SqzMyLemon
Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009 From: Alberta, Canada Status: offline
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The game date is now 13 Feb 44. An update on the New Britain and New Guinea theatres. Canadian 4th Bde. is ashore at Umboi Island. The unit is 100% prepped and the Japanese defence won't hold for long. The first deliberate attack achieved 2:1 odds and reduced the forts to level 2. One or two more attacks should do it. U.S. 6th Division has landed at Manus. I rushed the amphibious landing with only 56% prep and suffered 100+ disabled squads. Portions of the division have yet to arrive by amphibious landing. The defence is weak, so the division will recover disruption and await the arrival of it's remaining components before launching an assault. U.S. 24th Division has landed at Madang. The unit is 100% prepped and two deliberate assaults have reduced the forts. The last attack yielded 1:1 odds. Two U.S. tank battalions will arrive shortly to reinforce. There has been no response from Japanese air or naval forces to these latest landings, excepting a sweep by Georges against Nadzab on the 13th, which caught a number of Martlet's performing long range CAP out of Buna, eight were lost. This was offset by Spitfire VIII sweeps of Madang which downed five Frank's for the loss of one Spitfire. What next? Allied units continue to consolidate their recent gains. Supply is now pouring into Buna, Milne Bay, Lae and Port Moresby. Fuel is arriving at Rabaul in large amounts with 110k currently stockpiled. This should reach 200k in a few days as tankers are already queued at the docks. Unit fragments are rejoining their parent LCU's. Combat LCU's continue their preparation for new targets, but I will not hesitate to trade disruption for increased speed of advance. The next targets are Hollandia and Sarmi, which will be hard to take. These will require 100% prep and well planned amphibious operations. The support of the navy will be crucial to the success of the operation. Madang's and Manus's airbases will provide LBA support once captured and operational. I've already damaged Hollandia's airbase with two 4E raids, but losses were heavier than anticipated as a result of poor coordination and errant orders on my part, resulting in a further 15 B-24J's destroyed needlessly. Allied 2E's have not been terribly effective against the Japanese defenders at Madang, Manus, New Hanover or Umboi Island. I'm not sure why, but I have to make better use of these assets. At worst, perhaps the supply situation for the Japanese is decreasing. Three new battleships will reach Rabaul within a week. The navy hasn't lost a beat with damaged ships being sent to Tulagi, Suva and Sydney for repairs, and new replacements arriving on a regular basis. Japanese submarines have been neutralized in the theatre. Allied ASW forces are performing stellar service and Japanese submarines are paying a heavy price when encountered. Forces are now being gathered for an amphibious operation against Merauke. Darwin is the ultimate objective, but will require a splitting of Allied naval forces to capture. I'm not in a position to do so yet. Merauke first, then I'll set myself up for a hammer blow against Darwin. Operations against the Gilbert's and Marshall's has been postponed. I need to assign permanent amphibious shipping to these theatres, but right now all assets are required for operations against New Guinea. Erik has commented that I'm keeping the pressure on in So Pac. The tough fights are ahead, but it's nice to know he's starting to feel the weight of the Allied push. I think I can cause concern if I can get to Hollandia, Sarmi and Biak within a month. Taking these bases opens up moves against the Celebes, Borneo, the Philippines, Babeldoab and even the Marianas somewhat. Of course, it also means the full weight of Japanese air and naval forces can be brought to bear against me. I believe there will be some massive battles in a few months time.
< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/12/2016 11:24:06 PM >
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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)
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