RE: Sabang, Rd 1

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Sabang, Rd 1

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RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/26/2016 12:54:37 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

quote:

There are 4 divisions in Sabang which [full strength] is something like 1000 rifle squads. The US Army gets 80 squads a month, so 960 a year. To rebuild these units will take a full year of replacements (not time, just squads). That is one huge bite out of the US war effort!

Am I missing something?

Possibly, yes. Are all 4 divisions U.S. Army, or are there units which can draw on other pools?

We have the 1st Marine Div and two Marine Regiments, 2 US Army ID and 3-4 Ind Reg, the 20th Indian Division, and 18th British ID.

You've got the 27th, 32th, 37th US Army divisions, plus the Americal broken into regiments (164th, 182nd, 132nd). I think the two Marine regiments, 9th and 21st, are part of the 3rd Marine division, too. Not sure if the rest is here.

As I found out the hard way too, British/Australian/NZ AA pools are not deep, and there is a lot of that here too.

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Post #: 1861

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/26/2016 7:51:04 AM

John 3rd

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One has to remember the attempted capture of New Caledonia by five Brigades/Regiments. Dan pulled that trigger before I moved the two ID that were there off. I forced the surrender of two Aussie Brigades, two NZ Brigades, and a Marine Regiment. This was around the start of January 43.

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Post #: 1862

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/26/2016 5:12:18 PM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kjnoel

Is it really so easy to shrug off the US losses?

There are 4 divisions in Sabang which [full strength] is something like 1000 rifle squads. The US Army gets 80 squads a month, so 960 a year. To rebuild these units will take a full year of replacements (not time, just squads). That is one huge bite out of the US war effort!

Am I missing something?

Not easy but not a serious problem. There are ways to do it. Probably won't get the RCTs (some might be slated to withdraw later anyways) back soon but the three other divisions won't take long. Tanks are not much of a problem. And support units no problem at all. But the loss of that many men is not small matter. He can make up those losses but gives up any cushion he has for at least the rest of the year.

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Post #: 1863

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/26/2016 5:32:55 PM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Great first attack!

Boy, you are really going to grab the victory points here! If the Allies lose all that, my goodness will that put a crimp in their ability to threaten multiple fronts.

Well, the American divisions should be fairly quick to rebuild. (three, maybe four months) with little trouble. Indian and Australian can be rebuilt if you are a little creative in breaking down smaller units. I doubt the British division will ever get rebuilt. It is a big hit for Dan but not the end of the world. All other units are really no problem for the Allies to quickly rebuild. Sinking six carriers would have been a lot more significant. It has always been my contention as an Allied player that the Allies can recover from just about any early war disaster so long as they do not screw up and lose the carriers. It does limit his options in this theater for some time. I would call this contest a draw so far. Neither side had delivered a significant body blow. Been fun to watch so far.

I think this is bigger than just buy back and refill, and the VPs gained don't go away. The experience is a big factor, the time it will take even if he gets to buy them back soon, and the PPs themselves. You only get so many.

The Allies still own one hex in addition to Sabang. Could the IJ move out of that one once Sabang is about to fall and let the Allies have a retreat path? The question is, without another base on the island would they retreat? If they did they could sit there for a good while.

As kjnoel points out too, it's a lot of squads, plus devices that will be even harder to fill as many of the regiments and smaller units don't have a lot of those devices in numbers.

Destroyed Allied units can be bought back immediately for just a few PP. Maybe 30PP for a full division. American units then come back on the West Coast in about 30 days. American units come back with about 50 Exp which is the same as most newly arriving American division. Funny how it works but for the most part my American divisions in my last campaign never really got a lot of exp. That is because they spent most of the war attacking bases that were quickly overwhelmed. Only the ones I had in the Eastern theater saw extended combat and gained a whole lot of experience. So in 8/45 when I was planning my invasion of Japan. I had maybe half a dozen US army divisions with exp well over 60. However, my Indian, British and Australian troops (along with some American) that had fought through Burma, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam and then though China were all in the high seventies to eighty range. They were my shock troops. In my current campaign, I am deliberately engaging in some slow slogging campaigns to wipe out garrisons that I could have bypassed just so my damn infantry will get some experience. Squads are one thing but by 1943 the American pools are overfull with all sorts of devices. Devices are never a problem for the Americans.

