RE: Allied: December 17th 1944

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RE: Allied: December 17th 1944 - 8/21/2021 9:35:37 PM

Remington700

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Nice idea! This eliminates the need for a suicide attack to hit something with the fleet or just to reduce oil upkeep. The oilers act as a stockpile that can be used where most needed. And it mirrors the historical problem (I know - not a simulation, but it still is for me) Japan had with the lack of raw materials to repair damaged ships correctly.

I did do a test and it seems air units defend over friendly territory without oil. So all is not lost without the oil. However I can't help but wonder if it should be.

<as usual, edited for spelling and grammar>

< Message edited by Remington700 -- 8/21/2021 9:37:33 PM >

(in reply to YueJin)

Post #: 841

Japan: December 31st 1944 - 8/21/2021 9:40:28 PM

Remington700

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Japan: December 31st 1944

Vinh
The loss of Vinh has caused a major supply problem. Twelve of eighteen units are just Basic Supply. This stops the flow of replacements to the beat-up 27th and 42nd Divisions and the 18th Army. The loss in supply has eliminated any chance of a successful counterattack this turn.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 842

RE: Japan: December 31st 1944 - 8/21/2021 9:44:42 PM

Remington700

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Indochina
The entire western line pulls back towards the Mekong River. The 1st and 15th armies are moving into place to assault Vinh and reopen supply lines. As shown before, the Mekong Delta will remain a strongpoint, but without air support I am not sure how long it will hold out. However, there is enough supply to the three armies and a HQ at full supply. We just need to find a way to keep the port supplied.

East China
Snow begins to fall, and the line once again begins to lose effectiveness. South of the You River and Nanning the weather is clear, and the defending divisions are dug-in to repel enemy advances. The corridor along the coast will be held open in hopes supply lines can be reopened to Indochina. This is a great place to bog down the enemy advance across the Pacific. Supply is poor for both combatants and the use of airpower is problematic in this area. This nullifies the allied strategic advantage, working in favor of delaying actions.

The Combined Fleet relocate to Hong Kong. This will keep them within one leg of Manila and Saigon which will allow hit run attacks throughout the South China Sea. The fleet will then move to Nagoya on the mainland to be within one leg from the Marianas. Since patrolling from port to ports uses the same amount of oil as remaining stationary at one port, the idea is to defend both areas while supply lasts.

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Post #: 843

RE: Japan: December 31st 1944 - 8/21/2021 9:47:02 PM

Remington700

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Builds

Japan: 1 Infantry Army unit. Replacements remain at 150.

With the oil problem, future builds will include both Supply Trucks and Oilers to help with the defense. And AA guns.

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Post #: 844

Allied: December 31st 1944 - 8/21/2021 9:53:12 PM

Remington700

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Allied: December 31st 1944

Indochina
After the success at Vinh Operation Boa is launched. The plan calls for the total blockade of Indochina followed by the continuous constriction of enemy positions. Just north of Quang Ngai the US 1st Corps lands and pushes inland. Two airstrikes from B-24 bombers pound the port resulting in the loss of six Zero SPs flying long range CAP. The 1st Corps assaults the position, supported by Naval bombardment and Carrier ground support, and forces the defenders to retreat after taking a 2 SP hit. The US 2nd Corps lands in a follow-on wave and moves inland to occupy the Port. Quang Ngai is now firmly under allied control.

Two hundred miles to the south the US 3rd Corps hits the beach and pushes inland. Following the same battle plan, the Imperial Guards Division at the Port of Cam Ranh is hammered by B-24 bombers. The 3rd Corps attacks doing 4 SPs in damage and forcing the enemy to retreat. The 32nd Division lands unopposed and captures the port. Cam Ranh is now under allied control.

The first phase of the operation ends with the arrival of the US 5th Fleet to help secure the area from enemy carrier attack. Saigon is blockaded and with the addition of the British Pacific Fleet carriers, naval units spread out to secure the entire cost line from Quang Ngai to the Mekong Delta. Indochina is under total blockade and all Japanese forces should be out of supply! (Naval unit statistics are set as shown. The first is the number of carriers in the stack, the second the amount of surface ships and the third is the number of units being transported. The allies now have 22 fleet and light carriers in play.)

