LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!

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BBfanboy
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RE: 26-27 Jun 42

Post by BBfanboy »

Given the long range of Japanese CV aircraft, could KB get close enough at flank speed to contest your strike on Tulagi next turn?
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RE: 26-27 Jun 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Given the long range of Japanese CV aircraft, could KB get close enough at flank speed to contest your strike on Tulagi next turn?


Its possible, but I'm not sticking around - plus I just have a feel that the KB isn't around the Solomons right now.
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28-29 Jun 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

28-29 Jun 42

Highlights - A tad more busy…Halsey raids Tulagi; IJN BBs show up at Attu.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-7 sunk off Efate)

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1 (small)

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 13

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAP sunk)
I-7 (or I-174 in the replay) confirmed sunk on surface by APDs off Efate
Allies: 2 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Noemfoor (SWPAC)

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Lomblen (DEI)
Tockangbesi-eilanden (DEI)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Slow convoy forms up at LA; Slow convoy departs SF for PH. No signs of IJN subs off the West Coast for a change.

In NOPAC. Surprised to find 3 IJN BBs laying off Attu (Yamato, Yamashiro and Fuso along with a couple of CAs and of course DDs) - very lucky they showed up when they did - a turn later, and they would have crushed the BB TF (2BB, CL, 6DD) enroute to bombard Attu. The IJN TF looks to be protecting a TR TF - a resupply or evac TF is unknown at this point. US LBA attacks with no hits scored - B-26s and PBYs. Four S Boats are in the area, two attack and fail to penetrate the screen. Will divert the US BB TF to Adak, and increase speed on the two BBs coming up from Bremerton to rendezvous at Akak with some additional cruisers. LBA will be reinforced as best as possible - which isn’t much - B-17Ds out of PH, B-18s on sub patrol and some SB2Us awaiting transport off the West Coast. If the IJN fleet remains at Attu, will sortie the 4 old US BBs (Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Mississippi) to engage. Could prove interesting….

CENPAC. Wasp TF departs CENPAC for SOPAC - too bad I didn’t send Wasp to NOPAC as I initially had planned - might have caught the IJN BB TF!

In SOPAC, Halsey’s CV TF (2CV, 2CA, CL, 9DD) raids Tulagi. Two raids preceded by sweeps find no shipping (just an ACM sunk) and hit the AF and port with moderate effect. The only CAP is Rufes, 15 of which are shot down. 2 a/c are lost to operations. No sign of IJN activity, but Halsey link up with Wasp TF and withdraw SE of the New Hebrides. One CV will detach to Auckland to refit, the other two will remain to provide cover for a small sized invasion of Ndeni - with no IJN naval or air activity, I’m pushing my Ndeni invasion timetable up. Ndeni will slowly upgrade - focus will remain building up Luganville. Lastly, the strangest IJN sub kill I’ve ever seen….APDs force the sub to the surface, and before she can be dispatched by gunfire, the sub torpedoes and sinks a small xAP in the convoy!!! Ouch!
Submarine attack near Efate at 118,154

Japanese Ships
SS I-174, hits 19, and is sunk

Allied Ships
APD Colhoun
xAKL Teapa
APD Humphreys
xAP Wahine, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAKL Masayas

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

SS I-174 launches 2 torpedoes at APD Colhoun
APD Humphreys fails to find sub, continues to search...
APD Humphreys attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-174 forced to surface!
APD Humphreys firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Colhoun firing on surfaced sub ....
xAP Wahine firing on surfaced sub ....
xAKL Masayas firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Humphreys firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Colhoun firing on surfaced sub ....
xAP Wahine firing on surfaced sub ....
xAKL Masayas firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Colhoun firing on surfaced sub ....
xAKL Masayas firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Colhoun firing on surfaced sub ....
xAKL Masayas firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Humphreys firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Colhoun firing on surfaced sub ....
xAKL Masayas firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Humphreys firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Colhoun firing on surfaced sub ....
xAKL Masayas firing on surfaced sub ....
APD Humphreys firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

In SWPAC, the IJA force west of Normanton is attacked with good effect - 944 squads lost to 29, but the IJA force manages to withdraw a hex to the SE - further away from any escape, but will have to ensure it doesn’t move again. The IJA here are out of supply and should be eliminated in a few turns. A nice, needed land victory considering the debacle in NW OZ.

In WAUS, Lex and Yorktown arrive at Perth w/o incident. Yorktown will begin a quick refit on 1 Jul, but Lex TF will immediately put to sea to rendezvous with the two Brit CVs headed back from Cape Town and the Allied CA TF still at sea west of Carnavon. While I don’t have the seapower to stop a determined landing at Port Hedland - which I expect shortly - I hope to bushwhack any further bombardment attempts on Carnarvon. With luck, L_S_T will hold off for a couple of weeks so Yorktown can be involved.

