Arafura operation continues (Full Version)

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Jzanes -> Arafura operation continues (5/9/2011 10:49:13 PM)

December 15, 1944

Burma:

Still no japanese raids on PKK. Transport planes have the base up to 17K troops with 580 AV and 480 engineers. Supplies are low though as none has come thru the jungle from Mergui (yet?). My garrison is about as big as I need now and I’ll have the transport planes concentrate on flying in supply from now on.

Rader committed several hundred fighters in an attempt to contest my suppression raids on Chumpion. A2A losses were about even with Georges/Franks doing pretty good against single squadron Spitfire/P51 sweeps. The massed P47s sweeps pretty much slaughtered his best and brightest (as usual). Then the heavies came in and destroyed 130 fighters on the ground. Next turn, I’ve concentrated my force and will hit Chumpion, Victoria Point, and Surat Thani very hard.

A japanese surface force moved into Port Blair harbour. I imagine Rader hoped to shoot up some allied shipping but found none (it’s all been pulled back for now). Beaufighters and soviet IL-4 torpedo bombers attacked this surface force. The Beaufighters have about 50 low naval but didn’t do more than strafe a few DDs. However, the soviets saved by the day by putting 2 torpedoes into CA Mogami and 1 into CA Kumano. Mogami is reported sunk but we’ll have to see if that’s true. Dutch/British subs swarm around Port Blair waiting for the cripples trying to reach safety…

Arafura Sea:

My heart was pounding watching the replay in anticipation of wave after wave of naval bombers hitting the American CV force. What a relief to find no japanese attacks vs. the fleet. I lost about 50 Avengers when an underescorted raid on Sorong got jumped by japanese fighters but otherwise a very successful turn. Paratroops capture Misool and Gorong without opposition. Very large ground forces are landed on Babo and Bolea without opposition. They attack next turn after carrier and land based bombers try to soften up the defenders. I have enough force to grab both bases but maybe not immediately.

The CV and surface fleet will pull back to the Taberfane area and await the result of the ground battles next turn. This allows me to concentrate my carrier air in an area where they can support each other and defend all my landings. LR CAP Hellcats will defend token small TFs left to deliver supply to the stage 2 bases. If Rader comes with strong attacks, they will be overwhelmed but these AKs are expendable at this point.

The Australians grab Taberfane, Kai, and Molu. Selaroe and Dobo should fall next turn but Saumlaki might hold out a little longer. Large #s of medium bombers will pound the Saumlaki garrison next turn. Heavy bombers will hit Timor and Sorong in an attempt to keep the japanese LBA from meddling with the operation.

Large #s of now empty amphibious ships are heading back to Milne Bay to concentrate and load up the troops for stage 3.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/7B35CE3CF97847C09A81147F0B52A544.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: Arafura operation continues (5/11/2011 4:47:24 PM)

December 19, 1944

Burma:

Still no attacks on PKK. I suspect Rader intends to let PKK be for now and just set up blocking troops to keep the allies contained. For now, that’s fine with me because I need better logistics before I’ll be able to use PKK as a jump off point towards Bangkok or Malaya. Transport planes are providing enough supply to gradually build up the base (level 2 forts currently) but no supply has moved thru the jungle yet.

Allied airpower continues to keep the Andaman Islands, Bangkok area, and Chumpion/Victoria Point airfields suppressed. In addition, every turn I’m hitting various japanese troop concentrations hoping to switch them over to combat mode to help slowdown any moves on PKK. Japanese troops caught in clear hexes are taking heavy damage relative to troops in better terrain.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/749AFB88EF83403DBDFEC52013E24100.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: Arafura operation continues (5/11/2011 4:48:04 PM)

(December 19, 1944 con’t)

Arafura Sea:

All stage 1 and stage 2 targets have now been captured. The fleet has been pulled back for some R&R while I bring up the troops for stage 3. Still no japanese naval/air attacks but they have moved in large #s of fighter planes to defend West Timor and western New Guinea. I’ve lost close to 80 heavy bombers over the last few turns as they attack before the fighter sweeps. C’est la vie, luckily I have several hundred B24s left in the pool. Next turn I’m focusing on hitting heavily swept Lautem in East Timor and Ambon/Namlea. For the first time, I’m also sending out port attacks on these bases. I imagine there are only ACMs and barges in their harbours but I might as well clear them out.

Key stage 2 targets Boela and Babo are low on supply. Transport planes are bringing in a trickle of supply but I’m going to try to slip in some supply AKs. I’ll just send a few at a time just in case the japanese decide to send out naval bombers. Each base now has 4 or 5 squadrons of corsairs flying CAP.

Several stage 1 bases already have level 1 fields and the rest just about have operational airfields. Corsairs and Spitfires are providing CAP and I’ve got a decent naval search web setup. ASW/Naval attack planes will be the next group to be flown in. Within a week I should have large enough bases for medium bombers and within 2 weeks I should have some shiny new heavy bomber bases ready to go.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/1E252E0E59C6479786EC9735161C117A.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> 1945 at last (5/17/2011 7:49:26 PM)

January 2, 1945

Got a little time today to update the AAR. I’m not on my gaming computer so no screenshots but here’s some highlights;

Burma:

Prichaup Khiri Khan (PKK) is fully supplied and well garrisoned at this point. My guess proved correct and Rader has set up blocking forces on both the Malaya and Thailand side of this incursion and doesn’t appear interested in counterattacking,

The long dormant Chinese expeditionary army (3500 AV) near Chiang Mai has been deliberate attacking in the far north of the line for the last few turns. So far they’ve been getting 1:2 odds but I will persist with this offensive and hope that my attacks and ground attack bombers will be able to eventually wear down the Japanese troops (about 1200 AV).

