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RE: 24-25 May 43 - 3/25/2017 10:39:06 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

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Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
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quote:

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

quote:

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer
Allies have 7 CVs (6 US, 1 Brit) deployed for this fight.

Why not 8? are you counting Essex? or did you lose a carrier?

Not counting Essex or any CVLs - they won't be participating in the IO adventure.

which means this is coming soon

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 841

28-29 May 43 - 3/28/2017 8:17:43 PM

IdahoNYer

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Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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28-29 May 43

Highlights � KB moves to hit Corunna Downs; Troops land at Kiriwina Is

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Kikizuki)
SS: 1 (I-17)
SSX: 1
xAK: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
DD: 1 (Hatsukaze)
SS: 1 (I-21)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 50
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 9 Attacks, 5 ships hit (DD (Kikizuki), xAK sunk, TK(sm), 2xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Kiriwina Is (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB moves off Port Hedland to launch strikes against Corunna Downs

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Transports complete offloading at Namorik, and will head to Ocean Is to pick up troops for Ailinglaplap. CA TF will head to bombard Kusaie before returning to Tabit for replenishment.

In SOPAC, 53rd (Sep) IN Reg ashore at Kiriwina without any issues. Only Jpn response is a night time Betty attack which cost 6 Bettys and 3 Vals to flak for no hits. Troops should carry the island next turn, while additional engineers come in via LC and LST. Ships will depart and head back to Luganville to begin loading troops for Buin. P-38s sweep Namatanai - the hex adjacent to Rabaul, and as expected some Rabaul CAP Zeros leaked over and were duly shot up by the sweeping P-38s. 14Z lost in exchange for a pair of P-38s. B-25Ds hit a barge convoy off Green Island, sinking 6 despite and losing two to Zero cover. Arleigh Burke�s DDs missed a golden opportunity, arriving at Kavieng as the Jpn convoy was apparently just departing - and was not able to engage!

In SWPAC, Allied bombers stood down to lick their wounds from the KB LRCAP. Subs came up empty hunting the KB, with the SS Argonaut damaged by escorting DDs, and SS Grouper hit and sunk DD Kikizuki which was providing escort to a convoy heading back to Koepang.

In WAUS, the KB headed from the Darwin area to off Port Hedland where it launched a 300 plane raid on Corunna Downs. It was met by a weak CAP (since I managed to move the Spitfires in WITHOUT putting them on CAP). Still, CAP didn�t do poorly, with 10Z downed in exchange for single KittyHawk shot down. And despite the 100+ Jills and 100+Judys, the AF was fully repaired by the turn�s end and only 5 fighters destroyed on the ground. Still, the KB avoided the sub concentration off Darwin, and another massed raid will probably be more successful. I have no idea where L_S_T will send the KB next - stay here? Head back toward Darwin? Or perhaps even hit Exmouth or Carnavon - which is jammed with shipping. Although I don�t think a sortie toward Carnavon is likely, I�m clearing shipping just in case.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, NSTR.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 3/28/2017 8:24:26 PM >

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 842

30-31 May 43 - 3/29/2017 6:29:49 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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30-31 May 43

Highlights � KB stays off Port Hedland to hit Corunna Downs; Kiriwina Is taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hatsukaze)
SS: 2 (I-35, I-156)
PB: 1
TK: 2 (small)
SSX: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 28
Allied: 34

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 11 Attacks, 4 ships hit (PB, 2TK sunk, PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kiriwina Is (SOPAC)
Katherine (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB remains off Port Hedland launching strikes against Corunna Downs

West Coast/Admin: CV Essex arrives in Panama!!

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Transports begin loading troops at Ocean Is for Ailinglaplap, with the CVE TF providing cover just in case. CA TF bombards Kusaie Is with good effect enroute to Tabit. PV-1s continue to hit troops on Ailinglaplap, estimated an SNLF or Naval Guard defending the atoll.

In SOPAC, Kiriwina is taken without any issues, and transport and cover TFs are headed back to ports to replenish and prepare for Buin, loading should begin at Luganville next turn. Buin will be a major operation, landing the 1st Mar Div and support troops in the initial invasion, and then bringing in additional troops such as the Americal Div to take Torokina - either overland or possibly another amphib operation. Will be interesting to see L_S_T�s response as losing these bases will bring Rabaul well into fighter range. The Buin operation should time for Kiriwina and Woodlark Is to be built up, necessary before troops are landed on the NE coast of New Guinea. Will stay busy in SOPAC!

In SWPAC, the Japanese are pulling back faster than the Allies can advance. Not complaining! Katherine flips as a lone US towed TD battalion enters the undefended base. 503rd Para Reg continues fly in support troops at Fenton - shortage of C-47s slowing this operation to a crawl - want to transition to para on Bathurst! The IJA troops NW of Daly Waters get renewed attention of Allied ground attack aircraft with the KB off Port Hedland. Darwin still looks to be heavily defended, and it will take a while to bring enough troops to bear - at least a division�s worth, and figure out how to keep them supplied. The LST will be invaluable (the landing ship, not my esteemed opponent in this case).

In WAUS, the KB launches a 400 plane raid on Corunna Downs which destroys 11 a/c on the ground and damages the field to good effect, although not closing the field - another strike will probably succeed in shutting down ops. 7 Zeros were lost to a weak CAP in exchange to 1 Spit. AA fire is non existent as of course the AI supply officer elected to shut available supply to the AA units first, and while other units at Corunna have over 50% required supply, the AA units have zero. I�m moving the still largely disabled US 41st Div out of Corunna - they are more of a supply hog than a viable force. They�ll march overland back to Exmouth, leaving three Aussie Bdes to take Port Hedland overland. But as long as the KB trolls off the coast, Port Hedland will be safe from attack. But I fully expect the KB to pull off as the situation develops in the Indian Ocean. And to that, I�m pulling subs into refuel in order to set them west of Koepang, anticipating the KB heading west.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, B-24s return to hit Magwe at low level (2000ft) and destroy 6 fighters on the ground without loss. Recon shows Prome AF back in full operation with both some fighters and bombers based there. Looks to be a good opportunity for a daylight strike and catch some fighters dispersed outside of Magwe. Will sweep with Corsairs and P-38s, and hit with bombers next turn.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 843

RE: 30-31 May 43 - 3/29/2017 7:03:35 PM

jwolf

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quote:

The LST will be invaluable (the landing ship, not my esteemed opponent in this case).

Well, actually you need both ...

The other sides's AAR is a bit ahead of yours. I'm looking forward to seeing more detail on "the situation developing in the IO" as you put it. Between that and your ops in the CenPac, I wonder when the KB will finally leave N Aus for good?

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 844

RE: 30-31 May 43 - 3/30/2017 2:16:36 PM

Macclan5

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Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

In WAUS, the KB launches a 400 plane raid on Corunna Downs which destroys 11 a/c on the ground and damages the field to good effect, although not closing the field - another strike will probably succeed in shutting down ops. 7 Zeros were lost to a weak CAP in exchange to 1 Spit. AA fire is non existent as of course the AI supply officer elected to shut available supply to the AA units first, and while other units at Corunna have over 50% required supply, the AA units have zero. I�m moving the still largely disabled US 41st Div out of Corunna - they are more of a supply hog than a viable force. They�ll march overland back to Exmouth, leaving three Aussie Bdes to take Port Hedland overland. But as long as the KB trolls off the coast, Port Hedland will be safe from attack. But I fully expect the KB to pull off as the situation develops in the Indian Ocean. And to that, I�m pulling subs into refuel in order to set them west of Koepang, anticipating the KB heading west.

