CLIMB MT. NIITAKA: CHS SCEN 159, BOMBUR(A) vs SPRUANCE(J)

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 10TH-12TH, 1942



INVASION OF CEYLON:

Bombur had left some 30 ships in port at Trincomalee.....even though most of these ships were eventually sunk, they did a good job of absorbing the IJN naval bombardments and aerial bombardments at Trincomalee. When a shock attack was delivered on 2/10/42, a SEAC regiment has just reinforced Tincomalee and the initial Japanese assualt was repulsed. After 2 days of aerial bombardment an all out shock attack is ordered for tomorrow.



DEI:

Batavia surrenders under the fist assault by the IJA:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Batavia

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 161158 troops, 847 guns, 87 vehicles, Assault Value =
3307

Defending force 23003 troops, 153 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value =
225

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese max assault: 3084 - adjusted assault: 1983

Allied max defense: 194 - adjusted defense: 109

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Batavia base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 3 destroyed
Do 24K-2: 1 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
901 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
15423 casualties reported
Guns lost 123
Vehicles lost 5


15,000 Allied soldiers surrender and all of Java has now been overrun.....6 SAA divisions and 2 brigades are now released for the India invasion. The troops will rest and prep for a few days while the port at Batavia is cleared of mines and then the transports will commence loading operations.


PHILIPPINES:

The daily aerial and ground bombardments continue at Manila....a deliberate assault is ordered for tomorrow.


CHINA:

Now that Japan has broken through the Chinese roadblock 60 miles west of Hangchow, 4 IJA divisions and 4 brigades are poised to open the Shanghai/Nanchang road. First, the Japanese southern flank will be secured by the capture of Wenchow. Once the road to Nanchang is opened Japan will be in a position to launch an offensive towards Changsha.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 13TH, 1942


INVASION OF CEYLON:

Three days ago I couldnt even get a 1:1 attack at Trincomalee. I thought that maybe I was suffering from "victory disease" just like Japan in RL.

Now after 2 days of Val bombardments Trimcomalee falls like a house of cards:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Trincomalee

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 38876 troops, 143 guns, 112 vehicles, Assault Value =
878

Defending force 8108 troops, 49 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 123

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese max assault: 1340 - adjusted assault: 1398

Allied max defense: 85 - adjusted defense: 23

Japanese assault odds: 60 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Trincomalee base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
698 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
484 casualties reported
Guns lost 16
Vehicles lost 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

With 2 divisions and 2 tank regiments already ashore and 56th Division a couple of days out, Ceylon's days are numbered.

A6M2s are staged in for CAP along with a Mavis group....now we can patrol virtually trhe entire Arabian Sea.

Engineers, supply and fuel are immediately off loaded into Trincomalee.....ALL of KB is now here off Ceylon.....tomorrow they refuel and most of the CVs will be sent to interdict the sea lanes between Aden and Karachi. SEAC receives 7th armored and 7th AIF at Aden tomorrow and I need to make sure that they never arrive at Karachi.

EVERY unit in the SAA is now prepping for Karachi save the 3 and a half divisions at Manila. I will recon the ENTIRE coast of India and decide on the invasion location within the next week.


PHILIPPINES:

A deliberate assault is launched at Manila:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 103796 troops, 447 guns, 260 vehicles, Assault Value =
2026

Defending force 33473 troops, 250 guns, 155 vehicles, Assault Value =
573

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese max assault: 1998 - adjusted assault: 2601

Allied max defense: 478 - adjusted defense: 1609

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
2054 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
1845 casualties reported
Guns lost 39
Vehicles lost 9

The forts are now down to zero and we are almost at a 2:1 advantage.....one or 2 more weeks of bombardment here and Manila is toast. The 100,000 IJA troops here will be used to capture northern India/Calcutta eventually.




Hope to have the final plans for CASE BLACK....the invasion of India.......finalized within a week or so.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 14TH, 1942



CEYLON:

Most of the invasion force that landed at Trincomalee is now marching across Ceylon towards Columbo. The bulk of the Combined Fleet has now massed off Trincomalee. We are still awaiting the arrival of massive supplies and fuel tomorrow so our replenished CVs can interdict the Arabian Sea and isolate Karachi.

