All good ideas BBfanboy. My Ndeni landing is a small one. Small infantry unit, a port maintenance unit, maybe some coastal guns. My infantry division is diverting to Luganville. I want to hold that. Ndeni could just be a delay. The enemy's closest base is Tulagi, and it is still a 0 airfield. I want to keep the enemy engaged in the Solomons. I'm building New Caledonia furiously, as well as Suva and Pago Pago. I have a division at Noumea, Koumac, and another at the dot base in between. I'd love to force a fight in range of my airpower. But yes, it is early, and the Japanese can still take pretty much whatever they want.
Remember though, the Japanese have about 5 infantry divisions still stalemated at Calcutta and Diamond Harbour.
See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
The Japanese usually use SNLFs and Naval Guard units to take all these islands. Your ID will give them trouble but if they bring their BBs and KB to pound Luganville they can still take it without their big IDs. They also have a few independent regiments to throw at any problem. But they should have got the landings done before the Amphib prep bonus expired on April 01. Bringing in unprepped units now will mean significant disruption and losses on landing.
You might just be able to pull this off if he doesn't focus all his power here. Fingers and eyes crossed!
You might just be able to pull this off if he doesn't focus all his power here. Fingers and eyes crossed!
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
23 May 42
Solomons - My damaged AMC makes it to Luganville fine and starts to unload. Unloading proceeds there and at Ndeni, as well as the small dot base to the southeast of Ndeni. An enemy task force is spotted further northwest up the slot. Ships shown include at least one CS. I "know" that there are carriers here. I don't know if it is a mini-KB or a full KB. It's positioning is interesting, being in a hex that a direct move to the southeast is not allowed. Kind of an odd spot. It's in a good spot to pounce on Tulagi or Lunga, but I'm no longer coming.
Solomons - My damaged AMC makes it to Luganville fine and starts to unload. Unloading proceeds there and at Ndeni, as well as the small dot base to the southeast of Ndeni. An enemy task force is spotted further northwest up the slot. Ships shown include at least one CS. I "know" that there are carriers here. I don't know if it is a mini-KB or a full KB. It's positioning is interesting, being in a hex that a direct move to the southeast is not allowed. Kind of an odd spot. It's in a good spot to pounce on Tulagi or Lunga, but I'm no longer coming.
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
23 May 42
Calcutta and Diamond Harbour - Many Allied troops start the move from just east of Calcutta to just east of Diamond Harbour, preparing for a river crossing attack. Today, the Japanese did a probing artillery attack, and it showed that both sides have about the same combat value in Calcutta.
Outside of Madras, 2 destroyers find I-124 and get one good hit on it. Fortunately just the 2 destroyers are spotted by the sub. I have cruisers and a couple of battleships in the area. Some are refueling at Madras, some will bypass Madras and go east to Viz. to prepare for bombardments of Diamond Harbour.
I did a super long range recon of Tavoy, and found 111 ships in port! It's not a huge port, but the enemy is hiding a lot of ships here. I spot mostly AO's. I find it highly likely that there are lots of transports here, possibly keeping the enemy's options open in India. The finding of AO's is most interesting. Why keep AO's here, doing nothing? Could KB really be hiding here too, all this time? I could see doing that for awhile, hoping that the Brit navy would come sailing in to do battle at Diamond Harbour. But it's been a long time, and I didn't show up.
But now I'm about to show up.
I really hope that KB is not at Tavoy.
Of course, if it is, my Solomon's options may expand again.
It's a nervous time here at Allied HQ.
Calcutta and Diamond Harbour - Many Allied troops start the move from just east of Calcutta to just east of Diamond Harbour, preparing for a river crossing attack. Today, the Japanese did a probing artillery attack, and it showed that both sides have about the same combat value in Calcutta.
Outside of Madras, 2 destroyers find I-124 and get one good hit on it. Fortunately just the 2 destroyers are spotted by the sub. I have cruisers and a couple of battleships in the area. Some are refueling at Madras, some will bypass Madras and go east to Viz. to prepare for bombardments of Diamond Harbour.