Commonwealth Parachute units captured the dot bases of Trinkat and Car Nicobar in the Andaman Islands. I coupled this attack with sending in amphibious shipping with support units and supply. I anticipated a Japanese naval/air counter to this move but in 6 days, Rader has made no move to interrupt this operation. Naval search planes have made sporadic sightings of carriers around Singapore but they haven’t made any moves up the Malacca strait. I will continue to send small expendable TFs with additional troops and supply to these islands while also flying in supply. Once I get a level 1 airfield, I will fly in some ASW and fighter planes. My intention is to use these islands to interdict any resupply of Port Blair. Once Port Blair is cutoff, I can send in more troops and try to finally break the stalemate.

DEI / New Guinea:

Captured stage 1 and stage 2 bases have been steadily growing. For example, Taberfane is up to a level 5 airbase and is being used as a medium bomber base. Both sides have been raiding nearby ports with DDs. My DDs have been roughly handling his MTB units while he’s done the same to my PTs and he’s sunk a few AKs.

My airpower has been working hard to suppress nearby airfields. Rader moved in large #s of fighters into East Timor. At first my LBA had trouble breaking thru this fighter mass and I lost a fair # of bombers when my sweeps failed to clear away the CAP. I changed tactics and used carrier based Hellcats to gain air superiority prior to sending the LBA back in. This worked very well and the Hellcats broke the fighter’s back (over 20:1 kills:losses ratios for the Hellcats) and Rader lost close to a 1,000 airframes on the ground. I recently used this same strategy to suppress Sorong/Sansapor on the New Guinea northwest coast.

About a week ago I got a major shock when kamikazes were used for the first time. Japanese fighter escort/bomber coordination was horrible and marine corsairs on CAP pretty much slaughtered the piecemeal raids. However, several Helen bombers got thru the CAP and rammed and sank 2 TKs, a couple AKs, and a DE. No further kamikaze attacks since but I’ve redoubled my CAP just in case.

Amphibious invasions just hit the stage 3 target of Ambon and will land at Namlea next turn. No naval/air resistance so far. My carriers will stand by until these bases are captured and will then retire for rest and refit. Several carriers are due upgrades and all carriers are about to take on their corsair squadrons. I’ll be curious to see how this changes the distribution of planes on the carriers. All carriers are currently “maxxed” out with airgroups composed of 42 fighters/32 dive bombers/and 18 torpedo bombers.

My Rabaul area force recently captured Hollandia on the central north New Guinea coast. The next base up the line, the dot base of Sarmi, will be invaded within another week or so and then I’ll have to wait for the capture of Sorong/Sansapor before moving on the major Japanese citadels of Biak and Noemfoor. Unless, Rader puts up some serious resistance, I should be able to finish off New Guinea by early February.



Jzanes -> Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/23/2011 7:19:57 PM)

January 12, 1945

Russia:

The Russians are back into the war. Back in November it quickly became clear that I wasn’t going to break thru his front and reach Shilka or Borzya so this time I’m trying to get somewhere by advancing from Ulan Bator towards Mangan and Choybalsan.

Parachute units and fast driving tanks swept aside the small japanese advance units at Ondorhaan and Wuteh. I will continue to drive as deep as possible before my supply lines are stretched or Rader moves up enough force to stop me.

The Russian airforce is finally getting some replacements but is still woefully understrength. In addition, russian fighters are proving to be poor and are taking at least 3:1 losses:victories in air battles vs. late model Oscars and Zeroes. I suspect part of the problem is that our houserule restricts fighters from flying above their best maneuver band and the most numerous russian fighter (YaK-9) is limited to 9000 feet while his fighters are able to go up to 15 or 20 thousand feet and get the dreaded dive bonus. In comparison, the western allies benefit from having all their main fighters able to go to at least 20K with Hellcats swooping down from 30K and P47s going even higher.

To make matters worse, the russian airforce has very short legs with their most numerous fighters having a range of 4 or 5 and their only really numerous bomber (IL-2m3) having a range of 3(!). Rader is taking advantage of this and has loaded up his out of my range airbases of Borzya and Hailar with lots of planes. What he doesn’t know though is that I’ve just moved XXI Bomber Command (150 B29s) from Calcutta to Irkutsk (level 9 airbase behind the front lines). These big boys will try to plaster Borzya and Hailar next turn and at least temporarily slow down his airforce.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/FB02D6E5AF9E4928A68C812C977DF583.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/23/2011 7:20:30 PM)

(January 12, 1945 con’t)

Burma:

The Chinese continue to deliberate attack the japanese units holding the north of the line. I am steadily grinding them down but can’t get over the hump (1:2 odds) and push them out. I’m going to rest my troops next turn and pound them with pretty much all my bombers (except for B29s on airfield suppression duty and XXI bomber command which was just sent to Russia).

Japanese forces pushed my blocking forces out of several of the hexes in the center of line around Tavoy. I don’t see him advancing any further and I suspect he was just taking advantage of local mismatches in forces. I’ll rest these routed allied units and send them back to block these hexes (plus some reinforcements of course) when they are healthy again.

Japanese cruisers and DDs have been swarming around the Andamans and have shot up 10 or so LSTs bringing troops to Car Nicobar/Trinkat. I’ve also lost some MTBs in skirmishes with his ships and a couple subs to ASW air/naval units. In return, he’s lost 4 LSTs, had a couple DDs damaged, and lost a couple subs. The good news is that most of the troops reached shore and Car Nicobar airfield just reached level 1. I immediately flew in 3 squadrons of Spitfire VIIIs and a couple of squadrons of Barracuda dive bombers on ASW duty. My transport plane armada is now able to fly in ground reinforcements and if Rader doesn’t shut down the airfield, I’ll have it built up into a major citadel in no time. It won’t be easy to shut it down since I’ve been suppressing all the airfields in the Andamans plus Sabang, Chumpion, Victoria Point, Surat Thani, the northern Thailand, and the Bangkok area airfields.

Once I chase away his subs, I’ll be using the British surface ships to try to gain naval dominance in the Andaman islands area.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/A1397094AC7841669BF0F1541FDB1E63.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/23/2011 7:21:01 PM)

(January 12, 1945 con’t)

Eastern DEI:

It looks like Rader has given up trying to contest this area. He’s pulled his planes out of western New Guinea and his large air force in western Timor hasn’t done anything for weeks. Also he’s discontinued any resupply ops to either area and I haven’t seen anymore DD raids.

