wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/26/43 - continued

Australia: Jap recon and air strike on Coen. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 17
Ki-46-III Dinah x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting N1K fighters on CAP, 8 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, no information on Jap planes in Darwin, 11 Jap LCU's (+2 from last report).
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 27 aircraft (13 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.

Current situation map of NW Australia follows.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/26/43 - continued

DEI: Sigint report entry for 12/26 indicates 138 IJNAF Base Force located at Miri (Borneo). 138 Base Force is a new LCU in the known Japanese OOB.

39 Japanese ships detected in port at Soerabaja. 26 ships detected in port at Palembang.


India/Burma: USAAF and RAF Liberators attack Jap resource production at Moulmein. At this point, most resource production in Burma outside Rangoon has been knocked out of operation by Allied bombing attacks. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Moulmein , at 30,34

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 110
B-24J Liberator x 32

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Resources hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base in Meiktila - resource production 3(98), no Jap LCU's.
Detected status of Jap base in Moulmein - 2 Jap TF's, resource production 31(70), 69 aircraft (25 fighters, 12 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Magwe reporting 1 Jap LCU.
CW-22 Falcon recon over Mandalay reporting resource production 4(17), 2 Jap LCU's.

F-5C recon over Rangoon reports 3 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), fighters spotted on CAP, 29 aircraft (29 bombers), no reported information on fighters based in Rangoon, 27 Jap LCU's (+10 from last report), heavy industry 62(131).


China: Jap recon flights over Kweiyang and Kungchang. No reported Jap air strikes in China this game turn. Current situation map of China follows end of this report.
Jap ground forces continue bombardment attacks near Chungking. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,33 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 73327 troops, 347 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1582
32nd, 47th, 62nd & 64th Infantry Divisions, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 34007 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 951
21st, 23rd, 63rd, 75th, 86th & 96th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/27/43

North Pacific: Jap recon flight over Attu Is. Otherwise quiet.

Detected status of Jap base at Paramushiro - 1 Jap TF, 25 aircraft (11 fighters), 4 Jap LCU's.


Central Pacific: Continued Jap air patrol reported by U.S. subs off Japanese home islands. SS Blackfish reporting several contacts off Tsu with unidentified Jap TF's.

SS Scamp E of Tori Shima reporting contact with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 69,48

Japanese Ships
PG Kogyoku Maru
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

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

266 Japanese ships detected in port at Tokyo.

U.S. subs near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, and Truk report no Jap air patrol activity or contacts with Japanese surface ships.


Pago Pago, Day 102 of the Fiasco: Weather forecast for Pago Pago is partly cloudy. Current situation map of Pago Pago area follows end of this report.

LST-171 reported sinking during this game turn's ship damage adjustment phases.

Last U.S. transports are departing Pago Pago for return to Penhryn. Orders issued this game turn for U.S. Carrier Main Force to begin returning to Pago Pago on 12/28 - many DB and TB planes no longer operational, though VF squadrons remain in good shape.

A group of six unidentified Jap TF's detected NW of Savaii, some of these TF include carriers. One Jap TF in this group reported moving on NE heading - future movement of Jap TF's cannot be determined accurately from this heading report. Remaining available flight ops for TF's in the U.S. Carrier Main Force plus current status of VB & VF squadrons does not present favorable conditions at this time for a carrier engagement, especially true against fresh Jap carrier(s).

Jap recon over Pago Pago. Jap LBA air attacks against airfield facilities on Savaii and Pago Pago, also attempted LBA naval air strike against last remaining U.S. transport TF (one LST) remaining at Pago Pago. Jap LBA in these attacks all operating from Wallis Is. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Savaii , at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 67

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
29 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
17 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
P1Y Frances x 64

Allied aircraft (LRCAP from several carriers of U.S. Carrier Main Force)
F6F Hellcat x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 6 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 15 destroyed, 34 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged

Allied ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 3

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
1 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
11 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
2 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
1 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
2 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 5
P1Y Frances x 7

Allied aircraft (LRCAP from several carriers of U.S. Carrier Main Force)
F6F Hellcat x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
P1Y Frances: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 6 damaged

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

Detected status of Jap base on Upolu - airfield damage 84, 18 Jap LCU's.

Current status of Pago Pago base - runway damage 44, airfield service damage 100, port damage 2. 26K supply now on hand.
Current status of Savaii base - runway damage 99, airfield service damage 100, port damage 9 (no change).

Jap ground forces continue bombardment attack on Upolu. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3406 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 767
41st, 42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts,
Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade, 140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)

Defending force 61695 troops, 206 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 1389
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/27/43 - continued

Australia: Current situation map of NE Australia follows end of this report.

Jap recon flight and bombing attack over Coen. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 18
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base at Port Moresby - 10 aircraft (4 fighters), 8 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, 13 Jap LCU's (+2 from last report).
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 5 Jap LCU's.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/27/43 - continued.

India/Burma: RAF fighters attack Jap 55th Division in Magwe. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 31,29

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet
12 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet

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

Hudson I recon over Magwe reporting 1 Jap LCU.
CW-22 Falcon recon over Mandalay reporting resource production 4(17), 2 Jap LCU's.

