RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwinkle58 vs.1EyedJacks

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RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/2/2013 7:05:18 PM

GreyJoy

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Joined: 3/18/2011
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April 10 and he still hasn't conquered Palembang... that's really a problem for Japan.

Nice job there mate!

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1051

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/2/2013 7:16:44 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

April 10 and he still hasn't conquered Palembang... that's really a problem for Japan.

Nice job there mate!

Thank you.

Palembang is really pretty lightily held troops-wise. Just one of the smaller Brit divisions and a lot of Dutch scraps. I am really leaning on forts to do the job. Now if I can just get Burma underway I can put him to the test of choosing between Palembang's oil or losing Burma.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/2/2013 7:18:11 PM >

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The Moose

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Post #: 1052

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/3/2013 4:41:04 PM

Bullwinkle58

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April 11, 1942

Air Power

Both sides get their licks in.

1) It looks like the importance of Forts has sunk in at Singers. Today a large sweep, then 171 heavy bombers in seven raids pouind the air field. For sure no building will happen today. It's unlikely this level of effort can be kept up. Losses to the IJA air force are heavy.

2) AVG 1st Sqdr, still flying H81-A3s, sneak over to Paoshan and fly LRCAP over the Chinese stack in the mountains. A rude surprise for the unescorted bombing missions. Lillys: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged; Sallys: 1 and 1. Both raids disrupted; ground casualties are light.

3) Another Chinese scrap, marching overland for months near Sian, is eliminated by air. There are still two larger scraps moving toward Lanchow very slowly. Up north, the stand-off at Urmachi where Japan has had a small LCU parked outside the base where a very small Chinese defender, without even any arty at all, has been fort building with organic supplies for about two months. Another LCU is approaching from the south. Reports I have read in other AARs say the little bit of fuel at Urmachi does not flow down into China proper. Forts there are 2.5ish.

4) Palembang is swept twice, but left alone otherwise. Fuel haulers for OZ continue to work. The supply ship for Bataan is still unmolested and moving NE again. Intel picks up radio chatter at Bataan, so there may be an attack tomorrow.

5) Chinese fighters strafe the small stack, now 4 LCUs, heading to the road entrance through the high mountains NW of Chungking. A Chinese cavalry unit is sent to sit at the road junction behind this stack, which should cut its supply.

6) Landing ships for RIFF-RAFF are loading at Pearl.

Fancy foot-work with early air withdrawels buys over a day's worth of PPs. The Indian division at Madras 100% prepped for Rangoon needs two more days before it can be bought out.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/3/2013 4:43:53 PM >

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The Moose

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Post #: 1053

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/4/2013 7:51:05 PM

Bullwinkle58

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April 12, 1942

Operation RIFF-RAFF, Away!

1) Invasion of Johnson Island is underway. It's been months real-time since I organized anything like this, so we shall see.

Pretty pedestrian organization. All four USN CVs in one TF, with BBs, CAs, and DDs. Strike planes all on Naval plus secondary target. About half on air field, most of rest on port, one DB on ground. CAP about 40%, with one complete Wildcat squadron on 80/20 at 25,000 feet on overwatch. ASW mostly being handled by the DDs. BB recon on both day and night with multiple units flying.

Bombardment group on 7000 yd. stand-off.

Two assault waves. 7th Marines primary, with combat engineers and arty. Trailing, if needed, is US Army Ind. Reg. Third wave will stand offshore with Fighter HQ and base forces. Fourth wave is all supply.

Four DMSes lead everything. I don't know if there are mines there, but suspect yes since recon has shown an ACM there most days.

Location of KB is unknown, but I suspect either Kwajalein or Truk. If Japanese LCUs are what I think the fighting should be short and brutal, and the USN CVs can move off to overwatch. If not it could be interesting.

2) Singers bombed with nearly the intensity of yesterday. Fort building was halted yesterday. Singers begins next turn with AF damage at 6. Selectively resting engineers at Singers using Reserve. Some have morale less than 50. They're been working without a break since mid-December. Japanese lose a half-dozen bombers and incur a lot of damage.

Palembang swept but nothing else.

3) This combat encounter

ASW attack near Peleliu at 92,102

Japanese Ships
DD Yugao

Allied Ships
SS O23

is a large TF of some kind, out in open water in "odd" place. Might be landing force for Rabaul or NG bases such as Lae or Buna.

4) China bombing NE of Tsuyung continues with minor losses. Tanks continue toward stopper position on the eastern side of mountain yellow road and are strafed again. Chengtu, the anchor base for this road, goes to Forts 4.

5) Bataan bombed. Supply ship about half-way there, still not attacked.

Overall, just a day of air activity. Some adjustments to FUDD, but everything waiting on PPs to buy out one division. Then the whole thing swings into motion over two days.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/4/2013 8:21:12 PM >

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The Moose

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1054

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/5/2013 6:19:28 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
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April 13, 1942

I Hate Zeroes

Movie email came with note: "Wow!" Given many of our turns are a bit, umm, dusty, this one was rockem-sockem. It promises to kick off a period of intense action in this game, in mid-Pac and Burma.

