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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> 23-24 Jul 43

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23-24 Jul 43 - 8/2/2017 7:39:10 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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23-24 Jul 43

Highlights � Noose tightens on IJA positions in Oz.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-154, RO-100)
PB: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-164)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 13

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Assault:
Nookanbah (WAUS)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Nookanbah (WAUS)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, All but one transport, w/one escort, will retire from Buna. Last xAP still offloading New Zealanders. BB Wash TF will bombard as they withdraw to Tulagi. Last NZ Bde continues loading in the Solomons and will head to Buna when complete. 8th USMC Reg begins loading at Tulagi for Buka, the next objective in Theater. Still no sign of any major enemy activity.

In SWPAC, fighting begins to reduce the IJA pocket west of Darwin - will be a long, slow fight for the 37th ID to reduce the pocket in the swamps. Aussie troops close on Wyndam and will probe defenses next turn. Focus remains building up Darwin area and troops - engineers, baseforces and HQs especially, continue to pour in to prepare for the next jump out to the Banda Sea islands. Really would like to get a fix on where the KB is before I make this jump.

In WAUS, Aussie Cdo Bn makes an airborne drop to take undefended Nookanbah, SE of Derby, outflanking the delaying tank unit in the area - which is now pulling back to Derby. Commandos will link up with the Aussie Bde coming up along the trail and head towards Derby from the SE. Little activity over Broome and Port Hedland as airforces rest. No sign of the IJN.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, Intel now says Magwe�s oil is up to 13 remaining, even after a very productive day of strikes. Will continue to hit the target for another turn or two, but I think its been reduced as much as we can hope for. Bombers need to rest anyway as other objectives are pending. On land, ground troops reach Shwebo, which appears undefended as the IJA does look to be in full withdrawal in the Burma central plain. The majority of Allied troops meanwhile are still slowly moving through the jungles - with only the lead Bdes coming out into the open plain. Still a very large IJA force outside of Akyab in the jungles which may still be outflanked if the Ramree landings go as planned. The real surprise is the lack of any IJA air contesting the skies. Burma has been the most bitter air campaign in the war - and now its dead quiet.

In the IO, Spruance�s CVs will continue to loiter waiting for the Essex TF to link up (currently approaching the Maldive Islands), still thought to be undetected by air and no subs appear to be near. The Replenishment TF does get spotted by subs off Ceylon, but subs fail to penetrate the screen. Main concentration of subs appear to be laying halfway between Ceylon and Port Blair (just out of most ASW air range). Ramree Amph TF completes loading at Columbo, and will depart next turn with the R Class BB TF in company as well as ASW and Minesweeping TFs. Spruance will move to support likely next turn, depending on Essex�s progress. Also joining will be another Amph TF with Armor and Engineers coming out of Little Andanman. I expect heavy air attacks, but not any major naval counter to the Ramree landings. May look at hitting Rangoon with both CV and LBA based air as a prelude.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 931

25-26 Jul 43 - 8/6/2017 5:52:29 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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25-26 Jul 43

Highlights � Undefended Schwebo taken in Burma

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-172)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 8
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit (sub I-8 reported sunk in attack against Ramree Is BB TF)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Shwebo (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: Recon reports CVs at Koepang.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Buka Is Amph TF as well as BB Washington TF ready to depart Tulagi to stage at Buin, and link up with Engineers, artillery and armor loading at Bouginville. NZ Bde having difficulty loading at Rekata Bay off the beach - just taking longer than expected, and tying up APAs longer than necessary. This will delay attacks on Buna of course. Milne Bay Amph begins loading at Woodlark Is - just housecleaning here.

In SWPAC, SBDs and TBFs out of Darwin find two DDs in the Timor Sea - apparently (according to L_S_Ts post on the Forum) were reacting to a sub contact from Koepang. DD Hibiki hit by three bombs and should be at least crippled - hasn�t come up on Tracker as sunk yet. More on Koepang is on the intel side - recon reports CVs in Koepang port. Figured Musahi was there, but CVs? Did the KB really come back east? Will send some B-24s to hit the port at night to see if they can recon by fire a bit. Darwin is now overcrowded with incoming shipping - some being diverted to Bathurst Island, but the congestion will continue for a bit.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, Shwebo falls undefended to advancing troops, as additional Allied troops begin to come out of the jungle into the Central Plain. Will continue to push sough toward Rangoon as supply and troops permit. Not clear where the IJA�s main defensive line is right now - much troops still up near Akyab, and east near Myitkyina area - but the center looks stripped of divisions.

In the IO, Ramree Is BB TF is sighted and attacked by a sub off Ceylon - sub is crippled or sunk, but I have to figure that L_S_T knows something is up with R Class BBs being sighted. Will divert the Ramree TFs a bit more to the Indian coast to �hide� a bit, and give Spruance time to approach Rangoon. Spruance is slowly moving towards Rangoon - soon to enter sub infested waters again, but if all goes well, Spruance will be in position to hit Rangoon in two turns - hopefully coordinated with LBA out of Akyab. Port Blair and Andanman�s biggest threat remains subs - escorts in light supply at the moment.

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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 8/6/2017 5:53:29 PM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 932

27-28 Jul 43 - 8/10/2017 6:12:41 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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27-28 Jul 43

Highlights � B-24s hit Koepang port at night

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Ebadon (CENPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Recon by bombing finds BB Musashi and cruisers at Koepang, but didn�t confirm CVs.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Wotje Amph begins loading troops at Christmas Is.

In SOPAC, Buka Amph TF and supporting ships finish loading and will depart Buin, Torokina and Vella La Vella next turn and commence landings. Air begins softening up target. Milne Bay Amph continues to load and should complete and move to target next turn.

In SWPAC, two squadrons of Darwin based B-24s hit Koepang port at night, hitting BB Musashi repeatedly with little effect, but also score against CA Kinugasa and two hits on CL Nagara leave her burning. Bombers will return next turn at night as well. 37th ID makes progress on reducing the isolated IJA west of Darwin, inflicting over 2700 casualties. Will still take a while to complete the destruction of these troops. Landing craft approach Wyndham with an FA Bn as a test to see the validity of moving troops from Darwin to Wyndham via landing craft. The big problem right now is the shipping congestion at Darwin, which will slowly improve over time, assuming the IJN stays away.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, additional troops begin to emerge from the jungles into the Central Plain, and will start moving to cut off the IJA troops still up by Akyab. The Brit 2nd Div attacks and pushes back the C/4th ID, also in the jungles. Still no IJA air opposition�

In the IO, Spruance links up with Essex TF in sub infested waters off Ceylon, and will move toward Rangoon - with much of the a/c devoted to ASW work for the time being. That gives Spruance 8 CVs and CVL which will look to strike Rangoon with (LBA as well) the turn after next. This should provide cover to the Ramree Amph which is still chugging through the Bay of Bengal.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 933

RE: 27-28 Jul 43 - 8/11/2017 1:03:45 AM

jwolf

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quote:

assuming the IJN stays away.

They haven't exactly been cooperative on that score ...

If you had lots of bomb hits on the Musashi, it might have run up the system damage a bit, and that can take some time to repair. I don't imagine the facilities at Koepang are all that good.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 934

29-30 Jul 43 - 8/16/2017 6:16:28 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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29-30 Jul 43

Highlights � 6th Marines land at Buka

Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Hosho comes up on the sunk list)
SS: 1 (RO-35)
TK: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Buka (SOPAC)
Wyndham (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: IJN looks to have departed Koepang for points unknown.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Wotje Amph TF departs Christmas Is to stage at Mili.

