RE: Summer '42 (Full Version)

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mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/19/2005 1:45:54 AM)

September 2nd, 1942

IBC
The air strike over Kunming has ended in a draw, at least air losses wise (see picture). However I consider this as a tactical victory, since he has withdrawn from the airfield. Which was mail goal.
I have to keep his air force away. Only this way I can enjoy some margin of manoeuvre. Which I definitely need for the assault on Port Blair. I’m sure he’s got carriers in Singapore, hence I need to be ‘discovered’ only at the very last. Ideally only when landing.

AUSTRALIA
The third wave of operation “FITP” has left Perth.
(3) TFs of (10) ships each. Each TF has (1) CV, (3) CA, (3) CL and (3) DD. In one TF there’s the new BB substituting a CA and a CLAA for a CL.

PACIFIC
Tongarapu is lost. Nothing less than the Imperial Guards Division, with the 56th Bde and support units. [8|]
Still the carriers operation is not cancelled, I may have a chance of hitting the transports and their escort.
The units in Bora Bora will now be diverted to Efate.
I cannot foresee any new real action in the Pacific before mid ’43.


[image]local://upfiles/11282/219A727B18874DB0A2DE75FBD75EC16C.jpg[/image]



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/19/2005 10:58:47 AM)

September 3rd, 1942

IBC
The second air strike on Kunming destroyed (13) already damaged Zero’s on the ground.
Tsuyung has eventually fallen, somehow it’s a relief. I’ve been waiting for this to happen for quite some time.
The good news – if I can talk of good news – is that several Chinese divisions will reappear in (30) days in Karachi.
Chungking supply level keeps rising slowly. Now I have to wait for another enclave to fall. It will probably be Ichang or Changsha.

AUSTRALIA
No news yet.

PACIFIC
The flow of troops and supplies to Bora Bora continues, from there to Wellington and from Wellington to Efate.
In the last e-mail GH hinted to the fact the he wouldn’t have assembled such an army just for the Canadians. The only vulnerable objective I have in the vicinity is Christmas, there’s only an RCT, but fortifications are at (9) and there are (2) CD gun units and over 2.000 mines.
I wonder if I should strengthen the Island more. Auckland is also slightly under-garrisoned. Two Bde’s, engineer and CD guns. Forts at (8), I think. I think that the RCT underway for Efate will stop in Auckland.

In general I’m stuck. I don’t have the strength to do almost anything. I should be patient and play defence, but it’s getting frustrating.
I’m hoping for a little success at the Andaman’s.

----------------------------------------------------

What was happening on September 3rd.

"No. 118 September 3, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 6 p. m. (e. w. t.)

South Pacific.

1. Several new attempts have been made by the Japanese to land and establish small detachments of troops on various islands in the southeastern Solomon group. U. S. land-based aircraft, operating from our Guadalcanal base have attacked the ships engaged in these landing operations. Several hits have been reported but the extent of damage inflicted is not known. The parties which have succeeded in landing are being sought out and engaged by U. S. Marines.
2. During the morning of September 2 (east longitude date) an Army Flying Fortress on patrol off the north coast of Santa Isabel Island bombed and damaged an enemy tanker or seaplane tender, leaving it burning.
3. At about this same time 18 Japanese bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked our installations at Guadalcanal. Three enemy bombers and 4 fighters were shot down by our defending aircraft while antiaircraft batteries shot down an additional fighter. Damage to our positions was minor.
4. In spite of the periodic attacks by enemy aircraft our positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area are steadily being reinforced and strengthened."



String -> RE: Summer '42 (10/19/2005 5:07:37 PM)

How are your fighter pools? P-40E's and Kittihawks?

Do you have any place to advance under LBA cover, say the solomons? It's quite easy to hop on from Lunga. Use your marine F4F4's there, they have enough replacements i'd wager. Same goes for A20's and Mitchells. Moving 2 hexes at a time under LRCAP fighter cover ought to be possible. This place also has the added benefit of a good chance for surface combat, I'm sure Hop would be tempted to try and intercept your invasion forces. And allies should like surface combat, every japanese ship sunk is gone from the game forever, but the american and australian cruisers come back. Brooklyn and Helena class CL's are dynamite, armored like CA's and armed with guns that can penetrate even japanese CA's at close range, especially the old Furutaka class.

