RE: Japan: February 27th 1944

RE: Japan: February 27th 1944 (Full Version)

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Remington700 -> RE: Japan: February 27th 1944 (7/20/2021 10:45:50 PM)
New Guinea The starving 19th Army continues to make their way southeast along the Bismarck ridge line. The terrain is tough and they remain out of supply. Further to the east the severely damaged 3rd SNLF has reached the Ramu River and will soon be resupplied. They will continue to make their way down river to aid in the defense of Lae. With the departure of the blockading British submarines the 5th Special Naval Landing Force embarks on transports and escapes the trap at Milne Bay. They head to Rabaul to replace the 7th SNLF that moved to Kavieng. This secures the perimeter islands around Rabaul and the 8th Army Area HQ. However New Georgia and Guadalcanal are left undefended and can easily be converted to airbases by the enemy. While scattered replacements still trickle in General Kanda understands there is no help on the way. The IJN will remain in the Philippines so the 8th Army Area is on their own. [image]local://upfiles/80250/BBFC0852D4AF480F928393BBBC0EBE2D.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: February 27th 1944 (7/20/2021 10:48:22 PM)
Reports Japan: 1 Intel unit. Thailand: 1 Division. [image]local://upfiles/80250/FD706E8C177D45E38ABCFD084F4B729C.png[/image]

Remington700 -> Allied: February 27th 1944 (7/20/2021 10:53:20 PM)
Allied: February 27th 1944 Indochina With the capture of Rangoon and Moulmein the Burma Road is reopened. The US 4th Army under command of General Patch slowly pushes south toward the Malayan Peninsula. This will allow them to either continue south or break to the east and push Bangkok. Following reports of enemy naval activity in the Gulf of Thailand, SBD dive-bombers and P-47 fighter bombers attempt to locate targets but return to base unsuccessful. Indian and British infantry corps close in on the enemy positions in the Ping River line. There are a couple of months left before the monsoon rains hit which is enough time to capture Bangkok however Saigon will probably have to wait until October. Armies in the 3rd Chinese War Area continue to push south to drive a wedge between Haiphong and the rest of Indochina. The 1st Long Range Penetration group holds the breach in the enemy line. The Japanese 21st Division is caught in a pocket north of the Hong River with the Chinese 14th Army to the south, just outside Haiphong. The Indian 4th Corps is just a hundred miles to the west and the Allies may be able to link up next turn. [image]local://upfiles/80250/061D51E74590460DBF58E62360D6FD46.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: February 27th 1944 (7/20/2021 10:58:22 PM)
China Continued poor weather has caused Japanese forces to leave a gap in the line around the Yangtze River. The 1st Chinese Army launches a probing attack and meeting no resistance push east along the river creating a breach in the line. The enemy is in no shape to counterattack so this attack may be exploited. Convoy Attacks Due to the increase in enemy convoys to Thailand, 15 separate attacks were completed resulting in the loss of 10 merchant marine and 3 destroyer escorts. The cost was high as the Wahoo was damaged and the Growler was sunk. Something seems to be off. As mentioned before there is record of escorts being sunk but according to the combat log and Japan’s Convoy / Builds tabs the escorts appear to be usable. I did a separate post on this to try and figure out which tab is correct. I can always remove the escorts from the convoy lanes if needed. [image]local://upfiles/80250/C2DA6E6477B841DCABBA5F5C8F2B49B4.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: February 27th 1944 (7/20/2021 11:02:29 PM)
New Guinea Operation Postern – the capture of Lae is launched. The US 5th Corps mops up the remnants of the 3rd SNLF and moves down the coast road towards Lae. The 7th Corps is to their rear guarding the supply line from Wewak. Stragglers from the Japanese 19th Army are still in the hills along the Bismarck Range. This could pose a threat to supply but will become less of a problem as the enemy continues to dissipate. The US 5th Fleet steams to Huon Gulf just offshore of Lae. The port is blockaded and supply is now cut to all enemy forces on New Guinea. A squadron of P-47 Thunderbolts fly to Wewak and another to the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. The fighters along with carrier-based planes will attempt to shutdown enemy resupply by air. The light cruiser USS Boise has been modified for resupply greatly increasing the amount of equipment that can be landed ashore. The ship leads Task Force 61, breaking away from the main fleet to resupply Wewak and units in the general area. [image]local://upfiles/80250/E6A27B068B974925B018E980307D032E.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: February 27th 1944 (7/20/2021 11:03:44 PM)
Builds UK: 2 Landing ships. 1 Intel unit. India: No builds. USA: 1 Large Corps. 1 HQ. Convoys USA: 10 OPs to India USA: 80 OPs to UK UK: 20 PPs to USA [image]local://upfiles/80250/5F5027188F364039BEC2EED180ACE709.png[/image]