You operation for Port Blair does not seem to be in left field.

I think you are reading your opponent very well.

Threats or feints towards Victoria point / south of Burma should in fact bring your opponent to terms.

It seems to me that some Japanese players have a new imperative across recent games in the past few years; Protect the oilfields.

Otherwise its curious to me that the KB is wasting airframes and experienced pilots on such important strategic targets as Corunna Downs.

Loosing 10 Zekes to 1 Spit for NW Aus is a trade off I think every Allied player would dream of.

1) The Empire cannot hold Northern Australia till end game so long as you can ship into Sydney / Brisbane / Townsville. Its at best a delay tactic.

2) Although one can debate the point due to Oil proximity / advances ....Ailinglap is more important strategic base than Darwin or Corunna. Ailinglap with its large base size / troop capacity is a very important base to protect the Mariana's - or for the Allied player a great jump off point.

Great that the Empire have protected the DEI Oilfields from bombing out of (??) unless the Allies control the Gilbert's and Mariana's and start Naval/Merchant/ Tender hunting with Marine squadrons and long legged Marine PBY Liberators and Corruna's (eventually another fleet of carriers)

I don't see how your opponent can move the KB to protect the Gilbert's while at the same time trying to protect the Burma Flank.

Good luck - following.

PS (Throw in maps for Port Blair please)

< Message edited by Macclan5 -- 3/30/2017 2:18:18 PM >

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 845

RE: 30-31 May 43 - 3/30/2017 2:43:17 PM

Macclan5

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And I am not reading the opposing AAR

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 846

RE: 30-31 May 43 - 4/3/2017 4:27:41 AM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

quote:

The LST will be invaluable (the landing ship, not my esteemed opponent in this case).

Well, actually you need both ...

The other sides's AAR is a bit ahead of yours. I'm looking forward to seeing more detail on "the situation developing in the IO" as you put it. Between that and your ops in the CenPac, I wonder when the KB will finally leave N Aus for good?

Yeah jwolf I'm a bit behind in the AAR - I'll try and catch up! Just back from vacation which didn't help - had the turn for a week! Plenty more to come on the Indian Ocean Adventure!

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 847

RE: 30-31 May 43 - 4/3/2017 4:35:51 AM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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Thanks Mcclan5 for your comments - I think the KB will come out. He'll have to at some point. As to why he's laying off Port Hedland - Darwin, I truthfully think its from aprapog's rapid advance in this area in his AAR. I expected a much tougher fight for Merauke and Horn when I began to move into the Torrez Straits, but it wasn't until aprabog made some rapid moves in the same area that L_S_T sent in the KB. And he's very focused here. While that's has stalled any hopes of a rapid end to the IJA in OZ, it has allowed some advances elsewhere. I hope to take advantage in the Indian Ocean - and still push in CENPAC and SOPAC.

Will get some screenshots of the IO adventure as I catch up in the AAR.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 848

RE: 30-31 May 43 - 4/3/2017 2:53:21 PM

jwolf

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quote:

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer
As to why he's laying off Port Hedland - Darwin, I truthfully think its from apbarog's rapid advance in this area in his AAR.

Sounds plausible. It's ironic that a parallel war would have so much effect in yours, but if that is why LST has done what he did, it certainly makes sense. One alternate universe affecting another. :)

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 849

May 43 Summary - 4/3/2017 3:51:51 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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May 43 Summary

Another solidly positive month. No major setbacks, and advances made according to plan. In fact, ahead of schedule with the unexpected withdrawal of the IJA in OZ and in Eastern New Guinea. The only setback was engaging the George over Burma - L_S_T�s R&D program is paying dividends. No major naval engagements, but a steady attrition of the IJN DD force isn�t a bad thing, along with barge busting to deny supply to island garrisons. Still stalemated the Burma-Indian Ocean Theater, but that will change in June. While all Theaters except NOPAC will continue offensive operations in June, the real show will be in the Burma-Indian Ocean - hopefully culminating with a successful major CV engagement. At least that�s the goal. Naval losses for the month were light for the IJN and almost nonexistent for the Allies; IJN losing a CL, 6DD, 4SS and an SSX as compared to the Allies losing only 5 PT. In the air, good month for the Allied Cause, 873 for Jpn to 451 Allied, and we even have some fighters with replacements in the pools for a change at month�s end.

INTEL: Confirming that the KB was still operating out of the Koepang area at the end of the month was a large bonus. Not only do I know where the KB is - more importantly, I know that the KB isn�t an immediate threat to the Indian Ocean Operation that will be the cornerstone of June operations. So in theory, by the time the KB comes calling, and I fully believe the KB will sail to the Indian once the US CVs are identified, the landings should have been successfully concluded and the US CVs won�t be tied to protecting an invasion.

SUBWAR: Still not doing much in the subwar, but not losing many either. On the bright side, neither are the IJN subs. US subs still actively patrol and are a nuisance and a potential threat. IJN subs on the other hand seem to have been withdrawn to less active waters.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production climbs to a reported 442, but that isn�t showing the 20 P-38Gs that are, in theory, still in production since I didn�t convert the factory to P-38Hs. Not sure what�s going on there - whether tracker isn�t reporting the production as it maybe doesn�t recognize the factory not converting or what. Will keep an eye on the P-38G replacement pool and see if they climb. Speaking of replacements, finally getting some fighter replacements in the pools - especially P-40Ks and F4Fs, and with the CVs fitted out with the Hellcat, those pools starting to climb a bit as well. Pilot pools are mixed, with US Army bomber, USMC, and British pools being a bit too low. While I�m glad to see a number of US bomber groups coming in, they are draining the bomber pilot pools. On the water side, June will bring a number of refits for xAK and AK to AKA. Shouldn�t be a major impact to operations. Also on the naval side of things, for the first time in the war, I�m beginning to feel that I have enough destroyers to go around - enough to escort and do some raiding. While I�m still short convoy escorts in places at times, the DD fleet is now pretty robust and that�s a great feeling!

NOPAC. Although a backwater, the CL raid to the Kuriles paid off, but that�s as sexy as its going to get up north for the rest of �43.

CENPAC. Slow but sure advances secure Nauru and Mili, and ready to continue in Jun with Ailinglaplap and Maloelap on the slate. After that, continued slow attrition of islands in the Marshalls. CV Essex TF will arrive in Jun - still debating on what to do with it�may raid the merchant lifeline near Marcus if I can confirm where the KB is. Will see.

SOPAC. Steady progress up the Solomons and expanding the threat to New Guinea by securing Kiriwina and Woodlark. DDs barge busting to cut supplies has worked well - at least we�re sinking barges and I assume the supplies are drying out. LBA has been able to hold its own and the Japanese air attacks have been costly and have achieved little. Jun will see a major landing at Buin to begin the clearing of Bouganville, which will then bring fighters over Rabaul; then landing to threaten Buna. All supported only by LBA, and I fully expect a heavy response to the Buin landings.

