Nanshin! or the ramblings of Local Yokel

[Local Yokel]

23rd April 1943 – Port Blair

Port Blair’s minefields and guns continue to take a toll:

TF 1025 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34)
TF 1025 troops unloading over beach at Port Blair, 23,34
Allied Ships
AP Arawa, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Port Blair, 23,34, firing at TF 1025
Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1027 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34)
TF 1027 troops unloading over beach at Port Blair, 23,34
Allied Ships
AK Ekma, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Coastal Guns at Port Blair, 23,34, firing at TF 1027
64 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AK Ekma, on fire, heavy damage
AK Oklahoman, Shell hits 1
AK West Cawthon
AK Empire Banner, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Auckland Star, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1072 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34)
TF 1072 troops unloading over beach at Port Blair, 23,34
Allied Ships
AK Coquina, Mine hits 1, on fire
AK Orestes, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Port Blair, 23,34, firing at TF 1072
10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1027 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34)
TF 1027 troops unloading over beach at Port Blair, 23,34
Allied Ships
AK Beatrice, Mine hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kalani, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Coastal Guns at Port Blair, 23,34, firing at TF 1027
58 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AK Oklahoman, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK Beatrice, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Nightingale
AK West Cawthon, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1072 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34)
TF 1072 troops unloading over beach at Port Blair, 23,34
Allied Ships
AK Fairfield City, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Coastal Guns at Port Blair, 23,34, firing at TF 1072
=============================================

No doubt a strike by Formidable’s bombers, followed by an ineffectual Liberator raid:

Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34
Allied aircraft
Avenger I/II x 8
Allied aircraft losses
Avenger I/II: 6 damaged
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Avenger I/II bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34
Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 11
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
…
=============================================

Then the Japanese bombers return, apparently unopposed by any form of CAP:

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Empire Nightingale
AK Honolulan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Banner, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Oklahoman, on fire
AK Kalani, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Woolgar, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Togian, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hosang
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Botlea, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 23
G4M1 Betty x 13
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Empire Clive
AK Empire Buckler, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Charmian, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Flamingo, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
=============================================

The diggers launch an attack. They are being joined by elements of 14th Indian Division, which is also landing part of its strength at Sabang. However, the Japanese have been busily flying in reinforcements from 13th Infantry Division at Rangoon, and the assault makes no impression.

Ground combat at Port Blair
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 11446 troops, 113 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 284
Defending force 12037 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 244
Allied max assault: 243 - adjusted assault: 17
Japanese max defense: 215 - adjusted defense: 913
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
370 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
=============================================

[Local Yokel]

23rd April 1943 – Sabang

The loss of most of the Allied minesweepers committed to Sabang’s approaches clearly seems to have extended the effect of the more limited minefields laid there. Belatedly the few surviving sweepers begin to make inroads into the mines, but only after the transports sustain extensive damage.

TF 1019 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1019 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AK Empire Severn, Mine hits 1, on fire
AK Empire March, Mine hits 1
Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1019
Allied ground losses:
99 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1020 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1020 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AP Corfu, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Dunera, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Chitral, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Empress of Asia, Mine hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1020
Allied ground losses:
212 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1120 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1120 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AK Deslock, Mine hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1120
Allied ground losses:
251 casualties reported
=============================================
04/23/43
TF 1039 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
Allied Ships
MSW Madura
MSW Lahore
=============================================
04/23/43
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
Allied Ships
MSW Banka
MSW Travancore
MSW Shillong
MSW Rampur
MSW Poona
=============================================
TF 1020 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1020 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AP Lancashire, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Worcestershire, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Corfu, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Talma, Mine hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1020
Allied ground losses:
185 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1120 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1120 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AK Deslock, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1120
Allied ground losses:
136 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1039 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
Allied Ships
MSW Madura
MSW Lahore
=============================================

Today the Sabang invaders are attacked by Army bombers. They are escorted by Type 2 Shoki, which have the range to reach the target from the fields at Georgetown/Penang. The JAAF bomber crews are highly experienced, and from 5000 feet they secure plenty of hits. The Navy's Rikkos are recovering and readying for a further effort on 24th April.

Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 18
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 4 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Empire Latimer, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Empire March, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10
Ki-49 Helen x 26
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 8 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AP Montoro
AP Corfu, on fire, heavy damage
AP Worcestershire, on fire, heavy damage
AP Devonshire, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Dunera, Bomb hits 1
AP Talma, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Neptuna
Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Allied Ships
MSW Lahore, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 8
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
MSW Shillong, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Poona
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 8
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Bhima
AK Deslock, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Santa Elisa, Bomb hits 2, on fire
Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 20
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 6 damaged
Allied Ships
AP Neptuna, Bomb hits 1
AP Devonshire, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Empress of Asia, on fire
AP Worcestershire, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Talma, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Lancashire, on fire
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 13
Ki-49 Helen x 19
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
MSW Lahore, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 12
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
MSW Shillong, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…

The Martlets meeting the Japanese attacks are evidently based upon a second RN task group that includes carrier Indomitable and is located 120 miles west of Sabang. Although the Japanese by now have ships arriving at Penang that can be committed against the Allied transports, they are loath to do so whilst the threat of carrier attack remains. The plan is for the Rikkos to do something about that.

[Local Yokel]

23rd April 1943 – The Nicobar Islands

In the late hours of 23rd April Allied transports appear off the Nicobar Islands and begin discharging the troops they contain. They are led by Union Castle liner Pretoria Castle (for some reason classified as an AK), but it is unclear whether they are accompanied by warships; the sighting report suggests the presence of two destroyer escorts.

This is an unwelcome development. The Japanese have a negligible garrison in the islands consisting mainly of 121st IJN Base Force and elements of 5th Air Force Constn Btn. A few mines have been sown here, and the Base Force has its full infantry complement, but for some reason never received its allotment of 5.5” coastal guns.

