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RE: 10 Apr. 42 - 12/11/2007 7:52:08 PM   
BlackSunshine


Posts: 366
Joined: 11/22/2002
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Just got done reading this.  Very well written AAR.  I would recommend anyone who wants some in depth detail about the workings of the game as well as strategy to read this.  Lots of small details included.

Youve got to slow them down seriously.  Not going to help much with the supply bug in Cairns.

(in reply to Gen.Hoepner)
Post #: 181
11 Apr. 42 - 12/11/2007 8:27:13 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
BlackSunshine,

Thanks and welcome to the thread, glad you enjoyed the read.

11 Apr. 42

At Rabaul, US sub SS Tautog makes several runs on convoys in port, but either misses or is forced under by escorts. With its ammo almost depleted I’ve ordered it to return to Pearl.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rabaul at 62,90

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki
DD Murakumo
DD Oboro
DD Minazuki
DD Mikazuki

Allied Ships
SS Tautog
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rabaul at 62,90

Japanese Ships
TK San Diego Maru
PG Unkai Maru #1
PG Tosho Maru
PG Taiko Maru
PG Shosei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tautog
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 62,90

Japanese Ships
AP Maruse Maru
AP Konron Maru
DD Hibiki
DD Murakumo
DD Oboro
DD Minazuki
DD Mikazuki

Allied Ships
SS Tautog
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Chinese make another run at Hanoi without effect. I’ve stood the group down for rest. Once they recover their fatigue, I think I’ll try one or two more high altitude attacks and then set them to 6,000 feet to see how they do.

Another big allied air raid hits Cooktown today and another 9 Japanese zeroes are destroyed. This raid finally convinced my opponent to withdraw from Cooktown I think, as recon doesn’t report any fighters at the base.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 13
Hudson I x 58
B-17E Fortress x 23
LB-30 Liberator x 9
F-4 Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Hudson I: 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged
F-4 Lightning: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 61

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With three more Japanese fleets headed towards Cooktown or Cairns, I’ve set all my medium bombers on naval attack missions. The heavies will continue to pound the airfields, though they no longer have Cooktown selected as a primary target. I’ll let the local commander choose which base to hit.

My B-25’s at Townsville were still assigned naval attack missions and made a run on a Japanese CS and DD, though no hits were scored.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 49,99


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
AK Nichiyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 1000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 49,98


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Ootori

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 1000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manila and several ground units at Manila get hit from the air today. Japan then launches a deliberate attack and achieves a 1-1. Supplies at the base are all but gone, so I assume this was a battle after the 75% AV reduction. Or perhaps one or two units fought at regular AV and the rest were only 25% of normal, either way I was very surprised the base held out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 129815 troops, 632 guns, 189 vehicles, Assault Value = 2198

Defending force 38377 troops, 26 guns, 185 vehicles, Assault Value = 870

Japanese max assault: 2067 - adjusted assault: 1811

Allied max defense: 678 - adjusted defense: 1141

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
2697 casualties reported
Guns lost 64
Vehicles lost 6

Allied ground losses:
1495 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Casualties are high and a lot of my troops are disrupted, so I doubt they’ll be able to withstand many more attacks, but who knows.

Here’s a screenshot of the base and the supply state of the remaining units. As you can see only a couple units have any supply on hand at all.





At Noumea the US armor battalion and Australian independent company have arrived at La Foa with the South Seas det. The Americal Division should arrive this turn. I’ll then conduct a land bombardment attack to weigh our two AV’s.

Allied air units should be at the base in less than a week. The first baseforce unit will arrive and begin unloading tomorrow, so I’ve already rebased a float plane group in to begin naval searches to try and see if KB or a rescue fleet may be lurking nearby.

Jim





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 12/11/2007 8:32:23 PM >


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(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 182
RE: 11 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 2:32:54 PM   
Yakface


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I'm not sure the supply thing is a bug.  Iv'e always found that HQ's dont' actually pull suppplies, they just hold onto supplies at thier base, beyond it's official requirement, once they are there.  If there were never 25k of supplies at the base then they don't do anything to get it there in my experience.  This went for stock as well as CHS.

(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 183
RE: 11 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 2:45:34 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Yakface

I'm not sure the supply thing is a bug.  Iv'e always found that HQ's dont' actually pull suppplies, they just hold onto supplies at thier base, beyond it's official requirement, once they are there.  If there were never 25k of supplies at the base then they don't do anything to get it there in my experience.  This went for stock as well as CHS.


Nope the command HQ's are supposed to try and pull 25,000 supply to their base. A good example would be what happened at Java when I moved the ABDA HQ to Madioen. It pulled 32,000 supplies to the base initially and kept it above 25,000 the entire time it was there. Command HQ's need 20,000+ supplies at their base for replacements to work for their land and air units, that's why they pull supplies.

Jim


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Post #: 184
RE: 11 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 2:57:43 PM   
Yakface


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You're absolutely right about what should happen, but I think it was always a bit dodgy.  For example in stock I needed to get supplies to land-locked Gumma to allow it to expand factories, so, having read the manual, I moved the Home commmand HQ there.  It never pulled any sensible amount of supplies and in the end I had to move a load of divisions/base units in to raise the organic requirement of the base.

(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 185
RE: 11 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 3:06:54 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
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From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Yakface

You're absolutely right about what should happen, but I think it was always a bit dodgy.  For example in stock I needed to get supplies to land-locked Gumma to allow it to expand factories, so, having read the manual, I moved the Home commmand HQ there.  It never pulled any sensible amount of supplies and in the end I had to move a load of divisions/base units in to raise the organic requirement of the base.


I guess it’s possible that the Home HQ has always suffered from the same problem/bug as the SWPac and SEAsia HQ’s are suffering from in my game and no one’s noticed or cared much as most games never get to invading the home islands. But it is definitely a bug and not working as designed if command HQ’s fail to pull supplies.

