RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (Full Version)

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wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/16/2012 12:29:52 AM)
Summary of Operations 12/30/42 More quiet times at the office... Central Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine remains detected in Christmas Is base hex, spotted by PBY Catalina air patrols. No attacks on the Jap sub reported. Sigint entry for 12/29 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Nauru Is. Detected status of Nauru shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Nauru is 2(2), port size 2(0). South Pacific: Small Jap air bombing raids on Norfolk Is airfield continue. Daily coastwatcher entries from 12/29 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 1, Moving Southwest Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 15, Moving Northwest Malacca Straits: Dutch submarine O-21 on patrol reports two attacks by Jap air patrols (Ki-48 Lily & Ki-49 Helen) at hex location 48, 72 off Langkawi. No reported hits on O-21. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 34 aircraft (34 fighters, no bombers), 10 Jap LCU’s. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks continue at Chengtu, also outside of Chungking. No significant change in AAR’s from last game turn.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/16/2012 10:42:13 PM)
Summary of Operations 12/31/42 1/43 US Carrier Air Group Reorganization: I may have been fortunate in catching this at the last moment. This is related to changes due to occur with reorganization of VB and VS bombing squadrons aboard all six US fleet CV’s during the early part of 1943. Two actions occur in this reorganization process – (1) VB squadrons aboard 5 of the 6 carriers (except CV Wasp) increase in size from 18 to 36 planes or can be manually set to keep their current size at 18. The five VB squadrons along with VS-72 on Wasp remain in the game as the one bombing squadron to be kept aboard each carrier. It appears VS-72 on CV Wasp can be resized to any desired number of planes within the ship’s remaining plane capacity or can be manually set to keep VS-72 at its current size of 15 planes. (2) VS squadrons aboard carriers other than CV Wasp plus squadron VS-71 aboard CV Wasp all have a withdrawal date of 1 March 43. Except for CV Wasp, VS squadrons aboard the other five carriers have two available options depending on the squadron size setting for each squadron – (a) disband in Jan 43 which appears could occur automatically at that time; or (b) set to “No resize allowed” which presumably allows the squadrons to remain in the game until their scheduled withdrawal date of 3/43. The major concern with option (a) on these 5 squadrons is that automatic withdrawal could wreak havoc on the five carriers’ air groups. In the case of VS-71 on CV Wasp, there is no setting for the squadron to disband in Jan 43 allowing the status quo to be kept for now. Initially, I had no problem allowing things to occur automatically, all other things being equal. On closer examination, maybe not. While I see this reorganization is required and must be completed by 3/1/43, there appear to be reason(s) that favor this process be done manually and incrementally. Current actions and plans to manually implement VB and VS squadron reorganization are as follows. The overall plan is doing this by individual carrier, rather than doing all carriers at once. Step (1) below is effective immediately (12/31/42), the remaining steps to be performed starting on or after 1/01/43 by individual carrier as air group reorganization is done aboard each carrier. (1) Size option on VB and VS squadrons aboard five of the six US fleet carriers (except CV Wasp) will be set to “No resize allowed” immediately to maintain the status quo on these carriers for now and prevent any automatic withdrawal of VS squadrons in Jan 43. (2) Except for CV Wasp, VS squadrons will be transferred off the carrier and become land-based pilot training squadrons until their scheduled 3/01/43 withdrawal date. Once moved off the carrier, two further actions will occur. Fully trained pilots in VS squadrons will transfer to the Reserve pilot pool, then replaced with rookie Replacement pilots and/or partially trained pilots now in the Reserve pool. Planes in transferred VS squadrons will undergo a reverse “upgrade” from SBD-3’s to older dive bomber types (either SBD-2 or SBC-4). This upgrade is expected to return SBD-3 planes from converted VS squadrons back to the aircraft replacement pool for front-line use in other air units. (3) Once step (2) above is completed for the VS squadron aboard an individual carrier, the VB squadron aboard that carrier will be expanded from 18 to 36 SBD-3 planes, this expansion intended to complete as quickly as possible. Additional SBD-3 planes will be drawn immediately from the replacement pool. Additional pilots needed to fill out the expanded VB squadron will be drawn from fully trained pilots in the Reserve pool. (4) At this point, no immediate action is being taken for the two VS squadrons aboard CV Wasp (VS-71 and VS-72), except size options for these two squadrons have been set to “No resize allowed” for the moment. With regard to reorganization, details with the situation aboard CV Wasp appear different than on the other five US fleet carriers. I suspect it likely that reorganization aboard CV Wasp will be handled differently than the other US fleet carriers. Exactly how remains to be determined. With all that… completion of steps outlined above have to be accomplished on all six US carriers by 3/01/43. Three considerations are compelling me to handle this process manually (if possible) rather than automatically allow things to happen. First, I have only 50 SBD-3 planes in the replacement pool as of 12/31/42 – not enough planes to allow a reorganization of VB/VS squadrons aboard all six US fleet carriers simultaneously (at least 90 SBD-3 estimated as required in the aircraft replacement pool to do air groups on all six carriers at once). Second, plans are being considered for offensive operations by the main US carrier force in early 1943 – uncontrolled reorganization of VB/VS squadrons possibly delaying or disrupting an operation. Third, rather than allowing automatic withdrawal of VS squadrons in Jan 43, short-term employment of at least some of the VS squadrons in a land-based pilot training role for up to two months prior to 3/01/43 might be a feasible option. With the 50 SBD-3’s currently available in the replacement pool, VB/VS squadrons can be reorganized immediately starting 1/01/43 for two of the five carriers (excluding CV Wasp) with a third carrier stated very shortly thereafter. The process would be implemented on other carriers as additional SBD-3 planes are produced (25 per month) and/or SBD-3 planes from converted VS squadrons re-enter the replacement pool in sufficient numbers. Timing of the air group reorganization on later carriers will depend on availablity of SBD-3 planes in the aircraft replacement pool - 18 planes typically needed to begin reorganization for another carrier. My intent is to complete this process as quickly as possible aboard all six US fleet carriers. I haven’t found any discussion of this in the forums, the subject might be a good topic for discussion. All readers are welcome to chime in. Central Pacific: PBY Catalina air patrols maintain contact with unidentified Jap submarine still in Christmas Is base hex. No reported attacks on the Jap sub. Sigint entry for 12/30 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows the expected Jap aircraft based there and ship(s) in port, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit were reported in another 12/30 Sigint entry. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: Several actions reported E of Auckland between Jap submarines and Allied surface ASW. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Auckland at 117,185 (just outside Auckland) Japanese Ships SS I-1, hits 1 (probably no significant damage) Allied Ships DD Pope xAK Time xAKL Darvel xAKL Georgian SS I-1 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Pope I-1 diving deep .... DD Pope attacking submerged sub .... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Raoul Island at 125,185 (SW of Raoul Island) Japanese Ships SS I-19 Allied Ships SC-701, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk) SC-700 DD Schley SS I-19 launches 2 torpedoes at SC-701 I-19 diving deep .... DD Schley fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Small Jap air bombing raids on Norfolk Is airfield continue. Daily coastwatcher entries from 12/30 Operations report follow. One or multiple unidentified Jap TF(s) detected and visible in Rabaul. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Australia: As a measure to boost accumulation of fuel point stockpiles in Australia, heavy industry production centers at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide were shut down at least temporarily. From research I had done in the forums, it appears HI located in Australia could be shut down at least on a temporary basis without disrupting other production - this due to the apparent fact that HI points pooled for the Allies can be used anywhere regardless of where the HI points were produced or are required. Light industry production in Australia is continuing at full capacity as there are ample quantities of available resource points domestically. Domestic stocks of resource points in Australia have been augmented by a small fleet of xAKL’s in continuous operation between Hobart and Melbourne transporting resource points to the mainland from Tasmania. DEI: Sigint entry for 12/29 reports intercepted radio transmissions from one or more unidentified Jap TF(s) at hex location 67, 107 along the southern coast of Celebes between Makassar and Kendari. No information available as to number of Jap TF, their composition or movement. Malacca Straits: Dutch submarine O-21 on patrol near the straits takes on Jap surface ASW. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Phuket at 47,71 (SE of Phuket) Japanese Ships PB Tokuho Maru #5 SC CHa-10 Allied Ships SS O21 SS O21 launches 2 torpedoes at PB Tokuho Maru #5 PB Tokuho Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 40 aircraft (40 fighters, no bombers), 10 Jap LCU’s. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks continue at Chengtu, ground assault outside Chungking. AAR’s and current situation map of Chungking area follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 76,44 (adjacent hex SW of Chungking) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 24274 troops, 208 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 832 Defending force 27671 troops, 187 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 976 Japanese adjusted assault: 108 Allied adjusted defense: 550 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 5 Combat modifiers Defender: experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: fatigue(-), supply(-) Japanese ground losses: 1072 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 110 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled Allied ground losses: 1076 casualties reported Squads: 25 destroyed, 193 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled Guns lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled) Assaulting units: 13th Division 40th Division Defending units: 52nd Chinese Corps 27th Chinese Corps 44th Chinese Corps 62nd Chinese Corps 71st Chinese Corps 93rd Chinese Corps 16th Group Army 35th Group Army 2nd Prov Chinese Corps -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Chengtu (75,41) Japanese Bombardment attack Attacking force 55372 troops, 628 guns, 315 vehicles, Assault Value = 1771 Defending force 34763 troops, 300 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1122 Allied ground losses: 181 casualties reported Squads: 6 destroyed, 11 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled Assaulting units: 15th Division 104th Division 35th Division 8th Armored Car Co 36th Division 2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade 3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 23rd Army 2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment 6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment 2nd Mortar Battalion 2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion Defending units: 24th Chinese Corps 64th Chinese Corps 88th Chinese Corps 3rd New Chinese Corps 80th Chinese Corps 28th Chinese Corps 95th Chinese Corps 39th New Chinese Division 10th Group Army 28th New Chinese Division 3rd Chinese Base Force 14th Group Army 4th Construction Regiment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [image]local://upfiles/18646/FAAF520F53AC4AC9ACB89217C846AC54.jpg[/image] Japanese ground assault in far western area. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 80,21 (NW of Ansi) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 12524 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 459 Defending force 5113 troops, 61 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 151 Japanese adjusted assault: 386 Allied adjusted defense: 63 Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), morale(-), experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: leaders(+) Japanese ground losses: 88 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Allied ground losses: 1615 casualties reported Squads: 47 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 43 destroyed, 9 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled) Units retreated 7 Defeated Allied Units Retreating! Assaulting units: 6th Division Defending units: 9th Separate Brigade 82nd Chinese Corps 8th War Area 5th Chinese Base Force 17th Chinese Corps 303rd Brigade 12th Chinese Base Force --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/18/2012 4:12:03 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/01/43 US Fleet Subs and 12/42 Ship Upgrades: 55 of the 72 US fleet subs have completed or now undergoing the 12/42 ship upgrade. Nearly all the remaining 17 subs are enroute to Pearl Harbor or US West Coast ports and will begin upgrade immediately on arrival. US fleet subs with the upgrade completed are departing Pearl Harbor and other bases for assigned patrol areas this game turn – subs completing the upgrade were held in port until 1/01/43 to ensure their departure with improved torpedoes on board. 