Stage 3 targets Ambon and Namlea were captured easily and my forces are just about ready to move on the Sorong area (50,000 japanese troops) and the islands of Babar, Damar, and Moa in the Banda Sea (lightly garrisoned by Japan). My carriers have finished up their R&R and are ready to head back into battle.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/A7BA4AAA67C847868706E48C4659C523.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 2:09:50 PM)

January 14, 1945

XXI Bomber Command based at Irkutsk plastered Borzya and Hailar destroying several hundred japanese fighters and bombers. Not too surprisingly, this led to a bit of a back and forth over the plausibility of basing american bombers in russia. Curious what others have to say on the issue. Here's our conversation;

Rader,

"I'm not going to squeal too loudly because I attacked Russia and there are a lot of pro-Japanese aspects to the game too, but it is a bit politically and logistically silly for allied a/c to operate from Russian airfields (and Chinese in large numbers). Not insisting on anything at all, but just wanted to ask your thoughts on it. We do have a HR about it in my other game, and I think negotiating this at the start of the game is a better move by Japan than attacking Russia to deny allied strategic bomber airfields - which IMO is the only reason to attack :)

In a "normal" game I would probably insist on this because otherwise, once Russia is active, there is zero reason for the allied player to make any attempt to get airfields closer to the home islands. In this game, I'm prepared to give some leeway because it could be argued that the sitation is different with the Russian far east being attacked."

Jason,

"Gotta say I disagree completely.

Arguing it's not historical is sort of a dead end argument since Stalin didn't allow the western allies to operate out of the Far East in WW2 because he didn't want to break his neutrality pact with Japan (until he was ready at least). That's moot now since the japanese attacked russia in 1942.

Arguing it's not logistically impossible is another dead end argument since the spare parts, bombs, etc. needed to support western allied airpower could've been brought in via lend lease. Supplying an airforce in russia isn't any different than supplying an airforce in India/Burma or Australia when it comes down to it.

Regardless of the "historical" arguments regarding this what if situation, not allowing allied airpower in an activated russia is a horribly one sided japanese friendly house rule. We both know how weak the russian airforce (and armored force for that matter) is due to the oversight of the designers. Without the threat of large soviet airbases near the home islands, there's no reason not to attack the russians, smash their limited airpower, and bottle them up for most of the game. Given the "rock-paper-scissors" logic of this game, not having the threat of long range bombers in russia, pretty much reduces the soviets to a paper tiger.

I would not agree to a houserule forbidding western airpower in russia at the start of a game (or any other point) and I think your rookie opponent really made a mistake in agreeing to it."

Rader,

"I don't really have a problem with you doing it, but in a game where russia was not aatcked, I think it would be absolutely necessary. And the 'historical' argument dosen't hold much water only because lots of things in the game aren't historical. But it is totally absurd to say that it would have been tealistic for the western allies to operate large airforces in the soviet far east in 1945. The soviets and western allies were totally antagonisitc about these issues. No allied airforces were permitted to operatre in russia vs. Germany, so it certainly wasn't about the neutrality pact - they were co-beligerents but barely allies.. And in a normal game it would be horible for the game to allow allied 4e bombers to use russian bases. What would be the point for taking any islands hoping towards japan. Were the allies making any plans to use russian bases for any purposes in the invasion of japan. Absolutely not! And russia was active by that point. The allies wanted russia to stay the hell out of japan. And by the logisitc part I mean using russian grease monkeys untrained in dealing with allies ac... But I more meant the problems in china which were the main reasons why the historical start campaign from china was so limited. Yes, pro-japanese, but probably should be traded for no start bobbing of china... Whis is also a bit silly. But anyway, didn't expect you to give on this, just wanted to express that I thought it was silly. May post the debate on the forum just as a curiosity about opinions if that's ok with you? But regardless, don't expect anything. :)"

Jason,

"actually stalin did allow allied forces to operate in the european theatre but it was admittedly very limited. for example, allied heavy bombers flew from north africa and hit ploesti and flew on to land in russia on at least one occasion. i think stalin restricted interaction with the western allies due to his paranoia that interaction with western pilots would somehow lead to a revolution in russia. the far east is a much different situation though. i don't think he'd be too concerned about the underpopulated far east revolting against his rule no matter how many westerners ended up in the area.

i think the thing you keep glossing over is the key fact that the far east has been activated since 1942. sure, stalin didn't want the allies in the far east and the allies didn't plan to operate out of russia but they were looking at a neutral russia until august 1945. by then, both sides had enough power to wipe out japan without having to bother coordinating with the other side. in our game though, russia has been active since mid 42 when both sides were struggling vs. the axis and had plenty of incentive to work together.

the way the game works, if the supply and support is there, then it is feasible to operate large air formations in russia or anywhere else. in game terms, the allied strat campaign would be restricted because of the difficulties in supply and numerical av support, not because of "untrained grease monkeys". again in game terms, a level 9 base with lots of av support can support large #s of planes regardless of nationality. the way i see it, dutch, brit, US, soviet, and chinese mechanics are abstracted to repair any ole plane. regardless, even now the chinese infrastructure probably couldn't support an extended strategic campaign and the russian infrastructure is also limited and it'll be interesting to see how much it can support.

you say it's horrible to let western 4Es use soviet bases but that's the consequence of activating the russians so early. you gotta pay to play. it's the japanese players decision if they want to activate the russians. if they do so and the allies use those bases and don't bother with the island campaign, well, that's the japanese player's fault. if they hadn't activated the soviets then the allies would have to do things the historical way. it's not like i could've ignored the island campaign and pounded japan without you having activated the soviets.

all the historical arguments are irrelevant. i think it comes to a game balance issue. the only possible alternative is to say that activating the russians is off limits until they self-activate in 1945. i'd agree to a houserule forbidding western allied use of soviet bases if the soviets remain inactive till august 45 but if the japanese attack earlier, it's only fair that they would have to face an unrestricted allied war machine."





kfsgo -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 5:12:21 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes

"actually stalin did allow allied forces to operate in the european theatre but it was admittedly very limited. for example, allied heavy bombers flew from north africa and hit ploesti and flew on to land in russia on at least one occasion.



