RE: 1942-03-01

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RE: 1942-03-01 - 5/13/2011 8:57:27 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Engineers, yes. Engineer units, not so much. I brought whatever I could get out of Singapore that wasn't restricted and then whatever I could get from all over the DEI. Most of that is combat troops. The base forces were a mixed bag. I had four British naval base forces, but they had so little left in them that I just sent them out to India to rebuild instead of keeping them in place for basically nothing. I toyed with the idea of putting them on Cocos Island to build the airstrip, but between the four of them I don't think there was a single engineer left! Once Palembang was shut down hard their air support was useless.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 151

1942-03-02 - 5/13/2011 11:36:18 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Hot Pursuit!

1942-03-02

Soerakarta, Bima, and Shemya Island fell today. Padang resisted capture. Imperial troops have marched from Dili to Lautem.

The Empire is making good use of fast armored units to interfere with rail movement. With any luck that recon unit that moved into Meiktila will attack without knowing what railed in just before its arrival.

Here is a view of the situation.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 152

1942-03-03 - 5/14/2011 7:09:24 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Ambush!

1942-03-03

Toungoo, Soerabaja, Padang, and Toboali fell today. Lautem resisted capture, but won't last long.

In Burma the weather kept most Allied bombers grounded. The escaping army really could stand the Imperial armor being slowed by an aerial pounding, so let's hope they fly tomorrow.

Clark Field also resisted capture, and is holding strong.

quote:

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 50561 troops, 453 guns, 397 vehicles, Assault Value = 1655

Defending force 63336 troops, 731 guns, 346 vehicles, Assault Value = 1952

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1661

Allied adjusted defense: 2635

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
5801 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 145 disabled
Non Combat: 62 destroyed, 366 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Vehicles lost 179 (57 destroyed, 122 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1742 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 104 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 116 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
38th Division
48th Division
65th Brigade
16th Division
7th Tank Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Army
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
11th PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
31st Infantry Regiment
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
51st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
2nd/45th PS Inf Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
41st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
4th PA Constabulary Regiment
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
71st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
803rd Aviation Engineer Battalion
PAF Aviation
Cavite USN Base Force
202nd PA Construction Battalion
I Philippine Corps
Nichols Field AAF Base Force
301st Construction Battalion
Far East USAAF
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
Asiatic Fleet
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
1st USMC AA Battalion
Provisional GMC Grp
201st PA Construction Battalion
II Philippine Corps
1st PI Base Force
USAFFE
Clark Field AAF Base Force
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

During the latter part of February I got SigInt that some engineering unit was moving to Adak Island. Knowing the location of KB, I decided to see if Allied forces could intercept the convoy, as noted on the graphic. All four USN carriers, in two TFs, and a cruiser led surface action group proceeded to a point south of Adak Island but outside of likely search detection range. There is yet no Intel that search is operating out of Adak, but that seemed a prudent position.

After achieving and then waiting in position for a couple of days, carrier search spotted an Imperial submarine over a hundred NM NW of the force. Believing that probably the presence of carriers had been betrayed by a reciprocal sighting of the dive bomber, the force began to retire to Pearl Harbor. That belief was apparently mistaken.

On February 28, PBY search out of Dutch Harbor reported a CVL a couple of hundred NM S of Adak, heading W. But for retiring, the ambush force would have been in perfect intercept position. They were still close enough provided that the IJN was unaware of their presence. The ambush forces moved NW for one day, and contact was still moving as though unperturbed. Two IJN submarines were sighted by carrier search that day. The force then sprinted WNW, and acquired two unidentified Imperial TFs (now out of PBY range) with carrier search at about 320nm distant, position WSW of Attu Island. For March 3 the carrier TFs moved to close with the Imperial ships, with the surface force taking a patrol position in front of the carriers.