To take advantage of Japan�s lack of supply Anglo-Indian corps continue to push south and west, keeping up the pressure on the enemy. Saigon is the ultimate objective, while the rest of the IJA can be left to wither away. However, the Carrier taskforces must be freed up as soon as possible. They are needed elsewhere.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 845

RE: Allied: December 31st 1944 - 8/21/2021 9:58:31 PM

Remington700

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China
In South China and across the border into Indochina supply has become a problem. With the capture of Vinh the enemy has been split into two large forces � China and Indochina. The cost was the reduction of supply to multiple units over a large area. Port Supply has replaced Main Supply, even changing the status of the Main Supply source at Kunming. As shown on the screengrab below, all Chinese units are limited to Basic Supply with only one port generating supply at a rate so low it will not fully supply one unit. From a game perspective this is excellent news. It puts a yoke on the Chinese advance and forces the need for additional resources to capture Haiphong.

To aid with the defense of Vinh five air strikes are launched against positions of the Japanese 1st Army. This represents upwards of 1700 bombers and fighter escorts hammering the enemy causing a 1 SP loss, which equates too 2,000 plus casualties. This is followed by two assaults from two Indian Corps causing another 6 SPs in losses. Allied ground losses were high at 8 SPs. The enemy holds their position however the main objective was met � the 1st Army �s offensive capabilities are greatly reduced and may well be immobilized. They will not be able to contribute much to an assault on Vinh. Since the unit is out of supply, they cannot use supply units and will not receive replacements or effectiveness gains.

Convoy Attacks
The US submarines are now grouped together into large wolfpacks. This has been successful to some degree. Alfa pack consisting of the Devilfish, Bonefish and Skipjack sink a Merchant Marine. One hundred miles away Beta pack, containing the Wahoo, Tang and Finback sink both a Merchant Marine and an escort. With the loss of the escort, things may have changed a bit. Beta pack is broken up with each sub hunting on their own. The intent is to test the enemy�s ASW strength with both a pack and solo attacks.

My records show nine escorts have been sunk since the start of the war. Reports show 8 remaining escorts and has done so for months. This is a test to see the enemy�s ASW capabilities, and the difference between hunting as a group or solo.

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Post #: 846

RE: Allied: December 31st 1944 - 8/21/2021 10:01:41 PM

Remington700

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Builds
UK: 2 Supply units.
India: 1 Supply unit.
Red China: 1 Supply unit.
USA: 1 Supply unit.

Convoys
USA: 50 PPs to UK
USA: 10 OPs to UK
USA: 50 PPs to India
USA: 30 OPs to India

West Coast
Three large US Corps and a ground attack air wing are on the mainland waiting for orders. There has not been enough transport capacity to move these units. A transport unit is due to arrive next turn which will bring the US total up to 120, however this far short of what is needed. It takes six months to build a transport, so it is too late to do anything about the shortfall. As mentioned by others, the US needs at least 150 for late game use. Looking at my issues, I think 170 might be about right. Something to think about for my next game.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 847

Japan: January 14th 1945 - 8/22/2021 7:57:00 PM

Remington700

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Japan: January 14th 1945

Indochina
You know you are in big trouble when you open your screen and see 17 units without supply. Something must be done as a few of these trapped armies are needed for the defense of the home islands. The Imperial Japanese Navy is tasked with clearing up this mess, so the Combined Fleet leaves the Port of Hong Kong and heads into the teeth of the enemy.

Intelligence agents spot multiple taskforces off Cam Ranh. Japanese carriers move full speed ahead into the mouth of the lion. The US Task Force 58 is the first to respond followed shortly by the Japanese carriers. Both sides launch planes and prepare to be attacked. One hundred miles east Judys and Jills find the CVs Hancock and Independence, attacking from multiple directions. Hellcats and zeros mix it up with each group losing 4 SPs a piece. Both carriers are hit with the Independence taking severe damage. The battleships Colorado and Wisconsin put up tenacious AA fire shooting down three SPs before being swarmed by dive-bombers. The Colorado takes minor damage, but the Wisconsin takes multiple hits and fires rage out of control. The ship takes on water and settles to stern. It will sink before the days end.

Helldivers and TBFs blow through our fighter cover and target multiple battleships. The Yamashiro takes the blunt of the attack head on and is soon set ablaze and sinking. The Yamato takes three hits but is still under power and the Ise takes minor damage. All carriers remain safely away from the attack for now. With the loss of surprise, the Combined Fleet moves at flank speed to Manila. They will receive minor repairs and replacements and hopefully will be ready for another hit and run attack next turn.