John B. -> RE: Allied: February 27th 1944 (7/21/2021 9:44:19 PM)
Will Bangkok give the allies a level 5 port? I wonder if the Kudo Butai should make a sortie to see if it can discombobulate things as it appears that Japan is increasingly on the ropes.

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: February 27th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:03:33 PM)
I was thinking thinking the same thing. Japan has to do something. *Spoiler Alert* Last night during Japan's March 26th turn I took a stab at forcing an interdiction with the British Fleet that shows up off the western coast of the Malayan Peninsula. It is a one leg move to be in range. The question then became - should the IJN stick around?

Remington700 -> Japan: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:05:55 PM)
Japan: March 12th 1944 Indochina MTBs patrol the bay around Bangkok and the mouth of the Ping River. The line continues to dig in to the south and pulls back 50 miles in the north to link up with friendly forces in China. To the north, the 27th Division pulls back from the Hong River pocket. The 6th Army arrives at the outskirts of Haiphong and will soon be joined by the 20th Army embarking transports in Haikou. The 19th Division from Shanghai disembarks in Vinh and will prepare for movement next turn. The defense in this area is not yet complete but each week it is improving. The Saigon area still needs attention and then things will be set. [image]local://upfiles/80250/C7E46BC0FCE246D393E112A7C44C270B.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:07:43 PM)
Philippines The armored deck CV Taiho arrives in Manila Bay. This brings the Combined Fleet up to nine carriers however only two of them are fleet CVs. A beat-up fighter unit has left the DEI in route to Legaspi for replacements. It will stay in the area supporting the two Naval Air wings in the zone. An MTB arrives from Truk to patrol the east coast of the southern Luzon shoreline. The 29th Division arrives from the Solomon Islands to reinforce Davao. And the 7th SNLF lands in Legaspi to defend the port. General Yamada is moving his command post north towards central Luzon. A lot of resources are pouring into the Islands as the Philippines must be held into mid-1945. [image]local://upfiles/80250/F9DBC59803664E7B9DEFDC39C7F8195C.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:12:32 PM)
New Guinea The 17th Army at Lae is resupplied by air. The transports are escorted by zeros from New Ireland which intercept enemy fighter-bombers attempting to shoot down the soft targets. Losses are high on both sides with four P-47 and three A6m3 SPs shot down during the furball. An additional supply drop to the 27th Division in the Owen Stanley mountains was successful. Allied aircover is too heavy for Naval Air operations so the Bettys at Rabaul are temporary grounded for repairs and resupply. The fighters will stand down until another airdrop of supplies are needed. Scattered elements of the 19th Army reorganize in the Bismarck mountains and push down through the jungle to launch one last Banzai charge in the Wewak area. The goal is to cut supply to the forward US corps. [image]local://upfiles/80250/30F689E2D7B8427C829524C2E426C558.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:14:26 PM)
Reports Japan: No builds. Convoys Merchant Marines are becoming a concern. There is not much cushion left. Upkeep can be kept in the low 20s but has never been blow this number. At some point they may start running less, and on a random basis. However we still have time to build oil stocks before cutbacks are necessary. [image]local://upfiles/80250/D4561811B0FF4AD4AAE82D03E86343B7.png[/image]