Dawn broke on the 3rd to see surface force charging into other, previously undetected enemy formations.

quote:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 148,52, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Tosho Maru, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Hoko Maru, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
xAK Mayachi Maru, Shell hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CA Louisville
CA Chicago
DD Sims
DD Hughes
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Mustin
DD Russell

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Allison L. crosses the 'T'
CA Louisville engages PB Tosho Maru at 20,000 yards
CA Chester engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 20,000 yards
CA Northampton engages PB Tosho Maru at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
PB Tosho Maru sunk by CA Chicago at 19,000 yards
CA Chicago engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
CA Northampton collides with DD Mustin at 148 , 52
CA Louisville engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA Chicago engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 13,000 yards
CA Louisville engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Mustin engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Hughes engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Mustin engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 11,000 yards
CA Chester engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Sims engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Chicago engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Mustin engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Mustin engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Hughes engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Hughes engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 10,000 yards
CA Chicago engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 10,000 yards
CA Chester engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Anderson engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Sims engages xAK Mayachi Maru at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
xAK Mayachi Maru sunk by CA Chicago at 13,000 yards
DD Hammann engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Chicago engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 12,000 yards
CA Louisville engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Russell engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Mustin engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Northampton engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Russell engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Sims engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Mustin engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Russell engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Mustin engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Russell engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Anderson engages xAKL Hoko Maru at 11,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Petropavlovsk at 144,53, Range 16,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Asagao, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AO Naruto, Shell hits 30, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CA Louisville
CA Chicago
DD Sims
DD Hughes
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Mustin, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DD Russell

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 16,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 16,000 yards
Allison L. crosses the 'T'
DD Asagao engages DD Russell at 16,000 yards
DD Asagao engages DD Mustin at 16,000 yards
DD Anderson engages AO Naruto at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
DD Asagao engages DD Mustin at 13,000 yards
CA Louisville engages AO Naruto at 13,000 yards
CA Chester engages AO Naruto at 13,000 yards
CA Northampton engages AO Naruto at 13,000 yards
DD Russell engages DD Asagao at 13,000 yards
DD Asagao engages DD Hammann at 13,000 yards
DD Hughes engages DD Asagao at 13,000 yards
DD Asagao engages DD Sims at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CA Chicago engages DD Asagao at 9,000 yards
DD Mustin engages AO Naruto at 9,000 yards
CA Chester engages AO Naruto at 9,000 yards
DD Asagao engages DD Sims at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Asagao engages DD Anderson at 7,000 yards
CA Louisville engages AO Naruto at 7,000 yards
CA Chester engages AO Naruto at 7,000 yards
CA Northampton engages AO Naruto at 7,000 yards
DD Russell engages AO Naruto at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Anderson engages DD Asagao at 10,000 yards
CA Northampton engages AO Naruto at 10,000 yards
DD Asagao sunk by DD Hammann at 10,000 yards
DD Anderson engages AO Naruto at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
DD Mustin engages AO Naruto at 13,000 yards
DD Russell engages AO Naruto at 13,000 yards
DD Hughes engages AO Naruto at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
DD Russell engages AO Naruto at 14,000 yards
DD Hammann engages AO Naruto at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
DD Mustin engages AO Naruto at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Anderson engages AO Naruto at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CA Chicago engages AO Naruto at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Hammann engages AO Naruto at 11,000 yards
CA Northampton engages AO Naruto at 11,000 yards
DD Hammann engages AO Naruto at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
DD Mustin engages AO Naruto at 15,000 yards
CA Northampton engages AO Naruto at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
AO Naruto sunk by CA Chicago at 19,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

It turns out there were more enemy TFs present than had been found the day before. There followed a full on carrier battle, fought under a big weight advantage for the USN.

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 150,55

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 48 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
B5N1 Kate x 14
D3A1 Val x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 37500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 148,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 145 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 57 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 38
SBD-2 Dauntless x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
TBD-1 Devastator x 30

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kagero
CS Chitose, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x F4F-3 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
3 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
13 x F4F-3 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Shoho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Ryujo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 148,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19
TBD-1 Devastator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 150,55

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 115 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 81 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 111 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 148,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Ryujo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 148,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kagero
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Ryujo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Shoho

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 148,51

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
TBD-1 Devastator x 14

Allied aircraft losses
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Isokaze
xAKL Kizugawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kagero
xAK Rozan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Kizugawa Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CS Chitose
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Rozan Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 149,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
SBD-2 Dauntless x 14

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 148,51

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Rozan Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
PB Kaimyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Kizugawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Rozan Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Kaimyo Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Kizugawa Maru

Destroyer Mustin is in bad shape and will try to make Dutch Harbor in company of a sibling. The ambush force will adjust position for tomorrow and try to make certain all Imperial carriers are finished before departing.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 153

RE: 1942-03-03 - 5/14/2011 9:28:37 AM

LoBaron

Posts: 4776
Joined: 1/26/2003
From: Vienna, Austria
Status: offline

Good move!

