RE: herb strikes back

RE: herb strikes back (Full Version)

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wobbly -> RE: herb strikes back (7/27/2005 2:42:05 AM)
A quite day mmissed and then a day of sub activity. PM gets a reprieve for a couple of days - so it must be about time he hammered me again. He is complaining about the amount of supplies required to reload BBs! AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/24/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 50,48 Japanese Ships PC Showa Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage PC Takuna Maru #7 PC Takuna Maru #6 PC Showa Maru #5 PC Shonan Maru #17 Allied Ships SS Flying Fish There were 3 unsuccessful ASW attacks before this one - and still my subs bore in. This time the hunter is the hunted - the Showa Maru #3 sinks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Port Moresby at 53,91 Japanese Ships AP Marsue Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage DD Kikuzuki DD Mochizuki DD Yuzuki DD Oite MSW W.14 MSW Fumi Maru #2 MSW Rokko Maru MSW Seki Maru #3 MSW Tama Maru MSW Toshi Maru #1 AP Waura Maru Allied Ships SS S-47 Despite massive ASW defense this AP is also found and heavily hurt in PM harbour. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31 Allied aircraft Blenheim IV x 24 Wellington III x 11 LB-30 Liberator x 18 No Allied losses Resources hits 7 In this scenario Pagan has resources - too unintercepted raids raids have reduced its capacity markedly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 83,87 Japanese Ships AP Chinko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage MSW Ataka Maru Allied Ships SS Nautilus Nautilus is between Tarawa and Kweijalein. It looks like this AP was empty but I'll take some affirmative action. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Changsha Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 1228 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles Japanese assault odds: 38 to 1 (fort level 3) Japanese forces CAPTURE Changsha base !!! To escape the envelopment of Chinese forces I have attempted to withdraw from Changsha and the city further south on the rail line - herb takes up my offer of an empty city. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PM is still in trouble without any attention from the evil powers of the empire. The engineers, without adequate supplies, are finding it very hard to repair the damage of previous bombardment and air visits. I only manage to get 3 planes out in the two days this report covers! The BBs have been visiting on a 3 day cycle so I imagine I will be hit again tonight. The C-49s have continued to deliver supplies but I am loosing a number to the potholes on the runways there! Two other efforts are underway to get the supplies in: the first sub has loaded in Cairns and heads to PM, 6 more to follow; and a fast transport TF under RADM Darby (a capable but very conservative commander – I don’t want these ships battling the BBs at PM of I can help it) load with supplies and head for Thursday Island with the intention to swing West and try to get their load into PM (retreat option: Darwin). This is obviously spoiling for trouble in the extreme as he has 2 BBs permanently stationed at PM that I have seen and the escorts for some of the transport TFs are nothing to be sniffed at either. The trouble with choosing a cautious commander is he may get to PM only to bug out when he meets the opposition. It appears the only way to get supplies in is to confront him head on though and that is tantamount to suicide. Another very worrying development is the loss of the KB! It was about mid-ocean at the level of Rockhampton and has since disappeared. I have therefore evacuated both Brisbane and Noumea of shipping. In Operation Rainbow the C Regiment of the 25th Division continues on it’s way to Canton Island. I don’t know where his smaller TF of Carriers has gone but he is reconning Canton with regularity. In the bay of Bengal operation is about to be launched. I have seen no evidence of inhabitants of Andaman but if there are any they are about to get the attention of 5 RN BBs plus Cruisers. It should be bruising. I am watching the supplies from the US slowly make there way across the Pacific. All the bases in the South are in the pink for supplies and even though I think I have curtailed Herbie’s plans for bases further south of the Solomons by defending PM, he may have eyes for these locations after PM is decided (either way it turns out). So I really want some of these troops planes and supplies to hurry up and get to their destinations. The carriers Yorktown and Lexington pull into Sydney Harbour. Without their airwings there is little reason to stay at sea and incur damage. The dauntlesses are coming off PM and replacing their numbers nicely but the fighters are not, so downtime still ahead.

PzB74 -> RE: herb strikes back (7/27/2005 3:12:52 AM)
Seems like you've stirred the hornets nest Al [;)] I think you're doing the right thing by defending PM...if you hadn't it would be as you say - Herb would probably invade New Caledonia and other bases between Fiji and PH! The bad thing is that I'm afraid the brave defenders of PM are toast unless someone scr€ws up.... Anyway, you've started picking at the Combined Fleet [8D] Saving your carriers for a showdown further down the road is probably a good idea. Wear down the KB and catch it of guard. I usually let subs and LBA do the dirty work for me. Well, you know the drill - will be fun to watch! Evacuating Changsa was most likely a good idea, I've managed to get an army trapped in there...(

wobbly -> RE: herb strikes back (7/27/2005 12:57:45 PM)
hey John - Yeah a definate Hornets nest although I think I have thrown his timing by quite a margin. the fact he has not even tried a deliberate attack must mean he is bringining in more troops. You wish is also my command - picking at the combined fleet takes place in earnest today! The day is again dominated by subs - this time I don't survive the attacks but the targets I hit are almost worth the pain! AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/25/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 53,93 Japanese Ships BB Fuso, Torpedo hits 1 DD Kamikaze DD Oboro DD Amagiri DD Yugiri DD Murakumo DD Shirakumo CL Nagara Allied Ships SS S-39, hits 4, on fire, heavy damage It's final act in the war is a good one. Unfortuantely no fires and little to write home about. I imagine the Fuso may even be fine... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Japanese Ships BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 1, on fire DD Kamikaze DD Oboro DD Amagiri DD Yugiri DD Murakumo DD Shirakumo Allied Ships SS Sculpin The Hyuga on the other hand has fires to contend with as well! Well done indeed Sculpin - perfect time for her to find her detonators. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 17 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7 Ki-21 Sally x 21 Ki-49 Helen x 18 Allied aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed Allied ground losses: 20 casualties reported Vehicles lost 1 Runway hits 8 Port hits 1 Port Moresby gets more attention and I loose more ACs on the ground. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Andaman Island , at 23,34 Allied aircraft Fulmar x 9 Swordfish x 30 Allied aircraft losses Swordfish: 3 damaged Airbase hits 4 Runway hits 2 Woops - the swordfish attack Andaman before the BBs giving away my intent - the BBs should have been in and out last turn but no, they wait and give me away. I am pretty certain there is nothing to attack me out here so the bombardment will still go in. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The BBs are hit moving away from PM as far as my airborne scouts inform me. Is he retreating as cover for his transports - a number appear to be with him? More trouble this turn though is my resupply effort is scouted by jakes from the enemy surface combat fleet. I therefore tell my ships to run through the Torres strait - can't have them lashed from returning BBs! These two torp hits are a good deterrent though - he will think twice about sending them through obviously infested waters. I am getting very anxious about the KB. No sign again this turn. I know he was heading deep into the Coral Sea but have no idea where. I have done everything to cope with an attack in Noumea but now troops ships have arrived at Canton Island. They have very good cover for anything other than the KB. 2 Carriers cannot hope to take on the 4 or so he has with the main KB group. I think he should be about 2 days steaming away still, these days will be anxious. Operation Rainbow may have to take more punishment. Slowly but surely my airpower recovers from the disaster of Port Moresby. I still have a whole airforce on the ground there but I think I may manage to retrieve about half of those damaged. In San Fran another TF of ground troops, consisting of the 5th Airforce, 2nd Seabees and the 101st Base unit, finish boarding their ships. Just the full alotment of supplies and they will set sail for Luganville.

wobbly -> The continuing story (7/30/2005 4:09:49 AM)
Another missed turn - sorry folks. Mainly Sub and anit sub action in it where I put toprs into 3 ships but lost another sub. The Jap CVs are found again off the coast of Townsville. My Fast transport TF gets through the Torres strait and disappears from Herbs scouting capability - but is very much still there (more on that later and in attached map) AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/27/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 66th Chinese Corps, at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 9 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30 Ki-15 Babs x 1 Allied aircraft P-40B Tomahawk x 33 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged Herb meets the AVG over Wuhan again - they are doing very well in this game - I think the main reason is that they can act from secure bases. The hardest thing I found about using them in the main scenario is that they are at bases with only RAF base forces to defend. PzB killed them with a paradrop. The locations they are defending and attacking from are never going to be taken in this fashion in this game. As you can see the AVG do very well and for the first time in three turns I kill more Jap ACs than he kills allies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not a very good turn for cripples. Herb losses two APs and I loose an AK damaged in the Townsvilee attack, probably one more will fall into this category, and also the heavy Cruiser Vincennes: she made it Palmyra Island only to sink at her moorings, 15 sailors are lost attempting to stem the flow of water when the hulk rolls over... I have now lost 2 CAs, 1Cls, 8DDs and 5 Subs - very painful but not entirely unexpected considering the course I have chosen. OK - so to the revisitation of Operation Rekindle, a beast that eats men and machines from both sides at an alarming speed. Looking at the map added you can see that PM has managed to repair quite a quantity of the damage done by all the attention from the Japs. The runway is fully functional and the repair of facilities meant that 9 planes were airworthy and able to be moved back to the mainland this turn. So the one item still on the agenda is trying to get the 4000 or so supplies on Darby's fast transport TF into PM. That will more than double the current number there. With these supplies I will start to bombard the Jap troops - I am not doing that at present. The obvious hurdle in this enterprise is the KB, which I know is still hanging around. Herb has made comment on Darby's command (especially since he lost it this turn). I am still moving further to the west this turn with the intention of return in subsequent turns. He may think the surface units are heading to the DEI if I am lucky. Elsewhere the bombardment of Andaman refuses to happen. Each turn the TF just reverts to a surface combat group and stays where it is - frustrating. I completely remake the TF as a bombardment group from scratch. I hope the headsup I gave Herb by bombing with swordfish doesn't mean I am likely to meet serious opposition. Two chinese Divisions at the crossroads between Myitkina and Lashio move towards Lashio. The AVG are given orders to sweep Canton. Further south operation Rainbow's next phase is almost complete with the unloading of the C regiment of the 25th. I know the smaller KB is around but I am not as worried about this one meeting my two fleet carriers. A TF with 25K supplies is also about 3 days out of Canton. I will keep the surface unit and carriers here to defend these ships as well. [image]local://upfiles/7787/85FE41EFAD46449FB1D7C32F5F68DEE7.jpg[/image]

witpqs -> RE: The continuing story (7/30/2005 8:01:48 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: wobbly Herb meets the AVG over Wuhan again - they are doing very well in this game - I think the main reason is that they can act from secure bases. The hardest thing I found about using them in the main scenario is that they are at bases with only RAF base forces to defend. PzB killed them with a paradrop. The locations they are defending and attacking from are never going to be taken in this fashion in this game. Hey Wobbly, How much force does it take to prevent that? Does having a brigade along with the base force suffice, or can the IJ paras overwhelm a force that size also? I've never faced para tactics, so I'm kinda wondering how much strength is required to stop the one-turn base siezure that you're talking about.