The amphibious assault TF took some heavy losses to the 9.2" guns off Trincomalee....about half a dozen ships were sunk, 2 damaged CLs are making there way back to Singapore for repairs.....and the rest of the damaged ships are disbanded in port at Trincomalee for repairs....3 ARs are on the way to Trincomalee to help effect repairs.


PRODUCTION:

Things are looking much better for Japan by the middle of February, 1942. Our supply levels bottomed out on 1/15/42 at 2.13 mil.....now they are at 2.24 mil. Similarly, our fuel reached a nadir of 3.76 mil on 1/15/42 and now total 3.96 mil.....kind of surprising when you consider all the fuel currently in transit to Ceylon for the India invasion.

Our A6M2 pool was approaching 300 AC so most of the Zero production was halted and Nagasaki engine production was throttled back....now we are saving 300 HI per day which should help to augment Japan's low HI reserves of 30,490 HI.

Resources now total 15,320 per day and the resource reserves have held fairly steady at 1.44 mil for the last mo. Oil is now at 2353 and oil reserves are slowly increasing at 2.84 mil now.

Naval production was at 1284 and dropping 30 per day with the naval reserves down to 233. CV Junyo had been accelerated and was due to arrive in 4 days...we will throttle back to normal production for Junyo so she will now arrive in 8 days and should now save 50 naval production points daily...enough to eliminate our deficit. CV Hiyo was also accelerated and should be available in 44 days, while CVE Unyo was accelerated and should arrive in 26 days.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 15TH, 1942


CENTRAL PACIFIC:

Bombur appears to be making his 2nd attempt at invading Palmyra. Japanese naval bombers hit the USN transports 180 miles off Palmyra:

Day Air attack on TF at 111,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied Ships
AP President Hayes, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Crescent City
AK Timber Rush, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sawokla, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Wallingford, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Vermont, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
237 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 1


A small group of Nells makes a suicide attack against the USN CVs 5 hexes off Palmyra:

Day Air attack on TF at 112,85

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 21
F4F-4 Wildcat x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK City of Dalhart


It appears that at least 3 USN CVs are supporting the invasion. 2 USN Bombardment TFs are poised to hit Palmyra tomorrow so Imperial HQ reluctantly gives the orders for the Nells and A6M2 groups to withdraw. The naval troops however are ordered to fight to the last man.



SOUTH PACIFIC:

Japan captures Noumea:

Ground combat at Noumea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12741 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 231

Defending force 1730 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Japanese max assault: 182 - adjusted assault: 88

Allied max defense: 37 - adjusted defense: 33

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Noumea base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
286 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
2291 casualties reported
Guns lost 13


This marks the limit of Japanese expansion in the Pacific until the India campaign has been completed.



CEYLON/INDIA:

KB refills its air groups with replacements and takes on fuel at Trincomalee. An air combat TF of 3 CVs, 3 CVLs and a CVE are detached and ordered to escort a large group of fast AOs deep into the Arabian Sea...they will be there awhile as they interdict the sea lanes from Aden to Karachi.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 16TH, 1942


INVASION OF PALMYRA:

Bombur must have forgot to set his escorts to "Do not bombard"....the USN bombardment TF is hammered by the well prepped and supplied CD guns and 6 USN DDs are sunk:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

803 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Hull, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dewey, Shell hits 39, on fire, heavy damage
DD Farragut, Shell hits 42, on fire, heavy damage
DD Balch, Shell hits 33, on fire, heavy damage
DD Phelps, Shell hits 34, on fire, heavy damage
DD Selfridge, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Porter, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Fanning, Shell hits 38, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dunlap, Shell hits 42, on fire, heavy damage
DD Downes, Shell hits 41, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tucker, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Shaw, Shell hits 35, on fire, heavy damage
DD Case, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Russell, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hughes, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Sims, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 9
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 23
CA Salt Lake City
CA Northampton
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland, Shell hits 5

Japanese ground losses:
527 casualties reported
Guns lost 11

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 5


Dont know why Bombur didnt send his BB TF in to bombard first...I offered to let him redo the turn since the escorts got hammered.