Jim

P.S. My opponent thinks his north china command HQ is suffering from the same problems. I'll ask him to check the Home HQ as well.


< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 12/12/2007 3:07:02 PM >


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Post #: 186
RE: 11 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 3:51:30 PM   
Gen.Hoepner


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Hi Jim, what's the overall score so far?


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(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 187
12 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 9:13:26 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
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From: Salida, CA.
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Hi G.H.,

Take a look at today’s screenshot, I’ve attached the Intel screen for you.

12 Apr. 42

US sub SS Tautog tries a couple more attack runs at Rabaul and gets hammered for its efforts. With float damage at 87 I doubt she’ll make port.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 62,90

Japanese Ships
AP Nichiro Maru
DD Hibiki
DD Murakumo
DD Oboro
DD Minazuki

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, hits 4, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rabaul at 62,90

Japanese Ships
AP Kansan Maru
AP Kofuku Maru
AP Sasago Maru
DD Hibiki
DD Murakumo
DD Minazuki
DD Mikazuki
CL Jintsu

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, hits 1, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the past couple of turns Japan has been bombing Thursday Island, but it wasn’t having any effect so I didn’t report on it. Today Japan begins unloading troops over the beach and the coastal batteries open up and cause some decent damage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Thursday Island, 49,91, firing at TF 80
TF 80 troops unloading over beach at Thursday Island, 49,91


85 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Murasaki Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
AP Sumire Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PG Kaikei Maru, Shell hits 3

Japanese ground losses:
176 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Allied Hudson’s from Townsville hit Cairns today and cause surprisingly little damage for the number of bombers that flew. Also with the fact the raid wasn’t intercepted, you’d thing the bombardiers could guide a few more bombs to their targets.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Cairns , at 48,102


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 6
Hudson I x 47


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The big news for the turn is Japan launches a shock attack at Manila and the base holds, causing massive casualties to Japan. There are still 900+ points of supply left at Manila, so I think the allies were penalized for being out of supply. If so it’s going to be a real slugfest for Japan to try and pry the starving garrison out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 123665 troops, 547 guns, 182 vehicles, Assault Value = 1878

Defending force 36176 troops, 13 guns, 180 vehicles, Assault Value = 777

Japanese max assault: 2636 - adjusted assault: 1276

Allied max defense: 569 - adjusted defense: 1021

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
6818 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 6

Allied ground losses:
967 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disablements are no longer being repaired, so Japan will eventually take the base, but the fact my current adjusted AV is over 1,000, means Japan may be stuck trying to take Manila until well past May if this keeps up.

I had fully expected the base to fall on this attack, so this was a great day for the allies. Of course it could just be a really bad die roll and I’ll be blown away next time, but for now this has to be very irritating to my opponent.

At Cagayan Japan launches a deliberate attack and reduces the fort level by 1 while achieving a 1-1. I doubt the base will hold much longer here.


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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15319 troops, 80 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 366

Defending force 7013 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 192

Japanese max assault: 299 - adjusted assault: 156

Allied max defense: 138 - adjusted defense: 94

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
375 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Noumea my first baseforce unit has begun to land, and just in the nick of time. Allied recon spots an apparent rescue taskforce 720 miles to the northwest.

I’ve rebased four 16 plane squadrons of A-29 Hudson’s to Noumea (now at level 4 AF) from Auckland. You have to love the range of those A-29’s, I’ve set them to not fly further than their normal range of 11 hexes with naval attack as their primary mission. They should be a nasty surprise for Japan this turn.

Noumea now has four A-29 squadrons, one P-38 recon squadron and one PBY squadron active. This coming turn or the next turn after, the fighters and the rest of the bombers should arrive.





If KB doesn’t appear out of the blue in the next 2 turns, I’m very confident I’ll be able to hold Noumea now. I’ll also probably be able to destroy the South Seas Det. in detail. I’ve ordered a land bombardment this turn to see what its AV is.

Jim





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 12/12/2007 9:14:58 PM >


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(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 188
RE: 12 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 10:46:09 PM   
Gen.Hoepner


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From: italy
Status: offline
Barely 2-1....Let's say that the auto-victory at 1.1.43 is already a vain dream for Yubari

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(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 189
RE: 12 Apr. 42 - 12/12/2007 10:49:23 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gen.Hoepner

Barely 2-1....Let's say that the auto-victory at 1.1.43 is already a vain dream for Yubari


Don't forget I lose about 1600 VP when Manila falls, that puts him pretty close to 3-1.

Jim

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Post #: 190
13 Apr. 42 - 12/13/2007 8:44:19 AM   
Jim D Burns


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From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
13 Apr. 42

Manila gets hit from the air today.

Allied bombers from Imphal fly a large raid and hit Japanese paratroopers along the trail one hex from Taung Gyi. You know this had to hurt that small unit.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Parachute Regiment, at 33,32


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 43
B-25C Mitchell x 26


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Hudson’s and B-25’s fly another strike mission on Cairns airfield and cause moderate damage.

Japan launches another deliberate attack at Cagayan and fails to achieve a 1-1. The level 1 forts hold.


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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14741 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 330

Defending force 6841 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 189

Japanese max assault: 32 - adjusted assault: 31

Allied max defense: 144 - adjusted defense: 109

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1)


Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At La Foa my land bombardment goes in and it appears I easily outmatch the Japanese. I’ve ordered a deliberate attack this turn.

The Japanese transport task force is 4 hexes closer this turn, but my bombers fail to fly. I wonder if KB is nearby undetected flying LRCAP over the fleet.

I have a large transport fleet currently unloading at Noumea, I may withdraw it to the south next turn if my bombers again fail to fly against the approaching fleet. The air groups aboard the fleet should unload this turn, but it will be a week or more before all the squadrons are in any condition to fly missions. For now all I have to defend Noumea with is the 4 squadrons of A-29’s.