wobbly -> Air battles aplenty (7/31/2005 1:10:59 PM)
Hi WitPQS - welcome to the thread. Usually someone will only use 1 regement of paras or a special unit to airdrop you. I have had cases where I loose on the shock attack and others where I maange to defend but loose the next turn as there has been enough of an odds disadvantage to bring down the forts. My advice to you is in India to split one of the heavily depleted Indian divisions and get these to the isolated locations like Kohima and may Akyab (it is a judgement call as to whether you mind too much about getting them cut off once more serious forces come to knock on the door). This is usually enough to make the 1st turn para shock attack a failure. It is this turn that really hurts as the air units and their valuable pilots are also lost. You CANNOT afford to loose the AVG! No piss poor base is worth their loss. If you think you are going to have this attempted, instead try to LRCAP the base in dire straits from a more secure location - this is again why you can't afford to loose the AVG - they are the only allied fighters with the legs to pull this off. 2nd of two turns again as the 1st had little to offer other than my bombardment mission to Andaman at last doing as it's told. Andaman suffers about 350 casualties but more importantly about 12 supply hits! I move Brit and dutch subs around the island to pick on resupply missions! This turn - well what to say about this turn. The air war erupts as we loose 77 ACs to the Japs 61. I'll let the combat report speak for itself: AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/29/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Dacca , at 31,24 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 98 Ki-21 Sally x 68 Ki-49 Helen x 24 Ki-15 Babs x 6 Allied aircraft Hurricane II x 50 P-40E Warhawk x 9 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 25 destroyed, 1 damaged Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged Allied aircraft losses Hurricane II: 22 destroyed, 6 damaged P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged Oil hits 5 A wee bit of subterfuge works perfectly... (well I suppose as far as bringing Herb to battle against a reasonable number of fighters can be considered perfect) I had moved all fighters at Dacca to Kohima. Herb reconned both and must have noticed there were now no fighters at Dacca. For some reason he is hell bent on hurting my oil production here. Anyway I moved all the Hurricanes and Warhawks back and have them on 15K CAP. He sends the kitchen sink and a huge dogfight erupts. I loose alot of aircraft but so does he - and more importantly it appears my pilots are hitting the silk and surviving the conflict above the aerodromes. One sqd had 16 hurricanes - looses 9 but only 3 pilots! I will take that any day! Once again though the defending fighters - despute being at perfect altitude do not manage to do much to the bombers. I don't understand his targeting here. Dacca has oil capacity of 25 - he has reduced it to 12. India has almost unlimited supply to repair this damage??? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 101 G3M Nell x 22 G4M1 Betty x 96 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 13 Allied aircraft P-40E Warhawk x 46 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged G3M Nell: 1 damaged G4M1 Betty: 9 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-40E Warhawk: 30 destroyed B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed Beaufort I: 1 destroyed SBD Dauntless: 2 destroyed P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed Allied ground losses: 34 casualties reported Airbase hits 11 Runway hits 93 Herb then very much gets his own back by mounting an enourmous effort against PM. I had moved some P-40Es back in to try and pick on a little raid - I get thumped! I loose about 25 P-40Es while he does appear to loose the 8 zeros listed here. PM is once again in a bad way - but this massive attack seems to have allowed the C-47s in reasonably unmolested. PM supplies now at 3500. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Canton , at 43,41 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 60 Allied aircraft P-40B Tomahawk x 37 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 18 destroyed, 2 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged So, to the afternoon and the AVG sweeps into the skies above Canton where herb's oscars rise to defend and are hammered out of the sky, one enemy Daitai actually fails morale. He looses 42 of these ACs today and complains that the cupboard is bare. AVG moves back to Chunking to rest and recuperate. I want to leave the AVG in China during this game as I really don't want to allow him a place that is easy to train his pilots. Since we have started with the DEI conquered he hasn't had the opportunity to leave a few locations for this purpose. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 46,36 Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 25883 troops, 267 guns, 144 vehicles Defending force 3580 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles Japanese assault odds: 142 to 1 Allied ground losses: 149 casualties reported Defeated Allied Units Retreating! Herb is clearing the rail line above Hencheng and this HQ unit tried to move the wrong direction - it is running for Wuchow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At PM this turn I am taking an awful risk. The KB is within a full speed sprint of the Torres strait. I am going to try and get my fast transport mission in and out!!! This has so got to work. I need those supplies in PM. However, if the KB does do this sprint it will sink the better part of my Southern surface navy. Alot riding on this. I do move a full sqd of P-40Bs to PM on LRCAP over the fleet but they will be swept aside by zeros. The reasoning behind going ahead is he has been in this position before and has not moved in. He has also seen me run away. I imagine he is staying close to his oilers and has possibly got a few ships with lack of op points. He has been stooging around down here - after a trip all the way from Truk - can he have enough in the bunkers for a full speed sprint with the likelihood I will back off again? If he does move - Oh man - it isn't worth thinking about. It will be down to a handful of obsolete fighters and the AAA on the ships against he most fearsome naval strike force on the planet! In other news operation Rainbow goes ahead very nicely with the whole C regiment of the 25th Division unloaded at Canton. Supplies are also flowing ashore as my 2nd supply TF arrives. At San Fran the 5th Seabees board ship with the target to be Canton. The 1st and 2nd Marines plus extras, guarded by the Hornet, are now about 6 hexes North of Pago Pago. They are making good progress and upon arrival will really put Noumea into the too hard basket I would imagine. Fuel and supply starts to get close to the South Pacific. A large TF arrives at Suva and a number are about a week or less out of NZ and Noumea. Oz still has a while to wait. The two Brooklyn class CLs: Honolulu and Nashville, damaged in the raid off Baker, leave Palmyra with their holes patched and bilges dry. They will need time in the drydocks of Pearl.

PzB74 -> RE: Air battles aplenty (7/31/2005 10:50:47 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: wobbly You CANNOT afford to loose the AVG! No piss poor base is worth their loss. It sux when it happends, doesn't it Al [;)] Seems like you're giving Herb a rough handlin' in the air! You must be low on P-40's though?

wobbly -> RE: Air battles aplenty (8/1/2005 2:55:15 AM)
John – yes it sux big time [:D] that was a very painful lesson. This turn does not benefit my tomahawk numbers at all. The AVG will have to go an minimal rations. I only get 10 of these planes a month! Disasters seen on the horizon should really be navigated around – not aimed at with full speed! I hypothesised about how Herb might not come towards my fast transport TF because of fuel and all that crap – well he does it and as predicted the results aren’t pretty. First the FT mission did make it to PM and was greeted with open arms by the troops there. Each unit stocks up and moves to full rations where they were starting to loose puppy fat due to ahlf rations they’ve been enduring over the last few days. During the night a Jap ASW unit finds a sub in the DEI and sinks her – that’s number 6. I suffer aerial bomb damage to another in PM harbour but at least manage to return the favour to a jap one off Baker. Then a gawd awful aerial armada turns up over PM and smashes everything within site –including 21 of the Tomahawks I have just moved in. They don’t appear above my TFs as they are too far away – more on that later – but I had left the replacements on for these Tomahawks and despite the lack of supplies here the sqd gets full replacements – all damaged again – bugger bugger bugger. I have to get more vigilant with this setting, I may be playing the allies but in these tight months I cannot afford to just chuck aircraft away like this. So the Tomahawks cannot reach the retreating FT fleet and Herb’s naval bombers scream out to plunder. First the Kates find the CL Adelaide. She is slower than the rest of the ships and had been separated and in truth this probably saves many of my ships (well for today it does). 102 Kates go after the Adelaide. The first wave of 2 hit the ship with both their torpedoes and she sinks. The other 100 Kates must have played tag or something… In the morning the more Northerly majority of my surface group are under bad weather. In the afternoon the weather clears and the Vals decide to hit these groups while the Kates again wish to hit the Adelaide. All told the CA Canberra and the CL Achilles are in dire straits. The CA Australia and DD Voyager are in a bad way but depending on Herb’s moves may get away. The rest of the ships are damaged in some way but should all get away baring a blocking force between them and Darwin. Not a very good outcome for 1500 supplies to PM! (to add insult to injury delivered about 4 supply hits to PM as well). I think I have to pull my head in a bit and I probably have to give up on Port Moresby. I can’t continue to face the 150 zeroes he continues to throw against the place (along with the 120 bombers of course). The question is do I try to evacuate or do I use the units there as a very able time consumer? All of the US naval bombers and fighters are now out of PM and have been moved to Brisbane. They will load back up onto their carriers and the carriers will head off to rendezvous with the rest of my carrier forces. A B-17C from Cooktown scouted more enemy flat tops at Rabaul!! Could these be the ones he hit my Baker squadron with? This pain I am suffering about PM is giving me breathing room in resupplying the rest of the South Pacific – yep Al – keep telling yourself that.

