RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - Allied Side

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RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 6/19/2006 3:26:04 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

12/30 - 12/31/41

CENT PAC

I was just about to send significant naval forces to South Pac, when SS Pompano spotted a Val roughly between Midway & Wake. Intelligence is predicting a 1 division invasion of Johnston, supported by the full KB (well, that's my guess).

Even if that's true, I still think the threat to Hawaii is a bluff.

The Lexington TF, & my BB TF sortie from Pearl. Marine DBs & Buffalos head to Johnston. The Saratoga TF, which was providing ASW cover for BBs heading to the West Coast, will join up with Lex. Enterprise is headed from Dutch Harbor to hit the supply lines.

On the west coast, the 40th Div is loading for Lahaina as well as more supplies for Pearl.

A jap sub, earlier damaged near Hawaii, sinks near Midway. 2 more Jap transports are confirmed as scuttled.

SO PAC/SW PAC

Most of New Guinea has been gobbled up by the Japs now - my opponent's using Construction battalions to take the unoccupied bases (smart move). I may try to fly some troops in somewhere to spoil that.

DEI/PHIL

Port attack on Manila. I got a little complacent here:

12/31/41
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
G3M Nell x 23
G4M1 Betty x 45
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 33 damaged
Allied Ships
AP President Madison, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Sagoland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Bisayas, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tulsa, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS S-39, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage Sinks She was in port to repair Flt damage sustained in an ASW attack.
AK Don Jose, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anakan, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Capillo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
202 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

The forecast is for rain - half of the remaining undamages ships are ordered to flee.

US & Filipino troops still hold the line at San Marcelino.

MALAYA

The allies try to fight back in the air on the 30th. First light, two squadrons of AVG sweep Kota Bharu:

12/30/41
Day Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 24,45
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Allied aircraft
CW-22 Falcon x 1
P-40B Tomahawk x 41
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
CW-22 Falcon: 1 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Later in the morning, heavies stage from Singapore:

12/30/41
Day Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 24,45
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 9
B-17C Fortress x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17C Fortress: 5 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 6

Their morale is in the tank again.

In the afternoon, Bleinheims follow:

12/30/41
Day Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 24,45
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 10
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 4 damaged

It's definitely going to take a lot of work to close an airfield with this mod.

Kuala Lumpur falls. The engineers there damage only 60 of the 600 resources and 5000+ allied troops enter captivity.

CHINA

Quiet

BURMA

A couple nuisance air raids by the allies, but nothing important.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 31

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 6/19/2006 3:28:45 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Monthly update:

Here's the intel screen for the month. I only managed to kill one! plane on the ground.

Shipping losses:

Allied Jap
CAs 1 0
CLs 1 0
DDs 2 4
AP/AK 10 47 Might be more - at least 3 have been scuttled
TK/AO 3 7
SS 2 4
AUX 17 18 Allied losses include 8 PT boats

Attachment (1)

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 32

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 6/25/2006 8:22:53 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/1/42 - 1/2/42

We missed several days (real time) due to an email glitch.

CENT PAC

After the Val spotting on the 31st, there were no signs of CVs on the 1st, but another Val sighting closer to Midway on the 2nd. Might have been a false alarm (CVE/CVL covering transports to Midway?) Lex & my mighty battleline (2 BBs & escorts) are still headed SSE of Johnston. At the least they'll gain some shakedown-cruise experience.

Subs spot Zuiho at Kwaj & Sigint reports 100,000+ men there.

Sara's now headed to Lahaina to fill out her air group. If things are still quiet she'll head to Pearl - her escorts could use a little time in port.

Some ASW action:

01/02/42
ASW attack at 112,74 (Between Pearl & Johnston)
Japanese Ships
SS I-170, hits 10, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
Allied Ships
PG Dawson
PC Reliance
DMS Dorsey
DD Kilty
DD Crane
DD Fox

01/02/42
Sub attack at 127,63 (Between Pearl & SF)
Japanese Ships
SS I-21, hits 3 All near-misses
Allied Ships
DMS Chandler, Torpedo hits 1, on fire 45/47/24 - hopefully will make it back to Pearl
DMS Lamberton
DMS Boggs
DMS Hovey
DD Aylwin
DD Monaghan

Pearl forts expand to 6, Lahaina to 2 and the Hilo AF to 2. About 20K mines are now laid on the islands.

I'm in a bit of a quandary here. I'd love to send naval assets towards SO/SWPAC where the Japs are proceeding with very little in air or naval protection. And I still think the threat to Hawaii is a bluff. But if I'm wrong, it could be disastrous. My first instinct is to call the bluff.

Also, do I even try to protect the line islands? Just bunker in Hawaii and prepare a late-42, early-43 northern route offensive? That's boring. Send anything to So Pac? I'd like to come to some sort of decision before the first wave of reinforcements arrives in 10 days. Hopefully by then I'll know if he's going for Johnston or not.

SOPAC/SWPAC

Wau falls. A Wirraway scores another hit on a transport.

I noticed the horrible belt armor & decent AA of CA Canberra. With that in mind the Aussie gov't has agreed to lend her to the US for CV escort. In exchange most of the US Far East Fleet is headed to NE Oz.

DEI

Quiet. I'm stripping most bases I still hold of resources/oil/fuel, though it's too dangerous to do that from Palembang, now. Perth is the main drop-off location and will soon be a large enough base to prevent spoilage.

MALAYA

Air battle over Singapore:

01/01/42
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
Ki-21 Sally x 81
Ki-48 Lily x 42
Ki-15 Babs x 6
Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 7
P-40B Tomahawk x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 4 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 3 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed, 10 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 46

On the 2nd, two advance Japanese units enter Johore Bahru. I'm going to try to kick them out, but others are close behind.

