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1-2 Oct 44 - 4/1/2020 10:50:49 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		1-2 Oct 44

Highlights – a pretty quiet and uneventful turn to start the month!

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-39)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-46)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 6
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 1 ships hit (LST sunk)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit (a damaged Kirishima was missed!)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Utan Melintang (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: Looks like the Combined Fleet returned to home port without major losses, so its still very much a “Fleet in Being”. The question is of course what will bring it out from its lair? I’m still thinking the landing at Kume-jima may draw it out - the best chance to interdict a landing away from massive Allied LBA.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: No strat bombing raids as three B-29 squadrons were diverted to mining the Bungo Straits and Hiroshima, which failed to ambush any of the returning task forces. However, since some fires were still burning at Fukuoka, strat bombing point total increases slightly to 1062. Beginning 1 Oct, B-29 squadrons are expanding from 7 to 10 planes, so that will help the bombing effort, but will take time to get those additional aircraft operational. The B-29s will remain on the ground next turn to get some of those new planes repaired.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, focus remains getting Guam B-29 capable, and securing the lesser Marianas islands, of Anatahan and Agrihan as practical. CVE TF providing support will head to Naga to replace the lost CVEs, and freshly refitted CVEs out of Pearl will also head to Naga. Locally, Venturas out of Pagan strike Haha-jima port, leaving an xAK burning after a number of hits.

In SOPAC, the CV TFs sortie north toward Okinawa to try and catch withdrawing IJN elements, but come up empty as the Combined Fleet just focused on making port. Closest intercept was SS Kete missing a wounded BB Kirishima off Kyushu with 6 torps. L_S_T has the dice gods in his pocket recently! The IJN sub force isn’t idle either, one RO class sub was sunk by US DDs screening the Fleet off Daito Shoto, and about half dozen IJN subs are reportedly southeast of Miyako-jima heading west. Will vector additional ASW assets, but not sure what to make of this effort - perhaps attempting to isolate Miyako-jima? US Fleet will now head to Naga, delayed somewhat to provide cover for three crippled CVEs heading south slowly. On Formosa, getting close to making the first assault on Takao. Troops are pretty much in position, and will hit the target with additional bombardments for another turn, then look to begin the ground assault. In the air, focus is beginning to shift away from Takao, as a B-24 group will hit both Karenko and Taihoku on Formosa’s NE end.

In SWPAC, the attack on Manila inflicts about 12k IJA losses, but US forces also sustain about 3k, although the US losses are primarily disabled. Still, a tough slog, and US forces need a rest before continuing. The outcome is not in doubt, but will be a long effort, and costly. The eight US divisions engaged, will need a long while to rest and refit when this is over and done - which shouldn’t be a major show-stopper, as the next planning objective for SWPAC troops on Luzon is Japan. And that is spring ’45 at best.

In China, the attack on Neikiang, NW of Chungking is held by the IJA, about 900 casualties each. Will hold off another attack until rest and reinforcements arrive, but the IJA does appear to be pulling east, and fast. Goal in the north is to continue the advance north; Chengtu is a viable objective now. In the SE, Chinese troops continue to advance around the open eastern flank of Canton, and will attempt to cross the Pearl River to begin an advance on Hong Kong. Hong Kong! While the advance is getting a bit more extended due to avoiding Canton with the bulk of the forces, I don’t see a major IJA counter offensive in the works. Select British 14th Army troops, those not engaged in Indochina such as three Bdes available on Hainan, will be committed to this advance. Below screen shot shows the current situation in China Theater.

In SE Asia, the attack on Vinh was delayed a turn, and will go in next turn to allow for additional bombardments to take effect. The attack on Haiphong is almost ready to execute as well, waiting for one more Division to arrive. Initial bombardments of IJA troops in Haiphong do well, indicating the defenders aren’t well fortified. Still, Haiphong is protected by a river, so it will be a shock attack going in, can’t have too much combat power in the attack!





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Post #: 1411
3-4 Oct 44 - 4/5/2020 10:35:18 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		3-4 Oct 44

Highlights – First damaged ships arrive at Manila for repairs.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hamakaze)
SS: 1 (RO-116)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Agano)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 4
Allied: 14

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Temuloh (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: B-29s continue to rest while recon looks for more targets. Strat bombing VPs remain at 1062 as the fires begin to die out.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, the damaged ships begin arriving at ports - including the first use of Manila shipyards, being repaired from level 9 back up to 20. Currently at level 11 to start repairs on CVL Belleau Wood (31/5(5)/3). The two CV TFs remained at sea, sheparding the crippled CVEs toward Naga - they’ll break off next turn and return to port. About half a dozen IJN subs are still reportedly at sea prowling the waters off Formosa and NW Luzon - a number are reportedly hit by ASW a/c and one claimed by a DD. Will maintain increased ASW efforts to remove the threat. Also, a two DD sortie will raid reported PB location at Amani Oshima next turn. On Formosa, the long awaited attack on Takao will go in, supported by a BB TF (3 BB, DDs) and CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) bombarding next turn. Hopefully the IJN subs won’t be a nuisance to that bombardment effort.

In SWPAC, as mentioned, Manila port is open for business; in addition to repairing ships, transports begin offloading from the docks. 3rd Fleet HQs is enroute and will establish at Manila with its naval support being put to good use immediately. Ground troops bombard the IJA remaining at Manila and cause over 500 casualties - and apparently trigger the wiping out of 7 support units. Troops will attack the pocket next turn which according to reports is reduced to less than 40k.

In China, in the north, with another corps arriving, troops will attack Neikiang again next turn, supported by both mediums and Heavies out of SE Asia command. In the south, lead elements are across the Pearl River without a fight, and will hold the bridgehead as additional troops are enroute before moving to lay siege to Hong Kong. Having both Canton and Hong Kong isolated but defended will be a challenge, and the Chinese forces are going to be a bit extended here as they also are pushing out to the east to regain contact with the IJA’s main defensive line, somewhere to the east. To help with that, SE Asia’s 14th Army will begin shipping troops over to assist in seizing both Canton and Hong Kong.

In SE Asia, another attack on Vinh will go in after some worn out troops swapped out for fresh. The main effort has shifted to Haiphong as the IV Corps troops begin moving across the river from Hanoi to Haiphong. Both of these will be supported by naval gunfire and LBA. XV Corps will attack Kuala Lumpur next turn as it continues to close on Singers.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1412
5-6 Oct 44 - 4/5/2020 11:00:37 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		5-6 Oct 44

Highlights – Good day on the ground! Takao and Neikiang taken while fighting ends earlier than expected at Manila.

Jpn ships sunk:
SC: 1
PB: 2
AK: 1
xAK: 3

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 19

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (APA sunk)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Takao (SOPAC)
Kuala Lumpur (SE Asia)
Neikiang (China)
Timoeka (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Strat bombing VPs remained at 1062. Hope to change that these next two days as weather forecasts improve, so a max effort will be launched. The big event will targeting Kagoshima manpower in daylight by 5 Luzon based B-29 groups, supported by three P-38 squadrons sweeping (at extended range), and two Aussie B-24 squadrons at night from Miyako-jima. Recon over Osaka has shown no fighters and little Flak, so two Formosa based B-29 groups will test that by low level manpower raids, one daylight and one night. Another Formosa B-29 group will hit the largest remaining Japanese controlled oil center, Fushan, just east of Mukden in Manchukuo at low level at night, extended range. Lastly, Guam’s B-29 group gets into the fight for the first time and will hit Yokohama Heavy Industry at night. With all these raids hitting multiple target over a wide area with different attack approaches, I hope to convince L_S_T to disperse some of his fighter concentration throughout Japan, vs concentrating it in Kyushu.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, with Takao falling, and fighting ending in Manila, planning has now started against the Home Islands, which will be under CENPAC lead. I hope this plan will not need to be executed, and the Strat Bombing campaign will ultimately bring Japan to it’s knees, but its time to start the planning process. The plan will be to land up to three Corps of troops on Hokkaido, sometime in ’45. Hokkaido was chosen for a number of reasons - least likely and least defended vs. the obvious choice of Kyushu. Taking bases in Hokkaido will also gain LBA fighters and bombers to range central and northern Japan which currently are beyond effective range - the last oil centers are in this area as well. The downside of this is Allied logistics - everything will need to be hauled a long way by sea, with no nearby land bases. Nearby Kurile islands will also need to be secured as well. Anyway, still a long way off…but that’s the basis of the initial plan.

In SOPAC, the first attack on Takao takes the base on the first attack, despite level 5 forts and the 22k plus defenders. The long prep time of constant bombardments did well! After two days of attacking, over 16k defenders were casualties against about 1000 Allied, and the troops ready to resume the attack on the remaining few thousand defenders. Takao port and airbase will need some serious engineer effort, but that should soon be remedied; convoys will now re-route to Takao instead of Kagi/Taichu. SOPAC ground troops should conclude operations next turn, and then will largely ship out off island. The remaining two Japanese bases on Formosa will be left to SWPAC troops, although Taihoku will be left to starve - it has a large 60k garrison, and not worth the cost to seize. Also, in that same “not worth the cost” arenas, Okinawa with its reported 100k plus defenders will also be bypassed, while the lesser Ryukus will be seized. At sea, the bulk of the Fleet returned to Naga, and most slightly damaged ships (under 10 sys or 6 float) will remain in readiness, and will be prepared to head out to support Kume-jima within a week. Crippled CV Enterprise is ready to move from Lingayen to Manila, but the current sub threat off Manila remains high - a point made by the resolute RO-46 which missed CA Northampton off Subic, but hours later put two fish into an APA bound for Takao….and looks to have gotten clean away.

In SWPAC, the fighting ended in Manila after two attacks - the last 14k defenders destroyed at a minimal cost of less than 250 US casualties. A welcome surprise to end fighting so quickly. Most SWPAC troops engaged still will need some serious recuperation time. Planning efforts begin and will shift to relieve troops on Formosa and to seize islands SW of Kyushu. Seizing these islands are twofold - first gain fighter coverage over the Home Islands and continue to give L_S_T the impression that Kyushu is the ultimate goal of invasion. The landing at Kume-jima is the first step to isolate Okinawa and begin the island hopping toward Kyushu. Troops will begin loading over the next few turns.

In China, in the north, Neikiang is taken on the second attack, inflicting about 6000 IJA casualties against 1000 Chinese. This effectively opens up the route north to Chengtu, although it does look like L_S_T is attempting to shift troops north to screen the base and gain time - but these troops are in the open and Allied LBA is doing well against these targets. Will continue to push Chinese troops north, west of Chungking, supported by as much SE Asia’s 10th and 14th Airforce that can range. In the south, main body elements are now across the Pearl River, and will begin to head towards Hong Kong. Recon in force will also head east to gain contact with the IJA. Troops are a bit stretched, and will remain so until reinforced by additional SE Asia commonwealth assets. Still, having Hong Kong quickly is worth this risk, and the immediate goal is to cut Hong Kong off from Canton, then eliminate both pockets.

In SE Asia, attacks on Vinh are held off until troops can finish their repositions. IV Corps troops continue cross river operations, and should begin the shock attack on Haiphong next turn. XV Corps seized Kuala Lumpur and continue to head south against minimal rearguard actions.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1413
7-8 Oct 44 - 4/12/2020 5:55:29 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		7-8 Oct 44

Highlights – B-29s had a rough day over Kagoshima, but better over Osaka.

Jpn ships sunk:
SC: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 66
Allied: 82

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Anatahan (CENPAC - flipped)
Kukong (China)

SIGINT/Intel: Japanese daylight fighters remain robust over Kyushu, less so over Honshu. Night fighters on CAP seem stretched…at least based on recent raids.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: The turn’s raids started poorly with no night raids launching the first night, and then went downhill as Miyako-jima based sweeps didn’t fly at all the first day. The B-29s did of course fly against Kagoshima at 18k feet beginning in the afternoon on the first day, and were greeted by about 50 or so angry fighters. Sweeps did fly the second day, and P-38s managed about even kills to loss ratio against a CAP estimated at about 100 planes. Still, plenty of CAP left for the B-29s. All told 152 B-29s bombed the target over two days, with minimal results, fires never more than 25k, and losing about 33 planes to fighters, and another 10 as write offs. Add to that 20 P-38s, while about 50 enemy fighters shot down. Not a good day over Kagoshima, but better over Osaka. With only two groups, 33 B-29s hit manpower day and night, getting fires up to 140k and losing only 3 planes to fighters, only a dozen Zeros on daylight CAP and a similar amount of Nicks at night. Fires remain at over 40k and damage was moderate. Guam based B-29s failed to hit target at all at Yokahama, but suffered no loss to the dozen Nicks. The Fushan raid was scrubbed by weather both days. Primarily due to the Osaka raids, Strat bombing VPs increased by over 700 to 1782. The daylight results over Kagoshima were abysmal, and proved the need for better fighter cover in daylight - long range sweeps aren’t enough as L_S_T has a robust CAP intact. Surprisingly, Flak claimed zero bombers. Will look to focus on night bombing, and will put two groups over Osaka to work the still burning fires, and Guam’s group will look to have better results over Yokahama. Both raids will be at low level (2-6000ft).

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Anatahan, a small atoll north of Saipan, flips to the Allied cause after constant air bombardment for the past month. Troops that were planning to land there in a few days switch to plan for landing at Agrihan, the northern most atoll in the Marianas. With fighting ending at Takao, full scale planning for Hokkaido begins in earnest, and the first troops are expected to ship out from Formosa and the Philippines back to the Hawaiian islands to plan and rehearse for the eventual landings.

In SOPAC, fighting ends at Takao with the last thousand IJA troops mopped up. Most of the combat troops in and around Takao will begin shipping off island in a few days as transports become available. B-24s fly into Takao and will begin bombing operations against targets in the Ryukyus, initially focusing on Okinawa. A rare night bombing by dozen Helens over two days against the B-29 AF at Taichu was intercepted by Black Widows which shot down 5 over the two days. AA claimed two more, and no damage reported.

In SWPAC, the 6th Aus Bde begins loading at Jolo for landings at Kume-jima. The remainder of the invasion force at Naga will begin loading in the next few turns. Troops in Manila begin loading for transit to both Formosa and Hawaii. CV Enterprise will journey from Lingayen to Manila next turn to begin initial repairs (13/67(67)/19(19). Once her float gets under 50, will look to move her to bigger repair facilities, perhaps even Hong Kong or Singapore once secured.

In China, in the north, the advance toward Chengtu continues with an IJA Bde sized unit begin destroyed NW of Chungking, losing 3600 troops to less than 100 Chinese. Troops begin moving north from Neikiang as more troops, including a pair of Commonwealth armored units, continue to cross into the bridgehead across the Yangtze river west of Chungking. In the south, Kukong is secured by advancing infantry against minimal resistance from a single IN Bde, which lost only 200 casualties before abandoning the base. Advancing troops are still searching for the main IJA defensive line east of Hong Kong. Troops will move to cut Hong Kong off from Canton next turn.

In SE Asia, the long awaited attacks on Vinh and Haiphong will go in next turn, supported by max effort from LBA and cruiser bombardments. Once these positions are secured, most LBA will focus on supporting ground actions throughout China. Ground troops will need some time to rest and refit, but some will ship as soon as practical to support operations at Canton and Hong Kong.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1414
9-10 Oct 44 - 4/12/2020 11:22:24 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		9-10 Oct 44

Highlights – Osaka hit hard by night B-29 raid; Haiphong taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-46, I-48)
E: 1
SC: 1
PB: 2
AG: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 29
Allied: 33

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Haiphong (SE Asia)
Kuantan (SE Asia)
Shaoyang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: Night fighters over Osaka not effective, but AA fire was against the low level raids.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Good night effort against Osaka. A total of 36 B-29s hit manpower at night over the two days at low level, about half at 2000ft, the other at 6000ft. All were met by Nicks on CAP which lost 7 planes. Raids were on target, getting fires up to over 60k, and damage inflicted was better than expected - see attached screen shot. The night raid against Yokahama was much less effective. A total of 29 B-29s at 6000-10k ft again had no effects on target. They were met by a mixed CAP of Petes, Zeros, Judy night fighters and Irvings which lost 10 Petes, 2 Judys and an Irving for their efforts. Overall, between the two raids, B-29 losses were light to fighters, 2 B-29s, but Flak did well against the low level raids, 9 bombers lost. Strat bombing VPs increased from 1782 to 3366 from the efforts at Osaka where fires were still burning at over 12k. Need to rest the bombers as well as many of the long range recon birds at least for a turn. Will likely focus the next series of raids to Kyushu targets to coincide with landings at Kume-jima, and include night strikes on airfields in addition to industry.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, on Formosa, troops begin loading out from Takao for the shuttle to Manila, and then most will ship to the Hawaiian Islands. Lead Aus II Corps troops reach Karenko in the mountains, and will bombard to see what defenses are in place next turn. Another night bombing by about a dozen bombers (Helen/Sally mix) over two days against Taichu AF was again intercepted by Black Widows which shot down a pair over the two days, and again no damage inflicted. Will bring in more AA and have increased the daytime CAP just in case. In the PI, Fleet elements continue to repair damage at Naga and will be prepared to sail in a few days to support Kume-jima. 2xCVE TFs will move to Aparri and link up with BB TF out of Subic (6 BB, DDs) and rendezvous with the Repl TF to take on fuel prior to the Kume-jime operation. Repl TF#2 (both Repl TFs each have about half a dozen AOs and Repl CVEs) will sortie from Manus to be prepared to relieve Repl TF#1. Lastly at sea, increasing the number of subs significantly to support the Kume-jima landings just in case the IJN sorties.

In SWPAC, Main body troops embark at Naga for Kume-jima, while support troops begin loading across minor bases from the DEI to the PI. One Aussie Div plus two IN Bdes provide the primary punch for the landings, augmented by the usual suspects of armor, artillery and engineers. At Manila, the first troops bound for Takao will depart as will the first convoy bound for PH, both with infantry divisions aboard. Heavies based in both Formosa and Luzon hit both bases on Okinawa, Naga and Naha with good effect, although Flak claimed 3 B-24s. Will continue hitting Okinawa AFs next turn as well as a few port strikes. Once the AFs are shut down, raids will focus on ground troops at Okinawa, as well as the other Ryukyu islands bases including Kume-jima.

In China, in the north, the advance continues, and the Chinese main body looks to engage the retreating IJA troops south of Chengtu next turn, with continued support from LBA. In the east, lead elements take Shaoyang undefended west of Changsa. In the south, troops will attack to cut Hong Kong off from Canton next turn, while continuing to head east to identify the IJA defensive line. Ground bombardments at Canton show a robust defense of a division and two IN Bdes backed by significant artillery. Will wait until significant SE Asia troops arrive to attack Canton, but perhaps Hong Kong can be taken with a quick assault with troops on hand.

In SE Asia, the attack on Haiphong seizes the base on the initial attack, and eliminates all the defenders on the second day with light losses. Total bill was over 13k IJA troops lost to less than 1k Allied. The Indian IV Corps will begin immediately moving towards Canton, while the XXXIII Corps troops stand by for the next mission. The defenders at Vinh continue to offer a robust defense, although the defense may finally be giving way. The two attacks inflicted about 3000 casualties to roughly 500 Allied, but the Allies will maintain the attack next turn, hoping to clear the rail to Hanoi. XV Corps troops in Malaya take an undefended Kuantan on the east coast, and will attack to seize Port Dickson on the west coast next turn.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1415
11-12 Oct 44 - 4/19/2020 11:56:23 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		11-12 Oct 44

Highlights – Kume-Jima Amphib operation to get underway.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 2
Allied: 11

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Port Swettenham (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: No raids, but Strat bombing VPs increases from 3366 to 4122 from the fires still burning at Osaka. Only Guam bases B-29s will launch next turn targeting Nagoya manpower.

West Coast/Admin: With the USMC fighter squadrons now at 24 planes, taking 15 CVEs and putting 8 Corsairs aboard, to put the new load-out as 16 Wildcats, 8 Corsairs (1A or D models), 6 TBFs. Will look to expand the numbers of CVEs with a Corsair load-out as CVEs come back to port for refit - one Corsair squadron to three CVEs works well.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, the support for the Kume-jima landings are put in motion with a CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) and a CVE TF (13CVE, CA, DD/DEs) heading out with the Amphib TFs as they depart Naga heading initially to Batan Is. CV TFs will take another turn in port to continue minor repairs.

In SWPAC, Kume-jima operation slowly gets underway next turn with the 7th Aus Div, two IN Bdes and support loaded in two Amph TFs to depart Naga next turn. They’ll head to Batan Is and then to Miyako-jima to rendezvous with additional supporting TFs before heading to target. B-24s continue to focus their efforts on Okinawa targets; airfields reportedly shut down. The US 96th ID begins offloading at Takao as SWPAC begins assumption of all ground efforts on Formosa.

In China, in the north, the Chinese main body mauls the withdrawing IJA troops inflicting over 7000 casualties at a cost of about 500. They’ll continue north toward Chengtu, on the heels of the withdrawing IJA. British Heavies are brought back to Ledo in India and US B-25 group is brought into Kumning to support the drive on Chengtu. Also in the north, Chinese troops enter the outskirts of Chungking, but most troops are bypassing the Capital to the west and then north. A large body of IJA troops looks to be pulling out of Chungking heading north - now in the open are solid targets for airpower. In the south, while Canton is largely being bypassed, the focus is on Hong Kong, which is cut off by lead Allied troops in a single attack inflicting 2500 casualties from the defending IJA IN Bde. Troops will now advance into Hong Kong, reported defended by less than 20k troops. Lastly, troops are advancing on coastal bases such as Swatow and Amoy.

In SE Asia, it’s a turn of rest, refit and reorganization for most forces. Only the Indian XV Corps is currently engaged, taking Port Swettenham against minimal opposition. They will continue their drive toward the prize of Singapore. The remaining ground troops are available to remission, and currently only the IV Corps is heading towards the fight at Canton. 3-4 Bdes from the Samah operation are also heading to support attacks on both Hong Kong and Canton. The big XXXIII Corps as well as the much smaller III Corps will remain available for the time being - see how the situation develops in Hong Kong first. Air forces largely rest before being committed mostly against Hong Kong, although as already mentioned, some bombers are being pulled north to support the drive on Chengtu.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1416
RE: 11-12 Oct 44 - 4/20/2020 12:11:02 AM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		I will be studying your night bombing results; I mean I have never reached a point, in game, when night bombing is preferable to day bombings.



_____________________________


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1417
RE: 11-12 Oct 44 - 4/20/2020 12:52:47 AM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		When you have massive day fighter CAP that you can not sweep away, you will need to try night bombing.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1418
RE: 11-12 Oct 44 - 4/20/2020 4:18:33 AM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
I will be studying your night bombing results; I mean I have never reached a point, in game, when night bombing is preferable to day bombings.


Strat bombing day or night is discovery learning on this end......so....results may vary!

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1419
13-14 Oct 44 - 4/20/2020 4:32:10 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		13-14 Oct 44

Highlights – Troops enter Hong Kong outskirts; Fleet to depart Naga to support Kume-jima landings.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 7
Allied: 14

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (DD Bryant dam)
Allies: 1 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Port Dickson (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Only one raid, the Guam based 444th BG puts 13 B-29s over Nagoya at night at 6000ft, starting a small fire, but no damage to industry. Defending Nicks on CAP claim 2 Superforts at a cost of one of their own. Even with those poor results, existing fires still smoldering at Osaka, increases Strat bombing VPs from 4122 to 4536. Next turn will be a max effort from XX Airforce B-29s on both Formosa and Luzon hitting Nagasaki/Saesbo manpower. They will also be supported by V Air Force B-24s shuttle bombing out of Miyako-jima, three of the nine squadrons there will hit the AF, the rest augment the B-29s targeting manpower. Raiders will go in at varied altitudes, from 6000ft to 14k. I expect a robust night fighter defense and of course, heavy flak. Weather is reportedly good, although moonlight is only 3%.

West Coast/Admin: CV Enterprise begins repair at the Manila shipyard - initial repair estimates call for 6 months yard time. She’ll stay at Manila until her float gets below 50, then she’ll hopefully be able to use Singers.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, PV-2 Harpoons out of Pagan hit Makin Is port, and sight a few ships - they attempt a return engagement next turn hunting the ships. Meanwhile, Heavies out of Yap shift their efforts from Tinian to Saipan and Heavies out of Ponape continue to keep heads down at Truk.

In SOPAC, while attempting to clear IJN subs reported off Okinawa/Kume-jima, a US ASW TF (3DD) is bested by the hunted with the RO-114 putting a torp into DD Bryant. Will refocus additional ASW efforts to reduce the threat. The Fleet will depart Naga next turn to provide cover for the Kume-jima landings. The Fleet is now organized into two CV TFs and a BB TF plus of course the usual ASW TFs. Last month’s Kamikaze debacle literally cut the CV TFs by a third. Will keep the Fleet close at hand to the CVE TFs supporting the landings; not getting anywhere near the Japanese Homeland. The landings will also be supported by Oldendorf’s BB TF and two cruiser TFs. Also in support, the Silent Service is providing over two dozen subs in direct support to interdict any IJN sortie. Oldendorf and the cruiser TFs, along with the CVE TFs are accompanying the two Amph TFs, and will close on the final staging base of Miyako-jima next turn.

In SWPAC, Heavies continue to hit Okinawa bases to shut down airfields, and will start focusing on hitting troops next turn with a reduced amount of bombers. Many will rest to prepare to focus on Kume-jima. Goal of these strikes on Okinawa, in addition to shutting down the AFs, is to keep L_S_T thinking Okinawa is the ultimate target, and that Kume-jima is only going to be only the first step in taking Okinawa. The B-24s flown into Miyako-jima for the Nagasaki raid will pull off the island following the raids, and Miyako-jima will then base primarily fighters to support the Kume-jima landings.

In China, in the north, the Chinese main body catches up with withdrawing IJA troops just SE of Chengtu, and hope to attack next turn before the IJA troops can withdraw into the city. Chengtu is actually reportedly lightly defended, so a few Chinese Corps begin heading east to cut the road north out of Chungking where another sizeable IJA troop concentration looks to be moving north. Troops entering Chungking report defenders numbering only about 20k. Once some additional troops can be brought in, will look to bombard to test defenses. In the SE, Allied troops enter the outskirts of Hong Kong and will begin bombarding next turn, assisted by a cruiser TF in support. Another cruiser TF will also bombard Canton. Will keep both bases under bombardment, supplies permitting, until additional troops can be brought to bear - including two British Bdes moving south of Wuchow towards Hong Kong. Lastly, the coastal base of Swatow, east of Hong Kong, is reportedly undefended, so the vaunted Lushi Bde will jump in from Hanoi to secure the base. Still not clear where the main IJA defensive line is in the SE.

In SE Asia, Indian XV Corps takes Port Dickson and will now advance on Malacca. More airpower is shifted to support operations in China; a B-24 group moved to Liuchow to support the drive on Chengtu while mediums on Hainan begin supporting the drive on Hong Kong.





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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1420
15-16 Oct 44 - 4/21/2020 6:40:03 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		15-16 Oct 44

Highlights – Nagasaki bombing goes in, but impacted by weather; Swatow taken by airborne attack.

Jpn ships sunk:
AG: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 105
Allied: 26

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph and Airborne Inv:
Swatow (China/SE Asia)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Swatow (China/SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: Was surprised to see a large number of day fighters being used as night fighter CAP.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: The Nagasaki raid got off to a bad start with weather grounding all the B-24s which eliminated the airbase strike, and L_S_T put a mass effort into night CAP over the target by putting over 100 day fighters in addition to the dozen or so Nicks. I figured it would be a bad night for the bombers, but the fighters wound up just being targets for the bombers. Perhaps it was the zero moonlight conditions - which definitely adversely effected bombing results. In any case, the two day raid put 139 B-29s over the target in 47 separate raids. Overall bombing was poor, and fires never got above 17k, yet some damage was done, and fires remain burning after the two days. B-29s only lost 4 bombers to fighters, and none to Flak. Most surprising was that the B-29s shot down 50 Franks, 28 Tonys and 4 Nicks! Plus another 20 to ops losses made for a good night. The results brought the Strat bombing VPs from 4536 to 5260. Bombers will again rest at least for next turn.

West Coast/Admin: CV Long Island II finishes up her repairs at Sydney from the single bomb hit she received in the East China Sea Furball. She’ll head to Naga to join the Fleet.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, PV-2 Harpoons out of Pagan hit an AV at Makin with three bombs in port, and will fly low level naval strike to hopefully catch the reported PB in the area. CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) will head from Guam to bombard Makin.

In SOPAC, the Fleet, just SE of Formosa, will move into the East China Sea to support the Kume-jima landings which will go in next turn. Following ASW TFs, Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB, DDs) and a CL TF (4CL, DDs) will start things off with naval bombardments, and two CVE TFs (21 CVEs) will provide direct air cover. An additional CVE TF (9 CVEs) will depart Aparri after gaining Corsairs next turn to join the effort. The Fleet will stay close, in the hex NW of the landings to provide cover. Fighters from both the CVs and the CVEs should be able to provide mutual fighter cover, and will number over 800 on CAP, further augmented by the fighters flying LRCAP out of Miyako-jima.

In SWPAC, the focus is of course the Kume-jima landings which will go in next turn. The invasion TFs and their support will depart from Miyako-jima, so landings should go in at dawn, following the naval bombardment. While a few bombers will continue to hit Okinawa, most will shift to target Kume-jima. Six fighter squadrons will support from Miyako-jima. On Formosa, the 1st Aus Div reaches Karenko and will begin bombardments to reduce the defenders, supported by a limited amount of airpower.

In China, in the north, the Chinese main body fails to catch up with withdrawing IJA troops SE of Chengtu, and now will have to fight them in the city. In the SE, Hong Kong is bombarded by a CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) which inflict only 200 casualties. The initial ground bombardment shows about 16k defenders. Canton will get its naval bombardment next turn. The Lushi Bde succeeded in parachuting into an undefended Swatow, and secured the base. This opens up another port and airbase, and will begin shipping both supplies and Allied troops in from Indochina. While most of the Indian IV Corps is moving overland towards Canton, some troops will now go by sea via Swatow.

In SE Asia, as mentioned, will look to start moving ground elements via sea into Swatow. These troops will assist in taking Canton, Hong Kong (if not taken sooner), and other Chinese coastal cities from Swatow to Foochow.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1421
17-18 Oct 44 - 4/25/2020 10:57:21 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		17-18 Oct 44

Highlights – Kume-jima landings go in to an unexpectedly tough defense.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-115)
SC: 1
TK: 1
AG: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-117)

Allied ships sunk:
DMS: 1 (Hovey)

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (DMS sunk)
Allies: 2 Attack, 2 ships hit (SS, AG sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Kume-jima (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Batjan (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Kume-jima defenders twice as large as expected. Intel showed a Mixed Regiment and support defending, actual troops included the 10th Ind Mixed Reg as well as 59th Ind Mixed Reg and 14th Naval Gd. Not sure if the 16 Emilys splashed were bringing in or pulling troops out; I’m hedging they were reinforcing.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: B-29s rest. Will look to bring all the B-29s to Formosa as the threat is less than expected, and the increased range vs. Luzon outweighs the risk. Recon flights looking at Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka and Nagoya as possible future targets. Fires still burning slightly increased the Strat bombing VPs from 5260 to 5346.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, naval forces encounter at least one, possibly two RO class subs enoute to Kume-jima, with one of the offending subs sinking DMS Hovey while being heavily damaged by other escorts. Its also likely that was the same sub that was sunk by US sub Dorado just NE of Kume-jima. Landing support bombardments went fairly well, with the BB TF (6 BBs, DDs) and a CL TF (4CL, DDs) inflicted over 500 casualties. CAP downed 16 Emilys on transport runs, but no other enemy planes ventured close. The Fleet will remain in support, the BB and CL TFs again bombarding next turn as they return to port to replenish. A CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) plus DDs and PTs will remain to cover the anchorage. CV TFs will continue to provide cover, loitering just to the NW, along with additional surface assets.

In SWPAC, the Kume-jima landings have gotten off to a rough start - the worst initial landing results so far. Despite what looked like effective bombardments, both sea and air, the ground assault by the 7th Aus Div and two IN Bdes went in against level 4 forts and as a shock attack due to the level 2 island size as expected, but I didn’t expect almost three times the size of the defenders. The 1-2 final odds garnered a terrible dice-roll and the attack was heavily repulsed with heavy loss - over 5000 Allied loss to 1500 IJA and no forts reduced. One of the two IN Bdes is totally wrecked as primarily disabled squads with an assault value of 5. It will be pulled off next turn - as will an BF engineer unit that obviously won’t be needed for a while by assault transports. The Division and other Bde are at about 50% strength (mainly disabled casualties), are heavily fatigued and disrupted, and all available combat engineers are combat ineffective. Supported by additional naval and air bombardments, the Aussies should be able to hold the beachhead, but any further attacks will need to wait for reinforcements, especially combat engineers to reduce those fortifications. Will look to bring in two US combat engineer units now available in Formosa and the NZ Fiji Bde with armor support recently available after taking Batjan and finishing the clearing the Moluccas - of course all of these units will have little preparation time. The real question at this point is whether or not L_S_T will go “all in” and try to reinforce.

In China, in the north, Chinese troops close on Chengtu and will bombard to test defenses. In the east, the IJA continues to fall back to their MLR, abandoning Siangtan, just west of Changsa. In the south, the main IJA line looks to be anchored near perhaps Amoy as Chinese troops continue to advance against minimal opposition.

In SE Asia, troops and air will begin bombarding Hong Kong and await two additional IN Bdes before making the first assault. In Malaya, XV Corps will attack to secure Malacca.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1422
19-20 Oct 44 - 4/28/2020 9:55:52 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		19-20 Oct 44

Highlights – US mines laid at Kume-jima are immediately effective - against Allied ships!

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
AMc: 1
TK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 4
Allied: 14

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (PB sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Malacca (SE Asia)
Chaochow (China)
Kanhsien (China)
Siangtan (China)
Pingsiang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: So far, no response to the Kume-jima landings which is surprising. In China, IJA defense line looks to run roughly north-south in the vicinity of Changsa.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Another turn to rest the B-29s. Flyable B-29s in Luzon transferred to Formosa providing about 160 total available to hit Osaka next turn. Strat bombing VPs remained at 5346.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, mines recently laid at Kume-jima were apparently either poorly marked on the charts, or somebody laid them in the wrong place as they were very effective against US ships! 3 PTs were sunk while 3 CVEs, 2 DDs and a DE damaged. Kume-jima is going from bad to worse! All damaged ships should make port, and they will head to Miyako-jima first, then evaluate where they need to head for repair. Two Amph TFs heading toward Naga with troops pulled off Kume-jima. Fleet remains in support and continues to loiter just to the NW. CL TF (4CL, DDs) will head back to bombard next turn, while the BB TF will hold off returning until the reinforcing convoy with engineers heads in.

In SWPAC, troops begin slowly healing at Kume-jima, and no enemy counterattack developed. Allied air had good results hitting ground targets in support, inflicted over 1500 casualties. Two combat engineer units begin loading at Takao, and ground attacks will resume once these reinforcements land at Kume-jima. NZ troops also begin loading in the Moluccas, but hopefully they will not be needed.

In China, a number of bases fall unopposed as the IJA continues to pull back and Chinese troops advance. Chengtu in the north remains the primary objective there, and the focus of air support. Will begin the ground attack in a few turns as one more Chinese Corps is moving to support. In the SE, coastal operations are being turned over to SE Asia troops, augmented by a few Chinese Corps.

In SE Asia, Hong Kong continues to be softened up by air and a naval bombardment. The ground attack is still a week away. As Chinese forces continue to advance, the rail lines are being cleared allowing the 14th Army to use strategic movement to transit XXXIII Corps troops from Indochina to Kukong, just NE of Canton. From there, they will move SE toward the coast. IV Corps continues to move toward Canton via road. This will effectively commit the majority of the powerful Indian 14th Army into SE China. In Malaya, XV Corps secures Malacca and will continue to attack towards Singapore. The understrength III Corps and a number of units under 14th Army control will remain uncommitted until the situation at Singapore develops further.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1423
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 4/29/2020 1:35:23 AM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		wow!
how many mines you had? that would had been a very successful mining operation, a pitty it went against you

_____________________________


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1424
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/1/2020 10:15:32 PM   
Bif1961


Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline 		A mines is a terrible thing to waste unless you run into your own minefield. I did that when laying a mine to close a single access point while I was landing against another enemy controlled hex. My 7 DDs ran into my own minefield with 3 sinking and the rest damaged.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1425
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/1/2020 10:34:30 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

wow!
how many mines you had? that would had been a very successful mining operation, a pitty it went against you


Had about 400 mines laid....figured the IJN was going to be barreling down. Didn't quite work out that way!

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1426
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/1/2020 10:35:24 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

A mines is a terrible thing to waste unless you run into your own minefield. I did that when laying a mine to close a single access point while I was landing against another enemy controlled hex. My 7 DDs ran into my own minefield with 3 sinking and the rest damaged.


Yeah, mines can be effective. I've had pretty good luck with mines so far in the game. This was the first big SNAFU.

(in reply to Bif1961)
Post #: 1427
21-22 Oct 44 - 5/1/2020 10:40:09 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		21-22 Oct 44

Highlights – Good effort in Osaka raid despite weather challenges.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 32

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Changteh (China)
Hengyang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: A reasonably good effort against Osaka despite poor weather hindering first day’s strikes. The first night only 26 B-29s flew over target in 4 separate raids achieving exactly one manpower hit. Second night was more effective, with 107 bombers hitting the city in 14 separate raids at 6k, 8k and 12k altitudes. They were met by a fairly robust CAP maxing about 50 fighters, a mix of both day and night fighters, but none having radar. Results were fairly good, with fires maxing out at about 46k. No bombers were lost to CAP, but 10 were lost to heavy Flak and 4 operational write offs. CAP suffered 18 Nick night fighters and 24 Zeros lost. With fires still burning and clear weather forecasted, will send the B-29s back over Osaka, but a number of squadrons will stand down for needed rest. Will hope to put perhaps 100 planes over target. The raid increased Strat bombing VPs from 5346 to 5903. Will need to rest the B-29s for a while after this next raid.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) bombard Marcus Is, but don’t catch any shipping. An AK escorted by an E was intercepted by SS Perch II NW of Marcus, but the sub missed and suffered a heavy depth charge attack which will require yard work. Reinforcing CL and CLAA heading to the Fleet from the West Coast will bombard Marcus enroute to Naga, and hopefully catch a reported PB in the area.

In SOPAC, CL TF (4CL, DDs) is still enroute to Kume, and will bombard next turn, along with the BB TF (6BB, DDs) coming out of Miyako-jima in support of landing the two combat engineer units. Fleet and CVE elements remain in support, and I hope to pull much of these out once troops secure the island, and the supporting engineers to build the airfield are brought in. I’d like to reconfigure the fleet before supporting the next landings. The three damaged CVEs reach Miyako-jima. All offload some fighters for other flattops to utilize and two will sail for Takao to await for Hong Kong to be available for repair. The third, the British Shah, will get some attention at Miyako from an incoming AR before heading back out to sea.

In SWPAC, the attack on Kume-jima will go in next turn as reinforcing combat engineers will transit from their staging area at Miyako-jima. Although LBA has had good effects on the defenders for the past four days, I’m leery of this attack against the level 4 forts, especially since the engineers have had little time to plan. Hoping for good results from the naval bombardment and good weather to allow more airstrikes. Just in case, NZ’s Fiji Bde and armor support continues to load from Moluccas. Although I need a max effort from LBA in support of the Kume-jima ground attack, I also need to start resting some of the bombers, and stand down a few B-24 squadrons.

In China, two more bases fall to advancing Chinese troops, Hengyang was abandoned, but Changteh was contested by a small rearguard. While the IJA defensive line still looks to be forming up centered on Changsa, IJA troops on the move continue to offer good targets for Allied airpower, and IJA casualties have been heavy.

In SE Asia, CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) bombard Canton with little effect. Troops continue to move toward Canton, Hong Kong and now via rail to Kukong as the majority of the 14th Army shifts from Indochina to SE China. Limited naval transport assets are also bringing in troops to Swatow, but more shipping is needed to make this effective, and with the rail line secured, it’s really not necessary. So for now, I’m holding off on shifting much naval transport from SOPAC and SWPAC.




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Post #: 1428
RE: 21-22 Oct 44 - 5/1/2020 11:53:23 PM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		The President Coolidge was sunk by American mines.

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I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1429
23-24 Oct 44 - 5/5/2020 6:40:38 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		23-24 Oct 44

Highlights – Excellent results in the Osaka raid; Kume-jima taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-46)
SSX: 1
AO: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-116)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 29
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (a rare big AO sunk off southeast coast of Honshu)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kume-jima (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Another good effort against Osaka, although again poor weather prohibited all of the second day’s strikes. The first day’s bomber stream consisted of 9 separate raids with a total of 49 bombers hitting the city at 8k ft altitude. They were met what looked to be the same squadrons on CAP, but this time only putting a max of about 34 fighters up. Bombing results were much better than previous day’s strikes, with fires maxing to just over 50k. No bombers were lost either to CAP or Flak, and only 2 operational write offs. CAP suffered 12 Nick night fighters and 14 Zeros lost. Without a second day’s strike, fires were minimal by the end of the turn. The raid increased Strat bombing VPs from 5903 to 6954. Will rest the B-29s for a few turns before launching at the next target while long range recon continues to probe over the Home Islands.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CL TF (CL, CLAA, DDs) bombard Marcus Is, but don’t catch any shipping, nor have any worthwhile effects. Will detach a pair of DDs from this TF to try and locate a reported PB south of Marcus - which I assuming left Marcus to avoid the incoming bombardment TF. I have no current plans to take Marcus, this is all harassment raiding.

In SOPAC, CL TF (4CL, DDs) and BB TF (6BB, DDs) bombard Kume-jima with good effect in support of landing the two combat engineer units and the ground attack. The bombardments inflicted over 750 casualties which greatly assisted the ground assault. Fleet and CVE elements continue the support, although the CV TFs will move to the west of Kume-jima as subs are starting to prowl again - one reportedly sunk after it failed to penetrate the screen. CVEs, will focus on Kume as supporting engineers will begin to offload next turn. 5 CVEs will depart and head to refit, but this will still leave three CVE TFs with over 25 CVEs to provide fighter and ASW cover. Assault transport TFs will depart Naga next turn for Mindanao to head to ports to load troops for the next operation - Amami Oshima.

In SWPAC, the attack on Kume-jima goes in and takes the base on the first attack. Another expensive attack with just over 1000 IJA lost in exchange for over 650 Allied troops. Not sure if the two combat engineer units really assisted as the forts remained at 4, and the engineers were wrecked. They’ll be pulled out to Batan Is until they withdraw in a few weeks. A second attack goes better, inflicting 500 casualties to less than 100. Although combat troops badly need a rest, will attempt to finish off the remaining defenders next turn so combat troops can be pulled off as rapidly as possible to alleviate current overstacking. As mentioned, engineers will begin to flow in which will not help the over stacking, but want to get the AF constructed ASAP. Combat troops earmarked for Amami-Oshima are pretty much fully prepped and will consist of two US divisions and two NZ Bdes as the primary effort, supported by the usual armor and artillery. Like Kume-jima though, no separate combat engineers are available which could make this another interesting adventure.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, CA TF (CA, 2CL, DDs) bombards Hong Kong with reasonable effect inflicting over 150 casualties. The attack on Hong Kong is still at least a week away as I’m waiting for combat engineers which are still enroute. Canton is likely a bit further away. In the meantime, XXXIII Corps units are making good progress to Kukong via strategic movement and lead elements should start arriving there next turn.




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Post #: 1430
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/5/2020 6:54:45 PM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer


quote:

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

A mines is a terrible thing to waste unless you run into your own minefield. I did that when laying a mine to close a single access point while I was landing against another enemy controlled hex. My 7 DDs ran into my own minefield with 3 sinking and the rest damaged.


Yeah, mines can be effective. I've had pretty good luck with mines so far in the game. This was the first big SNAFU.

When you lay a minefield, it takes a turn before your own ships become aware of their presence - I presume the updating at the end of the turn in which the mines were laid. Never let your own ships enter the hex you are mining until the following turn.

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1431
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/5/2020 11:25:42 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

When you lay a minefield, it takes a turn before your own ships become aware of their presence - I presume the updating at the end of the turn in which the mines were laid. Never let your own ships enter the hex you are mining until the following turn.


Learning that the hard way!

Does that apply to both friendly and enemy bases when you lay mines? I don't recall having issues when the base is friendly....

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 1432
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/6/2020 12:35:51 AM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

When you lay a minefield, it takes a turn before your own ships become aware of their presence - I presume the updating at the end of the turn in which the mines were laid. Never let your own ships enter the hex you are mining until the following turn.


Learning that the hard way!

Does that apply to both friendly and enemy bases when you lay mines? I don't recall having issues when the base is friendly....

Yes, same at friendly bases. I learned that the hard way too!

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Post #: 1433
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/6/2020 12:59:35 AM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		Are you seeing ship movement? at this point I imagine there shouldn't be a lot of traffic, so maybe you should focus on ports that you are not close by, or even think about stopping mining operations altogether

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(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 1434
RE: 19-20 Oct 44 - 5/8/2020 6:31:40 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Are you seeing ship movement? at this point I imagine there shouldn't be a lot of traffic, so maybe you should focus on ports that you are not close by, or even think about stopping mining operations altogether


Little traffic...but I like using mines to "reinforce" an amphibious landing against a counter strike Just fouled up the timing.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1435
25-26 Oct 44 - 5/8/2020 6:43:06 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		25-26 Oct 44

Highlights – Fighting ends on Kume-jima; some IJN activity south of Marcus interrupting convoy routing.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 7
Allied: 20

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kluong (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: Two IJN TFs are sighted at sea well south of Marcus and so far have evaded any naval strikes. These TFs appear to consist of only one ship each - perhaps PBs on anti-shipping mission? Or perhaps trying to get troops into or out of Truk?

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers rest. Remaining fires at Osaka increased Strat bombing VPs from 6954 to 7102. Two additional long range recon squadrons arrive in Luzon/Formosa, so recon finally has enough birds to provide good coverage over the Home Islands.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, what I thought was a PB clearing Marcus harbor to avoid a bombardment may have more sinister intentions. Two IJN TFs of apparently one ship each, could be on a raiding mission to interdict convoys between Truk and Marcus - the primary route of troop convoys heading out of the PI back to Pearl. Will move a few surface TFs (DD and CA TFs) to try and catch these raiders. One troop convoy is potentially at risk to one of these TFs, and two DEs are broken off escort to provide surface cover. Hopefully these are just a token raid - a cruiser loose as a raider would be very troublesome.

In SOPAC, NSTR.

In SWPAC, fighting ends at Kume-jima with one final attack that eliminates the last 700 defenders withought any Allied loss. The 17th Aussie Bde will begin to be taken off next turn as engineers have already started to flow in. Additional transports enroute next turn to offload more engineers as well as a USMC Def Bn and those transports will take off the 17th Aus Div and supporting artillery. These Aussie troops will need some rest and refit, but have already begun to plan for landing at Ishigaki, just west of Miyako-jima - which will eventually be used as a B-24 AF to range Kyushu. As engineers work the airfield, PBYs begin to operate out of Kume-jima in both search and ASW missions. Meanwhile, assault transports should arrive at embarkation locations for all troops earmarked for Amami-Oshima next turn and will begin loading shortly thereafter. Bombers will begin mining operations on all islands between Okinawa and Kyushu in preparation for the Amami landings - to hinder any IJN response. Most bombers shift to hit IJA positions at Karenko in Formosa in preparation for the first ground assault.

In China, troops are almost set to begin the ground attack on Chengtu, and bombers continue to pound the defenders there. The IJA defensive line does look to be taking shape near Changsa, but is still undefined to south along the coast.

In SE Asia, CA TFs bombard both Canton and Hong Kong with reasonable effects as ground troops still move in. Air recon shows minimal defenses along the coastal bases east of Swatow, and lead elements of the XXXIII Corps begin debarking from trains at Kukong will begin moving along roads SE toward the coast. Chinese troops taking the rail junction of Henyang just SW of Changsa has greatly facilitated the shifting of 14th Army elements from Hanoi to coastal China - probably cut at least two weeks to a month of transit time. Also, Henyang (along with the adjacent bases of Shaoyang and Siangtan) will be developed into bomber bases for SE Asia B-24s. They can be developed to level 9 and B-24s from there can range eastern China bases of Nanking and Shanghai. And with the rail link established, engineers finishing up work in Indochina are now clear to move in to begin construction. While we have a house rule prohibiting strategic bombing into or out of China until ’45, ports, airfields and ground troops are fair game until then. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, XV Corps continues towards Singapore by taking Kluong.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1436
27-28 Oct 44 - 5/9/2020 4:47:53 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		27-28 Oct 44

Highlights – IJN Rear Area Carrier Raid NW of Johnston Is!

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-114)
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 4
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit (CV Franklin missed, offending sub sunk)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Batu Pahat (SE Asia)
Johore Bahru (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: Well, L_S_T has snuck a CV TF deep into the Allied shipping lanes for a raid! That AO sunk by a sub off Honshu a few turns ago suddenly makes sense now - repl TF for this raid as it likely slipped into the Allied rear from the north. The question now is….is this a one way mission or is the CV TF (how many CVs??) will try and get back to the Home Islands.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers continue to rest. Strat bombing VPs remain at 7102. Next turn, Formosa based B-29s will launch against Kobe manpower at medium altitude (8k) while the single group at Gaum will hit engine works at Hamamatsu at low level (3k). Hopefully weather cooperates.

West Coast/Admin: the first P-51D and B-29-25 equipped squadrons arrive in the USA, a bit ahead of production starting next month.

In NOPAC, will vector some additional subs just south of the Kuriles in case the IJN CV raiders return this route. Still, it’s a big ocean and chances to intercept are low.

In CENPAC, well, while I was focused on a pair of wandering PBs, a CV TF managed to sneak into the convoy lanes west of Pearl! My bet they sailed from the Aleutian/Midway gap and then due south between Midway and Pearl. That’s only a guess, but likely for minimum chance of a PBY picking up the TF. The raiding force launched two Judy strikes against a loaded fast resupply convoy heading west that was about 400 miles SW of Midway - the CV TF was about 480 miles south of Midway! The strike sunk two loaded xAKs (supplies and an FA Bn), and damaged an APA, xAP, AK and AKV for a loss of 3 Judys to AA. The effected convoy will scatter, using full speed in all compass directions, as will another sighted convoy just the SW of the reported IJN CV position. A number of other convoys that weren’t sighted, but that are within striking range will move at full speed out of the area to the nearest port with fighter cover such as Midway, Pearl, Makin, Wake and Johnston Is. Additional fighters, Navy patrol bombers and patrol search planes are brought in to track and perhaps strike at the IJN TF - which remains a mystery as to composition. I figure 2 CVs plus escorts. The US CV TFs will depart station off Kume-jima and head east, but only if the IJN loiter significantly will they have a chance to intercept. Subs are also vectored to try and intercept, but until L_S_T shows his hand as to a potential route, chances are long to make contact with a sub. Will likely loose more merchants, even if the CV TF begins to head home. Hopefully the convoy scattering will minimize losses and L_S_T won’t make this a “death ride” and continue to hunt convoys as some big convoys (TK and troop), although re-routing, could potentially still be found and effected if this raid is prolonged.

In SOPAC, I also have to consider this rear area convoy raid as another sinister purpose - draw the US Fleet away from the Ryukus so the main IJN comes to play havoc against the Kume-jima landing. Well, the US CV TFs will depart, but the CVE TFs and supporting TFs will remain as the Aussie combat troops still need to be pulled off. While the CVE TFs don’t have the offensive striking power of the CVs, they still pack a very viable 600+ plane CAP, so I’m not that concerned that I’m leaving the Kume-jima anchorage bare. Assuming no IJN force comings roaring in, SOPAC naval assets will begin softening up Amami Oshima in the coming days, with Oldendorf’s BBs starting the show in a few days. The CVs will obviously need to return to support the Amami landings, but those are still at least a week or so away.

In SWPAC, Kume-jima AF becomes operational for fighters with engineers getting the AF to level 2 already, and Corsairs and P-47s arrive to provide CAP as well as begin LRCAP over Amami Oshima. Most of the remaining Aussie combat troops will begin loading transports next turn for the return trip to the PI while engineers continue to expand the AF and dig in. Troops earmarked for Amami Oshima landings are ready to go, just waiting the final assault transports to gather at embarkation ports. With the IJN CV raid still developing, I’m not rushing this right now. Bombers will begin to hit troops and port/AF targets at Amami next turn, as well as heavily focusing on Karenko on Formosa. The Karenko ground attack should go in shortly, just waiting for the Aussie II Corps HQ to move in to provide support.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, in SE China, Kukong is packed with Allied troops transiting the base, IV Corps elements getting off trains to begin ground movement to Canton, while XXXIII Corps troops starting to head SE toward Amoy. The port of Swatow is also busy with both engineers and combat troops disembarking - not to mention plenty of supply. In Malaysia, the XV Corps take Johore Bahru, surprisingly undefended. Only Mersing remains to be taken before launching the attack on Singapore! But before that can happen, will need to move some air assets back from China to support. So I don’t see Singers being attacked until at least Chengtu and Hong Kong are taken. As with other heavily fortified targets, I’d like to prep Singapore for an extended period of time.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1437
RE: 27-28 Oct 44 - 5/9/2020 1:11:08 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		hard to say if it will be a suicide run; at the very least we can say that survival is not a priority at all,
is there any Japanese port nearby? any bypassed base?

it would be hard to return to the HI, that is for sure, and after the initial surprise you should redirect your TFs so that for now on it will be empty sea until he finds the USN

_____________________________


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1438
RE: 27-28 Oct 44 - 5/12/2020 5:53:43 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

hard to say if it will be a suicide run; at the very least we can say that survival is not a priority at all,
is there any Japanese port nearby? any bypassed base?

it would be hard to return to the HI, that is for sure, and after the initial surprise you should redirect your TFs so that for now on it will be empty sea until he finds the USN



Nearest bypassed base is Truk….they aren't going to get to Truk. The longer they stay in this general area and don't head north, the more likely its a one way trip.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1439
29-30 Oct 44 - 5/12/2020 6:00:16 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		29-30 Oct 44

Highlights – US CVs find another possible raiding force near the Bonins; CENPAC shipping avoids additional losses.

Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Chuyo)
CL: 1 (Yahagi)
DD: 1 (Yukaze)
E: 1
ML: 11
AV: 1
AK: 1
AG: 1
AMc: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-115)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 46
Allied: 52

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Air search identifies the CV raiding force as 4 ships - types still unknown. CVE Chuyu sunk by CVs west of Iwo Jima remains a mystery - no planes reported lost, so what was she doing there? Another raider perhaps? Either way, the questions still remains where the CV raiding force will head.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: good raid on Kobe, and dismal results against Hamamatsu. Good weather allowed bombing over two nights against Kobe, and the bomber stream consisted of 17 raids with a total of 163 B-29s hitting the target. CAP was robust with 30 Zeros and 8 radar equipped Irvings. Bombing results were fair, and I expected better with fires getting to 174k. Losses were 4 B-29s against 31 Zeros and 3 Irvings. The Hamamatsu raid was mauled by a small but effective CAP of 6 Nicks which shot down 11 bombers of the 26 that made the target. The Ha-45 factory suffered only 6 hits of damage. The extended range is making a significant difference in survivability! Still, while the one Bomb Group at Guam isn’t inflicting much damage, it is being consistently met by a solid CAP and Flak - which would otherwise be used against the Formosa groups. So, they will keep flying. Following those raids, the Strat bombing VPs increased from 7102 to 7488. Next turn, Formosa based B-29s will launch against Okayama hitting manpower as an experiment in seeing the results of a manpower attack against a smaller city (total of 4 manpower). Recon says defenses are week, so this will be a low level (4k) raid. Guam based bombers will rest.



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