RE: The Society Page (Full Version)

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John 3rd -> RE: The Society Page (2/17/2009 5:58:02 AM)

This is why I love an AAR.  Well said Nemo and it actually makes sense to a dumb Historian like me...

I think we will add a Brigade to Burma for reasons already described.  Just had Taung Gyi go to AF-2 and Meiktila also went AF-2 last turn.  This will help for air bombardment purposes.



John 3rd -> BB vs. Singapore (2/17/2009 5:19:32 PM)

aaahhhh...yaaaaa...that REALLY worked!


Morning Email exchange:

That's why I hadn't bombarded Singapore before; someone suggested you could do it, but I didn't trust that. I always thought that you should not try to bombard any hex with any ship whose Caliber didn't exceed any CD guns in the hex. Those 15in at Sinagpore trashed our BB's; they won't sink, but they are going to be in the shop until mid-42. That leaves us with 4 in the Pacific; just the Kongos. GRRRR!!!!!

I think we are going to have to use CAs only for CV escort. We need to probably conserve the Kongos. At least it's early, but we will need the CVs to protect us against the RN BBs, because we won't be able to with surface units.

On a lighter note, Tonga falls and two more subs eat IJA bombs near Manila.

I am prepping the troops at Palembang for Trincomalee; though maybe you have a better idea. We will have to clear that at some point, and the Palembang units need a little rest anyway.

OK, we are going to start that PILOT replacement; I'll let you do the work.

Step 1: There is a Zero Daitai at Bangkok; convert that unit to Claudes, then convert it back. An alternative way to break the planes is to load them onto an AK and load them off (that is preferred), but we don't have an AK there.

Also, move the Zeros from Soryu to Bangkok. Next turn, step 2.



Brad

I couldn't do the upgrade at Bangkok due to not enough supply. Instead I did it at Rangoon. I changed out 1 Daitai of Zero down to Claude and back. Moved Soryu Zero to Rangoon.

We have a Daitai of Kates flying missions out Meiktila. Should they be moved to Rangoon too so we can reapir the losses to the TT Daitai? Am also moving a Chutai of Kate from Japan to area as well. They just jumped to Shanghai and will move to Hanio next turn.

Things I noticed:
1. Agree that the SS Ops are going really well in the Phil. If you want to shift Betty back to AF that is cool. I'm not sure if I've ever seen them hit a SS as well. Interesting thought...

2. The 3rd Base Force is at Amboina. Do we want to pick it up and place it at Exmouth so we have Air Support troops there? We could move a small BF to Ex and transfer the Amboina boys someplace more useful.

3. I KNEW the BB Bomb was a bad idea. Will post a screenshot on the AAR for 'comment.'

4. Actually think we shall be OK with BBs. We can pull the one in Japan and one of the three that hit Sing won't be too bad. A few days in Singapore will help for repairs.

5. Whether that email was SysOps or not my CVs are empty and heading for the barn. I had a pair of AO moving out to give them some fuel and the damned ships refueled a STF passing through the same hex! Damn!

6. Fuel is a major problem down there. I have 3 TF of Tankers moving back-and-forth but the distance is a killer.

7. Gisbome will get a Spec Base Force and that 1st China Brig and no more after that. We'll see what those forces can do...

John


[image]local://upfiles/18041/60C6B0937A1C4A6C8625DF21160E1141.jpg[/image]



Rainer79 -> RE: BB vs. Singapore (2/17/2009 7:15:51 PM)

Ouch. That looks bad. These ships could be sorely missed when you go for India.

How much did you expand your armaments industry BTW? The reinforcement needs alone are staggering in this mod.



John 3rd -> Armaments (2/17/2009 8:10:57 PM)

Brad--Can you answer that question?




Q-Ball -> RE: Armaments (2/17/2009 8:57:42 PM)

RE: Armaments, we are up to 600 in production, which is 100 more than start, and we have gained in the pool despite heavy reinforcements.

In general, we have held off on major industrial expansions, in order to conserve supply for offensives. With Resource Centers coming on line in the SRA, our supply situation is improving, and will allow some expansion. Armaments is one area, but most will be focused on aircraft and engines. We will probably expand a shipyard or two.