As for VP, I don't pay much attention to them. I will know I have won once my troops are in the Imperial Palace..

It was my experience that once strat bombing comes into play, the Allies start to get a whole lot of VP. I think it is out of balance-slanted towards the Allies.

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Post #: 1864

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/26/2016 5:51:55 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

As for VP, I don't pay much attention to them. I will know I have won once my troops are in the Imperial Palace.. It was my experience that once strat bombing comes into play, the Allies start to get a whole lot of VP. I think it is out of balance-slanted towards the Allies.

If your troops only arrive on the Japanese mainland in March of 46 and you're only even in VPs, that visit to the Palace would be bittersweet.

Strat bombing does what it's supposed to do as well as getting points. The B-29s absolutely crippled my economy and production in spite of taking heavy losses regularly.

I used to think VPs didn't matter, and after playing one game to the end and playing both sides, now I can't think of what matters more. For the Allies you have to be so careful and aware of AV potential in 42, and then with the amount you're bleeding as you move forward for the rest of the war.

For the Japanese it's the route to feeling okay with being smacked down relentlessly for two full years of game play.

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Post #: 1865

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/27/2016 2:59:36 PM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

As for VP, I don't pay much attention to them. I will know I have won once my troops are in the Imperial Palace.. It was my experience that once strat bombing comes into play, the Allies start to get a whole lot of VP. I think it is out of balance-slanted towards the Allies.

If your troops only arrive on the Japanese mainland in March of 46 and you're only even in VPs, that visit to the Palace would be bittersweet.

Strat bombing does what it's supposed to do as well as getting points. The B-29s absolutely crippled my economy and production in spite of taking heavy losses regularly.

I used to think VPs didn't matter, and after playing one game to the end and playing both sides, now I can't think of what matters more. For the Allies you have to be so careful and aware of AV potential in 42, and then with the amount you're bleeding as you move forward for the rest of the war.

For the Japanese it's the route to feeling okay with being smacked down relentlessly for two full years of game play.

Just a difference of philosophy. We HR auto victory out in our game. We decided that it was not historically relevant and it causes a lot of game to end on 1/43. One thing that I have always felt would have enhanced play is to make VP losses for American carriers much higher in 44/45 vs 42 and then do the reverse for Japanese carriers.

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Post #: 1866

June 16, 1943 - 3/28/2016 8:25:56 AM

John 3rd

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June 16, 1943

Have been getting a couple of turns in before leaving for three days off up in the mountains. Cannot wait!

There has been some serious developments so I'll touch on them quickly:

North Pacific
Attu
The Kido Butai splits with the newest 3 CVs, 4 CVLs, and 18 escorts moving to Attu to replenish and resupply. They serve as a warning to Mr. Roper. They are also highly visible for a few days because I want him thinking the carriers are HERE instead of in Yokohoma and Tokyo upgrading.

Amchitka
There has been a batch of aerial activity with American Sweeps being flow here from Adak. A most unpleasant discovery was a squadron of 20 P-47 Thunderbolts appearing YIKES! Didn't think I would see them this soon. Exchanges are fairly decent and, for a change, I am now fighting over MY bases, pilot losses are light.

Adak
Lots of shipping around here and my Vals do well sinking several AKs over the last few days.

The big action is a surface fight on the 16th. The venerable Light Cruisers Isuzu and Nagara with 4 DDs go hunting for Allied shipping and find a small tiger. The STF mixes it up with CA Shropshire, CLAA San Juan and 9 US DDs. Crap! One would think this will be bad but---IT ISN'T. The Aleutians have NASTY weather and all sorts of inky blackness that help the saber-slashing Japanese Sons of Nippon. The fight STARTS at 1,000 Yds with the Japanese crossing the 'T.' Before the Allies can open up, DD Hatsushima slams two Long Lances into the British cruiser crippling and maybe sinking her. The Nagara blows DD Aulick to smithereens by a Long Lance and then the TF beats feet away. Score is CA Shropshire and DD Aulick for medium damage to DD Hatsushima. Solid work by my knife fighters.

