RE: 14-15 Feb 42 (Full Version)

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RangerJoe -> RE: 14-15 Feb 42 (6/29/2021 6:19:01 PM)

Forts plus airfields and ports built up after a certain level gives you balloons.



IdahoNYer -> RE: 14-15 Feb 42 (7/4/2021 3:23:05 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Forts plus airfields and ports built up after a certain level gives you balloons.


any idea what fort level triggers that? In any case, I've got some engineers on site digging away!

thx!



IdahoNYer -> 16-19 Feb 42 (7/4/2021 3:37:05 AM)

16-19 Feb 42

Highlights – Merak seized as landings go in at Oosthaven while initial attack on Soerabaja is held.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 11
Allied: 13

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 13 Attacks, 0 ships hit (I should probably change this from "hit" to damaged, as quite a few ships were hit by duds!)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Maumere (Southwest Pacific)
Merauke (Southwest Pacific)
Torres Is (South Pacific)
Oosthaven (DEI)
Mataram (DEI)
Sabang (DEI – airborne landing)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Djokjakarta (DEI)

Bases seized:
Feni Is (South Pacific – flipped)
Merak (DEI)
Cheribon (DEI)
Mandalay (Burma)
Sabang (DEI)
Loemagjang (DEI)
Merauke (Southwest Pacific)
Maumere (Southwest Pacific)
Torres Is (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: Intel reports that the Allies have completed a level 1 AF on the Cocos Is in the Indian Ocean. A bit surprised that L_S_T looks to be developing this island as a fwd base, but will need to deal with this before it becomes a threat.

Japan/Industry: My first Rufe R&D effort reached 30, and am switching it to Zero A6M5 R&D. I also swapped my Jack J2M5 to Zero A6M3 – I’m realizing that any R&D effort this early for a plane not slated to arrive in mid to late 44 or beyond is just a waste of time.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Remaining pretty quiet as the KB finishes out minor repairs at Rabaul and the occasional CA TF bombardment runs to Pt. Moresby accomplish little, but so far have avoided the subs.

DEI/SW Pacific: Undefended Merak is seized as troops also advance to Batavia from Kalidjati. The initial attack on Soerabaja is held, although just barely – will try again next turn after some reinforcements arrive. Will also attack Batavia next turn as defenders seem slim. The reduction of Java is progressing beyond expectations with the minimal forces involved – 2 IN Bdes and 4 IN Reg of IJA and a half dozen SNLF for the most part. And most of those troops will pull out before the end of the month to leave mop up to the 2nd ID (two of those regiments are from 2ID) No air attacks on shipping for a change, although subs are still thick, but fortunately haven’t created havoc since sinking Zuiho. Oosthaven Amph went in without any major issues and defense looks to be weak, so hopefully this 2+ Div effort can rapidly advance inland toward Palembang. A second Amphib with the 5th ID, to land on Sumatra’s southern coast at Benkoelen, begins loading at Singapore. Lastly, the IJN looks to begin operations in the IO, south of the DEI. This starts with a CL TF (CL, 3DD, DMS) departing Oosthaven area, and will raid any shipping at the Cocos Islands. Hope to follow this up with a bombardment, and may bring the Mini-KB around after they refuel and rearm at Kendari. Just not sure where the US CVs are at the moment…always possible they are lurking in the IO.

PI: The first Bde of the 21st ID finishes offloading at Laoag while the first 18th ID regiment from Mindanao begins offloading at Naga. Once fully assembled, these two divisions arrival on Luzon will allow the siege of Manila to begin.

Malaya/Burma: Was surprised that the Hurris haven’t swept Magwe again. Recon shows that they are likely coming out of Imphal, but for the time being, I have no means of hitting that base. A squadron of Zeros are brought in, and some Oscars are placed on night CAP. An AA unit is loading at Singers bound for Rangoon, but its going to be a few weeks until they’ll get up to Magwe. On the ground, Mandalay was taken in an Allied rearguard action.

China: Wenchow holds yet another attack, despite forts at zero. This is becoming a very frustrating assault! Will take some time to shift some forces around and continue to bludgeon the defenders down.



RangerJoe -> RE: 16-19 Feb 42 (7/4/2021 4:21:30 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

16-19 Feb 42

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 13 Attacks, 0 ships hit (I should probably change this from "hit" to damaged, as quite a few ships were hit by duds!)

I hear you knocking but you can't come in!


Japan/Industry: My first Rufe R&D effort reached 30, and am switching it to Zero A6M5 R&D. I also swapped my Jack J2M5 to Zero A6M3 – I’m realizing that any R&D effort this early for a plane not slated to arrive in mid to late 44 or beyond is just a waste of time.


But you need the Jacks to escort the Jills. [;)]

As far as the balloons go, I do not know where they start appearing. They may have been added later so they would not show up in the manual but in a note for the update.



IdahoNYer -> 20-21 Feb 42 (7/6/2021 11:18:56 PM)

20-21 Feb 42

Highlights – Soerabaja, Batavia, Oosthaven and Port Blair all seized with minimal cost.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied: 02

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Komodo (DEI)
Utupua (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Sibuyan (PI – flipped)
Port Blair (IO)
Oosthaven (DEI)
Batavia (DEI)
Soerabaja (DEI)
Soerakarta (DEI)
Mataram (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: I converted three late arriving plane R&D factories (2xRandy c, Tsurugi) to Oscar IIa, A6M3 Zero and Tojo IIa which will cost some additional 21k plus supply for the change…should have done it from the start. That gives me 10x30 R&D factories working on the Zero line (including one on the Sen Baku, 8x30 on the Oscars and 4x30 on the Tojos. Probably spending too much supply in a/c R&D…..

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CVE Taiyo finally finds some targets, and its Vals hit a CM and a PG repeatedly SE of Canberra. Was hoping for a bigger haul, but its something to perhaps give L_S_T pause – some carrier is out there in the Tasman Sea. Taiyo will now head back to Rabaul. Otherwise, pretty quiet as another CA bombardment run to Moresby will depart Rabaul next turn. It will get a bit busier shortly as the 18th ID elements are heading from Kendari to reinforce Moresby and hopefully resolve that issue. Will also look to land an SNLF at Portland Roads on Australia’s NE coast – the official start (albeit a small, slow one) to the campaign for Northern Australia.

DEI/SW Pacific: A very solid two days in the DEI, especially on Java with both Batavia and Soerabaja being taken without much cost. Of course, that’s because they were minimally defended – most of eastern Java’s defenders are bottled up at the IJA base of Malang, while most of western Java’s remaining defenders (about 14k) are now at the usual Bandoeng fortress. Java now becomes a mop up, with troops moving to siege Bandoeng and clear out the remaining occupied bases. Going forward, the goal is to have 2nd ID troops lay siege to Bandoeng, most other IJA troops to transit to Sumatra, while the freed up SNLF (after garrisons) can be used to begin landings against northern Australia to isolate Darwin. On Sumatra, Oosthaven was taken easily, the 1000 defenders surrendering. 25th Army troops will now advance inland towards Palembang. The cruiser raid to Cocos Island failed to engage anything last turn, so they’ll turn around and attempt to engage the reported pair of ships sighted by Mavis' out of Java, and a BB TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) will depart Oostahaven to bombard. The 5th ID Amph Convoy will depart Singers next turn, and then move through the Sunda Strait to land troops at Benkoelen in the coming days.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Paras secure an undefended Port Blair in the Andaman Islands as mines are cleared from Rangoon by a single coastal minesweeper. Will establish Jakes at Port Blair before risking a major TK convoy going into Rangoon, despite having Bettys based there. Off Karachi, one of the first IJN subs in the IO, I-9, sinks on xAK and damages another while I-121 lays mines in the shallows off Columbo. On the ground in Burma, troops begin to move on Shwebo.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/9EBC7312978D4267A46F1A567EAE90FA.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 24-25 Feb 42 (7/11/2021 10:36:28 PM)

24-25 Feb 42

Highlights – Cocos bombardment costs a DD; troops land unopposed at Benkoelen.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 2 (Minegumo, Shirayuki)

Allied ships sunk:
CM: 1
TK: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 33

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CM, TK sunk) Finally got a TK off Karachi!
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CL, AK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Benkoelen (DEI)
Tandjoengbali (DEI)
Vanua Lava (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Benkoelen (DEI)
Sibolga (DEI – airborne assault)
Tijilap (DEI)
Sepadjang (DEI)
Buitenzorg (DEI)
Terapo (South Pacific)
Milne Bay (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: Subs remain thick at usual choke points and remain the primary threat.

