RE: Zuhio sighted (Full Version)

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Rob Brennan UK -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/1/2005 4:32:24 PM)

Just catching up on reading this joe ,, word of advice though. If your pulling troops back for rest make sure its to a non marial base, the ones you mentioned in Burma / India are still malarial. I think you have to go back further toward India , ( my brain has totally failed to remember any base names right now , and ive just done a PBEM turn , Im getting senile )

also top tip .. Unlike UV both cooktown and cairns are malarial , if you rest troops from PM you have to go back to townsville. I found out the hard way in my other game [:D]

Also what went wrong in china ! yikes .. In our game i assume you did the same but I stopped you (so far) [;)].

Great defence of Clarke ! good going (looks embarrased )

Good luck with stopping the red tide




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/1/2005 9:24:35 PM)



My reasoning for massing troops on Burma border, not deeper in India's cities, is that a Paratroop attack capturing Ledo, would give him a Japanese base in India on the Railine, if he sent in all his Transport planes to Airlift whole Divisions there, i could have a problem.

The BFF Brigades, and Indian Divisions ive evaced to Eastern India are there to stop that.

Malaria is a small side effect to keep India secure

Chunking will be the Chinese Stalingrad, if i lose this base, i am surrounded in places like Wechow etc etc, and i cant defend in one place, and concentrate my forces, ill have to try and defend them all equally weakly.

Good news is that he has just attacked with 130 000 Japs the Hex NE of Chunking on a road/open hex, and have been HELD by 70,000 Chinese, i am senidng more Chinese Divisons from other areas to Bulk up on numbers, if i dont get encirled i beleive i can hold him here, these forces that have held him are a relatively small percentage of Forces in the area.

Bad news is now Britain has left Burma on the last Dakota flight, it is only a matter of time before the Burma road is cut , i will try to Fly in Supplies with C-47s, but it is no replacement for that road being open..




Rob Brennan UK -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/2/2005 9:47:15 PM)

Tahnks for explaining that, i used a split 'new' div to cover the bases so tired ones could rest up in india. still holding mandalay though. and akyab finally got a garrison :)

losing the burma road is inevitable i think, its just a matter of time and trying to get ledo up to a level 4 is a priority, really helps with op losses and fatigue.




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/4/2005 12:31:14 AM)

19-20th February 1942



Kido Butai hits Fiji

[image]http://www.warbirdpictures.com/NavyBWZeros/Zero-A6M2-246.jpg[/image]
A6M2 Takes off from a unnamed Japanese Carrier



The Kido Butai paid another visit to yet another South Pacific island held by the allies, this time it was Fiji's turn to be flattened by the feared carrier group.

"It was like Pearl Harbour all over again, the numbers of Japanese aircraft has to be seen to beleived" Lt Browning top allied ace of the Pacific war so far of the "Elite" 18th FG, who have now done battle with Kido Butai aircraft three times.

The 18th FG was scrambled early this morning and hurried into the air, as Radar facilities at the island sighted a "Massive" Strike force heading towards the base, 26 of the P-40B's made it in the air as the first strike arrived over the islands Port and Airfield, they where greeted by 54 A6M2 Zeros and 138 Vals making a beeline for the bases port, in which The Light Cruiser Honolulu and several escourting Destroyers had just made ancor.

The 18th whent in fighting ripping up several Zero's and Vals before the Japanese could respond, but the pure numbers difference took its toll as Wave after Wave crashed into the island, after the fighting was done, Several Merchant ships lay burning and crippled, the Light Cruiser Honolulu subjected to quiet a lot of attention being the Largest ship in ancor was heavily damaged by several bomb hits, but remains afloat the only ship confirmed sunk was the Destroyer Schley.

The 18th FG lost Every plane in the action, eiether shot down in the air, or destroyed on the ground, the squadron also lost half of there pilots, J Browning remained untouched, his plane was destroyed while refueling this was not the case with other Pearl Harbour veterans, who have tangled with the Elite Naval pilots of the Japanese taskforce for the last time.

However, the raid was not an overwhelming Japanese victory, with only one Destroyer sunk, Nine Zero's and Seven Vals where lost, which will attrition a Japan which can not produce as many Pilots as the allies.

It is now hoped that the Japanese taskforce will not venture further south and endanger important taskforces carrying Men, supplies and fuel for the South Pacific, althought there is very little the Allies could do to deter the Japanese apart from the low chance of a lucky submarine attack.



[image]http://img147.echo.cx/img147/6434/18thfgrisesuptofight7pa.jpg[/image]
18th FG rises up to the fight


Other news

SS-28 Spots CVE Taiyo in south pacific

TK Ken'yo Maru sunk by SS Grayback near Pago Pago.