SWPAC. Unexpected progress here with the Jpn withdrawal from Northwest OZ. This really accelerated the Allied advance, taking Daly Waters, Katherine and Fenton with little effort - and negligible supply available. And by going overland (or via airborne drop), I�ve negated the IJN superiority - Allied naval forces largest warship in Theater is still the DD. Focus in Jun will be Darwin - first looking at Bathurst to isolate, then move on Darwin. The wild card is the IJN of course. Should it head as expected to the IO, I can bring troops and supply directly via sea to Darwin. Should the IJN remain an active threat, Darwin will be a much tougher nut to crack.

WAUS. L_S_T is still making this the most painful Theater. Not necessarily complaining - he�s committed the KB in May to hitting Corunna Downs, and I�d much rather see that than anywhere else I can think of. Still, Allied forward progress is capped at Corunna Downs, supplies still too low, and air threat still too high to march on Port Hedland. Again, figure the KB will have to challenge the Allied CVs in the Indian Ocean in Jun - hopefully giving me a free hand at Port Hedland and on to Broome. If the KB is still supporting Port Hedland�s defense by the end of Jun, it will remain in Jpn hands.

Burma/India. Another month of stalemate along the Burma- India frontier. That�s OK. Allied air strength is built back up, but still stalemated in the air, as both sides seem about equal, although the Allies managed to get some good licks in over Akyab. Magwe has been the center of gravity in the campaign, but that will change in Jun with the Allied landings in the Andamans. The goal with landing there is two fold. First, to flank the Magwe-Rangoon position, and the oil route. And second, to seek a CV battle with the KB, which I figure will head to the Indian Ocean. Curios to see L_S_T response to that in Burma - does he maintain the focus on holding the frontier and Magwe, or will that be a trigger to beginning a withdrawal? I�m planning on landing at Ramree in July with 3 Divisions to flank the frontier, but that assumes he�s still focused on holding the line. Will be an interesting month or two in the Burma/India Theater!

China. Nothing to see here, move along....
Same story in China, focus on holding Chungking and Changsa positions, not much else. Still may bring in some P-38s at some point in Jun to do a CAP trap over Chungking, but that�s just a possibility, nothing definite.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 850

1-2 Jun 43 - 4/4/2017 1:55:41 AM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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1-2 Jun 43

Highlights � Very good results bombing Prome.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-21)
APD: 1 (Nokaze)
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-156)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 115
Allied: 32

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
I-156 sunk on surface, but dam DE Starling with gunfire
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ships hit (APD sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB and IJN fleet out of contact.

West Coast/Admin: Many xAK refits as well as AK to AKA upgrades begin in Allied ports.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, transports complete loading at Ocean; to move to Makin to stage for Ailinglaplap. LBA begins focused softening up of defenders. Perhaps I�m getting complacent, but I don�t expect any surprises with this Amphib.

In SOPAC, Buin Amphib support troops begin loading at Luganville; main body awaiting additional transports inbound and will load next turn. LBA begins focusing on Jpn bases in the Solomons to set conditions for Amphib. Woodlark Is AF operational as focus shifts back to the Solomons, but influx of engineers and supplies to Woodlark and Kiriwina will continue.

In SWPAC, 503rd Para Reg completes lift to Fenton as elements of 32nd ID close on the base from the long march from Gove. With the 503rd airlift complete, green light is given to launch the airborne assault on Bathurst Is with Aussie Commando Bn - which will be followed up by barge lifted engineers. Still resisting using any warship greater than a DD here - the KB may still appear and set things back a bit. Air units take a needed rest.

In WAUS, KB avoids searches and disappears. Whether it has withdrawn or is up to something devious is unknown at this point. Resuming convoys to Carnavon, hoping the KB has in fact withdrawn home. Corunna Downs AF fully repaired, and night time Sallys achieve little.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, B-24s mass against Prome, preceded by night time Brit Libs and daylight sweeps by Corsairs and P-40Ks on LRCAP. Opposed apparently by a single A6M5 Zero squadron on CAP, the bombing effort does very well. After two days, 13Z, 22V, 27K destroyed on the ground and the AF shut down, plus another 12Z shot down in exchange for 8 Corsairs and 3 P-40s and no bombers lost. A solid effort with good results - the only hiccup was the P-38 sweepers showing up in the afternoon at which point there were no fighters remaining on CAP. Not complaining too much. Will rest the bombers, although none were lost, a number were damaged. At sea, a number of subs depart Ceylon to mine the Malacca Straits and take up station off Sumatra in preparation for landings in the Andaman Islands. Intel has the 13th Naval Guard Unit defending Port Blair, along with engineers - hopefully this proves to be the major defending element.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 851

RE: 1-2 Jun 43 - 4/4/2017 2:32:13 PM

Macclan5

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Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

In CENPAC, transports complete loading at Ocean; to move to Makin to stage for Ailinglaplap. LBA begins focused softening up of defenders. Perhaps THE EMPIRE IS getting complacent, but I don�t expect any surprises with this Amphib.

Fixed.

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 852

3-4 Jun 43 - 4/5/2017 9:55:34 PM

IdahoNYer

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3-4 Jun

Highlights � Bathurst Is taken; IJN subs get feisty

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Ariake - old)
SS: 1 (RO-106)
MGB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
KV: 1 (Hollyhock)
xAK: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 23

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attack, 3 ships hit (KV, 2xAK sunk)
Allies: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Bathurst Is (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Bathurst Is (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: Looks like I am getting both P-38Gs and P-38Hs produced, the P-38G production is just not reflecting in tracker - assuming that�s due to setting the factory not to convert to the P-38H isn�t reflected in the Tracker. Will keep both P-38G and P-38H in production until the P-38J, then both will convert to the J model.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Ailinglaplap Amph staged at Makin, will depart next turn. No indications this amphib will be heavily opposed, but will still be supported by CVE and CA TF. Bombers continue to hit targets at Alinglaplap without loss.

In SOPAC, Buin Amphib begins loading combat forces at Luganville. Amph TF will depart next turn to stage at Tulagi and link up with BB Washington cover TF. Barges will also be heavily used to bring in support troops (and LSTs brining in armor) from Vella La Vella and Rekata Bay. Buin will be a large undertaking! Reinforcing troops, such as 8th Mar Reg, begin loading on xAPs at Ndeni to stage at Tulagi. US Americal Div will also reinforce. Bombers hit targets at Buin, Torokina and Shortlands. No CAP. B-25Ds catch barges off Green Is and sink 3 of 3. Hellcats and Lightnings sweep Namatanai adjacent to Rabaul, but CAP doesn�t come up to engage.

In SWPAC, Aussie 2/7 Cdo Bn executes an airborne drop on Bathurst and takes the island without a fight. Darwin is still heavily garrisoned, but with Bathurst, it can be squeezed. Landing Craft will arrive next turn with engineers, and 4DDs will provide cover. Will be interesting to see if the Combined Fleet comes out to disrupt operations. Additional barges/LSTs will bring in additional supplies and engineers if all goes well. On the landward front, troops will begin to move from Fenton to Darwin in the coming weeks. Overland supply still light. However, once troops enter Darwin, will use LSTs to shoulder supply runs - which is why establishing Bathurst is essential to taking Darwin.

