Summary of Operations 3/14 - 3/15/42 (continued)
South Pacific: A Japanese bombardment TF (BB Fuso & Yamashiro) struck Nandi on 3/14. Sigint reports on 3/15 that Japanese South Seas Det LCU loaded on one or more ships and departed for Nandi. Though it is not likely they will reach Nandi in time, Force Z (alive and quite well, thank you) has departed Brisbane for Nandi though it will be diverted to Auckland for use later if they cannot arrive in time to thwart a Japanese invasion at Nandi.
Northern Pacific: A picket line of six U.S. submarines is now in place SE of Iwo Jima and NW of Marcus Is to determine the level of Japanese ship activity between the Japanese home islands and bases in the Central/Southeast Pacific (especially Kwajalein).
Central Pacific: SS Bonita continues to report a large number of various aircraft spotted on patrol near Kwajalein (excerpts shown from 3/15 Operational Report). So how many Japs are "in this jar" (Kwajalein)?
OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR 03/15/42
B5N2 Kate reports radio transmissions at 81, 84 (Kwajalein)
D3A2 Val reports periscope at 81, 84
D3A2 Val reports periscope at 81, 84
D3A2 Val reports radio transmissions at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports radio transmissions at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports shadow in water at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports shadow in water at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports diving submarine at 81, 84
E14Y1 Glen reports shadow in water at 81, 84
E14Y1 Glen reports shadow in water at 81, 84
Ki-46-II Dinah reports periscope at 81, 84
G4M1 Betty attacking Bonita at 81,84
H8K Emily reports periscope at 81, 84
G4M1 Betty reports shadow in water at 81, 84
B5N2 Kate reports shadow in water at 81, 84
D3A2 Val reports periscope at 81, 84
D3A2 Val reports periscope at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports suspected submarine at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports periscope at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports radio transmissions at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports suspected submarine at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports suspected submarine at 81, 84
F1M2 Pete reports suspected submarine at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports suspected submarine at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports periscope at 81, 84
E13A1 Jake reports shadow in water at 81, 84
E14Y1 Glen reports periscope at 81, 84
wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/16 - 3/19/42
India: No significant Japanese activity reported. No Japanese air raids on Akyab since 3/15 - whatever the reason, this is not due to the presence of any Allied opposition. Redeployment of ground units to cover coastal bases in eastern India are complete - all bases covered in at least brigade strength, with full divisions holding major bases.
Burma: Japanese surface TF (CL Izuzu & 4 DD) arrived in Rangoon on 3/19. No detected movement by Japanese ground forces in central Burma - they remain stationary at Magwe and Mandalay. Estimated strength is still at 3 divisions plus an undetermined number of smaller LCU. Continued small daylight and night air raids by Allied light bombers based in NE India (various locations) and Kunming (China).
China: Japanese ground and air offensive activity in interior portions of northern China. Two Japanese divisions (35th, 59th) and one brigade (5 Independent) appeared in the front lines on 3/17 to reinforce an attack on Honan - Japanese captured Honan on 3/17. AAR follows. While the Japanese are not making major advances in this part of China at this time, it appears this flank is receiving the bulk of their attention. Other sectors in China remain quiet.
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Ground combat at Honan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 43217 troops, 152 guns, 79 vehicles, Assault Value = 1519
35th, 59th & Part 15th Infantry Divisions, 15 Mixed Brigade, 5 & 13 Independent Brig, 13 Tank Rgt
Defending force 19762 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 484
92nd & 96th Chinese Corps (static units - both eliminated)
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese max assault: 1728 - adjusted assault: 606
Allied max defense: 420 - adjusted defense: 261
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Honan base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
1219 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 4
Allied ground losses:
26248 casualties reported
Guns lost 51
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philippines: Bataan under continuous Japanese air attack. Japanese ground forces assaulted positions at Bataan on 3/17 - AAR follows. Four regiments of Japanese assault engineers (1, 4, 5, 15 Engr Rgts) have appeared as reinforcements facing Bataan on 3/19 - Japs now have a total of six assault engineer units facing Bataan. Supply situation in Bataan is deteriorating (3700 supply on hand as of 3/19) - not expecting it to hold out too much longer. Most of 4th Marines has been evacuated safely to Australia by submarine along with elements of Asiatic Fleet & USAFFE HQ plus parts of US 31 RCT.
Engineers from 803 EAB in Bataan have been picked up by submarine transport and will proceed to Palembang where they will assist in demolition activities there.
Cagayan still holding against Japanese ground bombardment attacks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan (3/17/42)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 100794 troops, 440 guns, 164 vehicles, Assault Value = 1866
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF,
Kure 1 SNLF, 3 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 41414 troops, 176 guns, 224 vehicles, Assault Value = 835
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT,
45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3
Japanese max assault: 1831 - adjusted assault: 1118
Allied max defense: 720 - adjusted defense: 1557
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
2581 casualties reported
Guns lost 24
Vehicles lost 10
Allied ground losses:
1376 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DEI: No major Japanese activity reported other than an increase in continuous air bombing attacks on Palembang. A detachment of US engineers from Bataan (803 EAB) now enroute to Palembang to augment demolition of oil and other facilities.
Australia: No major Japanese activity reported. Japanese recon flights over Coen (northeast) continue - Australian 1 Motor Brigade (Inf) has reached and now occupies Coen. Japanese bombers with a small fighter escort (from Port Moresby) hit Cooktown on 3/19 - light damage reported despite no Allied air opposition. Two fighter squadrons (total 40 P-40E and Kittyhawk III) transferred to Cooktown - with that Zero bonus down to +2 (and counting), dogfights might be a bit more of a contest.
SW Pacific: Japanese forces captured Milne Bay (Yokosuka 5 SNLF) and Rossel Is (Kure 5 SNLF) on 3/18. A small number of Zeroes and bombers now operating from airfield at Port Moresby. Parts of 2/1 Independent Co from Kavieng have arrived in Townsville via submarine transport.
Australian forces (NGVR Battalion - all 3 Inf squads & 5 support) appeared out from the jungle to liberate Salamaua (temporarily) from Japanese control. Several submarines have been dispatched to Salamaua post haste to pick up these guys and bring them back to Australia - it's the least we can do for them.
No reports of major Japanese naval or air activity in the Suva area. An Allied surface TF (Force Z - Prince of Wales, Repulse, 1 CA, 7 CL, 4 DD) is now approaching Noumea and heading westward with the intent to engage any Japanese landing force at Suva if the tactical situation to do so is favorable.
Decision has been made by U.S., British, and ANZAC commands to resume shipping from the U.S. West Coast and India to Australia and New Zealand. Cargo priority will be fuel and supply, with ships moving individually (rather than in convoy) to minimize impact of Japanese interception. No movement of aircraft or LCU's to Australia or New Zealand will be done at this time - supply and fuel stocks currently on hand in Australia and NZ is sufficient to support those forces that are there now but not sufficient to adequately support air or LCU reinforcements from India or the U.S. Short-range objective here is to improve supply and fuel stocks in Australia/NZ to support current forces there and increase to the point where these stocks can support reinforcements.
Central Pacific: ASW air patrols by Kate and Vals continue against U.S. submarines at Kwajalein. The KB (or the part of it) docked in Kwajalen has not moved for a number of days. Good question is why? Nothing for them to do (somehow I doubt that) - not much to stop them from wreaking havoc at this point of the war. Out of gas? (hmmm, maybe).
No significant Japanese ship movement detected by U.S. submarines operating in the Iwo Jima/Marcus patrol line. SS Gato reports Emily patrol aircraft SE of Iwo Jima - nothing reported in the areas around Wake or Marcus Is. Primary objective of patrol is to pick up Japanese ship movements southward from the home islands to the Central and SE Pacific areas, and also identify Japanese aircraft (types and base locations) performing naval search or ASW patrol missions in this area of the Pacific. Perhaps we can do something to make sure the KB in Kwajalein doesn't get any gas (for their lawnmowers).