In SOPAC, Buka Amph TF goes in with no issues, all troops ashore with minimal loss; will depart back to Tulagi next turn. BB Washington TF bombards Buka and will bombard again before departing to replenish. New Zealand Bde finally departs Choiseul and heads to Buna. Milne Bay Amph completes loading at Woodlark, and will head to target next turn. So far, so good.

In SWPAC, B-24s hit Koepang port at night, again, but just hit the port, no shipping found. No clue where the IJN went, but if its out of Koepang it will be more challenging to interdict Allied coastal traffic along the Australian coast. To test that, I land an FA Bn at Wyndham to reinforce the troops there, and they landed without interference. Will throw LBA against Wyndham and ground assault next turn - only have a Bde without engineers, so this may not work. Darwin shipping backlog looks to have resolved itself the last few turns, and baseforce engineers landed will also now head to Fenton to establish that base as well. Between Bathurst, Darwin and Fenton, USAAF will be able to mass airpower to cover the next Allied move into the Banda Sea area.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, Chungking is still gradually being encircled from the southwest. A slow process, but one with an inevitable ending.

In Burma, with Shwebo secure, troops begin moving down the Central Plain toward Prome - lead elements avoiding crossing to river towards Mandalay, leaving Magwe and Mandalay for follow on troops. Will try a Bde sized airborne drop on Meiktila, next to Mandaly, which if successful, will cut retreat towards Tuang Gyi. Combined with the upcoming Ramree landings, all this should liberate central Burma and may trap over 30k troops still in jungles near Akyab. On that note, the �Akyab Force� - about two Corps of 4 divisions plus support will begin bombardment to soften up this major IJA contingent. In the air, in addition to supporting the Airborne drop, LBA will sweep both Rangoon and Toungoo with first line fighters. Heavies will also focus on Toungoo with the mediums supporting the airborne drop.

In the IO, Spruance moves toward Rangoon and will launch sweeps and initially limited night time bombing of the port and AFs next turn. Will be interesting to see if enemy air strikes out at the CVs. Recon reports over 200 fighters at Rangoon, so this could be bloody. Still, between hitting both Rangoon and Toungoo, the goal is to attrit the IJA LBA to where they can�t interfere with the Ramree Amph. One mishap with Spruance - in the accompanying CA TF, DD Mugford (2/29(18)/6) was rammed by CL Achilles (2/7(7)/0) and both ships will detach with two DDs low of depth charges and head to Columbo. The Ramree Amph TF and support are still steaming across the Bay of Bengal, the long way off the coast to take advantage of some LBA LRCAP out of Chittagong as it makes its final approach. Near Port Blair the focus is on killing subs and moving troops. LBA ASW a/c reported another 4 subs hit near the Andamans and I�ve got 4 DDs from the Port Blair area that need to head back to Ceylon to replenish DC racks.

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 935

Jul 43 Summary - 8/16/2017 9:49:57 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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July 43 Summary

A very successful month, and without excessive cost. A number of highlights this month - closing Magwe and Rabaul, taking Darwin and Port Hedland, and the IJN was on the receiving end on two occasions of the US version of the KB, Spruance�s TF, and the results were solid. Although the KB was not decisively engaged, the initiative has been regained in the IO, and the ground deadlock in Burma seemingly broken. The primary goal for Aug will be engaging and destroying the KB if it comes back out, and continuing to advance in most Theaters, with the emphasis remaining in Burma and the IO Theaters. Naval losses for the month were very solid, the IJN losing a CVL (Zuiho to a Mk-13 mine!), CVE (Hosho), BB (Haruna or perhaps Fuso), CS (Chitose), DD, and 5 SS. Add to this at least a dozen major AK/xAPs in the IO sunk, and at least a half dozen BBs and/or CAs damaged to some degree requiring yard work. Allies only lost 2 SS and 9 PT, but a good half dozen subs were damaged, mostly by ASW a/c. In the air, Magwe was a tough nut to crack, making it an expensive month in the air, but still a fairly good month for the Allied Cause, 973 for Jpn to 667 Allied.

INTEL: I�m pretty sure the KB - as well as the bulk of the IJN - has departed the IO and is now waiting to jump on the Allies as we launch toward the islands in the Banda Sea. I only have the sighting of the BB Musashi TF in and around Koepang, as well as some non confirmed recon reports of CVs in Koepang. Frankly, I have no idea where the IJN is concentrated right now. I do need to exercise some caution in all Theaters just in case, as with two day turns, the KB could show up and strike very quickly. On the ground, I haven�t met L_S_T�s main defensive belt in any Theater - all delaying actions, in which he�s pulling back faster than I can advance. I expect ground resistance to stiffen in New Guinea, central Burma, any future landings in the IO, and in the Rabaul/Kavieng area. Intel has picked up the IJA�s 14th ID coming into the Marianas, so he�s starting to harden that defensive belt, and I�m a long way away from threatening there.

SUBWAR: Allied subs continue to be more targets than threats -- this certainly feels more like the Atlantic U-Boat campaign mid �43 than the Pacific. IJN subs are thick in the IO, and are paying a price as they attempt to catch the US fleet, but are conspicuously absent elsewhere.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production will drop to 486 in Aug due to two of the three US P-40 models ceasing production. With the Magwe fight over, the lull did allow US Army and British fighters to gain some numbers in the pools, but bomber pools remain low. Navy and USMC pools are fairly robust for the moment. Pilot pools are mixed, US Army pools, including bombers, are finally fairly solid, as are the USMC and Navy fighters. British pools and US Navy bombers remain low - the Navy�s largely due to the influx of numerous groups coming in with carriers that require additional training. Nothing to really complain about. At sea, the Fletcher DD refits are largely done, and the majority fleet, including the two new Essex class CVs are now in the IO. The next group of CV/CVL reinforcements will go to the Pacific.

NOPAC. No change here; remains a backwater and will remain as such until spring of �44 when I may look at landing in the Kuriles with the incoming US 6th ID.

CENPAC. Only Roi-Namur was taken taken this month in CENPAC. August will see Wotje and Eniwetok as the primary objectives, and if all goes well, perhaps Kusaie Island. While I plan to bring a small CV TF into the Pacific, not knowing where the KB is will limit its flexibility.

SOPAC. July saw the shift in effort towards New Guinea with landing at Oro Bay and the beginning of the Buna campaign. That will continue into August, in which troops should also take Milne Bay and Port Moresby, and perhaps a landing at Salamaua to flank Buna should L_S_T decide to hold the base. End of July saw Marines land at Buka, and that will be followed up by landings on New Ireland to eventually seize Kavieng. Rabaul will be kept neutralized, but it looks to have already been abandoned as a major base. L_S_T looks to be forming a main defensive line based on Manus and Umboi Island. Troops are prepping for these and further objectives along the New Guinea coast, but a jump past Kavieng will likely require carriers, and I�m not ready to move the fleet to support SOPAC just yet.

SWPAC/WAUS. Combining these two Theaters into one now that Darwin and Port Hedland were taken in July. The rest of the month was focused on mopping up the IJA positions in OZ, and building up bases. Was surprised to see BB Musashi make an appearance at Port Hedland (L_S_T loves fighting for this base!), and its likely she and her consorts remain in the vicinity of Koepang-Ambon-Kendari area, awaiting my next move. It will likely take most of August to clear Broome and move on to Derby in any case. Still, hope to move into one of the islands in the SE Banda Sea to establish a forward base in August. Just really depends on where the heck the KB is.