In WAUS, Zeros continue to effectively sweep Corunna Downs - the handful of operable planes are downed one by one; 4 Spits lost. Subs move off coastal interdiction to set up a screen zone west of Koepang - I�m betting the KB is at Koepang, but can�t confirm. Goal here is to have the sub-line interdict any IJN movement from Koepang towards the Indian Ocean once the US CVs are identified. Lastly, I-32 sinks an xAK in convoy about 400m off Perth - just outside of effective Air ASW/Search. Will send some escorts to try and find the offending sub as its astride the major convoy route to Cape Town.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, B-24s rest after the Prome raid and prepare to support Port Blair. 1st of two Port Blair bound Amph TFs enters the map and just misses getting involved in I-11�s attack on a transport convoy heading to Colombo. Hopefully the Amph TF isn�t identified as anything but more traffic along the usual shipping route. That said, the 2nd Amph TF and two Replenishment TFs will veer SE of the Maldives to link up with Amph, BB and CA TFs coming out of Columbo in the coming turns. CV TFs will enter the map next turn as well, and all will rendezvous about 300m off Ceylon, refuel as needed, then proceed to target. Lastly half a dozen subs will depart Colombo next turn to establish a screen line off Sumatra.

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 853

5-6 Jun 43 - 4/7/2017 3:16:41 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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5-6 Jun 43

Highlights � KB shows itself in the Timor Sea; P-38s sweep Rangoon

Jpn ships sunk: None

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-165)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 61
Allied: 18

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: At least part of the KB is in the Timor Sea.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, PB4Ys attack a TF in the Kuriles that included CA Kinugasa and CL Isuzu, presumably escorting a troop reinforcement convoy to one of the outer islands. Nothing was hit of course, but it was still good to see L_S_T committing cruisers to the northern waters - in response to the CL raids no doubt.

In CENPAC, Ailinglaplap Amph with CVEs and CA TF rendezvous at Alinglaplap without issue - troops begin coming ashore next turn. Navy Heavies and Mediums continue to soften up the 48th Naval Guard Unit defenders.

In SOPAC, Buin Amphib completes loading at Luganville, and will depart to stage at Tulagi next turn. 8th Mar Reg also to depart Ndeni to Tulagi as well. Heavy barge/LST traffic in the Solomons bringing in troops to fwd bases. LBA continues to soften up Buin, Torokina and Shortlands with reasonable effect. Kiriwina AF now operational; P-40K squadron flown in to provide CAP for LST resupply/reinforcement convoys. Will execute two DD barge interdiction raids next turn - the usual raid around Bouganville up to Feni Is, and the first raid along the northern New Guinea coast from Buna to Lae.

In SWPAC, landing craft bring Seabees to Bathurst without issue, but at least part of the KB (Akagi at least) launches two small escorted Judy raids against the four DDs off Bathurst, hitting DD Gridley with a single bomb. She�s heavily damaged by what appears to be a near miss (12/46(28)/3, and will hopefully be able to make Gove. The other three DDs will also return to safer waters, and two inbound LST convoys are turned around. P-38s on LRCAP over Bathurst do well, accounting for 6Z and 4 Judys with only one P-38 lost (and 3 more Judys to AA). Will vector some subs to the KB location of course, and re-establishing a PBY �Black Cat� squadron in Merauke to see if they can lucky with a night time torpedo attack, along with two B-25D squadrons for low level night naval attack runs. It�s a long shot of course. Lastly, recon shows 25+ ships at Koepang harbor, and many cruisers, so I�m going to try a low level (2000ft) night time attack by two B-24 squadrons at long range out of Gove. I�m hoping this is part of the KB, and could get lucky with a bomb on a flight deck.

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Post #: 854

RE: 5-6 Jun 43 - 4/7/2017 3:18:12 PM

IdahoNYer

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Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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In WAUS, the luckless US 41st Div, marching west out of Corunna Downs is targeted by Sallys which do little, other than attract attention. Still, it�s a fat target marching through the desert again, so I�ll see if I can put some F4Fs out of Exmouth for air cover. If nothing else, it takes some pressure off Corunna Downs. At sea, subs begin to take position west of Koepang and are busy encountering escorts. Should the KB head to the IO, they at least should be detected.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, the Allied CVs enter the Indian Ocean! The CVs will head to rendezvous with tankers well off the coast of Ceylon to refuel. The 2nd Port Blair Amph TF also enters the map, and it will rendezvous with the main Amph TF and BB Bombardment TF already loitering in the IO. With the CVs on map, Brit naval air is flown out to the CVs, 30 fighters to the CVE Copahee with the Amph TF, and the CV Wasp exchanging its SBDs and TBFs for Brit fighters and a Swordfish squadron. Two Albacore squadrons and a few Martlets are also flown to the US CVs in exchange for a pair of TBF squadrons. The goal here is for the Brit TBs to provide the search and ASW, giving the impression to any sighted sub or picket that this Amphib is largely a British operation. The US SBDs and remaining TBFs being held on naval attack should something worthwhile (hopefully worthwhile) presents itself. While L_S_T will see the Marines land, bombardment and CAP will be British, and with some luck, he may not suspect the better part of the US Navy is in support until the IJN comes out to challenge the invasion. Lastly, P-38s out of Akyab sweep Rangoon, downing 11 Oscars and 4Z without loss.

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Post #: 855

RE: 5-6 Jun 43 - 4/7/2017 3:54:03 PM

jwolf

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Joined: 12/3/2013
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That's an interesting bit of deception in the Indian Ocean op. But presumably the cat would be out of the bag once your CVs are in air search range of Port Blair. At this point the Brits only have 1 active CV in the theater AFAIK, the Victorious. Well, plus the Hermes if you still have it.

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Post #: 856

RE: 5-6 Jun 43 - 4/7/2017 4:01:53 PM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

That's an interesting bit of deception in the Indian Ocean op. But presumably the cat would be out of the bag once your CVs are in air search range of Port Blair. At this point the Brits only have 1 active CV in the theater AFAIK, the Victorious. Well, plus the Hermes if you still have it.

You're absolutely right - its a long shot. No Hermes. I'm going to sail the Vic and Wasp close in, and keep the fleet out to sea a bit, which will hopefully keep him guessing for a few turns.

Its a shot...which should at least keep him guessing during the approach, and that's what I need. Once the landing takes place and Port Blair secured, it won't matter. But if the KB starts heading to the IO beforehand, it could become dicey, especially if defenses are more robust than expected.

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Post #: 857

RE: 5-6 Jun 43 - 4/7/2017 5:54:55 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
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Maskirovka....!!

Who knew that someone "knick'ed" IdahoNYer actually had a Russian background..

I constantly learn in these AARs

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

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Post #: 858

7-8 Jun 43 - 4/9/2017 5:30:39 PM

IdahoNYer

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Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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7-8 Jun 43

Highlights � Ailinglaplap taken; HEAVY fighter action out of Rabaul; US DDs caught off Feni Is

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-11, RO-67)
xAK: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-32)

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Frazier)
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 77
Allied: 68

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
(I-11 sunk after being forced to surface)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAP dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Ailinglaplap (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Ailinglaplap (CENPAC)
Goodenough Is (SWPAC- flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB CVs still in the Timor Sea

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Ailinglaplap Amph secures the atoll with minimal loss; 48th Naval Guard Unit destroyed. 34th In Reg will load back up and move off to Gilberts to prep for further operations and allow room for engineers. CVEs and CA TF will remain to cover troop movements.

