BACK IN BUSINESS - PzB goes East again(st) Andy Mac

[Smeulders]

Depends on what kind of divisions and the amount of device management Andy has been doing. If you're going up against good Commonwealth divisions, with 72 6-pdrs, Bren(Piat)-squads and even the ordinary rifle squads with an anti-armor of 75, then your armour advantage won't count for too much. 

[PzB74]

This is the core force;

26th Indian Division
19th Indian Division
32nd Infantry Division
7th Indian Division
25th Indian Division
2nd British Division
45th Indian Brigade
5th Indian Division
Routed:
268th Motorised Brigade
Gardner's Horse Regiment
75th IAC Regiment
16th Chindit Brigade
4th Marine Regiment

A 3500 AV stack. There is a 1500 AV stack at Toungoo.
Some of the motorised units here were smashed at Bassein but there are at least another 3 divisions that can be added in addition to the Toungoo force.
Good thing is that there shouldn't be much armor....

[Speedysteve]

The anti-armour values of elements in these units will be high though.....be wary

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Allied modified AV is probably high; but how well will pure infantry divisions fare well against our 3 tank divisions?

Going back to my advice to look at the anti-hard and anti-soft ratings of squads and AFVs in Tracker - the Allies have much, much better anti-tank weapons in their infantry squads as the timeline progresses.

[paullus99]

I don't think they'll fair well at all - you stand a good chance of routing yourself at this point, attacking his infantry formations with little or no infantry bracing.

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: Nemo121

Sure, you have to assume at leat 2/3rd is motorised support BUT even with that 250 tanks = about four entire armoured regiments wiped out. Either way that's a LOT of tanks dead and a very significant dent in his AV. If I were PzB I'd ground attack again and pursue with the tank formation. Taking 1,000+ AV out of the ALlied army including a lot of his armoured formations is well worth doing.

I've found that when armoured units are forced to retreat that they suffer huge numbers of completely destroyed tanks, far in excess of the proportion of infantry which are destroyed when an infantry unit is forced back.

More significant is the replacement rate for Commonwealth tank. It will take forever to replace one brigade much less multiple. The British and Indian tank brigades are very powerful units and if in good shape with supplies and leaders should never be defeated at this stage of the war. And only be used in such a way as they are not defeated as he just won't rebuild them very fast. American units are not such a problem as the flow of American Shermans is not bad.

Problem is, unlike air groups, you can't retrofit to older tank models. I am sure that his pools are full of matilda and valentine tanks but he can't use them. And, they would still be very good tanks vs the typical Japanese riff raff.

I have to admit that I have been in the dark about the effect of the road net on terrain as well. I suppose a lot of players are. No more fighting for me in Burma without turning on the road net. Pretty big thing to learn the hard way.

[Nemo121]

crsutton,

Amateurs discuss tactics, professionals discuss logistics.

Logistics is the ball and chain of armoured warfare.

Basically, if you don't know the road net you can't manage the logistics and without the logistics you aren't going to get the most out of your forces. Andy's emphasis on logistics during this phase has been one thing which he has done well and which has allowed him these victories.

A lot of people don't know the road net but it is essential, especially in a place like Burma or China. The R key is our friend. [:D]

[PzB74]

Andy deserves some praise, been in the receiving end of too much heat! [:)]
Since he tweaked and upgraded the ground combat model no one knows ground combat like him.
- I'm not more than moderately interested in it, so it's a hard road literally!

Both sides attacked heavily - and we hit the following enemy divisions north of Pegu and caused 560 casualties:
7th Indian Division
17th Indian Division
2nd British Division
32nd Infantry Division
9th Indian Division
25th Indian Division
26th Indian Division
5th Indian Division

That's 8 divisions, no armored units reported.
With these attacks the enemy's movement has been disrupted.

We now have 4 tank divisions in Pegu with 2500 vehicles.
Not even Andy managed to pick up this tank army concentration.
- All our combat units are out of Bassein as well.

In a couple of days we should have 3200 AV in Pegu.
The army south of Toungoo moves east. Thanks Janh, I followed your advice.
Going south would most likely have seen them mauled.