Then the actiual assault transports got mauled:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1046
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1046 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1046 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


301 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Preston
AP President Fillmore, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Humphreys
AP President Polk, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Smith


Allied ground losses:
1011 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1046
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1046 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1046 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


633 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AP Ruth Alexander, Shell hits 5, on fire
AP Henderson, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Humphreys, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tasker H. Bliss, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Fillmore, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Wharton, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AP Henry T. Allen, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Smith, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD King, Shell hits 7
AP President Polk, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
1291 casualties reported
Guns lost 7


The US Army infantry that make it ashore are terribly disorganized as they land on the beach and they conduct a completely ineffectual assault:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Palmyra

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8356 troops, 72 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 299

Defending force 9570 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 73

Allied max assault: 160 - adjusted assault: 15

Japanese max defense: 63 - adjusted defense: 99

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)


Japanese ground losses:
125 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1388 casualties reported
Guns lost 23


Imperial GHQ countermands yesterday's orders and the Nells and A6M2s are sent back to Palmyra to wreak havoc with the invasion force tomorrow.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 17TH, 1942


INVASION OF PALMYRA:

A USN bombardment TF hits Palmyra as the US Army 24th Division continues to storm ashore:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/17/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco
CA Minneapolis
CA Salt Lake City
CA Northampton
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland

Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1089
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1089 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1089 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


215 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AK Wallingford, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Hayes, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Adams, Shell hits 3


Allied ground losses:
413 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1092
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1092 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1092 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


Allied bombers based at Johnston attempt to suppres the Japanese airfield at Palmyra:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-29 Hudson x 20
LB-30 Liberator x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-29 Hudson: 1 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported

Runway hits 8


USN carrier AC hammer away at the Japanese coastal defense guns:

Day Air attack on 2nd Coastal Gun Regiment, at 110,90


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
TBD Devastator x 63


Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


Looks like there are 4 USN CVs supporting this invasion.



Even after the Allied air and naval bombardments, the Nells at Palmyra are able to sortie and score some kills on the USN:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Mariposa
DD Humphreys, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP President Coolidge, Torpedo hits 1


Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AP President Hayes, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 110,87

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Hull, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Tucker
DD Hughes, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Mormacrio, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


2 more DDs and 2 AKs are sunk today.


18, 000 US troops make it ashore but the 24th Infantry is too disorganized to mount an efective attack:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Palmyra

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8193 troops, 47 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 161

Defending force 9231 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Allied max assault: 82 - adjusted assault: 26

Japanese max defense: 58 - adjusted defense: 69

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)


Japanese ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 4




CEYLON:

The IJA troops on Ceylon clear the final road hex before entering Columbo:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 12,25

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 40779 troops, 161 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value =
946

Defending force 4719 troops, 4 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 71

Japanese max assault: 821 - adjusted assault: 511

Allied max defense: 56 - adjusted defense: 7

Japanese assault odds: 73 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
309 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!


The order is given to begin investing Columbo tomorrow.



DEI:

The harbor at Batavia is cleared of mines and IJN transports will begin entering the port tomorrow to start loading the India invasion force.



CHINA:

A vital road hex is cleared on the Nanchang/Shanghai highway:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 49,39

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 89874 troops, 557 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value =
1925

Defending force 7237 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 222

Japanese max assault: 1771 - adjusted assault: 1684

Allied max defense: 122 - adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 842 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
42 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
605 casualties reported
Guns lost 12


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!