I just had another thought as I typed this, what if the advancing task force is an invasion force headed to Noumea with a full division aboard? What if KB is present to cover the landings? I’m wide open at Noumea right now, with just the intrinsic French garrison unit there to defend. I better order my units back to Noumea next turn to play it safe. I’m not even sure they have time to make it back.

I do have the Australian navy (a few cruisers and destroyers) on route to Noumea, but I don’t know if they can beat the invasion force if that’s where it is headed. I think I may have made a blunder assuming this is an evacuation force.

Jim





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(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 191
RE: 13 Apr. 42 - 12/13/2007 9:57:15 AM   
Gen.Hoepner


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From: italy
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A thrilling situation Jim....

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Post #: 192
RE: 13 Apr. 42 - 12/13/2007 6:55:45 PM   
BlackSunshine


Posts: 366
Joined: 11/22/2002
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Gen.Hoepner

A thrilling situation Jim....


A shame too, if you have to pullback. South Seas detachment is badly outgunned and would surrender in a few turns.

(in reply to Gen.Hoepner)
Post #: 193
14 Apr. 42 - 12/13/2007 10:10:22 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
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From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
14 Apr. 42

Well my spidey senses tingling last turn as I wrote the AAR were right, KB is with the transport group and it looks like there are at least two transport groups, perhaps three.

It’s too bad I didn’t spend more time pondering things while plotting my move instead of waiting to ponder things while writing the AAR. Perhaps this turn wouldn’t have been so bad had I done so.

The turn starts off with US sub SS S-45 making a couple runs on the CV Soryu. The first run the torpedoes hit but fail to detonate. The second my sub was driven away by the escorts. Damage to the sub overall was light, and with KB around I decided to keep her at sea in hopes I get another shot at a CV.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 63,111

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
DD Shinonome
DD Akatsuki
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Shigure
DD Kasumi
DD Arare

Allied Ships
SS S-45, hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 63,111

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
DD Shinonome
DD Akatsuki
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Shigure
DD Kasumi
DD Arare

Allied Ships
SS S-45, hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Near Sumatra British sub SS Trusty cruises into the port hex of Bankha and slams two fish into a Japanese AP that was unloading troops at the base. Unfortunately it looks like it was able to finish unloading its cargo as no casualties were reported.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bankha at 20,47

Japanese Ships
AP Giyu Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Kogyoku Maru
PG Hirotama Maru
PG Eifuku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Trusty
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soerabaja and Manila along with several land units at each base get hit from the air today. My bombers hit the Japanese para regiment near Taung Gyi again.

Near Noumea my A-29 bombers launch two ineffectual strikes at the task forces northwest of Koumac, With 97 zeroes over the fleets, my boys didn’t stand a chance and most bombers were shot down. The few that made it through the CAP failed to score any hits.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 97

Allied aircraft
A-29 Hudson x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-29 Hudson: 6 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 1000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 97

Allied aircraft
A-29 Hudson x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-29 Hudson: 22 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
DD Hatakaze
AP Toko Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 1000 feet
2 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 1000 feet
3 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 1000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KB then launches a strike against my large transport fleet at Noumea. Lots of ships are damaged and 3 sink before the turn ends. Luckily all air groups had unloaded before the strike, so none are lost, but some casualties are caused, so some ships carrying troops were hit and perhaps sunk.

Again a large allied fleet in good shape is attacked and no real AAA damage is caused to the attackers. The attack was too long to watch in the replay, but I’m assuming the one damaged Val was caused by a warship.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
D3A2 Val x 66
B5N2 Kate x 100

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK American Press, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kwangtung, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Empire Liberty, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Crosby, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Crane
AK Harry Luckenbach
DD Kilty
AK Puerto Rican
AK Empire Rainbow
AK Exmoor, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Mormacstar, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK American, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Hartebeeste
AK Empire Ortolan, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nevadan, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kansan, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Georgian, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK S.C.T. Todd, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Exceller, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Mormachawk, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AK Irenee Du Pont, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Kohala
AK Excelsior, Bomb hits 2, on fire
TK Montebello, Bomb hits 4, on fire
AK Californian, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Sarpedon, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Julia Luckenbach, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Sagadahoc, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
243 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




This large fleet was formed a long time ago before I decided to only create small 15 ship task forces. With KB about I should have divided it up sooner, but there weren’t enough escorts with the fleet to give good sub protection, and until last turn I wasn’t thinking about KB as the main threat so much as I was subs.

With 97 zeroes over the fleet and another 53 on escort, I’m assuming the Zuikaku is back with KB. My opponent revealed to me it hadn’t been sunk a week or so ago game time and I forgot to mention it here.

With KB so close and within easy intercept range of my fleet at Noumea, I’ve decided to simply stay at port and continue unloading. There is about 55,000 supplies and 30,000 fuel left on the fleet and I may as well get as much unloaded as I can. KB will be able to destroy the fleet if it goes to sea before it can reach any other ports, so I may as well stick it out and hope the P-39’s are repaired fast to give the fleet at least some CAP.

I’ve divided the fleet into 5 smaller task forces in hopes some are not spotted. There are less than 10 P-39’s operational, but perhaps they’ll interfere with KB’s search planes enough to allow some of the task forces to remain undetected.

Japanese Nell’s hit Thursday Island again today and damage at the base is light. Allied Hudson’s hit Cairns today and cause light damage to the base.