I did a super long range recon of Tavoy, and found 111 ships in port! It's not a huge port, but the enemy is hiding a lot of ships here. I spot mostly AO's. I find it highly likely that there are lots of transports here, possibly keeping the enemy's options open in India. The finding of AO's is most interesting. Why keep AO's here, doing nothing? Could KB really be hiding here too, all this time? I could see doing that for awhile, hoping that the Brit navy would come sailing in to do battle at Diamond Harbour. But it's been a long time, and I didn't show up.
But now I'm about to show up.
I really hope that KB is not at Tavoy.
Of course, if it is, my Solomon's options may expand again.
It's a nervous time here at Allied HQ.
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
111 vessels at Tavoy! I would bet that he created a lot of barges here to haul supplies without risking any valuable ships. He could have a lot of small xAKLs that can carry some troops in case he decides to evacuate parts of the area by sea. The AOs could be the little 1250 tonners that would be useful to fuel the barges.
Just guessing, but I can't imagine anyone would leave valuable ships in such a location for long.
Just guessing, but I can't imagine anyone would leave valuable ships in such a location for long.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
I've seen no indication for the enemy to use barges at all in the war so far. I don't think there are any at Tavoy. When all the action in the Indian Ocean started, I saw many big AO's head north, and they were never seen again. I'll recon there again in a turn or two, and see if there is any change. I believe that the distance from Chittagong to Tavoy is 20 hexes, not sure. The older B-17's might make the distance at long range. Consider it a reconnaissance in force! 
But past turns have shown that once I recon somewhere important, whatever I found that was interesting there immediately flees elsewhere.
But past turns have shown that once I recon somewhere important, whatever I found that was interesting there immediately flees elsewhere.RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
24 May 42
Bataan falls. It was a long and tough defense. The defenders had been promised that the US Navy was on the way, but they never arrived.
US sub Seadragon gets a torpedo hit on xAK Kyokusei Maru heading north into the Indian Ocean from Singapore, near Phuket. Lots of xAK's and xAKL's are spotted. SigInt even reports heavy activity here. There may be a lot more than I can see. I have lots of subs in the area, and the only one detected is the Seadragon.
The enemy is well aware of my large ground movement toward Diamond Harbour. I change all CAP in the area to a range of 1 to help cover these units. Some of my shipping at Viz. is also spotted. I'm coming and the enemy knows it.
In the Solomons, B-17's make a token bombing of Woodlark Island, but hit nothing. A probable enemy carrier task force slid southwest from its position yesterday. It moved into range to protect Woodlark Island as well as the Tulagi area. My cruiser force that was spotted did not advance, though, and headed back to Australia. My Ndeni landing continues unopposed.
CV Wasp arrived at Balboa.
CV Kaga is reported to not be sunk after all. Not a big surprise that the earlier torpedo hit was not fatal.
The 111 ships in Tavoy harbor is now reported to be just 1, with a large task force spotted there now. Just as well that I didn't try a super long range bombing (if the range had even allowed it).
Bataan falls. It was a long and tough defense. The defenders had been promised that the US Navy was on the way, but they never arrived.
US sub Seadragon gets a torpedo hit on xAK Kyokusei Maru heading north into the Indian Ocean from Singapore, near Phuket. Lots of xAK's and xAKL's are spotted. SigInt even reports heavy activity here. There may be a lot more than I can see. I have lots of subs in the area, and the only one detected is the Seadragon.
The enemy is well aware of my large ground movement toward Diamond Harbour. I change all CAP in the area to a range of 1 to help cover these units. Some of my shipping at Viz. is also spotted. I'm coming and the enemy knows it.
In the Solomons, B-17's make a token bombing of Woodlark Island, but hit nothing. A probable enemy carrier task force slid southwest from its position yesterday. It moved into range to protect Woodlark Island as well as the Tulagi area. My cruiser force that was spotted did not advance, though, and headed back to Australia. My Ndeni landing continues unopposed.
CV Wasp arrived at Balboa.
CV Kaga is reported to not be sunk after all. Not a big surprise that the earlier torpedo hit was not fatal.
The 111 ships in Tavoy harbor is now reported to be just 1, with a large task force spotted there now. Just as well that I didn't try a super long range bombing (if the range had even allowed it).
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
25 May 42
This was a grueling turn to work on. The excitement level has increased dramatically in the Solomons and in the Indian Ocean.