Sumatra
Sabang
The 15th sees a bombardment by 2 BBs, 3 BCs, and DDs that 1,028 Cas, 40 Guns, 70 Vehicles, and hit the Runway 60 times. A Deliberate Attack follows (#2) and misses scoring a 1-1. We get a 1-2 (1078--1463) with casualties breaking nicely for the Allies: Jpn 6,476 to 1830 Allied, 102 Guns, and 81 Vehicles. Two full strength ID will arrive in two days with a third coming up from Langsa. Pull two ID out to return to Langsa for rest. Though disappointing, the result is not terrible. We'll keep knocking on the door...

That is the news! Here is a shot of that lovely surface fight near Adak:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 3/28/2016 8:27:03 AM >

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Post #: 1867

Mountains - 3/28/2016 3:32:35 PM

John 3rd

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I am packing up the Cochran Clan and we are going up the Poudre Canyon for three days of R&R in a world WITHOUT electronics due to no signal whatsoever. We'll try to muddle through and survive. The war will be still waiting when I get back Thursday.

NOTES:
1. Following advice from the previous pages I ahve worked to shift my Naval and Army Fighter Research. Have second versions of George and Tony well underway in this area.
2. Frank is now moving forward steadily a month earlier for every six weeks passed in game time.
3. Am looking at the late-war Fighters as well as expanding Sam but haven't done it yet.

Late-War airframes are something I know little about. Any further exploration here would be greatly appreciated.

Off to a palatial cabin!

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Post #: 1868

RE: Mountains - 3/28/2016 4:37:47 PM

Lowpe

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Enjoy the trip!

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Post #: 1869

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/28/2016 6:00:20 PM

Revthought

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

As for VP, I don't pay much attention to them. I will know I have won once my troops are in the Imperial Palace.. It was my experience that once strat bombing comes into play, the Allies start to get a whole lot of VP. I think it is out of balance-slanted towards the Allies.

If your troops only arrive on the Japanese mainland in March of 46 and you're only even in VPs, that visit to the Palace would be bittersweet.

Strat bombing does what it's supposed to do as well as getting points. The B-29s absolutely crippled my economy and production in spite of taking heavy losses regularly.

I used to think VPs didn't matter, and after playing one game to the end and playing both sides, now I can't think of what matters more. For the Allies you have to be so careful and aware of AV potential in 42, and then with the amount you're bleeding as you move forward for the rest of the war.

For the Japanese it's the route to feeling okay with being smacked down relentlessly for two full years of game play.

That's totally relative to your playing experience. I completely ignore VPs--it helps to HR out AV I suppose--because they are completely irrelevant to the actual conduct of the war. I enjoy pretending like I am actually "fighting" WW2 in the Pacific--I am not playing a game for points.

For me, this is a much more fulfilling experience because both my opponents and I know we're in the game for the long haul and need to approach the game as such. This makes the experience far more immersive (for me at least) and makes me feel like, even though we are on different sides, what my opponents and I are really doing is collaborating to tell an alternative story of WW2 in the Pacific.

Not that there is anything wrong with not doing this and treating this as a game--it is! Its just not really necessary for me, nor does it add much for me. I'm not competitive enough of a person to need something other than "history" by which to judge my performance in my historical gaming.

< Message edited by Revthought -- 3/28/2016 6:02:47 PM >

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Post #: 1870

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/30/2016 1:07:27 AM

AcePylut

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Ya know, one thing about this game is the tedious nature of it. I mean "I'm going to invade Marcus Island in July"... oh great that's 4 months away, let me make sure for the next four months I tend to all my YMC ships, far off patrol planes, akl's, and the 10,000 mouseclicks that will take, to see this invasion happen.

