RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

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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: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 11/27/2006 5:21:37 AM

wneumann

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Status Map of China as of 1/28/42

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 11/27/2006 5:24:33 AM

wneumann

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One more time.... Situation map of China 1/28/42

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/1/2006 2:27:22 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 1/29 -1/30/42

Singapore (the Sevastopol of the Pacific):

Ground and air bombardment continues. Supply on hand in 3500-4000 range. I am still evacuating "cadres" of various LCU in Singapore to India or Australia for rebuilding - this is already done for all the Indian & Australian brigades in Singapore and also many of the RAF and RN base units there.

No new Japanese LCU arriving to reinforce the attackers. No doubt my opponent is using this break to re-build the LCU he burned up in earlier shock attacks, how he is getting the required amount of supply to rebuild Japanese LCU at Singapore is a good question. I have submarine patrols all around Singapore and little in the way of Japanese merchant shipping has been detected or attacked - can't be that much supply lying around in the bases he controls on the Malayan peninsula and it has to take some amount of time for supply to reach Singapore overland (via osmosis) from Indochina or elsewhere.

The whole situation in Singapore so far seems to be working quite well in my favor - some of the factors include

1) The more time the Japanese waste taking Singapore, the better.
2) Five full Japanese divisions plus numerous other LCU (see below) that could be used elsewhere are tied up here at the expense of operations in Burma and the DEI (at minimum). This may also be impacting Japanese offensive operations in the Philippines (Bataan and Cagayan), New Guinea, and South Pacific.
3) Japanese LCU engaged at Singapore that were burned up in earlier shock attacks have to be rebuilt - the cost of this can be measured both in supply points and time.
4) Experience level (and combat efficiency) of the rebuilt Japanese LCU will be less than what it originally was when these units first entered Malaya. This impacts not only future land combat at Singapore but also combat anywhere else these LCU are employed after Singapore falls.
5) #1 through #4 could very well be the tip of the iceberg.

It would be nice to hold Singapore at least until the time it fell historically (Feb 15th) if not longer. My best case scenario would be for my opponent to rebuild his LCU at Singapore and burn them out a second time in the process of "finishing me off". Except for the dwindling supply reserves. Allied ground units are in good shape. Experience level of Allied infantry brigades in Singapore should match if not be better than those of rebuilt Japanese LCU when they resume the attack. If serious losses can be inflicted on Japanese LCU when ground attacks resume, I could force my opponent to rebuild them a second time before they can be used elsewhere.

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

Ground combat at Singapore

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 119251 troops, 521 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2250
2nd, 4th ,5th ,18th & Guards (2nd) Infantry Divisions, 21st Mixed Brigade, 4 Mixed Rgt, Sasebo 8 SNLF; 9, 12 & 28 NLF,
5 Engineer Bn; 4, 15 & 28 Engineer Rgts; 2, 6 &14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 Heavy FA Rgts; 3, 5 & 14 Mortar Bns, 15 Naval Gd,
3 & 10 Mtn Gun Rgts, 124 IJNAF Base Force, 20 Road Construction Bn

Defending force 57289 troops, 275 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 593
22nd & 27th Australian Brigades AIF; 1st & 2nd Malaya Brigades; 6th, 8th, 12th, 15th & 28th Indian Brigades, SSVF Brigade, Singapore Fortress; 1 & 2 HAA Rgts; 3 LAA Rgt; 1 & 2 Indian LAA Rgts; 109, 111, 112 & 113 RAF Base Force, MAF Aviation, 101 & 109 RN Base Force

Philippines: LCU bombardment attacks continue at Bataan and Cagayan - appears to be a stalemate for the time being. AAR as follows.

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

Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 70249 troops, 338 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1809
16th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brig; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF

Defending force 70865 troops, 637 guns, 330 vehicles, Assault Value = 1279
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11033 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 242
56th Infantry Brigade, 1 & 31 NLF

Defending force 9081 troops, 90 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 280
101st & 102nd Reserve Divisions, 2 Philippine Rgt, 5 USAAF Base Force (elements)

DEI: No change from previous situation map.

China: Light ground combat activity.

A substantial quantity of LCU (two divisions, two RCT, a Marine Para Rgt, other units), air units, supply and fuel is enroute to various points in the South Pacific from Panama aboard multiple convoys.

< Message edited by wneumann -- 12/1/2006 2:36:03 AM >

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Post #: 63

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/1/2006 2:49:12 AM

wneumann

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Situation Map of Burma 1/30/42

2 Burma Brigade had just been forced to retreat into Rangoon after attack by the Japanese 33rd Division.

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/1/2006 3:03:16 AM

wneumann

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Situation Map 1/30/42

I have two U.S. divisions enroute from Panama along with air units and supply (though it will be awhile before they arrive). If possible I plan to put one of these divisions (Americal) along with P-40 fighters at Port Moresby provided the situation allows and I can get them there in time. The other division (2nd Marines) is earmarked for Noumea. Also, two U.S. RCT are on the way - projected destinations Suva and Pago Pago.

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/4/2006 7:00:01 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 1/30 - 1/31/42

Singapore: Heavy ground attacks along with continuing air bombardment - Japanese are reducing the fortifications and Allied resistance is weakening with mounting losses in the garrison strength. Although severe casualties have been inflicted on the Japanese in the current round of attacks, the fall of Singapore is imminent and should occur within the next few days. AAR is as follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Singapore

Japanese Deliberate attack - 1/30/42

Attacking force 146091 troops, 553 guns, 161 vehicles, Assault Value = 2361
2nd, 4th ,5th ,18th & Guards (2nd) Infantry Divisions, 21st Mixed Brigade, 4 Mixed Rgt, Sasebo 8 SNLF; 9, 12 & 28 NLF,
5 Engineer Bn; 4, 15 & 28 Engineer Rgts; 2, 6 &14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 Heavy FA Rgts; 3, 5 & 14 Mortar Bns, 15 Naval Gd,
3 & 10 Mtn Gun Rgts, 124 IJNAF Base Force, 20 Road Construction Bn

Defending force 57957 troops, 300 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 619
22nd & 27th Australian Brigades AIF; 1st & 2nd Malaya Brigades; 6th, 8th, 12th, 15th & 28th Indian Brigades, SSVF Brigade, Singapore Fortress; 1 & 2 HAA Rgts; 3 LAA Rgt; 1 & 2 Indian LAA Rgts; 109, 111, 112 & 113 RAF Base Force, MAF Aviation, 101 & 109 RN Base Force