Not sure I'd say it was that limited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Frantic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._151_Wing_RAF

Not real long-term operations, sure, but there's a fair degree of commitment involved there.



Jzanes -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 7:07:49 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: kfsgo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes

"actually stalin did allow allied forces to operate in the european theatre but it was admittedly very limited. for example, allied heavy bombers flew from north africa and hit ploesti and flew on to land in russia on at least one occasion.



Not sure I'd say it was that limited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Frantic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._151_Wing_RAF

Not real long-term operations, sure, but there's a fair degree of commitment involved there.


thanx Kfsgo. interesting links that seem to reinforce my position that it's quite possible that stalin would allow allied planes in the far east.



Borodino -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 7:35:47 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes


quote:

ORIGINAL: kfsgo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes

"actually stalin did allow allied forces to operate in the european theatre but it was admittedly very limited. for example, allied heavy bombers flew from north africa and hit ploesti and flew on to land in russia on at least one occasion.



Not sure I'd say it was that limited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Frantic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._151_Wing_RAF

Not real long-term operations, sure, but there's a fair degree of commitment involved there.


thanx Kfsgo. interesting links that seem to reinforce my position that it's quite possible that stalin would allow allied planes in the far east.


It is actually difficult query, in sources I have read in Russian language on OPERATION FRANTIC, it seems that Soviet leadership all up to and including Stalin himself were enthusiastic and pushing for operation more than most Western Allied leaders, however realities of bureaucracy leaders did not consider hampered success - mostly the management in middle between high command and execution.

However, this was different situation than Far East. Also FRANTIC took nearly 7 month of planning and logistics movement to support US Bombers in Ukraine. In reality it is not as simple as bombers land at base x and operations commence tomorrow. But this is how it can work in WITP because support point is support point and supply point is supply point. Reality of war in January 1945 with Europe same as reality limited American bombers probably would be allowed in Japan eventually. It just take 4 months of slow moving diplomacy to allow it then several more months of logistics movement to support operations. Just my thoughts.



Jzanes -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 8:47:01 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Borodino


quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes


quote:

ORIGINAL: kfsgo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes

"actually stalin did allow allied forces to operate in the european theatre but it was admittedly very limited. for example, allied heavy bombers flew from north africa and hit ploesti and flew on to land in russia on at least one occasion.



Not sure I'd say it was that limited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Frantic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._151_Wing_RAF

Not real long-term operations, sure, but there's a fair degree of commitment involved there.


thanx Kfsgo. interesting links that seem to reinforce my position that it's quite possible that stalin would allow allied planes in the far east.


It is actually difficult query, in sources I have read in Russian language on OPERATION FRANTIC, it seems that Soviet leadership all up to and including Stalin himself were enthusiastic and pushing for operation more than most Western Allied leaders, however realities of bureaucracy leaders did not consider hampered success - mostly the management in middle between high command and execution.

However, this was different situation than Far East. Also FRANTIC took nearly 7 month of planning and logistics movement to support US Bombers in Ukraine. In reality it is not as simple as bombers land at base x and operations commence tomorrow. But this is how it can work in WITP because support point is support point and supply point is supply point. Reality of war in January 1945 with Europe same as reality limited American bombers probably would be allowed in Japan eventually. It just take 4 months of slow moving diplomacy to allow it then several more months of logistics movement to support operations. Just my thoughts.


thanks for the comments Borodino.

I've known it'd be possible that I'd send planes to russia since 1942 so i suppose we could assume that american and soviet diplomats, bureaucrats, and military commanders have been working to set the stage for the arrival of american B29s in the soviet far east.



witpqs -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 9:10:07 PM)

Here's my perhaps unique opinion:

Stalin would have allowed limited assistance such as you are using to open the gates to Russia's troops and get the invaders out of Russia. But - he would cut it off once the invaders were back on their heels, and under no circumstances would he want to help the US be the sole winner by bombing the Japanese homeland into submission. He would have wanted things to be difficult for the Allies until his forces were ready to take their slice of the pie.



Borodino -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 9:27:01 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes


thanks for the comments Borodino.

I've known it'd be possible that I'd send planes to russia since 1942 so i suppose we could assume that american and soviet diplomats, bureaucrats, and military commanders have been working to set the stage for the arrival of american B29s in the soviet far east.


From my perspective I see that as a perfectly reasonable assumption, the number of bombers deployed and perhaps some fighter escort support added is reasonable too, though many more might be pushing limits.



Jzanes -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 9:52:03 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Here's my perhaps unique opinion:

Stalin would have allowed limited assistance such as you are using to open the gates to Russia's troops and get the invaders out of Russia. But - he would cut it off once the invaders were back on their heels, and under no circumstances would he want to help the US be the sole winner by bombing the Japanese homeland into submission. He would have wanted things to be difficult for the Allies until his forces were ready to take their slice of the pie.


that certainly sounds like Stalin to me. IIRC correctly, my bombers are still out of range of the homeland and will be restricted to providing airfield suppression support for the soviet army.



Jzanes -> RE: Jan 1945 Russia rejoins the war (5/24/2011 9:53:45 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Borodino


quote:

ORIGINAL: Jzanes


thanks for the comments Borodino.

I've known it'd be possible that I'd send planes to russia since 1942 so i suppose we could assume that american and soviet diplomats, bureaucrats, and military commanders have been working to set the stage for the arrival of american B29s in the soviet far east.


From my perspective I see that as a perfectly reasonable assumption, the number of bombers deployed and perhaps some fighter escort support added is reasonable too, though many more might be pushing limits.


I was just thinking I might have to send some P51s to Russia to provide long range escorts for the B29s....



Jzanes -> March 1945 All out War (7/1/2011 9:45:34 PM)

March 7, 1945

I haven’t been able to update the AAR for some time but we’ve been continuing the war at a steady pace. Rader is on vacation for a week so I thought I’d use some free time to update the AAR.