1) Operation RIFF-RAFF enters the shooting phase at Johnson Island.

a) Yesterday I re-thought the problem of mines, variant TF speeds, bombardments, etc. and ordered all TFs except minesweepers to approach and stop on the "h" in "Johnson Island" on the map. I ordered the air wings to attack from 6 hexes (a mistake in retrospect) with an assumption from lots of recon that the island had Zeroes, but no bombers.

b) The four minesweeper DMSes go in and immediataely find mini-subs. I had seen sub icons for a long tiome, but assumed the base was still being used as a transit fueling stop for I-boats as it was before Operation NEUMAN. The minesweepers shift to ASW mode and attack one mini, SSX Ha-8, for 2 hits. No minesweeping is noted. I don't know from experience if this means there are no mines, or if the ops points are eaten by the ASW and there could be mines. Great. (Later I find and attack a tender, which makes me think there are some. (ACM Choan Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires)

c) Approaching in company with the first wave landing force and the bombardment group, the air wing launches at 6 hexes. Unfortunately, Japan has embellished the CAP at Johnson from 20 Zeroes to 45, and the range gives ample warning. The screenshot below might be the source of the "Wow." It's a first for Japan's eyes, but not a last by any means.

The Zeroes take on friends over many pulses, eating through the Wildcats and eventually to the strike planes.

Afternoon Air attack on Johnston Island , at 164,112

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 29
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD-2 Dauntless x 30
SBD-3 Dauntless x 75
TBD-1 Devastator x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
ACM Choan Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 12
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 29 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

Also attacking 6th Base Force ...
Also attacking Johnston Island ...
Also attacking 10th JAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking Johnston Island ...
Also attacking 10th JAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking Johnston Island ...
Also attacking 6th Base Force ...
Also attacking Johnston Island ...
Also attacking 10th JAAF Base Force ...
Also attacking Johnston Island ...

Pretty poor results for 4 CVs worth of planes, with pre-war pilots. The AF is not taken out; the BBs might help there. There does not seem to be any bombers, but that might change tomorrow. The attack does confirm that the two LCUs the Allies have detected are support units. The 7th Marines should be OK with the supporting units along.

d) A follow-on naked DB raid finds Zeroes. Some turn back, the rest are slaughtered.

Afternoon Air attack on Johnston Island , at 164,112

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged

e) Tomorrow I have a dilemma. Minesweeping would eat up another day, and it's likely the KB is racing to the scene, maybe from Kwajalein or even closer if it was on patrol. I could push in the bombardment and first wave and risk it with Pearl so close, hoping to grab the base in the Shock attack and get some P-40s over to LBA as quickly as possible. The minesweepers could still clean up for the HQ/base force TF and the supply ships. Whatever I do I think the air wings will go to 100% Naval on short range, and CAP will be jacked to at least 60%. The carriers will split to two TFs (the naked DBs might have been self-inflicted coordination hits due to the four CVs), and stand back to the east a bit, LRCAPing the landing force.

2) A cruiser force bombards Baker Island. No DDs when he should know the S-boats are largely east of Kwajalein is interesting. I have a sub headed to Baker and one to Canton to sit in the harbor, but they are a couple days away. (I have a garrison coming into Canton to adopt Forts 2+ already built by the pre-war civilian engineers about to withdraw.) Taking Baker would continue a pretty normal defensive perimeter strategy, just a few months later than normal. (Although I still have Wake, now working on Forts 6.) Baker has no garrison; he blew up some oil drums.

Night Naval bombardment of Baker Island at 149,136

Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CL Oi
CL Kitakami

Runway hits 6
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

3) Palembang swept by 40+ fighters; nothing is in the air. Fort work continues unmolested.

4) Singers gets perhaps the heaviest bombing of the war. Raid after raid. 152 bombers and at least 80 fighters. 3 bombers destroyed, 50 damaged. This strategy is keeping fort building to zero, but can it be sustained? Re-started running in light Fast Transport missions, but supply is still north of 40,000.

5) Bataan gets about 30 bombers. The supply ship plows on.

6) An AVG CAP trap is set again over the mountain stack NE of Tsuyung. 3 Sallys downed, 4 damaged.

7) Chengtu gets about 45 bombers which do light damage. The tank regiments are near to plugging the supply roiad, while the Chinese cavalry unit sent to plug THEM is still in its home hex. The tanks are strafed for no damage, but some good Chinese training. No movement dots seen at Tsuyung. That may change when FUDD kicks off.

8) Anchor symbol seen at Balikpapan. Thinking tankers at last the Allies send a heavy raid at 3000 feet on Port strike. They find heavy CAP and an xAKL. Probably region resupply? Anyway, no tankers.

Morning Air attack on Balikpapan , at 64,97

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 7
Ki-44 Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 14
B-17E Fortress x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tamaki Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Port hits 1

9) Very large movements for FUDD begun. Two days of PPs needed to load Rangoon primary division. The RN shoves off from Colombo to gather near Pt. Blair. Many TFs begin loading at Madras, Calcutta, Chittagong, and Akyab. Japan re-bombs the Chinese corps trying to cross the river north of Prome, but a corps and an armor unit are already on the grey road due east and will go alone if necessary to pin Prome's RTA division. The Chinese corps for Ramree is about 20 miles away, but an Aussie division may amphib assault before they get there, then pass in the swamp as the Aussies head for Bassein, and Rangoon if needed.

It would be nice if there were better ports built in several places, and some heavy gear might be left behind, but a lot of combat power is about to sweep into Rangoon. With Singers still Allied the IJN may shoot the strait north. If so, there will be subs and mines in their way. Not many mines, but those little dots are powerful when their number are unknown.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/5/2013 6:57:35 PM >

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1055

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/5/2013 7:12:24 PM

JocMeister

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Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
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Ouchi on the strike.

