RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 (Full Version)

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John 3rd -> RE: Air-t-Air May 1944 (12/29/2008 7:42:27 PM)

Now THAT is a capital idea!   I will do that and then move some Daitai/Sentai to get training again.



John 3rd -> April 30-May 5, 1944 (12/29/2008 8:21:18 PM)

Combat Report
April 30-May 5, 1944
 
Pending on how one looks at the war either not much happened during this week of action or HUGE amounts happened.  No major landings or ground developments, an increase in Home Island 4EB raids, and massed ship movement by the Japanese.

North Pacific
Para Jima
My troops continue to hang on despite daily bombardments of the island.  However long they can hold will at least keep those American troops occupied.

Central Pacific
The Americans are shuttling ships between Midway and Eniwetok while passing west of Wake.  Dan keeps his CVEs close enough to Wake to draw any sort of strike from there to the damned CVs and not his AK/AP.  It is a very smart strategy. 

Strike Force One
I have decided to draw and change things with a massed CV Raid between Midway and Wake.  On the 3rd, 3 CV, 3 CVL, 1 CA, 1 CL, and 8 DD depart Maleolap and head east-northeast.  They pass to the east of Wake without being spotted on the 5th.  Perhaps something will happen on the 6th.  This is a risk but I am willing to try it.

Truk
The Infantry Division that took Rarotonga unlads at Truk without any issue whatsoever.  Those AP immediately turn about and head for Noumea, Pago Pago, and Suva to pull more troops from those islands.

Pagan--Palau Arc
There are now troop transports unloading at nearly every island in this arc.  The 18th Inf Div arrives from Hakodate at Guam is begins unloading.  I send enough fuel and supply to get nearly every base above 20,000 supply.  Palau gets the fuel so I have a stockpile.  I load another full strength Brigade at Kadina and it departs for this arc on the 5th.

Strike Force Two
Arriving at Saipan on the 5th is a force of 4 CV with escorts that will move NE to try to make a supply indiction raid south of the Aleutians and west of Midway. 

Decoy Force
I order a group of 3 CVE to Kwajalein so they are spotted from Eniwetok.  I want Dan to think that THESE are my carriers.  Perhaps they will draw him eastwards or pull back into the Eniwetok harbor.

Malaya--Indochina
No major ground developments in this region except Pisanuloke is taken.  The base had been abandoned as I contract my lines.

I pull out 4 more units from Saigon and Singapore. 

ASW Action
Allied SS are trying to hit these ships but have only had limited success.  I have 6 ASW TF working the area with some successes occurring.  There are 2 LBA hits and 4 ASW damaging attacks.  The attacks work fairly well in that USS Gar sunk, 2 S-Boats crippled, and a Dutch SS nailed.  We'll see if any of these sink.

Home Islands
All of you know my growing concerns regarding the escorted 4EB issue.  On the 5th I move all my fighters out of the Ominato--Aomori Line.  When Dan reaches past this line then I will fall back again to maximum range.  This would potentially cede over 1/3 of the Home Islands to Allied bombardment.  It is a sobering thought...

4EB Raids
May 2nd--Sapporo--51 P-38, 113 4EB, and 94 B-29 vs. 13 F--I lose 10 Fighters, 24 Resources, and Port damage 
May 4th--Ominato--48 P-38, 117 4EB, and 86 B-29 vs. 57 F--I lose 60 F, 5 B, and AF damage for only 2 P-38
May 4th--Matsuyama--130 4EB do 2 Engine Hits
May 5th--Ominato--46 P-38, 104 4EB, and 68 B-29 vs. 15 F--I lose 25 F, 2 B, AF and Port damage for another 2 P-38
May 5th--Matsuyama--102 4EB vs. 7 F--I lose 3 Heavy Industry for 1 4EB with 5 Damaged

Convoy
A large Resources convoy begins unloading at Nagasaki.  I split a portion of it off for Osaka to unload.

 



Miller -> RE: April 30-May 5, 1944 (12/30/2008 5:45:56 PM)

Just to add my 2p. Using the same mod in my game against Dan I lost nearly 1000 A DAY on many occasions......[:(]

Allied CV groups are almost untouchable at this stage in the game.



FeurerKrieg -> RE: April 30-May 5, 1944 (12/30/2008 6:53:05 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Miller

Allied CV groups are almost untouchable at this stage in the game.



Nearly... Honda pulled of a pretty smashing late war victory against Allied CVs.



Miller -> RE: April 30-May 5, 1944 (12/30/2008 7:33:16 PM)

True, but I do believe he had every single Jap CV/CVL/E that is was possible to build and all his airgroups were 90 exp........hardly the case this game.



FeurerKrieg -> RE: April 30-May 5, 1944 (12/30/2008 7:38:34 PM)

Ah, sorry. I misread - I thought you were speaking generally about the 'game' of WITP.

You are correct - in this game, there are probably not enough Japanese carriers to mount such an attack.



Miller -> RE: April 30-May 5, 1944 (12/30/2008 8:17:28 PM)

No problem [;)]



John 3rd -> May 6-9, 1944 (12/31/2008 4:53:06 PM)

Combat Report
May 6-9, 1944

Things are a little interesting right now.  The American Fleet has moved away from Eniwetok to a position hear Ponape.  They have moved to probably draw fire onto themselves.  I won't provide him that.  Quite probably he will move to take Ponape.  I have no issue with that.  My AP TF are far to the south and east picking up Japanese units spread around the Outer Perimeter.  Once they have done that then they will pull back through the Lae--New Britain passage.

