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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 - 1/17/2012 10:58:56 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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Staged @ Hex 60/41

17th Indian Division - 311
7th Armoured Brigade - 147
75th Indian Brigade - 127
70th British Division - 60
75th IAC Regiment - 54
16th Light Cavalry Regiment - 54
44th Cavalry Regiment - 52
3rd Carabiniers Regiment - 52

Overall: 857 AV

Imphal (60/40)

26th Indian Division - 380
43rd Cavalry Regiment - 50
116th RAF Base Force - 13
1st NW Frontier Base Force - 9
Mandalay BMP Battalion - 7

Overall: 459 AV

Silchar (59/39)

19th Indian Division - 266
5th British Brigade - 140
4th British Brigade - 140
54th British Brigade - 139
22nd (East African) Brigade - 133
2nd Recce Regiment - 40
13th Indian Brigade - 37
RAF 221 Group Base Force - 36
1st Gloucestershire Battalion - 33
3rd NW Frontier Base Force - 8
1/2 Det. South Ind - 4

Overall: 976 AV

This force is about 2300 AV moving toward Sweebo

IV Corps

These units are organzing at hex 55/43
Hex 55/43

16th British Brigade - 120

Overall: 120 AV

Hex 55/44

46th Indian Brigade - 127

Overall: 127 AV

Dacca (56/38)

23rd Indian Division - 338
254th Armoured Brigade - 171
3rd Indian Brigade - 104
15th/1st Punjab Battalion - 39
150th RAC Regiment - 37
1st Bengal Base Force - 9

Overall: 698 AV

About 1K AV that will cross just south of Sweebo.

The timing of these operations is set for a November kick off when the Monsoon will subside. Sweebo has less than 30 AV right now and the forces at Mandalay will likely like cross the river to risk my ground attack. If they do cross will will unleash the 10th USAAF that will be staged at that time.

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 571

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/18/2012 12:49:24 AM

Crackaces

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

Compared to Greyjoy's thread this is a very boring affair .. compared to any thread for that matter ...

Our commander of the great ship Cuttlefish decideds to dive rather than sink a TK ..

ASW attack near Wakkanai at 123,48

Japanese Ships
TK Sanraku Maru
TK Nissho Maru
TK Kaijo Maru
TK Juko Maru
PB Bisaku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish

The great ship the DD Isaac Sweers roughs up the waters a bit bit does nothing to I-157 ..

ASW attack near Madras at 35,41

Japanese Ships
SS I-157

Allied Ships
DD Isaac Sweers

ASW attack near Madras at 35,41

Japanese Ships
SS I-157

Allied Ships
DD Isaac Sweers

and the USN SS-Whale puts 2 duds on a xAKL .

Sub attack near Hirosaki/Aomori at 116,54

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yuki Maru
PB Kensyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Whale

At night some Nell's show up at long range on teh coast of Oz ..

Night Air attack on Cairns , at 92,140

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 2 damaged

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

More Sally's this time hit Cox's Bazaar ..

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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 5 damaged

The Lily's have been replaced by the Sally's .. who are getting smacked by 4 hvy flak btns ...

In the daytime we hit Myitkyina again to try and destroy some Dinah's .

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 15

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 7

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 24
Hurricane IIb Trop x 19

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

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

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

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

One Dinah smacked and we closed the airfield down ..But ..Pilot killed in landing accident of Hudson IIIa from No.353 Sqn RAF
Time for a safety standdown ..

SOC-1 Seagull reports object near surface at 137, 131 near Nonouti
A Type J3 class SS is reported HIT at 137, 131 near Nonouti
This is always good news when a sub has been found . better news when we are harrasing them ..

The huge problem I see is that we have lots of aircraft to meet the IJ with bt no bases close enough to enage .. and pretty soon many toys will go to fight the Nazis.. this is a sick game of frustration for the Allies ..

Ok we continue to keep moving beans bullets and butts ....

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 572

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/18/2012 7:13:27 AM

DOCUP

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I find this AAR very interesting. Nice break down of forces also.