Perhaps it would have been prudent to set one or two of the Wildcat squadrons to sweep instead of escort? I only escort with things I�m prepared to loose as everything on escort is turned into a flying barn with a hen for a pilot! I have found that the P40 is excellent to use for escort!

I wouldn�t hold back another day to sweep for mines. Even big minefields seems to be almost ineffectual in the game. As you say the KB is probably on its way. The sooner you can get in and out the better.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow!

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1056

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/5/2013 7:26:17 PM

Bullwinkle58

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Joined: 2/24/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Ouchi on the strike.

Perhaps it would have been prudent to set one or two of the Wildcat squadrons to sweep instead of escort? I only escort with things I�m prepared to loose as everything on escort is turned into a flying barn with a hen for a pilot! I have found that the P40 is excellent to use for escort!

I wouldn�t hold back another day to sweep for mines. Even big minefields seems to be almost ineffectual in the game. As you say the KB is probably on its way. The sooner you can get in and out the better.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow!

Carrier air in the very old days couldn't sweep from my recollection. I never got in the habit of doing it. It probably would have helped, yes. I also held back 40% on CAP as I just didn't believe there were no bombers snuck in after the last raid showed only Zeroes. Instead he snuck in a lot more fighters.

For tomorrow I don't really care about the Zeroes. If I take the base they're toast and the VPs are mine. If they can fly out then OK too, as they're gone and their eyes with them.

I'm 90% sure the landings will go in. The landing ships are all xAKs and xAPs, not AKs and APs. The escorts are mostly CLs which should survive one mine hit with Pearl close. If a BB gets it the damage can vary a lot, but I have BBs in the yards already, so they'll just join their friends. I think the minelaying TF from a month ago mostly went to Palmyra, and I already swept about 65 of those, although the base still shows a red dot under Christmas I. recon.

If the KB shows up I won't like it, but I'll know it's not going to fusk with the RN in the B. of B.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/5/2013 7:29:57 PM >

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The Moose

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 1057

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/5/2013 7:31:15 PM

JocMeister

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Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Isn�t Johnson an Atoll?? Unloading on an Atoll with xAKs and xAPs sounds like bad mojo? Or do you have A LOT of them so you will be able to unload completely before the shock attack?

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1058

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/5/2013 7:34:53 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Isn�t Johnson an Atoll?? Unloading on an Atoll with xAKs and xAPs sounds like bad mojo? Or do you have A LOT of them so you will be able to unload completely before the shock attack?

Yes and yes.

If I had thought there was a combat unit there I would have waited and brought the APs from San Diego. Time versus risk. The landing force is Marines too, not Army. Still, it could go badly. I really don't like early-war amphib, but I want Johnson back for a buffer. I gave him ample warning of this and he got ready. Whatever it costs, I'm taking Johnson back.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/5/2013 7:35:23 PM >

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The Moose

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 1059

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/5/2013 7:38:50 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

I�ll certainly keep my fingers crossed!

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1060

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/6/2013 2:05:34 AM

zuluhour

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Isn�t Johnson an Atoll?? Unloading on an Atoll with xAKs and xAPs sounds like bad mojo? Or do you have A LOT of them so you will be able to unload completely before the shock attack?

Yes and yes. If I had thought there was a combat unit there I would have waited and brought the APs from San Diego. Time versus risk. The landing force is Marines too, not Army. Still, it could go badly. I really don't like early-war amphib, but I want Johnson back for a buffer. I gave him ample warning of this and he got ready. Whatever it costs, I'm taking Johnson back.

quote:

Yes and yes. If I had thought there was a combat unit there I would have waited and brought the APs from San Diego. Time versus risk. The landing force is Marines too, not Army. Still, it could go badly. I really don't like early-war amphib, but I want Johnson back for a buffer. I gave him ample warning of this and he got ready. Whatever it costs, I'm taking Johnson back.

Allied SWAGGER in '42! love it.

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1061

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/6/2013 5:02:05 AM

Bullwinkle58

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Joined: 2/24/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

I'm 90% sure the landings will go in. The landing ships are all xAKs and xAPs, not AKs and APs.

Just got the next turn, to do tomorrow. Two corrections to what I said today:

1) The first wave landing force IS in APs and AKs. The second, third, and fourth are in x-ships.

2) Wake has Forts 4 +, not 5+.

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1062

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/6/2013 5:04:05 AM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Isn�t Johnson an Atoll?? Unloading on an Atoll with xAKs and xAPs sounds like bad mojo? Or do you have A LOT of them so you will be able to unload completely before the shock attack?

Yes and yes. If I had thought there was a combat unit there I would have waited and brought the APs from San Diego. Time versus risk. The landing force is Marines too, not Army. Still, it could go badly. I really don't like early-war amphib, but I want Johnson back for a buffer. I gave him ample warning of this and he got ready. Whatever it costs, I'm taking Johnson back.

quote:

Yes and yes. If I had thought there was a combat unit there I would have waited and brought the APs from San Diego. Time versus risk. The landing force is Marines too, not Army. Still, it could go badly. I really don't like early-war amphib, but I want Johnson back for a buffer. I gave him ample warning of this and he got ready. Whatever it costs, I'm taking Johnson back.