In China, NSTR

In India/Burma, IJA activity near Akyab is focused on re-establishing supply lines rather than pushing toward Chittagong. The IJA 33rd Div as well as two separate infantry regiments push the isolating Allied units actually closer to friendly lines - but don’t establish a clear road based supply route. This leaves the IJA 18th Div to oppose the British force coming out of Chittagong (1Div, 3Bdes plus support) - they’ll attack next turn and hopefully will find the IJA short supply and can push them back toward Cox’s Bazaar.

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RE: 28-29 Jun 42

Post by BBfanboy »

Wasp would not be able to do serious damage to that IJN TF with 3 BBs + CAs. The airgroup is relatively small, the Devastators are pigs, the torpedoes don't work, and bombs will bounce off the favoured target - the BBs. You could lose some valuable planes and pilots too if he has LBA CAP. Save Wasp to hit cripples (if your subs can score) and transports.

EDIT - just read that you have Wasp down in SOPAC anyway. Maybe Long Island can clear the North for you! [;)]
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RE: 28-29 Jun 42

Post by Capt. Harlock »

If the IJN fleet remains at Attu, will sortie the 4 old US BBs (Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Mississippi) to engage. Could prove interesting….

Hmm . . . I love a battlewagon duel as much as the next man, but this might not be wise. I think you need one more 16-inch-gunned ship. And remember, the old BB's are basically gun barges; if you don't have a lot of cruiser and destroyer protection you're liable to eat Long Lances.
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RE: 28-29 Jun 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock
If the IJN fleet remains at Attu, will sortie the 4 old US BBs (Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Mississippi) to engage. Could prove interesting….

Hmm . . . I love a battlewagon duel as much as the next man, but this might not be wise. I think you need one more 16-inch-gunned ship. And remember, the old BB's are basically gun barges; if you don't have a lot of cruiser and destroyer protection you're liable to eat Long Lances.

I would have loved another BB, but Pennsy took a fish and is back in Bremerton. Won't happen anyway, replay showed the IJN force pulling back toward Japan.
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30 Jun - 1 Jul 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

30 Jun - 1 Jul 42

Highlights - Jpn withdraws from Attu?!;an opportunity missed off Cooktown, IJA begins strat bombing in China.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Shirgure -old sinking reported)
LSD: 1 (Shinsu Maru)
MGB: 2

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (LSD listed as sunk from 1 torp hit by Seadragon NW of Wyndham)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Moa (DEI)

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Noemfoor (SWPAC)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Slow convoy departs LA for Auck. BB Pennsylvania arrives at Bremerton for repairs - 2-3 months from the torp hit. CV Yorktown begins refit at Perth. VF 2, 3, and 42 max capacity changed to 36 and receive a/c. Other three CVs will fly fighters to land bases to upgrade capacity as soon as practical.

In NOPAC, well, the IJN and apparently the IJA garrison of Attu have gone. IJN fleet sighted heading west 200m east of Paramushiro-Jima. Will confirm that the entire garrison has been removed with airstrikes shortly. That the BB TF just departed without trying to cause some havoc - raiding/bombarding either Amchitka or Adak surprises me. Invasion of Attu will still go forward in a few days; perhaps with much less troops.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, Halsey’s sends one more strike on Tulagi which accomplishes little as the US CVs move east toward the Santa Cruz Is where they will refuel after sending CV Hornet w/DDs back to Auckland for refit. Noumea based LB-30s hit Tulagi in daylight, meet no air opposition and hit the port with good effect - two MGBs and 11 barges sunk. Small garrison reported at Ndeni, will attempt to confirm and adjust any landings accordingly.

In SWPAC, ground recon discovers an IJA relief force heading east to the isolated IJA force west of Normanton. LBA hits the isolated force, and will shift some LBA to the incoming relief force (size and composition unkown at this point. This force is also pretty exposed, and is also potentially straining its supply chain. Will attempt to kill the Normanton force before it can be relieved of course, but with some Aussie armor avail, will also possibly attempt to bag the relief force as well. With my current luck in the ground game, I’ll be fortunate to kill any force and not be encircled myself of course!! Cooktown is bombarded by a CA TF (4CA, CL, 6DD) with minimal effect after dodging SBD bombs and sinking one PT. I’m kicking myself on the SBD attack - lost 15 of 18 from VS-3 to fighters!!! Had VF-3 there to provide escort, but pulled them a couple of turns ago to provide support over the IJA west of Normanton - and forgot to adjust the SBDs or re-mission some army planes to escort the SBDs!! Argh!!!!

