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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: The Air War tide turns

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RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/9/2012 2:45:36 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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******************************************* 02 AUG 42 *********************************************

I have shifted my air forces in Burma inland and the IJ continue to bomb Akyab hard. I am now suspecting that he plans to invade Akyab

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 36
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 28
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 2 damaged
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 6 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 36

One thing of note .. the Ki-48-IIa Lily's have either returned after replenishment with planes or are a new unit in the mix.

Our air attacks on Bhamo fialed to produce results and ..Damaged Blenheim IV from No.45 Sqn RAF does not return, pilot reported killed
This operation must cease ..

We had an ASW encouter right outside Columbo without combat .. the IJ contacted teh SS Whale with 4 SubChasers without combat.

The KB ground attacked teh reniments of the Port Morseby group ...otherwise a quiet turn

The Allies continue to move beans, bullets, and butts into postion.

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 541

Operation: Autumn Purple - 1/9/2012 3:54:29 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

When Blue and Red mix they form the color purple. We are about to mix it up with the IJ.

All the forces have been staged to accomplish the next steps in the Gilberts. Station the 7th USAAF with the VII Bomber & Fighter groups. There are 9 atolls, all at least 0(2) that are capable of 5(2). These atolls must be completely built out to station 15 bomber groups (12 planes each) & 14 fighter groups ( that will be 12 each in January '43) -- 26 air groups total. 312 Aircraft (meaning 312 Aviation support) plus patrol/recon units.

The mission begins with Tabiteuea at level 5 soon in two weeks to be level 6, Tarawa at level 3, and Maiana at level 2. SeaBees and a Naval attacment has began work on Albemama. This forms the anchor for fighter support. The other 5 atolls begin from scratch.

The bought out base forces from the ill-fated Phillpine campaign are now filled out and ready to station into the Gilberts. Six SeaBee Units are moving into the area along with EAB units. Thus first we have to land these forces and then they have to go to work.

In the meantime I suspect the IJ will not let this operation proceed without interdiction. The good news is that it takes place in deep waters closer to home that the Solomon's.

The enclosed attached map explains the stratgic significance of the Gilberts. From Kuria, which includes the ranges of Albemama, Maiana, and Tarawa we can reach the furthest extension of the Marshall's -- Roi-Namur with B-24 Bombers. From teh atolls around Tabiteuea we can provide heavy bomber support of out '43 invasion plans.

The main threat is not the KB that might tangle once or twice before depleting airframes, but BB SAG's able to hit and run at will supported by the KB. Our defense is mines, submarines, and PT boats supported by CVTF's. If a BB gets smacked and cannot run to safety we can launch strikes. That is our plan at least ..

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 542

RE: "Such as Simple Task" - 1/9/2012 10:10:00 PM

zuluhour

Posts: 5244
Joined: 1/20/2011
From: Maryland
Status: offline

In regards to your Avatar; One might suggest pasties, however I am not one to advocate the choice as I find it quite nice the way it is.

In regards to the Gilberts, I am impressed at your ability to forge offensive operations there at all. In August I was still reeling from defeat after defeat in SoPac and Burma. Just getting the man power to the forward areas with fuel and supply was a test in itself against a marauding and ghost- like Kido Butai.
As you know you will soon have the range of the B24 in some numbers also. Make him pay for his expansionism!

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 543

RE: "Such as Simple Task" - 1/9/2012 10:26:58 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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quote:

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

In regards to your Avatar; One might suggest pasties, however I am not one to advocate the choice as I find it quite nice the way it is.

In regards to the Gilberts, I am impressed at your ability to forge offensive operations there at all. In August I was still reeling from defeat after defeat in SoPac and Burma. Just getting the man power to the forward areas with fuel and supply was a test in itself against a marauding and ghost- like Kido Butai.
As you know you will soon have the range of the B24 in some numbers also. Make him pay for his expansionism!

As far as my Avitar it is a Vargas classic .. I thought the pair of aces fit my moniker

The Gilberts is interesting. It started in March when I smacked a mini-KB sinking 1 CVL and damaging 2 ... then a lot of waiting for the opporunity to land support troops in-between the BB bombardments. Then the KB ran into a submarine picket costing the Shokaku 4 months in the pen. After 3 more attacks without results and the KB went to supporting the Solomon's invasion. During this time we dropped off more forces and the right forces .. In the meantime one of the IJ subs ran into a mine at Tabiteruea and sank .. that made the IJ rethink sending in ships to bombard.

Now the problem is getting the 24th Division off Tarawa and replacing this with a Marine def attachment. This will take some work. One thing we did this turn was to drop off some more mines at Tabitetuea and surrounding areas. His submarines might find another one

This plan will take at least 3 months to execute as building up these atolls takes a lot time beyond level 2. Months ...

Burma is the next detail to discuss. Right now things are still organizing but once I have forces in position I will post a map.

What I want in late '42 mid '43 is the IJ engaged on multiple fronts deciding where to send stuff .. then we shall put the most amount of pressure where the IJ are not ...