PHIL

Similarly, air battles over Manila, including more port attacks:

01/01/42
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 19
Ki-48 Lily x 6
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 damaged
Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2
=============================================
01/01/42
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
G3M Nell x 10
G4M1 Betty x 21
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 18 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
Allied Ships
AK Compagnia Filipinas, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Corregidor, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Madison, Bomb hits 1
AK Sagoland, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
346 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1

01/02/42
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 17
Ki-48 Lily x 6
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 damaged
Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
=============================================
01/02/42
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
G3M Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 15
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied Ships
PG Asheville, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Corregidor, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anakan, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bisayas, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

CBI

The allies conduct a few more nuisance air raids while the Japanese slowly continue to advance into Burma.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 33

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 7/2/2006 6:37:31 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

3/1/42 - 5/1/42

CENT PAC

The sub war continues - between Pearl & SF, SS 1-21 is hit again on the 3rd by US ASW forces, but is still afloat. On the 4th, SS I-174 hits a transport carrying badly needed supplies to Johnston. Two Canadian MSWs providing escort report 7 hits on the sub in return.

Supplies and some reinforcements are being flown in to Johnston.

Catalinas based at French Frigate Shoals report that KB, or at least two Jap carrier divs, were at Midway on the 4th, but no signs of it on the 5th. Sigint reports that the South Seas detachment is loading at Midway heading towards Wake. I'm not sure what to make of all that.

The first elements (roughly 2/3rds) of the 27th US Div have arrived at Pearl. Lahaina forts are up to 4.

SOUTH PAC/SW PAC

The 16th Japanese div has been landing at Rabaul for the last three days. I expect Rabaul to fall as soon as the Japanese attack.

A Wirraway does hit another transport with a bomb. I'm becoming a fanboy.

PHIL

On the 3rd, a Japanese attack at Naga was repulsed:

Ground combat at Naga
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 20160 troops, 212 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 484
Defending force 9835 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 273
Japanese max assault: 418 - adjusted assault: 145
Allied max defense: 272 - adjusted defense: 283 With these odds I should hold even when the forts go down to 0
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
624 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 3
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

On the 4th, the 4th Marines started loading on Catalinas to return to China. Now that I've spent the PPs on the Marines, I'll start re-organizing my Dutch defenses, which I've been late in doing.

MALAYA

I tried unsuccessfully to repulse the initial incursion into Johore Bahru:

01/03/42
Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 29979 troops, 315 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 728
Defending force 47119 troops, 592 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 978
Allied max assault: 676 - adjusted assault: 179
Japanese max defense: 945 - adjusted defense: 1355
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
154 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Allied ground losses:
2037 casualties reported
Guns lost 59

The assault strength there dropped from roughly 600 to 400 - yikes.

For good news, I shipped an Indian Corps HQ to North (west) Sumatra and it's currently being flown in to JB. With both it & the Malaya HQ prepping for JB, it should almost double my effective defense there. Also, 1 small & 1 large transport are making their way through the Malacca Straits with more supplies to Singapore.

OVERALL

Mostly quiet in the air (42 planes lost total - many to Ops - in the last three days).

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 34

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 7/4/2006 3:11:48 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

6 Jan 42

CENT PAC

KB is spotted near Johnston Island (see pic). In addition to 6 "CAs" reported by Catalina pilots multiple Vals flew over Johnston. It's 5 hexes away - if it comes within 4 hexes it should at least get a scare from the LBA there. No transport TFs have been spotted yet, though.

Enterprise, which was loitering in the North Pacific, is ordered to raid Jap supply lines. Sara & Lex & my small battleline are near to Johnston, but are moving slightly out of range. I want them close if an opportunity arises but don't want to sacrifice them needlessly either.

ELSEWHERE

Air raid at JB -

Day Air attack on Johore Bahru , at 22,50
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
Ki-21 Sally x 87
Ki-48 Lily x 40
Ki-46-II Dinah x 5
Ki-15 Babs x 9
Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 3
P-40B Tomahawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
CW-21B Demon: 2 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged
Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 63

The airfield's still open, but I have over 20 damaged P-40s on the ground - I'm pulling out & hoping I don't lose a lot more on the ground.

Another transport is unloading supplies at Singapore.

In China, I repulse an attack at Yenan:

Ground combat at Yenen
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 107788 troops, 1153 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 1929
Defending force 40769 troops, 292 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1045
Japanese max assault: 402 - adjusted assault: 320
Allied max defense: 1094 - adjusted defense: 1187
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
1800 casualties reported
Guns lost 61
Vehicles lost 5
Allied ground losses:
281 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Another Corps is arriving there tomorrow as well.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 35

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 7/6/2006 5:08:22 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Jan 7, 1942

Exciting day, though damaging to the good guys.

CENT PAC

KB came within 4 hexes of Johnston, and the marines there (along with 1 USAAF squadron) flew. The fighters were slaughtered, but did their job: 7 SBDs & 5 A-20s made it through the CAP:

Day Air attack on TF at 106,74
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 71
Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 21
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19
SBD Dauntless x 13
A-20B Boston x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F2A Buffalo: 20 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 17 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 8 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CV Hiryu
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1 Boing!

Wish that 1 hit was on a flattop.

Later, a strike from KB attacked & sunk AV Curtiss which was tending a PBY squadron at French Frigate Shoals.

All combat aircraft have flown back to Hawaii where they've taken on replacement aircraft & pilots. The F-4F3 pool is now empty & VMF 211 is still short 5 planes from their authorized strength. If KB hangs around I'll try again in a few days.

Other than KB, no other Japanese shipping has been spotted near Johnston. Just a raid? Probably not - I expect I just haven't seen the transports due to weather or something.

There's a little good news in this theater: DD Yakaze hits a sub-laid mine at Kwaj. Kona forts (finally!) make it to 1. A RCAF squadron on loan to Hawaii trades in its Bleinheims for Beauforts. They still need to uncrate, but that will give me land-based torpedo bombers in Hawaii.

ELSEWHERE

4 AVG P-40Bs were destroyed on the ground at JB. My air commander screwed the pooch there - I'll do something nasty to him once I track him down. I ordered some LRCAP but I think I'll be losing more P-40s on the ground there soon.

Cebu Island in the Phillipines falls.

Enterprise should be astride Japanese shipping lanes in a day or two.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 36

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 7/11/2006 3:16:17 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

8 Jan 42

Last update for about a week - my opponent's going on vacation. (Vacation! Doesn't he know a war's on?)

CENT PAC

KB strikes Johnston - moderate damage to the airfield & facilities. 3 Kates destroyed - 40 Kates/Vals damaged. Only 9 zeros were escorting so he must have upped the CAP for KB.