Japan/Industry: CL Tenryu begins her 6 month conversion to a CLAA at Yokohama.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CL Yubari, as part of a Fast Transport amphib to Milne Bay finds a mine the hard way, and while limping back north, SS Gudgeon finds her off Woodlark Is and puts a working fish into her. She’s in a bad way (31/79(43)/34(30)), and will attempt to limp into Gasmata. CA TF (2CA, DDs) bombardment run against Port Moresby does little as the Amph TF carrying 18th ID IN Reg and Engineers will begin landing next turn, supported by another CA TF (4CA, CL, DDs) bombardment. Subs are the greatest threat, as they remain thick between Rabaul and Port Moresby despite ASW TFs and Jakes flying ASW patrols. To give L_S_T something besides Moresby to worry about, an SNLF will land at Portland Roads next turn. KB remains largely disbanded at Rabaul.

DEI/SW Pacific: Bombardment run against the Cocos has some bad luck, despite minimal opposition. First, the TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) encounter a single xAKL sinking her, but not before CA Maya and DD Shirayuki collide! This slows the departure somewhat and the TF is attacked by Dutch seaplanes, which of course manage to hit the damaged DD Shirayuki sinking her with two bombs! The bombardment did fairly well though, inflicting 340 casualties, destroying 12 planes on the ground and damaging two AVPs in the port. The level 1 AF is damaged, but remains in operation. Mini-KB enters the Indian Ocean and will initially sail between Aus and the Cocos to intercept any Allied effort heading to the Cocos. BB Ise TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) will follow, and will head to bombard, and will look to use the Mini-KB to provide air cover as the situation develops. Although isolated from Allied support, a defense of the Cocos will be challenging to overcome if it is allowed to develop – nearest AF is 17 hexes away at Batavia! On Java, progress is made with Tijilajap secured, providing a port of refuge for the damaged Isuzu and Hibiki. They’re only moderately damaged, but I don’t want to risk a run with damaged ships through the Sunda strait with the Dutch subs prowling. The IJA’s 5th ID lands unopposed at Benkoelen and secures the base. From there, they will drive on Palembang to isolate the base from Djambi. 18th ID’s campaign in western Sumatra continues with the support of Paras securing Sibolga and its recon regiment landing at Trandjoengbalai, leaving remaining Dutch resistance isolated at Medan.

PI: With the 21st ID’s second Bde about to come ashore at Laoag to reinforce, the last brigade of the 38th ID begins moving to Bataan with plenty of artillery in support to begin the fight to secure the base before focusing 14th Army on Manila.

Burma/IO: The RTA Bde that secured Lashio has continued to advance toward the Chinese border where it met an unknown Chinese forces just west of Paoshan. The 55th ID(-) main effort, an infantry regiment with its recon regiment in support will attack Shwebo next turn. Will look to continue a recon in force toward both Akyab on the coast and Myitkyina towards the interior, but if a Chinese threat develops near Paoshan, that may need to be the focus – Forces currently committed to Burma are minimal, and very much over extended.

China: Flying Tigers make a series of sweeps against Canton, covered by about 20 Oscars. CAP gives a good account, downing 16 H81-A3s for 15 Oscar Ic.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/115F5A3B1F5D4258948CDB22AA82D355.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 22-23 Feb 42 (7/15/2021 9:21:09 PM)

22-23 Feb 42 (forgot to post this one!)

Highlights – Inconclusive naval battle off the Cocos

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Yomogi)
DMS: 2
CM: 1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Le Triomphant)
PG: 1
xAP: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (PG, xAP sunk)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DD, CM sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Milne Bay (South Pacific)
Sepandjang (DEI)
Terapo (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Bhamo (Bhamo)
Utupua (South Pacific)
Komodo (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: Was surprised to see a cruiser TF (6CL, DDs) off Cocos – probably heading to raid the Oosthaven landings is my best guess. Still perplexed by the Allied buildup in the Cocos.

Japan/Industry: Another Rufe R&D factory reaches 30/30 and is shifted to A6M5 research. Also of note, the Ha-35 engine pool reaches 300.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: SS Perch gets the better of an ASW TF and sinks DD Yomogi off Toyohara. ASW efforts continue to be lack luster for the IJN.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: NSTR.

DEI/SW Pacific: Well, I was surprised to see an Allied CL TF conduct a mid-ocean intercept of the IJN CL TF (CL, 2DD, TB, DMS) enroute to raid reported Allied shipping at Cocos. I-164 sighted the TF, but failed to penetrate the screen SE of the Cocos, and was damaged by DD Nizam for the effort – she’ll have to head to Singers for repairs. Based on this sighting, I’m betting Allied TF apparently came from Perth, and was heading to raid Oosthaven as the IJN TF ran into it some 120m NW of the Cocos. Despite having Tanaka commanding, IJN gunnery was very poor and torpedoes failed to hit a single ship. Tanaka was lucky to come off with only one DD heavily damaged (will be surprised if she makes a friendly port) and a DMS sunk for, at best, a couple of Allied ships moderately damaged. However, the Allied TF did expend much ammo, and has likely aborted its mission – which should allow the incoming IJN BB TF (That remained off Oosthaven as I neglected to remove its “patrol” order) an uninterrupted bombardment run of the Cocos. The Benkoelen Amph TF will depart Oosthaven for its target next turn, supported by a CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs). I’m also laying a small minefield in the Sunda Strait, hoping to catch subs departing the Java Sea. Mini-KB has taken on fuel at Kendari, and will also sortie into the IO – staying east of the Cocos to interdict any further traffic to/from Australia.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Magwe receives another heavy fighter sweep of Hurricanes, which is met by Zeros and Oscar Ics at staggered altitude. Each side lost about 16 fighters which is NOT a good exchange. AA units are enroute, having just departed Singers, but will take a while to arrive. In the meantime, will do the best with what’s available, and that means a staggered CAP just in case bombers come in along with the sweeps.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/BFB8E9154F2642C5AD6EA30F411C16FC.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 26-27 Feb 42 (8/13/2021 2:56:29 AM)

26-27 Feb 42

Highlights – Portland Roads secured and reinforcements landed at Moresby as BB Warspite TF bombards Norfolk Is.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Fuyo)
DMS: 1
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 05
Allied: 08

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 11 Attacks, 4 ships hit (DD, DMS, PB sunk; DD dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Great Nicobar Is (IO)
Portland Roads (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Portland Roads (South Pacific)
Emirau Is (South Pacific)
Tandjoengbalai (DEI)
Vanua Lava (South Pacific)
Shwebo (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: Allied Fleet activity with the Warspite bombardment shows some Allied naval strength in South Pacific region.

Japan/Industry: DD Kazegumo arrives in Yokohama as first “accelerated” DD to arrive. Badly needed, as we’ve already lost 16 DDs with very little to show for it.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CL Yubari (34/80(43)/34(30)) surprisingly makes Gasmata! She’ll sit there for a while. Reinforcements landed at Moresby, and so far subs have picked off a DMS and crippled another DD (Arashio) during an “ASW attack” – go figure! CD guns also damaged an xAP and an xAK, but the troops were landed in good order and will attack. Meanwhile, BB Warspite with 8 DDs bombarded Norfolk Is, avoiding subs, mines and CV Hiryu air search which was loitering to the NW. Norfolk is certainly drawing attention.

DEI/SW Pacific: Mini-KB finds a damaged xAP and duly sinks her, apparently withdrawing from the Cocos. Mini-KB closes to sweep as BB Ise TF bombards.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Shwebo is taken, abandoned.

China: NSTR.



IdahoNYer -> 28 Feb - 1 Mar 42 (8/13/2021 3:04:33 AM)

28 Feb - 1 Mar 42

Highlights – Pt Moresby holds attacks again!

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Triton)
xAP: 1
xAK: 3
xAKL: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (S-39)

Air loss:
Jpn: 07
Allied: 11

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, xAKL dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Tagula Is (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Catanduanes (PI – flipped)
Great Nicobar (IO)
Christmas Is (IO – para drop)
Lahat (DEI)
Djokjakarta (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: CA Maya goes into drydock at Singers to repair collision damage; she’ll spend two weeks in repair.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Pt. Moresby holds off another deliberate attack, and no forts are reduced despite reinforcing with engineers. This was a costly attack, costing the Empire 2500 men to only 350 Allied, although all but a few casualties were disable squads. Still, will need to reinforce again before making another attempt, and need to cut off all supply runs – such as the xAKLs heading in this turn. Although 3 didn’t make it, two apparently did. Frustrating…..