[Local Yokel]

24th April 1943 – Port Blair

Either the Allied ships are now picking their way through the swept paths in the minefields, or their numbers have been severely thinned. Whatever the reason, the mines do less damage today:

TF 1177 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34)
TF 1177 troops unloading over beach at Port Blair, 23,34
Allied Ships
AK Empire Charmian, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Flamingo, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Coastal Guns at Port Blair, 23,34, firing at TF 1177
69 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied ground losses:
397 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
=============================================
TF 1187 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Agra, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
=============================================

There are minor raids by Formidable’s Avengers, against which the Raiden again make no impression:

Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 4
Allied aircraft
Avenger I/II x 4
Walrus x 2
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Avenger I/II: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Runway hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Avenger I/II bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================

Tavoy’s Land Attack Planes supplement the attacks by the Army bombers out of Victoria Point. Their final raid of the day is particularly effective:

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
Ki-49 Helen x 6
Ki-48-II Lily x 2
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 5 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Taiyuan, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Hinsang, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 8000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
G4M1 Betty x 13
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 7 destroyed
Allied Ships
AK Wosang, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hinsang, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cape Sable
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Allied Ships
AK City of Durban
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 8000 feet
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-II Lily x 3
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Allied Ships
MSW Agra, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 8000 feet
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 22
G4M1 Betty x 11
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 2
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Tai Sang, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Hinsang, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taiyuan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cape Sable, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Chengtu, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hosang, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Today the Allied ground forces do not renew their attack. This may simply be due to them recovering from the disruption caused by the previous day’s attack.

[Local Yokel]

24th April 1943 - Sabang

The Allied minesweepers now seem to be clearing paths through Sabang’s minefields too, but the mines continue to cause casualties amongst the unloading transports:

TF 1120 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1120 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AK City of Canterbury, Mine hits 1, on fire
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1120
Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
Allied Ships
MSW Banka
MSW Travancore
MSW Rampur
MSW Poona
=============================================
TF 1020 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1020 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AP Montoro, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Corfu, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1020
Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1174 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1174 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
Allied Ships
AK Santa Elisa, Mine hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Sabang, 19,41, firing at TF 1174
Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
=============================================
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
Allied Ships
MSW Banka
MSW Travancore
MSW Rampur
MSW Poona
=============================================

Penang’s Donryus and Land Attack Planes pay no attention to the ships remaining off Sabang, perhaps because their numbers are dwindling. The bombers instead attack retreating transports 50 miles north of Sabang:

Day Air attack on TF at 20,40
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
Ki-49 Helen x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Allied Ships
AP Dunera, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Neptuna, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF at 20,40
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 13
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-49 Helen x 19
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AP Corfu, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Talma, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Montoro, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chitral, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================

West of Sabang the coordination of the Japanese air groups slips, and 25 Rikkos fly an unescorted strike against Indomitable’s task group. They approach initially at 16000’, with orders to concentrate their attack upon capital ships – cruisers and lesser vessels are to be disregarded:

Day Air attack on TF at 18,40
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 25
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 5
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 15 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, Torpedo hits 1
BB Valiant, Torpedo hits 1

A 20% loss rate to the attackers (primarily caused by flak) is quite a setback, especially since the crestfallen surviving crews report that their sacrifices secured no more than two hits. Glumly the Japanese conclude that they have failed to close the koku-bokan’s flight deck, with the consequence that any sortie to Sabang by surface units may still be met by carrier attackers. However, the apparently disappointing results of today’s torpedo attack will soon be revealed to have significant consequences.

Today it’s the turn of the British 2nd Division to seek a decision on the ground at Sabang. However, by now 22nd Independent Mixed Bde has arrived to reinforce the defenders. The attack is competent enough to cause some Japanese casualties, but the attackers are going up against superior numbers in strong fortifications upon which they are unable to make an impression.

Ground combat at Sabang
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 4712 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 385
Defending force 15709 troops, 144 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 293
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
=============================================
Ground combat at Sabang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 13017 troops, 140 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 286
Defending force 19426 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 385
Allied max assault: 268 - adjusted assault: 62
Japanese max defense: 366 - adjusted defense: 1801
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
284 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
411 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

[Local Yokel]

24th April 1943 – The Nicobar Islands

Off the Nicobars, the sparse minefield laid by the Japanese claims a victim on the night of 24th April:

TF 1162 encounters mine field at Nicobar Island (20,38)
TF 1162 troops unloading over beach at Nicobar Island, 20,38
Allied Ships
AK City of Pretoria, Mine hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Allied ground losses:
394 casualties reported

Meanwhile, at Penang the Japanese have resolved to launch a minor sortie to the islands composed of ships they are prepared to treat as expendable. The Nicobar Raiding Group will be built around elderly light cruiser Tatsuta with three destroyers in company. Ships are carefully selected according to night fighting ability, with Kagero class destroyer Nowaki taking the van position, the better to employ her Mk 2 Mod 2 surface search radar. The group is to sortie under command of V.Adm. Sakamoto Ikuta, a former schoolmaster at the Naval Torpedo School. Orders cut for him by Southern Fleet HQ require Sakamoto to proceed at maximum speed to the Nicobars. There he is to tarry no longer than is absolutely necessary to strike the Allied transports before return to port and friendly fighter cover. Gloomily the Japanese command expect that he will be unable to regain Penang before coming under attack from Indomitable’s Avengers; arrangements are therefore made for two chutai of Reisen to fly CAP above him: one based at nearby Alor Star, the other flying from Kuala, across the Malacca Strait.