North Pacific
Para Jima
Continues to hold out against the Allied attack but the odds are gradually growing from 5-1 to 17-1 in the last attack.  They won't hold on for much longer.  I have noticed in this particular combat that the Americans lose nearly 6 or 7 to 1 in guns everytime they attack.  If the Japanese lose 3 guns then the Americans lose 15-20.  The good news in this is that the units involved will need rebuilding before going on their next mission.

Attu
On the 9th, the Allies land a single RCT at Attu.  There isn't much defending this base.  I have a Naval Guard and Base Force there.  Even with only that I expect the troops to hold against only an RCT.

Recon
My sole remaining Emily at Amchitka picks up an American CV TF moving past Para Jima on the 9th.  I don't think if there isn't much more then 3-4 CV/CVL in that unit.  It provides me a thought that I will elaborate on below.

Central Pacific
Operation Arctic Wind
Without even planning on it, I have achieved a CV concentration at Marcus.  My CV from Maleolap reach the atoll on the 9th and meet-up with the pair of CV  coming up from the SE.  They join to create a Carrier Striking Force of 5 CV and 3 CVL.  I have 3 more CVL just east of Wake making for Marcus as well.  The remaining 2 Fleet Carriers of the are at Palau having just refueled and are now moving towards Marcus. 

IF I can join up all those Carriers then the entire Fleet will be at one location.  I will have 7 Fleet and 6 Light Carriers ready for operations.

Artic Wind is the ambush of a portion of the American Carrier Fleet.  If I can spot that American TF up north again then I will move the ENTIRE Fleet out to fight it.  Losses will be horrific but it is time to try and force a battle.  Using my WHOLE Fleet strength might be enough to knock out PART of his Fleet strength.  I move two Daitai of Betty to Marcus and set them on Max Naval Search range (20), 11,000 Ft, and at 80%.  I move another Daitaiof Betty and two Chutai of Emily to Wake for the same purpose.

I will total up aircraft next turn.

Pagan--Palau Arc
I have Supply TF unloading an average of 10,000 supply at each of the bases here right now.  A full-strength Brigade is about to unload at Guam raising its AS to nearly 1,000.  Saipan and Tinian are about the same.  Yap and Palau are building up as well. 

DEI
SS Action
Though there are a lot of subs working the area I have few contacts during these days.  I do have a DD hit by a single Torp while moving towards Palau.  I only have 1 LBA and 1 ASW attack during these 4 days.

Convoy
I have a major Oil TF forming at Jesselton right now.

Malaya--Indochina
No major developments.  I have ordered a stop on all Fort construction in this area except at Johore Bharu and Singapore.  ALL Construction and Engineer units are there or moving there to rapidly build-up these locations to hold as long as possible.  I need to seriously think about what I am willing to sacrifice to hold these locations for as long as possible.

Georgetown has 26 units in it!  I do not understand why Dan is waiting to attack.  It is providing me time to move things out and for that I am thankful.  Whe his attack does occur it will be massive and quick.  I have nearly 300 Fighters defending Singapore but they won't be enough if he makes a serious attempt to take over the sky. 

Anticipating a major evacuation in the face of this, I order all AP who are returning to either Saigon or Singapore to head for Singapore...

Home Islands
No major developments during these days.  There is a large 4EB Raid on Sapporo again that damages 97 Resources in the attack but that is it.

I have a large TF unloading oil/resources at several points along Japan's coast.  I am not pulling anymore supply from the Home Islands so the totals can rise high enough for repair to occur on my Aircraft Industry.  Need my research to keep expanding and my shifting plane priorities repaired as well.

There are major reinforcement due in two clusters coming up.  3 Infantry Units are due on the 13th and a large group of 7-8 Infantry Units come in at the end of the month.  The good news is that several of these appear in Formosa and the Philippines.  They will reinforce these garrisons without me having to move them.  This is one of the reason I have elected to pull units from these Inner Areas to reinforce the Pagan--Palau Arc.





FOW -> RE: May 6-9, 1944 (12/31/2008 5:28:34 PM)

But how is your Armament Pool??? - the May 1st report showed almost nothing. You don't want those units appearing at 25% strength.



John 3rd -> RE: May 6-9, 1944 (12/31/2008 7:02:12 PM)

Hi Sir!

That is a great question.  I couldn't understand why my pool was so low.  Pulling up TRACKER, I found nearly half of my armaments were turned OFF from a couple of months ago.  Grrr...  I am stupid.  They are now back on and my pool is climbing again.  I need all the armaments and armored vehicles I can get so I can rebuild my damaged units AND fill out reinforcements.

Haven't gotten a turn from Dan yet today.  Can't remember if he was going to be in office or not...




John 3rd -> An Arctic Wind Blows... (1/1/2009 9:31:48 PM)

I title this posting hoping that Dan sees it and is concerned. Operation Arctic Wind gathers at Marcus. I need 3-4 Days to get ALL my CVs together for the plan to begin. There are 5 AO with 40,000 Fuel moving past the Marianas to provide juice for the move.