On Sumatra Japan launches an attack at Bankha and captures the base sending the small Dutch garrison reeling.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bankha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3535 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54

Defending force 1479 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 17

Japanese max assault: 52 - adjusted assault: 42

Allied max defense: 13 - adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bankha base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
77 casualties reported


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My deliberate attack goes in at La Foa and my guys get a 3-1. Not bad, but not great either. I retake the base but fail to expel the S.S.D. unit. Since Japan appears to be set to land at Koumac, I’ve decided to stick around and have ordered another attack this turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at La Foa

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18034 troops, 203 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 413

Defending force 8262 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 120

Allied max assault: 357 - adjusted assault: 255

Japanese max defense: 103 - adjusted defense: 83

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE La Foa base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
168 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
204 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m really worried about how much strength Japan is about to land. I think I can maintain air superiority now that I’ve got close to 80 bulldozers ashore. I doubt Japan can cause enough damage to my airbase to close it now with so much engineer power ashore.

So once KB leaves the area I’ll begin pounding his troops and base and hopefully will be able to wear down whatever troops he is going to land.

I don’t know, can 100 or so allied medium bombers cause enough damage to division sized units to keep them from capturing Noumea should he land one or two divisions?

Jim





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 12/13/2007 10:11:07 PM >


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(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 194
RE: 14 Apr. 42 - 12/14/2007 12:50:09 AM   
VSWG


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

ORIGINAL: Jim D Burns

AK Mormacstar, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Exceller, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Excelsior, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Sarpedon, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Try to save these ships, if you can. They are fast AKs that should be used as high speed transports. Either use them to transport planes, or pair them up with APs and let them carry important units.

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Post #: 195
RE: 14 Apr. 42 - 12/14/2007 3:04:38 AM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
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quote:

ORIGINAL: VSWG
Try to save these ships, if you can.


Hi VSWG,

I think the only chance any of these ships have of surviving is for me to build up to a level 3 port ASAP so I can stuff them in port. Running is too dangerous because Japan will probably move to be within torpedo range this turn and anything that tries to flee will get caught in the open like the fleet that got hammered in the Tasman Sea.

I’ve switched the engineers over to port building only, but it may take 2 or 3 days or perhaps even longer to get to level 3. Once it hits 3 I’ll put all the damaged ships inside and try to run with the non-damaged ships if KB is still to the north. By then of course there probably won’t be any non-damaged ships.

I wish I had spent more time the turn before last thinking about the task force that was heading south. I had simply assumed it was an evacuation force and didn’t give it much thought, but when my bombers failed to launch I should have focused my attention on it and realized it had air cover.

Perhaps it was late and I was tired, I don’t know. Whatever the reason I’m going to lose a lot of shipping because of my bonehead mistake. I’m just glad all my air units made it ashore. Had Japan arrived one turn sooner…

Jim



_____________________________


(in reply to VSWG)
Post #: 196
15 Apr. 42 - 12/14/2007 12:01:33 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
15 Apr. 42

Japan starts the turn off with a naval bombardment at Townsville. Damage to the base is light and 2 aircraft are destroyed on the ground. Allied recon never spotted this task force and didn’t spot it after this attack either.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 46,105


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Maya
CA Takao

Allied Ships
AVD William B. Preston, Shell hits 1


Allied ground losses:
543 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I may have to base all my planes at Charter Towers if his navy can get this close and then escape without ever being seen.

The Chinese airforce finally hits something at Hanoi. I accidently set them to attack the manpower centers instead of the heavy industry, and 75 fires were started. I’ve ordered an attack on the HI to see if they can do some damage down at 6,000 feet.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hanoi , at 36,37


Allied aircraft
IL-4c x 9


Allied aircraft losses
IL-4c: 1 damaged

Manpower hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soerabaja and Manila along with several land units at each base get hit from the air today.

Allied Hudson’s hit Cairns today and cause moderate damage to the base.

It turns out it was a mistake not to flee from Noumea. I figured my opponent would move his CV’s south of Noumea in an attempt to cut off any retreat from the base, but instead he remained to the northeast. Had I ran away last turn my fleets would have gotten out of air range for the most part.

As things turned out, damage was massive. In all KB flew 6 airstrikes and another 15 allied ships sank this turn. Even if Japan doesn’t attack a single ship more, I expect to lose at least another 10-15 ships due to massive damage.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
B5N2 Kate x 38
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Dent
AK Boreas
AK Coldbrook
AK Kailua
AK Exceller, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Liberty Glo, Torpedo hits 1
AK Kohala
AK Yukon

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
D3A2 Val x 84
B5N2 Kate x 87

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra: 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
TK Richmond, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK West Shipper, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Prusa, Bomb hits 1
AK Harry Luckenbach
DD Kilty, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Challenger, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Boggs, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Rainbow, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Autolycus, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mobile City, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Willimoto, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK Larry Doheny, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Selwyn, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Missourian, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Explorer, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
B5N2 Kate x 1

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AK Mormacgull

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
D3A2 Val x 17

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged


Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Pelican, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Robin, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
D3A2 Val x 13

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK American Press, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nevadan, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Ortolan, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A2 Val x 43
B5N2 Kate x 84

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged


Allied Ships
AK Sagadahoc, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Mormacland, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Californian, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dent, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Heath, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Boreas, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Puerto Rican, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Kailua, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Exceller, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Liberty Glo, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yukon, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kohala
AK Port Montreal, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Dakotan, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Coldbrook, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
<snip>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I divided the remaining ships up into 4 task forces based on max speed and ordered them all to flee south. I’ll be lucky if I can save 10 ships total, once he sees me flee, he can easily pursue, but what choice do I have? Damage to the fleets from all KB’s air strikes is simply too massive to remain at Noumea.

The Japanese transport group seen with KB these past few turns has moved northeast. Has he given up on trying to land more troops?

One bright spot for the allies this turn, my deliberate attack goes in at La Foa and the allies achieve 29-1 odds! Looks like supplies are dried up for the South Seas Det.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at La Foa

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17651 troops, 195 guns, 173 vehicles, Assault Value = 390

Defending force 7880 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 108

Allied max assault: 305 - adjusted assault: 437

Japanese max defense: 87 - adjusted defense: 15

Allied assault odds: 29 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
242 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
101 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’ll continue to conduct deliberate attacks on this unit to smash it I hope. I know Japanese troops never surrender, so I don’t want to launch shock attacks as that won’t really speed up its demise and will just cause my guys more disruptions.