Sian falls as predicited

[image]http://img70.echo.cx/img70/6610/sianfalls1yk.jpg[/image]




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/4/2005 1:15:11 AM)


Carrier organisation


In my game which is in Mid-March now, (yes im behind) i have 5 USN Carriers.

Three Yorktown class

Yorktown
Enterprise
Hornet


Two Lexington class

Lexington
Saratoga



But im left with the question on how to organise these Carriers, ive decided that as the Yorktown are weaker AA wise ill group them together for a AA rating of 1,500 in these Carriers, and the two Lexington Class for a AA rating of 1,600.

But what other ships should these Taskforces consist of?

Obviously no BB's as they are too slow and would slow the taskforce to a 20 Knot speed.

So how many cruisers and destroyers should be in each group?

All suggestions welcome.



Tongatpu island key to South Pacific?


[image]http://img136.echo.cx/img136/3838/tongatapuislandthekeytothesout.jpg[/image]



Looking at ways to neutralise the Japanes threat to Allied convoys, i noticed a previously overlooking Tongatapu island Port level 1 and Airfield level 2.

These can be upgraded to a maximum of Port level 2 and more importantly Airfield level 4, big enough for allied medium bombers to be based at and pound the hell out of Pago Pago, with wave after Wave of Medium bomber strikes,

Good idea, or will i simply provoke the Japanese to attack deeper into the South pacific, and kindly take my Level 4 airfield off of me and base there own Betties there?




Rob Brennan UK -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/4/2005 4:05:48 PM)

build up that little island ! . he cant be everywhere at once. keep nipping away and he must have problems getting supplies to pago and canton .. whats your subs doing ? mine have a habit of dying regularly but it keeps him honest and foces the use of dd's which could be employed elsewhere.

Overal try and stretch the jap every where you can !

btw good luck Joe




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/4/2005 5:51:12 PM)

My Subs have sunk the Hiei, as you probably know.

Came close to hitting a few Cruisers, duds and misses :(.

But there hurting Convoys coming in and out of Japan and other major ports, they usually hit at least one AK/AP Every Week, which all adds up, and is promising for early 42, this performance will improve dramatically in 1943 no doubt.

Im gonna go do your turn now [:)]




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/5/2005 7:15:07 PM)

21-22nd February 1942



Palembang crumbles

[image]http://www.fourthmarinesband.com/jia_flame_throw.jpg[/image]



Japanese forces advancing south along Sumatra are close to evicting Dutch Garrison forces from the important oil fields, rubber plantations, coal mines and large airfield of Palembang.

The capital of Southern Sumatra has been in dutch hands snice the 19th Century, this looks like it is all about to change in the next few days, as the defenders are beginning to surrender in large numbers, and retreat.

The Japanese beleive the town will fall in the next few days as the last defensive positions are being overun, the airfield there will be large enough for Japan to launch Sally and Lilly, Medium bombers to hit airfield in Norhern Java, Java command has already begun dispersing airplanes to other airfields, to lower the amount of aircraft losses when the Japanese come to bomb one of them, most probably Batavia, the principle and largest airfield on the Northern half of the island.

Dutch TIVA's from Batavia continue to attack unescourted Japanese transports moored at Jambi, so the capture of the Town has not been without some loss for the Japanese.




Other news

SS Perch hits AP off Legaspi, Japanese opening second front?

Dutch Sub sunk south of Davao

Emiraru island falls to Japanese, as they begin there Soloman campaign.




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/6/2005 10:31:48 PM)

23-24th February 1942



B-17's pound Palembang

[image]http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/wwii/photos/gallery_006/109ram.jpg[/image]
Damaged B-17 flying over Palembang



A few hours after the Japanese officially declared Palembnag clear, B-17s stationed at Batavia sortied along with Dutch Martins to hit the valueable oil fields and refinerys in and outside the town of Palembang.

[image]http://img219.echo.cx/img219/4306/palembangbombed8ds.jpg[/image]

The B-17s and Martins report "massive" damage inflicted on the oil fields and infrastructure such as oil pipes and refinery's, second waves of the attack report having to fly through thick Black smoke rising from the town, the raid has been labeled a sucess and has reportedly damaged or destroyed around 20 per cent of the towns Oil facilities.

"This raid has been a massive success, but it may be our last, as Recon photos taken during the attack sight a Massive Japanese build up of Planes fighters and heavy bombers, i fear it is only a matter of time before they come to hit Batavia hard themselves" J Edwards commander in chief of ABDA Airforces of Northern Java.




Other news

Japanese land at Legaspi, second front in the P.I

SS Stingray hits AP yoshino Maru south of Marinas islands

SS KVI Hits Manko Maru outside Palembang

SS KXV hits Meiko Maru off Jambi





PS: Short brief update, but time is short..




