Looks like Louisville, Northampton and Voyager will all survive, but it will be months before I have any of them back.
Another major bombing attack from Lae against Thursday Is. sees supplies continuing to dwindle. With Cap over PM, there is little I can do at the moment. The 5th FG is at Cooktown and all 72 P-39s will fly to Thursday tomorrow ([:'(]). I doubt they will fair well against the 40 zeros that escort the bombers but they might take a number of bombers with them. This situation is just bad until I get P-38s (T-19 days).
There is an important battle about to take place in China. The Japanese have more than 10 divisions at Chunking facing almos half the Chinese army. Obviously Japan's plan is to conduct a protracted siege on Chunking and starve out the defenders.
A Japanese force of 1 div and 1 Bde are trying to move through the mountains to the North to flank Chunking and cut the road to Chengtu. Three Chinese corp oppose.
A major Japanese force is approaching Chunking through the mountains from the Southeast. Also a force of undetermined size is moving up from the South. Four Chinese corp block the souther road.
The only line of supply for the Japanese force at Chunking is from Sian and only the 58th Division holds the road to Sian
About 8 poorly supplied Chinese corp have crossed the river and are preparring to attack the 58th division and cut the supply road to Sian. Ground attack from bombers at Chunking have inflicted about 750 casualties over 3 days to the 58th Division. No flak was fired during the last day indicating that the unit may be out of supply.
I fear that even if my forces cut the supply line to Sian, my defenders south of Chunking will be swept aside by a larger force. Still, I must try.
Attachments
FirstBatt..Chunking.jpg (152.28 KiB) Viewed 227 times
It's been a rough week on the Allies. Carriers still in route back to PH, eta still one week away. Wasp is the exception, she is ferrying marine squadrons to the New Hebrides and Oz.
The 5th Air Force launched a major assualt on NG. It was bloody for both sides. probably 100 planes lost on each side. B-17s and P-39s took the brunt of it. The 8th FG is protecting Thursday Is and 4 BG have been attacking PM. I can't believe it but my B-17 pool is empty. I will have to stand down for the next two weeks and rebuild, except for the 8th FG. They will remain at Thursday. P-39s may be zero fodder but they sure are deadly against Japanese bombers.
India is very quite. Some allied bombing along the front lines in eastern India.
The Japanese may have withdrawn from the Aelutians all together. Recon has found Amchitka (spelling) and Attu empty. I will recon Kiska tomorrow, if planes dont find anything I will dispatch two cruisers and some DMS to investigate.
China is interesting. I was successful in retreating the 59th Div and I'm pushing him back toward Sian. His flanking army north of Chunking is out of supply and they lost almost 3,000 men in their last attack. They are surrounded. (see map above). Japanese forces advancing on Kwieyang. Bombers are concentrating on the force south of Chunking.
Sporadic sub/asw sparring. Allies getting the better end of the deal, but PG Charleston got torpedoed yesterday and she probably won't make it.
The war in the skies continued over Thursday Is today. Maj Bevlock again led his beliguered squadrons of P-39s against a new Japanese attack. Today 26 Aircobras assaulted the same number of Zeros and 53 Bettys as they drew in on the home airfield. Manuevering with the sun at their backs the P-39s managed to surprise the escorts and downed 4 zeros in their first pass 1LT Ellard, with his new wingman FO Baker led the assualt. Ellard, the vertran of 25 missions became the first Aircobra pilot to live long enough to become an ace. FO Baker is close behind claiming 4 kills in just 5 missions. In all 6 zeros and 6 Bettys were downed to the loss of 8 P-39s. The good showing was overshadowed by the performance of the Japanese bombers though as 43 broke through the CAP and hit the airfield. Four Cobras were destroyed on the grond.
More aviation support arrived by C47 transport, to try and get the rest of the Aircobras up and flying. 15 AAC recruits are sitting on the ground with no planes to fly. 1LT Larson, a veteran of 23 missions, who has lost 5 wingman to date, commented that they shouldn't be in such a hurry to die.