John 3rd -> Operational Planning (2/18/2009 2:20:38 AM)

With Singapore due to fall by Dec 1944, we need to start the true planning for the invasion of India.  Thanks to the heavy defense that has been put up by the Brits at Singapore the invasion forces are all concentrated there.  Provided a short amount of time to rebuild somewhat these units can be loaded and ready to land at Viza within 10-14 Days of Singapore's Fall.

As part of the discussion we realize that the true threat to the landing--beyond some LBA--is the Royal Navy.  After CarDiv2's ineffective strike at Columbo, the Allies--if it can be believed--have maintained their Fleet THERE.  I ran by Brad the idea of combining our CVs into one Strike Force to make a serious attempt to smash the Royal Navy there at the onset of the Operation.

These are the CV Available for the Operation:

CarDiv2
Hiryu     Total Planes:  78 Zero--42 Val--68 Kate
Soryu
Shoho
Zuiho

2 CA, 1 CL, and 8 DD

Mini-KB
Junyo    Total Planes:  77 Zero--17 Val--41 Kate
Ryujo
Taiyo
Hosho

1 CA, 3 CL, 8 DD

Total Strike Force:  155 Zero--59 Val--109 Kate

If we set CAP at 50%--we should have roughly 80 Zero for Escort. 

Speed will be the problem with CVE Taiyo at a top speed of 21 Knots.  We could leave her as part of the Escort for the Invasion Force and use the rest for attacking purposes.

We'll take losses but if we get a decent Port Attack there is a real chance that the Royal Navy could be taken out of the equation before the fight hardly even starts.

Thoughts?




ny59giants -> RE: Operational Planning (2/18/2009 2:26:54 AM)

I would try to decrease the number of Vals even further and add more Kates. Your Kates carry Torpedoes and 800kg AP bombs. If RN BBs are present, those Vals will not do any damage. 



John 3rd -> RE: Operational Planning (2/18/2009 2:54:37 AM)

Good thoughts Sir.  We could pull the 42 Vals off Hiryu/Soryu and replace them with 54 Kates.  That would REALLY add some strength to the attack!

EVIL thinking...as a member of the Cabal I would expect no less! 



Rainer79 -> RE: Armaments (2/18/2009 4:44:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

RE: Armaments, we are up to 600 in production, which is 100 more than start, and we have gained in the pool despite heavy reinforcements.

In general, we have held off on major industrial expansions, in order to conserve supply for offensives. With Resource Centers coming on line in the SRA, our supply situation is improving, and will allow some expansion. Armaments is one area, but most will be focused on aircraft and engines. We will probably expand a shipyard or two.


Thanks. My armament industry is currently less than that and is not quite big enough to build a surplus in the pool. I did some expansion of the aircraft industry and added (few) additional shipyards though. I'll probably have to keep it at this level for now though.

Interestingly enough the Kuriles and other small islands near Japan tend to have supply stockpiles of 8000 tons which now are being used to help fund the industry build-up.



TenChiMato -> RE: Operational Planning (2/18/2009 4:48:26 PM)

Hi,
not wishing to turn the knife into the wound but what are the results of your naval bombardment of Singapore, did you had good results at least? Also what about the Yamato? When will it be available?

Also your two CVs TFs are not that powerful unless you keep them together: the Soryu-Hiryu TF is barely more powerful than the British CVs TF and I doubt your mini-KB will be a match against them.

If the Hiryu-Soryu TF face the brits alone with the mini-KB lagging behind due to Taiyo slow speed you risk ending into a Coral Sea style exchange trading 1 for 1 or worse.



John 3rd -> Operational Planning (2/18/2009 5:37:21 PM)

Good comments fellas.

Brad runs all facets of the economy. For some reason, I have willingly cut myself out of THAT facet of the game! Considering how I mucked up my economy in Forlorn Hopes. Man--think about where I might have been had my economy actually FUNCTIONED for most of 1943 in that game...oh, well...spilt milk...