1/43 US Carrier Air Group Reorganization: Air group reorganization completed on all six US fleet carriers. VB squadrons and VS-72 aboard CV Wasp have a full complement of SBD-3’s and all 36 (30 on Wasp) planes in these squadrons operational. Best of all, this did not use or require SBD-3 planes from the aircraft replacement pool. The most effective solution to the matter turned out to be the simplest. Executing a withdrawal of the VS squadrons (carriers other than CV Wasp) plus squadron VS-71 aboard CV Wasp immediately moved all their SBD-3 planes and pilots to the VB squadron based aboard the same carrier (VS-72 aboard CV Wasp). All SBD-3 planes in the VB squadron (VS-72 on Wasp) were operational following the transfer. In addition, 20+ PP was received for withdrawal of each squadron. It should be noted that squadron size settings on VS squadrons (carriers other than Wasp) and VS-71 aboard CV Wasp must be set to “disband in Jan 43”. Squadron size settings for VB squadrons and VS-72 on CV Wasp must be set to increase size from 18 to 36. Once this is done for both squadrons on a carrier, it is only necessary to execute withdrawal of the VS squadron (or VS-71 on CV Wasp) to “kick off” the entire process for that carrier – this process having to be repeated on each individual carrier. I did this on the US West Coast with no difficulty once I worked out how to do it. In the squadron display for the VS squadron (or VS-71), both the “disband” and “withdraw” buttons are available. Even though the squadrons are set to “disband in Jan 43”, the “withdraw” button in the display is used to execute the transaction. Central Pacific: No further contact reported with the Jap submarine at Christmas Is. Sigint entry for 12/31 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/31 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Lunga. Detected status of Lunga shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Lunga is 3(5), port size 3(1). Daily coastwatcher entries from 12/31 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: xAP Montevideo Maru reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 11, Moving Southwest Two detected Jap TF’s are visible in Noumea base hex. Known composition of the TF’s indicate both are transport TF (each containing AK or TK with light escorts), also the two TF are shown containing 6 ships each. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 42 aircraft (42 fighters, no bombers), 11 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report). Colombo: Four US fleet subs are now based and operating from Colombo. Planned assigned operational areas for the US subs will include Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Malacca Straits, and southern and western sea areas in the DEI. A small number of additional US subs may be moved to the Indian Ocean theatre in the future, likely candidates for this employment being US subs entering the game as reinforcements in the Eastern US. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks continue at Chengtu, outside Chungking. AAR’s of these actions show no significant change from last game turn.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/19/2012 12:16:22 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/02/43 Eastern Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/01 reports intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine at hex position 206, 75 WSW of San Francisco. Naval air search has been routed over this sea area to track the Jap sub, surface ASW may be dispatched to intercept the sub if (or when) it moves closer to the West Coast. The sub currently poses no threat to US ship movements. Hawaii: Sigint entry for 1/01 reports Jap submarine I-29 is moving to hex location 179, 114 (SSW of Pearl Harbor). An unidentified Jap submarine (possibly the I-29) is detected and visible nearby. US surface ASW from Pearl Harbor is being dispatched to hex 179, 114 to find and attack I-29 on its arrival at this location. Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 1/01 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro and Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location. South Pacific: Two detected Japanese transport TF’s remain visible at Noumea, these spotted by PBY Catalina air patrols operating from Suva. Sigint entry for 1/01 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Shortlands. Detected status at Shortlands shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Shortlands is 4(4), port size 3(3). One Japanese LCU (13 JAAF AF Bn) is known to be located at Shortlands from current available intelligence – level of detected base construction activity at Shortlands indicates additional unknown Jap LCU(s) could be here. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/01 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul , Speed 6, Moving Southeast Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 4 , Moving Southeast Australia: TOE composition of two Australian infantry divisions (1st & 2nd) became upgradable to where they can now be reorganized with elements identical to those now in the TOE of first-line Australian divisions (6th and 7th). Plans are to eventually transfer 1st and 2nd Divisions out of restricted command in Australia to SW Pacific, then upgrade TOE in these divisions. Transfer of 2nd Division to SW Pacific was done this game turn and now set to begin drawing replacement elements for the conversion. Conversion of these divisions to the upgraded TOE replaces CMF Militia infantry squads with AIF 42 Infantry sections, plus some upgrade of heavy weapon elements. I considered this conversion feasible for two reasons – (1) the TOE upgrade improves combat worthiness of the two divisions, and (2) command transfer to SW Pacific makes the divisions “mobile” and available for use in front-line operations outside mainland Australia. Except for the still rebuilding 22 Australian Brigade (now at 70% TOE), all other sub-units of 8th Australian Division are on-map in Australia and at full TOE strength. All sub-units of the division except Lark Bn (still in ABDA) are now in SW Pacific command. Two steps remain to complete building of 8th Division before its sub units are combined to create a fully operational divisional LCU – completing buildup of 22 Brigade with replacement elements to full TOE strength and transfer of Lark Bn to SW Pacific command (215 PP cost). Completion of both steps is expected to occur by 2/43. Other Australian LCU’s are already transferred to SW Pacific command – including HQ I Australian Corps, four Armored Rgts, 4 Armored Brigade, 2/11 Armored Car Bn, four artillery LCU, plus other small LCU’s. Transfer of HQ Australian I Corps to SW Pacific command also “mobilized” its attached LCU’s making them available for movement and operational use outside mainland Australia – LCU currently under I Australian Corps include 6th and 7th Australian Divisions, three artillery Rgts, plus a number of engineer, flak and base force units. The planned end result of this is creating a substantial contingent of mobile first-line Australian ground forces within SW Pacific theatre command. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, one Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 44 aircraft (44 fighters, no bombers), 10 Jap LCU’s (-1 from last report). China: Japanese ground forces launch deliberate attacks at Chengtu, outside Chungking. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 76,44 (adjacent hex SW of Chungking) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 23487 troops, 208 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 751 Defending force 25942 troops, 183 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 778 Japanese adjusted assault: 385 Allied adjusted defense: 309 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: fatigue(-) Japanese ground losses: 652 casualties reported Squads: 1 destroyed, 69 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled Allied ground losses: 830 casualties reported Squads: 9 destroyed, 122 disabled Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 16 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 17 (10 destroyed, 7 disabled) Assaulting units: 13th Division 40th Division Defending units: 27th Chinese Corps 44th Chinese Corps 71st Chinese Corps 52nd Chinese Corps 62nd Chinese Corps 93rd Chinese Corps 35th Group Army 16th Group Army 2nd Prov Chinese Corps -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Chengtu (75,41) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 33447 troops, 422 guns, 246 vehicles, Assault Value = 1796 Defending force 34670 troops, 300 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1123 Japanese adjusted assault: 1090 Allied adjusted defense: 1813 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0) Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 2684 casualties reported Squads: 6 destroyed, 121 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 27 disabled Engineers: 1 destroyed, 40 disabled Guns lost 22 (2 destroyed, 20 disabled) Vehicles lost 44 (1 destroyed, 43 disabled) Allied ground losses: 925 casualties reported Squads: 41 destroyed, 50 disabled Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 33 disabled Engineers: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled Guns lost 33 (15 destroyed, 18 disabled) Assaulting units: 15th Division 8th Armored Car Co 35th Division 104th Division 36th Division 2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade 2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment 2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 23rd Army 10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment 3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 2nd Mortar Battalion 20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion Defending units: 88th Chinese Corps 3rd New Chinese Corps 80th Chinese Corps 95th Chinese Corps 28th Chinese Corps 24th Chinese Corps 64th Chinese Corps 39th New Chinese Division 28th New Chinese Division 3rd Chinese Base Force 14th Group Army 10th Group Army 4th Construction Regiment

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/20/2012 1:28:34 AM)
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wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/20/2012 1:30:03 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/03/43 Hawaii: US surface ASW dispatched from Pearl Harbor to engage Jap submarine I-29 reached hex location (179, 114) SW of Oahu where the sub was reported heading to in a Sigint entry on 1/02. ASW did not make contact with the Jap sub. South Pacific: Two detected Japanese transport TF’s remain visible at Noumea, these continue to be spotted by PBY Catalina air patrols operating from Suva. Transport convoy WP-31 (50 ships) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes four LCU’s (27th Infantry Division, 2 USMC Air Wing Base Force, 41 & 43 USN Seabee Bns), 126K supply and 111K fuel. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/02 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Northwest Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 4, Moving Southwest Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Northwest Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Southeast Asia: Unidentified Japanese TF(s) detected in the Andaman Sea along the coast of Thailand near Phuket (hex location 48, 67) – no available information as to number of TF(s), composition or movement. Oddly enough, no entries exist in any of the game turn reports (Sigint, Operations, Combat Events, AAR) indicating the presence of the Jap TF(s), or that they were detected or spotted. Dutch sub O-21 is in the likely movement path of the Jap TF(s) if they’re bound for Singapore and due to enter the Malacca Straits this coming game turn – possible intercept if this proves to be true. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 36 aircraft (36 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s (-1 from last report). Reports appear to indicate two Jap LCU’s have moved out of Rangoon base hex (via land movement) in the last two game turns. China: Japanese resume ground bombardment attacks at Chengtu, also outside Chungking.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/21/2012 2:46:19 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/04/43 US West Coast: A cadre of 192 Tank Bn (US) re-entered the game this game turn as a reinforcement in San Francisco after purchasing it from the “dead pile” on 12/03/42 at a cost of 2 PP. 192 Tank Bn was initially in the Philippines and had been destroyed with the fall of Bataan. An additional 2 PP was spent transferring 192 Bn from West Coast to Pacific Ocean Areas command. Plans are to rebuild 192 Bn to full TOE strength with replacement elements for future front-line deployment. A cheap, potentially useful acquisition for the 4 PP cost involved. South Pacific: Detected Japanese transport TF’s remain visible at Noumea and continue being spotted by PBY Catalina air patrols operating from Suva. A third Jap transport TF was sighted near Noumea – Pillager must be loading and/or unloading a significant volume of cargo. Two US sub patrols are moving closer to Noumea to get a better look at the activity and possibly pick off a ship or two. Small Jap airfield bombing raid on Norfolk Is. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on Norfolk Island, at 113,170 Weather in hex: Severe storms Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 5 No Japanese losses Airbase hits 1 Aircraft Attacking: 5 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sigint entry for 1/03 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul. Detected status of Rabaul shows the expected aircraft (unidentified) based there, also ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Rabaul is 4(6), port size 4(4). Three Jap LCU’s are known to be located in Rabaul from currently available intelligence – HQ 8th Fleet, 5 & 10 Shipping Engineer Rgts. It would be not much of a surprise if my roster of Jap LCU’s at Rabaul is incomplete. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/03 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: 8 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Australia: Transport convoy MX-11 (25 ships, all TK) arrives in Australia from Abadan with cargo of 249K fuel. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 46 aircraft (46 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks at Chengtu and outside Chungking continue. No significant change from previous AAR’s. Current situation map of Chungking area follows. [image]local://upfiles/18646/3423E80501E14786825E94804FDAAEFB.jpg[/image]