DEI/SW Pacific: The noose continues to tighten on Java on Dutch remnants, and the two Bdes of 4th ID will move to Sumatra shortly. The Cocos are bombarded with moderate effect, and the bombardment runs sink an xAP and two xAKs. Mini-KB continues to loiter to the SE to interdict any reinforcements or supply runs. Will turn around BB Ise TF for another bombardment run next turn. Subs remain the greatest threat as they remain thick in the Sunda Strait.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: Wenchow continues to bedevil the IJA, holding another attack with another 2000 casualties inflicted despite zero forts and the IJA outnumbering the defenders. Will wait till some fresh troops arrive and try again in the next couple of turns.



IdahoNYer -> Feb 42 Summary (8/14/2021 3:23:02 AM)

Feb 42 Summary

A frustrating month of sorts. Gains made, but speedbumps left behind by L_S_T have proved very effective. For instance, while the DEI is basically secured, Palembang and the Bandoeng fortress on Java will take a while to secure and reduce. Add to that Port Moresby and Manila. So, while the Empire has been duly expanding, and will continue to do so, these stay behinds will limit future plans by diverting much ground troops. In the air and at sea, the Allied “Sir Robin” strategy continues for the most part with few sustained air or naval operations. That has worked as well, as mines and subs continue to take their toll on the IJN. Primary focus for March will be to secure Palembang and Moresby and neutralize the remaining Allied stay behinds. For future major expansion operations, if troops can be assembled, will look to land on NW Australia to begin the isolation of Darwin – not very aggressive at this point. For the month, naval losses heavier than expected considering no major naval engagements – just attritional warfare: the IJN losing CVL, 4 DD and 1 SSX. Allied losses were very light, although Japanese ASW efforts are doing something; only 1CL, 1 PT and 5SS lost. In the air, the loss ratio 246 for Jpn to 286 Allied planes as it was a pretty tame month in the air.

INTEL: As the Japanese defensive perimeter is almost established (less Northern Australia), its obvious that I haven’t triggered landing on a region that warranted the commitment of the Allied Fleet. I doubt that Darwin will trigger anything – so finding and crushing the Allied fleet will now likely come from an Allied initiative – a raid or a premature Allied offensive action. At least in the short term if L_S_T gets bold. No idea where that might take place right now. I do expect probing and nuisance naval raids to pick up across between Rangoon and Canton Is.

SUBWAR: Allied subs have gone from nuisance to serious threat with sinking of the Zuiho. I realize this will only get worse, and other than accelerating DDs and focusing as many air units as I can on ASW patrol, not sure what else can be done. The simple fact is that every time an IJN vessel sets out to sea, there is a very good chance it will stumble on a sub. IJN subs aren’t as numerous and have only found the occasional victim, and not combat ships so far.

Japan/Industry. Well, I haven’t crashed the economy yet, but I fear it coming at some point. I did belatedly realize having a 30 R&D effort to get the Helen IIa with armor earlier than 9/42, doesn’t do me any good if I don’t accelerate the Sally IIb which doesn’t come in until 12/42 – as all but one squadron requires the Sally IIb to get to the Helen. Ugh! So, I’ll now have a small commitment to advance the Sally IIb…so much for limiting my R&D expenditures. Learning by mistakes here….trying to focus on Oscar and Zero fighter R&D for the majority of the effort.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/64E4757362814EF5BA9003566B368F47.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> RE: Feb 42 Summary (8/14/2021 3:29:46 AM)

Northern Pacific/5th Fleet. It has been quiet up north, just IJN subs patrolling the Aleutians. No plans for anything else, and haven’t detecting anything major up north, although it does look like L_S_T is moving troops to garrison the Aleutian bases.

Central Pacific/4th Fleet. Another quiet month. Really thought I’d see a CV raid hitting Wake or Canton. Will continue with minimal air and naval effort, and begin to fortify atolls such as Tabiteuea being built up to a Bde defended fortified airbase. Will look to move the KB from Rabaul to base at Nauru Is as its primary fleet base – far enough away from preying eyes, but reasonably close to react to any early Allied threat. Building up Tabit is the first step to that.

South Pacific/Southeast Fleet. Moresby has been painful – surprisingly so. Gaining Horn Is and even putting troops ashore at Portland Roads are positive steps, but need to free up the troops tied down at Moresby (including committing fresh troops to take the bloody base) before the Allies can begin counter punching toward Noumea and Luganville. Norfolk Is has drawn attention, and has served well in that role. Will continue to use Norfolk as trip wire, perhaps keeping limited carrier presence for a bit longer (currently Hiryu), but concerned that the US CVs may come in unexpectedly. Going to try and keep the KB quiet and not committed unless major Allied TFs are identified; don’t see the need for the KB in the Moresby fight.

DEI/SW Pacific. On the very positive side, the DEI is pretty much secured, and done so with minimal loss – the Zuiho the primary exception. Java, Timor and western Sumatra are all secured, with just a few stay behinds to deal with. Bases so far have been taken largely intact. The Allied defense of the Cocos was a surprise, and again, like other stay behind stands, will require troops (and the IJN here) do deal with in March. Palembang and the other Sumatran oilfields are the primary focus of the Empire this month, and will attempt to use minimal naval assets to gain the Cocos.

PI. Little real change in the PI this month as the noose tightens around Manila – 21st ID has begun transit to the PI and Bataan has been invested, as well as fighting ending on central Mindanao. Look to lay siege to Manila this month as well as secure the remaining outer islands.

Burma/IO. Well, the “Sir Robin” strategy in Burma has allowed the IJA to secure pretty much the entire country with the 55th ID(-), and a few squads of Paras to take the undefended Andaman Is. Very little committed here, and that won’t change until Palembang is taken to free up some troops. The danger is that the IJA (with the Thai troops) are very over extended. In the air, the focus is to protect Magwe oil, and keep Bettys avail for any Allied naval sortie toward Rangoon. Will also begin fortifying Port Blair to protect the seaward flank.

China. I have just one objective in China at the moment, and that is to secure Wenchow. And so far, that has failed miserably, even with BB fire support. That attempt will continue into March. In the air, Oscars have managed to give as good as they get against the AVG, but that will likely change when the Allies bring in more effective airframes.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/CC4A259494FA4466BD92CE1327037A0E.jpg[/image]



RangerJoe -> RE: Feb 42 Summary (8/14/2021 4:13:34 AM)

If you were to invade Wenchow, that would mandate an Allied counter invasion barrage besides the return fire from the invasion. That could hurt the enemy more than it hurts you.



IdahoNYer -> RE: Feb 42 Summary (8/14/2021 6:11:23 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

If you were to invade Wenchow, that would mandate an Allied counter invasion barrage besides the return fire from the invasion. That could hurt the enemy more than it hurts you.


Yeah...thought about doing an amphib, but sadly, I don't have any freed up unrestricted infantry divisions at the moment - tied up with those bloody stay behinds!

May look to have one division do a series of amphibs along the China coast at some point....



IdahoNYer -> 2-3 Mar 42 (8/14/2021 6:17:25 PM)

2-3 Mar 42

Highlights – First Carrier Battle of the Pacific War!

Jpn ships sunk:
TB: 2 (Otori, Kasasagi)
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Indomitable)
BB: 1 (Warspite)
PT: 16
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 62

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 7 Attacks, 3 ships hit (xAP, xAK sunk, xAP dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Trinkat (IO)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Pakanbaroe (DEI – flipped)
Boeton (DEI – flipped)
Sawoe-eilanden (DEI - flipped)
Tagula Is (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: Well, I feared L_S_T bringing a carrier force into the IO, but I was thinking the US version, not a single Brit CV. And no Hermes? Perhaps he considered her too slow. In any case, removing Indomitable from the boards provides a better sense of security in the IO – having only her there indicates to me that the US CVs are still in Pacific waters…so I need to be cautious with a CV laying off Norfolk.