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Post #: 848

RE: Japan: January 14th 1945 - 8/22/2021 7:58:46 PM

Remington700

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Vinh
The 10th light cruiser squadron arrives offshore of Vinh and resupplies the 44th and 42nd divisions to return effectiveness. The 15th Army supported by the resupplied 42nd and 44th divisions launch a two desperation attacks against the Chinese 5th Army group holding Vinh. Odds are favorable and the enemy takes four SP hits but continues to hold the port. Due to being out of supply the Imperial infantry has reduced operation points and can only attack twice. Next turn will be worse.

North of Vinh the fully supplied 2nd Army and 3rd Division attack the Chinese 16th Army in a desperate attempt to open the railroad outside of Haiphong. The enemy is supported by B-25 bombers and the attack goes nowhere. Losses are light on both sides, but the enemy still holds the line separating China from Indochina.

Five armies slowly make their way east towards Vinh. They are retreating in good fashion, but without supply they will weaken fast. Somehow Vinh must be captured or the blockade at Saigon broken. Otherwise, the entire force will wither and die.

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Post #: 849

RE: Japan: January 14th 1945 - 8/22/2021 8:00:04 PM

Remington700

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South China Sea
Two wings of G4M bombers with naval air specialties are transferred to Hong Kong and Haikou. They will support attacks on Vinh and attempt to keep the allied navy out of the area. A fresh group of A6m3s are relocated to Taihoku to provide additional CAP throughout the South China Sea. While this weakens positions around Manila the air units are critical to recapture of Vinh and keeping the enemy carriers out of the Gulf of Tonkin.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 850

RE: Japan: January 14th 1945 - 8/22/2021 8:01:09 PM

Remington700

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Builds
Japan: 1 Supply unit. Replacements remain at 150.

With 13 oilers there is greater need for land supply units. It remains to be seen if the coastal defense counters will be worth the production points.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 851

Allied: January 14th 1945 - 8/22/2021 8:05:46 PM

Remington700

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Allied: January 14th 1945

China
Task Force 58 launches airstrikes against enemy light cruisers and destroyers trying to sneak supplies ashore. The convoys are destroyed but the damage has been done. Multiple enemy units have been resupplied. The taskforce is needed for another mission so they steam south toward Cam Ranh.

B-25s, Boston and Fairey dive-bombers continuously pound the Japanese 15th Army causing a SP in damage and a large loss of effectiveness. Since the enemy is unsupplied the loss should render the unit all but worthless in an attack to capture Vinh.

Haiphong is a tough nut to crack with basic supply. The immediate objective is to hold on to Vinh, stopping enemy supply to Indochina. Great effort has gone towards limiting the combat strength of units moving in this direction. Effectiveness and strength loss will add up as the port continues to be held. However, the suicide resupply runs are causing a problem and must be delt with. It may be time for allied carriers to enter the Gulf of Tonkin to establish naval dominancy and blockade Haiphong while supporting Chinese assaults in the area.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 852

RE: Allied: January 14th 1945 - 8/22/2021 8:11:08 PM

Remington700

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Indochina
The Indian 2nd and Burma Corps attack positions of the 1st Army on the west side of the Mekong River. After multiple land and airstrikes, the enemy takes a total of 12 hits and routes across the river. The fresh Waziristan Corps exploits the breach and reaches the Mekong River. Just one hundred miles from the coast, the enemy is being driven from the area south of Vinh.

Combat rages along the Mekong River targeting the withdrawing Japanese 18th Army. After multiple attacks the enemy is overran and destroyed. One hundred miles north of Saigon a combined Anglo-Indian attack with three corps attack positions of the enemy 2nd Division. After taking a total of an eight SP loss the division retreats towards the Mekong Delta. The Indian 3rd Corps advances to the concrete pillboxes of the 11th and 12th Imperial armies. The pocket around Saigon will soon be isolated. The key to overrunning this area is to keep the blockade in place.

The US 2nd Corps pushes south from Quang Ngai to assault positions of the battle hardened 27th division. Supported by naval bombardment and carrier-based ground strikes the enemy is easily destroyed at a 33:1 combat ratio. The 2nd Corps continues south and overruns the beat-up Imperial Guards Division and enters Cam Ranh. With the loss of these two storied units (the enemy divisions have done well in many battles at key locations) US forces control the coastline from Quang Ngai to the outskirts of Saigon. And they have linked up with allied forces pushing south from Thailand.

Convoy Attacks
The Alfa wolfpack has great success sinking three Merchant Marine and another escort. By documented accounts this is the 10th escort to be sunk. While on solo war patrols the Devilfish and Bonefish each sink a freighter but take heavy damage from escorting destroyers. They return to Rabaul for repairs. The Skipjack also gets a kill but does not take damage so they will remain on patrol.