I do think it is key to get as much of the IJ reserves engaged broadly and then committ our reserves. We shall see how this unfolds.

(in reply to zuluhour)

Post #: 544

Operation: Autumn Purple - 1/10/2012 1:28:48 AM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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*********************** 03 AUG 42 *****************************************

Everyday the clock keeps ticking when the Allied forces get more toys than they can imagine ...
For now we do what we can ,..

First .. the IJ are serious about Wenchow
17th Division is planning for an attack on Wenchow.

Over 2K AV is commited to this offense

There are mines and Brit '8' ASW DD patroling Nonouti and 136, 132

Sub attack near Nonouti at 136,132

Japanese Ships
SS I-10, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Stronghold
DD Tenedos

Lots of near misses .. but one good penetrating hit that will send this submarine to the pen . if they make it out of the minefield [yes I know 800 mines in open water ..]

This action I have to explain .. The commander of the SS Tautog fires all 10 torps and gets 10 hits! But not one explodes .. he then engages on the surface . the ships log wil be interesting ..

Submarine attack near Tokara Retto at 100,63

Japanese Ships
xAK Hukusei Maru, Shell hits 7

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, hits 2

xAK Hukusei Maru is sighted by SS Tautog
SS Tautog attacking on the surface
Willingham, J.H. decides to submerge SS Tautog due to damage

The Lilly's show up at Akyab again ..

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 36
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 28
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 3 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 6 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 18

One flak loss and maybe?? one more operations loss?

The skies over Buna remind the IJNAAF that the surrender signing ceromony is too soon comming

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5

Yet another zero in a desperate attempt to defend the empire is shot down by a B-17 .... soon there will be hundreds ...

The ground combat at Bhamo is getting more concerning and help will not arrive for another month maybe two ..

Ground combat at 63,45 (near Bhamo)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22923 troops, 286 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 618

Defending force 11277 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 216

Japanese adjusted assault: 340

Allied adjusted defense: 370

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Allied ground losses:
529 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

The IJ is wining the war of attirtion here with his tanks .. things will change with the next operations comming ...

< Message edited by Crackaces -- 1/10/2012 1:29:19 AM >

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 545

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/10/2012 3:37:13 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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Operation: Skilled Hook:

Below illistrates some detaild of our operation in Burma. I have noted that the IJ have moved units to Katha in response to many overflights of Imphal. I suspect the IJ are responding the the gathering of 2,000 AV.

In the meantime Bhamo will fall in the next 2 turns and the IJ will push on to Paoshan. My hope .. this becomes a "Stalingrad" once Skilled Hook is executed.

PHASE I:

As seen on the map, we have built up Imphal and Sinchar to level 5 bases soon to be level 6. Kohima, Dimpur,and Jorhat are level 2 bases and building. Originally these bases were to form the base of the operations. However, it is clear to me that Kalemyo is key to this operation and must be built to level 4 quickly. This is because of the LRCAP ranges over Sweebo & Mandalay. I beleive this must be done before leaving teh jungle hexes and executing Phase II.

In the meantime ground forces stage on the West side of the Irrawaddy River.

This Phase ends November 42.

PHASE II:

November 42 -- Once Kalemyo is at level 4 the ground forces will cross the Irrawaddy and seize Katha. The air forces will reduce Swebo's defenses. I consider this a key objective given the IJ repsonse before proceeding to Phase III.

PHASE III:

Air/ground campaign to seize Swebo. I suspect the IJ will have other plans and repsond. However, I beleive this is doable by Feb 43. Once we have the road to Myitkyina cut we will also move a force to seige this city. The object is to force the IJ to commit forces from attacking China to defending Burma.

In March tremendous pressure will begin to be put upon the IJ on four fronts. Burma, Oz, Solomon's and Marshall's. The IJ cannot be everywhere at once. Let's make them decide what to defend, or at best total indecision ...

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 546

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/10/2012 4:53:07 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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******************************************* 04 AUG 42 *************************************

An exteremly quiet turn. However two air attacks of note:

Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

The IJ are intent to invade at Cookstown I believe ....

Despite the very high number of damaged aircraft from flak the same 54-56 Lily's arrive over Akyab.

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 36
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 27
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 5 damaged
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 9 damaged

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 18

This will only change with operation "Skilled Hook" ...

more later ..

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 547

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/11/2012 2:22:18 AM

zuluhour

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From: Maryland
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Where did you send the two Australian divisions which arrived from Africa soon after the outbreak of hostilities? I bought one out for India, just curious. They currently hold Akyab. I do not think I needed to do this as IJ does not appear to have eyes on India. Another question: Are you using the transport AC for China or resupply in Burma? I'm to scared to take away any for Burma Ops as I fear a Chinese collapse would ensue. Newb nerves.

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Post #: 548

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/11/2012 4:12:14 AM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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quote:

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

Where did you send the two Australian divisions which arrived from Africa soon after the outbreak of hostilities? I bought one out for India, just curious. They currently hold Akyab. I do not think I needed to do this as IJ does not appear to have eyes on India. Another question: Are you using the transport AC for China or resupply in Burma? I'm to scared to take away any for Burma Ops as I fear a Chinese collapse would ensue. Newb nerves.

