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Aleutians - 6/15/2015 5:40:45 PM

John 3rd

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Combat Report
March 12, 1942
Aleutians

For once, it is a somewhat clear day for the Aleutians.

The Akutan Invasion Force breaks its holding pattern and heads for the target as the Japanese Carrier TF moves to provide CAP. A bombardment TF of 2 BC were sent in to hit Cold Bay and knock down Allied air power. Unfortunately, things go wrong for Japanese in the Bombardment TF as it decides not to bombard and finds itself 40 miles from Cold Bay at start of day. The CVs are just south of Umnak and one could easily place bets on the two squadrons of SBDs at Cold Bay smacking the Battlecruisers and DDs around.

Surprisingly this event does not happen!

Weather closes off attacks in the morning but the afternoon strikes occur. The Americans launch two waves of 12-13 P-40 and 16-18 SBD at the Japanese. The target is not the unprotected BCs nearby but strikes at the Japanese carriers. GREAT!

Raid One 47 Zero vs. 11 P-40 and 16 SBD. The CAP sets upon these planes with vengeance in their heart for all the lost air crews over Pearl Harbor. One SBD gets through but is blasted apart by AA before it can drops its bomb. There are no American survivors.

Raid Two 39 Zero vs. 13 P-40 and 18 SBD. CAP crushes the American fighters and shots down 8 SBD before remaining push over into their dives. The remaining dive bombers divide with six attacking CVL Nisshin and 4 attacking CVE Ibuki. Two more are shot down in their dives but one does score minor hit on Ibuki. Surprisingly the 1,000 lb bomb only causes 7 SYS and 3 FLOT damage to the old carrier.

NICE!

The BCs will smack Cold Bay tomorrow and the Invasion Force will be just a hex or two from landing. American DB are no longer a direct threat to the landing.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/15/2015 6:42:33 PM >

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Bombardment - 6/15/2015 5:46:27 PM

John 3rd

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Here is the TF about to hazard PH's CD. Take a look and if you have any comments, I have an hour or two before sending in the turn:

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Post #: 302

Planning - 6/15/2015 6:19:37 PM

John 3rd

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End Game Planning for Pearl Harbor:

This is the Posting I wanted to make a couple of days ago before I lost it to the Posting Gods of the Forum.

The time has come to focus utterly on the next steps with Operation Eastern Storm. All the American bases have been captured and only PH remains. Over 100+ ships currently sit in the harbor. Michael's fighter numbers, while not being crushed as hoped, are steadily falling. The situation MUST change sometime soon so I want to provide my thinking, planning, and ideas for the end game at PH:

1. BB Bombardment: OK. We shall try a bombardment for the four 16" BBs of Japan. As shown above they have 4 DDs and 8 DMS providing escort and mine-sweeping. WE HOPE that this shall inflict some serious damage to the American AF and their planes. Only the BBs will attack with their floatplanes set for recon to help the bombardment. The CD at PH is not quite as bad as I thought. I make it a rule to NEVER look at the Allied side unless it is the Dec 7th turn. Seems to be cheating if I look any further so I don't. The 14" and 12" guns make be very nervous but this needs to be hazarded.

2. American Breakout: Michael MUST stage some sort of break-out from the Harbor. It will be costly, however, I am willing to bet he'll do this in conjunction with a sortie from the CVs on the West Coast. He should have 3 CVs and a CVL now available. This is a sizeable force to contend with and I need advanced warning if it moves towards Hawaii. With this in mind, I order the 9 Glen Boat SS to move towards the West Coast. I will place them in two rows of five and four that SHOULD provide me a tripwire. Two large 18 plane Chutai of Emily are flying out of Lihue and Kona presently on air search. Their long reach will help.

3. To fight the breakout I need to re-provision the KB TFs. Sorties were low and we had lost over 100 planes. This turn (3-12) saw my two TF dart into Kona and replennish. It was kind of scary in that I used 145 planes to draw everyone up to full strength as well as emptied 3 AKE of everything to get my sorties taken care of. They will move back into normal position tomorrow. This was a risk to pull them down but it was BADLY needed. If there is a chance for a CV fight then we need to be tan, rested, and ready!