Allied SWAGGER in '42! love it.

(It helps when you're 19 hexes from US Navy Central!)

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to zuluhour)

Post #: 1063

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/6/2013 6:58:41 AM

JocMeister

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Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

I'm 90% sure the landings will go in. The landing ships are all xAKs and xAPs, not AKs and APs.

Just got the next turn, to do tomorrow. Two corrections to what I said today:

1) The first wave landing force IS in APs and AKs. The second, third, and fourth are in x-ships.

That will help! I say go for it!

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1064

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 3:08:55 AM

Bullwinkle58

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April 14 preview:

1) I want stock in Japanese mine makers.

2) Daylight BB bombardments rule!

3) The Flying Fish is the deadliest of all fish . . .

Update tomorrow.

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Post #: 1065

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 9:41:04 AM

JocMeister

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From: Sweden
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So I will have to eat my comment about minefields being almost useless?

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1066

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 2:50:43 PM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

So I will have to eat my comment about minefields being almost useless?

Mines are effective in Amphibious defense operations, and submarines penetrating the harbor. However, I have found that mines are not very effective for BB defense unless my opponent forgets to set a range ... I have also mined strats with some effect, but the total lifespan of mines in open waters makes this a one time opportunity where intelligence aligns just right.

I suspect the Riff-Raff operation ran into some mines ...

If this is true .. the good news is that PH is close by ..

[The Moose knows this ] ACM's will not replenish the mines if there is no supply ...

_____________________________

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 1067

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 5:08:41 PM

BBfanboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

[The Moose knows this ] ACM's will not replenish the mines if there is no supply ...

Crackaces, are you suggesting that it is a good thing that ships can clear the minefield by hitting them?

No wonder you end up fighting the Japanese in Burma [and doing very well at it] where naval support is minimal!

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 1068

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 6:48:15 PM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

[The Moose knows this ] ACM's will not replenish the mines if there is no supply ...

Crackaces, are you suggesting that it is a good thing that ships can clear the minefield by hitting them?
No wonder you end up fighting the Japanese in Burma [and doing very well at it] where naval support is minimal!

No .. although hitting mines does clear them but the use of DMS are far more efficent

.. but I was stating that if the intended target is exhausted of supply then ACM's will not keep the minefield replenished .. so one anti-mine strategy is to simply isolate the target. The strategy is absolutely essential for a target like Truk or "Buzzlebob" (sic). But a well supplied target with ACM's is going to extract a toll when it comes to an amphibious invasion .. .

But yes .. I feel much more comfortable with Burma as a theater of operations ...

_____________________________

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 1069

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 7:22:18 PM

Bullwinkle58

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quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

So I will have to eat my comment about minefields being almost useless?

They made me change my pants. Does that count?

Seriously, does any JFB have a read on what Japan's pre-war and monthly mine inventories are like? I know the Allies' pretty well, but I'd like to know if what I've found at Johnson and Palmyra is a lot or a little compared to the pile.

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 1070

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 7:28:02 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

So I will have to eat my comment about minefields being almost useless?

Mines are effective in Amphibious defense operations, and submarines penetrating the harbor. However, I have found that mines are not very effective for BB defense unless my opponent forgets to set a range ... I have also mined strats with some effect, but the total lifespan of mines in open waters makes this a one time opportunity where intelligence aligns just right.

I suspect the Riff-Raff operation ran into some mines ... If this is true .. the good news is that PH is close by ..

[The Moose knows this ] ACM's will not replenish the mines if there is no supply ...

Mine encounters to follow in the daily. I did run into a "few."

Mines have played a far greater role in this game than ever in an AI game for me. They are subs' worst enemy in 1942 before ASw upgrades catch fire.

ACMs have organic mine supplies when they come out of the yards. Ten I think. USN at least do. You can lay them, or hold them on-board for replacements.

Edit: Tracker sez that Chimo-class ACMs have a mine inventory of 20. The more common Alder-class ACMs do not have a mine inventory on-board, either newly arrived or later. Never noticed that.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/7/2013 7:44:06 PM >

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The Moose

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Post #: 1071

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 9:51:00 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

April 14, 1942

The Flight of the Fish

Operation RIFF-RAFF is in full swing, yet the most important war action today was far, far away. But first, the mines!

1) After yesterday's bad air results the US Navy re-programmed and bulled ahead. The wait-and-see was junked and the bombardment group was ordered in. Range at midnight meant the mission would be executed in daylight. "Land the landing force!" was issued by flashing light and semaphore flags and the big boyz heaved forward toward the reefs surrounding Johnson, figuring staying in the Bigger Boyz wakes might save them from the mines probably lurking. Red sub icons were in Johnson harbor, as well as two more due east in the TFs' path from Pearl.

The carriers moved forward toward their stand-off on "Station 'h'" due east of the objective. After a staff meeting (in my head) the TF commander decided to hold the four CVs together one more day to maximize CAP cohesion. One Hornet DB squadron was sent back to Pearl and a new carrier-capable USMC Wildcat squadron came aboard. Whether they will contribute is uncertain, but they can be sent ashore immediately when the base falls.

The four DMSes, given a break from ASW, begin their mission at night under 3% moonlight. At first 2 mines, 3 mines. Then, with DL up, 9 mines, 11 mines. The Air TF commnader is sweating on his flag bridge. After daybreak the totals skyrocket. 20 mines. 81 on the next pulse. Overall, including the few found by the landing force, 197 mines are located and swept WITH NO EXPLOSIONS!