China. L_S_T continues to conduct a broad encirclement of Chungking from the west, and this includes probably 60% of the Chinese Army. Not that it matters, supplies are nonexistent, and the end result is still bleak. The only salvation possible for China is the Allied drive in Burma opening up a ground route to Paoshan to Kumning, but I don�t see Chungking holding that long.

Burma. Things are finally rolling in Burma in July. The Andaman landings did lead L_S_T to pull troops and aircraft out of Burma to protect his southern flank, and that allowed Magwe to be reduced from the air - the end of a brutal 6mo air campaign. What I was surprised at was the Allied India/Burma frontier �holding� attacks have given way to a full-fledged advance in the Burma Central Plain. I did not expect such a rapid pull out when sizeable IJA troops are still near Akyab in the jungles. Will continue pushing in the center, and of course, Ramree is about to be amphibiously invaded with a US Corps. Goal now in August is push the IJA defenses to the gates of Rangoon, and trapping a major force northwest of Ramree.

IO. Although we missed engaging the KB - we came close near Little Andaman, but Spruance�s CVs did good work in repulsing a counter landing and battering a support force. Once Ramree landings have taken place, the fleet will return to operations in the IO. After a brief (hopefully) port call to repair minor damage and replenishment, the fleet will move back toward Sumatra in search of the KB. Although I think the KB has departed, I can�t discount it may be operating out of Singapore or Batavia. Will continue to build up Port Blair and Little Andaman to keep Rangoon isolated, and once I can free up transports from Ramree, will look for a landing at Trinkat or perhaps even Sabang.

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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 8/16/2017 9:50:26 PM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 936

31 Jul - 1 Aug 43 - 8/17/2017 1:22:00 AM

IdahoNYer

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31 Jul - 1 Aug 43

Highlights � Near Rangoon, a sub puts two torps into CV Essex while Jpn air attacks are mauled.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-166)
xAP: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 211
Allied: 38

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ships hit (CV Essex hit by 2 torps from I-176)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Assault:
Milne Bay (SOPAC)
Meiktila (Burma)
Truscott (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Buka (SOPAC)
Meiktila (Burma)
Truscott (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: IJN is missing in action again. No idea where any heavy units are.

West Coast/Admin: With Essex heavily damaged, I will now send the soon to arrive CV America and the two CVLs in Balboa to the IO instead of supporting CENPAC and SOPAC.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Buka is taken much easier than expected, figure that L_S_T was airlifted troops out before the blow fell. In any case, A/Imperial Guards Div and a Special Base Force were wiped out with the remainng 600+ troops. The 201st (Sep) IN Reg went ashore at Milne Bay without problems and should mop up the remnants next turn. Lastly, the 37th ID closed on Buna while the 8th NZ Bde finally arrived and began offloading. Allied troops will begin bombarding next turn, and will ground assault after the 8th NZ is fully ashore. Estimated 22k defenders, so this will be a tough fight. Allied air forces shift from Buka back to ground support against Buna.

In SWPAC, the 2/7 Aus Cdo Bn takes undefended Truscott via airborne attack. Truscott, although currently undeveloped, will be built up to support fighter sweeps over Koepang. Wyndham is bombarded by CA TF (CA, 2CL, DDs) with minimal effect, and the ground attack is easily held with minimal loss to both sides. Navy will return next turn to bombard, and the 3rd Motor Bde will try again next turn, with air forces in full support. Recon will begin a focused observation plan on islands in the Banda Sea while troops continue to prepare for the first landings. But first, assault shipping will move to Exmouth to load troops to land at Broome. The wild card of course is whether or not the IJN will show itself as naval forces in the area (assigned to the newly arrived 7th Fleet) are minimal.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, things begin moving fast. Perhaps too fast. Air forces sweep both Toungoo and Rangoon, but find no fighters. B-24s hit Toungoo and British Lib IIs hit Rangoon (in daylight, forgot to change the Lib IIs to night!) with good effect, shutting down Toungoo and damaging Rangoon; 36 Tonys and 18 Tojos destroyed on the ground for the loss of one Lib II. Was a bit surprised there was no CAP at all, and the Army fighters were left on the ground. The IJN planes were otherwise employed (see below para). Allied Air Forces were also busy supporting a Bde sized para drop when the 14th LRP Bde seized Meiktila which was only garrisoned by a Machinecannon Company. This flanks Mandalay, and threatens Taung Gyi. Two additional airborne brigades will be brought in to Meiktila to flank Taung Gyi. Near Akyab, the main IJA force (estimated at 2 ID and AR Divs) begins pulling south along the secondary road, and the Allied force (also at 4+Divs) will pursue, and the Allied bombers will attempt to interdict. Meanwhile, along the Central Plain, only one IJA Bde size force is identified blocking the clear terrain leading toward Prome, so the goal is to push hard down this corridor and attempt to block the withdrawing IJA force - and link up with the forthcoming landing at Ramree. As I said, L_S_T is moving fast now, and its going to be tough to cut him off. As usual it seems, I expected him to try and delay harder, rather than pull south at speed.

In the IO, it was not a good turn. Opened up with IJN�s most vaunted sub, I-176, missing CV Yorktown with a torpedo spread, and as soon as my heart rate returned to normal, the bloody sub put two fish into CV Essex! Essex is heavily damaged (37/65/(59)/9) and of course, AI Adm Spruance detaches Essex with only one DD with EXACTLY 1 depth charge left as escort! Not good. Daylight brings Hellcat fighter sweeps over Rangoon and like their Army counterparts, find no CAP. Instead, the IJN LBA launches 5 strikes which are met by a very robust CAP which does extremely well: 43 Zero, 11 George, 46 Jill and 27 Vals are lost in exchange for 5 Hellcats, 7 Martlets, and 3 F4Fs. Only three Jills get through the CAP, and all three are destroyed by AA. So, while a good day in the air, Essex�s damage is a tough blow. Spruance�s TFs will follow Essex away from the coast toward Magwe, and with some luck Essex can avoid contact until she can get more escorts. Will also focus more air ASW and DDs to hunt subs off the Burma coast as the Ramree Amph and bombardment TFs are still inbound. Spruance, as well as LBA will provide LRCAP over the Ramree TFs, but the priority next turn is to safeguard Essex. This could get even more dicey! Essex will initially head to Trincomalee to pump out and offload its air group (just in case, I pulled all the pilots off), and then eventually to Colombo and likely she�ll need to head for the East Coast. Lady Lex will depart Columbo for Cape Town to make room and finish repairs (7/22(22)/0). To replace Essex, the latest arriving CV, America, will head to the IO with two CVLs, a CL, and DDs. That will take a couple of weeks. Both Essex and Lex will leave airgoups in Theater, so sorting out the airgoups is going to get challenging at some point. Of course, there�s a good chance Essex won�t even make Trincomalee�..

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 937

RE: 31 Jul - 1 Aug 43 - 8/17/2017 2:51:33 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

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From: Toronto and Lima
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Bad luck!!!

looking at the silver linen, you now have 3 kick ass LBA squadrons

Can the planes fly away? have you thought about moving to Pt Blair to unload do minimal repairs?

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Post #: 938

RE: 31 Jul - 1 Aug 43 - 8/17/2017 3:54:41 PM

jwolf

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I'll bet Jap subs would swarm around any nearby Allied base, Port Blair included.

Curious about China -- is it possible you could open up a supply path via Myitkyina or Lashio, to Paoshan and beyond? Even a trickle of supply could really upset the Japanese as their own supply isn't really robust there. Or is it?