In WAUS, Lex TF (CV, 3CA, CL, CLAA, 6DD) avoids the sub gauntlet off Perth and heads out to sea well west of Carnarvon where is will rendezvous with the Brit CV TF (2CV, 2CA, 4DD) just arrived on map. Will reorganize the TF composition a bit, and keep these TFs (along with a CA TF) out to sea off Carnarvon to see what develops. CV Yorktown’s airgroup will support from Carnarvon as practical, but will put her TBFs on a carrier deck as no torps are avail on land. Carnarvon port is now level 2 which should help the offloading of supplies and troops considerably. Now if the IJN just holds off a couple of weeks for Yorktown to finish her refit…

In China, L_S_T has started a limited night strat bombing campaign - hitting Changsa and Chunking with minimal effect, but still, this greatly concerns me (real terror bombing effect!) that it will crush the already fragile Chinese economy. We currently don’t have a house rule against strat bombing in/into/out of China, and I’m thinking this might be a good idea. To help convince L_S_T of such a house rule, I’m moving two squadrons of well trained Wellingtons into China to bomb some lucrative Jpn industry in range. While I can’t sustain this for long with the supply drain, perhaps I can get a good dice roll on industry hits before we agree to house rule….

In India/Burma, the Allied attack on the IJA’s 18th Div is repulsed - but with heavier casualties inflicted than received (1063 vs 269) and confirms his lack of supply. Will try another attack next turn, hopefully before supplies start to flow. Will also commit heavy air support in both LRCAP/Sweep and ground attack. I released one regiment of the US 27th ID to SE Asia command in Capetown, and it load on convoy for Ceylon as a reserve in theater until I can release the rest of the division. The very good British 2nd Div has arrived in Aden (less recon reg) and will ship to India shortly. I don’t see a major IJA commitment to Burma/India at this point - perhaps, just perhaps, I can reinforce my ground forces enough to force some increase IJA commitment here - rather than where L_S_T wants to commit elsewhere like Australia. Lastly, a single Wellington squadron hit Prome AF at night with very good results - 29 runway hits and 10 Netties and 4 Zeros destroyed!
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RE: 30 Jun - 1 Jul 42

Post by Jorge_Stanbury »

A LSD is one of the juiciest targets! [;)]
If it sinks, then Japan losses one of the very few real amphibious ships it has

NOPAC: it makes sense to abandon Attu once he noticed you were coming heavy

As per the HR on China bombings: as much as it makes sense (I also failed to push for it), I don't think the bombing from China will achieve a lot; bombers will expend a lot of already scare supplies. and unless you have good escorts you will be forced to the less accurate night bombing.
Then once he figures out which base you are using, he will bomb heavily with his own extreme long range bombers and escorts, reducing your limited bomber pools

Going back to HRs: Next time I play, I would ask for a "Chinese national redoubt" on the 3 or 4 bases close to Chungking so that they can't be assailed. In exchange, I will guarantee that the Generalissimo will save his forces for the unavoidable civil war against Communism, and therefore will, at most, try to recapture only what he lost from Dec 41 onwards
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RE: 30 Jun - 1 Jul 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

A LSD is one of the juiciest targets! [;)]
If it sinks, then Japan losses one of the very few real amphibious ships it has

NOPAC: it makes sense to abandon Attu once he noticed you were coming heavy

As per the HR on China bombings: as much as it makes sense (I also failed to push for it), I don't think the bombing from China will achieve a lot; bombers will expend a lot of already scare supplies. and unless you have good escorts you will be forced to the less accurate night bombing.
Then once he figures out which base you are using, he will bomb heavily with his own extreme long range bombers and escorts, reducing your limited bomber pools

Going back to HRs: Next time I play, I would ask for a "Chinese national redoubt" on the 3 or 4 bases close to Chungking so that they can't be assailed. In exchange, I will guarantee that the Generalissimo will save his forces for the unavoidable civil war against Communism, and therefore will, at most, try to recapture only what he lost from Dec 41 onwards

I don't think bombing FROM China will achieve a lot either - but achieve ANYTHING may provide some incentive to cease bombing ON Chinese industry. That's what I'm hoping for - a little incentive....

I'd love to do a PBEM with quiet China - nothing in, or out....would greatly simplify my life...
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End of Jun '42 Summary

Post by IdahoNYer »

End of Jun '42 Summary

While Jun was a relatively quiet month compared to those preceding it, it will be remembered perhaps as the first month which ends with the Allies making an advance, and Japan pulling back and on the defensive in some areas. That is not to say that the Allies have wrestled the initiative away from Japan. Far from it. In fact Jun can be best characterized perhaps by losing the last of the bases initially targeted by Japan at the start of hostilities - Bataan, Darwin, Akyab, Sian and Wenchow. But no new front was opened up by Japan in Jun, and that’s a first. Still think L_S_T’s not ready to concede the initiative, despite pulling back in the Aleutians and in the New Hebrides. Port Hedland is still in his sights, but anywhere else - or if there is an anywhere is unknown - other than continued pressure in China of course. Jun had only one sizeable naval engagement - the Battle of Luganville; an Allied victory. Naval losses for the month were relatively light overall to both sides, but also continue to be in the Allies favor - IJN reported losses for the month were a BB, CL, 2DD and 4SS as compared to the Allies losing a CA, DD and 3SS. The US did also lose 9 PT boats, the primary close-in deterrent to naval bombardment - Air losses were also in the Allies favor, 478 for Jpn to 389 Allied.