3 IJA brigades and a tank regiment continue the advance on Wenchow.....another IJA brigade is ordered to clear out all of the ChiCom guerilla east of Nanchang and south of the river.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 18TH, 1942


INVASION OF PALMYRA:

The carnage continues at Palmyra as the Allies land a 2nd division there:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/18/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1065
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1065 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


422 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AK Royal T. Frank, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AR Medusa, Shell hits 8, on fire
AK Manini, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Admiral Y. Williams, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Aylwin
DD Monaghan
AP President Coolidge, Shell hits 3, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1107 casualties reported
Guns lost 15
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1089
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1089 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1089 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco
CA Minneapolis
CA Salt Lake City
CA Northampton
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland

Japanese ground losses:
149 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 52

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1065
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1065 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


216 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AK Royal T. Frank, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Roseville, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Chew, Shell hits 2, on fire
DM Breese, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Aylwin, Shell hits 2


Allied ground losses:
756 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1089
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1089 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1089 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


Japanese troops at Palmyra suffer another shock attack:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Palmyra

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 15751 troops, 81 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 384

Defending force 8945 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 64

Allied max assault: 406 - adjusted assault: 14

Japanese max defense: 54 - adjusted defense: 23

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)


Japanese ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
641 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 2


The Allies now have over 30,000 troops ashore at Palmyra.....the Japanese garrison's days are numbered here.



CHINA:

One of the ChiCom guerilla brigades east of Nanchang is destroyed:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 50,38

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 7648 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 197

Defending force 1078 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 47

Japanese max assault: 358 - adjusted assault: 1000

Allied max defense: 48 - adjusted defense: 10

Japanese assault odds: 100 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
242 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
1268 casualties reported
Guns lost 12



DEI:

We begin loading the SAA troops at Batavia. It will take over a week for them to reach Ceylon.


CEYLON:

Thye Ceylon invasion force continues the march on Columbo. Recon is flown on half a dozen coastal Indian bases as we search for an invasion beach.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 19TH, 1942


PALMYRA:

The USN continues to land the 25th Infantry Division at Palmyra:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/19/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1065
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1065 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


343 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Allen, Shell hits 3
AK Exmoor, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Steel Voyager, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 8, on fire
AP Jagersfontein, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Litchfield

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
759 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

23 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CA San Francisco
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 4
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 2
CA Northampton
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland

Runway hits 1
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1065
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1065 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


89 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DM Ramsay, Shell hits 2, on fire


Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


The end is near for the brave Japanese garrison here:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Palmyra

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 9039 troops, 37 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 302

Defending force 8863 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60

Allied max assault: 398 - adjusted assault: 32

Japanese max defense: 48 - adjusted defense: 33

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)


Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
533 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 4



PHILIPPINES:

Japan continues its daily bombardment of Manila:



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 200th US Coast AA Regiment, at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 14
Ki-49 Helen x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 8000 feet
9 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 8000 feet
5 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Marines Regiment, at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 33
Ki-49 Helen x 65

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 7 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 8 damaged


Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 39895 troops, 249 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value =
2022

Defending force 28293 troops, 182 guns, 140 vehicles, Assault Value =
483



Allied ground losses:
156 casualties reported
Guns lost 4





Another assault on Manila will be launched on the 21st of February.


INDIA:

Accompanied by her oilers, KB sails deep into the Arabian Sea to interdict reinforcement of Karachi:

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 20TH-22ND, 1942


CEYLON:

A Japanese assault at Columbo forces the surrender of the remaining 16,000 SEAC troops on the island and the Ceylon campaign comes to a successful conclusion:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Colombo

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 57263 troops, 165 guns, 125 vehicles, Assault Value =
1033

Defending force 24754 troops, 82 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese max assault: 902 - adjusted assault: 958

Allied max defense: 35 - adjusted defense: 147

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Colombo base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
16305 casualties reported
Guns lost 46
Vehicles lost 1


Trincomalee has been enlarged to a level 4 airfield and nearly 400 Nells/Bettys/A6M2s are staged into the 2 airfields on Ceylon. 3 IJN CVs plus most of the Nells/Bettys are placed on port attack against the Allied shipping at Madras.

KB(3 CVs, 3 CVLs and a CVE) reach their naval station off the Indian coast near Karachi.