I sent those units to OZ. They are sitting at Tennant Creek right now with 5 armored units ready to pounce on Daily Waters. [Note: I know things will not get much further south .. I have been reading the Cptn Mandrake adventure in Oz ..] However, I do think this is the best use of these troops .. Burma ...

I am using 30 aircraft on daily basis to resupply the troops at Bhamo. They are holding back the world at this point and the IJA from Paoshun ..

But they will soon resupply the Burma forces once they begin their trek into Burma securing Swebo .. once we have these bases built supply will run into Burma .. then we take the road to linking China and Burma .. well at least that is the plan .. I am sure the IJA have other ideas ...

(in reply to zuluhour)

Post #: 549

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/12/2012 3:42:31 AM

zuluhour

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Joined: 1/20/2011
From: Maryland
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I am most likely wrong on this, but for us to reopen the Burma road, do we not have to take Rangoon back? I'll be watching your Ops in Burma closely as my situation is very similar except I've lost Paoshan and they have at least an entrenched division there and just to the west another unit. I have some small raiders treking through the jungle to cut their supply about the time I can unleash some decent air assets on him.

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 550

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/12/2012 3:47:39 AM

kfsgo

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Joined: 9/16/2010
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quote:

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

I am most likely wrong on this, but for us to reopen the Burma road, do we not have to take Rangoon back? I'll be watching your Ops in Burma closely as my situation is very similar except I've lost Paoshan and they have at least an entrenched division there and just to the west another unit. I have some small raiders treking through the jungle to cut their supply about the time I can unleash some decent air assets on him.

Rangoon is required for the 'Burma Road' as a game mechanic, ie 500 free supply at Chungking per day, to be active, but obviously if you can trace a valid supply path between the Yunnan bases and some place in India or Burma that's in a position to release supply then that'll take place just as it would anywhere else.

(in reply to zuluhour)

Post #: 551

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/12/2012 6:25:32 PM

Crackaces

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Sorry I have been delaying my post. A turn is ready but SMART error messages are indicating that a failure is imminent .. so I am "ghosting" my drive to a new hard drive and things are taking longer than expected.

In answering the question on Burma. It is not my intent to get established to Ragoon by '43, but I fully expect to endanger IJA supply to Paoshan and cause a complete shift in IJ strategy. In this choas I hope the IJ has to make decisions and every one of them has an opportunity to be the wrong one

Ok I hope to be back by Saturday

(in reply to kfsgo)

Post #: 552

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/14/2012 12:58:36 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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Ok Back in business .. Acronius is my friend

... Long Story .. but one of those franchise PC fix-it shops kept my laptop without doing anything for three days... So .. if you need something done . .. do it yourself ....Long night but got my ol' drive cloned to a new drive and I am back in business ..I just figured they had all the equipment to clone a drive already, and why invest the time and aggrevation that might be spent elsewhere? But .. WitP AE must go on I say!

********************************************* 05 AUG 42 ***************************************

A very quiet turn .. lots of night bombing

Night Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 5

No Japanese losses

Night Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground

Runway hits 2

In 28% moonlight and T-storms the IJA must have did that Hogan's Heros thing where everybody formed an arrow in Makin Island so these few Nell's could find Tarawa -- else I need to talk to the 24th Division Commander about OPSEC ...

No more outdoor movies for these boys ...

The IJNAAF come visting to Cookstown:

Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
When the dawn came the Lily's were down to 41 from 42 despite taking 6 - 8 planes damage from flak each turn. Repair and FOG .. but we get a feel that we are losing this contest ..

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 35
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 27
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 3 damaged
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 8 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

OK we get some recon ..

Morning Air attack on 1st Raiding Regiment, at 59,45 (Shwebo)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 20

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on 3rd Mortar Battalion, at 59,45 (Shwebo)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 25
Hudson IIIa x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Also attacking 14th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 54th Const Co ...
Also attacking 1st Raiding Regiment ...
Also attacking 3rd Mortar Battalion ...

Not much to defend Swebo ..

Ok more later ..

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 553

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/14/2012 1:07:04 PM

ny59giants

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Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline

I got Carbonite last year about this time. For less than $100 per year, it gives me peace of mind. I will lose very few files if me computer goes 'belly up.'

_____________________________

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Post #: 554

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/14/2012 2:37:39 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I got Carbonite last year about this time. For less than $100 per year, it gives me peace of mind. I will lose very few files if me computer goes 'belly up.'

Yep I use Carbonite .. but know that does not back up the operating system nor the program files ..and ... unless you specifically check off your SAVE folder in WitP AE [or archive folder] .... your combat reports for example none of these are not backed up by Carbonite unless you specifically check them off .. So Carbonite backs up stuff in your profile, and mydocuments, my pictures but does not backup programs for example ..and Carbonite will never backup the Master Boot record for example ...So if you have a complete drive failure and do not have an image backup somewhere you have to restore the operating system, programs, licenses etc from scratch .. like reinstall ..