Once the AAC pilots gain a little experience the P-39s do ok against your standard land based Zeros. They are lethal to bombers.
In other news recon located one Japanese unit on Kiska island, most likely a baseforce. All other islands appear to be unoccupied. In that event the allies will stage at Dutch Harbor and launch an assualt directly at Kiska, bypassing Amchitka.
The Japanese are in full retreat toward Sian. My Eastern army will continue to turn the Flank of the enemy and can threaten either Sian or Ichang.
To the south of Chunking though is much worse. A large Japanese force is preparing for an attack. I am sending reinforcements, but they must march through the dense forrest west of Chunking. They surely will not arrive in time.
Attachments
First Batt..Chunking.jpg (152.58 KiB) Viewed 227 times
Since the last update there have been few new developments...tons of men and material still being shipped to the South Pac and Oz....All my carrier groups are still enroute to PH for repairs and upgrades. South Pac is defended soley by Wasp and Big E right now...43rd Div is arriving in Anchorage and will immediately prep for Kiska. I still want the entire Aleutian chain before 43...it appears resistance is light. I could invade Timor anytime but feel its just a little early...6th and 7th Aus Div still prepping...KB is officially missing...the overall strategy right now is still just to stay in Japan's face and keep up some mild pressure on all fronts.
Today an IJN fleet bombed Nukuefuti while Pensylvania, Colorado and two cruisers pounded Baker Is. only planes found were Emilys, but CD fire was fairly significant. Knocked out some AA guns on Colorado.
The shock and awe compaign I had planned for Inida has been downgraded to mild surprise and apathy due to rain. This was plan B, now I need a plan C on how to break the Japanese line. I would give my right eye for the 101st airborne right about now. It would take 6 months to deply all my para Bns to India...unacceptable...more and more this is looking like breaking the Japanese there is going to be an absolute blood bath.
Southeast Asia bombers flew 2 missions today. 50 Blens attacked the base at Chandpur, destroyed some supplies; 48 B-24s and 48 Hurris bombed and strafed a construction Bn at Dacca (hit em high and hit em low), creating 352 casualties...64 B-25s arrive in Karachi in 3 days and will be added to the attack...I replaced the 10th Air Force HQ (at Calcutta) commander with LGEN Chenault. Chenault has an air skill of 93 and aggression of 80. Let's see if he can get those bombers flying.
In other news 2 DDs on ASW patrol around soutwest NG hit a Jap sub causing moderate damage.
Not really much of a need to update other than the fact that it has been 5 turns...
The overall strategy is still prep (for offensives) and probe (for weaknesses)....
8th FG still reforming in Cairn. I have tasked all my 4Es in Oz with supplying Thursday Is and supply levels are up to 4500, other than periodic raids by Bettys from Lae the situation is stable. Perhaps when the AF reaches size 3 and I have doubled supplies I can keep the 8th FG on Cap there.
Gen Chenault is doing his job with the 10th AF. I am averaging about 200 casualties per day along the Japanese front in India (this is with constant Thunderstorms), over time that should weaken his line by supply reduction and attrition.
The 2nd UK Div was rejoined today at Diamond Harbor. I now have at least 3 divisions, 2 Arm Bdes, and 2 Chingit Bdes to add to my drive for Dimapur. I will hold off for now and allow the 10th AF to do its job, as I am only getting stronger in India and he should be slowly getting weaker.
I am still prepping the 43rd Div in Anchorage for the invasion of Kiska. I hope to load them onto transports within the week.
I moved a BG of B-24s to Luganville where they will launch a week long campaign against the AF at GC. The objective is to draw Japan's attention there and gain valuable intel.
In other news...
Several base forces and aviation units are arriving throughout the South Pac and Oz. Several major supply convoys are unloading at Sydney and at Derby
Carriers minus Big E and Wasp are back at PH for repairs and upgrades. They will probably spend all of Oct at PH. Saratoga relunctantly is being sent back to SF. She is at 19% sys damage and needs to undergo two rounds of upgrades. I may not get her back until 43.
