Stalking the Wolf. Mundy (A) vs GrauWolf80 (J) - LST's Bottleneck Mod.

[Mundy]

25 February 1942

Landings
Luganville

Losses
Sorong

I seemed to have lost them. I ran into another cruiser group west of Palmyra.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 158,132

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD-3 Dauntless x 40

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Yakumo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1
DD Yugumo

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 158,132

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 5

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Yakumo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 158,132

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Tenryu, on fire
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

I see one group indicating destroyers to the north, running away. I've a feeling both carriers are probably dead. Supposedly the group I hit indicates battleships present, but I didn't seem to find any. I'll pursue one turn and head home.

GW seems to be feeling down on how his game is going. In truth, I don't think he's doing that badly. He probably should make a quicker move on Palembang, but I don't think he's really far behind history. Along with that, he's taken Noumea and now working on Luganville. Maybe you guys should visit his AAR and cheer him up. I know he doesn't control all of Australia or India yet, but this scenario was designed to slow things down.

[jwolf]

I wonder if his cruisers were trying to score a surface battle against your CVs.

[Lowpe]

Losses he cannot afford now...well done.[&o]

[Mundy]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

I wonder if his cruisers were trying to score a surface battle against your CVs.

I doubt it. Iwate and Yakumo are like pre-WWI armored cruisers, making a whopping 16 kts. Most likely they were a bombardment mission to Xmas Is.

26 February 1942

Landings
Ambon
Luganville
Milne Bay

Losses
Luganville

I hit his surface group again. This time, the TBDs get into the act.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 155,126

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 10
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD-3 Dauntless x 55
TBD-1 Devastator x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Iwate, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Tokitsukaze
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Yakumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shigure

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Furutaka
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Kinugasa


---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 155,126

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CA Yakumo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kinugasa, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Tenryu, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

Things aren't all rosy, as CarDiv 5 catches my transports leaving Port Moresby and wipes them out.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Bona-Bona at 99,136

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 49
B5N2 Kankoh (Kate) x 58
D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) x 56

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kankoh (Kate): 2 damaged
D3A1 Kanbaku (Val): 7 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Goulburn, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Montoro, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Whippoorwill, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Aroona, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
xAK Koomilya, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Cardross, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Beltana, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAP Centaur, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Koolama, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
PC Yandra
xAK Era, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Koolinda, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Ormiston, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
16 x B5N2 Kankoh (Kate) launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kankoh (Kate) launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
13 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
25 x B5N2 Kankoh (Kate) bombing from 13000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Montoro
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Aroona
Massive explosion on xAK Cardross
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Cardross
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Koomilya
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Era
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Koolinda


---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Bona-Bona at 99,136

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 26
D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Kanbaku (Val): 2 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Beltana, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Koolinda, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Koomilya, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PC Yandra, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Kanbaku (Val) releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Beltana
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Koomilya
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Koolinda
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PC Yandra

My A-24s at Port Moresby want no part of his carriers and go after the cruiser force he has sitting at that base, getting some hits.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsukaze
DD Urakaze
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 1
CA Maya, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 11

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 1
CL Isuzu, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Isuzu
CA Chokai
DD Natsushio

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 10

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu, Bomb hits 1
CA Chokai

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Nothing's changed at the big fights.

[Mundy]

27 February 1942

Landings
Ambon

Ramillies and Resolution are inbound from Cape Town, to replace the two tubs I threw away.

Ambon's putting up a pretty good fight, with coast artillery hosing his ships. At least one transport probably won't make it back.

Invasion Support action off Ambon (76,109) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

51 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 1
xAK Kinugasa Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
TB Hiyodori
TB Kasasagi
xAK Tokai Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Naka
DD Natsugumo
xAP Suwa Maru, Shell hits 2
xAP Keihuku Maru
DD Minegumo

Ambon Defenses firing at CL Tatsuta
180mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Kinugasa Maru at 8,000 yards
TB Kasasagi firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Natsugumo firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Natsugumo firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
150mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Suwa Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Natsugumo firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


---------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Ambon (76,109)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAP Keihuku Maru
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo

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

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


---------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Ambon (76,109)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

28 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAP Suwa Maru
CL Naka
TB Hiyodori
xAK Tokai Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
TB Kasasagi
xAP Keihuku Maru
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo

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

180mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Suwa Maru at 6,000 yards
TB Hiyodori firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 6,000 yards
TB Hiyodori firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
150mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 6,000 yards
TB Kasasagi firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 6,000 yards
TB Kasasagi firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


---------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Ambon (76,109)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Tokai Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Naka
TB Hiyodori
TB Kasasagi
xAP Keihuku Maru

150mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 7,000 yards
TB Hiyodori firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 7,000 yards
TB Hiyodori firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
150mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 7,000 yards
TB Kasasagi firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
150mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tokai Maru at 7,000 yards
TB Hiyodori firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards

Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5720 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 283

Defending force 5050 troops, 35 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 59

Japanese adjusted assault: 264

Allied adjusted defense: 151

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
366 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Assaulting units:
11th Garrison Unit~
82nd Naval Guard Unit
2nd Raiding Regiment
65th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Molukken Cdo
Ambon Base Force
Ambon Defenses
Civilians


---------------------------------------------


Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1368 troops, 31 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 42

Defending force 5623 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 266

Assaulting units:
Molukken Cdo
Ambon Base Force
Ambon Defenses
Civilians

Defending units:
11th Garrison Unit~
2nd Raiding Regiment
82nd Naval Guard Unit
65th Naval Guard Unit

Makassar is also holding out for the time being.

A few days ago, I got my first victory by a named USN sub

Sub attack near Sapporo at 119,49

Japanese Ships
xAK Sinsyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Ikoma Maru
PB Kenkon Maru

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon~

SS Seadragon~ launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sinsyu Maru
Seadragon~ diving deep ....
PB Kenkon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kenkon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kenkon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kenkon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kenkon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

CarDiv 1 rounded the point around the Andaman Islands, making their getaway, taking that threat away from my transports to Burma. I have a ton of transports at Diamond Harbor now, so I can pretty much ship anything over now.

I'm only seeing Shoho and Ryujo in the casualty lists yet. The former got smacked by a sub, while the latter was victim to PoW. I'm certain the last two are dead, and I think Kaga is very questionable, with a suitable base for her being very far away. Singapore may have helped, but I still hold it. Some of the cruisers I recently hit (Furutaka) are on the dead list. I haven't seen the old fossils yet.

Probably about 2 days until my carriers return to Pearl. A lot faster with the throttle opened up. I can probably be a bit more daring, with KB broken up. I'll need to wait awhile as Yorktown carried only 7 F4Fs on the last sortie. I just converted them from Buffalos. Last I looked, there were 15 SBDs in the pool, and I'm not sure that's enough to vet my losses. Still 3 months until Sara's out of drydock. Hornet should arrive in about 2 weeks. I think it's not until at least May before Wasp arrives. After that, it's a long wait until about mid-1943. For the RN, Formidable is currently enroute from Cape Town to Colombo. Her and her anemic air group. I'd hesitate to put five of them against one IJN carrier.

[Mundy]

28 February 1942

Landings
Ambon
Sansapor

Losses
Milne Bay

This was weird.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Wessel Islands at 83,123

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Suitei x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Sidajoe
xAKL Matthew Flinders, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Wessel Islands at 83,123

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Suitei x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Merkus, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Generaal v. Swieten, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Manipi
xAKL Banjoewangi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Wongala

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Generaal v. Swieten


---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Wessel Islands at 83,123

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Suitei x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Minjak, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Domingo, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Matthew Flinders, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Matthew Flinders

---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 89,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Suitei x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Suitei: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Danae~
CL Leander

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 89,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Suitei x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Evertsen

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 89,129

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Suitei x 26

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Danae~
xAK Anglo Indian
CL Java
CL Leander
xAKL William McArthur

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
5 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
16 x E13A1 Suitei bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Whole fricking waves of them. What kind of an AV could haul that many? My little CL force is going to run north to try and catch them and put them out of my misery.

[LargeSlowTarget]

Whole fricking waves of them. What kind of an AV could haul that many?

Might be coming from CS and not AV types. Chitose, Chiyoda and Mizuho combined can carry 68 float planes. IIRC they carry one Pete and one Jake group each. Take off the Petes and resize the Jakes and downgrade some LBA Jake groups to free airframes to beef-up the CS groups and voila, 68 bombers with range 8 normal load. Even with pilots untrained at low naval, they can devastate merchies on naval attack at 1k.