Looks like you just put an end to any Japanese Aleuthian adventures lacking KB protection.

_____________________________

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 154

1942-03-04 - 5/14/2011 8:08:39 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Consolidation

1942-03-04

Memboro fell today. Lautem held again, and the attackers are fatigued.

The ambush force found and dispatched CA Chikuma (Heavy Damage, Heavy Fires) and DD Kagero (sunk). Both were handled by the surface force, with carrier air flying cover and fixing no additional enemies with search. Imperial ships were seen fleeing north past Medney Island and Bering Island, possibly violating Soviet territorial waters. Stalin has yet to respond to messages regarding the matter. The ambush force is retiring to Pearl Harbor. Getting deeper into unscouted areas when powerful Imperial surface forces could be moving into an also unscouted flank and line of withdrawal is too risky at this point. Indeed, if the force goes deep enough even KB could intervene with an extended high speed run.

The graphic shows an overview, which I think puts the distances and proximities involved in the ambush into clear perspective.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to LoBaron)

Post #: 155

RE: 1942-03-03 - 5/14/2011 9:54:07 PM

Capt. Harlock

Posts: 5358
Joined: 9/15/2001
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline

Beautiful work, both on the surface and in the air.

(It's a little surprising that air battle would be so effective in that location in early March.) Any choice words from your opponent?

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 156

RE: 1942-03-03 - 5/14/2011 10:12:15 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Just that the turn (before) really sucked. I can empathize with that - been there. We're going to exchange some ideas on intercepts.

I've forgotten the winter months schedule, but I'm thinking it might end with February. I think you still get excess wear and tear up there year-round?

Alas, Mustin's fires increased from mid-60s to mid-80s the day after combat so she will probably remain on station, so to speak.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 157

1942-03-05 - 5/14/2011 11:37:33 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Mustin Sinks

1942-03-05

Banjoewangi fell today and Huang-chuan was liberated. KB's whereabouts are unknown for about the past 3 days. The last B-17 on Java finally was made flight-worthy and made it to Australia.

The Allied army in Burma pushed back the IJA 56th Recon Regiment at 49 to 1 odds. The withdrawal continues, although so does the pursuit. At this point the Allies are staying ahead of the pursuit but there is little margin.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 158

1942-03-06 - 5/15/2011 3:29:13 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Retirement

1942-03-06

Pare Pare fell today. It appears that more Imperial troops are marching from Dili to Lautem. KB's location is still unfixed. I somehow messed up movement orders in Burma for two base forces, which might cause them to be caught and smashed (but maybe not). One month left on the Imperial amphibious bonus.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 159

RE: 1942-03-06 - 5/15/2011 6:15:49 AM

aprezto

Posts: 824
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Wow - fantastic. Another despatchment of mini-KB. It's becoming a bit of a habit!!

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Post #: 160

RE: 1942-03-06 - 5/15/2011 11:17:09 AM

InHarmsWay

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Yes, I think Witpqs is making a habit of catching the Mini KB. Looking over the "Aleutian Ambush" it was remarkably similar to the little fiasco that Admiral Wa and I suffered at the hands of you both a while back! Losing or at least crippling the Mini KB early really can dent Japanese expansion plans or at least allow the Allies to be more aggressive.

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Post #: 161

1942-03-07 - 5/15/2011 7:06:49 PM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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Little Bug

1942-03-07

Lahat, Semarang, Vanimo, Huai Yan, and Sawahloento fell today. What I thought was me messing up orders is really some kind of movement bug, so I'll report that. Meanwhile, because of that two base forces have been caught at Magwe and will likely be mauled. A minor issue.

SigInt shows the 21st Ind.Mixed Brigade planning for an attack on Katherine. Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions indicate that KB might be at Truk. I have a Hudson group at Cairns ordered to reconnoiter Normanton. They're simultaneously training in Recon as there are no trained recon groups currently in Australia. So far, in all these days they have managed the feat once, and not recently. Guderian's panzers could be there for all I know.

Palembang "should be" over 800 AV by now with repairs and replacements, but bombing has it down to 755. Very effective. I figured with swamp terrain (x3) that bombing would be less deadly. Forts are only level 1. Java is being rolled up.