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese max assault: 2312 - adjusted assault: 1692
Allied max defense: 640 - adjusted defense: 524
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Japanese ground losses:
2759 casualties reported
Guns lost 29
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
3520 casualties reported
Guns lost 94
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Singapore

Japanese Shock attack - 1/31/42

Attacking force 143010 troops, 532 guns, 147 vehicles, Assault Value = 2201
2nd, 4th ,5th ,18th & Guards (2nd) Infantry Divisions, 21st Mixed Brigade, 4 Mixed Rgt, Sasebo 8 SNLF; 9, 12 & 28 NLF,
5 Engineer Bn; 4, 15 & 28 Engineer Rgts; 2, 6 &14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 Heavy FA Rgts; 3, 5 & 14 Mortar Bns, 15 Naval Gd,
3 & 10 Mtn Gun Rgts, 124 IJNAF Base Force, 20 Road Construction Bn

Defending force 53016 troops, 197 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 544
22nd & 27th Australian Brigades AIF; 1st & 2nd Malaya Brigades; 6th, 8th, 12th, 15th & 28th Indian Brigades, SSVF Brigade, Singapore Fortress; 1 & 2 HAA Rgts; 3 LAA Rgt; 1 & 2 Indian LAA Rgts; 109, 111, 112 & 113 RAF Base Force, MAF Aviation, 101 & 109 RN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 2212 - adjusted assault: 1271
Allied max defense: 545 - adjusted defense: 478
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Japanese ground losses:
2319 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 12

Allied ground losses:
1329 casualties reported
Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 1

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

Burma: No further Japanese advances - though more Japanese LCU detected moving up to the front in support of their 33rd Division.

China: Japanese capture Nanchang. AAR follows. Ground combat activity elsewhere in China has largely stopped for the time being.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanchang

Japanese Shock attack - 1/31/42

Attacking force 68003 troops, 273 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1237
6th, 40th, & 116th Infantry Divisions, 17 Aviation Rgt, 116 IJA Base Force
Defending force 21233 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 648
20th, 21st & 91st Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 2406 - adjusted assault: 802
Allied max defense: 632 - adjusted defense: 187
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
2267 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

Allied ground losses:
341 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Phillipines: Japanese shock attack on Bataan thrown back with heavy losses - AAR follows. Bombardment attacks continue at Cagayan. No detected Japanese activity elsewhere in the Phillipines. Submarine transports are evacuating elements of some U.S. LCU's from Bataan (so far Asiatic Fleet HQ and 4th Marine Rgt).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75541 troops, 352 guns, 139 vehicles, Assault Value = 1822
16th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brig; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF

Defending force 70744 troops, 628 guns, 330 vehicles, Assault Value = 1284
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT,
45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force

Japanese max assault: 1843 - adjusted assault: 603
Allied max defense: 1300 - adjusted defense: 1845
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese ground losses:
6251 casualties reported
Guns lost 96
Vehicles lost 7

Allied ground losses:
898 casualties reported
Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 7

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

DEI: Japanese ground attacks on Balikpapan and Bandjermasin (south Borneo) - Dutch troops holding out at both locations. Japanese shore bombardment of Balikpapan by CL Izuzu - no losses among Dutch troops defending Balikpapan, but the Izuzu inflicted some damage on fuel points stockpiled in the port (nice having the Japs help out with demolition work!)

Elements of the KB appeared in the Indian Ocean south of Palembang (see map below) with the apparent intent of blocking Allied shipping lanes between India and Western Australia. No Allied ships were in the area where the KB appeared. I am sending several Dutch submarines into the area just in case the KB can be caught too carelessly lingering in the area.

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/4/2006 7:12:33 AM

wneumann

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More stuff from 1/30 - 1/31/42

Australia/NZ:

Japanese attacks on Darwin slowing down - they apparently have detected the presence of at least one Australian division sent to the area (actually there are two - the 3rd and 4th). No enemy activity reported elsewhere in the area.

South Pacific: A Japanese surface TF (CA Aoba, Kinugasa, Kako, Furutaka) bombarded Palmyra on 1/30 inflicting light damage. Shore batteries of 1 Marine CD Rgt claimed two hits on the Kinugasa. Luckily for the Japanese, had they arrived the next day, a U.S. Air Combat TF with CV Lexington & Enterprise would have been on hand to receive them with a concert from the ships' band along with some bombs and torpedoes. Perhaps next time...

Repairs on many of the BB damaged at Pearl Harbor on 12/7 have proceeded well - see below. Two other BB not shown below are being repaired in Pearl (one damage in the 40's, the other with 59 damage).

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/6/2006 4:03:54 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 2/1 - 2/2/42

The battle for Singapore has ended, the battle of Burma has begun.... Heroic resistance of British and Commonwealth troops in Singapore against ceaseless Japanese air and ground assault collapsed on 1 Feb. Supplies finally ran out and fortifications worn down and reduced.

If I had it to do all over again... it would have been nice to get the Indian III Corps HQ back into Singapore (however, I now have this HQ in India). If possible it would have also been good to get some supply points into Singapore in the first days of Dec '41 before Japanese LBA (Bettys & Nells in particular) could shut down the shipping routes to Singapore - most likely possible from Palembang or somewhere in the DEI. Overall... it was probably the best that could be done with what there was to work with.

The fall of Singapore in our PBEM took place 15 days before the historical fall (15 Feb 42).

On the plus side - the Japanese (particularly ground forces) paid a heavy toll, especially in ground LCU. At the very least, it is likely the Japanese had to (and still may have to) spend a significant quantity of manpower, vehicles, and armaments to replace heavy losses in the LCU's attacking Singapore. Not to mention the time necessary to rebuild these units.

Question for anyone... If Japanese LCU engaged at Singapore had to take in a large enough number of replacements to rebuild from combat losses (especially those taken from shock attacks in early Jan), would this at least temporarily have an effect on the combat efficiency (i.e. experience level) of these LCU in later actions?

Onward to Burma: Japanese have begun moving into southern Burma in strength - this in addition to the Japanese 33rd Division which entered Burma on 1/20 and is now advancing on Rangoon.

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/6/2006 4:28:34 AM

wneumann

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More Operations from 2/1 - 2/2/42

India:

It appears the Japanese carrier TF detected south of Palembang in the Indian Ocean on 1/31 is moving westward toward Colombo. Allied surface warships and merchant shipping currently in Ceylon (also several AK in Madras) is leaving Ceylon and moving to the west. Destination for most of these ships will be Bombay or Aden.