Jim


_____________________________


(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 197
16 Apr. 42 - 12/14/2007 8:56:51 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
16 Apr. 42

Manila and several units at Manila get hit from the air today. Allied bombers hit Cairns and Cooktown. Damage to Cairns is light, but Cooktown gets hammered and 2 zeroes are destroyed on the ground.

At Thursday Island my opponents small invasion force launches a deliberate attack and is repulsed. Looks like my opponent needs to adjust his expectations of his unit’s abilities now that his invasion bonus is gone.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Thursday Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 927 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Defending force 1862 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23

Japanese max assault: 25 - adjusted assault: 10

Allied max defense: 23 - adjusted defense: 97

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Another deliberate attack at La Foa goes in and the allies only achieve a 16-1 today. The odds are going in the wrong direction.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at La Foa

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17491 troops, 192 guns, 170 vehicles, Assault Value = 383

Defending force 7556 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 89

Allied max assault: 324 - adjusted assault: 286

Japanese max defense: 64 - adjusted defense: 17

Allied assault odds: 16 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
209 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A quick inspection of my units shows the independent company is almost totally disabled and the Americal Division needs some rest as well. I’ve ordered both units to return to Noumea to rest under its non-malarial umbrella. The armored battalion shall remain in hex to hold the La Foa base hex, since it’s still in decent shape.

Wouldn’t you know it, the turn I move my task forces away from Noumea the level 3 port gets finished and is now 34% of the way to completing level 4. You’ve got to love those bulldozers. I’ve ordered the two fleets with the heaviest damage to return to Noumea to enter port and try to repair their massive flooding damage.

The other two task forces shall continue on to Auckland. 3 more ships sank this turn due to previous damage. KB moved further north and ended the turn 7 hexes north of Noumea, so no new attacks were launched on my ships since they were all at least 2 hexes south of Noumea.

The Japanese transport task force continues to move away to the north, but allied recon spotted a new transport task force near Rossel Island heading southeast. Hopefully my air units will be fully repaired by the time this task force nears Noumea and I can actually do some damage this time.

With KB avoiding getting close to the base due I’m sure to his Intel showing almost 200 planes there, I’d like these planes to actually have some teeth. With over 300 air support at the base, I have no idea why repairs are agonizingly slow. All three fighter squadrons still had less than 10 fighters repaired each and most bomber squadrons have less than half their planes ready.

Jim





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 12/14/2007 9:17:09 PM >


_____________________________


(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 198
RE: 16 Apr. 42 - 12/14/2007 11:25:33 PM   
BlackSunshine


Posts: 366
Joined: 11/22/2002
Status: offline
Not much going on over on the western front (India, etc). What sort of force strength are you amassing there? By now you should have a sizeable amount of reinforcements trickling in.

Any thoughts to applying pressure in that area?

(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 199
RE: 16 Apr. 42 - 12/15/2007 12:33:04 AM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BlackSunshine
Any thoughts to applying pressure in that area?


Hi BlackSunshine,

The Japanese Singapore campaign just ended, so I assume he’ll either come overland into Burma or he’ll mount an offensive against Ceylon or India. With his invasion bonus gone, I assume he’ll come overland, but until he commits himself in strength, I don’t want to get myself tied to an offensive move just yet. Especially since it’s so hard to extricate yourself from Burma should he outflank the offensive by landing in India.

I do have a nice British Corps assembled with 2 infantry divisions and an armor brigade in southern India I could use for an offensive move. But for now they’re set to react to any landings that may materialize.

Japan has the four divisions from Singapore and soon the forces from Java and Manila he can bring to the party. Until he shows his hand I don’t want to get caught out of position if landings commence in southern India.

I have already sent the 7th AIF division to Australia and the 6th AIF will go as soon as there is sufficient fast transports available. With 500 AV in Townsville now and a full division scheduled to arrive there within a few weeks, I think I’ve stopped him from driving further south along the coast for now.

I hold total air superiority in northeastern Australia and with 64 B-26’s arriving in a week or so, I’ll then be able to keep his airfields closed down for good. Soon Rockhampton, Brisbane, and Sydney will all have full divisions defending them as well, so I’m pretty confident Australia can hold.

Unless he brings everything from Manila and Java that is. Then I’ll have to bring more troops from India and the US, or launch a large offensive as you suggest. I just think it’s still a bit soon, I need to see where he’s going with all that land power of his first.

The one positive side effect of his moves into New Caledonia is it pretty much ties KB to that theatre for the foreseeable future. Once my bombers are up and flying, I can easily close Luganville and prevent any construction there. So any supply fleet he wants to bring in will require KB be on station for air cover.

If he keeps KB at sea for several months, I imagine his system damage will be pretty high. I may just seek out a CV battle in July if I can keep KB busy until then without a refit period. I should have all my CV’s together by then and they’ll be in good shape with their new radars as well. Heck I may even catch him trying to rotate a few of KB’s more damaged carriers back for refits and get an even fight if I’m lucky.

Jim


_____________________________


(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 200
17 Apr. 42 - 12/15/2007 8:35:55 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
17 Apr. 42

US sub SS Bass is hit with an ASW attack near Milne Bay and is hit hard. Damage is moderate and the sub is ordered to port to try and stop the flooding.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 56,97

Japanese Ships
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze

Allied Ships
SS Bass, hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japan hits Soerabaja and a unit at Manila from the air today. My boys hit both Cooktown and Cairns again today.

