Scott1964 vs stldiver The War of the Samurai

[thegreatwent]

Banzai![:)]

[stldiver]

Feb 18th thru 21st 1943

Feb 18th and 19th where relatively quiet days just before the fireworks started.

Feb 19th Ponape base was captured by the RCT that landed there almost two months ago, it was a slow process but the japanese were finally pushed into the jungle.
Allied forces CAPTURE Ponape base !!!

In Formosa Liberators with P-38G's flew from China and force Scott to withdraw from
Takao
Day Air attack on Takao , at 47,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 48
LB-30 Liberator x 10
B-24D Liberator x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed
Ki-21-II Sally: 5 destroyed
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
100 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 29

In the north bombers and the two old BB's continue to neutralize Attu, it is now closed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Attu Island, at 91,35

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed
L2D2 Tabby: 1 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
BB Pennsylvania
BB Nevada

Japanese ground losses:
3468 casualties reported
Guns lost 26

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 48
Port supply hits 1

This was all in preperation for the British who landed at Georgetown on the 20th and captured it on the 21st!

Ground combat at Georgetown

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14752 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 597

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Allied max assault: 348 - adjusted assault: 318

Japanese max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 318 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Georgetown base !!!

There are two divisions ashore, along with General Douglas McArthur leading the troops[&o]

The 7th armored also hit the beach at Taiping it will capture the base tommorrow. Sonia's and Ann's flew the 1st day and hit a couple of transports but P-38's provided good protection. On the 21st Nells and Betties from Kuching and Saigon added some punch but not major damage, only 1 AK has gone down and most of the troops are ashore.

Georgetown is fully functional lvl 4 airbase and on the 22nd fighters will be flying CAP. It appears that only Victoria Point, Bangkok and north had troops. THe penisula appears clear except for Base forces and Singapore, which I believe is not strongly defended (8 units but no major combantants spotted).

On the other hand the Japanese went and sent a group of transports behind my forces at Camranh Bay and landed at the left undefended Hue [X(]. It should fall tommorrow, there are at least 10k japanese troops.

The Chinese shocked attack on the 21st at Camranbay and lowered forts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Camranh Bay

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 159035 troops, 706 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5582

Defending force 36645 troops, 170 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 676

Allied max assault: 9766 - adjusted assault: 4177

Japanese max defense: 712 - adjusted defense: 3813 [X(]

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3

Japanese ground losses:
1386 casualties reported
Guns lost 35

Allied ground losses:
4318 casualties reported
Guns lost 58

We will fall back to Hue to deal with these transgressors, nice move on Scotts part.

In the south DEI scout planes from Morotai have spotted 2 transport groups incoming, one should land on the 22nd the other the day after. Morotai is only a lvl 1 airbase so cannot defend itself. This should be an interesting battle.

Here is a Map of Malay on the 20th the day before the landing, off indochina you can see the transports incoming to Hue.

[thegreatwent]

Banzai[:)]

[stldiver]

Feb 22nd 1943

In malaya planes fly all around, Kota Bharu gets pounded by heavy and medium bombers, I think the plane loss at the end of the day was 15 allied to 55 japan.
Several more transports get hit by Ann and Sonia dive bombers, but this area has not seen a significant shift of Japanese planes yet.

Taiping falls to the british armoured unit just south of Georgtown,
Allied forces CAPTURE Taiping base !!!

In Indochina Hue falls undefended to the 4th division, this came from the west, bangkok or Saigon i'm guessing, much rather have it here figthing the chinese then the british landings at the moment.
Japanese forces CAPTURE Hue base !!!

At Hanoi a Japanese Paratroop unit trys to take the base and fails, it is pushed out along a road.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hanoi

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 337 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 14 Paratroopers [X(]

Defending force 15658 troops, 58 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 381

Japanese max assault: 14 - adjusted assault: 0

Allied max defense: 393 - adjusted defense: 208

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

At Morotai 2 Japanese units begin landing close to 7k unloaded after 1st day. Day 2 should prove interesting, as I only have a base force and construction engineer unit but a raider unit is flying in, as well as the British CV's are spotted just to the south. An allied surface unit is only 240 miles away so the next day should get hot here, hopefully the allied troops can hold.

