Nemrod vs. Burns, One Year Later (Full Version)

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Jim D Burns -> Nemrod vs. Burns, One Year Later (5/3/2006 6:15:20 PM)

In April of 2005 my opponent Nemrod (playing Japan) and I (playing Allied) started a game of WitP stock scenario 15 under version 1.6 of the game. Since then we have been diligently plugging away at our game for over a year now. There have been some pauses in our play as real life issues reared their head requiring brief departures from play. For the most part though, we average a little less than 1 turn a day when real life allows us the time to play. We’d probably have a better average except for one issue, there is a 9 hour time difference between us as Nemrod is in France and I’m in California, so that eats into our average a bit.

It is now late October 1942 in our game and the tide of battle has just reached the point where Japan must decide to either halt expansion or undergo a last attempt to expand their empire against ever increasing allied strength. My opponent and I are both very cautious players when it comes to our major combat assets, and this has resulted in no major decisive battles occurring to date.

We both feel this point in our game would make a great starting point for a what if scenario. A fully preserved Japanese empire heavily fortified in strong bases throughout its area of expansion vs. an as yet undamaged allied fleet that is growing stronger every day. Nemrod referred to it thusly in a recent email:

quote:

“It will be the fight of the unstoppable force against the immovable mass!!”


So I’ve decided to begin an AAR of our game as the coming year (1943) may prove to be very interesting indeed. The strategic choices we both make over the next few months are going to be chosen from an almost limitless group of possibilities.

How did we get here?

I’ll give a brief rundown of what has occurred in our game to date to bring readers up to speed on what’s been going on.

Japan did a basic opening attacking in both the PI and Malaya as expected. But he did so without trying to overbalance one region or the other to help speed his conquest, I was able to hold out in both areas for about a month longer than they historically held out. While I was initially beaming with pride over these rather limited allied success stories, in the end it turned out not to matter one iota. As a matter of fact I personally feel this was an unintended boon for Japan.

Because Japan was tied down with the majority of his large land forces for so long, my opponent ended up not taking the major oil centers until about June/July. But he did slowly pick away at non-oil producing bases which allowed him to successfully interdict any shipping I tried to send in to extract said oil. So the net result was my opponent inherited a bunch of very fat oil bases with huge stocks of oil on hand. In the future if/when I play as Japan I plan to use this as a tactic, since it guarantees Japan 100% oil production at those bases for about the 6 months they are in allied control.

If you grab them early and they suffer 25%-50% damage when the base changes hands, you’re simply giving up that extra oil for no real benefit. Use the non-oil bases for your air campaigns and only take the oil when you’ve crushed all allied air opposition in the SRA. The oil isn’t going to go anywhere as long as you control the skies, and it’ll be waiting there for you safely kept secure by the generous allies.


quote:

I didn’t find that much oil in the captured bases, far less than what they can produce now in 6 months. I suppose stocks were partly destroyed.


Japan made two very quick unexpected strikes early on aimed at Midway and Port Moresby. Due to the speed of his attacks at these two locations, I was unable to contest their conquest and in fact lost the Australian 30th Brigade aboard ship about 5-6 hexes south of Port Moresby when KB showed up to smash that base so unexpectedly early. KB sunk every single ship in the transport fleet, so not even a fragment escaped destruction.

Japans conquest of Burma was put off till about July/August because of the timetable disruptions caused by the long sieges in PI and Malaya. But when an excess of 200,000 Japanese finally did show up, the over-confident allies whom expected to hold at Mandalay were utterly crushed under the massive death star of Japanese boots. About half the allies managed to retreat towards Myitkyina and later India just before the final hammer blow struck, but the other half were shattered and forced to retreat towards Lashio and are now slogging their way through the jungles towards China slowly dying of attrition.

China is a mess for the allies right now. I had fought Japan to a standstill anywhere he tried to advance except in the air where he utterly decimated anything sent to try and defend the skies above China. With the air 100% in his control, Nemrod pounded the Chinese industrial centers and Resource centers to smithereens. The result of which has been a slow deterioration of supply in China to the point where there is probably less than 50k of supplies left in the entire country now.

quote:

I don’t think this was the major factor. I only destroyed more or less 2/3 of the supply production of two cities, I could have done much more. The Burma Road open several months more than historical compensated that until recently. Much more important was the loss of supplies caused by Changsa and Yenen occupation. Constant bombing and bombardments to raise the needs of your armies were probably very important too, but I can’t say how much. You could refer to that old post were you calculated supply in China is not enough in the long run anyway.


quote:

Yes I had forgotten to mention those other details. The entire combined effort to attack China’s supply has had devastating results for me in China. It also proves beyond a doubt that Japan can win in China without winning a single early battle. If Japan methodically attacks the supply in China using all means available to him to do so, China is doomed.


Lack of supplies prevented my units from rebuilding damage or drawing replacements, so my units began to whither away (many Corps now have less than a divisions worth of equipment). About a month or so ago game time I voluntarily evacuated Sian and Yenen because of major supply problems, and Japan has taken advantage of the situation and massed his forces for a crushing blow on Changsa. There are well over 300,000 Japanese at Changsa and at least 6-8 other Japanese divisions are working on trying to surround the city from both north and south.

I have just launched two counter-attacks at Sian and Yenen to try and relieve some pressure on Changsa, but it is doubtful if I’ll be able to save that city even if I manage to recapture Sian and Yenen. The only bright spot for me is I HOPE to capture some decent stocks of supplies at those two bases from Japan. If the stocks are large enough (very doubtful) it may be enough to hold China over till late 1943 when massive numbers of air transport aircraft will be on hand to start a serious airlift of supplies that might just save the country.

quote:

I have around 15K supplies at Sian , may be you expected more.


quote:

Didn’t expect more, just really, really HOPED for more. [:D]


Of course if there are no large stocks of supplies there, then even retaking those bases probably won’t save China from utter doom at this point since I estimate I have less than 6 months of supply left. After that my units will simply fold up under any kind of pressure and the country will collapse rather quickly.

There was some brief action in the North Pacific when Japan took Kiska and Attu. But as soon as I had an air base expanded large enough to handle my 16 plane B-17 group, one or two attacks on Kiska convinced Nemrod to evacuate and I have recently re-occupied those two US bases. Paramushiro is now getting sporadic raids by my B-17 group from Kiska.

So basically Japan is at historical limits to their expansion except for Port Moresby and Midway. Both players still have the majority of their combat power at their disposal and we are at a turning point in the game. If Japan continues to expand the allies can now seriously mount an attempt to prevent it and stand a good chance at succeeding.