Off site backups like Carbonite is exellent if you accidently delete files or to recover your data after you reinstall everything ..

So.. my problem was my hard drive was ready to fail and knew I needed to clone the operating system and programs to a new drive [reinstalling is a much bigger hassle believe me ..] .. it's actually pretty simple ..just takes a lot of time ..and infratructure..

1. Run chkdsk on the old drive to repair whatever sectors can be repaired
2. Buy a new drive that is at least as large if not 20% larger than your ol' drive [you can go smaller but more things can go wrong]
3. Buy a program like Acronis true image .. I am not a fan of 'Ghost' if you know what I mean ..

4. Create a bootable CD/DVD that boots up the cloning OS [not windows for example but a specific operating system that clones hard disks]
5. If you do not have a second drive bay you have to buy something like a USB external drive bay or a little accessory to access a hard drive via USB
6. Put the ol' drive in the second bay and put the new one in the main slot ..
7. Boot the cloning OS and select the right source and right destination [get the wrong order and you have wiped out your data ..]
8. It takes awhile... typical rates are 3/GBs per second but read errors can extend this time greatly. My 500 GB drive took 3 hours.
9. When it finishes Operating system including registry, programs, and all data are cloned to the new drive!

NOTE: My errors [thank the God's ] were in empty sectors that appeared during a low level full disk scan. But the disk started running slow which is a sign that read errors and silent retry's/remapping are happening in the background [which is why I ran the full scan]. I got a SMART error and a quick look at the log stored in the EPROM on the drive showed the read error rates exceeded threshold .. Warning Will Robinson!! and it was time to replace the drive while I still had data ..

Ok back to the war!

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 555

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/14/2012 6:04:40 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

********************************** 06 AUG 42 *********************************

The night brings some interesting submarine encouter ...

ASW attack near Biak at 93,106

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CL Abukuma
CL Kinu
DD Yamagumo
DD Makigumo
DD Asagiri
DD Nenohi
DD Kasumi
DD Arare

Allied Ships
SS O16

More stuff headed into the Marshal's / Gilberts?

The IJNAAF hits Cairns at night long range ..

Night Air attack on Cairns , at 92,140

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

The flak level is higher here than cookstown ..

As the dawn breaks Akayb gets its plummeting ..

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 35
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 26
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 3 damaged
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 7 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 19

One less Lily today

we attack Swebo again ..

Morning Air attack on 3rd Mortar Battalion, at 59,45 (Shwebo)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 8
Hudson IIIa x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 39

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Afternoon Air attack on 3rd Mortar Battalion, at 59,45 (Shwebo)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 11
Hurricane I Trop x 10

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

As far as submarines go .. 10 torps fired around the home islands by 3 submarines -- hits .. no joy ..

A couple of ground combat reports ..

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33900 troops, 355 guns, 153 vehicles, Assault Value = 1025

Defending force 45215 troops, 236 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1622

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1265

Allied adjusted defense: 1948

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
2430 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 250 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled

Allied ground losses:
645 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 104 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Division
17th Division
22nd Division
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
49th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
25th Group Army

Ground combat at 63,45 (near Bhamo)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23025 troops, 286 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 620

Defending force 10190 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 97

Japanese adjusted assault: 524

Allied adjusted defense: 523

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
307 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled

Allied ground losses:
353 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Regiment
18th Division
55th Division
15th Army
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Field AA Battalion

Defending units:
5th Chinese Corps
NCAC

2 good die rolls for the Allies ..and we hold Wenchow and Bhamo one more turn ..better yet we kill more LYB's

More later ..

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 556

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/15/2012 4:19:56 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

********************************************* 07 AUG 42 *************************************

The IJNAAF is busy dropping things and making noise during the nighttime hours .....

Night Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 57 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 11

Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 8

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

So 10% moonlight means no fighters find their prey nor did the bombers do anything at Cooktown or Tarawa ..

Akayb gets its daily dose of terror ... note the afternoon strike.. thus these Lily's are on Naval attack looking for xAKL's resupplying Akyab or Cox's Bazzar. One other thing of note -- the numbers fluctuate between 50 - 54 but we are not downing bombers with flak no matter how many we are damaging.

Afternoon Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 39
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 25
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 4 damaged
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 11 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15

The Allies do a little operation this turn at Naru Island

First .. some DD's are planned for bombardment of Naru Island but they meet up with a midget submarine

Sub attack near Nauru Island at 127,128

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-6, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Stronghold
DD Tenedos

SSX Ha-6 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Stronghold

Two critical hits on this little guy should be enough but you never know ...

We were hoping to flush out the xAKL's dropping off supplies .. but no joy and we do a port hit and a fuel hit ..

Night Naval bombardment of Nauru Island at 127,128

Allied Ships
DD Tenedos
DD Stronghold
DD Scout

Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1

So we follow up with B-17's and they do the trick ..Bag two xAKL's and limit supplies to Naru Island

Afternoon Air attack on Nauru Island , at 127,128

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Hanakawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Hakuyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 1

At Bhamo the 5th Chineese Corps ceases to exist ..