Eastern Pacific/U.S. West Coast: Build up continues in Hawaii and along the line Dutch Harbor-Midway-Johnston-Palmyra-Christmas Is. U.S. submarine Gar arrived in San Francisco on 3/19 with cadre of 7 Marine CD Bn evacuated from Pago Pago just before it fell to the Japanese. 7 Marine CD cadre will remain in SF to rebuild the unit.
India: No significant Japanese activity reported. No Japanese air raids on Akyab since 3/15 - whatever the reason, this is not due to the presence of any Allied opposition. Redeployment of ground units to cover coastal bases in eastern India are complete - all bases covered in at least brigade strength, with full divisions holding major bases.
Burma: Japanese surface TF (CL Izuzu & 4 DD) arrived in Rangoon on 3/19. No detected movement by Japanese ground forces in central Burma - they remain stationary at Magwe and Mandalay. Estimated strength is still at 3 divisions plus an undetermined number of smaller LCU. Continued small daylight and night air raids by Allied light bombers based in NE India (various locations) and Kunming (China).
China: Japanese ground and air offensive activity in interior portions of northern China. Two Japanese divisions (35th, 59th) and one brigade (5 Independent) appeared in the front lines on 3/17 to reinforce an attack on Honan - Japanese captured Honan on 3/17. AAR follows. While the Japanese are not making major advances in this part of China at this time, it appears this flank is receiving the bulk of their attention. Other sectors in China remain quiet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Honan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 43217 troops, 152 guns, 79 vehicles, Assault Value = 1519
35th, 59th & Part 15th Infantry Divisions, 15 Mixed Brigade, 5 & 13 Independent Brig, 13 Tank Rgt
Defending force 19762 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 484
92nd & 96th Chinese Corps (static units - both eliminated)
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese max assault: 1728 - adjusted assault: 606
Allied max defense: 420 - adjusted defense: 261
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Honan base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
1219 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 4
Allied ground losses:
26248 casualties reported
Guns lost 51
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philippines: Bataan under continuous Japanese air attack. Japanese ground forces assaulted positions at Bataan on 3/17 - AAR follows. Four regiments of Japanese assault engineers (1, 4, 5, 15 Engr Rgts) have appeared as reinforcements facing Bataan on 3/19 - Japs now have a total of six assault engineer units facing Bataan. Supply situation in Bataan is deteriorating (3700 supply on hand as of 3/19) - not expecting it to hold out too much longer. Most of 4th Marines has been evacuated safely to Australia by submarine along with elements of Asiatic Fleet & USAFFE HQ plus parts of US 31 RCT.
Engineers from 803 EAB in Bataan have been picked up by submarine transport and will proceed to Palembang where they will assist in demolition activities there.
Cagayan still holding against Japanese ground bombardment attacks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan (3/17/42)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 100794 troops, 440 guns, 164 vehicles, Assault Value = 1866
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF,
Kure 1 SNLF, 3 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 41414 troops, 176 guns, 224 vehicles, Assault Value = 835
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT,
45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3
Japanese max assault: 1831 - adjusted assault: 1118
Allied max defense: 720 - adjusted defense: 1557
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
2581 casualties reported
Guns lost 24
Vehicles lost 10
Allied ground losses:
1376 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DEI: No major Japanese activity reported other than an increase in continuous air bombing attacks on Palembang. A detachment of US engineers from Bataan (803 EAB) now enroute to Palembang to augment demolition of oil and other facilities.
Australia: No major Japanese activity reported. Japanese recon flights over Coen (northeast) continue - Australian 1 Motor Brigade (Inf) has reached and now occupies Coen. Japanese bombers with a small fighter escort (from Port Moresby) hit Cooktown on 3/19 - light damage reported despite no Allied air opposition. Two fighter squadrons (total 40 P-40E and Kittyhawk III) transferred to Cooktown - with that Zero bonus down to +2 (and counting), dogfights might be a bit more of a contest.
SW Pacific: Japanese forces captured Milne Bay (Yokosuka 5 SNLF) and Rossel Is (Kure 5 SNLF) on 3/18. A small number of Zeroes and bombers now operating from airfield at Port Moresby. Parts of 2/1 Independent Co from Kavieng have arrived in Townsville via submarine transport.
Australian forces (NGVR Battalion - all 3 Inf squads & 5 support) appeared out from the jungle to liberate Salamaua (temporarily) from Japanese control. Several submarines have been dispatched to Salamaua post haste to pick up these guys and bring them back to Australia - it's the least we can do for them.
No reports of major Japanese naval or air activity in the Suva area. An Allied surface TF (Force Z - Prince of Wales, Repulse, 1 CA, 7 CL, 4 DD) is now approaching Noumea and heading westward with the intent to engage any Japanese landing force at Suva if the tactical situation to do so is favorable.
Decision has been made by U.S., British, and ANZAC commands to resume shipping from the U.S. West Coast and India to Australia and New Zealand. Cargo priority will be fuel and supply, with ships moving individually (rather than in convoy) to minimize impact of Japanese interception. No movement of aircraft or LCU's to Australia or New Zealand will be done at this time - supply and fuel stocks currently on hand in Australia and NZ is sufficient to support those forces that are there now but not sufficient to adequately support air or LCU reinforcements from India or the U.S. Short-range objective here is to improve supply and fuel stocks in Australia/NZ to support current forces there and increase to the point where these stocks can support reinforcements.
Central Pacific: ASW air patrols by Kate and Vals continue against U.S. submarines at Kwajalein. The KB (or the part of it) docked in Kwajalen has not moved for a number of days. Good question is why? Nothing for them to do (somehow I doubt that) - not much to stop them from wreaking havoc at this point of the war. Out of gas? (hmmm, maybe).
No significant Japanese ship movement detected by U.S. submarines operating in the Iwo Jima/Marcus patrol line. SS Gato reports Emily patrol aircraft SE of Iwo Jima - nothing reported in the areas around Wake or Marcus Is. Primary objective of patrol is to pick up Japanese ship movements southward from the home islands to the Central and SE Pacific areas, and also identify Japanese aircraft (types and base locations) performing naval search or ASW patrol missions in this area of the Pacific. Perhaps we can do something to make sure the KB in Kwajalein doesn't get any gas (for their lawnmowers).
Eastern Pacific/U.S. West Coast: Build up continues in Hawaii and along the line Dutch Harbor-Midway-Johnston-Palmyra-Christmas Is. U.S. submarine Gar arrived in San Francisco on 3/19 with cadre of 7 Marine CD Bn evacuated from Pago Pago just before it fell to the Japanese. 7 Marine CD cadre will remain in SF to rebuild the unit.
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/20 - 3/24/42
Been away sick since last Sunday - just sent a somewhat overdue move off to Pillager and we are resuming play. Now that the Honolulu Shore Patrol has finished "roping in" the last of my stray HQ staff, there is work to do around here. In the meantime, the news....
Top story - Bataan fell on 3/24. U.S. and Philippine troop strength held fairly high and fortifications held up until the final few days (the Japanese attackers included six assualt engineer regiments). The supply siituation had been rather bad there for some time which was its ultimate downfall.
The two submarines carrying the cadre of engineers from 803 EAB removed from Bataan to assist in demolitions at Palembang have instead refueled at Cagayan and transporting this cadre back to the U.S. where the 803rd will be rebuilt in its entirety. A similar process already been done with a cadre of 7 Marine CD that was removed from Pago Pago at the last minute is now working nicely. Elements of one U.S. LCU remaining in unoccupied areas of the Philippines (120 USN Base Force) is being picked up by U.S. submarines previously enroute to Bataan for transport back to the U.S. for rebuilding.