MANILA:

Japan continues its daily areial and ground bombardment of Manila:

Day Air attack on 4th Marines Regiment, at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 44
Ki-49 Helen x 65

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 5 damaged


Allied ground losses:
119 casualties reported
Guns lost 3



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 81155 troops, 407 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value =
2086

Defending force 26719 troops, 162 guns, 140 vehicles, Assault Value =
477



Allied ground losses:
155 casualties reported


A deliberate assault is ordered for tomorrow.


PALMYRA:

The Allies continue to land at Palmyra but cannot achieve 1:1 odds:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/22/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1065
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1065 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


40 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Palmyra, 110,90, firing at TF 1065
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Palmyra (110,90)

TF 1065 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 110,90


8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 110,90


Allied aircraft
A-29 Hudson x 11
LB-30 Liberator x 18


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 15000 feet
4 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x A-29 Hudson bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Coastal Gun Regiment, at 110,90


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
TBD Devastator x 58


Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Palmyra

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 17460 troops, 135 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 278

Defending force 8560 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Allied max assault: 0 - adjusted assault: 0

Japanese max defense: 55 - adjusted defense: 50

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)


Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 23RD, 1942


PHILIPPINES:

General Homma's 14th Army finally overruns the Allied defenses in manila:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 105148 troops, 445 guns, 266 vehicles, Assault Value =
2105

Defending force 26417 troops, 162 guns, 140 vehicles, Assault Value =
477

Japanese max assault: 2107 - adjusted assault: 3393

Allied max defense: 415 - adjusted defense: 933

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Manila base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 6 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
1961 casualties reported
Guns lost 31
Vehicles lost 9

Allied ground losses:
33385 casualties reported
Guns lost 155
Vehicles lost 93


Over 33,000 American and Philippino soldiers surrender and begin their march north to POW camps in central Luzon.

Except for a couple of islands in the central Philippines, the last Allies are down to their final redoubt in the PI....2 understrength Philippino divisions at Lamon Bay....13,000 troops in total. Now Japan's 1700 AV at Manila is released for future offensive operations. 2nd Division, a tank regiment, a naval guard and a mortar battalion are ordered to assist in the mop up operation at Lamon Bay. The rest of the IJA formations at Manila will prep for Calcutta....they will eventually form the northern army in our India operation to seal off and then capture Calcutta...while the main army(now in transit to India) heads straight to Karachi. For now, they R&R at the Manila Marriott, while they wait for MSWs to sweep the harbor.



INDIA:

Nells based on Ceylon hit Allied shipping in port at Madras:

Day Air attack on Madras , at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 52
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 14 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Subadur, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Raleigh, Bomb hits 1
AK Empire Chaucer, Bomb hits 1
AK Oklahoman, Bomb hits 2, on fire
TK Empire Steel, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Waterhen, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Antelope, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Puma, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Jalarajan, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Oryx, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1


Transports will begin loading the troops at Columbo tomorrow for the invasion of India. Recon AC have been flying for several days to determine the best landing beaches for the invasion. The plans for CASE BLACK....the invasion of India.....will be finalized in a couple of days.



CENTRAL PACIFIC:

The US 24th and 25th Divisions remain pinned on the beach at Palmyra...I think that Bombur needs to bring up some more supply before he can resume the ground attacks.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 24TH, 1942



CENTRAL PACIFIC:

After suffering heavy losses in ships and personel of the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions, the Allies finally manage to capture the Japanese bases on Palmyra in a shock attack:

Ground combat at Palmyra

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 18051 troops, 157 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 289

Defending force 8663 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 56

Allied max assault: 520 - adjusted assault: 374

Japanese max defense: 42 - adjusted defense: 30

Allied assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Palmyra base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
534 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
280 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 1





INDIA:


CV Zuikaku, CV Hiryu and CV Soryu luanch a major attack on shipping in port at Madras:

Day Air attack on Madras , at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A2 Val x 67
B5N2 Kate x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 3 destroyed, 19 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Empire Chaucer, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Waterhen, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Resistance, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Steelmaker, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Honolulan, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Oklahoman, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Steel, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Empire Raleigh, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Puma, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Virginian, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AK Empire Homer, Bomb hits 1, on fire
TK Empire Amethyst, Bomb hits 2
TK Empire Coral, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AK Jalarajan, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1