Overall, the allies continue to attack all over the map. The Russians, Chinese, and British are moving forward very slowly but are engaging a large chunk of the japanese air, ground, and naval forces. This has allowed the Americans to keep advancing without any significant resistance.

I’m going to post a screenshot for each of the major battle areas; northern Russia, Russia-China border, South China, Burma, and the Eastern DEI. I will then discuss the recent Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea. The first carrier battle of the war.

Here’s the latest summary screen;


[image]local://upfiles/14667/2FBE48B2E80B4EDC9CA164367D9BEB5F.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> March 1945 All out War (7/1/2011 9:46:18 PM)

(March 7, 1945 con’t)

Northern Russia:

This region remains a backwater. Neither side has committed any real airpower and a static front has developed with neither side able to breakthrough due to the excellent defensive terrain. I am loathe to advance far in the steppe as troops caught in the open are easy meat for bombers. I am trying to flank his forces on the far eastern part of the line but it’s unlikely I’ll be able to get very far. The intention is to force Rader to commit more troops or thin out other parts of his line.

The Russians start getting very large troop reinforcements in two months and we’ll see about punching thru in this region at that point.

I have 3 B29 bases guarded by fighters to the rear. Rader hasn’t attempted to attack them and B29s regularly attack targets along the Russia-China border. I have been resting them a lot though as B29 replacements are relatively light. The B29B just came online and this will give me another 40 superforts every month. The soviet based B29s will be the first squadrons to be upgraded.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/24EDEFE7E3074BCABF510CB2E9CDFA2F.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> March 1945 All out War (7/1/2011 9:46:53 PM)

(March 7, 1945 con’t)

Russia-China border:

This region is a hotbed of activity. Almost all the russian airpower is concentrated in Mangan and Wuteh along the Ulan Bator-Kalgan road. Rader has committed large #s of fighters and bombers to oppose them and there have been heavy losses on both sides. American P51s have stiffened the russian fighter forces which are starting to get some high quality planes. The high flying P63 King Cobra’s are the best soviet plane while the La-5FN can hold it’s own with the various Georges, Franks, Tojos, Oscars, zeroes, and Tojos. All forms of the Yak are very weak though due to being restricted to under 10,000 feet due to our houserule. Rader recently introduced the Ki-83 twin engine fighter which has been a real monster. This is due to it’s ability to go to 30,000 feet. The high altitude (30K+) P47N just came online and the soviet based P51s will be the first squadrons to get this badboy.

On the ground, the russian army ran into the japanese line of defense in the rough terrain north of Kalgan. This area quickly bogged down due to sizable japanese forces rushed into the area. Then the 2,000 AV strong Chinese army arrived and grabbed Paotow, Kweisui, and just recently, Tatung. The arrival of the Chinese appeared to have surprised Rader and they were able to grab some territory before he rushed forward some reserves.

At the same time, russian tank forces rushed forward and cut the Kalgan-Tolun road. This has left Rader with a large salient around Kalgan with potential breakthroughs on both sides of it.

My plan is to keep pushing with the Chinese and pound away at his center with my russian forces while sending the russian armor into the Tolun-Linshi area hoping to cut the railroad lines and surround his forces.

Earlier, I dropped paratroops on the city of Chinchow hoping to grab this key railroad link between Manchukuo and China. Unfortunately, there was an unspotted japanese brigade in the city and my paratroop fragments were quickly wiped out. The two parachute battalions are rebuilt now and ready to drop if a good opportunity presents itself.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/364F7AA4A5644A3D8BCA9654530E4155.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: March 1945 All out War (7/1/2011 9:48:38 PM)

(March 7, 1945 con’t)

South China:

In planning the allied 1945 victory offensives, this region was always intended to be a diversion. My goal was to try to draw off some japanese strength and I had very low expectations re: making gains. This diversion began with an assault on the siegeworks outside Changsha.

What a surprise it was to see the Chinese get a series of 1:1 results in their deliberate attacks. This led Rader to send in lots of units from the Canton and Hankow areas. My Changsha force has been resting for a few weeks now but I intend to give it another shot once I’ve regained some strength. I have something like 5000 AV at Changsha vs. 3000 japanese AV.

The need to defend vs. a breakout from Changsha has led to limited resistance vs. the other aspects of the south china offensive. After blocking the road from Indochina, Chinese troops grabbed Pakhoi, Kwangchowan, Wuchow, and recently, Kiungshan “auto” switched to allied control. This screenshot is from the 3/5 turn so it doesn’t show Kiungshan as allied. Rader has sent me the replay from the 3/7 turn but hasn’t gotten the turn file back to me yet. Several of the later screenshots will also show the 3/5 situation while my text will refer to events that happened during the 3/7 turn.

I have a few squadrons of soviet IL-2s and Chinese fighters in the area but haven’t seen any japanese planes for over a month.

In preparing this AAR update, I’ve started to wonder whether it’d be worth it to fly in some troops to Hainan from Burma. The british could probably keep a brigade or two plus support troops in supply via transport plane and a couple squadrons of mosquito fighter bombers could really do a good job harassing the shipping in the south china sea and around Hong Kong. Then again, any troops in Hainan could probably be overwhelmed by a japanese counteroffensive. Also, the japanese could send their shipping farther south and stay out of range of the allied planes. If anyone has an opinion on this, feel free to lemme hear it.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/E23CE248A5674FD294B3A18EF258E1CB.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: March 1945 All out War (7/1/2011 9:49:14 PM)

(March 7, 1945 con’t)

Burma:

Most of the action in the british theatre has been taking place in the Andaman Islands area but I’ll save that for later discussion.

Mainland Burma remains very quiet due to a stalemate on the ground. The Chinese attack on the far north of the line finally stalled out once japanese reinforcements arrived. I moved several brigades into the jungle outside Tavoy in order to regain control of several hexsides and protect against any japanese moves to cut the coastal road. This led to a japanese attempt to ambush my bombers attacking the japanese army defending the jungle hex. British spitfires and thunderbolts roughly handled his LR Capping fighters and I haven’t seen any sign of japanese planes since then.