Japan/Industry: DD Makigumo arrives, the last DD for a bit. I’ve also taken CV Hiyo off accelerated production as she’s now lined up to arrive within a day of Junyo in about 72 days.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: The big news here is that L_S_T was trying for another Norfolk Is bombardment run, and CV Hiryu was in good position to spoil it – three Kate delivered torps hit Warspite, and she’s reported sunk, but I think she’s still out there. Will look to a sub to finish her off as Hiryu will head a bit north to keep L_S_T guessing what exactly is at sea. Wasn’t a cheap strike though – 6 good Kate pilots lost to AA fire. Moresby wise, the small CL TF (CL, 2DD) I broke off from the returning Portland Roads Amph TF, headed to Moresby to engage what I thought were a few xAKLs. Well, they found and sunk an xAKL, but they also found plenty of PTs, and did surprisingly well. In a series of 3 engagements, the CL TF sank 16 PTs without loss! Also, the first Bde from the 14th ID and a tank regiment from Manchuria begin loading at Rabaul for transit to Moresby. So, another round of naval support for the reinforcement will also begin, starting with a 4 CA TF departing Rabaul for a bombardment run – with a CL TF to sweep any lingering PTs. The greatest threat remains subs however.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/5D3E8F2D49A94CB8BE0FDA5F5FEA2E58.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> RE: 2-3 Mar 42 (8/14/2021 6:19:44 PM)

DEI/SW Pacific: The highlight of the turn was of course our first carrier battle! Although small, it was a resounding victory for the IJN! Events started the evening prior when a CL TF (2CL, 2DD) engaged and sunk the ASW TF (2TB) covering the Mini-KB (CV, CVL, BB, CS, CL, 4DD). Not sure if this was just blind luck, or L_S_T was looking to engage the Mini-KB – in any event, I got lucky that this was the only surface action involving the Mini-KB. Daylight brought sightings and strikes from both sides, beginning with the IJN strike of 6Z, 27K, 30V being engaged by 15 Sea Hurricanes on CAP covering a small CV TF (CV, CL, 2DD). I was lucky here, minimal escort as I didn’t expect a CV fight, only enough to brush aside a minimal CAP expected near Cocos. The Zeros did well to protect their charges and the strike hit Indomitable with 3 torps and a bomb, Tromp and a DD each took 2 bombs. The Allied strike of 14xAlbacore and 15 Fulmars were met by 23 Zeros on CAP which did well, but still, 6 Albacore managed to drop fish, all missing carriers…lucky!! The last effective strike from the IJN met no CAP and scored three more torp hits on the CV and confirmed her sinking. Tromp avoided numerous bombs and was left burning. IJN plane losses were minimal, but both CVs have expended their torpedoes and the Mini KB will retire to Soerabaja after a brief jaunt SE to perhaps catch some stragglers – or that bloody CL TF! Meanwhile, the BB TF Ise TF (BB, 2CA, CL, 4DD, DMS) engaged a small convoy off Cocos, crippling two xAKs before bombarding with moderate effects. While the Cocos has been a pleasant diversion this past turn, it still is a nuisance that will need to be deal with, and as you can see, DDs are in short supply to thwart the ever present subs. On the ground, the IJA’s 25th Army has three divisions plus advancing on Palembang, and will begin the siege within a week. Medan will also be attacked by the 18th ID (-) and Djambi, NW of Palembang should be taken as well. On Java, the 2nd ID will siege Bandoeng, with the majority of other IJA elements to move off the island for other endeavors.

PI: Will make the first ground attack on Bataan next turn, hoping for the best.

Burma/IO: The first oil tanker convoy (AO, TK) departed Rangoon with oil, bound for Singers.

China: Will have another go at Wenchow as a fresh IN Reg has arrived. Not confident here, even with the promised support of a 3BB bombardment TF.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/12BD2A565B6E46CDB927C7A0058951F2.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 4-7 Mar 42 (8/18/2021 10:27:12 PM)

4-7 Mar 42

Highlights – Bataan taken!

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PG: 1
PC: 1
SS: 1 (Finback)
xAK: 2
xAKL: 2

Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Warspite – tough ship with three torp hits!)
SS: 1 (Triton)

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 10

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 4 ship hit (2xAK, xAKL sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 15 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Anatom (South Pacific)
Tobali (DEI)
Billiton (DEI – para drop)
Auki (South Pacific)
Biak (South Pacific)
Car Nicobar (DEI)
Deboyne Is (South Pacific)
Kirakira (South Pacific)
Lunga (South Pacific)
Nias (DEI)
Siberoet (DEI – para drop)
Rossel Is (South Pacific)
Wetar (Southwest Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Pucheng (China)

Bases seized:
Bataan (PI)
Little Andaman (IO)
Trinkat (IO)
Billiton (DEI)
Praboemoelih (DEI)
Sinabang (DEI)
Auki (South Pacific)
Wau (South Pacific)
Toboali (DEI)
Siberoet (DEI)
Anatom (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: SIGINT had "heavy volume of radio activity" at Tahiti, which proved to be accurate; looks like an Allied staging base.

Japan/Industry: CS Nisshan arrives. Two more Takao class cruisers go into refit, which, with Maya under repair, all four cruisers unavailable for a while. Air R&D advances another Rufe to 30, which is shifted to A6M5 Zero and the Helen effort reaches 30, and I shifted that to the Ki-49-IIa armored model.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: I-124 mines Tahiti apparently as a convoy was arriving; she misses BB Mississippi and an xAK with torps while an xAP hits a mine. Allied minesweepers begin clearing the mines the following day of course. Will dispatch a few I-Boats to the area as I-124 returns to Rabaul to replenish. So far, this is the best guess location I have as a forward Allied base. Depending on what the subs enroute find, may sortie the KB that way to stir things up later in the month.

South Pacific: Rabaul based Nells sink an xAKL off Moresby the day before the bombardment TF heads in while the Amph reinforcement TF departs Rabaul. The bombardment TF (4CA, CL, DDs) manage to get through numerous subs to bombard, but only inflict 73 casualties. The Amph and supporting CA TF (2CA, CL DDs) TF has also been lucky so far in avoiding subs, and will land troops next turn. Subs are VERY thick from the Torrez St to Moresby! CV Hiryu begins its return to Rabaul to replenish, leaving station off Norfolk. B-17s attempt a daylight raid to support troops at Moresby and Zeros flying LRCAP out of Rabaul manage to down two at no loss. Lastly, from the Solomons down to New Caledonia, have increased the effort to take the myriad of small islands while the amph bonus lasts with small fast transport TFs.

DEI/SW Pacific: The Allied holdouts at Malang on Java are finally destroyed with the last 2500 troops eliminated. This frees up a Mixed Bde, three Inf Bns, two SNLF and a tank regiment – enough to start landing in NW Australia? Will have to make do. A Bde from the Imperial Gd Div begins loading at Singapore for the Cocos as the Mini-KB makes the final leg to Soerabaja. Will look to land at the Cocos and then shift to landings along the NW Aus coast bases, all in one operation. On Sumatra, troops begin closing in on Palembang as more artillery is in convoy from Singapore to Oosthaven. A small recon to see what Palembang anchorage’s defenses were resulted in two AMc damaged by CDs, one will likely not make it to port.

PI: Bataan falls in the first attack; 6000 Allied troops surrendered. Now the focus can move to the prize of Manila which will be a long siege for the supplies to be extinguished before the first assault goes in. Will also look to clear Bataan’s mines to bring in the battleships to assist in the Manila siege.

Burma/IO: Magwe is targeted by Blenheims at night which are met by a few Oscars without loss or damage to either side. AA brought in has been completely ineffective so far.

China: BB TF (3BB, DDs) bombarded Wenchow inflicting about 250 casualties, but the ground attack was held with another 1500 IJA lost to only 250 Chinese.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/B00B91051F7E4414AFDB3939A0EB9EFC.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 8-9 Mar 42 (8/23/2021 4:45:12 PM)

8-9 Mar 42

Highlights – More troops put ashore at Moresby

Jpn ships sunk:
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (S-34, KVII)

Air loss:
Jpn: 08
Allied: 08

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 0 ship hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Muntok (DEI)
Thousand Ships Bay (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Bhamo (Burma)

Bases seized:
Kirakira (South Pacific)
Lunga (South Pacific)
Thousand Ships Bay (South Pacific)
Deboyne Is (South Pacific)
Rossel Is (South Pacific)
Biak (South Pacific)
Nias (DEI)
Tockangbesi-eilanden (DEI)
Wetar Southwest Pacific)
Car Nicobar (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: Recon is showing Aus forces withdrawing from bases in NW Aus…interesting. It mirrors L_S_T’s “Sir Robin” strategy to preserve the force, and Darwin can be challenging to hold and supply. But if true, the minimal forces I currently have available could pull a “Burma” and overrun a major objective area with very little combat power expended. Could prove interesting!

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Allied minesweepers promptly cleared all of I-124’s mines at Tahiti. Not surprised.

South Pacific: The Amph and supporting CA TF (2CA, CL DDs) TF gets through the sub gauntlet and offloads troops in the face of the now usual CD batteries. Although I had CA Nachi with the Amph TF to provide support and draw fire, the guns ignored her and managed to damage 2 AMCs and an xAP which is lightly damaged, but initially on fire. Three subs are reported hit by escorts during the run as well, so at least ASW is working – but – a good number of DDs are now out of DC ammo. So, the Amph and supporting TFs will head to Horn Is to rendezvous with the incoming CA bombardment TF after it clobbers Moresby. Will shuffle some escorts around a plot a route outside the current sub zone – which however will bring them more into B-17 range, which I’m surprised that L_S_T has decided to mission his heavies this turn. A total of 35 B-17 sorties over the two days hit the Amph TF as well as the incoming bombardment TF. Most raids were met by Zeros out of Rabaul which lost one in the air and two to ops. The Zeros did disrupt bombing so the bombers didn’t hit a ship and damaged them enough to cause 4 lost to Ops. I’ll take that, but was surprised in the numbers – I really can’t get the Nick soon enough! Lastly, I-15 is roughed up by depth charges off Waipapkauri from 3 US DDs on the northern tip of New Zealand while snooping around for the Warspite. I think Warspite took refuge here, and have two mini-sub carrying I-Boats to see if they can do some damage.