Nells and Bettys based on Ceylon also add to the misery of Allied shipping at Madras:

Day Air attack on Madras , at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G3M Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 6 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Oklahoman, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Jalarajan, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Honolulan, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Waterhen, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Elk, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Steelmaker, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Antelope, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Port hits 1


KB...3 CVs, 3 CVLs and a CVE remain on station with their oilers and scout subs in the Arabian Sea......Karachi is isolated from Aden.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 26TH, 1942


INDIA:

Japan has been bombing the ground forces and port at Madras for nearly a week to disguise our true intentions on an invasion site:

Day Air attack on A' Indian Field Artillery Regiment, at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-21-II Sally x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 9 damaged


Allied ground losses:
61 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


Day Air attack on Madras Naval Base Force, at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-21-II Sally x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged


Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Madras , at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 62
G4M1 Betty x 21
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 14 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Loch Ranza, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Raleigh, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Virginian, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Elk, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Jalarajan, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Amethyst, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Oryx, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Homer, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Resistance, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Port supply hits 3


Day Air attack on Madras , at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G3M Nell x 39
G4M1 Betty x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 6 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 13 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Subadur, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Coral, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Loch Ranza, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Jalarajan, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Amethyst, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Raleigh, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Steel, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Resistance, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Homer, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Port supply hits 1



CASE BLACK.....THE INVASION AND CONQUEST OF INDIA


1) INVASION:

Japan's requirements for an invasion beach in India are as follows in order of importance.....

A) In range of land based air at Ceylon
B) No CD guns present
C) Undefended beach if possible

Japanese recon found an undefended beach at Trivandrum on the southern tip of the Indian sub-continent. With most of the SAA still in transit across the Bay of Bengal, a decision is made to capture Trivandrum in a coup de main with the force available.

33rd Infantry Division storms ashore today:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 130 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
567 casualties reported



33rd ID will capture the city tomorrow and then Japan will consolidate the beach head as the rest of the SAA arrives over the next 2 weeks. When sufficient forces have been landed, Japan will breakout to the north with a drive on Madras....its the only level 4 airfield in southern India and will allow us to deploy our massive air force on the mainland.



2) EXPLOITATION:

After capturing Madras, Japan's tank regiments will wheel 90 degrees to the west for a drive on Bombay. The capture of the level 4 airfield at Bombay will allow us to project our Bettys over the Arabian Sea to further isolate Karachi.

At least 8 divisions will drive towards Karachi...our main objective. A series off roadblocks will be developed to the north of our line of advance to ward off possible Allied counterattacks. No move will be made on Calcutta/NE India until our troops currently in the Philippines arrive.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 27TH, 1942


INDIA:

Japanese troops continue to pour ashore at Trivandrum:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/27/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 130 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
189 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 149 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 114 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
52 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 125 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 130 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
100 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 149 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 240 troops unloading over beach at Trivandrum, 11,21


Japanese ground losses:
52 casualties reported

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


Trivandrum is captured today.


A British surface TF tries to sortie past KB in the Arabian Sea but is badly mauled:

Day Air attack on TF at 15,3

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A2 Val x 76
B5N2 Kate x 108

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 12 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed, 29 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Ramillies, Bomb hits 18, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
BB Resolution, Bomb hits 18, Torpedo hits 2, on fire


Not sure where they weree headed....the exits to the Arabian Sea are covered by Nells and Bettys.....moving to Karachi would be certain death....perhaps Bombur was trying to engage IJN CVs in surface combat.


Japanese bombers on Ceylon finish off the remnants of Allied shipping at Madras:

Day Air attack on Madras , at 17,21

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 56
G4M1 Betty x 18
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 15 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Empire Resistance, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Steel, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Virginian, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Coral, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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


PHILIPPINES:

The harbor at Manila is cleared of mines.....transports are now redirected to Manila and troops will begin loading there tomorrow for India.