If Japan chooses to hunker down, the initiative will switch to the allies and they face the prospect of trying to operate against an intact Japan with well entrenched forward bases and an undamaged KB able to react on interior lines.

Here’s a screen shot of the intelligence screen:




[image]local://upfiles/5815/B19A476AEB27494A9344791207091EF3.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> 10-20-42 (5/3/2006 6:17:26 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/20/42

We open the AAR on the Oct 20 turn. This will be a general overview AAR as both myself and Nemrod will be present here and posting our comments.

Japan has many air raids going in every turn against the Chinese along with many different training raids at allied bases in his rear. In the interest of brevity I will refrain from posting most air raids and will only post unusual or significant air raids in this AAR.

With my escort air groups with enough range to escort my bombers shredded in air combat and stood down for rebuilding, allied bombers have switched to night attacks. While pretty much ineffectual, the attacks do allow low experience allied pilots to train up, so Chinese and Dutch fighters have joined in on the raids.

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Night Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 16
P-26A x 11
P-35A x 8
I-153c x 14
IL-4c x 3
SB-2c x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed


Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x I-153c bombing at 2000 feet
6 x I-153c bombing at 2000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x CW-21B Demon bombing at 2000 feet
3 x CW-21B Demon bombing at 2000 feet
3 x CW-21B Demon bombing at 2000 feet
3 x CW-21B Demon bombing at 2000 feet
4 x CW-21B Demon bombing at 2000 feet
8 x P-35A bombing at 2000 feet
11 x P-26A bombing at 2000 feet

Japanese troops keep the pressure on at Changsa with ground bombardments from the artillery units as the majority of their combat forces stand down to recuperate from the last assault.

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Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7900 troops, 197 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 6152

Defending force 120492 troops, 660 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3187



Allied ground losses:
334 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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The crossroads hex Southeast of Wuchow is a stalemate, but Japanese troops continue to eat away at Chinese supply by conducting daily bombardments.

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Ground combat at 43,40

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 97796 troops, 1379 guns, 15 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2426

Defending force 95204 troops, 462 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2714



Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported


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I launch my shock attack at Sian expecting to easily take the base, but moderate fatigue and on hand supply of only about 60% of required needs, reduce my AV by a factor of 5, while Japanese fort levels double their AV. Looks like Sian will not be retaken any time soon.

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Ground combat at Sian

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 79991 troops, 522 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2559

Defending force 53534 troops, 559 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 954

Allied max assault: 4384 - adjusted assault: 555

Japanese max defense: 1033 - adjusted defense: 2000

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 5)


Japanese ground losses:
1334 casualties reported
Guns lost 46

Allied ground losses:
5100 casualties reported
Guns lost 82

Here’s a screen shot of the China situation:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/24CA4D86184E40999F28D0916DEBC058.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-21-42 (5/3/2006 6:18:31 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/21/42

This is a relatively quiet turn. The allies continue night bombardments in Burma while Japan continues to pound the Chinese.


Japan launches a deliberate attack on Changsa and achieves 1-1 odds for the first time. They also reduce the fort levels to 6. Changsa is on a fast road to an early demise now, it’ll probably fall in a week or two depending on how disrupted the Japanese are getting from these assaults.

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Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 343476 troops, 2847 guns, 11 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 6339

Defending force 120406 troops, 668 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3191

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 6

Japanese max assault: 6243 - adjusted assault: 5833

Allied max defense: 3334 - adjusted defense: 3807

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 6


Japanese ground losses:
9171 casualties reported
Guns lost 187
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
2864 casualties reported
Guns lost 52


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I’ve decided to use this turns AAR to fill readers in on the mini game that’s going on around Midway. With Midway’s early fall, the allies have been slowly working at a plan to retake the island and things are moving along nicely now.

The first stage of the operation which is now complete was to occupy French Frigate Shoal and get that base built up and stocked with enough supplies to act as a staging base for fast supply runs to Laysan Island.

US CV’s then appeared and pounded Midway’s air field temporarily shutting it down as transports rushed in to offloaded troops and supplies onto Laysan Island. I am now in the process of building up Laysan Island’s air field (very slow process as it’s a (0), (0) base) so US fighters can then stage forward and be in range to fly LRCAP over the fleets used for the re-conquest of Midway.

My PBY aircraft recon flights (very unreliable data) have shown me Japan has anywhere from 4,000 to 25,000 troops stationed at Midway. My CV raids confirmed over 20k troops with the recon data gained from those raids, so I assume it will be a major operation to retake the island and KB is sure to show up at some point.

I am in no rush therefore to get things started on the final stage of the operation yet and will be sure I am in the best position possible to deal with KB should it show up before I launch any landings to retake Midway.

Here’s a screen shot of the Midway area:


[image]local://upfiles/5815/6437892D366A4077AA9233E1C1878117.jpg[/image]



Grotius -> RE: 10-21-42 (5/3/2006 8:03:01 PM)

I'm glad you've started reporting on this game. It will be a good read! I think in many ways your play styles may produce a somewhat more "historical" feel to the game, as things are likely to move a bit more gradually than they do in PBEMs with two very aggressive players. So I'm really looking forward to reading this one. Good luck!



NemRod -> RE: 10-21-42 (5/3/2006 9:52:08 PM)

I'll try to give some informations too, but my main contribution to this AAR will be to...send my turns in time!
My plan ,when starting this game, was :
1 first of all secure a defensive perimetre as far as possible of his LBA.
2 Achieve "something" in China to allow the withdrawal of some forces in 43.
"something"could mean capturing enough armies or cities to ease my defense.Ideally clearing the railway, I doubt the Chinese can retake a city you can supply and quickly reinforce with a railway .My first direct attacks on Changsa and Yenen weren't succesfull so I switched to a siege strategy.

It's late 42 and I haven't conquered India nor Australia, not even half of China...shame on me!



Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-22-42 (5/3/2006 11:30:04 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/22/42

After several days of bad weather kept my heavies at Imphal grounded, another city attack aimed at Hanoi goes in only to find Japan has brought in a group of Tojo’s to beef up the fighter defense.

In past raids I had lost only 1 or 2 planes if any, today I lost 6, five to air to air and one damaged plane destroyed while landing. Looks like the slowly building damage at Hanoi is starting to tick off Japan.

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Day Air attack on Hanoi , at 36,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 15
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 3
B-17E Fortress x 13
LB-30 Liberator x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged

Resources hits 37

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
11 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
8 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Allied casualties from Japanese bombardments at Changsa are starting to increase. Looks like the reduced fort levels are starting to have real effects on my ability to defend.