Considering the small escort, I've staged in a squadron of P-40Es & what's ready (10 planes) of a Buffalo squadron to fly CAP at Johnston. Although with the damage he took he may wait a day or two before striking again.

For good news - still no invasion TFs spotted & with his tankers sunk he can't stick around forever. This may just be a recon in force. On the negative side, I'm down to less than 1K supply at Johnston. 2 PBY & 1 Coronado squadron are airlifting supplies from Pearl. If/when KB retires I'll try to sneak another AK or two in (the 2 I sent earlier both got hit by subs).

Sara & Lex are to the ESE of Johnston, staying just out of sprint range of the KB, but trying to stay close if some opportunity arises.

Enterprise is now NE of Marcus Island - it should be squarely on Jap supply lines to Midway now. I'd like to catch something juicy, but if I intercept anything at all it should force Pat to cover his convoys more & slow him down.

MALAYA

Another P-40B is destroyed on the ground at JB. I definitely screwed up here - 13 damaged planes still on the ground & I'll probably lose most of them.

For good news, 2 transports continue to unload supplies at Singapore. It's now up to about 42K.

PHIL

A Jap Mixed Brigade & a SNLF have entered Tugueraredugeogudfo. I'm sending what few reinforcements I can spare but if that falls I'll have to withdraw my forces at San Marcellino to Clark at least.

Also, Sigint reports the 21st Japanese Div (last seen at Hanoi) planning to attack Naga. 3 Dutch subs are ordered to try to intercept the transports.

Speaking of subs, another S-boat is damaged near Cebu Island. All the S-boats that started in the Phillipines are now damaged (plus one sunk). The 2 least damaged are heading to Darwin, the rest to Sydney.

Well, I've kept the resources at Clark & Tugerea... producing for me for over a month. Could be better, but it could be a lot worse as well.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 37

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 7/11/2006 3:22:09 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Thoughts & plans (suggestions welcome!) -

I have to say that I think Pat has come up with a very good strategy. I still think his threat to Hawaii is a bluff, but I can't ignore it and my buildup in the Far East & So Pac has been definitely slowed down.

My opponent just doesn't have the troops available now to threaten Hawaii. Maybe once Singapore and/or Luzon falls, but that should give me at least two months, probably more, to dig in. It would be very costly for him to take Hawaii at that point. He'd need at least 6 divisions, probably more. Plus I've played him before - he knows that I'd do my best to cause him trouble in the far east should he come to Hawaii - heck, I told him that.

So that's why I still think the threat to Hawaii is a bluff. However, if he takes Johnston he can recon Hawaii & know if I weaken it.

Up to now I've (mostly) sent all reinforcements, regardless of theater, to Hawaii.

My tentative plans:

CENT PAC

Continue to send Cent Pac reinforcements to the theater, but no more. Keep all forces that are in Hawaii there.

If he takes Johnston (which he probably will), I'll start prepping some units to re-take it. I'll also try to close the AF with my heavies and/or my 2 operational BBs. Subs will work to interdict supply lines.

If he doesn't take Johnston I'll start re-deploying to the south.

I'm not sure what to do about the line islands - I'll leaning towards minor reinforcements - enough to keep a SNLF at bay but not a full-fledged invasion. Maybe a RCT to Palmyra & a Marine Defense Battalion to Christmas.

SOUTH PAC/SW PAC

I'm planning to build up in two main areas:

1. Noumea-Efate-Koumac
2. Tenimbar-Kai-Aru islands. (It should be unexpected & keeps me within LBA range of northern NG).

Come summer/fall '42 I want multiple air fronts operational, which this will give me (assuming I hold).

I may consider building at Port Moresby as well, once the 7th Aussie Div arrives in 2 months. We'll see what's happening then.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 38

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 7/22/2006 3:48:13 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/9/42 - 1/11/42

Pat's back from vacation & we're back in action.

CENT PAC

KB did a clockwise circle around Johnston and has now disappeared, last heading was toward the Marshalls. I expect it will refuel and come back with an invasion TF. I know the South Seas detachment is nearby & available, probably some naval infantry, too.

Since the 40th US Div is unloading at Hilo now, the RCT there is being rushed to Johnston. Additionally, supply is being flown and fast-transported in.

I'm sending my battleline back to Pearl. Sara & Lex are headed to South Pac.

After almost a week patrolling Japanese supply lines, Enterprise finally spots & sinks a Japanese TK near Marcus Island on the 11th. I was hoping to hit more, or something more valuable, but my main objective was to make my opponent worry about his supply lines. Hopefully this will. Enterprise is sprinting away and will make her way to Pearl, where she'll meet up with her sister Yorktown (arrives in SF tomorrow).

SO PAC/SW PAC

On the 10th, a Japanese assault at Rabaul was repulsed, despite being heavily outnumbered. On the 12th, Boise & escorts will try to initiate a daytime engagement with the shipping there.

PHIL

On the 10th, a PT boat puts 2 fish into a troop-laden Jap AP. It sinks on the 11th.

With reinforcements arriving just in time, valiant Filipinos repulse an assault at Tugawhatever on the 11th:

Ground combat at Tuguegarao
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 14399 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 330
Defending force 4427 troops, 68 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 118
Japanese max assault: 296 - adjusted assault: 56
Allied max defense: 119 - adjusted defense: 199
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese ground losses:
481 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Allied ground losses:
257 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

As long as I hold there, I can keep the resources at Clark producing for me. Also a 5500 ton supply transport is 3 days out from Manila and still unspotted. (It came from SF.)

I'm also continuing to sloooowly fly the 4th Marines back to China. The 2nd Marine paras are now 31 days from Chungking.

CHINA

A Jap PC hits a mine at Hong Kong & sinks. The Chinese also repulse an attack at Yenen:

01/11/42
Ground combat at Yenen
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 103052 troops, 1095 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 1876
Defending force 48727 troops, 361 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1303
Japanese max assault: 1888 - adjusted assault: 1153
Allied max defense: 1355 - adjusted defense: 2073
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
2595 casualties reported
Guns lost 89
Vehicles lost 2
Allied ground losses:
691 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

I almost have all my units off the trails now. Once I do I'll get a little more active here, but there's only so much the Chinese can do when faced with level 9 forts in most directions.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by ctangus -- 7/22/2006 3:53:09 AM >

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 39

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 7/30/2006 5:01:31 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/12 - 1/13/42

Pat's been busy at work so the game's slowed down.