4. LBA: The Japanese LBA is now at a point that they can pretty much deal with PH and deal with hurting a breakout. There is currently 175 Zero, 108 Betty/Nell, 54 Kate, and 54 Val present at Lahaina, Hilo, Kona, and Lihue. An additional three Daitai of Betty--Nell will arrive tomorrow and the day after. This will bring Betty-Nell totals to near 200 planes. YUM! As mentioned earlier, 108 Oscars and 108 Sally are presently at sea on their way.

Orders for tomorrow are to try and flush Michael out. After the BB Bombardment, 100 Zero and 108 Betty/Nell shall attack the Port from 14,000 Ft. Vals and Kates set to Naval Attack in case he runs.

5. STF: The CAs and KB TF will move oout NE of PH and take position to block a massed bugout. Will form 2-3 CA--CL--DD TF to play the part of wolves attacking the sheep.

6. Invasion Force: Five Infantry Divisions are now at Kona or Hilo. All are in the 35-50% prep range on Pearl. All fice ID are at full strength. Combined Fleet is prepping for PH and sits at Hilo. We could land this force in three days if we want. The invasion bonus is good for 19 more days. I am thinking about making the assault landing on March 31st. Will have the landing bonus and there is a good chance that Southern Army HQ as well as 14th Army HQ will be present. Those two TF are also bringing a crapload of Engineers and Artillery units. Certainly would be fun to land with ALL of it.

7. Base Expansion: Presently Lahaina is AF-4, Lihue AF-2, Kona AF-2, and Hilo AF-3. All will see their number go up by one within 7-10 days.

A lot to take in. Open fire with any thoughts or comments you may have!

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/15/2015 7:20:42 PM >

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RE: Planning - 6/15/2015 7:54:15 PM

Sangeli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
I am thinking about making the assault landing on March 31st.

I think you'd want to do a day or two before March 31st. Unloading all equipment and supply even with the amphib bonus is going to take a few days. Everything else looks good. I had some suggestions but as I read your post more you addressed all of them. Good staff work!

< Message edited by Sangeli -- 6/15/2015 8:54:30 PM >

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RE: Planning - 6/15/2015 8:52:01 PM

John 3rd

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Makes some sense. We might look at the 29th or 30th. Just checked the two TF bringing Southern Army, 14th Army, 3 Eng Regiments, and 6 Artillery units and they SHOULD get to the area around the 26th/27th. Both TF are moving at 17 Knots. It'll be close...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/15/2015 10:07:13 PM >

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RE: Planning - 6/16/2015 1:41:15 AM

bigred

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quote:

6. Invasion Force: Five Infantry Divisions are now at Kona or Hilo. All are in the 35-50% prep range on Pearl. All fice ID are at full strength. Combined Fleet is prepping for PH and sits at Hilo. We could land this force in three days if we want. The invasion bonus is good for 19 more days. I am thinking about making the assault landing on March 31st. Will have the landing bonus and there is a good chance that Southern Army HQ as well as 14th Army HQ will be present. Those two TF are also bringing a crapload of Engineers and Artillery units. Certainly would be fun to land with ALL of it.

Divisions not at 100 prep. Guess u cant wait. Allied divisions are probably not organized yet. Just a bunch of regiments.

< Message edited by bigred -- 6/16/2015 2:42:13 AM >

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RE: Planning - 6/16/2015 2:59:09 AM

John 3rd

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By the end of March at the time of the landing, everyone will be up and over 50-65%. Just think it is easier to land while I have the bonus then to wait until May 1st or so...

Really would like to have Southern Army HQ and 14th Army HQ along at that point. Would get all sorts of bonus for landing and attacks.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/16/2015 4:00:18 AM >

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RE: Planning - 6/16/2015 9:07:04 PM

John 3rd

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Home and running the turn. Hopefully we'll soon be hearing the massive explosions of 16" BLASTING Pearl Harbor...

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By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/16/2015 10:53:53 PM

John 3rd

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March 12, 1942

Rr-Adm Tanaka Raizo watches his mighty TF move into position as he prepares to open fire with 34 16" rifles. His target is Hickham Field and the area around Pearl Harbor. Orders are most emphatic to NOT send a single shell towards the vast oil storage facilities. THAT fuel storage is reserved for the Kaigun!