Screenshot shows Allied Forces disposition - Notes: 1)Ships are in service, not under refit or stood down. 2) a/c shown are combat available, not trainers or deployed on CVs. 3) CENPAC subs are those against IJN shipping, other Theater subs shown are “in close” for defense of that Theater. 4) En are Construction or Port Maint Bns, not BFs.
Image

INTEL: So what is the next Japanese move? Other than taking Port Hedland, I have completely no idea. I expect continued attacks in China of course - in the NE and in the south. Only in Australia is there any indication of continued offensive action - Port Hedland. In fact, he’s reacting to Allied moves for a change - apparently withdrawing from Attu, giving up the New Hebrides in SOPAC, attempting to rescue isolated units west of Normanton, and trying to hold his gains against attacks in Burma near Cox’s Bazaar. I still think he has one more major offensive coming - too many troops have been freed up in Bataan and NW OZ that are currently not committed, and of course his carrier force is intact. He’s got enough capability to still take anything he sets his sights on - the Allies are better, but still not capable of holding a piece of ground the Japanese want - but the Allies can make it very costly from this point forward.

SUBWAR: With the fall of Bataan and most of the 4/42 refits complete, the Silent Service returns to attempting to target the merchant lifelines of Japan. The results have been lackluster, but at least there has been an increase in the number of attacks - the results of those attacks are still poor. Further, with the return of subs to offensive roles, L_S_T has returned to using a/c in an ASW role - and that has heavily damaged some 3 subs in Jun. Subs continue to provide in-close patrol of threatened areas such as the New Hebrides, Attu, Port Hedland and Cooktown - with the expected very poor results against the marauding bombardment runs. Will continue to focus subs on the merchant lifelines, including dropping mines as mine stockages permit.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Ship upgrades continue, as the 4/42 warship upgrades wind down, the merchant upgrades continue, and two CVs (Saratoga, Yorktown) are currently in refit. Will likely not do Lexington’s refit as having Sara out 40 days right now is something I don’t want to repeat with Lex - I’ll wait till the 10/42 upgrade. For the first time, I think I’ve achieved some semblance of balance with trained pilots available (in the reserve pool) and airframes available. Airframes are still in short supply, but are balanced to those deployed and those in training groups producing sufficient pilots for the pool. The result of this “balance” is a fairly robust, well trained pilot pool for all services and aircraft types - including USMC air and Army bombers which previously were in dire shortages. Goal is to sustain this balance, and get all pilot pools to 150+ pilots for each plane type. Lastly, reinforcements continue to arrive at a brisk clip, especially the decisive weapon of the Pacific War - Engineers! US engineers are now becoming available in ever increasing numbers, and deploying to all theaters in quantity.

NOPAC. It looks as though the IJN did pull the combat units out of Attu, and this will simplify the amphib invasion which will be loaded at DH shortly. The appearance of the IJN BBs was worrisome - the Theater is still a backwater as far as equipment flow, and the Army Air avail would have been hard pressed to stop a BB TF. Once Attu is secured, will gradually pull back naval and air assets to other theaters, such as CENPAC.

CENPAC. Still quiet here. No indications of Japan wanting to change that, but with Attu campaign coming to a close early, perhaps I will probe a bit on some outer islands - such as Baker Is to see what the Japanese response will be.

SOPAC. Things have been moving along well here in the New Hebrides Campaign - Luganville secured earlier than expected as L_S_T pulled out. Will continue to develop bases here in July - with robust air avail at mutually supporting bases, the KB and bombardment threats can be greatly mitigated. With Luganville secured, will look to the Santa Cruz Island - Ndeni and Vankoro to be established as airbases. Will also potentially raid with available US CV as I shuttle CVs through refit - nothing dramatic, but if the KB is confirmed elsewhere, I’ll see if I can stir up some activity on the perimeter.

SWPAC. I’m still not convinced NE Australia is NOT the next target for invasion. Allied defenses continue to build - including air and ground capabilities, and it would be a tough fight - but one which Japan could win and gain a foothold at Portland Roads or Cooktown - bases I can’t easily reinforce by rail. It would be expensive to Japan though. The Normanton landing has turned into a Allied pursuit of fleeing, out of supply troops across the central Australian desert. Very strange…but welcome. I’m still not robbing NE or E coast Australian defenses to destroy these troops. Just in case. Once these troops are either destroyed, or have moved into WAUS territory, SWPAC will transition prepare for limited offensive air campaign against targets in New Guinea. Transition in this case means building up the bases and aviation support from Portland Roads to Cooktown to sustain that air offensive.