IF allowed to fully gather, I will field 7 Fleet Carriers, 6 Light Carriers, and 4 Escort Carriers:



[image]local://upfiles/18041/CA6D8F5A858C4903B608841310047AA3.jpg[/image]



thegreatwent -> RE: An Arctic Wind Blows... (1/2/2009 1:08:24 AM)

D'oh posted in the wrong thread.

So sorry[:)]



John 3rd -> An Arctic Wind Blows... (1/3/2009 6:27:59 AM)

Combat Report
May 10-14, 1944

Against any betting odds you would give me I have managed to gather the entire remnants of the Kaigun at Marcus.  Operation Arctic Wind is ready to go now if needed; however, I hope for two more days to shuffle aircraft, fuel up, and reprovision.  Every Japanese CV that isn't damaged in port fills the harbor from end to end!  What a sight it would have been to actually see!  OOB:  CVs Akagi, Kaga, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Unryu, Amagi, and Taiho with CVLs Ryujo, Ryuho, Shoho, Zuiho, Hosho, and Chitose and 4 CVe carry over 750 aircraft.  Escorting these carriers are pretty much all this is operationally left:  5 CA, 8 CL, and 41 DD.  I will form the final TF Organization over the next day or two.

The Americans take Ponape on the 13th and, if they follow pattern, will pull their empty shipping away and escort them past Wake and on the Midway.  My hope is to hit these forces NW of Midway with everything I have.  Wake and Marcus are Sz-4 AF and will have 200 planes each to support the carrier air. 

It will be bloody and ugly but I am tired of waiting for an opportunity.  I figure this is the best shot at any form of balanced battle I will get in the near future.  If I can hit a portion of his fleet then significant casualties might be inflicted on him and it could break-up his operational momentum.

Or I could lose the war...

North Pacific
Attu
Just when I think I can hold against an RCT, the Americans unload two more RCT and an Inf Div.  Attu falls on the 14th. 

With the exception of Amchitka, Cold Harbor and Dutch Harbor, Dan now controls everything else up here.

Central Pacific
Ponape
As mentioned above, this island falls on the 13th to an Engineering Reg, Seabee unit, Base Force, Field Art Reg, TK Btn, and Marine CD unit.

Truk
Just as this happens what is probably the final convoy to Truk finishes unloading its supply.  The base has the Inf Div that took Rarotonga, AS of 700, Forts 9, and supply is about 28,000.  It is stout for the moment.

Pagan--Saipan--Tinian--Guam
All these bases have an AS of 800-1,000 with supplies being unloaded as I write.  Each base should have between 15-25,000 supply by May 20th.

Marcus
The Fleet is here.  I have over 40,000 fuel here or about to arrive so I can top off all the ship's fuel.  The base has just over 20,000 supply with more on the way.

I truly hope in the fight that is about to happen that Dan realizes he needs to take either Wake or Marcus or I will be able to do this sort of thing whenever I want.  IF I force him to hit either base then I buy myself a month of time elsewhere in the Pacific...

South Pacific
Rabaul
I have two TK unload here so I can refuel my AK--AP that are moving back-and-forth picking up or dropping off units from the Outer Perimeter that I am trying to move. 

Have a TF picking up a large Base Force at Luganville, a TF picking up a Brigade at Noumea, and a TF grabbing an Aviation Regiment at Pago Pago.   Would love to pull these 3 units through the lines!

DEI
Convoy
I have a very large Oil TF forming at Jesselton.  When ready it shold be carrying 300,000 Oil and about 75,000 Resources.

Another large empty convoy just returned to Jesselton and I divide it out to Saigon, Sinagpore, Batavia, and Tarakan for Resources and Balikpapan, Palembang, Batavia, Brunei, and Miri for Oil. 

I LOVE TRACKER!!!

Western DEI
I have pulled back enough troops to stock Miri, Brunei, and Kuching with a Combat Command and large Aviation unit.

Palembang just received an Inf Div at about 60% strength to go with its other Engineers and Support troops.

Eastern DEI
I have decided to reinforce my units in the Amboina--Timor--Bali arc. Am certain that Dan will move in this direction as soon as he gets some shipping up here. The 32nd Inf Div from China begins prep for Amboina and is loaded at Shanghai on May 12th. The ASW Escort packs a punch of nearly 60 so any SS that tangles with this TF will have some serious issues.

SS
The action continues during these 5 days.  Allied SS account for an APD and AK.  In exchange I get 2 LBA and 4 ASW Hits--no sinkings yet though.

Indochina--Malaya
Saigon
On the 13th I order out a Combat Command, TK Reg, and TK Division from Bangkok for loading here.  The Combat Command goes to Kuching and the armor will probably head for Java to start with and then be deployed elsewhere.

Alor Star
The Allies finally grow a pair and move out to this base.  A group of 4 Inf Brigades and a TK Brig invest the base on the 13th.  They begin a bombardment against a beat-up Brigade and 2 small, damaged Base Force.  Everyday he waits to take the town gives me time to pullback!

Singora
As soon as the move on Alor Star is detected I order the abandonment of this base.  Japanese forces will fallback to Kota Bahru for a time and see what happens.

Johore Bharu/Singapore
Forts are rising rapidly and supply is in excellent shape.  As soon as it looks bad the two Enginnering Regiments and 4 Aviation Regiments here will be lifted off and sent elsewhere.  Will certainly pull off several Infantry as well.  I've ordered a concentration of nearly 100 AP here to do this.  I have 300 Fighters flying CAP right nove over Singapore.