CENT PAC

On the 13th I-171 puts a torp into AP President Garfield, part of a convoy carrying a RCT to Johnston. (120 miles out). Damage is 16/23/5 so she'll live. 16 men are killed.

I'm starting to rearrange my defenses. Lahaina was my initial key to defending Hawaii, but now that I have more troops in the area I'm going to concentrate on Hilo & build that AF up. I'm also starting to prep units for FFS, Palmyra & Christmas Island.

SO PAC/SW PAC

On the 12th, Boise & escorts sank an AK & PC at Rabaul in a daytime engagement. Boise & then a mixed Aussie/NZ force bombarded the Japanese troops there on the 13th.

I'll keep up the pressure with PM based Hudsons. A few days back the Japanese attacked with a full Div but were repulsed. (I forgot to save that day into Bodhi's utility so don't have the exact odds, but his AV was greatly reduced. I suspect low supply, hopefully made worse with the sinking of the AK.) I'm also sending Sara & Lex to the area . They're 2 weeks away at cruise speed but with a little luck I can slow him down here for a while.

DEI

Quiet. My first troops are unloading at Tenimbar & Kai. He has a bunch of naval infantry freed up since Cebu Island fell (about a week ago) & I expect an assault towards Balikpapan, Kendari or Amboina. I'm repositioning surface assets to meet that threat.

PI

After a couple undecisive engagements there was bad news over Manila on the 13th:

Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
G3M Nell x 17
G4M1 Betty x 26
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2
Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 8 destroyed Based on Bataan, on LRCAP

For good news, 5500 tons of supply (shipped from SF) is now 60 miles from Manila and still undetected by the enemy. I also realized Manila is just within PBY range of Balikpapan and a squadron is starting to fly supplies in as well.

OTHER

Not much to note. Besides the high P-40 losses I'm incurring I'm mostly pleased with how things are shaping up so far.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 40

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/5/2006 9:42:27 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/14 - 1/16/42

Pat's still busy with work, so the turns have been slow.

CENT PAC

One Jap sub was hit by ASW TFs on both the 15th & 16th, but neither are reported sunk.

Johnston now has a full infantry brigade defending it and 2x5500 ton transports unloading supplies. It should be safe for the moment.

SOUTH PAC/SW PAC

While still small in scale, this area is starting to get interesting.

On the 15th, Japanese carrier based air attacked shipping I had at the Shortlands (where I also have a seaplane base). Fortunately, it was from just out of torpedo range:

Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 64,96
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 8 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Boise, Bomb hits 1 Minor damage - Sys 8
DD John D. Edwards

Present were the Boise TF, an ANZAC crusier TF & a replenishment TF. All are scattering & should be safe, with the possible exception of the replenishment TF.

Of interest is that the 11 attacking Kates were unescorted. That leads me to believe that there's only a single CVE (or possibly a CVL) in the area. Sara & Lex are heading in this direction but are still probably 10+ days away unless I sprint them.

Also on the 15th, Lae based Zeros attacked the AF at Port Moresby. For the 16th I ordered some Wirraways to fly CAP. They would have been slaughtered if the Zeros were on another mission:

Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 54,93
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 damaged
Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7

I've ordered a strike against the Lae AF tomorrow to hopefully destroy some damaged Zeros on the ground.

I'm starting to think I can cause a major Japanese headache in this theater, and so I started prepping 2 Aussie units for PM & Gili-Gili. It will take a while to amass the PPs to free them, however.

PHIL

Japanese continue to unload at Tugawhatever. I expect an attack soon.

A transport unloading supplies at Manila was hit by Nells on the 16th. Prior to that it had delivered 2000-2500 supply.

DEI

On the 15th, Morotai was captured. This leads me to believe attacks towards the Banda Sea are coming so I'm repositioning surface assets in this direction.

MALAYA

Continued Jap airstrikes against Singapore have forced me to abandon it again.

CBI

China's quiet, but I hope to make it more exciting now that most of my units are off the trails. In Burma a handful of Japanese units are advancing & I'm conducting nuisance airraids against them. India - mostly building forts.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 41

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/6/2006 9:22:51 AM

aztez

Posts: 4031
Joined: 2/26/2005
From: Finland
Status: offline

Just be careful with CL Boise and co. It seems that the Japanese side have quite a few capable airfields build around that region.

That Boise is a great surface vs surface ship.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 42

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/12/2006 6:15:31 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/17/42 - 1/19/42

Hi Aztez,

Yes, I'll definitely be careful with Boise. Though I think most of those Japanese bases are empty - he only has air based at Lae & Kavieng. He's been using small units to grab my empty bases & then picking 'em up & going onto the next.

Pat's continued to be busy at work, but the pace should be picking up again soon.

CENT PAC

West of SF, on the 18th, I-19 put a torp into AP Mount McKinley which was part of a convoy carrying a RCT to Palmyra. She's headed back to the west coast but might not make it (Flt over 50). I had known a sub was in that hex from Sigint, too, and had an ASW TF parked over it for a couple days but they hadn't attacked. On the 19th they did attack both during the night & day, with no result.

My positions in Hawaii and Johnston continue to build up nicely.

SOUTH PAC

BBs Fuso & Yamashiro bombard Baker on both the 18th & 19th & KB shows up near here, too, bombing Canton Island on the 19th. I can't do anything to contest him taking those two bases right now, but I'd much rather lose those than Johnston. Still no troopships spotted, though.

I still plan on New Caledonia being my stronghold in So Pac & troops are starting to arrive. Slower than I'd like - I'm definitely feeling the pinch of the Nik-mod reduced transport capacity.

SW PAC/SOLOMONS

A Japanese NLF landed on Shortlands on the 18th, I abandoned my advanced floatplane base there & the island fell on the 19th.