Attritional battle, especially in terms of naval forces, is good for you. Small ranges means that you can also bring in your old battlewagons. If you can spare them, then do send some old R class battleships from india, they have excellent experience levels, both night and day. The old american BB's tend to suck at night fighting.

edit: Oh and the american BB captains are also awful, be sure to swap them out before using them.



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/19/2005 6:50:15 PM)

Hi String [:)]

Planes pool is excellent. The P-40E is the worst and I have (50) of them.

Thanks for the tip on US BB captain [;)]. I'll check that.

There isn't a place in the Pacific where I can use LBA. The Solomon are way too far from Luganville. Even for the P-38.
The only place could be Fiji from Efate (12 hexes). There, at least, I could use the heavies. Everywhere else I'm out of range.

New Guinea could be a different story. But I still have to develop Cooktown and I'm bringing troops and resources there right now.
It's the troops I had in Central Australia.

I'm really out of options till I get some stronger Navy fighters. GH has covered all his bases. Tongarapu was the only open flank, and now it is no longer.



Tom Hunter -> RE: Summer '42 (10/19/2005 7:36:12 PM)

Before Blackwatch got sick I was moving into Funafuti and Nandi to build up bases for an eventual move on Guadalcanal. The first one is within LRCAP range of Luganville, the second is in range of the first, and once you have a base on them you can launch naval attacks on Guadalcanal and get back under LBA pretty quickly.

It is a long slow process but hey it is a war.



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/19/2005 9:52:49 PM)

Thanks Tom, [:)]

I'll definitely think about it.
I did that in another game. However those bases would be very exposed to counter attacks because of their staggered position.

Right now I'm thinking GiliGili. He has nothing there. Of course I'd have to be able to bring lots of men at once, not easy.

Whatever I decide to do I have to wait till the forces that were in Central Australia are back on the East Coast.



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/19/2005 10:17:33 PM)

September 5th, 1942

IBC
In the last two days one MSW has been sank by G3Ms while supporting mining operation at Port Blair. One more DD has been seriously damaged. I’m not sure it’ll make it back.
Dakota’s airlifting supplies to Chungking have been intercepted and (10) have been shot down.
Several fighter squadron at 80-81 experience have been upgraded to Kitty I (240 in pool), Spitfire’s and Hurricane’s.
As soon as they’ll be ready, some Hurricane’s and Spitfire’s squadron that have dropped below 78 exp due to op losses will be downgraded to Wirraway’s and will go back to flight school.

AUSTRALIA
Operation “Fishing in the Pond” is now on phase one: sub hunting.
Three TFs have been spotted in the last turn, given the (4) hexes range of the Glenn I can easily guess the sub location.
The ASW TFs are now initiating the sweep for the sub. I must make him blind.
Details in the picture.

PACIFIC
Carriers are now at harbor in Bora Bora. I’m undecided. My Coronado’s show no sign of enemy ships and apparently Tongarapu has only a little garrison left on it.


[image]local://upfiles/11282/3AA6CB21D7244D05B5CA69ADC2AA2A9E.jpg[/image]



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 12:01:01 AM)

September 6th, 1942

ICB
B-17s intercepted over Chungking. (1) Fortress lost, (1) Zero shot down.

AUSTRALIA
Operation “FITP” has scored a first tiny success. [:)]
Apparently the Japs are not scouting the pond with subs but rather with AVs.
One of my ASW TFs engaged a Jap scout TF at night. The AV has been sunk and with her the float planes, the AK replenishment ship survived.
In the morning the decoy and three TFs have been spotted by a Jake. Therefore it’s either another recon TF or the baby KB at maximum range. I’m willing to risk the destroyers, I’m going ahead another (4) hexes in sweep formation. The carriers will keep behind. If he sees them the surprise is over and with it any chance for a successful operation.