Allies are finishing final preparation for their first offensive. Transports should get under way in less than a week. I should be able to publish details tomorrow.
10th Air Force continues its bombing campaign in India.
10/4/42 A Catalina on patrol spots a large TF northwest of Wallis Is. South Pac is put on alert and two marine fighter squadrons and one SBD squadron are sent to reinforce the 2 squadrons already on Wallis.
10/5/42 Fuso led two Japanese light cruiser to just off the northern coast of Wallis Is where they commenced bombardment of the islands airfield (see map below). Ten allied planes were destroyed.
10/5/42 An IJN carrier force launches a strike against Wallis Island. 25 Wildcats engage the force of 31 zeros and 71 Vals. The fight goes poorly for the green marine recruits, most of whom are flying their first combat mission. Only 1 zero and 4 Vals are downed to a loss of 11 Wildcats.
10/5/42 As soon as the carrier group is spotted both squadrons of SBDs are launch an attack, but many of the dive bombers are still being repaired from the bombardment. Only 9 SBDs manage to take off with an escort of 10 Wildcats. They are engaged by 32 zeros. The Wildcats, outnumbered and overmatched by the IJN pilots, are unable to protect the dive bomers as 5 of the 9 attackers are shot down. The SBDs spot Hiryu and commence their attack, the lead SBD is downed by flak, but two more make their attack run, both missing, the second being downed by flak as it tries to get clear. The last SBD lines up its attack and dives. The pilot takes damage from a flak hit but continues his attack landing a hit with his 500lb, dead center in the flight deck. The other pilots reported smoke and fire from Hiryu as the 3 surviving pilots pulled away and pointed their planes back to Wallis Is.
In other action SS Albacore spots the carrier force near Wallis Is and attacks a Japanese DD, but fails to score a hit.
10/6/42 SS Trusty hits an AK trying to resupply Akyab with a torpedo and O-24 hits and sinks ML Nasami.
Operation Igloo is about to commence. The task forces are forming up now. This operation is the invasion and occupation of Kiska Is. Resistance is expected to be light. In addition to the naval and land forces below, I have moved and extra P-40 FG and B-24 BG to anchorage. However due to the weather typical of the Aelutians, I do not plan to use air power for anything other than recon and naval search.
The OOB is as follows;
Bombardment TF1, commanded by RADM Calhoun
BB Tennessee, BB California, CA Salt Lake City and CA Minneapolis, with 3 DD Will reach Kiska two days ahead of invasion to bombard the island. After completing the mission the TF will sail at full speed back to Adak to reload ammo. A replenishment fleet is on its way there.
Surface TF1, Commander Capt Hoover
CLs Raleigh and Helena with 2 DD Will escort invasion fleet to the landing zone and commence bombardment. Will stay on station to provide protection for other surface ships.
Transport TF1, Commanded by VADM Brown (invasion fleet commander)
CL Detroit, 2 DD, 2 DMS, 3 MSW Carries the 43rd Inf Div, prepped for artic operations. This will constiture phase 1 of the landing. The 43rd Div is tasked with taking the island.
Cargo TF1
5 small Ak, with 5 subchasers Will accompany the phase 1 invasion providing supply to the 43rd Div
Transport TF2
1 DD, 2 SC, 2 MSW plus 8 AK Carries the 53rd RCT, will stand off Kiska in reserve. Will take over defense of Kiska after 43rd Div has secured the island
Transport TF3
2DD, with 5 AK Carriers 122nd USN Base Force and supply. Will occupy Kiska immediately following Allied occupation.
Transport TF4
4 MSW, with 2 AP Waits at Dutch Harbor with 138th RCT aboard. Will support invasion if reinforcements needed, otherwise will occupy Attu immediately after the occupation of Kiska.
Finally, I have about 10 subs laying multiple piket lines around Kiska and all the way to the Kuriles. I intend this operation to be quick, painless and with as few surprises as possible.