AAR's for the final days at Bataan follow....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Bombardment attack - 3/20/42
Allied ground losses:
125 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Deliberate attack - 3/21/42
Attacking force 110424 troops, 447 guns, 157 vehicles, Assault Value = 1901
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 37786 troops, 145 guns, 199 vehicles, Assault Value = 748
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese max assault: 1870 - adjusted assault: 1898
Allied max defense: 622 - adjusted defense: 1061
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2
Japanese ground losses:
3226 casualties reported
Guns lost 20
Vehicles lost 10
Allied ground losses:
1848 casualties reported
Guns lost 28
Vehicles lost 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Deliberate attack -3/22/42
Attacking force 106746 troops, 425 guns, 147 vehicles, Assault Value = 1703
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 34789 troops, 109 guns, 187 vehicles, Assault Value = 652
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1452 - adjusted assault: 1855
Allied max defense: 530 - adjusted defense: 591
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Japanese ground losses:
2013 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 5
Allied ground losses:
1220 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Shock attack - 3/23/42
Attacking force 105201 troops, 421 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 1615
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 32780 troops, 81 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 595
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 2670 - adjusted assault: 2022
Allied max defense: 481 - adjusted defense: 699
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Japanese ground losses:
3436 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 9
Allied ground losses:
1174 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 101622 troops, 413 guns, 132 vehicles, Assault Value = 1412
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 31572 troops, 67 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 549
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1910 - adjusted assault: 1302
Allied max defense: 443 - adjusted defense: 429
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
1473 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 7
Allied ground losses:
50602 casualties reported
Guns lost 104
Vehicles lost 115
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two U.S. Fighter squadrons (no operational aircraft) were in Bataan at its fall - they too will be back (with nice, new planes) to avenge their brothers.
Cagayan - Japanese ground bombardment attacks have been continuing. Little change in the situation there.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: Japanese ground attacks concentrated mainly in the northern interior around Honan in an attempt to encircle a large Chinese force (six Regular, three Guerilla Corps) that inadvertently got themselves pushed together. The Chinese have been slowly retreating to the SE and will hopefully evade the Japanese plans.
India: Most areas quiet. Removal of excess fuel and resource points by sea from Chittagong continues. 2 British and 6 Australian AIF Divisions have entered the game in Aden since last report. British 2 Division is now loaded and enroute to Bombay. 6 Australian Division is now embarking to leave Aden, though where it will end up is unclear at this time. The intent as of now is to transport the Australians via Colombo and continue to Perth for deployment in SW Pacific or defence of Australia proper. "Plan B" is to land 6 Australian Division at Colombo if for some reason it is not possible to reach Australia.
Burma: No detectible Japanese land or air activity. A small number of ships including PG Iwate reached Rangoon on 3/24. Myitkyina now occupied by Chinese and British ground forces - the initial Japanese advance pushed Allied LCU away from Myitkyina but this problem has now been rectified.
DEI: Japanese began landing at Palembang on 3/19, captured it on 3/20 - AAR follows. No news or intel concerning extent or success of oilfield demolitiions (unofficial estimates are little if any).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Palembang
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 13795 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
Sasebo 8 SNLF; 9, 12 & 28 NLF; 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 613 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16
South Sumatra Bn
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese max assault: 318 - adjusted assault: 359
Allied max defense: 8 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 359 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Palembang base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Allied ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Defeated Allied Units Retreating
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elsewhere, small Dutch LCU mostly INF holding out at isolated bases and other locations scattered across the DEI. Consideration is being made to evacuate some of these troops by submarine to Australia (most likely) for whatever good they will do later (who knows if I will need a highly portable "splinter" unit someday). Also makes for a good show of inter-Allied unity in 1945 (sometime in 2009-2010 real time).
Australia: Japanese air and naval bombardments on Darwin continue sporatically. Most other sectors quiet. Some AAR of aerial combat over Cooktown, no one is really getting hurt and some of my pilots are getting in some good live training.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/19/42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G4M1 Betty x 18
G5N Liz x 17
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
G5N Liz: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 damaged
Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G5N Liz bombing at 11000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/20/42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - also 3/20/42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/21/42
Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 11
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G5N Liz bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/22/42
Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G5N Liz bombing at 6000 feet
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Japs Stayed home on 3/23 and 3/24/42.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 48,105 (just off Townsville) - RO-63 was probably not sunk, though its crew will likely get shore leave for awhile.
Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, hits 2
Allied Ships
MSW Mildura
MSW Bunbury
MSW Ballarat
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South Pacific: Japanese began landing at Nandi on 3/20, captured it on 3/21/42. AAR follows. Suva remains in New Zealand hands. No Japanese shipping or naval activity detected over the last several days in the area around Suva. The Allied surface TF (reinforced Force Z) is now in the area and one day sailing S of Suva. A U.S. AO bound for Auckland carrying fuel has been diverted to provide replenishment for the "Force Z" TF before continuing its mission. Depending on what ships Pillager sends to Suva next, I am tempted to have some fun if the tactical situation provides a good case to do so.
Central Pacific: Jap CV Kates and Vals still pulling ASW duty over Kwajalein. My buildup continues....
But, what's this? The map below reveals what U.S. Submarine Trigger found near Marcus Is on 3/23/42. One TF (CV Lexington, Enterprise under Spruance) is now N of Midway, a second TF (CV Yorktown under Halsey) leaving Pearl at full throttle. So what is it........ bait or prey? I may have ways to find this out(?)
Been away sick since last Sunday - just sent a somewhat overdue move off to Pillager and we are resuming play. Now that the Honolulu Shore Patrol has finished "roping in" the last of my stray HQ staff, there is work to do around here. In the meantime, the news....
Top story - Bataan fell on 3/24. U.S. and Philippine troop strength held fairly high and fortifications held up until the final few days (the Japanese attackers included six assualt engineer regiments). The supply siituation had been rather bad there for some time which was its ultimate downfall.
The two submarines carrying the cadre of engineers from 803 EAB removed from Bataan to assist in demolitions at Palembang have instead refueled at Cagayan and transporting this cadre back to the U.S. where the 803rd will be rebuilt in its entirety. A similar process already been done with a cadre of 7 Marine CD that was removed from Pago Pago at the last minute is now working nicely. Elements of one U.S. LCU remaining in unoccupied areas of the Philippines (120 USN Base Force) is being picked up by U.S. submarines previously enroute to Bataan for transport back to the U.S. for rebuilding.
AAR's for the final days at Bataan follow....
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Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Bombardment attack - 3/20/42
Allied ground losses:
125 casualties reported
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Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Deliberate attack - 3/21/42
Attacking force 110424 troops, 447 guns, 157 vehicles, Assault Value = 1901
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 37786 troops, 145 guns, 199 vehicles, Assault Value = 748
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese max assault: 1870 - adjusted assault: 1898
Allied max defense: 622 - adjusted defense: 1061
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2
Japanese ground losses:
3226 casualties reported
Guns lost 20
Vehicles lost 10
Allied ground losses:
1848 casualties reported
Guns lost 28
Vehicles lost 6
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Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Deliberate attack -3/22/42
Attacking force 106746 troops, 425 guns, 147 vehicles, Assault Value = 1703
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 34789 troops, 109 guns, 187 vehicles, Assault Value = 652
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1452 - adjusted assault: 1855
Allied max defense: 530 - adjusted defense: 591
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Japanese ground losses:
2013 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 5
Allied ground losses:
1220 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 5
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Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Shock attack - 3/23/42
Attacking force 105201 troops, 421 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 1615
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 32780 troops, 81 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 595
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 2670 - adjusted assault: 2022
Allied max defense: 481 - adjusted defense: 699
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Japanese ground losses:
3436 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 9
Allied ground losses:
1174 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 4
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Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 101622 troops, 413 guns, 132 vehicles, Assault Value = 1412
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF, Kure 1 SNLF; 1, 3, 4, 5, 15 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 31572 troops, 67 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 549
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1910 - adjusted assault: 1302
Allied max defense: 443 - adjusted defense: 429
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
1473 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 7
Allied ground losses:
50602 casualties reported
Guns lost 104
Vehicles lost 115
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Two U.S. Fighter squadrons (no operational aircraft) were in Bataan at its fall - they too will be back (with nice, new planes) to avenge their brothers.