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Post #: 573

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/18/2012 5:16:58 PM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

I find this AAR very interesting.� Nice break down of forces also.

Thanks DOCUP for the kind words!

It makes writing this AAR a pleasure.

****************************************** 12 AUG 42 *******************************************

The quiet chess match continues.

Without boring the reading we had 5 Allied submarine encouters all hits .. all duds the Grouper caught a DC for one hit ..then the SS Tambor has a live one in tube #2 ..

Submarine attack near Koshiki-jima Retto at 100,60

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamadori Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Yamadori Maru is reported to have been sunk near Koshiki-jima Retto on Aug 12, 1942

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

xAK Yamadori Maru is sighted by SS Tambor
SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yamadori Maru

I think it is very very frustrating for the IJ that the Allies are getting sooooooo many contacts but they are thanking the God's that our Torps do not work ..

Some Nell's showed up .. long range again over Carnes

Night Air attack on Cairns , at 92,140

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 1 damaged

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

and over Cox's Baazar .

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

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 5 damaged
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Here we know one less Sally will RSVP for tea tomorrow night ..

We forgot to standdown one group and they decided to attack Myitkyina .. keeping the airfield closed to the preying eyes of the recon craft there ..

Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 22
Hurricane IIb Trop x 19

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 13

Ok more later ...

< Message edited by Crackaces -- 1/18/2012 5:18:46 PM >

(in reply to DOCUP)

Post #: 574

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/20/2012 12:57:30 AM

Crackaces

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First, after this latest microsoft security update my browser CTD's every 10 minutes .. this reduces my update consdierably

*********************************** 13 AUG *************************

We hit 2 xAK's with Duds and sink the Africa Maru and Hokuan Marua ..that is 4 contacts in a day ..
I rather think the Ij took today to reroute all thier convoys to folllow the coastlines ..

In other news we bombed troops south of Port Moresby and shot down 1 zero to damaging 3 B17's .. 13 causualties to a 12K unit ..

Thre IJ hit Akyab again shutting down the airfield with 27 Lily's and 42 Oscars ..

Otherwise very very quiet ..

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Post #: 575

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/20/2012 4:18:33 PM

Crackaces

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I have come to the conclusion that Pago Pago needs to be built to a level 5 port (maximum it can go) to even think of using it to stage invasions before March '43. This is because of the number of AP's involved to get everything offloaded in one turn. It also means not combining big USMC units until they hit the beaches and reform on the target.

The other choice in this area is Nomea.

The plan might have to be to use Pago Pago for Rgt or smaller invasions and Nomea for Division sized invasions into the Marshalls.

This turn the IJ sent out Mavis and Glen patrols to discover 4 new Allied bases. The IJ sent a message through a back channel that this did not please the emperor

The Gilberts are coming together nicely. I suspect the IJ will be coming with the KB/BB SAG where at least they will meet B-25's, mines, PT boats, and a SAG of our own .. the USN CV forces are within reaction range ..

In other news the high level of USN submarine contacts and recent luck with the die rolls also has the Emperor very concerned. Crackaces HQ noted an extra long time to return the turn after yesterday's encouter ...

The IJ is at the decision point in my opinion. To decide on continious expansion until disaster[like invade Northeastern Oz or South Solomons] , reform and agressvely raid until disaster [meet me in the Gilberts] , or to consolidate a defensive perimeter with focused expansion in China/Burma. I believe the IJ has come to the conclusion that all three operations are not feasible in scenario #1 at this point in our game.

More later ...

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Post #: 576

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/20/2012 6:07:05 PM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

I have come to the conclusion that Pago Pago needs to be built to a level 5 port (maximum it can go) to even think of using it to stage invasions before March '43. This is because of the number of AP's involved to get everything offloaded in one turn. It also means not combining big USMC units until they hit the beaches and reform on the target.

The other choice in this area is Nomea.

The plan might have to be to use Pago Pago for Rgt or smaller invasions and Nomea for Division sized invasions into the Marshalls.