Also, there's more enemy naval strength in the area than I originally thought - BB Nagato was spotted in the area and a 6 ship TF (a lot of "CA"s). I still have Sara & Lex heading in this direction (maybe a week away). I might have an opportunity for a good ambush but want some more intel. I know there's one Jap CVL/CVE in the area but there might be more. I'm also not sure yet if the full KB's near Baker/Canton, or just part of it.

Sigint reports the 4th Japanese Div prepping for PM. I started prepping an Aussie Cav Div to reinforce there, but if he makes Moresby a priority he'll certainly beat me in the race to there. I'm spending PPs only in the DEI right now since I'm late in rearranging those defences.

There was also some air action over Lae. I tried to catch some damaged zeros on the ground but wound up getting spanked:

01/18/42
Day Air attack on Lae , at 56,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 28
Hudson I x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 3 damaged
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5
=============================================
01/19/42
Day Air attack on Lae , at 56,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 28
Hudson I x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 6 destroyed, 4 damaged
Hudson I: 5 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Runway hits 4

PHIL

The end might be near at Tugabugawuga:

01/17/42
Ground combat at Tuguegarao
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 30849 troops, 347 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 738
Defending force 7890 troops, 99 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 220
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese max assault: 678 - adjusted assault: 416
Allied max defense: 221 - adjusted defense: 575
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese ground losses:
248 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

I'm sending one Philipino Div from San Marcelino to reinforce here, though I suspect it will arrive too late.

For good news, I staged Beauforts & SB2s into Clark for a hit & run raid. I was hoping to catch transports unloading at Tugabuga. I was a day late for that, but did put a torp into CA Ashigara. Hopefully she'll be out of action for a while.

CHINA

Quiet, though I'm close to launching some minor offensive moves.

DEI/BURMA

Nuisance airraids are causing some minor damage to the advancing Japanese & slowly building up the experience of my airgroups.

As I mentioned before, I'm late in rearranging my defences in the DEI, though my opponent's been slow in advancing since the initial onslaught. It's my current priority, though. I'm sending at least one extra BF & one battalion to all the major oil/resource centers, so they can start prepping demolition charges. Palembang's getting a whole bunch. Most of the Java troops are in Soerabaja currently to reduce the effects of malaria & build up the port. (1 day away from size 9). They'll continue to build forts there until the Jap DEI offensive resumes.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 43

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/12/2006 7:30:19 PM

VSWG

Posts: 3432
Joined: 5/31/2006
From: Germany
Status: offline

Spirited defense of Luzon!

What enemy troops are you facing here, and how many supplies do you have?

quote:

I'm in a bit of a quandary here. I'd love to send naval assets towards SO/SWPAC where the Japs are proceeding with very little in air or naval protection. And I still think the threat to Hawaii is a bluff. But if I'm wrong, it could be disastrous. My first instinct is to call the bluff.

Also, do I even try to protect the line islands? Just bunker in Hawaii and prepare a late-42, early-43 northern route offensive? That's boring. Send anything to So Pac? I'd like to come to some sort of decision before the first wave of reinforcements arrives in 10 days. Hopefully by then I'll know if he's going for Johnston or not.

I'm at at this point in my own PBEM now, and I'm equally torn about the lines islands. The problem is that the Allied player has to make decisions about reinforcements while Japan hasn't put the cards on the table. I'll be following your strategy closely here, although I'm playing CHS and the Panama route allows for different approaches.

Can you post the total ship losses for both sides so far?

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 44

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/12/2006 9:28:50 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Cool - another reader!

Thanks for the kind words.

quote:

ORIGINAL: VSWG

Spirited defense of Luzon! What enemy troops are you facing here, and how many supplies do you have?

From memory, 1 div + naval infantry at both Naga & Tuga... Two divs, tanks, engineers, etc., etc. at San Marcelino.

The supply situation is decent, but could be better. There's about 30K supply on Luzon altogether, though almost 14K is at San Marcelino and I may lose a lot of that when I'm forced to withdraw. Only 5K at Manila despite the USAFFE HQ being there. A few days ago game time I stopped all bombardment attacks I had been conducting hoping to lower the supply requirements at the outlying bases & draw more supplies to Manila. It hasn't helped yet.

While resting at the moment, PBYs have been flying supply in from Balikpapan. I'm considering flying supply into Manila from China as well. Also the sea route between Luzon & Samar and then heading east is safe - I've evac'd many ships through that route and snuck one supply ship in. Two or three more ships are on their way, though the closest is probably two weeks out. The resources at Clark are continuing to produce for me.

quote:

I'm at at this point in my own PBEM now, and I'm equally torn about the lines islands. The problem is that the Allied player has to make decisions about reinforcements while Japan hasn't put the cards on the table. I'll be following your strategy closely here, although I'm playing CHS and the Panama route allows for different approaches.

Follow my strategy at your own risk!

Wisely or not, this is what I've decided on: Palmyra gets 1 RCT, 1 Marine Def Bn, 1 AA unit. Christmas gets 1 Marine Def Bn for now.

My thinking is this: I don't want my opponent to get either island on the cheap, but if he takes Christmas without Palmyra, it's not much of a threat to me. I can keep it out of supply with subs & heavies.

Losing Palmyra would be a b1tch, but I don't want to overcommit either. If he really wants it in the next 6 months, he'll get it and I don't want to lose a div+. At the same time, the only large infantry unit he has nearby is the South Seas detachment and my planned defense should hold up to that.

quote:

Can you post the total ship losses for both sides so far?

Screenie is of combatant losses. Total losses are 47 allied ships for 314 points, 90 Jap ships for 671 points.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to VSWG)

Post #: 45

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/12/2006 10:26:57 PM

VSWG

Posts: 3432
Joined: 5/31/2006
From: Germany
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ctangus

The supply situation is decent, but could be better. There's about 30K supply on Luzon altogether, though almost 14K is at San Marcelino and I may lose a lot of that when I'm forced to withdraw. Only 5K at Manila despite the USAFFE HQ being there. A few days ago game time I stopped all bombardment attacks I had been conducting hoping to lower the supply requirements at the outlying bases & draw more supplies to Manila. It hasn't helped yet.