Cagayan - Japanese ground bombardment attacks have been continuing. Little change in the situation there.
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China: Japanese ground attacks concentrated mainly in the northern interior around Honan in an attempt to encircle a large Chinese force (six Regular, three Guerilla Corps) that inadvertently got themselves pushed together. The Chinese have been slowly retreating to the SE and will hopefully evade the Japanese plans.
India: Most areas quiet. Removal of excess fuel and resource points by sea from Chittagong continues. 2 British and 6 Australian AIF Divisions have entered the game in Aden since last report. British 2 Division is now loaded and enroute to Bombay. 6 Australian Division is now embarking to leave Aden, though where it will end up is unclear at this time. The intent as of now is to transport the Australians via Colombo and continue to Perth for deployment in SW Pacific or defence of Australia proper. "Plan B" is to land 6 Australian Division at Colombo if for some reason it is not possible to reach Australia.
Burma: No detectible Japanese land or air activity. A small number of ships including PG Iwate reached Rangoon on 3/24. Myitkyina now occupied by Chinese and British ground forces - the initial Japanese advance pushed Allied LCU away from Myitkyina but this problem has now been rectified.
DEI: Japanese began landing at Palembang on 3/19, captured it on 3/20 - AAR follows. No news or intel concerning extent or success of oilfield demolitiions (unofficial estimates are little if any).
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Ground combat at Palembang
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 13795 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
Sasebo 8 SNLF; 9, 12 & 28 NLF; 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 613 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16
South Sumatra Bn
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese max assault: 318 - adjusted assault: 359
Allied max defense: 8 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 359 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Palembang base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Allied ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Defeated Allied Units Retreating
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Elsewhere, small Dutch LCU mostly INF holding out at isolated bases and other locations scattered across the DEI. Consideration is being made to evacuate some of these troops by submarine to Australia (most likely) for whatever good they will do later (who knows if I will need a highly portable "splinter" unit someday). Also makes for a good show of inter-Allied unity in 1945 (sometime in 2009-2010 real time).
Australia: Japanese air and naval bombardments on Darwin continue sporatically. Most other sectors quiet. Some AAR of aerial combat over Cooktown, no one is really getting hurt and some of my pilots are getting in some good live training.
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Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/19/42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G4M1 Betty x 18
G5N Liz x 17
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
G5N Liz: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 damaged
Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G5N Liz bombing at 11000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
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Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/20/42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
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Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - also 3/20/42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged
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Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/21/42
Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 11
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G5N Liz bombing at 6000 feet
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Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100 - 3/22/42
Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G5N Liz bombing at 6000 feet
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The Japs Stayed home on 3/23 and 3/24/42.
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ASW attack at 48,105 (just off Townsville) - RO-63 was probably not sunk, though its crew will likely get shore leave for awhile.
Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, hits 2
Allied Ships
MSW Mildura
MSW Bunbury
MSW Ballarat
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South Pacific: Japanese began landing at Nandi on 3/20, captured it on 3/21/42. AAR follows. Suva remains in New Zealand hands. No Japanese shipping or naval activity detected over the last several days in the area around Suva. The Allied surface TF (reinforced Force Z) is now in the area and one day sailing S of Suva. A U.S. AO bound for Auckland carrying fuel has been diverted to provide replenishment for the "Force Z" TF before continuing its mission. Depending on what ships Pillager sends to Suva next, I am tempted to have some fun if the tactical situation provides a good case to do so.
Central Pacific: Jap CV Kates and Vals still pulling ASW duty over Kwajalein. My buildup continues....
But, what's this? The map below reveals what U.S. Submarine Trigger found near Marcus Is on 3/23/42. One TF (CV Lexington, Enterprise under Spruance) is now N of Midway, a second TF (CV Yorktown under Halsey) leaving Pearl at full throttle. So what is it........ bait or prey? I may have ways to find this out(?)
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/25 - 3/27/42
Most sectors have little significant activity, with notable exceptions.....
Central Pacific: Japanese naval activity reported over the last several days in the open sea area S of Johnston Is and NW of Palmyra (shown on map). Sightings and patterns indicate a medium to long-range movement by parts of the KB for either of the following objectives. Best estimate is the KB has been moving on a southerly course from its previous base at Kwajalein. As of now I am considering (A) or (B) the most likely.
(A) The KB TF(s) moving east to raid on U.S. shipping moving from the U.S. West Coast to Hawaii and the Line Islands (Palmyra, Christmas Is). This activity is expected to occur in the open sea areas to the south and southeast of Hawaii.
(B) The KB TF(s) moving due south to raid on Allied shipping lanes between the U.S. and Australia in the areas to the south and southeast of Christmas Is.
(C) An attack on the Line Islands themselves. Given the KB's proximity to its primary base at Kwajalein, a replenishment TF would not be needed by the KB to do this option. Unless the replenishment TF is not a replenishment TF...
The present U.S. ship movement situation has no transport convoys entering either area (one small convoy now E of Hawaii originally headed for Christmas Is has been rerouted to Pearl on a NW heading) , a small number of empty ships are in this area moving individually on scattered courses. Many of these ships are well on their way back to the U.S. and in the process of leaving the affected area. While I do expect the KB TF(s) to find and attack a number of these individual ships, it does not represent a threat to inflict significant damage regardless of whether it takes option (A) or (B).
In the event of option (C), both Palmyra and Christmas Is. are well garrisoned with both LCU and LBA.
As for the KB's replenishment TF.... the farther east or south the KB is moving the better. Based on the following sightings (3/26 Ops Reports), the KB had been in the vicinity of the replenishment TF's current position but has moved on.
Ops Report Excerpts (3/25 and 3/27) show no sightings at this location by D3A2 aircraft (carriers passed through here and moved out of range)
Ops Report Excerpts (3/26)
D3A2 Val sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 96,84 , Speed 7 , Moving West
D3A2 Val reports shadow in water at 96, 84
E13A1 Jake reports suspected submarine at 96, 84
Any movement oF Japanese ships to the E or NE of 96, 84 will likely be picked up by any of the large number of LBA on naval search from a number of locations (Christmas Is, Palmyra, Johnston, various locations in Hawaii, extensive recon from the U.S. West Coast). Aircraft participating in this search include all available PBY augmented with large numbers of B-17 and LB-30 bombers set for search operations.
At this time, a U.S. carrier TF (Lexington & Enterprise under Spruance) is currently between Midway and Johnston Is moving in a southward heading - will reach Johnston in 1 1/2 days @ cruise speed. If the KB commits itself far enough to the south or east, this TF will stalk and attack the KB's replenishment TF if a favorable tactical situation allows.
Most sectors have little significant activity, with notable exceptions.....
Central Pacific: Japanese naval activity reported over the last several days in the open sea area S of Johnston Is and NW of Palmyra (shown on map). Sightings and patterns indicate a medium to long-range movement by parts of the KB for either of the following objectives. Best estimate is the KB has been moving on a southerly course from its previous base at Kwajalein. As of now I am considering (A) or (B) the most likely.
(A) The KB TF(s) moving east to raid on U.S. shipping moving from the U.S. West Coast to Hawaii and the Line Islands (Palmyra, Christmas Is). This activity is expected to occur in the open sea areas to the south and southeast of Hawaii.
(B) The KB TF(s) moving due south to raid on Allied shipping lanes between the U.S. and Australia in the areas to the south and southeast of Christmas Is.
(C) An attack on the Line Islands themselves. Given the KB's proximity to its primary base at Kwajalein, a replenishment TF would not be needed by the KB to do this option. Unless the replenishment TF is not a replenishment TF...
The present U.S. ship movement situation has no transport convoys entering either area (one small convoy now E of Hawaii originally headed for Christmas Is has been rerouted to Pearl on a NW heading) , a small number of empty ships are in this area moving individually on scattered courses. Many of these ships are well on their way back to the U.S. and in the process of leaving the affected area. While I do expect the KB TF(s) to find and attack a number of these individual ships, it does not represent a threat to inflict significant damage regardless of whether it takes option (A) or (B).