On Sumatra Japan begins its drive north and attacks the remnants from the Bankha base along the rail line leading north. I’ve decided to stay and fight for every single hex along the rail line since the Singapore evacuees need as much time as possible to be air lifted out to Port Blair.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 21,46

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3548 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 55

Defending force 721 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Japanese max assault: 54 - adjusted assault: 35

Allied max defense: 2 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 35 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Noumea my damaged ships returned to port after 2 more sank from previous damage. Progress to level 4 is 84% completed, so the base should have a level 4 port next turn.

Here’s a screenshot of all the damaged ships in port. As you can see, most probably don’t have any chance to recover.





KB is now 11 hexes to the north. I’ve lost track of the new transport task force coming south and the old one heading northeast as well.

Jim





Attachment (1)

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(in reply to BlackSunshine)
Post #: 201
18 Apr. 42 - 12/16/2007 11:09:04 AM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
18 Apr. 42

Near Sumatra British sub SS Rover slams a torpedo into a Japanese AK loaded with troops. The sub pays a price as the Japanese escorts score a solid hit. Damage to the sub is moderate and she’s ordered to return to Colombo for repairs.

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

Japanese Ships
AK Shinshu Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Jusan Maru
AP Gotake Maru
PG Kogyoku Maru
PG Hirotama Maru
PG Eifuku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Rover, hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

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

There is no indication of where this fleet was headed as it wasn’t spotted by my recon, so no trace of it was on map for me to observe during my turn. But due to the fact troops were loaded on an AK, it can’t be an invasion force because of our house rule prohibiting invasions from non-AP type vessels.

Chinese bombers attack Hanoi’s HI today but score no hits and only manage to fatigue themselves. I’ve ordered the bombers stood down for rest.

Manila and Soerabaja are both hit from the air today. Allied bombers hit Cooktown again today.

Not much else to report today, other than KB and 2 other fleets are now at Rennell Island. It appears KB is perhaps rendezvousing with more task forces at Rennell Island, the way the Japanese task forces rendezvoused northeast of Cooktown before the landings there.

Hopefully allied recon can keep track of these task forces if they stay at Rennell Island. If they do stick around at Rennell Island over the next couple of turns, I’ll then be sure he’s coming south again in force very soon.

The independent company arrived back at Noumea this turn and the Americal Division should arrive tomorrow. If the KB and other task forces stay loitering at Rennell Island, I’ll forgo moving to attack the South Seas Det. again until I see where they go.

With the level 4 port completed at Noumea this turn, I’ve turned base expansion back on for all three facilities this turn. I want to see if construction for all three moves at a good pace, if not, I’ll turn off all but fort construction. Hopefully I can get some decent forts up before he brings any reinforcements to the island.

3 of the ships at Noumea sank this turn. Hopefully level 4 ports can do a little more to save the 15 ships left in port. If/when I get their flooding down, they’ll head for safer harbors, but not much flooding damage was repaired this turn by the level 3 port, so it isn’t looking good.

Jim



_____________________________


(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 202
19 Apr. 42 - 12/17/2007 5:37:19 AM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
19 Apr. 42

Japan bombs both Soerabaja and Manila today. The allies hit Cooktown and Cairns.

Japan has most if not all of his land units on Mindanao at Cagayan now and his land bombardment this turn gives me hope I can hold out for a while. I’d call it a draw at this point, I just hope my adjusted AV when he attacks doesn’t fall through the floor due to morale and experience rolls.


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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12105 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 356

Defending force 6776 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 189


Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not much else in the way of significant events to report this turn.

In his email to me my opponent perhaps inadvertently gave me a little more intelligence than he should have. I mentioned to him I was withdrawing some units to rest under the non-malarial umbrella of Noumea and here is his reply:


“That’s a nice convenient non-malarial hex in Noumea. A big help for you in the upcoming battle.”

What got my attention was the phrase “upcoming battle”. Instead of saying the current battle he refers to what is to come. This got me thinking about the overall strategic picture in New Caledonia.

At best I have perhaps 500 AV total on Noumea currently. Any US division sized reinforcements are months away on the reinforcement track still. I have some brigades I recently paid political points to release in Panama, but only one of these was destined to go to Noumea. The rest have been preparing for Midway, Palmyra, Canton Island, Pago Pago, etc.

Even if I do send all these US brigades, they are still months away as the shipping to bring them to the Pacific is still returning to port from its first supply runs. I guess the ships are about 1 month out of Panama. Then add another month to two months to get the troops to New Caledonia.

So the only large combat troops available to save Noumea right now that are anywhere close to the battle area is the 7th AIF Division in Australia. It had been destined to go to Rockhampton to reinforce the large brigade defending that base. But if Japan is diverting his Australia attack forces to take out Noumea (as I suspect he is), perhaps I should send a second division to the island.

I can probably hold out with what I have against a single division plus other troops. But if he’s sending at least 2 divisions I don’t think Noumea can hold. Forts are only at level 1 and probably can’t reach much higher than 4 before he lands. I’ll switch over to 100% fort construction next turn, but I’m starting to think I’m in real trouble at Noumea.

So what does everyone think? Can one more division make enough of a difference to hold Noumea for 3 months until additional troops can arrive in theatre, or am I simply throwing the troops away? Would an evacuation of Noumea to Auckland now while I can do it make more sense?

I know Japan can bring a lot more land combat power to the island than I can. I guess the question is will he do it? It’s only late April, so he has the time. The only real threat to him is the 200 planes I now have on the island. KB can easily shut these down though, so a quick powerful campaign can probably overwhelm me if he pulls it off right.

I’ve lost track of KB and the other task forces up north. I have 2 US CV’s arriving in the area in the next week or so from Indian waters. I had planned to send them on to Pearl, but I think I’ll keep them in New Zealand to perhaps use in a combined land-CV effort to repulse a large Japanese landing force. Assuming Japan doesn’t land before the CV’s even make it to New Zealand of course.