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - no Jap TF's, 39 aircraft (39 bombers), 29 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 62(131).
Detected status of Jap base in Meiktila - resource production 3(98).
Detected status of Jap base in Moulmein - resource production 31(70), 49 aircraft (24 fighters, 4 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Kweiyang. AAR's of latest Jap air strikes in China follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 7 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 60
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
22 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
22 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

Jap ground forces continue bombardment attack near Chungking. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,33 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 73294 troops, 348 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1580
32nd, 47th, 62nd & 64th Infantry Divisions, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 33807 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 947
21st, 23rd, 63rd, 75th, 86th & 96th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/28/43

North Pacific: Jap recon flight over Attu Is. Otherwise quiet.

Detected status of Jap base at Paramushiro Jima - no Jap TF, airfield damage 29, 87 aircraft (20 fighters, 20 bombers), 4 Jap LCU's.


Central Pacific: U.S. subs off Japanese home islands reporting contacts with Ki-48 Lily, Ki-49 Helen, P1Y Frances, E13A1 Jake air patrols. Several reported engagements off the home islands between Jap TF's and U.S. subs. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 66,44 (off Tokyo)

Japanese Ships
AP Hie Maru
PG Shinko Maru #5
APD T 1
DD Yugure

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 70,50 (E of Chichi Jima)

Japanese Ships
AK Koki Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 31
PC Ch 21
PC Takunan Maru #6

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 70,50

Japanese Ships
PC Shonon Maru #15
PC Toshi Maru #3
PC Ajiro
PG Yoshida Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

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

266 Japanese ships detected in port at Tokyo. No reports on Jap ships at anchor at Kwajalein or Truk.
U.S. subs near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, and Truk reporting no detected Jap air patrol activity.
F-5A recon over Canton Is reporting 13 aircraft, 15 Jap LCU's.


Pago Pago, Day 103 of the Fiasco: Weather forecast for Pago Pago is precipitation. Current situation map of Pago Pago area follows end of this report.

Jap carrier TF's now located south of Wallis Is.

Current status of Pago Pago base - runway damage 31, airfield service damage 100, port damage 2. 25K supply now on hand.
Current status of Savaii base - runway damage 99, airfield service damage 100, port damage 9 (no change).

Jap recon flight over Pago Pago. Jap LBA air strikes against Pago Pago and Savaii bases, also ground attack strike against U.S. 27th Division on Savaii. AAR's follow.

Jap airfield on Upolu remains knocked out. Detected status - airfield damage 94, one Jap submarine in hex, 18 Jap LCU's.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Wallis Is)
P1Y Frances x 74

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 26 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
349 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Runway hits 54

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
A6M5 Zeke x 55

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Savaii , at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11
D4Y Judy x 20
B6N2 Jill x 66

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
20 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 27th US Division, at 95,112 (Savaii)

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

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


Japanese ground forces continue bombardment attacks on Upolu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 34871 troops, 290 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 776
41st, 42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts,
Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade, 140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)

Defending force 61953 troops, 216 guns, 25 vehicles, Assault Value = 1407
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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

[ny59giants]

Portland Roads - Since you will be attacking at the end of a trail vs a road or RR, you will have supply problems along with other things. Some suggestions, if I may. Move a Command HQ to Cooktown (it will suck up a lot of excessive supplies that you will need) and have it prepping for Portland Road and, if available, have an Army HQ with the troops prepping for that base. Both will add to your adjusted Assault Values. Use massive amounts of transports and/or patrol planes to fly in supplies directly to the the troops or Coen. I would do it now so they have plenty of supply and cut down on the fatigue/disruption they get while on the march. The proper use of HQs is often easily overlooked by players on both sides.

Pago Pago - I hope that small opening you had on getting planes to the AF will not go away as his CVs arrive on the scene.  

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/28/43

Australia: Jap recon flights over Coen and Cairns. Continued small Jap air strikes against Coen, minor damage reported. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Portland Roads)
Ki-49 Helen x 18
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Merauke)
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting N1K fighters on CAP, 17 aircraft (5 fighters), 8 Jap LCU's.

USAAF and Australian planes attack Jap LCU's in Daly Waters. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 7th AA Regiment, at 35,90 (Daly Waters)

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 18
P-40N Warhawk x 27
B-25C Mitchell x 31
B-24J Liberator x 48

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 5 damaged
P-40N Warhawk: 9 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 9 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 24 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
607 casualties reported
Guns lost 19

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
6 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
6 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
6 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet
3 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet
3 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
3 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
3 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet
3 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet
3 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Division, at 35,90

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 30
P-40N Warhawk x 45
B-25C Mitchell x 28
B-24J Liberator x 37

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 3 damaged
P-40N Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 14 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 7 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 13 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
15 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
15 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet
10 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet
10 x Kittyhawk III attacking at 100 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 70, 22 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, 14 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report).
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 5 Jap LCU's.