With the reinforcements we now have in place I'm confident that Pegu can be held until an orderely exit can be made.
Pri 1 was as mentioned to keep our armies intact.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Mar 03, 44

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on 2nd Indian AA Bde , at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 10
Ki-84a Frank x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 8 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 25th Indian Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 127 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 13
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 24
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 77
Ki-84a Frank x 106

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 7 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 destroyed by flak
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 28 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
400 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 20 (5 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
27 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
11 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
11 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 32nd Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 7th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 32nd Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 32nd Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 7th Indian Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 5th Indian Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 6
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 6 damaged

Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/B Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter TF.X x 15

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter TF.X: 13 damaged
Beaufighter TF.X: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Beaufighter TF.X bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 7th RTA/B Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/B Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Moulmein , at 55,55
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 132 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 19
B-17F Fortress x 15
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 4 destroyed on ground
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ic Tony: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-17F Fortress: 1 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 173
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Moulmein , at 55,55
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 79
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 26th Special Base Force, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIc x 6
Hurricane IId Trop x 11
Hurricane FR.IIb x 11
Lysander II x 4
Boomerang C-12 x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIc: 3 damaged
Hurricane IId Trop: 7 damaged
Hurricane IId Trop: 1 destroyed by flak
Hurricane FR.IIb: 1 damaged
Boomerang C-12: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Hurricane FR.IIb bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x Lysander II bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x Beaufighter VIc bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
11 x Hurricane IId Trop bombing from 100 feet *
6 x Boomerang C-12 bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 7th RTA/B Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/A Division ...
Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/C Division ...
Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/A Division ...
Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
Also attacking 7th RTA/B Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/A Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 6th Guards Division, at 56,51 , near Toungoo
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 17
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Vengeance I bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x Vengeance I bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
1 x Vengeance I bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x Vengeance I bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 9th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/C Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 92 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Allied aircraft
Lysander II x 3
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Lysander II bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Tank/A Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/C Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 21
B-25D1 Mitchell x 7

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 85

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Tank/C Division ...
Also attacking Pegu ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/C Division ...
Also attacking Pegu ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/A Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 103 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 14
PV-1 Ventura x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x Blenheim VD bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Tank/B Division ...
Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/A Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/B Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/A Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/B Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 38th Division, at 56,51 , near Toungoo
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 12
DB-7B x 3
PV-1 Ventura x 11

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim VD bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x DB-7B bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 37th Division ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 38th Division ...
Also attacking 21st Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 111 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 73

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 217
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 34

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 147
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/B Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16
B-25G Mitchell x 9
B-25H Mitchell x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/B Division ...
Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 9th Division, at 54,53 (Rangoon)
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 17
F4U-1 Corsair x 8

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Division, at 54,53 (Rangoon)
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/A Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 97 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 33
B-25G Mitchell x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-25G Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

Looks like we are more or less in control of things;
Enemy ground attack ac are not uber effective against our units in Rangoon, Pegu and in jungle.
Our concentrated attacks on the enemy main army have caused more casualties.

Our Toungoo army is in the process of moving east in good order.

North of Pegu an armored regiment moved north and disrupted the enemy advance south.
It will take Andy many days to prepare for another movement order and by then we will have more than 3000 AV in Pegu.
- I'm tempted to leave a division in Rangoon and challenge Andy to attack us.

Enemy's supply situation is still unknown and it is possible that we will be giving up parts of Burma without reason.
Still, Rangoon has always been a potential death trap...so perhaps we should use the opportunity we got to move our main army
north of Moulmein and establish the Geisha line asap.