I dissolved the Alfa wolfpack into solo patrols to test incoming and outgoing damage. Even playing as Japan I do not know how many escorts are available to protect convoys.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 853

RE: Allied: January 14th 1945 - 8/22/2021 8:12:29 PM

Remington700

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Builds
UK: 5 Supply units.
India: No builds.
Canada: 1 Supply unit.
USA: 10 Landing ships.

Convoys
USA: 50 PPs to UK
USA: 10 OPs to UK
USA: 50 PPs to India
USA: 30 OPs to India

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 854

Japan: January 28th 1945 - 8/24/2021 10:12:09 PM

Remington700

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Japan: January 28th 1945

Indochina
Intelligence identifies a group of British carriers patrolling off Quang Ngai so the Combined Fleet sorties to hit the enemy and retreat before they can respond. The enemy is the first to attack with TBFs and Helldivers hammering the CVL Chitose and the supporting 16th Destroyer squadron. The light ships are heavily damaged the carrier is sunk. Fifty miles away enemy carriers are spotted and the CVL Colossus is quickly hit and sunk. The battleship Ramillies responds with heavy flak but is hit multiple times and eventually sinks. Allied air losses are high at seven SPs and Japan's are much the same at six carrier-based planes. The Combined Fleet turns and heads back to the safety of Manila. After quick repairs and replacements the group will again be ready for another hit and run attack next turn.

Vinh
The situation around Vinh has deteriorated. While there are troops in the area, they are not strong enough to attack. And due to confusion naval resupply has been suspended. (I made a big mistake and attacked with the entire Japanese fleet, including the unit targeted for land resupply. This could prove to be costly.) Units continue their retreat towards the coast. However there does not appear to be a �Dunkirk� in the making unless something can happen at Vinh.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 855

RE: Japan: January 28th 1945 - 8/24/2021 10:13:47 PM

Remington700

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Philippines
The Combined Fleet returns to Manila and should be repaired well enough to sortie next turn. Carrier effectiveness is in the high 80% range and should bump into the nineties. With the attack in Mindanao, G4M Betty bombers return from Hong Kong landing in Legaspi. This should help protect Leyte and southern Luzon.

To the west the 10th MTB squadron slips in and resupplies Palau and Yap. We have no intention of giving up these islands without a fight. The more we can delay, the longer it will take to push towards Luzon.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 856

RE: Japan: January 28th 1945 - 8/24/2021 10:14:48 PM

Remington700

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Builds
Japan: No builds. Replacements increased to 200.

Merchant Marine is down to 69 however it has yet to have a noticeable impact on production points.

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Post #: 857

Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/24/2021 10:19:27 PM

Remington700

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Allied: January 28th 1945

Indochina
Indian dive-bombers target the weakened 15th Army reducing effectiveness even more. This is followed by a joint Sino-Indian offensive that destroys the enemy army. The Indian 4th Corps advances into the breach linking up with the Chinese 32nd Army group in Vinh. With the shoulder broken, the port will be easier to defend. I doubt it can fall unless the enemy brings in naval support.

The Indian Waziristan and 5th Corps attack the headquarters of General Yamashita. The defense is weak, and the enemy takes a three-step hit and retreats across the Mekong River. A hundred miles to the south two airstrikes hammer the Japanese 21st Army softening them up even more. Anglo-Indian assaults route the enemy forcing them across the river. Without supply, the battle-hardened units of the IJA are as soft as butter on a hot day.

I did something a little different but am not sure I like it. I changed the color of controlled hexes to be green for all allied units. Which is fine for the US and UK troops but does not show the impassable terrain of Chinese controlled hexes. I will probably go back to showing the three separate colors going forward.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 858

RE: Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/24/2021 10:23:44 PM

Remington700

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Saigon
On the outskirts of Saigon, six ground strikes are flown against the Japanese 12th Army to soften up the position before an assault. They are dug-in and occupy concrete pillboxes however without supply the drop in effectiveness is bound to be a problem. An Anglo-Indian attacked is launched, supported by naval bombardment plus land and carrier-based bombers. Odds are very favorable and the enemy shatters, ceasing to function as an operational unit. (The coastal defense added a 2.94 multiplier which is the same as what is provided by the defenses of Saigon. Not a bad buff, I am just not sure if it will always apply.)