In the event of option (C), both Palmyra and Christmas Is. are well garrisoned with both LCU and LBA.
As for the KB's replenishment TF.... the farther east or south the KB is moving the better. Based on the following sightings (3/26 Ops Reports), the KB had been in the vicinity of the replenishment TF's current position but has moved on.
Ops Report Excerpts (3/25 and 3/27) show no sightings at this location by D3A2 aircraft (carriers passed through here and moved out of range)
Ops Report Excerpts (3/26)
D3A2 Val sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 96,84 , Speed 7 , Moving West
D3A2 Val reports shadow in water at 96, 84
E13A1 Jake reports suspected submarine at 96, 84
Any movement oF Japanese ships to the E or NE of 96, 84 will likely be picked up by any of the large number of LBA on naval search from a number of locations (Christmas Is, Palmyra, Johnston, various locations in Hawaii, extensive recon from the U.S. West Coast). Aircraft participating in this search include all available PBY augmented with large numbers of B-17 and LB-30 bombers set for search operations.
At this time, a U.S. carrier TF (Lexington & Enterprise under Spruance) is currently between Midway and Johnston Is moving in a southward heading - will reach Johnston in 1 1/2 days @ cruise speed. If the KB commits itself far enough to the south or east, this TF will stalk and attack the KB's replenishment TF if a favorable tactical situation allows.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/25 - 3/27/42
But there's more.....
It appears the KB is operating in multiple groups - part of it has just arrived in Rangoon (29,33) as shown in the 3/27/42 Ops Report excerpts.
Ki-21-II Sally attacking O20 at 29,33
E13A1 Jake reports shadow in water at 29, 33
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 29, 33
B5N2 Kate reports shadow in water at 29, 33
D3A2 Val reports periscope at 29, 33
B5N2 Kate reports periscope at 29, 33
E13A1 Jake reports shadow in water at 29, 33
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 29, 33
F1M2 Pete reports radio transmissions at 29, 33
Ki-21-II Sally attacking O20 at 29,33
At this time there are only two small British merchant ships operating along the Indian east coast (both of which are now in Calcutta) and several TK in Colombo which have put to sea for Australia. Other British transport shipping is now in mid-route (all moving eastward) between Colombo and Perth and should not be affected.
CAN WE SAY "Indian Ocean Raid".....
In other news...
SW Pacific: Japanese ground units now landing at Kavieng (identity of these units not determined). SIGINT reports Japs are preparing for another go at Suva, confirmed by this AAR on 3/27.
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Sub attack near Pago Pago at 96,113
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 1
DD Mochizuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Akebono
DD Amagiri
DD Yugiri
Allied Ships
SS Trout
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But there's more.....
It appears the KB is operating in multiple groups - part of it has just arrived in Rangoon (29,33) as shown in the 3/27/42 Ops Report excerpts.
Ki-21-II Sally attacking O20 at 29,33
E13A1 Jake reports shadow in water at 29, 33
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 29, 33
B5N2 Kate reports shadow in water at 29, 33
D3A2 Val reports periscope at 29, 33
B5N2 Kate reports periscope at 29, 33
E13A1 Jake reports shadow in water at 29, 33
F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 29, 33
F1M2 Pete reports radio transmissions at 29, 33
Ki-21-II Sally attacking O20 at 29,33
At this time there are only two small British merchant ships operating along the Indian east coast (both of which are now in Calcutta) and several TK in Colombo which have put to sea for Australia. Other British transport shipping is now in mid-route (all moving eastward) between Colombo and Perth and should not be affected.
CAN WE SAY "Indian Ocean Raid".....
In other news...
SW Pacific: Japanese ground units now landing at Kavieng (identity of these units not determined). SIGINT reports Japs are preparing for another go at Suva, confirmed by this AAR on 3/27.
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Sub attack near Pago Pago at 96,113
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 1
DD Mochizuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Akebono
DD Amagiri
DD Yugiri
Allied Ships
SS Trout
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/28/42
Looks like something is shaping up here... It appears the Japs are moving on Palmyra. Any readers welcome to comment or add insight to the proceedings.
Beyond what I have noted in the map below - the LCU garrison now on Palmyra include 161 U.S. Army RCT, 1 Marine CD Bn, and 115 USAAF Base Force. All LCU have been on Palmyra for at least several weeks. Current Fortification level on Palmyra = 2. 24,000 Supply points on hand at Palmyra. Along with the aircraft based here, should be able to perform a fairly effective defense of Palmyra if not actually repel a Japanese attack.
It also appears that not all of the KB may have came out for this mission, as shown from these excerpts of the 3/28 Ops Report. Hex 81,84 is Kwajalein base.
B5N2 Kate reports suspected submarine at 81, 84
D3A2 Val reports shadow in water at 81, 84
Combining this with similar information from excerpts of Ops Reports on 3/26 and 3/27 (see earlier postings in this string), the following conclusions could be made.
1) While not 100% accurate (due to the relatively small probability that D3A2 and B5N2 aircraft are land based), it may be concluded that Val and Kate aircraft are operating on ASW patrol in these locations and that these aircraft are based on the KB's fleet carriers (since a Jap CVL's normal complement does not include Vals).
2) Based on the various Ops Report excerpts I have mentioned earlier (Rangoon on 3/27, Kwajalein on 3/28 and other occasions, and S of Johnston Is on 3/26), it is highly probable that the KB is now divided into two (and probably three) sub-groups. One part of the KB was at Rangoon on 3/27 and is either still there or operating in the Indian Ocean. From the Ops Report of 3/28, at least one KB fleet carrier stayed behind (at least for the moment) at Kwajalein. The third part of the KB is now in action N of Palmyra. How many CV are in each group of the KB and the exact identity of which carrier went where cannot be determined from the available information (as of now).
3) The Ops Report information and its analysis does not provide any indication of where Jap CVL's are now deployed. Jap CVL's could still be operating independently, but the possibility that Jap CVL's may be combined into one or more of the KB's sub-groups cannot be excluded.
4) Based on (3) above and the number of Zeroes (16) participating in the fighter sweep vs Palmyra, the possibility of at least one CVL with the Japanese TF off Palmyra cannot be discounted.
Two U.S. Carrier TF's are enroute to a location NE of Johnston Is to meet and await further orders as the situation continues to develop. With a favorable tactical situation (which could likely occur) - this could develop into an engagement to destroy or seriously damage part of the KB. I am more than content to defeat the Japanese carriers "in detail" - while the "big" objective is the complete destruction of the KB (and later the rest of the IJN), there is more than enough time in this war to do the job incrementally. Today could be the opportunity to inflict the first increment of the KB's destruction.
One TF (CV Lexington, Enterprise under Spruance) is now moving S from Midway, a second TF (CV Yorktown under Halsey) leaving Pearl at full throttle. Both of these will be in the area NE of Johnston for the 3/30 game turn. Further movement of these CV will be dictated as events continue to develop.
Looks like something is shaping up here... It appears the Japs are moving on Palmyra. Any readers welcome to comment or add insight to the proceedings.
Beyond what I have noted in the map below - the LCU garrison now on Palmyra include 161 U.S. Army RCT, 1 Marine CD Bn, and 115 USAAF Base Force. All LCU have been on Palmyra for at least several weeks. Current Fortification level on Palmyra = 2. 24,000 Supply points on hand at Palmyra. Along with the aircraft based here, should be able to perform a fairly effective defense of Palmyra if not actually repel a Japanese attack.
It also appears that not all of the KB may have came out for this mission, as shown from these excerpts of the 3/28 Ops Report. Hex 81,84 is Kwajalein base.
B5N2 Kate reports suspected submarine at 81, 84
D3A2 Val reports shadow in water at 81, 84
Combining this with similar information from excerpts of Ops Reports on 3/26 and 3/27 (see earlier postings in this string), the following conclusions could be made.