There is still a red mine dot on the base, but this has to be the majority. Even if not, the landing force gets to the beach and begins to disembark safely.

A lone mini-sub tries for the bombardment group, but fails to connect and is driven under by the ASW escort. The BBs, supported by several float planes spotting, go to work. Results are excellent, especialy in the matter of Zeroes.

Naval bombardment of Johnston Island at 164,112

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 28 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho
BB Colorado
CA Minneapolis
CA Salt Lake City

Japanese ground losses:
835 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 49 destroyed, 131 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 10 (5 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (12 destroyed, 18 disabled)

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 34
Port hits 16
Port supply hits 12

The first wave goes in, and, with only about 40 prep, experiences severe disruption. But the Shock attack, while not decisive, goes well. The base should fall tomorrow.

Amphibious Assault at Johnston Island (164,112)

TF 349 troops unloading over beach at Johnston Island, 164,112

Allied ground losses:
382 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 35 (0 destroyed, 35 disabled)
Vehicles lost 15 (0 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Ground combat at Johnston Island (164,112)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1989 troops, 101 guns, 37 vehicles, Assault Value = 118

Defending force 3635 troops, 25 guns, 58 vehicles, Assault Value = 32

Allied adjusted assault: 10

Japanese adjusted defense: 4

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
546 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 15 (3 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
110th Combat Engineer Battalion
7th Marine Rgt /2
249th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
6th Base Force
10th JAAF Base Force

Tomorrow will see more sweeping and the landing of the Air HQ and base force. I don't htink the Ind. Reg. will be needed; it will be held off-shore. Intel recieved of intense radio at Kwajalein, which I have to assume is the KB if it isn't already on the way. The USN carriers will move to a more defensible location, and the bombarment group will be sent home. My goal is to only risk CL and smaller, and to get some LBA, especialy patrol, onto the island ASAP.

Overall an A- effort. The sweepers get an A++.

2) At Bataan the supply ship makes port. Air attacks concentrate on the AF, letting it begin to unload. No criticism of Japan. After these months with the PI behind the lines as it were no air unit would be expected to be on Naval attack. A large TF loaded with escorts and one xAK is moving past Lingayan a couple of hexes offshore. It is attacked by an RN submarine to no avail. It would be easy to strip an escort off to wait for the merchant to come out if the Bettys have other jobs. No idea if a small dollup of supply will help Bataan, but it can't hurt.

3) The mountain bombing of the Tsuyung stack continues, this time with a big (30) Oscar escort. The AVG, with a handful, comes long-time from Paoshan to meet them. One Oscar is downed and no casualties on the ground ensue from the disrupted raid. The next comes unescorted and the AVG destroys 1 Sally and damages 3 for 8 casualties on the ground. The final escorted raid of 32 bombers and 11 Oscars destroys an AVG fighter, but again scores no damage on the ground.

4) Operation FUDD builds momentum. About a dozen TFs are moving toward rally points and a half-dozen more are loading, some at unimproved ports like Cox's B. 7th Aussie Div loses men and equipment over the side twice trying to load here.

The coordination of so many LCUs, from so many nations, some on roads, some in jungle, some motorized, some not, has beaten the staff officers. With one more day of PP accumulation to load the main landing division for Rangoon at Madras, orders are given to overtly begin to approach designated targets at Prome, Bassein, and Toungoo. A strong Indian division and a strong armor unit are almost through the jungle SE of Akyab and onto the yellow road leading to Prome. The Chinese corps trying to cross the river north of Prome is bombed again, but has LRCAP and a trade of fighters is achieved for light ground damage. Not waiting, the corps and armor due east of Prome on the road begins movement into the target, showing a dot. The para drop on Bassein will be held back until Rangoon is a clear target.

The problem with FUDD is a lack of PPs and so many restricted units which need to walk to Rangoon. It will take time.

The central question--what does Japan know? What can they see? What can they react with? FUDD rests on many assumptions, one of which is difficulty of the IJN to get into the B.of B. easily with Singers untaken. Almost the entire RN OOB is underway for Pt. Blair, but is not there yet. The Straits of Malacca are not mined yet, and have no subs on patrol. Four are heading there, but are several days away.

So . . .

Imagine my surprise. Fish CAN fly!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 47,58

Weather in hex: Light rain

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

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 6
Hurricane IIa Trop x 6
Swordfish I x 11

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 damaged
Swordfish I: 2 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Kashii, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CL Jintsu, Torpedo hits 1
CL Nagara, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Animation results show CL Jintsu Listing, Counter-flooding, never a good sign. CL Nagara recieved a penetrating hit, with major engine damage and flooding reported.

Mike's email was, umm, rather incredulous.

Where did these ships originate? How did they get that far north? More importantly, where will they go tomorrow? Rangoon has the best piers for patching system, but so far light CAP. He knows I have B-26s at Pt. Blair which can reach most of the Thai coast. If he has flooding the nearest real help is Hong Kong. I'm assuming he doesn't know the RN is coming over the hill, or that there is a 3-ship RN reaction force of CL/DD at Pt. Blair now. I need this cruiser TF gone and quickly. Is it the lead of a stronger force? Don't know. But I don't want a naval battle as FUDD is in motion. Some of the distances are small between load port and objective, but so are escorts. It's a shoestring, 1942 lash-up operation. The next turn could be interesting.