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Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7569 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 5804

Defending force 115772 troops, 549 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3044



Allied ground losses:
539 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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Japan is also busy mopping up rear area bases bypassed in the expansion phase. This turn saw Noemfoor fall to a small Japanese invasion force.

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Ground combat at Noemfoor

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 381 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 12

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 10 - adjusted assault: 7

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Noemfoor base !!!

Here’s an allied mouse-over of the strategic damage caused so far at Hanoi:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/4FF1C8E59C0049F78BD50EFB84B44CA4.jpg[/image]

I’ve only recently been focusing on reducing the supply output of this base as Imphal had been pretty much untenable until only recently. With several hundred allied fighters now patrolling the skies above Imphal, Japanese air strikes have become intermittent, finally allowing me a relatively secure forward airfield to operate from.





NemRod -> RE: 10-22-42 (5/4/2006 11:06:39 AM)

I can't avoid destruction of Hanoi industry and ressources in the long run.But I can make it expensive . 15% of your planes is a reasonable toll, but I may increase it in the future[;)].



Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-23-42 (5/4/2006 5:00:52 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/23/42

Allies continue night attacks in Burma and Japan continues to pound China from the ground and air to keep supply consumption up.

Allied B-24D’s flying naval search missions out of Cairns and Cooktown report sightings of several ships at Thursday Island. Two (an MSW and an AP) are reported to have been attacked and hit by the search aircraft.

Later that day the B-24D’s from Cooktown launch a naval strike at the ships sighted at Thursday Island and sink 2 MSW’s, totally ignoring the AP’s sighted in the hex.

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Day Air attack on TF, near Thursday Island at 49,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 23

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Shanan Maru #16, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 3, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet

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Here’s the Operational report for the turn. Given the fact that MSW Wa 3 was not smoking and appeared undamaged when attacked in the naval strike, I assume the hits reported by the search aircraft are probably FOW.

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR 10/23/42

Sunderland sighting report: 2 Japanese ships at 49,90 , Speed 4 , Moving Southeast
Catalina I sighting report: 1 Japanese ship at 29,34 , Speed 9 , Moving East
B-24D Liberator has spotted Urashio Maru at 49,90
Urashio Maru is reported HIT
B-24D Liberator has spotted Urashio Maru at 49,90
Urashio Maru is reported HIT
B-24D Liberator sighting report: 2 Japanese ships at 49,90 , Speed 4 , Moving West
B-24D Liberator has spotted Wa 3 at 49,90
Wa 3 is reported HIT
Ki-46-II Dinah takes recon photos of 3rd War Area
Ki-46-II Dinah takes recon photos of Hengchow
E13A1 Jake takes recon photos of Hengchow
Ki-36 Ida takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-46-II Dinah takes recon photos of Chengtu
Do 24K-2 takes recon photos of Koepang
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lautem
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Port Moresby
Sunderland takes recon photos of Thursday Island
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Baker Island
Ki-46-II Dinah takes recon photos of Canton Island
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Midway
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of 34th Heavy AA Battalion
G4M1 Betty sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 60,92 , Speed 7 , Moving Northeast
B-24D Liberator has spotted Urashio Maru at 49,90
Ki-46-II Dinah takes recon photos of 25th Group Army
Ki-36 Ida takes recon photos of Wuchow
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Nanning
Ki-46-II Dinah takes recon photos of Chengtu
Ki-46-II Dinah takes recon photos of Kungchang
Ki-15 Babs takes recon photos of Akyab
Ki-15 Babs takes recon photos of Akyab
Do 24K-2 takes recon photos of Koepang
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lautem
Sunderland takes recon photos of Thursday Island
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Baker Island
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Midway

Here’s a screen Shot showing the area around Thursday Island:



[image]local://upfiles/5815/F5F89CC9E870448FB981A141C5150AB8.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-24-42 (5/5/2006 12:24:13 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/24/42

In Burma Japan appears to have switched its air attacks on Imphal and now periodically strikes Akyab instead. Damage to the base has been severe and this turns strike is similarly hard hitting.

It appears these are just routine harassment strikes, but I haven’t ruled out the possibility he may be preparing for an attack there. The base is not heavily defended and it would be very difficult for the Allies to try and stop Japan from taking it. Though I don’t see a lot of gain for Japan to take the base unless he plans to use Akyab as a staging point for attacking India.

My limited recon shall be ever vigilant for signs of any kind of move towards Akyab.

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Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 19
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 36
Ki-21 Sally x 50
Ki-49 Helen x 51
Ki-15 Babs x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 4 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 60

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
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In China I’ve begun to bombard the Japanese in some locations to try and disrupt them wherever possible. It'll cost me too much supply, but I need to do something to try and slow his progress. I’ve decided to post this turns ground combats to give readers a chance to look at the comparative assault values of the opposing troops.

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Ground combat at 45,35 (crossroads hex 2 hexes northwest of Changsa)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 58946 troops, 617 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1351

Defending force 105589 troops, 583 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2383



Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported


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Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 54676 troops, 465 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 938

Defending force 89874 troops, 395 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2147



Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported


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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 63816 troops, 602 guns, 6 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1266

Defending force 58758 troops, 303 guns, 50 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1664



Allied ground losses:
108 casualties reported


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Ground combat at 43,40 (crossroads hex one hex southeast of Wuchow)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 97729 troops, 1380 guns, 15 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2423

Defending force 94842 troops, 446 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2713



Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported


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Ground combat at 45,35 (crossroads hex 2 hexes northwest of Changsa)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 71508 troops, 536 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2383

Defending force 66653 troops, 617 guns, 286 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1351


Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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Ground combat at Sian

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72700 troops, 390 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2147

Defending force 59871 troops, 500 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 938


Japanese ground losses:
273 casualties reported
Guns lost 12


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Ground combat at Hengchow

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 53786 troops, 301 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1663

Defending force 63816 troops, 602 guns, 6 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1266


Japanese ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Guns lost 5



Here is a screenshot of the top point value ships sunk to date:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/75CEC36F4F624ACC99A69EA02F1A5FA0.jpg[/image]

The Prince of Wales was sunk near Malaya returning from the attack on Japanese northern landings. The Revenge was sunk near Rangoon when I became over-adventurous and sent it to bombard Japanese land units at Moulmein. I forgot to assign long range cap from Rangoon and dearly paid for it.

Japans highest point loss was the CL Kashima, I’m not sure if it was a port attack at Kendari that got her or if it was damaged in an air strike east of Timor and made it to port only to sink there.





Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-25-42 (5/5/2006 10:21:36 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/25/42

Regular air raids in Burma and China continue as before.