This turn the IJ sent out Mavis and Glen patrols to discover 4 new Allied bases. The IJ sent a message through a back channel that this did not please the emperor The Gilberts are coming together nicely. I suspect the IJ will be coming with the KB/BB SAG where at least they will meet B-25's, mines, PT boats, and a SAG of our own .. the USN CV forces are within reaction range ..

In other news the high level of USN submarine contacts and recent luck with the die rolls also has the Emperor very concerned. Crackaces HQ noted an extra long time to return the turn after yesterday's encouter ...

The IJ is at the decision point in my opinion. To decide on continious expansion until disaster[like invade Northeastern Oz or South Solomons] , reform and agressvely raid until disaster [meet me in the Gilberts] , or to consolidate a defensive perimeter with focused expansion in China/Burma. I believe the IJ has come to the conclusion that all three operations are not feasible in scenario #1 at this point in our game.

More later ...

Pretty much right on. Noumea is the key. If you own it then that should be your staging base. Large scale invasions are tough until you get the APA AKA class. As it should be.

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

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Post #: 577

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/20/2012 6:49:43 PM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

I have come to the conclusion that Pago Pago needs to be built to a level 5 port (maximum it can go) to even think of using it to stage invasions before March '43. This is because of the number of AP's involved to get everything offloaded in one turn. It also means not combining big USMC units until they hit the beaches and reform on the target.

The other choice in this area is Nomea.

The plan might have to be to use Pago Pago for Rgt or smaller invasions and Nomea for Division sized invasions into the Marshalls.

This turn the IJ sent out Mavis and Glen patrols to discover 4 new Allied bases. The IJ sent a message through a back channel that this did not please the emperor The Gilberts are coming together nicely. I suspect the IJ will be coming with the KB/BB SAG where at least they will meet B-25's, mines, PT boats, and a SAG of our own .. the USN CV forces are within reaction range ..

In other news the high level of USN submarine contacts and recent luck with the die rolls also has the Emperor very concerned. Crackaces HQ noted an extra long time to return the turn after yesterday's encouter ...

The IJ is at the decision point in my opinion. To decide on continious expansion until disaster[like invade Northeastern Oz or South Solomons] , reform and agressvely raid until disaster [meet me in the Gilberts] , or to consolidate a defensive perimeter with focused expansion in China/Burma. I believe the IJ has come to the conclusion that all three operations are not feasible in scenario #1 at this point in our game.

More later ...

Pretty much right on. Noumea is the key. If you own it then that should be your staging base. Large scale invasions are tough until you get the APA AKA class. As it should be.

I do own it .. and now I have decided to drop off a Major BF -- the rebuilt "Cebu BF". A full 100 Naval support group ... on Nomea ..that will be the staging area for CENPAC with Luganville the staging area for SOPAC. That leaves 4 other rebuilt units from the Phillpines disaster to be distributed into the Gilberts.

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 578

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/20/2012 9:51:57 PM

Crackaces

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*********************************************** 14 AUG 42 **************************

The early morning hours begins with the IJ finding a loose xAK returning from Sydney ..

Submarine attack near Tabiteuea at 135,134

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
xAK Asphalion, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

xAK Asphalion is sighted by SS I-28
SS I-28 launches 2 torpedoes
Previous report of sinking of SS I-28 incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 135, 134

The last words of the CPTN of the Asphalion ..

OK After firing 6 Torps 4 Duds The SS Swordfish exchages fire on the surface ..

Submarine attack near Iriomote at 88,65

Japanese Ships
xAK Juko Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish, hits 1

xAK Juko Maru is sighted by SS Swordfish
SS Swordfish attacking on the surface

I watched this on the compbat replay and just cringed another submarine in the pen for a month ..

We attack the airfield at Milli .. what is interesting is that the groups divided into 3 waves despite HQ's in same hex.

Morning Air attack on Mili , at 136,121

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 27
B-17F Fortress x 7

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 22

Morning Air attack on Mili , at 136,121

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Morning Air attack on Mili , at 136,121

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Allied losses

So we shutdown Milli .. I suspect the Zero's ahve gone elsewhere ..

And at long range we hit Tulgi ..