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/21/2012 5:52:07 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/05/43 Quiet day at the office... The logistics elves are working overtime. Central Pacific: Multiple Sigint entries for 1/04 report heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows the expected unidentified Jap aircraft based there, also ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity. Another Sigint entry for 1/04 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ponape. Detected status of Ponape shows evidence of airfield construction, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Ponape is 2(3), port size 1(1). Available intelligence data has only the static Ponape Naval Fortress LCU located on Ponape – possibly not the complete roster of Jap ground units there. South Pacific: One detected Japanese transport TF’s remains at Noumea, other Jap TF have apparently departed to the north before US sub patrols could reach an intercept position. Small Jap airfield bombing raids on Norfolk Is continue. AAR not changed significantly from last game turn. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/04 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 10, Moving Southwest Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown DEI: Sigint entry for 1/04 reports radio transmissions intercepted from unidentified Jap TF(s) at hex position 81, 109 near Ceram. No information available as to number of TF(s), composition or movement. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 45 aircraft (45 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks at Chengtu and outside Chungking continue. No reported changes from previous AAR’s. Current situation map of Chungking area follows.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/22/2012 11:48:22 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/06/43 Eastern US: Two transport convoys (EX-26, EX-27) departing from Eastern US and Panama for Australia via Capetown. Convoy EX-26 (5 transports) departed Panama after picking up 158 Infantry Rgt and 13K supply at Cristobal. 158 Regiment entered the game (reinforcement) at Cristobal in SW Pacific command, this convoy dispatched to Cristobal from the Eastern US to pick up and transport 158 Rgt to Australia. Convoy EX-27 (49 transports) is departing Eastern US for Australia. Cargo aboard this convoy includes three LCU (98 Field Artillery Bn, 224 USN Base Force, 15 Marine Defense Bn), five air transport squadrons, 138K supply and 85K fuel. Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 1/05 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is and Roi-Namur. Detected statuses of the two bases show unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: All Japanese transport TF’s at Noumea have departed, the last departing Jap TF spotted but not attacked by a US sub patrol at hex location 115, 158 north of Noumea. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/05 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Noumea is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Northeast Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 39 aircraft (39 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. India: Chinese 54 Cavalry Division enters India after completing an overland march through northern Burma from the collapsed southern front in China. 54 Division reached India with only a small cadre (2% TOE strength, nearly all its squads disrupted). Plans are to move 54 Division to a rear-area base for rebuilding from replacement elements. Two other Chinese LCU from the collapsed southern China front attempted the march to India, both “crumbled apart” in northern Burma during the march. Considering they had nowhere else to go, 1 out of 3 not bad. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks at Chengtu and outside Chungking continue. Not that this really matters given the overall situation in China... There had been some question on my part as whether Pillager would concentrate on taking out Chengtu before launching the final assault on Chungking, or leave Chengtu until after Chungking falls. Pillager reinforced the Japanese attack on Chengtu this game turn with an infantry division (32nd) which may or may not have definitively answered the question. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 76,44 (adjacent hex SW of Chungking) Japanese Bombardment attack Attacking force 23015 troops, 208 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 704 Defending force 25180 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 706 Allied ground losses: 43 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Assaulting units: 13th Division 40th Division Defending units: 44th Chinese Corps 27th Chinese Corps 62nd Chinese Corps 52nd Chinese Corps 71st Chinese Corps 93rd Chinese Corps 16th Group Army 35th Group Army 2nd Prov Chinese Corps -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Chengtu (75,41) Japanese Bombardment attack Attacking force 54605 troops, 626 guns, 314 vehicles, Assault Value = 2137 Defending force 33428 troops, 287 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1036 Japanese ground losses: 9 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Allied ground losses: 113 casualties reported Squads: 7 destroyed, 5 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Assaulting units: 15th Division 8th Armored Car Co 104th Division 36th Division 32nd Division (arrived this game turn to reinforce attack) 35th Division 2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade 6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment 2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment 2nd Mortar Battalion 23rd Army 20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion Defending units: 95th Chinese Corps 88th Chinese Corps 64th Chinese Corps 3rd New Chinese Corps 80th Chinese Corps 24th Chinese Corps 28th Chinese Corps 39th New Chinese Division 28th New Chinese Division 3rd Chinese Base Force 14th Group Army 10th Group Army 4th Construction Regiment

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/25/2012 11:58:11 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/07/43 Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 1/06 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Nikunau and Jaluit. Detected status of Nikumau shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no visible Japanese forces or activity at Jaluit. South Pacific: A very eventful day aboard a convoy of small transports (one small TK, one small xAK, 5 xAK) delivering fuel and supply from Auckland to Suva. First, the TF ran into a Japanese minefield as it arrived in Suva – the local minesweeping patrol in Suva having (literally) tied up at the dock for the night. AAR of that fiasco follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TF 223 encounters mine field at Suva (132,160) Allied Ships DD Pope SC-738 xAKL Darvel, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk later in air attack) 4 mines cleared (by the convoy’s ASW escorts) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After the minefield came the Betties. Despite the fact all three Jap air strikes had been detected by radar plus all three US VMF squadrons in Suva were activated for CAP (40%) with fully-trained pilots and good commanders, CAP fighters appeared but did not attack the Jap planes at all in the first two raids below. During the third air raid, a lone F4F pilot made one dive through the Jap formation, shot down one G4M and waived “hello” to the others. Rumor has it there had been a brawl in downtown Suva during last game turn’s night phase between the fighter pilots and the (Kiwi) minesweeper crew. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, at Suva (132,160) Weather in hex: Light cloud Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 19 minutes Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 8 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged No Allied losses Allied Ships DD Schley xAKL Georgian xAKL Darvel (sunk from bomb hits) Aircraft Attacking: 8 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb CAP engaged: VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 1000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes VMF-221 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 6000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes VMF-441 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 9000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Suva (132,160) Weather in hex: Partial cloud Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 13 minutes Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 6 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged No Allied losses Allied Ships xAKL Kailua, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 20, float 12, fire 6, engine 6) Aircraft Attacking: 6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb CAP engaged: VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 7 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Raid is overhead VMF-221 with F4F-4 Wildcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 7 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Raid is overhead VMF-441 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Suva (132,160) Weather in hex: Partial cloud Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 24 minutes Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 7 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged No Allied losses Allied Ships xAKL Kailua, on fire (damage shown in second AAR) TK Harpa, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires (sunk) Aircraft Attacking: 6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb CAP engaged: VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes VMF-221 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes VMF-441 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Kailua Heavy smoke from fires obscuring TK Harpa -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sigint entry for 1/06 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi. Detected status of Tulagi shows evidence of construction, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Tulagi is 2(2), port size 2(3). The most heavily damaged xAK from the recent series of ship collisions in transport convoy WP-31 while approaching Auckland arrived safely this game turn in Wellington with its full cargo (6250 supply, 500 fuel) on board. The xAK had been detached from the convoy and moving independently after its collision. After unloading in Wellington, the damaged ship will undergo shipyard repair in Australia. The other three transport ships involved in the convoy WP-31 ship collisions remained with the convoy and now moving back to the US west coast after unloading in Auckland. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/06 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving Northeast Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving Northwest Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 43 aircraft (43 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks at Chengtu and outside Chungking, no significant changes in AAR’s.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/26/2012 8:46:24 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/08/43 Hawaii: Sigint entry for 1/07 reports intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine SE of French Frigate Shoal (hex location 172, 105). No information on the Jap sub’s movement is available. Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 1/07 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake and Canton Is. Detected statuses of the two bases show unidentified Jap aircraft based at both locations, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Detected airfield size at Wake is 3(0), port size 1(0). Heavy volume of Jap radio transmissions reported from Truk in another Sigint entry for 1/07. Detected status of Truk shows the expected aircraft based there and ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Truk is 5(2), port size 7(4) – both airfield and port fully expanded to maximum allowable sizes. South Pacific (with a game question): So what’s wrong with this picture?? Another unopposed Jap air strike over Suva. In four Jap air raids (this game turn and 1/07 combined), only one F4F out of three VMF squadrons shot at a Betty. Section 7.4.1 (CAP) in the AE Game Manual does not appear to answer this question, I've also yet to find anything in the forums directly addressing the subject (still looking). AAR of this game turn’s raid on Suva follows. I also include a summary of pertinent information related to the current status in Suva and the three VMF squadrons set for CAP over the base hex. A) Supply on hand in Suva (59K) appears to be adequate, the base only requiring about 3K. B) No airfield runway or service damage. C) Aviation support in Suva – 89 present, 90 required. Factor maybe? D) Radar - two US Base Force LCU’s in Suva are equipped with radar, a third Base Force LCU (NZ) has sound detectors. E) Weather conditions – light cloud for all four raids. F) Number of pilots in each VMF squadron is at maximum capacity – 24 pilots. The three squadrons contain 18 planes each. G) Pilot experience levels of the three VMF squadrons – 61, 63, 71 H) Pilot fatigue level (after all air actions) currently 9 for all three squadrons. I) All 54 F4F planes in the three squadrons are ready, no damaged planes. J) Commanders of all three VMF squadrons have 60+ leadership and aggressiveness ratings, air ratings between 56 and 64. K) CAP levels – CAP in the three squadrons was set at 40% for the 1/06 game turn raids. CAP levels were increased to 60% for this game turn. All other planes in the CAP squadrons were at rest. L) Range – set to 1 (all squadrons, in all four raids). M) Altitude – CAP altitude for all three VMF squadrons was set at 15K in the 1/06 game turn attacks, 20K for this game turn. Bombing altitude flown by G4M Betties in all four Jap air raids was 6K. One could raise the question as to whether my CAP altitude was too high to engage the bombers? N) Time to reach interception vs estimated time to target – it does appear that time for CAP fighters to reach interception was greater than the Jap bombers’ estimated time to target, seems to be true for many instances in the AAR’s of all four raids. Of the factors I cited above, my conclusion is pointing to (N) time of interception as the primary symptom of the problem, with (M) CAP altitude being the primary culprit. It looks as if F4F’s from the three CAP squadrons were dispatched to intercept, the planes were in the air, but virtually none of the planes reached the bombers to attack them. Is this conclusion correct? None of the other factors I described above appear to have any significant negative effect that could have resulted in CAP fighters being unable to engage the Jap bombers. The only solution I’m considering at this point is lowering the CAP’s altitude closer to that of the attacking bombers. If someone has any wisdom to add to my observations and conclusions, or just to verify the correctness (or incorrectness) of my analysis, it is certainly welcomed. I did not post displays of VMF squadrons or the base at Suva (so many displays to choose from) but this can be done on request. AAR of this game turn attack follows, AAR’s of the other three Jap raids are posted in the 1/07/43 Summary of Operations above. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, at Suva (132,160) Weather in hex: Light cloud Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 14 minutes Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 11 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 33 No Japanese losses No Allied losses Allied Ships DD Pope xAKL Iowan, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk) DD Schley Aircraft Attacking: 11 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb CAP engaged: VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) (7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes VMF-221 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes VMF-441 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Iowan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/07 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,136 near Auki, Speed 7, Moving Northeast Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving Southeast Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Andaman Sea: First reported action by US submarines just arriving in the Indian Ocean area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Victoria Point at 49,65 Japanese Ships TK Shinetsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage (fuel cargo burning) SC CHa-10 PB Tokuho Maru #5 Allied Ships SS Peto SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at TK Shinetsu Maru Peto diving deep .... PB Tokuho Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor, 44 aircraft (44 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks at Chengtu and outside Chungking, no significant changes in AAR’s.