[Mundy]

I guess them coming as a single group convinced me that they were from the same ship. I guess multiple ships can coordinate for the IJN.

03 March 1942

Landings
Balabac
Efate

Losses
Sansapor
Efate
Bataan / Corregidor

Bataan fell quicker than I thought. I was sure Singapore would go first. One less wave of bombers I won't have to watch every turn.

In China, at Kaifeng, he's cranked up an attack. This has gone on about 3 days and they're about to give.

Ground combat at Kaifeng (89,44)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 47285 troops, 597 guns, 185 vehicles, Assault Value = 1251

Defending force 31615 troops, 248 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 310

Japanese adjusted assault: 396

Allied adjusted defense: 76

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
409 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 52 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (4 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
764 casualties reported
Squads: 102 destroyed, 72 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 13 (4 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
5th Armored Car Co
37th Division
115ID 7th Ind.Mix.' Brigade
36th Division
15th Tank Regiment
35th Division
63ID 15th Ind.Mix.' Brigade
41st Division
21st Division
1st Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
56th Chinese Army- Corps
76th Chinese Army- Corps
68th Chinese Army Corps
12th Chinese Army-~ Corps
59th Chinese Army Corps
18th Chinese Army- Corps
48th Chinese Army- Corps
85th Chinese Army Corps
3rd Construction Regiment
6th Guerilla
East Hupei Guerilla Army
7th Construction Regiment
3rd Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force

Lexington is getting an upgrade. Out a few weeks. Basically a bunch of 1.1" guns and all her 20mm Oerlikons.

F4F-4s are in productions which should help flesh out my VF squadrons. I had to revert one back to F2As, due to low numbers. Likewise, SBD-3s are also very scarce. One VB converted back to SB2Us while a couple more went to SBD-2s. LST added the SBD-4 variant before the dash 5 shows. In real life, I think the dash 4 had a different electrical system and that's it.

Two weeks into the game and we're two months in. At this rate, we'll be into 1946 in a year.

CarDivs 2 and 5 have been lurking between Australia and Port Moresby, sinking transports as well as beating up a CL TF. Leander took an ammo explosion in the process. Once my carriers are done. I'll have to think about isolating one of his divisions. Maybe when Hornet arrives.

[Mundy]

06 March 1942

Singapore is grinding down, still barely holding.

A bunch of transports have shown up at Port Moresby, along with the surface force and carriers he's had in the area. If he lands, he'll be paying the price, as I've a coast artillery unit there with 16 6" guns, plus others in its OOB. I've nearly 600 AV in troops there, too, so it won't go easily. If it wasn't for his damned carriers, I'd have it packed with more.

He's dealing now with all the mines I had at Bataan, eating one.

TF 64 encounters mine field at Bataan / Corregidor (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-20
DMS W-19
DMS W-12
DMS W-11
DMS W-10
DMS W-9

144 mines cleared


---------------------------------------------

TF 64 encounters mine field at Bataan / Corregidor (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-20
DMS W-19
DMS W-12, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DMS W-11
DMS W-10
DMS W-9

144 mines cleared

Resolution's finally leaving Cape Town for Colombo with a destroyer. Ramillies should be on map soon, along with my third RN carrier.

Langley's leading a quiet productive life now, shipping planes from Aden to India. Very useful, as she's classed as an AKV.

[Mundy]

07 March 1942

Landings
Kebar
Lifou
Port Moresby

Losses
Puerto Princesa

To quote Jesse "The Body" Ventura from "The Running Man"

"Are you ready for pain? Are you ready for suffering?"

Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)

TF 79 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130

Japanese ground losses:
171 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost in surf during unload of 8th Div /2
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /2
10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 8th Div /2
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost in surf during unload of 8th Div /3
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost from landing craft during unload of 8th Div /3
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /4
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /4
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 8th Div /4
10 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /4
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost in surf during unload of 8th Div /5
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /5
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 accidentally lost during unload of 8th Div /6
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost from landing craft during unload of 8th Div /6
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost from landing craft during unload of 8th Div /6
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost from landing craft during unload of 8th Div /6
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 8th Div /6
10 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /6
12 troops of a IJA Inf Squad 41 lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /7
75mm T90 Field Gun lost overboard during unload of 8th Div /9

---------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

316 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze
AMC Ukishima Maru
xAK Wazan Maru
PB Take
xAK Yamabato Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagumo

Japanese ground losses:
159 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Harukaze
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at AMC Ukishima Maru
AMC Ukishima Maru firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Wazan Maru at 7,000 yards
PB Take firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamabato Maru at 7,000 yards
PB Take fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


---------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

312 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Wazan Maru, Shell hits 15, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yamabato Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Take
AMC Ukishima Maru
DD Asagumo
DD Harukaze

Japanese ground losses:
198 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Wazan Maru at 10,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamabato Maru at 10,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamabato Maru at 10,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Wazan Maru at 10,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamabato Maru at 10,000 yards
PB Take fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


---------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

285 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Take
AMC Ukishima Maru
DD Asagumo
DD Harukaze

Japanese ground losses:
181 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

PB Take fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

---------------------------------------------

Pre-Invasion action off Port Moresby (98,130) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

595 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze
DD Asagumo
xAK Chitose Maru #2, Shell hits 18, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Take
xAK Wazan Maru, Shell hits 1
AMC Ukishima Maru

Japanese ground losses:
201 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

DD Harukaze firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Harukaze
DD Asagumo firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Asagumo
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Chitose Maru #2 at 8,000 yards
PB Take firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
DD Asagumo firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
PB Take firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Chitose Maru #2 at 8,000 yards
PB Take firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Wazan Maru at 8,000 yards
PB Take firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Chitose Maru #2 at 8,000 yards
PB Take firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
6in Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Chitose Maru #2 at 8,000 yards
PB Take firing to suppress enemy battery at 8,000 yards
PB Take fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

I'm wondering how much supply they'll have by the time it's done.

Pretty much the only new thing this turn. He's grabbing some extra islands around Noumea and working on Mindanao.

He took a shot at Cagayan back on the 2nd, but nothing's happened since. Didn't bring enough troops and I've been working to pile them all in to that base.

Ground combat at Cagayan (79,89)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6860 troops, 49 guns, 71 vehicles, Assault Value = 311

Defending force 15276 troops, 163 guns, 22 vehicles, Assault Value = 471

Japanese adjusted assault: 113

Allied adjusted defense: 231

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), preparation(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1346 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 67 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
486 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 76 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
83rd Naval Guard Unit
1GD Guards Mixed Brigade
8th Tank Regiment
84th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
101st PA Infantry Division
102nd PA Infantry Division
Agusan Constabulary Battalion
Del Monte AAF Base Force
5th Base Group Base Force
III Philippine Corps
Civilians

[Mundy]

08 March 1942

Landings
Taytay

Losses
Kebar


I'm not sure one division is going to cut it at Port Moresby. No more are landing, so I think that's all he brought. I think his amphib bonus won't last much longer, so it will only get worse. Regardless, I've moved the A-24 squadrons to Townsville and the search planes to Portland Roads, which is now up and running, with about 75 air support. I've shipped enough supply for the time being also. My CLs escaped the blockade at PM. A MG armed riverboat paved the way and got clobbered, letting the better ships through without incident.

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10373 troops, 134 guns, 43 vehicles, Assault Value = 454

Defending force 25620 troops, 369 guns, 230 vehicles, Assault Value = 602

Japanese adjusted assault: 75

Allied adjusted defense: 581

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 7 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), preparation(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
680 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 82 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
8th Division

Defending units:
4th Australian Brigade
2/3rd Ind Coy
12th Motor'>~ Regiment
6th Australian~ Brigade
30IB 49th Aus~ Battalion
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
23rd Australian Brigade
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
Papuan Inf Battalion
4th Aus Lt AA Regiment
Civilians
13th Field Regiment
Port Moresby RAN Base Force
Rabaul Base Det.
16th RAAF Base Sqdn
Civilians
2nd RAAF Base Sqdn
8th Mil. District'
21st Field~ Rgt /2


---------------------------------------------


Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18055 troops, 305 guns, 181 vehicles, Assault Value = 582

Defending force 9815 troops, 134 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 383

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

Assaulting units:
30IB 49th Aus~ Battalion
12th Motor'>~ Regiment
4th Australian Brigade
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
6th Australian~ Brigade
23rd Australian Brigade
2/3rd Ind Coy
Papuan Inf Battalion
Rabaul Base Det.
4th Aus Lt AA Regiment
Civilians
Port Moresby RAN Base Force
2nd RAAF Base Sqdn
13th Field Regiment
Civilians
16th RAAF Base Sqdn
8th Mil. District'
21st Field~ Rgt /2

Defending units:
8th Division

Ambon and Makassar are still holding out.