WAUS. On its right, WAUS focus is to hold Tennant Creek and perhaps isolate any IJA force attempting to relieve the Normanton force. Not sure the isolation is practical with the supply difficulties I’ve had at Tennant Creek - but will explore it. Tennant Creek’s defense should be sustainable now that the AF is at level 5 and supplies aren’t critically short - but, I can’t overload the supply system by rushing in troops - two Bdes and some support seem to be the max for now. On the left, Port Hedland still holds, despite being the daily target of unhindered bombing runs. Supply is critically short, and I’m holding off the temptation to push ships in - they’d just be quickly sunk. Subs continue to bring in limited supply, but the Allied emphasis has been building up Carnavon - now at Port and AF level 2, and supplies are building. Key is to continue to build up Carnavon, and start building up at Exmouth in Jul. Whether or not I can hold Port Hedland is doubtful if, as I expect, he lands a full division plus. I’m hoping whatever naval action is done - bombardment or landings at Port Hedland or even perhaps Exmouth or Carnavon - is done without the support of the KB. The two Brit CVs and two US CVs (once Yorktown finishes refit) along with a CA TF could potentially cause some trouble. That’s the plan anyway.

Burma/India. Although Akyab fell as expected, the best possible outcome was totally unexpected - the cut off Allied troops at Akyab withdrew into the IJA’s rear and isolated the IJA!!! Amazing! I had written these troops off when they got cut off at Akyab, and now, not only have they delayed the IJA’s advance, but some may even make it back to Allied lines. Again, amazing! With the lead IJA division out in front of its Army which is “mopping up” its supply lines, I’ve even managed to begin a limited attack against the IJA. I expect to continue to be active in this area for July as well, and figure ultimately it will be a stalemate for both sides, until one side heavily reinforces. Don’t expect much activity elsewhere, other than to lose Myitkyina which I’ve held in a rear guard action as Allied troops pull back toward Imphal and Ledo. With the IJA/IJN air still pretty robust out of Burma, I don’t expect much Allied naval action to support Akyab - just quick CL/DD bombardment runs out of Diamond Harbor.

China. Sian and Wenchow both fell in Jun, and both incurred heavy losses to the Chinese. The IJA juggernaut continues to advance in the NE, and with the fall of Wenchow, now in the south. I don’t see that stopping any time soon, and I fully expect to see the situation worsen. I’m now withdrawing as quickly as the sluggish Chinese can to more interior lines - this may even force the abandonment of Changsa! The AVG officially withdraws in Jul, and will be replaced by other US fighter units, and for a limited experiment - two squadrons on British Wellingtons to try and counter the limited Jpn strat bombing of Chinese industry with attacks on Hong Kong and other targets in China.
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RE: End of Jun '42 Summary

Post by BBfanboy »

In NorPac, to avoid giving him a threat-free axis in the Kuriles, I would keep a couple of Concord type CLs and (when you can afford them) about 4 DDs to go raiding or bombarding in the Kuriles. He will be forced to keep aircraft there to counter.

In the IO, it appears he has not taken some islands on the west side of Sumatra. Possible toe-holds for a 1943 campaign. Has he taken Christmas Is. (IO)?
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RE: End of Jun '42 Summary

Post by IdahoNYer »

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

In NorPac, to avoid giving him a threat-free axis in the Kuriles, I would keep a couple of Concord type CLs and (when you can afford them) about 4 DDs to go raiding or bombarding in the Kuriles. He will be forced to keep aircraft there to counter.

In the IO, it appears he has not taken some islands on the west side of Sumatra. Possible toe-holds for a 1943 campaign. Has he taken Christmas Is. (IO)?


I'm tracking with the NOPAC raiding force - I'll keep something (what exactly, I'm not sure) to both raid and protect the Aleutians.

In the Indian Ocean, he's taken Christmas Is - and Port Blair - but not much other naval supported activity.
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2-3 Jul 42

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2-3 Jul 42

Highlights - KB (I think) back to Gulf of Carpentaria to support isolated troops; PTs sacrifice themselves off Cooktown.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Oite - old sinking reported)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 5

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Biak (SWPAC)

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Moa (DEI)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: What appears to be the KB launches a large strike at Allied troops west of Normanton.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. Limited Allied air strikes confirm at least one JNAF AF unit remaining at Attu. Troops will begin boarding transports at DH for amphib operation next turn. Will begin naval softening up with both BB and CL TFs - more for gaining experience than the need for heavy bombardments.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, Hornet TF (CV, 4DDs) is detached for Auckland and the two remaining CVs move east of the northern tip of Espirutu Santo. Airstrikes confirmed an SNLF Co on Ndeni - will look to invade with 3 Bns and engineers in the coming weeks - troops currently in Auckland and will begin trans-shipping to stage out of Noumea. Subs report a small convoy just arriving at Nauru Is for a resource run, so with the KB elsewhere, I’m going to detach a small TF (CA, CL, 3DD) from the CV TF and see if they can intercept and/or bombard Nauru.