It's probably too late for you to reproduce, but I got all supplies into Manila "by accident": I wanted to move a unit from Clark (lots of supplies) to Manila, but hit the wrong button, causing all units at Clark to follow that unit. When they arrived at Manila, all supply transferd to Manila, too. When I noticed my mistake and sent some units back to Clark, only a minimum amount of supplies followed them. Unintended, but it worked like a charm!

You could use your subs to supply Manila, too. On their way back they could evacuate some units.

Excellent ratio of ship losses! Keep it up, and Japan will be in deep trouble soon.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 46

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/13/2006 10:56:09 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: VSWG

It's probably too late for you to reproduce, but I got all supplies into Manila "by accident": I wanted to move a unit from Clark (lots of supplies) to Manila, but hit the wrong button, causing all units at Clark to follow that unit. When they arrived at Manila, all supply transferd to Manila, too. When I noticed my mistake and sent some units back to Clark, only a minimum amount of supplies followed them. Unintended, but it worked like a charm!

You could use your subs to supply Manila, too. On their way back they could evacuate some units.

Excellent ratio of ship losses! Keep it up, and Japan will be in deep trouble soon.

I'll try that when I abandon San Marcelino. Of course if it doesn't work, it will be your fault and not anything to do with my own incredible generalship!

I always have trouble getting subs to load supply, so have stopped trying. (Might not be wise, but it saves me some frustration.) With Soerabaja now size 9 I am putting two 4 sub TFs onto minelaying/transport duty. I.e. load mines at Soerabaja, mine a random port in the Phillipines or Taiwan, pick up troops at Manila and return to Soerabaja. I'll pull the PAF Aviation unit out on that route, and if I have time the Asiatic Fleet HQ. (I prefer to evac a large portion of 1 unit than small portions of many units.)

I'm pleased with the shipping losses too. I wouldn't consider it decisive yet, but any success I have hitting back at this point in the game is enjoyable.

I normally don't do 1 day updates, but I'm bored. (My other PBEM buddy is on vacation. Horrible timing - Feb '43 and I just launched my first major amphibious invasion!)

Jan 20, 42

WEST COAST

All the old BBs are now in West Coast ports and several are repairing well. Nevada's at 4 sys and will go back to Pearl soon. Arizona's at 13 sys. New Mexico & Mississippi just arrived, too, so within a week or so I'll have 5 fully operational slow BBs and 6 within the next 4-6 weeks.

Also, my ASW TF finally got a direct hit on I-19 which put a torp into a transport a day or two ago. She's a long way from home so I might get a kill out of it eventually.

CENT PAC

Baker Island fell to an IJN base force. KB's now 180 miles NE of Canton Island & bombed the island again. I expect an invasion in the next 1-3 turns.

SOUTH PAC/SW PAC

(Yawn)

DEI

Soerabaja just hit port size 9. Minelaying fun begins! (Rob, if you read this, yes I was inspired by your game against 2nd ACR.)

PHIL

No further attacks at Tugashmugaguro yet. A small transport convoy is unloading there so I suspect he's waiting on supply. A Dutch sub just arrived to try to combat that. 2-3 more days and a Filipino div will arrive to reinforce there. As soon as Tuga... falls I'll have to withdraw from both there & San Marcelino.

MALAYA

Mersing fell to a Japanese div today. I'd left a base force there to prep demo charges, but it only managed to damage 5 of 100 resources.

(in reply to VSWG)

Post #: 47

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/13/2006 11:10:05 PM

aztez

Posts: 4031
Joined: 2/26/2005
From: Finland
Status: offline

You seem to have things in good control. That was unfortunately low damage level at Mersing but you still have Singapore. What is the supply, AV and fortification levels at Singapore currently?

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Post #: 48

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/13/2006 11:28:25 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Hi aztez.

Singapore has the following:

Supply - 38729
Forts - 6 + 3% (though the airfield is heavily damaged so it will be hard to build more.)
AV - 150

Johore Bahru has this:

Supply - 11088
Forts - 5 + 76% (no damage to airfield or port)
AV - 592

My opponent currently has over 100K troops at JB, but he hasn't attacked yet so I think he's waiting to bring the div that just took Mersing there. My plan is to wait until the forts at JB start to decline and then withdraw to Singers. If I can avoid a forced retreat I should be able to hold well past the historical date of 15 Feb.

However I've (mostly) given up on getting more supplies/resources/oil in, since my opponent has won air superiority. I may try to challenge that in the next week or two, but I haven't decided yet.

(in reply to aztez)

Post #: 49

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/14/2006 12:18:23 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

And here's some of my general strategy for later in the game. (Yes, I'm still bored.)

By late '42 I want to be able to fight in 3, preferably 4, fronts. The closer, the better, considering the range of most allied fighters. CBI is a given, no matter how badly I do. I hope to also establish a DEI, SW PAC & SO PAC front. I probably can't hold in all 3 areas, but even 2 would help me a lot. Only 1 would hurt a little. 0 would be horrible.

In each area I hope to build mutually supporting AFs. (Preferably 3 or more.) With bombardments & air attacks the Japs can easily shut down one, and likely two AFs. Shutting down 3 seems unlikely to me and 4+ impossible.

DEI

I'm currently reinforcing and building up at Tenimbar & Kai. Once they're built up a bit I'll also try to build Aru. The advantages to this are 1) I'm sure my opponent won't expect it, 2) they'll give me a short route into northern New Guinea and 3) they can get some support from Darwin. The disadvantage is that both Tenimbar and Aru are 0(0) AFs and will take months to build up.

SW PAC

I hope to build up at PM, Gili-Gili & Thursday Island. This is my lowest priority, however. It's probably the most worthwhile area for me come late 42-early 43 but it's currently the most vulnerable and I don't want to lose a lot there. I currently only have some supplies & a 2nd base force headed to Port Moresby.

SO PAC

I'm building & reinforcing at Koumac-La Foa-Noumea-Efate. Unless my opponent makes this area his prime objective (which will open up other opportunities for me) I should be able to hold here. The 2nd Marine Div & Americal Div will be coming to this area shortly.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 50

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/14/2006 12:19:16 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
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From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Okay, we'll try to embed the pic again.

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Post #: 51

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/15/2006 3:06:36 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/21 - 1/22/42

WEST COAST

My opponent forgot to move I-19 and it took a direct hit from my ASW group. Heavy damage is reported.