The 3rd Corp pushes through and attacks the enemy HQ unit in Saigon. The first attack does heavy damage (four SPs) and the second does another five causing the unit to route deep into the swamps of the Mekong Delta. The 3rd Corps advances into the breach taking control of the key port and VP city!

After four air strikes, the US 2nd, 3rd and 5th Corps plus the Indian 3rd Corps attack the positions of the Japanese 11th Army. Supported by bombers flying ground support the enemy is crushed, surrendering 14 SPs. The 5th Corps advances through the breach and catches the 2nd Division pinned down on the beach. They are easily destroyed. The fresh 4th Corps advances to close the gap and pin the remaining enemy forces in the marshes of the Mekong Delta. (The coastal defenses did not work in this case, as they did not provide a buff � just a 1.00 multiplier. I think it was due to the direction of the attacks but am not sure what drives this.)

Convoy Attacks
Five separate sub attacks result in four merchant marine and one destroyer escort being sunk. The Finback, Tang, Wahoo and the Skipjack all take damage and must cut their patrols short. They will return to Rabaul for repairs.

Splitting up the subs into solo groups was a bust. Four of the five attacking subs took damage even though the Japanese do not have any escort destroyers left. Reporting is a bit off. Now I show another escort was sunk, making that eleven. Japan started with ten escorts and did not create any additional so clearly something is off. Either that or subs take damage from Merchant Marine. This might have been fixed and just does not transfer to a game started in an older version.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 859

RE: Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/24/2021 10:26:55 PM

Remington700

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Philippines
Operation Victor continues. The US 11th Corps advances through Butuan toward the crossing to Leyte. This may or may not draw an enemy response. Naval bombers are needed in the area however there is not enough supply to handle the additional requirements, so the transfer has been delayed.

British submarines in two wolfpacks attack enemy MTBs attempting to resupply Palau and Yap. The SS Unruly and the Canadian fast attack sub sink the torpedo boats maintaining the blockade. Since the resupply mission failed the defenders will lose effectiveness next turn. It would not be a surprise if the enemy sends something larger to help with the resupply.

West Coast
With the limited transports I was unable to move any forces off the US mainland. However, an experienced infantry corps and Marine Division were moved closer to the action. The units on the west coast will probably not be needed unless there is an assault on the Japanese home islands.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 860

RE: Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/24/2021 10:28:11 PM

Remington700

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Builds
UK: 2 Landing ships. 2 Oilers. 2 Supply units.
India: 1 Large Infantry Corps.
China: 1 Infantry Army.
Red China: 1 Supply unit.
USA: 10 Supply units.

Convoys
USA: 50 PPs to UK
USA: 10 OPs to UK
USA: 50 PPs to India
USA: 30 OPs to India

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 861

RE: Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/25/2021 7:39:32 PM

John B.

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I don't think the IJN trading CVLs will really help much. Given that there are no more VP hexes in Indochina, perhaps they should save their fleet for the battle for Manila.

(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 862

RE: Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/25/2021 10:34:54 PM

Remington700

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That's a good point. At this stage in the game it is all about delaying the allied capture of VP locations. And without the carriers, Manila will fall fast, regardless of the number of land and air units on defense. As demonstrated in Indochina, without supply, any force (large or small) cannot last more than a few turns.

The IJN is down to four CVLs but with the high level of experience and effectiveness they still pack a powerful punch. However they cannot go toe to toe and survive against allied massed carriers. So that leaves hit and run tactics. The question is when and where to do so. German use of a "fleet in being" was a factor during WWI and is in this game too. I just have a hard time not striking when the opportunity presents itself. Despite knowing better.

(in reply to John B.)

Post #: 863

RE: Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/26/2021 6:22:23 PM

John B.

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I guess the next question is whether or not it's worth it to Japan to use the Navy for Manila. Assuming the ground can hold out for a few turns does the current Japanese lead mean the allies still need to conquer more, and, if so, does it make sense for the Japanese to continue to hoard their fleet to maintain a fleet in being and then use it for later battles?

(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 864

RE: Allied: January 28th 1945 - 8/26/2021 11:00:54 PM

Remington700

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The hit and run attacks are working. They provide a reasonable chance of success and do cause delays. Due to damage, loss in aircraft and in effectiveness the allied carriers have to keep returning to port and rotate out with other fleets. While the Japanese fleet recovers most of the effectiveness lost in the combat. The only way to stop this is to sink the ships or run them out of oil.