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/9/2005 11:19:08 PM)

25-26th February 1942



Kongo sighted near Sinkep island

[image]http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/h89000/h89176.jpg[/image]
Japanese Battlecruiser Kongo circa 1925-28



The Japanese Battlecruiser Kongo was sighted by Dutch TIVA's flying a Naval recon mission from Batavia, the mighty ship was speeding south perhaps into newly captured Palembang harbour or perhaps to flatten Batavia airfield, which has been a nuisance to Japanese intentions in Sumatra and Java itself.

If it where to speed into Batavia overnight and devastate the facilities there would be very little Allied forces would be able to do, the largest Surface ships in the area are Cruisers which Battlecruisers and Battleships would be able to brush aside such ships as the Houston.

If the ship is sighted heading further south ABDA fighters and bombers will be dispersed once again to smaller airfields across Java temporarily.

Also in the area the last small garrison on Sinkep island fell today with little resistance.




2nd USMC unloads at Fiji


The 2nd USMC division today unloaded at the major Fiji port of Suva, after a long and potentially perilous journey through the sub infested waters of the south pacific, and with the ever present chance of a Kido Butai raid destroying the convoy.

But the ships and there cargo are now relatively safe, the Marines arrive to complement the existing base forces and New Zealand Brigade which have already dug in at the island.

"It would take 2-3 Japanese Divisions many days, perhaps Weeks to dislodge as from our position at Suva if they where to come and invade" Captain Pierce spoke to reporters today on the picturesque island.

Further air reinforcements are expected in the form of P-40's in the coming weeks.



The sub war

[image]http://www.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/8/8e/550px-USS_Gato%3B0821201.jpg[/image]
SS Gato which gained a kill today

The sub war contined and continued to favour the Americans, as SS Gato sunk a PC Boat off Kwajalien today, the vessel was on what appeared to be a ASW Patrol in the sub infested waters around the Japanese forward Naval base of Kwajalien which is where the Kido Butai is beleived to rest up imbeteewn raids.

In darker nes, the SS 016 Succumbed to injuries sustained by Depth Charges fired by Japanese destroyers on ASW near Truk.

The Japanese also lost a Submarine off the west coast, the SS I-19 was confirmed sunk by American scout planes flying from Los angeles.




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/15/2005 11:41:34 PM)

Hmm, left this neglected for quite a while, exciting developments in my other PBEM game with Rob and school other games etc, have put this on the bottom of the to do list.

Tomorrow i have a half day at school, so ill try and get the 27th 28th of Feb up then![:)]




Rob Brennan UK -> RE: Zuhio sighted (6/17/2005 8:49:38 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: LittleJoe

Hmm, left this neglected for quite a while, exciting developments in my other PBEM game with Rob and school other games etc, have put this on the bottom of the to do list.

Tomorrow i have a half day at school, so ill try and get the 27th 28th of Feb up then![:)]



Hehe .. you could call sinking 4 US cv's exciting :) ... nicely done !

keep up th AAR though .. great read and very nice approach [:D]




LittleJoe -> Naga invaded (6/19/2005 4:13:34 AM)

27-28th February 1942



Japanese invade Naga, Philipines

[image]http://www.britain-at-war.org.uk/Malaya_and_Singapore/assets/images/auto_generated_images/a_Singapore_Landings.jpg[/image]
Japanese soldiers landing at Naga



A medium sized Japanese force landed at the Philipino town of Naga, the southernmost point on the Luzon island, establishing a second front in which the allies must defend, as Allied strategists have been expecting for quite some time, the force is the equivalent of around 2 Brigades worth of troops, the forces are mostly Naval landing forces (NLF)and Naval guard units, well trained Japanese equivalents of the US marines.

With a second front opened in the Philipines, Manilla is left undefended from this southern approach, Allied defenders from Clark must now be relocated south to defend the Capital, it is expected that the allies will fight in the capital of Manilla, no order to make it a "open city" have been annouced as of yet, it is beleived it will be defended as it protects the rear of Allied troops entrenched at Clark.

"We're now surronded from all directions, to the East is the Japanese army, to the North is the Japanese army, to the South is the Japanese army and in the West is the Pacific ocean.." Lt General Wainright commander of Allied forces in the Philipines spoke today.



Other news

B-17s raid Singapore, no cap encountered and a Light Cruises beleived to be the "Kashii" was hit and is burning furiously in harbour.

Batavia airfield has been "evacuated" and palanes scattered to other Airfields around Java, as a Japanese cruiserforce was sighted off Western Borneo.