Ground combat at 63,45 (near Bhamo)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22836 troops, 286 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 602

Defending force 9857 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 70

Japanese adjusted assault: 535

Allied adjusted defense: 139

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
129 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3504 casualties reported
Squads: 186 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 165 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Regiment
18th Division
55th Division
15th Army
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Field AA Battalion

Defending units:
5th Chinese Corps
NCAC

Paoshun will fall in a week ...At 4 miles per day through the Jungle it will take at least a month to stage forces in Burma .. We shall see how this develops ..But the Burma operations are key to saving Southern China ..

< Message edited by Crackaces -- 1/15/2012 4:21:49 PM >

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 557

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/15/2012 11:31:46 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

I am at a stage to actaully make decisions around spending PP's. I have 2100 PP's saved. Enough to buy a division .. but I am thinking of delaying this process for another month and spend 600 points activating the "Cavite BF", "Cebu BF", and "Clark Field BF " I bought from the destroyed pile. These BF's will do quite nicely in the Gilberts. This is in my opinion far more important to get the Gilberts all level 5 airfields and level 3 ports.

A second mission is to replace the 24th Infantry division with the 5th Marine Defense force. Tarawa is a level 2 port now .. halfway to level 3. I am thinking once Tarawa is a level 4 port we can get the boys off this island and down to Pago Pago readied for their next mission.

I think the next operations need to start the process for execution. A Marine Rgt is preping for Naru Island. The 25th is prepping for Makin Island. Both offer some cushion from the IJN onslaught and project influence deeper into the Marshall's. I need to gather up the task forces and get this operation underway. I have been waiting for upgrades and getting LBA into the area.

The IJ have been way too quiet after taking Port Moresby. I have to think they have more offensive plans in mind .. probably Oz .. If they do I have 2 USA divisions and 5 armored bdges ready to push them back into the sea.

more later ..

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 558

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/16/2012 5:36:49 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

******************************* 08 AUG 42 **********************************

A very interesting day for the Allies

The IJN insist on parking submarines right next to my ports. I insist on sinking them ..

Submarine attack near Trincomalee at 32,47

Japanese Ships
SS I-15, hits 11, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Foxhound
xAK Bandra
................
SS I-15 is reported to have been sunk near Trincomalee on Aug 08, 1942

Another submarine around Madras avoided ASW contact ..

Around Naha the Snapper gets 2 off . both hit .. both duds ..

Sub attack near Naha at 96,67

Japanese Ships
xAK Florida Maru
PB Kinsyo Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Snapper

SS Snapper launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Florida Maru

A night raid at Cookstown snaps off a Betty ..

Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 63 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Then at Cox's Bazaar the IJ sweep and follow up with an unescorted bombing raid . the results are interesting ...

I was set to ambush an attack on Akyab so I put 3 groups up of 16 planes each at 17K, 14K 12K ,50% CAP intending to intercept escorted bombers over Akayb. The thought was to lower altitides to get minimum "dive-by" on the escorted bombers ... The IJ swept that turn at a very effective 21K ..

Morning Air attack on Cox's Bazar , at 54,43

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 30

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 14
Hurricane IIc Trop x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane I Trop: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIc Trop: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 21000 feet
.................
Hurricane I Trop from No.30 Sqn RAF is written off

Hurricane IIc Trop from No.79 Sqn RAF is written off

Hurricane IIc Trop from No.79 Sqn RAF is written off

Hurricane IIc Trop from No.136 Sqn RAF is written off

I do not know what the IJ ops losses were but we lost 8 airframes -- 6 Trop IIc's and X are still damaged to 4 Oscars shot down ... but the Lily's should be pruned down now ..

Morning Air attack on Cox's Bazar , at 54,43

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 26
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 27

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 7
Hurricane IIc Trop x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 3 destroyed, 14 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
16 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

I bolded the '*' as the extended range will affect some of the damaged Lily's as operational losses. We have 12 [8 bombers 4 fighters] kills reported thus far ..

The distribution of kills:

FO Campbell E. of No.30 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 3 [exp 70]

WO Davis, F.W.T. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 2 [exp 63]

WO Pickard, F.J. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 2 [exp 61]
WO Pickard, F.J. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 3
WO Pickard, F.J. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 4

FO Harrington W. of No.79 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 2 [exp 58]
FO Harrington W. of No.79 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 3

PO Christensen, H. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 2 [exp 65]
PO Christensen, H. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 3
PO Christensen, H. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 4

ACOM Sutton, F.B. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 5 [exp 78]
ACOM Sutton, F.B. of No.136 Sqn RAF attains ace status!!

The USAAF proceeded to smack Nauru Island to finish off the damaged ships there ..

Morning Air attack on Nauru Island , at 127,128

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-6, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Hakuyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Hanakawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

We strike Port Port Moresby

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22

There were at least 10 of the 11 Zero's "spinning away on fire" .. the operational losses from this raid will be intersting ... more so I have sent the message that PM will not be a safe base to station aircraft.