As things turn out, Japanese apprehension proves to be unfounded. The transports at the Nicobars are unescorted, and Sakamoto is able to strike with surprise on his side and sink Q ship King Guffyd and freighter Floridian before disengaging and making a top speed return run that brings him safe to Penang that same day:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Nicobar Island at 20,38
Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta
DD Nowaki
DD Hatsushimo
DD Shirakumo
Allied Ships
AK King Guffyd, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Athene
AK Floridian, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Louisianan
AK Steel Inventor, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK City of Pretoria, on fire
AK Clan Macdonald
Allied ground losses:
628 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

(I was wrong: City of Pretoria, not Pretoria Castle. So the Allies have yet to commit the Union Castle Line to the battle. However, two of the Canadian Pacific 'Empresses' were committed at Sabang - the Canadians are entitled to be upset that so many of their liners are being used as attack transports!)

[Local Yokel]

25th April 1943

After the frenzy of air attacks that have taken place over the last few days, 25th April sees some slackening in the pace as the surviving Allied transports begin to make their way home from the invasion beaches. Nevertheless the Japanese continue to enjoy success against Allied shipping. The account is opened with a night attack by minelayer I-123, which successfully torpedoes freighter Chilka midway between the Andamans and Ceylon (my opponent is no fool: this is likely to alert him to the likelihood of a minelaying sortie against one of his Ceylon bases – a little more FOW would have come in handy to conceal the submarine’s identity)

Allied minesweepers continue to ply their trade off Port Blair, but they have to pay a price for their activity:

TF 1187 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Agra, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

Assam-based Liberators pay the Andaman airfield another visit, and as usual there is nothing the interceptors can do about it:

Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 4
Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 16
F-4 Lightning x 1
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 3 damaged
Runway hits 11
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Liberator III bombing at 3000 feet
…

By now most of the transports seem to have departed, but those remaining suffer from a very sharp raid by Tavoy’s Land Attack Planes:

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11
G3M Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 15
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 1
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Allied Ships
AK Tai Sang, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hosang, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hinsang, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

The Nicobar invasion group has set a course for the Andamans, rather than heading back to Ceylon or India’s east coast. However, they receive no attention from Japanese aircraft, who choose instead to concentrate on two heavily damaged vessels seen heading NE from Sabang. Probably the attackers were distracted from the more valuable targets in the Nicobar group by the smoke rising from the two nearer ships:

Day Air attack on TF at 21,38
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
Ki-49 Helen x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AP Chitral, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…
=============================================
Day Air attack on TF at 21,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AP Neptuna, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…

Apparently every bomber scored against what were, presumably, near-motionless targets.

Off Sabang, too, the Allied minesweepers remain active, but they also have to endure further attacks:

TF 1065 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
Allied Ships
MSW Banka
MSW Travancore
MSW Rampur
MSW Poona

Day Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6
Ki-49 Helen x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
MSW Poona
MSW Rampur, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Travancore
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
…

By this stage it looks as though only one transport remains in the vicinity of Sabang, and she bears a charmed life:

TF 1120 encounters mine field at Sabang (19,41)
TF 1120 troops unloading over beach at Sabang, 19,41
23 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AK Gladys Moller

Although the attacks appear to be petering out, there is one further engagement on 25th April that seems likely to have a significant effect upon the future conduct of operations in this area. Meanwhile here is a map to illustrate the action described in recent posts.

[Local Yokel]

25th April 1943: Nemesis comes to Indomitable

The disheartening efforts of the Georgetown land attack planes against Indomitable’s task group are not in vain. The Japanese can only guess at the reasons why the group remains on station notwithstanding the torpedo damage the carrier has suffered, but it is an Allied command decision with which they will not be displeased.

On the morning of 25th April a Sui-tei from 901st Independent Chutai, now operating from Sabang, transmits a contact report indicating that the RN task group has remained in precisely the same grid square on the Japanese search charts as the previous day, and in response the land attack planes of the 1st and Misawa Kokutais’ Number One detachments are soon lifting from the runways at Georgetown for a rendezvous with the Reisen escort of F4/Toko Ku and a second appointment with the Royal Navy west of Sabang.

The Japanese attack goes in at high altitude, and the defending Martlets have to climb to meet the Toku Ku fighters. Two aircraft of the CAP go down to Zero guns in exchange for one of the escort, but the Martlets break through and score twice against the oncoming Mitsubishis. Nevertheless the Toku Ku’s fighters have given the hamaki their opportunity to deploy for an effective attack, and the Japanese torpedo planes make a successful split onslaught from opposite sides of the wheeling group of ships below.

First to suffer is battleship Valiant. She takes two more torpedoes and is seen to lurch violently under the impact of one, but it is unclear whether the bombers have struck a mortal blow.

With Indomitable there is no doubt. Weaving violently, she succeeds at first in evading the weapons launched against her. However, it may be that the single strike achieved on the previous day has impaired her mobility, and presently a further hit amidships brings about a dramatic reduction in her speed and power to manoeuvre. From this moment her fate is sealed, for the Rikkos press home their advantage and secure no less than five additional torpedo strikes that are accompanied by a spectacular succession of induced ammunition and fuel detonatations. Her riddled hull is already sliding beneath the waves by the time the Japanese aircraft depart the scene – they have made it clear that an armoured deck counts for little against determined and proficient aerial torpedo attack.

Day Air attack on TF at 18,40
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 26
G4M1 Betty x 27
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 21 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Allied Ships
BB Valiant, Torpedo hits 2
CV Indomitable, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Decoy
CA Dorsetshire
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[Local Yokel]

Sabang and the Nicobars, 26th to 28th April 1943

Three days have passed since the sinking of HMS Indomitable 120 miles west of Sabang, the high point of the Japanese anti-ship missions in defence of their western perimeter. These see a dramatic reduction in the number of Allied vessels off the invasion beaches as they are either sunk, retire damaged, or complete unloading and make their escape. Apart from some long-range attacks before the transports arrived offshore, the Japanese have deliberately adopted the tactic of limiting the range of their anti-ship strikes to the distance from their airfields to the invasion beaches. The dividend paid by this tactic is concentration of the air effort upon the many soft merchant targets that are least able to evade the bombs and torpedoes released against them. Only when these merchant targets start to dry up do the Japanese lengthen their bombers’ range to go after the harder warship targets standing off beyond the invasion sites, and it is this change of tactic that produces the successful strikes against Indomitable and Valiant.