In a month or so, I'm due to get my carrier capable B-25, which I can hit Japan with. With KB tied up in the south, I should be able to pull that off. I'm not confident in the damage they'll cause.

LST, if you're reading... In your documentation, you recommend Doolittle's squadron being disbanded. Is it also within reason to just transfer them to China instead?

[Mundy]

09 March 1942

Losses
Kuching
Lifou

This was interesting.

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18043 troops, 305 guns, 181 vehicles, Assault Value = 582

Defending force 768 troops, 24 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
4th Australian Brigade
6th Australian~ Brigade
12th Motor'>~ Regiment
2/3rd Ind Coy
23rd Australian Brigade
30IB 49th Aus~ Battalion
Papuan Inf Battalion
16th RAAF Base Sqdn
Civilians
Civilians
Port Moresby RAN Base Force
13th Field Regiment
8th Mil. District'
2nd RAAF Base Sqdn
4th Aus Lt AA Regiment
Rabaul Base Det.
21st Field~ Rgt /2

Defending units:
8th Division

I think GW is pulling his troops out. I don't see any ships, though. I'm attacking to finish them. Once I'm sure it's clear, I'll pack more troops up there. I'm thinking he grabbed as many as he could but couldn't do them all because I've probably sunk some ships.

It starts with a trickle...

Submarine attack near Fukuoka= at 104,56

Japanese Ships
xAK Nisso Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pollack~

xAK Nisso Maru is sighted by SS Pollack~
SS Pollack~ attacking xAK Nisso Maru on the surface
Neal V. decides to submerge SS Pollack~ due to damage

Submarine attack near Wakkanai at 123,48

Japanese Ships
TK Ryuei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier~

TK Ryuei Maru is sighted by SS Grenadier~
SS Grenadier~ launches 2 torpedoes at TK Ryuei Maru


---------------------------------------------

Submarine attack near Wakkanai at 123,48

Japanese Ships
TK Yuho Maru, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier~, hits 1

TK Yuho Maru is sighted by SS Grenadier~
SS Grenadier~ attacking TK Yuho Maru on the surface
SS Grenadier~ low on gun ammo, Joyce, A R breaks off surface engagement and submerges

[Mundy]

11 March 1942

Landings
Talaud-eilanden
Calapan

Losses
Ambon
Koumac

Ambon finally falls. I also crush his remnants at Port Moresby. His CVs are up near Rabaul now, so I can start feeding more troops to Moresby.

The UK 70th Division arrives at Aden. More bodies for the Burma campaign. My SOP is to run them to Karachi, where they take the train to Diamond Harbor and move from there. Since my troops are heading that ways, I'll probably ship them right to Moulmein.

I haven't seen anything on the carriers I've clobbered recently. Hopefully they sunk. I'm pretty sure the light ones did, as the rest of their TF fled rather quickly. I can only hope about Kaga

[Mundy]

12 March 1942

Landings
Talaud-eilanden (79,97)
Ndeni

Losses
Talaud-eilanden
Calapan
Singapore

GW has gone into shock attack frenzy this turn, using it pretty much everywhere. It finally worked at Singapore, so I won't have to watch those endless air raids there. I wonder if they'll do Palambang next.

In Alameda, Doolittle's Raiders arrive. This is a badass group, with an average experience of 80. I'll get them shipped to Pearl and do some mayhem with them. With their skills, maybe they can to some real damage.

In this scenario, compared to my other stock game, I notice there are a *LOT* more troops in Australia than there, most of which are perma-restricted. I think a serious Japanese invasion of Oz would be extremely difficult in this one.

[Mundy]

14 March 1942

Landings
Busuanga
Manokwari

Losses
Makassar
Ndeni

I'm getting more and better air in Australia. 4 squadrons of USAAF B-26 are there as well as one of SB2Us, one F4F, one F2A and one P-40E. A native born squadron of P-40s has also arrived at Townsville. Those I shipped to Port Moresby with the Vindicators and some PBYs to watch for shipping. I'll rein in the Wind-Indicators to stay within Warhawk range.