In SOPAC, I amaze myself with stupidity at times�.I managed to leave Arleigh Burke�s barge buster DD TF on �remain on station� off Feni Is where it is pummeled by Vals. 3 of 4 DDs are hammered, one sunk and the other two crippled - likely to sink due to fires. Not good! Just plain careless. My other DD TF (3DD) on barge buster duty engages and sinks 5 barges off Lae, and returns to Woodlark Is without issue. But its in the air where I have the real surprises. Heavy Zero fighter sweeps against both Kiriwina and Woodlark clear the skies - probably one Sentai against Kiriwina and two sweep Woodlark. Allied fighters don�t do particularly well; only 12Z lost in exchange for 16 F4F, 13 P-40K, 6 Kittyhawks, and 5 Boomerangs that got in the way. Not good. Think it was just plain numbers, plus some altitude advantage. Either way, we lost a lot of fighters. Fortunately, no bombers followed up. In any case, I withdraw those Allied fighter squadrons to rebuild during the turn. To make matters worse, with all the Zeros on Sweeps, I should have an easy time sweeping Rabaul with P-38s - against Nicks. Not so much! Despite having good altitude advantage, the P-38s don�t do well - losing 9 P-38Gs vs. 11 Nicks. Again, not good. On the positive, Kates attack the New Guinea barge busting DD TF, and lose heavily to CAP, 15 Kates shot down for no Allied losses. On the naval front, the Buin Amph TF begins its journey to stage at Tulagi. With the recent Zero activity, I�m now a bit concerned about the air counterstrike to the amph. It might be be a bloody amphib operation.

In SWPAC, an IJN CL TF (3CL, 7DD) brush aside PTs, sinking two and bombard Bathurst with minimal effect. Allied landing craft slip past, arriving at Bathurst at the end of the turn, hopefully able to unload before any other warships come calling. The KB remains trolling in the Timor Sea, avoiding subs, but keeping any major resupply away for Bathurst. Will vector a few more subs towards the KB, but as long as it remains in the Timor Sea, resupply to Bathurst will be minimal.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, Allied CV TFs refuel from 3 AOs and will begin heading toward the Andamans as will the two Port Blair Amph TFs. Little Andaman Amph TFs finish loading at Colombo, and will depart with the tide. Support TFs (Engs) begin loading at Colombo. The curtain in the Indian Ocean is slowly rising�

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Post #: 859

RE: 7-8 Jun 43 - 4/9/2017 10:17:45 PM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

Just like real life and history we all do dumb things.

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Post #: 860

9-10 Jun 43 - 4/10/2017 1:13:37 AM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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9-10 Jun 43

Highlights � KB air pounds Bathurst Is; IJA air conducts heavy sweeps over Akyab; Port Blair TFs begin final approach to target

Jpn ships sunk:
APD: 1 (Shimikaze - old)
AV: 1 (Kimikawa - old)

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Sims)
SS: 1 (S-45)
SC: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 111
Allied: 105

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
(S-45 sunk by KB escorts)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

[uAllied Amph Inv:] None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB CVs remain in support of Darwin area

West Coast/Admin: CV Essex arrives at LA; will proceed to San Fran to link up with CVL Independence shortly; once I resize some naval air groups (TBF and SBD) for training purposes I�ll decide where she�ll head.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Ailinglaplap Amph begins reloading the 34th In Reg as additional engineers are brought in. No IJN air or naval response. Bombers rest.

In SOPAC, DD Sims succumbs to her damages just off Vella, and DD Stack will likely follow suit next turn, as she�s losing ground fighting fires, but has made it to Vella. What a waste fine DDs through stupidity!! Anyway, B-25Ds exact some revenge, taking out a 7 barge convoy off the Feni Islands. A Zero LRCAP trap nails a flight of TBFs poorly protected by Boomerangs, and lost 11 TBF and 4 Boomers for no return. Fortunately, I had rested my Heavies, and perhaps avoided other CAP traps over Bougainville. Meanwhile, the Buin Amph TF continues on its way to stage at Tulagi and two additional fighter squadrons are brought in to provide cover - this time, I think L_S_T will through the kitchen sink at the Buin landings - and he has enough fighters to bull his way through the LRCAP out of Vella. Amph will link up with the BB Wash TF at Tulagi, then all will conduct a final stage at Vella - was going to head straight to land, but with the increased air threat, staging at Vella will be better able to provide CAP at the cost of a turn delay which isn�t an issue. Ground threat at Buin appears to only be an SNLF, the primary defense seems to be a third of the Imperial Gds Div at Torokina. Quiet over Kiriwina and Woodlark.

In SWPAC, the KB launches a major airstrike each day against Bathurst Is AF of over 400 planes each! This is met on the first day by a valiant F4F squadron of 15 planes which do remarkably well, all things considered, taking down 13 Zeros and 13 Jills at a cost of 8 planes. It doesn�t save the AF which is hit hard and closed. Sub S-45 fails to penetrate the KB screen and is sunk for its efforts. It�s the only sub in the vicinity as I�ve moved the other avail subs to intercept a possible KB move towards the Indian Ocean. As with all nasty KB airstrikes, the good news is that I know where the KB is.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, two AOs complete emptying their fuel to the US CV TFs as the Brit CV TF (Wasp and Victorious) prepares to make its run into close support of the Port Blair Amph TF. The two US TFs will hang back, hopefully putting some doubt into L_S_T mind of whether this is primarily a British venture or not - although IJN searches have sniffed that something is up. The Amph, Bombardment, Surface and minesweeping TFs will head to Port Blair and should arrive at the end of the 2nd day next turn. CAP will be provided by British fighters off the CVE Copahee in the Amph TF as well as Martlets off the CV Wasp. I haven�t flown recon over the Andamans in a while, so I�m finally changing that this coming turn with US LR recon focusing in on both Port Blair and Little Andaman. Intel has repeatedly picked up the 13th Naval Guard Unit as well as construction units and some airfield support at Port Blair - hopefully the G2 types have got this right! Will also start bringing in the B-24 support, starting with a group out of Akyab to hit Port Blair�s Level 1 AF. Speaking of Akyab, L_S_T surprised me with heavy fighter sweeps over the base last turn. Starting with a sweep by a Sentai of Georges and followed by Oscars and Tojos. CAP wasn�t extreme as the Spits and Corsairs were resting in Chittagong. Still P-40Ks, F4Fs, Hurris and a few P-38s didn�t do poorly. At the end of the fight 6George, 24 Oscar and 12 Tojo were lost in exchange for 16 F4F, 11 P-40, 10 P-38G, and 7 Hurris. Brit bombers also claimed 11 fighters destroyed on the ground at Magwe. If nothing else, this was a good step at attritting the IJA Burma based fighter strength on the eve of landing at Port Blair. Corsairs and additional P-40s are brought into Akyab just in case L_S_T tries to hit Akyab again, but I don�t think its likely with some Allied CVs sighted in the IO.