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/28/2012 1:46:47 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/09/43 Hawaii: No further contact with the unidentified Jap submarine detected SE of French Frigate Shoal (hex location 172, 105) in a Sigint entry on 1/08. Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: Japanese naval air strike on Suva continues, this time bombers were engaged by CAP and all G4M Bettys in the raid destroyed. Two noticeable differences between this raid and the prior two game turns – (1) the raid had been detected farther out from Suva (80 vs 40 NM), and (2) altitude on fighter CAP had been set lower (11000’). Either or both of these might have been the difference. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, at Suva (132,160) Weather in hex: Light cloud Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet. (detection by radar) Estimated time to target is 28 minutes Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 6 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 33 Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed (5 destroyed air-to-air per Aircraft Losses screen in Intelligence Displays) G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak No Allied losses Allied Ships xAK Time CAP engaged: VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes VMF-221 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters to 5000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes VMF-441 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allied minesweeping ops completed clearing Jap mines from Suva base hex this game turn. Small Jap bombing raid on Norfolk Is. G4M bombers in this attack appear to likely originate from Noumea. If true, this AAR and the bombing raid on Suva indicates Pillager has at least two G4M Betty air units based in Noumea. AAR of Norfolk Is strike follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on Norfolk Island, at 113,170 Weather in hex: Severe storms Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 3 No Japanese losses Aircraft Attacking: 3 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A US submarine dispatched to Lifou (near Noumea) to engage unidentified Japanese TF(s) detected in Lifou dot base hex by coastwatchers and PBY Catalina naval search on 1/08 found and attacked the Jap transports. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159) – two separate torpedo attacks on this Jap AK, one AAR shown Japanese Ships AK Tosan Maru, Torpedo hits 1 (no hits in second attack) Allied Ships SS S-30 AK Tosan Maru is sighted by SS S-30 SS S-30 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Tosan Maru -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159) Japanese Ships xAKL Kokuei Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire Allied Ships SS S-30, hits 1 (system damage 22, float 18, engine 2; returning to base) xAKL Kokuei Maru is sighted by SS S-30 SS S-30 attacking on the surface Laing, F.W. decides to submerge SS S-30 due to damage -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159) Japanese Ships AK Yamasimo Maru Allied Ships SS S-30 AK Yamasimo Maru is sighted by SS S-30 SS S-30 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Yamasimo Maru -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A second US submarine is being dispatched to Lifou to continue attacks if Japanese ships are found remaining there. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/08 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 46 aircraft (46 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. Sigint entries for 1/08 report two new Jap engineer LCU’s located in Burma – identified as 91 JAAF AF Bn and 43 Construction Bn. 43 Construction Bn transferred to Burma from the eastern DEI and now located in Mandalay. 91 JAAF Bn was previously located in Thailand and is now at Bassein. China: Chengtu captured in Japanese ground assault. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Chengtu (75,41) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 67812 troops, 728 guns, 388 vehicles, Assault Value = 2212 Defending force 33269 troops, 286 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1015 Japanese adjusted assault: 2479 Allied adjusted defense: 865 Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0) Japanese forces CAPTURE Chengtu !!! Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 4557 casualties reported Squads: 14 destroyed, 179 disabled Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 39 disabled Engineers: 1 destroyed, 47 disabled Guns lost 24 (1 destroyed, 23 disabled) Allied ground losses: 6916 casualties reported Squads: 491 destroyed, 140 disabled Non Combat: 358 destroyed, 168 disabled Engineers: 75 destroyed, 1 disabled Guns lost 93 (66 destroyed, 27 disabled) Units retreated 13 Defeated Allied Units Retreating! Assaulting units: 104th Division 36th Division 15th Division 35th Division 8th Armored Car Co 32nd Division 2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade 10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment 2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment 2nd Mortar Battalion 2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 23rd Army 6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment 20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion Defending units: 3rd New Chinese Corps 95th Chinese Corps 64th Chinese Corps 80th Chinese Corps 24th Chinese Corps 28th Chinese Corps 39th New Chinese Division 10th Group Army 28th New Chinese Division 3rd Chinese Base Force 88th Chinese Corps 14th Group Army 4th Construction Regiment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jap ground bombardment attack outside Chungking continues. Latest AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 76,44 (adjacent hex SW of Chungking) Japanese Bombardment attack Attacking force 23371 troops, 208 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 952 Defending force 25090 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 701 Allied ground losses: 47 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Assaulting units: 40th Division 13th Division 9th Ind.Mixed Brigade (arrived this game turn to reinforce attack) Defending units: 71st Chinese Corps 52nd Chinese Corps 62nd Chinese Corps 27th Chinese Corps 44th Chinese Corps 93rd Chinese Corps 16th Group Army 35th Group Army 2nd Prov Chinese Corps --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/29/2012 10:20:45 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/10/43 US Fleet Subs and 12/42 Ship Upgrades: 68 of the 72 US fleet subs have completed or now undergoing the 12/42 ship upgrade. All four remaining subs are due to begin upgrade within the next several game turns. 48 subs have already finished the upgrade at this time, most of them returning to active patrol operations with improved torpedoes. All eligible US fleet subs are expected to complete the 12/42 upgrade by 01/25/43. Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/09 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Eniwetok. Detected status of Eniwetok shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: A second US submarine dispatched to Lifou dot base hex (near Noumea) continues attacks on detected Japanese TF(s). AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159) Japanese Ships AK Yamasimo Maru Allied Ships SS S-44 AK Yamasimo Maru is sighted by SS S-44 SS S-44 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Yamasimo Maru -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at Lifou (116,159) – two surface gun attacks by S-44 on this AK Japanese Ships AK Yamasimo Maru, Shell hits 5 (total of both attacks) Allied Ships SS S-44 SS S-44 attacking AK Yamasimo Maru on the surface SS S-44 low on gun ammo, Moore, J.R. breaks off surface engagement and submerges -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US sub patrol intercepts Jap transport TF at the southern end of the Solomon Island group, two separate actions (one night, one daylight) in this hex location. Commander of SS Guardfish does not launch torpedoes in either attack, target ship in both attacks was the small Jap PB. Outraged congressman demands investigation. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Kirakira at 117,140 (adjacent hex E of Kirakira, both attacks had almost identical AAR’s) Japanese Ships xAKL Tatsuha Maru xAKL Kasui Maru xAKL Kashi Maru xAKL Sasago Maru xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21 PB Katsuragisan Maru Allied Ships SS Guardfish Captain of SS Guardfish elects not to launch torpedoes at this target Guardfish diving deep .... PB Katsuragisan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/09 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 138,157 near Hoorn Islands, Speed 17, Moving Southwest Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 135,161 near Lakeba, Speed 20, Moving West DEI: US sub patrol outside entrance to Sunda Strait (between Java & Sumatra) engaged by Jap surface ASW. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Oosthaven at 46,97 Japanese Ships (three small ASW ships detected in this TF) SC Ch 8 PB Higashiyama Maru Allied Ships SS Amberjack SS Amberjack is located by SC Ch 8 Amberjack diving deep .... PB Higashiyama Maru fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Malacca Straits: Dutch sub intercepts small Jap transport TF, also reports contact with Ki-49 Helen air patrol. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Phuket at 48,70 (S of Phuket) Japanese Ships PB Wa 2 TK Manju Maru PB Tama Maru #3 Allied Ships SS O21 SS O21 launches 2 torpedoes at PB Wa 2 PB Tama Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 54 aircraft (54 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: Small Jap air raids on Chungking, otherwise quiet this game turn. All Chinese LCU’s (except for those at Chengtu) are now pulled into Chungking base hex. Total combat strength of the Chinese LCU in Chungking is 18684 AV – granted there is practically no supply but Chungking does have level 6 fortifications. Reports from Chungking indicate Chiang Kai-shek was deposed in a coup at China Command HQ by GEN Chang Chi-Chang and a committee of warlords. GEN Chang is considered by observers as equally qualified to the late “Peanut” as far as maintaining assault value of the Chinese army, however, Chang is rated a considerably superior administrator (66 vs 33) to “the Peanut” which could possibly result in slowing down the inevitable disruption rate of elements in combat LCU’s belonging to restricted commands of the Chinese army inside China. What remains to be seen is whether the 251 PP spent to overthrow “the Peanut” pays off in terms of prolonging the collapse in China and producing a bigger headache for Pillager and the Japanese. A modest sum flushed down the toilet along with China. 70 years after this game turn… the American people might thank us in the end.

johnjohn -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/30/2012 4:41:21 AM)
John checking in. A quick review of Feb 44 operations. The raid on Mitkyana turned into an assault on Lashio (taken) and Shwebo. The march down the coast thus far (I am one hex away from Akyab), brought Cox's Bazaar back into the fold. Several British LCUs (Divisions and Brigades) that entered at Mombasa are now approaching India (Chittagong). They will join the assault on Akyab and move on toward Mandalay. Additional naval and LCU reinforcements are reaching West Coast of USA. Am preparing to assault Marianas in two months. I believe you answered the question on how to handle the CV resizing issue. I did the same. As for the Suva F4F issue, I think you correctly identified the matter. I routinely assign my squadrons at 10,000 feet because the enemy tends to fly low. I sweep at 20,000 feet, but nothing ever comes from that. I rarely get intercept results of 1 or 2 or none and my CAP usually gets at least 3:1 ratio of kills, many times even more than that. My top killer is a WCDR in India of the RAF. He has 26 ATM. Several others have 20+ kills. All are RAF in India. Top US guy is 15 and was at Darwin until dumped into TRACOM. I am getting LVL 39 graduates out of training now. They train up fast in my in game training effort. You will be surprised how quickly you go through airframes once in combat. I found that waiting for the SBD-5s helped considerably, enabling me to use both 5s and 3s to keep supply levels adequate. I did not need to stop reequipping squadrons nor did I run out of planes. I also found waiting for the F6Fs helpful too. The carriers equip those very quickly. I used F4Us to replace the F4Fs Marine land units. I did alot of denying upgrades to ensure that the front line squadrons had enough airframes to remain in combat. Since the enemy tends to operate at 10,000 or below, I found the P-39s and P-40s excellent at killing Bettys et. al. They are at their best below 10,000. Good luck to you as you move to the offensive. John

johnjohn -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/30/2012 4:55:21 AM)
Another tip. As CVs pile up, the temptation to bunch them up presents itself. Even in 43 the effective number of operating aircraft in CV task force is still 150. You can put more into a task force (ie, three CVs or 2 CVs and 2 CVLs), but coordination will suffer. It is not until 44 that this restriction is lifted. I found that I frequently needed to reduce the number of carriers in task forces to avoid having one do nothing--which happened several times. One carrier would exhaust all sorties, the others would not fly even one. Strange. So I reduced the number of planes operating in each TF to 150 and the problem went away. Of course, that means many TFs need to operate together to protect each other. I am past this issue now, but thought you should take that into account. John

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/31/2012 5:06:45 AM)