DEI/SW Pacific: The Mini-KB arrived to resupply sorties at Soerabaja as the Cocos Amph departs Singers to rendezvous with supporting TFs at Batavia. Will take a turn to regroup some TFs for this landing, as well as start putting together the Amph TFs for the NW Aus landings. Lead troops should begin arriving at Palembang next turn or so. Will take a while, at least a week or two, to bring up the remaining troops and most of the artillery. Going to be a siege unfortunately.

PI: A couple of Kingfishers harass a few xAKLs in southern PI waters…nothing hit, but it means he has supply on some of his outer islands.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.


[image]local://upfiles/32782/DEAEED5F8FCC4AB69A2A3D4C26BD4851.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 10-11 Mar 42 (8/23/2021 6:42:52 PM)

10-11 Mar 42

Highlights – Heavy, but ineffective, Allied air attacks near Moresby.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (S-39, Triton)

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (KXII)

Air loss:
Jpn: 02
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Batoe-eilanden (DEI)
Lifou (South Pacific)
Normanby Is (South Pacific)
Ouv’ea (South Pacific)
Rennel Is (South Pacific)
Russell Is (South Pacific)
Stewart Is (South Pacific)
Woodlark Is (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Bhamo (Burma)

Bases seized:
Muntok (DEI)
Russell Is (South Pacific)
Stewart Is (South Pacific)
Pucheng (China)

SIGINT/Intel: It appears that L_S_T is reinforcing Pt Moresby with both air and some limited ground forces – so, its not just a stay behind speed bump, but he intends to hold it. A Guadalcanal type scenario in early ’42, perhaps?

Japan/Industry: One of two Ki-45 Nick R&D factories reaches 30; Ha-35 engine pool reaches 400. The first big convoy from DEI turns around to head back to Cam Ranh Bay from Nagasaki laden with troops bound for theater. CS Nisshin joins CVE Hosho to provide cover.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Three CAs bombard Moresby inflicting only about 100 casualties, and then I made the mistake of having them remain on station instead of rendezvousing with the other TFs gathering at Horn Is. Of course, L_S_T picks this particular moment to bring in 18 Banshees to Moresby! The TF is subjected to 25 sorties over the two days, all of which are met by a surprisingly effective LRCAP out of Rabaul which down 15 at no loss, and no hits were scored. This CA TF will now head back to Rabaul next turn. Meanwhile, the Amph and supporting CA TF gathered at Horn Is shuffle a few DDs around to ensure each has some ASW capability, and will make the dash back to Rabaul next turn, routing midway between Aus and Moresby to avoid the majority of the subs, but hopefully not in range of effective Aus based strike a/c. The two damaged AMCs and xAK remained at Horn, and a single Kamikaze class DD will detach and meet up to escort the three damaged ships to Singers for some yard repair work. Lastly, Norfolk Is continues to attract attention, US CA and two DMSs avoided the sub patrol and bombarded inflicting about 60 casualties.

DEI/SW Pacific: The Cocos Is Amph will depart Batavia next turn while a BB bombardment TF (2BB, CL, DDs) and a CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) precede it heading toward target. Noticeably absent is air cover for most of the approach, as the Mini-KB (CV, CVL, BB, CS, CL, DDs) will depart Soerabaja next turn, but sail again between the Cocos and Aus to intercept any Allied TF trying to intervene. At this point, I don’t think either sea or air intervention is likely. The NW Aus invasion preparations get underway as troops begin loading at Soerabaja for the first two objectives, Broome and Derby. Both bases are reported to be abandoned, so minimal troops are going to be landed, an SNLF and a Naval Gds, plus a baseforce. Two infantry regiments and a tank regiment to focus on Darwin will load for Wyndam as the main body next turn. As mentioned earlier, minimal forces available for the time being.

PI: 14th Army with 4 divisions and plenty of support begins to move on Manila, reportedly held by over 100k troops.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/4E3D1F3E230949F8BFCA29F3CD40ADE5.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 12-13 Mar 42 (8/25/2021 7:35:32 PM)

12-13 Mar 42

Highlights – CA Kinugasa takes a torp enroute back to Rabaul.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (S-45)
PC: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 08
Allied:06

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (PC sunk)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CA dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Pagai-eilanden (DEI)
Bara (SW Pacific)
Moa (SW Pacific)
Panggoe (South Pacific)
Singkep (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Sampit (DEI)

Bases seized:
Panggoe South Pacific)
Rennel Is (South Pacific)
Normanby Is (South Pacific)
Woodlark Is (South Pacific)
Lifou (South Pacific)
Batoe-eilanden (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: Submarine I-7 loses its Glen to CAP over Tahiti, but not before spotting three TFs of undetermined ships in the area. So, this pretty much confirms that Tahiti is a major staging base, but still no clue as to where the US carriers are.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Enroute back to Rabaul, CA Kinugasa is torpedoed with a single hit, with relatively light damage (18/25(15)/1) off Woodlark Is. She makes port and she’ll depart with two DDs needing refit for Japan next turn for repairs. Awaiting another Bde of the 14th ID before making another effort against major effort against Moresby. Two midget subs will attempt to get to Warspite next turn at Waipapakauri. KB remains at Rabaul for the time being.

DEI/SW Pacific: The Cocos Is Amph will land troops next turn with the BB bombardment TF supporting while the and a CA TF maintains watch for any counter. No airstrikes on the approach, although a Pete on CAP attempted to shoot down a transport plane. Mini-KB in support, will maintain about 240m to the SE. Broome and Derby Amph TF will depart Soerabaja next turn, with a CL TF (CL, 3DD) providing cover until the CA TF comes down from the Cocos. The Wyndam Amph begins loading at Soerabaja as well. On the ground in Sumatra, 5th ID troops reach Palembang, the main body still a few days behind, and most of the siege artillery behind them, coming up from Oosthaven. On Java, the 2nd ID has laid siege to Bandoeng “fortress”, and has started routine bombardments which will continue for a while as more artillery is brought in. In Borneo, bypassed and neglected Allied troops have re-taken unoccupied Sampit on the southern coast. Will send an In Bn over to retake the base – one which was slated for NW Aus.

PI: 14th Army will enter the outskirts of Manila next turn.

Burma/IO: Recon spots a major ground force, estimated to be over 30k, moving out of Chittagong toward Cox Bazaar/Akyab. This will be a slow advance in poor terrain, but currently, I have very little on the ground to oppose this until the stay behind situation in the DEI is resolved. I do have the Imperial Gd Div “available” once the Cocos are secured, but I’d rather send it to the Darwin operation.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/40A625694A56426F99E4100DEEE0DE8E.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 14-15 Mar 42 (8/27/2021 2:21:28 AM)

14-15 Mar 42

Highlights – Cocos secured; midget subs ineffective against Warspite.

Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 2
TK: 1 (small)
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied:03

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ship hit (2xAKL sunk)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ship hit (TK, xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Cocos Is (IO)
Djemadja (Malaya)
Fergusson Is (South Pacific)
Mare’ (South Pacific)
Mussau Is (South Pacific)
Rekata Bay (South Pacfic)
Treasury Is (South Pacific)
Vella Lavella (South Pacfic)
Sipora (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Rekata Bay (South Pacific)
New Hanover Is (South Pacific)
Cocos Is (IO)
Bara (Southwest Pacific)
Moa (Southwest Pacific)
Pagai-eilanden (DEI)
Singkep (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: Midget subs can’t confirm whether Warspite is at Waipapakauri, but the port is protected by an ASW TF of a couple of DDs, so I think she’s there.

Japan/Industry: A big troop convoy with Naval Guards and engineers will depart Yokahama next turn bound for Truk. Escort will consist of half a dozen just refitted Mutsuki/Kamikaze class DDs.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: L_S_T brings an unknown number of xAKLs into Pt Moresby, two are sunk by subs, and one by Bettys plus one damaged by Jakes. Not sure how much supply got through, but some surely did. Am going to sortie CVE Taiyo w/ a few DDs to Lae to provide Vals to hit these runs. Should have done that earlier as the Rabaul based Nettys aren’t cutting it – too prone to weather issues. The Bde from 14th ID begins offloading at Rabaul, will transition to combat mode and then load for Moresby, hopefully before the Amph bonus expires (The last Bde hasn’t been bought out yet at Port Arthur). The midget subs managed a torp attack against a DD, but that was all. May send the KB raiding south to get Warspite at some point.