Afternoon Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 8
A-29 Hudson x 5
B-18A Bolo x 6
B-26B Marauder x 6

No Allied losses

Port hits 1

All those explosions and one port hit!

The IJ visted Akyab again. There are two intersting things of note in this snippet ..

1. A lot less Lily's
2. Given the number a lot less hits. I think teh pilot losses are accumulatiing in the bomber department.

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 24
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

More later ..

< Message edited by Crackaces -- 1/20/2012 9:53:20 PM >

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 579

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/21/2012 4:14:22 PM

Crackaces

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*************************************** 15 AUG 42 **********************************************

An extremly quiet turn..

The IJ hit Akyab again with 27 Lily's and I thought I grounded everything but 16 B-25's hit Magwe and did 3 runway hits ..I will have to stand these guys down ..

I attacked Kaoping and thought I had an adjusted 1:1 but went in 1:2 and took more than I gave. This will need 2 more supported Corps to move these guys out.

Ground combat at Kaoping (89,42)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 17675 troops, 99 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 666

Defending force 5846 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 210

Allied adjusted assault: 693

Japanese adjusted defense: 739

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
358 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
375 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 95 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
27th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
4th Group Army
8th Group Army
36th Group Army

Defending units:
59th Infantry Brigade

Two bits of Intel to sift through ..

First:

Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions detected at Truk (112,108).
Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions detected at Truk (112,108).

That is not a duplicate .. I suspect a large force is intending to raid the Gilberts. The escape hatch for the B-17's is Ndeni.

Second:

34th Division is planning for an attack on Ichang.

This is the 3rd such message. Given the algorithum in the game for reporting random preperation, I would say a rather large offense is planned in China.

I suspect the IJ has decided to accelerate pace in mid-42 rather than consolidate or those Heavy Volume messages are troop movements to reinforce the Marshall's. I will recon the area with submarines ...

More later ..

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Post #: 580

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/22/2012 3:01:04 AM

Crackaces

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***************************************** 16 AUG 42 *************************************

Another very very very quieet turn ..

Akyab is hit .. the SS Whale was found in the Yellow sea but no hots ..

We smack Milli ..

Morning Air attack on Mili , at 136,121

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 27
B-17F Fortress x 6

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 41

Morning Air attack on Mili , at 136,121

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 8
B-17E Fortress x 8

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15

62 runway hits with 500 Kg bombs ... Milli will not be used as a base for a couple of days ..

More later ..

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 581

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/22/2012 4:16:47 AM

zuluhour

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quote:

62 runway hits with 500 Kg bombs ... Milli will not be used as a base for a couple of days

Man, the Koreans are going to be pissed!

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Post #: 582

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/22/2012 5:43:50 PM

Crackaces

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****************************** 17 AUG 42 **********************

We exchange ASW pleasantries ..

ASW attack near Satawal at 103,107

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta
CL Kitakami
CL Isuzu
DD Samidare
DD Shinonome
DD Suzukaze
DD Umikaze

Allied Ships
SS Trigger, hits 3, heavy damage

SS Trigger is sighted by escort

The Trigger is in trouble but Tabiteua might be close enough to survive ...

ASW attack near Nonouti at 137,131

Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Blue
DD Phelps
DD Downes

A smaller sub taking 2 hits cannot be good but no sinking sound yet ..

I want to report the daily bombing of Akyab because the IJ has brought back the ol' Lilly Sentai ..

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

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 28
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Ki-48-Ib Lily x 28
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

We got intelligence that Milne Bay had 4 ships in port so we struck ..

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

No Allied losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 2

Otherwise a very quiet turn. The movement of CL's around Satawal has me a bit concerned. I suspect their staging for some Solomon's operations?

(in reply to zuluhour)

Post #: 583

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/22/2012 9:24:35 PM

Crackaces

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I think it is worth posting a picture of how we have built interlocking search arcs, with the bases in the Gilberts building toward interlocking CAP supported by stationing B-25's trained on low naval attack. SAG TF's will be detected and will meet resistance. A KB strike cannot be stopped but as one sees, each of these bases are protected by flak that will extract thier toll.