quote: I believe you answered the question on how to handle the CV resizing issue. I did the same. My initial thought on this was I wanted to transfer VS squadrons off the carrier and use them as land-based training squadrons for the two months remaining until their withdrawal dates (I believe 3/01/43). In the meantime, the VB squadron would remain aboard the carrier and expand from 18 to 36 planes. Sounded good on paper. However, my plan didn't work when I actually got into the game and tried it. quote: My top killer is a WCDR in India of the RAF. True in this game too, also true in my last (CHS) game vs Pillager. In both my games the RAF got the first shots in the air war over India/Burma, also the first aces on the Allied side. All three Allied aces (so far) in this game are RAF, all three got their kills over Ledo. The top USAAF pilots in this game also got their kills over Ledo. quote: You will be surprised how quickly you go through airframes once in combat. I had been anticipating that. Expanding on what you said... for any given "make and model" plane, there will be a finite total number of planes for that "make and model" that become available in the game; this being a function of (1) the starting number of planes in the replacement pool, (2) the plane's monthly production or build rate, and (3) period of time the plane is in production. A plane in production for one year with a build rate of 20/month will give you a total of 240 of that particular plane (12 x 20) available to work with. Using this example... Properly allocating those 240 planes has to include two factors - (1) number of air squadrons that can fly that particular plane and how many planes are needed to fully equip these squadrons, while at the same time, (2) providing an adequate number of planes on reserve in the replacement pool to cover operational and combat losses in the squadrons you're equipping with that plane. Staying with this example, add the consideration that you're receiving the 240 planes over 12 months, 20 planes at a time. Not all 240 planes at once. All this calculation even before dealing with airframe "consumption" in combat. This is true for both sides, Allied and Japanese alike with some variation in the details. The model of allocating planes I just described may no longer be true or needed later on. If so, this would likely become true only for the Allies (US in particular), probably not before late 1943 or early 1944. Even then, it's still likely that in 1945 I could be "rationing" some type of Allied airframe somewhere. Planes don't grow on trees, at least in AE. quote: As CVs pile up, the temptation to bunch them up presents itself. Even in 43 the effective number of operating aircraft in CV task force is still 150. You can put more into a task force (ie, three CVs or 2 CVs and 2 CVLs), but coordination will suffer. It is not until 44 that this restriction is lifted. I found that I frequently needed to reduce the number of carriers in task forces to avoid having one do nothing--which happened several times. One carrier would exhaust all sorties, the others would not fly even one. Strange. So I reduced the number of planes operating in each TF to 150 and the problem went away. Carrier TF organization as I have it planned now should address this. I don't plan on departing from 1 CV task forces for some time, probably not before well into 1944 when I'll start having to "double up". With Independence CVL's coming in the game, my 1 CV carrier TF will likely evolve from its current form into 1 CV and 1 CVL by mid to late 1943. One CV and one CVL is well below the plane number limit for strike coordination. Escort ships in both the 1 CV and the 1 CV/1 CVL carrier TF organization will put up 5000+ flak against Jap air strikes. This mode of organization at least initially allows for 1-2 "reserve" US CV's to rotate in and out of front-line TF's for ship upgrades and/or repair of damage while keeping the main carrier force at full strength. As long as the KB remains in action and the Japanese have significant LBA assets, spreading Allied carriers across many TF's remains a prudent move.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (7/31/2012 5:14:30 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/11/43 Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-28 (28 transports, one AM) departing this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (257 USAAF Base Force), one USMC dive bombing squadron, 93K supply and 13K fuel. The AM travelling with this convoy is planned to remain in Australia after its arrival for operational use in either SW or South Pacific theatres. Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tarawa. Detected status of Tarawa shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: Pillager may have dispatched this Jap AMC into Suva to find unarmed Allied transport ships, instead it found a barrage of Allied torpedoes. This more than makes up for the G4M Betty airstrikes in the VP tally. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Suva (132,160) Japanese Ships AMC Kinryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire Allied Ships SS S-33 AMC Kinryu Maru is sighted by SS S-33 SS S-33 launches 4 torpedoes at AMC Kinryu Maru -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Suva (132,160) Japanese Ships AMC Kinryu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk) Allied Ships SS S-33 AMC Kinryu Maru is sighted by SS S-33 SS S-33 launches 4 torpedoes at AMC Kinryu Maru -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US submarine attacks on detected Jap TF’s at Lifou dot base hex (near Noumea) continue. Another US sub has been dispatched to Lifou to relieve S-44. Pillager has a definite interest in landing on and occupying this island. Lifou does have a small resource production and a size 0(5) airfield, however, the size 0(0) port is not easily expandable. Port size and proximity to the front lines make Lifou’s value questionable as a source of resource points for the Japanese economy. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159) Japanese Ships AK Tosan Maru Allied Ships SS S-44 AK Tosan Maru is sighted by SS S-44 SS S-44 attacking AK Tosan Maru on the surface SS S-44 low on gun ammo, Moore, J.R. breaks off surface engagement and submerges -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159) Japanese Ships AK Azumasan Maru Allied Ships SS S-44 AK Azumasan Maru is sighted by SS S-44 SS S-44 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Azumasan Maru -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transport convoy WP-34 (amphibious TF, 4 ships) arrives at Savaii with 113 USAAF Base Force and a small quantity of supply. Plans are to begin expansion of airfield and port facilities on Savaii. Sigint entry for 1/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Luganville is 3(5), port size 1(1). Current intelligence data identifies 3 Jap LCU’s known to be in Luganville – including 28 JNAF AF Unit, 5 Naval Construction Bn, Yokosuka 3 SNLF. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/10 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: CVL Chiyoda reported in port at Rabaul - this is intriguing… both as indicating Chiyoda has been converted from a CS, also that KB could be gathering in Rabaul for a sortie Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 135,161 near Lakeba (E of Suva), Speed 23, Moving West – possibly first spotting of the late Jap AMC Kinryu Maru approaching Suva Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 133,161 near Gau Island (SE of Suva), Speed 12, Moving West – another spotting of AMC Kinryu Maru? Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving Northwest Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 132,160 near Suva, Speed 16, Moving Northwest – this and the preceeding two coastwatcher entries at Gau and Lakeba tracing movement of AMC Kinryu Maru into Suva? Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 13 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving West Australia: Transport convoy MX-12 (6 TK) arrives in Australia from the Middle East with 69K fuel cargo. DEI: US sub patrol outside entrance to Sunda Strait (between Java & Sumatra) remains in contact with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Oosthaven at 46,97 Japanese Ships PB Higashiyama Maru SC Ch 8 Allied Ships SS Amberjack SS Amberjack launches 2 torpedoes at PB Higashiyama Maru Amberjack diving deep .... PB Higashiyama Maru fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andaman Sea: Small Japanese transport TF (one TF, two PB, one unidentified ship) spotted by sub patrol at hex location 50, 62 near Mergui. No reported combat. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 36 aircraft (36 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: Jap air raids on Chungking, otherwise quiet this game turn.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/1/2012 12:11:54 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/12/43 Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/11 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: US submarine patrols in several actions near Santa Cruz and the southern Solomon Islands area. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Ndeni at 118,141 (NE of Ndeni) Japanese Ships xAK Kiyo Maru xAK Yuri Maru PB Shonan Maru #17 Allied Ships SS Guardfish SS Guardfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kiyo Maru PB Shonan Maru #17 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Auki at 117,136 (E of Tulagi) Japanese Ships PB Chiyo Maru #4 Allied Ships SS Permit SS Permit is sighted by escort PB Chiyo Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PBY-5 Catalina sighting report: Japanese AMC at 123,157 near Tanna (E of Tanna), Speed 14, Moving Northeast – This TF spotted from Suva and visible on the game map as having 2 ships. Continued movement of this TF on a NE heading map possibly takes it into the movement path of 2-3 US S-class subs, also brings it within range of 2E bombers on Suva. Two other US sub patrols operating nearby to the W and NW of the Jap TF’s current hex location. US sub patrols remained at Lifou dot base, Jap transports no longer spotted in the hex. The sighting below from PBY Catalina naval search offers some explanation. PBY-5 Catalina sighting report: 3 Japanese ships at 116,153 near Efate (WNW of Efate), Speed 13, Moving Northwest – TF in this sighting probably the Japanese ships previously at Lifou. Shown on game map including 2 AK. Scheduled arrival of XIII US Bomber and Fighter Command HQ’s as reinforcements this game turn delayed due to their arrival locations (Noumea and Luganville) under Japanese control. Arrival location of the two HQ units moved to San Francisco. Scheduled time of entry to the game is delayed 22 days (XIII Bomber Command) and 24 days (XIII Fighter Command). Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/11 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 8 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown DEI: US sub patrol remains outside southern entrance to Sunda Strait, attacks Jap surface ASW. Latest AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Oosthaven at 46,97 (S of Oosthaven) Japanese Ships PB Higashiyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk) SC Ch 8 PB Choyo Maru #2 Allied Ships SS Amberjack SS Amberjack launches 2 torpedoes at PB Higashiyama Maru PB Choyo Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andaman Sea: US sub patrol engages Jap surface ASW. Not known whether the Jap DD is operating alone or with other ship(s) in a TF. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,64 (W of Victoria Point) Japanese Ships DD Hakaze Allied Ships SS Peto SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hakaze DD Hakaze fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southeast Asia: Sigint entry for 1/11 indicates Jap 1 Recon Bn has transferred from Kwantung Army to an unknown Jap command. Reported current location of 1 Recon Bn is hex location 67, 57 near Hanoi. Another Sigint entry for 1/11 indicates new location of Jap 8 Medium Field Artillery Rgt is hex location 49, 71 in southern Thailand. Previous reported location of 8 Artillery Rgt was Manila. What this LCU is doing in hex 49, 71 is less than totally clear – the hex location is a road hex (the road goes nowhere) adjacent to the main railroad line between Singapore and Bangkok. Considering Pillager transferred 8 Artillery Rgt here from the Philippines, I would have expected this Sigint report to show it positioned along the rail line (i.e. moving between Singapore and Bangkok) rather than its reported hex location off the rail line. FOW is my only theory behind the hex location shown in this Sigint entry – however, other information in this Sigint entry may not necessarily be FOW. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 53 aircraft (53 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. Rangoon has 17 additional planes this game turn, possibly the result of an additional Jap fighter squadron arriving at Rangoon airfield. China: One interesting factor to the situation in Chungking… All LCU reinforcements and eliminated LCU’s returning to the game will now enter in Chungking. This scenario could provide an unintended “recycling” of eliminated Chinese LCU back into Chungking for as long as it holds out. I don’t expect many Chinese LCU arriving at Chungking in this manner but it does add something of possible interest. While in theory “recycling” has some (short-term) potential of prolonging the defense of Chungking, my estimate is this anomaly will be of little value in the end. In the short term… reinforcements show an infantry corps is due to arrive at Chungking in 3 days, a previously eliminated Red Chinese infantry division returning 4 days from now, another Chinese infantry corps in 10 days, little or nothing beyond that. The two Chinese corps appear to be scheduled reinforcements rather than eliminated LCU. Practically the entire on-map OOB of Chinese ground forces is now a compact mass inside Chungking – with the exception of (1) Chinese LCU that were defending Changtu, (2) remaining Chinese LCU in the far western area, (3) those Chinese LCU transferred to Southeast Asia command and evacuated by air to India, plus (4) a lone Chinese LCU from the southern China front that marched across northern Burma into India after the collapse in south China. To date very few Chinese LCU have been eliminated in combat which has kept practically everyone on-map. Until Pillager eliminates significant numbers of Chinese LCU in combat, there won’t be a great deal of Chinese LCU “recycling” going on. Japanese ground forces attack in the far western area. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 81,18 (SE of Hami) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 12515 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 458 Defending force 3834 troops, 56 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 116 Japanese adjusted assault: 204 Allied adjusted defense: 10 Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: morale(-), experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: leaders(+), leaders(-) Japanese ground losses: 41 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Allied ground losses: 1286 casualties reported Squads: 20 destroyed, 44 disabled Non Combat: 30 destroyed, 3 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 25 (10 destroyed, 15 disabled) Units retreated 7 Defeated Allied Units Retreating! Assaulting units: 6th Division Defending units: 82nd Chinese Corps 5th Chinese Base Force 8th War Area 303rd Brigade 17th Chinese Corps 9th Separate Brigade 12th Chinese Base Force --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/2/2012 2:06:20 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/13/43 Central Pacific: Unidentified Japanese TF(s) visible on the game map at hex 147, 143 (NW of Gardner Is). This sighting does not appear in any of the Allied 1/12 game turn reports (Sigint, AAR, Combat Events, Operations). No Allied planes or ships operating in the immediate area of this contact. No available information as to number of Jap TF(s), their composition or movement. For the second consecutive day, intercepted Jap radio transmissions were reported in Sigint from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur again shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: US sub patrol off southern approaches to Rabaul reports contact with probable Jap surface ASW TF (3 ships). No combat occurred. Transport convoy WP-33 (22 ships) arrives this game turn at Auckland. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes two LCU’s (38 & 40 USN Seabee Bns), one USAAF recon squadron (8 F-5A Lightning), 85K supply and 58K fuel. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/12 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville Australia: Transport convoy EX-22 (24 transports, 4 SC) arrives this game turn in Australia from the Eastern US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 11 Marine Defense Bn, five USAAF air squadrons (three 2E bomber, two transport), 58K supply and 46K fuel. The four SC with the convoy will remain in Australia for deployment with SW or South Pacific theatre. Andaman Sea: Dutch sub patrol in contact with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Tavoy at 52,58 (W of Tavoy) Japanese Ships PB Fukeui Maru #7 PB Aoi Maru PB Rikusen Maru Allied Ships SS KXVIII SS KXVIII is located by PB Fukeui Maru #7 PB Rikusen Maru fails to find sub, continues to search... PB Fukeui Maru #7 fails to find sub and abandons search Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 50 aircraft (50 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: Japanese continue ground attacks on Chinese forces pushed out of Chengtu. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 76,41 (NW of Chengtu) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 58112 troops, 524 guns, 254 vehicles, Assault Value = 1828 Defending force 23982 troops, 221 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 638 Japanese adjusted assault: 1213 Allied adjusted defense: 835 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), supply(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 982 casualties reported Squads: 6 destroyed, 145 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled Allied ground losses: 2078 casualties reported Squads: 86 destroyed, 114 disabled Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 110 disabled Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled Guns lost 35 (21 destroyed, 14 disabled) Assaulting units: 104th Division 36th Division 35th Division 15th Division 32nd Division Defending units: 28th Chinese Corps 95th Chinese Corps 24th Chinese Corps 64th Chinese Corps 80th Chinese Corps 39th New Chinese Division 3rd Chinese Base Force 14th Group Army 28th New Chinese Division 3rd New Chinese Corps 88th Chinese Corps 10th Group Army 4th Construction Regiment --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/3/2012 4:11:51 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/14/43 Central Pacific: US sub patrol intercepts small Jap transport in the Marshalls. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Ailinglaplap at 132,118 (S of Kwajalein) Japanese Ships xAKL Amakasu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk) SC CHa-24 Allied Ships SS Pickerel SS Pickerel launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Amakasu Maru Pickerel diving deep .... SC CHa-24 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from numerous Central Pacific locations reported in 1/13 Sigint entries – including Kwajalein, Tarawa, Nauru and Ocean Is. Detected statuses of these locations show unidentified Jap planes based at Kwajalein and Nauru, ship(s) in port at Kwajalein. Otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity beyond what is already known. South Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected S of Suva (hex location 131, 164). Sighting of the sub itself does not appear in any of the Allied 1/13 game turn reports (Sigint, AAR, Combat Events, Operations) – though Combat Events and Operations reports have entries indicating the sub is probably operating a floatplane over Suva. No movement information on the Jap sub is available. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/13 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul , Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Northeast Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving Northwest Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII reports contact with small Jap transport TF (2 ships, including one xAK plus escort). Jap TF is reported moving on SW heading, appears to have just departed Rangoon with Singapore its likely destination. Two other Allied sub patrols are in the estimated path of this TF. No reported combat. Unknown Japanese aircraft have been detected at airfields in Sabang (western Sumatra) and Georgetown. Current estimate is that these aircraft may be deployed here on naval search and/or ASW patrol missions to counter Allied sub patrols operating between Rangoon and the northern exit of Malacca Straits. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor, 45 aircraft (45 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. Some Jap transport shipping activity is being detected in Rangoon, but does not appear to involve a significant number of ships. China: Japanese ground attacks on Chinese forces pushed out of Chengtu continue. Latest AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 76,41 (NW of Chengtu) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 57063 troops, 524 guns, 254 vehicles, Assault Value = 1728 Defending force 22191 troops, 205 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 549 Japanese adjusted assault: 960 Allied adjusted defense: 261 Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 1272 casualties reported Squads: 6 destroyed, 168 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled Engineers: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled Allied ground losses: 8516 casualties reported Squads: 337 destroyed, 45 disabled Non Combat: 326 destroyed, 41 disabled Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled Guns lost 42 (21 destroyed, 21 disabled) Units retreated 12 Defeated Allied Units Retreating! Assaulting units: 104th Division 15th Division 36th Division 35th Division 32nd Division Defending units: 64th Chinese Corps 95th Chinese Corps 24th Chinese Corps 80th Chinese Corps 39th New Chinese Division 3rd Chinese Base Force 10th Group Army 88th Chinese Corps 3rd New Chinese Corps 28th Chinese Corps 28th New Chinese Division 4th Construction Regiment --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/4/2012 12:25:31 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/15/43 Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/14 reports a Jap ASW escort (SC CHa-14) located in Tabiteuea. One or multiple Jap TF(s) are visible in Tabiteuea base hex, no additional information available on number of TF(s), composition or movement. Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from numerous Central Pacific locations reported for a second day in 1/14 Sigint entries – including Funafuti, Tarawa, Nauru and Gardner Is. Detected status of Nauru shows unidentified Jap planes based there. Two Jap LCU’s are visible at Funafuti, these previously identified as 3 Garrison Unit and 3 JNAF Co. No other visible Japanese forces or activity shown at these locations. Unidentified Jap TF(s) visible on the game map NW of Truk (hex location 111, 106), no information available as to number of TF, composition or movement. No entries referencing this contact shown in the 1/14 game turn AAR, Combat Events, Operations or Sigint reports. Three US sub patrols are operating in the sea area immediately N of Truk. South Pacific: Several 1/14 Sigint entries report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi and Tassafronga. No visible Japanese forces or activity at either location. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/14 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: 10 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Southeast DEI: Unknown Japanese aircraft detected at Palembang airfield. Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII torpedoes large Jap TK with oil cargo aboard. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Tavoy at 53,57 (NW of Tavoy) Japanese Ships TK Manju Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk) PB Tama Maru #3 Allied Ships SS KXVIII SS KXVIII launches 2 torpedoes at TK Manju Maru PB Tama Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 42 aircraft (42 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. It’s likely the Jap TF leaving Rangoon included the TK torpedoed off Tavoy by Dutch sub K-XVIII. Sigint entry for 1/14 reports the first Japanese LCU from China operating in the Burma theatre, this LCU identified as 9 Armored Car Co now located in Magwe. This LCU was previously part of Japanese forces involved in the fall of southern China. China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/7/2012 1:49:29 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/16/43 Hawaii: Intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine at hex location 176, 111 (SW of Oahu) was reported in a 1/15 Sigint entry. Central Pacific: US sub patrol intercepts Jap transport TF off Truk. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Truk at 112,111 (SE of Truk) Japanese Ships PB Kyo Maru #8 xAK Hasuna Maru Allied Ships SS Halibut SS Halibut launches 2 torpedoes at PB Kyo Maru #8 PB Kyo Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sigint entry for 1/15 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. South Pacific: US fleet sub Seawolf on patrol in the southern sea approaches near Rabaul reports contact with probable Jap surface ASW TF (4 ships). No combat occurred. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/15 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby Coastwatcher Report: 11 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 8, Moving Southwest Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby Coastwatcher Report: 7 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 11, Moving Southwest Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Australia: Transport convoy EX-23 (27 transports, 2 SC) arrives in Australia this game turn from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 136K supply and 35K fuel, no LCU’s or air units. The two SC arriving with the convoy are planned to remain in Australia for future employment with SW or South Pacific theatre. DEI: US sub Amberjack off southern exit of Sunda Straits reports air attack from Ki-49 Helen air patrol, no hits or damage. Combat Events report for 1/15 reports this contact as being with a Dutch O-class submarine. I’d be curious as to whether Pillager saw this contact as being with a Dutch sub or a US one. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 66 aircraft (39 fighters, 27 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. The one Jap TF that had been appearing continuously in Rangoon over the last several months seems to have left Rangoon – this TF consisted of approximately 10 ships and appears to have been a surface combat TF or a TF containing CS or small carriers (some form of “Baby KB”). In several occasions in our last CHS match (in both the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas), Pillager employed a type of TF containing several CS for use against lightly or unescorted Allied shipping with mixed success. So far in our current PBEM he has not employed this type of TF. India: Some deployments of Allied ground forces have been underway in India, others in various stages of planning and execution. Construction to expand several satellite airfields near Calcutta (Asansol & Jamshedpur) is completed. An airfield was also built at the dot base at Tezpur in NE India. A group of Allied ground forces under III Indian Corps HQ was also created at Tezpur, this group including 18th British Division, several brigades plus smaller combat LCU. Several other “clusters” of Allied ground forces in India are planned at various locations, each of these around a ground HQ. Coastal bases in eastern India along the Bay of Bengal are occupied by Allied ground forces, fortifications also built at most of these locations including all coastal bases with a port (or where a port can be built). Plans are to have an “Atlantic Wall” in place at coastal bases along the Bay of Bengal, each coastal base occupied in strength with combat LCU(s) and constructed fortifications. A mobile reserve of Allied ground forces is being distributed at several inland locations, each of these locations at inland bases along rail lines allowing quick movement of the reserve to areas where needed or desired. My intent is having the majority of Allied combat LCU’s in India operating in the mobile reserve with sufficient strength deployed in the coastal bases to at least seriously impede an amphibious assault. Similar preparations are also underway on Ceylon. An Allied garrison including two divisions (2nd British & 6th Australian) is already in place on Ceylon, additional reinforcement of LCU’s here is also planned. While not a big concern at the moment, all possible contingencies have to start being examined and covered regarding future deployment of Japanese ground forces now in China after the eventual fall of Chungking. My view (at least the short term) has Allied preparations in India (including Ceylon) as strictly defensive in nature. Part of my current estimate for Pillager deploying Japanese ground forces out of China includes a possible movement into Burma, Southeast Asia and possibly the DEI in sufficient strength to at least make any Allied offensive from India very difficult if not impossible. I’m estimating the possibility of a defensive deployment by Pillager of at least some Japanese ground forces from China across Burma, Southeast Asia and parts of the DEI (Sumatra & Java) being at least equal to the probability of Pillager using Japanese forces from China in an offensive against India (either an amphibious invasion or overland from Burma). From my perspective, Pillager using a large part of Japanese ground forces from China as a defensive reinforcement in Burma, Southeast Asia and the DEI is the alternative appearing most favorable to Allied long-term strategy at least for this moment. My current view is that tying up Japanese ground forces to maintain a stalemate in Burma, Southeast Asia and the DEI is preferable to having these forces occupying island bases in the Pacific theatres though it’s inevitable that Pillager will move some Jap LCU’s from China to the Pacific. The more Jap LCU’s (from China) Pillager is “persuaded” to keep in the SRA and Southeast Asia, the better. I’d be quite content with creating and maintaining a stalemate in this part of the world. Regardless of where Pillager does transfer Japanese ground units released from China, there is little question ample intelligence data (particularly Sigint) will become available to identify what Jap LCU’s are going and where they end up. This intelligence provides considerable insight and detail into Pillager’s Japanese defensive strategy and deployments later in 1943 and beyond. China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