Out west, my Air hits some ships at Port Blair. Just one torp hit by an Albacore. My RN carriers are actually escorting an amphib bound for Moulmein. I've been shipping all new arrivals there now.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 14

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DMS W-2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1' with A6M2 Reisen (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 6

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PB Naruto Maru #3
TB Chidori

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1' with A6M2 Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 105 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 5

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DMS W-2
TB Chidori

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1' with A6M2 Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 3

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 29
Sea Hurricane Ib x 6
Martlet II x 7
Swordfish I x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Martlet II: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DMS W-2
PB Naruto Maru #3
TB Chidori

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Swordfish I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
5 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
6 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
18 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1' with A6M2 Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
TB Chidori
PB Naruto Maru #3

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1' with A6M2 Reisen (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
TB Chidori
DMS W-2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1' with A6M2 Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 77 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DMS W-2
TB Chidori

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1' with A6M2 Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 77 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 26
Sea Hurricane Ib x 6
Martlet II x 5
Swordfish I x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
TB Chidori
DMS W-2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Naruto Maru #3

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Swordfish I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
3 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
6 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
17 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

My Chinese take a shot at Hanoi, which doesn't go well, despite the raw AV advantage. They're better defended here than in stock.

Ground combat at Hanoi (68,56)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 52980 troops, 420 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1766

Defending force 11758 troops, 138 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 499

Allied adjusted assault: 868

Japanese adjusted defense: 1609

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), preparation(-)
fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
580 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2087 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 141 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Prov Chin Army' Corps
24th Chinese Army Corps
65th Chinese Army Corps
1st Prov Chin Army+ Corps
46th Chinese Army Corps
2nd Prov Chin Army+ Corps
4th War Area
9th Group Army
16th Group Army

Defending units:
1st VM Division
33rd Division
9th Railroad Engineer Regiment

[Mundy]

Forgot to add...

The French freak sub, Surcouf arrived in Panama. I guess she won't be run down by a transport this time. I'm curious to see how she'll operate.

[LargeSlowTarget]

Yes, Surcouf not being sunk by accident on her way to the Pacific is one of the few semi-historical elements in my mod - clin d'oeil for my host country since I live in France. I'm curious myself to see that white elephant in action.

About the Doolittle Raiders - they are intended to be used in their historical role only, not as LBA super-squadron. That means one strike from a carrier, and then disband (the squadron has a withdrawal date anyway). Btw, the 16 "B-25 Tokyo Special" planes have no replacements and a SR of 5. I think I should eliminate the armor as well for v1.1 of my mod.

Concerning the troops levels in Australia:
The Aussies had three "paper" Cavalry-turning-Motorized-turning-Armoured Divisions, "paper" because their elements never really operated together as a division-sized formation. There are divisional HQs and the assigned Inf, Cav, Armour, AT and Arty elements, but most of them are restricted and will withdraw eventually, as the divisions got disbanded due to manpower shortages. Only a few elements of those formations have served outside Australia, I think some tank and AT elements are unrestricted. I think DaBabes has evolved into a more granular OOB with lots of regimental-sized motorized units, but due to slot restrictions I have opted to keep the infantry elements at brigade size.
Something similar happens to the CMF infantry formations, they keep a "HQ plus 3 Bde" structure, with most HQs and brigades being restricted since Aussie laws did not permit the use of Militia units outside Australia (unless containing a large part of volunteers for the AIF). There was also constant swapping of Bns between Bdes and of Bds between Divs, and "amalgamations" of Bns going on. In short, modeling the Aussie OOB within the restrictions of AE is a PITA.

[Mundy]

That's fine. I'll pull them when they're done.

A pity fighter squadrons are so scarce at the start. I do wish that for dive bombers and light bombers there was an "emergency CAP" selection for them, in desperate times, like how SBDs were used at the Coral Sea or using Wirraways for defense. They can, and should, get mauled if real fighters show, but in their absence, could be useful.

15 March 1942

Landings
Palembang

Losses
Manokwari

Landings at Palembang. With all the weakling units on Sumatra, this shouldn't last long. He has DMSs present, wiping out all the mines there.

Other that that, quiet. I'm trying to get all the new US squadrons in Australia healed up, and they're mostly there.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Mundy

Forgot to add...

The French freak sub, Surcouf arrived in Panama. I guess she won't be run down by a transport this time. I'm curious to see how she'll operate.

Give us a picture of the sub...please.[:)]

[Mundy]

Ok... next turn.

[:)]