Finally updated this [:D]




LittleJoe -> Fuiyama unleashed (6/25/2005 3:52:55 AM)

1-2nd March 1942



Fuiyama unleashed

[image]http://img153.echo.cx/img153/9342/deathstarclosesin5nk.jpg[/image]
American cap knocked down with ease by Japanese Zeros above Batavia



Today as had been expected snice the Japanese secured the large airfield located at Palembang, a massive air raid involving 200 plus Fighters and Bombers hit Batavia airfield, the Japanese obviously making thier first move in thier eventual invasion of the final bastion in the "Southern resource area", Java.

Several American Army fighters where scrambled as Dutch Radar facilites first picked up the strike, but they where of no match for the still leathal A6M2 Zero, a plane which Allied aviators are having problems keeping up with, all of the allied fighters that came up to meet the threat where destroyed.

The Japanese had obviously hoped to catch the Allies off guard and destroy the majoirty of thier air power in the area by destroying Batavia airfield and all the planes based there in one shock attack, like they had done successfully at Pearl Harbour,Clark field and Singapore. This was not the case today however, ABDA Planes had been previously scattered amongst several other less prominent airfields on the island, after a Japanese cruiser force was spotted off the West coast of Borneo.

There has been no cofirmation of damage inflicted, but many Bombers and fighters where lost by the allies today, however the airfield was left in a good enough state for a flight of unescourted B-17s and Dutch Martins to take off and attack a Japanese Tanker off th coast of Palembang, causing "condiserable" damage to it. From this action, it is clear there is still plenty fo fight left in ABDA forces in the area, and the island will be defended agressively to the bitter end.



Other news

Japanese paratroopers capture Talsea near Rabaul.

Kido Butai??? at Pago Pago.




PS: Nearly a month and a half behind on this, ah well im lazy [:D]




LittleJoe -> RE: Fuiyama unleashed (6/29/2005 9:47:00 PM)

3rd-4th March 1942



Mandalay falls

[image]http://www.tbrconline.com/images/bh1.jpg[/image]
British prisoners underwatch



The British limited defence of Burma has come to an end, as Commonwealth forces where driven from Mandalay in the past 24 hours.

British, Indian and other assorted Commonwealth troops lay captured in the Burmese town as the Japanese flooded through the already weak and thin allied lines, many however managed to flee onto the thin jungle trail that eventually leads to India, although it will take many weeks forced marching to reach the relative safety of India, and many will not survive the march.

The Dakota pilots that had bravely evacuated soldiers day and night across the border, even when Japanese artilerry shells landed nearer and nearer to the runway as days past.Have also been captured and there planes destroyed, they truly scarificed there freedom for the freedom of others.

India is now being prepared for the worse, as the Japanese advance shows no sign of slowing.



Other news..

Balikpapan, Borneo falls

Batavia pounded from the air again.








LittleJoe -> RE: Fuiyama unleashed (7/2/2005 10:36:03 PM)

5-6th March 1942

Clark field falls

[image]http://www.battleofbataan.com/images/photos/photos35.jpg[/image]
American soldiers begin thier march into Japanese prison camps



Clark field which had been expected to "fall any day now" for nearly 2 months has finally succumb to Japanese pressure, on the night of the 5th the relatively fresh Japanese troops launched a night attack. Tired,hungry and wounded American soldiers where no match forr the skilled nightfighting skills of the Japanese, who soon overan perimeter defensive line after defensive line.

Reports of fierce hand to hand fighting taking place a mere 500 m from the Joint US-Filipino command posts involving gun butts,bayonets and even in some cases fists prompted the Commander of Allied forces General Wainright to issue a telegram to Southwest pacifc headquarters in Brisbane and Macarthur intailing:

"Japanese have launched a massive night offensive at our positions, Communications have broken down and the defence of certain objectives is restricted to Platoon or even squad level command, the first we knew of the success of the Japanese assualt was Artillery shells landing only a matter of feet from the position i type this telegram now, rifle crack followed by American and Japanese shouting pierces through the night stillness.

The Japanese advance has slowed and i beleive they are resting for a final charge come morning, scouts to the south watching the roads imbeteeewn our positions in clark and Manilla have reported a Japanese blocking force holding all roads of about Division strength, this is no doubt the same forces that landed at Naga last week, Bataan is also under attack as Japanese paratroopers have been landed there overnight also, it would seem we are surrounded, my men do not have enough time to organise a breakthrough to eiether the South of the West of our current positions, and fatigue and illness has already wrecked my mens fighting ability so i would doubt the success of an attempted breakout even if we could.

Important documents are being burnt with the masses of aviation fuel we have, Artillery peices are being spiked and food rations are being spread out generously, this could be my mens last meal in quite a while if Japanese reports of brutality are true.

We will hold to the last man, and surrender will not be an option until the situation becomes truly desperate, i expect this place to fold sometime tomorrow most definately"


General Wainwright US Army


After this telegram was recieved the Allied positions where overrun and around 60,000 allied troops are beleived dead,wounded or in captivity, Manilla is also expected to fall in the next few days and weeks.It will go down in history as one of the greatest deafeats in American history, and as one of the greatest Japanese victories, as thier Blitzkreig in the pacific continues.