As he lowers his binoculars, the eight DMS in the Task Force peel off and begin sweeping through the minefields in the area. As they get to work, these valuable ships are taken under heavy fire and sunk before Tanaka can begin his bombardment (all sunk PRIOR to the bombardment in the turn. CRAP!).

With excitement competing with anger, the Admiral simply says 'fire' to the Captain of IJN Owari. The entire battleline opens up and for the next 90 minutes the Japanese battle ships pound American defenses and airfields. Secondary explosions fill the skies periodically and a sense of gladness begin to fill the bridge staff as no damage is taken in return.

At 0330 the order is given to 'cease fire' and return to Lahaina. Three AKE wait there where the BBs will replenish their magazines for a return trip in two days.

GAME RESULT: 4 Planes destroyed, 48 Planes Damaged, 221 Casualties, extensive AF damage (29%).

At Combined Fleet HQ in Hilo, the results are tabulated and the instant decision is made. Orders are sent to Vc-Adm Yamaguchi Tamon, "detach all four battle cruisers and 8 DD to conduct bombardment at Pearl Harbor. Set minimum range to be no less then 20,000 yards." Northeast of PH these powerful, mixed warships peel out of formation and set course for Pearl Harbor...

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By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/16/2015 11:47:45 PM

John 3rd

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Combat Report
March 12, 1942
The Aleutians

Lots of action in the north!

Cold Bay
The successful bombardment at PH is mirrored in the north when BC's Kongo and Haruna plaster Cold Bay with 14" shellfire. There is no range limit here so the BCs and DDs close to point blank range. The results are quite heartening: 7 planes destroyed, 37 damaged, 82 Casualties, and moderate damage to the AF. They are ordered to hit it again then retire to Umnak. While they prepare for another round, BB Ise with 6 DDs will add their weight to the attack in a separate bombardment. No planes fly from this base all day!

Akutan
The Invasion Force of the Karafuto Brigade and 1st SNLD Para Assault Brigade begin unloading at this base. The Japanese have flown recon over this base for weeks and the defense APPEARS to be several engineering units and a Base Force. With no trouble from the air ZEROs fly leisurely circles over the TF. Three CLs pound areas of resistance. About mid-day the 3 CLs and 4 DDs pull away from the Invasion Force to form into a real bombardment group that will shell the Americans during the night prior to retirement at Umnak. An additional CL and 6 DD will also bombard this area. The troops are ordered to sharpen their bayonets and prepare to assault the unknown defenses tomorrow.

CV TF
The Japanese CVs hold three hexes west of Akutan providing LRCAP. Tomorrow they move NNE about three more hexes and shall do the same thing.

The Invasion Force will be fully unloaded tomorrow and at that point the CVLs and BCs shall reform and head back to Pearl Harbor.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/17/2015 12:48:24 AM >

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/16/2015 11:53:53 PM

Sangeli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
GAME RESULT: 4 Planes destroyed, 48 Planes Damaged, 221 Casualties, extensive AF damage (29%).

That's a pretty good result. The key for you now going forward is to take advantage of the disruption mechanism that affects engineer repair. Even if PH is stuffed to the brim with engineers, as long as those engineering units have high disruption they won't repair the AF. Which for you means the goal is to make sure you have a steady stream of bombardments rather than super powerful ones every so often. Maybe you could try rotating your BBs as to free your CAs for other missions?

What's the status of your invasion fleet? I hope you brought dozens of xAKL for the task. Even if you continue this bombardment I can guarantee you the invasion fleet is going to take pretty heavy ship losses.

At this point I think you're pretty set to take PH. In order for the Allies to stop you they'd really have to throw some dice with very unfavorable odds.

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/17/2015 12:49:08 AM

John 3rd

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I agree.

Think I'll take two bombardment TF and turn them into three. Will create a 3 BB TF, a 3 BC TF, and a BB--BC TF for the third one. Am ordering three more AKE to Lahaina to help. We're going to burn a lot of supply doing this but it should help in the long run.

The more air power I get into Hawaii the more dangerous it becomes. Just added 27 Betty this turn and shall bring in 64 Nell the day after that. Michael REALLY needs to create a distraction right now to slow down what is to come.