1) While not 100% accurate (due to the relatively small probability that D3A2 and B5N2 aircraft are land based), it may be concluded that Val and Kate aircraft are operating on ASW patrol in these locations and that these aircraft are based on the KB's fleet carriers (since a Jap CVL's normal complement does not include Vals).
2) Based on the various Ops Report excerpts I have mentioned earlier (Rangoon on 3/27, Kwajalein on 3/28 and other occasions, and S of Johnston Is on 3/26), it is highly probable that the KB is now divided into two (and probably three) sub-groups. One part of the KB was at Rangoon on 3/27 and is either still there or operating in the Indian Ocean. From the Ops Report of 3/28, at least one KB fleet carrier stayed behind (at least for the moment) at Kwajalein. The third part of the KB is now in action N of Palmyra. How many CV are in each group of the KB and the exact identity of which carrier went where cannot be determined from the available information (as of now).
3) The Ops Report information and its analysis does not provide any indication of where Jap CVL's are now deployed. Jap CVL's could still be operating independently, but the possibility that Jap CVL's may be combined into one or more of the KB's sub-groups cannot be excluded.
4) Based on (3) above and the number of Zeroes (16) participating in the fighter sweep vs Palmyra, the possibility of at least one CVL with the Japanese TF off Palmyra cannot be discounted.
Two U.S. Carrier TF's are enroute to a location NE of Johnston Is to meet and await further orders as the situation continues to develop. With a favorable tactical situation (which could likely occur) - this could develop into an engagement to destroy or seriously damage part of the KB. I am more than content to defeat the Japanese carriers "in detail" - while the "big" objective is the complete destruction of the KB (and later the rest of the IJN), there is more than enough time in this war to do the job incrementally. Today could be the opportunity to inflict the first increment of the KB's destruction.
One TF (CV Lexington, Enterprise under Spruance) is now moving S from Midway, a second TF (CV Yorktown under Halsey) leaving Pearl at full throttle. Both of these will be in the area NE of Johnston for the 3/30 game turn. Further movement of these CV will be dictated as events continue to develop.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/28/42
ED Note: CA Tone has been positively identified (by PBY patrol) as operating with the IJN at Palmyra.
In other headlines... Japanese capture Kavieng. AAR follows.
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Ground combat at Kavieng
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 2145 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 56
Sasebo 6 SNLF
Defending force 725 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5
2/1 Independent Co
Japanese max assault: 112 - adjusted assault: 46
Allied max defense: 4 - adjusted defense: 9
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kavieng base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
ED Note: CA Tone has been positively identified (by PBY patrol) as operating with the IJN at Palmyra.
In other headlines... Japanese capture Kavieng. AAR follows.
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Ground combat at Kavieng
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 2145 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 56
Sasebo 6 SNLF
Defending force 725 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5
2/1 Independent Co
Japanese max assault: 112 - adjusted assault: 46
Allied max defense: 4 - adjusted defense: 9
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kavieng base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Still awaiting the next move from Pillager - he could be taking a break for some reason or maybe didn't get the last move I sent him. Checking on this.
In the meantime... considering my options in the developing situation at Palmyra. Pillager's next move is going to tell much about the options I will have to work with (and there will be some, only a question of what they are) and what the best choices will be.
Some of the things I'm watching for in Pillager's next move include
1) What the KB TF off Palmyra is gonna do. The fighter sweep he launched on Palmyra from this TF revealed no information to him about LBA I have on Palmyra. Whatever he moves towards Palmyra is a target for the 30+ dive bombers (SDB & A-24) based on Palmyra the Japs will soon detect "the hard way". Would love to see them take a shot at the CV(s), maybe put a bomb or two through the flight decks. Another nice scenario is turning them loose on the invasion fleet - with a little help from the Marine CD guns and other artillery also on Palmyra.
2) Another item to watch (from my side) is the other KB carriers that are (or still were) in Kwajalein. Why did some of the CV's stay behind at Kwajalein rather than all of them going out at once to Palmyra? Did Pillager do this by design, or did he do this because he had to (possible logistics problem - i.e. lack of fuel or supply)? In this particular situation, the Japanese would almost have to consider a high probability of significant U.S. opposition for an invasion at Palmyra, especially given the fact that U.S. forces in this area are virtually intact and capable of doing something.
3) Which leads to this.... Will the Japanese CV at Kwajalein remain there (likely due to lack of fuel or supply for them to operate), or will they sortie from Kwajalein as a "Support Group" for the invasion force at Palmyra? My submarines in and near Kwajalein may hopefully provide information to answer this.
4) Movement of my (three) CV's will be to cover either possibility in (3) above - if there are two KB TF's, move WNW and take on the KB "Support Group" first. If my CV's can win that battle (and remain in shape to continue fighting), they then turn SW into the rear of the "Main Body" at Palmyra. If there is one KB TF (the "Main Body"), the next move is decided according to what this TF does and where. I can see my CV's being a somewhat even match for one KB sub-group (TF) alone - what I will not do is take on both simultaneously (I intend to deny Pillager that opportunity).
5) This is unlikely, but with the next game turn being 3/30/42, Pillager's Zero combat bonus goes down from +2 to +1 in two days. This may or may not make a lot of difference, but a possible small advantage in my favor especially if combat does not occur immediately. Also, the +200 Japanese amphibious bonus expires on 4/1/42 - this is Pillager's "now or never" moment to use this bonus one more time. Once again, any delay of his plans can be a small advantage in my favor. Time is starting to be on my side.
6) To make a lousy analogy.... if this were a poker game, a lot of cards haven't hit the table yet. The cards are being watched from here very carefully.
In the meantime... considering my options in the developing situation at Palmyra. Pillager's next move is going to tell much about the options I will have to work with (and there will be some, only a question of what they are) and what the best choices will be.
Some of the things I'm watching for in Pillager's next move include
1) What the KB TF off Palmyra is gonna do. The fighter sweep he launched on Palmyra from this TF revealed no information to him about LBA I have on Palmyra. Whatever he moves towards Palmyra is a target for the 30+ dive bombers (SDB & A-24) based on Palmyra the Japs will soon detect "the hard way". Would love to see them take a shot at the CV(s), maybe put a bomb or two through the flight decks. Another nice scenario is turning them loose on the invasion fleet - with a little help from the Marine CD guns and other artillery also on Palmyra.
2) Another item to watch (from my side) is the other KB carriers that are (or still were) in Kwajalein. Why did some of the CV's stay behind at Kwajalein rather than all of them going out at once to Palmyra? Did Pillager do this by design, or did he do this because he had to (possible logistics problem - i.e. lack of fuel or supply)? In this particular situation, the Japanese would almost have to consider a high probability of significant U.S. opposition for an invasion at Palmyra, especially given the fact that U.S. forces in this area are virtually intact and capable of doing something.
3) Which leads to this.... Will the Japanese CV at Kwajalein remain there (likely due to lack of fuel or supply for them to operate), or will they sortie from Kwajalein as a "Support Group" for the invasion force at Palmyra? My submarines in and near Kwajalein may hopefully provide information to answer this.
4) Movement of my (three) CV's will be to cover either possibility in (3) above - if there are two KB TF's, move WNW and take on the KB "Support Group" first. If my CV's can win that battle (and remain in shape to continue fighting), they then turn SW into the rear of the "Main Body" at Palmyra. If there is one KB TF (the "Main Body"), the next move is decided according to what this TF does and where. I can see my CV's being a somewhat even match for one KB sub-group (TF) alone - what I will not do is take on both simultaneously (I intend to deny Pillager that opportunity).
5) This is unlikely, but with the next game turn being 3/30/42, Pillager's Zero combat bonus goes down from +2 to +1 in two days. This may or may not make a lot of difference, but a possible small advantage in my favor especially if combat does not occur immediately. Also, the +200 Japanese amphibious bonus expires on 4/1/42 - this is Pillager's "now or never" moment to use this bonus one more time. Once again, any delay of his plans can be a small advantage in my favor. Time is starting to be on my side.