First the other news:
Ambon - Another attempt to take Ambon commences. A big invasion task force with both Ise and Nagato, as well as 2 cruisers, 4 destroyers, and more small craft escorting transports, arrives. Sub Permit gets pounded but should survive. Coastal guns again do some good work, getting meaningful hits on 2 xAKL's and an xAK. Troops are lost on some ships. The enemy lands more men. A second round of coastal guns sets light cruiser Kitakami on fire. A deliberate attack goes at 1 to 1 and lowers the fort to 1, with both sides taking about 100 casualties, all disabled. All I've been hoping for is to keep holding on, forcing more landings which have to face those nice coastal guns.
This was a grueling turn to work on. The excitement level has increased dramatically in the Solomons and in the Indian Ocean.
First the other news:
Ambon - Another attempt to take Ambon commences. A big invasion task force with both Ise and Nagato, as well as 2 cruisers, 4 destroyers, and more small craft escorting transports, arrives. Sub Permit gets pounded but should survive. Coastal guns again do some good work, getting meaningful hits on 2 xAKL's and an xAK. Troops are lost on some ships. The enemy lands more men. A second round of coastal guns sets light cruiser Kitakami on fire. A deliberate attack goes at 1 to 1 and lowers the fort to 1, with both sides taking about 100 casualties, all disabled. All I've been hoping for is to keep holding on, forcing more landings which have to face those nice coastal guns.
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
25 May 42
The Solomons
The enemy task force(s) that was near Shortlands has advanced aggressively. I still don't know the size and type of carriers here, so I have to act as if this is KB. The aggressive move certainly warrants that. Landings at Ndeni were almost but not quite complete. All shipping here will pick up anchor and run southeast. My 6 carriers will move a few hexes to be in the same hexes as these task forces. A couple of the transport task forces have to move full speed to move 6 hexes. I plot them for full speed even though they may not have the fuel to do this.
With the position of the enemy, both Ndeni and Luganville are threatened. If I had to guess where the Japanese will go, I'd say to the spot that is 6 hexes from both Ndeni and Luganville, to cover both fully with as many aircraft as possible. Just my guess though. I have a number of task forces at Luganville also. A small cargo task force, the previously damaged AMC, and a group of PT boats remain there. The rest flee to the south and southeast.
Luganville is just a size 1 airfield. I have some P-40's there for CAP. Nothing at Ndeni; it isn't built yet.
A very aggressive Japanese move next turn could cause a carrier battle.
The Solomons
The enemy task force(s) that was near Shortlands has advanced aggressively. I still don't know the size and type of carriers here, so I have to act as if this is KB. The aggressive move certainly warrants that. Landings at Ndeni were almost but not quite complete. All shipping here will pick up anchor and run southeast. My 6 carriers will move a few hexes to be in the same hexes as these task forces. A couple of the transport task forces have to move full speed to move 6 hexes. I plot them for full speed even though they may not have the fuel to do this.
With the position of the enemy, both Ndeni and Luganville are threatened. If I had to guess where the Japanese will go, I'd say to the spot that is 6 hexes from both Ndeni and Luganville, to cover both fully with as many aircraft as possible. Just my guess though. I have a number of task forces at Luganville also. A small cargo task force, the previously damaged AMC, and a group of PT boats remain there. The rest flee to the south and southeast.
Luganville is just a size 1 airfield. I have some P-40's there for CAP. Nothing at Ndeni; it isn't built yet.
A very aggressive Japanese move next turn could cause a carrier battle.
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
25 May 42
Indian Ocean
Lots and lots of task forces are seen during the night phase leaving Tavoy and the base south of Tavoy. Everything is headed north. Absolutely none are seen during the daylight, but detection levels of my many subs show that they are west of Rangoon and heading north.
Sub Trusty is run over by BB Hyuga, CA Ashigara, CS Chiyoda, and a bunch of DD's. Sub Stingray shoots at a task force with 3 AO's, a CL, 6 DD's, and 2 TB's. (Odd combination) Torpedoes miss a TB.
I spent a few hours pondering the situation. On the ground, I'm threatening a move to attack Diamond Harbour from the east. I now see enemy ground movement out of Calcutta, back to Diamond Harbour. There hasn't been any enemy fleet activity here for a long time, so no big evacuation. Enemy air transports could be extricating men, though. I did a recon of Magwe and found 12 ground units there, and most planes were auxilary planes. Regardless, significant forces are still at Diamond Harbour and Calcutta.