What do you think?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Mar 04, 44

Night Air Combat

Our night naval attack bombers have achieved good results lately! [:)]


Night Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 165 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 61 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 16

Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
APA McCawley, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Baron Cawdor
DE Hotspur
APA Harry Lee
DD Stronghold
xAK Matthew Lyon, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
16 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 105 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8

Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Sims
DD Frazier

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 17

Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 10 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Baron Cawdor, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
APA Harry Lee, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DE Hotspur
DD Stronghold

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on 2nd British Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 17
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 59
Ki-84a Frank x 79

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 15 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 30 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
320 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 43 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Indian AA Bde ...
Also attacking 32nd Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 5th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Brigade ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Division ...
Also attacking IV Corps RIASC Base Force ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Indian AA Bde ...
Also attacking 5th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 17th Indian Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 7th Indian Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 6 damaged

Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 7th Indian Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 26th Indian Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 3
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rahaeng , at 58,56
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 133 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 19
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-56 Thalia: 20 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-II KAI Helen: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-III Dinah: 3 destroyed on ground
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-I Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 52
Airbase supply hits 16
Runway hits 307
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/C Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IId Trop x 7
Hurricane FR.IIb x 12
Boomerang C-12 x 6
B-25D1 Mitchell x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IId Trop: 6 damaged
Hurricane FR.IIb: 3 damaged
Hurricane FR.IIb: 1 destroyed by flak
Boomerang C-12: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Hurricane FR.IIb bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Hurricane IId Trop bombing from 100 feet *
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x Boomerang C-12 bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 7th RTA/B Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/B Division ...
Also attacking 1st Tank Division ...
Also attacking Guards Tank Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/C Division ...
Also attacking 7th RTA/B Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/C Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 15
PV-1 Ventura x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x Blenheim VD bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 1st Tank Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/B Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/C Division ...
Also attacking 1st Tank Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/C Division ...
Also attacking 1st Tank Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 6th Guards Division, at 56,51 , near Toungoo
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 27

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 5 damaged
Vengeance I: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Vengeance I bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x Vengeance I bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Vengeance I bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Vengeance I bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x Vengeance I bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 37th Division ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
Also attacking 21st Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 38th Division, at 56,51 , near Toungoo
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 12
DB-7B x 4
PV-1 Ventura x 12

Allied aircraft losses
PV-1 Ventura: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim VD bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x DB-7B bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 33rd Ind.Mixed Brigade ...
Also attacking 50th Field AA Battalion ...
Also attacking 38th Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Tank Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIc x 6
B-25D1 Mitchell x 7

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIc: 3 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chiang Mai , at 58,53
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 128 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 92

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-57-II Topsy: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-56 Thalia: 8 destroyed on ground
J1N1-C Irving: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed on ground
MC-21 Sally: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-III Dinah: 2 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 54
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 331
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chiang Mai , at 58,53
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-56 Thalia: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
MC-21 Sally: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 184

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Moulmein , at 55,55
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 damaged

Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank/A Division, at 55,53 (Pegu)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 58
B-25G Mitchell x 13
B-25H Mitchell x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
F4U-1A Corsair x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25G Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 30 (1 destroyed, 29 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
Also attacking Guards Tank Division ...
Also attacking 1st Tank Division ...
Also attacking Guards Tank Division ...
Also attacking 3rd Tank Division ...
Also attacking 1st Tank Division ...
Also attacking Guards Tank Division ...
Also attacking 3rd Tank Division ...
Also attacking Guards Tank Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Tank/A Division ...
Also attacking 26th Special Base Force ...
Also attacking Guards Tank Division ...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Division, at 54,53 (Rangoon)
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 20

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 1st Provisional Base Force ...
Also attacking 11th Division ...
Also attacking 1st Provisional Base Force ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 19th Indian Division, at 55,52 , near Rangoon
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 14th Indian Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Cribtop]

The smart play is to withdraw. I would stay only if you are confident you could evac the division by sea, but even that is a bit hare-brained unless... And this is out there... you think the evac could be turned into a chance to CAP trap his LBA or even ambush his fleet if it intervenes. I honestly doubt it's worth it to try anything exotic.

[Nemo121]

I'd withdraw, holing up in Rangoon really won't gain you much and it isn't worth the potential cost - A division + multiple ships.

[PaxMondo]

Bail. Your goal isn't to keep any one base, but to maximize delay with minimal losses. Risking troop loss for what might at best be a few days to a week doesn't seem to be the best choice. Dig in to your Geisha line, and get your next line behind that going.

Keep working on counters to his 4E's. Been a lot of recent discussion about it. Not sure about any solution(s), but a LOT of talk. [;)]

[Cribtop]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Dig in to your Geisha line, and get your next line behind that going.