Allied bombers routinely bomb troops in the open or suppress various airfields in Thailand and Malaya, usually in support of action in the Andamans area. Otherwise, it’s been very quiet and I’ve gotten in the habit of sailing small supply convoys as far south as Mergui.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/F0ADF4CB67EC4A99999E3EC5899B631B.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: March 1945 All out War (7/1/2011 9:49:51 PM)

(March 7, 1945 con’t)

Eastern DEI:

In the last two months, the americans have made steady progress. Any japanese resistance has been sporadic and ineffective in slowing down the mighty (and growing) American war machine.

The americans have been focused on two key operations over the last month; the capture of the remaining bases in New Guinea and the invasion of East Timor.

The American carriers and heavy bombers smashed japanese airpower in West Timor which allowed for a clean invasion of East Timor. Wetar and Alor have been developed into strong forward fighter bases while Dili is a medium bomber base. The final East Timor base of Lautem is about to be attacked by the US/Australian army of 2500 AV. Thirty some japanese units are present but they are mostly support units. Japanese AV numbers around 600.

Once East Timor is secured, we will begin the invasion of West Timor and start rolling up the archipelago towards Java.

I knew that “turning the corner” and attacking Manokwari/Noemfoor/Biak was going to be tricky. Recon had consistently shown that Rader has based large #s of planes at Peliliu/Babeldaob and I suspected there was a carrier force out there waiting for a chance to do some damage. The New Guinea operation was made even more tricky because I decided not to provide any carrier support.

Once I grabbed Manokwari, Rader made his move. Large #s of fighters and kamikaze bombers moved into Noemfoor/Biak while a large carrier force moved forward within range of the invasion fleet. Luckily for me, my medium bombers pounded his planes on the ground and his kamikazes sank only a handful or ships. Old BBs serving as flagships of the amphibious TFs did their job and absorbed the majority of the kamikaze hits. Several BBs were hit by 6 or more kamikazes but only required a week in port to pound out the dents (max. of 15 system damage with no float or engine damage).

Corsairs on CAP did an excellent job chewing up the various kamikaze raids but I was certain they wouldn’t be able to fend off a large carrier plane raid. What a relief to see weather close down his carrier ops. Only one small carrier raid was launched and only sank a handful of empty LSTs.

Over the next week, the remaining bases were captured and large #s of corsairs provided defense as the army was withdrawn back to the main regional base of Boela. I have left a small garrison and base force in each northern New Guinea base while the rest of the army is prepping for targets in the Moluccas and Celebes.

I’ve long had my eye on Kendari. The capture of this airbase would allow me to advance west towards Java or north towards the Phillipines with less concern re: getting hit in the flank by japanese naval bombers. From the looks of it, Rader also values this base and has had 1,000+ planes based at the large nearby airbase of Makassar for the last month or so. I decided that this concentration of airpower would need to be taken care of to allow for a safe invasion of Kendari.

The allied carrier armada moved within drop tank range and Hellcats and carrier based corsairs initiated the assault in a series of sweeps. Several hundred ground based corsairs also swept the base. As expected, hundreds of japanese fighters of a rainbow of types gave battle. I have yet to get the turn report back, but from the replay, it looked as though the allied fighters gained about a 5:1 kills to losses ratio and very few fighters remained to attack the 500 heavies that followed the sweeps. On day 1 of the turn (3/5), the base was closed down and on day 2, only a few float fighters flew CAP and the heavy bombers destroyed hundreds of grounded japanese planes.

At the same time, the invasion fleet moved forward towards Kendari while carrier based Helldivers and Avengers and ground based medium bombers pounded the empty airbases of Kendari, Sidate, Ternate, and Manado.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/605E5AA86BE241F59DB6B66EB740385D.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> March 1945 Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea (7/1/2011 9:51:07 PM)

(March 7, 1945 con’t)

Pacific:

No screenshot from this area because there isn’t much to see. I invaded and captured Wake Island about a month ago but there has been no japanese counter move. The two CVE TFs that supported the Wake invasion have now moved south to Suva and will be used to support a move on the Gilbert Islands. I don’t really have much force in the area but from the looks of it, Rader has nothing much in the area and has dramatically reduced the garrison of the key Gilbert Islands base of Tabiteau. I’m just going to grab a couple of the empty bases around Tabiteau and gradually build up some airbases.

I suspect that the war will end with most of the Gilberts and Marshall islands in japanese hands. I’ve never been much of a fan of major ops in the central pacific. The bases are all pretty useless and the potential for disaster is just too high.

Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea (prelude):

Back in early January 1945, british parachute forces captured the dot bases of Car Nicobar and Trinkat in the Andamans Islands. This almost inevitably led to the clash of arms known as the Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea.

From January to March, there were a series of actions where each side tried to gain dominance over the sea lanes to Port Blair. Here’s a rough ordering of these events;