My opponent sees my intentions on the ground. This seems to have triggered this huge exodus of ships that had been hiding at Tavoy. There are a few possibilites:
1. This is a big evacuation attempt. I think that this is most likely. Calcutta is not going to fall, period. One smart idea would be to save the troops.
2. This is a new invasion, most probably headed to Chittagong. Possible. It's obvious that my 2 big Brit infantry divisions that were rushed to Chittagong when the enemy approached last time are no longer there. I'm moving a few things back there now, but I won't have an overwhelming defense this time. The enemy does have a couple of units popping out of the jungle into India from Burma. Doesn't look like a big effort so far, and I think I have the bases covered good enough.
3. This is just a huge reaction to spotting the Brit Navy at Madras and Viz. I moved a couple of battleships, a couple of cruisers, and some destroyers there to be ready to bombard Diamond Harbour and help the air and ground attack there.
I'm preparing for all eventualities, to some degree. On this turn, I'm sweeping Diamond Harbour with everything I have. Last recon showed over 90 fighters there. Last time I tried this, there were over 60 fighters, and it was very painful. Each of my sweeps, of course, came in one by one, against the entire CAP. The first couple of missions were wiped out to the last plane for no gain. By the end, though, the enemy was worn out and I got some measure of revenge. I have to whittle down the fighters to have any chance of getting the bombers in to hit the airfield and, more importantly, hit shipping there when it shows up. I'm moving lots of air units this turn to get in position for this.
So what of the Brit Navy? It's all running back to Columbo at full speed. The enemy knows exactly what I moved into the area, and they are coming. If they bring any carriers, I run the risk of getting trapped up by Madras. I am sending in a very fast mine-laying ship to drop some mines just outside of Diamond Harbour. It's just a shallow hex, but it's too dangerous to go into the base itself.
Indian Ocean
Lots and lots of task forces are seen during the night phase leaving Tavoy and the base south of Tavoy. Everything is headed north. Absolutely none are seen during the daylight, but detection levels of my many subs show that they are west of Rangoon and heading north.
Sub Trusty is run over by BB Hyuga, CA Ashigara, CS Chiyoda, and a bunch of DD's. Sub Stingray shoots at a task force with 3 AO's, a CL, 6 DD's, and 2 TB's. (Odd combination) Torpedoes miss a TB.
I spent a few hours pondering the situation. On the ground, I'm threatening a move to attack Diamond Harbour from the east. I now see enemy ground movement out of Calcutta, back to Diamond Harbour. There hasn't been any enemy fleet activity here for a long time, so no big evacuation. Enemy air transports could be extricating men, though. I did a recon of Magwe and found 12 ground units there, and most planes were auxilary planes. Regardless, significant forces are still at Diamond Harbour and Calcutta.
My opponent sees my intentions on the ground. This seems to have triggered this huge exodus of ships that had been hiding at Tavoy. There are a few possibilites:
1. This is a big evacuation attempt. I think that this is most likely. Calcutta is not going to fall, period. One smart idea would be to save the troops.
2. This is a new invasion, most probably headed to Chittagong. Possible. It's obvious that my 2 big Brit infantry divisions that were rushed to Chittagong when the enemy approached last time are no longer there. I'm moving a few things back there now, but I won't have an overwhelming defense this time. The enemy does have a couple of units popping out of the jungle into India from Burma. Doesn't look like a big effort so far, and I think I have the bases covered good enough.
3. This is just a huge reaction to spotting the Brit Navy at Madras and Viz. I moved a couple of battleships, a couple of cruisers, and some destroyers there to be ready to bombard Diamond Harbour and help the air and ground attack there.
I'm preparing for all eventualities, to some degree. On this turn, I'm sweeping Diamond Harbour with everything I have. Last recon showed over 90 fighters there. Last time I tried this, there were over 60 fighters, and it was very painful. Each of my sweeps, of course, came in one by one, against the entire CAP. The first couple of missions were wiped out to the last plane for no gain. By the end, though, the enemy was worn out and I got some measure of revenge. I have to whittle down the fighters to have any chance of getting the bombers in to hit the airfield and, more importantly, hit shipping there when it shows up. I'm moving lots of air units this turn to get in position for this.