Reads this line in context of PaxMondo's avatar and considers joke. Nah, too easy.

[PzB74]

Lol, the opportunities are boundless Crib! [;)]

Yes, it's the safest choice by far.
- Still, Allied troops in Burma have never defeated us unless they have had quite superior troops.
Would really have loved to make a proper stand but Allied air power makes that unlikely.

As you can see from the last turn, Chiang May and Raheng were bomb silly by ~100 4Es.
Both bases with almost 100 field and support damage. Had mostly supply and recon planes in those bases plus some bombers that were out on mission when hit.

I almost don't care CAP'ing them; I need 2-300 fighters to make any impression on 100 4E bombers and the 75 that will get through is still enough to trash their target.
In addition to this 40% of our attacking fighters would be damaged and all those based in the target hex would be grounded / damaged.
- There are still 50 damaged fighters at Moulmein. No rail and no way to get them out except destroying them. One air attack now and then is enough to keep the place closed permanently.

So my only solution is to pull my main air bases back behind efficient Allied fighter sweep range ~10 hexes and create large base complexes.
Bangkok will most likely be closed soon due to Allies holding Bassein, Rangoon and Pegu - this will give them to much punch to close to Bangkok.
Victoria Point is therefore our next line in the sand airbase wise. It will become a size 9 field shortly. There are also numerous fields near and around Bangkok that we can operate from.

Will be a painfull sludge through 1944-46 as usual.

But I do have a couple of other concerns; we now got 11000 pilots in the pools and this cost us more than 50000 heavy industries each month.
Supply levels are dropping and HE pools have been reduced over the last months. Bases in Japan are redlines fuel and supply wise (partly because I need to pull supplies to increase engine production in bases with less than 20k supplies). I've dumped lots of crude oil in Japan but fuel wise it's still a sad story.

Any advice on how to optimize here?

[beppi]

Just to mention. Singapore is in B-29 Range of Rangoon and as Rangoon is supplyable by ship and does not have the supply limitations like most the other bases watch out for it as it can be the perfect bomber base for B-29. I know that it is hard to defend and/or already lost. Bust have you considered to keep a few low XP Divisions there just to block it a month more or so ?

You can rebuild that destrodyed divisions it may cost armament points but if you can gain a month it might be worth it and as long as you dont place your top xp inf divisions /armored divisions there it could be worth it.

[Bliztk]

Have you tried shifting some N1K1-J to heavy bomber interception ?

I had run some sandbox tests, and with 70 experience pilots I was getting 20% kills per day in a 100 B-24s vs 50 N1K1-Js.

It was a sandbox, not actual game, but if you can manage to get 60-70 N1K1-Js to intercept an unescorted raid, you can trash him a lot

[PzB74]

Hm, don't have any green divisions...Burma Army is quite elitish.
Problem with leaving just a few units is that they get routed from the air.
- It takes a large group of units in a well fortified base to resist air and ground attacks for a prolonged period of time.

The questions is what kind of risk a slight delay is worth.

We could of course continue sending a tank regiment north to disrupt Allied army movement for an extended period of time but this would quickly tip over in to the
"gamey" category.

Andy will also have a "clean up" operaton in north western Burma.
I guess moving out of Burma in an orderly fashion in first half of 1944 is acceptable and won't threaten our strategic position.

We have managed to intercept Allied 4Es with large number of fighters on some occasions and each time Allies loose 25-50 bombers.
But Allies also completely disrupted our fighter force and closed down the bases they attacked even against such opposition.
Usually all 4E attacks are supported by numerous fighter sweeps which reduce our CAP to 20-50% of capacity.

So yes, by having 400 fighters on CAP in a base outside Allied efficient fighter sweep range works well. Singapore will be safe enough until Andy can afford to send 200 B-29s and loose 50 of them.