One turn after the air strike on Akyab, a Japanese surface fleet shows up and pounds the base in a night bombardment causing heavy damage.

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Naval bombardment of Akyab, at 30,29


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise


Allied ground losses:
1874 casualties reported
Guns lost 22
Vehicles lost 7

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 30
Port supply hits 5

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The allies suffer a humiliating surface engagement near Gili Gili when the S boat sub S-32 surfaces to engage a Japanese AG. The sub failed to fire anything at the AG and suffers a single hit from the AG’s guns. Why surface if you’re not going to fire?

Damage was light, but the crew will be reprimanded for their shoddy performance when they return to port.

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Sub attack at 56,95

Japanese Ships
AG AG-362

Allied Ships
SS S-32, hits 1

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Allied heavies at Imphal switch their target to the yet undamaged resource at Moulmein. I tried setting their altitude to 16k and was very disappointed in the results considering their raid was not intercepted.

No wonder everyone sets altitudes so low, at 8k and after suffering heavy air to air losses I scored 30+ hits on the last raid at Hanoi and here I score only 13. Perhaps if AAA was more effective (as it should be) at lower altitudes I’d keep them high, but given these dismal bombing results I’ll be setting them to low altitude attacks from now on.
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Day Air attack on Moulmein , at 29,35


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-17E Fortress x 14
LB-30 Liberator x 28


No Allied losses

Resources hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 16000 feet
13 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 16000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 16000 feet
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 16000 feet

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Given the pounding Akyab took from the naval bombardment, this air strike was pure over-kill. The base is going to be out of action for quite some time.

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Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 19
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 36
Ki-21 Sally x 43
Ki-49 Helen x 73
Ki-15 Babs x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 160

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japan launches another deliberate attack on Changsa reducing the forts to level 5. The assault was perhaps launched a tad too soon after their last assault as the Japanese AV wasn’t quite enough to achieve 1-1 odds yet and Japan suffers heavy losses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 334716 troops, 2719 guns, 8 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 6567

Defending force 116218 troops, 575 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3075

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 5

Japanese max assault: 5629 - adjusted assault: 4164

Allied max defense: 3195 - adjusted defense: 4876

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 5)


Japanese ground losses:
7360 casualties reported
Guns lost 169
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
3591 casualties reported
Guns lost 75


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

Japanese rear area mop-ups continue and this turn sees Sansapor fall to a small invasion force.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sansapor

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 462 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 12

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 9 - adjusted assault: 6

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Sansapor base !!!


Here’s a screen shot of the area around India/Burma:



[image]local://upfiles/5815/BDB2B818AB13404E80AF7412BB87F201.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-26-42 (5/6/2006 4:30:47 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/26/42

Allied night attacks in Burma continue, while Japan launches another devastating air strike on Akyab. Japanese air strikes in China continue to sap my supply there.

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

A Japanese ASW group locates and depth charges S-46 north of the Solomon Islands. Damage to the sub was minor but will require some yard time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 65,93

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 9
PG Tamo Maru #7
PC Hachijo
DD Ikazuchi

Allied Ships
SS S-46, hits 2


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

As allied land bombardments are causing little to no damage in China, I’ll be discontinuing all of them except Sian, which is achieving reasonable results so far.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 45,35

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 88671 troops, 656 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2720

Defending force 66609 troops, 614 guns, 285 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1352


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,40

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 80532 troops, 429 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2710

Defending force 136183 troops, 1696 guns, 167 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2426


Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 73446 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2191

Defending force 62981 troops, 513 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 983


Japanese ground losses:
290 casualties reported
Guns lost 16

Here’s a screen shot of the most air frames lost to date:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/5025AD090FA04155ACBE57C483661B92.jpg[/image]

As you can see the majority of Japan’s losses have been through op losses while mine are mostly air to air losses. Hopefully 1943 will see a change as the allies become more and more defensible in air to air combats.





Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-27-42 (5/6/2006 9:56:55 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/27/42

Not a lot of activity today, quiet turn overall.

Bad weather hampers night attacks in Burma. China continues to be pounded by Japanese air strikes.

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

Japanese troops land at Aitape on the northeast coast of New Guinea. Once this base falls, Japan will control the entire island of New Guinea.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 127 troops unloading over beach at Aitape, 51,80


Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported


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

Here’s a screenshot of one of the allied Fletcher class DD’s after the Oct upgrades, it's almost good enough to be a CL:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/1C36012540E74525969388D51DCF6EDC.jpg[/image]

The AAA is simply amazing on these guys. I predict masses of Japanese elite pilots shall impale themselves on the spear of Fletcher AAA gunfire. [sm=sterb003.gif][sm=00000959.gif][sm=sterb003.gif][sm=00000959.gif][sm=sterb003.gif][sm=00000959.gif][sm=sterb003.gif][sm=00000959.gif][:D][:D][:D][:D]

Then my pitifully low experienced CV pilots might finally have a chance to penetrate KB's defence for a change.

Now if I could just figure out a way to speed up allied production of the Fletchers.





Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-28-42 (5/8/2006 1:58:14 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/28/42

Night attacks in Burma and China continue and Japan again bombards Akyab both from air and sea.

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

Guess I was wrong about altitude affecting air bombardments. This strike went in at 8k and only scored 10 hits even though no CAP was defending. The weird part is allied recon with a mouse-over at the base shows no damage to the resource. Guess it could be fog of war, but I had recon planes in the strike. Hopefully I’ll see some damage show up in a turn or two confirming it’s just FOW this turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tavoy , at 28,37


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2
LB-30 Liberator x 24


No Allied losses

Resources hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I tried a high altitude strike on Rangoon and enjoyed watching the replay as Japanese fighters were unable to reach my bombers. No real damage caused but got good recon data of the base. There are over 200 fighters and about 150 bombers at Rangoon according to my mouse-over intel. Saw a few fleets there too, but fleet data was very limited, maybe he is coming for Akyab after all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 15

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2
B-17E Fortress x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning: 2 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Batan Island has been a training raid for Japan throughout our game. I don’t mind, but the unit in the screenshot below has been there forever. Why are the sound detectors indestructible? I believe the unit would respawn as a reinforcement if it was totally destroyed, but since the sound detectors can’t be destroyed, lost through attrition or transported via sub, the unit is stuck here for the rest of the game.