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Post #: 162

1942-03-08 - 5/15/2011 9:28:45 PM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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The Mouse That Roared

1942-03-08

Boeton, Huang-chuan fell today. Magwe held, but more Imperial forces arrived and the two base forces have too far to go. They will be mauled tomorrow. The movement glitch was not what I thought. I researched old saves and I did neglect to give the order on prior turns. I did, however give orders for them to move on the same turn that enemy units entered the hex. As movement is simultaneous, I think they should have moved. Of course, it might be too much for the game engine to handle, so this might just be the way it works. I've sent a report to Michael in case he decides something should be done (which will not affect the present situation, BTW).

Some airfields on Java are operational but out of range of targets. Palembang airfield repaired just enough, even with sustained bombings, to launch offensive missions. The most experienced Falcon squadron flew in from Java yesterday, but did not fly. Today they did and found unprotected prey.

quote:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Singkep at 49,87

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
CW-22 Falcon x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Hakka Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAKL Kiko Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x CW-22 Falcon bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb

Small Bombs + Small Ships = Big Damage!

Near Nanyang an IJA army attacked a much larger Chinese force. Perhaps this was owing to FOW in scouting, but whatever the cause it worked in the Allies' favor.

quote:

Ground combat at Tang-ho (86,46)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 55567 troops, 426 guns, 301 vehicles, Assault Value = 1819

Defending force 150203 troops, 652 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3934

Japanese adjusted assault: 743

Allied adjusted defense: 2085

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
4218 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 164 disabled
Non Combat: 34 destroyed, 295 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 26 disabled
Vehicles lost 73 (14 destroyed, 59 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2769 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 236 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 181 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
116th Division
15th Tank Regiment
15th Division
13th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
110th Division
32nd Division

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
O-Y-W Pol. Sect.
3rd Group Army
1st War Area
14th Group Army
21st Group Army
2nd Group Army
31st Group Army
Jingcha War Area
24th Group Army
36th Group Army

The Imperial army is withdrawing. So, taking a risk, the Chinese will shock attack tomorrow in conjunction with all Chinese Air Force bombers attacking. Cross your fingers...

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Post #: 163

RE: 1942-01-14 - 5/16/2011 3:13:26 AM

Mac Linehan

Posts: 1484
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From: Denver Colorado
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quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Nah. She couldn't fly any off and was sunk outright by the two additional torpedoes before reaching Koepang.

1941-01-14

Kuantan and Sandakan fell today. IJN carriers are nowhere to be seen. Either that sighting yesterday was a false alarm, or search missed them in the scattered rain and overcast throughout the Banda Sea and surrounding areas.

The wounded ships are doing OK, although I suppose Enterprise took on more systems damage, signified by this gruesome report.

quote:

Damage Control parties trapped in flooded compartment aboard CL Enterprise ...

Kendari held against another attack, but I believe that only 1 or 2 of the 5 units now present participated as the others must have arrived this turn, and could not have received orders to attack.

quote:

Ground combat at Kendari (70,106)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3278 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 188

Defending force 1282 troops, 14 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Japanese adjusted assault: 39

Allied adjusted defense: 23

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
214 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
1st Raiding Regiment
Sasebo 2nd SNLF
Sasebo 1st SNLF
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF

Defending units:
Kendari Garrison Battalion
2/2nd Ind Coy
Kendari Base Force

With no minuses for the attackers the entire force would not have been reduced to less than 25% AV. The next attack will take the base. Aircraft will leave and the Australian commando company will be flown out.

Imperial fighter sweeps over Moulmein were annoyingly effective, and enemy ships are seen SW of Lae. Bombing of Singkawang is pausing to rest the air crews. The Empire now has strike aircraft at Jahore Bahru, so bombing Singkawang will have less effect than before. B-17s will be relocated to Soerabaja and Koepang to commence bombing of Kendari once it falls.

witpqs -

Would you please explain the comment in bold; I think that I may have missed something.

Very good work - your PH area surface combat Fur Ball really inspired me to leave timidity behind and hit hard in my pbem.

Well done, Sir!

Mac

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Post #: 164

1942-03-09 - 5/16/2011 4:30:38 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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Northern China Victory - Dragons Change Sides Anyway

1942-03-09

Komodo and Magwe fell today. Donggala was invaded. The two base forces caught at Magwe were retreated with losses but they both survive, the trick now being to avoid getting hit again at Meiktila. Lautem held off the enemy again, giving worse than received. The attackers have such weight of numbers that such performance can't be repeated much longer.