This turn we have to decide where to station our CVTF's currently patrolling a secret location. I wish to keep them in theater to repsond to SAG threats but patrolling burns fuel, systems damage, and exposure to submarines.... I have to think about this because I suspect a bombardment mission soon ...

< Message edited by Crackaces -- 1/16/2012 5:45:28 PM >

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Post #: 559

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/16/2012 8:43:08 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

I got the turn back, and below shows the results of the air battle. Four additional aircraft from the No79 RAF remained damaged and 2 required maintinace. Otherwise the results demonstrate 33 IJ aircraft lost this turn. The Lily's were hammered badly with a reported loss of 17 Lily's total [9 b type 8 a type] out of 52, and 8 Oscars lost. The bomber losses exceeded 32% about 1/3 of the airgroup lost

The raid on Cox's Bazzar was costly on both sides, and I suspect the Lily's will go back to night raids.

We worked on Luganville this turn and I noted it has plenty of support, but clearly lacks naval support for a level 6 port. One of my BF's at San Francisco might need to be released to South Pacific rather than Pacific Ocean Areas. I have to think about this deeply. The problem is getting too many irons on the fire all at once. I believe the Allies need a focused approach at hitting the IJ where they are not. However, Luganville represents a major focal point for holding the New Hebrides/New Caladonia region. If a Solomon's Campaign becomes critical -- this will be the staging point for forces. Thus the need for a 100 Naval support BF.

I thought about Tabitituea as a marshalling point; however, it is too close to the IJ patrol craft and any loading of troops would be observed. The offense into the Marshall's would need to come from Pearl or possibly Pago Pago. If Pago Pago ... we will need some more naval support here also.

Much to think about ...

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Post #: 560

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/16/2012 9:49:58 PM

zuluhour

Posts: 5244
Joined: 1/20/2011
From: Maryland
Status: offline

It looks like you have done a solid job in the air campaign. I will show you results through November that will make you cry.

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Post #: 561

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/16/2012 11:46:40 PM

DOCUP

Posts: 3073
Joined: 7/7/2010
Status: offline

You have done good with the air war. Nice work with keeping your ship loses low also.

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Post #: 562

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 12:07:12 AM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

You have done good with the air war.� Nice work with keeping your ship loses low also.

As far as ship losses go I have been very very selective in engagements. I read about other AFB's being much more agressive early and attriting the IJ forces with exchanges .. the problem I see is the line is about the same at this point but both sides have less resources. With teh exceptioni of Canoerebel who has held the IJ out of Sumatra.

I will post later but I will stage a lot more forces into their respective theaters the next month. Then I plan a burst of activity in the November - December time frame on multiple fronts at once stressing the IJ's ability to react. My hope is to expand my Gilbert/Marshall Islands holdings to Naru Island, Makin Island and Milli Islands. The constraint on operations is the number of AP's and AK's in the force. xAP's for example off load way too slow for the impending shock attack. The threat of the KB also constrains operations as I have to ID the force and time my operations to execute and egress. Things really improve wiht the APA's and AKA's and opertional intesnity can pick up then.

As I stated, I am avoiding the Solomon's like the plague. The IJ might force my hand but right now my Gilbert's campaign is on schedule. Grey Joy has given me the inspiration to land on Formosa in mid '44

I suspect theIJN BB's will come hunting soon .. I smacked Naru Island good sinking 2 xAKL's and a midget submarine. Tabiteua is a likely target for the IJ's wrath ...

(in reply to DOCUP)

Post #: 563

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 12:43:10 AM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

************************************* 09 AUG 42 **********************************

The IJ demonstrate that if I stay at medium altitudes they will clean my clock ..

Morning Air attack on Cox's Bazar , at 54,43

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 11
Hurricane IIc Trop x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane I Trop: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed

Morning Air attack on Cox's Bazar , at 54,43

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 3
Hurricane IIc Trop x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane I Trop: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIc Trop: 2 destroyed

Damaged Hurricane I Trop from No.30 Sqn RAF crashes on return leg

PO Bunting, K. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 3

WO Robertson, D.P. of No.30 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 2

PO Kitley, A.J.H. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 4

PO Moorhouse, G.J. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 2

The results of this little gambit of 48 Oscars vs. 32 Trops is: 5 Oscars for 11 Trop's ...

We have to rethink if we want to invest more aircraft into the grinder. The good news .... a lot more groups are arriving .. the bad news is that the pilots are half as good as these groups ..

We hit Myitkyina which is warehousing Dinah's ..

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

In other news ...

Submarine attack near Amami Oshima at 97,63

Japanese Ships
xAK Shinkoku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Halibut

xAK Shinkoku Maru is sighted by SS Halibut
SS Halibut launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Shinkoku Maru

A USN submarine get a live one on target! Just a small 2.3 tonne xAK but one less xAK moving cargo to the homelands

More later ..

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Post #: 564

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 4:53:31 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

************************************** 10 AUG 42 ***********************************

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water .....

Morning Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 136,128

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 15

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 9 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 2 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CL Concord

We duck the first round of Nell's ...

But in the afternoon my friends barge in uninvited again and the Quincy is not so lucky ..