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Post #: 861

11-12 Jun 43 - 4/12/2017 3:29:23 PM

IdahoNYer

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11-12 Jun 43

Highlights � Marines land at Port Blair; KB remains off Darwin.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Stack)
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 0Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Port Blair (Burma)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB CVs remain in support of Darwin area

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 34th In Reg enroute via transports from Ailinglaplap to Abemama for its next mission. Fleet will move back to Tabit where CVEs will exchange their F4Fs for Hellcats - I need the F4Fs for the USMC squadrons. Once transports return to Tabit, will look to land at Maloelap. Truthfully, with Alinglaplap building up, I don�t need Maloelap, but with the current forces I have allocated to CENPAC, I�m certainly not ready to venture past the Marshalls for a while - so I�ll focus on reducing the Marshals with forces available.

In SOPAC, DD Stack is the last of the DDs to be lost from the Vals, as it couldn�t control its fires even after making Vella. Three DDs wasted. Fortunately, I have a few to spare at the moment with the Fletchers now arriving in solid numbers. Buin Amph TF arrives at Tulagi where it is joined by the BB Washington TF which will provide escort. Both will depart to final stage at Vella next turn, along with minesweepers and ASW TFs. LSTs carrying Army Shermans will also depart for Vella. Will maintain a heavy CAP at Vella - certainly a good target for Rabaul based air, and I�d rather suffer the blow there than at Buin. Bombers rest and its fairly quiet elsewhere in Theater.

In SWPAC, the KB launches a single strike against Bathurst AF and a CA TF (3CA, DDs) bombardment keeps the AF shut down. A DD TF (3DDs) is sighted approaching Wessel/Gove anchorages, and I�ll clear shipping out as well as vector in some DDs and PTs - with the KB still off Darwin, any DD is going to be at risk, but CAP will be fairly heavy over Gove - not enough to prevent a KB strike, but perhaps make it costly - I don�t think L_S_T would launch a naval strike at Gove into heavy CAP though. Kinda surprised the KB has remained off Darwin - its slowed development of Bathurst, but unless he counter-invades (which is possible), Bathurst will eventually expand and cut the lifeline to Darwin. I�m in no real rush here anyway.

In WAUS, with the KB off Darwin, Corunna Downs AF reaches Level 2. Supplies still lacking, but at least, in theory, I�ll be able to launch fighters from Corunna offensively toward Broome. In time�.in time.

In China, Chungking continues to get plastered from LBA.

In India/Burma, the Curtain Rises as the 3rd USMC Div comes ashore at Port Blair, defended, as expected by the 13th Garrison Unit. With the 3rd Div, two combat engineer battalions, two tank battalions and two artillery battalions land in the first landings. A second landing, centered around a Brit Bde, will offload next turn and the combined Allied force will attack. The intent was to land a force capable of defeating a Bde+ size defense; they should have no trouble in taking the base defended by a single garrison unit. B-24s clobbered the AF, destroying 7 Dinahs on the ground. The B-24s will provide ground support next turn, but the BB TF (2BB, 2CL, DDs) will instead bombard Little Andaman instead - which is a secondary target which 2/3s of the 9th IND Div will land on next turn. Intel says there is another Garrison Unit defending the base, so with only 2/3 of a fairly weak Div landing, this might be a tougher contest. Still, once Port Blair AF is operational in a few days, Allied air will dominate the Andaman Sea, choking off any reinforcements or supply to the Japanese outposts in the Andamans. At sea, the only threat to the Allied CVs are a pair of subs sighted closing in. The CVs were sighted by air search, so I�m pretty sure L_S_T realizes that this is more than a British venture at this point - will increase SBD ASW patrols. US CV TFs take on more fuel, and will move astride the route of the Little Andaman Amph TFs as well as the Port Blair Support TFs (carrying base and construction engineers) to provide cover for the approach to target.

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Post #: 862

RE: 11-12 Jun 43 - 4/12/2017 3:48:49 PM

jwolf

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Joined: 12/3/2013
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The real question IMHO is what LST will do with the KB in the wake of your invasion of Port Blair and vicinity. Does it still make sense for him to keep the KB around Timor and N Australis? I don't know, and I'm curious to see his answer.

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Post #: 863

RE: 11-12 Jun 43 - 4/12/2017 4:58:13 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline

Really looking forward to this

Lack of LBA opposition and recon planes caught in the ground means you achieved surprise.
And the KB in action somewhere else gives you an idea on how much time you have before he can react with full capabilities

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Post #: 864

13-14 Jun 43 - 4/18/2017 3:10:20 PM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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Highlights � Port Blair taken, troops ashore at Little Andaman; KB remains off Darwin.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-176)
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 44
Allied: 10

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (CA Cornwall dam)
Allies: 9 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Little Andaman Is (Burma)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Port Blair (Burma)
Fergusson Is (SOPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB CVs and heavy surface units remain in support of Darwin area

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Maloelap Amph TF begins loading at Tabit, and Ailinglaplap AF operational. Mal Amph will move to stage next turn, then if all goes well land at the target the following turn. So LBA has a few days to soften up the target.

In SOPAC, Buin Amph and support TFs all congregate at Vella - making for a huge target, that is not attacked. Will cross the channel past Shortlands to land at Buin next turn, and while I do expect an large daylight air attack out of Rabaul, I don�t expect much else. Defenses are looking to be only an SNLF, the main defenses appear to be at Torokina - So I�m landing with too much firepower in a USMC Div +. But that is what was prepped when intel had a Bde sized force defending. The big question is how much airpower will be launched out of Rabaul.

In SWPAC, KB remains in the Timor Sea, but doesn�t launch any airstrikes. A BB TF (2BB, 3CA, DDs) bombards Bathurst without much effect, but the bombardment keeps the AF shut down. PTs are easily brushed aside without loss to either side, likely due to the 82% moonlight. PBYs and a few B-25s make low level night time attacks on the BBs, but come up empty, losing one B-25D to AA. Those IJN DDs sighted last turn apparently were hunting coastal barge traffic between Bathurst and Gove, and came up empty, returning to Darwin.