PACIFIC
I’ve been taking a look at the New Guinea-Guadalcanal scenario. There are no Jap forces in Gili Gili nor in Lunga.
I’m starting to think I may do something about it.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The first successful night engagement of the war


[image]local://upfiles/11282/7E06F28C525741C18CA027482FF70081.jpg[/image]



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 2:58:03 PM)

September 7th, 1942

ICB
(16) New B-24D’s have arrived in DH from Cebu. GH stopped bombing it and I could disband the stranded unit into another one and from there get it to DH where I reformed it.
Some 4-500 bombers are hitting Chungking everyday.
The assault on Port Blair stands. I think I’ll start loading the ships in a couple of days. I must admit I’m kind of afraid. Too many failures so far. [:(]

AUSTRALIA
I’m in a bit of a situation in the I.O., since he is using surface ships I cannot attack them unless I end up in the same hex.
As you can see in the picture it looks like I passed a scout group. Somehow they have not spotted the carriers TF.
I decided to set only one SBD squadron on naval attack. To avoid giving away the real strength of the formation.
Anyway I don’t like it. I think I’ll pull out next turn.
I’ve had a radical change of mind.
My next path of counter-offensive will be New Guinea and/or the Solomons. I’ll forget about the Indian Pond.
The 1st Marine Division, now in Perth, is loading for Townsville. I’m transferring there all the units I have in Central and Western Australia and in Bora Bora.
GH has built up only two airfields beside Rabaul. He can of course shift his forces as well, but at least I’ll be closer to my bases. And the Japs would be a bit more stretched.
I won’t be able to start any operation before the end of next month anyway.

CENPAC
I’m building up Rarotonga as the last stop between CENPAC and New Zealand.


[image]local://upfiles/11282/4E6AD024F3A84D5D9D949BC5870F1638.jpg[/image]



Terminus -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 2:59:55 PM)

It's really excellent to be able to follow both sides of this campaign concurrently. Kudos to the both of you!



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 3:08:36 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Terminus

It's really excellent to be able to follow both sides of this campaign concurrently. Kudos to the both of you!



Thanks, [:)]

I wish I could read GH's AAR too. [:D]
I'm dying to know where his carriers are. [:'(]



Speedysteve -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 3:11:41 PM)

I could tell you but then i'd have to kill you [:D]



Speedysteve -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 3:32:59 PM)

Alternatively money, beer or pizza will suffice MC [;)]



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 3:37:55 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Alternatively money, beer or pizza will suffice MC [;)]


Pizza!! Have we got a deal? [;)]



Speedysteve -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 3:51:14 PM)

I forgot. You're Italian (I guess so anyhow[;)])!

Deal. Pizza - once a week. I will then constantly update you as to what GH is upto.

I prefer the following piza

Cheese
Tomatoes
Ham
Mushrooms
Green peppers.

Please send to (warm please):

FAO Stud,
1 eat a lotta pizza boulevard,
Tomato Town,
England

Once received i'll be in touch on GH's movements [;)]



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 7:18:15 PM)

Ok, we have a deal. [:)]

Pizza's on its way. Too bad for the green peppers [sm=vomit-smiley-020.gif], no wonder you are British [:D] [:D]



Speedysteve -> RE: Summer '42 (10/20/2005 7:19:21 PM)

[:D][;)]



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/21/2005 12:25:34 AM)

September 8th, 1942

IBC
I’m feeling unwell IRL and this is leading me to a more quiet approach also in WitP, right now I’m not feeling like taking too much suspense.
On top of that I noticed two dangerous Jap forces concentrations.
1) In Sabang there are (11) land units. What are they? 2-3 divisions ready to strike back at Port Blair and wipe away my initial landing force? It may very well be the case. O20 is loading a commando from the 5th Indian Division to investigate further.
2) Singapore is reported to have (177) ships docked. [X(] That sounds pretty dangerous too.
Hence I’ve decided to postpone any offensive action till I have some more air power. Looks like I’m chickening out. [sm=rolleyes.gif]

AUSTRALIA
After my mighty DBs sank nothing less than a dangerous AK [8D], operation “Fishing in the Pond” is being cancelled. I’m just not feeling in the right mood for action.
I’ll go at it again with the Long Island in a month time.

PACIFIC
Bora Bora is now stronger than PH, (3) CVs, (1) CVE, (5) BBs and countless cruisers, destroyers and other support ships are docked there. Plus several ground units.
It’s the new Pacific HUB. There goes the flow of troops and supplies to Eastern Australia.




Fornadan -> RE: Summer '42 (10/21/2005 4:18:34 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

I could tell you but then i'd have to kill you [:D]

Correction:

If you tell, Gen. Hoepner would kill you



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/21/2005 12:37:59 PM)

September 9th, 1942

IBC
Supply level at Chungking is now 18k, the minimum should be 14k.
Training continues nicely. (5) fighter squadrons are now at (81) exp.
Ramree Island airfield is size (3).