DEI/SW Pacific: The Cocos Is Amph went in without issue, finding less opposition than expected – only about 500 troops vs the 1000+ reported. The only Allied activity in the area so far have been a few sub sightings. The Amph TF will remain to reload the Imperial Guard Bde back to return to Java, and the CA TF will head toward the NW coast of Aus, as is the Mini-KB. The BB TF is already heading back to Batavia. The Broome and Derby landings will go in next turn, expecting to find no defenses – going in very light here. An In Bn will remain a floating reserve just in case some defenders turn up, but I’d rather use them to take Port Hedland in the next few days. The Wyndam Amph TF will depart Soerabaja next turn where it will rendezvous with covering TFs before heading to target – which I do believe is going to attacked by at least aircraft if not PTs.

PI: 14th Army enters Manila and will begin bombardments next turn.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: Will make another go at Wenchow next turn with a fresh division and supported by a 4BB bombardment run….forts should be zero, hoping for the best!

[image]local://upfiles/32782/FADD7F7D689F498CBFEB8BDD1CFACBAF.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> RE: 14-15 Mar 42 (8/28/2021 11:37:04 PM)

16-17 Mar 42

Highlights – Wenchow finally taken; Broome taken unopposed.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
AVP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 07
Allied:02

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (AVP sunk)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Broome (Southwest Pacific)
Derby (Southwest Pacific)
Enggano (IO)
Sampit (DEI)
Santa Maria (South Pacific)
Zamboanga (PI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Bhamo (Burma)
Katha (Burma)
Vella Lavella (South Pacific)
Broome (Southwest Pacific)
Mussau Is (South Pacific)
Fergusson Is (South Pacific)
Wenchow (China)
Noemfoor (South Pacific)
Djemadja (Malaya)
Mare’ (South Pacific)
Treasury Is (South Pacific)
Sipora (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Another troop convoy with Naval Guards and engineers begins loading at Yokahama bound for Truk. Escort will again consist of just refitted DDs. This will clear most of the glut of troops waiting for transport...for now.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Norfolk Is is again targeted by a single CA TF which avoided the subs patrolling, the bombardment eliminates the En Co that was there, and reduced supplies to zero. Will look to fly in supplies, but replacing the engineers are going to be a bit more challenging. Unknown shipping observed around Moresby, but no strikes were flown as CVE Taiyo takes up station at Lae.

DEI/SW Pacific: Broome and Derby landings go in unopposed, and surprisingly, Broome fell immediately allowing Nells and Zeros to be flown in to begin operations. Landings will go in against Port Hedland next turn, with minimal cover (CA TF coming down from the Cocos, which may arrive late). Wyndham Amph is still enroute and will loiter off Truscott to rendezvous with the CL TF covering force coming up from Broome. Wyndham is also reportedly undefended, although aircraft are reported at Katherine, which is a level 1 airbase. Darwin looks to have a rearguard force only. The Imperial Guard Bde is still loading off the Cocos, and is a bit exposed at the moment, the Mini-KB about half way between the Cocos and Derby, heading SE. Lastly, an infantry Bn is landed back at Sampit to retake the base from stragglers.

PI: A Naval Gd unit is landed at Zamboanga, home to a few remaining Kingfishers which make unsuccessful attacks against the single transport, despite a few Oscars on LRCAP. I’ve held off from landing here up to this point due to the 40 pt garrison requirement – the Naval Gd unit will be stuck here. The artillery duels have begun at Manila, each side giving as good as it gets.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: Wenchow finally succumbs, but it was a pyrrhic victory after so many failed attempts. The final attack causes 24k Chinese losses to 2200 Japanese and all industry was leveled. Three 13th Army divisions were wrecked with disabled squads from this debacle, and will need time to recover as the 13th Army moves west toward the Canton – Kukong area. After some quick repairs, the BBs that were supporting the Wenchow attacks will head from Shanghai to support the reduction of Manila.



IdahoNYer -> 18-21 Mar 42 (8/31/2021 5:42:11 PM)

18-21 Mar 42

Highlights – Ha-35 pool reaches 500…engine bonus! Allied convoy mauled off Exmouth as the NW Aus landings continue as do the minor landings across the Pacific region.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Warspite shows up again on the sunk list…maybe she didn’t survive her damage…)
CL: 1 (DeRuyter – old)
SS: 1 (KX)
AM: 1
AMC: 1
AMc: 1
xAPc: 2
xAP: 1
xAK: 7

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied:04

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 3 ships hit (xAP, 2xAK sunk)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Kai-eilanden (Southwest Pacific)
Soebi-besar (DEI)
Cape Gloucester (South Pacific)
Erromango (South Pacific)
Kiriwina Is (South Pacific)
Lingga (DEI)
Mangole (Southwest Pacific)
Ontong Java (South Pacific)
Rambutyo (South Pacific)
Talasea (South Pacific)
Torokina (South Pacific)
Umboi Is (South Pacific)
Ambrym (South Pacific)
Green Is (South Pacific)
Long Island (South Pacific)
Port Hedland (Southwest Pacific)
Vanimo (South Pacific)
Wyndham (Southwest Pacific)
Catbalogan (PI – airborne assault)
Guiuan (PI – airborne assault)
Dumaguete (PI – airborne assault)
Baybay (PI – airborne assault)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Guiuan (PI)
Zamboanga (PI)
Derby (Southwest Pacific)
Cape Gloucester (South Pacific)
Sampit (DEI)
Enggano (DEI)
Santa Maria (South Pacific)
Ontong Java (South Pacific)
Basilan (PI)
Catbalogan (PI)
Dumaguete (PI)
Baybay (PI)
Talasea (South Pacific)
Green Is (South Pacific)
Kiriwina Is (South Pacific)
Torokina (South Pacific)
Kai-eilanden (Southwest Pacific)
Lingga (DEI)
Soebi-besar (DEI)
Erromango (South Pacific)
Rambutyo (South Pacific)
Umboi Is (South Pacific)
Mangole (Southwest Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: I-17 sights BB Tennessee and CA Chicago off Tahiti, apparently heading west. So, perhaps the Fleet is assembling!

Japan/Industry: The big news is reaching the 500+ pool for the Ha-35 engine. This will increase the rate of R&D for the Zero and Nick line immediately, and the Oscar line once I get a factory to 30. Two A6M3 R&D factories reach 30, and are shifted to research the A6M3a. On the engine research front, the Mit Ha-43 advances to 8/45, the Aichi Ha-60 advances to 8/42, and the Ha-45 advances to 7/43. Since I’ve got to wait for the D3A2 Val which comes in at 8/42 before I can get squadrons to the Judy, I swapped an 80 R&D from the Aichi Ha-60 to the Ha-45, leaving one R&D of 40 researching the Aichi-60. Looking at getting the Ha-45 to the 500 level to support development of the Frank, Grace and George, amongst others.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: Air search allegedly spots a TF north of Bering Is. Perhaps another raid skirting the northern waters or a pod of whales? I put a few more I-boats to patrol east of Paramushiro just in case.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Another Bde of the 14th ID will depart Rabaul next turn, supported by a CA TF (4CA, DDs) to bombard and a CL TF (CL, DDs) to clear out the expected PTs. They will route a bit further east, closer to the Tagula Is vs. the usual Jomard Passage to hopefully avoid some subs. Also sailing is the KB, which will be initially raiding east of New Zealand; hoping to catch that TF that I-17 sighted.

DEI/SW Pacific: Mini-KB with an assist from the CA TF, subs, and even a few Nells out of Broome, maul a convoy off Exmouth, likely attempting a pull of resources out of Port Hedland. Port Hedland and Wyndham Amph TFs go in two days later, finding Wyndham abandoned, but a small garrison at Port Hedland. Mini-KB will sortie SE toward the Perth shipping lanes before turning around. The NW Aus landings culminate offensive operations in the DEI/IO Theaters, the focus now will be consolidation and eliminating stay behind forces, especially at Palembang. As this will be primarily a ground effort, will look to have the Mini-KB depart the area and join the KB in the coming weeks.

PI: Zamboanga is taken without issue by the Naval Gds, as 1st Raiding Rgt begins dropping on a few islands south of Luzon.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/E2B977FAF1424423990CEB2CFE526948.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 22-25 Mar 42 (9/2/2021 4:14:05 AM)

22-25 Mar 42

Highlights – NW Aus ports secured as the Mini-KB finds a convoy; Reinforcements landed at Moresby.

Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT/MTB: 6
AVP: 1
xAP: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 06
Allied:11

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (APD dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Arawe (South Pacific)
Choiseul Bay (South Pacific)
Exmouth (Southwest Pacific)
Goodengough Is (South Pacific)
Groot Natoena (DEI)
Hansa Bay (South Pacific)
Ou’ve (South Pacific)
San Jose (PI)
Tapul (PI)
Terempa (Malaya)
Timoeka (Southwest Pacific)
Epi (South Pacific)
Obi (Southwest Pacific)
Pamekasan (DEI)
Tassafaronga (South Pacific)
Terempa (Malaya)
Vangunu (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Tacloban (PI)
Port Hedland (Southwest Pacific)
Wyndham (Southwest Pacific)
Ambrym (South Pacific)
Long Island (South Pacific)
Vanimo (South Pacific)
Roxas (PI)
San Jose (PI)
Tapul (PI)
Choiseul Bay (South Pacific)
Exmouth (Southwest Pacific)
Hansa Bay (South Pacific)
Arawe (South Pacific)
Goodenough Is (South Pacific)
Djambi (DEI)
Timoeka (Southwest Pacific)
Groot Natoena (DEI)
Ouv’ea (South Pacific)
Nadzab (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: A6M5 Zero R&D accelerated to 3/43! Another A6M3 Zero R&D effort reaches 30, and is shifted to research the A6M3a Zero. This gives three R&Ding the A6M3a Zero and three for the A6M5 Zero with three R&D factories still working toward the 30 on the Zero line, not including the one for the Sen Baku. Will look to catch up the A6M5 avail date to the A6M3a date going fwd, and leaving one factory to produce the A6M3 for a short production run.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: So far, nothing has become of that sighting.

Central Pacific: With the troop convoys arriving at Truk from Japan, the first batch of Naval Guard Infantry from Japan will depart for 4th Fleet atolls in the Marshalls and the Gilberts, starting with Roi and Kwaj, freeing up an SNLF to move to Tabiteuea. Another convoy will depart next turn for Luganville and Noumea, brining Naval Guard troops as well as engineers and an Air HQ.

South Pacific: Moresby Amph with supporting cruiser TFs looks to have avoided most of the subs; after two days is on the final approach to target without being sighted. As it makes its run in, the CL TF goes out front to engage PTs which is does successfully, but then withdraws back to Rabaul instead of remaining to engage (set retirement by mistake!) This was costly as the PTs eventually broke through to the Amph TF, sinking a DMS, damaging a CM and an xAP. Troops did get offloaded without issue. While I expected the PTs, a new twist was an attack by 21 B-26 Marauders out of Cairns. LRCAP Zeros splashed 4 and AA another 2 with no hits scored. The CA TF will bombard on the way out next turn, and the CM will drop mines as the Amph TF heads back to Rabaul. Meanwhile the KB has traversed the Coral Sea, and moves NE of Noumea, heading SE toward Raoul Is, hopefully avoiding air search out of Suva.

DEI/SW Pacific: Mini-KB sights what appears to be a convoy heading west out of Perth, and attempts to close. The convoy apparently scatters, with elements actually being sighted by the Mini-KB (should have broken off a CL as a surface TF!!) during the night. About 700 miles off Perth, daylight brings an abundance of targets 360 degrees around the Min-KB, but foul weather limits strikes. Still, 35V and 16K sorties find targets, hitting 2TK, 7x good size xAPs and a small AMC. No ship was observed to sink, but many were left burning with heavy fires. The Mini-KB will sail SE hoping to re-acquire and further engage before turning back toward the Repl TF loitering SW off Exmouth. Better weather would have helped, but still, not a bad day’s work. CL Yura will also detach and attempt a surface intercept – long odds there. On the ground in Sumatra, Djambi is taken with its oil intact.

PI: Troops are landed and seize San Jose on Panay Is to gain a foothold while the Amph bonus is in effect.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/4EA0413AAB414F05B27855BA3B2A8624.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 26-27 Mar 42 (9/4/2021 4:52:24 PM)

26-27 Mar 42

Highlights – Medan secured with moderate damage; KB is reportedly sighted near Raoul Is.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hatsuhara)

Allied ships sunk:
PT/MTB: 2
xAK: 1

Allied Ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (S-34)

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied:04

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (DD sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Aitape (South Pacific)
Banggi (DEI)
Dagua (South Pacific)
Kaimana (Southwest Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Myitkyina (Burma)
Tassaforonga (South Pacific)
Vangunu (South Pacific)
Aitape (South Pacific)
Medan (DEI)
Pamekasan (DEI)
Terempa (Malaya)
Obi (Southwest Pacific)
Epi (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: With the Ha-35 engines now assisting R&D as well as production, I’ve boosted the production by another 20.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Canton is bombarded with reasonable effect by a CA TF (3CA, DDs). Air search spotted the CA TF approaching, four Nells missed hitting anything with bombs, and I-172 came up empty as well, missing a DD escort. Will look to replenish the mines at Canton, but that’s about the limit of improving defenses other than continue to dig in, currently at fort level 3. It was interesting to see the CA TF come up from the south, presumably Pago-Pago.

South Pacific: The CA, CL and minelaying TFs retired to Horn Is after departing the Moresby, while the Amph TF began its trek back to Rabaul. Due to ML damage, no mines were laid. The CL TF will make another anti PT boat sweep of Moresby, and return back to Horn. The CA TF will head back to Rabaul and the Minesweeping TF will head to Soerabaja to get the Okinoshima repaired. The KB managed to lose its cloud cover near Raoul Is, and lookouts reported sighting a PBY, so presumably, they’ve been sighted before breaking into the shipping lanes east of New Zealand. They’ll continue south for another turn at least, but I think the mission has been blown. With two new IN Bdes in place, will make another ground assault against Moresby, hopefully can at least reduce the forts.

DEI/SW Pacific: Mini-KB manages to launch a single strike against a damaged xAP, leaving her burning. They’ll turn back to rendezvous with the Replenishment TF next turn. DD Hatsuhara was sent to locate and sink a reported sub near Exmouth, but the sub was faster, sinking the DD. On Sumatra, Medan is taken in the first assault by the 18th ID(-), but the oil and refineries were moderately damaged (oil 150(60) refinery 142(58). Will look to repair the oil as supplies accrue. The 18th ID (-) is now available, and will bring transports to Medan to prepare to bring the division to Moresby if needed (one IN Reg and the Engineers already there).

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/37CCA5D4209D410BA0AF589C0E78C8E2.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 28-29 Mar 42 (9/7/2021 4:02:11 PM)

28-29 Mar 42

Highlights – IJA attacks on Moresby reduce forts to level 1 despite US naval bombardments.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Nashville – doubtful)
PG: 1
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied:06

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, s ship hit (CL, xAP sunk)
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Carnarvon (Southwest Pacfic)
Isle of Pines (South Pacific)
Lakatoro (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Iloilo (PI)
Banngi (DEI)
Dagua (South Pacific)
Kaimana (Southwest Pacific)
Isle of Pines (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: The commitment of the US BBs in the Moresby fight was a big surprise! At least I know where a good portion of the US Fleet is….now if I had any idea where his carriers were lurking!

Japan/Industry: The first of four Tojo R&D factories reaches 30. Kawasaki Ha-60 R&D accelerated to 1/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: The US Navy shows itself with a series of four bombardment runs against Moresby. The first run is by an Allied CL TF (4CL, DDs) that Nells manage 53 sorties against without a single torpedo hit! And that was the First Team, good prewar pilots!! Argh! The second run was a US CL TF (5CL, DDs) that sub RO-67 reduced by one in hitting the CL Nashville on the approach with a single torp. She didn’t take part in the bombardment, but I doubt she was sunk. The last two bombardment runs were the real surprise, two BB TFs of 3 old US BBs each. The bombardments didn’t do much, and the two IJA attacks even managed to reduce forts from level 3 to level 1; casualties were heavy however, 2800 IJA to 1600 Allied. Still progress. Will look to bring in the last Bde of the 14th ID which will arrive at Rabaul next turn, and look to bring in the 18th ID(-) off Sumatra as soon as practical – hopefully they won’t be needed, but I can’t count on locking down Moresby to prevent reinforcements just yet. The KB will now turn around from her position south of Raoul Is to provide support – with US warships committed, Pt. Moresby has become “The” fight right now. More I-Boats will also sail to assist in cordoning off the sea lanes to Moresby, as well as one minelayer boat enroute. With additional Bettys brought into Rabaul, and Lae AF now at level 2, with Zeros and Vals, this is going to get interesting.