johnjohn -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/7/2012 5:58:59 PM)
April 2, 1944--Update India--The Upper Burma invasion, originally designed as a raid, is now a full blown assault headed for Mandalay. 1st Aussie, 2nd Aussie, 18th British, 81st West African, 11th East African (I may have those reversed) and numerous support Brigades, AAA units, and Engr are involved. Akyab was taken with great loss of life on the part of the enemy, which is running towards Proome (5000 casualties). The plan is to take Magwe, Mandalay, Shwebo, and suburbs. Already have Lashio and everything west (upwards on map) of Shwebo. I have two divisions and a brigade keeping the enemy "bottled up" at Shwebo (ha,ha). They have more force than I, but holding in place is working well. China--everything remains static for now. Am in the process of moving the B-29 squadrons into the theatre. Have XX Air Force and XX Bmbr Cmd along with CVE Ranee (UK--enters at SF) in task force headed to Panama. They will go to Aden and then enter at Kariachi. Ranee will end up at Trincomolee, which is the carrier naval base for Eastern Fleet. UK is now building up carrier and fast battleship assets. Aussie--No changes. Darwin still holding out against Bettys. PNG--Have bypassed Hollandia (supressed air and naval bases) to occupy Sarmi, which was mine but undeveloped. Setting up Sarmi to hit Biak, et al, and then Sorong by end of August. Currently bringing all SWPAC base force units to PNG from SF where they were "training." SOPAC--No changes--build up nearly complete for Marianas campaign. Going to take Guam first, make it operational, then take Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. None are fully developed. Plans put off for a month when nearly all APAs and fast AKs went in for upgrades this month. Carriers--Most are back in action after the mad convergence on the mini KB, putting it out of action. Three new CVs have joined in the past six weeks. And now for comment. India--I have found that even the 18th British division is not reliable in combat. None of the India LCUs stand up to assault for long. Usually one or two turns and their AV is depleted. Fortifications help--but not enough. 1st Aussie and 2nd Aussie, which I put into India rather than Aussie, have been the best units available. That is why my assault on Mandalay is with non-Indian units for the most part. In keeping the enemy out I used what little AF I had hitting their units as often as possible. When they stopped coming, I put them on Cap, and a stand off ensued. I also moved whatever I had into each base hex (or potential base hex). I exposed the British CV force far too much early on, but that turned back all invasion probes. It cost me Formidable, a big loss, but it worked. It will not keep the KB out, but I figured (correctly in my case) that the KB was tasked to other areas. The real threat was subs, and that is what got Formidable. The rag tag pioneer units kept the enemy ant farm from just arriving and taking bases. I put major elements at Imphal, built up all the airbases between Imphal and Ledo, including Tezpur. I used everything available, especially the b-25s, to attack all things naval. That kept the enemy in Cox's Bazaar rather than letting them move up the road. I believe that cutting off their supplies had alot to do with it, but in my campaign the enemy did not make Invasion of India a priority. I still cut off as much of the supply effort as possible. You should have enough subs with working torps to cut off any invasion forces coming towards the India coast. I would load up the area and make it as expensive as possible for Pillager. You should also have enough trained squadrons to make a KB intrusion expensive too. Land based planes attacking Carriers is a good trade. ...Meanwhile, if Pillager does decide to go after India, then opportunities present themselves all over the map. Hit hard and hit often. There is nothing like a string of bad news to deflate an opponent. It is here that the Allies have the advantage. We are supposed to get slaughtered. When we hit back and go on the offensive, pushing back that ring of defense, tightening the noose ever so much, the enemy has the problem of dealing with where are they coming next. Wake, Canton Island, Suva and environs, New Cal, Efate, Loganville, Port Morseby, et al. Spread those hits around and Pillager will go nuts trying to find you and administer some Bushido justice. Of course this all depends on the committment of the KB to support India. Your most vulnerable place is Ceylon. You can hang out on that Landlocked airbase in the middle, but you do not have enough force to repel pillager if he makes Ceylon a priority. Cutting off supply goes both ways. If he takes Ceylon, getting supplies to your forces around Calcutta is going to prove very costly if not impossible. Without supply, holding India, at least East India, will become impossible.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/10/2012 12:44:39 AM)
quote: I have found that even the 18th British division is not reliable in combat. None of the India LCUs stand up to assault for long. Usually one or two turns and their AV is depleted. Fortifications help--but not enough. 1st Aussie and 2nd Aussie, which I put into India rather than Aussie, have been the best units available. That is why my assault on Mandalay is with non-Indian units for the most part. I do have considerable doubt concerning the ability of British and Indian ground forces against a determined Japanese offensive that would no doubt include many Jap combat LCU’s that are seasoned veterans of China (with increased experience ratings). This difference alone between British and Japanese ground forces will greatly impact any land battle between them regardless of time or location - includes not only a Japanese invasion of India but also any Allied ground offensive going out of India. quote: You can hang out on that Landlocked airbase in the middle, but you do not have enough force to repel pillager if he makes Ceylon a priority. What if I was to make holding Ceylon a priority and allow Pillager to have the landlocked airbase in the middle? Actually Ceylon as a defensive position can be held more effectively than a position on the Indian mainland with the same forces. A consideration at this point is giving more priority to a defense of Ceylon, even at the cost of (modestly) reducing some defensive capability in mainland India. quote: Meanwhile, if Pillager does decide to go after India, then opportunities present themselves all over the map. Hit hard and hit often. There is nothing like a string of bad news to deflate an opponent. It is here that the Allies have the advantage. We are supposed to get slaughtered. When we hit back and go on the offensive, pushing back that ring of defense, tightening the noose ever so much, the enemy has the problem of dealing with where are they coming next. Wake, Canton Island, Suva and environs, New Cal, Efate, Loganville, Port Morseby, et al. Spread those hits around and Pillager will go nuts trying to find you and administer some Bushido justice. Agreed. Some more thoughts and notes... My estimate on the probability of Pillager invading India at this point in the campaign is somewhat less than 50%. If this was mid-1942 I could see the odds easily be well over 50%, but there are differences between 1942 and 43 – the first being the Allies as well as Japan are capable of making offensive moves. Would Pillager have sufficient Japanese forces available to invade India in 1943 after the fall of China with any degree of success? Yes, with a number of other conditions (many of these falling under the Law of Diminshing Returns). (1) A campaign in India will absorb a considerable part of the IJ Army and require most if not nearly all the Japanese LCU’s gained from the fall of China. An Indian campaign (as you said yourself) would also require the involvement of substantial Jap naval forces including KB’s presence in the Indian Ocean or at the very least KB’s location close enough to the Indian Ocean for Pillager to make its intervention there a credible threat. (2) A Japanese emphasis on India would require Pillager to turn his back on the Pacific theatres – the more he commits to an Indian campaign, the more he exposes the Pacific theatres to what would likely be an earlier and quicker US attack. (3) The time element. A 1943 Japanese campaign in India would have to result in two things - a major Allied collapse, and that collapse would need to occur quickly. Unless both those things occur, Pillager would have a rather ugly two front war on his hands. (4) What ground the Japanese capture also has to be defended. The more you take, the more you have to protect. (5) How much is India actually worth to the Japanese economy in 1943, especially given the distances between India and the Japanese home islands? Anything leaving India would certainly have to move by sea – there being no direct overland transportation routes out of India (the Himalayas to the north, the border region near Burma to the east). Does Pillager even have enough transport ships to effectively haul very much cargo into or out of India given the Japanese merchant fleet’s existing commitments? Not likely. What is Pillager's more likely option(s)? Strengthening the defensive positions he already has. In early to mid-1942 India would be tempting, less so now. Those Japanese LCU's from China can reinforce quite a few defensive positions, and as I stated earlier, the China forces are now the "cream" of the IJ Army. I expect to see some in the Pacific theatres which isn't gonna be pretty. What I also see from intelligence data on known Japanese LCU locations is that Pillager is placing significant emphasis on securing the DEI and its resources against Allied amphibious invasions. This area is actually where I'd like Pillager to reinforce and there may be a way that will convince him to do that. quote: I exposed the British CV force far too much early on, but that turned back all invasion probes. It cost me Formidable, a big loss, but it worked. It will not keep the KB out, but I figured (correctly in my case) that the KB was tasked to other areas. The real threat was subs, and that is what got Formidable. British carriers are not an effective force - they're too small, too few, and (exactly as you said) too easy to lose. Then you have the (British CV) withdrawals. At this point I only have CVL Hermes available. CV Victorious arrives in 29 days, but that's in Panama. I have BB Prince of Wales and some RN cruisers coming east across the Pacific to "pick up" Victorious when it arrives. After that I have no plans currently in place for using it. It may end up operating with the Americans as it did for awhile historically. What I'm describing with the British carrier force involves only ship withdrawals, no carriers lost in action.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/10/2012 12:56:01 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/17/43 The silence is deafening – the AAR report for the 1/16 game turn is completely empty. CV Hiyo has surfaced again! The latest chapter of CV Hiyo’s odyssey now has it afloat (in service) once again, this according an entry in the 1/16 Operations report. This report is the second time CV Hiyo has sunk and later resurfaced. Before this PBEM is over, we could establish a new AE record for number of times an individual ship has been sunk or reported to sink during a single game. Considering the known fact that CV Hiyo was hit by one torpedo (visible signs of fire and flotation damage in the AAR and combat replay not withstanding), my opinion is leaning in the direction that Hiyo never sank. Still... FOW at its finest. Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 1/16 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wotje and Tarawa. Detected statuses of Wotje and Tarawa show no visible Japanese forces or activity in either location. South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/16 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby Coastwatcher Report: xAP Hakone Maru reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+2 from last report), 74 aircraft (42 fighters, 32 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. The 10-ship Jap surface combat TF reported as departing Rangoon last game turn has re-appeared in Rangoon. China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

johnjohn -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/10/2012 1:36:43 AM)
johnjohn (John) chimes in some more--My Vicky came and went again. And now that some newer UK carriers are arriving, I am experiencing problems with air groups. I purchased all the RAF Naval units lost early in the war. Now I have a few that cannot update since they need max airframes to do so and those airframes are lost, never to reappear. As a result, the UK carriers, which are lessor units anyway, now don't have strike aircraft. There are few strike squadrons that come with the carriers, mostly just fighter/bombers. This is proving a challenge as I wait for more strike units to appear as "extras" late in 1944. Although the UK carriers are not front line defenders against the KB, they are more than adequate against supply convoys. That is how I kept the enemy out of Chittagong, Diamond Harbor, and so forth. They did march overland to Cox's Bazaar while I ran away (excellent Sir Robin retreat) with whatever I had. The Assam Rifle units were parked in various important small bases to dissuade the showup and conquer approach used by the AI. Further, I only built up Ledo, Dacca, and Calcutta early in the game. After it became clear that they were not coming, all ship born supply having been intercepted, I then built up a line (sort of) from Chittagong to Imphal to Ledo using the jungle as the main defense. I misspoke earlier re: Aussie units. The I Corps units, 6 and 7 Divisions respectively, went to India. The seventh ended up in Chittagong, while the UK 18th went to Imphal. The 6th stayed at Colombo. The 7th along with one Indian Bde (the 44th Inf) took on the 33rd Jap Inf Div, an 88 exp division at Akyab. Both were seriously depleted in what turned out to a successful assault once additional help showed up. The 7th, which remains at Akyab along with the 44th Bde, is at 60% strength while the 44th is at 40%. Both are refitting at Akyab. They will be there for some time. Meanwhile the 11th EA Inf and the 81st WA Inf, several Bdes, and the 6th Aussie (505 AV) are crossing the jungle to Magwe, a 7 airbase. The idea is to cut the supply route to Mandalay, bomb the defenders extensively and take the place eventually. There is basically nowhere else to go but Rangoon, and I am not interested in going that far in 44. II Corps (Aussie) is with Mac. The 5th Aussie is at Hansa Bay refitting. Mac has skipped over Hollandia (airbase and port fully suppressed) to Sarmi which is building up nicely. Sarmi is my planned forward base for the Biak et al stuff all the way to Sorong. I am going to send some small stuff overland to secure the oil fields at the east end of NG. 43rd US Inf is at Sarmi with 200 engineers. Base Force units are enroute, and numerous F and DB and Torpedo squadrons are ready to take over. Nine CVEs are operating out of Madang, a major base, supporting operations. 1st Cav, 32nd US Inf, 41st US Inf, and two more in San Francisco awaiting lift. Munda is loaded with 7 divisions, PH another 5, and 1st USMC Div is at Tarawa all ready to go to get the Marianas. 11 CVs and 7 CVLs are tasked up to support the effort. It is overkill, but so what? The object, at least one of them, is to see if I can manage invasion forces of this size. I concur with your analysis of Pillager intending to make the DEI difficult. If that is his course of action, he is setting himself for the old "cut-off the head and the arms go limp" strategy. I believe that it would be a simple matter (having dealt with the KB and making some inroads toward Japan) to take Iwo, Okinawa, perhaps Formosa, and stop any shipping from reaching home, having the same impact as invading the DEI without actually having to do it. Same goes for the Philippines. Since I do not have any political reason to liberate Manila, I am giving considerable thought to just finishing the central pacific strategy and then focusing on Japan. John