SS Operations
Additionally to this, I have a group of 9 SS mining Bankha, Georgetown, and Malacca to cause some issues...





John 3rd -> The Fall of Fortresses AND Superfortresses (1/4/2009 6:27:45 AM)

May 16, 1944
Gumma, Japan

To the elite pilots of the three Tony Sentai at Gumma's AFs this day dawns with clear skies and great visibility.  The pilots haven't been tested over this center for Japanese aircraft construction for nearly 6 weeks.  Many complain about the lack of action in the air but do enjoy the city 'action' on the ground.  Two of these Sentai had spent considerable time in Burma during early-1943 and have welcomed the pleasures of home life.

The peace ends about 9am when word reaches the pilots of a large raid from Sakhalin moving steadily southwards.  The new American 'Silver Bees' haven't made an attempt to hit this base yet.  The only raids on Gumma have come from Iwo Jima and the less threatening but still formidable B-17/B-24 bombers.  The warning level gradually increases and planes are prepared when Tokyo's Radar picks up a large strike boring in from Iwo Jima too.

The combined raids (a potential 1-2 punch) appear to be separated by about 75-90 minutes flight time so there is a possiblity of hitting BOTH raids prior to them reaching their drop point.

Almost 90 Tony take to the sky and set their orbit at 23,000 and 25,000 Ft.  They don't have to wait long as a massed Box of Box Formation containing 130 B-17 and B-24 appears in the distance.  The Americans have no escorting Fighters.  The Tony pilots have learned to fear the 'Fork-Tailed Devils' that come in from the north. 

For nearly 30 minutes the Japanese methodically attack the American formation as it struggles to reach the bombing point.  The leading squadron is composed of B-17s and 8 of 24 fall as the squadron loses its cohesion.  This disruption provides the opening to get at the far more numerous (but more vulnerable) B-24.  Quite qickly the B-24 pilots choose to randomly drop their bombs and head for home as their planes are shot out of the sky.  Nearly two dozen Liberators fall with another 50 taking damage in one form or another. 

It is a solid victory!  The Fighter jockeys lose 2 Tony while downing 30 B-17 and B-24.  AA claims an additional 2 planes also.   As good as this result is, the Tony pilots know that they have to do a quick turn around to stop the incoming B-29 Raid that is pegged at 70+ planes.

Refueling, armoring, and a quick bite to eat occurs and then the pilots take off again and claw their way to altitude.  Reaching their cruising altitude just in the nick of time, the pilots get their first look at the new American plane.  Figuring that these bombers cannot be any stronger then what they just faced, several pilots recklessly charge into the Bomb Group.  Their planes are trashed as the automated turrets exact a heavy punnishment. 

Gathering themselves and remembering that they are Japan's Elite (EX:  70, 73, and 78) the pilots take a more measured, calculated approach.  Slowly but with increasing confidence they slash into the edges of the American formation.  Pretty soon the big silver bombers begin to fall to earth and/or break away from the fight.  To those on the ground (not in shelters) the planes takes their losses but KEEP ON COMING like a relentless wave.  Just 40 remain when their leading Bombardier toggles his drop switch. 

Fortunately High Altitude Bombing is NOT precise and the vast majority of the bombs fall harmlessly into the countryside.  It should be noted that two bombers do manage to place their bombloads on the edge of a nearly complete Frank Aircraft Factory causing very minor damage.

Having exacted their payment to the Emporer this day, the pilots land to take stock of thier losses and situation.  Eight Tony were shot down during the fight with only 4 pilots killed.  Fully half of the Tony themselves take damage and will need to be rapaired.  When competing claims are tallied the count is 16 B-29 shot down, another 1 to AA, another was seen to crash into the sea while flying the long route home, and nearly all the remaining bombers took some sort of damage. 

These 18 B-29 added to the 32 earlier losses make for a round number of 50 Allied 4EB Bombers destroyed for the day.

On THIS day at least, there are happy faces around the AF and the Japanese pilots know that they can deal with these bombers quite effectively IF there are no escorts present...
     





John 3rd -> May 15-17, 1944 (1/4/2009 8:12:45 PM)

Combat Report
May 15-17, 1944

We are in a definite lull between major actions.  Though on the defense and in retreat, the Japanese are still full of fight and are looking for opportunities to counter-punch the Allies.

North Pacific
The troops at Attu and Paramushiro Jima continue to hold out against the relentless attacks of the Americans up north.  They won't last too long but the longer they DO the better they occupy American forces.

Central Pacific, Outer Perimeter
Here is the theatre of future action!

Marcus
The entire Fleet has gathered here.  I've detailed the forces present and now I wait for an opportunity to hit the Allied Convoys that pass between Midway to Wake to Eniwetok.  I've disbanded the Fleet into the anchorage for a chance of repairrs to be carried out.  The Port is now Sz-5 and 4 AR just arrived to help with pulling a few points of Sys Dam off the ships.  A convoy carrying 15,000 Supply and 25,000 Fuel will begin unloading tomorrow.  The supply shipment will raise marcus over 25,000 so I can replace and/or upgrade my CV Air.  Once I have accomplished that then I will seek battle if at an advantage.

To protect my ships, I have 54 Betty flying Air Search out to 16 hexes.  NOTHING will sneak-up on my forces.  There are also 150 Army/Navy Fighters flying CAP. 