DEI/SW Pacific: The Mini-KB takes on fuel well off of Carnavon, but will head to Soerabaja to replenish sorties. Bringing in the 18th ID(-) through the Torrez Strait to Moresby will be a full court press, with the Mini-KB in support. Troops go ashore at Carnavon, finding a Dutch Marinier Bn, so the CA TF will bombard before also heading to Soerabaja. NW Aus defenses to the newly acquired bases will rely more on Nells than any naval presence. Lastly, a Mixed Regiment is loading at Tjilatjap, bound for Wyndham, the last substantial ground force I can muster for the Darwin campaign until Palembang resolves itself. I have 2/3 of the Imperial Guard Div sitting at Singers as a strategic reserve, likely bound for Burma which is still paper thin.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/EE8AB9EF0A1748AEB2BCF57A967FBE5E.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 30-31 Mar 42 (9/8/2021 12:20:52 AM)

30-31 Mar 42

Highlights – Amphib bonus comes to an end!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Canberra – old)

Air loss:
Jpn: 04
Allied:05

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CL Kitakami dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Babo (Southwest Pacific)
Boela (Southwest Pacific)
Nabire (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Siargao (PI – flipped)
Warazup (Burma)
Lakatoro (South Pacific)
Nookanbah (Southwest Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: As March turns to April, the Nate factory (10) switches over to produce the Rufe, and will be expanded to 20. The Ki-48-Ib Lily ends its production run and converts to produce the K-48-IIa.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: KB passes Raoul Is and turns west toward Norfolk and Lord Howe Is. Will look to hit Lord Howe Island as the Allies are building an airfield, then head north to refuel before supporting the next Moresby reinforcement effort.

DEI/SW Pacific: CL Kitakami takes a single torp from Dutch sub O20 off Carnavon, and is heavily damaged (23/53(41)/34(30)). She avoids another torp as escorts hit the sub with a depth charge. She’ll initially make for Derby, as I know there is another Dutch sub off Port Hedland/Broome area. With some luck, she’ll make Soerabaja…eventually. Two Infantry Regiments are loaded and bound for Wyndham next turn, I re-missioned one slated for Cebu as that can wait. 18th ID (-) begins loading at Medan for its trek east to Port Moresby.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/BC06DEF316144EF2B3B3F464FDA7A11E.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> Mar 42 Summary (9/9/2021 4:32:03 PM)

Mar 42 Summary

An overall positive month, mainly due to the continued Allied “Sir Robin” strategy which has allowed the Japanese to continue to advance with minimal ground forces. Also positive was of course the first carrier battle and sinking of Warspite; air-naval engagements have been pretty rare so far. On the negative side, the stay behind redoubts of Palenbang, Manila and Bandoeng. Moresby also holds, but that looks to be more of a front line battlefield than a stay behind delay operation. Subs continue to bedevil, but at least IJN ASW efforts are making some headway. Primary focus for April will again be to secure Palembang, Moresby and Bandoeng. Will likely keep bombarding Manila, but may look to a late month ground assault if I see Allied supplies diminished. Port Moresby will be a battle, and that will be the focus of the IJN in support. Darwin is also to be isolated and taken by ground troops. For the month, naval losses have been light, not many engagements: the IJN losing 3 DD/TB and 2 SSX. Allied losses were more severe, CV, BB, 1CL, 24 PT/MTB and 6SS lost. In the air, the loss ratio 127 for Jpn to 143 Allied planes as it was a pretty tame month in the air again.

INTEL: Still absolutely no clue as to where the US carriers are lurking. The Battle Fleet and a number of modern cruisers, which usually accompany the carriers, have been identified supporting Moresby, so I’m thinking the carriers can’t be far behind – perhaps at Tahiti, but could also be in New Zealand or Aus by now. Figure L_S_T will now pull all the stops to hold Moresby, don’t think he’s willing to abandon the 20k+ defenders there. He’s also shown interest in Norfolk and Canton Is, so I expect at least further raids if not an actual landing to take place.

SUBWAR: Allied subs continue to score against IJN warships, although fortunately the cruisers hit have been able to limp away. Can’t say the same for the I-Boats, for the most part have been mostly ineffective against everything except lone merchantman. Focus will be to continue to improve the air ASW capability, with a second Sally squadron being dedicated to ASW over southwest Japan. So far, the air ASW effort hasn’t paid off, but its getting better.

Japan/Industry. Reaching the Ha-35 engine bonus will greatly assist the Zero and Oscar lines, and that is already paying off. Keeping up with the extra engine use is now the challenge. Can expect the Nick and Tojo to come in perhaps a few weeks early. Training air crew continues to be slow, and barely able to keep up. Every time I manage to “graduate” a reasonable amount of barely trained pilots (50 exp/70 skill) into the pools, a squadron will arrive as a reinforcement without any pilots and drain the pool. This should get better, but its taking a while, and that’s without much air combat losses either.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/501053CF56564E51B92E900871BE352B.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> RE: Mar 42 Summary (9/9/2021 4:33:19 PM)

Northern Pacific/5th Fleet. Continued to be dead quiet. I’ve got some units earmarked to reinforce the Kuriles, but they have been waiting transport, and I need at least to build up and fortify Paramushiro Jima.

Central Pacific/4th Fleet. Have been surprised that no carrier raids ventured into the Marshalls or Gilberts, on a few cruiser bombardment sorties to Canton. Maybe this month. Will focus on bringing in more Naval Guard infantry to garrison the various atolls as well as engineers to dig in. The build up of Tabiteuea is in full swing, and will support torpedo equipped Nettys before the end of the month.

South Pacific/Southeast Fleet. Well, Moresby has turned from a stay behind redoubt to a reinforced front line battlefield. That was surprising, but frankly welcome – an opportunity to come to grasp with the US Fleet while in range of land based air. The carrier raids by Hiryu was successful in sinking Warspite, but the KB has just wasted fuel, although for most of the month it was holding in Rabaul. With Moresby as part of L_S_T’s “defend line”, will now look to commit the KB and most of the IJN to force a successful conclusion before the month’s end. Will also look to bring the Mini-KB to join the KB. Until I can identify where the US carriers are, I’ll refrain from IJN single carrier raids. Will also increase the flow of garrison troops to hold the gains – Noumea, Luganville and the entire Solomon chain is barely defended right now.

DEI/SW Pacific. While the Cocos Is foray started poorly, it ended well with the loss of the CV Indomitable and seizing the island. This was followed by the welcome surprise that L_S_T wasn’t defending NW Australia heavily, and this allowed minimal forces (1xIN Reg, Naval Gd, SNLF, Tk Reg) to seize all the primary objectives and begin advancing toward Darwin. Will look to continue the Darwin operation, but with minimal naval support as the Mini-KB as well as most of the surface forces avail will move to support Moresby reinforcements. Artillery is finally moving into Palembang, and will give that about a week of prep before beginning the ground attack. Similar prep timeframe for Bandoeng. These two hold outs are tying up over 5 IJA divisions which are badly needed elsewhere, especially Burma at this point – just to hold gains.

PI. Slow but steady progress has left the Allies holding Manila and Cebu. Will leave Cebu alone for a while until I can free up a landing force (The regiment I had prepping is currently heading to Darwin campaign), and spend most of the month laying siege to Manila with 4 divisions until I see a sign that the Allied supplies have been expended. No major rush to take Manila.

Burma/IO. Burma has been secured with very minimal forces, now the challenge will be to hold the gains. To do that, at least one if not two or more divisions need to be brought in, plus defenses of the Andamans need to start taking shape. I don’t expect much of a foray from the British Fleet, and I’m relying in Nettys out of Rangoon to keep the Allied Fleet out of the picture.

China. Having secured the one objective I set, Wenchow, there isn’t much rush to do anything in China at the moment. This freed up the 13th Army which is slowly moving toward the Canton area where it will start operations. So far, minimal Allied air activity has also been welcome, although I have additional Oscars ready to augment operations if necessary. Goal is to keep this an Army air operation.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/8EEEFB77B3D446A2B62E36FC5B77E950.jpg[/image]



RangerJoe -> RE: Mar 42 Summary (9/9/2021 10:35:42 PM)

Cebu makes supplies so you might want to reconsider taking that base.



IdahoNYer -> RE: Mar 42 Summary (9/10/2021 7:15:35 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Cebu makes supplies so you might want to reconsider taking that base.


Yeah....add that to the list of "miscues" that I've managed so far. Probably should have had at least a Bde of the 21st ID land at Cebu before putting it ashore on Luzon while I had the amphib bonus. Cebu will need to wait now....




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