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 939

RE: 31 Jul - 1 Aug 43 - 8/17/2017 6:01:10 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Bad luck!!!

looking at the silver linen, you now have 3 kick ass LBA squadrons

Can the planes fly away? have you thought about moving to Pt Blair to unload do minimal repairs?

Assuming I can get her to port and get the planes off! No air ops till she gets to port. To get to port, need to avoid the subs!

Port Blair is sub city, and even getting to Chittagong would have been challenging with the subs looking for the Ramree Amphib...so the long voyage across the IO to safer waters, hopefully avoiding the sub concentrations between the Andamans and Colombo.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 940

RE: 31 Jul - 1 Aug 43 - 8/17/2017 6:03:50 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

I'll bet Jap subs would swarm around any nearby Allied base, Port Blair included.

Curious about China -- is it possible you could open up a supply path via Myitkyina or Lashio, to Paoshan and beyond? Even a trickle of supply could really upset the Japanese as their own supply isn't really robust there. Or is it?

Right on the money with China jwolf - that was one of reasons I decided to push a lot of troops and aircraft into the Burma fight- open a lifeline to China through Paoshan. Not sure exactly how much supply will get to the Chinese before Chungking falls, but in theory...it can't hurt!

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 941

2-3 Aug 43 - 8/19/2017 4:57:21 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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2-3 Aug 43

Highlights � KB - REINFORCED - returns to the IO!

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PG: 1
PT: 1
xAK: 1
LST: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 90
Allied: 67

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (PB, xAK sunk)
SS Bluefish crippled by mine off Sabang

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Bikini Atoll (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Bikini Atoll (CENPAC)
Wyndham (SWPAC)
Milne Bay (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB re-enters the IO! The usual suspect CVs plus the brand new Taiho, Amiga, Katsuragi and Unryo. At least I know where the carriers are!

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Wotje Amph TF links up with the CVE and CA TFs at Makin; will depart next turn to Wotje.

In SOPAC, Milne Bay is taken without much fanfare, only 5 guns remained from the 2nd South Seas Gsn to be destroyed by the 201st (Sep) IN Reg. 37th ID and the NZ Div will attack Buna next turn, and I don�t expect initial success - although they will be heavily supported by airpower. Troops begin loading for both Munda and Salamaua Amphibs and should be ready to head to target next turn. While Munda is another mop up, Salamaua will be a deep strike to outflank the Buna defenses and will require full support of LBA and BB Washington TF, less the BB which is undergoing minor repairs at Tulagi. Once these two landings have been completed, 1st Mar Div is scheduled to load to begin the New Ireland campaign. SOPAC staying very, very busy.

In SWPAC, Wyndham falls in the second attack, with the remnants withdrawing to the west toward Derby. With the KB confirmed to be in the IO, will start in motion landings at Broome, which will require ships to transit from Darwin to Exmouth for the operation. Amphib shipping still in short supply in Theater. Will look to get a foothold in the Timor Islands by landing at Selaroe with landing craft and airborne. The big question is whether the Musashi

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, I manage to mess up the Ramree landings - I had intended to set the Amph TF to �do not unload� as it would arrive late on the second day. Well, I forgot to add �remain on station� so all the TFs, except the minesweepers, duly arrived off Ramree, and then started to head back towards Diamond Harbor! The TFs are well sighted, so perhaps L_S_T thinks this a feint?? In any case, at the end of the turn the are only two hexes off Ramree, and will turn back around and actually land troops and commence the invasion next turn. On the ground, the lead Allied element in the Central Plain, the 268th Motorized Bde mauls the C/21st Div near Magwe, and should have a clear advance towards Prome. Coming in behind are and Armored Bde and Regiment, and 2+ IN Divs. Another division will cross the river near Mandalay and then attack to clear Mandalay and begin the drive toward Lashio. While the airborne attack on Meiktila was successful, it looks like IJA troops are moving to counterattack. Allied LBA focused on hitting the IJA withdrawing from the Akyab area, and supporting the attack of the 268th Mot Bde. Airforces will transition to supporting Ramree as the primary next turn, and additional fighters are brought into Akyab to where we should be able to maintain over 100 fighters over the Amphib - mainly P-47s and P-38s, while the P-40s focus on supporting secondary targets such as Meiktila.

In the IO, there was a MAJOR surprise. The KB is back in the IO, and has been substantially reinforced with brand new CVs! Now in two TFs, the KB moved just off of Little Andaman and Port Blair to launch strikes at shipping in the area. Fortunately, there were few targets to be found, and what was there was protected by a reasonable CAP which took a tool of the strikes. Worst loss was an LST carrying an artillery battalion bound for Ramree. AMC Chitral was also hit by two bombs off Little Andaman, but disbanded in port and unless attacked again, should survive. The one attack on shipping off Port Blair missed the LSI(L) and only managed to sink a PT. Out at sea, an xAK and PG were easily sunk. Losses to the KB air amounted to 29Z, 7 Judys and a Jill, while LBA sweeps over the Andamans lost 17 Oscars. Allied fighters lost over the Andamans totaled 11 P-40K and 9 P-39N1. Also lost were 9 Helldivers out of Port Blair which valiantly attempted to attack the KB. The Helldivers accomplished a valuable service as their attack was the first confirmation of the additional CVs in the KB by identifying the CAP. The Helldiver strike also identified the KB�s CAP - 128 A6M5, 26 A6M5b, and 13 A6M5c. That�s great intel!!!

With the KB off the Andamans, and consisting of an approximate air strength of 286F, 256D, and 157T (based on the assigned complement of the CVs), the KB now has more airpower than Spruance. That said, Spruance�s CVs are for the moment unlocated, still protecting the wounded Essex. So, I�ve decided to let LBA protect the Ramree landings and head Spruance�s 7CVs and CVL toward the Andamans and, with some luck, engage the KB. By using the CVE Copahee�s replenishment planes, as well as pulling some newly arrived F6Fs and SBDs from CVEs at Columbo, Spruance�s air complement is 321F (240 F6Fs), 212 SBDs, and 99 TBFs. KB still has a good edge in strike aircraft, but its close enough to bring on an engagement. The wildcard is whether the KB will stay in the vicinity of the Andamans - I�ve also reinforced the LBA there with newly arrived planes, even the newly arrived two CVE�s VRF squadrons are now pressed into service as fighter squadrons. Port Blair has 79F, 36D, and 20T while Little Andaman has 33F and 17D - most of the fighters will accompany strikes if the KB stays in range. Remaining fighters will provide CAP, in case the KB strikes the few remaining shipping targets around the islands - perhaps drawing off a strike from other more important targets. So it could be an exciting turn coming up!!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 8/19/2017 4:58:53 PM >

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Post #: 942

RE: 2-3 Aug 43 - 8/19/2017 10:59:33 PM

Bif1961

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

I would assume he either cut down some of his dive bombers for fighter as the torpedo planes carry his best weapon system, so i would guess he has probably has swapped at least 81 DBs for fighters, giving him 367F 175DB and 157TB less loses already from the days activities. I know this is what I would do if I were him. No sense having so many DBs if I can't get them to the target or protect where they have to come back too.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 943

RE: 2-3 Aug 43 - 8/21/2017 6:17:11 PM

IdahoNYer

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

I would assume he either cut down some of his dive bombers for fighter as the torpedo planes carry his best weapon system, so i would guess he has probably has swapped at least 81 DBs for fighters, giving him 367F 175DB and 157TB less loses already from the days activities. I know this is what I would do if I were him. No sense having so many DBs if I can't get them to the target or protect where they have to come back too.

I would have figured he would augments his fighters too - but was surprised I only saw the usual fighters on CAP - no land based squadrons reported on the CVs in the combat report. Still, gotta assume he's got more planes than the basic load, and as you said, plussed up fighters - just like the USN.