TCM--The CV will operate together. They will be in 2 TF but otherwise work together. Michael's idea on moving the Vals off of Hiryu/Soryu and replacing them with Kates is marvelous and we'll do it. Those extra 54 Bombers armed with either TT or 800 KG bombs will really make a difference in striking power.

We're debating dropping off the slow CVE so the TF can still move at least 4/4. Need to be able to sneak-up and launch the strike. Isn't much sneaking if you only moving 3/3.

Yamato is moving towards completion. Should be done around May 1st.

As to the BB Strike on Singapore--here are the results within the screenshot. Damn...I really wish I hadn't done that...



[image]local://upfiles/18041/593AF8266E7E419AB8021B71EA4A1232.jpg[/image]



frank1970 -> RE: Operational Planning (2/18/2009 8:16:56 PM)

You actually don´t want to tell us what damage your BBs did to the troops in Singers?
[;)]



Q-Ball -> RE: Operational Planning (2/18/2009 10:25:51 PM)

I don't have the combat report, but I don't think it did squat. We are making progress finally (forts down to 2 after 2 days of 1-1 attacks), but I think that's more due to the 5 divisions, 4 tank rgts, HQ, heavy artillery, 3 Eng Rgts, and all the other junk in that hex.

PS: I noticed that our opponent's AAR has a recent post; is it live again? It would be great if it was!



Mobeer -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 12:24:46 AM)

Q-Ball, the most recent post in that thread is just a request for updates.

[I can't believe how much I hesitated before posting this]



2ndACR -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 1:13:57 AM)

Sorry about that......I only get that kind of result very rarely......wish I would not have suggested it.



John 3rd -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 2:15:12 AM)

Our great bombardment caused a grand total...of...267 Cas and 5 Guns lost.  This in exchange for 3 BB damaged...

Brad and I are looking at the changing aspects of the game and trying to clarify our responsibilities.  This what he wrote earlier today:

Also, no idea how to divide responsibility.  There are several areas:

1.  SWPAC/SoPac:  Basically facing the USN; finishing off advances, and building a defensive perimeter.  Pretty important.  Probably controls bulk of IJN.
2.  SRA:  Basically mop-up, with a little action in the Banda Sea; facing Darwin and building a perimeter. 
3.  CHINA:  Probably slow-going, but necessary to keep pressure up to support India
4.  BURMA/INDIA:  About to be very important and critical.  This and China is bulk of IJA.
5.  PRODUCTION 

That's really it.  #1 is going to be hot soon, I have no doubt they will attempt an invasion once India is underway.

2nd ACR don't feel bad that you convinced us to attack a Fortress with 15" guns that we knew could punch holes in our BBs...



2ndACR -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 2:26:10 AM)

The kicker is I have done the same thing probably 100X and only 3 times have I gotten spanked. Most times I nuke the place.......at least with my 1st raid. I do not mind doing it to myself, but to have my advice smack someone else, well that sort of sucks.



John 3rd -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 2:46:10 AM)

Rather sad and tearful are the japanese at this point; however, it just forces us to get more creative in dealing with the Royal Navy.



Speaking of that.  We had an interesting development in Gisbome, NZ.  My first China Brigade pulled is now unloading at Gisbome.  The 9th Ind Brigade was rudely interrupted from its offloading by a STF consisting of HMS Repulse and 3 DD!  [:@]  The Training Cruiser Kashima was sunk in saving the 5 large AP.

As normal, what could be seen as a set back is now an opportunity.  As soon as I have a CarDiv refuel at Suva they will move to NZ and go BC hunting!  I know there are a couple of old CLs down there too...

5 Ro- and I-Boats move into the lane streching from Wellington to Gisbome.
  



Q-Ball -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 3:48:53 AM)

Losing a Katori-class isn't a huge deal, but it's interesting that so much of the RN is down there in NZ.

We have seen 3 D-class CL's, and Repulse. You would think the D-Class would stay in India to take care of the Admiralty requests and save PPs, but I guess not. The fact that Repulse is out there tells me maybe PoW is as well.....we havent' seen her at all, so I think the RN in IO is mostly CV's, R-Class BBs, and other units.