By 27th April there remain off Sabang just two merchant ships, one British, one Dutch, and a brace of minesweepers. All of these vessels succumb to V.Adm Hirata on the night of 27th April when he takes a modest night battle squadron into the anchorage:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Natori
CL Tatsuta
DD Hagikaze
DD Shikinami
DD Amagiri
Allied Ships
MSW Travancore, Shell hits 28, and is sunk
MSW Banka, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
=============================================
Night Time Surface Combat, near Sabang at 19,41
Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Natori
CL Tatsuta
DD Hagikaze
DD Shikinami
DD Amagiri
Allied Ships
AK Kota Radja, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
AK Empire Peregrine, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

The elimination of Indomitable’s air threat creates the necessary condition precedent for Hirata to strike and remain on station at Sabang, but these are not the only Japanese ships abroad in the Malacca Straits this night, as a pair of destroyers slip a small contingent of troops into the Nicobars to reinforce the garrison which, contrary to expectations, successfully withstood the assault of a brigade group of 14th Indian Division the previous day:

04/26/43
Ground combat at Nicobar Island
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2756 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 91
Defending force 3974 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53
Allied max assault: 88 - adjusted assault: 31
Japanese max defense: 44 - adjusted defense: 27
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Allied ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

The garrison having held (but only just), the Japanese decide that committing reinforcements to the island will not be a futile act, but by way of additional succour to the hard-pressed defenders Hirata’s squadron is despatched to the islands on 28th April to provide some gunfire support at the same time as a larger ‘rat transport’ from Penang lands additional reinforcements. The invading Indians, meanwhile, show no inclination to renew their attempts at wresting control of the airfield sites from the Japanese.

[Local Yokel]

The Andamans and Burma, 26th to 28th April 1943

By now only two Allied freighters remain offshore at Port Blair, and these receive further attention from Tavoy and Victoria Point based bombers. Both ships are hit, but not necessarily sunk.

Fully aware of the damage the Japanese air effort is doing to the invasion shipping, SEAC now directs its substantial force of Liberators against the Japanese airfields in southern Burma and Siam. The heavies go against Tavoy, Bangkok and, in greatest numbers, against the fields around Rangoon from which Japanese army transport planes are flying elements of 13th Infantry Division into Port Blair to bolster the defences. The Liberators succeed in damaging about 25% of the runways and facilities at Rangoon, but by frantic rotation of their interceptor units the Japanese manage to stave off the worst effects of these raids, and there are some signs that the strain of these deep and unescorted penetrations are beginning to tell on the willpower of the Allied crews.

Such is the preoccupation of the Allied command with operations over the Andaman Sea that for at least two days they fail to notice withdrawal from Myitkyina of the Japanese rearguard. 33rd Division and the two accompanying regiments of 55th Division actually reach their new positions at Mandalay whilst the artillery of the British 18th Division and the Chindits is still hammering away at the empty positions these units formerly occupied in Myitkyina.

Ashore at Port Blair, the Australian 7th Division and another brigade group from 14th Indian play all the variations unsuccessfully in their attempts to make inroads into the defences:

04/26/43
Ground combat at Port Blair
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 12930 troops, 108 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 331
Defending force 13005 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 251
Allied max assault: 380 - adjusted assault: 140
Japanese max defense: 229 - adjusted defense: 925
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
104 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
537 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

04/27/43
Ground combat at Port Blair
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 12247 troops, 95 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 272
Defending force 12919 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 248
Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

04/28/43
Ground combat at Port Blair
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 12323 troops, 95 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 276
Defending force 12957 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 247
Allied max assault: 132 - adjusted assault: 30
Japanese max defense: 222 - adjusted defense: 737
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
111 casualties reported
Allied ground losses:
274 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

With few worthwhile shipping targets off Port Blair, on 27th April the Japanese instruct their bomber crews to range further afield in an attempt to reach the covering naval forces, including carriers Formidable and Hermes and battle cruiser Repulse, which lurk immediately to the west of the Andamans. For whatever reason, no strikes fly on the 27th, but on the following day the Japanese have significantly better fortune:

4/28/43
Day Air attack on TF at 22,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 19
B6N2 Jill x 8
G4M1 Betty x 20
Ki-49 Helen x 21
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 6
Wildcat VI x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 18 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 6 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 5 damaged
Wildcat VI : 4 damaged
Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CV Formidable, Torpedo hits 1
CA Devonshire
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
…
=============================================
04/28/43
Day Air attack on TF at 22,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
G3M Nell x 23
Allied aircraft
Martlet x 2
Wildcat VI x 1
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 19 damaged
Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BC Repulse, on fire

Formidable seems clearly to have been hard hit and was observed to be listing, but these carriers are hardy ships, and she may well survive. At the very least, however, the Japanese have gone far to neutralise Allied air power afloat in this theatre for some time to come.