7th Australian Division (just arrived as a reinforcement) is now just completing loading onto AP in Aden for transport to Australia. My intent at this point is for the transport TF carrying 7th Australian Division to leave Aden on schedule, however, it will be diverted to Bombay and the 7th Division unloaded there temporarily. The premise to this being (1) the division can still partially complete its transit to Australia safely, (2) while I do not intend to use the division in India, it is available for use in an emergency.

DEI:

Teloekbetong captured by Japanese 2 Parachute Rgt on 2/1. Dutch forces are holding back Japanese ground attacks on Balikpapan. No significant activity elsewhere.

Phillipines: Japanese bombardment attacks continue on Bataan and Cagayan.

Australia, New Zealand, SW Pacific :

Japanese air attacks continue on various points in northwest Australia - light attacks by Betty and Nell squadrons mainly against land LCU. I am working on getting supply points, air base LCU, and fighters into NW Australia. This is gonna have to all get in overland, sea transport not being possible due to the location and types of Jap LBA in that area. Any suggestions on this appreciated...

Little activity elsewhere in this area.

U.S. convoys from Panama City still enroute to South Pacific.

No reportable activity in the eastern Pacific or U.S. west coast.

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/8/2006 9:05:46 AM

wneumann

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A look at some short-term strategy�.

Looking at the list of possibilities for the next Japanese move (or moves) �

1) Burma � the Japanese are already moving in this direction as shown by the map I posted earlier. This move in preparation for a large-scale offensive into India.
2) Remainder of the DEI � next Japanese targets here is capturing Palembang and the remaining Allied footholds on Borneo, followed by an assault on Java.
3) Finish off Bataan and Cagayan, then occupy the rest of the Philippines.
4) Continue pressure on China.
5) New Guinea � strike towards Port Moresby.
6) South Pacific � main objectives Noumea and Suva.
7) Central Pacific � objectives Midway and/or Palmyra.
8) Australia � specifically Darwin and the northwest

Out of this list�

The Japanese have to complete #2 and #3 (in that order), if not immediately, then at some time in the short-term future. This is especially true for the DEI.

Option #1 is the most likely (either alone or in combination with something else) given that it is already underway. If so, this option quite possibly includes a major Japanese thrust toward India. Factors making this a relatively easy option for the Japanese include (1) the proximity of a large concentration of Japanese LCU that just took Singapore and (2) the relative ease (and low risk) at which the IJN can take control of the Indian Ocean (in contract to the Central or South Pacific).

Option #4 is going to happen anyway no matter what goes on elsewhere.

Although options #5, #6, and #7 are also likely, though these are more difficult to implement as quickly due to the current lack of strong Japanese LCU in New Guinea and the Pacific theater in general. While the Japanese have both the LCU and the shipping to move LCU eastward, it would take some time to do so and in the short term would also be at the expense of completing the conquest of the Philippines and DEI.

Option #8 is probably the least likely � even with the successful capture of Darwin, a bridgehead in NW Australia is easily containable (I already have Australian ground units in position to hold Darwin and contain any Japanese foothold in this area).

Allied Strategic Options (short-term)

Burma: Except for Rangoon itself, I do not intend to contest a Japanese advance in southern or eastern Burma � this mainly due to relatively open terrain in this area and the fact that Japanese ground forces would be most concentrated as they entered southeast Burma (compared to later on when they would disperse to advance on different objectives).

Most Allied LCU have already departed Burma. One brigade is in Rangoon to delay the Japanese capture of that city. Three other brigades will execute delaying actions in and around Mandalay. These brigades will all withdraw to the east and then again confront the Japanese advance in the more difficult terrain immediately in front of the main defensive line along the Burma-India border.

India: My main line of resistance is currently along the border area with Burma, with strong reserves slightly farther back mainly around Rangpur. A major concern is the possibility of amphibious landings at ports along the eastern coast of India � garrisons of at least brigade strength are currently at all port locations.

If possible, I intend to use 7 Australian Division (just arrived in Aden) to garrison Ceylon for the time being. Elements of SSVF Brigade that was evacuated from Singapore has landed in Trincomalee and is rebuilding there.

Elements of five Indian infantry brigades and several RAF base units evacuated from Singapore are now in India and rebuilding at Madras and Bombay. Other air and ground unit reinforcements, supply, fuel, and oil are being shipped to India from Aden as much and as quickly as possible.

Philippines: Continue resistance at Cagayan and Bataan. Submarines are evacuating elements of Asiatic Fleet HQ and 4 Marine Rgt to Darwin, elements of other ground units may also be evacuated as the situation permits.

New Guinea: If possible, reinforce Port Moresby with air and ground forces if this can be done in time and without undue risk. I would prefer to hold Port Moresby if at all possible, but I would consider letting it go rather than take excessive losses to hold it.

Australia & New Zealand: Secure NW and western Australia to prevent (or failing that, contain) a Japanese landing. Sufficient ground forces to do this are already in place (these units belonging to Australia command and cannot go anywhere else). Otherwise, deploy and build up forces & other assets in both Australia and New Zealand for future operations. Elements of the two Australian brigades that were in Singapore (22nd & 27th) are now in Australia and rebuilding.

South Pacific: Multiple convoys are enroute from Panama City � including two divisions (2nd Marines & Americal), two Infantry RCT, 2nd Marine Para Rgt, one or two engineer LCU, numerous land-based air units of various types, along with supply and fuel points. Bases earmarked to be garrisoned include Suva, Pago Pago, and Noumea at the highest priority. Also Port Moresby and/or Luganville as the situation permits. My top consideration in this theater is securing the flank of shipping routes between Panama City and New Zealand/Australia.

Central Pacific: First priority is strengthen garrisons on Midway, Johnston Is, and Palmyra as a perimeter.

My overall strategic priorities for the next 3-5 months include the following:

1) The short-term objectives I have laid out in the Central & South Pacific, India, and western Australia represent the �line in the sand� behind which the Allied build up and preparations for long-term offensive action will take place and is also my main line of resistance to stop the Japanese advance.

2) Up to this point I have deliberately avoided any large scale engagements with Japanese forces, both to conserve my own strength and also to maintain the presence of �something out there� facing the Japanese.

3) Where and as local conditions are favorable, small scale engagements with Japanese forces whenever possible to accomplish either or both of the following with minimum Allied losses.
a) Delay the Japanese advance in general or the capture of a specific base or location.
b) Quick attacks or other actions to inflict losses on Japanese forces.

4) I am basically giving the Japanese bases and locations they conquered historically. Once the Japanese reach the historic limits of their conquest, any further advance on their part beyond that point is at the risk of over-extending their strength. If they do so, they increase the risk of committing a strategic or tactical error. If the Japanese over-extend themselves or commit an error, I intend to be sitting �over the horizon� in sufficient force to strike.