DEI: British sub Templar attacks Jap TF in Malacca Straits night action. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 21,47 (near Johore Bahru)

Japanese Ships
AK Tatsuno Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PC Takunan Maru #7
PC Shonon Maru #10
PG Kyo Maru #8
PC Hachijo

Allied Ships
SS Templar

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

33 Japanese ships detected in port at Soerabaja.


India/Burma: Current situation map of Burma follows end of this report.

RAF fighters attack Jap 55th Division in Magwe. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 31,29

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 21

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
92 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet
9 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet

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

Hudson I recon over Magwe reporting 1 Jap LCU.
CW-22 Falcon recon over Mandalay reporting resource production 4(17), 2 Jap LCU's.
F-5C recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's, 282 aircraft (133 fighters, 26 bombers), 29 Jap LCU's.

Detected status of Jap base in Meiktila - resource production 3(98).
Detected status of Jap base in Moulmein - resource production 31(70), 7 aircraft (7 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/28/43 - continued

China: Jap recon flights over Kweiyang, Kungchang. AAR's of latest Jap air strikes in China follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Chinese Corps, at 46,27 (Kungchang)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 70

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
21 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
30 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 12
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 26
Ki-51 Sonia x 34
Ki-21-II Sally x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
99 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
11 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
12 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 46
Ki-46-III Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
22 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Chinese Air Base Force, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9
Ki-51 Sonia x 10
Ki-21-II Sally x 5
Ki-48-II Lily x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet

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


Jap ground forces continue bombardment attack near Chungking. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,33 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 73325 troops, 350 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1581
32nd, 47th, 62nd & 64th Infantry Divisions, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 33784 troops, 107 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 942
21st, 23rd, 63rd, 75th, 86th & 96th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[wneumann]

ny59giants: Portland Roads - Since you will be attacking at the end of a trail vs a road or RR, you will have supply problems along with other things. Some suggestions, if I may. Move a Command HQ to Cooktown (it will suck up a lot of excessive supplies that you will need) and have it prepping for Portland Road and, if available, have an Army HQ with the troops prepping for that base. Both will add to your adjusted Assault Values. Use massive amounts of transports and/or patrol planes to fly in supplies directly to the the troops or Coen. I would do it now so they have plenty of supply and cut down on the fatigue/disruption they get while on the march. The proper use of HQs is often easily overlooked by players on both sides.

I have anticipated supply problems, hopefully what measures I've taken will be sufficient.

Cooktown has 98K supply on hand as of 12/28, nearly all brought in by sea transport. Japanese interference with Allied coastal shipping along the eastern coast of Australia has been nil. HQ Southwest Pacific is in Townsville and could be moved up if needed.

Coen has a size 2 (and expanding) airfield and 13.5K supplies on hand. Supply is being continuously airlifted into Coen from Townsville - a force of 200+ transport planes (Dakotas, C-47, C-46) are operating from Townsville and flying supply into Coen. I am considering moving at least some of these transport planes from Townsville to Cooktown as Allied ground forces approach Portland Roads to begin supply flights from Cooktown directly to the LCU's.

HQ U.S. III Corps is moving forward along with Allied ground forces advancing on Portland Roads. Preparation levels of this HQ and all the principal Allied combat LCU's advancing on Portland Roads are at or approaching 100%. This operation has been in planning stages for about two months - started LCU prep very early on as I was moving units for this operation northward by land from Sydney and southern Australia.

There's also a sizeable undetected contingent of Allied bombers and fighters nearby waiting in the wings. Plans are for them to move forward and begin air ops as Allied ground troops close in on Portland Roads.

Pago Pago - I hope that small opening you had on getting planes to the AF will not go away as his CVs arrive on the scene.

Getting ahead of myself (we're on the 1/1/44 game turn now) - I did get a (better) small opening later on, moved a second group of fighters into Pago Pago. These fighters got shot up in the end but they soaked up several Jap LBA strikes and the first wave of KB air attacks. The Jap base on Upolu remains out of action - Jap LBA strikes are coming only from Wallis Is.

The original group of U.S. fighter squadrons on Pago Pago are now back on Penhryn and reforming - for the most part I saved the pilots but had to replace nearly all their planes. I also have several more fighter squadrons enroute to Penhryn for employment on Pago Pago.

Pago Pago's gonna be shot up again (though hopefully not as bad as before). I'm planning another transport sortie into Pago Pago with more supply and (this time) a flak LCU or two to aid the cause. I may be able to get by with the engineers I now have on Pago Pago - if more are needed there are engineer units available to go on Penhryn.

[ny59giants]

HQ Southwest Pacific is in Townsville and could be moved up if needed.

If you leave it here and don't have it prepping for Portland Roads, it will not help you in your assault. It is too far away to influence your attack. You can receive benefits from a Command HQ and a Corp HQ with your attacks and defense.

At this point in the game, you should have a Command HQ within range (except in the wide open Pacific) prepping for your next objective in every major theater. Here is a link to an old thread about HQs to clarify why they are so important.

tm.asp?m=1493106

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/29/43

North Pacific: Jap recon over Attu Is. Otherwise quiet.

Detected status of Jap base at Paramushiro - airfield damage 25, 97 aircraft (22 fighters, 25 bombers), 4 Jap LCU's.