There is one other development on 28th April of which the Allied command has likely received no inkling. This is the day on which Japan’s principal strategic sealift force, constructed around Italian vessel Conte Verde and the ‘big three’ NYK liners, ties up alongside the wharves that fringe Keppel Harbour, Singapore. Eight days ago these ships dropped anchor off Tinian and were preparing to offload 21st Division for the defence of that island when news arrived of the Allied descent in the Bay of Bengal. That was the beginning of a top speed run across the Western Pacific to Singapore via the Sulu Sea, and the division aboard these ships has spent the day disembarking in readiness to ship out on smaller steamers better suited to rapid unloading in the smaller ports to the north. An interested onlooker might note that the tables of the liners’ state rooms are no longer strewn with maps plotting defence works on the Marianas. Now instead the division’s officers are bent over a range of maps that detail the northern tip of Sumatra…

[Local Yokel]

End of month reports for April 1943

Compared with the extended time it took us to get through March, April 1943 seems to have come and gone in an event-filled flash, so time to post my usual set of reports for the month.

I'll start with one of my standard shots showing the state of aircraft production and the economy. Both supply and fuel stock are on a steady upward trend - just as well, because I expect to dip into supplies quite a lot in the counter-attack against the Allied landings around the Bay of Bengal. The substantial fuel stocks mean that I can embark without qualm on fairly major IJN operations, although there is a continuing problem of getting fuel from where it's produced to where it's needed. However, currently Truk has built its fuel reserves to the point it which it can sustain a major sortie of the Combined Fleet if required.

The squadrons have received their initial roll-out of Raiden interceptors, making it possible to accumulate a reserve stock to meet leaner times ahead. In time I shall probably convert some more of the Model 22 Reisen units to Raiden (or the Shiden when that comes on stream), but operations over the Andamans and Nicobars have shown that Japan can still make use of the Reisen's long reach as an escort fighter.

I am having to build rather more G4M2's than I had expected due to the attrition of the Model 1 Rikkos. But this is still a stopgap measure, as I am more concerned to get the Ginga into service as soon as possible after it begins to produce as a replacement for the horribly vulnerable Type 1 Lighters.

Development points are accumulating nicely for the Model 52 Reisen, giving me some hope of a service introduction earlier than the usual August 43 date.

[Local Yokel]

Next, my usual shot of the Tracker view of the economy. I have restarted some of the heavy industry I shut down to arrest the decline in resources. This seems to have had the desired effect in terms of increasing supply output whilst keeping resources in Japan at a level where they are not being consumed faster than they can be shipped in. The vehicle factories have been going full tilt throughout April, which will allow upgrading of the remaining IJA tank rgts to the Type 3 in good time for them to be killed by JS3's etc.

[Local Yokel]

Next is a comparison of pilot statistics for 31 March with those for 30 April. Despite the addition of nearly 300 pilots during the month, average experience of the JAAF is going up, whilst for the JNAF it is declining, but not dramatically in either case.

The decline in JNAF pilot quality doubtless stems from the fact that since I exhausted the naval pilot pool I have been drawing small numbers of greenhorn pilots into front line squadrons other than fighter units and thus throwing them in at the deep end. I am hoping they receive the benefit of being in company with highly experienced aviators, and work on the basis that if they survive their first few missions their increase in experience should give them a modest chance of survival and growth in proficiency to a standard approaching that of their peers. A case of 'airframes are cheap' - something the Japanese didn't have the benefit of IRL.

When they appear, fully trained IJN pilots go to the fighter units.

[Local Yokel]

Next comes a display of both sides' shipping losses for the month, and a long list it is too.

This, of course, reflects the brutal treatment meted out to the Allied transports in the Bay of Bengal by both the army and navy bombers. Nearly as many Allied ships were sunk as during the big battle around Efate in October 1942, although there were not so many high value targets as in the Efate battle, which cost the Allies a number of cruisers as well as three carriers. This time the big catch is Indomitable. Although I would like to think I did sister Formidable enough damage to sink her, this would be an exercise in wishful thinking on my part.

It has been another good month for the ASW practitioners, who managed to sink a further six American and Dutch submarines, including Argonaut, which I would have though more useful to the Allies as a minelayer than in attack role in which she was being used.

Less welcome was the loss of two of the precious Japanese destroyers (though arguably Ootori should be treated as nothing more than a torpedo boat). Both went down like stones; I had no chance of saving either. OTOH, the two Mutsukis so severely handled in the clash off Makin have now been successfully recovered to Truk, with repairs progressing satisfactorily to the point at which I can pack them off to the dockyard back in Japan.

[Local Yokel]

Lastly the Intelligence Summary for the month.

On the very last day of the month XIVth Army's column at Myitkyina took the base, which had been standing empty for two clear days. On the same day the Japanese elected to make another full-scale deliberate attack against Yenan - I wanted to pull down the forts another level before trying a shock attack, but as it turned out Mao and his crew had had enough and the entire Chinese garrison surrendered (damn! I wanted them to disappear into the desert rather than respawn; so much for the 'golden bridge' tactic!). Japanese casualties taking Yenan were modest:

4/29/43
Ground combat at Yenan
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 69206 troops, 329 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1462
Defending force 24005 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 618
Japanese max assault: 1483 - adjusted assault: 2686
Allied max defense: 589 - adjusted defense: 368
Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 5)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Yenan base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 5 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
525 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
22108 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

Thus the Japanese achieved their objective in N. China at little cost, whilst losing Myitkyina for no cost. My only disappointment was the substantial quantity of supply I probably left for the British. The capture of Yenan has released, at the very least, an additional division and brigade for developing operations on the middle Yangtse.

The jump in Allied base VP's is attributable to the expansion of Noumea to its maximum potential; now that this has taken place I am hoping there will be no further big awards of VP's just for expanding a base.

Overall, an entirely acceptable month for Japan at this stage of the war. And in two days' time she will take delivery of her Magnificent Phoenix.

[Local Yokel]

Alarums in the Bay of Bengal, 5 May 1943

The reconnaissance seaplanes of the 901st Independent Chutai have already rendered the Japanese yeoman service over the Bay of Bengal, and on 5 May 1943 they do so again when an eastbound Allied task force of uncertain composition is spotted some 360 miles west of the Andamans, which has once again become the home of the 901st.