John 3rd -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 4:46:40 PM)

These were my morning notes from Brad.  As you can see big things have happened and we are preparing for the next phase of the war.  I will quote his notes, run my current turn with Dan in Forlorn Hopes, and then come back to this:


Singapore Fell, and I made a ton of changes; mostly, moving stuff to Singapore.

I forgot to move Baby KB; go ahead and sail her to Port Blair per last note.  Fuel is on the way to Port Blair.

Other Singapore Moves:

1.  Many ships are on the way there.  I didn't move the warships yet, I want to clear the harbor first; you will see some MSWs on the way. 
2.  DO NOT unload any ships with supply at Singapore!  I count 35K loaded on ships, 20K at Johore, and another 15K from Saigon; not ideal, but it will have to do.  If they unload, I am afraid the supply will suck up somewhere and be gone.  We need that for India.
3.  All the ground troops at Johore are marching to Singapore.
4.  The Bomber units in Malaya are very low morale; they are resting at Singapore, in preparation for India.  I moved the best unit to Clark, to join the party there.

Other stuff:

*Am moving new IJA DB units to Clark; they will be set to ASW.  That is a target rich environment there to say the least; another 2 hits and a sinking this turn.  Nice idea.
*Why not prep 56th Div for Pago Pago?  That is the next logical target there, may as well grab it and destroy the garrison.  What do you think?
*I noticed you have alot of units set to 100% search or ASW; that increases Ops losses though.  80 or 90% is a better idea, the ops losses will greatly reduce, as the most fatigued pilots will rest.  Ops losses are a killer for Japan as it is.
*Increased Sally production.  This should be the main IJA bomber.  Why?  It uses Mitsu engines, which we have plenty of.  The Lilly and Helen use Naka; we will need to turn off Lilly soon to conserve Naka engines, at least for awhile.  Need Naka for fighters. 

I see us loading for India in about 4-5 days, with an initial force of approx. 4 divisions plus support, and follow-on troops after.  The first should be the troops at Johore, they are fresh and prepped for Viz.  It looks like we have the IG,2,5,16,18,38,48 divisions there, plus the two large brigades at Palembang.

We got CV Junyo but her TT Squardon is terrible and we think it loaded out automatically at Tokyo when it became available:

That's what happened on Junyo.  Did you round out the unit of Kates?  It's OK if you did, though please don't do that when we get Hiyo; we are going to transfer in vet pilots from one of the LBA Kate units.

In my other game, I end up using the LBA Kates mostly to train and replenish the CV's.  It keeps fewer planes at the front, but it keeps the CV units up; you can keep them in the 80s forever.  I have lost my CV airgroups 5 or 6 times over, yet they are still veterans.

Still Sea Glads at Madras; Hermes is there, probably not alone.  Alot of RN Navy near Colombo.

We should probably get everyone together for a raid.  The CVE?  It all depends on whether she can make 20 knots; if not, that slows everyone down.  At the moment she can.  CVE's need to be continually repaired to keep the speed up above 19. 

Let's move all the CV's to Port Blair.  Fuel is on the way there.



Canoerebel -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 4:53:51 PM)

Yeah!  (So, that bombardment worked after all...just kidding, but congrats on taking Singapore). 

Now we need USS America to post one of those devil-munching-popcorn emoticons as your game is about to get really, really interesting.  You'll tear into India and give the Allies fits, but nobody knows what the end-game will be.  That's what makes it so interesting.  Best of luck.



John 3rd -> Operational Planning (2/19/2009 6:04:17 PM)

Thanks Dan! Still freaks me out to see you post on an AAR I am working on!!!

I went through the major units at Singapore available for India to see what sort of damage they have. Here are the results:

Infantry Divisions: 2nd (87/99), 5th (81/98), 16th (90/106), 18th (90/103), 21st (78/101), 38th (91/100), 48th (102/107), and Imperial Guards (89/101)

Tank Regiments: 1st (89/90), 4th (56/61), 8th (98/100), 10th (85/92), and 11th 76/90

5 Engineer Regiments, 4 Field Artillery/Hv Artillery Regiments, and 3 Aviation Regiments

HQ Units Present: Southern Area Army, 4th/16th/25th Army Corps HQ, 22nd/23rd Air Flotilla, and 5th Air Division.