Other news

Old fields at Brunei captured

Dutch sub sunk off west coast of Borneo




LittleJoe -> RE: Fuiyama unleashed (7/9/2005 9:14:00 PM)

7-8th March 1942

Japanese replused at Chunking

[image]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a8/Chinese_soldiers_1939.jpg[/image]
Newly trained Chinese forces march to Chunking



Japanese forces, who had been baring down on the Chinese city of Chunking, made there move on the town over the past few days initiating a savage artillery barrage on the entrenched Chinese defenders on the outskirts of the town.

The Defenders stood firm, and where relatively unscathed from the attack, much to the suprise of the assaulting Japanese, who gave away thier impending attack with cries of "Banzai" and other shouts and screams, much to the delight of the Chinese, who gunned down many Japanese today. The Chinese who posses outdated World War one era weaponry, from there rifles to there artillery can be proud of holding against an enemy with more modern equipment and docterines, and who also outnumber them by 2-1 in and around the city.

This small victory over the Japanese can be thanked on the elaborate fortifications that have been build in and around the city, in preparation for the Japanese arrival. A massive system of trenches have been dug on all sides of the city, with Machine gun positions,concrete bunkers,anti-tank guns and Artillery peices dotted along the perimeter protecting the city.

Also part of the defense is a underground tunnel network linking all vital defensive positions to one another, without soldiers having to appear overgrond, due to this the Japanese cannot successfully gauge how many Chinese are defending a certain area of trenches.

The city is being turnt into a fortress much like that seen in Leningrad in Europe, the 63,000 Chinese defenders have been told to hold against all odds, reinforcements for both sides are piling into and around the beseiged city, the Chinese are aware of the Japanese docterine of attempting to encirle thier positions, and for this reason Divisions are being deployed to the flanks of the city.

The fate of China could well be decided by the defense of this city.



Oklahoma ready for action

[image]http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/h77000/h77076.jpg[/image]
Oklahoma pre PH



The Battleship Oklahoma which was in dock during the suprise attacks on Pearl Harbour taking "Medium" level damage at the end of the raid has completed its repairs in San Franciso port today .

The 25 year old Nevada class Battleship, commissioned in Pennsylvania in 1916 is now ready to serve in its Second World war and gain revenge against the Japanese for Pearl Harbour, the Ship will remain in port until a oppertunity arises for the battleship to prove its worth.



Other news

Manilla fall immenent

Suva recevies massive fuel convoy




LittleJoe -> Rout from the P.I (7/16/2005 5:16:48 PM)

9-10th March 1942

Philippines all but lost

[image]http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/img/AK/AK-161_Beaverhead.gif[/image]
One of the several Merchant and Auxillary ships fleeing Manilla



The order to "get the hell out of dodge" was issued on the night of the 8th, the few remaining ships left in the harbour that had not yet fled or been destroyed, steamed out of port under the cover of darkness.

The fleeing ships, ranging from Submarine tenders to minesweepers, where required to stay in the Philipines to the end to support Allied resistance there.But now with savage street fighting taking place in Manilla itself and the surrender of Luzon expected any day now these ships are now finally free to go, whether they can escape is another matter, but they have little choice but to make a desperate break for it.

By daybreak the Japanese where soon clued up on the Allied intentions, as scout planes spotted the scattered convoy. G4M1 Betties, the feared long range Japanese naval bomber escorted by A6M2 Zeros where soon sortied from bases in Luzon and Mindano. The Convoy without any Air umbrella was dependant on its limited anti air weapons to stave off the Japanese assualt until nightfall.

But the small calibre machine guns where no protection against the Japanese air attack, and in the carnage that ensued three ships of the convoy sank beneath the waves.

The commander of the taskforce has ordered his men to steam on south towards the Dutch east indies,

"Even if one of these ships escapes to the safety of the Dei or Australia, it will be a small victory for us"

Our hopes and prayers are with the brave heroes of Taskforce 52.



Japanese submarine sunk near Johnson island

[image]http://www.desausa.org/de_photo_library/u853-2.jpg[/image]
Pearl Harbour based ASW groups engage

Yet another Japanese submarine has been confirmed to have been sunk North east of Johnson island this evening, as Japanese sub losses increase.

"Jap subs dont have a long lifespan when they hang around the Central pacific too long, we have Catalinas and other Patrol planes running 24/7 ASW Patrols, which work in conuction with our expierienced Destroyer groups on constant alert to sortie to the area a sub was sighted." Rear Admiral Andrews in charge of ASW forces in the Central pacific spoke today in a interview with LJN.