While USN Finback had to struggle getting one torpedo to explode on xAKL Kosin Maru #2 and had to follow up with the deck gun, IJN I-10 easily torpedoed both ships in a fast Allied convoy. A 17 knot AKV and a 17 knot AP were both sunk on their way from Adelaide back to Cape Town. The free run is over, and all future convoys will be escorted. Those en route will be reinforced.

After yesterday's bombing runs I expected the heavens to open up and rain bombs on Palembang, but it didn't happen. Even Batavia made medium bomber strikes against shipping today, but they were repelled by Zero CAP from an unknown location.

The calculated risk taken in shock attacking near Nanyang after the Imperial troops' failed attack weakened them paid off.

quote:

Ground combat at Tang-ho (86,46)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 135160 troops, 652 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3772

Defending force 50721 troops, 426 guns, 282 vehicles, Assault Value = 1525

Allied adjusted assault: 2093

Japanese adjusted defense: 431

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
8796 casualties reported
Squads: 151 destroyed, 95 disabled
Non Combat: 428 destroyed, 106 disabled
Engineers: 18 destroyed, 26 disabled
Guns lost 44 (29 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 151 (130 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Units retreated 7
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
4221 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 212 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 270 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
90th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
O-Y-W Pol. Sect.
24th Group Army
21st Group Army
1st War Area
14th Group Army
2nd Group Army
Jingcha War Area
31st Group Army
3rd Group Army
36th Group Army

Defending units:
116th Division
12th Tank Regiment
13th Tank Regiment
110th Division
15th Division
15th Tank Regiment
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
32nd Division

One IJA unit was even destroyed, but I don't know which one. Considering the situation and the odds attained, the Empire got off fairly cheaply. Losses of squads, etc. could have been much more severe.

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Post #: 165

RE: 1942-01-14 - 5/16/2011 4:43:47 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Mac Linehan

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Nah. She couldn't fly any off and was sunk outright by the two additional torpedoes before reaching Koepang.

1941-01-14

Kuantan and Sandakan fell today. IJN carriers are nowhere to be seen. Either that sighting yesterday was a false alarm, or search missed them in the scattered rain and overcast throughout the Banda Sea and surrounding areas.

The wounded ships are doing OK, although I suppose Enterprise took on more systems damage, signified by this gruesome report.

quote:

Damage Control parties trapped in flooded compartment aboard CL Enterprise ...

Kendari held against another attack, but I believe that only 1 or 2 of the 5 units now present participated as the others must have arrived this turn, and could not have received orders to attack.

quote:

Ground combat at Kendari (70,106)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3278 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 188

Defending force 1282 troops, 14 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Japanese adjusted assault: 39

Allied adjusted defense: 23

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
214 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
1st Raiding Regiment
Sasebo 2nd SNLF
Sasebo 1st SNLF
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF

Defending units:
Kendari Garrison Battalion
2/2nd Ind Coy
Kendari Base Force

With no minuses for the attackers the entire force would not have been reduced to less than 25% AV. The next attack will take the base. Aircraft will leave and the Australian commando company will be flown out.

Imperial fighter sweeps over Moulmein were annoyingly effective, and enemy ships are seen SW of Lae. Bombing of Singkawang is pausing to rest the air crews. The Empire now has strike aircraft at Jahore Bahru, so bombing Singkawang will have less effect than before. B-17s will be relocated to Soerabaja and Koepang to commence bombing of Kendari once it falls.

witpqs -

Would you please explain the comment in bold; I think that I may have missed something.

Very good work - your PH area surface combat Fur Ball really inspired me to leave timidity behind and hit hard in my pbem.

Well done, Sir!

Mac

Wow - that was so long ago I really had to think about it! OK, looking at that Kendari attack, the combat modifiers were:

quote:

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

You see that the attackers had no modifiers at all, no pluses and no minuses.

Even so, the attackers saw their AV reduced from an unadjusted 188 to an adjusted 39. So they were cut down to less than 25% - but was that a real reduction? Sometimes you see attackers and/or defenders with their AV getting adjusted by large amounts. But in this case I believe something else happened, and I was in tune with it because I was watching the enemy units marching along turn after turn on their way to Kendari. I believe that there were only 1 or 2 enemy units in the Kendari hex when Treespider issued his attack orders during the orders phase. The other 3 (or 4) were still moving, still outside the Kendari hex.