Wake
Dan MUST strike here!  I checked the garrison last turn and it is solid.  Assault Strength is 750 with all units 100% prepped.  The key units here is 23rd Mixed Brigade which holds the main island with the AF.  3 Naval Guard hold Wilkes Isle, and  1 Naval Guard with two small NLF occupp;y Peale.  The Base is Port-2, AF-4, Fort-9 and has 16,000 supply.

I am contemplating a supply run to this base.  it would be good to land another 10,000 supply while I can...

Eniwetok and Ponape are gone.  The Americans will do a build-up here but it is irrelevant for the moment.  I need about two weeks to get the large base Force, 7th Brigade, and Aviation Regiment through the gap between Truk and Lae.  If the Allies want to take all these islands back then let them.  It will take time and keep them away from much more vulnerable targets.

Truk
This base is now well supplied (25,000 supply) and all units are prepped.

Central Pacific, Inner Perimeter
Marianas
I have Brigades due to land at Tinian (raising AS to about 1,000) and Guam (also rasing AS to about 1,000).  These troops are the last units to land.  The garrisons will hold with that.  I have been slowly concentrating an aerial strike force at Saipan.  These planes MAY be used in Operation Artic Wind.  need top stage another 72 Fighters from Home Islands to Saipan for a bit more cover at Marcus and Wake.

Yap and Palau
These bases are pretty much filled and ready for action too.

SS Action
In a very belated move a small number of SS have moved into this region.  I will be creating 2 new ASW TF to deal with these Allied boats.

DEI--Eastern Region
I am re-examining this region and augmenting garrisons.  It is most logical that Dan will try to open this region up for operations from Austrlalia.

This theory is given a bit of credence when 36 B-29 appear over Soerabaja on the 15th.  Surprise is complete and THANKFULLY they drop their bombs on the warships in the harbor that are repairing.  BB Hyuga takes numorous 500 lb hits (raising Sys Dam from 10 to 19) and a CA takes slight damage.  I have the BB and 4 CA repairing here.  This raid was a BIG mistake by Dan.  He took me by complete surprise and could have done huge amounts of damage to my Oil Fields; however, he elected to hit the shipping.  I had 3 Sentai resting and refitting at Batavia.  NOW they are at Soerabaja.  Next time those Sinver Bees come over they will be greeted by 100 Figthers!

I will also move some Daitai around to provide limited coverage at Balikpapan and Tarakan.

Malaya--Indochina
Saigon
A Tank Division, Tank Regiment, and Inf Div is lifted out of here on the 16th and 17th.

Singapore
A Brigade, beat-up TK Regiment, and Aviation Regiment is lifted out of here also.

The Brits try a Fighter Sweep with 46 P-38 on the 15th.  These planes are met by 163 Japanese Fighters (mainly George, Tony, and Jacks).  The loss ratio is acceptable.  I lose 38 Fighters (19 pilots) for 19 P-38.  This isn't too bad...

Singora
With the threat to Alor Star, I withdraw this garrison to Kota Bharu.  An Allied unit arrives on the 17th and so it will fall on the 18th.

Alor Star
I do not know why but Dan refuses to attack here.  The 17th sees Imperial HQ order the withdrawal of these 3 units to Kota Bharu as well.  Don't want them cutoff by the troops moving into Singora.

Kota Bharu
To keep the Allies honest, a Betty Daitai moves into here on the 16th and it attacks an empty AK TF near Sumatra on the following day.  There are 4 AK hit with one to two Torps.  Nice little surprise...

China
How often do I include this region within my reoprts???

Hong Kong
Based on some AAR recommendations I have set-up a LR CAP Trap.  Over 100 Fighters are assigned LR CAP over a pair of damaged AK who depart this Port and move one hex a day to draw the large 2EB force based around Haiphong into the trap.

Northern China
Following 2nd ACR's suggestion (I think it was his), I have moved a bunch of recon units into Northern China AF to distract the Allies.  Tomorrow I will move nearly 300 fighters into the area for training purposes.  We'll see how quick Dan reacts...

Home Islands
I have detailed the marvelous results from the 4EB Raid on Gumma so don't need to hit that again.

Thank you for the advice I have also gotten regarding getting supply to rise in Gumma.

The month-end report will show favorable developments in supply/resources/oil/fuel.





John 3rd -> Inner Perimeter (1/4/2009 8:19:32 PM)

This is the Inner Perimeter showing a few Allied SS and my convoys moving about.


[image]local://upfiles/18041/EEF06FF5C80A4916AA7D5DA047478BC2.jpg[/image]



Nemo121 -> RE: Inner Perimeter (1/4/2009 8:52:37 PM)

The only things I'd say here are as follows:

1. A half-decent plan ruthlessly applied is better than a brilliant plan half-applied. When you go in commit to it and go in with your full strength. That's your only chance. You won't be able to rebuild these flight groups anyway so, unless, you win big this is a one shot weapon.

2. Have you got a really good lock on his CVs? I'm just asking in case you want to go for 2/3rd fighters, 1/3rd strike groups in case he might have a massive CV TF covering this force ( 1 day of CAP to break his CV groups and then fly in strike groups so you can launch big strikes on Days 2 and 3 ).



John 3rd -> RE: Inner Perimeter (1/4/2009 8:59:11 PM)

Nemo--I am thinking of doing a similar repeat to what worked so well earlier.  This is why I am pulling some Fighters from Japan to provide my CAP with LR CAP punch.  I want to fight this battle within range of Wake/Marcus LBA.