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/17/2015 3:41:16 AM

Sangeli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Think I'll take two bombardment TF and turn them into three. Will create a 3 BB TF, a 3 BC TF, and a BB--BC TF for the third one. Am ordering three more AKE to Lahaina to help. We're going to burn a lot of supply doing this but it should help in the long run.

Well you should be very careful about those supply levels if you're going to bombard regularly with such big guns. All you need to do with bombardment is keep that AF damaged. When you land and you start attacking the base you're going to want to ramp up bombardment even further. That's because bombardments then will be even more powerful and disruptive when you can get those forts down a few levels. Best be sure you have enough supply so you can ramp up bombardment about two weeks from now.

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By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/17/2015 6:43:29 AM

John 3rd

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Combat Report
March 13, 1942
Aleutians

The Akutan Invasion has always been a spoiling attack from my point of view. A chance to knock down Allied air power some, take a shot at Allied warships, and kill of some troops. Most of those objectives are fulfilled over the last couple of days. A deliberate attack occurs on March 13th and scores a delightful 4-1 result. For 235 troops, the Japanese destroy five American units with roughly 2,865 men. The majority are construction and a base force. Japan inherits a nice Lvl-2 AF and 16,000 supply. NICE!

The Carrier TF and pair of BCs all move southwards to join-up and return to Hawaiian Waters. Looks like a nicely done operation presently. Load up the SNLF Paras to take back to Adak for some R&R.

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< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/17/2015 7:44:09 AM >

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/17/2015 6:48:39 AM

John 3rd

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Combat Report
March 13, 1942
Pearl Harbor

The four Japanese BC's level their 14-16" rifles at PH and deliver another nasty bombardment. While not quite as effective, this bombardment focuses on troops, weapons, and vehicles: 18 Guns and 17 Vehicles as well as 29 damaged aircraft.

The effects are seen the following day when American air power--for the first time--is driven from the skies. Betty--Nells--Liz's hit the AF and Port. The Port results MUST get the Allies attention: BB Oklahoma 1TT, BB Tennessee 1 TT, BB Nevada 1 TT, and BB Arizona 3 TT. He MUST flee sometime soon!

No bombardment tomorrow but planes are set on Naval Attack/Port--AF Attack.

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/19/2015 12:40:57 AM

John 3rd

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Hello All.

The family is planning on going out to Strasburg, CO for Fri--Sun for some R&R and railroad looking.

Michael is sending me a turn tonight and I shall do (since I am not working tomorrow) an update after I watch and do orders for that turn...

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/19/2015 6:43:56 AM

John 3rd

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Hoped to do an update but it is way late. We're at March 15th and I'm planning a major SMACK at PH on the 17th. No other exciting news at this point. Sorry readers!

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By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/19/2015 2:09:33 PM

John 3rd

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Combat Report
NORPAC and Operation Eastern Storm
March 16, 1942

Going to crank this one out so you have a good idea as to the status of operations in these two theatres.

North Pacific
Akutan
The falls of Akutan is great. We pick-up a Sz-2 AF and a forward base to take pressure off of Umnak. Leave the Karafuto Brigade there for the moment but pick-up the 1st Para SNLF Assault Brigade and haul it back to Adak for R&R.

Cold Bay
Michael is convinced that I am coming for Cold Bay. I might be... Have two bombardments going into that location next turn: BB Ise and 5 DDs as well as 3 CL and 4 DDs. Want to keep his air power occupied and knocked down for a bit.

Umnak
All the action at Akutan served as a fine distraction allowing me to unload 20,000 supply here providing for the base for several months. NICE!

Operation Eastern Storm
As mentioned earlier we have AFs growing Lahaina just went to 5 and Lihue to 3.

All five ID are now unloaded on the Islands. Prep continues to climb but will not hit 100% until late-May. Cannot wait for that. Fuel costs and wear & tear is mounting. Need to get ashore SOON. Will begin loading the Invasion Force on the 25th. Everything will gather at Lahaina with D-Day set for March 29th. We'll get in just ahead of the invasion bonus ending. Truly HOPE Southern Army and other reinforcements make it prior to the landing. It is gonna be close.