wobbly -> RE: Air battles aplenty (8/2/2005 12:38:53 AM)
Two combat reports for you - the first is horrible to behold (as an allied fan) as the KB goes to town on my retreating surface forces. The second revolves around a further heavy attack against Dacca with both sides loosing many aircraft. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/31/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29 Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 3 Blenheim IV x 17 Wellington III x 10 LB-30 Liberator x 46 No Allied losses Airbase hits 3 Airbase supply hits 5 Runway hits 89 I continue to hit Akyab which I don't think has much in the way there. repeated bombing has not shown any occupants. Good training though and I will look to take the place in the future. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on TF at 43,85 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 68 D3A Val x 18 E13A1 Jake x 4 Japanese aircraft losses D3A Val: 3 destroyed, 8 damaged E13A1 Jake: 4 damaged Allied Ships CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 1, on fire (is the only heavy cruiser to escape) Allied Ships CL Achilles, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage (sinks) Allied Ships CA Australia, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage (sinks) Allied Ships CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage (sinks) Allied Ships CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sinks) Allied Ships DD Voyager, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sinks) Allied Ships DD Sims, Bomb hits 1, on fire (escapes) Allied Ships CA Chicago, Bomb hits 27, on fire, heavy damage (scuttled the following day) Obviously I have doctored the results here - many more ACs attacks and in most cases they pick out the cruisers to take out. The Chicago is targeted by about 90 Vals - ugly very ugly. A very poor decision leads to many deaths and the loss of 4 CAs and 2 CLs. 10 vals and 2 kates are shot down but it is hardly compensation is it. To consol myself I looked at the ship reinforcements and there will be a very prosperous few days in about 500 days time. So to day two - which dawns with the KB retiring back through the Torres strait - staying execution of the New Orleans. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/01/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Dili at 31,77 Japanese Ships AK Thames Maru, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage AK Toa Maru AK Tokai Maru, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships DD Stuart I noticed herb was resupplying Timor. Just thought I would send the only ship in the north to investigate - the Stuart finds this TF and puts a few holes in the Thames Maru. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Dacca , at 31,24 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 77 Ki-21 Sally x 82 Ki-49 Helen x 23 Ki-15 Babs x 5 Allied aircraft Hurricane II x 39 P-40E Warhawk x 9 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 18 destroyed, 2 damaged Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged Ki-15 Babs: 2 destroyed Allied aircraft losses Hurricane II: 21 destroyed P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged Oil hits 1 Another viciously heavy attack on Dacca. Both sides loose 20 ACs. I decide to let him bomb Dacca and have the AAA do their best as I don't really need the oil produciton there and as I said - what is 25K supplies to the Indians?? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It has not been a very good few turns as the allies. I have been involved with 3 disastrously expensive naval attacks now which have cost 5 CA, 3 CL and 7 DD while only managing to kill a DD and damage another - while shooting down about 25 naval bombers. Not very good returns on the losses incurred. The problem is also that I am destroying my fast Cruisers. I have plenty of BBs but none of them with the pace to get in and out of a location rapidly - the North Carolina is about 15 days away but she is the first of the truly useful BBs. All of the naval planes from the Lex and Yorktown rejoin their Carriers and the TF departs for Noumea. The Enterprise and the Saratoga conclude their defence of the Canton resupply and now head off to join the Hornet in defending the 2 Marine divisions on their way to Noumea. Soon all allied carrier capability (bar the long island which has been moving dive bombers and fighters to the central pacific islands - it delivered 12 F4F-3s to Canton today) will be at Noumea and I can start to position myself to take on a reinforcement effort of PM - by either side. PM will continue to be a black hole that eats ships planes and men.

wobbly -> Quiet (8/3/2005 3:17:05 AM)
A quiet day unless you were a submariner or those trying to chase them. One of his subs puts a well aimed torp into an ASW hunter killer group off Brisbane and gets away. Thankfully it is close to Brisy harbour and the DD should survive. A Jap ASW group attacks the SS Seal beside Woodlark Island - Seal takes displeasure in the attention and sinks one of the PCs doing the attacking. Another ASW group I had just South of Irau puts a depth charge into a sub there. It wont sink unless I can find it again today. Herb hits dacca agains today with only 27 oscars attending. I have nothing there on defense so he has free reign an does 7 oil damage. Upon looking though the oil facilities are still as damaged as they were the turn before. Little else occured - my 3 carriers have joined south of Canton. The DDs and New Orleans continue to leave the area from whence they got their thumping. Not much to add really.

wobbly -> RE: Quiet (8/4/2005 2:46:33 AM)
Here he comes again! The Jap Carriers have moved down towards Gili (which expanded to a size 1 airfield this turn and is already populated - probably with anti-sub patrol craft) to cover the TF of transports that has targeted PM. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/04/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 55,95 Japanese Ships AP Montevideo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage AP Meigen Maru AP Maya Maru MSW Kongo Maru #2 MSW Keinan Maru MSW Kaiyo Maru #3 Allied Ships SS S-44 Japanese ground losses: 42 casualties reported Guns lost 1 S-44 gets in the first shots of round two thumping this large AP. Hopefully it will sink before it gets to PM and hopefully it also holds a large chunk of the new invasion. The sub moves two hexes closer to PM to try and get another bite at the apple. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29 Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 12 Blenheim IV x 14 Wellington III x 11 LB-30 Liberator x 46 No Allied losses Airbase hits 5 Airbase supply hits 3 Runway hits 58 Calcutta is my main Indian air base and it reaches out on another training mission to Akyab. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11 Allied aircraft P-40B Tomahawk x 59 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 11 destroyed Last turn Herb had moved some oscars up to Myitkyina and they intercepted an unescorted raid of Hudsons. I send the AVG in to right the wrongs and they knock another 11 oscars out of the sky. Unfortunately 4 planes crash on landing when they return! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is all about PM again with Herb moving in with the next round of units. I can't see me being able to stop him in any way. He will suffer at the hands of the shore guns and maybe a sub or two (but as you can see from the diagram I am a bit out of position). I would say another division ought to be enough but he should bring some engineers. I have to try, with my limited capability, to exact as much hurt from im in the interim. PM itself is looking good again without the constant attention from BBs and aircraft. All damage has been repaired and 7 damaged ACs were removed today. My usual trick of moving aircraft in to attack invasion forces will be difficult to accomplish in the extreme as he has the capacity to Bombard my planes on the ground again and the KB can act as fly paper to naval strikes - of course attacking it is just like commiting suicide. With all other services being repaired last turn some progress was made on fortifications!! I don't expect any more reprieves. All of my resupply efforts appear to be taking their own sweet time to get across the Pacific. Noumea is now very low on supplies. Herb is on the move in China as well. He has moved off the road to the crossing North of Henchow. I have 4 chinese armies dug in here. It also looks like he is trying to encircle Yunan - I am moving some of the units I have there off the roads to make this more difficult. The decision to keep the AVG in China really appears to be paying dividends here as he is being very cagey about how he attacks Chinese forces. In Eastern India I have moved some engineers towards Kohima. I want to build it up for the eventual destruction of Mandalay. I think I will also take Andaman. He is concentrating on PM and the south Pacific, I want to make this singlemindedness expensive elsewhere. [image]local://upfiles/7787/9CBBB9996F03409AAAEB97791C300A8D.jpg[/image]

wobbly -> PM receives more discipline (8/5/2005 3:37:02 AM)
As expect herb comes back with a very large sledgehammer and smashes it into the PM structures. Ouch doesn't quite cover the damage. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/05/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91 Japanese Ships DD Oboro DD Yugiri DD Murakumo DD Shirakumo CL Nagara BB Ise BB Yamashiro BB Fuso Allied ground losses: 191 casualties reported Guns lost 5 Runway hits 1 Port hits 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2-N Rufe x 3 A6M3 Zero x 13 G3M Nell x 42 Japanese aircraft losses G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged Allied ground losses: 15 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 86 G3M Nell x 24 G4M1 Betty x 93 Allied aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses G3M Nell: 1 damaged G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged Allied aircraft losses Wirraway: 1 destroyed P-40B Tomahawk: 4 destroyed Allied ground losses: 72 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Airbase hits 22 Airbase supply hits 7 Runway hits 81 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91 Allied aircraft no flights Allied aircraft losses Wirraway: 2 destroyed P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed Japanese Ships DD Oboro DD Yugiri DD Murakumo DD Shirakumo CL Nagara BB Ise BB Yamashiro BB Fuso Allied ground losses: 1073 casualties reported Guns lost 13 Vehicles lost 2 Airbase supply hits 1 Runway hits 17 Port hits 4 Port fuel hits 1 Port supply hits 8 This one is particularly nasty. My slowly hoarded supplies are instantly evaporated - all units again revert to half rations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Still no landings in PM though so I imagine I will have to put up with those this turn. Then it is just a matter of time. I can't reinforce, I can only hope to do as much damage as possible to the troops and ships as they unload. I am going to use my sub transports - currently bringing in supplies - to take out snippets of each of the units caught in PM. I don't know how long it takes to reinforce teh numbes of a whole division, but I think this is the only way I am going to be able to keep the units. They should still be helpful in defence of Oz. I have placed my B17C and Es in Cooktown on airfield attack with GG as their target. Herb has placed seaplanes here and a bit of a reduction in their capability would be nice. They managed to hit one of my subs this turn (well that is what the combat replay informs me - no damage on opening the turn - but it is a good reminder). OK folks - it appears Herb is throwing the kitchen sink at this invasion. Even his CVEs are now south of PM. So with all of his units here, I am contemplating two liberations: Akyab and Apamama. Is this too early and am I better to just hold off and wait? Supplies and replacement aircraft are still in a very bad way due to my gaff at PM. I feel like I am letting an opportunity go by at present, but this is a classic potential case of allies moving too soon. I feel Akyab could be possible - and will be nice as an alternative for damage to Northern Burma - but I have slated Kohima for this and it will be a whole lot less likely to cause damage if I just move units in overland - in fact there's a thought - take Akyab via land??? Maybe one of my tank units can race down the coast then reinforce the place with a base unit from the air?? Apamama is a good precursor for Tarawa as he already has troops there and having a base to enable fighter escort for the invasion of Tarawa would be very beneficial - I just think that my be going off half cocked at this time.