My forces are not in the best of shape but this plan does have real possiblities.  The CVs have 750 planes, Wake can have 200, and Marcus has a further 200.  As long as I fall on a portion of his CV/CVE Fleet I might be able to score a victory.  There is no doubt that it will be ugly though...

I should note that I am NOT married to this plan. If I spot a hopeless looking situation I will not attack.



Nemo121 -> RE: Inner Perimeter (1/4/2009 9:31:55 PM)

LRCAP over CVs is reduced by 25%. So that part of the plan is flawed unless you are willing to risk LRCAPing an SC TF and putting it in the same hex as the Cs with react off for both TFs.



John 3rd -> RE: Inner Perimeter (1/4/2009 11:40:26 PM)

I KNOW that Sir.  You and I did this on a far bigger scale when Dan attacked Hokkaido.  I will attach a STF, perhaps two, to hopefully draw away strikes as well as help with LR CAP.

My CVE will be divided into two TF as well to provide more targets too...




John 3rd -> Arctic Wind (1/5/2009 7:02:55 PM)

Combat Report
May 18-20, 1944

Dan and I are cranking out the turns today so I thought I would do a quick update while waiting for his one.

North Pacific
Attu and Paramushiro Jima keep holding.  The Allied Deliberate Attacks are steadily wearing down the defenders.

Central Pacific
Marcus
I've gotten supply raised high enough, I just filled out any missing aircraft I need to flesh out the 7 CV, 6 CVL, and 4 CVE located here.  I'm also shifting the air groups around to help with balance and switch in more effective Daitai/Chutai.  I help with this I am also staging planes in and out of Saipan.

A group of 4 AR arrived recently and I have 1 CA, 2 CL, and 2 CV disbanded in the Port doing some quick repairs. 

A Tf of 4 freshly repaired SS arrived at Marcus on the 20th.  Three of them are Glen-SS amd will be posted around Midway to see what is happening. 

I would imagine that Dan thinks I am up to something.  I am doing the recon of Midway and placing more SS there to make him think that I might be stupid enough to attack the base.  Don't want to do that.  I want to hit a portion of his Fleet coming up from Eniwetok.

Wake
This logical target is getting a resupply run from Maleolap of 8,000 supply and I plan to pull some air units that are at strength 0 and cannot replace their aircraft.

ANYTHING to draw attention to Wake is good.  I want him worried about the base and whatever evil I might be planning with it.

Saipan
This is the staging ground for the air units moving back-and-forth.  It is well supplied so I can upgrade/change planes without any issue.

Tinian
Last troops arriving currently.

Guam
Same said for this island.

South Pacific
All the major ground units and base force I want to save are now loaded and moving to safer waters.  If there is no southwards move by the Americans from Ponape then I should clear the Rabaul--Lae Gap within about 10 days.

DEI
No major developments.

A convoy carrying 200,000 Oil and 20,000 Resources departs Jesselton on the 19th.  Another large convoy will be ready to sail in 5-7 days.

Indochina
Saigon
On the 19th I pull the 3rd Tank Division and 7th Tank Regiment out of here.

31,42
In this hex NW of Saigon I stage a LR CAP trap on Allied bombers.  Dan had a group of Wellington bombers attacking a Combat Command of mine that is approaching Saigon.  Seeing this, I decided to CAP it and stage an ambush.  It works quite nicely.  An attack by 31 Wellingtons is intercepted by 24 Japanese Fighters.  The ensuing aerial battle sees no Japanese losses in exchange for 18 Allied bombers.  Not bad...

Malaya
Singora
It falls on the 18th as I withdraw into Kota Bharu.

Alor Star
This base falls on the same day.  I now have a solid defensive line stretching from Kota Bharu to the base south of Georgetown. 

Outer Defensive Line
This line will be my first major line-of-resistance.  I will not fall back from here.  While not hold a lot of sttrength, each end does have Sz-9 Forts and a garrison of about 600 AS.  It should serve to hold for a bit.  As tentative as Dan has been in attacking I might hope that this line holds until early-June.

MLR
The Main LIne of Resistance will be at Johore Bharu.  I will hold it until forced back onto Singapore Island and then my boys will die gallantly.  If I can hold here until July that would be great.

Singapore
On the 19th I withdraw a Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Parachute Regiment, and 38th Inf Div.  The 20th sees the 1st Reserve Tank Regiment lifted out.

Home Islands
Gumma
Having followed everyone's advice this base's supply is slowly moving up.  I have two HQ units and have moved Transport planes there in an attempt to draw more supply.  It moved about 8,000 for the first time in a while on the 20th.

Sapporo
After the sting I gave Allied 4EB over Gumma a few days ago there has only been this raid.  On the 20th 11 P-38 and 49 Liberators damage 23 Resources.

Supply and Fuel
Supply is rising throughout the Home Island cities.  I have 2-3 over 20,000 and 4-6 over 15,000.  I've already seen an improvement in production and the aircraft industry.  There is so much fuel in the Home Islands now that I am actaully loading empty supply convoys from Jesselton with it and am spreading it around at Manila, Formosa, Saipan, Marcus, and Palau.