CENT PAC

Also a scene of sub/ASW action. NW of Midway SS Pollack engages two Jap APs, putting a torp into one and in a 2nd surface attack, a 4" shell into another. Return fire hit Pollack but she's fine, although she needs to go back to Pearl to reload.

There's still a bunch of subs reported near Hawaiian waters. Two ASW attacks against I-172 (180 miles SW of Pearl) were ineffective.

Reinforcements for Palmyra are about 5 days out and I just started loading some additional supplies for there at Pearl.

SOUTH PAC

Japanese land at Canton Island, but weirdly don't shock attack. KB's still hanging out near here.

The Sara & Lex TFs refueled from an AO at Luganville and are heading into the Coral Sea. I'm hoping for a chance to stage an ambush in the Solomons. I know one Jap CVE/CVL is in the area so have set max react to 5 - I don't want to be caught at a range where I can't strike back. One DD was detached from Sara's screen to receive the attention of an AD at Noumea.

SW PAC/SOLOMONS

Mutsu, Nagato & 3 heavy cruisers bombarded Rabaul. This is the force I'd like to ambush with my CVs - either that or the lone CVE/CVL hanging around somewhere. I've flown some Hudsons back into Rabaul as my patrol coverage is poor now that Shortlands fell. I may try to setup a floatplane base at Tulagi in a couple days.

DEI

Weda falls. Japanese bomb the AF at Samarinda so I've ordered P-40s to LRCAP on the 23rd. In order to re-open the southern route into Singapore, my heavies fly against Kuching:

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 17
B-17E Fortress x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17C Fortress: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged One lost to Ops
Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 9

I think it's going to be a fruitless effort, but I'll probably keep trying.

PHIL

Despite KXV putting a torp into a troop-laden AP, Japanese continue to unload at Tuga... and the end's probably near:

01/22/42
Ground combat at Tuguegarao
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 37971 troops, 378 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 782
Defending force 7400 troops, 80 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 191
Japanese max assault: 1438 - adjusted assault: 504
Allied max defense: 183 - adjusted defense: 355
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Japanese ground losses:
1385 casualties reported
Guns lost 28
Vehicles lost 2
Allied ground losses:
419 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

A Filipino div will reinforce on the 23rd. I'm also staging in LBA to Luzon again - this time they'll be based at San Marcelino since Clark's been getting plastered.

BURMA

One of my nuisance air raids runs into CAP:

Day Air attack on 48th Construction Battalion, at 30,35
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 13
Allied aircraft
Lysander I x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Lysander I: 5 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Look at that bloody Nik mod combat! A squadron of Hurricanes and a squadron of AVG will sweep that hex tomorrow.

CHINA

Two Chinese Corps wound up in an unexpected hex. LOL - I completely forgot about a flanking attack I'd ordered. Screenshot shows details. A third Corps should join them in a day.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 52

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/18/2006 4:20:54 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
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From: Boston, Mass.
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1/23 - 1/24/42

CENT PAC

A CD unit is unloading at Palmyra & a RCT is a day out. Some sub spottings near Hawaii still, otherwise quiet.

KB's disappeared. I'm expecting he'll go back to Kwaj or somewhere to refuel & then either come N to Palmyra with an invasion convoy or S towards the Elice Islands.

SW PAC

An additional base force has unloaded at PM. Once the DEI reorganization is done this will be my next priority to reinforce.

DEI

SS O21 ran into some Jap APDs off the Vogelkep. 13 hits! Flt is at 80+ and she probably won't make it.

My (late) reorganization of my forces is going well. In short I'm building up at Soerabaja & the 2 nearby bases, as well as Tenimbar & Kai.

Samarinda's been plastered the last 3 days (I've lost 5 Brewsters & 5 P-40s over it). I'm starting to think the next Jap offensive will be in this direction but haven't moved any naval forces towards it yet.

Japs also bombed the AF at Bankha the last two days. 7 allied planes lost on the ground. My subordinates ignored my orders and didn't evac some of the airforce as I wanted. (In truth I forgot to issue orders on the 24th.)

PHIL

SS KXV sunk a MSW off Tuga... but now needs to head home to refuel.

BURMA

A sweep on the 24th has limited success:

Day Air attack on 48th Construction Battalion, at 30,35
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 11
Hurricane IIb x 9
P-40B Tomahawk x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 damaged

Bleinheims flying recon spot no CAP over Tavoy so I'm going to start targetting the AF there.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 53

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/19/2006 1:25:26 AM

VSWG

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From: Germany
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quote:

SS O21 ran into some Jap APDs off the Vogelkep. 13 hits! Flt is at 80+ and she probably won't make it.

I wouldn't be too sure about it. One of my Dutch subs with 90flt made it from Saigon to Singapore. It all depends on the sys-damage: if it's low (17 in my case), the flt-damage will not increase. At least that's my experience. Of course, now that I boasted about it, the sub will probably sink at Singapore...

That forest hex northeast of Honan has caught my attention, too. Can you keep your units in supply without roads across the river? If yes, your move on Yangku could be a decisive manouver in northern China.

On the strategy map, I notice a defensive picket line of subs west of Johnston Island, and another one near Wake, right? How did you divide your submarines per region? Did you decide against merchant shipping raids until the dud rate decreases?

_____________________________

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Post #: 54

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/19/2006 5:20:39 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Hope you're right re the sub.

I doubt I can keep my units fully in supply across that river. However, I expect I can make it to Yangku with them holding 75-80% supply, which should allow me to take the city if he truly has only one unit there. Hopefully I'll capture some supply. At the very least my move should make Yenan safe for the next few months.

Yep those are picket lines. I sent maybe 1/4 or 1/3 of my Manila subs towards Cent Pac when I thought Hawaii was in danger. Otherwise they've stayed where they were assigned. I've been planning to do more of a reorganization of them, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

In my other games I decided against early merchant raids for precisely that reason (dud rates). However I now think that was a mistake. I'll still mostly use my subs for picket duty/minelaying/transport but I want to put at least a dozen boats on merchant raiding. My reasons are this: 1) Force my opponent to use & spread out his ASW assets and 2) I want to have a firm idea of where his shipping lanes are by 10/42 (the first radar upgrades). So far I've only managed to assign two to merchant raiding, but some reinforcements are starting to arrive, too.