Subwarfare

My subforce has mainly been very silent, really not finding any targets, today was different SS Seawolf sinks 2 [:D] tankers at Hong Kong.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hong Kong at 43,42

Japanese Ships
TK Daishin Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Sinks

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hong Kong at 43,42

Japanese Ships
TK Miri Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Sinks

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf

[stldiver]

Feb 23rd 1943
2 divisions and 1 PS eng unit (you know the one that started in Phillipines, flew into china then transferred to india and is now back landed here in Malay) attack and capture an empty Alor Star. The base just too the NE has 2 units now so tommorrow we will move north and check out the resistance that has moved from Bangkok area. The other unit is a baseforce that was always there.
Allied forces CAPTURE Alor Star base !!!

Another division is landing south of Georgtown forget the town name, but that will bring a total of 3 divisions, 1 chindit, 1 armoured unit plus PS Eng unit and baseforce lead by McArthur, not bad for a 1st wave landing in Malaya[;)].

In the air the Japanese where quiet this day due to cloud cover? CAP? or just plain afraid!
Khota Barhu gets plastered again with 20 tony's destroyed on the ground! This base I believe is closed now.

Day Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 5
Liberator III x 18
B-17D Fortress x 11
B-17E Fortress x 11
B-24D Liberator x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 destroyed
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 11 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 4 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 4 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 33

Morotai
The Japanese withdrew the transports just as my CA's showed up, and the British CV's moved to the NE within range. So no naval action but the CA's were attacked by planes from Ambonia to no affect.

Day Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 43,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 12
Ki-21-II Sally x 9
Ki-48-I Lily x 18
Ki-48-II Lily x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-I Lily: 5 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Perth
CA Chicago
CA Australia
CA Portland

With Betties at Kendari, you can bet they will be flying from Ambonia tommorrow so the CA's intend to bombard the Japanese position and pull back.

Meanwhile on the land the Japanese have unloaded 2 Naval Guard units which on the initial bombardment show stronger AV 2 to 1.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Morotai

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3787 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 107

Defending force 9014 troops, 95 guns, 31 vehicles, Assault Value = 44[8|]

I have another raider group flying in, as well as a Para unit, forts are at level 1 so I am hoping Scott did not get enough supplies offloaded, and the cruisers bang him up to keep him below a 3 to 1 instant allied surrender or a 2 to 1 fort knock down. Like I stated this could be another battle that pulls in the big boys as I don't want to try and recapture this base but hold it to expand upon.

In Indochina another Para unit tries to take Hanoi and fails. Lucky for me I didn't chase the last evicted unit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hanoi

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 332 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 13

Defending force 15634 troops, 57 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 381

Japanese max assault: 18 - adjusted assault: 0

Allied max defense: 393 - adjusted defense: 75

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported

[scott64]

[stldiver]

Feb 24th thru 25th 1943

In the southern DEI, the 2 Japanese Naval guard units attack the allied forces on Morotai with amounts to cocunuts and harsh language, The 2 raider units and part of a para unit inflict heavy casualties. It appears these units must have landed with no supplies or bayonets with an AV of 0, that or the bombardment by Cruisers sufficed to scare them.
I deem Morotai safe for the moment.
Naval bombardment of Morotai, at 43,68

Allied Ships
CL Perth
CA Australia
CA Chicago
CA Portland

Japanese ground losses:
179 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Ground combat at Morotai

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3432 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 96

Defending force 10004 troops, 95 guns, 31 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Japanese max assault: 80 - adjusted assault: 0 [X(]

Allied max defense: 65 - adjusted defense: 89

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese ground losses:
648 casualties reported [:'(]
Guns lost 9

After this the Japanese were surrounded not sure how that helps but it feels good.
Japanese Unit(s) surrounded at Morotai


Central Pacific
I landed another RCT at Ponape and finally the enemy forces attrit away after the 1st attack.
Ponape Base Force Wiped Out at Ponape by attrition!!!
Ponape Coastal Gun Regiment Wiped Out at Ponape by attrition!!!