witpqs -> RE: PM receives more discipline (8/5/2005 4:40:56 AM)
Wobbly, It sounds too soon to get very close to the meatgrinder just yet. When he's done with PM (if he succeeds) he just might turn around and ... [:(] As for Akyab, the way I remember it there is no racing to or from Akyab via land!

wobbly -> RE: PM receives more discipline (8/5/2005 5:00:31 AM)
Hi Witpqs Yeah - a certain level of "once bitten twice shy" is prevalent from previous games I have played where I moved too quickly. I suppose what I was attempting was not necessarily taking Apamama to hold but to make him realise he needs to move his carriers away from PM or else he is vulnerable. If he does move the Carriers away - especially the smaller ones - I can try to attack them with my 5 fleet carriers. I may also be offered more opportunities around PM. The problem with this is that I am relying on my enemy to move the way I want him to. So far Herb has been particularly unhelpful in this regard!

madflava13 -> RE: PM receives more discipline (8/5/2005 5:39:05 AM)
I'd stay away from Centpac for now -- too easy to race KB up there, there's nearby airfields for him to cycle through, etc. Go for Akyab if anything - you have your bases nearby, and any damaged ships will likely be saved. Plus it would take weeks for KB to arrive...

wobbly -> RE: PM receives more discipline (8/5/2005 12:44:56 PM)
Madflava - Yes, I think that has to be the ultimate decision - the Indian sphere is doing well de to its lack of specific attention. Better to use this lull to the best effect I can. To this end one of the large Indian tank units starts to move overland on Akyab. This is obviously a very long range thing as it will take ages to get there. By that time though I should have a reasonable airforce - defensive anyway. A quiet day as I wait on the PM invasion - two subs are sunk by his carrier acs today - is there nothing they don't touch? AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/06/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Port Moresby at 53,91 Japanese Ships AP Uji Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage AP Shuko Maru PG Nanpo Maru Allied Ships SS Salmon Japanese ground losses: 28 casualties reported Guns lost 1 At least I get a lick in before the Salmon is sunk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 53,92 Japanese Ships DD Mikazuki DD Yunagi DD Fumizuki DD Satsuki Allied Ships SS Sculpin, hits 1 Sculpin is the other that follows later in the day - hit repeatedly by bombs from Vals. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94 Japanese aircraft no flights Allied aircraft B-17C Fortress x 18 B-17E Fortress x 27 Japanese aircraft losses H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed Allied aircraft losses B-17C Fortress: 4 damaged Japanese ground losses: 48 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Airbase hits 2 Airbase supply hits 2 Runway hits 31 The GG attack works though - and actually manages to kill a Mavis - wonders never cease. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 89 G3M Nell x 24 G4M1 Betty x 87 Allied aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged G4M1 Betty: 12 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed Allied ground losses: 19 casualties reported Airbase hits 12 Airbase supply hits 2 Runway hits 30 Another mighty attack on PM - there is no way I can get any more work done on the forts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To day two where the landings occur - I have cut out most of the losses of troops but many many more make it ashore than are lost. Herb has no time to waste and has bought 3 Division!! I mean - bloody hell! AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/07/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 30 TF 30 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91 290 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese Ships PG Nanpo Maru, Shell hits 2 Japanese ground losses: 1333 casualties reported Japanese ground losses: 629 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Japanese ground losses: 1416 casualties reported Guns lost 3 200 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese ground losses: 1230 casualties reported Guns lost 2 Japanese ground losses: 594 casualties reported Japanese ground losses: 1282 casualties reported Guns lost 1 As you can see another 6000 or so casualties. However these divisions must all hold about 25K men each and I am going to be swamped. With only size 3 forts it will all be over very quickly. Luckily last turn I managed to get a portion of the 41st division and the 30th Oz Brigade out of PM. It will take ages but they will eventually be rebuilt. If I look at the losses inflicted on the Japs for this one I still come out very much on the loosing side . I am going to loose about 40K men 250 odd plans - 6 CAs 2 CLs 8 DDs and about 6 subs to his 2 CLs, 4 APDs, 5 DDs 100 ACs and maybe 18K troops. I suppose I have also taken up a month of time - It doesn't seem like an equivalent excercise. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Port Moresby Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 23605 troops, 260 guns, 0 vehicles Defending force 64580 troops, 763 guns, 17 vehicles Japanese ground losses: 49 casualties reported Guns lost 1 He almost has 3 to 1 and not everyone has landed yet!

wobbly -> RE: PM receives more discipline (8/7/2005 10:32:15 AM)
Well many enemy troops have landed and many were lost on the Beach of PM - but so far he has not managed to take the place. It can only be a matter of time as I am now outnumbered 5 to 1. Very bad day for subs - don't care what people say - Jap ASW is just fine potency wise. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/10/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Port Moresby at 53,91 Japanese Ships PG Shinko Maru #5 PG Chokai Maru Allied Ships SS S-37, hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (Sunk) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 53,93 Japanese Ships AP Kasui Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire MSW W.8 MSW W.9 MSW W.10 MSW W.14 MSW W.7 Allied Ships SS S-45 Japanese ground losses: 39 casualties reported Guns lost 2 This is still heading towards PM so I don't think 5 to 1 is enough for Herb! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack at 53,92 Japanese Ships DD Yunagi DD Mikazuki Allied Ships SS S-27, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage (sunk) - not good at all! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 53,91 Allied aircraft B-17C Fortress x 9 B-17E Fortress x 18 No Allied losses Japanese ground losses: 107 casualties reported Guns lost 5 The B-17s at last sortie and hit the PM invasion. He didn't attack this turn which is what I was after - an attack which is reposted because the attackers are disrupted. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Port Moresby at 53,91 Japanese Ships AP Kiyama Maru MSW W.8 MSW W.9 MSW W.10 MSW W.14 MSW W.7 Allied Ships SS Seal, hits 1, on fire This just finishes off a very ad day for the sub arm, Seal, so far my most potent sub, is severely damaged and may not make it back to Oz. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Port Moresby Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 23060 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles Defending force 80429 troops, 847 guns, 26 vehicles Japanese ground losses: 30 casualties reported Not good numbers at all considering the men don't have full supplies! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So PM is not a very happy location to be: tonnes of enemies and no solace in chow! Elsewhere though this is starting to be eleviated - Noumea, Fiji, Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canton Island, Pago Pago; all of these places have now received large dollops of American supplies and fuel. The 1st and 2nd marines have passed Fiji and are on the home strait to Noumea. This will mean all my fleet carriers are now available. I have a nasty feeling the KB is heading east as I can no longer see them and I have spotted his tankers and they appear to be moving east. I imagine he will want to replenish the bomb and torpedo stores though. In Pearl an engineering unit and a CD unit are loaded destination: Canton Island. In india engineers have made it to Kohima so the promotion to a size 4 airfield goes ahead and then it will be time to hit Mandalay and hit it hard! The 1st sqd of hurricanes has been converted to spitfire Vbs and the pilots have an average 72 experience - this should help tame the oscar scourge.