What makes this enjoyable, is reading your and Canoe's. Reading them, to me, is worth the price of the game itself. You both have fun-to-read styles. It's enjoyable.

And as you like to say... BANZAI!

< Message edited by AcePylut -- 3/31/2016 2:38:26 AM >

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Post #: 1871

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/30/2016 6:57:36 PM

John 3rd

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We're HOME! Watched a beautiful snowfall last night that did not impact the drive home: NICE! The boys didn't kill each other and actually got along quite well. A solid, good couple of days.

Will let Dan know I 'm home and able tot ake a turn.

I don't play for victory points. I play to win and survive as Japan.

Thanks Ace Pylut. Bet they are a blast to read side-by-side.

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Post #: 1872

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/30/2016 8:48:45 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

We're HOME! Watched a beautiful snowfall last night that did not impact the drive home: NICE! The boys didn't kill each other and actually got along quite well. A solid, good couple of days.

Glad you had a good trip! Nothing like the western landscape to give some perspective and joy to the family.

quote:

I don't play for victory points. I play to win and survive as Japan.

I said the same thing in my first two games.

Other players keyed me into how VPs can actually make the full game much more enjoyable, and I found this to be true once I'd played into 45 especially. I started to become a fan of VPs as a way to measure the agony it is to play Japan in the last days of the Empire. The small victories, or the days when you take a haul of ships and planes (and points) become more strategic, and interesting to engineer (when the rest of the game is slogging through the inevitable finish) if the points mean the Allies aren't actually crushing you objectively.

Having this measure makes the ending fun for Japan, because you can "win" on points with your navy sunk and the Allies landing on Honshu, or draw from a position that feels like an even more devastating loss otherwise.

It also puts in perspective all of those xAK used as pickets. Those are 8-10 points each!! He has to gain 16-20 points to make up for each one and get to a win. It means any callous behavior by the Allies, or ridiculous kamakaze air losses by the Japanese, are paid for in the balance.

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Post #: 1873

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/30/2016 9:58:08 PM

Anachro

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I think when people talk about caring or not caring about VP's, what they really mean is they don't care about auto-victory. VPs on their own are fun and a nice measure, as you say, of how well you performed/how much agony you might wreak relatively on your opponent.

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Post #: 1874

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/30/2016 10:40:29 PM

Lowpe

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Allies can only win by auto-victory.

I mirror Obvert's sentiments.

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Post #: 1875

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/30/2016 11:45:47 PM

John 3rd

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Allies can only win by auto-victory.

I mirror Obvert's sentiments.

Anachro is correct.

Obvert and Lowpe have hit on something I have decided to take advantage of. It is my intention to go after these 'free' ships Dan is hanging out for me to gobble up: points-are-points. Just might also force my opponent to re-think his position in this area...

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Post #: 1876

R & D - 3/31/2016 12:42:31 AM

John 3rd

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I am going to pull up my screens and try to detail what I am now researching. As said earlier, I have pulled roughly half of my George, Tony, and Tojo production into researching the next models. Frank is coming forward at a good clip.

Really need opinions on late-war airframes for the army...

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Post #: 1877

R&D Screen - 3/31/2016 12:59:23 AM

John 3rd

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Here is a screenshot of just R&D (RED for IJA and BLUE for IJN):

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1878

RE: Sabang, Rd 1 - 3/31/2016 1:02:01 AM

Lowpe

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Army fighters: a lot depends upon your current research and current production.

Don't forget engines and their research.

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Post #: 1879

Great White North - 4/1/2016 2:50:51 AM

John 3rd

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Had some action last turn. A series of surface fights between a Japanese STF and several American TFs at Adak. Will detail in a bit but the Japanese lost 2 DDs in exchange for CLAA San Juan, 3 Fletchers, and several fully loaded AK. Not too bad...

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Post #: 1880

RE: Great White North - 4/3/2016 3:54:32 AM

John 3rd

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Update coming.