[image]local://upfiles/5815/B12C0925CB8949C9A31A6360E46540D0.jpg[/image]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Batan Island , at 47,47

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 7
B5N Kate x 3
Ki-27 Nate x 40
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 66

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 28

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
31 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
29 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here’s my land bombardment at Yenen this turn, perhaps I may be able to take this base unlike Sian. I’ll give the base a pounding for a few more turns to allow my fatigue to come down some and then we’ll see.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 60347 troops, 434 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3453

Defending force 46227 troops, 495 guns, 190 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 911


Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Guns lost 2






Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-29-42 (5/10/2006 9:53:21 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/29/42

Japan sent a smaller task force to bombard Akyab this turn and my valiant defenders fired three shots in defense landing a single hit on a DD. I wonder if the fuel and supply costs for running in his BB’s turn after turn are starting to strain his supply situation, causing him to revert to using his little friends instead.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Akyab, at 30,29 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Arashi, Shell hits 1
DD Urakaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranuhi
CL Isuzu
CL Nagara
CL Naka


Allied ground losses:
65 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 18
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 3

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

An allied transport convoy runs in to Laysan to offload more troops and runs into a mine field. Even though my MSW ships clear many mines away, an AP is slammed by a mine at the last second suffering light damage. I wonder if this is the mine bug where a ship is always hit by the last mine.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1019 encounters mine field at Laysan Island (100,64)

Allied Ships
MSW Grebe
MSW Tern
MSW Rail
MSW Turkey
AP St. Mihel, Mine hits 1


Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

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

I’ve switched back to daylight raids from Ledo but am alarmed to see the Dutch CW-21B Demon fighters did not fly escort. I checked and they are all (about 4-5 different 8 plane groups) set to the same settings as the other fighters that flew, so they simply didn’t fly for some reason.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 5
I-153c x 28
IL-4c x 15
SB-2c x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2c: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 30

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japan slams Changsa with a 4-1 deliberate attack, the end is very near for the Chinese at Changsa.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 359115 troops, 2896 guns, 6 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 6341

Defending force 111804 troops, 491 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2978

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese max assault: 6285 - adjusted assault: 4985

Allied max defense: 3079 - adjusted defense: 1195

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
7148 casualties reported
Guns lost 204

Allied ground losses:
3978 casualties reported
Guns lost 82


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

Here’s a screen shot of the top pilots for the Russian 32nd IAD flying out of Petropavlask. Just look at all those crack pilots after almost a years training at 100%:


[image]local://upfiles/5815/98307B07D0BF43AB8C72D4AFAAB77AEE.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-30-42 (5/12/2006 2:47:42 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/30/42

Something is amiss with my air units in Burma. I’m beginning to suspect this is a new bug caused by version 1.8. This turn neither my Dutch fighters from Ledo nor my US P-40E’s from Imphal flew escort missions as they were assigned to do.

Had Japan had fighters over either Myitkyina or Mandalay, it would have shredded my bombers due to almost half my assigned escorts not flying. What is going on here?

I’ve stood down all my bombers until I can figure out what the problem is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft (two 24 plane P-40E groups failed to fly escort)
Buffalo I x 13
Kittyhawk I x 12
Blenheim IV x 11
Wellington III x 24
Beaufort V-IX x 7
B-18A Bolo x 24
A-20B Boston x 6
B-25C Mitchell x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-15 Babs: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington III: 3 damaged
B-18A Bolo: 2 damaged
A-20B Boston: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
309 casualties reported

Airbase hits 31
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 130

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
12 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft (five 8 plane CW 21B Demon groups failed to fly escort for the second turn in a row)
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
I-153c x 36
IL-4c x 9
SB-2c x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
4 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet

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

Another strike at Tavoy scores a few more hits. The good news is this turn’s strike recon affirmed damage was caused on the first strike. I now show 35 of 100 resources are damaged.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tavoy , at 28,37


Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 13


No Allied losses

Resources hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

China evacuates Changsa!

With the fall of Changsa imminent, high command ordered the almost 120,000 troops at Changsa to march southwest towards Hengchow last turn. Over 8 Corps successfully extracted themselves this turn and the remaining troops have 45 miles achieved towards Hengchow, guaranteeing they will successfully leave the hex before the next turn’s combat phase.

Once it was apparent the hex would fall, I saw no reason to lose the precious supply contained on-hand within each unit to the retreat result that was sure to come in the next assault made by Japan, so I ordered the march out. While chances are good damage to the base will be light when Japan captures it, I can always hit it from the air and bring down Japans ability to use the supply it generates.

Now the next phase of the battle, the battle for the rail line, is about to commence.

Here’s a screen shot of the base, only about 1500 supply is left for Japan to capture:




[image]local://upfiles/5815/5D9862B73E4D4164B36EC7AAAE0DD478.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> RE: 10-31-42 (5/14/2006 1:23:11 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/31/42

Another quiet turn, Japanese training raids continue as usual.

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

The heartless Japanese bombard the defenseless civilians of Changsa with hundreds of heavy guns, the world is outraged!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 61981 troops, 625 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 5981

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0



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

Chinese troops assault Yenen and are soundly rebuffed. Chinese troops simply cannot assault the Japanese if they are behind any kind of decent forts. My assault value was divided by three (moderate fatigue, low morale and low supply), while Japans was tripled. So much for the Chinese counter-offensive in the north.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 111565 troops, 781 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3434

Defending force 46347 troops, 498 guns, 195 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 920

Allied max assault: 3027 - adjusted assault: 1094

Japanese max defense: 953 - adjusted defense: 3055

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)


Japanese ground losses:
613 casualties reported
Guns lost 35
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1157 casualties reported
Guns lost 38

Here’s a screenshot of the Battleship Maryland. It was the most heavily damaged battleship from Pearl Harbor, and as you can see it has about 25% system damage remaining. With at least two and perhaps 3 upgrades due, it’ll probably be out of action till mid to late 1943.



[image]local://upfiles/5815/1F71FE6782D84D40B1C78862D8114C24.jpg[/image]



pauk -> RE: 10-31-42 (5/14/2006 8:05:26 PM)

great read... i especially like quotes from your's and Nemrod correspodention.

keep it up.



Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-01--42 (5/16/2006 4:23:33 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/01/42

Japan continues to pound China from the air and allied daylight raids resume in Burma, this turn two separate raids from Ledo and Imphal smash Myitkyina.

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

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese ground losses:
119 casualties reported

Airbase hits 21
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 242

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

Moulmein gets hit again by allied heavies out of Imphal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Moulmein , at 29,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 5 damaged

Resources hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changsa Falls!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 278422 troops, 2091 guns, 6 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 4950

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese max assault: 4411 - adjusted assault: 9250

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 9250 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Changsha base !!!



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

Japanese players have a legitimate gripe about how the turn sequence allows allied players more recon than they should get about air group transfers, but this turn the allies get screwed by their turn sequence nemesis.