But for today, well done, Fish!

5) Icing on the cake at Balikpapan. Leaving the heavies on Port since the anchor symbol still burns, they go in low once more. Bad losses, but hits on two enemy shiops, including a DD which might not make it.

Morning Air attack on Balikpapan , at 64,97

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 8
Ki-44 Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Amatsukaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Toko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

6) Canton I. forts go to 3. The garrison is still incoming. A squadron of Wildcats unloads at Christmas I. whose AF is about half-way to 2. Colombo AF goes to 7. Upgraded subs are coming back with radar. And it was another good day for future hopes. Today's arrivals:

CA Devonshire arrives at Cape Town
CLAA Atlanta arrives at Balboa
AM Benalla arrives at Melbourne
AM Castlemaine arrives at Melbourne
AM Echuca arrives at Sydney
SS Growler arrives at Balboa
SS Halibut arrives at Balboa
AE Shasta arrives at Cristobal
AP Hunter Liggett arrives at Balboa
AP Heywood arrives at Balboa
AP George F. Elliot arrives at Balboa
AP Fuller arrives at Balboa
AK Alcyon arrives at Balboa
xAP Noordam arrives at Los Angeles
xAP Tjisadane arrives at Alameda
AM Punjab arrives at Sydney
No.8 Sqn RNZAF arrives at Auckland
251 ShAD/67 ShAP arrives at Spassk-Dalniy
251 ShAD/294 ShAP arrives at Spassk-Dalniy
307th BG/370th BS arrives at Spokane
307th BG/371st BS arrives at Spokane
307th BG/372nd BS arrives at Spokane
308th BG/373rd BS arrives at Boise
308th BG/374th BS arrives at Boise
308th BG/375th BS arrives at Boise
307th BG/35th RS arrives at Spokane
308th BG/36th RS arrives at Boise
307th BG/HqS arrives at Spokane
308th BG/HqS arrives at Boise
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion arrives at Cape Town
100th RN Base Force arrives at Aden

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/7/2013 10:11:28 PM >

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The Moose

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Post #: 1072

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/7/2013 11:55:28 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Looks to me like Riff-Raff has held his attention and kept KB in the Marshalls, and Mini-KB is likely watching for game in the area between DEI and Oz, since you have sent some convoys to Darwin. I think FUDD is going to be a total surprise to him - most IJ players seem to think of Burma as a land war with air support and do not plan for naval intervention unless they see something coming back at Ceylon.

Four CLs is not the usual composition of a TF sent to check out hints of an amphib operation - you need CAs to fight your way past the CAs/CLs defending the invasion. I think it was a raiding TF sent to try and bag some supply convoys heading for the Port Blair area. Your usual thorough search should reveal if there is anything coming through the Strait of Malacca next turn.

_____________________________

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(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 1073

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/8/2013 12:11:13 AM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Looks to me like Riff-Raff has held his attention and kept KB in the Marshalls, and Mini-KB is likely watching for game in the area between DEI and Oz, since you have sent some convoys to Darwin. I think FUDD is going to be a total surprise to him - most IJ players seem to think of Burma as a land war with air support and do not plan for naval intervention unless they see something coming back at Ceylon.

Four CLs is not the usual composition of a TF sent to check out hints of an amphib operation - you need CAs to fight your way past the CAs/CLs defending the invasion. I think it was a raiding TF sent to try and bag some supply convoys heading for the Port Blair area. Your usual thorough search should reveal if there is anything coming through the Strait of Malacca next turn.

KB has been at Truk or east since 12/7/41 so far as I can tell, but right now all I have is radio intel, and Kwajalein can have that without carriers. I split the USN CVs into two TFs on the turn just sent back, and withdrew three hexes NE of former location. There are a lot of naval targets between them and Kwajalein, so if the KB does come I hope to have time to run back to Pearl. The BBs are on the way home too.

One of my hopes is "everybody knows" you can't re-take Rangoon this early. The mass of Chinese troops available in Burma and the lack of need for PPs to walk the Indian Army there is different here, and I hope he is surprised. It has been suggested to me that there might be a stiff psychological blow if Rangoon could fall while Singers is still in the Empire.

Down south of there I see now a new stack of 17 LCUs on the road, headed more or less for Moulein. So I don't have a lot of time, even if most of that is support. I figure it has to be Bangkok's.

I "think" some or all of those CLs have ASW capability; I wouldn't go there without some DDs though. And Oscar CAP, thick in Burma when I've played the AI, seems to be in China or helping at Singers/Palembang.

I wish I had more search, but I may have enough. Sabang has a Dutch DO unit (small), and a small Hudson force. The former is looking right down the Strait, and the latter now north and NE toward the cruisers and the Strait exit. I now have two subs with good torps in the Strait headed for choke hexes. Soon there will be four. All will base at Colombo.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/8/2013 12:13:48 AM >

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The Moose

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Post #: 1074

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/8/2013 12:18:03 AM

zuluhour

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

Watching with interest. Great info on the ACMs.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 1075

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/8/2013 3:51:43 AM

erstad

Posts: 1944
Joined: 8/3/2004
From: Midwest USA
Status: offline

quote:

if the intended target is exhausted of supply then ACM's will not keep the minefield replenished ..