wobbly -> RE: PM receives more discipline (8/8/2005 2:40:11 AM)
My manouevering as the battle for PM continues. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/11/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 40 TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91 357 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese Ships MSW W.14, Shell hits 2 Japanese ground losses: 485 casualties reported Guns lost 6 Allied ground losses: 5 casualties reported The shore batteries at PM have damaged many of the attacking escorts. I don't think I have seen any seccumb so far but I would think there should have been a few MSWs that have been put under. I imagine he is waiting on a complete takeover of the place so he can rest the ships there. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91 Japanese Ships DD Shiranuhi DD Isokaze DD Maikaze DD Hayashio DD Yukikaze DD Hatsukaze CL Jintsu CL Sendai BB Hiei BB Haruna Allied ground losses: 169 casualties reported Guns lost 3 Runway hits 1 Port hits 1 Port supply hits 2 Herb was back to bombard PM again but this time it doesn't appear as if the big ships had all their ammo. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 45 Ki-51 Sonia x 91 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-51 Sonia: 5 destroyed, 13 damaged Allied ground losses: 20 casualties reported Airbase hits 7 Airbase supply hits 5 Runway hits 39 Herb has had enough of the oscars being thumped and has bought zeros in to defend the bombers - in this case sonias. While the ground installations take a beating 5 sonias are knocked downa dn another 2 crash on landing. The AVG are close by but the fight will be more equal against the zeros. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31 Allied aircraft Blenheim IV x 16 Wellington III x 12 LB-30 Liberator x 48 Allied aircraft losses Blenheim IV: 1 damaged Japanese ground losses: 10 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Airbase hits 3 Airbase supply hits 3 Runway hits 37 I continue to hit targets in Burma. I am not ready yet to really start an offensive from the air here so I will continue to hit places like Myitkina and Akyab while he has no defences there. My Indian tank unit is making good speed to Akyab. I may have to organise reinforcements in the guise of base units and such a little earlier than I expected. My first spitfire sqd is already half functional with more spits on the way. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 70th Division, at 45,35 Allied aircraft IL-4c x 12 SB-2c x 26 No Allied losses Japanese ground losses: 39 casualties reported Guns lost 1 The Chinese are also getting good experience bombing some of the advanced jap units. They have moved from about 45 average experience to about 52 now. I know I am dicing with danger not escorting them but I am checking the closer jap airfields regularly and the closest ones have no fighters. I expect to face mainly oscars and nates - zeros would be a nasty experience. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PM is still the hot location but I don't expect that to be the case for very much longer. He has so many men there that a single shock attack will be enough to force my whole defencive force to give up the ghost. I have taken parts of 4 of the units out but they will be damaged good fro 6 months or so. Herb APs are leaving PM by traveling through the Torres strait. I don't think he has any fighters with them for escort so I move B-17Cs and hudsons to Darwin and order them to target naval at 2000 ft. The B-17Cs are at 73 experience so it is not an impossibility that I may hit something. In Seattle an RCT and a CD unit begin loading for delivery to the staging post of Pearl. 3 days until a major reinforcement in ships, aircraft and ground units.

wobbly -> RE: PM receives more discipline (8/8/2005 12:46:39 PM)
The KB revealed threatening Noumea. Port Moresby deliberately attacked and on its last legs. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/12/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 40 TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91 11 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese Ships MSW W.10, Shell hits 1 Japanese ground losses: 384 casualties reported Still Jappers coming ashore. Each arrival changes the land units orders to bombard. I don't really have the supplies for that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91 Japanese Ships DD Oyashio DD Kuroshio DD Kagero DD Makigumo DD Akigumo DD Yugumo CL Katori BB Kirishima BB Kongo Allied ground losses: 145 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Vehicles lost 2 Airbase hits 1 Airbase supply hits 1 Runway hits 15 Port hits 2 Port fuel hits 1 Port supply hits 10 Ouch OUch OUch OUCH!!! It hurtzes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Port Moresby Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 83820 troops, 889 guns, 24 vehicles Defending force 32157 troops, 299 guns, 14 vehicles Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2) Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1 Japanese ground losses: 2819 casualties reported Guns lost 89 Vehicles lost 3 Allied ground losses: 538 casualties reported Guns lost 5 I am still making him pay. I don't know whether the number of men actually lost is close to reality but if there is some comparison, when PM falls, I will have destroyed about the same numbers as he has. So far though he has more points for killing more of my men. Very strange as he has only killed men here in PM and in China really. I know I get less points for killing his ground troops but the numbers don't really tally. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With the KB arrival down south everything bugs out of Noumea. It isn't strong enough by a long way to take on the KB yet. I do have the 5 fleet CVs but you can imagine I am very trepidatious about using them, so they also retire. With no forts left and far too much damage of the facilities at PM I will loose it either in the next turn or the turn following. He may stop to rest one turn as the men will have gained a bit of disruption with this last venture. I still have B-17s lined up for attack and they flew without finding their targets last turn. I have lost the retreating APs from PM so I have upped the number of Hudsons on search - they might just have slipped away now. [image]local://upfiles/7787/4FD1C31F86A946C8B3937D22E2EDA6C9.jpg[/image]

wobbly -> PM's heroic stand continues (8/9/2005 12:54:27 PM)
Two turns and it is still all about PM. The first day is the first allied benefit match for some time with some positive results against the subs. The second is quieter but is still dominated by happenings in Port moresby. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/13/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack at 96,93 Japanese Ships SS I-155, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships DD Drayton DD Fanning DD Dunlap DD Ellet Found and sunk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 71,109 Japanese Ships SS I-26 Allied Ships DD Hammann, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage DD Allen DD Waters DD Alywin DD Mustin DD Monaghan I-26 is also attacked but retaliates putting the hurt on Hammann. She makes best speed for Noumea and gets there. She should survive baring more damage. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 35,54 Japanese Ships AP Kizan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire PC Ch 19 Allied Ships SS Grenadier Just north of Brunei Grenadier gets a lucky detonator -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 53,91 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4 Allied aircraft B-17E Fortress x 21 No Japanese losses No Allied losses Japanese ground losses: 45 casualties reported Herb attacks me from the air and at last the B-17s are reciprocating. I am trying to lessen his ground forces' continuity. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack at 71,109 Japanese Ships SS I-26 Allied Ships DD Allen DD Waters DD Alywin DD Mustin DD Monaghan I-26 has another crack at the ASW unit after it in the afternoon - both sides escape. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack at 71,109 Japanese Ships SS I-26, hits 8, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships DD Allen DD Waters DD Alywin DD Mustin DD Monaghan Then in the evening the harrying ASW ships latch onto their morning hunter and send her to the bottom. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Port Moresby Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 81618 troops, 768 guns, 18 vehicles Defending force 31260 troops, 285 guns, 14 vehicles Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1) Japanese ground losses: 481 casualties reported Guns lost 9 Allied ground losses: 36 casualties reported Herb's forces then conduct another deliberate attack and they have to be discoordinated as I was almost certain they would take out PM defenders. They grimly hold their ground and more importantly hold the airfield as yet again the dakotas are flying in. ------------------------------------------------------------------ So to day two and it is obvious Herbie-san is getting frustrated as he unleashes an armada of aircraft at PM before afternoon attacks by the ground troops. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/14/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 53,93 Japanese Ships AP Kasui Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage Allied Ships SS S-45 A retreating ship - damaged from landing in PM - is hit by S-45. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft Ki-21 Sally x 83 Ki-49 Helen x 22 Ki-15 Babs x 6 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged A huge attack in China without escort. They fly in at 22K and meet no opposition but they don't do any damage either. I do not move the AVG to cover - this would be the obvious move. I will let him continue to attack while he is doing nothing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31 Allied aircraft Blenheim IV x 13 Wellington III x 12 LB-30 Liberator x 43 Allied aircraft losses Blenheim IV: 2 damaged LB-30 Liberator: 6 damaged Japanese ground losses: 35 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Airbase hits 2 Runway hits 28 My attacks against Akyab continue - for the loss of a Liberator today. However I also update a few sqds today. 2 get new Wellingtons and another reverts form Hudsons to Bleheim IVs - I have few more of these than the Hudons (which are more use in the South Pacific as scouts) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 21st Division, at 53,91 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 5 Allied aircraft B-17E Fortress x 21 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed Allied aircraft losses B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged Japanese ground losses: 80 casualties reported Guns lost 5 The forts fly again and this time one doesn't come back. They aren't doing much to the troop numbers but they might be adding morale. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 41st USA Division, at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2-N Rufe x 3 G3M Nell x 37 Ki-21 Sally x 4 Ki-49 Helen x 7 Japanese aircraft losses G3M Nell: 1 damaged Allied ground losses: 52 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 67 G3M Nell x 15 G4M1 Betty x 61 Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged Allied ground losses: 132 casualties reported Guns lost 7 Day Air attack on 111th Base Force, at 53,91 Japanese aircraft G3M Nell x 11 Ki-21 Sally x 8 The Japs then unleash their own morale building effort with huge numebrs of bombers spanking the troops at PM - this bodes ill for the afternoon's attacks with the ground troops. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Port Moresby Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 80302 troops, 749 guns, 18 vehicles Defending force 30856 troops, 284 guns, 14 vehicles Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1) Japanese ground losses: 919 casualties reported Guns lost 41 Vehicles lost 2 Allied ground losses: 426 casualties reported Guns lost 2 Well I loose alot more troops than the day before but the forts hold and so do the men! I think he needs to rest his troops for a bit - they seem tired. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have not seen the KB after finding them in the middle of the Coral sea. I don't know which way he went but I imagine it was back North. In case, of course, I have to keep everyone at arms length of where I think he might show up. One of my subs was repeatedly scouted today SE of Gili Gili so this may be the KB - I think it is more likely another bout of bombardment shipping for PM. I will wait on news of the KB before I continue to reinforce Noumea which at last has about 70K supplies. I really want to make sure the marines get ashore safetly. All 5 fleet carriers are offering cover but they were scouted today so he may know I am about - pesky bloody glens! PM itself will hold as long as it can. His shipping appears to be retiring and I try to set myself up to interdict with subs both to the East back to Rabaul and East thruoght he Torres Strait. The Dakotas and the subs continue to load supplies in Oz for delivery at PM and today I have sent a 4500 AK on the incredibly perilous journey to PM. I hope it can do another SS ohio but hold out little hope this time. I think though - if I could find some way to get around the supply problem PM could really become a thron in his side. With 3 Divisions and other units landed - that will really restrict what he can do elsewhere! I may try to bring a few DDs up from Brisbane to try Fast transport runs. I don't want to loose too many more warships though and this is the recipe for that disaster. Elsewhere I do little. Today saw the delivery of the BB Norht Carolina and other small surface vessels along with 4 fleet subs. They all sortie for Pearl and opportunities. Another Brigade is released to the Indian defensive army at it moves to Calcutta. The attempts to build up Imphal go ahead well and should be completed in about 3 weeks.