Strategy
I have been thinking about Dan's next move and am not sure what it will be.  The LOGICAL move is to hit Wake and clear his supply lines.  It is what I would do; however, Dan has continued to surprise me with his thinking.  I would wager--given my tentative resistance at Eniwetok and Ponape--that he might feel emboldened to lunge southwards again.  He could attack Kavieng or Rabaul.  This would cut my supply and transport line (if I was actually keeping those garrisons) and be a good move. 

If this is his next move then I am out of position to meet it.  Does anyone have any thoughts regarding this?




FeurerKrieg -> RE: Arctic Wind (1/5/2009 7:14:20 PM)

quote:

Strategy
I have been thinking about Dan's next move and am not sure what it will be. The LOGICAL move is to hit Wake and clear his supply lines. It is what I would do; however, Dan has continued to surprise me with his thinking. I would wager--given my tentative resistance at Eniwetok and Ponape--that he might feel emboldened to lunge southwards again. He could attack Kavieng or Rabaul. This would cut my supply and transport line (if I was actually keeping those garrisons) and be a good move.

If this is his next move then I am out of position to meet it. Does anyone have any thoughts regarding this?


Well, if you have already evacuated your garrisons and don't plan to support them, I think it would be a waste to try and stop an Allied offensive towards Rabaul. I would just continue to build your Wake-Truk-Palau line and if you scare him away from Wake then he'll spend a lot more time securing the southern areas than he would save by just taking Wake, then Marcus and opening the supply runs to Iwo.

If you can't scare him away from Wake, at least your build up will make him pay more for it than if you split your defense.



ny59giants -> RE: Arctic Wind (1/5/2009 7:53:38 PM)

Use Tracker to ensure you have good leaders for all your CVs and then your LBA assigned to Arctic Wind. They do make a difference.



John 3rd -> RE: Arctic Wind (1/5/2009 8:06:16 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Feurer Krieg

quote:

Strategy
I have been thinking about Dan's next move and am not sure what it will be. The LOGICAL move is to hit Wake and clear his supply lines. It is what I would do; however, Dan has continued to surprise me with his thinking. I would wager--given my tentative resistance at Eniwetok and Ponape--that he might feel emboldened to lunge southwards again. He could attack Kavieng or Rabaul. This would cut my supply and transport line (if I was actually keeping those garrisons) and be a good move.

If this is his next move then I am out of position to meet it. Does anyone have any thoughts regarding this?


Well, if you have already evacuated your garrisons and don't plan to support them, I think it would be a waste to try and stop an Allied offensive towards Rabaul. I would just continue to build your Wake-Truk-Palau line and if you scare him away from Wake then he'll spend a lot more time securing the southern areas than he would save by just taking Wake, then Marcus and opening the supply runs to Iwo.

If you can't scare him away from Wake, at least your build up will make him pay more for it than if you split your defense.


Thank You Sir. I agree. There is no point in fighting for ANYTHING east of my Inner Defense Line. Arctic Wind is all about hitting a portion of his Fleet and not fighting an invasion.



John 3rd -> RE: Arctic Wind (1/5/2009 8:07:28 PM)

Michael--You hit the nail on the head!  I am doing that right now.  Want the best I can have to attack with.  My fighters are just so inexperienced right now.  It will be ugly.  I should have enough strength to get through.  We'll have to see.




Nemo121 -> RE: Arctic Wind (1/5/2009 9:12:21 PM)

Strategically speaking it seems that you are looking to fight him at Wake and then suckerpunch him in the gut elsewhere. With that said you are also, from what I see, worrying about bases you have already written off.

I would suggest that he who defends everything defends nothing. If he takes Guadalcanal/Rabaul and that axis then so be it. It will take time, you will build up your defensive perimeter and you don't have to resist every enemy thrust to achieve your strategic objectives.

As Japan you only need to crush/withstand ONE invasion in this time period to throw off the Allied timetable for months. If you guess Wake and he goes elsewhere then in two months time when he makes his next attack you'll have another chance to guess right. Eventually you'll guess right and be in a position to cull an invasion force. What matter it that that be tomorrow or 4 months from now? Not a whit.


It seems to me that you've cast the die ( wake plus CVs hitting a soft underbelly elsewhere ) and that you are now second-guessing yourself. Don't second-guess. If you're wrong you're wrong but second-guessing yourself merely means that EVEN if you are right you'll dissipate your force so much that what remains at the point of contact won't win.

Wake is a good guess and I happen to think that that's where he'll go. Have faith and stick to your gameplan until such time as he invades Wake or it is CLEAR that he is going elsewhere.


Rommel wasn't the genius many make him out to be, a good operational commander yes but not what the myth has created BUT I would defer to his words on this.... I paraphase here: "A gamble is a choice from which no recovery is possible while a risk is a choice from which recovery is possible. A good commander must ALWAYS risk." I would add that a great commander can be pretty handily defined as one whose gambles usually worked. For example, Rameses II at Kadesh, Hannibal at Cannae, Epaminondas at Leuctra, Caesar at Alesia, Marlborough at Blenheim, Wellingon at Waterloo et al.

So, you've decided to risk ( you aren't gambling because even if he invades elsewhere it shouldn't result in calamity for your forces and you'll get a chance to try again ) but you need to guard against dissipating your forces such that your risk can't deliver its just reward if you guess right.



undercovergeek -> RE: Arctic Wind (1/5/2009 9:39:14 PM)

Apologies to dredge up something from the far away past John 3rd, and indeed if you think it doesnt belong here let me know. I am playing the 42a scenario in stock that starts May and have tried to use the opening few months to duplicate your achievements by this date - however as i take canton, baker, pago and suva, whilst also owning wake and marcus - where did you build the outer perimeter and which units did you use to fortify the islands? and did you build all to level 4/5 airfield and ports and fortifications to 9?