[PzB74]

This is the Allied LCUs we have identified in southern Burma:

2nd British Division
32nd Infantry Division
18th British Division
29th British Bde
72th British Bde
147th(SEP) Infantry Regiment

5th Indian Division
7th Indian Division
9th Indian Division
14th Indian Division
17th Indian Division
19th Indian Division
20th Indian Division
23rd Indian Division
25th Indian Division
26th Indian Division
45th Indian Brigade
84th Indian Bde

5th Chinese corps
66th Chinese C Corps

Routed:
267th Armoured Brigade
268th Motorised Brigade
Gardner's Horse Regiment
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
Guides Cavalry Regiment
3rd (Special Force) Division
75th IAC Regiment
16th Chindit Brigade
4th Marine Regiment
50th Indian Para Bde
77th Chindit Bde
1st Specl Svc Force

In total this force equals ~23 full sized divisions.
The majority is made up by 11 Indian divisions.
Then there are 2 full Chinese corps (2/3 of one in Central - Northern Burma)
5 divisions are british + 7 armored units (think we smashed them up pretty well in Bassein)
2 Chindit brigade and some special airborne units (also routed at Bassein).

Ca 17 Allied divisions are combat ready at ~5400 unmodified AV.
Japan can muster ca 5000 AV of troops including 4 tanks divisions and some tank regiments (divided into 3500 near Pegu and 1500 east of Toungoo).

In numbers we shouldn't have much of a problem with handling this. As mentioned it's the combination of air dominance plus our inability to efficiently organize our troops
in order to face the numerous Allied trusts in sufficient force. We end up with 1.5 division vs 5 or 12 vs 5 most of the time.
When we finally do manage to combine our troops we're forced to fight in clear terrain or in hexes that can easily be bypassed.

I would still ike to see the Allied infantry divisions attacking our troops at Pegu with support from 4 tank divisions...

[PzB74]

Had a look at the next turn;
- Our Army near Toungoo is moving east and out of the way of the 2 enemy armies; rough jungle here so we are more of less safe.
- A tank regiment moved north from Pegu and disrupted enemy movement. The regiment was routed with enemy untis in pursuit back south.

We have the majority of our army in Pegu, most of the remaining units in Rangoon will join them next turn.
Enemy 4Es scored an insane number of hits against our Burma bases again, 70 bombers and 450 hits etc.
In return our bombers hit the enemy main army again, disrupting it with ~400 casualties reported.

The 4E effect on supply is devastating despite the forts, no problems with supplies if units are outside base hex as usual.
The forest east of Pegu and north of Moulmein therefore seems to be the most appropriate place for a stand.
- If we stay in Moulmein proper supply problems will become a major issue.

I'm also rotating routed units and 3 fresh divisions will arrive at Singapore to act as strategic reserve.

The trial run with KB near Port Moresby provided some lessons; need to look at fleet organization again.
Japan now have so many carriers that it requires the entire Combined Surface Fleet to escort, support and protect them.
I'm considering fleets with smaller carrier TFs; Something like 3 carriers, 2 cruisers and 4 destroyers.
There will be separate ASW units moving ahead of the fleet together with a powerful surface combat group.

The second stage of the Marianas buildup has been completed. Over the next month another 3 brigades and loads of support units will complete the planned buildup.
Air units from Japan will also complete their relocation to their new bases now.

[PzB74]

This was a turn Andy will not appreciate...!

During periods when the Army has to straighten its line in Burma the Navy conducts the counterstrikes.
A powerful cruiser TF went back to Ramree Island. Enemy focus was on Rangoon so our force was not spotted from the air.
Obviously this was unexpected because only MTBs were on guard; the screens were brushed aside and a huge convoy offloading supplies was found at anchor [8D]

Finally some payback for the Burma misery!
It wasn't a fight, it was a massacre...a lone APD guarded the convoy made up by assault transports, cargo ships, troops ships and LSTs.

During the day our naval bombers continued were the ships left of; set to full range they struck all the way into Akyab and encountered no CAP.
In total more than 40 enemy ships were sunk and 30 of these were LST size or bigger.

We didn't suffer any damage whatsoever! [&o]

Allied air power concentrated on our troops in Burma but the effect was not great this turn.
Our Toungoo Army completed its extraction from the pocket between 2 Allied armies and is now safe accross the river east of Toungoo in a rough jungle hex.
- When the Allied armies launched a full attack a lone AA unit became their victim.