If there is no fuel at the target the minefields will decay. I can't say supply does or doesn't matter, but I'm pretty confident fuel does.

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 1076

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/8/2013 3:04:20 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

April 15, 1942

Many Things Johnson

Well, the island fell. So, before the war moves onward, I wanted to document a bit of the fascinating lore associated with this atoll. To say the USA hasn't been very nice to it would be a gross understatement. From Wiki:

"The first Western record of the atoll was on September 2, 1796 when the American brig Sally accidentally grounded on a shoal near the islands. The ship's captain, Joseph Pierpont, published his experience in several American newspapers the following year giving an accurate position of Johnston and Sand Island along with part of the reef. However he did not name or lay claim to the area. The islands were not officially named until Captain Charles J. Johnston of the Royal Naval ship HMS Cornwallis sighted them on December 14, 1807.

By 1858, Johnston Atoll was claimed by both the United States and the Kingdom of Hawaii. The islands came under the jurisdiction of the United States following the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 with Hawaii. By 1890 the atoll's entire guano deposits had been depleted (mined out) by U.S. interests operating under the Guano Islands Act.

From July 10 to July 22, 1923, the atoll was recorded in a pioneering aerial photography project.

On July 29, 1926, by Executive Order, President Calvin Coolidge established Johnston Atoll as a federal bird refuge and placed it under the control of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

On December 29, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt transferred control of Johnston Atoll to the United States Navy in order to establish an air station, and also to the Department of the Interior to administer the bird refuge. In 1936, the Navy began to develop a base for seaplanes and an airstrip with refueling facilities. On February 1941 Johnston Atoll was designated as a Naval Defensive Sea Area and Airspace Reservation.

The atoll was briefly shelled by Japanese naval units shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. But as the Pacific War soon shifted west, the island's role changed from being a combat outpost to a refueling and resupply base for American aircraft and submarines.

On November 1, 1957, a United States Coast Guard LORAN-A station was commissioned (on Sand Island) which switched to a LORAN-C station in 1979. The station was disestablished on July 1, 1992.

The Johnston Atoll area was used during the 1950s and 1960s as an American nuclear weapons test site�for both above-ground and underground nuclear tests. Later on, it became the site of a chemical weapons depot and the site of the Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System (JACADS). All of the chemical weapons that were once stored on Johnston Island have been incinerated, and that process was completed in 2000 and JACADS demolished by 2003.

Between 1958 and 1975, several scientific sounding rockets were launched from Johnston Island. There were also several nuclear test missiles that were launched from Johnston Island in 1962 during the "Operation Dominic" series of nuclear tests, from a launchpad at

16.7370�N 169.5240�W. Twelve thermonuclear warheads were exploded in all, one of which was deliberately disrupted when the PGM-17 Thor carrying it failed to launch scattering plutonium debris over the island. Afterwards, the radioactive debris and soils were placed in a 25 acres (100,000 m2) landfill on the island, along with residue from Agent Orange containers returned from Southeast Asia after the Vietnam War, PCBs, PAHs, dioxins, and sarin nerve gas from the Soviet Union and East Germany.

In 1963, the U.S. Senate ratified the Limited Test Ban Treaty, which contained a provision known as "Safeguard C". Safeguard C was the basis for maintaining Johnston Atoll as a "ready to test" above-ground nuclear testing site should atmospheric nuclear testing ever be deemed to be necessary again. In 1993, Congress appropriated no funds for the Johnston Atoll "Safeguard C" mission, bringing it to an end. Congress redefined the island's military mission as the storage and destruction of chemical weapons.

In 2003, all structures and facilities, including those used in JACADS, were removed, and the runway was marked closed. The last flight out for official personnel was June 15, 2004. After this date, the base was completely deserted, with the only structure left standing being the JOC building at the east end of the runway.

On August 22, 2006, Johnston Island was struck by Hurricane Ioke. The eastern eye-wall passed directly over the atoll, with winds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h). Twelve people were actually on the island when the hurricane struck, part of a contracted USAF crew sent to the island to monitor groundwater contamination levels. All 12 survived.

On December 9, 2007, the United States Coast Guard swept the runway at Johnston Island of debris and used the runway in the removal and rescue of an ill Taiwanese fisherman to Oahu, Hawaii. The fisherman was transferred from the Taiwanese fishing vessel Sheng Yi Tsai No. 166 to the Coast Guard buoy tender Kukui on December 6, 2007. The fisherman was transported to the island, and then picked up by a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules rescue plane from Kodiak, Alaska.

Since the base was closed, the atoll is likely to have been visited by sailing vessels crossing the Pacific, as the deserted atoll has a strong lure due to the activities once performed there. One vessel blogged about stopping there for several days during a trip from Honolulu to the Marshall Islands.

In 2010, a Fish and Wildlife survey team identified a swarm of Anoplolepis ants that had invaded the island. The crazy ants are particularly destructive to the native wildlife, and needed to be eradicated. A "Crazy Ant Strike Team" was formed to stay on the island for nine months to bait traps for the ants and eliminate them. The team camped in the old chemical weapons storage bunkers on the southwest corner of the island. It is believed that the ants arrived with private boaters visiting the island illegally."

Additional Johnson Lore: Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English author, and source of some of the best quotes ever, had this beauty: "No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned..."

President Andrew Johnson: "It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word." (My HERO!!!)

President Lyndon B. Johnson: "If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read: "President Can't Swim."