2nd Division arrive at Lamon Bay and an assault will be ordered there in a couple of days.


CHINA:

Over 100,000 IJA troops mass in the last Chinese controlled road hex on the Changsha/Shanghai road....a major assault is ordered for tomorrow.

[racndoc]

FEBRUARY 28TH, 1942


INDIA:

The RN surface TF in the Arabian Sea is caught by KB at 5 hex range for some nice target practice:

Day Air attack on TF at 19,3

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
D3A2 Val x 60
B5N2 Kate x 120

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, Bomb hits 40, on fire
DD Norman, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Unfortunately, all we did was burn a little paint off BB Resolution....but thats ok.....she appears to be heading for port at Karachi....will be dead meat in within the next 2 days.


Transports continue to pour in troops to Trivandrum.



CHINA:

Japanese troops finally complete the task of clearing the Nanchang/Shanghai Highway:

Ground combat at 48,39

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 121875 troops, 871 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value =
2454

Defending force 12072 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 354

Japanese max assault: 2334 - adjusted assault: 4585

Allied max defense: 225 - adjusted defense: 6

Japanese assault odds: 764 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
281 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
235 casualties reported


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!


There is one more pocket of ChiCom guerilla east of Nanchang that needs to be cleared.....an attack is ordered there for tomorrow. Another 3 brigades and a tank regiment drive on Wenchow to secure our southern flank......then we can begin the long awaited Changsha offensive.

[racndoc]

MARCH 1ST-2ND, 1942


INDIA:

The RN ducks into Karachi for cover so sub I-154 is sent in to investigate. An Allied ASW TF at Karachi roughs up I-154 a bit:

ASW attack near Karachi at 21,3

Japanese Ships
SS I-154, hits 8, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Griffin
DD Foxhound


KB sits 120 miles away from Karachi but its 400 plus AC are grounded by inclement weather.

On the mainland of India, the 33rd Division reaches Madurai and a deliberate assault is ordered for tomorrow.



PHILIPPINES:

2nd Division leads the final assault on the last Allied stronghold on Luzon at Lamon Bay:

Ground combat at Lamon Bay

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29285 troops, 142 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value =
674

Defending force 5178 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 156

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese max assault: 642 - adjusted assault: 428

Allied max defense: 85 - adjusted defense: 21

Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lamon Bay base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
7964 casualties reported
Guns lost 17


The Japanese strategy of Divide and Conquer has been extremely effective on Luzon.......3 and 1/2 divisions of the IJA have annihilated an enemy almost 150% larger. Now all of Luzon is under Japanese control and the American/Philippino survivors of Lamon Bay are marched north to the PoW camps in central Luzon. The Allies position in the Philippines is reduced to 3 insignificant islands in the central PI.

Transports at Manila begin to load General Homma's 14th Army for redeployment to India.


PRODUCTION REVISITED:

Supply levels have increased 30,000 since mid February to 2.27 million. Fuel levels seem to be fairly static at 3.89 million.....a _lot_ of fuel is being shipped to India and Ceylon now to cover Combined Fleet operations. HI of 13,097 per day seems to be increasing the HI reserve at a total of 60/day or 1800 per month. Resources have dropped 70,000 in 15 days to 1.37 million ora deficit of 140,000/month....at this rate we will exhaust resources in 11 months. Obviously, a new source of resources will be required in India. Naval production of 1303/day seems to be deficient by 44 per day with a total reserve now of 796 points....if we want to continue production of BB Musashi we will need to increase our HI a bit.