It has been quite a while since my last AAR update. It is now October 19th, 1942. During the last couple of weeks not a lot has been happening, or at least it started out slow. They Japanese have erected a nearly impenetrable fortress in the pacific and are waiting for the Allies to stick their necks out. From Wake, the Gilberts and Guadalcanal, through Port Morseby, Kendari, the DEI, up Burma and into eastern India, the Japanese empire is a fortress.
The bombing campaign in Southern NG had to be stopped because my B-17 groups were getting too thin, down to just 30 planes per group and the reinforcement pool was empty.
The allies are building bases at Thursday Is and Kai Island...still.
The worst of the last couple of weeks occured in the Banda and Timor Seas. With most allied carriers at port being upgraded and Wasp and Big E ferrying AC. It fell to a battle group of 2 BBs (Idaho and Warspite) 2 CAs and 4 CLs to protect the northern coast of Oz. With the UK turning the tide in India supply TFs resumed their routes between Karachi and Derby. All appeared calm until Japanese raiders showed up.
10/7 Abukuma spots a slow moving cargo task force, empty and returning to Karachi. She closes and fires on the frieghters. One AK is sunk and one receives minor damage.
Day Time Surface Combat at 11,80
Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 3
Allied Ships
AK Louisianan
AK Oregonian, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Unity
AK Empire Glade, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Hawk
AK Empire Carey
AK Empire Patrol
AK Empire Flamingo
AK Empire Clive, Shell hits 3
AK Empire Hunter
AK Empire Chaucer
TK Empire Marvell
TK Empire Viscount, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Dickens, Shell hits 5, on fire
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10/9 On 10/8 Recon spots a TF of unknown warships in the Banda Sea, NW of Kai Island. Idaho, Warspite, Cornwal, a CL and 3 DD sortie from Darwin, but misjudge the speed with which the enemy is closing. In the predawn hours of 10/9 Yamato and other ships pound the small base mercilessly.
Naval bombardment of Kai Island, at 39,78
Day Air attack on TF, near Kai Island at 39,78 The surface group arrives at Kai Is by noon on 10/9 to find the enemy ships already departed. Radar detects several flights of inbound Japanese bombers, but with Kai AF in shambles only 8 Aircobras intercept.
Allied Ships
BB Idaho, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CA Cornwall, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Day Air attack on TF, near Kai Island at 39,78 With both Idaho and Warspite crippled Japan launches another attack. With the base in ruins the P-39s have a hard time refueling and intercepting the bombers. Warspite receives two more critical hits.
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 15
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10-10 through 10-11 Idaho is badly flooded but with escort makes Darwin port for repairs. The Cornwall, also damaged returns to port. Warspite, crippled by 4 torpedo hits fights to stem the flooding, but the damage is too severe. She slowly sinks the evening of 10-11.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10/12 The following morning a Japanese float plane is sighted by a cruiser force, led by CA Astoria, on patrol NW of Broome. Battle stations sound. Within an hour Japanese carrier planes attack. Astoria is hit twice but thankfully damage is not severe.
Day Air attack on TF at 9,82
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 8
B5N Kate x 9
Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CL Hobart, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Day Air attack on TF at 9,82 In the afternoon the carrier planes return to strike a transport group that is being escorted by the cruisers.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 3
B5N Kate x 2
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Empire Ranger
AK Empire Wyclif
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10/13
Day Air attack on TF at 9,83 The raiding Japanese carrier, still out of range of Australian and Southwest Pac air at Broome and Derby tracks the supply TF and launches a second strike.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 8
B5N Kate x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Empire Cato, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Empire March
AK Empire Torrent
AK Empire Launcelot
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ While part of the allied surface force had retired, Astoria, unable to keep up, spots the raiding carrier force and closes to engage the enemy. Astoria's damage that morning was at 23 sys and 20 flood. The captain orders the cruiser to close rapidly on the Japanese force and opens fire at 20,000 yards. Her guns quickly cripple Asakaze. The Japanese DDs make torpedo runs at the cruiser, each receiving significant damage, while Taiyo withdraws. Astoria manages to give moderate to severe damage to 4 of the 6 destroyers, but finally is forced to withdraw. She sinks later that day losing most of her crew.
