumo, thank you for your kind offer of medical "assistance". I am not on a Gilberts atoll receiving treatment but traveling around with Spruance's fast carrier fleets. And the conditions are not improving much despite Spruance's finest doctors. Nasty climate here in the western Pacific (especially at Makin). Even if I was I would decline the hospitality. I predict in 1943 we will manage to encript your communications and nail Adm Yamamotot himself. Your presence is demanded at the local shipyards (graveyards) where your badly damaged ships are hibernating the winter as are ours. 1942 is indeed a violent year for all. Lucky carrier fleets though. Besides news of Nippy soldiers "chivalry" has spread like wildfire and they're absolutely not the most flattering I might add. Pacific Holocaust minus the camps?

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 114
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/5/2005 8:24:01 PM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		Fletch....thanx for the comments. Hope you are recuperating.




SITUATION REPORT: 12-8-42


Allied SEAC forces defeat the IJA again and push them out of Pagan. 7th Armoured and 254th Indian Tank race down the autobahn towards Rangoon. Meanwhile the 20,000 + IJA troops isolated around Lashio mass for a counterattack on Mandalay. Who is surrounding whom?

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 115
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/6/2005 8:53:09 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 12-10-42

IJA counterattacks at Mandalay with 49,000 malaria ridden troops vs 18,000 fresh Allied troops at 0:1 odds and is defeated with 1400 casualties vs 600 Allied. IJA counterattacks 60 mi SW of Pagan with 26,000 vs 41,000 Allied and loses 1200 vs 300 Allied. The road to Rangoon is open. Allied intel estimates at least 1 more week before the 100,000 isolated IJA troops(including the Imperial Guards Division) surrounding Akyab reach a roadhead.

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 116
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/6/2005 7:03:52 PM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 12-12-42

49,000 IJA troops withdraw from Mandalay towards Lashio as another Allied force threatens Lashio from the east. Taung Gyi is captured by the Allies and their armored spearhead is now only 180 mi NE of Rangoon.

Makin airfield is enlarged to size 3.

< Message edited by AdmSpruance -- 2/9/2005 3:29:16 AM >

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 117
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/9/2005 5:35:02 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 12-22-42

Allied spearhead reaches outskirts of Rangoon but the offensive is abruptly cancelled as the Imperial Guards Division and 120,000 of their friends suddenly emerge from the bush to envelope Mandalay from both east and west. With the only Allied supply line in Burma threatened, the Chindits and armoured forces are compelled to retreat back to Mandalay.

Makin airfield enlarges to size 4.....the US air offensive is about to begin in the Marshalls.

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 118
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/11/2005 8:40:34 PM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 1-1-43

Happy New Years to all the troops from SE Asia to the central Pacific.

Allied forces have evacuated from Mandalay for the 2nd time in the war. Most retreat NE to Myritkyina and dig in but the worn out/berri-berri/malaria ridden troops that have fought in Burma for over a year are withdrawn to India for much needed R&R.

The long awaited Allied air offensive into the Marshalls has gotten off to a bloody and less than stellar start. 1300 Allied AC attack Mili and are roughed up by 200 Jap fighters as the attacks go in piecemeal and many bombers are sent unescorted while 400 fighters mill around aimlessly. After 2 major aerial dogfights the Allies lose 360 AC vs Jap losses of 220 AC with fighter losses being about equal for both sides. The air battle for the Marshalls will prove to be a very long and bloody battle of attrition.

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 119
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM - 2/12/2005 10:47:52 AM   
racndoc


Posts: 2519
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Newport Coast, California
Status: offline 		SITUATION REPORT: 1-1-43 WARPLANS 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC COMMAND: Based in Oahu since the start of the war, current objective is to capture suitable heavy bomber bases within reach of Japan. Will meet up with other commands in the Philippines in 1944.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COMMAND: Currently based in Tarawa, now planning isolation and reduction of Marshall Islands. Will then relocate to Espirutu Santo for Solomon Island Campaign. Will eventually meet up with other commands in the Philippines.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COMMAND: Based in Cooktown since April 1942. Will assist SOUTHERN PACIFIC COMMAND in isolation and reduction of Port Moresby/Rabaul.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC COMMAND: Based in Darwin since April 1942, will drive due north through the DEI and link up with other commands in the Philippines in 1944.

SEAC: Strategic defensive

CHINA COMMAND: Strategic defensive

< Message edited by AdmSpruance -- 2/12/2005 5:30:05 PM >

(in reply to racndoc)
Post #: 120
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