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Post #: 1881

The Great White North - 4/3/2016 4:29:18 AM

John 3rd

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The Aleutians
June 19-23,1943

To say that things have been active up North is a vast understatement. Everyday features all sorts of give-and-take. In a war of attriting the Allied Forces, it doesn't 'appear' to be too bad a set of five days.

We left off with a Bombardment TF heading in to hit Adak. The TF had CB Kawachi, 3 CA, 2 CL, and 5 DD. These warships came from the screen of the active portion of Kido Butai (remember that we have taken a calculated gamble and ten flattop decks as well as a dozen warships are all upgrading in Tokyo or Yokohoma). The remaining portion (3 CV and 5 CVL) are moving back-and-forth around Attu.

June 19th
Adak
The Bombardment TF moves in and is intercepted by CLAA San Juan and 9 American DDs. Amazingly the Americans get SURPRISE on the Japanese and manage to put WORKING TTs into two CAs and sink a DD before a single Japanese shot is fired. Wow. Not a good start! As soon as the surprise wears off (must mention that CLs Isuzu and Nagara collide during the surprise gunnery round...) the Japanese are able to go seriously to work. CB Kawachi is the cruiser that the Allies THOUGHT the Japanese were building so they countered with the Alaska-Class. Kawachi BLASTS CLAA San Juan and sinks her while the remaining ships sinks DDs Frazier and Worden. Several other US DDs are seriously damaged. A series of fights then break out as the TF separate. The Japanese lose a second DD and sink DD Nicholas as well as two full AKs carrying troops.

Daylight.

Everyone retires without issue. The CLs are not badly damaged but the two CAs each need some yard time. They are sent back to the Home Islands.

Amchitka
Dan is seriously working on crushing Amchitka's AF. Sweeps by P-38s and---YIKES--P-47 wear down the Tony and Tojo protecting the AF while B-24 and B-25 begin gradually damaging the runways and AF.

LOTS of shipping moving about and I spot what appears to be a couple of TF heading that base just SW of Adak. Decide to take a risk that none of the 150 Fighters at Adak is on LRCAP and move KB away from Attu to hit this possible target.

June 20th
Sitkinak (I think this is the base)
I-36 Sinks LST-16.

The KB finds some nice, easy targets with NO CAP flying over it. Two strikes are flown that sink 3 AK and 2 LST. There are over 500 casualties reported as well as 70+ guns. Perhaps we seriously damage an AA or CD unit? Don't know but it works nicely.

Detach 2 CA, a CL, and 3 DDs to sweep this location and finish off any survivors.

Amchitka
The AF is taking steady damage and I order two A6M4 Daitai to 50% LRCAP over Amchitka to help with defense.

June 21st
The STF finds a lone AK trying to unload and it is sunk causing another 169 Cas and 18 more guns to be lost.

Amchitka
Decide to REALLY bolster the Fighters over the base. Order KB to move two hexes from the base and place five of the CVs Zeros on LRCAP. Should be a surprise!

Attu
A TF unloads two large Daitai of George's from Singapore. One is a 36 plane unit while the other is 48 aircraft. These should help to counter those damned P-47s.

June 22nd
The STF rejoins KB's screen.

Amchitka
WHAT A FIGHT! A total of 117 Zeros (M5b and M4) are found over this base as the American raids come in. The Americans attacks are: 16 P-38, 27 B-25, 12 B-25 and 5 B-24, 6 B-24, 6 B-24, and 18 P-47. The massed CAP swarms over each American wave and strength of numbers REALLY help. By the end, the Japanese lose 27 Zero (12 ATA and 15 in OPs) but only 5 pilots in exchange for nearly 50 Allied aircraft. NICE!

Decide to stay one more day with this.

I-171 sinks AK Jalaputra at Ulak. Its cargo goes down with it as well.

June 23rd
Amchitka
This day sees 87 Zero meet five successive strikes. Two of them are P-47 while the others are bombers. Down go about 24 Zero (9 pilots) in exchange for 30 of the enemy. Pull KB back to Attu. Certainly stung the enemy a bit and time to rest the aircrews a bit.