So what of the Brit Navy? It's all running back to Columbo at full speed. The enemy knows exactly what I moved into the area, and they are coming. If they bring any carriers, I run the risk of getting trapped up by Madras. I am sending in a very fast mine-laying ship to drop some mines just outside of Diamond Harbour. It's just a shallow hex, but it's too dangerous to go into the base itself.
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
Does he have any DL on your CVs at Luganville? If he knows they are in the area and IF the TF coming is KB, he might try for the magic 8-hex strike rather than just raid Ndeni and Luganville. Your CV move might be anticipated since he knows he has been spotted, if not positively ID'd. Decide if you want an engagement and check your reaction setting.
Carrier battles always have so many factors to consider! Good luck!
Carrier battles always have so many factors to consider! Good luck!
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
Yes, all of my task forces are spotted. I had to decided whether to leave my transports unprotected or not. I chose to move the transports at full speed to the southeast, and move my carriers a few hexes south and east to be in the same hex as most of them. If he wants a carrier battle, he could get one. My carriers moved 3 hexes, so if he gets the magic 8 hex range, it will be by luck. I'm still hoping that he holds true to form and moves within "good" range of either Ndeni or Luganville, or both.
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
26 May 42
Ambon - The base falls. Another good protracted defense, but a futile one.
Indian Ocean - Ground units at Chittagong are bombed. Hurri's provide a good defense and down a few planes. None of the vast armada of ships are spotted, again! But they are there. My subs are getting detected all the way from Viz. in the west to Chittagong and south to west of Rangoon.
This is almost history repeating itself! Where is he going? Diamond Harbour to evacuate? Invading Chittagong? Maybe invading Viz.? I just don't know, so I prepare for all of them. Units heading to Chittagong again. The enemy bombing ground units shows some intent on landing here.
Last turn, I swept Diamond Harbour very heavily, and found....nothing! The Japanese used 40 Zeros and 40 Oscars and swept Jessore, just east of Calcutta. And they found...almost nothing! Some Hurri's there on bleed-over CAP. So I swept him and he swept me, to no avail.
This turn I sweep Diamond Harbour again, but not with everything. Instead, every bomber with naval training is moved in range and some escorts are provided. If ships show up at Diamond Harbour or Chittagong this turn, I will hit them.
A minelaying ship does its job outside of Diamond Harbour, and runs west. It is spotted running away.
All of my units at Jessore that are moving adjacent to Diamond Harbour will move this turn. It is a clear hex, on a river, so I wouldn't doubt that they'll get bombarded there. I still see enemy movement out of Calcutta to Diamond Harbour, but nothing has moved yet.
Australia - I'd gotten SigInt that an armored regiment was at Katherine. Earlier SigInt, not long ago, showed this unit moving to Darwin, so this is a recent reinforcement. I guess that the Japanese will try to push further south on the bad trail. So I sent some B-17's and bombed the unit, without recon. 1 vehicle destroyed with 8 disabled. 1 B-17 lost on landing. I let him know that I know he's there at least.
The Solomons/New Caledonia - The enemy task force moved quickly south, to a point 6 hexes from Luganville and 7 hexes from Noumea. No attacks were made by either side. I still can't be 100% sure that this is a carrier task force. I'm spotting just cruisers. But I really think it is carriers. A cruiser raiding force would have gone straight to Luganville, where there were, and still are, ships unloading. This turn, I move carriers southwest a bit, toward the enemy actually. My purpose is to continue shepherding transports. I've concentrated my two cruiser task forces there also. Noumea is pretty much evacuated this turn. I had a fair number of ships in port, but no longer.
Ambon - The base falls. Another good protracted defense, but a futile one.
Indian Ocean - Ground units at Chittagong are bombed. Hurri's provide a good defense and down a few planes. None of the vast armada of ships are spotted, again! But they are there. My subs are getting detected all the way from Viz. in the west to Chittagong and south to west of Rangoon.
This is almost history repeating itself! Where is he going? Diamond Harbour to evacuate? Invading Chittagong? Maybe invading Viz.? I just don't know, so I prepare for all of them. Units heading to Chittagong again. The enemy bombing ground units shows some intent on landing here.