Due to the Japanese player getting to move first, Japanese troops from Changsa march west and enter the hex west of Changsa creating a zoc there. So when my 6 Chinese HQ’s try to move to Hengchow in their phase, the zoc rules pin them in place even though they have 75 miles gained towards Hengchow.

Units are not allowed to march from zoc to zoc, so Japan gets to exert a zoc in their hex even though it didn’t exist at the start of the turn.

These HQ’s will now be attacked this next turn and will retreat west across the river into the open fields instead of into Hengchow. Hengchow will now fall much faster than it would have since all the Chinese HQ support got pinned by the turn sequence issues that the allies have to deal with, so not just the Japanese get screwed by turn sequence issues.

In my opinion this has much greater effect on the game overall than some extra recon Intel, but then I’m a bit biased about what just happened to me! [sm=00000018.gif]

A Dutch sub detects what appears to be a Japanese invasion fleet Northwest of Rangoon. FOW may be an issue here and it could be another bombardment fleet, but it is definitely headed north as it is one hex too far north to be headed to Andaman Island.




[image]local://upfiles/5815/9305527E4AA54E04A9DE62C6C45FB42E.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-02--42 (5/18/2006 2:27:40 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/02/42

Regular daily air raids in China and Burma continue.

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

It turns out the suspected invasion task force spotted Northwest of Rangoon last turn is an ASW group which launched an attack on my sub this turn. Although the attack missed, I get the exact same mouse-over recon data again this turn (2 AP’s and 2 APD’s) as was reported by the sub last turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 26,33

Japanese Ships
PG Chitose Maru
MSW W.21
MSW W.16
MSW W.8

Allied Ships
SS O24


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

The expected shock attack west of Changsa goes in and shatters my HQ’s forcing them to retreat west and lose all their precious on-hand supply. I added up my total supply in China this turn, it totals just over 44,000 in the entire country.

If you subtract the 600 or so these HQ’s will pull to replace what they just lost and the several thousand needed by several Corps sized units with zero on-hand supply currently, there is less than 35,000 extra supplies left in all of China.

I’m revising my earlier 6 month estimate for the projected fall of China to about 3-5 months. China is going to go down a lot faster than I had predicted.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 46,36

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 60308 troops, 499 guns, 1 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1517

Defending force 8560 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 2288 - adjusted assault: 3550

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 221 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
214 casualties reported


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Here’s a screen shot of the current situation in China:




[image]local://upfiles/5815/0032F13BAD6D4260B7606853C1A142C8.jpg[/image]



NemRod -> RE: 11-01--42 (5/18/2006 10:44:31 AM)

Land movement is still a deep mystery for me, but I'm not sure it works this way.I started a thread about that ( Who moves first? )http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1135414. It would be very annoying if Japan had such kind of advantage.
quote:

ORIGINAL: Jim D Burns

Japanese players have a legitimate gripe about how the turn sequence allows allied players more recon than they should get about air group transfers, but this turn the allies get screwed by their turn sequence nemesis.

Due to the Japanese player getting to move first, Japanese troops from Changsa march west and enter the hex west of Changsa creating a zoc there. So when my 6 Chinese HQ’s try to move to Hengchow in their phase, the zoc rules pin them in place even though they have 75 miles gained towards Hengchow.

Units are not allowed to march from zoc to zoc, so Japan gets to exert a zoc in their hex even though it didn’t exist at the start of the turn.

These HQ’s will now be attacked this next turn and will retreat west across the river into the open fields instead of into Hengchow. Hengchow will now fall much faster than it would have since all the Chinese HQ support got pinned by the turn sequence issues that the allies have to deal with, so not just the Japanese get screwed by turn sequence issues.

In my opinion this has much greater effect on the game overall than some extra recon Intel, but then I’m a bit biased about what just happened to me! [sm=00000018.gif]




Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-03-42 (5/19/2006 7:57:08 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/03/42

My regular high altitude raid over Rangoon is finally intercepted. Looks like the Tojo’s have the performance specs necessary to reach 36k+. My elite pilots manage to shoot one down and only suffered a couple damage results though.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Myitkyina is hit again for good measure.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28


Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 24
Kittyhawk I x 3
Blenheim IV x 39
Wellington III x 64
Beaufort V-IX x 15
B-18A Bolo x 61
A-20B Boston x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 60


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
67 casualties reported

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 149

Aircraft Attacking:

<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looks like Japan has brought in another 30,000 troops southeast of Wuchow in an attempt to break the stalemate there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,40

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 121216 troops, 1673 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 2424

Defending force 92686 troops, 400 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2687



Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported


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

Here’s a screen shot of one of my many Chinese infantry Corps that has slowly withered away due to inadequate supply in the games basic design. Less than a years fighting and it’s almost 2/3rds gone with only about 1/3rd of required supplies on hand. It’s nearly impossible to get units like these to increase in morale. I suspect the fact they are so under strength is what keeps their morale in the teens.

[image]local://upfiles/5815/C5376B83A0104B80B23598F84B6D3E62.jpg[/image]

I still have many full strength Corps that haven’t fought as intensely as my more withered units, but at this point those full strength Corps are all but impossible to keep supplied as their requirements are so much higher than the more withered units.




Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-04-42 (5/20/2006 12:46:07 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/04/42

The allies get a little revenge when S boat S-33 surfaces near Thursday Island to engage a Japanese Barge fleet. This time the US fires its deck gun and scores a single hit. 1 shot 1 kill, AG-5068 is reported to have gone down.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 48,90

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5068, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-33

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

Routine air raids in Burma and China continue.

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

B-17’s out of Canton Island try a high altitude attack on Baker Island and cause a little havoc for the complacent Japanese. I’m really starting to enjoy these high altitude raids for my bombers that fly unescorted missions.

While damage caused is light, it does add up over time (one plane a day keeps the Japanese at bay[:D]) and I lose far fewer bombers than a lower altitude attack would cause.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Baker Island , at 94,92

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 19
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 20

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
B-17E Fortress x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet
18 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet

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

Japanese troop strength at Hengchow is building up rapidly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 66231 troops, 642 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 2760

Defending force 119411 troops, 549 guns, 62 vehicles, Assault Value = 3403



Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported


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

Here’s a screen shot of my air group reinforcement schedule for my C-47 groups:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/1C84350659C1464592717ECDE9802AA7.jpg[/image]

Since China is in so much trouble, I took a look at these groups this turn to try and get an idea of how long it will be before there is any chance of large numbers of transport groups arriving to try and lift sufficient supply into China from India.