Operation KO

Am about to commence a massive three day operation designed at finishing Pearl Harbor's air and doing some serious damage to shipping in the Port. As has become the norm, am Sweeping and sending in Bombing raids everyday. Fewer and fewer planes are rising to meet the attacks. WE--ARE--CLOSE! Do a mandatory Stand Down today and tomorrow for rest and refit. EVERYTHING shall fly on the 18th. Plan:

March 17th
Two Bombardment TF of 4 BC and a BB will hit the base to damage aircraft and disrupt life on the Ilse.

March 18th
Another Bombardment goes in with 3 BBs.

LBA strikes in the afternoon with a combined attack of nearly 350 planes. The vast majority shall hit the AF further degrading this area. Roughly 80 planes will go after the Port. This shall all be Zero--Betty--Nell in the attack.

March 19th
The original Bombardment TFs return for encore.

The LBA strikes again with EVERYTHING shifting to Port Attack. Kates will fly adding weight to the attack.

KB stops its slow patrol NE of the Island Chain and moves in to add nearly 600 planes to the attack. Everything BUT Vals will be used in this attack.

**NOTE**
The BBs at PH have been taking damage steadily. Torp hits have been inflicted on BBs Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona, and California.

All air attacks are set for Naval Attack/Port Attack providing for the possibility of a massed breakout or attempted intervention from the carriers on the West Coast. He MUST do something ASAP!

Carrier State
By the 19th EVERY carrier deck of Japan will be present. The Aleutian Group (2 CVL and 3 CVE) as well as the freshly repaired Akagi and spanking new Junyo will be in on the attack. This means a force of 7 CV, 5 CVL, 3 CVE, and 2 CAV will fly sorties against Pearl Harbor.

BANZAI!

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/19/2015 3:13:16 PM >

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/19/2015 5:30:54 PM

pws1225

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/19/2015 8:29:46 PM

Lecivius

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

pick-up the 1st Para SNLF Assault Brigade and haul it back to Adak for R&R.

Man...you gotta be joking

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/21/2015 7:35:02 PM

John 3rd

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OK. We're back from a few days off and getting ready to run turn.

Lecivius: What do you mean?

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/21/2015 9:10:44 PM

pws1225

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Welcome back. How was the train watching?

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Operation KO - 6/21/2015 9:16:41 PM

John 3rd

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Combat Report
March 17, 1942

The family got in a good couple of days AWAY from LaSalle and all returned without incident. Might Post some pictures once Paula downloads them off the camera.

North Pacific
The fall of Akutan was very easy. It has led to to think about grabbing Cold Bay as well. Recon shows three units present. There are also three at Dutch Harbor. He has some PBY present at DH. Need to think of this some. Taking Cold Bay would be nice but really think I need to have PH dealt with and can then give thought to threatening Alaska/Canada.

Cold Bay
A TF of 4 CL and 4 DD bombard the base and deal with some CD return fire. No big deal. Tomorrow BB Ise will hit the location.

Central Pacific
Operation Eastern Storm
Operation KO--Phase ONE starts in LOVELY fashion as BB Owari and BC Ishitaka BLAST (19 16" Rifles) PH and cause a bunch of chaos. It appears that 9 planes were destroyed, 33 damaged, BB Idaho was hit twice, 213 Casualties, 24 Guns, 44 Vehicles as well as solid AF damage inflicted. An hour later three Japanese BC unload with the new Kawachi leading the venerable Hiei and Kirishima in gunnery practice. Results are not quite as good but are still OK. Losses: 315 Casualties, 18 Guns, 26 Vehicles, and some AF damage.

A two day stand down of all aircraft has helped morale and repair some planes. Tomorrow (18th) will see EVERY Zero, Betty, Nell, and Kate hit PH and its AF. Three BBs will bombard during the night to help the aerial assault.

KB
The Japanese CVs have managed to rest nearly all Daitai to 100% morale and attitude. These air groups will jump into the fray on the 19th. may have a return engagement by one of the Bombardment groups from today hitting the base then.

South Pacific
Mopping up going on here. Landings at Talasea and Gasmata today.

We have Horn Island, Port Moresby, Milne Bay over to Lunga. This is the Outer Defense Line.

Philippines
Load what was the most banged-up Japanese ID at Manila and send it to capture Cebu. Everything else is taken. I've waited for the ID to rest up before using it prior to April 1st. This unit will finish up the Central Philippines and then head south to grab Broome to begin the conquest of NW Australia.