Remington700 -> Allied: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:18:48 PM)
Allied: March 12th 1944 Thailand The 3rd and 4th Corps continue their push down the Malayan Peninsula to Tavoy. The Japanese 28th infantry division is dug in around the port with no intention of going anywhere. The British Main Fleet arrives offshore launching an airstrike on the enemy positions. Additional airstrikes from SBD and Fairey dive-bombers and Boston medium bombers tear up the enemy. The US corps assault the dug-in enemy causing heavy damage and eventually shattering the division. 4th Corps occupies the port which is now in allied hands. The Indian and British armies push forward to maintain contact with the enemy line along the Ping River and then bending to the northeast. Supply is weak in this area so continuous combat may be tough on effectiveness making the iron mines in Thailand harder to take. [image]local://upfiles/80250/ACB0140910B9414AB4D21C961D4EBA95.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:22:01 PM)
China The Chinese 1st Army continues their advance to the central plains in East China. The Japanese independent 1st Brigade is caught in a pocket but holds their ground losing 4 SPs. Losses were slightly less for the attackers so the enemy is expected to retreat next turn. Up north, a joint operation with Red China pushes the enemy division back to the Wei River. This has caused a 100-mile gap in the line and should force a general retreat in the area. However there are not enough Chinese forces in the area to exploit the opportunity. Convoy Attacks Heavier convoy activity continues as four air soties are flow against enemy shipping resulting in the sinking of two Merchant Marine. Submarines launch six additional attacks and sink another two MM. This is starting to add up. Borneo Strategic bombing resumes pounding the oilfields at Palembang in Sumatra. Enemy fighters contesting the sorties get mauled by P-38s but do manage to down a few bombers. Losses were high on both sides with 8 SPs of zeros shot down and 7 SPs of damage spread amongst the allied fighters and bombers. (I am not sure this is the best use of allied resources) [image]local://upfiles/80250/A1BC8BE668774C15AEA2CF090222D182.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:28:58 PM)
New Guinea The Japanese 19th Army attacks out of the hills to the south of Wewak. The 77th infantry division crosses the Sepik River to meet the enemy before they can set up a Banzai charge. Losses are light but the enemy’s advance is checked. The US 7th Corps responds and attempts to roll up the 19th army’s flank however are too late, facing only a small rear guard. The enemy escapes retreating back into the hills. It is amazing the unit is still operating as a cohesive force. To the south, down the coast the US 5th Corps attacks the positions of the 8th Brigade causing a four SP loss and easily pushing them back across the Ramu River into the foothills of the Bismarck mountains. US losses were light in the assault. Four ground and carrier airstrikes pound the Imperial 17th Army in Lae. The enemy suffered a SP hit and what is expected to be an extensive effectiveness loss. This is followed up by a coordinated assault from the 5th and 6th corps supported by land and carrier-based dive-bombers and a naval bombardment. The 17th army breaks and routes down Huon Peninsula. Operation Postern is a success. Lae has fallen and all that remains is the mop-up of scattered Japanese units. [image]local://upfiles/80250/0BD2284C6AA94A3089F768128E63A41B.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 12th 1944 (7/21/2021 11:31:49 PM)
USA B-24s arrive in Los Angeles for refueling and then head on to Australia. Builds UK: No builds. India: No builds. USA: 1 Large Corps. 4 Oilers. 2 Supply units. 6 Landing ships. Convoys USA: 10 OPs to India USA: 25 OPs to UK UK: 20 PPs to USA The USA tech is way behind. I don’t know if it is luck or if I am researching too many items. [image]local://upfiles/80250/0CD6719C7D90496FB1FD6B4EC1A1BCB3.png[/image]

John B. -> RE: Allied: March 12th 1944 (7/23/2021 1:15:03 PM)
I do think Japan has to do something with its navy or just have it sit around watching the allies mop up points in Indochina and Malaya. But, Japan is doing a good job of tying down large US forces in New Guinea. The allies might want to consider leaving Rabual/Truk to just wither away and go after bigger game in Java or head north to for landings in the Phillpines/Indochina/Formosa (or even in China) to get set up for bombing Japan and invading the Home Islands.