Bottom line - he's likely to have more planes than me!

(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 944

4-5 Aug 43 - 8/21/2017 6:28:45 PM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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4-5 Aug 43

Highlights � KB pulls back to the Andaman Sea; Ramree landings go in without problems

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

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CA: 1 (Furutaka)
DD: 1 (Usugumo)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 63
Allied: 111

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit
I-176 brought to the surface by DDs and sunk!
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Ramree Is (Burma)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB moves back into the Andaman Sea. BB Musashi TF (BB, 2CA, 2CL, DDs) sighted by sub departing Soerabaja, then south of Denpasar, heading SE toward Koepang.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Wotje Amph TF w/support elements still enroute to Wotje. Air continues to soften up the atoll.

In SOPAC, first attacks go in against Buna defenses, and in two attacks reduce forts from 4 to 2. 1100 Jpn casualties to 730 Allied. Making progress. Will rest the force for a turn, then resume the attacks. Salamaua Amph TF completes loading, and will depart to target next turn, along with support TFs. L_S_T did manage a nice little CAP trap over New Guinea; engaging a few unescorted bomber �milk runs� with LRCAP knocking down 9 B-25s with no loss. Figure they came out of Nadzab, so will focus some recon and do some sweeps, while maintaining LRCAP over the Salamaua Amph. In the Solomons, Munda Amph TF completes loading, and will head to target - another mop up. The majority of the transports are loading support troops at Rekata Bay, bound for Buka.

In SWPAC, Allied bombers focus on Derby and continue to harass IJA troops withdrawing across the desert. IJA Sallys hit Allied troops near Derby, and will put some P-47s on LRCAP for some cover - but its at 8 hexes, so this won�t be too effective. Although BB Musashi looks to be heading back, Allied Amph TF (empty), along with a CA TF (CA, 2CL, DDs) will depart Darwin next turn for a run along the OZ coast to Exmouth to concentrate available shipping to land at Broome, and then Derby. Not good timing for Musashi to come calling, but will have to make do with forces avail - especially LBA.

In China, the local troops hold off a pretty big attack SW of Chungking as the IJA continue to close the ring around the city. In two attacks the IJA suffer over 7800 troops lost compared to only 2300 Chinese troops. A good win, but still only prolonging the inevitable.

In Burma, troops come ashore at Ramree with little problems - the only reaction is the usual subs in the area which are held off by escorts and night time Betty raids which hit nothing. BB TF (3BB, 2CL, DDs) bombards with little effect, I expect the defenders are fairly well dug in. BB TF begins to retire to Trincomalee, and the Amph TF will depart next turn to Calcutta where they will load up the second wave of another US ID and support troops. Troops ashore (27th ID, tank and Eng battalions plus a Corps HQ) are in good shape and will attack next turn supported by airpower. In the Central Plain fight, Airborne troops at Meiktila repulse a division sized attack coming out of Taung Gyi. 750 IJA lost to about 400 Allied, but the IJA are withdrawing back to Taung Gyi and are in the open - Allied airpower is having good effect on the troops in the open. Will begin moving troops toward both Mandalay and Magwe next turn and lead elements should reach the outskirts of Prome. Troops are stretched out, but resistance has been very light. The main IJA force is still NW of Ramree, being hit by Heavies, which looks to be slowing their retreat. The pursuing Allied forces lead elements - three tank units, have caught up, but the main force is still a day behind. Perhaps, just perhaps, they may be in position to attack next turn.

In the IO, the KB didn�t stick around for a fight. Instead, they withdrew to the Andaman Sea to a location just off Victoria Point, avoiding a number of sub contacts enroute. While staying out of range from Spruance, US air at Little Andaman and Port Blair did launch - foolheartedly so against the massed CAP. Three strikes caught the KB moving between Trinkat and Great Nicobar and was met by the massed CAP -so the max 58 escorts didn�t hold off the roughly 200 plane CAP and the SBDs caught hell. But in the third strike, two SBDs got through and one actually hit the CV Kaga! No secondary explosions or fires reported, but it was at least a hit. Air carnage was rough: 7 F64, 10 F4F, 51 SBD, 8 TBFs against only some 17 Zeros. With the KB in the Andaman Sea, I�m reluctant to pursue. Spruance will pull off south of Ceylon to meet tankers coming out of Colombo, hopefully out of search range, and refuel. Will see what the KB does next. Port Blair and Little A air will revert back to CAP instead of strike priority while the SBDs re-equip. Lastly, CV Essex is still making progress towards port. Will now head to Madras first as its further from potential subs.

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Post #: 945

RE: 4-5 Aug 43 - 8/22/2017 12:29:33 AM

Bif1961

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

Maybe that 1,000 pound smack on the nose of the KB will discourage it.

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Post #: 946

6-7 Aug 43 - 8/23/2017 6:50:38 PM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline

6-7 Aug 43

Highlights � Magwe occupied; Salamaua landings aborted - and most importantly, CV Essex makes port

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1
AGP: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 91
Allied: 51

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Munda (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Magwe (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: KB looks to be moving to raid the Ramree landings.

West Coast/Admin: CV America arrives at Balboa, and with 2CVLs, CL and DDs will move first to East Coast so I can re-size a F6F squadron for pilot training, then on to the IO.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Wotje Amph TF w/support elements arrive at Wotje; landings next turn.

In SOPAC, troops go ashore at Munda without problems and should easily mop up the IJA remnants next turn. CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) bombard Salamaua, and along with a/c identify the Guards Mixed Bde there instead of local airfield support troops as recon supported. The good news is that the scheduled Amph TF takes longer than expected to complete loading supplies, so I can abort the Regiment sized landing - which would have failed to take the base. Will look to other poorly defended targets for the troops drifing on APAs - which may not be practical as L_S_T has done a great job of defending just about every rock. Fighter sweeps over Nadzab do fairly well, but are expensive; 23 Zeros and 12 Nicks destroyed in exchange for 16 Hellcats and 6 P-38s. Range was the main culprit to Allied losses. Allied bombers focus on Buna, and the ground forces will assault next turn, hopefully securing the base. Other troops reach Port Moresby, which looks to be abandoned. Support troops begin loading in Cairns and Cooktown to be brought into Moresby once secured. Lastly, support troop convoy begins offloading at Buka and Buka AF becomes operational.

In SWPAC, Allied SBDs and B-25s reach out to Dili on Timor and catch a small convoy without CAP. 2AKVs and an Escort are crippled for no loss. Will sweep Dili next turn with P-38s and hope to catch the convoy still offloading. With Darwin and Bathurst AFs fully operational, Allied air can reach well into the Banda Sea - and is vulnerable to CAP traps of course, but to curtail shipping supplies to island outposts, will take the chance. Assault transport shipping with CA TF escort continues toward Exmouth so far without interference. Not sure where BB Musashi TF is which can be hazardous.

In China, the IJA limited itself to bombardment attacks, so the previous turn�s setback did some damaged and has delayed their advance. At least for a day or so.