Malaya
The Japanese fly out Ann's and Sonia's and damage transports, only 1 goes down these 2 days and that was to 3 torpedo's from Betties flying from Saigon.

Allied forces CAPTURE Kuala Lumpur base !!!

Indochina
Hue 4th division here.
Scott still has his transports in this hex, not sure if he is moving these out or leaving them but I will shock on the 25th.

[stldiver]

Feb 26th 1943

Over Morotai we finally get some retribution for the sinking of the CL Marblehead by the Betties and Nells from Kendari, on this day they tried to suppress the airfield at Morotai during the day before fighters flew in and made good work of these experianced pilots!
Day Air attack on Morotai , at 43,68

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 25
G4M1 Betty x 42
H8K Emily x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 6 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 12 destroyed, 8 damaged
H8K Emily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 6 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Indochina
I figured right scott was pulling the 4th division out of Hue, I was able to hit the last remnants and push them into the mountains to the west. The supply line back to Camranh Bay is now open again. I have included the Map of the Malay area.

Ground combat at Hue

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 80688 troops, 337 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2392

Defending force 1726 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15

Allied max assault: 4812 - adjusted assault: 2532

Japanese max defense: 8 - adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 2532 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Hue base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
293 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Malaya
The 3rd transports sinks today from the invasion, At Singora we have confirmed one division has reinforced with a base force present. I have now 2 divisions and the Chindit ready for battle, I want a day or two to soften the division but realize the 4th must be on the way.

An empty Malacca falls to the 7th AIF
Allied forces CAPTURE Malacca base !!!

Solomons
The Japanese still hold in the jungles of Tulagi, Some days bombers hit them, some cruisers and everyday a deliberate, it may take a couple more weeks to clean this area out, after that the units definatly need a rest from malaria.
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8974 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 236

Defending force 5778 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 35

Allied max assault: 219 - adjusted assault: 168

Japanese max defense: 22 - adjusted defense: 13

Allied assault odds: 12 to 1 [:(]

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Here is a picture of Malay and Indochina situation

[scott64]

oops [:'(][:D]

Night Time Surface Combat, near Morotai at 43,68
Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
DD Natsushio
DD Maikaze
DD Minegumo
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 1
DD Uranami
DD Akebono
DD Ushio
DD Oite
DD Hayate
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
MSW Robin
MSW Bobolink
AK Andrea Luckenbach, Shell hits 1
AK Paul Luckenbach, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK George Chaffey, Shell hits 2
AK George Vancouver, Shell hits 7, on fire
AK George Westinghouse
AK Henry J. Raymond
AK James B. McPherson, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK John Bartram, Shell hits 53, and is sunk
AK Leslie M. Shaw
AK Lewis Cass
Allied ground losses:
576 casualties reported [:-][X(][:D]

[stldiver]

Feb 28th 1943

The CA Ashigara and company bag another AK at Morotai, I figured they would leave the area and I would let two badly wounded AK's unloaded not the case
Night Time Surface Combat, near Morotai at 43,68

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
DD Natsushio
DD Maikaze
DD Minegumo
DD Uranami
DD Akebono
DD Ushio
DD Oite
DD Hayate
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
AK George Vancouver, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK James B. McPherson, Shell hits 18, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
209 casualties reported

These guys have been doing more damage then they are worth so its time I put a stop to them. I have posted a hit list and the Ashigara is on the top of it!

Indochina

The 4th division that was retracted from Hue is landed at Camranh bay, my forces have started to consolidate there, we shall see how tough they really are this time.

Rabaul
Well I was correct, Rabaul is still supplied and has shore guns, I have begun landing a divsion and tank unit, they take heavy fire.