The B-17's from these bases can shut down IJNAAF airfields in the area preventing LBA support.

Slowly every one of the bases on the Gilberts will be level 5 airfields with level 3 ports. Tabiteuea is 1/2 to level 6 airfield and has a level 4 port already.

This build up is alarming enough for the IJN to invest in no less than 5 submarines. Much like our strategy around Pearl Harbor, we are moving ASW trained float planes from PH to Kuria. Here they will begin arial ASW warfare to supplement our DD ASW.

I cannot see invading Naru Island until our current build up plan in the Gilberts is complete. A solid foundation I believe is critical to success. We move forward.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 584

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/23/2012 4:12:10 PM

Crackaces

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************************************* 18 AUG 42 **********************************

A very quiet day on the western front ..

No bombing of Akayb today. Rather Oscars simply swept the skies unopposed. Our sweep of Magwe produced no oppoition either. [I was thinking maybe he would shift air resources this turn .. the IJ did .. but where

]

We met SS I-1 outside of Tarawa but no exchange of plesentries.

One interesting thought .. given I had no real losses besides the intial onslaught I bought out a lot of the destroyed units. One problem with this is that reinforcements are arriving at 1/2 or less strength. WitP Tracker is telling me that I should be caught up in 30 days, but forces are still arriving less than full strength. This has a different side effect if one is managing reinforcements / withdrwing units closely. By shutting off upgrades replacement on certain units and keeping those that will stick around on .. I am managing to fill out units that will help me rather than fight Rommel in the desert ..

The 73 Armored Bde is such a unit withdrawing in a short time after arriving later due to randomness. Thus we can concentrate our TO&E production on units that will stay in theater.

However, I still think I can rail the 73rd into position and get them engaged into a frey before they have to withdrawl ..

Enclosed is a picture of Operation Ivory Balcony:

Bascally I have 1.5K AV with 5 armored units crossing to attack Katha, which right now has a BF 0 AV. The Bases to the northwest have all been built up to level 3 soon to be level 4 airfields and we will shift fighter forces to these airfields to LRCAP the operation. The units just to the southwest consist of 5 bdge and about 1K AV to follow on a block IJ reinforcement attempts. [Jungle rough terrain is murder on attacks]. Once we seize Katha, one division will head north toward Myitkina with 2 armored units while a follow on forces attack and take Bhamo, which I hope is still empty

. That is going to stir the bees nest for sure and I suspect a shift in the IJ's Burma/China plans.

Supply is the huge problem. However, I am thinking that engineers building up Katha to a level 5 airfield and using air transports should be enough to supply the defense and an unopposed foray to Bhamo. Depending on supply and shifting IJ resources we can continue our assult on Swebo, which I suspect will be heavly reinforced by this stage.

Godspeed ...

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Post #: 585

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/24/2012 6:34:31 PM

Crackaces

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************************************** 19 AUG 42 *******************************************

Another very quiet day in the Pacific. The IJ are extermely curious why I am not bombing him everyday. The answer to that question is that no targets worthy of risking my bombers given the damage they can do exists at this time. So I train. There are some troops in the Jungle near Port Moresby but I kill 20 men for the cost of damaged and even killed bombers. Not worth it. In Burma, we are wating for our replacements so we can hit Swebo when its time with overwhelming force. So we train.

A Dutch submarine finds his prey and I had to include the "Massive explosion on xAK Chile Maru"

No sinking sounds and no fire .. just a big boom ..

Submarine attack near Cape Gloucester at 101,123

Japanese Ships
xAK Chile Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS KIX

xAK Chile Maru is sighted by SS KIX
Massive explosion on xAK Chile Maru
SS KIX launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Chile Maru

Otherwise nothing of significance to report this turn ..The BB Washington arrives at Balboa adding to the North Carolina some punch for our next moves ..

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Post #: 586

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/24/2012 9:45:24 PM

Nemo121

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Why would you conduct an assault crossing of the river to Bhamo?

Surely you could just airdrop some paras there and then move troops into it? --- avoiding all the problems of assault crossings etc.