(in reply to VSWG)

Post #: 55

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/20/2006 1:20:18 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/25 - 1/26/42

CENTPAC

Some ASW success. The previously damage I-19 sank. Also, I-1 was hit multiple times by an ASW group and sank. I-172 received 1 direct depth charge hit and a bomb hit from Lahaina-based A-20s.

Also I had a minor scare near Palmyra. On the 25th KB showed up 4 hexes away while a RCT was unloading, but fortunately no attacks were launched. Maybe 1/3 unloaded and I successfully scattered my ships.

SOUTHPAC/SWPAC

I've established a floatplane base at Tulagi and both Sara & Lex are nearby, ready to stage an ambush. Rabaul still holds.

DEI

SS O21 sinks.

B-17s attacked the oilfields at Miri, but only damaged 8 of the 100 oil points there. I'm standing down for now, but may be back. My opponent's captured 500 oil points so far, but 337 are now damaged. (He's doing better with resources.) I'd like to keep the pressure up.

MALAYA

The first Japanese ground assault hits my lines at Johore Bahru:

Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 129760 troops, 1411 guns, 150 vehicles, Assault Value = 2512
Defending force 36168 troops, 302 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 727
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4
Japanese max assault: 2325 - adjusted assault: 1154
Allied max defense: 708 - adjusted defense: 2345
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4) Already back up to 5
Japanese ground losses:
3296 casualties reported
Guns lost 111
Vehicles lost 12
Allied ground losses:
1301 casualties reported
Guns lost 22

I should be able to hold here a while still. Unless I do something really stupid (always a possibility) I expect to hold Singapore well past the historical date.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 56

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/20/2006 12:17:14 PM

aztez

Posts: 4031
Joined: 2/26/2005
From: Finland
Status: offline

Do you intend to build up Noumea, Luganville and Efate?

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 57

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/20/2006 5:51:25 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

Noumea-La Foa-Koumac-Efate. Once those are secure I'll moved forward toward Luganville. I might send a base force to Luganville early, but no combat troops.

1/27 - 1/28/42

CENTPAC

KB retired from Palmyra & came back again. Still no transports spotted. I've sortied most the fleet from Pearl & am going to try to get LBA to launch against KB on the 29th.

SOPAC/SWPAC

A Jap TF has appeared off Rabaul. I may send Sara & Lex in within a turn or two.

PHIL

Tugaggggrrrrooo fell.

As a result I'm voluntarily abandonding San Marcelino. Well, I did keep the Clark Field resources operating this long - I can't be entirely unhappy.

BURMA

Dogfights over Rangoon:

Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 15
P-40B Tomahawk x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged For the day the air-to-air total was 10-1 in my favor
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 6 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

The Japanese planes are based at Tavoy. Accordingly the Royal Navy is going to try to shut it down in 2 days. I brought out one of the Dutch recon squadrons to start the recon.

(in reply to aztez)

Post #: 58

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/20/2006 11:10:37 PM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

No turn in the inbox so I'll do a one day update.

1/29/42

CENTPAC

My LBA at Palmyra doesn't launch (probably not enough escorts) and then KB clobbers it:

Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 110,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 63
B5N Kate x 69
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 4 destroyed, 40 damaged Well, at least he lost 8 KB pilots
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 15 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 4 destroyed
F2A Buffalo: 6 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 70

There's FOW in the above report - it was worse: I actually lost 23 planes there.

SWPAC

Rabaul fell.

I've ordered Sara & Lex in to raid the shipping there. Cruiser float planes will fly recon. (2 CAs are reported at Rabaul, plus I believe transports.) I debated this for a bit. I don't think Pat expects allied CVs in the area so I don't want to waste my surprise. However he doesn't have any level 4 AFs in the area yet and I'd also like to take some heat of Centpac. It won't be disastrous if I lose Palmyra but I'd really rather not.

At the very least it will be fun!

DEI

A Jap AP (damaged a day or two ago by a sub) sinks at Tarakan.

BURMA

From what I can tell my bombardment TF (headed towards Tavoy) is still unspotted. It will hit tonight and then I'll follow up with a sweep and a raid against the airfield.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 59

RE: East Wind Gives Me the Chills - Chuck vs. Pat - All... - 8/21/2006 2:14:13 AM

ctangus

Posts: 2153
Joined: 10/13/2005
From: Boston, Mass.
Status: offline

1/30/42

Exciting day.

CENTPAC

KB plasters Palmyra again:

Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 110,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 54
B5N Kate x 57
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 5 destroyed, 29 damaged 7 more KB pilots dead
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed
F2A Buffalo: 3 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 40

SWPAC

While I was hoping for larger prey, my CV raid meets with some success:

Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 62,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 31
TBD Devastator x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F2A Buffalo: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 3 damaged
TBD Devastator: 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
AK Shogen Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Namikaze, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
AK Tsuneshima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Nokaze

There were no Japanese attacks against my TFs.

DEI

3 large Japanese TFs, including what looks to be baby KB, are approaching the Balikpapan/Samarinda area. I'll meet them with some torpedo bombers. Force Z & other surface forces are approaching, but are 3 days out.

I also raided Kuching:

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 14
Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 17
B-17E Fortress x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 damaged
G3M Nell: 4 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17C Fortress: 14 damaged Lots of damaged planes on the ground. I ordered some extra CAP to protect them.
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

A minor raid against Singkawing destroys 1 Sonia.

BURMA

A little revenge. First, the Royal Navy bombards Tavoy:

Naval bombardment of Tavoy, at 28,37
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 6 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 5 destroyed
Allied Ships
CL Dauntless
CA Exeter
CA Cornwall
BB Royal Sovereign
BB Revenge
Japanese ground losses:
1832 casualties reported
Guns lost 18
Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 73

LBA follows up:

Day Air attack on Tavoy , at 28,37
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 14
Blenheim I x 11
Blenheim IV x 23
P-40B Tomahawk x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 damaged
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet

In total, 31 Japanese planes were destroyed on the ground today, mostly here.

(in reply to ctangus)

Post #: 60