Central Pacific: U.S. subs continue reporting air patrols off Japanese home islands - mainly IJA bomber types (Ki-49 Helen, Ki-51 Sonia) plus E13A1 & F1M2 floatplanes.

SS Sunfish engages Jap TF in night action near Tori Shima. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 62,46 (NW of Tori Shima)

Japanese Ships
AP Teia Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Yamato Maru
PG Shinko Maru #5
APD T 1
DD Yugure

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish, hits 3 (system damage 11, float 8)

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

251 Japanese ships in port at Tokyo. No report of Japanese ships in Kwajalein or Truk bases.

No reports of Jap air patrols spotted by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, or Truk.
F-5A recon over Canton Is reports 7 aircraft, 15 Jap LCU's.

Pago Pago, Day 103 of the Fiasco: Weather forecast for Pago Pago is overcast. APD McKean reported sinking during this game turn's ship damage adjustment phase.

U.S. Carrier Main Force TF's due to arrive back at Penhryn on 12/30 & 12/31 - the "death star" becoming unglued, fortunately near home and beyond Jap attack range. Carrier Force TF's will remain in Penhryn to replenish and re-group back into a single formation, also take on replacement planes and pilots and get air squadrons back to full operational status. Many of the larger ships (carriers, BB's, cruisers) in the Carrier Force TF's are in need of refit - a number of fresh replacement ships have arrived at Penhryn and will be swapped into Carrier Force TF's to replace individual ships most in need of refit. Ships pulled out of the Carrier Force for refit will be sent back to Pearl or shipyards on the U.S. West Coast for repair and (in some cases) to receive upgrades.

Contact has been lost with Jap carrier TF's off Pago Pago.

Detected status of Jap base on Upolu - one Jap submarine in hex, airfield damage 85, 18 Jap LCU's.

Current status of Pago Pago base - runway damage 0, airfield service damage 23, port damage 2. 25K supply now on hand. Five USAAF P-38G fighter squadrons from Penhryn transferred into Pago Pago during order phase for this game turn.

Current status of Savaii base - runway damage 99, airfield service damage 100, port damage 9 (no change).

One Jap LBA air attack over Pago Pago. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Wallis Is)
A6M3 Zero x 3
P1Y Frances x 79

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 73

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P1Y Frances: 16 destroyed, 47 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 36 damaged

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

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

Japanese ground forces again bombard on Upolu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 34879 troops, 284 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 781
41st, 42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts,
Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade, 140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)

Defending force 62131 troops, 212 guns, 25 vehicles, Assault Value = 1414
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps

Allied ground losses:
99 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/29/43 - continued

Australia: Jap recon flight over Coen, also Jap air raid on Coen. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen, at 47,96

Japanese aircraft (planes in this attack operating from Merauke)
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting N1K fighters on CAP, 8 Jap LCU's.
Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 100, 22 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 5 Jap LCU's.

Detected status of Jap base in Darwin - 2 Jap TF's, 13 Jap LCU's. SS Hoe in several actions against Jap ships in Darwin base hex. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at Darwin - 36,84

Japanese Ships
AP Hokuhi Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at Darwin - 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Suzukaze
DD Sagi
DD Natsugumo
DD Urakaze
DD Yukikaze

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

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


DEI: Allied subs in area reporting light Jap air patrols, no detected Jap activity.

25 Japanese ships detected in port at Singapore. Eight Jap ships detected at anchor in Soerabaja.


India/Burma: USAAF Liberators attack resource production at Moulmein. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Moulmein , at 30,34

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 9

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 11 damaged

Resources hits 21

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet

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

RAF fighters and fighter-bombers launch ground attack strikes against Jap LCU's in Magwe and Mandalay. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 31,29 (Magwe)

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 46

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet
12 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet
12 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet
12 x Spitfire VIII attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 33rd/C Division, at 33,29 (Mandalay)

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 68

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Thunderbolt II attacking at 100 feet
12 x Thunderbolt II attacking at 100 feet
12 x Thunderbolt II attacking at 100 feet
10 x Thunderbolt II attacking at 100 feet
12 x Thunderbolt II attacking at 100 feet
12 x Thunderbolt II attacking at 100 feet

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

Hudson I recon over Magwe reporting 1 Jap LCU.
CW-22 Falcon recon over Mandalay reporting resource production 4(17), 2 Jap LCU's.
F-5C recon over Rangoon reports No Jap TF's (-4 from last report), 219 aircraft (87 fighters, 21 bombers), 28 Jap LCU's (-1 from last report).

Detected status of Jap base in Meiktila - resource production 3(98).
Detected status of Jap base in Moulmein - 2 Jap TF's, resource production 11(90), 7 aircraft (7 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's.