The intentions of the Allied force excite considerable speculation at V Adm Ozawa Jisaburo’s Southern Expeditionary Fleet HQ at Singapore. Ashore at Port Blair, the Australian 7th Division and its supporting units have failed to make any impression upon the Japanese defences, and it looks as though this is the Allied naval force’s destination. What, then, is its mission? A destroyer transport, perhaps, tasked with delivery of additional troops or stores with which the attack may be renewed. Or could this be a return visit by Prince of Wales and the Anglo-Dutch cruiser force intending to obliterate the defenders by battleship gunfire? A further possibility is that SEAC has decided that its Andaman invasion has proved so great a disaster that it must seek to salvage what it can of the elite Australian infantry.

Whatever the mission, Ozawa concludes that it is one the Japanese will oppose at sea, now that they have the means at hand to do so. Yamaguchi’s Dai Ni Kido Butai may not be as impressive a carrier force as the six – soon to be seven – fleet carriers deployed in the Pacific, but it disposes over one hundred strike aircraft and a respectable fighter contingent, and the force has been on passage south from Japan since the start of the allied offensive and has now arrived in the Bay of Bengal.

Yamaguchi’s carriers are not the only asset on which the Japanese can call. A month or so earlier super-dreadnoughts Fuso and Yamashiro took the place of the Nagato class battleships based at Singapore, and initially these two elderly ships proceeded as far as Penang only whilst the Japanese awaited an opportunity to turn their presence to advantage. The destruction of the British carrier Indomitable and damage to sister Formidable is gauged to have shifted into Japan’s favour the balance of naval air power in the Indian Ocean, and, with the arrival of Yamaguchi’s carriers imminent, Ozawa orders his battleships to sea under command of V Adm Hirata. Henceforth Hirata’s ships will be styled the Bengaru-wan Yugeki Butai (Bay of Bengal Striking Force), and in addition to the battleships they include three heavy cruisers and four destroyers. Three of the latter mount Mk.2 Mod.2 surface search sets, whilst the mattress of a newly installed Mk.2 Mod.1 set adorns cruiser Mikuma’s upperworks. Though they may not be as efficient as equivalent British equipments, Hirata looks to these radars to improve his prospects of a successful surface engagement and at least deny his opponent the element of surprise.

Southern Expeditionary Fleet’s HQ is like an overturned anthill of activity following receipt of the 901st’s sighting report. The Japanese make their tactical calculations thus:

If the approaching Allied force includes battleships, then it has been spotted at a sufficient distance from the Andamans to preclude a landfall on the night of 5-6 May. This will mean that a closer approach to Port Blair will involve its exposure on 6 May both to Kra-based land attack planes and to Yamaguchi’s strike aircraft. There is a remote chance that Prince of Wales has the legs to make Port Blair this coming night, if she is amongst the approaching Allied ships, but in that case Hirata will hazard his 24 fourteen inch rifles against the Prince’s ten. The Japanese discount the presence of fast battlecruiser Repulse in view of the torpedo damage she recently sustained.

If, on the other hand, the oncoming task force consists of cruisers – which have the speed to reach the Andamans this coming night - then the Japanese have no qualms about confronting it with Hirata’s heavier ships.

In either of these cases, a surface action off Port Blair seems likely to result in the presence of cripples - hopefully enemy ships! In that event, the Japanese plan for Yamaguchi’s aircraft to finish them off, and if possible also strike any other Allied vessels retiring from the night action. Should the Allied force lack the speed to arrive off Port Blair on the night of the 5th-6th, then Yamaguchi may well find himself optimally positioned to hit them on their final run in.

There are a few worrying contingencies with which the Japanese must deal. First, there is the possibility that Indomitable and Formidable were not the only aircraft carriers on immediate Allied call. This does not seem to be a strong possibility (not least because the Japanese air search effort all over the Indian Ocean has been intensive), but as a safeguard Kamikawa Maru with her seaplane complement has already detached from the minelaying force operating off Sabang and is proceeding westwards to a position where she can provide distant cover for the heavy units operating close to the Andamans. If the Americans have been bold enough to deploy their fleet carriers en masse and undetected in the Indian Ocean… well, sometimes there are risks that have to be accepted.

In the immediate vicinity of Port Blair itself Dutch onderzeeboot O-20 has been making a particular nuisance of itself, and orders to Hirata directing BYB into the area involve a degree of calculated risk. The Japanese seek to minimise this by ordering the five destroyers under command of V Adm Sakamoto to screen Hirata against the predatory submarine, and – a last minute change of plan – the escort group that has been shielding R Adm Takenaka’s Andaman Supply convoy is ordered to remain on station to thicken the ASW defence. The group commander can but hope that Hirata’s heavy units reach him before the Royal Navy’s arrival. Takenaka, meanwhile, is ordered to stand off the islands and remain out of harm’s way.

V. Adm Komatsu’s elderly destroyers, which have been guarding the convoy that has been engaged in landing an infantry brigade for a counter-attack in the Nicobars, are ordered north for a rendezvous with Yamaguchi, whose ships he will screen during the coming operations.

Finally, Ozawa’s orders unleash Yamaguchi to the extent that he is permitted to close a located enemy force by 120 miles. It is hoped that this will permit 2.Kido Butai to bring a torpedo strike to bear against any such target, but the penalty will be increased exposure of Yamaguchi’s carriers to land-based air attack. To meet this threat, 24 extra fighters of the Omura Ku are flown into Port Blair to provide additional long range cover, and the CAP over the carriers will be beefed up at the expense of escort for the strike aircraft – again a calculated risk.