In SWPAC, the IJN CA TF (4CA, CL, 6DD) returns to Cooktown and sinks 5 of 6 PTs without a scratch in return - they don’t bombard, nor stay in range for SBDs. West of Normanton, IJN naval air (52Z, 65K, 81V) hits Australian armor blocking force west of the isolated IJA. Based on the size of the strike, this is probably the KB - I’ll move some subs and put a B-26 squadron on night naval attack and see if I can get real, real lucky. I’ll also increase the LRCAP on the main ground forces and bring in some more fighters to escort ground strikes.

In WAUS, Heavy LBA raids continue against Port Hedland, but that’s all. No sign of the IJN other than some subs.

In China, the Wellington squadrons abort due to weather, but apparently so do the IJA airstrikes. On the ground, the IJA consolidates its Sian Pocket - which will hopefully be primarily support troops as the IN Corps continue to pull back west.

In India/Burma, the 2nd Allied attack on the IJA’s 18th Div is again repulsed, but again with heavier casualties inflicted than received (925 vs 621) and still shows a lack of IJA supply. Will again try another attack next turn, but Allied troops are starting to fatigue a bit. Brit CL TF (CL, 4DD) bombarded Akyab (and sink a lone barge) with reasonable effect and return to Diamond Harbor without incident. Will make a run against Cox’s Bazaar next turn.


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RE: 4-5 Jul 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

4-5 Jul 42

Highlights - Nauru Is raided catching IJN Cargo TF, Portland Roads bombarded.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 3 (all at Nauru)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 45
Allied: 37

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Biak (SWPAC)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. Attu Amph TF begins loading at DH - 1xIN Reg, 2xCmbt EN Bns and an FA Bn load. Not loading, but avail - and originally planned before the IJN evac’d the majority of the garrison is the 22nd Marine Reg, a tank Bn and a couple more FA Bns - they are avail if needed.

CENPAC. Subs Gar and Gato are both hit by ASW a/c while on patrol - both should make it back to PH for repairs.

In SOPAC, US CA TF (CA, CL, 3DD) raid Nauru Is and catch the IJN Cargo TF reported by SS Tambor. Three xAKs are confirmed sunk, with another two heavily damaged - escorting PB escaped undamage. The US TF was unscathed until CL Honolulu collided with DD Balch - both damaged enough to warrant yard work! US TF bombards Nauru with moderate effect, then withdraws - will rendezvous with AO east of the New Hebrides. US CVs Enterprise and Wasp meanwhile shuttle their fighters to Noumea to expand to 36 planes. Lastly, Luganville AF and Port reach level 2.

In SWPAC, the IJN CA TF (4CA, CL, 6DD) returns to bombard Portland Roads this time - but is attacked by escorted SBDs out of Cooktown. The 9 plane Zero CAP bests the 21 P-39/P-400 plane escort and 9 SBDs are lost (air to air, flak and ops) - the rough handling by Zeros are likely cause of no hits by the Navy SBDs - another missed opportunity! Portland Roads receives moderate damage, and the AF remains operational (only Aus Catalinas based there right now). West of Normanton, the KB remains in support, flying ground attacks on Aus armor in blocking positions - missed a golden opportunity as the raids were unescorted - but by LRCAP was over the IJA troops! US airstrikes are met by Zeros, but escorts do their job and both sides suffer roughly equal losses. End of ground movement this turn has the US IN Reg in the hex with the encircled IJA Bde, and the “relief” tank force (I think its all tanks/recce) in the hex with the Aus Bde and Arm Reg - am attacking in both hexes! - should prove interesting!

In WAUS, Jpn LBA targets the lone US Arm Bn I have moving NE from Tennant Creek with minimal results - but no fighter escort. Will put some LRCAP over the tankers to see if we can catch an attack.

In China, the fight for Sian is over - I managed to pull out most (I think all) of the IN Corps, but did managed to lose some HQs to the encirclement. I’ll take that. Still, those Corps that did pull out, are pretty roughed up of course. IJA seems more focused on heading NW toward Lanchow rather than continuing SW toward Chungking.