AUSTRALIA
One ASW TF returning to Perth encountered a sub (RO model) and hit it with two depth charges.

PACIFIC
(50) warships are leaving Bora Bora for New Zealand and then Australia.



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/24/2005 12:08:22 PM)

September 14th, 1942

IBC
Port Blair operation has been officially put on hold until a new operation in New Guinea can be also initiated.
Training continues nicely.
No. 155 RAF Buffalo’s squadron has reached (80) exp, transferred to Madras and upgraded to Hurricane’s.
73rd BS equipped with B-24D’s has been moved to Ledo to help with supply’s operation of Chungking. Despite the heavy daily bombing (4-500 bombers) supplies keep steady.
No. 605 RAF squadron has also reach (80) and has been upgraded to Spitfire’s.
In Lanchow something unpleasant has happened for the second time. Once the supply level – generated by the city production – reached the minimum required of 10.000+, it dropped down to 1.000+! [:@]

AUSTRALIA - NG - NZ
The next phase of the war will be here (see picture). Between NG and the Solomons.
The Japs have few developed airfields and I can count on some LBA.
My entire US surface fleet is on the way to Sidney.

PACIFIC
The 90th BG equipped with B-24D has ferried from Rarotonga to Auckland.
In SF the 43rd US Div is loading transport ships, destination Eastern Australia.


[image]local://upfiles/11282/634AB38230C249C5A9806291DD4975B3.jpg[/image]



Andy Mac -> RE: Summer '42 (10/24/2005 1:09:41 PM)

OK a few things that could be causing the supply decline are.

1. It could be replacing fortifications in the new CHS Chinese Static units if replacements are set to on for any of the fixed fort units and they require replacements of the specuial fort device they will replace them. I think like CD guns these are 9999 ish cost as replacement cost is based on load value. (Not at comp now so not sure)

Not sure if any Fort replacements are in pool though in CHS so may not be this.

2. It could be moving to another city

or 3. it could be a bug

Andy



AmiralLaurent -> RE: Summer '42 (10/24/2005 1:15:29 PM)

Hi MC, another explanation for the supply decline is that supply went to Chinese units in the area. IIRC a base that is under the requirement doesn't give any supply to unit in or near it?



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/24/2005 2:33:44 PM)

Hi guys [:)]

Thanks for the feedback.

Lanchow is surrounded and under siege, hence no way the supplies could move anywhere.

I think the only option (beside a bug) is the replacement issue.
I'll check if any units has special big guns, they are indeed all on replacements on. However in Chungking this does not happen and they are also all on. [&:]



String -> RE: Summer '42 (10/24/2005 3:27:51 PM)

I'd suggest keeping up some pressure and recon activities around port blair though, sub commandoes, night air attacks (both if allowed by house rules), empty transports running to and fro just at the edge of japanese naval search range, and so on.



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/24/2005 4:45:09 PM)

Hey String [:)]

Sensible suggestion [8D]

I'm also sending the Long Island into the the Indian Pond with SBD on board.
Both to try and fish some AVs and to keep at least some CVE/CVL busy there.
If he splits the carrier force I can try and take on him.
If he doesn't I don't stand a chance. I can only try to exploit the absence of the carriers somewhere.



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/24/2005 6:32:30 PM)

September 15th, 1942

IBC
I moved some sub patrols nearby Sumatra. They’ve been attacked by dozens of Jap planes [X(]: G3/4M, Float Panes, Val’s even Sally’s. He must have a huge concentration of forces in the Malaya-Sumatra “entrance”.
He is definitely ready to meet any attempt I may make (no wonder). Maybe he is even readying to attack Ceylon or India. I’m re-deploying some fighter squadrons to Ceylon and Madras.
I checked the Chinese units in Lanchow. The biggest guns there are the 105mm howitzers. Would they be enough to suck 10.000 supplies?!? [&:]

AUSTRALIA – NG – NZ
The Dutch Brewster’s training over Exmouth have been ambush by a (179) Zero’s LRCAP. The brave pilots didn’t stand a chance since they had not been alerted by the Intel. (35) excellent pilots died in the ambush. [:(]
A LRCAP of (179) Zero’s means that a major KB is there. It may also mean that he will come for a bombing raid over Geraldton and/or Perth. I’m evacuating all the ships from Geraldton to Perth. Depending on Catalina’s findings I’ll also move out the planes next turn. Brewster’s are no match for Zero’s, even if at the right altitude and playing defence. In Perth I have (19) P-40E’s, (24) F4F-4’s and (16) Kitty’s. Not enough.
If he withdraws I’ll switch to night training. Annoying.