Throughout the afternoon and evening of 5 May the wireless circuits between Singapore and the Bay of Bengal crackle with orders streaming out to the expectant Japanese defenders. All their preparations may, of course, prove futile, for SEAC may merely being feinting towards the Andamans, or have ordered its ships to retire on being sighted. But if the Allies have committed themselves to a further naval move against Port Blair, the Japanese believe themselves ready to meet it, and await the fall of darkness with confidence.

[Local Yokel]

Setback off Port Blair, night of 6 May 1943

Exactly what goes wrong for the Japanese off Port Blair on the night of 6 May cannot subsequently be established. For whatever reason, V Adm Hirata’s BYB fails to intercept the incoming RN force, and the desired confrontation with his battleships never takes place.

Instead, only the diminutive escort group for R Adm Takenaka’s Andaman Supply convoy, under command of Cpt Aoki Susumu, establishes contact with the British force, and the upshot is entirely as might be predicted.

Aoki’s command has already lost one quarter of its ship strength by reason of the nearby Dutch submarine’s successful attack two days earlier which required gunboat Yachiyo Maru to detach and head for Rangoon. His minuscule force now consists of only gunboat Yoshida Maru and subchaser Ch3 as questionable support for his flagship Hokaze, a Minekaze class destroyer under command of Lt Cdr Tanaka Tomoo.

It is no part of Aoki’s assignment to take on the Allied interlopers at Port Blair, for his brief is to prevent that Dutchman from setting up on Hirata’s heavy units. Nor, with his main offensive capability confined to the six Type 92 torpedoes within Hokaze’s tubes, is he equipped to do so. Yet, when the enemy’s six vastly superior warships are spotted at four bells into the middle watch, Aoki does not hesitate. Attack! Attack immediately, attack a l’outrance, attack before they know you’re there, for there is no place of safety, no place to which the Japanese can run for refuge here in the waters off Port Blair this night.

Aoki’s defiance, magnificent or futile according to your point of view, is rewarded at least to the extent that his attack takes the RN force by surprise. At 5000 yards range Hokaze launches undetected her torpedoes at the enemy, but alas, even at this short range the solution fed into the directors is adrift and none of the weapons finds its mark.

Retaliation is immediate and brutal. HMS Frobisher’s lookouts sight Hokaze’s wash as she turns away on conclusion of her launch. The cruiser’s gunnery is lethally accurate, and her second salvo scores just aft of Hokaze’s bridge, toppling the main rangefinder and fatally compromising the destroyer’s fire control. Firing only in local control thereafter, Hokaze’s 4.7’s are unable to make any impression, and the gunfire rapidly becomes one way traffic as the two Southamptons accompanying Frobisher open up upon the now-retreating Japanese. HMS Birmingham secures two hits upon Yoshida Maru, one 6”, one 4”, whilst Frobisher continues to rain shells upon the unfortunate Hokaze. It is, however, accompanying destroyer HMS Nepal that administers the coup de grace with two accurate Mk IX torpedo launches. The impact of the first of these to hit Hokaze leaves her bow a mangled ruin, that of the second is catastrophic. Striking amidships in way of her No.1 boiler room, this second torpedo’s explosion snaps Hokaze’s keel and bisects the slender vessel so that her mangled stem and undamaged stern simultaneously lift out of the water as her midships compartments flood with a rush. The two separated halves of her hull remain above the waves for a few minutes only as those of her crew who can take to the water and swim frantically to be clear of the suction as she plunges for the seabed.

Of Cpt Aoki there is no sign. The ships of his escort group that sailed north so confidently from Penang a week earlier are now scattered as they seek to slip into the darkness and away from the British guns. Treading water a cable’s length from the foaming patch of water that marks the sinking of his command, Lt Cdr Tanaka Tomoo hawks and spits to rid his mouth of a vile mix of blood and oil-fouled seawater as he wonders, with a trace of bitterness, what has become of V Adm Hirata and the powerful squadron that was intended to greet the British ships. This is a night that has not gone well for the Imperial Japanese Navy

05/06/43
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Blair at 23,34
Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PG Yoshida Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
PC Ch 3
Allied Ships
CA Frobisher
CL Birmingham
CL Newcastle
DD Nepal
DD Panther

[Local Yokel]

Bay of Bengal, Day, 6 May 1943

According to the somewhat triumphant account subsequently given by Tokyo Radio, Hokaze’s sacrificial charge off the Andamans so delayed the RN task force’s departure from the islands as to leave it at the mercy, on the following day, of aircraft from R Adm Yamaguchi’s carriers.

Whether or not there is any truth in that, the fact is that when day breaks over the Bay of Bengal following the night action off Port Blair, the British ships remain within 350 miles of the islands and within range of 2KB’s strike aircraft. In this respect the Japanese planning proves to be effective.

This time it’s a Type 0 Reconnaissance Seaplane launched from Agano before daybreak that first sights the RN cruisers, reporting them bearing away westward at an estimated speed of 30 knots. The high speed of their retreat will do them no good, for Yamaguchi is quick to ensure that the initial sighting is backed up by a brace of 11-gata Tenzan despatched to the scene as shadowers whilst his strike aircraft are ranged for launch.

The initial strike is a reasonably well-coordinated affair employing all carrier bombers and attack planes other than those Tenzan withheld for search. En route Hiyo’s Suisei and an element of the escort become detached from the main strike, which nonetheless brings 62 aircraft plus escort to bear upon the British ships. This is the first occasion on which the new carrier bombers are employed against an undamaged target and the prolonged working up in China of CarDiv 4’s airgroups again pays off as Junyo’s dive bombers in the first wave secure eleven hits (some with 30kg bombs only).

However, it is the Tenzans’ torpedoes that do the greatest damage to British ships, and by the time the main body of the first wave departs the scene cruiser Birmingham is well beyond saving from the 6 torpedo strikes she sustains, whilst Frobisher is in nearly as bad a way from 4 such strikes. The shade of Aoki would doubtless approve.