Right now I have about 8-9 transport groups (all 8, 12 or 16 plane groups) lifting supply to China, but it simply isn’t enough to make a difference at this point.

As you can see only the 347th TOG and 317th TOG arrive anytime soon, and those groups arrive on the west coast. The rest of the large groups are almost a year out or more and won’t be any kind of a factor before China collapses.

It’ll take me 3-4 months to get the two big groups to India from the west coast if I decide to try and send them, so I doubt even those two groups will play any kind of role either.

It looks like China will have to tough it out as best it can with what's available now.



Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-05-42 (5/20/2006 2:11:49 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/05/42

Ugh what a difference a little fatigue makes. I sent my bombers to Baker Island again this turn at high altitude with perhaps 10-15 fatigue from last turn’s raid. Six bombers were lost to his Tojo’s while only destroying two of his planes. Not a good day for my bombers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Baker Island , at 94,92

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 15

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
B-17E Fortress x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 6 destroyed, 10 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 36600 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japan launches a couple ASW attacks east of Kavieng on S-47. While the first attack misses, the second one slams the sub hard causing major damage. What gets me is this was a mid ocean intercept as I know for a fact my sub moved this past turn. Either Japan had a lucky guess by plotting his task force into this hex, or it was pure dumb luck they stumbled upon my sub.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,86

Japanese Ships
APD APD-33
DD Hakaze
DD Sawakaze
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
SS S-47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,86

Japanese Ships
APD APD-33
DD Hakaze
DD Sawakaze
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
SS S-47, hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


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

OUCH! Things don’t look good for Hengchow, these kinds of bombardment losses can only mean one thing. Bye bye Hengchow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 144258 troops, 1315 guns, 9 vehicles, Assault Value = 4478

Defending force 119312 troops, 554 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 3402



Allied ground losses:
715 casualties reported
Guns lost 9


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

Here’s a screen shot of the area where S-47 was attacked:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/DD6C2678103F491A98AFBEBB02C515E0.jpg[/image]

As you can see my allied sub recon is again pure fantasy due to FOW. I hope my guys start to get better at identifying task forces some day.




Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-06-42 (5/21/2006 2:56:20 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/06/42

A Japanese ASW task force hunts for my Dutch sub SS KXVII Northwest of Rangoon. Japanese persistence costs them as the sub finally launches a counter-attack on the third ASW sweep and slams a fish into APD-31.

Damage appeared to be pretty heavy based on the smoke and fires observed by the crew before SS KXVII disappeared into the deep untouched by the Japanese depth charges exploding above them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 27,32

Japanese Ships
PG Chitose Maru
MSW W.21
MSW W.16
MSW W.8

Allied Ships
SS KXVII

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

ASW attack at 26,33

Japanese Ships
APD APD-39
APD APD-31
DD Asagao
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
SS KXVII

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 26,33

Japanese Ships
APD APD-31, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD APD-39
DD Asagao
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
SS KXVII

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

Allies launch their first big bomber raid over Port Moresby and are savaged by the defending Tony’s. Due to the large numbers of damaged Tony’s, allied planners pondered the possibility of a follow-up raid to catch some damaged planes on the ground. One look at crew morale however nixed any such plan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 32

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 92

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 17 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 15 destroyed, 40 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 44

Aircraft Attacking:
28 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
35 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here’s a screen shot of the group that suffered the most at the hands of the Tony’s:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/C8BDDCC0AC304073A3DCD18F3AF433AD.jpg[/image]

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

Chinese forces launch a deliberate attack again at Sian and succeed in reducing the fort levels at the base. A follow-up attack is scheduled to keep the pressure on. Normally I’d give them some rest, but I doubt I have more than a few turns before another Japanese division from the Changsa front arrives to put the cork in the bottle. The next few turns might see the first Chinese victory of the war.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 79535 troops, 506 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2357

Defending force 62515 troops, 508 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 995

Allied max assault: 2327 - adjusted assault: 2849

Japanese max defense: 1058 - adjusted defense: 1094

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 6)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 5


Japanese ground losses:
2055 casualties reported
Guns lost 24

Allied ground losses:
1655 casualties reported
Guns lost 84


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

A similar attack at Yenen is soundly rebuffed.

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

Ground combat at Yenen

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 110156 troops, 759 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3349

Defending force 45857 troops, 468 guns, 200 vehicles, Assault Value = 916

Allied max assault: 3007 - adjusted assault: 1094

Japanese max defense: 943 - adjusted defense: 4223

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)


Japanese ground losses:
642 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1456 casualties reported
Guns lost 19





Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-07-42 (5/23/2006 2:18:59 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/07/42

The Japanese keep the pressure on and launch another ASW attack on my Dutch sub Northwest of Rangoon, but no hits were scored.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 26,33

Japanese Ships
APD APD-39
DD Asagao
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

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

US sub S-44 is depth charged North of the Solomon Islands with no effect.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 67,94

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 9
PG Tamo Maru #7
PC Hachijo
DD Ikazuchi

Allied Ships
SS S-44


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

Japan launches a deliberate attack at Hengchow and gets soundly repulsed. Several of the Chinese units present have decent preparation points built up for the base, which is probably the only reason it didn’t go down on the first hit. Once Japans prep points go up some more (I’m assuming he has little or no prep built up yet) for their attacking forces, Hengchow will be in trouble.

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

Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 281399 troops, 2393 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 5268

Defending force 117773 troops, 529 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 3380

Japanese max assault: 5271 - adjusted assault: 1218

Allied max defense: 3366 - adjusted defense: 1318

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)


Japanese ground losses:
9780 casualties reported
Guns lost 213
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
2287 casualties reported
Guns lost 84
Vehicles lost 4


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

China attacks Sian again and reduces another fort level. While I expected to do relatively ok on this turns attack, I never expected to reduce the fort levels again. I was very surprised and pleased with the results.

I’ll be continuing daily attacks here until I am repulsed. I doubt I’ll get another chance here if I delay for even one day.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 77157 troops, 413 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2186

Defending force 59642 troops, 447 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 963

Allied max assault: 2038 - adjusted assault: 1708

Japanese max defense: 777 - adjusted defense: 1038

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 5)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
2159 casualties reported
Guns lost 30

Allied ground losses:
1332 casualties reported
Guns lost 34

Here’s a screen shot of the SS Argonaut, I know from past experience that it loses a good portion of its mine laying capacity if you allow it to upgrade. My question is how bad is it? It was probably more than a year ago in a game against the AI when I upgraded it and I no longer remember what changed.

Should I upgrade it or leave it alone? Anyone have a screenshot of an upgraded Argonaut? I'd really like to be able to see what changes in order to make a sound decision about leaving it as is or upgrading it.