[image]local://upfiles/18041/78CF700EB3974F3981B1107E7BF7F567.jpg[/image]



ny59giants -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 6:34:05 PM)

quote:

I noticed you have alot of units set to 100% search or ASW; that increases Ops losses though. 80 or 90% is a better idea, the ops losses will greatly reduce, as the most fatigued pilots will rest. Ops losses are a killer for Japan as it is.


Once morale gets to 99, set them at 80% and they should be good to go. You will need to replace a plane here and there due to op losses, but they become automatic planes. No maintenance needed.



John 3rd -> RE: Operational Planning (2/19/2009 8:30:39 PM)

We have figured out that the Allies are trying to pull fragments of EVERY unit in the Philippines.  There are bunches of SS running to and from right now.

Starting about 6 days ago I began to shift the Japanese bombers at Clark to ASW Attack.  The results have been fantastic.  An S-Boat has been sunk and 13 other attacks have scored damage.  There are several SS in Manila Bay right now who have been damaged and we have shifted about 50 Betty/Nell to Port attack for the coming turn for--hopefully--a few more sinkings. 

There is a short operational pause going on as we get ready for the main effort of the war.  Dozens of ships are moving and troops will start loading in a few days.  Should note that 8 of the Infantry Divisions I listed early have experience of 98+ right now!  Holy Cow.  These boys are elite and we shall see what they can do to the Indians...



John 3rd -> SS Evac of Manila Bay (2/19/2009 11:44:29 PM)

The Allies are crying over Manila Bay and the SS Evac going on:


From Steve:
Subject: Re: 2/26 Files
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:35:06 +0000

.ExternalClass .EC_hmmessage P {padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-top:0px;} .ExternalClass BODY.EC_hmmessage {font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} Using IJA bombers for ASW is soooooooo ahistorical :-{ but you guys do what you have to do to get ahead ;-)

My Response:

I actually do agree with your view Mr. Steve.  But then again running about 30+ SS into and out of the Harbor strictly to pull off cadres is the same thing.  Looking forward to having AE fix some of these issues.

Also appreciate your understanding in the fact that we are losing the war terribly and must do whatever we can to help secure our eventual defeat! 





John 3rd -> March 1942 Production and VP (2/21/2009 4:54:25 AM)

March 1, 1942
Victory Points and Economic Summary

Victory Points:

Score
Japan    14,300 (Up 4,988)
Allies    4,488 (Down 1,542)
 
Wild month with the capture of Malaya and Singapore, invasions of NW Australia, capture of Gisbome, NZ, and thrusts into the SE PAC!  We’re not active at all!   

We’ll be looking at finishing off the DEI and beginning the main effort of the war with attacking India.  

Ships Sunk
Japan   55—409 VP (Up 112)—13 Losses for February:  CL Kashima, 4 PG, 2 AP, 4 AK, 1 TK, and I-17.  

Total Losses:  2 CL, 4 DD, and 4 SS (3 I-Boats and 1 Ro-)
 
Losses continue to be quite pleasantly low.
 
Allies    212---2,065 VP (Up 533)---Allies lost 66 Ships in February.  Exact sinkings were:  28 AK, 5 TK, 8 PG, 8 DD, 6 PT, 1 ML, and 4 SS (KX, S-38, S-39, and Tuna).  

Total Warship Losses are:  2BB West Virginia and Oklahoma, 3 CA, 5 CL, 19 DD, 24 PT, and 15 SS (10 Fleet and 5 S-Boat)
 
Vast majority of the Allied sinkings came from the Society Island Tour by the KB.
 
Manchukuo Garrison---8,770---(8,000 Needed)---Up 56
Political Points---172
 
Units Transferred: 
3rd Cavalry Regiment to 4th Fleet
6th and 14th Independent Regiment to 4th Fleet
An Engineering Regiment to 4th Fleet  

Industrial Report
Supply              2,029,039  UP 5,000
Fuel                3,250,448  Down 175,000
Manpower        819 (111,651)  Down 19,000
Heavy Industry 13,545 (24,853)  HI Up 251 but Reserve dropped 15,000
Resources         17,891 (1,568,197)  Up 1,360
Oil                 2,203 (1,267,491)  Up 702

Good numbers.  Everything is in pretty good shape with nothing too serious happening.  Thank the Gods (and sacrificing small children) we got Palembang fully intact.
 