Last turn, I swept Diamond Harbour very heavily, and found....nothing! The Japanese used 40 Zeros and 40 Oscars and swept Jessore, just east of Calcutta. And they found...almost nothing! Some Hurri's there on bleed-over CAP. So I swept him and he swept me, to no avail.
This turn I sweep Diamond Harbour again, but not with everything. Instead, every bomber with naval training is moved in range and some escorts are provided. If ships show up at Diamond Harbour or Chittagong this turn, I will hit them.
A minelaying ship does its job outside of Diamond Harbour, and runs west. It is spotted running away.
All of my units at Jessore that are moving adjacent to Diamond Harbour will move this turn. It is a clear hex, on a river, so I wouldn't doubt that they'll get bombarded there. I still see enemy movement out of Calcutta to Diamond Harbour, but nothing has moved yet.
Australia - I'd gotten SigInt that an armored regiment was at Katherine. Earlier SigInt, not long ago, showed this unit moving to Darwin, so this is a recent reinforcement. I guess that the Japanese will try to push further south on the bad trail. So I sent some B-17's and bombed the unit, without recon. 1 vehicle destroyed with 8 disabled. 1 B-17 lost on landing. I let him know that I know he's there at least.
The Solomons/New Caledonia - The enemy task force moved quickly south, to a point 6 hexes from Luganville and 7 hexes from Noumea. No attacks were made by either side. I still can't be 100% sure that this is a carrier task force. I'm spotting just cruisers. But I really think it is carriers. A cruiser raiding force would have gone straight to Luganville, where there were, and still are, ships unloading. This turn, I move carriers southwest a bit, toward the enemy actually. My purpose is to continue shepherding transports. I've concentrated my two cruiser task forces there also. Noumea is pretty much evacuated this turn. I had a fair number of ships in port, but no longer.
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
27 May 42
Solomons - The mysterious enemy task force that approached Noumea disappeared this turn. It probably ran away, having made a high speed run to where it was. It could have continued south at high speed and passed through the search grid completely. Doubtful but possible. I return task forces to Luganville to continue unloading, along with a strong cruiser force.
Indian Ocean - I do a big sweep of Diamond Harbour, and find over 100 fighters on CAP. Really tough to gain superiority here, maybe impossible, with inferior planes and pilots. I lose 38 P40's and 7 P400's. Enemy losses are 9 Zero's and 5 Oscar's.
An infantry division has moved from Calcutta to Diamond Harbour, just as my big stack moves adjacent to Diamond Harbour. The enemy now has 3 infantry divisions plus support at Diamond Harbour, and 2 infantry divisions at Calcutta with support. I had to think long and hard about what to do. I could throw everything across the river into the 3 divisions and some fortifications. It is clear terrain. But some form of the Japanese Navy is lurking offshore. I'm in clear terrain as it is, and I expect disruption to my movement which would break up my coordination for the river crossing.
Sub Greenling spots battleships Hyuga and Fuso, a cruiser, CS Chiyoda, and 8 destroyers at 45,46. This location is within striking range of both Viz. and Diamond Harbour. Could be looking for the Brit Navy, which had been spotted but is now returning to Columbo.
I'm starting to go a bit nuts not seeing ANY carriers anywhere. I suspect some in the Indian Ocean, and I suspect some in the Solomons, but I haven't actually SEEN any. Just lots of heavy detection levels. I just know that if I committed the Brit Navy to the Indian east coast, their escape would get cut off with carriers.
Back to the Diamond Harbour/Calcutta situation.
Now that my stack is adjacent to Diamond Harbour, I'm now set to show movement arrows in 3 directions: river-crossing attack into Diamond Harbour, crossing the river to reinforce Calcutta, and back north to Jessore.
I'm no longer crossing into Diamond Harbour. One unit is bluffing the move. A couple of units are moving to Jessore. Most of the big stack is going to Calcutta, in combat movement mode in case of bombing. Then I will attack the 2 divisions in the city. It will be difficult, but it's the only hope to clearing out the enemy.
In the air, my fighter force is weakened severely. I really look forward to putting hundreds of Allied fighters at a base in the future. I can't get through 100 enemy CAP at this point in the war. Doesn't matter that I have all of India and the enemy has one base. I can't clear it. It could have been possible if I could have gotten the Brit Navy in to bombard.