Day Time Surface Combat at 9,85
Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
DD Murasame, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Yugiri
DD Kisaragi, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Asakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Shell hits 24, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10/14 The retreating Taiyo launches another raid on freighters scattered by the previous days raids. Several ships are damaged.
Day Air attack on TF at 9,83
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
D3A Val x 8
B5N Kate x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Empire Trust, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Lakeland, Bomb hits 1
AK Empire Pibroch
AK Empire Launcelot, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10/15 Yamato leads a large bombardment TF back to Kai Island where again the defenders are hit with a devastating bombardment. It closes the airfield and decimates the two fighter squadrons based there.
Naval bombardment of Kai Island, at 39,78
In just five days the facilities at Kai were leveled. Warspite and Astoria are sunk, along with two frieghters. Idaho is badly damaged (43% sys damage) and will have to spend a large part of 1943 being repaired. Cornwall will be out of action for a couple of months at least. Two fighter squadrons were also basically destroyed.
Southwest Pac is deciding that the only way to protect Northern Oz is a further push against Japanese holdings. Koepang and Lautem are both being considered.
The invasion of Kiska is going well and should be wrapped up before Winter sets in...the allies win a naval battle for a change.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1099 encounters mine field at Kiska Island (92,35)
TF 1099 troops unloading over beach at Kiska Island, 92,35
The 43rd Division is landing on Kiska. About half has disembarked. Supply is good.
Allied Ships
MSW Bayfield
Allied ground losses:
356 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kiska Island at 92,35 S-35 tries to attack a Japanese surface force.
Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami
DD Oboro
Allied Ships
SS S-35, hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 92,35 The Japanese sortie a small surface force, expecting the invasion force to be small...it wasn't.
Japanese Ships
CL Kinu, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oboro, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
DD Sazanami
Allied Ships
BB California, Shell hits 1
BB Tennessee
CA Salt Lake City
CA Minneapolis
DD Nicholas
DD Meredith
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 92,35
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
CL Kinu, Shell hits 31, and is sunk
DD Sazanami
Allied Ships
BB California
BB Tennessee
CA Salt Lake City
CA Minneapolis
DD Nicholas
DD Meredith
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 92,35
Sazanami was extremely aggresive and while she paid the price she did score a torpedo hit. California is at (21% sys, 12% flood and 7% fire), she must have been hit in a sensitive spot, but should easily make Dutch Harbor.
Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 59, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB California, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Tennessee
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 1
CA Minneapolis
DD Nicholas
DD Meredith
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kiska Island at 92,35
The invasion has gone very well. Of course the Japanese do not consider this an important target, but also I used subs extensively to picket the area. The entire ocean from the Kuriles to Kiska is being watched by more than 12 subs.
I'm trying a new map format. I hope it makes sense to people. Feedback please.
The map is the recent Allied operation to remove Japanese forces from the Aelutians.
The Battle of Kiska Island began on 10/22/42 and is still ongoing. Commanders are working hard to conclude the battle prior to the 11/1/42 storm system that is moving in (winter conditions under witp).
two weeks prior to the invasion US subs take station west and south of Kiska Is.
The 43rd Div, 153rd RCT and 138th RCT are charged with retaking the rest of the Aelutians. The 43rd will land on the North side of Kiska and sweep south, taking the Japanese base on the west side of the island. Resistance is expected to be light.
Two groups of surface ships will screen the operation and provide naval bombardment.
10/22
In the pre-dawn hours California, Tennesee, Salt Lake City and escorts open fire on Japanese positions on Kiska.
Shortly after dawn allied forces begin landing on the North shore encountering only light opposition.
10/23
Subs report Japanese surface ships heading east, including one heavy cruiser.