Shipyards
Naval               1,331 (22)         Expanded 7 Points of Yards
Merchant          946 (2)
Repair              707                Expanded Repair Yards by 70.  

Will continue to  expand Repair Yards at Shanghai, Manila, Hong Kong, Cebu, Singapore, and Soerabaja as soon as we have them (and supply allows).

Carriers           
Junyo              Completed
Hiyo                69 Days (Accel)
Taiho               736 Days
CVL Ryuho           208 Days (Accel)  

Battleships
Yamato             80 Days
Musashi             275 Days  

CVE
Unyo                13 Days (Accel)
Chuyo              190 Days (Accel)    

Weapons
Armament         597 (21,158)                Expanded 29
Vehicles           159 (9)              Expanded 22

Both areas expanding nicely but we are very short on Vehicles. 
 
Aircraft
Engines             1,619
Assembly        872 + (288-Rd)

Engines expand 65 and production climbs only 4 but research takes a solid jump by over 100. 

Engine Production
Type                Producing---Need---Stockpile
Mitsubishi          865—650—884
Nakajima          634(126)---587---26
Kawasaki          100---0---306
Aichi               20---0---55

We cut it very close with Nakajimas with the pool dropping to 6 before we began producing more then needed.  We should begin to stockpile the Nakajimas starting this month.


Plane Production
Fighters            Planes/Month (in Pool)
Nate                0 (215)
Claude              0 (243)
A6M2               183 (110)
A6M3               65-Rd              04/42
A6M3a             0-Rd                11/42
Oscar               132 (14)
Oscar IIa          12-Rd              11/42
Tojo                128-Rd            08/42
Tony                24-Rd              08/42
Jack                10-Rd              10/43
N1K1 George  37-Rd              05/44
Frank 1a            0-Rd                08/44  

We get Franks in 2 YEARS and 5 MONTHS!  Banzai!!!  

Naval Production:  A6M2 is locked and we’ll have A3 pretty quick.  Haven’t had any serious losses so the A2 stockpile is building nicely.  

Army Production:  Oscars are solid and research jumped by 60 for Tojo.  We missed our first shot at advancing the intro date; however, I hope we catch it on the second pass.

 
Bombers
Nell                  0 (219)
Betty                 57 (7)
Betty 2               3-Rd                07/43
Sally                 57 (5)
Helen                46 (4)
Lily                  40 (9)
Val                   57 (173)
Kate                  64 (135)

Good numbers but bombers aren’t stockpiling yet.  Probably could use some expansion in Helen and Sally.  We’ll let the Vals and Kates increase some more and then back off production in a month or two.  

Transports
Mavis               0 (5)
Emily               16 (7)
Dave                0 (50)
Alf                 5 (28)
Pete                0 (16)
Pete A              38 (4)
Rufe                22 (58)
Glen                4 (25)
Dinah               31 (33)
Jake                34 (70)
Ida                 0 (81)
Babs (Ki-15)        0 (43)
Babs (C5M)          8 (21) 

We can do a lot of work in this area by focusing on just a couple of seaplanes.  Want to see Emily expansion occur.  Cannot overestimate the value and vulnerability that these planes have for our side!

Transports
Tina                20 (14)
Sally               5 (6)
Topsy               25 (29)
Mavis-L             8 (22)
Tabby              20 (20)

We’ve made good our losses from the Burma operations and the transports are training up their morale right now for the next big drop.  We’re converting several units to Tina for that long-range power projection ability and I think Brad likes Tabby as our mainstay.



51st Highland Div -> RE: March 1942 Production and VP (2/21/2009 5:12:09 AM)

Your AARs should be an essential read for all new WitP players, informative as well as entertaining John 3rd..keep up the good work [sm=00000436.gif]



John 3rd -> RE: March 1942 Production and VP (2/21/2009 5:25:42 AM)

Thank you Sir.  The 2x2 has been a blast.  Brad is a good partner and I truly enjoy the 2x2 format.