In India/Burma, the 3nd Allied attack on the IJA’s 18th Div is again repulsed, but again with heavier casualties inflicted than received (825 vs 247) but doesn’t shows a lack of IJA supply. Will again try another attack next turn, as it looks like the IJA are trying to pull back to Cox’s Bazaar. Both sides put up fighters in sweeps/LRCAP and the Allies do well against the Zeros and Oscars - AND get the ground support Blenheims - surprisingly, no Jpn bombers involved. Brit CL TF (CL, 4DD) bombarded Cox’s Bazaar with neglible results.
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RE: 6-7 Jul 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

6-7 Jul 42

Highlights - CL Helena torpedoed, IJA’s 18th IN Div forced to retreat to Cox’s Bazaar

Jpn ships sunk:
YO: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 29

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (CL Helena hit by 2 torps from I-28 off Attu)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (YO sunk) (SS Grouper missed CV Zuikaku with 6 torps in Gulf of Carpentaria)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Nabire (SWPAC)

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Kungchang (China)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Slow Convoy departs LA for Auckland which includes many small coastal ships transiting for service in SOPAC (AMc, YO, ACM etc)

In NOPAC. CL Bmb TF (2CL, 5DD) intercepted by I-28 off Attu and puts 2torps into CL Helena (19/71/7). Bombardment accomplishes little, and Helena will attempt to make port at Adak (port level 3) to effect some repairs - 50/50 she makes port.

CENPAC. SS Saury hit by ASW a/c while on patrol off Korea - should make it back to PH for repairs. Subs continue to be hit by a/c - was hoping the newly installed AS radar would reduce successful a/c attacks, but that’s not the case. Third sub in 4 days to be hit.

In SOPAC, fairly quiet as troops and supplies are shuttled in the New Hebrides. Way off in the Cook - Society Island chains, I’ve got some increased IJN sub activity - just sightings as I have no shipping in the vicinity - I brought in a PBY squadron for ASW as well as a DE and now a KV to hunt the reported 3 subs lurking there - and this turn, the PBY sighted a potential surface contact - a raider perhaps? May have to send a CL TF down to investigate.

In SWPAC, the IJN CA TF (4CA, CL, 6DD) returns again to bombard Portland Roads and incurs additional moderate damage, and the AF remains operational - but engineers aren’t digging fortifications now, just repairing damage. West of Normanton, the KB remains in support, and SS Grouper missed CV Zuikaku with 6 torps! KB air, with heavy Zero escort this time, hit Aus blocking troops, and the LRCAP F4Fs weren’t numerous enough to penetrate the escort - 2 F4Fs lost in exchange for 3 Zeros. Will try an max more LRCAP next turn! On the ground, the Allied attack on the surrounded IJA forces destroyed Maizuru 1st SNLF and caused 1228 casualties! The attack on the marauding IJA tankers by the blocking force was a mistake - too many tanks! Three tank regiments were engaged and the Allied force defeated. Not good. Still, the IJA Normanton force is still blocked (I think) from withdrawing and should be attacked again next turn. Additional Allied troops are also moving to the action, including tanks and another US infantry regiment - also, most importantly, unlike fighting in NW OZ, fighting here allows me to keep Allied troops in supply. Lastly, the only Jpn air support is coming from the KB in the Gulf, which a number of Allied AFs are in range. A welcome change!

In WAUS, My LRCAP ambush didn’t work out well - only a dozen P-40s intercepted the raid(s) on each turn, which were 40+ Oscars on ground support. Despite the Oscars on ground support and a significant altitude advantage, 16 P-40s were lost in exchange for only 5 Oscars. Not good!

In China, the IJA begins moving on Lanchow, seizing Kungchang south of Lanchow. This effectively cuts off my forces in northern China from Chungking. The forces in the north are still sizeable, but supply will be a increasing problem. Will hope to hold Lanchow as long as possible - but that will be determined by what IJA forces are sent north.

In India/Burma, it takes two more ground attacks on the IJA’s 18th ID to force a retreat - but when it does, the IJA lose heavily with 3700 casualties including 112 destroyed squads. Nice! Allied casualties were fairly light - 594 with only 3 destroyed squads. Will rest half the force, but continue to Cox’s Bazaar with the British 18th Div, armor and some artillery. Goal will be to take back Cox’s Bazaar and pose a threat on Akyab. While its too early to go on the offensive in Burma - especially airpower wise - threatening to do so may lead L_S_T to pull some additional ground forces here, rather than have them land in some place unpleasant elsewhere.
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RE: 6-7 Jul 42

Post by jwolf »

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer
SS Grouper missed CV Zuikaku with 6 torps!

If it's any consolation, any hits probably would have been duds anyway. [:'(] Seriously that's unfortunate as that looked like a golden opportunity.

Your game seems to be at a critical point where the Japanese still can advance -- sort of -- but very slowly and at possible high cost elsewhere. For example, the KB can stall or temporarily save the day in northern Australia, but then cannot operate anywhere else for a while. Good luck as you continue!
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RE: 6-7 Jul 42

Post by IdahoNYer »

ORIGINAL: jwolf

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer
SS Grouper missed CV Zuikaku with 6 torps!

If it's any consolation, any hits probably would have been duds anyway. [:'(] Seriously that's unfortunate as that looked like a golden opportunity.

Your game seems to be at a critical point where the Japanese still can advance -- sort of -- but very slowly and at possible high cost elsewhere. For example, the KB can stall or temporarily save the day in northern Australia, but then cannot operate anywhere else for a while. Good luck as you continue!