Arte Johnson, on "Laugh-In": "Verrrrry interesting. But stupid!"

"But Bullwinkle", the crowd says, "what of the war news?"

1) Operation RIFF-RAFF progresses well. Multiple TFs come to the beach and begin to unload. To the rear is a Port Services unit which will help with the supply build in a few days. Today the Marines continue to come ashore, as well as an Air HQ and a base force. The minesweepers clear 57 more mines. A second TF of sweepers is inbound, but should be unneeded. Minelayers with over 100 Allied mines are ready at Pearl as I expect Johnson to be bothered by IJN subs for quite some time. Today RO-64 comes in and is pounded by ASW TFs for at least one penetrating hit and control room flooding.

The Japanese gunners on the island offer weak CD opposition which is suppressed by the numerous CLs, APDs, and DMSes escorting the landings. At the end of many phases of landings and sniping the final battle takes the island and wipes out the defenders.

Ground combat at Johnston Island (164,112)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4134 troops, 117 guns, 73 vehicles, Assault Value = 125

Defending force 3385 troops, 24 guns, 59 vehicles, Assault Value = 13

Allied adjusted assault: 67

Japanese adjusted defense: 3

Allied assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Johnston Island !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
3819 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 394 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 52 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 30 (30 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 59 (59 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled

Assaulting units:
110th Combat Engineer Battalion
7th Marine Regiment
VII US Fighter Cmnd /2
249th Field Artillery Battalion
113th USAAF Base Force /1

Defending units:
6th Base Force
10th JAAF Base Force

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

10th JAAF Base Force Wiped Out at Johnston Island by attrition!!!

Johnson has a stacking limit of 6000, but it is close enough to Pearl that supply is not a problem, so it will be overstacked long enough to rapidly build defenses and get an air base up and working.

Operation SWEET POLLY, the invasion of Palmyra Island, will wait for a bit more prep as well as stabilization of the carrier air wings. It will be more difficult as there are known bombers there, as well as patrol assets. A mine dot has been visible since the 63 swept several weeks ago. The island is under continuous recon from Christmas I.

2) The landing division for Rangoon is bought out at Madras and begins loading. Other FUDD assets continue to move toward their objectives.

The IJN CLs remain two hexes east of Port Blair, either by design or due to engine damage. Two Swordfish attacks take place in morning and PM phases. Three Oscars are found to CAP this TF. The first attack penetrates and gets one fish on target, but it duds. The second four crates get clean misses. One Fish is lost, and one escort. Another Fish crashes on landing. The RN reaction force at Port Blair is ordered to sortie, but refuses to close and retreats to port. If the CLs are still there tomorrow more of the RN will be in range, including BBs.

Of concern, however, this sighting is recorded: "Japanese Fighter Bomber sighted over Little Andaman." This could be a Glen plus FOW. Or it might be a piece of MKB. A lot of that force was seen at Palmyra delivering planes not that long ago. A speed run to be here might be barely feasible, but system damage would have accrued. Or it could be a small part of the MKB. Don't know. Search will be adjusted. The RN has two carriers at sea and the third three days from coming out of upgrade at Colombo. Albacores are the only strike planes at sea, however.

3) Singers is pounded again to a degree probable to restrain fort building. AA is the only defense. 67 bombers are damaged, 4 destroyed.

4) The Allied LRCAP over the mountain stack NE of Tsuyung takes a toll once more. 6 bombers destroyed, 3 damaged at the cost of 1 AVG P-40E. Far to the east the IJA tank regiments blocking this stack's supply line are themselves cut off from supplies to the rear. It is uncertain if Japan realizes this yet. (Will do a screenshot soon to illustrate.) This is a nice little tactical problem for both sides. The 100,000+ plus men sititng at Tsuyung are motionless.

5) 24 Blenheims bomb Rangoon to assess CAP and the AF in general. Only one small unit of 9 Oscars is seen. The CAP over the cruisers might also have come from here, but in summary Rangoon is still lightly held.

6) Palembang is strongly swept, but no CAP is up. Odd here. Multiple ships are in the harbor taking on fuel for Oz and no naval attacks are performed.

7) Similarly, the supply ship at Bataan unloads in peace despite attacks on the base.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/8/2013 3:51:55 PM >

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The Moose

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Post #: 1077

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/8/2013 3:44:27 PM

catwhoorg

Posts: 686
Joined: 9/27/2012
From: Uk expat lving near Atlanta
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Nicely done.

Getting some Land based air on there will make things a little easier for you.

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Post #: 1078

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/8/2013 3:50:50 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: catwhoorg

Nicely done.

Getting some Land based air on there will make things a little easier for you.

Thanks.

Yes, LBA will be a load off as far as Pearl being surprised goes. Be nice to force the IJN sub base back to Kwajalein too. Makes those San Diego patrols more of a "wave and goodbye" proposition, fuel-wise.

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Post #: 1079

RE: Nothing Up My Sleeve: Magical Moose Tricks--Bullwin... - 4/8/2013 5:04:25 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Wow - he left a large BF at Johnston just to support 8 Zeros and perhaps some patrol AC? Seems like an AVP or two for the Patrols would be more economical use of scarce resources. I wonder if that BF had naval support to enable reload of sub torps. It's a tough call, risking an AS vs a BF.

No bombers hitting Palembang? They could be all sent to deal with Singers or Burma.

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