Coastal Guns at Rabaul, 62,90, firing at TF 1174
TF 1174 troops unloading over beach at Rabaul, 62,90


477 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Warramunga
DD Pope, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK City of Elwood, Shell hits 1, on fire
AK City of Dalhart
DD Voyager, Shell hits 2
AK Barossa, Shell hits 2, on fire
MSW Gawler, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Baralaba, Shell hits 2
AK Allara
AK Kota Gedeh
AK Paz, Shell hits 2
AK Empire Seal
AP Camphuys
AP Rajula, Shell hits 7, on fire
AP Le Maire, Shell hits 1
AP Lancashire, Shell hits 4

Allied ground losses:
1750 casualties reported [:(]
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

This division I believe is 6 AIF, it took Noumea and experiance is in 80's , Rabaul should be mine by the end of the month. There are 3 subs at Rabaul as elsewhere I believe Scott is pulling out fragments.

Okinawa
BB Mutsu and Yamashiro pay a visit and pretty much wreck the place up again. Maybe Yamato and company tommorrow?
The damage is worse then show on the hits, must be the big ammo.

Naval bombardment of Naha, at 54,46

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze
DD Yuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Natsugumo
DD Arashi
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Oyashio
DD Kuroshio
DD Akizuki
CL Yura
CL Isuzu
CA Mikuma
CA Maya
CA Takao
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu

Allied ground losses:
3375 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Vehicles lost 25

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 21
Port hits 10
Port supply hits 7

Malaya
More troops arrive daily and there is now no Japanese airforce defending!

[stldiver]

March 1st 1943

The pacific is alive with activity!

North
As the weather turns warmer an RCT and seabee begin landing at Kiska, the Japanese are without supply and have been hammered by ships and planes, this should fall soon.

TF 1182 troops unloading over beach at Kiska Island, 93,37

Allied ground losses:
732 casualties reported

Rabaul
More ships take damage to shore guns the troops ashore include an artillary unit that test the Japanese defenses, it appears they consist of numerouse units, but not ones of great strenght.

Ground combat at Rabaul

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 580 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 306

Defending force 8932 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 32 [:)]

Southern DEI
It appears the Japanese have rushed in troops to Luatum, it appears to be fast transports and numerous units were dropped off. This should prove interesting!

Ground combat at Lautem

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9082 troops, 89 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 272

Defending force 7320 troops, 40 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 285

Japanese ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

China
6 Japanese transports move to close to China and recieved attacks, surprisingly there are american torpedo bombers. These actually belong to the CVE sunk near Okinawa, and after that they landed there then flew to China. This is their first torpedo strike of the war

Day Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 6
Liberator III x 12
LB-30 Liberator x 3
B-24D Liberator x 14
IL-4c x 7

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Yamura Maru
AP Azuchi Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage [:'(]
AP Minowa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Yamakuni Maru
AP Tenran Maru

P-38's fly Long range CAP over Nanchang today just as a heavy fighter escort arrives, a big furball ensues in the loss of to many P-38's.

Day Air attack on Nanchang , at 48,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 56 [X(]
Ki-21-II Sally x 11
Ki-48-I Lily x 24
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 8 destroyed
Ki-48-I Lily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 15 destroyed [:(]

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply

Japan
A dutch sub at Osaka has claimed its 2nd ship in the last few days.
Sub attack near Osaka/Kobe at 63,42

Japanese Ships
AK Taijun Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS O23

Tokyo
SS Salmon daily hits AG's it appears scott is using these for something, Salmon is almost out of deck ammo!

Sub attack near Tokyo at 66,43

Japanese Ships
AG Kaijo Torakku SD-1, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Salmon

Sub attack near Tokyo at 66,43

Japanese Ships
AG Kaijo Torakku SD-20, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Salmon

Palau
B-24's are starting to level Palau, its time to reduce this island that still has supplies and fly's recon of my ships approaching Morotai!
Day Air attack on Palau , at 51,68


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 38

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
178 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 26

[scott64]

Propaganda[:-][:'(]

[stldiver]

March 2nd to 3rd 1943

Kimmel paces back and forth the last two days has seen surprises by both sides, his aide walks in with the last update.