wobbly -> RE: PM's heroic stand continues (8/10/2005 2:12:29 PM)
3 turns but only 2 combat reports. The first turn (without a report) has negative highlights of anonther lost sub and a very disruptive bombardment of PM. THe second - this one - sees Herb pull a lovely move on me with the AVG. I purposefully did not move them back after 2 days of his bombing but did on the third. On this third he unleashes what must be most of his fighters in the Chinese sphere and does massive damage. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/16/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 96 Allied aircraft P-40B Tomahawk x 51 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 12 destroyed, 1 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-40B Tomahawk: 38 destroyed The AVG bring done 13 zeros in the day but loose 41!!! planes themselves. I now have 40 pilots with an average of 70 exp. I will have to reign them in and start using them all over the sphere to try and stop Herb from pulling such feats against them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 24 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 159 Ki-15 Babs x 1 No Japanese losses He tries another massive sweep but thankfully the AVG are sulking. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The third day is full of happenings - first the KB which has been skulking down towards Noumea shows up and hits shipping there. Another couple of carriers hit transports unlaoding at Luganville. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/17/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 35 Ki-51 Sonia x 28 Ki-49 Helen x 13 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged Allied ground losses: 14 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Airbase hits 7 Airbase supply hits 4 Runway hits 17 With the obvious withdrawal of the AVG he goes back to bombing Wuchow. There are about 32 units here so most damage is repaired - but it is a drain on the meagre supply level in China. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 64 Ki-21 Sally x 82 Ki-49 Helen x 15 Ki-15 Babs x 5 No Japanese losses Allied ground losses: 104 casualties reported Airbase hits 15 Airbase supply hits 2 Runway hits 41 The 2nd big Wuchow strike. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30 Japanese aircraft no flights Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 15 Blenheim IV x 13 Wellington III x 20 B-24D Liberator x 9 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed Japanese ground losses: 5 casualties reported Airbase hits 10 Airbase supply hits 1 Runway hits 15 Knowing he has most of his oscars and zeros in China I start hitting Mandalay with my slowly repairing RAF (many have just upgraded). While he continues to attack the Chinese I will try to hit him elsewhere. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 21st Mixed Brigade, at 53,91 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4 Allied aircraft B-17E Fortress x 18 No Japanese losses Allied aircraft losses B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged Japanese ground losses: 88 casualties reported Guns lost 1 The B-17s are raiding PM about every 3 days now and they are doing good work. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 68,113 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 49 D3A Val x 32 B5N Kate x 22 E13A1 Jake x 5 Allied aircraft F2A Buffalo x 4 F4F-3 Wildcat x 3 Kittyhawk I x 6 Japanese aircraft losses B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged Allied aircraft losses F2A Buffalo: 4 destroyed Kittyhawk I: 6 destroyed Allied Ships AK Sagadahoc, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage AK Nebraskan, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage AK Atlantic, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage AK West Cawthon This is my fault as this TF had retire orders and decided to return to Noumea. I had to break them up and dock most of them. However he would have port orders as well so someone had to be sacrificed. He must be about at the end of his AC sorties! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 72,107 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 20 B5N Kate x 37 Japanese aircraft losses B5N Kate: 1 damaged Allied Ships AK Boreas, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage AK Antares AK Castor, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage AK Bridge, Torpedo hits 1 Then - hullo more attackers off the coast of Luganville - they also sink a ship. I have created a single transport TF and am trying to make it look like I am escaping to the East. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Port Moresby Japanese Bombardment attack Attacking force 80647 troops, 731 guns, 15 vehicles Defending force 28359 troops, 251 guns, 7 vehicles THis is the first bombardment against PM in which the Japs don't destroy anything. Last turn supplies were dolled out to the men to bring them up to full. They are all on the defensive so this appears to allow them more supplies. This instantly brings down fatigue and disruption. Pm is still in a state though so no fortress building for some time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So the excitment - as always - follows the KB. This time my carriers are in touching distance but have the job of defending the 1st and 2nd Marines. However, the 2nd carrier Tf has me very interested and I may try to wrangle an attack against them. I know the TF that is West of Noumea (by about 3 hexes) has most of his CVs and his refuelers. I am attacking more subs to the East of Luganville this turn so I want him to wander. The 5 Carriers of the Pacific fleet under Berringer and Mitchum are racing North between Fiji and Noumea to try and interdict this smaller TF. The ships they were guarding will head further south into the Southern Pacific. The 5 Heavy BBs of the Pacific fleet are too slow for the race and will stay to guard the flock. I don't expect to be able to catch the smaller carrier TF but if I don't try and an opportunity arrises I will kick myself. THis little foray has already halted supply missions form the states. At PM the Ak Launcelot is 2 hexes out. It should dock in the night and be able to unload some supplies. This all depends on whether another bombardment TF is on the way in or not. So far no cruiser carried float planes have given away such a move. I am sacrificing this guy in the hope he can offload half his cargo - he is only a size 4500. I can't remember the weather but there are definately no fighters to look out for him. More in Oz is he bleagured CA New Orleans - the only cruiser survivor form the last attempt to supply Pm - has made it to Melbourne. It is damaged enough to try and get back to San Fran and some real repairs - not while KB is about obviously. Another Oz venture is the creation of a 4 DD Fast transport Tf that will try to keep PM in vitals. At Pearl I put together a very large bombardment force for Wake. I have to keep trying to run him around. This is a oncer as I have no carriers for cover. Supply missions from the States may be hampered but those from India are doing well. 1 has just pulled into the training ground at Darwin and another is rounding the Cape by Perth. In India itself everything is being bent towards the airforce and conquest of Akyab.

wobbly -> RE: PM's heroic stand continues (8/13/2005 11:15:24 AM)
I have been negligent on my duties - 3 turns have gone by and a whole lot has happened. IN the first two I moved mY carriers NOrth (from well SOuth of Noumea) of Luganville to try and get into an attack position against the 2 CVs Herb hit Luganville with. At teh beginning of this turn they had made it to a good attack position without being seen. The trouble was that Herb, who had initially noticed my shipping south of Noumea and had chased, had moved to a position between Noumea and Efate. There was a large chance that he would join the two CV forces together and the loacl superiority I thought I could get would be completely whittled away. So I chose to move the carriers further Norht, continuing to hope I was not seen and look as to what eventuated. In other areas Herb heavily Bombarded PM and then last turn tried another landing of troops. another 2000 were killed on the beaches and then when he attacked (without any air support) he was repulsed by the 41st with another 3,500 casualties. The forts are still only at level 1 but they have not been completely reduced yet. The AK Launcelot, that I had attempted to sneak into PM, made it in the morning - managed to unload some of its supplies and was promptly smashed by Nells out of Lae in the afternoon. I had a 99 sys damage ship - and it was put into dock to try and get a bit more supplies off. Again though I think the sacrifice has extended PMs life - the new troops are support types - airbases and AAA. At Noumea a large bombardment force rolled into harbour - pasted the place and then retired. Herb tells me he has abandoned his next target which was 'easy to guess' - his words - and I take it this meant Noumea. If he had trouble with PM then Noumea would be infinitely more dangerous - although I still haven't managed to unload the 1st and 2nd marines. So on to today which reveals my reticense on moving in on the twin enemy CVs was very well founded! AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173 TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91 214 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese Ships AP Miike Maru Japanese ground losses: 192 casualties reported Guns lost 1 More unloading at PM - 3 AAA units - 1 engineering regiment, 1 airbase unit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91 Japanese Ships DD Oyashio DD Kuroshio DD Kagero DD Makigumo DD Akigumo DD Yugumo CL Katori BB Kirishima BB Kongo Allied ground losses: 136 casualties reported Guns lost 4 He bombrads here as well but it isn't too effective. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Efate, at 73,109 Japanese Ships DD Kuretake DD Wakatake DD Numakaze DD Yukaze DD Okikaze Allied ground losses: 21 casualties reported Runway hits 4 A bombardment of Efate too? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30 Japanese aircraft no flights Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 14 Wellington III x 37 B-24D Liberator x 23 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed Japanese ground losses: 27 casualties reported Airbase hits 5 Airbase supply hits 2 Runway hits 35 The strike on Mandalay are starting to make very good headway in closing the place. He has moved all his planes to China in the AVG gambit. While they are away I want to close Mandalay and keep it closed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 75,103 Japanese Ships SS I-29, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships DD Crosby DD Morris DD Anderson CV Lexington DD Crane DD Kennison DD Dent DD Talbot CV Saratoga FOUND!! My movements end me up on top of the ss I-29 - she is sunk but Herb knows I am here now. I can't take him on head to head so the only option is to run. I do so, form a location just East of Gavigmana out further to the East. I don't have a massive tonne of fuel but there are tankers out that way and they will be where I aim. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So he continues with his attacks of PM and moves around Noumea. I start a FT mission from Townsville to keep PM afloat - it will of course be very lucky to get in abnd out without meeting something. I can only hope it is not an incoming Bombardment force. THis turn I have also snuck a sqd of beauforts into PM. I hope he doesn't turn his Bombardment force around for another go - or that if he does it misfires - but we shall see. My bombardment force for Wake is making good headway.