Remington700 -> Japan: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:12:19 PM)
Japan: March 26th 1944 Indochina The Japanese 6th Army crosses the Hong River and secures the port at Haiphong. The 33rd Army moves north out of Vinh and links up the 27th and Imperial Guards divisions. Supported by Nell bombers from Quang Ngai they assault the positions of the Chinese Long Range recon unit in the deep jungle to the east of Luang Prabang. Losses were light on both sides and after two assaults the LR recon unit slips away to the north. MTBs patrolling the coastline along the South China Sea return to port for refueling. [image]local://upfiles/80250/C0BC3A49B1F24731B380FB07524D39AA.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:14:27 PM)
East China Three brigades are moved forward to patch up the hole to the east of Sian. Farther south the breakthrough along the Yangtze River is contained. Strong defensive positions in the hills of East China are abandoned as the entire line pulls back to eliminate gaps. This area is very weak, but so is the enemy’s supply. [image]local://upfiles/80250/2FDD9E8345EF446E9CDB3573A05E1C79.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:15:46 PM)
South China Sea The Combined Air Fleet leaves port in Manila and steams to the Gulf of Thailand to engage the British Main Fleet. Failing to trigger an interdiction the air fleet steams full speed back to port. With just six CVs they cannot afford to hang around like sitting ducks. [image]local://upfiles/80250/65F370BF7C58422BA0B8F3D321B99DAF.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:17:22 PM)
New Guinea Two attempts to resupply the trapped 17th on the Huon Peninsula fail. (I found out later that fail = destroyed. Bad move on my part.) It is now clear that all is lost in this area. Rabaul will soon be under blockade by US carriers and there is nothing that can be done to slow it down. The G4M naval air bombers relocate to Aparri in the Philippines. Followed by the 7th SNLF which lands in Legaspi. The evacuation will continue next turn if possible. [image]local://upfiles/80250/2CD667B8B07C4850852BB4CDCFFC4235.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Japan: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:19:00 PM)
Reports Japan: 1 Infantry Army Advancement: Naval Air Training is maxed out 1944 – I started the game using version 1.00.01 so there are no increases beyond this point. I moved the tech points to Warships as I am not sure what else to work on at this point. [image]local://upfiles/80250/E3AF1FCF1D0245199E8E9E931F70F403.png[/image]

Remington700 -> Allied: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:20:29 PM)
Allied: March 26th 1944 The British CVs Illustrious and Formidable (with 1942 tech) leave the coast of Africa heading in separate directions across the Indian Ocean. The HMS Formidable will steam to Sydney for refit and taking on the newer Submarine Seafire carrier-based fighters. The HMS Illustrious will do the same in Colombo. (The Seafire fighters will be represented by an upgrade to 1943 Carrier Operations, somewhat matching the timeline of the planes first use aboard British Carriers.)