[image]local://upfiles/5815/A20292DA144C4511A2BC47BBB270BA31.jpg[/image]



Kapten Q -> RE: 11-07-42 (5/23/2006 3:35:41 PM)

The Agronaut will lose all of it's minelaying capacity if you uppgrade. It will become a crappy slow ordinary sub with more cargo capacity Do not do it.

Q



Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-07-42 (5/23/2006 10:21:21 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Kapten Q

The Agronaut will lose all of it's minelaying capacity if you uppgrade. It will become a crappy slow ordinary sub with more cargo capacity Do not do it.

Q


Ok thanks, it had been so long since I had ever upgraded it my curiosity almost got me to toggle the upgrade switch.

Jim



Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-08-42 (6/2/2006 6:05:06 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/08/42

Allied night fighters hit Rangoon in a night attack and do no damage. I’ll continue these night raids until further notice without reporting them again in the AAR unless good/unusual results are achieved.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIF x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIF: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufighter VIF bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It appears Japan has been shuffling his rear area fighter groups around trying to fool the allies into thinking he has more fighter strength in SE Asia than he really does. I hit Hanoi again this turn fully expecting to run into his Tojo’s again and was surprised to find no air defense over the base.

Results were however very disappointing as it appears my LB-30 group rolled poorly and only flew 14 planes out of a possible 48. Only 5 hits were scored on his Heavy Industry.

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

Day Air attack on Hanoi , at 36,37


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10
LB-30 Liberator x 14


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
7 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japanese training raids and raids in China continue as usual.

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

With Luganville’s airfield reaching level 5 a few turns ago, the allies launch their first raid on Lunga only to see very weird results. Even though my B-17’s shot down 2 defending Zeroes to the loss of only 1 B-17, only 1 hit was scored in the subsequent bombing of the Lunga base.

This kind of result is what I’d expect from 53 bombers hitting the base at night, NOT from a daylight raid (intercepted or not). I wonder if something has been changed in the new patch that hampers the accuracy of intercepted bomber groups? I know for a fact I’ve never been able to disrupt incoming Japanese raids so severely, but since the patch I haven’t really contested any Japanese bombing raids yet.

If it is a change affecting both sides, I think it is a very good change. But if it’s simply more nerfing of the 4E bombers then I am very disappointed.

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

Day Air attack on Lunga , at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
B-17E Fortress x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 16 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
26 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another Chinese attack at Sian manages to reduce the fort levels yet again. Unfortunately a new Japanese unit appeared on the rail line southeast of the base this turn forcing me to place my units back on defensive mode for now. I simply can’t risk attacking again with the possibility of a fresh Japanese division entering the hex with my units so tired from the past weeks fighting. I’ll give them some rest and test the waters against the soon to be stronger Japanese force in a few days.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75424 troops, 361 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2034

Defending force 57232 troops, 409 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 940

Allied max assault: 1902 - adjusted assault: 1326

Japanese max defense: 768 - adjusted defense: 1252

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3


Japanese ground losses:
1255 casualties reported
Guns lost 38

Allied ground losses:
842 casualties reported
Guns lost 45

Here’s a screenshot showing the extent of Japanese expansion:




[image]local://upfiles/5815/4C5534F4D18F4F0A840FC2739DD974A0.jpg[/image]



Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-09-42 (6/3/2006 10:21:27 PM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/09/42

A large Japanese Cruiser fleet appears off of Laysan and bombards the place. With so many Japanese cruisers in one location, allied planners wonder if KB isn't lurking about just over the horizon. Damage was light considering the number of 6 and 8 inch guns firing, and as there is no base to damage, nothing was left over that needed any kind of repairs other than a few damaged squads.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Laysan Island, at 100,64

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Kinu
CL Yura
CL Natori
CL Jintsu
CL Sendai
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba


Allied ground losses:
214 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

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

Allied destroyers detect a minefield at Pago Pago which leads to an AK invariably striking one. Damage was light, but current flooding and fires may lead to more moderate damage if the crew can't get things under control.

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

TF 1026 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (98,110)

Allied Ships
DD Kennison
AK Liberty, Mine hits 1

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

Japanese air raids continue as usual in China and at rear area training bases.

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

Here are the current typical ground bombardments occurring each turn in China. Even though Hengchow is severely outnumbered, my units are much better prepared for the base than the Japanese, which means I may be able to hold out for at least several weeks. At least I hope I can.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 245779 troops, 2054 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 6289

Defending force 113380 troops, 435 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 3219



Allied ground losses:
460 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,40

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 121373 troops, 1675 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 2426

Defending force 84273 troops, 351 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2442



Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 42218 troops, 425 guns, 205 vehicles, Assault Value = 909

Defending force 122111 troops, 702 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3239



Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Here's a screen shot of the 31st US Regimental Combat Team:

[image]local://upfiles/5815/21C16CAA7B824A019A878F107A1CBFA7.jpg[/image]

I rescued a large fragment of this unit (about 16 squads and twice as many support) from the Philippines and it has slowly been rebuilding over the last 6 months. With 121 squads and 178 support required, it will take well over a year for this unit to completely rebuild.

WitP needs to take another look at how quickly units rebuild. This unit averages about 1-2 squads a week and maybe only 1 support, even though it is sitting in a base with its Command HQ and well over 100,000 supplies.

Regimental/Brigade units should take perhaps 3 months max to rebuild and division's maybe 6-8 months. Currently I have 2-3 Indian Divisions in India that still have well over a year to go to rebuild from the 1/3rd strength they start the game at. And these units have been rebuilding for almost a full year already.




Jim D Burns -> RE: 11-10-42 (6/5/2006 6:16:39 AM)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/10/42

Routine Japanese raids in China and training missions continue as usual. Akyab gets pounded from the air very hard again.

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

Allied bombers from Darwin hit Kai Island. Losses are acceptable and damage to the base is moderate. I’ll keep hitting the place as long as my pilot’s morale holds up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kai Island , at 39,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 61
B-17E Fortress x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 32

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
32 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Overall this was a very quiet turn. I suspect things have reached the sitzkrieg stage of the game now as Japan hunkers down and awaits the allied onslaught. I’m not going to let a sense of want for action rule my play, patience and caution shall rule my hand.

That being said, I’ve begun to cast my eye about for where I want to strike first. So many choices so few assets, what’s an allied player to do? [&:][:D][:D]

Here’s a screen shot of the Darwin area and the mouse-over intel I received for the damage done to Kai Island:



[image]local://upfiles/5815/1BDD970B8E264B239F77EBAAF42EE037.jpg[/image]



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