5) From where I sit, this is a waiting game and I intend to wait. One of two things are going to happen in this game long term � the Japanese are going to over-extend themselves and/or make a mistake, or the Japanese are going to stop behind a defensive perimeter. In either case my intention is to strike on my own terms and at the time and place of my choosing.

6) This is a war of attrition � the first objective is to destroy the enemy without being destroyed yourself (or at least as much) Occupying territory (up to a point) is a secondary consideration.

FEAR THE GATOR!

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/12/2006 3:29:13 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 2/2 - 2/4/42

Burma: Japanese advance continues in southern Burma - objectives Rangoon and Mandalay. Japanese forces in Burma confirmed to have at least two divisions (33rd and 55th), plus additional LCU yet to be identified. Other than at Rangoon, no contact as of yet between Japanese ground forces and Allied rear guard forces in and around Mandalay. Japanese air bombing strikes on Rangoon and Mandalay.

India: Movement of reinforcements, supply, fuel and oil from Aden to Bombay proceeding as quickly as possible. Australian 7th Division departed from Aden bound for either Colombo (preferred destination) or Bombay. This deployment of Australian 7th Division is temporary and meant to augment defensive measures in India as long as needed or until sea lanes to Australia are confirmed to be clear for continued movement of this division to Australia.

DEI: Balikpapan captured by Japanese 35th Brigade on 2/4. Japanese ground units now landing at Bandjermasin (southern Borneo) and Babo (western tip of New Guinea near Sorong). No other detectable movement of Japanese forces in the DEI. Final preparations underway for defense of Java - main concentration of Dutch ground forces around main strongholds at Soerabaja and Batavia, with a smaller defensive position at Tjilatjap. I see little point in directly opposing a Japanese landings on Java "at the beaches" as there are too many possible landing sites and too few Dutch LCU to adequately defend them. With a bit of luck, Soerabaja and Batavia can act as "little Singapores" - delaying the Japanese advance and inflicting casulties.

Australia: Light air bombing attacks continue on Darwin and Katherine (south of Darwin). Apparently my opponent is aware of Australian ground units present in Katherine (some in reserve positions, others moving to occupy Broome and the small bases between Broome and Darwin on the northwest coast), which account for the activity there.

New Guinea and South Pacific: Japanese aircraft (one squadron of Zeroes) now based at Lae. Light air bombing of Port Moresby continues. Tulagi captured by Japanese 14 NLF on 2/4. Allied transport convoys continue moving toward this area from Panama City - arrival still some time away.

Philippines: Japanese ground and air bombardment attacks continue against both Cagayan and Bataan. Sasebo 1 SNLF arrived on Mindanao to join attackers at Cagayan. Supply situation - 785 on hand at Cagayan, 6548 at Bataan.

Eastern Pacific and U.S. West Coast: Build up in Hawaii and Alaska from U.S. continues. Troop convoys (one RCT each) bound for Midway and Palmyra with reinforcements. No Japanese activity detected in this area.

Some Japanese regrouping appears to be going on following the capture of Singapore several turns ago. The primary questions are... (1) Do the Japanese LCU just engaged at Singapore have to rebuild from replacements before they can be used elsewhere and if so, how much do they have to rebuild and how long will it take? (2) Where are these units going next? I anticipate many of them going to finish conquest of the DEI, others to Burma and the Philippines.

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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/12/2006 4:15:06 AM

VSWG

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I'd say you are doing well! Many Japanese divisions will need some serious R&R before they can participate in the next attack.

quote:

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Question for anyone... If Japanese LCU engaged at Singapore had to take in a large enough number of replacements to rebuild from combat losses (especially those taken from shock attacks in early Jan), would this at least temporarily have an effect on the combat efficiency (i.e. experience level) of these LCU in later actions?

Yes, this was introduced with patch 1.60: "13) When units received replacements, there was no experience reduction. Fixed."

quote:

Japanese air attacks continue on various points in northwest Australia - light attacks by Betty and Nell squadrons mainly against land LCU. I am working on getting supply points, air base LCU, and fighters into NW Australia. This is gonna have to all get in overland, sea transport not being possible due to the location and types of Jap LBA in that area. Any suggestions on this appreciated...

Supplies: I don't know if this will work, but maybe you want to try it: move a large theater HQ (SWPac for instance) to Alice Springs, so that the base draws additional 20,000 supplies. Then move the HQ unit out of the base. The supplies should relocate to bases with supply deficits - hopefully to northern Oz. Move the unit back to Alice Springs, and repeat.

LCUs: Fly them in. Doesn't take that long if you have some Dakotas.

Planes: Send them via RR. Yes, they'll have to be crated, but many short-legged fighters would need a base force in all bases along the road/railroad in order to fly to Darwin. Too much trouble IMO.

quote:

If possible, I intend to use 7 Australian Division (just arrived in Aden) to garrison Ceylon for the time being. Elements of SSVF Brigade that was evacuated from Singapore has landed in Trincomalee and is rebuilding there.

Rebuilding works better on the mainland: the maximum amount of squads a LCU can rebuild every turn is determined by the number of surrounding bases that this unit can trace a supply path to (only bases that have more supplies than 2x 'supplies needed' count, so make sure that you stockpile supplies in smaller bases, too).

quote:

Some Japanese regrouping appears to be going on following the capture of Singapore several turns ago. The primary questions are... (1) Do the Japanese LCU just engaged at Singapore have to rebuild from replacements before they can be used elsewhere and if so, how much do they have to rebuild and how long will it take? (2) Where are these units going next? I anticipate many of them going to finish conquest of the DEI, others to Burma and the Philippines.

(1) At least 10 days to get fatigue and disruption down, then it depends on your opponent: it will take very long if he wants them to fill out completely, but they could be somewhat combat ready again after 2/3 more weeks.
(2) He might try to capture Java before Palembang, so that he doesn't have to protect the oil wells against 4Es flying from Batavia.

_____________________________

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Post #: 72

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/12/2006 5:52:45 AM

wneumann

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VSWG, appreciate the input. Couple things quickly in response....