DEI
Mopping up as well with troops landing at Morokai, Boela, and that other small oil base east of there.

Troops about to take Kendari and then they will spring board to Koepang.

Java
Batavia
Michael refers to the Dutch at Batavia as the 'Battling Bastards of Batavia.' He is correct. I have not been able to take this base with THREE ID present. NUTS! It gets bombed everyday and will be taken once we have everywhere else.

Soerabaja
Have got one ID present holding the troops there for the moment.

SW of Soerabaja
The last Japanese ID is about to take the base direct SW of Soerabaja and then it will join at Soerabaja to finish resistance there.

Some places have to give when you are dealing with Scenario ONE IJA Troops. Eastern DEI and Java has been it for me. As soon as Manila and Bataan fells I pulled out LOTS of artillery and troops and sent them east instead of south. This has really slowed the pace a bunch. Since the ENTIRE JAPANESE NAVY is off Hawaii, I have constantly worried about Michael showing up with that HUGE TF of CVs and other warships. That he hasn't has really surprised me.

No activity has led me to worry about him sending it all the way to the West Coast for decisive concentration for saving PH. Don't think that is a remote possibility but there is always a chance.

Burma
Looking good. Have Cox's Bazar and everything along the coast. Port Blair is building up nicely. All Burma is taken and I am thinking of a different idea for my playing style. Am giving serious thought to sending 2-3 ID down the raod towards Paoshan, China.

China
I've PUSHED really hard around Changsha to no avail. Have inflicted casualties on Michael but nothing exciting. Have pulled back a number of ID to create a defensive line. Most of the the Changsha activity was a massive staged diversion to bring troops down from the north and west creating possible openings elsewhere.

Just took that dot base in the north on my way to grab the Chinese oil. This 'northern force' isn't too big. It has two ID, 3 TK Reg, and 3 smaller units.

Moving in from the west might be interesting. Wonder if we could seriously threaten Kunming? Hmm...

Haven't really done any engineering reports or SS Activity in forever so I shall detail from March 10th forward:

Engineering
March 10th: Nanchang AF-5
March 11th: Kona AF-2, Fanning AF-3
March 13th: Benkoelen AF-2
March 14th: Lihue AF-3
March 15th: Fusan Pt-6
March 16th: Lahaina AF-5
March 17th: Shanghai AF-7, Saigon AF-7, Hilo AF-4

(EDIT--Got called over to the store for a few minutes!)

SS Ops
March 10th: I-3 SINKS AG Wanaka near Warnamboal
March 14th: Ro-61 SINKS AP David Bianch with 3 TT near Pt. Heiden
March 17th: I-155 SINKS SS KXIII with a TT near Koggala
I-26 hits AK City of Dalhart with a TT and SINKS AK Corrales with 3 TT near San Fran: NICE!

This is the first activity I have seen on the West Coast for a while. Might it mean something? Hmmm...

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< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/21/2015 10:52:46 PM >

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/21/2015 9:56:39 PM

John 3rd

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quote:

ORIGINAL: pws1225

Welcome back. How was the train watching?

GREAT! WE went to the bustling community of Hugo, CO (Population 850) and saw the only remaining standing Union Pacific round house left in the state. We've been making a minor contribution to this location for 3 years in our caboose's name (UP 25251) but are going to bump it up some due to actually SEEING the place! The round house is a mess but the walls are sound and they have had a new roof placed on it (cost $500,000) and are now waiting on new windows and doors to make it weather tight. These are another $500,000! Once they have done that then the FUN can start with the restoration of the interior.

We'll be active participants now!

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/21/2015 10:44:54 PM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

OK. We're back from a few days off and getting ready to run turn.

Lecivius: What do you mean?

I think he means that the Aleutians are where you send people when you want them to be miserable.

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/21/2015 11:06:15 PM

John 3rd

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If so, THAT is funny! I completely agree as well...

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/22/2015 12:21:50 AM

pws1225

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From: Tate's Hell, Florida
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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

quote:

ORIGINAL: pws1225

Welcome back. How was the train watching?