Because movement happens before combat during turn resolution, those 3 (or 4) units finished their movement and made it into the Kendari hex, then combat was resolved. The way the game engine does things, it shows you the AV of all the units present when it shows the unadjusted AV. That "188" was the AV of all the units present, including the ones that just marched in that very turn. The adjusted AV of 39 was for the 1 or 2 units that Treespider had ordered to attack (because they were the only ones in the hex when he gave his orders). Of course the "39" was after being adjusted by all the random die rolls that the game uses.

Make sense? If not, I'll take another whack at it.

Glad your enjoying the show!

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Post #: 166

1942-03-10 - 5/16/2011 7:48:39 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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CV Hornet Arrives

1942-03-10

Donggala, Kuei-Chi, and Madjene fell today. Lautem held again.

The withdrawal under close pressure continues in Burma. Unfortunately the enemy will capture some supply dumps as goods simply move slower than the Empire's rate of advance owing to the daily supply limits in place. Tiny electronic trucks are streaming into China and the jungles of Northern Burma but there are simply too few of them.

It looks as though luck was with us at Magwe. The facilities look badly damaged.

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Post #: 167

1942-03-11 - 5/17/2011 12:14:48 AM

witpqs

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Timor Gone

1942-03-11

Batjan, Lautem, and Praboemoelih fell today. Endeh and Luganville were invaded. Ch'i-hsien was liberated. Meiktila withstood a shock attack, but it must have been a small units attacking ahead of the main body. The number of Imperial troops in Meiktila would have routed the entirety of the Allied forces in Burma. There are still Allied forces on Timor, but they now lack bases.

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Post #: 168

1942-03-12 - 5/17/2011 4:44:04 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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Burma Boogie

1942-03-12

Endeh and Meiktila fell today. Hsing-Tai was liberated. The boys made it out of Meiktila today, much to my surprise. Let's see if they can stay ahead of the pursuit!

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Post #: 169

1942-03-13 - 5/17/2011 7:52:51 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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Pacific in Peril

1942-03-13

Salajar, Luganville, and Fuchow fell today. How far into the Pacific will the Empire conquer?

SS Trusty elected not to fire torpedoes at YO J-3998. Yard Oilers are worthy targets, so I'll have a talk with the captain. SS Truant did put a torpedo into xAK Wakatu Maru near Phuket and was rewarded with seeing a few guns fall out through the hole. There are multiple subs around Pearl Harbor, as it seems that EHQ really wants to nail one of our carriers on its return to base. Too late, they arrived back today, only getting home that late due to routing around sub contacts. I-169 was attacked twice today, others in the past couple of days. Vigilance will be maintained, as Hornet is en route from the Canal Zone.

Aside from the usual Imperial aerial bombardments, the Dutch engaged in several unsuccessful attacks on ships around Southern Java. BTW, Imperial bombers are still notably absent in Burma.

Java is being methodically rolled up.

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Post #: 170

1942-03-14 - 5/17/2011 9:11:36 PM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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Probing Pearl

1942-03-14

Wetar and Ch'i-hsien fell today. Palopo was invaded. Waingapoe likely would have been invaded had the Imperial transport convoy (a Fast Transport TF?) not run into PT boats making the grinding trip to Australia.

Two Glens went down to ops losses, which I take it to mean they encountered the strong CAP over Pearl Harbor. Lexington, Saratoga, and several destroyers just began upgrades there.

< Message edited by witpqs -- 5/18/2011 10:38:35 PM >

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Post #: 171

RE: 1942-03-14 - 5/18/2011 8:23:25 PM

Capt. Harlock

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From: Los Angeles
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quote:

Waingapoe likely would have been invaded had the Imperial transport convoy (a Fast Transport TF?) run into PT boats making the grinding trip to Australia.

Did you actually mean, "had not the Imperial convoy run into PT boats"? was there a skirmish?

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Post #: 172

1942-03-15 - 5/18/2011 10:37:24 PM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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Yes - I meant "not".

I think that a single bullet was exchanged!

A Run on Bases

1942-03-15

Pamekasan, Hsing-Tai, Hua-fou, Cheribon, Tsao-hsien, Palopo fell today. Gorontalo was invaded. Terapo was liberated.

A very quite Day aside from bases that changed hands. Here is an overview.

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Post #: 173

1942-03-16 - 5/19/2011 3:11:23 AM

witpqs

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P-40B Beats Zero

1942-03-16

Gorontalo, Tjilatjap, and Makin fell today. Huai Yan was liberated. No real indication of the KB's whereabouts.