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Post #: 587

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/24/2012 10:04:46 PM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Nemo121

Why would you conduct an assault crossing of the river to Bhamo?

Surely you could just airdrop some paras there and then move troops into it? --- avoiding all the problems of assault crossings etc.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh Good idea! I have to find some Britsh paratroppers .. I am not sure if I have any in Burma .. or wait to send some from the US ..

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Post #: 588

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/24/2012 10:58:48 PM

Crackaces

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I think this is where I am suffering a major disconnect. I know about the Marine Paratroopers . the Ausie Coy detachments . ut I am having difficulty in ID'ing nay other units that have para qualities .. any thoughts from the group? I am trying to use WitP AE and that only ID's inf but not special squads that I understand .. any thoughts on this besides just looking at every stack ..

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Post #: 589

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/24/2012 11:06:07 PM

Nemo121

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Chindits... IIRC they can paradrop. Alternately I always try to have a Marine Para Unit or Aussie Para Coy available in any theatre.

By this stage of the game you should have some Chindit units though, I'm fairly sure they can paradrop.

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John Dillworth: "I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine."
Well, that's that settled then.

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Post #: 590

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 12:31:11 AM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Nemo121

Chindits... IIRC they can paradrop. Alternately I always try to have a Marine Para Unit or Aussie Para Coy available in any theatre.

By this stage of the game you should have some Chindit units though, I'm fairly sure they can paradrop.

Excellent .. in my game +/- 60 days they come in 23 than 46 days as 2 units ... this will work .. I can drop in September .. that is if the IJ have not figured out what I am up to by then

EDIT: Actaully the Chindit have high morale and effectiveness but use regular inf squads

The first Indian para bdes are 150 days away .... I have the 503rd coming in 44 days .. that would be an 90 days total to get them into theater ...maybe too late .. I have to think about this ...

< Message edited by Crackaces -- 1/25/2012 12:38:19 AM >

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Post #: 591

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 12:50:32 AM

Nemo121

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FT TF some of the Aussie guys up on DDs?

If the base is defended even dropping a Bde won't help so so long as the base is undefended all you need is 1 para squad to take it so maybe one of the Aussie Companies could be boarded on DDs and moved up to India? That ought to only take 3 weeks max.

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John Dillworth: "I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine."
Well, that's that settled then.

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Post #: 592

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 12:55:26 PM

Alfred

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Allied DDs in a Fast Transport TF do not carry troops. Your only fast option is use of APD.

Alfred

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Post #: 593

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 1:03:40 PM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

Allied DDs in a Fast Transport TF do not carry troops. Your only fast option is use of APD.

Alfred

Ok .. APD's are busy right now in the Gilbert's moving the troop forces from the 24th Infantry division to Tabitieua bu Fast Transport. [Equipment can be moved next month xAK and helped by an upgraded port]. It would take a long time to move them to OZ and then India ...at the expense of operations in the Gilberts.

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Post #: 594

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 1:50:01 PM

Nemo121

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Oops, I'm so used to FTing with DDs in my current game I forgot.

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Well, that's that settled then.

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Post #: 595

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 2:06:11 PM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Nemo121

Oops, I'm so used to FTing with DDs in my current game I forgot.

No problem Nemo .. your insights are always welcome here ..

It does give me some ideas for later when my para's arrive, and this discussion would have been quite relavent if the 60+/- was not in effect. As it is ..I will recon Bhamo once I reach Katha. If it is still empty I will move a unit there.

My 'spidey' senses tells me once I move next to Katha all kinds of IJ stuff will get on rail and start moving, which plays well into this plan. I sense a stalemate me low on supply but superior armor and the IJ moving AV from everywhere to react. I am thinking I move the forces just one hex to the south first cuting off the rail and whatever he has moved to Katha, and then attack Katha if he has not committed more than 2K AV. The surprise will be Allied Armor in action as my armor TO&E has been upgraded. A great deal of the IJ armor is Burma is committed to Paoshun. It would take some time to bring this back or committ more stuff from other theaters ...That is what I am thinking .. At the very least a nice chess game around Swebo and Katha ..