And we still don't know if there is going to be an invasion of Viz., Chittagong, or an evacuation of Diamond Harbour. Or a reinforcement of Diamond Harbour, for that matter. Any could still be about to happen.
A bunch of Brit battleships, all slow, with cruisers and destroyers are about to enter the map off the Indian west coast. Will be tough to employ them, but I will try.
Solomons - The mysterious enemy task force that approached Noumea disappeared this turn. It probably ran away, having made a high speed run to where it was. It could have continued south at high speed and passed through the search grid completely. Doubtful but possible. I return task forces to Luganville to continue unloading, along with a strong cruiser force.
Indian Ocean - I do a big sweep of Diamond Harbour, and find over 100 fighters on CAP. Really tough to gain superiority here, maybe impossible, with inferior planes and pilots. I lose 38 P40's and 7 P400's. Enemy losses are 9 Zero's and 5 Oscar's.
An infantry division has moved from Calcutta to Diamond Harbour, just as my big stack moves adjacent to Diamond Harbour. The enemy now has 3 infantry divisions plus support at Diamond Harbour, and 2 infantry divisions at Calcutta with support. I had to think long and hard about what to do. I could throw everything across the river into the 3 divisions and some fortifications. It is clear terrain. But some form of the Japanese Navy is lurking offshore. I'm in clear terrain as it is, and I expect disruption to my movement which would break up my coordination for the river crossing.
Sub Greenling spots battleships Hyuga and Fuso, a cruiser, CS Chiyoda, and 8 destroyers at 45,46. This location is within striking range of both Viz. and Diamond Harbour. Could be looking for the Brit Navy, which had been spotted but is now returning to Columbo.
I'm starting to go a bit nuts not seeing ANY carriers anywhere. I suspect some in the Indian Ocean, and I suspect some in the Solomons, but I haven't actually SEEN any. Just lots of heavy detection levels. I just know that if I committed the Brit Navy to the Indian east coast, their escape would get cut off with carriers.
Back to the Diamond Harbour/Calcutta situation.
Now that my stack is adjacent to Diamond Harbour, I'm now set to show movement arrows in 3 directions: river-crossing attack into Diamond Harbour, crossing the river to reinforce Calcutta, and back north to Jessore.
I'm no longer crossing into Diamond Harbour. One unit is bluffing the move. A couple of units are moving to Jessore. Most of the big stack is going to Calcutta, in combat movement mode in case of bombing. Then I will attack the 2 divisions in the city. It will be difficult, but it's the only hope to clearing out the enemy.
In the air, my fighter force is weakened severely. I really look forward to putting hundreds of Allied fighters at a base in the future. I can't get through 100 enemy CAP at this point in the war. Doesn't matter that I have all of India and the enemy has one base. I can't clear it. It could have been possible if I could have gotten the Brit Navy in to bombard.
And we still don't know if there is going to be an invasion of Viz., Chittagong, or an evacuation of Diamond Harbour. Or a reinforcement of Diamond Harbour, for that matter. Any could still be about to happen.
A bunch of Brit battleships, all slow, with cruisers and destroyers are about to enter the map off the Indian west coast. Will be tough to employ them, but I will try.
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
Real nail biting stuff. I appreciate your analysis of the different possibilities, based on what data you have. Good luck!
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
I think a lot of IJN carriers upgrade in June, so the lack of visibility could just reflect them heading to big and safe ports with shipyards to do the upgrade.
I am convinced he is evacuating everything from India. I don't know where he would take the troops next, but you could ask yourself what you would do if you, as Japan, suddenly had five divisions to use .
I am convinced he is evacuating everything from India. I don't know where he would take the troops next, but you could ask yourself what you would do if you, as Japan, suddenly had five divisions to use .
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
Thanks jwolf! I'm always happy to get feedback.
BBfanboy, I agree, an evacuation is most likely. What worries me is that the last time a huge Japanese armada came north, they were intending to invade at Chittagong. (This was after the Diamond Harbour invasion got stalled at Calcutta) My opponent called that invasion off at the last minute when he saw that I moved both British infantry division to Chittagong just in time, as well as moving armor there. Then he apparently sent all the shipping to hide in Tavoy and Mergui. Now I've seen them head north past Rangoon, and now they are "out there somewhere" in the Indian Ocean. Wherever they go, I should know in the next turn or two.