1. Allied paratroops capture Car Nicobar and Trinkat. Amphibious shipping brings in a large ground force before the japanese can react.
2. Car Nicobar reaches a level 2 airbase and land based naval bombers sink several japanese DDs and SSs.
3. Massive japanese BB/CA TFs begin making bombardment runs on Car Nicobar in an attempt to keep it closed.
4. The large #s of engineers on the island quickly repair damage to Car Nicobar and supply flown in from Mergui/Tavoy, allows allied airforces to fly in and strike at japanese LSTs/DDs/and SSs bringing supply (and troops?) to Port Blair. Several hundred allied transport planes are lost to OPS over the course of the two months. But they keep Car Nicobar alive and dangerous.
5. Long range naval bombers (Soviet IL-4Ts and british beaufighters/mosquitos) join the battle flying out of Tavoy or Mergui. On several occasions, they catch japanese TFs at Port Blair and sink several japanese CAs, CLs, and DDs. The IL-4T is especially dangerous while the Beaufighters prove useless. They are gradually converted over to Mosquitoes which prove to be very effective.
6. In between japanese BB/CA raids, British light SC forces (CAs, CLs, and DDs,) and ASW TFs run in and shoot up japanese ASW and submarine forces in the Andamans area. Both sides take losses in these skirmishes.
7. Japanese SSs are mostly pulled out of the battle due to heavy losses. Allied SSs remain in the area due to almost constant allied air supremacy over the Andamans.
8. Allied heavy bombers fly daily raids suppressing airfields throughout the Andamans, Western Sumatra, and Northern Malaya.
9. The japanese change tactics and add carrier TFs to their raids on Car Nicobar. They fly raids on Car Nicobar in conjunction with the usual CA/BB raids. On several occasions, allied planes on LR CAP shoot up japanese raids. The japanese also catch allied planes on the ground on several occasions. Allied squadrons are quickly withdrawn and rebuilt on the mainland.
10. Allied forces continue to raid the sea lanes once the japanese naval forces withdraw to reload. There is usually a gap of 4 days due to having to sail the heavy ships back to Singapore to reload.
11. the japanese change tactics again and split their BB/CA force in two to maintain an almost constant bombardment force. Japanese CVs remain on station to provide support and protection for the japanese bombardment forces.
12. Long range fighters (mostly P51s but also P47s/Thunderbolts) begin flying sweeps of Great Nicobar and Sabang looking to engage and atrrit the CV fighters. The japanese carrier based A6M5c are wore down over the course of a week or so. They prove to be tough but lose more than they kill vs. the superior allied airframes. It is estimated that there are upwards of 20 japanese carriers committed to the Andamans area.
13. Small DD TFs clear the area between the Andamans and Ceylon of japanese picket ships.
14. The british fleet moves into position behind the sweeping DD TFs. They prepare to swoop in and engage the japanese fleet as it clearly begins to run out of fighters.

(March 7, 1945 con’t)

Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea:

On 3/3, the British fleet sails into the battle area. As far as the allies know, they haven’t been spotted but there is some concern that sightings of japanese pickets by CV Avengers in the previous turn may have given the japanese a hint that allied CVs were about. Latest intel informs the british that a japanese BB/CA force is primed to hit Car Nicobar from the Great Nicobar area and that a large japanese CV force is stationed just south of Great Nicobar.

The British plan is to station the fleet around Car Nicobar and rely on large #s of high quality carrier and land based fighters to provide defense vs. the anticipated massive japanese strikes. There are about 80 Spitfire VIIIs based at Trinkat (level 1 field) and several hundred Thunderbolts based at Car Nicobar (level 3 field). The british fleet has limited #s of strike aircraft but they are all highly trained and will be supplemented by land based Barracudas, Avengers, and Beauforts flying out of Car Nicobar.

The British heavy squadron of 3 modern BBs and 2 BCs will cruise off Car Nicobar ready to engage any japanese attempts to bombard the base. An additional TF of 2 old BBs will also be in the area. A CA/CL squadron will be 100 miles to the east to provide support and engage any japanese cripples retreating from Port Blair. On 3/1-2, land based naval bombers sank several japanese CLs and DDs at Port Blair and left several other ships heavily damaged.

Taking advantage of the presence of the fleet, large #s of LST/LSM TFs will deliver more troops and supply to Car Nicobar and Trinkat. They will be defended by several light SC forces and ASW squadrons.

Here’s a summary of the key units of the british fleet:

Heavy CV TF (RADM Boyd): 5 CV
Light CV TF (RADM Moody): 2 CVL 8 CVE
Heavy BB TF (VADM Somerville): 3 BB (Howe, King George V, Richeliu) 2 BC (Renown, Repulse) 2 CA
Slow BB TF (VADM Willis): 2 BB (Valiant, Queen Elizabeth)
Cruiser TF (RADM Palliser): 2 CA 3 CL

3/3-3/4:

The early hours of 3/3 are very quiet. Palliser’s cruiser TF sinks several crippled japanese DDs in the open water east of Car Nicobar but there is no sign of the japanese at Car Nicobar itself.

Both sides flood the area with recon planes in the morning and quickly spot the opposing fleet. It appears as though the japanese haven’t moved from their reported positions from the previous day. RADM Moody in command of the light CV forces decides to close the range while the rest of the fleet stays in place under the land based CAP umbrella (the CVE TF “reacts” 3 hexes closer to the japanese and moves away from the Car Nicobar CAP coverage).

The japanese strike is the first to arrive and hits Moody very hard. The japanese strike is light on fighters (as expected) and Moody’s CAP ravages the Judys and Jills. Still over 100 get thru and sink or mortally damage 6 British CVEs and a CVL (Hermes). CVL Unicorn and the remaining 2 CVEs are damaged and withdraw.

Several other japanese strikes fail to break thru the defenses of the heavy CV TF. Hundreds of japanese strike planes are shot down by british Hellcats and Corsairs. Fewer and fewer japanese fighters are spotted escorting these strikes.

The allied naval bombers hit the japanese carriers in several medium sized waves. The first wave faces most of the remaining japanese fighters and several british avengers are shot down. Most get thru though and all the later strike planes reach the japanese ships. In the end, the japanese are reported to have lost 5 CVEs, 5 CVLs, and a CV. In addition several other CVs and CLs are damaged. I suspect that about 6 japanese flight decks have been sunk. Estimates of aircraft losses are about 50 for the allies and 400 for the japanese. Most of the british planes orphaned by the loss of their flight decks land at Car Nicobar while most of the japanese planes have been shot down by british CAP fighters.

All in all, a minor tactical victory due to much higher japanese aircraft and pilot (400 japanese vs. 40 allied pilot losses for the turn) losses. Overall though, it’s a significant allied victory, the japanese are left with very few fighters left on their carriers meaning they must withdraw and reload. Car Nicobar will get several turns to build up. Reinforcements including CD guns will be delivered during this time. The british fleet loses about ½ their carrier strength but it is now unlikely the japanese fleet will ever be able to go toe to toe with the rapidly advancing American fleet.