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Post #: 596

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 4:33:05 PM

Crackaces

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******************************** 20 AUG 42 *************************************

The IJ have shown they are still on teh offense...

But first an interesting battle over the skies of Port Moresby:

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
B-17F Fortress x 4
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
Damaged B-17E Fortress from 19th BG/28th BS crashes

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 11000 feet
............................

So we trade 1 B-17E for 1 Zero, 5 Airbase hits, and 1 Supply hit .. not a good trade in my book ...

We hit Tulagi on teh data that 2 xAKL's are here ..

Morning Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-29 Hudson x 5
B-18A Bolo x 3
B-26B Marauder x 6

No Allied losses

Port hits 1

Morning Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-18A Bolo x 6

No Allied losses

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

2 port hits and a supply hit .. we get some free training as no planes crashed ...

Now the news ..

We take a pretty profound loss at Paoshun ..

Ground combat at Paoshan (65,45)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 25017 troops, 286 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 817

Defending force 9065 troops, 64 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 69

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1160

Allied adjusted defense: 367

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Paoshan !!!

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

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

Allied ground losses:
3416 casualties reported
Squads: 118 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 205 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 37 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 36 (33 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

Defending units:
1st Burma Brig
5th Chinese Corps
NCAC
102nd RAF Base Force

I do not know which unit was destroyed.

The only good news is that the IJA are one hex further away from supporting Burma

It is quite possible that the IJA have enough in Burma to hold back Ivory Balcony but so far no movement of forces or platforms.

In other news .. a Type KS class SS is reported HIT This would be one of the IJN SS platforms patroling the Gilbert's. They're not sinking much but these submarines are consuming patroling and escort resources increasing the cost of reinforement tremendously.

Ok more later ..

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Post #: 597

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/25/2012 10:22:16 PM

Crackaces

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************************************* 21 AUG 42 *************************************

The Lily's have rebuilt in a week back to 55 bombing Akyab ..

Afternoon Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 28
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

The come at night at Sian ..

Night Air attack on Sian , at 83,41

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

In good news .. the SS Whale smacks an xAKL returning from Wenchow ..

Sub attack near Hirosaki/Aomori at 116,54

Japanese Ships
xAKL Nitiyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Kensyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Whale

xAKL Nitiyu Maru is reported to have been sunk near Hirosaki/Aomori on Aug 21, 1942

The following action makes me love this game more ...

experinced commanders in DD's PB's are just escorting stuff ..

Sub attack near Nonouti at 136,132

Japanese Ships
SS I-175

Allied Ships
DD Hull
DD Monaghan

ASW attack near Nonouti at 136,132

Japanese Ships
SS I-175, hits 1

Allied Ships
PC Jackson
PG Indus

SS I-175 is located by PC Jackson

If the Hull or Mnaghan find this sub I am watching a IJN submarine meet its fate . as it is one hit, nothing major and this submarine continues to patrol my one vulnerable spot. The good news is that 36 float aircraft well trained in ASW are headed this way. I will park float planes over this hex until the IJN get the idea ..

Otherwise things keep getting closer to the time I get a lot of stuff ... I just bide my time ..

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Post #: 598

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/26/2012 1:30:36 AM

zuluhour

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I have just received reports of the first hits by ASW aircraft. I am unclear as to the resulting damage to the I-boats but it does give one a warm fuzzy feeling. Even better as sub chasers reach the rear area ports deep in SoPac relieving destroyers for much needed escort duty. I actually have a little sticky note "hit list" on IJN boats which have really p*ssed me off, sinking escorted AKs and TKs within 100nm of major ports with alot of dedicated ASW. Their days are numbered!

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< Message edited by zuluhour -- 1/26/2012 1:31:07 AM >

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Post #: 599

RE: The Air War tide turns - 1/26/2012 8:14:54 AM

DOCUP

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I do agree, I love to read about an air ASW hitting a sub. Even nicer when you see it pop up on the sunk ship list. I know theres FOW, but still nice.

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