wobbly -> Carriers everywhere. (8/13/2005 11:25:13 AM)
Just a short note as Herb hit me with another turn while I was writing the last one. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/21/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173 TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91 8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese ground losses: 56 casualties reported Landings continue -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 54,95 Japanese Ships BB Kongo DD Oyashio DD Kuroshio DD Kagero DD Makigumo DD Akigumo DD Yugumo CL Katori Allied Ships SS S-43 I thought this was the end of yet another sub! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30 Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 9 Blenheim IV x 20 No Allied losses Japanese ground losses: 10 casualties reported Airbase supply hits 1 Runway hits 7 Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 14 Wellington III x 36 B-24D Liberator x 26 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed Japanese ground losses: 38 casualties reported Airbase hits 7 Airbase supply hits 2 Runway hits 52 Mandalay is now listed as 89% damaged. I am going to keep this up in order to chance my arm at Rangoon. The RN puts together a new bombardment force - target Rangoon. This is very chancy but I have beaten him back a little here and a nice bombardment might make him move. THe 5 BBs of the Asian fleet put to sea with copious defenses including the Illustrious and the Formidable; which now toughts seafires on her decks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 53,91 Allied aircraft B-17C Fortress x 6 B-17E Fortress x 15 Allied aircraft losses B-17C Fortress: 1 damaged B-17E Fortress: 8 damaged Japanese ground losses: 48 casualties reported Guns lost 4 It is worth adding this attack in too as suddenly I take much heavier damage. This is due to the arrival of the AAA regiments no doubt. I must continue as this must be raising disruption - I will just do it from 15K alititude instead. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91 Allied aircraft Beaufort V-IX x 5 No Allied losses Japanese Ships AP Rakuyo Maru AP Nissen Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1 Japanese ground losses: 19 casualties reported My beauforts are not bombarded and get into the air - landing one torp. There are 10 still airworthy and they fly back to the homeland - 6 to repair. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My carriers continue to run towards Fiji. He did not retire but statyed exactly where he was If he stays about I think I will try a little trick... Loooking at his attacks so far they have been with very strong defensive screens around his carriers. I think what I may try is to get many TFs under one banner - reduce the number of Carriers I have - but load them with Wildcats. Then mmove into position with no intention of attacking back but instead to hack the poorly defended attackers - he is sure to send at me - out of the sky (such as that is against the KB. There is now a massive congregation of shipping about 15 hexes south of Noumea waiting for him to go away! In San Fran the 37th Division, a seabee unit and a base force all start loading with target Noumea.

wobbly -> RE: Carriers everywhere. (8/14/2005 8:42:48 AM)
Well I have deleted the combat report yet again. The important impats of the turn were the loss of the 4 DDs I was trying to use to Fast transport supplies ot beleagured Port Moresby. They met a Heavy Cruiser bombardment force and were smashed for little damage to their assailants. This was always a problem with what I was attempting but a pity I didn't get a single run into the troops. My numbers of DDs is starting to get too low for these throw away operations - I just find it hard to leave the men in PM to their fate, especially since they have defended themselves so well against overwhelming odds (it would have appeared). In Burma the attacks against mandalay have increased in power and the base seems a wash out. The RN continues on its way to bombard Rangoon but I wonder whether the experience of PM shouldn't be waking me up to the possibility that this much larger force could meet the same fate. At Canton Island the Seabee and Aviation engineering Battalion land along with the 3rd marine CD unit. This is quite an increase in their defensive firepower.

wobbly -> What is in Nome? (8/15/2005 2:59:08 AM)
Interesting turn of events today!!! AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173 TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91 4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese ground losses: 25 casualties reported This bloody dribble of troops refuses to let me set my defenders to defend only - they automatically revert to bombard!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Wake Island, at 82,63 Japanese aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed Allied Ships CL Phoenix CL Detroit CA Salt Lake City CA Pensacola BB Idaho BB Pennsylvania Japanese ground losses: 152 casualties reported Guns lost 2 Airbase hits 7 Airbase supply hits 1 Runway hits 43 A whole lot of fuel and the bombardment of Wake kills 1 Mavis and gets one supply hit - wippy do. I try to do a bit of psy-ops on Herb telling him they are a preliminary bombardment - I give it about a 5% chance at impacting his thinking. The bombardment force will take two days at full speed before dropping back to normal on their way to Pearl. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 73 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 89 No Japanese losses Herb tries to hit the AVG at Wuchow again - they of course are not available to tangle with him! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 27 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 40 Ki-21 Sally x 79 Ki-49 Helen x 22 Ki-46-II Dinah x 5 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged Heavy Industry hits 12 Just to make sure of things he unleashes all his bombers and a whole gaggle of fighters on Wuchow's heavy industry - it is now officially at level 0 (instead of 5 - where it starts). I can only imagine this is training in depth - man what a heavy exercise if that is the case. In fact the movement of a swag of Hurricanes and Spitfires across to China to trump his fighter sweeps may be a very good idea - make it so Helmsman! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30 Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 12 Wellington III x 11 B-24D Liberator x 31 No Allied losses Japanese ground losses: 12 casualties reported Airbase hits 2 Airbase supply hits 1 Runway hits 38 Mandalay continues to be visited, although it appears he has more engineers there now as the airfield is being repaired more rapidly. As yet no more aircraft have been sent there though. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 65th Brigade, at 53,91 Allied aircraft B-17C Fortress x 13 B-17E Fortress x 14 Allied aircraft losses B-17C Fortress: 4 damaged B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged Japanese ground losses: 81 casualties reported Guns lost 3 The 2nd B-17 attack of the day is successful (the first did damage but suffered it as well). I am standing these guys down for a day - morale is becoming a problem. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 39th Chinese Corps, at 44,38 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30 No Japanese losses Aircraft Attacking: 30 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet This is obviously a training mission and it is this one I am trying to intercept. The AVG LRCAPs some troops these guys hit. It may take a while for this to bear fruit as he is hopping the target around. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Nome, at 106,23 Japanese Ships DD Kiji DD Kari DD Sagi You What!!!!!!!!!!! DDs bombard up in Nome - the very North of the map - in Alaska. Herb has been smoking himself! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Nome Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 7287 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles Defending force 8688 troops, 76 guns, 6 vehicles Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3) Japanese ground losses: 784 casualties reported Guns lost 27 Allied ground losses: 76 casualties reported Guns lost 5 Vehicles lost 1 I can only imagine Herb thought there would be no-one in Nome. In fact, I didn't know there was anyone there. That is where we send miscreants and prisoners on hard time. Why the hell would he want to take Nome? Anyway - the miscreants learnt their fighting skills in the Bronx and Harlem; they are no strangers to "gettin it large". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have no idea what Herbie-san is up to in Nome but I imagine he wanted a more easterly base for subs or something. I would never bother about getting it back so he could have it. The issue is I did have an RCT there and I imagine he will just retire his troops. I am not going to try anything to stop him taking his men off. If he ups the anti by bringing in more troops then he is welcome to the place - I'll continue to fight him as long as I can. I imagine another attack at PM is about ready to roll and with all these support troops he is definately here to hold the place. He wont be pulling back. The Jap Carriers start to head North - I continue to keep up good levels of scouting - although his damage of the AV at Efate has meant that the PBYs there are not being repaired. The AV is back below a combined damage level of 50 so it should start to do it's work again soon. I will probably replace it anyway. Canton Island finishes the unloading of the troops, only supplies to follow. I start building up the port (to level 3) with the arrival of the seabee and normal eng unit. Back in India the bombing offensive continues. I notice there is now a unit at Akyab! My very powerful Indian Tank Brigade should have enough power to oust a base unit, but anything too much more powerful could condemn that little operation to obscurity. I have 2 sqd converted to spitfires now. As I surmised before I am thinking of providing a really powerful welcoming committee for his attacks on Wuchow. If the Hurricanes and P-40Bs arrive in enough numbers even the zeros may have problems. My attempt to bombard Rangoon has also hit a snag as the recently upgraded seafires are not repairing as fast as I need them to. There is no real speed requirement for this op so I am not overly worried. The defensive fighters are vital so there is no way I am going ahead until these guys are operational. Another thing I note is that the seafires have a range equivalent to the Fulmars!!! In other words they have a 3-4 range. If only the land based versions were as good!

wobbly -> RE: What is in Nome? (8/16/2005 10:29:55 PM)
INteresting tactics from Herb in China. Nome is not evacuated - although herb says he wanted to do so. I move some airpower there this turn to try and hurt the attacking shipping. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173 TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91 PLease make this the last fragment! ALl the supplies have been dolled out to the troops at PM so they have full alotments. PM itself is deeply in the red with only dakotas to try and alleviate the issue. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 23 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 71 Ki-21 Sally x 77 Ki-49 Helen x 22 Ki-46-II Dinah x 5 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged Resources hits 26 A massive denial attack at Wuchow smashes the resource centre - this will make getting supplies more difficult. I have started moving the 2 spitfire, 2 Hurricane and 1 Moawk sqds across to China. I don't quite understand these tactics though. Why smash the resource capacity unless he has no plans to take it? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Nome Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 5414 troops, 62 guns, 0 vehicles Defending force 6213 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles Japanese ground losses: 48 casualties reported Guns lost 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am attempting a shock attack at Nome this turn - it could be a very bad idea. Although I would still rather be attacking with a base to crawl back to than all alone. The KB seems to have moved North but I am not about to move the reinforcments slated for Noumea towards their destination just yet. It would be like the new Herb to feint away and then roar back. Another very very interesting find this turn was CVs and BBs in the middle of the DEI - just below Jolo. They happened to scout a sub with a Pete (shipborne AC) so I doubt this is a dupe. Is he heading for the Indian ocean? I cancel my bombardment of Rangoon as a bad idea on this intelligence - especially since the seafires are still only 2 plane operational. Even taking a few days I doubt they will be at a level where I can move against Rangoon before his CVs show up. I am too weak to take on Jap carriers.