Now I am wondering if it is better to save the fleet to defend the home islands or to keep up the limited attacks. The allied VP situation is poor and a lot of things need to fall into place for them to win. However the sure way to an allied victory is to sack the Japanese mainland. So I guess for now I will keep it simple and keep doing what works until it doesn't. I think the game will come down to the wire for a victory determination.

(in reply to John B.)

Post #: 865

Japan: February 11th 1945 - 8/26/2021 11:05:33 PM

Remington700

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Japan: February 11th 1945

Indochina
The 42nd Division is the only unit that has enough supply for offensive action. G4M bombers provide covering fire to screen the Recon and Surveillance action of the 42nd Division as it infiltrates the enemy�s positions at Vinh. The Chinese 32nd Army is on alert and immediately counterattacks. Supported by P-38s and land-based SB2C Helldivers the enemy quickly destroys four strength points before the 42nd can extract from the area.

The intel shows the combat odds to be well below one. Even with the arrival of the unsupplied 22nd Army, the only chance at capturing Vinh will be with naval resupply and bombardment. However, with active dive-bombers and medium bombers in range the success of a resupply attempt is questionable. And the risk in having the Combined Fleet sit offshore of Vinh is way too high with 20 enemy carriers in the area. The proposed relief mission is suspended to act on other intelligence reports � which will seal the fate of the remaining Imperial forces in Indochina.

British carriers are spotted off the coast north of Saigon. The Combined Fleet sorties on a hit and run mission to engage the enemy fleet, however they are intercepted by the Helldivers out of Cam Ranh. The ensuing air battle sees the loss of two carrier-based SPs and two Helldivers. With the loss of surprise, the Combined Fleet returns to Manila for repair and return of effectiveness.

(Last turns mistake of not resupplying with destroyers has all but doomed the trapped armies. However, it is doubtful a successful resupply would change the outcome without the aid of the Combined Fleet. The goal is now to hold Haiphong for as long as possible.)

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Post #: 866

RE: Japan: February 11th 1945 - 8/26/2021 11:06:40 PM

Remington700

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Philippines
The 16th light cruiser squadron is dispatched to resupply Palau and Yap. Arriving in the area the fleet is surprised by British subs patrolling the area. Successful ASW measures work with no ships taking damage plus a sub is put out of commission. Supply will begin to flow to the islands next turn.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 867

RE: Japan: February 11th 1945 - 8/26/2021 11:07:48 PM

Remington700

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Builds
Japan: 12 AA guns. Replacements remain at 200.

Lack of oil and air units could be a problem so AA is needed to defend the home islands.

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Post #: 868

Allied: February 11th 1945 - 8/26/2021 11:11:22 PM

Remington700

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Allied: February 11th 1945

Indochina
The Japanese Southeast Asia Army is destroyed. Twelve Anglo-Indian infantry corps launch eleven attacks across the area taking a total eight SP loss. The out of supply Japanese force lose 5 Corps, 2 Divisions and a HQ unit. A total of 102 strength points are lost and can never be replaced. This is a big win for the allies!

I knew a lack of supply could be a problem, but I am surprised by how fast things fell apart. I planned to remove forces by sea. That was a big mistake. I should have kept stronger forces in the north. By the time I could see what was happening it was too late to respond. This might become an issue if the Japanese homeland is invaded.

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(in reply to Remington700)

Post #: 869

RE: Allied: February 11th 1945 - 8/26/2021 11:14:30 PM

Remington700

Posts: 1057
Joined: 5/16/2021
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Haiphong
Helldivers of the 5th Bomber Group out of Cam Ranh attack the airfields at Haikou doing little damage and probably little hit to effectiveness. But it still seems like the right thing to do. B-25s and dive-bombers attack the Japanese 3rd Division south of Haiphong. Task Force 57 steams into the Gulf of Tonkin unopposed by the enemy air units (maybe the bombing did help). They are on station to support the 32nd and 16th armies in their attack on enemy positions south of Haiphong. After multiple attacks the Japanese 3rd Division takes a total of seven hits and is forced retreat across the Hong River. The Chinese 16th Army moves into their positions, further enveloping the enemy unit in Haiphong.

Convoy Attacks
The SS Pike is the only sub hunting the convoy lanes. The rest are back in Rabaul for repair. Splitting up the subs once again fails so the plan going forward will be to hunt in larger packs. The Pike is spotted by escorting destroyers and takes heavy damage. They too will have to retire to Rabaul for repair. However four submarines return in a large wolfpack and saturate a section of the convoy route to Japan. The Devilfish, Bonefish, Skipjack and Wahoo are fully repaired and on the hunt!