John 3rd -> 1942 (1/5/2009 10:48:09 PM)

Nemo---Thank you as always.  I am most definitely nervous and jittery about the current situation.  I keep telling myself that he MUST hit Wake.  If he does that then I am positioned to attack if I think there is a chance of success.  We are now on the may 23rd turn and I am rapidly shifting my air units around on the CVs, Marcus, and Saipan. Your quote is great and, as a Professor of History--well I was at any rate--, it is truly appreciated.

I think that I have misled people regarding the remaining bases and their garrisons in the SE Pac.  I do not care about them whatsoever.  I've loaded the last good units that I want to use and they are moving through the Coral Sea right now.  Given 7-10 days time these convoys will be through and I won't worry a lick about Allied moves after that point.

Undercover--You ask a question that I have to serously think on.  I KNOW I pulled the 10 small Brigades out of China during the first 3-5 months of the war.  They build out to a nice 125-150 AS so they made decent assault units but better garrisons.  Even as I pushed all the way to the Society Islands I knew I would have to fallback eventaully.  If you read the early pages of the AAR you will see my thinking as 1942 began to wane and we looked at 1943.  I started pulling troops back to create the Outer Perimeter at that point.

My biggest mistake was not strengthening my Inner Perimeter any faster.  If I had had so much as ONE Inf Div at Iwo Jima Dan could never have taken it with his troops.  He struggles to wrest it from a Brigade for nearly 3 weeks.  THAT was my biggest mistake.  I simply cold not IMAGINE a landing at Iwo Jima in late-1943 let alone an invasion of Hokkaido in early-1944.  Each move has cost Dan severely (1200 ships sunk!!) but he still keeps on coming.

Let me ruminate on your question some more and thanks for asking.




John 3rd -> Gumma: Round TWO! (1/6/2009 12:25:59 AM)

May 22, 1944
Gumma, Japan

The dawns partly cloudy for the veteran Tony pilots at Gumma.  Six days ago they smashed the American heavy bombers forces and have been congratulating themselves ever sense.  As their Tonys were being patched up by mechanics a pair of Jack Daitai flew in to help provide cover for a few days.  Yesterday those Jacks got order to fly all the way to Pagan for some sort of secret operation.  Though about 20 Tony were still getting fixed up, High Command felt it safe to move them out.

The early raid warning comes through that a heavy strike is inbound from Iwo Jima.  Confidentally the pilots streap into their planes and climb to altitude.  Radar operators on the ground are not quite sure what make of this echo approaching Gumma.  There appear to be smaller planes accompaniing the larger bombers.  In the north radar warns of another B-29 raid coming down from Sakhalin.  The pilots are immediately warned of the three-fold danger.

As the Americans are spotted the Japanese pilots cannot believe their on eyes when they see 'Fork-Tailed Devils' ESCORTING the B-24 from Iwo Jima fro God's sake!  As the formations break and attack the japanese veterans of Burma are shocked to see the familiar tiger painted jaws on their adversaries!  The Flying Tigers, who just a week ago were at Sakhalin, are now flying out of Iwo Jima.

The fight is wild and crazy with the forces being reasonably matched: 62 Tony (all Experience 70-80) vs. 67 P-38 (AVG) and 118 4EB.  This time the fighters allow the B-24 to get close enough to ddrop their bombs.  It should be noted that fully half of the 4EB pitch their bombs early and bank for Iwo.  When the totals are tallied, the Japanese have lost 17 planes (only 8 pilots though) but taken 19 P-38, 7 B-24, and damaged another 30 B-24 past that.  The new Frank Production plants get touched for minor damage (7 Hits).

Slightly stunned by the battle, the pilots land, replennish, eat, and climb back to altitude in time for the Silver Bee strike.  In a humbling moment, the 45 Tonys realize that these bombers are flying flat out at 33,500 Ft.  The Japanese fighters cannot fly that high.  Nothing can be done except swear and shake their fists as the B-29 drop their loads onto a new Peggy Factory causing moderate damage (13 Hits).

Seemingly the Gods of Japan listen and another group of B-29 appear from the WEST (Chungking if you can believe it).  THESE planes are flying at an alittude that the Tony can hit.  The 45 angry pilots slash into these bombers and smash the Allied formation.  Though a few bombs hit the new Frances Factory (5 Hits) the pilots get their thrist for revenge somewhat sated.  For no losses the B-29s lose 7 bombers with another 16 damaged.

The Days totals settle out on the Japanese side fairly nicely.  For 17 planes and 8 pilots the Allies lose 19 AVG, 7 B-24, and 7 B-29.

Word of this attack rapidly spreads throughout the Home Islands and reinforcements arrive that night.  Two Daitai of Jacks as well as a Daitai of Tojo arrive.  When the American formations appear the NEXT time there will be well over 150 fighters ready-and-waiting...






John 3rd -> Malaya--Indochina (1/6/2009 7:41:14 AM)

The current situation:


[image]local://upfiles/18041/A90A5E8454F249808EBB3D48D2A61470.jpg[/image]



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