GREAT! WE went to the bustling community of Hugo, CO (Population 850) and saw the only remaining standing Union Pacific round house left in the state. We've been making a minor contribution to this location for 3 years in our caboose's name (UP 25251) but are going to bump it up some due to actually SEEING the place! The round house is a mess but the walls are sound and they have had a new roof placed on it (cost $500,000) and are now waiting on new windows and doors to make it weather tight. These are another $500,000! Once they have done that then the FUN can start with the restoration of the interior.

We'll be active participants now!

Excellent! It sounds like an interesting place to see.

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By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/22/2015 3:17:41 PM

John 3rd

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Combat Report
March 18-19, 1942

I am going to declare Pearl Harbor's air MINE at this point. Lord knows Sweeps of 150 Zeros couldn't do it but BB--BC Bombardments certainly could.

North Pacific
Calm for the moment. I divert CV Akagi and Junyo slightly north (just passing Midway) so a large Daitai of Zeros can be delivered to Adak.

Central Pacific
Operation Eastern Storm
The success of Operation KO cannot be denied. Allied air power has been decisively broken at Pearl Harbor. Multiple bombardments and aerial attacks have done the work. The AFs are now at nearly 60% damage. Just a paltry 5 Fighters met the Japanese in the air on the 19th. Here are the bombardments:

18th 3 BB--Nagato, Mutsu and Hitachi destroy 15 planes, damage 63, take out 14 Guns, 498 Cas and 24 Vehicles.
19th BB Owari and BC Ishitaka destroy 4 Planes, Damage 21, 6 Guns, 9 Vehicles, and 187 Cas.
3 BC--Kawachi, Hiei, and Kirishima destroy 3 Planes, Damage 34, 521 Cas, 9 Guns, and 8 Vehicles.

Knocking out the guns is now pivotal. Every gun destroyed is one less faced during the invasion. We're also knocking down his supply. It cannot be good at all.

In the air life is pretty good now. A few planes are lost to ATA and AA but that is it. Lower my bombing altitude for bombing from 13,000 to 11,000 Feet. Am finally beginning to hit other targets then BBs. My Kates are now starting to occasionally drop TTs and the Pacific Battle Fleet is now DOOMED! Four of the BBs are at heavy damage while the other 4 are simply a mess. Sinking all eight would be DELIGHTFUL! Cannot forget the remaining 96 other ships there. I want them...

Kido Butai
All CVs shall be united the day after tomorrow. Neutralizing Pearl's air power now raises all sorts of thoughts. I DO NOT NEED KB hanging here until he makes his breakout. The CVs will refuel tomorrow and we'll look at some serious options after that. Have to stay close enough to crush a breakout but can move a bit without issues...

South Pacific
Capture Talasea and Gasmata.

Philippines
Cebu
The 33rd ID lands here on the 19th. It faces three units but SHOULD be enough to take the base easily.

Java
Madioen falls on the 19th.

DEI
Capture hexes 45,75 and 46,84 in Sumatra, Boela, and Dili on the 18th. Koepang falls on the 19th.

Burma
Very Calm at this time.

China
Pretty static presently. Michael is panicking over my thrust in the north threatening his oil. LOTS of troops arrows pointing at movement. A retrograde movement in a couple of locations is occurring and we'll follow wherever possible.

Engineering
18th: Eniwetok AF-2, Midway Pt-2, and Changchow AF-3
19th: Taichu AF-6

SS Ops
I-19 SINKS AK Makaweo near San Fran with 3 TTs

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< Message edited by John 3rd -- 6/22/2015 4:21:22 PM >

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By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/22/2015 3:22:21 PM

John 3rd

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Isn't this an ominous sight on March 19, 1942:

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RE: By Dawn's Early Light... - 6/22/2015 6:05:48 PM

Sangeli

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Yes, I had a lot of confidence that things could go well in Hawaii for you! As you said yourself the BB/BC bombardments are simultaneously devastating and highly sustainable (unlike Zero sweeps).

Is the IJAAF involved yet? I think level bombers here would help you out a ton. Now that the BBs are finally close to being sunk you need to eliminate the 100 extra ships. The 4x250kg bomb load on your Sally is a better port strike weapon against a crowded port than any armament load that Betty's can carry. And of course those pilot losses are much easier to replace as well. This will also leave your Betty's to fly naval strike which you will need for the inevitable breakout attempt.

Counting down until the landing date...should be fun to watch!

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