Singapore fell a week or two earlier than I anticipated it to - I underestimated the speed at which the final stages of its collapse took place. Overall, my defense of it was a very successful operation, particularly with regard to the number of Japanese LCU (especially divisions) required to take it and the extent to which Japanese units were "damaged" in the process of taking Singapore. What is significant here is the expense (supply, replacement pools) and time (even more importantly) required by my opponent to rebuild these units to a state where they can go into battle again. From what you stated, it could be anywhere from two weeks to a month or longer before the Japanese LCU engaged at Singapore re-appear in the front lines. This of course, depending on how quickly he can divert the resources (supply, replacement pools) to rebuild these units, the extent to which he wants to fill out these units to, and where he intends to deploy these units to once they are rebuilt.

The clock (or calendar in this game) is not my opponent's friend - he has only so much time to do whatever he is setting out to do. Singapore made him waste time - the time those LCU are unavailable to him result in delays to achieve other objectives. some of his later objectives possibly delayed to the point they will not be possible in the remaining time he has to do them. At some point later in '42 the Japanese will have to stop (or will be stopped), delays costing him territory that he would otherwise have been able to take. time = space...

Like your ideas on Australia... between moving either ANZAC or SW Pacific HQ (leaning toward ANZAC as it is closer to Alice Springs). I have plenty of air base LCU (evacuated 18-19 Dutch air base units - all of them safely in OZ). First steps appear to move ANZAC HQ and some of the Dutch air base units in place and start getting supply up there. Already have plenty of infantry LCU in Darwin and surrounding area. Aircraft can come up there later on. I'd have to check on whether I have any Dakotas in OZ but I do have the two Dutch transport squadrons available.

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Post #: 73

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/14/2006 7:40:46 AM

wneumann

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I really need someone to explain this... The combat action shown below occurred during my replay of the 2/6/42 combat phase. This action also appears on my combat report for 2/6 but it does not appear in the copy of the Japanese combat report for 2/6 that Pillager e-mails me along with the save files (I realize it is possible for him to edit this action out of the combat report before he sends it to me but not a whole lot of point for him to do that since I would see it on the replay anyway). After the end of combat, all five ships (ML and DM) in the U.S. task force reported sank which wiped out the TF.

What is really bizarre about is the task force display (also shown below) that shows not only that all five ships are still afloat but also none of them are damaged - as if they were never attacked. The U.S. TF appears on the map, is fully accessible, and I was able to issue orders to this task force (I split the TF up into individual ships and scattered them).

What I also did see in my operations report for 2/6 was that the TF had been spotted by a Val in its actual position. This leads me to believe that part or all of the KB is in the area and possibly at the position shown in the combat replay.

Questions...

a) Did the air strike from the KB actually take place?
b) Would I be correct in assuming the KB is present in or near the location where it supposedly launched the air strike?
c) My ships (the five minelayers) are actually still there (at least for now)?
d) Is this a common occurrance?

< Message edited by wneumann -- 12/14/2006 7:54:09 AM >

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Post #: 74

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/14/2006 7:49:42 AM

wneumann

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Let's try the picture again...........

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Post #: 75

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/14/2006 11:05:15 AM

wyrmmy

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Synch bug, the attack never happened.

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Post #: 76

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/14/2006 2:23:44 PM

VSWG

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quote:

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Questions...

a) Did the air strike from the KB actually take place?
b) Would I be correct in assuming the KB is present in or near the location where it supposedly launched the air strike?
c) My ships (the five minelayers) are actually still there (at least for now)?
d) Is this a common occurrance?

a) No.
b) Yes.
c) Yes.
d) Sadly, yes.

The Japanese combat report is NEVER wrong, and so is what you see when you load the savegame. The Allied combat replay can be subject to the sync-bug, and so can be the Allied combat report (in fact those two are the same, the Allied combat report is created during the Allied replay line by line).

In other words, the Japanese combat report and the savegame are always correct and 100% in sync (if not, your opponent has edited his combat report). The Allied replay and combat report are unreliable.

< Message edited by VSWG -- 12/14/2006 2:32:55 PM >

_____________________________

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Post #: 77

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/18/2006 5:03:31 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 2/5 - 2/7/42

Burma: Meiktila captured by Japanese 31st Division on 2/6. Japanese bombardment attacks continue at Rangoon - 2 Burma Brigade still defending the city against the Japanese 55th Division. Contact still lost with Japanese 33rd Division which had entered Burma in late January.

Chinese forces (three divs) now occupying Lashio, one Chinese division moving towards Myitkyina.

India: Movement of reinforcements (air and ground units), supply, fuel, and oil continues. Single ship transport TF beginning movement between Colombo and Perth with cargo for transport to Australia.

DEI: Japanese forces crossed the Straits of Malacca from Malaya - Guards Infantry Division (from Singapore) landed at and captured Bankha (western Sumatra), AAR follows.

Ground combat at Bankha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17507 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 328
Guards (2nd) Infantry Division
Defending force 1316 troops, 9 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
14 NEIAF Base Force

Japanese max assault: 304 - adjusted assault: 142
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 28 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Bankha base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Australia and SW Pacific: No enemy activity reported other than continued air bombing attacks on Darwin and Port Moresby.

South Pacific: In one respect the Synch Bug discussed above wasn't a fluke - the KB is indeed lurking to the north or Penrhyn Island. I dispersed the U.S. task force (five minelayers) the KB had "attached" previously into individual ships - this turned out to be prudent on my part as the KB spotted and attacked them in the 2/7 game turn. One of the DM's and the (ML) Oglala was sunk by the KB in two separate air strikes, the other three DM appear to have some chance of getting away unless the KB pursues them. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 112,112

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 26
B5N2 Kate x 28

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DM Gamble, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 111,109

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 105
D3A2 Val x 120
B5N2 Kate x 130

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
ML Oglala, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

From the two AAR above and what was displayed of the Japanese TF (or TF's) on the save game map for my (2/8/42) orders phase, it appears that at least 4 or 5 of the Japanese fleet CV's are off Penhryn Island. Perhaps a small diversion for my opponent is in order, all the more so as the KB is a long way from anywhere.

China: Little change in the situation other than localized Japanese ground attacks.

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Post #: 78

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/18/2006 5:09:24 AM

wneumann

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A quick comment on the "Synch Bug" - I had one other occurance of it (in addition to the Penhryn Is action). In a manner of speaking, this bug does appear to have some value as an Allied intel tool. The synch bug also correctly predicted movement of the Japanese Guards Division from Singapore to Sumatra, although the bug "took away" sinking of an AP carrying a sizeable part of this division across the Straits of Malacca.