Kimmel sits "Give me the update by Theatre start with the north"

Kool Aide "Sir in the north we landed at Kiska and captured the base all resistance has been destroyed, the island has been totally subdued there are only two bases left to the Japanese in the Aluetians but they have over 10k and 30k troops they will be a lot tougher"

Solomons

Rabaul was assualted and fell easily like a house of cards, about 8k Japanese troops have been pushed into the jungle but they will soon be destroyed. Only Tulagi and Port Morseby still has Japanese troops and the forces at Tulagi should surrender in the next few weeks.

Souther DEI

Timor
More Japanese troops keep landing at lautum, the dutch Cl's have arrived but did not strike the 1st day. Tommorrow we shall see if they disrupt the landings, forces favor the Japanese barly.


Morotai
The CV Junyo and company show up 120 miles west of Morotai and heavily damage 4 AK and 2 MSW, their surival is in dispute, over 20 corsairs took to the air and thwarted the flight killing over 10 zeros and several Judy's and Kates but they still broke thru, lukily they attacked the near empty transports instead of the cruisers. That was left to Lily's from Ambonia that missed the capital ships. There are also over 10 transports 180 miles to the west they appear to be waiting to land at Morotai, we must keep bring in airpower as Morotai just became capable of carrying dive bombers.

Malaya
Gen McArthur reports that on the 2nd Singora fell easily and they have pushed a division towards Ban Don, they figure they can push it all the way to Bangkok! In the southern Malaya paratroops landed at Malaca and retook the base but withdrew the next day. Forces are enroute to secure the base, as Johore Bahru was just secured.

Indochina
Camranh Bay was assaulted by the chinese and they secured another line of fortifications, the base should fall within the next week.

China
Bombers flying from china continue to hit transports fleeing Indochina/Malaya inflicting minor damage, some subs claim victims also.

Sir all battles appear in our favor except Timor appears up in the air and the CV's showing at Morotai slow down our efforts but the base building will soon make them withdraw.

Kimmel "Good, Good, are the troops ready for operation Divine Challenge"

Kool Aide "Yes sir most components are ready, you just have to give the word"

Kimmel "Very well I will let you know, soon very soon"

[stldiver]

March 4th 1943

The commander of the Portland had held station off Morotai the last day, as the airstrikes rained down on them and the transports, It had been reported that a transport fleet had parked 180 miles to the west the last two days and had not moved, it probably intended to come in once the carriers cleared out his ships. But they were not going to wait, as the sun set they were given orders, proceed full speed to last known position of enemy transports .... and they were rewarded!

Night Time Surface Combat at 40,68

Japanese Ships
AK London Maru, Shell hits 71, and is sunk
AK Kinka Maru, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Sagami Maru
AK Buenos Aires Maru
AK Zen'yo Maru
AK Fujikawa Maru
AK Kinugawa Maru
AK Koei Maru
AK Kumagawa Maru
AK Tokai Maru
AK Johore Maru
AK Nissho Maru
AK Gassan Maru
AK Hajo Maru, Shell hits 30, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Hino Maru #3
AK Ikushima Maru
AK Kehi Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK Kirikawa Maru
AK Manko Maru
AK Shin'yo Maru
AK Shinzui Maru
AK Tenryu Maru
AK Toei Maru
AK Choyo Maru

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Shell hits 1
CA Chicago
CA Australia
CL Perth
DD Craven
DD Benham
DD Ellet
DD Balch

Japanese ground losses:
1578 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

As the early glimmer of dawn crept up to Morotai the pilots sat in the briefing room.

Air Cmdr "Gentleman yesterday we tried to provide air protection for the transports in the harbor but the Japanese carrier planes broke thru, the transports have been ordered to retire, and the warships have been sent out to intercept the enemy transports. The good news is we are a fully operational airfield for divebombers now and with the arrival of the SBD's and some TBF's our mission changes to one of attack, when the PBY's report the location of enemy shipping everyone is to take to the air, hopefully the enemy carriers stay close, if not the transports will be there. Good Luck and good hunting!