PS: Need to get more in game sceenshots in this AAR, anyone have any requests on pictures of certain parts of the map?




Terminus -> RE: Zuhio sighted (7/16/2005 5:24:24 PM)

First of all, very cool AAR, LittleJoe. Second, it's a mistake to put 3 US carriers in one TF at this early stage of the war. There's an organisational penalty for this until quite late in the game.

You're better off organising 1 CV task forces, and set them to follow each other. That way, when the Japs find them, it's also less likely that they'll hit more than one of your carriers. It takes a few more escorts, but it's worth it. A notional Air Combat TF might include:

- 1 CV
- 1 or 2 CA
- 2 or 3 CL/CLAA
- 5 to 8 DD's




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (7/16/2005 5:58:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Terminus

First of all, very cool AAR, LittleJoe. Second, it's a mistake to put 3 US carriers in one TF at this early stage of the war. There's an organisational penalty for this until quite late in the game.

You're better off organising 1 CV task forces, and set them to follow each other. That way, when the Japs find them, it's also less likely that they'll hit more than one of your carriers. It takes a few more escorts, but it's worth it. A notional Air Combat TF might include:

- 1 CV
- 1 or 2 CA
- 2 or 3 CL/CLAA
- 5 to 8 DD's



Thanks for the post, my Carriers just set sail from PH in my game headed for Brisbane, but ill send em back to reorganise.

Would i be able to get away with two taskforces with two Carriers, and one with one?




Terminus -> RE: Zuhio sighted (7/17/2005 12:37:34 AM)

You probably could, but I maintain that the 1 CV TF works better, especially when considering that it gives the Japanese less of a target. You desperately need to preserve your fleet carriers until the Essex and Independence classes show up in large numbers.

If you're low on escorts, you should consider sending less carriers, or none. You'll get lots of escorts, especially the all-important CLAA's, before the new generation of carriers show up.

Another option is using the British CV's, but that obviously presupposes that your opponent isn't active in the Indian Ocean. With upgraded aircraft, the British carriers can be surprisingly effective and very hardy.




Rob Brennan UK -> RE: Zuhio sighted (7/19/2005 8:57:56 PM)

I dont know about the feasability of doing this in your game joe, but how about mixing one US CV and one RN CV .. i dont think that takes you over 100 a/c but does cut down on the need for escorts.

Just a thought [X(]

also means u get decent torp a/c , however the fulmars are sucky.




LittleJoe -> RE: Zuhio sighted (7/19/2005 9:33:57 PM)

Not really feasable.

India is on red alert, with a Japanese force of one Divisions and brigade marching towards Ledo. Which well could be a "distraction" for me to pull Divisions into Eastern India, to clear the way for a landing in the south.

The RN is gaining strength in Karachi and will engage the Japanese invasion fleets, whether the Kido Butai is there or not!

US CV's will sit in the "Middle" of my line in the sand in Brisbane, from here they can speed to Port Moresby or Noumea, Fiji quicker if need be, now they have there 4/42 upgrades there not totally useless, but far from effective.


One question for forumites, is it possible for B-17's and LB-30 Liberators to hit Lunga from a level 4 airfield at Luganville?

The range of the LB-30 would allow it...just, but i think four engine bombers need higher than a 4 or they fly at extended?

Bases like Tongatpu and Luganville, are the bases which will "Nibble" at the edges of the Japanese empire, i need to start scoring points myself.

I also fear a invasion of PM is near, 23 units where sighted in Rabaul, too large to be a buildup force, i have 3 squadrons of Beautforts and one squadron of Kittyhawks there, enough to hurt him but not enough to stop him.

Ill get around to updating this at the weekend, ill be on my summer holidays in Three days so ill prob be able to update this a lot more frequently.




Rob Brennan UK -> RE: Zuhio sighted (7/20/2005 7:44:53 PM)

I "think" that 4E bombers from a level 4 airbase are only restricted in the carrying capacity not range. I.E always carry reduced load even at non-extended range.

Im not 100% sure though .. 90% is my opinion .. more enlightened folk may know better.[:D]




LittleJoe -> Rabaul invaded (7/27/2005 4:42:12 AM)

11-12th March 1942

Rabaul invaded

[image]http://www.far-eastern-heroes.org.uk/2nd_Lt_Robert_Hartley/assets/images/Japanese_landings.jpg[/image]
Japanese infantry unload supplies



The Japanese have made thier first move in the battle for the Southwest Pacific, by invading Rabaul.

The near empty base, apart from a small garrison of Australian soldiers has been invaded by a Brigade sized invasion force, the base will provide the Japanese a solid staging ground in which to threaten Port Moresby, the Solomons and perhaps even Australia itself.
The landings are beleived to have been covered by a Carrier taskforce, as Submarine commanders in the area where attacked by B5N Kate's, Japanese carrier based Torpedo bombers. Whether this is the Kido Butai or a smaller carrier force is yet to be confirmed.