6) To make a lousy analogy.... if this were a poker game, a lot of cards haven't hit the table yet. The cards are being watched from here very carefully.
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ny59giants
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
While the prevention of him capturing the Line Islands and any other islands in the East Pacific is nice, the main goal is the defense of Hawaii from invasion. Don't risk your CV's for anything less.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
ny59giants. True, very true. Got a move from Pillager shortly after posting last night. The tactical picture in Central Pacific is as clear as mud - he moved slightly to the west instead of towards Palmyra (now Japs are NW of Palmyra & S of Johnston). Also four Jap TF's showing instead of three (with more carriers), hard to say whether this is fog of war or reality. On top of it all, the Operation Report for this turn still shows Vals flying ASW back in Kwajalein. Not a real clear picture of the situation. As far as I can tell, my CV's are still invisible to Pillager though I can see his TF's (still no reliable info on what ships are really in those TF's).
As far as committing my own CV's to battle - if I have a good chance of winning (and have solid information to back that up), they'll go in. That is not the case right now. For now, just position myself to take advantage of favorable opportunities if any appear, otherwise hold and wait. The one thing I won't do is underestimate Pillager.
Will post on the situation in more detail ASAP.
As far as committing my own CV's to battle - if I have a good chance of winning (and have solid information to back that up), they'll go in. That is not the case right now. For now, just position myself to take advantage of favorable opportunities if any appear, otherwise hold and wait. The one thing I won't do is underestimate Pillager.
Will post on the situation in more detail ASAP.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/29/42
Central Pacific: Activity continues in Palmyra/Johnston Is vicinity. Changes in sightings from 3/28 to 3/29 and the movement of Japanese TF's in the last 24 hours are indicating a completely different situation from last turn.
1) Japanese ships have moved slightly to the west from their location of 3/28.
2) Reports of Japanese ships as sighted on 3/28 indicated three TF (two of them containing AP's suggesting an invasion force, the third Jap TF consisting of at least one CV). This has changed on 3/29 to now include four TF (one of them being the original Jap CV TF spotted on 3/28, a "new" TF appearing to contain four CV's, another TF that resembles the "KB Replenishment TF" sighted W of Johnston on 3/27-28, and a fourth TF of unknown composition).
3) The change in sightings in (2) above and movement of the Japanese TF's (turning away from Palmyra) contradict my initial analysis of this being an invasion force to attack Palmyra. What this seems to look like more is a KB raiding force to attack shipping around Hawaii (not to exclude the possibility of an attack on Hawaii itself) - these TF's now refueling south of Johnston.
4) Operations Report of 3/29 (excerpt below) still indicate at least one Japanese CV still at Kwajalein. Though Pillager could have land-based Vals and Kates flying ASW out of Kwajalein instead of carrier-based ones from a CV located there (if so, it's a nice move on his part as this does somewhat camouflage the true disposition and movement of KB fleet carriers).
B5N2 Kate reports shadow in water at 81, 84 (hex 81,84 being Kwajalein base)
D3A2 Val attacking Grayling at 81,84
5) This makes for a rather confusing picture - confusing enough to hold my own CV's back until I get a better view of what is really going on.
Some actions I am taking for this game turn include - (a) moving a Submarine into direct contact with the Jap TF's and (b) ordering B-17's based on Palmyra and Johnston to change mission from naval search and now fly naval attack missions on the Jap TF's. Either or both of these actions could provide some definitive information as to the exact composition of (one or more of) the Jap TF's and possibly detailed identification of some of the enemy ships.
Central Pacific: Activity continues in Palmyra/Johnston Is vicinity. Changes in sightings from 3/28 to 3/29 and the movement of Japanese TF's in the last 24 hours are indicating a completely different situation from last turn.
1) Japanese ships have moved slightly to the west from their location of 3/28.
2) Reports of Japanese ships as sighted on 3/28 indicated three TF (two of them containing AP's suggesting an invasion force, the third Jap TF consisting of at least one CV). This has changed on 3/29 to now include four TF (one of them being the original Jap CV TF spotted on 3/28, a "new" TF appearing to contain four CV's, another TF that resembles the "KB Replenishment TF" sighted W of Johnston on 3/27-28, and a fourth TF of unknown composition).
3) The change in sightings in (2) above and movement of the Japanese TF's (turning away from Palmyra) contradict my initial analysis of this being an invasion force to attack Palmyra. What this seems to look like more is a KB raiding force to attack shipping around Hawaii (not to exclude the possibility of an attack on Hawaii itself) - these TF's now refueling south of Johnston.
4) Operations Report of 3/29 (excerpt below) still indicate at least one Japanese CV still at Kwajalein. Though Pillager could have land-based Vals and Kates flying ASW out of Kwajalein instead of carrier-based ones from a CV located there (if so, it's a nice move on his part as this does somewhat camouflage the true disposition and movement of KB fleet carriers).
B5N2 Kate reports shadow in water at 81, 84 (hex 81,84 being Kwajalein base)
D3A2 Val attacking Grayling at 81,84
5) This makes for a rather confusing picture - confusing enough to hold my own CV's back until I get a better view of what is really going on.
Some actions I am taking for this game turn include - (a) moving a Submarine into direct contact with the Jap TF's and (b) ordering B-17's based on Palmyra and Johnston to change mission from naval search and now fly naval attack missions on the Jap TF's. Either or both of these actions could provide some definitive information as to the exact composition of (one or more of) the Jap TF's and possibly detailed identification of some of the enemy ships.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
More Operations Summary of 3/29/42:
Other sectors relatively quiet today.
Other sectors relatively quiet today.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations of 3/30/42
Central Pacific: Activity around Palmyra and Johnston Is continues.
Except for a small Japanese TF (CL Yubari & Abukuma, plus unidentified third ship) that bombarded Palmyra and is now moving off to the West, all other Japanese ships moved northward to positions S and SW of Johnston Is.
Other than the small Japanese fighter sweep over Palmyra on 3/28, there has been no significant air operations from the KB's carrier(s) in the area - must be saving their air ops. The Operations Report for 3/30 (exerpt follows) indicate at least one fleet CV is included among the Japanese TF's south of Johnston.
D3A2 Val sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 104,78 , Speed 8 , Moving Southeast (Note: Allied ship is U.S. sub Nautilus moving S to position of the Jap TF's)
The 3/30 Operations Report also indicates continued ASW air patrols by Kate(s) over Kwajalein base - as stated earlier, this could either be land or carrier-based Kate(s).
U.S. Carrier TF's appear to remain undetected (have kept them outside the range of most Jap air search) and now moving toward the SE of Johnston. My intent as of now is for them to remain undetected as long as possible, launch a strike on any Jap "stragglers" or mis-positioned TF's without risking a major carrier action. With Japanese sightings as they've been (especially given they are unconfirmed), it has to be assumed the KB is present in enough force to make an attack on my part very risky until I can get some evidence that indicates the KB's strength differently. However, U.S. carriers have to be in position to strike at targets of opportunity if any present themselves. "Guerilla warfare" by necessity. If only WitP came with Partisans....
Some AAR and the situation map follows.
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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed
9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 1
Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3
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Day Air attack on TF at 99,81
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 99,81
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Tone
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 105,93
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Abukuma
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
Central Pacific: Activity around Palmyra and Johnston Is continues.
Except for a small Japanese TF (CL Yubari & Abukuma, plus unidentified third ship) that bombarded Palmyra and is now moving off to the West, all other Japanese ships moved northward to positions S and SW of Johnston Is.
Other than the small Japanese fighter sweep over Palmyra on 3/28, there has been no significant air operations from the KB's carrier(s) in the area - must be saving their air ops. The Operations Report for 3/30 (exerpt follows) indicate at least one fleet CV is included among the Japanese TF's south of Johnston.
D3A2 Val sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 104,78 , Speed 8 , Moving Southeast (Note: Allied ship is U.S. sub Nautilus moving S to position of the Jap TF's)
The 3/30 Operations Report also indicates continued ASW air patrols by Kate(s) over Kwajalein base - as stated earlier, this could either be land or carrier-based Kate(s).