S-35 manuveurs for an attack on the lead Japanese DD but DD Oboro intervenes. S-35 is briefly depth charged by incurrs no damage.
Japanese force continues heading for Kiska.
US surface group number one opens fire on approaching Japanese ships and correctly identifies the 3 ships as CL Kinu, DD Oboro and DD Sazanami. The California's opening salvos quickly find Kinu and cause moderate damage to fire control and the engines. She is forced to slow. Oboro, in the lead returns fire but California and Salt Lake City close and quickly disable her.
The Japanese ships withdraw and attempt to manuveur north in a wide arc. Sazanami leads with Kinu some distance behind. The allies alter course and close on Kinu. California moves within range and her guns quickly dispatch the wounded light cruiser.
Realizing that it can't out manuveur the Allied ships and not wishing to return home in disgrace Sazanami's captain turns toward the Allied ships. Caught off guard by the aggressiveness of the destroyer the US destoryers are too far strung out. They move to converge on the California. Sazanami quickly closes to torpedo range and turns to fire its torpedos. One strikes the California mid-ship, below the water line. By this time Salt Lake City and Minneapolis have ranged the destroyer and open fire. Sazanami is repeadly struck with 8" shells and is quickly sunk.
10/24 to 10/25 43rd Division still landing on Kiska. 138th RCT is ashore on Amckitka and finds the island unoccupied, as expected.
might have mentioned this above but...lost DDs Dent and Peary at Merauke, probably will lose one AP, but the 4th Dutch BF got ashore (mostly). Construction begining on an AF that will eventually house 2 P-38 squadrons.
Valiant led 3 cruisers to bombard Akyab...1250 casualties and destroyed 30 Tonys and 15 Tojos on the ground...AF half disabled...LBA will attack tomorrow
A lone P-40 at Kai Is. took on 27 Zeros on a training/escort mission. The pilot apparently downed one of Japans top aces before beating a hasty retreat. Graycompany was not happy. [:D]
I feel that something is afoot in CentPac...I feel it more than know it...Jap recon has picked up over the US islands southwest of PH...subs spotted what I think is a carrier group near Baker Is...Patrol planes have spotted increased sub action in the area...3CVs departed PH three days ago in response...Reserve figthers are on their way to Johnston, Palyrma and Christmas Is...1st USMC is deploying back to CentPac...the USN is still spread thin over most of SouthPac and CentPac...but supplies are plentiful and defensive positions are strong.
Thankfully, November is finally arrived...the end of October saw a little action
Aleutians
The Aleutians are completely under Allied control with landings at 4 islands including Amchitka, Kiska and Attu. No serious resistance was encountered...the 63rd construction battalion was quickly wiped out on Kiska.
One of the major successes of the operation was intelligence and recon. I knew where the Japanese were and weren't for the most part. Two IJN battle groups attacked the Kiska landing and their movement was tracked the whole way by subs. Using subs as pickets is something I intend to do in all future invasion operations.
The second battle group to attack Kiska was a force with one lone CVE/CVL; 8 zeros and 8 Kates attacked Kiska on 10/28. The P-400s did ok not getting massacred by the zeros and downing 2 Kates. Flak from the Tennessee took out 2 more.
Derby
The Allied Navy continues to take a pounding around Northern Oz as LBA fails to be able to maintain air superiority. Naval Search failed to detect either the bombardment force heading for Derby or what most assureduly was a carrier group lurking off the coast.
Derby is a major shipping port for Northern Oz, recieving supplies from Inida. The following combat took place there.