John 3rd -> Operation Shoestring (2/21/2009 5:43:09 AM)

The fearsome New Zealand Campaign:



[image]local://upfiles/18041/F691F5DE57794CD896B4945A0CBC708B.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Conversation (2/21/2009 6:23:22 PM)

Notes from Brad this morning.

We depart tomorrow for India.  I have loaded up 3 Divisions, 1 Army HQ, 2 Eng Rgts, 2 Tank Rgts, 2 Artillery, and 1 Base Force.  That's all the ships we have!  Some more are about to dock, probably will load Imperial Guards as a follow-on force. 

What is the plan in China?  I wouldn't send troops to walk to Paotow from Yenan directly; they might march through the desert.  I would get them back on the railroad first.

I was pulling most units out ot Yenan, because they are pretty immobile there.  On the Railroad, they can cause some problems, or threaten other points.  I think the objectives in China have to center on cleaning up the isolated troops at Paotow and that city near Shanghai, and then screwing with their supply.  That means a bombing campaign, supported by aggressive troops moves that look like offensives.  We have to take out the Oil and Resources in China.

Thinking ahead, we will never take Burma head-on, but if we cut them off from India, they will have to draw supplies from China.  If China is having supply problems, then Burma will too. 

OK, the Kates are ready.  I divided them; I would fly the Parent of unit /C somewhere, and then disband that Fragment into Hiryu's Kates.  AFTER you do that, move everything else to the same base you moved /C to, including the broken planes, and rebuild the unit.  It should now have 23 pilots.  I picked /C because the fragment there is the right size; 5 pilots, 6 planes.

I think that my partner makes a good argument regarding China.  Thoughts:

1.  We should take Paotow first with part of the army from Yenen.  The town should be deliberately surrounded and then taken so we get the surrenders.
2.  Order 3 Inf Div to head south and help destroy the the Chinese around Pucheng and Kanshien. 
3.  Move several more units to Yanku to make the Allies wonder where all those troops have gone.
4.  IDEA:  We could advance up the road behind Homan and make it LOOK like we want to cutoff the city.  This SHOULD provoke a Chinese response. 

India Invasion:
1.  I would load all the Armor instead of the Imperial Guards for the initial landing.
2.  To 'fix' the attention of the Allies, I will move more units into the hex between Mandalay and Lashio.  Once both Inf Div are there then they will move into the Lashio hex.  We've pulled the 4th Brigade from Singapore to add to Burma.  Coupled with the 35th Brigade we should be OK to deal with any countermove by the Allies.
3.  Have been resting the Bombers and Zeros in Burma and now they will get moving.  A force of 64 unescorted bombers hit the Japanese Inf Div south of Mandlay.  I CAP it with 2 Zero Daitai for tomorrow.  IF the bombers fly again then they should put the hurt on the Allies.  Once this has occurred then I will launch a Sweep at Calcutta using 100 Zeros followed by a bombing run of 50Z and 100+ Betty.

Columbo/Trincomalee
1.  We have a problem.  The RN has moved out of Columbo.  Some ships still there at both sites.
2.  Our CVs should strike at the Ports and then provide Flank Protection for the landing.

New Zealand
1.  Operation Shoestring scores as the 2nd NZ Cav Brigade is driven from 64,138 in an 8-1 attack.
2.  I flew a Recon over Wellington and there are only 2 units present.  One would be the fortress and another a Base Force.

This operation is crazy.  I've got two reinforced Brigades and may have a chance to take the North Island.  We'll have to see.  In moving out I should certainly provoke a response by the Allies.  KB, now fully refueled and concentrated, will depart Suva tomorrow for the area between Australia and New Zealand.

SE Pac
1.  Took Wallis on March 2nd.
2.  Landings coming on Savaii with 56th Inf Div prepping for Pago-Pago.
3.  A bombardment TF of 2 BC departed to hit this island.

This is news from my side of the war...




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