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Post #: 79

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/19/2006 5:21:41 AM

wneumann

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Still have a bit of housekeeping to do here - Australian force deployments (Feb 1942)

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Post #: 80

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/19/2006 5:22:53 AM

wneumann

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One more time........ Australian deployments in Feb 1942

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Post #: 81

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/22/2006 7:37:39 PM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 2/8 - 2/11/42

Indian Ocean: It appears that Japanese CV(s) that had been operating south of the Sunda Strait (between Java & Sumatra) left the area. One of my Dutch SS spotted but failed to attack a Japanese CS moving northward through Sunda Strait - this SS is remaining on station to detect any Japanese ships attempting to move through Sunda Straits to the south. Movement of Allied merchant shipping from India to Australia (Perth) has been resumed - individual AK and TK departing Colombo for Perth, one ship daily. This ensures a continuous flow of supply and fuel to Australia while minimizing exposure of Allied ships to Japanese attacks. A transport TF carrying 7th Australian Division is approaching Colombo - a decision on whether to disembark the division at Colombo or continue its transit to Australia yet to be determined.

Burma: Other than air and ground bombardment attacks at Rangoon, no detectable Japanese activity since the fall of Meiktila on 2/6. No reinforcements for Japanese 55th Division at Rangoon to date - my opponent being content with this division executing only ground bombardment attacks.

DEI: Bandjermasin (southern Borneo) captured by Japanese (Kure 2 SNLF & 2 Para Rgt) on 2/9. Japanese forces yet to be identified have landed on Tenimbar Island. No Allied naval (other than one SS) or air forces in position to contest the landing on Tenimbar - Japanese LBA (Betty & Nell now based on Timor) have pretty much closed off the NW coast of Australia to Allied surface ships, the supply situation around Darwin heavily limiting Allied air operations there. All other sectors in DEI quiet.

Australia: I will have to once again update and try to post a map of deployments in Australia. At this time there is a considerable amount of "housekeeping" - movement of LCU, air units, and (to a lesser extent) ships.

Philippines: Bombardment attacks on Bataan and Cagayan continue - little change in the overall situation. Some Japanese artillery reinforcements have appeared at Bataan (1 Heavy FA Rgt & 15 Mortar Bn) - 15 Mortar Bn transferred to Bataan from Singapore. USAFFE HQ has been re-assigned to SW Pacific as a subordinate HQ and parts of USAFFE HQ are being evacuated to Darwin by submarine transport. My intent is to use HQ USAFFE in the Darwin area to draw overland transfer of supply into Darwin (ANZAC HQ also being temporarily pressed into service to help). In a similar manner, I also evacuated parts of HQ Asiatic Fleet to Australia and reassinged it to South Pacific for use as a subordinate HQ.

New Guinea: A Japanese surface combat TF (CA Ashigara & Maya) bombarded Port Moresby on 2/10 - some damage to airfield and base facilities. Allied ground forces currently defending Port Moresby include 30 Australian Brigade, an infantry battalion, and a base force LCU. I am in the process of setting up supply transport by air (Dakotas) from Cairns.

South Pacific: A Japanese surface TF bombarded Pago Pago on 2/10 - AAR from Japanese combat report follows. The three surviving U.S. minelayers from the KB air strikes on 2/7 near Penhryn Island continued moving westward without further pursuit from the KB. Location of the KB is unknown as it has not been detected since the action on 2/7 - one of its TF was shown to be moving eastward going into 2/8. Currently there is a gap in Allied naval air search coverage between Palmyra and Pago Pago (mainly east of Pago Pago and to the south of Palmyra). As soon as it is verified to safely do so, I intend to dispatch AV to Christmas Island and Penhryn and operate PBY or Do-24 aircraft from these locations on naval search. Aircraft to do this are already available at Pago Pago and Palmyra. AV are being sent from Pearl Harbor and New Zealand.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Pago Pago, at 96,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

67 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Kako, Shell hits 11
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 8
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 10
CA Aoba

Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

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

Movement of convoys from Panama City to the South Pacific is set to resume after temporarily being stopped due to activity of the KB around Penhryn Island. These convoys are well to the south of Penhryn Island and moving somewhat near (but not along) the southern map edge. I have individual ships leading the main convoys moving to the west - other individual ships are moving eastward from New Zealand along this route.

Eastern Pacific/US West Coast: A convoy carrying U.S. 111th RCT arrived at Midway on 2/10 and now unloading troops plus 20K of supply. A second convoy originally bound for Palmyra with another U.S. RCT has been diverted to Hawaii until I know where the KB is and what it is doing - this convoy is near Hawaii as of 2/11.

In other news............

Two Japanese SS (I-16 and RO-64) have been confirmed sunk by Allied surface ASW. The I-16 was sunk in the "shipping channel" from Panama City by escorts from the convoys bound to South Pacific, the RO-64 by MSW near Cairns.

Deploying Japanese SS into the off-map "shipping channels" seems to be a two-edged sword - the bad news being that it is relatively easy for Japanese SS to occupy Allied shipping lanes, the good news being that it is relatively simple for the Allies to locate and execute ASW attacks on Japanese SS found in the shipping channels. My overall policy on ASW being rather aggressive - any Japanese SS detected will be attacked as quickly with as much force as possible (unless totally insane to do so in a specific case) and I have no reluctance to deploy any ship that carries depth charges (regardless of type) to the task, preferably in large packs.

< Message edited by wneumann -- 12/22/2006 7:50:53 PM >

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Post #: 82

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/26/2006 3:22:36 AM

wneumann

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Breaking news from Port Moresby 2/12/42:

A Japanese invasion TF (reported to be 10 AP?) was detected south of Rabaul moving on a SW heading - possible destination Port Moresby. Given my past tendency to leave most of my opponent's landings unopposed, the AP just might actually be unescorted.

From the forces I have on-hand, my best possibility for opposing this invasion (if it is indeed Port Moresby) is to take it on with LBA. During the 2/13/42 orders phase, 13 A-20B and 18 A-24 aircraft have quietly flown into Port Moresby from Cooktown and Cairns. My opponent has had no opportunity to detect the presence of these aircraft.

As the A-24 is a land-based version of the SBD Dauntless and (like the SBD) carries a 1000 lb bomb load, perhaps they could perform in a manner comparable to their carrier-based cousins. The A-20B's now in Port Moresby are set to execute naval attack at 2-3,000 ft altitude, so do they actually perform skip bombing? These planes are going in unescorted but the Japs are probably unescorted too. Be nice to bag some AP's.