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/11/2012 4:41:11 PM)
johnjohn, The one thing most noticeable from your narrative of the India/Burma campaign is the difference in how we're employing the Australian army in our respective games. Your deployment of Australians into the India/Burma theatre appears to be rather effective, though you appear to be facing what is pretty much the historical Japanese army in Burma. For my own situation... there is only one Australian LCU (6th Division) in the Indian theatre. 6 Division is currently located in Colombo (same as you actually) - it was moved immediately to Colombo when it entered the game in 1942 to quickly secure Ceylon against a Japanese amphibious landing. My plans (at least until now) had been to keep 6 Division in Colombo until (1) other Allied ground forces can be moved to Ceylon to secure it, and/or (2) any significant threat of Japanese attack to capture Ceylon no longer exists. Once those conditions had been met, 6 Division would transfer to Australia to join the main body of the Australian forces. This plan for 6 Australian Division may no longer be valid - chances are it may have to remain in Ceylon indefinately. The planned emphasis on my use of Australian forces is in the Pacific theatres, mainly with SW Pacific. The core of my "mobile" (unrestricted command) Australian ground forces already includes 2, 7, 8 and 9 Australian Divisions, HQ I Australian Corps, most of the Australian armored units, plus an assortment of other LCU's. Other Australian army units could still be added to this force. Another interesting component of my Allied forces in India is the Chinese - a ground army plus an air component. The Chinese army now in India includes 11 infantry LCU's (mostly divisions) and a HQ. This force includes nearly all Chinese LCU's that were transferrable to unrestricted command and worth the PP cost to transfer. Chinese LCU's in India are at various points in the process of rebuilding from replacements - since the supply situation inside China no longer permitted LCU's in China to draw replacements, the entire Chinese LCU replacement pool is available to LCU's in India. As long as Chungking holds out, more LCU replacements are added to the pools for the Chinese army in India to draw from. The Chinese AF in India includes 12 squadrons (6 fighter, 6 bomber) plus an air HQ - this force engaged entirely with pilot training. With fully trained pilots and the possibility of improved plane types (P-40N Warhawk, B-25D Mitchells) later in 1943, the Chinese AF has the potential of becoming a useful addition to Allied air forces in India. I employed Chinese AF fighter squadrons in India during my last (CHS) match vs Pillager, they proved quite effective with trained pilots and decent aircraft equipment. Some severe limitations are anticipated with regard as to where and to what extent Chinese forces in India can be used, especially concerning the shortage of replacement pool pilots, planes and LCU elements to recover combat or operational losses. I'm expecting the replacement pool situation for Chinese forces in India to be similar to what I've already experienced with Dutch ground and air units I still have in the game - what is already in the Chinese replacement pools will remain available but nothing new will be added to the replacement pools after Chungking falls. Still... the Chinese forces now in India are something else to throw in Pillager's path. quote: My Vicky came and went again. And now that some newer UK carriers are arriving, I am experiencing problems with air groups. I purchased all the RAF Naval units lost early in the war. Now I have a few that cannot update since they need max airframes to do so and those airframes are lost, never to reappear. As a result, the UK carriers, which are lessor units anyway, now don't have strike aircraft. There are few strike squadrons that come with the carriers, mostly just fighter/bombers. This is proving a challenge as I wait for more strike units to appear as "extras" late in 1944. I will have to look out for that. In terms of aircraft (air group) capacity and TF strike coordination limits, British carriers can in some way be regarded and used as CVL's. In my projected 1 CV/1 CVL task force organization scheme, CV Victorious (and its sister ships) could be paired in a TF with a US fleet carrier - the British carrier being the "CVL" in this combination.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/11/2012 4:49:45 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/18/43 Light activity resumes in the 1/17 game turn AAR report. Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/17 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabituea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified aircraft based there, also ship(s) in port – both as expected. No other Japanese forces or activity observed. South Pacific: Some Japanese air activity reported over Suva - this includes a floatplane from an undetected Jap submarine operating near Suva, also possible naval search or recon flights by G4M Betty from Noumea. Fighter CAP is activated over Suva. Additional naval search air patrols from Suva are going up to locate the Jap sub. Allied surface ASW forces are available in Suva and will be dispatched to engage the Jap sub if it is found. US sub patrol engages Jap surface ASW in southern sea approaches to Rabaul. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Rabaul at 106,128 (S of Rabaul) Japanese Ships PB Magan Maru PB Kyo Maru #10 PB Nanpo Maru PB Myoken Maru Allied Ships SS Seawolf SS Seawolf launches 2 torpedoes at PB Magan Maru Seawolf diving deep .... PB Nanpo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search... PB Myoken Maru fails to find sub and abandons search Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intercepted Jap radio transmissions reported from Tulagi and Woodlark Is in Sigint entries for 1/17. No visible Japanese forces or activity shown in either location. Some evidence of port and airfield construction was observed on Woodlark Is – current port size 2(2), airfield size 3(5). Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/17 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay Coastwatcher Report: xAK Morioka Maru reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving West Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 4 Japanese ships anchored in port (2 PB, 1 xAK, 1 unidentified; +2 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 61 aircraft (40 fighters, 21 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: No reported ground combat this game turn. Japanese air bombing raids (ground attack) over Chungking, these strikes inflicting little or no significant effect on Chinese LCU’s.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/12/2012 4:46:11 AM)
Summary of Operations 1/19/43 Central Pacific: US sub patrol engages Jap surface ASW near Truk. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Truk at 111,106 (N of Truk) Japanese Ships PB Tenzan Maru SC Ch 19 PB Heizan Maru Allied Ships SS Scorpion, hits 1 (minor system damage, remains on patrol) SS Scorpion launches 2 torpedoes at PB Tenzan Maru Scorpion diving deep .... PB Heizan Maru fails to find sub and abandons search PB Tenzan Maru attacking submerged sub .... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US sub Swordfish reports attack by Ki-21 Sally air patrol near the northern Marianas. South Pacific: US sub patrol in southern sea approach to Rabaul remains in contact with Jap surface ASW. Latest AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Feni Islands at 107,127 (SE of Rabaul) Japanese Ships PB Myoken Maru PB Kyo Maru #10 PB Nanpo Maru Allied Ships SS Seawolf Captain of SS Seawolf elects not to launch torpedoes at this target Seawolf diving deep .... PB Nanpo Maru attacking submerged sub .... PB Myoken Maru fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sigint entry for 1/18 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/18 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island Coastwatcher Report: AKE Kashino reported in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Noumea is reported empty Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Andaman Sea: Pillager appears to have two Jap surface ASW TF’s pursuing this sub. AAR’s follow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,65 (E of Victoria Point) Japanese Ships DD Wakatake E Kunashiri DD Sanae Allied Ships SS Peto SS Peto is located by DD Wakatake Peto diving deep .... DD Sanae attacking submerged sub .... DD Sanae attacking submerged sub .... DD Wakatake attacking submerged sub .... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,65 (W of Victoria Point) Japanese Ships PB Yomei Maru PB Seikai Maru Allied Ships SS Peto SS Peto is sighted by escort Peto diving deep .... PB Yomei Maru fails to find sub and abandons search PB Seikai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,63 (W of Victoria Point) Japanese Ships E Kunashiri DD Sanae DD Wakatake Allied Ships SS Peto SS Peto is sighted by escort DD Sanae fails to find sub and abandons search DD Wakatake attacking submerged sub .... Escort abandons search for sub -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port (2 PB, 1 xAK; -1 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 62 aircraft (39 fighters, 23 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: No reported ground combat this game turn.

wneumann -> RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager) (8/13/2012 11:29:31 PM)
Summary of Operations 1/20/43 Central Pacific: Small Jap transport intercepted by US sub patrol. AAR follows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Ponape at 116,117 (SW of Ponape) Japanese Ships xAKL Kokuei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships SS Haddock SS Haddock launches 2 torpedoes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sigint entries for 1/19 report intercepted Jap radio signals from Jaluit and Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity in these two locations. South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/19 Operations report follow. Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni Coastwatcher Report: 16 ships reported in port at Rabaul Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands Coastwatcher Report: xAK Igasa Maru reported in port at Noumea Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Noumea is reported empty Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown Recent coastwatcher reports and other observations indicate a small but steady volume of Japanese transport ship traffic at Noumea. My estimate of this traffic being it’s a combination of supply, fuel and possibly air or LCU reinforcements arriving at Noumea, plus transports leaving from Noumea with resource point cargo on their return trip. There is some resource production at Noumea – whether the output of this production is useful enough for Pillager to pick up and transport back to Japan is an open question. Until the Japanese capture of Noumea, I had been transporting resources from there to Auckland to remove them for use by NZ industry rather than leaving them to become available for Japanese production. One US S-class sub patrol is already dispatched and enroute to take up a patrol area on the northern sea approach to Noumea, other sub patrol(s) could be sent to the Noumea area if the situation justifies this. Patrols here will monitor Jap sea movements into and from Noumea, also attack and sink targets of opportunity they can intercept. Australia: Some construction has already started on airfield expansion at selected bases in the interior of Australia to create a line of fully expanded bases from Melbourne/Sydney toward NW Australia. This is a lower-priority project and will be pursued with engineers and supply not required for other purposes. Engineer LCU assigned to this project includes those not currently needed elsewhere or become available after completion of higher priority tasks on which they’re employed. 24 US and Australian construction engineer LCU’s are currently operating in mainland Australia, this total excludes base force LCU’s and other LCU containing engineer elements. Plans at this time are to complete airfield expansions northward to Tennant Creek, including bases at Alice Springs and Cloncurry with available engineers and supply not immediately needed for other tasks. Once these bases are completed, I’ll be evaluating whether base construction will continue northward from Tennant Creek toward Darwin. The project is intended to create a “pipeline” for air squadron transfers and supply movement northward to Darwin if this link somehow becomes useful or necessary to future Allied operations (no current Allied plans under consideration require this “pipeline”). I have seen one or more reference(s) in the forums stating or implying the string of bases between Darwin and Melbourne/Sydney has limited value for moving supply to Darwin and NW Australia, a review of terrain on the game map pretty much confirms that position. However, if this project is completed and a string of bases is in place, it would be available and could be used to the extent it proves to be useful. DEI: Sigint entry for 1/19 reports Jap 23rd Infantry Division has transferred from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria) and now located at Endeh (Flores Island) in the DEI. This report is another indication Pillager is placing some emphasis on defense of the DEI from Allied amphibious assaults. Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII operating south of Rangoon reporting two air attacks from Ki-49 Helen air patrols. No hits or damage. Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 65 aircraft (37 fighters, 28 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. China: No reported ground combat this game turn.

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