[racndoc]

MARCH 3RD, 1942 .............CARRIER BATTLE OF KARACHI



KB finally gets a sunny day in the Arabian Sea and engages in a life or death duel with the Royal Navy off Karachi:

Day Air attack on TF at 20,2

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 6
A6M2 Zero x 74

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 8
Vildebeest IV x 2
Blenheim IV x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 2 destroyed
Fulmar: 6 destroyed
Vildebeest IV: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Mizuho
PG Eiko Maru
AO Nippon Maru
AO Mitsu Maru


Day Air attack on TF at 20,2

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 6
A6M2 Zero x 73

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 12
Fulmar x 30
Albacore x 33
Hurricane IIb x 80
Vildebeest IV x 10
Blenheim IV x 21
P-43A Lancer x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 51 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 6 destroyed
Fulmar: 11 destroyed, 8 damaged
Albacore: 1 destroyed, 28 damaged
Hurricane IIb: 19 destroyed, 42 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
Blenheim IV: 5 damaged
P-43A Lancer: 10 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Kaga
CVE Hosho
CVL Shoho
CVL Ryujo
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1
CVL Zuiho


Day Air attack on TF, near Karachi at 21,3

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3
A6M2 Zero x 35
D3A2 Val x 77
B5N2 Kate x 129

Allied aircraft
P-43A Lancer x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 3 destroyed, 30 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 11 destroyed, 53 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-43A Lancer: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Bomb hits 7, on fire
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 14, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CL Capetown
BB Royal Sovereign, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Dorsetshire, Torpedo hits 1
BB Prince of Wales, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy
damage
CL Caledon, Torpedo hits 1


CV Indomitable sinks immediately. The 500 lb bomb that hit CV Shokaku bounced off her armored flight deck. CV Akagi however takes a 500 lb bomb on her forward elevator and suffers 15% system damage with a level 16 fire started. Im a little surprised with the heavy A6M2 losses...over 50 Zeros are destroyed. The 3 CVs and CVLs here are compelled to withdraw to the west from Karachi out of range of land based AC. At least the RN CV threat has been neutralized.

The 3 CVs covering the invasion at Trivandrum are ordered into the Arabian Sea to replace the 3 CVs and 3CVLs currently blockading Karachi....as soon as they get there the CV Akagi battlegroup will withdraw to Trincomalee to take on A6M2 replacements. A 4th CV, CV Junyo, has just refueled at Singapore and will head to Ceylon to augment the other CVs.



On land, the 33rd Division captures Madurai and will now head for Mannargudi. A constant stream of IJN transports heads across the Bay of Bengal to drop reinforcements at Trivandrum.

[Alikchi2]

That was quite a battle. I noticed the high damage levels on your AC. You could still be vulnerable to LBA.. still, well done sir.

[rjopel]

Is the other side of this being written up?  What's the name?
 
Really fun reads.

[racndoc]

Alikchi...thanx for stopping in.....havent seen you arouind for awhile. rjopel....unfortunately my opponent is not writing an active thread on this game so you must endure my Japanese propaganda.




MARCH 4th, 1942



CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Shokaku withdraw about 350 miles to the west of Karachi to get out of range of Allied land based air. The fires are almost out on CV Akagi and her system damage seems to have stabilized at 16 points so flight ops are proceeding normally.

Meanwhile, CV Soryu, CV Hiryu and CV Zuikaku with a complement of 200 AC sail into the Arabian Sea to link up with their sister ships. Recon indicates that Bombur has placed most of the damaged RN ships in port at Karachi. Once all of KB has rejoined Im not sure if I will launch an immediate massive port attack on Karachi or withdraw some of the CVs to Ceylon to rebuild their depleted air groups.

Back on land, the 33rd Division should enter Mannargudi tomorrow.



PHILIPPINES:

Most of 14th Army has been loaded on transports and is now on the way to India. I have actually run out of APs to transport all my troops so 2nd Division will be left behind in Manila until more shipping can be rounded up.

[racndoc]

MARCH 5TH-6TH, 1942


INDIA:

33rd Division captures Mannargudi and now closes in on Madras.

Mavis and Tina Transport AC at Port Blair paradrop the 1st Parachute Regiment to capture the vital road junction at Bangalore....now Japanese armor can wheel unimpeded 90 degrees to the west to drive on Bombay.

Southern Area Army continues to unload at Trivandrum as 14th Army makes its way from Luzon to Madras across the South China Sea.


Meanwhile, CV Hiryu, CV Soryu and CV Zuikaku should link up with KB tomorrow 500 miles off the Indian coast at Karachi.