[image]http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/1707/rabaulinvaded2ez.jpg[/image]
The situation in the Northern Solomons




LittleJoe -> Mass bloodshed in Manilla (7/30/2005 10:30:05 PM)

13-14th March 1942

Mass bloodshed in Manilla

[image]http://www.battlingbastardsbataan.com/bataantowndestroyed.jpg[/image]

A once desirable Manilla suburb destroyed


Japan launched another assault on US/Flipino positions in and around the Capital of Manilla pushing deep into the city and docks, splitting the defense of the city into two sections, thousands of Japanese and Allied soldiers have dighted amongst the streets of Manilla, also many Flipino Citizens caught in the crossfire, for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time have lost thier lives.

The Japanese seem to show little compassion for human life, indiscriminately opening fire on Buildings that show any sign of Human life within, rather than confirming the target is millitary. This startergy has flushed out my Allies from defensive positions, but has killed thousands of innocent civilians, and made many more homeless and in Japanese captivity, which is infamously brutal and unforgiving.

A once beautiful city is being utterly wrecked street by street, the extent of the damage in some regions is worse than that of the Blitzed London, the Japanese have caused more widespread destruction to the city in a Week, than the Germans have to London in a year.

The defense of the city is expected to collapse any day now, with the Allied commander of the Philpines General Wainwright, given permission by MacArthur and Roosevelt to open Surrender talks.If this is true, it will the largest Surrender of American soldiers in history, Hundereds of thousands of Allied forces will march into captivity.




LittleJoe -> RE: Mass bloodshed in Manilla (8/1/2005 6:26:01 AM)

15-16th March 1942

Manilla falls

[image]http://www.fourthmarinesband.com/manilla_tanks.jpg[/image]
Japanese Victory Parade Through Manila, Capital of the Philippine Islands



The Capital of the Philipine Islands, Manilla fell today to attacking Japanese forces, as commander of the Philipine defence force agreed to the surrender of all Allied forces on the main island of Luzon. This means the capture of a further 25,000 Allied soldiers, making the Battle for Luzon the largest lost of American soldiers in history.

The fall of Manilla frees up around 5 Divisions worth of Japanese soldiers to be used in further conquests, most likely the invasion of the Dutch east Indies imparticular Java, it also gives them a valueable port in which to rest and replenish there navy in the Pacific.

Allied world leaders have expressed there Sympathies, to the American people, and there leader President Roosevelt, who is expected to make a speech to the American public later this evening.

With the situation in Europe looking increasingly desperate, the Japanese's advances do little to make the Allies feel secure.

[image]http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/7748/manillafalls2qp.jpg[/image]



Japanese Cruiser crippled in Jap mix up

Numerous Japanese Cruisers and Battleships, came in range of Bataan bays fearsome Costal guns, beleiving the Port was safe and secure.

The American gunners did not miss this amazing operatunity to hit the Japs hard, in a Battle lasting minutes, encompassing the Japanese suprise at being fired on, thier futile attempts to hit back, and there eventual retreat, 3 Cruisers where confirmed hit, 2 beleived to be Light cruisers and one a Heavy cruiser of the Nachi class.




LittleJoe -> RE: Mass bloodshed in Manilla (8/15/2005 5:19:13 AM)

17-18th March 1942

Noumea attacked

[image]http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/2813/h730599uo.jpg[/image]
Akagi sighted by a Catalina before the attack



The Japanese continued thier rampant destruction of important South Pacific Allied bases, by visiting the vital airfield and port facilities on New Caledonia at Noumea for the second time in the war.

The peace and serenity of the quiet base was broken at 8:42 am, with the low hum of over a hundered Japanese carrier aircraft hanging over the base,the Kido Butai had returned to flatten the base much like it had done in January.

Although this time they where no ripe targets such as the American Cruisers that had been sunk in the last raid, the Japanese made do with damaging and sinking handfuls of helpless Merchant ships, the air defences once again failed like every other air defense against the Kido Butai had done before.

By the end of the raids late that afternoon, countless numbers of merchant ships had been sunk sunk, and many, many more left stricken and burning intensely, the bases Air defences had been "eliminated" with only a handful of fighter aircraft left to defend the airspace in the coming days, and it does seem likeley that the Kido Butai will stay to cause more damamge to the base in the coming week, as Search planes have confirmed that the taskforce is continuing to sail south closer to the island, rather than "dissapearing" off the map, which would suggest the taskfroce sailing home.

Because of this intel, American convoys headed to Australia, have been told to sail further south, stay away from Noumea at all costs, and use New Zealand to dock incase of emergencies. The Inhabitants of Noumea naval base have been told to dig in and prepare for the worse even a possible invasion of the island.