The SBD flight leader looks thru the clouds below and spots the mother load 2 Japanese CV's he signals to the team to follow his lead, meanwhile the Corsairs escorting tear into the meager zero defense, it will be a good morning!

Day Air attack on TF at 41,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3a Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 23
SBD-3 Dauntless x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 18 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 2, on fire Ammo explosion

The Avenger flight goes after the transports with less luck
Day Air attack on TF at 39,69

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
TBF Avenger x 9

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Shinzui Maru
AK Zen'yo Maru
AK Hino Maru #3

Meanwhile the Japanese hit the damage transports withdrawing in the morning strike
Day Air attack on TF at 45,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Henry J. Raymond, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage sinks
AK Leslie M. Shaw
AK George Westinghouse, on fire

Meanwhile the cruiser force shrugs off a Lily attack during the day but gets hit a little harder by the Japanese CV's afternoon strike

Day Air attack on TF at 42,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D4Y Judy x 4
A6M3a Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 3
CL Perth, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

On the land front the Japanese try a Banzai attack at Lautum and though put forth a good effort there losses are high and the Allied forces hold.
Ground combat at Lautem

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 11663 troops, 64 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 337

Defending force 11542 troops, 145 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 269

Japanese max assault: 318 - adjusted assault: 206

Allied max defense: 250 - adjusted defense: 441

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0) [:)]

Japanese ground losses:
1830 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

Allied ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Meanwhile in indochina it appears Camranbay will fall sooner then expected, the Chinese morale is running high

Ground combat at Camranh Bay

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 153361 troops, 591 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4370

Defending force 39987 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 769

Allied max assault: 8604 - adjusted assault: 4004

Japanese max defense: 775 - adjusted defense: 1667

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0 [:'(]

Japanese ground losses:
902 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
3300 casualties reported
Guns lost 33

Malaya
The Japanese try a Paradrop at Kuala Lumpur and this time run into the FMSV bde, they retreat back to Malaca that soon will be secured.

Ground combat at Kuala Lumpur

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 355 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Defending force 4526 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 134

Japanese max assault: 14 - adjusted assault: 0

Allied max defense: 123 - adjusted defense: 117

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
186 casualties reported

Summary
All in all a good day for the allies, the Junyo taking 3 - 1000 lbrs could mean her end but she took more at Truk, at least there will be 2 Japanese CV's out for a while, there had to be one more CV I believe a CVE but I will have to look back to figure it out.

On land Timor holds but it is close, it comes down to who will reinforce first.

The Japanese transports hit by the cruisers appear to have a large number of units, over 20 plus ships. Morotai should be able to fend this off now that SBD's are online.

Here is a picture of the attack on CV Junyo

[stldiver]

March 5th 1943

Planes from Morotai catch the retreating Junyo and end her days above water!

Day Air attack on TF at 41,64

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13
TBF Avenger x 8

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Sinks


In the other news the McArthur and company push the Japanese division north into Ban Don.

Ground combat at 25,42

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 36698 troops, 303 guns, 187 vehicles, Assault Value = 794

Defending force 16718 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 285

Allied max assault: 1526 - adjusted assault: 929

Japanese max defense: 200 - adjusted defense: 91

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
456 casualties reported
Guns lost 16

Allied ground losses:
404 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!


A disturbing message was sent to Allied High Command from Scott

sorry i must bow out [&:]

We have sent thru secret channels a confirmation as to the meaning, it could mean the end of the war, clarification has been requested.

We have plans in motion that should make the next 45 days very interesting, it would be a shame to stop as the Japanese have lost their CV force but still have a potent surface fleet.

[scott64]

[stldiver]

The war officially ended on March 5th 1943 with Japan surrendered to the Allied High Comand.

Scotts CV fleet is destroyed except 1 CVE, his airforce apparently is decimated and his economy is trashed. Singapore is about to fall, Indochina is secured, 1/2 of Okinawa is secured and the hammer was about to fall .....

We understand the Emporer and other assorted characters are all cowering in the corner. Once again the allied High command can begin taking resources from undeveloped countries and this Co-prosperity nonsense can be put to rest.