Reform a Bombardment TF of Kawachi, 2 CA, 2 CL, and 4 DDs. Will try to hit Adak again. No shipping nearby so there should not be any interference. Order 4 Daitai of Fighters to fly LRCAP over the TF.

June 19-23rd
Allied Losses: CLAA San Juan, 3 DDs, 6 AK, 3 LST and about 80-100 aircraft.
Japanese Losses: DDs Kishinami and Isokaze and a little over 60 planes. Nearly all of them are fighters.

This is the first time in the war where I truly find myself fighting over MY bases. Thank goodness. My pilot losses are really low and I am enjoying that a bit.

NOTES:
1. BB Musashi is almost ready to sail at Nagasaki. She should be ready by the end of the month. This BID BAD BOY will go north to raise some HELL!

2. Musashi will be joined by Kawachi's sister ship. This will provide me three Capital Ships (the CBs are strong with 6 14" guns but not very tough) to use for bombardment purposes.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/3/2016 4:50:27 AM >

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Post #: 1882

Battle of Sumatra - 4/3/2016 4:43:50 AM

John 3rd

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Sumatra
June 19-23, 1943

Attack one at Sabang went well but the second attack missed a 1-1 and did not drop Forts. Decide to bring the kitchen sink and get up to nearly 92,000 of the 95,000 hex limit of Sabang. Take time to move the troops while I pull out two ID for refit at Langsa.

Decide to get to rocking the base with multiple Bombardments and make a very calculated gamble to bomb Sabang with my Sally and Helens. Last time the AA was horrific.

June 19th
Send a single Sentai of Helen over Sabang and they only lose one plane. OK. Order all 200 Bombers to go to work. There are nearly 30 support units in the coastal hex west of Sabang and I am willing to bet many of them are AA units. Makes sense in that he needs every rifleman at Sabang...

I-21 sinks AK Tak Sang near Diego Garcia

June 20th
A strong Bombardment TF of 3 BB and 2 BC smack the base quite well. They do 927 Cas, 42 Guns, 39 Vehicles, hit the runway 33 times, and destroy 14 planes on the ground.

Roughly half the bombers fly and hit the AF and Port. Lose about 12 planes but we're are now in this for the end count. Keep the bombers attacking.

June 21st
Have the earlier Bombardment TF unload the rest of its ammo doing 169 Cas, 18 Guns, 6 Veh, and smack the runway 16 times.

Bombers all fly and do some nice work while losing about a dozen again. They are flying at 16,000 Ft.

June 22nd
Two BC and 3 CA hit Sabang doing 656 cas, 30 Guns, 32 Veh, the runway is hit 58 times, and 8 planes are destroyed.

No bombers fly as weather closes off the Malay AF. Shift them to Ground Attack.

The last of the troops arrive with the 48th ID and another Engineering Reg arriving.

June 23rd
Bombers fly losing 9 of their number and nearly all concentrate on the beat-up 20th Indian ID and an American Regiment. Over 100 cas are caused as well as some guns are taken out.

At Georgetown all five AKE are emptied out as BOTH Bombardment TF are loaded up. Order them to Sabang as STF and to 'remain' at the target. We'll have them BOTH unload prior to the next assault.

Sabang Assault #3 scheduled for June 25th.

Should note that a reasonably strong Japanese CTF is upgrading and getting ready for action. CV Hiyo and CVL Zuiho are upgrading while 7 CVE wait for them to get done. Three cruisers and twelve DDs wait to form their protective ring around these boys. Got to imagine that Dan thinks all my decks are up north.

BB Mutsu was damaged long ago and hid for nearly 8 weeks at Port Blair and Victoria. Three months ago it reached Singapore and her damage is finally coming down to where she might be available within 20 or so days if needed.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/3/2016 4:47:55 AM >

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Post #: 1883

RE: The Great White North - 4/4/2016 12:40:30 AM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

CB Kawachi is the cruiser that the Allies THOUGHT the Japanese were building so they countered with the Alaska-Class.