Night Time Surface Combat, near Derby at 24,85
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Chokai
CA Suzuya
CL Jintsu
DD Yugumo
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Minegumo
DD Kasumi
Allied Ships
AK Empire Cato, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Derby at 24,85
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Chokai
CA Suzuya
CL Jintsu
DD Yugumo
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Minegumo
DD Kasumi
Allied Ships
TK Empire Reynolds, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
TK Empire Collins, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Derby at 24,85
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Chokai
CA Suzuya
CL Jintsu
DD Yugumo
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Minegumo
DD Kasumi
Allied Ships
MSW Junee
MSW Mildura, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
MSW Toowoomba, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
MSW Townsville, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Legazpi
AK Lepus, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Bay
AK Empire Lough
AK Empire Snipe
AK Empire Raleigh
TK Empire Druid
TK Empire Norse
AK Empire Bunting, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
TK Empire Onyx
AK Nora Moller
TK Francol
TK Spirilla
AK Tantalus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Thursday Island, at 49,90
Japanese Ships
DD Sagi
DD Isokaze
CA Mogami
BB Hiei
BB Kongo
Allied ground losses:
192 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Derby, at 24,85 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
22 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 6
CA Chokai
BB Yamato
Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
The attack across the Ganzees river has been called off. Reinforcements arrived bolstering Japans position with ART and command units (HQs). This looks like a much too formidable line to challenge directly so...if you can't beat 'em, flank 'em.
The Allies are now drawing up plans to attack either Chandpur or Akyab by sea. With allied air superiority I believe I can cover a seaborne invasion as long as it isn't too far from Calcutta/Diamond Harbor.
Although higher risk, I really like the idea of invading Akyab. If successful it will give me the air base I need to transport troops and supplies into and out of China. Even better, with the bulk of the Japanese Burma army deployed along the Ganzees river, an allied force moving overland from Akyab to Mandalay could cutt off and isolate the troops in Bangladesh, where they could be left to wither on the vine.
The key to this plan is the ability to move supplies to Akyab and maintain air superiority over the base. To that end I have upgraded my best fighter group to P-38s (longer range) and hope to do the same for another. That would give me 210 P-38/P-40B aircraft to fly LRCAP over Akyab.
To really capitalize on the plan I would need to go all out for Akyab; an overwhelming land force needs to invade and almost immediately start its march on Mandalay.
Ideally this operation would be conducted in conjunction with another seaborne invasion, one that could keep the IJN occupied....Baker Is maybe?
IRL, the land combat in Burma was not one know for more than a battle of attrition. IMO, the Allies have to rely on their strenghts - LBA and naval mobility. Taking Akyab is using those stenghts plus a flank attack. Since Mandalay is usually heavily defended, think about taking the two bases just south of it and use armor to block the RR between Ragoon and Mandalay.
The problem will be the time it takes you to go from Akyab to Mandalay - about two months. That gives him plenty of time to move forces up from Ragoon (if he has any there). If your subs are not too busy, try laying a minefield or two between Ragoon and Akyab to slow down any possible SC TF coming up to disrupt your landings. [:D]
Thanks ny59giants for the analysis. Yes, I agree with you. I think it might take too long to get to Mandalay, plus with those mountains in the way an attacking army would be tough to supply and could become cut off.
Rangoon might be a better destination. The problem with Rangoon is it will leave my forces stretched out along the coast, easy targets for IJN bombardment and tough to protect. The RN does not have enough punch left in it to fight a series of battles. I figure it can give the IJN one good fight and it will be done for a while.
I have set 3 of my crack divisions to plan for Akyab, so the preparation begins. I will try and put together a map detailing the plan soon.
Things in China have become alarmingly quiet. Could something be up. Defences are as prepared as possible so if something is afoot there is nothing to do but wait for it.
The following is the prelimenary plan for the Akyab operation. The carrier groups will acutually take up position further south, essentially blocking the entrance to the Bay of Bengal and probably draw some of the bombers that would otherwise be sent after Akyab transports. Recon of Rangoon does not show in any carrier presence.
I haven't decided what units will go in what wave of the attack. Madras will be the staging ground for the invasion. In addition to the combat forces, III Corp will command and 2 BF will be sent in support, more to follow after Akyab is captured. P-38s and P-40Bs (AVG) will fly cap for the invasion. Bombers now are concentrating attacks on Chandpur and Dacca, drawing down supplies and keeping the focus off Akyab.
[/center]