Scott was a very capable opponent and I would recommend him to anyone, he has a very good turnaround on turn output also. Unfortunatly for me this was the last open game I had, my other one closed last month. I guess its time to take a break and wait for the mythical AE.

Thanks to those that read, I will update with the final score on this post, and the overall map on the next.

[stldiver]

As can be seen from the Map the Japanese Empire is pretty much cutoff from the home islands.

Marshalls
We had bombers daily hitting the last holdouts, and aside from a small Island, Kwaleign had a division plus other units we were letting die on the vine.

South Pacific
Luganville was the holdout with 2 divisions and we just moved air support to Efate with supplies and were going to begin the long bombing campaign, no invasions were planned.

Port Morseby was a holdout with numerous units, but what strength and supply unknown as once again we would let starve.

Truk was isolated with numerous troups and they were going to starve.

Palau was still in supply with over 40k troops but we had already bypassed and just was begininng to suppress the base to starving levels.

DEI

Kendari and Ambonia were his majore bases in the south and Timor was where the current battle was waging, this was just a diversion as I have only 3 transports in the entire area left.

Soerabaja is loaded with troops but I had not plans to invade, with Malaya captured, their were better routes.

Malaya/ Indochina
I have 3 divisions and numerous Bde's already spreading out, all recon shows only about 8 units and 5k troops in singapore in the next two days a division and bde would be securing this base, as my airpower controls the penisula and soon Singapore.

In indochina Camran bay would have fallen the next day and Saigon would be targeted in the next week, as well as Bangkok.

Scott has over 3 divisions plus other troops at Rangoon and North but these are essentually cutoff and bypassed, by the time they got to Bangkok it probably would have fallen and they would be out of supply.

Okinawa/China
Okinawa is still suppressed but bombers fly from China and can hit formosa and shipping without resistance. Soon Okinawa would become a second tier to him due to my next major plans

North Pacific
The entire aluetians were captured except for Attu and the othe island (forget the name) but they are suppressed with plenty of troops and I will let them starve, as currently a number of units are prepped, transports available and ready to leave in 3 days for the chain north of Japan, intention was to grab 2 islands, and build to draw resources to the north, why you ask!

The Grand Poo Ba!
Unfortunatly I was not able to launch my Grand Poo Ba, Readers may have noticed a lack of CV's, BB's and divisions in action the last few months, why? The ships upgraded and were consolidating at Saipan, as well as divisions, currently 7 divisions and several RCT's and other units, Tanks, aritillary etc, prepped for where? Japan!!! Thats correct within 30 days Japan was due to be invaded. The only ship we were waiting for was CV Saratoga with CVL that just left Hawaii, arrival 12 days then the troops would head to Japan.

There were the other 3 US CV's escorting BB's to suppress Chi Chi Jima in the next 10 days, then draw fire from Japan, When the last CV arrived I would have 4 US CV's, 3-4 CVL's, 6-7 CVE's plus 3 british CV's, 10 plus BB's plus CA's DD, transports, you name it, just about every major ship except for 2 BB's in the Aluetians, and 1 CVE under repair on west coast.

It would have been bloody, but I estimate from the divisions Scott withdrew that I would secure the southern part of Japan within 2 weeks, also once he let up on Okinawa to concentrate on the invasion, over 170 B-24's would begin suppressing the island from the south.

Unfortunatly as in all the best laid plans, it will never happen, as Scott confirmed his economy is already trashed and nothing more could come from his side.

The map below shows the last stream of ships headed to Saipan with the last elements as well as major ship movement from India to Malaya.

As can be seen, most of the rest of the Pacific is pretty idle and backwoods.

Thanks again Scott for an enjoyable game.

[FeurerKrieg]

Nice game guys - was a fun one to watch.

You all play very fast!

[thegreatwent]

Maybe just because I've met Scott in person or maybe just macabre curiosity I've kept an eye on this AAR. It was an entertaining read and I congratulate both players.

Operation Grand Poo Bah would have been fun to see[:)].