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:22:17 PM)
Indochina The monsoon season will start in June which leaves about 5 turns to capture Bangkok and Singapore. Indian forces will attack from the north and push towards the important Iron mines in the Udan Thani area. British Forces will attack across the Ping River to capture Bangkok. Three Indian Corps supported by Boston and Fairey dive-bombers launch multiple assaults on the dug in 16th Army, holding the apex of the line. Losses are high on both sides; each losing 8 SPs. The enemy holds the line but is heavily weakened. To the north, Chinese forces in the 3rd War Area continue to push south of Haiphong and meet up with the Indian 4th Corps. The enemy’s line is weak in this area however Haiphong is well defended by the full-strength 6th Imperial Army. [image]local://upfiles/80250/8D2826A310F948729C3641B9294F83D7.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:23:50 PM)
China In East China offensive operations are launched at the north and south of the line. Losses are minimal in both attacks but does cause a total of 4 enemy SPs destroyed. These attacks will continue too attrit Japan’s armies in an attempt to drain their economy. Convoy Attacks Air units based in Borneo continue to hunt convoys. A-20 Havocs (naval air) out of Balikpapan and SBD dive-bombers from Kuala Belait area each sink a merchant marine. SS-292 Devilfish sinks a MM but is caught by escorting destroyers. The sub takes damage and must return to Sydney for repairs. It had a very successful patrol being on station for six turns sinking five MM and two unconfirmed escorts. The Bonefish successfully starts their second war patrol with a kill. [image]local://upfiles/80250/E073DC1EB0124507A705B1845337E7EE.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:29:35 PM)
Southwest Pacific Area The US forces in Thailand are reassigned to the SW Pacific Area. General Patch and the US 4th Army will now report to MacArthur, commander of the area. As will General Short in Borneo. This will consolidate US forces under one umbrella to aid in mutual support in the theater. (US forces in this area are tasked with capturing Singapore and Rabaul. And possibly the port at Bandar Lampung to cut Japan’s oil supply.) The 4th Army HQ moves down the coast to set up in the port of Tavoy. The 2nd Corps will remain on the line just outside Bangkok until they can be replaced by British forces. The 3rd and 4th Corps, supported by P-47s and SBD dive-bombers assault the port of Chumphon. The Japanese 110th Division is forced to retreat to the south. The 3rd Corps occupies Chumphon and continues the attack with support from carrier-based planes on the Hermes. After two assaults the enemy resumes their retreat to the south towards the airfield at Makhon. They are chased by the US 4th Corps moving south along the rail line. Borneo B-24 bombers hit Manila doing very little damage. The Japanese Air Fleet was not located in the area. A-20 Havocs out of Sarawak strikes the Port of Singapore sinking a squadron of torpedo boats. During the heavy rain in the last two turns 5 AA batteries have been set up around the Palembang oil fields. Targeting the tank farms is not worth the cost at this point as the PPs are needed elsewhere. Airstrikes have been redirected to Singapore and other targets. [image]local://upfiles/80250/6935B2283354407BBF32AD36D7A77AF1.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:31:39 PM)
New Guinea The US 7th Corps cross the Ramu River and hits the ragged Japanese 19th Army in the Bismarck mountains. The attack is supported by Mitchell bombers with P-47s flying escort. Zeros from Rabaul flying CAP over the mountains are jumped by “Jugs” which shoot down 5 enemy SPs with no losses. The 19th Army takes a hit and slips away to the north. They cannot have much left and I would not be surprised if they evaporated next turn. The 7th Corps supported by SBD dive-bombers out of Port Moresby continues their attack hitting the Japanese 8th Brigade which retreats across the Kikori fighting a delaying action. The 117th Division then splits from the 7th Corps to cover the coast road out of Wewak. After a massive bombardment from carrier-based planes and B-25 Mitchells the US 5th Corps assaults the remnants of the Japanese 17th Army on the Huon Peninsula. The enemy is soon overrun and wiped-out. The only remaining organized resistance is the Imperial 20th Division in the Bismarck mountains southwest of Lae. After refueling from oilers, the US 5th Fleet leaves the Huon Gulf and steams through the Solomon Sea to blockade Rabaul. The enemy’s “bugout” is stopped. Two ground units and a beat-up squadron of A6m3s are trapped on the island. To support a future landing, under the cover of F6F Hellcats from the carriers, (represented by 1944 Carrier Operations) the 8th Australian division lands unopposed at Kavieng capturing the port. [image]local://upfiles/80250/0AA9FC99889D4AB28BA33C8D5860D32E.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 26th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:36:13 PM)
Builds UK: 2 Landing ships. 6 AA. India: 1 Air Transport USA: 1 Strategic Bomber Convoys USA: 10 OPs to India USA: 80 OPs to UK UK: 20 PPs to USA Victory Points With the fall of Lae, Victory Points per turn are now even at 19 a side. This is a major turning point in the war. Without the Kido Butai challenging US carriers, no island is safe from blockade. And land-based air has not been an effective deterrent which models history. This dynamic creates a historical feel to the game as Japan is forced into one last carrier battle – much like the “Turkey Shoot”. Even the timing is about right as my game is now into April ‘44, just two months ahead of history. [image]local://upfiles/80250/5F79F3D63BF34682B444A1A5FA4C83B9.png[/image]

Remington700 -> RE: Allied: March 12th 1944 (7/23/2021 5:54:42 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: John B. I do think Japan has to do something with its navy I agree. The failed attempt at forcing an interdiction was a small, safe play. Japan needs to go "all in". I have been keeping the CVs in the Philippines to force a naval battle within range of multiple land-based air units. However the US is just avoiding the area and focusing on other Victory Point locations - which I am surprised at how easily they are falling. In retrospect I think I should have forced the CV battle early on in the invasion of New Guinea. The US advance on Singapore will be the next opportunity. I don't think it can fall without the help of the US Navy. And it is within one operation point of Manila which leaves a second operation point for the IJN to either attack or retreat after a probable interdiction.

kennonlightfoot -> RE: Allied: March 12th 1944 (7/23/2021 7:26:05 PM)
Speaking of Victory Points, how do the two sides stand VP wise?

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