Man, as stressful as they are, these are the times I LOVE this game.

Jim



< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 12/18/2007 6:02:35 AM >


_____________________________


(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 203
RE: 19 Apr. 42 - 12/17/2007 5:33:15 PM   
Gen.Hoepner


Posts: 3645
Joined: 9/4/2001
From: italy
Status: offline
hi Jim,

I do not think he's going to bring more than 2 divisions at Noumea...will cost him probably the loss of the initiative in Oz...
However i'd say bring, if you feel safe enough, the AIF division to Noumea, even if i think that it would not be necessary... With enough supplies there and 200 planes a full US division should hold its ground against even 2 jap divisions

_____________________________

[image]http://yfrog.com/2m70331348022314716641664j [/image]

(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 204
RE: 19 Apr. 42 - 12/17/2007 7:34:32 PM   
BlackSunshine


Posts: 366
Joined: 11/22/2002
Status: offline
Im with GH on this.  Noumea is pretty critical to hold at this point and if he does send overwhelming force, he'll certainly not have the troops available for Australia.  Id put up a nice fight at this point.  Bring your subs to the area surrounding it, and try to get some shots in at the invasion force.  And yes, I would definately keep your CV close by.  Even if you lose them, you will make it very difficult for the invasion force.  If you have a nice BB taskforce nearby, see if you can get them far enough away to not be spotted, and yet still be able to react to the landings. 

Oz will take months to years to capture, but it will be very, very difficult to retake it without Noumea as a staging base.

(in reply to Gen.Hoepner)
Post #: 205
20 Apr. – 22 Apr. 42 - 12/18/2007 9:07:46 PM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
20 Apr. – 22 Apr. 42

G.H. and BlackSunshine,

Thanks for the comments, I have begun to get ready to ship the 7th AIF Division to Noumea. It is now about a day or two from Sydney and will await shipping from Melbourne to arrive before embarking for Noumea.

I decided I’ll send the unit in two chunks. I only have enough fast AP lift (speed 17 and 18 ships) to take a bit over half of the division each time. I don’t want to send it on slow AK’s and have it caught by KB making the transit. The fast AP’s will be exposed for a lot less time on the water, and can get away a lot faster if search air spots KB returning to the area.

I’ve been a bit negligent the past few days and haven’t had a chance to update my AAR. I’ll post the last three turns results in this post to bring things up to date.

Nothing of significance happened on the 20th except Japan launched two ground attacks, one at Soerabaja and the other at Medan.

Soerabaja held but lost a fort level, casualties were heavy and disruption high. Medan held and caused more casualties to Japan than they took.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Soerabaja

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 66106 troops, 281 guns, 168 vehicles, Assault Value = 1220

Defending force 44343 troops, 221 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 604

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese max assault: 1176 - adjusted assault: 688

Allied max defense: 612 - adjusted defense: 511

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
2706 casualties reported
Guns lost 43
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
3579 casualties reported
Guns lost 38
Vehicles lost 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Medan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3671 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 57

Defending force 2466 troops, 12 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Japanese max assault: 55 - adjusted assault: 22

Allied max defense: 29 - adjusted defense: 29

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
142 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 21st was another routine day, and only another attack on Soerabaja was a non-routine event.

The base again held, but again lost another fort level. Casualties were again high, but not as high as on the 20th.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Soerabaja

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 63496 troops, 224 guns, 165 vehicles, Assault Value = 1128

Defending force 40869 troops, 164 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 531

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese max assault: 964 - adjusted assault: 404

Allied max defense: 494 - adjusted defense: 629

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
1993 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
2170 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 22nd was a wholly routine day with just a land bombardment at Soerabaja. If I had to guess, I’d say Soerabaja will probably fall in a week or two. The allied units simply don’t have the experience or morale to perform very well at all here. So once Japan recovers his disruption Soerabaja is probably a goner.

As a routine Japan has bombed Manila, Soerabaja and lots of stuff in China every day. There are also three or four regular land bombardments each turn as well.

This turn my B-26’s started arriving in Charter Towers, so my bombing of the Japanese airbases at Cooktown and Cairns should see some good results soon. I also hope to cause a lot of supply losses to eventually force him to either withdraw or risk large resupply fleets.

Jim


< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 1/20/2008 1:30:30 AM >


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Post #: 206
23 Apr. 42 - 12/19/2007 7:50:59 AM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline
23 Apr. 42

After several slow turns, things are beginning to pick up again.

Japan lands two SNLF units at Thursday Island to augment his stalled NLF unit that failed to take the base on its own, and my CD guns dish out some damage.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Thursday Island, 49,91, firing at TF 149
TF 149 troops unloading over beach at Thursday Island, 49,91


64 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Arashi, Shell hits 1
AP Heiyo Maru, Shell hits 3

Japanese ground losses:
242 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Thursday Island, 49,91, firing at TF 149
TF 149 troops unloading over beach at Thursday Island, 49,91


55 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Taizan Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Sanae, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later in the turn the allied land bombardment tells the tale. No way can my tiny garrison hold against this large a force. Hopefully one or more ships hit by the CD guns will sink (doubtful) and I’ll get at least a minor victory here.

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Ground combat at Thursday Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1842 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23

Defending force 4849 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 140
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Japan hits Soerabaja and Manila from the air. Manila has been completely out of supplies for several days now, but still no Japanese land attack has materialized, just these daily routine air bombardments.

Allied bombers hit Cairns today. With the arrival of the B-26’s, I rebased all my Hudson bombers to Alice Springs today. They have the range to reach Daily Waters and I want to start exacting a price from Japan in central Australia. Besides they lack sufficient replacement rates to make up for any losses future Japanese naval bombardments of Townsville may cause, so I wanted to get them inland where their range can keep them safe from most threats.