Yeah, miss or duds....if its not an S Boat or Dutch/British that's pretty much the norm!

Think you're right on where the war is at right now - while I don't really want L_S_T to open up another front/landing right now, I also kinda would like to see him hit a tough defended beach-head and take some grinding losses in trying to take it. Think he'd still be successful - he can still mass more effectively than I can counter, but it could be bloody!
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8-9 July 42 - Duel of the Battleships!

Post by IdahoNYer »

8-9 Jul 42

Highlights - 3 Jpn and 4 US BBs duel off Attu, Yamato sunk; IJA force west of Normanton destroyed

Jpn ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Yamato off Attu)
CA: 1 (Kinugasa - old sinking confirmed)
CL: 1 (Kashima - old sinking confirmed
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
BB: 3 (Idaho, Nevada, Mississippi)
DD: 1
PC: 1
PT: 2
YP: 2
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 58
Allied: 37

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
SS I-124 laid mines at Carnarvon which sunk a PT
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk) (SS Grouper again missed a CV - Shokaku this time with 6 torps in Gulf of Carpentaria)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Nabire (SWPAC)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. The main event for the turn was a classic old fashioned, long ranged ,daylight BB duel off Attu fought to a near draw - or so I thought, but sadly it was the synch bug. What actually happened was a daylight close ranged knife fight due to thunderstorms - which the US lost 3 BBs (and a 4th ready to scuttle) in exchange for the Yamato which drew the attention of the US BBs. The US BB TF had just bombarded Attu (of course!) and for reasons only known to the AI admiral, stayed in the hex for the daylight turn when the IJN TF initiated combat. Bad luck all around - would have been a much better slugfest if the US TF hadn’t bombarded first. As is, this sets the timeclock back a bit in the Attu invasion until I can scramble some additional covering assets from PH and the West Coast. Getting the Yamato is some consolation, but I’d rather have the US BBs banged up and reparable (what I thought the result was going to be. Below is the comparison of the synch bug and actual combat reports:
Image

Besides the BB engagement, L_S_T sent the CA Atago raiding into Amchitka - which in my version, accomplished nothing, in the actual version, Atago caught a small convoy, sinking it. I hate the synch bug!!

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, it remains quiet. US CVs continue to shuttle fighter squadrons to bring them up to 36 planes, which the CVs loiter east of the New Hebrides. Ndeni amph TF reaches Noumea where it will take on additional combat engineers and escorts. CV Hornet arrives in Auckland and should begin refit next turn.

In SWPAC, the IJN CA TF (4CA, CL, 6DD) returns yet again to bombard Cooktown and sinks the lone PT remaining - no damage to the AF. West of Normanton, the KB remains in support, and SS Grouper again misses a CV - Shokaku this time! KB air, again with heavy Zero escort (47Z, 62K, 79V), hit Aus blocking troops, but is met by an increased LRCAP of Marines, Navy, Army and Aussie fighters - never totaling more than 21 planes, but do well scoring 7Z, 5K, 14V kills against losing 14 fighters. On the ground, the Guards Mixed Bde and Maizuru 2nd SNLF are destroyed - 2249 casualties to no Allied. Very nice! L_S_T has about 5-6 tank/recce units that attempted to relieve this force, and now I assume will attempt to disengage - will pursue and also attempt to block with a tank and AT Bn out of Tennant Creek. I expect the KB to depart.

In WAUS, SS I-124 laid a minefield at Carnarvon which sunk a PT, but was at least heavily damaged by ASW ships in the attempt. Carnarvon supply is finally over 21k and more is coming in by ship and overland. Will bring in another Aussie IN Bde and two more engineer battalions in a convoy protected by the Allied CVs - which should include CV Yorktown, about to complete refit. Getting Carnarvon well supplied should help the situation at Port Hedland, and I will start a slow process of moving engineers to begin working at Exmouth.

In China, two Chinese Corps successfully pushed back a IJA regiment south of Sian - 1486 casualties to 221. A rare Chinese win on an assault!

In India/Burma, Hurris sweep (including the new Hurricane IIC) over Cox’s Bazaar and are met by Oscars - Hurris do rather well, 13 Oscars lost to a single Hurri.
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RE: 8-9 July 42 - Duel of the Battleships!

Post by Jorge_Stanbury »

At the very least I bet it was very fun to watch !

Did you start the game on December 8th? I don't remember if your PH losses were severe. 4 battleships, even old standard type, is a big loss for a secondary theater, in real life Nimitz would had likely lost his job. Of course we don't need to worry about that in game.

Are you withdrawing your naval forces from Attu?
what are you planning to do now?
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RE: 8-9 July 42 - Duel of the Battleships!

Post by Capt. Harlock »

A major slugfest, all right, but it looks to me as if Nevada rather than Colorado was the sole surviving American BB. (And of course it's the least valuable of the bunch.)
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

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