In WAUS, a fresh P-40K squadron is brought into Corunna Downs.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, 3rd USMC Div and supporting troops take two attacks to secure Port Blair and eliminate the 13th Garrison Unit, but do so with very minimal loss (less than 200 troops), despite the level 4 forts. At sea, at least three subs attempt to intercept the CV TFs, two are damaged and one claimed sunk, but one does penetrate the screen of Adm Boyd�s Wasp/Victorious TF, putting a fish into CA Cornwall (15/15(10)/1). She�ll detach with 2 DDs and head to Columbo for repairs. Could have been much worse. Strangely, no LBA made an appearance - either daylight or night. Troops go ashore at Little Andaman following the BB TF bombardment without issue. The two BBs don�t do much, so I figure the 15th Garrison unit is similarly dug in to a level 4 or so. In any case, I�m not planning on attacking at Little A until the rest of the Indian 9th ID is brought in, and I�ll also start ferrying some support troops (EN, FA and AR) from Port Blair. For both Amphib ops, the troops are all ashore, as is most of the supply. Port Blair has over 20K of supply and the AF is fully operational - F4Fs, Spitfires and Brit Catalinas are flown in. Most shipping will clear port and return to reload troops starting next turn. Support Troops TF will land at Port Blair and begin offloading construction engineers and Base Force troops. With the KB not moving yet, will continue to work the Andaman Sea area - CVs will move toward Sabang and south of Sumatra, and if all goes well, hitting shipping in the Malacca Straits and launch a large strike against the Oil/Refinery targets at Medan. Transports will return to Columbo and Madras and pick up the remaining IND 9th elements, additional support troops and I�m also now looking at landing at Trinkat and Car Nicobar - stepping stones toward Sumatra. I was planning on landing at Ramree, but I�m second guessing that - L_S_T looks to have already started pulling troops off the India-Burma frontier, so that defeats the purpose of landing at Ramree - which is also very close to mass air at Magwe. So, after looking at the map a bit closer, there is a lot of opportunity along the Burma coast from Pegu to Victoria Point - all lightly defended, and that would not only threaten Rangoon, but also Bangkok - and I�ve got 3 US and 1 Aus IN Divs available, not currently in the line. Plus the 3rd USMC Div. I realize I�m getting ahead of myself, but Port Blair has really opened up some possibilities - all depending on what the KB does or doesn�t do. First things first, finish off Little Andaman and take Trinkat to give me plenty of LBA cover in the Andaman Sea.

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Post #: 865

RE: 13-14 Jun 43 - 4/18/2017 6:17:12 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
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quote:

CVs will move toward Sabang and south of Sumatra

Do note that the Japanese have several big airfields in that area of Sumatra and on both sides of the Malaya/Thailand border. I would be wary of trying any really deep carrier strikes into the Malacca Strait. Sabang itself is vulnerable, probably, if you want to hit that.

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Post #: 866

RE: 13-14 Jun 43 - 4/19/2017 5:25:49 PM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

quote:

CVs will move toward Sabang and south of Sumatra

Do note that the Japanese have several big airfields in that area of Sumatra and on both sides of the Malaya/Thailand border. I would be wary of trying any really deep carrier strikes into the Malacca Strait. Sabang itself is vulnerable, probably, if you want to hit that.

I'm thinking more of a threat than actual strikes - although if I do find something not well protected, will hit it. The overall goal is to open up all of Sumatra (which of course includes Palembang) to the "threat" of a large CV raid. Will hold back much fighter cover just in case.

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Post #: 867

15-16 Jun 43 - 4/19/2017 5:37:10 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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15-16 Jun 43

Highlights � US CVs hit convoy at Medan, Sumatra; Marines ashore at Buin without interference.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
TK: 3 (sm)
xAK: 1
xAKL: 2

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (S-33 by escorts)
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 28

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (TK (sm) sunk)
S-33 sunk by convoy escorts after being forced to surface off Kavieng

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Buin (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB CVs and heavy surface still remain in support of Darwin area

West Coast/Admin: I�ve made to decision to reinforce the IO Adventure with the CV Essex TF as well as bolstering up the replenishment capability - 4 CVEs and AOs. Will take a while, but I think its worth it to mass the assets there than piecemeal the Essex (Essex, Independence and shortly the Long Island II (otherwise known as the Yorktown II)) TF in some raid.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Maloelap Amph TF finishes loading and will head to Makin along with CVEs and CA TFs in support to stage for Maloelap. BB Pennsy is detached from the CVE TF w/2 DDs to head back to PH and refit. Figure I can spare the Pennsy now that the two CVEs have Hellcats. Bombers continue to soften up the area, hitting the Maloelap fortress and Wotje AF without losses. Marshalls just look to have been abandoned by L_S_T - just the remaining ground forces need to be routed out.

In SOPAC, Buin Amph goes in and gets ashore without any response. I�m surprised here - I really thought Rabaul would have thrown the kitchen sink in an all out raid. Troops are ashore and defenders are only a small SNLF. So I�m going to have the 1st USMC Div a tank Bn and an FA Bn in reserve while the Engineers and other support attack - supported by a Naval bombardment and heavy airstrikes. With some luck, the SNLF will pull back towards Torokina and the Marines can follow up. Shipping offloaded, they�ll head to Tulagi to pick up the Torokina forces - 8th USMC Reg and most of the Americal Div. Estimated that Torokina is going to be a bit tougher with 1/3 of the Imperial Guard Div reported there. Off New Guinea, Kiriwina and Woodlark continue to expand without interference. Once the Torokina force is ashore at Bougainville, will shift operations to begin to seize Buna, continuing the pressure in SOPAC.

In SWPAC, KB or at least parts of it remain in the Timor Sea between Wyndam and Darwin. No strikes launched, but a CL TF (CL 3DD) engage and sink two of the PTs at Bathurst. L_S_T has shut down any forward progress to seize Darwin, but truthfully, a good size LBA element could have done that as well. KB is truly the 600lb gorilla here - but is it really needed? Not sure. I can wait - and I realize that this will allow most of the IJA forces at Darwin to pull out if that�s the plan, covered by the KB. I can�t fathom any other rationale for the KB staying put here. Anyway, P-38s sweep over Darwin and find KB Zeros - 17Z are lost in exchange for 9 P-38s. Although favorable loss ratio, I can�t afford to lose that many P-38Gs in a single sortie. Lastly, just to be a nuisance, the small oil targets in Western New Guinea area are hit - Boela (by B-24s) and Babo (by B-25s) with good effect, reports show Boela now at 2(24) and Babo 2(19) without losses to the bombers. L_S_T has been active there, likely pulling the oil out, so I figured I�d disrupt that a bit.

In WAUS, that P-40K squadron at Corunna Downs is immediately tested by Oscar sweeps, and does well against the sweeping Oscar IIbs; 23 are lost in exchange for 7 P-40Ks. But as a number of P-40s are damaged, I�m pulling them out and replacing them with Spits, Wildcats and P-39s - I figure a greater sweep is next. With the 41st Div slowly moving to Exmouth, supplies at Corunna Downs are ever so slowly increasing.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, its surprisingly quiet at Port Blair with no air strikes - although recon shows increasing air strength in the Rangoon and its satellite fields. Shipping is cleared, all transports empty. The CA TF will bombard Little A on its way out, and only an LSI, three LSTs and some light escorts will remain to shuttle supplies and troops between Port Blair and the beach head at Little A. Combat engineers are brought across, with an FA Bn next. PTs are there for some naval defenses while the fleet is away. Corsairs are added to the fighters at Port Blair and once the AF reaches Level 2, SBDs will be flown in. The CVs have cleared the Andamans, and just got to a position to launch a single strike at Medan by the end of the 2nd day. Only a single SBD squadron, escorted by F6Fs launched, but it was enough to tear up a small convoy at Medan. Without any CAP present, will close the range to 6 hexes to Medan next turn and launch a full strike against the Oil production there - hopefully the weather permits. The goal here isn�t just to disrupt production (which is nice of course), but to get L_S_T to stretch his air defenses to the breaking point - he�s still massed at Magwe/Rangoon area with over 500 fighters. Hopefully he�ll have to pull some of that to defend the DEI which is now potentially vulnerable to marauding CVs - at least until the KB comes into play. Will stay off Sumatra only if the KB is confirmed elsewhere - in any case, will have to pull off to refuel shortly and prepare for the next round of Amphib operations.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 868

17-18 Jun 43 - 4/26/2017 10:47:27 PM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline

17-18 Jun 43

Highlights � US CVs hit Medan Oil with good effect, Buin taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (sm)
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 4

Air loss:
Jpn: 48
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (TK (sm) sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Buin (SOPAC)
Namu (CENPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB CVs look to have departed Darwin area and are headed west.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Maloelap Amph TF links up with CVEs and CA TFs at Makin, will head to target next turn. Bombers hit Kusaie and Maloelap.