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Post #: 83

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/27/2006 4:31:36 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 2/12 - 2/13/42

Japanese transport shipping detected moving NW through Malacca Straits and attacked by Dutch submarine patrol - AAR's follow. Other Allied submarines also in area and moving into the estimated path of remaining Japanese transports.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 21,47

Japanese Ships
AK Hiyoshi Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (later confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 21,47

Japanese Ships
AK Meiten Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (possible sinking)

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII, hits 1

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

Phillipines: No change in situation. Bombardment attacks continue on Bataan and Cagayan. Submarine transport evacs still on-going.

DEI: Tenimbar captured by Japanese 21 NLF on 2/13. Naval bombardment of Darwin by CA Nachi & CL Nagara also on 2/13.

Port Moresby: Japanese TF spotted on 2/12 confirmed headed toward Port Moresby. U.S. A-20 and A-24 aircraft flown into Port Moresby on 2/12 launched air strikes on the invasion TF(s). CA Australia, CL Hobart & Adelaide still moving northward from NZ to Port Moresby, they may arrive in time to engage Japanese invasion TF while at Port Moresby or possibly intercept them on their return trip. It does not appear likely that a Japanese landing at Port Moresby can be stopped, though some damage has and might continue to be inflicted on enemy ships and the troops they are carrying. Map and AAR follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 56,96

Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Karimo Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 56,96

Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 3
A-20B Boston x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Choko Maru #2
AP Daihachikyo Maru
PC Shonan Maru #17, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 56,96

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 5

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Murasame
CL Kuma

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 56,96

Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 11
A-20B Boston x 3

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nachi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Konsan Maru
AP Kiyama Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

Situation Map of Port Moresby 2/13/42

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Post #: 84

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/27/2006 4:59:56 AM

wneumann

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Interesting question: I now have Force Z (Repulse, Prince of Wales, 4-5 British and Dutch CL, 4-5 British and Dutch DD) fully operational and docked at Perth. I am considering three options on the future employment of this force:

1) Remain at Perth - Force Z is currently the entire Allied naval presence on the west coast of Australia. However, Japanese LBA (Betty & Nells) based on Timor preclude the use of Force Z off the NW coast of Australia against the occasional IJN shore bombardment of Darwin without risk of severe damage and possible loss of these ships with little or nothing to show for it. Likewise, I do not envision use of Force Z in the DEI for the same reasons.

2) Redeploy to India (Colombo) - This option would add Force Z to the British naval forces already there. My thought on this option is that I would be adding two more BB to the ones already hanging around India - basically "bait" for the KB in the event my opponent is tempted to enter the Indian Ocean. In any event, I am of the opinion that I have sufficient British warships based in (and around) India to create a surface combat TF if one is required.

3) Redeploy to the eastern coast of Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne) - This may be the most effective employment of Force Z though at the risk of leaving western Australia fully exposed. At this time there is no significant Allied naval presence other than a handful of cruisers, DD, and other small ships suitable for ASW. Force Z would be a major reinforcement here - it could pick up CA Houston, CL Boise and some DD along the way. While it would be much too late to engage the Japanese at Port Moresby, it would be exceedingly useful in subsequent actions until such time as major U.S. surface and carrier forces arrive.

Opinions are welcome and gratefully appreciated in advance... I am leaning toward option (3), option (2) being the least likely.

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 85

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/28/2006 6:50:33 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations: 2/14/42

Port Moresby: Naval bombardment by two small Japanese surface TF (total of 4 CL, 7 DD) - practically no aircraft destroyed but airfield is damaged to extent where aircraft could not operate. No Japanese LCU have come ashore at Port Moresby and uncertain at this time whether the Jap invasion TF is still moving on Port Moresby or has been aborted. Sigint intercept read during my 12/15 orders phase indicate Yokosuka 5th SNLF is loaded on AP Kuroshio Maru moving to Port Moresby. A squadron of Dakotas based in Cooktown is flying supply transport into Port Moresby - combat replay indicates Dakotas were intercepted over Port Moresby, supplies were delivered but some Dakotas returned damaged (none destroyed). Japanese do have a small number of Zeroes based within range of Port Moresby, they may possibly be flying LRCAP.

Force Z (BB Prince of Wales, BC Repulse, 6 CL, 5 DD) has departed Perth enroute to Sydney for redeployment on the east coast of Australia.

DEI: Medan captured by Japanese on 2/14, AAR below. If the assault strength of Jap Guards (2nd) Infantry Division in the AAR is correct, this is an indication of how well the unit has rebuilt since its previous engagement at Singapore. Still its strength was sufficient to do the job at Medan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Medan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18058 troops, 66 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 352
Guards (2nd) Infantry Division
Defending force 3552 troops, 20 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 51
1 NS & 2 WS Garrison Bns, Medan CD Unit, 6 Dutch Naval Base Force, 14 NEIAF Base Force

Japanese max assault: 315 - adjusted assault: 232
Allied max defense: 43 - adjusted defense: 31
Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Medan base !!!

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

India: The decision was made to disembark 7 Australian Division at Colombo instead of continuing its transit to Australia. As much as I would rather have this division reach SW Pacific, I see a more pressing need (in the short term) to build up as powerful a defensive position on Ceylon as possible - this division is the best available force to reinforce Ceylon within the next 30-45 game days. My estimate is that I have 30 game days or less to have an effective defence of Ceylon in position and ready to engage a Japanese attack. I cannot reasonably afford to take LCU from the Indian mainland for defending Ceylon. Ceylon is too vital a position (especially in regard to sea routes between Aden and western Australia) to not defend vigorously. Large quantities of supply and aircraft are also enroute to Ceylon. My defense of Ceylon includes strongly garrisoning both Colombo and Trincomalee with LCU, aircraft, and substantial stocks of supply. Right now things are quiet in this theater and this is the ideal time to prepare.

A British carrier TF (2 CV, 4 CA, 1 CL, 4 DD) has been formed at Aden and now enroute to Colombo. The intended use of this TF is to intercept and attack Japanese transports moving westward through the Malacca Straits into the Bay of Bengal. While this activity could draw the attention of the KB, it could also prove to be a good diversion.

Elsewhere, business as usual.

(in reply to wneumann)

Post #: 86

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 12/29/2006 2:08:05 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 2/15/42

Port Moresby: It looks as if my opponent has been "saving up" for this one.... Japanese landing at Port Moresby - AAR as follows. Supply on hand in Port Moresby virtually zero. Japanese LRCAP is definately flying over Port Moresby, Dakota I air transports attempting to fly in supplies were again intercepted. All aircraft (including my gallant A-24's) still in Port Moresby are grounded, at least the squadrons there will be back in few months after they're wiped out on the ground.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2776 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 68
Kure 3, 5 & 6 SNLF; Maizuru 1 & 4 SNLF, Yokosuka 5 & 7 SNLF, 82 & 84 Naval Gd, 6 Reserve Tank Rgt
Defending force 11154 troops, 82 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 349
30th Australian Brigade, Papuan Infantry Bn, 112 RAN Base Force

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

South Pacific: Naval search flights from Pago Pago detect a Japanese shore bombardment TF heading towards Pago Pago, probably will reach there in the next game turn. A second TF (or several TF's) composition unknown is two game days behind them heading SW toward Pago Pago. Looks like my opponent is invading there too.