3/5-3/6:

The British CVs move to the east of Car Nicobar to cover the withdrawal of the crippled CVL and CVEs. The heavy BB TF remains at Car Nicobar but is set to a 2 hex react in case the japanese raid Trinkat.

During the night of 3/5, two japanese BB/CA squadrons prowl the waters around Trinkat. They sink several CLs, a couple DDs, a couple destroyer escorts, and a dozen landing ships (LSTs and LSMs). None of my nearby SC TFs react (including Somerville’s BBs at Car Nicobar) but one of the destroyer escorts hits BB Kirishima with a torpedo.

Morning naval search finds the japanese fleet mostly gone fleeing towards Singapore. However, BB Kirishima, CA Atago, and several DDs are still around Trinkat. British bombers quickly sink these ships and everything becomes quiet.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/7F9E9C225AD84F2CBBFFEDF2C03748F7.jpg[/image]



GreyJoy -> RE: March 1945 Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea (7/2/2011 1:43:26 AM)

wow...what a report!...[&o]



obvert -> RE: March 1945 Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea (9/9/2011 1:11:35 PM)

What's the status? How are things going in 45?



Jzanes -> RE: March 1945 Carrier Battle of the Andaman Sea (9/15/2011 2:00:45 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

What's the status? How are things going in 45?


Oops sorry, I didn't see this till now. Hopefully, the following update should catch ya up. Any questions/comments are very welcome.



Jzanes -> April 1945: What next? (9/15/2011 2:01:37 AM)

April 24, 1945

Another month and a half of game time has passed since my last update. Rader and I have both been doing turns at a slower pace. Rader has been on various vacations and jzanes headquarters welcomed a new staff officer on 8/17 (Charles Zanes born on 8/17) and he’s been taking up lots of gaming time as we bring him up to speed.

Overall, the allies are consolidating their gains and prepping for the next wave of major offensives. There was one major engagement several game weeks ago but otherwise the Japanese haven’t made any attempts to interrupt any allied operations.

I’ll go region by region summarizing recent events. First, here’s the summary page;


[image]local://upfiles/14667/1F2A5DD149904157BA2DF347AE6880B8.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: April 1945: What next? (9/15/2011 2:03:13 AM)

(April 24, 1945 con’t)

Russia:

The Russian front has been very quiet. I’ve been moving up troops and building up strength for a major move in May/June. The Russians receive very large combat units in May/June. For example; the 7th Guard Mech Corps arrives with a strength of 758 AV in 17 days. Most of these units arrive in the steppe bases of Choybalsan and Tamsag. I plan to send them against Hailar/Arshaan hoping to cut the rail line to Borzya and break thru into the Manchurian plain.

In previous months, I would’ve been wary to advance across the open plains where units can be wiped out by bombers but the sizable soviet airforce has been strongly reinforced by 10 (and counting) squadrons of P47N Thunderbolts. These planes absolutely slaughter any Japanese plane they run into and Rader has consistently withdrawn his planes from any base that is within range of P47 sweeps.

Lack of supply has been a real detriment for the Russians. Their supply lines are very long and their daily supply creation isn’t enough to maintain their large and growing force. The good news is that a supply convoy just arrived at Krasnoyarsk (far north) and I’m working to drag this 700K supply to the front.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/9A5B57904B4E4402B4A39DE14B8CC397.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: April 1945: What next? (9/15/2011 2:04:07 AM)

(April 24, 1945 con’t)

Strategic Bombing:

The americans are building 40 B29-25 and 40 B29B Superfortresses per month. As I accumulate the Bs, I upgrade the B29-1 and B29-25 squadrons in Russia. The older models then reinforce the B-29 force in Burma. At this point I have about 350 super heavies in Russia and 240 more in Burma.

The Burma based bombers have been mixing in some strategic attacks in addition to airfield suppression duties. They have destroyed pretty much all the heavy industry, light industry, and repair yards in Thailand and French Indochina. I’ve recently started to reach out and hit the heavy industry and light industry sites in Japanese occupied China. Hong Kong/Canton and Shanghai and various smaller targets have been reduced by about ½. Allied bombers have made surprise mass raids on the oilfields of Medan (Sumatra), Miri, and Tarakan (Borneo). Each oil facility is down to 10% or less of their maximum production. I would’ve also have destroyed the oil fields of Balikpapan/Samarinda but these areas are now closed to the Japanese due to the proximity of allied bases on Celebes. B29s on night missions have also laid mines in many of the ports throughout the Malaya/Borneo/Indochina area.

The Russia based bombers have been smashing strategic targets throughout Manchuria. I’ve just about run out of targets and I have a decision to make.
a. continue to pound Manchurian strategic targets and airfields.
b. Fly extreme range missions and hit targets in the northern home islands.
c. Move the bombers to China and hit targets in china, the Phillipines, Formosa, and the southern home islands.
Factors worth considering;
a. I limit ops losses by grounding the bombers during periods of bad weather.
b. B-29s require lots of AV support to stay operational. Level 9 airfields are pretty much a must.
c. Russia and to a lesser extent, China, have limited supply.
d. Unescorted raids can fight thru fighter opposition and still hit their targets but they will be much less accurate and will suffer moderate to heavy losses. For this reason, I believe that over the long term, strategic targets must be within drop tank range of P47Ns (20 hexes) or P51Ds (19 hexes).

This screenshot shows most of the strategic targets I’ve hit in Manchuria. All targets are 90%+ destroyed unless noted otherwise.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/D3216DF4F6CB4F5993EAF68A02B06E79.jpg[/image]



Jzanes -> RE: April 1945: What next? (9/15/2011 2:07:51 AM)

(April 24, 1945 con’t)

China:

With the exception of the Canton area, China is very quiet. Rader recently routed the small blocking forces I was using to isolate Canton and Hong Kong. I doubt Rader will advance any further and I’ll be happy to maintain my siege of Canton and tie down some Japanese troops.


[image]local://upfiles/14667/1798F9825ECF415381AEE2799FF684FE.jpg[/image]



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