wobbly -> RE: What is in Nome? (8/17/2005 12:51:35 PM)
A Quiet day. Herb has pulled out of Nome. He continues to really give Wuchow hell. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack at 44,48 Japanese Ships PC Shonon Maru #10 PC Shonon Maru #3 PC Shonan Maru #7 PC Shonan Maru #6 PC Shonan Maru #2 PC Shonan Maru #1 Allied Ships SS Grouper, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage - sinks His little PC ASW groups are awesome - they are taking to my subs like a Jack Russell to your mother in law's leg. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft Ki-21 Sally x 77 Ki-49 Helen x 23 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-21 Sally: 4 damaged Resources hits 24 Kapow - another tonne of my resources are wiped out. 2 more turns and I will move in the AVG and their Brit helpers! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2-N Rufe x 11 A6M2 Zero x 37 Ki-21 Sally x 36 No Japanese losses Allied ground losses: 58 casualties reported Runway hits 35 PM had been left alone for a bit and I was hoping I might just get the 6% fort requirements for level 2 - should've known better - he is toying with me. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 51st Chinese Corps, at 44,38 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 69 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged Aircraft Attacking: 32 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet 36 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet This is also attractive - he is trying to train his oscars against my troops - I would love to time this with the new airpower in China! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Below Noumea the shipping that has been waiting for a sign of the KB has been given the go-ahead to close on it's destination. There are still 5 CVs with these ships and I am thinking of moving all the wildcats to Noumea in case he pops up again. Once this shipment gets in Noumea is safe. Around the Phillipines and Japan I pull back my subs. They are going to take positions more mid ocean as I am getting found by his planes and then sunk by his PGs and PCs - talk about ignomy. The Indian tank Brigade moving on Akyab is in the hex next door so Herb may notice it's coming. I wonder what this will prompt him to do? He has very few ACs in the area - they are all in China. Herb is pulling the delivery boys out of PM and moving up the West coast of New Guinea. I am going to try for a mid-ocean intercept with a couple of DDs. Not much chance but it would be nice to get one up on him.

wobbly -> AVG hammered again but they take a few with them (8/18/2005 12:43:07 PM)
Herb does it again. His timing is un-natural. I had moved all the Spitfires and tomahawks back to Wuchow while also moving hurricanes to the city to the North (damn chinese names). Although he hasn't unleased the zeros for a few turns he does it again this turn and the carnage is great. The difference this time around though is he also sent all his bombers as well. It is not all bad news. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack at 45,86 Japanese Ships AK Tihuku Maru MSW Kaiyo Maru #1 Allied Ships SS Pickerel I am hunting this pair with my 2 DDs as they try to escape north through the Torres strait. haven't pulled it off but will keep trying - the subs don't manage it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 34 Ki-49 Helen x 12 Ki-46-II Dinah x 1 Ki-15 Babs x 2 Allied aircraft Mohawk IV x 12 Spitfire Vb x 18 P-40B Tomahawk x 18 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 17 destroyed Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged Allied aircraft losses Mohawk IV: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged Spitfire Vb: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged P-40B Tomahawk: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged Resources hits 3 So the first attack is actually an allied victory. The Spitfires do well although the AVG is not the force it was previously. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft Ki-21 Sally x 85 Ki-49 Helen x 24 Allied aircraft Mohawk IV x 10 Spitfire Vb x 16 P-40B Tomahawk x 7 I-16c x 3 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-21 Sally: 9 destroyed, 8 damaged Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged Allied aircraft losses Mohawk IV: 4 damaged Spitfire Vb: 7 damaged P-40B Tomahawk: 1 damaged I-16c: 3 damaged Resources hits 4 Then another assault by his unescorted bombers. This time they have bad morale and this saves many. I also suffere alot of damage from bomber gunners. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 124th IJNAF Base Force, at 30,29 Allied aircraft Wellington III x 43 P-40E Warhawk x 7 B-24D Liberator x 28 Allied aircraft losses Wellington III: 1 damaged B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged Japanese ground losses: 192 casualties reported Guns lost 3 Herb has noticed the Indian Tank brigade slowly (very slowly) making its way to Akyab. I know the target is a base force now and I have been diligent in damaging the facilities. It looks like he is trying to move troops north through the Jungle as well though. At present my tanks are winning the race but Rangoon is now heavy with aircraft and I can't defend my tanks very well from India. I mainly have Hurricanes there - just a few Wirraways and 20 P-40Es that could LRCAP. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 77th Chinese Corps, at 42,39 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 74 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 78 Ki-49 Helen x 8 Ki-46-II Dinah x 1 Ki-15 Babs x 2 Allied aircraft Mohawk IV x 10 Spitfire Vb x 16 P-40B Tomahawk x 10 I-16c x 3 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged Allied aircraft losses Mohawk IV: 10 destroyed Spitfire Vb: 14 destroyed P-40B Tomahawk: 10 destroyed I-16c: 9 destroyed Allied ground losses: 24 casualties reported So then the weather clears over Canton and Herb does it again. A massively escorted strike of zeros and Oscars. I really wanted to get amongst the oscars but to no avail. As you can see he heavily damages the numbers I have. At the end of the day the allies loose 66 to his 47. Of these 9 are I-16s and 7 are Dakotas - yet again intercepted going into PM - there are a few other sundries but mainly my fighter arm takes the losses. THe AVG is down to 17 planes adn 33 pilots. The SPitfires have about 17 operations ACs and the Mohawks are gutted. He looses 27 zeros all told. THe loss of the AVG is a great pity but not the death nell it is earlier in the game. With hurricanes and Spitfires from the British I can still look to make training a dangerous game. I move most of the fighters to Homan where it looks like he is gathering for another attack. there are still 8 damaged spitfires on the ground at Wuchow. I am not so briming with spares that I want them bombed if it can be helped. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack at 19,25 Japanese Ships SS I-16 Allied Ships MSW Cuttack PG Nigella PG Aster PG Hollyhock MSW Cromer MSW Cromarty Bugger - his ASW is doing better than mine. 2 ships attack but all charges miss. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Port Moresby Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 87867 troops, 726 guns, 9 vehicles Defending force 27055 troops, 220 guns, 3 vehicles Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1) Japanese ground losses: 716 casualties reported Guns lost 22 Allied ground losses: 41 casualties reported This though is a wonderful end to the turn. He is having awful trouble here in PM so I put operation Rekindle into phase 2. The boys in PM have to hang in for a bit but after the 2 marine divisions finish unloading (they make it to Noumea today) the Americal Division will begin loading and will be transported to PM (I don't want to use a marine division quite yet, PM is still in the balance and loosing one of these guys is a real backwards step). This time with some real support. 5 BBs 12 CAs 5 CVs 3 CLs and 25 DDs. I have been saving up and training fighters and they will all be participating. The plan is to load only the troops and then head across to the Oz side. I will also load a large number of AKs with supplies at Sydney - I want to bring many along and then try to get 2 days of unloading before they break for home. There will still be supplies on board but I don't want them to be there when the KB turns up - as it is likely to do. The CVs will also unload their fighter arm for the defense of PM. I am likely to keep a BB force there to try and offset surface attacks and just take the hits from the KB through the PM defensive air. Killing a few of his awful bombers and fighters will be well worth a damaged BB or two. Obviously this is a long way in the future as the 2 Marine divisions (who will stay in Noumea) will need to unload first. A Kiwi Brigade heads for Luganville and will be joined by a CD unit and a seabees unit in about a week. The KB has been gone for long enough now that I am starting to get jittery as to where they may pop up. I have pulled all the supply Tfs away from Canton and the other Islands. Canton is now definately powerful enough to stand by itself. 15 days until I get some more reinforcements in all areas - most notably the CV Wasp and the BB Valiant.

Raverdave -> RE: AVG hammered again but they take a few with them (8/20/2005 2:02:37 PM)
Mate I really hope that you can hold onto PM. Imagine the mental effect this would have on him if you did. Keep up the good fight!

wobbly -> RE: AVG hammered again but they take a few with them (8/21/2005 1:17:57 PM)
Hi Dave - yeah mate - still ahve it by the most tenuous of margins. If the shipping coming is actually transports then I can't see me arriving in time. But if for whatever reason I do get there in time then the extra troops will give him an awful turn! A couple of turns have gone by on the quiet. The Americal has finished loading and departs Noumea bound for PM, although Herb looks as though he is going to beat me to the punch by some margin - quite a number of TFs between PM and Woodlark. AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/04/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39 Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 134 No Japanese losses A massive strike of oscars against Wuchow - no bombers again yet - so for all of his destruction of my defenders he has at least stopped the bombing offensive. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91 Japanese aircraft A6M2-N Rufe x 11 A6M2 Zero x 29 Ki-21 Sally x 32 No Japanese losses Runway hits 4 The attacks relentless attacks on PM continue. Despite this the damage is being repaired. It is about time he rolled in another BB destruction crew. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Air attack on 254th Indian Tank Brigade, at 30,28 Japanese aircraft C5M Babs x 3 Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 33 Ki-21 Sally x 75 Ki-49 Helen x 44 No Japanese losses Allied ground losses: 117 casualties reported Guns lost 2 Vehicles lost 3 I wondered when this would happen - a massive aerial attack against the Tanks rolling on Akyab. They are moving so bloody slowly that they will have to put up for this for about 3 weeks! I wonder whether they will be in any condition to take the place by the time they get there. With no long enough range fighters I can't really defend them either! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since Herb is trying to move on PM again I also move in a couple of bomber squads to attempt a bit of damage. Previous experience points to the fact this is unlikely to bring much other than damaged planes for me but I like to keep him on his toes. I have not seent the KB or any of the other smaller CVs in some time now and that starts to make me anxious. Herb has very heavily populated Rangoon with bombers to hit the tanks north of Akyab with. The bombardment operation by the RN is tentatively on again. I feel this is so very close to folly but I want to at least try and hit back. Herb also says he is away defending the Australian Homeland in the auspices of a part time Minesweeper so there wont be any updates for a week or so.

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