In SOPAC, Buin falls in the first attack, with the 1st Mar Div, a tank Bn and artillery �pursuing� which turns out to be a mixed bag - of course only the tanks, operating in thick jungle, advance all the way to Torokina! The division and artillery get about halfway there. So, I expect the Torokina garrison to attack the single armor battalion (Shermans no less) and send them back to Buin next turn. Buin itself is a wreck, both the port and AF heavily damaged - will take engineers a day or two to get the AF operational! Transports begin loading troops at Tulagi for Torokina (Regiment from the Americal Div) and will begin landing at Torokina in a few days. In the meantime, BB Washington TF will bombard, and will throw all the LBA against the ground troops there in order to weaken any attack on the Tk Bn.

In SWPAC, a CA TF (3CA, DDs) bombards Bathurst and sinks the remaining PTs (one to a mine), and as the PTs found out Bathurst was also mined. No apparent air remaining at Darwin, and it looks like the KB is headed to the IO, as subs just east of Java get repeated sightings of carrier a/c, but make no contact with any ships. With the KB presumably gone, will resume shipping to Gove and Wessel, and look to resume pushing supplies to Bathurst - but first will send an AM to sweep the mines�.as well as see if it draws fire. Supplies inland from Darwin are still in very short supply - to take Darwin, supply, and perhaps additional troops, will have to come in by sea.

In WAUS, a US minesweeping effort (DD, AM) fines mines and an IJN CL at Port Hedland, but no engagement follows. Will turn the strike aircraft at Exmouth to daylight and see if they can interdict whatever is going on at Port Hedland next turn, with fighters out of Corunna Downs hopefully contributing some LRCAP.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, CVs hit Medan in Sumatra with only one good strike (40F, 36D, 90T) due to weather but the effects weren�t too bad - 86 Oil damaged. No CAP and no real AA. No planes lost. CVs will hit Medan Oil again next turn, then head back west to take on fuel and prep for the KBs arrival. To that, CV Wasp is detached from CV Victorious TF and joins Enterprise and Saratoga giving the US two balanced CV TFs. Victorious TF will not stay for the Medan strike, but instead will head directly to the AOs to refuel. On the Andamans, another FA Bn is brought over from Port Blair and the Br In Bde will begin shuttling over. Jpn response so far has been limited to mining Port Blair and a few night time Nell sorties hitting the AF which destroyed a single Corsair at the cost of 7 Nells to AA. Despite the raid, Port Blair AF now at level 2, and a squadron of �Beasts� are brought in as well as some Beaufighters for night CAP. AF is a bit overloaded, but will get to level 3 soon. In Colombo, the first transports return and refuel from Port Blair and begin loading remaining Port Blair and Little Andaman forces. At Madras, an Indian Bde begins loading to land on Car Nicobar. Holding off on Trinkat to give the troops more time to prep and the CVs to deal with the KB.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 869

19-20 Jun 43 - 5/1/2017 7:11:58 PM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline

19-20 Jun 43

Highlights � US CV air mauled over Medan in CAP Trap

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-27, I-165)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 47
Allied: 193

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit (Sara missed with 6 torps!!)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: No sign of the KB - assume it�s in the Java Sea

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Maloelap Amph TF with CVEs and CA TFs arrive at target, will begin amphib ops next turn. Bombers continue to hit Kusaie and Maloelap.

In SOPAC, engineers get Buin AF operational, and a squadron of F4Fs are moved in. IJA forces at Torokina only bombard the Army Tank Bn, and now that L_S_T realizes its only a battalion, hopefully he�ll elect to attack - as I�m landing an Army Regiment and support at Torokina next turn - followed by the 8th Marine Reg from Vella, hopefully on the second day. The only �catch� here is the surface cover is light, one CA in the Amph TF and two DD TFs, plus the usual PTs. US airforces will continue to hit ground targets at Torokina. While the AKs and APs are fully engaged in the Bougainville operations, xAKs and xAPs are busily engaged in moving troops forward to Rossel Is to stage them for the next phase of SOPAC�s offensives landing on New Guinea.

In SWPAC, its quiet, no sign of the IJN. The lone AM sent to Bathurst sweeps all the mines and isn�t attacked. Will send in a DD TF (4DDs) to see what they draw, and stage some LSTs to make a run. Not sure what exactly L_S_T has remaining here - I do think the KB has sailed, but even that isn�t positively confirmed. Most likely he�s got some CAs or CLs available. At any rate, will continue to press towards Darwin, slowly.

In WAUS, the IJN CL TF departed Port Hedland without being engaged by air, and its also quiet here.

In China, �X� Squadron arrives, a fully equipped P-38H squadron which I moved to Kumning. If I can get enough supplies ferried into Kumning, I�ll bring another P-38 squadron in and try a CAP Trap over Chungking. I just don�t know if I can air transport enough supplied into Kumning to allow for LRCAP.

In India/Burma, bad, bad day over Medan. After playing this game against a well seasoned opponent like L_S_T, I should know better than try to hit a milk run target multiple times in a row without taking out the AF - against the AI, you can get away with it, against a good PBEM player, its going to be painful. I know this!!! Yet�.I do it anyway. And of course, L_S_T has the weather gods in his pocket, so instead of only the one raid I got last turn, my boys fly on both days and get slaughtered by his CAP Trap. 34 Georges and 64 A6M5s were stacked up at 15k waiting - which shouldn�t have been terrible odds, but my 26 F6F Sweepers got mauled, and the rest of the strikes coming in at 2000ft got massacred. Total losses were appalling: 54 F6F, 57 TBF and 64 SBDs against 13 Zeros and 3 Georges. Ouch! On the bright side, Medan Oil was hit again and is now at 65(146). Also on the bright side, if I have to get trounced in a CAP trap, Navy a/c were a good choice, I actually have spares (OK, I�m reaching here on the positives!) in the pool. Pilot losses were about 50+, which could have been much worse. I have pilots replacements too, and should be no loss in effectiveness once I get the squadrons back up to strength. That�s going to be the tough part, I flew a few squadrons off the decks to Colombo to get replacements, but of course, the logistical cyber officers want to delay F6F replacements even though they�re in the pool. In any case, the CVs will head toward Colombo for fuel and replenish the air. Effect on Port Blair operations? Hopefully not much, but it gives L_S_T some breathing room as the US CVs won�t be roaming looking for targets - he know�s my CVs will have to head back to port to re-equip fully. Until the CVs are ready again, future amphibs on Car Nicobar and Trinkat are on hold - which isn�t terrible since the troops can use more prep. What also is on hold is the next reinforcements to Port Blair/Little A - They are sailing from Colombo and will loiter in the IO while I see how long it will take to re-equip the planes, or confirm where the KB is, or isn�t.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 870