In Burma, the US 27th ID begins the assault on Ramree and in two attacks reduces the forts from level 4 to level 2, inflicting over 1300 casualties for under 150. Good progress! Will attempt a two Bde attack with one Bde in reserve attempting to �pursue� - the goal still being to cut off the withdrawing 50k man force coming down the trail from the Akyab area. This force, although being hit by Heavies, has managed to just stay in front of the Indian/Brit 4+ division force in pursuit. Lead elements of the attack in the Central Plain have reached the outskirts of Prome, which I expect is heavily defended (although recon is �iffy� right now over Prome) and will turn toward Ramree to link up with the Amphib troops. 2 More divisions plus armor are behind the lead brigade. Magwe is occupied undefended. Mandalay will be attacked next turn as the IJA troops are attempting to pull out toward Lashio before a US CAV regiment can get in behind them. So far, so good on the ground in Burma! In the air, Ramree landing craft are attacked by Oscars which are roughly handled by CAP - 33 lost for no friendly planes. I have to assume these Oscars were to be joined by the KB air looking for the Amphib TF - which had pulled back to Calcutta. The only shipping around Ramree were the minesweeping TF and landing craft. One LCT took a bomb and was sunk. With the KB potentially moving toward the Bay of Bengal, CAP is reinforced over Akyab and maintained over Ramree. Lastly, the Amphib TF begins loading up the reinforcing 43rd ID and engineers at Calcutta, but will hold there a turn until I see whether the KB comes up toward Ramree or Akyab. .

In the IO, the big news is that CV Essex makes port in Madras and offloads her air complement. She�s at (38/59(59)/8(3)) which means she won�t get much done at Madras, but will work off some system damage before heading to Columbo. At least she made port! Spruance lays well off Ceylon in the Indian Ocean taking on fuel and is no position to counter any move by the KB towards Ramree. If the KB continues up toward Akyab more, perhaps. With some luck, the KB will launch some strikes which Burma based LBA CAP can wear down. In any case, Spruance will move toward the Bay of Bengal after fueling, hopefully avoiding subs. LBA at Port Blair will limit itself to possible night strikes on the KB, and maintain heavy CAP over bases.

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Post #: 947

RE: 6-7 Aug 43 - 8/23/2017 7:01:37 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
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It's always a relief to see a damaged ship finally limp into a safe harbor. Will you be able to move the Essex air group around and use it from some land base? Evidently their carrier deck is going to be out of action for a long time ...

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Post #: 948

RE: 6-7 Aug 43 - 8/25/2017 9:12:09 PM

IdahoNYer

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

ORIGINAL: jwolf

It's always a relief to see a damaged ship finally limp into a safe harbor. Will you be able to move the Essex air group around and use it from some land base? Evidently their carrier deck is going to be out of action for a long time ...

Lucky Me! Due to subs, I now have both Lexington's and Essex's air groups avail as LBA.....truly a mixed blessing.

Yes, I know....could have been worse. Happy to have the air and the CVs will eventually make it back into service.

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Post #: 949

8-9 Aug 43 - 8/25/2017 9:21:54 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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8-9 Aub 43

Highlights � IJN begins evacuating Derby; Allied attacks at Ramree and Buna held.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-165)

Allied ships sunk:
SS:1 (Bluefish - hit mine at Sabang, foundered enroute to port)

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 26

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Wotje (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Wotje (CENPAC)
Mandalay (Burma)
Munda (SOPAC)
Port Moresby (SOPAC/SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB moves back into the Andaman Sea, sighted by subs. IJN, presumably with BB Musashi and CVEs, begin evacuating Derby.

West Coast/Admin: I�ve taken a reinforcing PBY squadron, VP-12, and plugged in the best PBY drivers I have from across the Pacific. They will undergo torpedo training and will become a dedicated �Black Cat� night attack squadron.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Wotje taken without issue; 650 Jpn lost in exchange for 35 Allied. Next target will be Eniwetok. Still no sign of any IJN air or sea opposition.

In SOPAC, Munda taken with only a few guns remaining, the rest having being air evac�d out despite a constant CAP over the base. I can�t seem to stop the air withdrawal of bypassed garrisons! Will have to put more fighter squadrons to LRCAP over these bypassed posts. Troops reach Port Moresby and take out the remnants there as well. Moresby will be turned over to SWPAC control and the first convoy should reach it next turn with engineers out of Cairns. Nice to take a fort level 6 base without a fight! Buna holds off the Allied ground attack, 800 IJA casualties to 545 Allied. As expected, the IJA�s 38th ID is a tough nut to crack. Will continue to grind down the defenses, landing the Salamaua intended IN Reg to reinforce. Main effort will shift back to the Solomons, opening up the campaign for New Ireland in a few turns. Will take a bit to gather all the transports for the 1st Mar Div and support.

In SWPAC, I find where the Musashi TF was headed! Apparently L_S_T has decided to evacuate Derby - about 15,000 troops remain there according to Intel. B-25s find this out the hard way with one squadron out of Corunna Downs making attacks and getting jumped by CVE based CAP - the old Ryujo�s and Shoho�s planes have found homes. 7 B-25s lost. But it does look like the IJN just arrived and will focus some better synchronized airstrikes next turn. At 8 hex range from Port Hedland, fighter escort will be minimal, although will try and sweep with P-47s out of Port Hedland and P-38s out of Darwin. Will be a max air effort of what can range - which isn�t much, and without good fighter support, I don�t expect much success, and heavy losses. But I have to try. The Navy will send in 4DDs which are escorting LSTs off Truscott and can engage at night on full speed. Perhaps they can avoid the covering TF and engage either the transports or CVEs near Derby. Seventh Fleet�s main force, a CA TF (2CA, 3CL, DDs) out of Exmouth will sail to Port Hedland to cover the base and potentially stage to attack in a few days, if the evac is still in progress. I fully expect a bloody turn, but perhaps, just perhaps, a lucky sub, DD or a few aircraft can score some hits. Elsewhere, continued buildup of Darwin and preparations to launch into the Banda Sea islands, but the priority for the navy (both warship and assault shipping) remains Broome/Derby.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, on the positive side, Mandalay falls to the 23rd Indian Div inflicting 500 casualties on the delaying Yokosuka 3rd SNLF. The Allied force, with additional support, will pursue towards Lashio, and eventually opening up the road to China at Paoshan. Also positive, the three LRP Brigades in Meiktila attack the two withdrawing Bdes of the 56th ID with good results, inflicting over 2100 loss to only 250. I figure the third Bde of the 56th remained in Taung Gyi, so that division�s defenses should be somewhat �reduced�. On the negative side though, the 27th ID failed to take Ramree with it�s 2 Bde attack, in a half hearted effort, the Allies losing 100 troops to the IJA�s 200. Will attack again with the whole division next turn, although fatigue is starting to be an issue. The US 43rd ID has loaded up on transports along with support in Calcutta, and the TFs will head to Ramree next turn - the KB having moved back into the Andaman Sea.

In the IO, the KB appears to withdraw from the approaches of the Bay of Bengal near Rangoon. Three Allied subs attempt to engage as it moves toward Victoria Point without penetrating the screen. Will attempt to strike with night time strikes and subs will continue to stalk. Meanwhile, Spruance completes refueling, pretty much draining the 3AO over the two turns. The AOs will head back to Colombo and Spruance will head to the Bay of Bengal midway between the Andamans and Ceylon - able to strike if KB ventures out to strike the Port Blair approaches or protect the Ramree reinforcements if the KB heads back in that direction. Focus for the time being is ensuring the troops get into Ramree, and allowing the gains in the Andamans to expand.

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Post #: 950

RE: 8-9 Aug 43 - 8/27/2017 2:35:15 AM

Dirtnap86

Posts: 95
Joined: 10/3/2016
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I'm kind of surprised he accelerated the whole of the Unryuu class and Taiho. Unryuus were basically Souryuu/Hiryuu class ships, with a different engine set up. Still, not nice to see them prowling around early, especially in a theater where you just shoo'd the KB away.