China: Jap recon flights over Kweiyang, Chungking, Kunchang. AAR's of latest Jap air attacks in China follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 57
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 69

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
22 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
21 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
24 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
21 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 17
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 28
Ki-51 Sonia x 49
Ki-21-II Sally x 3
Ki-48-II Lily x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-II Lily: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
13 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
17 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

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

Jap ground forces launch offensive near Chungking. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,33 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 73401 troops, 350 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1582
32nd, 47th, 62nd & 64th Infantry Divisions, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 33860 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 946
21st, 23rd, 63rd, 75th, 86th & 96th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1612 - adjusted assault: 852
Allied max defense: 936 - adjusted defense: 661
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1853 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

Allied ground losses:
360 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/30/43

North Pacific: Jap recon flight over Attu Is. Otherwise quiet.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs off Japanese home islands report continued air patrol activity. No air patrols reported by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, or Truk. No reported contacts in any of the above locations between U.S. subs and Japanese surfaces ships or ASW.

271 Japanese ships reported in port at Tokyo. No reports this game turn of Jap ships in Kwajalein or Truk bases.
F-5A recon over Canton Is reporting 13 aircraft, 15 Jap LCU's.


Pago Pago, Day 104 of the Fiasco: Weather forecast for Pago Pago is precipitation.

Most U.S. carriers arriving this game turn in Penhryn base returning from action off Pago Pago, one carrier TF due to arrive 12/31.

Remaining planes and pilots from the original contingent of U.S. fighter squadrons sent to Pago Pago earlier this month (12/43) have been withdrawn to Penhryn for re-building. Most of the pilots from these squadrons were saved and brought back from Pago Pago, however, nearly all the planes in these squadrons were destroyed (mostly on the ground after being damaged in air-to-air action). These squadrons have received new planes and are expected to be fully operational within the next 7-10 days. Plans are to eventually return these fighter squadrons to action on Pago Pago.

Three squadrons of land based SBD-5 Dauntlesses transferred by air into Pago Pago and resumed bombing attacks against the Jap airfield on Upolu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Upolu , at 95,113

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 7
SBD-5 Dauntless x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
14 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base on Upolu - airfield damage 100, 18 Jap LCU's.

Jap carrier TF's reappeared - a stack of eight Jap TF's now located SW of Upolu.

Shore bombardment of Pago Pago by a Japanese surface TF with two "nuclear powered" CL's. AAR of this action follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Pago Pago, at 96,113

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
CL Kiso

Allied ground losses:
1834 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 23

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 22

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

Current status of Pago Pago base - runway damage 25, airfield service damage 35, port damage 2. 23700 supply now on hand.
Current status of Savaii base - runway damage 99, airfield service damage 100, port damage 9 (no change).

Jap recon flight over Pago Pago. Jap LBA from Wallis Is and planes from KB carriers attack Pago Pago base, also ground strike against U.S. 27th Division on Savaii. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113 (first, the fighter sweep...)

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 236

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 17
P-38G Lightning x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 15 destroyed, 28 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 12 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 27 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113 (port strike)

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
A6M5 Zeke x 71
B6N2 Jill x 69

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 5 destroyed, 23 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
LCM LCM No. 182, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-147, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-59, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-149, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-151, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP LCP(L) No. 17, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM LCM No. 207, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
17 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113 (airfield strike)

Japanese aircraft
P1Y Frances x 67

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 4
P-38G Lightning x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 1 destroyed, 38 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 4 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 5 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
5 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
7 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
7 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 27th US Division, at 95,112 (Savaii)

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

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


Jap ground forces continue bombardment attacks on Upolu. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 34970 troops, 287 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 783
41st, 42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts,
Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade, 140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)

Defending force 62477 troops, 217 guns, 25 vehicles, Assault Value = 1436
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/30/43 - continued

Australia: Jap recon flight over Coen. Jap LBA flying from Portland Roads and Merauke attack Coen. AAR's follow. Light damage to Coen base, Jap air attacks on Coen not interfering with the projected Allied ground offensive against Portland Roads.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 19
Ki-46-III Dinah x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting N1K fighters on CAP, 8 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports 5 Jap LCU's.
Detected status of Jap base at Daly Waters - airfield damage 100, 22 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, 3 Jap TF's, 13 Jap LCU's. SS Hoe in Darwin base hex engages two of the 3 Jap TF in Darwin. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Darwin at 36,84

Japanese Ships
AP Yamakuni Maru
PC Sonan Maru #6
MSW Shintohoku Maru
MSW Choun Maru #6

Allied Ships
SS Hoe, hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Darwin at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Sagi
DD Urakaze
DD Yukikaze

Allied Ships
SS Hoe, hits 5, on fire (system damage 49, float 74)

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


DEI: British subs operating off Singapore and Palembang reporting heavy Jap air patrol activity (mainly F1M2 & E13A1 floatplanes).

18 Japanese ships detected in port at Singapore. 25 Jap ships detected at anchor in Soerabaja.
British sub Templar reporting contact with an unidentified Jap ASW TF in a night action.


India/Burma: AVG, USAAF, and RAF fighters launch fighter sweep over Rangoon. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 63
N1K1-J George x 16
J2M Jack x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 44
P-47D Thunderbolt x 105
P-51B Mustang x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 44 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 13 destroyed
J2M Jack: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 16 damaged
P-47D Thunderbolt: 11 destroyed, 50 damaged
P-51B Mustang: 5 damaged

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

F-5C recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF (+1 from last report), 24 aircraft (24 bombers), 27 Jap LCU's (-1 from last report).