Also with 2 Japanese units reported at Daily Waters now, I assume one is a baseforce unit, and I don’t want to let Japan build an airbase within fighter range of my units at Tenant Creek and Alice Springs. So regular raids on Daily Waters shall begin as soon as the Hudson’s recover from their fatigue.

All my pontificating about plans and strategies at Noumea are for naught. Japan has returned already and the allies simply do not have time to do anything other than hope the current force levels are sufficient to hold the island. With at least two transport fleets just a few hexes north of Koumac, I expect Japan to begin landing new forces next turn.

Allied bombers launch a single air strike this turn on the transport task force and only scored one hit. The thing that got my attention was no casualties were reported even though an AP was hit. Could this be an evacuation task force? Damage was light, so perhaps it was too light to even damage the unit aboard the ship if there is one. I’ll know for sure next turn if he is bringing more units to the island or not.

With KB so close, I’ve reduced the max mission range allowed for all my bombers to just 3 hexes. KB’s 90+ fighter CAP will slaughter my bombers, so I don’t want to launch any strikes at KB yet. First I want to hit the transport groups and cause as much pain to them as possible before going up against his KB CAP.

My 2 P-39 groups and 1 P-400 group have a max range of just 4 hexes, so I’ll not allow my bombers to fly unescorted raids. Also with his zeroes flying LRCAP over the transport task forces, my fighters should perform better vs. them due to their extra fatigue than vs. the low fatigue CAP directly over KB.

The Americal Division is still almost 1/3rd disabled, so I’ve decided to let the S.S.D. get away if he is bringing an evacuation task force. It’s simply too risky to leave Noumea virtually undefended to try and hammer the S.S.D. in a last ditch effort before it leaves the island.

I need as much AV as possible to defend Noumea with and if Japan is bringing another division or two, the Americal Division is in real danger of being destroyed in its current state, so I’ll leave it at Noumea to allow it to recover as many disablements as possible before any upcoming fight.

With several subs sighted at Noumea, I decided not to evacuate my shipping inside the port. I’ve already experienced what happens to damaged and unescorted ships by Japanese subs at Singapore when he sank almost 60 of my AK’s and TK’s shuttling supplies. Let KB launch port attacks if it wants to, my ships will have a better chance of survival in port than at sea getting picked off by his subs.

Also every turn Japan hits my port, is one less turn he hits my airfield, which will allow my bombers to keep hitting his transport groups.





Japan launches another deliberate attack on Soerabaja and achieves a 2-1 and reduces another fort level! Looks like the base will fall even before all the forts are reduced.

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Ground combat at Soerabaja

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 85735 troops, 292 guns, 165 vehicles, Assault Value = 1511

Defending force 39402 troops, 147 guns, 9 vehicles, Assault Value = 513

Japanese max assault: 1127 - adjusted assault: 775

Allied max defense: 474 - adjusted defense: 317

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
1273 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
2783 casualties reported
Guns lost 38
Vehicles lost 5
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I fully expect the next attack to capture the base. This will signify the end of any significant allied resistance left in the SRA.

With the historical surrender for the DEI occurring on 8 March 42, I’m happy with my DEI campaign overall. Though I had hoped Java could hold out a bit longer due to the addition of the US and Philippine troops on Java, I can’t complain about a defense that lasted over one and a half months longer than the historical defense did.

The question is was the expenditure of almost 900 political points worth the one month+ extension? With Japanese troops already ashore and well established in both northern and northeastern Australia, I’d have to say no.

I don’t think I slowed him down enough to justify leaving the Pacific so weak at this stage. Had I spent the points on 2 or 3 brigades from Panama, I’d have at least one additional brigade at Noumea right now, and Canton Island and Palmyra would also have more than just a marine defense battalion defending them.

While my opponent has shown little interest in striking into the Pacific yet, his delay doesn’t really matter due to my early expenditure of those political points. The above bases still won’t have any brigades for at least another 2-3 months, which leaves Japan plenty of time to redeploy his PI and DEI forces to take those bases before I can do much to stop him.

Had I gotten everything I paid to release onto Java instead of sending them to isolated bases like Tarakan and Manado, then perhaps Java could have held for another month or more. Had Java been able to hold until the end of May, in my opinion that would have justified the expenditure, since that would have allowed me time to make up for the delay in releasing troops for the Pacific theatre.

Of course the realistic feasibility of getting all the units I paid to release into Java at all is another story in itself and probably very doubtful. If I ever do contemplate spending so many political points on PI units again, getting them to Java and not worrying so much about the other SRA bases will be the intended goal.

Jim


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< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 12/19/2007 7:56:05 AM >


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Post #: 207
RE: 23 Apr. 42 - 12/19/2007 9:10:20 AM   
Gen.Hoepner


Posts: 3645
Joined: 9/4/2001
From: italy
Status: offline
Hi Jim,

Can i ask you why the americal div has so much disablement?

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(in reply to Jim D Burns)
Post #: 208
RE: 23 Apr. 42 - 12/19/2007 10:10:21 AM   
Jim D Burns


Posts: 4013
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Salida, CA.
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gen.Hoepner
Can i ask you why the americal div has so much disablement?



I think it arrived in game that way (can’t remember for sure) and I loaded it before it was able to repair disablements. There is another Southwest Pacific Command division in SF right now (32nd perhaps, not sure of name off the top of my head?) in a similar disabled state, and I'm torn about loading it before it repairs. It has about 50% disablements, so won’t be worth much until it repairs, so I’ll probably leave it in SF for now.

Jim


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Post #: 209
RE: 23 Apr. 42 - 12/19/2007 10:47:36 AM   
Gen.Hoepner


Posts: 3645
Joined: 9/4/2001
From: italy
Status: offline
Ah, that sounds clear now. I didn't understand how could a big unit be so disabled without having suffered any major defeat...
So it's like the 2nd USMC Div which arrives badly shaped...

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