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Post #: 951

RE: 8-9 Aug 43 - 8/27/2017 2:54:46 AM

IdahoNYer

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

ORIGINAL: Dirtnap86

I'm kind of surprised he accelerated the whole of the Unryuu class and Taiho. Unryuus were basically Souryuu/Hiryuu class ships, with a different engine set up. Still, not nice to see them prowling around early, especially in a theater where you just shoo'd the KB away.

Yeah, I expected Taiho to be around before '44, but not with the 3 Unryus! Had those Helldivers not foolhardily attacked to where I "discovered" the added CV's CAP, I could have really blundered into a nightmare.

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Post #: 952

RE: 8-9 Aug 43 - 8/28/2017 12:54:45 AM

Bif1961

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

When the Japanese I accelerate all fleet carriers, except Shinano, which I cancel. I also normally cancel the Musashi to free up resources for my fleet carriers. The sooner I can get them in the war the longer I can make life harder for the allied player.

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Post #: 953

RE: 8-9 Aug 43 - 8/28/2017 9:27:16 AM

adarbrauner

Posts: 1496
Joined: 11/3/2016
From: Zichron Yaaqov, Israel; Before, Treviso, Italy
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quote:

ORIGINAL IdahoNYer
The Helldivers accomplished a valuable service as their attack was the first confirmation of the additional CVs in the KB by identifying the CAP. The Helldiver strike also identified the KB�s CAP - 128 A6M5, 26 A6M5b, and 13 A6M5c. That�s great intel!!!

Hi IdahoNYer.

VERY great and entertaining game.

Since my very first games with WITPAE, not a long time ago, I could not understand why and how, from a realistic point of view, could I get accurate intel identifying the CAPS met in combat.

I could think that the aircrews took notes of the insignia and simbols of enemyplane encountered, and then the debriefing officers had super detailed intel and information about them...but isn't it demanding too much??

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Post #: 954

RE: 8-9 Aug 43 - 8/28/2017 1:20:01 PM

BBfanboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: adarbrauner

quote:

ORIGINAL IdahoNYer
The Helldivers accomplished a valuable service as their attack was the first confirmation of the additional CVs in the KB by identifying the CAP. The Helldiver strike also identified the KB�s CAP - 128 A6M5, 26 A6M5b, and 13 A6M5c. That�s great intel!!!

Hi IdahoNYer.

VERY great and entertaining game.

Since my very first games with WITPAE, not a long time ago, I could not understand why and how, from a realistic point of view, could I get accurate intel identifying the CAPS met in combat.

I could think that the aircrews took notes of the insignia and simbols of enemyplane encountered, and then the debriefing officers had super detailed intel and information about them...but isn't it demanding too much??

That's nothing compared to the intel on ground units that your planes are bombing. Clearly they are reading the badges of the soldiers blown in the air!

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 955

RE: 8-9 Aug 43 - 8/30/2017 5:31:27 PM

IdahoNYer

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

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

When the Japanese I accelerate all fleet carriers, except Shinano, which I cancel. I also normally cancel the Musashi to free up resources for my fleet carriers. The sooner I can get them in the war the longer I can make life harder for the allied player.

Bif1961 - I figured the CVs would be accelerated, and I expected the Taiho before the end of '43, but I am a bit surprised to see 3 Unryus in Aug '43! That normal? Especially with Musashi being built?

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Post #: 956

10-11 Aug 43 - 8/30/2017 5:47:38 PM

IdahoNYer

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10-11 Aug 43

Highlights � IJN Derby operation is successful, Ramree Island taken

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-157)
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-1)

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 2 (Blue, Smith)
DM: 1 (Ramsay)

Air loss:
Jpn: 52
Allied: 41

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Ramree Is (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: KB looks to be heading through the Straits of Malacca; BB Musashi TF headed back toward Koepang

West Coast/Admin: CV America TF (CV, 2CVL, CL, DDs) arrives at East Coast to expand VF-37 to a Navy fighter pilot training squadron of up to 90 planes.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, 53rd (Sep) IN Reg landed at Buna and, as expected, much of it is disabled since it was planning for Salamaua. Action at Buna limited to bombardments, will resume ground assaults next turn, with a max effort by bombers in support. Fleet continues to assemble at Tulagi and Lunga for the next foray.

In SWPAC, the attempt to intercept the Derby evacuation is a complete fiasco. The transports begin pulling out immediately (how many troops can be loaded in less than one day!!??), and the 4DDs find Musashi TF (BB, 3CA, 3CL, 9DD) with expected results - 2DD lost, and two slightly damaged. I feel lucky with that. In daylight, the two surviving DDs find the transport TF (5E, 2PB, AK, 6xAP), but the �Japanese TF evades combat� and no shots were fired. BLAST! No aircraft intercept any force, and subs also fail to make contact. IJN still has 120 miles to go for Koepang, but I have no confidence my 4 subs in the area will make contact or inflict any damage. Meanwhile, troops begin loading at Exmouth for the run to Broome. I hope to get the troops ashore before the BB Musashi TF can turn around and counter. With only 2CA, 3CL and DDs avail, I�m not really looking to take on the IJN here. A Bde (+) worth of ground troops reach Derby from the SE and will bombard to see what�s left there - recon reports about 5k.

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 957

RE: 10-11 Aug 43 - 8/30/2017 5:48:33 PM

IdahoNYer

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

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, the 27th Div takes Ramree while the 43rd Div begins offloading. IJA losses were heavy, 1800 lost in exchange for 20 US. But because I used the entire Div, no troops pursued, so getting Allied troops infront of the withdrawing IJA main body coming down the coastal trail is still going to be the challenge. With some luck, the Allied troops pursuing will be able to launch an attack next turn. L_S_T is concerned here, as he flew many fighters in LRCAP over this force and they played havoc against my bombers which were light on CAP and no sweeps flew. The result could have been worse with the 7 Jpn Fighter squadrons on LRCAP; 20 Zero, 10 Tojo, and 2 Georges in exchange for 4 P-40, 4 Hurri, 10 B-24, and 8 B-25s. Still a rough outing for the bombers. Will put more fighters in the air next turn, while still covering the Ramree landings as support troops still need to offload. In the Central Plain, supplies are starting to get a bit light. First indication of supplies issues, which I knew was coming at some point. Supplies will remain tight until the Ramree beach head can link up with the main body. Lastly, the Allied troops heading east out of Mandalay toward Lashio fail to inflict a crippling blow to the IJA�s rear guard which is retreating faster than the Allies are advancing, and will likely continue that race all the way to Lashio where I expect the IJA to make a stand. Will need to begin hitting Lashio with bombers soon, but for now, that is not a priority. Although opening the route to China is an important long term objective, the immediate focus remains coming to grips with the 55k man IJA main body withdrawing towards Prome along the coastal trail.

In the IO, the KB appears to continue its withdrawal from the Andaman Sea into the Straits of Malacca. One sub makes contact hear Phuket, but fails to penetrate the screen. Spruance loiters well out in the Bay of Bengal while the Amph TF remains at Ramree. Half that force will begin to head toward Ceylon, its mission complete. The remainder will continue to shuttle in reinforcements to the Ramree bridgehead for a few turns before also heading to Ceylon and future operations.

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 958

12-13 Aug 43 - 9/3/2017 2:41:13 AM

IdahoNYer

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

12-13 Aug 43

Highlights � The BIG HIGHLIGHT is that L_S_T and I have just notched our 3yr anniversary of this PBEM! Started 3yrs ago! Still going! Amazing! Kudos to L_S_T for being a great opponent!

- also...Buna taken; heavy Allied losses on the ground in Burma

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-7)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Kikizuki)

Allied ships sunk:
LST: 1
AM: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 77
Allied: 49

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Buna (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: No contact with KB; BB Musashi group still operating off Derby

West Coast/Admin: CV America TF (CV, 2CVL, CL, DDs) to depart East Coast for IO via Aden next turn.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Eniwetok Amph TF begins loading at Tarawa. BB Pennsylvania and CVE Anzio added to CENPAC forces for operation. Still don�t expect any air or naval response out of the IJN.

In SOPAC, Allied troops take two attacks, but Buna falls with heavy IJA losses: over 7000 troops lost in exchange for only about 500 Allied. Most of the IJA troops withdraw to Kokoda, but about 2000 remain in Buna after the base fell. Will attack again, but some troops will pursue, although I�m not sure I want to advance to Kokoda, I�d rather have the NZ troops advance directly to Salamaua through the jungle as a US Regiment is advancing from Moresby to Kokoda. In any case, only NZ troops and the two separate US IN regiments will continue the fight in eastern New Guinea. The 37th ID will plan for future operations and be shipped off to rest. Not sure where exactly I�ll employ them at the moment. In the Solomons, US attack transports still converging on Lunga to load the 1st Mar Div. Lastly, we finally catch an air evac in progress with LRCAP - 10 Emilys and 3 Mavis transports are splashed over Buna.

In SWPAC, the IJN is still active off Derby. First, a CA TF (3CA, 3CL, DDs), detached from the BB Musashi TF, bombards the Australian troops at Derby with little effect. A squadron of luckless SBDs out of Bathurst Island ranges well out to the Timor Sea and finds the CVEs and attacks. Results are as expected, the 22 Zeros on CAP splash 8 of 11 SBDs with none even making an attack. So, L_S_T still has a big naval presence supporting the Derby evac, which I�m now assuming is going to continue. To counter that, Wyndham is established as a fwd airbase (level 3) now that damage has been repaired, and I�m bringing in USMC aviation which can range Derby (6 hexes). Perhaps the Corsair and VF-42's Hellcats can even the odds a bit over the CVE CAP? I�m also going forward to land troops at Broome next turn. Taking a bit of a gamble here with the Musashi and her consorts running about in the Timor Sea, but I�m thinking L_S_T is focused on the Derby evac, and not preventing an Amphib landing. The Amph TF is just off Port Hedland, and will head directly to Broome, picking up the CA TF and a DD TF at Port Hedland as the cover force. With some luck, by the end of the two day turn, troops will be ashore and the ships can retire before the IJN effectively respond. The landings will be covered by LRCAP, including P-47s and P-38s.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, the pursuing Allied force comes to grips with the withdrawing IJA force on the Akyab trail, and it didn�t go well. Figured the IJA force, although I knew was 4+ divisions, including two tank divisions, was low on supply and much disabled by constant air attack. Not so much, and Allied troops attacked when their supply was at low-ebb. Results were not good; 1900 IJA loss vs. 3200 Allied - but the Allies also lost 283 vehicles while the IJA only lost 23. Thought the Grant was going to really beat up the IJA tanks??!! In any case, although supplies have caught up with the Allied force, they now need a rest. I figure the IJA will continue to try and move along the trail, although that should have them run into the two US divisions advancing off Ramree. In the air, once again a big furball over this fight, and this time the US sweepers came in before the bombers with positive results: 24Z, 9 Tojo, and 3 George lost in exchange for 8 P-40, 8 Corsair and a P-47. No bombers were lost to fighters for a change. Also in the air, night time Betty attacks against fleet units at Ramree hit nothing but lost 12 planes to AA.

In the IO, its quiet. With the Ramree landings wrapping up, Spruance will return to Trincomalee to refuel and replenish his air sortie capability. A big convoy is forming up in Colombo heading to Port Blair to bring in supplies and also to take off troops for future operations. Spruance will provide distant cover should the KB make another foray into the IO. The Ramree Amph TF has split in two, with a little more than half heading back to Colombo, the other half remaining to support Ramree, heading initially to Cox�s Bazaar to bring in a USMC Def Bn and an Indian Bde, and will remain to shuttle troops in along the coast for a while. A small US CA TF has also remained to provide cover.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 959

14-15 Aug 43 - 9/6/2017 11:20:15 PM

IdahoNYer

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

14-15 Aug 43

Highlights � Troops landed at Broome without incident

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

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 16

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Broome (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: BB Musashi group reportedly near Koepang; CVEs look to be headed out of Timor Sea.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Eniwetok Amph TF completed loading at Tarawa, and will head toward Roi-Namur to stage and link up with CA and CVE TFs. Bombers will begin softening up both Kwajalein and Eniwetok next turn just to keep L_S_T guessing.

In SOPAC, 1st Mar Div begins loading at Lunga. Bombers hit Rabaul to keep it shut down, and will switch to close Kavieng next. Jpn looks to be the focus of IJN airpower for the moment. NZ Bde forces remaining IJA rear guard out of Buna, less 500 lost with no NZ losses. Fiji Bde �pursuing� towards Kokoda, one other NZ Bde will head toward Salamaua via the Jungle. Will slowly grind towards Salamaua, but with Buna taken, the NZ attack is strictly a holding action to keep the IJA focused forward.

In SWPAC, IJN DDs tangle with PTs off Truscott, but neither score hits. Just off Truscott, apparently covering the DDs, the CVE TF is sighted by SS Gudgeon, but misses CVE Chuyo with 4 torps. While the IJN is busy off Truscott (although BB Musashi was not sighted there), the US 158th (Sep) IN Reg is landed at Broome without problems along with Australian combat engineers. The main Amph TF will depart next turn, and the CA TF (2CA, 3CL, DDs) will bombard as they and Amph TF will head back to Exmouth to bring in an Aussie Bde to Broome. DD TF will remain to provide cover for the incoming landing craft with two artillery battalions. Troops ashore will wait till the artillery gets set before attacking. I�m still concerned about the BB Musashi TF making an appearance, search claims to have seen her at Koepang. Allied LBA is as prepared as can be, with both Port Hedland and Wyndham with F, D, and T ready to go.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, Allied troops push on Lashio pushing back the IJA rear guard. Expect Lashio to be well defended, but will push the US 112 CAV Reg south toward Taung Gyi to isolate Lashio from supply. The main IJA force remains in the same hex as the pursuing Allied force, but high fatigue keeps the Allied force from renewing a ground attack. That doesn�t stop the B-24s from hitting the IJA though, and this time no Jpn fighters interfere. Flak remains brisk, keeping the bombers at altitude. At Cox�s Bazaar, LSI(L)s begin loading an Indian Bde and a USMC Def Bn for the run to Ramree. Ramree�s AF becomes operational, and two Hurri squadrons come in to provide CAP. Still unclear whether the two US divisions moving out of Ramree will be in time to cut off the IJA withdrawal.

In the IO, it remains quiet with the exception of I-176 taking a beating from ASW TF searching for subs off Little A. Spruance makes port in Trimcomalee, replenishes and begins to resort air groups for future operations. Victorious and Independence remain at sea and are still enroute. Port Blair convoy departed Colombo and is enroute - I�ve decided not to have Spruance provide cover on its approach to Blair, may cover as it heads back, but I don�t think the KB will interfere. If the KB is sighted, Spruance will put back to sea, but for the time being, better time spent resting airframes and doing minor repair to the well traveled ships. Instead of Spruance, only ASW TFs totaling about 6-8 DD/DEs will be in support, along of course with Andamans based LBA.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 960