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 136,128

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 12

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
DD Pope
CA Astoria
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 1

2LT Brown, H.W. of 15th FG/45th FS is credited with kill number 2

CPT Morrison E. of 15th FG/45th FS is credited with kill number 2
CPT Morrison E. of 15th FG/45th FS is credited with kill number 3

This mission was primarly to intercept an IJN Bombarment mission I thought to arrive this turn. Total miscaculation on my part. I thought the CAP trap I set up last time would discourage this behavior but ... it did not ..so I exchange 7 Nell's plus operational losses for the Quincy needing a month or so of drydock ..

In other theaters .. the Night attacks continue ..

Night Air attack on Cox's Bazar , at 54,43

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 78 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 4 damaged
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

5 Sally's one lost for sure and no damage .. The Oscars did not sweep as expected ..either they are resting .. or they are moving to new bases

Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 51 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 8

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 8

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Two waves of 14 Betty's and no results for the IJ ...nor our fighters in 3% moonlight ..

We take some bombing practice on Myitkyina ..

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 16
139WH-3 x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 18

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 13

No Allied losses
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 12

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 25
Hurricane IIb Trop x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 21

So we get another Dinah on the ground ..and shutdown Myitkyina

On the ground things are not pretty around Port Moresby ..

Ground combat at 98,131 (near Port Moresby)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12891 troops, 124 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 695

Defending force 3533 troops, 26 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 60

Japanese adjusted assault: 298

Allied adjusted defense: 35

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), morale(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Allied ground losses:
375 casualties reported
Squads: 31 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
4th/A Division
38th Division
4th/C Division

Defending units:
2/4 MG Battalion
A Coy/NG Rifles
Gull Battalion
Sparrow Battalion
49th Australian Battalion
15th RAAF Base Force
C Coy/NG Rifles
Horn Isl Det.
Port Moresby Brigade

Slowly these units will be picked aprt and I will rebuild them for later use ..easier than rescuing them ...

Ok more later ..

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 565

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 5:46:46 PM

kfsgo

Posts: 446
Joined: 9/16/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

************************************* 09 AUG 42 **********************************

The IJ demonstrate that if I stay at medium altitudes they will clean my clock ..

Note that Hurricane Mk. I is really, really terrible - at 282mph the only slower fighters of any significance are the I-15, I-16 etc, which at least have the virtue of being maneuverable at low altitudes. Hurricane generally really is a high-altitude fighter in a Pacific context, insofar as it's a fighter at all - the cooling system is not really up to full power and low altitudes simultaneously in this sort of climate, tropicalised or not.

That said - it being August you should have tons of radar sets kicking around India - if you don't have one at Cox's (do you?), how long till you do?

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Post #: 566

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 6:27:27 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: kfsgo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

************************************* 09 AUG 42 **********************************

The IJ demonstrate that if I stay at medium altitudes they will clean my clock ..

Note that Hurricane Mk. I is really, really terrible - at 282mph the only slower fighters of any significance are the I-15, I-16 etc, which at least have the virtue of being maneuverable at low altitudes. Hurricane generally really is a high-altitude fighter in a Pacific context, insofar as it's a fighter at all - the cooling system is not really up to full power and low altitudes simultaneously in this sort of climate, tropicalised or not.

That said - it being August you should have tons of radar sets kicking around India - if you don't have one at Cox's (do you?), how long till you do?

RADAR ... check ... I need to work on the die rolls

I have a radar picket line extending from Akayab to Ledo ..

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Post #: 567

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 8:55:58 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

I am at a stage to actaully make decisions around spending PP's. I have 2100 PP's saved. Enough to buy a division .. but I am thinking of delaying this process for another month and spend 600 points activating the "Cavite BF", "Cebu BF", and "Clark Field BF " I bought from the destroyed pile. These BF's will do quite nicely in the Gilberts. This is in my opinion far more important to get the Gilberts all level 5 airfields and level 3 ports.

A second mission is to replace the 24th Infantry division with the 5th Marine Defense force. Tarawa is a level 2 port now .. halfway to level 3. I am thinking once Tarawa is a level 4 port we can get the boys off this island and down to Pago Pago readied for their next mission.

I think the next operations need to start the process for execution. A Marine Rgt is preping for Naru Island. The 25th is prepping for Makin Island. Both offer some cushion from the IJN onslaught and project influence deeper into the Marshall's. I need to gather up the task forces and get this operation underway. I have been waiting for upgrades and getting LBA into the area.

The IJ have been way too quiet after taking Port Moresby. I have to think they have more offensive plans in mind .. probably Oz .. If they do I have 2 USA divisions and 5 armored bdges ready to push them back into the sea.

more later ..

In the future activate them as soon as you buy them back. Units with no troops in them cost virtually nothing to activate. They should cost the same, but they do not....

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 568

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 10:24:21 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

I am at a stage to actaully make decisions around spending PP's. I have 2100 PP's saved. Enough to buy a division .. but I am thinking of delaying this process for another month and spend 600 points activating the "Cavite BF", "Cebu BF", and "Clark Field BF " I bought from the destroyed pile. These BF's will do quite nicely in the Gilberts. This is in my opinion far more important to get the Gilberts all level 5 airfields and level 3 ports.