The Empire sent an 18-Zero strong sweep against Darwin, probably from Koepang. The full P-40B squadron there had been rotated to all Air skill 70+ trained pilots. Losses were 6 x Zeros to 2 x P-40B, or 7 x Zeros if an ops loss was from that battle. Neither USA pilot was injured. With any luck several decent IJN pilots were smoked.

This gets back to the performance of Allied fighters in Burma, including the P-39D. I did everything I reasonably could to stack the deck and put the odds in the Allies favor. For now we have that luxury. Later, when we start an offensive without adequate numbers of newer, superior fighters, arranging things in our favor will be more difficult.

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Post #: 174

1942-03-17 - 5/19/2011 8:23:06 PM

witpqs

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Mandalay Falls

1942-03-17

Mandalay fell today. One pilot was wounded at Darwin, but otherwise the ratio was about the same. In Burma only those two tardy base forces plus two Inf Bn warding them are still on the open plains. They are at Shwebo pounding up the road toward the northern jungles. Mercifully, the skies have been absent of Imperial bombers ever since that last, big, slaughter.

Meanwhile, Java is also being slowly squeezed from the south.

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Post #: 175

1942-03-18 - 5/19/2011 11:12:54 PM

witpqs

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Normanton Infested

1942-03-18

Roti, Nankung, and Kwangsin fell today. Nothing firm on KB, but very heavy radio traffic from Kwajalein.

Finally got a bombing run to go in against the Imperial outpost at Normanton, and the ground placards indicate that the 4th Ind Mixed Rgt is in residence. The USA 754 Tank Bn and the 2nd Aus Cav Bde just arrived so they are likely over matched in terms of being able to push the invaders out of the x3 swamp terrain. They should be able to hold their own while on defense an aerial assault begins. The 48th Australian Bn is already on the way from Cloncurry. In a couple of days B-17s will begin bombing from Alice Springs and Charters Towers.

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Post #: 176

RE: 1942-03-18 - 5/20/2011 1:14:05 AM

aprezto

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Which hex side did you flip moving in? They may just move out via the other and look to flank you. I suppose doing that and leaving an enemy behind them would not be so clever, but doing so, with enough to hold, may force you to retreat, rather than battling you out in turn.
I suppose what I'm saying is because the swamp's defence bonus could work both ways that they may just try and outmanoeuver you, and you can't really stop them due to them holding all hex sides in Normanton. You have nothing else following up (in near range).

Hmmm, just musing further, were they to attempt to use a flank manoeuver they may feel they denude themselves of Normanton defense too much, and hence may look to reinforce first. Maybe look for flanking and then setup a trap to hit potential reinforcements?

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Post #: 177

RE: 1942-03-18 - 5/20/2011 2:03:39 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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Our guys came up the road from the Townsville area, so that hex side flipped. As far as I can tell there is only the one unit, but with the dearth of aerial recon assets in Australia right now I do wonder if there is anything that went northeast. Cairns, Townsville, and Charters Towers have good garrisons, but Cooktown still has none. So, with only the one unit I'm not worried about getting trapped, but I am wary. The Bn coming down from Cloncurry will flip another hex side.

I have wondered if this is a diversion to pull enough forces to evict them far away from the coast; a toe hold for later use against the east coast; a port of entry for armor or other forces to act against the flank of a Northwestern Australia defense; or what? Although I have yet to get a strength reading, the independent mixed Bdes/Rgts tend to be really strong. So, I figure they mean to stay, whatever their larger purpose might be. I'll let them train my B-17 force.

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Post #: 178

1942-03-19 - 5/20/2011 7:36:43 PM

witpqs

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Will They Make It?

1942-03-19

Kalidjati fell today as the noose tightens hard on northern Java.

USN sub Pickerel was attacked by escorts from what appears to be a surface combat force in the Indian Ocean SW of Bali. Are they going somewhere or just on patrol?

In Burma the forces withdrawing from Shwebo are running as fast as they can...

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Post #: 179

RE: 1942-03-19 - 5/20/2011 8:18:57 PM

Andav

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I looked at that screen shot of Normanton and started to twitch slightly. A painful memory I should document in my AAR since the commander of those units nicely hemmed in my tourist. Purging is good for the soul right? I really need to catch up on my AAR. I was suppose to have time for that!

Wa

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Post #: 180