BBfanboy, I agree, an evacuation is most likely. What worries me is that the last time a huge Japanese armada came north, they were intending to invade at Chittagong. (This was after the Diamond Harbour invasion got stalled at Calcutta) My opponent called that invasion off at the last minute when he saw that I moved both British infantry division to Chittagong just in time, as well as moving armor there. Then he apparently sent all the shipping to hide in Tavoy and Mergui. Now I've seen them head north past Rangoon, and now they are "out there somewhere" in the Indian Ocean. Wherever they go, I should know in the next turn or two.
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
28 May 42
Relatively quiet day. No enemy ships spotted in the Indian Ocean, or in the Solomons.
Chittagong - 22 Zero's sweep against 23 Hurri IIb Trop's. About 6 planes lost for each side. High detection levels of my subs near Chittagong and along the coast south to Akyab. Could be shipping, could be just land-based search. Out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, halfway to Ceylon, I'm getting detected also. Definitely a battleship group out there. May or may not be carriers.
Djokjakarta, Java - The base falls to 2 infantry regiments and 4 tank regiments. The tanks are new reinforcements.
Diamond Harbour/Calcutta - I continue artillery attacks at Calcutta since my losses are far less than the enemy, and I could use the experience gain. My movement back to Calcutta with most of my ground troops continues. I still fake a move into Diamond Harbour.
Bataan - With the fall of the base several days ago, enemy minesweepers are working hard at clearing the mines here.
Relatively quiet day. No enemy ships spotted in the Indian Ocean, or in the Solomons.
Chittagong - 22 Zero's sweep against 23 Hurri IIb Trop's. About 6 planes lost for each side. High detection levels of my subs near Chittagong and along the coast south to Akyab. Could be shipping, could be just land-based search. Out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, halfway to Ceylon, I'm getting detected also. Definitely a battleship group out there. May or may not be carriers.
Djokjakarta, Java - The base falls to 2 infantry regiments and 4 tank regiments. The tanks are new reinforcements.
Diamond Harbour/Calcutta - I continue artillery attacks at Calcutta since my losses are far less than the enemy, and I could use the experience gain. My movement back to Calcutta with most of my ground troops continues. I still fake a move into Diamond Harbour.
Bataan - With the fall of the base several days ago, enemy minesweepers are working hard at clearing the mines here.
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
I might be missing something, but if Tavoy had a huge number of disbanded ships, and then you discovered them heading north the next day, they must be empty, no? There wouldn't be time to load them.
Also, what was your detection level on that TF that feinted toward Noumea? The lack of aircraft detected implies it was surface-only. However, I suppose with a low enough D/L it could have been the KB.
Cheers,
CC
Also, what was your detection level on that TF that feinted toward Noumea? The lack of aircraft detected implies it was surface-only. However, I suppose with a low enough D/L it could have been the KB.
Cheers,
CC
Beer, because barley makes lousy bread.
RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28
Welcome Commander!
You are correct, if the ships left port because I did the recon, then they had to be empty. But I can't be sure that's why they left. What worried me is that I know that these ships previously carried men and were on the way to invade Chittagong about a month or so ago. My opponent aborted this move when I heavily reinforced the base. The ships went to Tavoy. I don't know if the men went there also, or stayed there.
As for the TF that feinted toward Noumea, I believe that my highest detection level on it was 4/10. And all 3 spottings, including way up by Shortlands, showed only cruisers. It probably didn't have carriers after all, but I couldn't assume that, and they certainly moved into positions for striking bases, keeping a range of 6 or 7. But no strikes, no action from them. Just a high speed run toward Noumea, then they disappeared.
You are correct, if the ships left port because I did the recon, then they had to be empty. But I can't be sure that's why they left. What worried me is that I know that these ships previously carried men and were on the way to invade Chittagong about a month or so ago. My opponent aborted this move when I heavily reinforced the base. The ships went to Tavoy. I don't know if the men went there also, or stayed there.
As for the TF that feinted toward Noumea, I believe that my highest detection level on it was 4/10. And all 3 spottings, including way up by Shortlands, showed only cruisers. It probably didn't have carriers after all, but I couldn't assume that, and they certainly moved into positions for striking bases, keeping a range of 6 or 7. But no strikes, no action from them. Just a high speed run toward Noumea, then they disappeared.