Okay, now I'm definitely rooting for this game to go to mid-1944, so we can see an Alaska vs. Kawachi duel!

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Post #: 1884

RE: The Great White North - 4/4/2016 2:00:00 AM

John 3rd

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June 26, 1943

General Yamashita orders the 3rd assault on Sabang.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....my....

Stay tuned.

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Post #: 1885

Sabang, Rd 3 - 4/4/2016 2:20:04 AM

John 3rd

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June 26, 1943

Sumatra
The Japanese have patiently worked their way up the Sumtra coast for months. A month ago they arrived at the last base of the Allied Army: Sabang. The TIGER OF MALAYA General Yamashita with 25th Army HQ at Sabang has watched two assault occur and now orders his third. Southern Area Army lends its considerable support from Langsa and Combined Fleet serves up its normal double bombardment.

It is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO close to total victory.

The Bombardment:
1. At Midnight, 3 BB, 2 Kongos, and 8 DDs pound the actual perimeter doing 629 Cas, 29 Guns, 41 Vehicles and hit the Runway 10 times.

2. At dawn, 2 Kongos, 3 CAs, and 10 DDs add their shells to the building fury. This TF does 426 Cas, 29 Guns, 15 Vehicles, and smack the Runway 75 times.

3. The Japanese Army opens fire at dawn pounding a seam between the 182nd Ind US Reg and the 20th Indian ID.

4. As the order to advance is sounded throughout the line, nearly 100 Sally and Helens drop theirs bombs on the same two units causing over 150+ casualties.

Simply put. The Allied line COLLAPSES! Three Japanese ID punch through the hole. Only the 48th ID takes serious casualties as the other two race through and exploit the non-existent defense. The day sees the Japanese advance nearly 20 miles right up to the edge of Sabang and its massive AF. It is here as cooks and typists are thrown into the resistance that the Japanese effort stops. It is just an eyelash short of TOTAL VICTORY.

Wow. BANZAI!

Japanese Deliberate Attack: 3-1 (3995-1028)
Japan 3808 Cas and 68 Guns
Allies 4045 Cas, 114 Guns, 78 Vehicles THREE UNITS DESTROYED.

Total with Bombardment: 5146 Cas, 172 Guns, and 134 Vehicles

Debate on ordering another immediate attack to finish them off but cannot due to supply. Will wait 2 Days and then launch a SHOCK ATTACK with both Bombardment TF back to deliver their cargo...

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1886

...not to be outdone... - 4/4/2016 2:24:40 AM

John 3rd

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The Aleutians
June 26, 1943

The glory does not only occur in the South. WAAAAAAY up north, Japanese scores another impressive result.

Bombardment TF: CB Kawachi, 3 CA, 2 CL, and 4 DDs slide into the harbor they know so well at Adak. There is no resistance this time and the Japanese carry out a slow, deliberate bombardment of their old AF. The results are spectacular!

612 cas, 11 Supply Hits, and 96 Runway hits. Recon reveals 75 destroyed American planes: 20 SBD, 16 P-38, 9 P-47 and at least 40 more planes crushes under the shell's weight.

No American Fighter Sweeps this day.

GLORIOUS!

A second, weaker Bombardment TF comes in tomorrow with 2 CL and 6 DD carrying the load.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/4/2016 2:28:15 AM >

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Post #: 1887

RE: ...not to be outdone... - 4/4/2016 3:09:06 AM

pws1225

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Nicely done on both fronts.

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Post #: 1888

RE: ...not to be outdone... - 4/4/2016 11:26:00 AM

obvert

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Nice work.

When you list the ground results you often list casualties which leaves the reader unclear as to how this affects both sides.

Is it possible to give a listing in squads instead of casualties?

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Post #: 1889

New Play Ground? - 4/4/2016 1:16:50 PM

John 3rd

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From: La Salle, Colorado
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June 27, 1943
Marshalls

Looks like we might have a new play ground for the Allies to lose ships in. This time we are READY with Naval Air. Begin moving 350+ aircraft into position...