LittleJoe -> Noumea hit (8/17/2005 9:03:29 AM)

19-20th March 1942

Kido Butai here to stay

[image]http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/IJARG/images/ftrhead.jpg[/image]
Zeros in flight towards thier desination,Noumea



Japanese bombers continued to raid Noumea for the fourth day running, with merchant and war ships alike caught in the devastation that the Japanese have brung to the base.

Several more Transport ships where sunk in the raid, with many more sunk, the Destroyer Allen was also sunk by two bomb hits from Japanese dive bombers. The waters in the port are jet black with the fuel and oil that flows freely from the sunk and sinking vessels, vital milltary supples such as Ammunition and medical equipment float in thier boxes, blown from the ships that carryed them, PT boats and other small patrol craft drift out imbeteewn raids to try thier best to retreive these supplies , and of course stranded sailors who struggle to swim through the top layer of fuel.

The whole port is a burning inferno, with fires raging up and down the shore, a thick black smoke drifts across the bay creating a landscape that could be described as hell on earth, the wounded and dying have spilled into the roads and fields in and around the base, as the local hospital is already treating twice as many victims of burns, sharpnel and plane bullets.

A Barrack in which 50 plus Soldiers where beleived to be relaxing off duty was bombed and destroyed, leaving the men inside trapped in the rubble a rescue operation is underway, but heavy lifting equipment brought in from the long defunct airfield has very little time to operate before the air raid alarms go off signalling another jap raid.

"The Jap planes strafe the civlian part of town, riddling mothers and children with bullets and bombs, killing them in thier own godamn homes, i heard they bombed a wing of the hospital, killing all inside, and there aint nothing we can do about it, wheres our Navy, wheres our battleships and Carriers to save us, high command dont give a damn about us dying here!" An angry private was quotes saying in a interview with one of our reporters out there.

US Navy high command, has declined inviations to comment on the situation and instead released this statement:

"The USN Carriers and Battleships, are of upmost importance in the secruity of America itself, to throw them into battle with the Kido Butai now would be suicide, have no doubt when the time comes these frustrated airmen,sailors and soldiers will have thier chance for payback, this is a war we cant and wont lose"


[image]http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/5818/kbpounds7np.jpg[/image]
Vals attack



Jap sub sunk

[image]http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/7029/ssiisunk4xd.jpg[/image]
The end of I-1

Jap submarine loses continue to rise, as another submarine was foolish enough to stray into the Palmyra-PH-Midway asw triangle, nicknamed bermuda triangle by destroyer squadron commanders.

This attack 360 miles SW of Pearl Harbour was launched as a Catalina flying from Pearl spotted the submarine surfaced late on the evening of the 15th, Destroyer groops from Palmyra where immediately sortied to the area, and after days of stalking the sub, launched thier attack early on the morning of the 20th, firing a spread of Depth charges into the surrounding waters.

The results of the attack became clear when serveral patches of oil appeared on the surface, leaked from the sunken sub.



Other news

British destroyed Isis sunk near Kendari by Japanese submarine

Spearfish attacks AK Taiyo Maru




LittleJoe -> Reinforcements (8/25/2005 1:07:35 PM)

21-22nd March 1942

Reinforcements

[image]http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/7798/ww2334gn.jpg[/image]
AP's as far as the eye can see docked in San francisco



As Noumea continues to be pounded, an absolutely vital keystone in the America - Australia sea route, these two Allied nations have announced future troop deployments in the Pacific.

American command has released plans to aid their British Allies in the Defence of India by transporting American men and supplies from the West coast through Panama and to the Indian ocean the long way, the first of these units to have been confirmed for the trip are beleived to be Tank Battilions, better suited for land combat in the rolling plains of india rather than sitting in some pacific atoll.

It is beleived that the Americans hope to donate around 3-4 Divisons worth of infantry, along with Heavy bombers and fighters to aid the defence of India against Japanese invasion, and keep the pressure on the Jap enemy on all fronts.


Meanwhile in Canberra ANZAC headquarters announced reinforcements of thier own; the 2nd Australian Brigade would join the many ground and air reinforcements already sent to the vital base.

"The Japanese excel in the air and the sea, but one area in which we have consistantly held our own against the japs is on the ground, thier army is as poorly armed if not worse than that of the Italians, but they posses a great fighting sprit and unbreakable will to win in combat, luckily so do we!" Major General Eichelberger, commander of all Allied forces on Papa new Guinea joked with reporters in his CP inside the busy port town.

With the small garrison at Rabaul haven fallen a few days ago, it will onyl be a matter of time before the action in the Southwest pacific hots up.

[image]http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/7927/kokoda51nj.jpg[/image]
Australian soldiers enjoy thier chow




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