PACIFIC
No news

-------------------------------------------------------

The Dutch Brewster’s just before the ambush


[image]local://upfiles/11282/23E622D9F5F941A5BCCE252E86F1A48A.jpg[/image]



mc3744 -> RE: Summer '42 (10/25/2005 12:29:31 AM)

September 17th, 1942

IBC
No news.

AUSTRALIA – NG – NZ
Looks like he was only interested in ambushing my Brewster’s.
I’ve upgraded one squadron of Australian Wirraway’s to Vengeance I, no reason, I just wanted to see it [:)]. You cannot go back, the only other option is a Mosquito version.

PACIFIC
All quiet.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“Developed primarily in response to British interest, Vultee developed a two-seat dive bomber in 1940 which was to become known as the Vengeance. The British Purchasing Commission placed an initial order for 200 aircraft from Vultee along with a further 200 aircraft to be built under license by Northrop. Additional orders then followed. Few of these aircraft actually reached Britain however with almost the entire order being diverted to the Far East for use by RAF, RAAF or Indian Air Force squadrons. A number of aircraft were also retained by the USAAF. In RAF service, Vengeance were operationally employed to good effect in the Burma theatre. As the war progressed, the RAF transferred some Vengeance aircraft to the Fleet Air Arm for use as target tugs. Additionally, some aircraft were used by the RAF in smoke-laying operations.”

[image]local://upfiles/11282/75B5DF41B99540A48943D398CC0782B0.jpg[/image]



mc3744 -> RE: Autumn '42 (10/26/2005 12:35:51 PM)

September 23rd, 1942

IBC
The No. 861 Squadron reached (83) exp and has been returned to the Illustrious and upgraded to Seafire’s.
Yesterday the 341st BG has arrived in Karachi, (64) B-25.
It’s been moved to DH and upgraded to B-24D.
The 4E force in the area right now is made up of:
(144) B-24D
(48) LB-30
(96) B-17s
With this amount of heavies I can probably try to hit defended airfields with some chances of scoring good results. The problem resides in the replacement rate.
I have a total of (170) new heavies per month (125+5+40). While, with the customized production, I can bet that GH has – at least – (300) Tony’s and Tojo’s each month. Which means that I have to achieve a ratio of at least 2:1 or I’m losing. I could add to that an escort of P-38, which would bring the total replacement to (245), but I’m still way beyond anything the Japs can produce. Especially if I also consider the A6M production.
Hurricane’s and Spit’s only count in defense.
Amazingly the US production can’t keep up with the Jap one. [:-]
On top of that the bombings mainly kill planes and not pilots, the only thing he could get short of.
I don’t see a way to reach a ratio of 3 or 4:1, playing attack, anytime soon.
With the FDC there’s no limit to massing planes hence the total production is what really counts, airfields size and location plays a minor role. As long as I hit with everything I have and he defends with everything he has, I’m loosing.
I still believe that the FDC alters the game too much. There’s no trade off in airfields between fighters, bombers and recons. Airfield size doesn't matter as long as it is >4. You just mass everything you need.

AUSTRALIA - NG - NZ
Yorktown, Lexington and Saratoga are in Sidney.
PM has (5) units defending it.

PACIFIC
No news.

---------------------------------------

Fighter squadrons situation


[image]local://upfiles/11282/5D6A30EA38D448388FB5E10410E9A5C4.jpg[/image]



Kereguelen -> RE: Autumn '42 (10/26/2005 2:38:41 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mc3744
On top of that the bombings mainly kill planes and not pilots, the only thing he could get short of.


Sorry, but he'll never suffer from a pilot shortage. There're unlimited pilots in the game for both sides. He'll simply train up rookies by attacking your undefended bases behind his lines...

quote:

With the FDC there’s no limit to massing planes hence the total production is what really counts, airfields size and location plays a minor role. As long as I hit with everything I have and he defends with everything he has, I’m loosing.


Yes, the simple logic of air combat in WITP lies in massing planes and overhelming the opponent with sheer numbers. This works to his favour now, later (from second half of 1943) it will work for you. But currently he simply needs to mass some hundred planes at some airfield[:(]

K



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