I doubt Andy got enough troops to rout our 1740 AV strong army here - I'm actually tempted to make a stand! What do you think?

In Bassein and Rangoon all but a single AA unit have moved to Pagen; we got 3150 AV there now with a further 1000 at Moulmein and another 450 in reserve north of Bangkok.
So it looks like we've escaped from a very uncomfortable situation. Perhaps we even can make something out of it.

A stand north of Moulmein with 3000+ AV in a WD hex will be hard to bypass and we have the ability to shock attack into Pagen.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Mar 06, 44

Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Akigumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Hayanami

Allied Ships
PT-133
PT-134
PT-490
PT-491
MTB 284, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Akigumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Hayanami

Allied Ships
APD Noa, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
APA Monrovia, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
LST-44, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-121, Shell hits 8, heavy fires
LST-123, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
LCT-167, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT-168, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
LCT-169, Shell hits 1
LCT-178
LCT-320
LCT-324, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT-359, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCT-360, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCT-361, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCT-478, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Talma
xAP Daisy Moller
xAK Turing Mary
xAK Vitorlock
xAK Kiangsu, Shell hits 1
LSI(L) Empire Mace, Shell hits 38, and is sunk
LSI(L) Brisbane Star, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Samarina, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Samcalia, Shell hits 4, on fire
xAK Samvern
xAK Samois
xAK Fort Dearborn, Shell hits 2
xAK Fort Wellington, Shell hits 3
LST 161, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST 180, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
LST 199, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
LST 208, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
LST 214, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LST 237, Shell hits 17, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Akigumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Hayanami

Allied Ships
LST-44, Shell hits 28, and is sunk
LST-121, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
LCT-169, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
LCT-178
LCT-320, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
LCT-360, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
LCT-361, and is sunk
xAP Talma, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Daisy Moller
xAK Turing Mary
xAK Vitorlock, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Kiangsu, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Samarina, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Samcalia, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAK Samvern
xAK Samois
xAK Fort Dearborn
xAK Fort Wellington, Shell hits 12, heavy fires
LST 161, and is sunk

Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Akigumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Hayanami

Allied Ships
PT-133
PT-134
PT-490
PT-491, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 53,49, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
DD Akigumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Hayanami

Allied Ships
PT-133
PT-134
PT-490, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

Submarine attack near San Francisco at 210,86
Japanese Ships
SS I-34

Allied Ships
xAK Michael Casey, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Michael Casey is sighted by SS I-34
SS I-34 launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Michael Casey
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 54,45
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK James L. Breck, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Jack London
xAK George Kenny, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 9th Indian Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 33
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 17
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 49
Ki-84a Frank x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 11 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 19 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
23 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Indian AA Bde ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Brigade ...
Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Brigade ...
Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd British Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Indian AA Bde ...
Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 26th Indian Brigade ...
Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Moulmein , at 55,55
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 134 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 46 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18
B-17F Fortress x 13
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ic Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 52
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 139 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 47 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 15
B-24J Liberator x 56

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 64
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 6th Guards Division, at 56,51 , near Toungoo
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 55
B-25G Mitchell x 5
F4U-1A Corsair x 4

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25G Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
61 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 9th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
Also attacking 9th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
Also attacking 9th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
Also attacking 9th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th Guards Division ...
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Morning Air attack on 32nd Infantry Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 53,47
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Fort Dearborn, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Turing Mary
xAK Samvern

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 54,45
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK James M. Clements, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
AG Canopus, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Silvermaple, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Jack London, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 52,46
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Pasha, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Urbino, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at 56,51 (near Toungoo)
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 42116 troops, 742 guns, 416 vehicles, Assault Value = 1649
Defending force 193 troops, 18 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Allied adjusted assault: 1221
Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 1221 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 24 (24 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 17 (17 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
5th Chinese Corps
23rd Indian Division
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
84th Indian Brigade
20th Indian Division
66th Chinese/C Corps
97th Field Artillery Battalion
3rd Tac Air Force
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
Burma Corps
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Indian Light AA Regiment
56th Heavy AA Regiment
6th Medium Regiment
26th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Indian Heavy AA Regiment

Defending units:
31st Field AA Battalion
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Massacre!