RAF bombers attack resource production facilties in Mandalay - no report of additional damage to target. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 80

No Allied losses

Resources hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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

Hudson I recon over Magwe reporting 1 Jap LCU.
CW-22 Falcon recon over Mandalay reporting resource production 4(17), 2 Jap LCU's.

Detected status of Jap base in Meiktila - resource production 3(98).
Detected status of Jap base in Moulmein - no Jap TF's, resource production 11(90), 10 aircraft (10 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's.

Chinese AF fighters launch ground attack strikes against Jap 55th Division in Magwe. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 31,29 (Magwe)

Allied aircraft
P-47D Thunderbolt x 9

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-47D Thunderbolt attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 31,29

Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 132

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
173 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet

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


China: Jap recon flight over Kweiyang. No reported Jap air strikes over China this game turn.

Jap ground forces continue bombardment attacks near Chungking. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,33

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 71016 troops, 322 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1463
32nd, 47th, 62nd & 64th Infantry Divisions, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 33428 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 934
21st, 23rd, 63rd, 75th, 86th & 96th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/31/43

North Pacific: Jap recon flight over Attu Is. Jap bombers from Paramushiro Jima strike back against Attu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Attu Island , at 91,35

Japanese aircraft
P1Y Frances x 14

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
8 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

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

This raid could slip an additional factor into planning for Operation Bulldog (operations against Sakhalin & Paramushiro) still under consideration for early to mid-1944.

As of this date - movement and prepping of LCU's for Operation Bulldog is well underway. Central Pacific LCU's that were previously prepped for a Wake Is invasion are now re-prepping for either Sakhalin or Paramushiro. A smaller number of LCU's have been transferred northward from as far south as the Line Islands and Penhryn. The 8-10 U.S. divisions (total) anticipated for Operation Bulldog represent nearly all the remaining U.S. divisions not already committed in the Pago Pago area plus U.S. divisions arriving as reinforcements between 12/43 and 3/44. Many U.S. RCT combat units and other LCU's (HQ, engineers. tank, artillery, base forces) of all types are also in the mix for this operation.

Beginning several weeks ago, transport convoys bound for other areas were examined and many of these convoys partially or fully re-dispatched to the North Pacific from their original destinations. Additional convoys from various ports along the U.S. West Coast are moving towards the North Pacific theatre along a corridor between Seattle and Adak. Most of these convoys are now disembarking at or approaching Adak - this base the main collection point at the current stage of planning for LCU's, aircraft, supply and other assets being earmarked for use in Operation Bulldog (if carried out).

I will get into some more detail on plans and the present state of Operation Bulldog in a later post or posts. At of now it is sufficient to state the operation remains under active consideration with the appropriate level of preparations underway for executing it sometime in Spring 1944. A final decision on whether or not to actually execute Operation Bulldog is still pending.

As for the present situation on Attu... I have no intent at this time to reinforce Attu Is (especially with fighters) as sending reinforcements to Attu may result in compromising preparations for Operation Bulldog. Having Pillager give a small amount of attention in the north (though not to a large degree) does draw him away from other activities in progress well to the south (these activities not necessarily including Pago Pago). The other flank has not been completely ignored.


Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting increased Jap air patrol activity in sea areas immediately south of the Japanese home islands. Jap planes spotted in this area include Ki-49 Helens with a large number of F1M2 Pete & E13A1 Jake floatplanes.

SS Blackfish off Kagoshima damaged (system 34, float 48) from unknown causes.

No Jap air activity reported by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, Truk. No contacts with Japanese surface ships or ASW reported by U.S. subs in any of the above locations.

One Japanese ship detected at anchor in Truk base, no report on Japanese ships at Kwajalein. 309 ships detected in port at Tokyo.

F-5A recon over Canton Is reports 6 aircraft, 15 Jap LCU's.


Pago Pago, Day 105 of the Fiasco: Weather forecast for Pago Pago is overcast.

All U.S. carriers are now back at Penhryn - all carrier air groups received replacement planes & pilots and now recovering to full operational status. Replacement ships of all types are being rotated into U.S. Carrier Main Force TF's. A group of 20 ships including one BB (Indiana), two CV's (Essex & Lexington), three cruisers, and 14 DD's was detached this game turn from TF's in the Carrier Main Force - these ships will be headed for Pearl Harbor and/or the U.S. West Coast for refit, repair, and upgrades (where applicable).

From the 7 CV's and 6 CVL's participating in the just-ended Pago Pago operation a total of 54 pilots were lost in the operation from all carriers. Total plane losses from all carriers included one fighter, 59 DB (all SB2C's), 27 TB (all TBM's). Approx half of the overall plane and pilot losses were from CV Lexington & Yorktown air groups, air groups on other carriers reporting light plane and pilot losses. Three CVL's reported no pilot or plane losses. It is expected that 5-10 game turns will be needed before U.S. carrier air squadrons are fully back to operational status.

As far as can be determined, the Jap airfield on Upolu remains out of action. Jap carrier forces (8 TF's) remain between Wallis Is and Upolu.

Current status of Pago Pago base - runway damage 33, airfield service damage 49, port damage 2. 21700 supply now on hand. Only a small number of U.S. fighter planes on Pago Pago remain operational. I'm expecting Jap air strikes (mainly from the KB) to again knock Pago Pago airfield out of action shortly.

Current status of Savaii base - runway damage 99, airfield service damage 100, port damage 9 (no change).

Jap recon flight over Pago Pago. Jap LBA and carrier air strikes concentrating on Pago Pago. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
A6M5 Zeke x 88
A6M3a Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 21 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
A6M5 Zeke x 56
B6N2 Jill x 44

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed, 27 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
104 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
14 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
2 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
4 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
4 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
18 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
6 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
5 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
2 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
6 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
2 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Wallis Is)
P1Y Frances x 80

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 4 destroyed, 24 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 3 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 5 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
194 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 34

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
9 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

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


Jap ground forces continue bombardment attacks on Upolu. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 35096 troops, 290 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 785
41st, 42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts,
Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade, 140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)

Defending force 62947 troops, 222 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 1464
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps

Allied ground losses:
196 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/31/43 - continued

South Pacific: 4 Japanese ships detected in port at Suva. Sectors in the South Pacific outside the Pago Pago area remain quiet. Transport shipping to and from Australia operating unimpeded.


Australia: Allied ground forces continue their advance towards Portland Roads and Daly Waters.

Jap recon flights over Cooktown and Coen. Continued light Jap air raids on Coen, latest AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Portland Roads)
Ki-49 Helen x 20
Ki-46-III Dinah x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Coen , at 47,96

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Merauke)
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting N1K fighters on CAP, 8 Jap LCU's.

USAAF and Australian AF light bombers attack Jap LCU's in Daly Waters. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Division, at 35,90

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 48

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 10 destroyed, 28 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
6 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
8 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
7 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Tank Regiment, at 35,90

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 18

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 2 destroyed, 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet
5 x A-20G Havoc attacking at 100 feet

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


Detected status of Jap base at Daly Waters - airfield damage 71, 22 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reports one Jap TF (-2 from last report), 13 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 5 Jap LCU's.


DEI: British sub Templar reports multiple contacts with unidentified Jap surface ASW in day and night actions off Singapore.

42 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Soerabaja. 3 ships detected in port at Singapore.


India/Burma: RAF Liberators bomb resource production (along with collateral damage) at Moulmein.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Moulmein , at 30,34

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 102
B-24J Liberator x 30

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Resources hits 6
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
7 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 13000 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base in Moulmein - airfield damage 21, 10 aircraft (10 bombers), resource production 4(97), 2 Jap LCU's.

Allied fighters fly unopposed sweep over Rangoon.

F-5C recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 31 aircraft (31 bombers), heavy industry 62(131), 27 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Magwe reporting airfield damage 17, 1 Jap LCU.
CW-22 Falcon recon over Mandalay reporting resource production 4(17), 2 Jap LCU's.

Detected status of Jap base in Meiktila - resource production 3(98).


China: Jap recon flights over Kweiyang and Kungchang. Latest AAR's of Jap air strikes in China follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Chinese Corps, at 46,27 (Kungchang)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 70

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
21 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
30 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34 (Kweiyang)

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-51 Sonia x 38
Ki-21-II Sally x 7
Ki-48-II Lily x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
15 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

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


Jap ground forces continue bombardment attack SE of Chungking. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,33

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 71245 troops, 329 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1474
32nd, 47th, 62nd & 64th Infantry Divisions, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 33278 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 936
21st, 23rd, 63rd, 75th, 86th & 96th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[wneumann]

Display of the Box Score as of 12/31/43 follows.

[wneumann]

We are again on an intermission, this time for technical reasons. Pillager experienced a hard drive crash (on his computer, that is...) and had to reinstall WitP on the replacement. During the re-install there's been some difficulty with the CHS game map and play is suspended pending resolution of the problem.

Perhaps an opportunity in the meantime to post and discuss more stuff re: issues and affairs on the Allied side.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/1/44

I'm behind on postings, we're now playing 1/7/44 game turn.

Overall, the air situation appears to be running in the Allies' favor - except for a brief rash of Jap ground attack strikes outside Daly Waters (I will cover these in later reports in more detail), Japanese LBA ops over Burma and NW Australia has declined considerably. Japanese LBA air activity continues in China and near Pago Pago. It appears that attrition to Japanese air forces (either planes, pilots, or both) may now be starting to become a factor, especially with LBA. The KB remains intact and no doubt a significant part (if not the most powerful part) of the remaining Japanese air inventory. My estimate is that Japanese air attrition to date has affected mainly IJA air groups more than those of the IJN. KB air groups are largely intact and IJN land-based air units remain active over the Pago Pago area. Available intel and AAR's are showing (and beginning to confirm) that Pillager has removed much of the front-line Japanese LBA opposing Allied forces in Australia and Burma (heaviest Jap air losses have been in these two theatres, especially over Rangoon & Darwin).

Moving on to today's news...

North Pacific: Jap recon flight over Attu Is. Japanese bombers launch airfield strike against Attu - this might be an indication Pillager is "wising up" to the possibility of U.S. action in the North Pacific. Developments in the North Pacific theatre will continue to be monitored to assess (possible) impact on plans and preparations in progress for Operation Bulldog. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Attu Island , at 91,35

Japanese aircraft
P1Y Frances x 12
Ki-46-III Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 5 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Ventura G.R.Mk V: 2 destroyed
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

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


Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting no detected Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, Truk. Jap air patrols spotted by U.S. subs off the Japanese home islands include Ki-49 Helens and floatplanes - some but not a heavy level of activity in this area.

SS Haddock torpedoes Jap AP in night action off Tsu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 63,45

Japanese Ships
AP Terukuni Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Haddock, hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported

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

312 Japanese ships detected in port at Tokyo. No reports this game turn on Japanese ships at Kwajalein or Truk bases.

F-5A recon over Canton Is reports 14 aircraft, 15 Jap LCU's.
Sigint report entry for 1/1 indicates 144 IJN Base Force is located on Gardner Is. This LCU is a new addition to the known Japanese OOB.


Pago Pago, Day 106 of the Fiasco: Weather forecast for Pago Pago remains overcast. AK Fort Amsterdam reported sinking this game turn near Penhryn Is during ship damage adjustment phase.

Jap surface TF bombards Pago Pago base. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Pago Pago, at 96,113

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Hayate
DD Harukaze
DD Hatsushimo
DD Okinami
CL Naka
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro

Allied ground losses:
942 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 4

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 31

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

Jap airfield on Upolu is now at or near operational status, synch-bug making an exact determination of Upolu's status rather murky. I had expected Pillager to be able to get Upolu back up again as U.S. air attacks on Upolu were unable to continue due to withdrawal of the U.S. Carrier Main Force back to Penhryn and also the results of air attacks on Pago Pago by the KB and Jap LBA from Wallis Is. The KB remains detected near Wallis Is (W of Upolu).

No operational U.S. planes remain on Pago Pago. Pillager's air strikes on Pago Pago eventually grounded all U.S. planes based there, then systematically destroyed the damaged planes on the ground. Pilots in the U.S. squadrons on Pago Pago have survived the attacks though their air units are mostly now without planes. I did transfer a small number of operational planes in several of these squadrons from Pago Pago back to Penhryn before the base on Pago Pago was completely shut down.

Somehow the WitP game system "magically" evacuates all the remaining pilots (without planes) in these air units on Pago Pago to re-join the transferred fragment of an air unit on Penhryn once all planes on Pago Pago belonging to the air unit are destroyed. This occurs only with air squadrons on Pago Pago where I transferred out one or more planes back to Penhryn. At this point, the full squadron is located at Penrhyn with all its pilots and a very small number of planes - rebuilding the squadron to full strength becomes a matter of drawing new planes from the replacement pool and the time required for repairing the planes to operational status. Fortunately I have a sufficiently large number of replacement planes (especially Corsairs & P-38G's) to do this for the moment, though not sufficient to continue this practice for an extended period of time.

Current status of Pago Pago base - runway damage 83, airfield service damage 89, port damage 2. 20300 supply now on hand.
Current status of Savaii base - runway damage 95, airfield service damage 100, port damage 9.

Jap recon flight over Pago Pago. Jap LBA and carrier air strikes concentrating on Pago Pago, also a ground attack strike against U.S. 27th Division on Savaii. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft (this attack suggesting that Upolu airfield is again operational, though for now with fewer planes)
J1N1-S Irving x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-S Irving: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x J1N1-S Irving bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
1 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
A6M5 Zeke x 112
A6M3a Zero x 5

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
A6M5 Zeke x 49
B6N2 Jill x 23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 7 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
7 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
6 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
2 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 17
B6N2 Jill x 47
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 5
Ki-49 Helen x 10
Ki-48-II Lily x 13

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 9 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 5 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 8 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 5 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 46

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet
12 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet
8 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet
7 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet
2 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 16000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 37
N1K1-J George x 9
D4Y Judy x 224
B6N2 Jill x 217

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 5 destroyed, 70 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 4 destroyed, 23 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 17 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 19 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 4 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 7 destroyed
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
341 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 14
Runway hits 264

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
8 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
27 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
20 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
26 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
21 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
28 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
21 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
28 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
20 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
17 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
12 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
18 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
13 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
21 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
17 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
23 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
17 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
23 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
17 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft (these planes operating from Wallis Is)
P1Y Frances x 85

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 3 destroyed, 23 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 4 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 3 destroyed
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
160 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 51

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
9 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
5 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
2 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
8 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
1 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
6 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 27th US Division, at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

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


Jap ground forces continue bombardment attacks on Upolu. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 35255 troops, 292 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 790
41st, 42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts,
Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade, 140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)

Defending force 63213 troops, 224 guns, 28 vehicles, Assault Value = 1486
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps

Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Guns lost 1