05/06/43
Day Air attack on TF at 18,31
Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 17
A6M3a Zero x 18
B6N2 Jill x 45
Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 3 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 25 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Newcastle, Torpedo hits 1
CA Frobisher, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CL Birmingham, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Hiyo’s Suisei are not far behind to add to the British woes, for they land a further 11 bombs of Birmingham and Frobisher:

05/06/43
Day Air attack on TF at 18,31
Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 17
A6M3a Zero x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 6 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Frobisher, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CL Birmingham, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

So far, cruiser Newcastle has got off lightly with but a single torpedo hit, but the Japanese are not yet done, and during the afternoon they scrape together from the aircraft remaining undamaged after the morning effort a further strike of 16 Tenzan that concentrate on the surviving Southampton class cruiser:

05/06/43
Day Air attack on TF at 18,31
Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 7 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Frobisher, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Newcastle, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Meanwhile, 650 miles to the south west, a searching seaplane from Kamikawa Maru detects another inbound force of Allied ships (apparently merchantmen) on a SE course towards northern Sumatra. 2KB’s work, it seems, is not yet done.

[Local Yokel]

The Middle Yangtse, 23 April to 8 May, 1943

Following the crossing of the Yangtse by China Expeditionary Army’s assault divisions, reduction of the two Chinese corps pocketed at Wuchang (hex 48,36) goes steadily forward, assisted by attacks from the majority of the Japanese air units undergoing operational training in China.

04/27/43
Ground combat at 48,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 128627 troops, 603 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 2796
Defending force 15032 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 506
Japanese max assault: 2789 - adjusted assault: 2042
Allied max defense: 290 - adjusted defense: 52
Japanese assault odds: 39 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
1098 casualties reported
Guns lost 23
Allied ground losses:
971 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

04/28/43
Ground combat at 48,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 94346 troops, 459 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 2718
Defending force 13742 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 444
Japanese max assault: 948 - adjusted assault: 1834
Allied max defense: 232 - adjusted defense: 16
Japanese assault odds: 114 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
273 casualties reported

04/29/43
Ground combat at 48,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 115853 troops, 564 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 2719
Defending force 12948 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 410
Japanese max assault: 1117 - adjusted assault: 1289
Allied max defense: 215 - adjusted defense: 10
Japanese assault odds: 128 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
192 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Allied ground losses:
195 casualties reported

04/30/43
Ground combat at 48,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 123306 troops, 577 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 2709
Defending force 12238 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 380
Japanese max assault: 1781 - adjusted assault: 2990
Allied max defense: 199 - adjusted defense: 16
Japanese assault odds: 186 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
466 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
212 casualties reported

First to crack is the Chinese 28th Corps, which lays down its arms on Mayday 1943:

05/01/43
Ground combat at 48,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 122867 troops, 574 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 2689
Defending force 11643 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 355
Japanese max assault: 2696 - adjusted assault: 1950
Allied max defense: 186 - adjusted defense: 10
Japanese assault odds: 195 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
377 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Allied ground losses:
8695 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

The attack is renewed 2 days later against the surviving 72nd Corps:

05/03/43
Ground combat at 48,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 122506 troops, 570 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 2679
Defending force 5741 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 172
Japanese max assault: 2706 - adjusted assault: 4738
Allied max defense: 90 - adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 676 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
415 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Allied ground losses:
911 casualties reported

On the following day the remaining resistance in the pocket is brought to an end by the Chinese corps’ surrender:

05/04/43
Ground combat at 48,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 122373 troops, 572 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 2669
Defending force 4194 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 95
Japanese max assault: 2702 - adjusted assault: 5095
Allied max defense: 49 - adjusted defense: 4
Japanese assault odds: 1273 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
195 casualties reported
Allied ground losses:
9315 casualties reported
Guns lost 11

With their supply lines secured, the Japanese divisions lunge westwards along the Peiping-Canton Railway. The Japanese 3rd Tank Division regains contact with the guerrillas originally routed from the woods by 20th Mixed Bde on 14 April. The guerrilla unit is the only formation guarding the approaches to Changsha, and beyond them the far bank of the Yangtse is apparently undefended.

Immediately to the north of Changsha (hex 46,36), the 47th Chinese Guerrilla Corps cause the Japanese 3rd Tank Division very little trouble. The attack goes in on 8 May, and the guerrillas are unceremoniously bundled back into Changsha.

05/08/43
Ground combat at 46,36
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 17425 troops, 87 guns, 239 vehicles, Assault Value = 591
Defending force 228 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9
Japanese max assault: 365 - adjusted assault: 732
Allied max defense: 4 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 732 to 1
Allied ground losses:
156 casualties reported
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

20th Mixed has by now joined the armour, but plays no part in the battle. The main body is still following on behind, but for the Japanese a choice has now to be made. A westward advance, bouncing the Yangtse to the north of Changsha/Hengchow, would effectively isolate both these cities from their source of supply, for the Japanese are already interdicting the alternate line of communication by their presence outside Liuchow, 250 miles to the west. But such a move would be enormously dangerous, for the KMT have substantial forces both inside the Kanhsien salient (including some 90,000 men in 10 units blocking a westward advance from Nanchang) and outside, with formidable forces occupying Ichang that are capable of moving SE across the Yangtse and themselves getting astride the Japanese LOC west of Hankow. In fact, until a means can be found of forcing the Chinese away from their blocking position on the Nanchang-Changsha road, the Japanese are compelled to hold back sufficient forces to defend the right bank of the river all the way from Hankow to Changsha and thus secure their communications. Thus, although the position of the Chinese within the salient looks perilous, the Japanese attempt to sever it at its base is one that must itself meet and surmount a number of problems.

[BigBadWolf]

Isn't monthly update due about now?