The loss of Pago Pago will likely doom sea communication between U.S. and Australia/New Zealand. Perhaps my plans for '43 and '44 will involve a frontal assault due west from Hawaii.

So folks, any ideas on a strategy to pursue if the U.S. is completely cut off from the South Pacific? I am in the process of reinforcing Palmyra, which will basically become the "front line" outpost to the southwest from the U.S.

(in reply to wneumann)

Post #: 87

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 1/2/2007 2:44:16 AM

wneumann

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Summary of Operations 2/16/42

Japanese capture Port Moresby - AAR follows. At this point there is little to be done to contest a Japanese build-up of Port Moresby for continued operations - at least until the airfields at Cooktown and Cairns are expanded to the point where 4E bombers can operate from them. I have engineers from several base force units working at each location, Cooktown air base is size 3 and 28% completed towards size 4. While I have 60 B-17 D and E bombers based in NE Australia, I have no airfield north of Townsville capable of operating them - Port Moresby being out of range for B-17 flying from Townsville.

Except for submarines, naval operations around Port Moresby not possible due to Japanese LBA - land based Kates flying from Lae, Betty and Nell from Rabaul.

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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13883 troops, 88 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 387
Kure 3, 5 & 6 SNLF; Maizuru 1 & 4 SNLF, Yokosuka 5 & 7 SNLF, 82 & 84 Naval Gd, 6 Reserve Tank Rgt
Defending force 4439 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 70
30th Australian Brigade, Papuan Infantry Bn, 112 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 357 - adjusted assault: 325
Allied max defense: 65 - adjusted defense: 113
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese ground losses:
162 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
260 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

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Japanese surface TF bombarded Pago Pago, AAR below. The second group of Japanese TF(s) detected northeast of Pago Pago in the 2/15 game turn moved all the way to Pago Pago from their previous spotted position - these ships moved too fast in the 2/16 turn to be transports, could possibly be more surface warships.

I have numerous small convoys with U.S. reinforcements to South and SW Pacific moving well to the southeast of Pago Pago, including two full divisions, two RCT, and a Marine Para. A surface combat TF consisting of 3 old BB's (Idaho class) and a CL is sailing with these convoys as an escort. Some of the reinforcements in these convoys had been earmarked for Pago Pago but I could consider using much or all of this force to mount a quick counterattack if Japanese surface naval forces leave the area and the KB is not operating nearby (both of these being unknown factors).

My worst case scenario is to reinforce and build up the small islands to the south and southeast of Pago Pago - including Papeete and Penhryn Island, although I view this move as being of little value in the short to intermediate run. Japanese control of Pago Pago and surrounding islands in the group would result in a major naval base from which the KB could easily operate all the way to the southern map edge. This would result in Australia and New Zealand being totally cut off from communication with the U.S.

My best hope is for no Japanese landing on Pago Pago.

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Naval bombardment of Pago Pago, at 96,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

76 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Kako, Shell hits 8
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 10
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 10
CA Aoba, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 2

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DEI: Japanese landing underway at Kragen (Java, west of Surabaja). Dutch defences on Java include most LCU concentrated in Batavia and Surabaja, with a smaller garrison at Tilitjap. Only a handful of the Dutch aircraft remaining on Java are operational, most having been destroyed or damaged in earlier combat.

(in reply to wneumann)

Post #: 88

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 1/3/2007 10:48:52 PM

wneumann

Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline

Summary of Operations 2/17 -2/18/42

Lots of stuff, starting with the "small change".

India: Completed disembarking 7 Australian Div at Colombo. I have all available British land-based torpedo squadrons (Swordfish & Wildebeest) based at Colombo or Trincomalee - this to engage any Japanese TF either attacking Ceylon or passing around the bottom of India. Two squadrons of Hurricanes arrived in Colombo on 2/18, another Hurricane squadron or two in Ceylon a possibility. If the KB wants to hit this place, let 'em pay for it.

Moving several Indian infantry brigades evacuated from Singapore via overland march to Delhi and other inland bases with 20K or more supply to speed rebuilding. No other significant action elsewhere in Burma.

Burma: No change in the overall situation. Japanese 55th Division still engaged at Rangoon making only bombardment
attacks. No detected movement of Japanese ground forces to the NW towards Mandalay - they have either stopped at Meiktila or melted into the jungle. Either way, I have something in front of them.

DEI: Kragen and Djokjakarta on Java fell to the Japanese on 2/17. Jap 2 Parachute Rgt probably air dropped on Djokjakarta as no ships were observed disembarking it. The capture of these two location splits Java in two, however this is a major consideration only to the Japanese as all Dutch LCU are in place in the strongholds at Batavia, Surabaja, and Tlitijap and land communications between these strongholds no longer required by Allied forces.

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Ground combat at Kragen

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21686 troops, 180 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 405
2nd & 18th Infantry Divisions; 2, 6 & 14 Tank Rgts, 3 & 18 Heavy FA Rgts; 3, 5 & 14 Mortar Bns, 3 Mountain Gun Rgt
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese max assault: 166 - adjusted assault: 41
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 41 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kragen base !!!

It should be noted that Japanese units engaged at Kragen were brought in from Singapore.

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Ground combat at Djokjakarta

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 465 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2
2 Parachute Rgt
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 0 - adjusted assault: 2
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Djokjakarta base !!!

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No detected Japanese activity elsewhere in the DEI.

Australia: Air bombing attacks continue at Darwin. ANZAC HQ and other units still moving towards Darwin and NW Australia to support Allied defenses there.

14 NZ Brigade now disembarking at Noumea.

U.S. West Coast and Eastern Pacific: One RCT and supply points currently disembarking at Palmyra. A task force carrying engineers and supply left Pearl Harbor on 2/18 enroute to Christmas Is to begin building up base facilities there. No detected Japanese activity in this area.

(in reply to wneumann)

Post #: 89

RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective - 1/4/2007 12:01:11 AM

wneumann

Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline

Now on to the South Pacific...

Japanese invasion of Pago Pago is imminent - situation maps from 2/17 and 2/18 follow.