A second mission is to replace the 24th Infantry division with the 5th Marine Defense force. Tarawa is a level 2 port now .. halfway to level 3. I am thinking once Tarawa is a level 4 port we can get the boys off this island and down to Pago Pago readied for their next mission.

I think the next operations need to start the process for execution. A Marine Rgt is preping for Naru Island. The 25th is prepping for Makin Island. Both offer some cushion from the IJN onslaught and project influence deeper into the Marshall's. I need to gather up the task forces and get this operation underway. I have been waiting for upgrades and getting LBA into the area.

The IJ have been way too quiet after taking Port Moresby. I have to think they have more offensive plans in mind .. probably Oz .. If they do I have 2 USA divisions and 5 armored bdges ready to push them back into the sea.

more later ..

In the future activate them as soon as you buy them back. Units with no troops in them cost virtually nothing to activate. They should cost the same, but they do not....

Yep that was a stupid move on my part not to assign them to Pacifc Ocean Areas as soon as I bought them out ..

Did it this turn and now I am moving them to staging areas ..

Things are developing quite well in the Gilberts ..The supply is up to 32K the amount landed on Tarawa a short 4 months ago -- May 8th 42 .. how time flies. The lack of landing SeaBees and depending solely on EAB's is telling. But on the other hand we needed to stablize this are first and we are now ready to build out much more rapidly.

There are now 800 mines in the waters around Tarawa and soon I will station the PT force there.

One might notice I dropped off mines in the open waters near Tabiteua .. Alfred would frown on this .. but 800 mines was much more effective in slowing down the submarine meniace there than 4 ASW patrols . one mine hit and the IJN moved their patrols to insert more north and go around to terrorize the Gilberts ..no longer are the IJN parking in my ports either ..

I have mentioned that there are 9 atolls here to build to level 5 airfields. I have 4 building right now and next turn we amphb on Nikunau with a BF and SeaBee .. We wil land more seabees in the comming two weeks .. The goal is to station the 7 USAAF and VII Fighter and Bomber wings on these Islands and as stated previously start advancing the VII fighter wing elements up into the Marshals during early 43 ...

The need to take Naura Island and Makin is clear. Nauru will be easier but right now Milli is stationing patrol craft that is peeking deep into the Gilberts ..I believe it was from here that my SAG was detected. Thus grab Makin and start indterdicting Milli ..

In the meantime we move beans, bullets, and butts into their respective theaters...

Attachment (1)

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 569

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/17/2012 10:48:38 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

The diagram below gives a feel for the current distribution of forces in teh SWPAC / SOPAC and CENPAC commands

Just south of Tennant Creek:

7th Australian Division - 483
6th Australian Division - 479
6th Aus Cav Brigade - 157
3rd Australian Brigade - 130
3rd Motor Brigade - 129
28th Australian Battalion - 42
11th Australian Battalion - 42
16th Australian Battalion - 39
2/9th Armoured Regiment - 27
2/8th Armoured Regiment - 27
2/4th Armoured Regiment - 27

Overall: 1582 AV

Around the Cloncurry area is about 1K AV of SWPAC forces.

Approx. 1K AV is moving to Sydney to form the SWPAC main command of a propsoed 2K AV.

Luganville (120/150)

32nd Infantry Division - 390
22nd Marine Regiment - 141
148th Infantry Regiment - 129
145th Infantry Regiment - 128
24th (Sep) Infantry Regiment - 115
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment - 115
1st USMC Parachute Battalion - 30
2/5th Ind Coy - 10
2/4th Ind Coy - 10
2/3rd Ind Coy - 10
119th USAAF Base Force - 5
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion - 4

Shipping on ships are:
6th Marine Regiment - 135
145th Infantry Regiment - 4

Overall: 1226 AV

CENPAC:
Tarawa (136/128)

24th Infantry Division - 390
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment - 63
138th USA Base Force - 16
111th USN Base Force - 10

Pago Pago (148/161)

8th Marine Regiment - 142
8th Marine Defense Battalion - 40
1st Marine Raider Battalion - 40
110th Combat Engineer Battalion - 31
3rd USMC Parachute Battalion - 30
2nd Marine Defense Battalion - 28
7th Marine Defense Battalion - 28
Samoan Marine Battalion - 25
104th USN Base Force - 10

Overall: 374 AV

Overall: 479 AV

Pearl Harbor (180/107)

1st Marine Division - 426
25th Infantry Division - 389
21st Marine Regiment - 142
2nd Marine Regiment - 142
9th Marine Regiment - 142
53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment - 115
2nd USMC Tank Battalion - 86
1st USMC Tank Battalion - 86
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion - 42
3rd Marine Raider Battalion - 40
1/153rd Infantry Battalion - 39
1st/102nd Infantry Battalion - 38
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion - 29
Oahu Harbor Defense - 17

Overall: 1733 AV

The situation below: