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RE: 29-30 Oct 44 - 5/12/2020 6:03:55 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, it’s getting even more interesting! As the Fleet heads towards the Bonins enroute to engage the rear area CV raid, they encounter another potential raiding force near the Bonins: a CVE, CL and 2DDs. Was this a raid going in or some type of resupply run? In any case, all but a DD was sunk, and the Fleet will cut loose a smaller CV TF (CV, CVL, 2BB, CA, CL, DDs) to deal with the raiding force east of the Marshalls. That force has been identified as 4 ships - and I’m assuming only one of which is a carrier, hence the smaller TF heading to search and destroy it. The Fleet will head back west after cruising south of the Bonins and take on fuel. The detached CV TF will head SE towards the raiding force and consists of primarily of ships which need repair from Kamikaze damage and will head to Pearl once the raiding force is destroyed. That raiding force is heading slowly SW toward Maloelap in the Marshals. So far, the convoy scatter and re-routed convoys have eluded any further contact and should the raiding force continue a bit further towards Maloelap, they will be in range of PV-2 Harpoons and fighters that were based there in last turn.

In SOPAC, the 7th Aussie Div finished loading transports at Kume-jima and will begin its return to the PI next turn. Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB, DDs, DMSs) arrived at Kume-jima and will head to bombard Amami Ashima next turn, and then head back to Batan Island to replenish. Hopefully, I can get in 3 BB bombardments prior to landing troops - and that process has finally gotten underway with Amphib TFs beginning to load troops at three separate locations on Mindanao. They will consolidate into 2 Amphib TFs in the next few days near Naga, then proceed to eventually stage a Kume-jima. By then the Fleet will be back on station to support operations. Brit CV Indefatigable will arrive at Naga next turn and that will begin a re-structuring of the British air groups between the 3 operational CVs operating with the Fleet. I’m hoping to do this while the other two CVs remain at sea, and then join Indefatigable to the Fleet after she resizes fighter groups - all three CVs will now embark 36 plane Corsair II squadrons, with Spits and Hellcats filling out remaining space along with the Avenger torpedo bombers.

In SWPAC, the Amami Oshima prep has officially begun as troops begin to load. LBA focuses initially on hitting the port, while B-25s on low level succeeded in thwarting an apparent resupply run - sinking a big AV as well as 11 torpedo capable MLs. LBA will gradually shift to focusing on hitting troop targets in the upcoming turns, especially after the attack goes in at Karenko on Formosa next turn freeing up some additional bombers.

In China, in the north, troops are set to attack Chengtu, but I’m giving them at least one more turn to get the supply situation a tad better. Both Chengtu and Chungking are reportedly defended by just over 21k troops, but I have to assume they are heavily fortified. I’m a bit hesitant to launch these attacks without much in the way of artillery or combat engineers which the Chinese formations largely lack, so full supply is critical. Air continues reasonably good results on a multitude of ground targets.

In SE Asia, NSTR.



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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 5/12/2020 6:04:08 PM >

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Post #: 1441
RE: 29-30 Oct 44 - 5/12/2020 10:39:48 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		to me, it looks like one-way raids

you should reinforce or re-route any important transport TF as he might had sent more raiding forces


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Post #: 1442
RE: 29-30 Oct 44 - 5/18/2020 4:38:58 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

to me, it looks like one-way raids

you should reinforce or re-route any important transport TF as he might had sent more raiding forces



How do you reinforce? Guess I could put some CVEs with major convoys, but not sure I want to do that. Will look to re-route and establish a picket line in the air search dead areas. That's probably as far as I want to go right now in modifying deployements...and accept some risk. Yes, it will likely happen again. Hopefully I can detect the threat earlier!

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1443
Oct 44 Summary - 5/18/2020 4:49:35 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

A relatively fairly quiet month, more focused on consolidating gains and the starting the strategic air campaign than large territorial gains. The exception there of course is the significant ground gains in China. Still, a productive month! The strategic bombing campaign is off to solid start, although trial and error has been the way forward, sometimes at significant costs. Other than the recent rear area carrier raid in CENPAC, there has been little significant naval activity. The landings at Kume-jima did not trigger a response…major or otherwise, and will look to seizing Amami Oshima next month. The major US ground activity has actually been shifting forces out of Formosa and the PI and beginning their transit to the Hawaiian islands to prepare for the invasion of Japan in ’45. China has remained fluid, with significant gains in the north, east and south and hope to culminate this advance next month with seizing Chengtu and then focusing on Chungking. SE Asia’s main effort has successfully concluded its Indochina campaign and is progress of transitioning to SE China to focus on Hong Kong, Canton and SE coastal bases, while its secondary effort in Malaysia has approached the gates of Singapore. Naval losses for the month are fairly minor for both sides, the IJN losses spiking the last two days; the IJN reportedly lost a CVE, CL, DD, E, 5SS, and 11 ML, compared to the Allies losing an SS and 3PT. In the air, for the first time in a long, long while, Allied losses exceeded Japans, largely due to operational losses: 384 for Jpn to 402 Allied for the month’s tallies.

INTEL: I thought Kume-jima would have triggered a response. It didn’t. Gotta think the upcoming Amami Oshima landings will as it will likewise exposed, and even closer to the Home Islands. I’m also surprised at the continued withdrawal in China - even with supply issues, a lot of ground is being relinquished without a fight. Air recon is now able to range most of China and western Japan, and so far, the recon has come up empty in finding any indication of where the IJN and merchant fleets are holed up. Lastly, the rear area carrier raid was surprising that it did get so far into the Allied shipping lanes without detection, but truthfully, a rear area raid was not out of the question. Dealing with it is always the challenge, and will need to boost air and naval search (small naval patrols) where there are gaps in air search. The rear area shipping though will remain vulnerable as I’m not ramping up escorts to deal with a carrier raid. Will deal with threats as they occur.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: A good first month for the bombing campaign! Even with trial and error in discovery learning, the campaign is taking shape and looks to be a war winner with about 6500 strategic VPs gained. B-29s conducted a total of nine city attack raids, hitting a total of six separate cities during the month, all but one at night. Osaka was targeted the most, with four separate raids. A couple of the lessons learned: 1) The Luzon AFs aren’t needed with three excellent AFs now available in Formosa which completely changed the tempo and effects of the bombing campaign. The Formosa basing allows B-29s to range to central Japan effectively. 2) Night bombing can be effective and daylight bombing is suicide until fighter superiority can be achieved. 8000ft seems to be the sweat spot for night attacks, balancing bombing accuracy against AA effectiveness. 3) Extended range missions, even at night, are extremely risky. Guam based bombers are limited to a “Fleet in being” role, more than an effective striking element. 4) Japanese defenses are fairly robust, all cities attacked so far have had both CAP and AA protection. I am surprised that certain major industrial cities, such as Osaka, haven’t had max protection with the best radar equipped night fighters flying. 5) Targeting manpower has been effective in large cities. Will need more runs against smaller cities to see best effects. November will see a similar pattern of B-29 raids, limited by operational readiness and weather more than anything else. Even with increasing numbers of B-29s becoming available with the introduction of the B-29-25 starting production in Nov, the number of raids will be limited. What also will help is the increasing numbers of long range recon aircraft becoming available, keeping numerous cities under threat.

SUBWAR: Targets continue to be rare for Allied subs and that doesn’t look like it will change unless the IJN conducts a major sortie. What did change is an increase in Allied subs at sea, blanketing the East China Sea approaches to the Ryukyus to interdict a potential IJN sortie…one that so far, hasn’t developed. Nevertheless, will continue pushing subs to sea, just in case. IJN subs made an increased amount of appearances in two areas. First, the usual trying to target the US Fleet when fairly stationary supporting the Kume-jima amphib. Second, the “black gap” between the US West Coast and Pearl has seen the occasional sub. Both of these so far haven’t been effective, although one or two subs have gotten a bit too close for comfort. What I am a bit surprised at, is that L_S_T didn’t send subs to scout for this rear area CV raid. So far, no sub has been sighted anywhere near the offending carrier raid.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production increases to 1135 in Nov as the P-51D comes into production and replaces the P-51B. Also significant is that the C-46D transport starts cranking out 100 planes a month, and the already mentioned B-29-25 coming on line with 40 a month compared to the previous 18. Pilot pools are in fairly good shape, a little short for US bomber pilots, and USMC fighter pilots, but that was to be expected.

NOPAC. Still quiet and staying quiet.

CENPAC. A bit of excitement at the end of the month with the IJN carrier raid, but otherwise quiet. The CV raid has snarled the smooth running convoy routes west of Pearl, but so far only managed to strike one convoy. Those convoy routes have been extra busy moving the US 10th Army from Okinawa to Pearl, so this could have been much worse. Convoys will continue to be either delayed or re-routed south to avoid the raid, so can expect continued delays for at least the first two weeks of Nov or until the IJN raiding force is dealt with. Since I don’t plan on invading Hokkaido until 1945, as long as a troop convoy isn’t directly affected, the CV raid won’t impact.

SOPAC. Nothing major with the Fleet this past month, the first part of which was healing and repairing. Supporting Kume-jima wound up taking longer than expected, but nothing came of it, although a few IJN subs made attempts. Surprisingly, no kamikazes made an appearance. November will see The Fleet in support at Amami Oshima, and again, I expect a full response from L_S_T to make this a costly venture. While the ground troops actually are assigned to SOPAC (US and NZ troops), the ground operation and LBA support will remain with SWPAC while SOPAC remains responsible for naval and naval air operations in support.

SWPAC. While the Kume-jima landings took longer and were more costly than anticipated, eliminating the remaining IJA defenders at Manila was much quicker and less expensive than I thought it would be. Both Manila in the PI and Takao in Formosa have become a major port to the Allied effort, sustaining both the strategic (city attacks), operational (port and airfields) and tactical (troops) bombing efforts with enough supplies. Frankly, I’m surprised at that. SWPAC’s main effort will focus on seizing Amami Oshima, and like Kume-jima in Oct, I expect this to be a tough fight. Secondary efforts will include taking Karenko and laying siege to Taihoku on Formosa. Depending on the situation at Amami Oshima, troops may be landed on the other minor Ryukyus of Tokunoshima and Okinoerabushima once they have completed sufficient preparation which should happen by mid month.

China. Still surprised at the advances in China which are just starting to encounter the IJA defensive lines near Changsa. Both Chengtu and Chungking are isolated and under siege by Chinese forces, and can expect attacks to seize first Chengtu and then Chungking. While Chinese forces have also laid siege to the isolated cities of Canton and Hong Kong, taking these two bases will be accomplished by SE Asia troops with Chinese troops in support. I don’t expect much further advance in the center, around Changsa, as some of the needed air support will be shifted back to SE Asia’s use in Malaysia in Nov.

SE Asia. The Indochina campaign concluded quickly, and I didn’t commit the majority of the large 14th Army into SE China until the rail link to Kukong was cleared. Moving significant combat units by sea to Swatow was not practical with available naval transports, but with the rail link, both the large IV and XXXIII Corps have been committed, and have largely completed their transit via strategic movement to Kukong. In Nov, IV Corps will focus on taking both Hong Kong and Canton while the XXXIII Corps will focus on clearing coastal bases. In Malaysia, the XV Corps has done well in liberating most all bases on the peninsula, leaving it to focus on Singapore in Nov. III Corps and a few Army units remain uncommitted in the Hanoi-Haiphong area and are available to commit as the situation requires.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1444
31 Oct - 1 Nov 44 - 5/19/2020 8:33:03 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		Highlights – IJN CV raid finds and clubs errant small convoy; heavy B-29 loss for little gain.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hokaze)
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
TK: 3
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 92
Allied: 38

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:
Karenko (SWPAC)
Mersing (SE Asia)
Timoan Is (SE Asia - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: IJN CV raid looks now to be a “death ride” after launching Zero fighters a kamikazes and as the TF continues south - carefully riding the seam between east and west air strike range.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bad day over Okayama. Thought to be a “milk run”, the CAP was more robust than any other target with 16 radar equipped Irvings and 9 Nicks, and Flak wasn’t exactly light. Bad weather on the second day had strikes hitting Kobe instead which also had a robust CAP of 51 Zeros and 7 Irvings. The bomber stream over Okayama consisted of 6 raids totaling 44 B-29s which got fires up to 47k, but damage wasn’t significant. The Kobe bomber stream also had 6 raids, totalling 24 bombers and got fires to just over 25k. Damage was light. The Kobe raid also featured a fighter pilot giving his life for his emperor and ramming a B-29! Bomber losses were heavy: 17 to fighters, 4 to Flak and 4 operational. Fighter losses weren’t exactly light either: 35 Zeros, 10 Irvings and 4 Nicks. Following those raids, the Strat bombing VPs increased from 7488 to 7794. B-29s squadrons now need an extended rest to repair planes and begin swapping out some planes to the newer model. Figure at least a week before the next raid.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the IJN raiding force has continued south! Most unexpected, and of course, I failed to re-route a small fast resupply convoy and it got hammered: 3 TK and a big xAK sunk along with a DE and two more xAKs heavily damaged and still on fire. Most interestingly, 22 Zeros were used, quite effectively, as kamikazes, and did the most damage. Two big AOs with two DDs as escorts were nearby and fortunately not attacked. With the continued southern course, and using fighters as Kamikazes, the raiders are on a one way trip. That said, I still don’t have anything major to inflict damage - the US CV force is still north of Marcus, and LBA is limited to long range patrol bombers - operating at the limits of their range unless the raiders close to a port. Will route some DDs to try and intercept, such as the two escorting the AOs, as well as continue to bring subs in, but those chances of intercept aren’t much. At least not yet. While shipping losses to this foray haven’t been extensive, the interruption to the smooth running convoy system from the USA to both Australia (via Auckland and Noumea) and Western Pacific (via Manus and Kavieng) have been significant. Routing convoys further south will continue, as will holding some convoys up at Pearl. Hopefully I’ll get lucky with a patrol bomber or one of these pesky DDs can make contact and do damage.

In SOPAC, the Fleet takes on fuel SW of the Bonins and will prepare to cover the Amami Oshima landings. The Amphib TFs begin to head from Mindanao ports to rendezvous at Legaspi as the BB TF bombards Amami inflicting just over 150 casualties. The BB TF avoided any recently air dropped mines at Kume-jima and will head to replenish at Batan Is. The mines were dropped by Helens which lost two to AA fire, and the mines are busily being swept by AMs on station.

In SWPAC, Karenko on Formosa is taken by the Aussie II Corps (1st Aus Div, 2 IN Bdes and support) in the first attack despite the mountain terrain and level 3 forts. IJA lost over 2600 troops to less than 500 Australian. II Corps will now advance on Taihoku to join US forces which have just entered the outskirts. LBA will now focus on Amami Oshima, although some mediums can’t range and will hit Taihoku instead.

In China, the Chengtu attack had to be delayed again due to supply issues. Will get some air transport flying in supply to Neikiang as well as parachute supplies directly to troops at Chengtu. Will give air another turn or two to soften up the defenders anyway. The IJA defensive line looks to be taking shape, running south from Kienko to Ichang to Changsa. South of Changsa remains unclear as Chinese troops continue to slowly push east.

In SE Asia, CA TF (3CA, 2CL) bombards Hong Kong with little effect to the defenders, only inflicting 150 casualties, but the bombardments are taking a toll of industry which will need to be repaired. The ground attack to take Hong Kong is waiting on combat engineers, now moving out of Canton. IV and XXXIII Corps troops are still busy moving out of Kukong via road toward Canton and Amoy respectively. Lastly, XV Corps takes Mersing, clearing out a left behind port unit. Only Singapore now remains.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1445
2-3 Nov 44 - 5/21/2020 5:30:15 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		2-3 Nov 44

Highlights – CAP trap over Amami Oshima inflicts bomber losses; IJN CV raiders now heading north.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-27)
PB: 1
AK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 2
LSM: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 74
Allied: 79

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: IJN CV raid has turned around is now heading NNW toward the gap between Wake and Midway; not clear if this is a run for home or whether they’ll turn back south. Also, Zero kamikazes are brought into Saipan, indicating supplies are available, and that there is a threat. LRCAP over Amami Oshima is a good indicator that L_S_T will fight hard for this rock.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers rest, but existing fires increase Strat bombing VPs slightly from 7794 to 7846.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the IJN raiding force has turned back to the north, and launched three separate raids on one of the DD TFs (2DD) I sent from the Maloelap area to search and engage the raiders. A total of 4 Zero kamikazes and 19 Judys as bombers succeeded in hitting one DD with a single bomb, damaging her at a cost of the 4 Zeros and 8 Judys to AA. If the raiders continue north, they’ll be intercepted by the CV Franklin TF which is just south of Marcus, heading SE. SBDs at Wake Is could possibly range as well if the current course is kept, but so far L_S_T has stayed just far enough way from LBA. In another twist, kamikazes are brought into Saipan and launch a raid on local shipping off Pagan. 26 Zeros launched and were met by 13 P-47s on CAP which shot down 13, the remaining hit three LSMs, sinking two. Total cost for the Empire was 25 A6M8 Zeros lost. Will boost up some CAP in the Marianas area as the remaining planes on Saipan remain somewhat of a threat, and will also hit Saipan AF with LBA. With the amount of shipping transiting near the Marianas, I got lucky that the Kamis chose a TF at a port which was covered by CAP.

In SOPAC, the Fleet remains in the Philippine Sea after taking on fuel last turn, detaching British CV Indomitable as her sorties were critically low. She and her three DD escorts will head to the major support base of Naga to rearm as well as reconfigure her airgroup before heading back to the Fleet. CV Indefatigable will replace her, and she’ll depart Naga with other Fleet reinforcements (CA, 2CLAA, DDs) and join the upcoming show at Amami Oshima. Amami’s Amph TFs met off Legaspi and reconfigured to two Amphib TFs plus supporting CVE (3 reinforcing CVEs to join the other CVE TFs) and ASW TFs. They will now head to Batan Is. BB TF (6BB, DDs, DMS) will depart Batan Is for another bombardment run on Amami, holding at Kume-jima before making the bombardment run. Goal will be for the BBs to return to Miyako-jima to rearm before sending the Amami Amphib TFs fwd. Helens continue to drop mines at Kume-jima, and so far have succeeded in crippling an AM. Additional minesweepers are being brought in to clear the mines.

In SWPAC, the US fighter sweeps against Kagoshima were ill-timed. The Corsairs and P-47s met a small CAP of only 16 Tonys and splashed 15 at a cost of 4 Corsairs. But….and there is a big but here….L_S_T picked this timeframe to put a fairly large LRCAP over Amami Oshima. This LRCAP was about 50 planes, and without the 50+ US fighters normally over Amami, but instead sweeping Kagoshima….the bombers were pretty exposed. A few FM2 and Corsairs out of Kume-jima were still on LRCAP over Amami, but they were there to interdict any air transport runs, not a robust LRCAP. So most of the bomber runs were unescorted. Bill was pretty expensive after two days: 25 B-24s, 13 Havocs, 5 B-25s, 6 Corsairs and 2 FM-2s which cost the Empire only about half a dozen Franks. Not a good day in the air - and of course, what bombers that did get through, didn’t hit much at all. Weather looks to sock in the fighter strip at Kume-jima, so most bombers will stand down, only some mediums out of Miyako will sortie next turn against Amami. Will attempt LRCAP and sweeps if weather cooperates.

In China, the Chengtu attack will finally go in next turn. Fingers crossed. The delay did help the supply situation a bit, and the additional two days gave the bombers more time to work over the target which is never a bad thing. Elsewhere, the front continues to stabilize near Changsa.

In SE Asia, another CA TF (3CA, 2CL) bombardment run against Hong Kong does a bit better, inflicting almost 300 casualties as the ground attack is getting very close - the last engineer unit is within 2 hexes. At Canton, the first IV Corp unit has arrived, a tank Bde. The rest of the Corps is still strung out towards Kukong railhead, and it will take about a week to close on the city. XXXIII Corps elements are still moving towards Amoy to link up with additional ground forces heading from Swatow, but lead elements should arrive at Amoy next turn.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1446
4-5 Nov 44 - 5/25/2020 7:20:51 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		4-5 Nov 44

Highlights – Chengtu taken on first attack! IJN Raiding Forced engaged by US CV TF.

Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Taiyo)
TK: 2
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 07
Allied: 24

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:
Chengtu (China)

SIGINT/Intel: The IJN Raiding Force is sighted and engaged heading north, east of Wake Is, which should end the threat. Recon flights showing large amounts of planes concentrating on Kyushu bases, so can expect another mass Kamikaze effort against the upcoming Amami Oshima landings. Figure that’s a given. What I still don’t know is whether or not the Combined Fleet will sortie.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: First B-29-25 equipped squadrons arrive from USA in Formosa after making stops in Pearl and Kavieng. Also, the first B-29-1 squadron exchanges its planes for the upgraded model. Bombers continue to rest, and Strat bombing VPs stay at 7846.

West Coast/Admin: First two P-51D equipped squadrons begin loading at LA for transit to the combat zone while the first forward deployed squadron is equipped with P-51Ds in Manila.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CV Franklin TF engages the CV Raiding Force NE of Wake Is, sinking CVE Taiyo. The Raiding force has split and another CVE is still out there. Franklin TF will head NE to engage, but will not loiter if contact is missed. Convoy traffic is beginning to resume west of Pearl, although two big convoys are still holding at Midway. Quiet in the Marianas as US B-24s hit Saipan AF, but no enemy planes are reportedly destroyed.

In SOPAC, the Fleet begins moving back north toward Miyako-jima in preparation for Amami Oshima. Three CVs are cut to head to Miyako port to re-arm while British CV Idomitable will depart Naga to rejoin the Fleet, fully equipped with new model Spitfires. Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB, DDs, DMSs) will depart Kume-jima to bombard Amami Oshima next turn, and then return to Miyako-jima to rearm. The Amami Oshima Amph TFs arrived at Batan Is, and will now move to Miyako-jima to rendezvous with the BB TF. From there, they will stage at Kume-jima and then on to target. Yes, a very deliberate approach in order to allow the BBs to get that one additional bombardment in.

In SWPAC, raids against Amami Oshima went unopposed, no enemy LRCAP, so the US fighter sweeps had no targets. Mediums hit targets at Amami with little result. Will continue raids next turn, getting a B-24 group back in action as well. Will continue to ramp up raids as date for invasion gets closer. On Formosa, Aussie II Corps troops reach Taihoku from Karenko, joining the two US Divisions already there. Will start ground bombardments next turn, and the air bombardments will continue. So far, the air bombardments have done well, potentially indicating forts aren’t built up. Still, recon shows over 60k troops defending, so will continue to attempt to soften up the defenders for a while longer.

In China, Chengtu is taken on the first attack! 6500 IJA casualties to only 632 Chinese. The defenders do manage to withdraw to the east and will be followed by the Chinese along the road to Kienko. The big story with seizing Chengtu is that this allowed 16 destroyed Chinese Corps, as well as other support troops, to respawn and come in as reinforcements. Ultimately, most of these reinforcements will be disbanded when Chungking is taken to feed into the replacement pools. For now they are just a great morale boost and a supply drain. Most of the victorious Chinese troops at Chengtu will head towards Chungking to take back the capital. Elsewhere, in the center, the front is stabilizing. In the south, Chinese troops continue to advance against little opposition. Lead elements continue unopposed from Kanhsien toward the dot base of Pucheng.

In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps troops enter Amoy and will bombard to see what defenses are made of. Other XXXIII Corps troops heading east north of Amoy hope to advance behind any coastal defenses and approach Foochow from inland. Enemy defenses in this area remain fluid, no clear front line trace. The last combat engineer unit will arrive at Hong Kong next turn, so that attack is imminent. Main body IV Corps troops will arrive in Canton over the next week, and will attack once they are fully assembled. Goal is to free up the big IV Corps and supporting units within two weeks to allow for the next major offensive planning to begin. XV Corps continues to assemble its forces at Johore Bahru as bombers are brought in from China to begin working over Singapore. Hope to launch against Singers within about two to three weeks, depending on the effects of the air attacks while the BB TF (2BB, 2CL, DDs) continue their bombardment runs. If all goes well, will have all of 14th Army except XXXIII Corps available for future operations before the month is out.




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Post #: 1447
RE: 4-5 Nov 44 - 5/25/2020 7:31:14 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		Chengtu in 1st attempt! that is quick. was it due to lack of supplies? what was the fort level?

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1448
6-7 Nov 44 - 5/25/2020 7:33:51 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

Highlights – Remaining IJN Raiding Forced missed by US Wake Is strike package as they turn west.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-183)
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
YMS: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 20

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: None

SIGINT/Intel: Kyushu bases remain stocked with airpower, Amami Oshima landings will be a fight.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers continue to rest, and Strat bombing VPs stay at 7846. Will use 9 B-29 squadrons to hit three Kyushu AFs packed with a/c next turn.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CV Franklin TF headed NE thinking that the remaining Raiding Force CVE would attempt to head northwards between Wake and Midway. Instead the Raiding Force headed west, within Wake’s air range, which duly launched its SBDs in a strike…which couldn’t find the target! Instead, 7 Judys were launched against a pair of DDs near Wake, losing four and missing. Another Judy strike targeted shipping at Wake itself and all three a/c were easily dispatched by Corsairs on CAP. CV Franklin TF will break off and head to Pearl. BB Howe with DD escorts was at Wake taking on fuel and will head to try and engage the remaining CVE, as will a number of other DDs coming from Wake and a troop convoy that could be in range - it will head to Eniwetok for refuge. With some better luck, DBs from Wake or Eniwetok should still be able to range and take care of this last CVE running amok.

In SOPAC, Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB, DDs, DMSs) bombarded Amami Oshima with reasonable effect, inflicting over 200 casualties, and avoided being hit by a night time Peggy launched torpedo attack. AA downed a total of 9 of the 15 low level Peggys. Got lucky there! Oldendorf rearmed at Miyako-jima, and linked up with the Amphib TFs. All will head to stage at Kume-jima, linking up with the bulk of the CVE TFs as well as crusier, DD and PT TFs for final approach in to Amami. CV TFs and their supporting TFs will move back into the East China Sea, but staying west of Kume-jima. They will reconfigure a bit before moving into position to support the landings. With the Kyushu AFs packed, will utilize picked DD TFs out in front of the CV TF and the landing site. The first of these (3DD, DSM) will head to Amami next turn, hopefully drawing strikes which will be (also hopefully) engaged by LRCAP.

In SWPAC, renewed bombing raids on Amami Oshima achieve little, even with no CAP. Will be a tough fight on the ground as the defenders are apparently are well fortified. Fighters out of Kyushu, along with one CVE TF’s fighters, will provide LRCAP cover to the picket DDs heading to Amami next turn. Hopefully they can engage and start whittling down the Kamikazes before the landings. Two P-38 squadrons will also sweep Nagasaki while B-29s are going in at night to hit Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Oite AFs. Bombardments against Taihoku on Formosa are doing well, indicating fortifications aren’t too extensive. Still, 60k defenders will still be a challenge to an attacking force numbering 3 divisions plus support, so will take the time to continue to soften up the defenses for a while.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, the long awaited attack will go in against Hong Kong next turn as the final cruiser bombardment did well last turn inflicting over 300 casualties. The attack on Amoy will also launch as will a supporting attack just to the north of Amoy as XXXIII Corps units have reached the front. Most IV Corps troops have also arrived at Canton, and they will begin ground bombardments next turn. Hope for a big day for SE Asia next turn!

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1449
RE: 4-5 Nov 44 - 5/25/2020 7:37:11 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Chengtu in 1st attempt! that is quick. was it due to lack of supplies? what was the fort level?


Hey Jorge - Fort level 4 in Chengtu. Surprisingly, lack of supply didn't come up as a modifier for the defenders....troops had to be heavily disabled and fatigued though.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1450
8-9 Nov 44 - 5/25/2020 11:29:36 PM   
IdahoNYer


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

Highlights – Hong Kong liberated! IJN raiding force vanishes.

Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Shinyo - replaces Taiyo)
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
CVE: 1 (Taiyo)
CA: 1 (Myoko)
DD: 1 (Natsushio)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 66
Allied: 56

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)
- also, SS Sabalo sights a massive IJN TF (3BB, 7CA, 5CL, 3CLAA, 2CS, 17DD) heading out from Kobe - I'm assuming this is L_S_T moving the majority of the IJN out of bomber range. If not, its one heck of a raiding force heading out into the Pacific!

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Hong Kong (SE Asia)
Amoy (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: No daylight strikes at the DD TF (3DD, DMS) loitering at Osami Ashima. It did draw a night strike, but no daylight strike. Perhaps waiting for the invasion to take place? Also, the IJN Raiding Force has vanished - no sightings at all. Two possibilities come to mind…one is the synch bug, where it was engaged and destroyed and I missed it, or weather has completely grounded all air search.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: B-29s execute night time AF attacks and are met by solid radar equipped CAP and moderate AA fire. A total of 9 B-29s are lost; 3 to fighters, 1 to AA and 5 to ops. Bombing destroyed 27 fighters and 10 bombers on the ground, as well as 6 nightfighters in the air. Not terrible results, but not sustainable either. Nor do I want to use the B-29s on anything but strategic bombing if at all possible. So, the Superforts will hit Hiroshima manpower next turn. Strat bombing VPs stay at 7846.

West Coast/Admin: BB Missouri arrives at Balboa and will proceed to join the Fleet.

In NOPAC, 6th Marine Div heads from Dutch Harbor to Hawaii, it will be replaced by the 77th ID.

In CENPAC, the IJN Raiding Force has vanished. Last known location was midway between Eniwetok and Wake, heading due west, well within both search and strike range. Weather may have socked in the air search perhaps, or a previous raid did in fact sink the last CVE, but synch bug didn’t show it. While no CVE is reported lost in Tracker, 4 Judys were reported as ground loss…which I initially thought came from the B-29 raids, but perhaps they were on a CVE that sunk? In any case, CV Franklin TF is out of the area and heading to Pearl. Will continue to send convoys on a southerly course, hopefully avoiding a chance encounter if the raiding force is still out there while air search will continue to sweep the area.

In SOPAC, the DD TF (3DD, DSM) arrived at Amami and draws a night time strike of 25 torpedo equipped Peggys which all miss, but so does AA fire. The Amami Amphib TFs are all assembled at Kume-jima, but I’m going to hold off one more turn before committing them to the invasion - give L_S_T one more chance to commit his Kamikaze strikes to a potential target at Amami. CV TFs will move to just SSW of Kume-jima, hopefully out of air search range. As last turn, one CVE TF will commit most of it’s a/c to LRCAP over Amami.

In SWPAC, bombing raids against Amami Oshima continue to achieve little, but will commit additional B-24s next turn to culminate the prep prior to landing. The P-38 fighter sweeps against Nagasaki draw the expected robust CAP - over 125 modern fighters. The P-38s lose 22 fighters in exchange for 11 Tonys, 5 Franks, and a pair of Zeros. Not a good exchange, but at 11 hex range, expected. Will again provide LRCAP over Amami, but no more fighter sweeps against Kyushu. Not until Amami is secure with an operational AF at least. Will set the Amphib TFs in motion next turn.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, Hong Kong is taken on the second attack. The first attack reduced the level 5 forts, and after the two attacks, casualties tallied 3500 IJA and roughly 1500 Allied. Allied troops remain in good shape and will continue the attack to eliminate the remaining defenders next turn. Port, AF and repair shipyard are pretty well wrecked, but a full engineer regiment will land next turn to begin the repairing. Will repair the repair shipyard to its full capacity of 50 from the current level of 4, and supplies will also start pouring in with the first supply convoy arriving next turn as well. Amoy is also taken at a cost of just under 800 defenders, and the XXXIII Corps troops will continue on to Foochow. IV Corps softening up of Canton begins, but IJA artillery is currently very strong and inflicted over 300 Allied casualties to zero IJA. Not a good start! Will take the Chinese troops out of the bombardments and see if that helps. Will also be able to increase air and sea bombardments with Hong Kong taken.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1451
RE: 8-9 Nov 44 - 5/26/2020 6:34:48 AM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		I thought SCTFs were limited to 25 ships? That IJN TF counts 37. Could it be configured as an Amphib or Transport/FT TF? Or maybe the sub skipper was into the torpedo juice and saw two of everything.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1452
RE: 8-9 Nov 44 - 5/28/2020 2:39:03 AM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I thought SCTFs were limited to 25 ships? That IJN TF counts 37. Could it be configured as an Amphib or Transport/FT TF? Or maybe the sub skipper was into the torpedo juice and saw two of everything.


L_S_T explained that in his next turn's email....escort TF heading to safer ports.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 1453
10-11 Nov 44 - 5/28/2020 2:55:10 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		10-11 Nov 44

Highlights – IJN MTBs engaged at Amami Oshami.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
MTB: 4
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 29

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attack, 2 ships hit (PB, xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: MTBs committed to Amami again indicate this will be a fight!

Strategic Bombing Campaign: B-29s hit Hiroshima/Kure manpower, but weather limits numbers over target on both days. Bomber stream consisted of 15 raids totaling 98 bombers over the target, but bombing accuracy was poor. BB Musashi was hit in port with 8 bombs from two squadrons on port attack, and fires briefly reached just over 28k, but industry damage was light. Three B-29s were lost; one each to fighters, Flak and ops while it cost Jpn 11 Night Fighters. Strat bombing VPs increase from 7846 to 7934. Bombers will rest for a few days.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, still no solid sighting on the IJN Raiding Force. PBYs reported a sighting of 4 ships east of Wake Is which might have been the raiders, but weather continues to sock in strike aircraft and subsequent searches. Still, no Allied shipping was in the vicinity, so I have to think it could have been the Raiding Force…or a pod of whales. Shipping will continue to avoid the area, and a single CVE w/DDs detached from the Replenishment TF currently loading fuel at Manus is heading to the area to provide some additional strike capability.

In SOPAC, the DD TF (3DD, DSM) at Amami was repeatedly engaged by MTBs in five largely inconclusive engagements. One MTB was sunk and a single 23mm round hit a DD. The engagements did use up most of the DDs 5” ammo, forcing them to retire to Miyako-jima to replenish, so they were not available during daylight hours. The MTBs remained at Amami and were engaged by B-25s at low level, sinking 3. Will send in PTs along with the DDs to clear out the MTBs next turn, and hold off the landings for another turn.

In SWPAC, bombing raids against Amami Oshima continue, but effects remain minimal. Delaying the landings another turn allows another day of raids, but will need to land soon as too much time on the transports isn’t good for the troops. Bombing and ground bombardment effects against Taihoku continue to be very good. Will look now to seize Taihoku despite the robust numbers of defenders. With only three divisions and two brigades plus support currently engaged, may look to bring another division in for the attack.

In China, Chinese troops eliminate the remaining defenders of Chengtu just east of the city inflicting over 5000 casualties for about 250 Chinese casualties. Good to eliminate these troops before they withdrew into the mountains to the north. Focus now totally shifts to Chungking in the north. In the Center, troops close on Changsa which is heavily defended. South of Changsa, troops continue to advance in conjunction with the Allied XXXIII Corps elements. Will be interesting to see where the final IJA defensive line takes shape here.

In SE Asia, the last 2500 IJA at Hong Kong are eliminated as repairs have begun in earnest and the first ships (3DDs) begin repairs in the shipyard for light damage. Repair yard has a long way to go to become fully operational, and the US 3rd Advance Fleet Baseforce will ship out from Manila to provide naval support at Hong Kong. British Naval support, currently at Saigon, will shift to Singapore when taken. XXXIII Corps troops continue to advance east along the coast against minimal opposition. The ground attack at Canton is waiting for the last few units to arrive, and should happen within a few days. Enemy artillery at Canton remains robust, so supply is still available as well…and I’m sure the city is well fortified. XV Corps will also look to begin moving against Singapore in the next week or so as well.




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Post #: 1454
12-13 Nov 44 - 5/30/2020 8:16:59 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		12-13 Nov 44

Highlights – More MTB engagements at Amami.

Jpn ships sunk:
MTB: 3
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1 (scuttled due to mine damage)

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Tsinkiang (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: MTBs and night time raids still point to a heavily contested amphib at Amami. Northern Kyushu AFs also remain packed primarily with fighters, although bombers sighted at western Honshu AFs, well within range of Amami Oshima.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: I disbanded two incoming B-29-25 squadrons to gain some additional a/c to swap out the existing B-29-1s. Will look to bring both of those squadrons back in 4 months, but right now, I need airframes to fill out existing squadrons more than additional squadrons. Two B-29-1 squadrons take the newly available B-29-25s, and will use those a/c replaced as replacements to bring other B-29-1 squadrons up to full strength. Strat bombing VPs remained at 7934. Bombers will continue to rest and repair for a few days before resuming operations.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, well, it looks like the IJN raiding force is gone - either to the deep or managed to head to home waters. No sign again this turn, and will start to re-route convoys to normal routes. CV Franklin TF arrives at Pearl and ships begin need repairs. Even with only 4 major float damage, Franklin requires a week of yard time.

In SOPAC, the DD TF (3DD, DSM) returned to Amami Oshima and received repeated night time torpedo attacks by Jills, Frances and Peggys - all missed, and AA fire claimed only 1 Frances. MTBs were also engaged in three engagements, sinking two MTBs for no loss. Again, this DD TF will need to break off and head back to Miyako-jima to rearm. They will be replaced by the invasion flotilla as the amphib landings will go in next turn, with plenty of support including Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB) starting the show (hopefully) with the naval bombardment. Three CVE TFs as well as two cruiser TFs plus numerous DD and PT TFs will be in support. CV TFs will move to support just to the SE of Amami to provide additional cover and be prepared to intercept any IJN counter. But the real threat is the massed Kamikaze attacks that have devastated the Fleet. The CVs and CVEs should be able to put up about 1000 fighters, plus some additional LRCAP out of Kume and Miyako-jima. Hopefully that will be enough. The last Kamikaze counter is new…trying picket DD TFs (3DD ea) deployed just forward of the invasion site and the CV TF. Any raid which selects the pickets is one less that could hit the more valuable and vulnerable TFs. In theory, the picket TFs should have fighter cover as well. Hopefully all will go well!

In SWPAC, bombing raids against Amami Oshima pick up with additional B-24s committed, and will continue to support aggressively next turn as well, although one A-20 group was pulled off Miyako-jima to make room for additional fighters providing LRCAP. Two US divisions and two NZ Bdes and support will land with support against an enemy estimated to be at two heavily fortified Bde size elements. If the Kamikaze threat is held, or doesn’t materialize, will follow up with landings at both Tokunoshima and Okinoerabushima within the week.

In China, troops are about ready to launch attacks at Chungking. Another turn or two to get the last troops in place and build up supplies.

In SE Asia, IV Corps troops are just about ready to launch the ground assault against Canton, waiting for one laggard IN Bde and build up additional supplies. XXXIII Corps troops advancing towards Foochow along the coast, and moving around Foochow via the inland road to the north, and heading towards Wenchow. Resistance remains light. XV Corps begins to move remaining troops into Jahore Bharu, and then they move to attack Singapore.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1455
14-15 Nov 44 - 6/7/2020 4:55:08 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		14-15 Nov 44

Highlights – Troops go ashore at Amami without problems.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 40
Allied: 31

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Amami Oshima (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Only night time strikes at the Amami landings, can expect the major blow next turn if its going to happen. A/C are certainly available in Kyushu, the question is whether or not they will be committed. No indication yet that the IJN will sortie either of course, but that can not be discounted either.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: NSTR. Strat bombing VPs remains at 7934.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, the Amami landings begin with Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB) bombarding inflicting only about 100 casualties, but no coastal batteries respond. The landings draw minimal coastal battery fire which heavily damage a YMS and slightly damage an LSD. One LST is damaged on the rocks. Troops are put ashore in good order. Japanese response is limited to night air attacks; 79 sorties of torpedo carrying Jills, Peggys and Frances are met by a robust night CAP and good AA fire. Strikes target the CVE TFs and hit nothing, and lose 10 Frances, 8 Jills and 6 Peggys for their efforts, all but 4 to AA fire. With the troops ashore, Amphib TFs, their support and the CV TFs will retire back toward Kume-shima. One LST TF still has supplies to offload will remain until complete. PTs and some DDs will also remain at Amami, covered by LRCAP.

In SWPAC, bombing raids against Amami continued, but again achieved little observed results. Troops did go ashore in exceptionally good order (due to 100% prep), but are pretty fatigued and will need a turn to recover. Expect to attack when rested a bit. Supplies are also in good shape, although troops are of course overstacked. So far, so good at Amami. Will hold landing additional supporting engineers until base is secured.

In China, troops will launch attack at Chungking next turn. With a little over 21k defenders, I expect the 150k attackers to seize the base in the first attack, although as with most Chinese attacks, little artillery and no combat engineers are in support. Just hope the cost isn’t too painful. Otherwise, the front in central China is starting to stabilize in the vicinity of Changsa.

In SE Asia, troops will launch the attack at Canton next turn, following another cruiser bombardment run. As with Chungking, I fully expect the attack to be successful do to the force ratio, and with the Indian IV Corps leading this one, plenty of armor, artillery and engineers are in support. Its just a question of cost. XXXIII Corps continues its advance toward Foochow and Wenchow as well, with two attacks slated to push the IJA covering force back. XV Corps in Malaya is making final preparations to begin the attack on Singapore; hope to start that final advance next turn.




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Post #: 1456
16-17 Nov 44 - 6/7/2020 6:02:54 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		16-17 Nov 44

Highlights – Chungking and Canton taken; ineffective IJN sortie toward Amami Oshima.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hagikaze)
xAK: 8
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 46
Allied: 94

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 27 Attacks, 12 ships hit (8xAK, XAKL sunk…I think)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Chungking (China)
Canton (SE Asia)
Pucheng (SE Asia/China)

SIGINT/Intel: Well….the IJN sortied, but only a surface combat TF or two…not exactly sure due to synch bug issues. No major Kamikaze strikes materialized in conjunction with the sortie, but an xAK TF was committed…to draw fire? In any case, still expect any major Allied TF operations at Amami Oshima will be under severe threat. In the meantime, L_S_T has a reported 1500+ fighters based at Nagasaki!

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Strat bombing VPs remains at 7934. Bomber replacements have filled out squadrons to where if weather cooperates will look to launch a raid next turn. Primary potential targets are Osaka, Kobe and Hiroshima.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, well, I’m confused as hell as to what happened. Synch bug was in effect, so what I saw was much different from what was published in the final combat reports. I saw, through sub and air contacts/attacks, two IJN surface TFs, one CA TF and one BB TF (2xKongos) head toward where the US CV TFs were previously located, and those IJN TFs were mauled by US CV Air. There was also a big xAK TF, unescorted, that looked to precede the combat TFs, that was mauled by subs and by air. The actual results were one US naval air strike on the Kongo TF (2BB, CA, 2CL, DDs) that was met by a very robust LRCAP of some 60 Franks which gave the Hellcats a rough time. Helldivers scored a number of hits on the BBs, but nothing serious. B-25s also attempted low level attacks, and were mauled by the Franks. Subs had numerous opportunities but only scored against the xAKs. In any case, the IJN sortie fell on empty seas, but the IJN TFs were not hit hard by air - and looked to have returned to Nagasaki. Fleet remains ready to support landing of engineers on Amami once secured, and Amphib TFs have begun loading troops for the next landings, at Tokunoshima. Lastly, all CV air losses (40 Hellcats, 7 Helldiver, 3 Avengers) were replaced by the repl CVEs, so other than a loss of sorties, the CV TFs were unaffected by this turn.

In SWPAC, ground attack will go in against Amami next turn which will be the major event. Aus troops begin loading for Tokunoshima at Miyako-jima and should begin moving to target in a few turns. Troops destined for Okinoerabushima will begin moving from Cabanatuan in Luzon to Naga shortly. Goal is to secure all three of these islands and then take a pause as the AFs are built up. Also on Luzon, the US 31st ID will begin loading transports for movement to Formosa to take Taihoku.

In China, Chungking is liberated in the first attack despite fort level 4! Over 11k in IJA casualties to 1500 Chinese, the remaining 4k or so IJA troops did fall back to the SE and will need to be policed. That’s the good news. The bad news is I found out on the Forum that I can’t disband Chinese units! So, all those Corps that respawned in Chengtu will now be used in the front or as garrisons. Would much rather have been able to disband them permanently to garner the squads as replacements, but is what it is. More stacks and units to manage! Will need to think on how to best employ these troops.

In SE Asia, it takes two attacks to secure Canton, both fairly costly, but the objective is taken! About 7k IJA losses compared to about the same Allied. Probably a good 20k or so remaining defenders need to be dealt with, and the Allied troops need a rest. Most of the Allied casualties were disabled squads, and most of them Chinese. Meanwhile, XXXIII Corps troops take Pucheng, inflicting over 1200 IJA casualties to only 200 Allied, and the Corps continues its advance toward both Foochow and Wenchow, and may send troops to also secure Chuhsien - or at least explore that possibility. And XV Corps begins its final advance across the straits to Singapore. Will take a few days to get across and make the shock attack; hoping the 5 Allied Divisions and small Chinese Corps is enough!




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1457
RE: 16-17 Nov 44 - 6/7/2020 9:14:53 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		SOPAC historically was in the area of Samoa, Tahiti and New Caledonia, maybe as far north as the Solomons. CentPac/POA extended from the Gilberts north to Japan and NorPac was the Aleutians and Alaska. If Amami Oshima is in SOPAC, you have really gerrymandered the boundaries!

Some players have suggested that the Sync Bug (if not caused by different game versions) can be caused by hitting the ESC key too often. I have noticed in non-PBEM play that if I hit ESC twice so that I not only back out of the screen I am in but back out of the game (it will not scroll when the cursor goes to game edge), I sometimes get weird things happening with subsequent screen selections. So there may be something to the ESC key theory and you might suggest that your opponent not use it more than one press at a time.

Congrats on Chunking - I have to admit I thought fort levels would stymie your attack but I guess your Chinese units have enough experience and morale gains now to have some effect. Also, the later patches added A/T guns to the Chinese units which I understand can be useful against forts.

As for the Chinese hordes - you could consider sending some of the surplus units out to infiltrate the enemy rear and cause mayhem with supply line and weakly defended bases. A suicide mission, but it will disband the units for you!

_____________________________

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

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1458
RE: 16-17 Nov 44 - 6/7/2020 9:50:51 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		congrats!!
time to feed and build those hordes

you might not even need the Red army


_____________________________


(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 1459
RE: 16-17 Nov 44 - 6/10/2020 4:05:19 AM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

SOPAC historically was in the area of Samoa, Tahiti and New Caledonia, maybe as far north as the Solomons. CentPac/POA extended from the Gilberts north to Japan and NorPac was the Aleutians and Alaska. If Amami Oshima is in SOPAC, you have really gerrymandered the boundaries!

Some players have suggested that the Sync Bug (if not caused by different game versions) can be caused by hitting the ESC key too often. I have noticed in non-PBEM play that if I hit ESC twice so that I not only back out of the screen I am in but back out of the game (it will not scroll when the cursor goes to game edge), I sometimes get weird things happening with subsequent screen selections. So there may be something to the ESC key theory and you might suggest that your opponent not use it more than one press at a time.

Congrats on Chunking - I have to admit I thought fort levels would stymie your attack but I guess your Chinese units have enough experience and morale gains now to have some effect. Also, the later patches added A/T guns to the Chinese units which I understand can be useful against forts.

As for the Chinese hordes - you could consider sending some of the surplus units out to infiltrate the enemy rear and cause mayhem with supply line and weakly defended bases. A suicide mission, but it will disband the units for you!


Yeah BB....making this up as I go along...command wise included. In my "war effort", SWPAC was south of New Guinea and SOPAC was on the north side with CENPAC being Gilberts/Marshalls/Marianas. Only problem with that plan was with little fighting for Borneo, all advances led to the PI....so now, SWPAC is fighting the ground campaign, SOPAC troops will prepare for Kyushu if it comes to that, and Pacific Ocean Areas, or CENPAC troops are prepping for Hokkaido.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 1460
18-19 Nov 44 - 6/10/2020 4:12:20 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		18-19 Nov 44

Highlights – IJA defenders hold on at Amami.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 2 (Makinami, Uzuki)
MTB: 5
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: IJN appears to retire, although DDs are engaged at Amami. Doubt any attempt will be made to reinforce Amami, although any Allied reinforcement will likely be contested.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Strat bombing VPs remains at 7934. B-29s will target Osaka next turn with a max effort at night, 8k altitude.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, IJN DD TF (3DD) and MTBs tangle with US DDs and PTs at Amami, and get the short end, losing two DDs and 5 MTBs for minor damage to US forces. Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB) inflict over 150 casaulties on the Amami defenders, and meet no surface contacts. Sallys drop more air dropped mines at Kume-jima which are quickly swept by minesweepers. The Tokunoshima Amph TFs need to complete loading a few laggard support squads, and remain at Miyako-jima. CV TFs remain just off Kume-jima, and will take on fuel next turn, while the CVE TFs remain at Kume-jima providing local CAP and LRCAP to Amami.

In SWPAC, two ground attacks go in against Amami and both are held, although forts are reduced from 5 to 3. Casualties were heavy for both sides, 1700 IJA to about 1000 Allied. While the Allied troops need to rest, all formations are in good order, and will resume the attack after next turns respite. No additional troops are needed. As mentioned, the Tokunoshima Amph is almost finished loading, and that should be put into motion in a couple of turns.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps troops will launch against Foochow next turn and IV Corps will continue the attack against the remaining Canton defenders. In Malaya, as XV Corps continues to cross from Johore Bahru to Singapore, an additional Heavy Bomb Group is brought in to support from China.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1461
20-21 Nov 44 - 6/10/2020 11:43:49 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		20-21 Nov 44

Highlights – Major IJN sortie mauls CVE TFs at Kume-jima but is costly to the IJN; solid B-29 raid on Osaka.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 6 (Tone, Chikuma, Atago, Kumano, Kinugasa, Aoba)
CL: 2 (Oyodo, Noshiro)
DD: 11 (Fuyuzuki, Suzunami, Akishimo, Asashimo, Natsushio, Yukikaze, Hayashio, Isokaze, Shiranui, Arashi, Asagiri)
MTB: 1
SC: 1
AMc: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Hiei)
DD: 1 (Akigumo)

Allied ships sunk:
CVE: 9 (Begum, Bismarck Sea, Cape Esperance, Casablanca, Hollandia, Marcus Is, Nehenta Bay, Rudyerd Bay, Saginaw Bay)
CA: 2 (Seattle, Pensacola)
CL: 1 (Newcastle)
CLAA: 2 (Reno, Argonaut)
DD: 3 (Bagley, Conner, Yarnall)
DE: 6 (Acree, Bangust, Cloues, Duffy, Kyne, Weaver)
PT: 18
SS: 1 (Sea Rover)
LST: 7
LCI (G): 15
YMS: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 41
Allied: 316

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 20 Attacks, 5 ships hit (2CA, 2DD sunk CL Dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Foochow (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: I’m caught flat-footed as the IJN comes out in force all the way to Kume-jima. All-out effort with what appears to be the entire IJN, less CVs. Not sure what is left combat ready after this is all done; maybe 3 or 4 BBs, a half dozen heavy and light cruisers, plus the KB is still intact. The other question is fuel avail to sortie again. Surprisingly, no LRCAP was protecting this sortie.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1462
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/10/2020 11:44:50 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		Strategic Bombing Campaign: Good effort over Osaka with effective raids going in both nights. Bomber stream consisted of 24 separate raids totaling 226 sorties at 8k ft - one raid was even over 50 planes! CAP was light, with a max of 13 Nick fighter bombers, no radar equipped planes. Flak downed 6 bombers with another lost to OPs, while 11 Nicks were lost. Bombing was accurate with fires getting to just over 259k, the best results so far. Strat bombing VPs increased from 7934 to 8528 with fires still burning hot at over 50k. B-29s will again target Osaka next turn to take advantage of already burning fires, although weather may prove more problematic.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1463
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/10/2020 11:45:57 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, as Ed Sullivan used to say, it was a “really big shooow”! IJN comes roaring back into the fray, and didn’t stop at Amami Oshima, but continued all the way to a presumed “safe, well protected anchorage” of Kume-jima. Best as I can figure, the IJN was broken down into two main TFs, a BB TF (6BB, 2CA, 2CL, DDs) and a CA TF (7CA, 3CL, DDs) which were preceded by 2-3 DD TFs to clear the way, all at fast speed. The IJN deftly avoided the 50+ subs from doing any damage, none getting past the TFs’ protective ASW screen. The IJN TFs then mauled a still offloading LST/LCI(G) TF at Amami and rolled over the PTs in the area. Continuing on to Kume-jima, they mauled another LST TF bound for Amami and some PTs that survived the mayhem at Amami. Now in daylight, the IJN steamed into Kume-jima where the 3 CVE TFs lay. They were in theory well protected by a CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs), two DD TFs and two PT squadrons. Well….not so much. And of course, the IJN managed to avoid the CAs and DDs and go right into the CVEs! The accompanying cruisers, and DD/DEs with the CVEs gave a good account of themselves, but all three CVE TFs were effectively engaged by both the IJN BB and CA TFs and were mauled, losing 9 CVEs and all but 5 or so (out of about 30 baby flattops) unscathed and ready for action. The US CA TF engaged the IJN CA TF which was pretty much a draw, banging up both TFs. What was missing was any US airpower up to this point. Weather was likely the main factor, but the US CV TFs, one hex to the north sortied perhaps 50% of its strike aircraft all told, including not one of the British torpedo bombers from three carriers. Not good. Still, land based B-25s at low level did yeoman work against cruisers and destroyers on both days scoring numerous bomb hits, and the few CV strikes that did launch did get hits across the IJN, although primarily with bombs. The US DD TFs also did well, getting engaged after the main battles wore down the IJN. The trip back to home port is where most of the damage was inflicted on already damaged ships. The first air delivered torpedoes found the mark on BBs Kongo, Mutsu and Ise while subs picked off a few cruisers. On the positive side….of course…it could have been worse. A big Replenishment TF (w/CVEs and AOs for the Fleet) was completely missed, as was a TF loaded with some engineers holding for Amami to be secured. However, the Iowa led BB TF with the carriers just a hex a way didn’t intervene either, which is probably a good thing.



So who won? Tactically, the IJN again did well in the individual battles usually inflicting much more damage, at least until they were worn down by constant engagements. So perhaps a marginal tactical victory. Operationally, I’d give this a solid Allied victory, although due to the losses, a marginal one. The IJN has likely shot its bolt, and based on the 25 float planes listed as ground loss, a good number of ships were lost to the IJN as well. And while 9 CVEs lost was severe, having some two dozen or so heading into repair is more damaging, at least in the near term. Fortunately, most aren’t severely damaged, only one is in danger of sinking (fires still raging). The loss of LSTs, LCI(G)s and PTs aren’t going to effect operations in late ’44. And based on current operations to secure Amami, and then Tokunoshima, having the IJN launch now is probably the best timing I could ask for. Had this armada launched against the Tokunoshima landings, it would have been bleak. Not having the CVs or assault shipping engaged means little will change in the overall offensive plans. So, what’s next? The CV TFs will head NE two hexes to see if they can take out any additional damaged ships. Tokunoshima Amph TFs managed to offload their troops at Miyako-jima (forgot to set TFs to not unload when I adjusted ship composition), so they’ll reload their troops next turn and then be prepared to sail. Will still need air cover to protect troops landing at Amami, and I’m a tad short CVEs now - 5 just finished refit at Manila, 5 more are holding at Miyako and another 5 or are still combat ready from the action at Kume-jima. I’ll take the two air cover CVEs from the Repl TFs, so I can muster two CVE TFs, which should provide around 300-350 fighters. Will go with what I have and plan to proceed as planned. Brit cruisers that were doing bombardment missions along the China coast will be brought out to provide additional cover, replacing cruiser losses. I still need to sort out what repair yards to send the damaged ships, and prioritize repairs. One thing is that CV Enterprise will lose its yard space at Manila to make room for CVEs and cruisers. Some will also head to Hong Kong whose repair capability is expanding nicely and will overtake Manila shortly in capacity. Hopefully, Singapore can be captured quicker than later with its yards reasonably intact. If not, will need to send some ships to Colombo. Two moderately damaged CVEs will head to Sydney, and that is the furthest I’d like to send any of the damaged ships. Still, all yards in the western Pacific will be heavily taxed for the next few weeks, perhaps months.

In SWPAC, the next ground attack on Amami will go next turn, and should take the base. Hopefully. That will allow engineers to flow in, beginning with that TF missed at Kume-jima, as well as two other TFs full of engineers waiting at Batan Is. Will look to begin operations against Tokunoshima once I get an AF up at Amami - that is the only real change, I was going to start landings there prior to getting the Amami AF up and running, but being short CVEs, I can wait a turn or two. Should be within a week perhaps. On Formosa, the US 31st ID has landed and is moving toward Taihoku, and once in place, the Aussie II Corps will begin the attack to take the base. And with this ever so slight delay in landing at Tokunoshima, Oldendorf’s BB TF can make a bombardment run in support.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps troops take Foochow in the first attack, and now are focused on moving on Wenchow and Chuhsien. IV Corps remains battling stubborn defenders in the rubble of Canton; in two attacks, 3500 IJA lost at a cost of 2500 Allied. Costly. Troops will rest a turn before resuming the attack. In Malaya, as XV Corps will make the assault against Singapore next turn! Hopefully weather permits full air support as they will likely need all the help they can get in that initial shock attack. Brit BB TF (2BB, 2CL, DDs) will also provide gunfire support.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 6/10/2020 11:46:47 PM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1464
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/10/2020 11:57:18 PM   
IdahoNYer


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



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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1465
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/11/2020 12:40:05 AM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		Losing 9 CVEs in real life would probably meant a new job in a desk in Washington DC. Bad press and angry mothers/ widows can ruin a career

But game wise I agree it is kind of irrelevant; you already got a foothold in the Ryukyu islands, therefore you will soon get better support from airbases than any CV force,
Aircraft losses are probably Wildcats and Avengers, which are already obsolete or abundant

I bet your subs will start sinking battle survivors in the next turns





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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1466
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/11/2020 3:11:14 AM   
IdahoNYer


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

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Losing 9 CVEs in real life would probably meant a new job in a desk in Washington DC. Bad press and angry mothers/ widows can ruin a career




Ha! If that was the case, I would have been cashiered a few months ago when a few BIG Carriers went down!

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)
Post #: 1467
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/11/2020 4:34:04 AM   
CaptBeefheart


Posts: 2301
Joined: 7/4/2003
From: Seoul, Korea
Status: offline 		Although it appears you can shrug off those CVE losses, losing that much CAP could make a closer in landing pretty rough if he still has a lot of kamis.

I've read on this forum that TFs get engaged based on TF number, with the lowest-numbered TF getting engaged first, so I always try to give my surface TFs lower numbers than say my CV, CVE support and amphib TFs. Can you shed any light on whether that was true in your epic battle? Did your cruiser TFs have a higher TF number than the CVEs?

Cheers,
CB



< Message edited by CaptBeefheart -- 6/11/2020 4:40:06 AM >

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Beer, because barley makes lousy bread.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1468
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/11/2020 2:06:58 PM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: CaptBeefheart

Although it appears you can shrug off those CVE losses, losing that much CAP could make a closer in landing pretty rough if he still has a lot of kamis.

I've read on this forum that TFs get engaged based on TF number, with the lowest-numbered TF getting engaged first, so I always try to give my surface TFs lower numbers than say my CV, CVE support and amphib TFs. Can you shed any light on whether that was true in your epic battle? Did your cruiser TFs have a higher TF number than the CVEs?

Cheers,
CB


Lower numbered TFs have the first CHANCE to engage the enemy, but things like bad weather can always let the enemy slip through to the more valuable stuff.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to CaptBeefheart)
Post #: 1469
RE: 20-21 Nov 44 - 6/11/2020 2:15:40 PM   
Jorge_Stanbury


Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline 		I don't know the answer, but it would be sloppy if the TF# had a major impact; I mean there should be other more important factors in place
and only if nothing else is left, then go by TF number



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(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 1470
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