U.S. Carrier TF's appear to remain undetected (have kept them outside the range of most Jap air search) and now moving toward the SE of Johnston. My intent as of now is for them to remain undetected as long as possible, launch a strike on any Jap "stragglers" or mis-positioned TF's without risking a major carrier action. With Japanese sightings as they've been (especially given they are unconfirmed), it has to be assumed the KB is present in enough force to make an attack on my part very risky until I can get some evidence that indicates the KB's strength differently. However, U.S. carriers have to be in position to strike at targets of opportunity if any present themselves. "Guerilla warfare" by necessity. If only WitP came with Partisans....
Some AAR and the situation map follows.
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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed
9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 1
Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3
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Day Air attack on TF at 99,81
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 99,81
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Tone
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 105,93
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Abukuma
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Weather conditions are deterioriating in the Hawaii, Johnston, Palmyra area. Forecast for 3/31 is for Heavy Precipitation.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
More Operations Summary from 3/30/42
Japanese have put plans in motion to invade NW Australia - probable objective Broome.
Since the Japanese capture of Timor, land-based Nell and Betty aircraft operating from there have basically shut off Allied ship traffic to NW Australia. This has made movement of supply, aircraft, and LCU into NW Australia difficult and resulted in a severe supply point shortage over much of this area in Feb and March. While an adequate flow (overland) of supply has now been established mainly to Darwin (and vicinity) and an adequate quantity of supply points now exists in and around Darwin, the problem has not been resolved at the bases west of Darwin especially given overland movement between Darwin and points to the west.
The supply "crunch" has (until recently) made it difficult in general to support Allied air ops in NW Australia - there is now sufficient supply to support deploying significant air strength again in Darwin/Katherine/Daly Waters.
Exerpt from 3/30 Sigint report: 14th Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
With no effective means of opposing Japanese landings at Broome or Derby, this is pretty much a "done deal". Aircraft now at Broome and Derby will attack Japanese TF as long as possible until they have to withdraw. One small point is that the Japanese supply situation once they land in Broome will be as bad (and probably worse) as what I have there now. With the road network around Broome as it is, Japanese land movement is not going to be particularly fast nor does it provide a very good supply path.
With substantial LCU on hand around Darwin and Katherine, my main defense line will eventually be at Windham or the river crossing just to the east of there. Japanese ground forces landing in NW Australia should be relatively easy to contain.
Re-deploying aircraft (particularly B-17's) to attack Japanese supply efforts is being considered.
Japanese have put plans in motion to invade NW Australia - probable objective Broome.
Since the Japanese capture of Timor, land-based Nell and Betty aircraft operating from there have basically shut off Allied ship traffic to NW Australia. This has made movement of supply, aircraft, and LCU into NW Australia difficult and resulted in a severe supply point shortage over much of this area in Feb and March. While an adequate flow (overland) of supply has now been established mainly to Darwin (and vicinity) and an adequate quantity of supply points now exists in and around Darwin, the problem has not been resolved at the bases west of Darwin especially given overland movement between Darwin and points to the west.
The supply "crunch" has (until recently) made it difficult in general to support Allied air ops in NW Australia - there is now sufficient supply to support deploying significant air strength again in Darwin/Katherine/Daly Waters.
Exerpt from 3/30 Sigint report: 14th Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
With no effective means of opposing Japanese landings at Broome or Derby, this is pretty much a "done deal". Aircraft now at Broome and Derby will attack Japanese TF as long as possible until they have to withdraw. One small point is that the Japanese supply situation once they land in Broome will be as bad (and probably worse) as what I have there now. With the road network around Broome as it is, Japanese land movement is not going to be particularly fast nor does it provide a very good supply path.
With substantial LCU on hand around Darwin and Katherine, my main defense line will eventually be at Windham or the river crossing just to the east of there. Japanese ground forces landing in NW Australia should be relatively easy to contain.
Re-deploying aircraft (particularly B-17's) to attack Japanese supply efforts is being considered.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Still more Operations from 3/30/42
British carrier TF reports Japanese sub I-164 confirmed sunk by ASW action in mid-Indian Ocean south of Sumatra.
All other sectors "relatively quiet".
British carrier TF reports Japanese sub I-164 confirmed sunk by ASW action in mid-Indian Ocean south of Sumatra.
All other sectors "relatively quiet".
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
FEAR THE GATOR !!!
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/31/42
Now that April '42 is around the corner, Pillager's Zero bonus now down to +1. Also, the +200 Japanese amphibious bonus has expired. All we have to do is waste another month and no more Zero bonus.
Central Pacific: Still cannot get accurate information as to what Pillager has in his TF's off Johnston/Palmyra. Only one Japanese TF remains S of Johnston, the other two are retiring to the S and SW (it does not appear they are returning to Kwajalein, assuming they came from there in the first place). The question remains... why are the Japs retiring? What's especially puzzling is that they hardly fired a shot.
Exerpts of spottings from the 3/31 Operations Report indicate either land-based Vals or from a KB fleet CV are flying ASW patrol over Kwajalein.
D3A2 Val reports shadow in water at 81, 84 (hex 81,84 is Kwajalein base)
D3A2 Val attacking Grayling at 81,84
The following sighting from the 3/31 Operation Report suggest at least one KB fleet CV is among the TF's off Johnston/Palmyra.
D3A2 Val sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 98,79 , Speed 8 , Moving Northeast (Allied ship is a U.S. Sub)
U.S. Carrier TF's are still undetected and remain N of Johnston - they are now moving to the west. I suspect the one remaining Jap TF south of Johnston (we'll call it the "Rear Guard" TF) contains most of whatever elements of the KB Pillager sortied out on this mission. Would be nice to get some idea of what is in that TF - this TF could possibly be a suitable target for attack with surprise and a favorable tactical situation. I intend to keep U.S. carriers in position to exploit any favorable situation for attack that may appear.
Another interesting question is that Jap TF are retiring generally in a SW direction - not exactly going back to Kwajalein. So where are they going?
Weather conditions in the area are improving slightly - though forecast for 4/1 is still for Precipitation.
Now that April '42 is around the corner, Pillager's Zero bonus now down to +1. Also, the +200 Japanese amphibious bonus has expired. All we have to do is waste another month and no more Zero bonus.
Central Pacific: Still cannot get accurate information as to what Pillager has in his TF's off Johnston/Palmyra. Only one Japanese TF remains S of Johnston, the other two are retiring to the S and SW (it does not appear they are returning to Kwajalein, assuming they came from there in the first place). The question remains... why are the Japs retiring? What's especially puzzling is that they hardly fired a shot.
Exerpts of spottings from the 3/31 Operations Report indicate either land-based Vals or from a KB fleet CV are flying ASW patrol over Kwajalein.
D3A2 Val reports shadow in water at 81, 84 (hex 81,84 is Kwajalein base)
D3A2 Val attacking Grayling at 81,84
The following sighting from the 3/31 Operation Report suggest at least one KB fleet CV is among the TF's off Johnston/Palmyra.
D3A2 Val sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 98,79 , Speed 8 , Moving Northeast (Allied ship is a U.S. Sub)
U.S. Carrier TF's are still undetected and remain N of Johnston - they are now moving to the west. I suspect the one remaining Jap TF south of Johnston (we'll call it the "Rear Guard" TF) contains most of whatever elements of the KB Pillager sortied out on this mission. Would be nice to get some idea of what is in that TF - this TF could possibly be a suitable target for attack with surprise and a favorable tactical situation. I intend to keep U.S. carriers in position to exploit any favorable situation for attack that may appear.
Another interesting question is that Jap TF are retiring generally in a SW direction - not exactly going back to Kwajalein. So where are they going?
Weather conditions in the area are improving slightly - though forecast for 4/1 is still for Precipitation.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
More Operations from 3/31/42
South Pacific:
Japanese landing in progress at Nandi. Mines (80) had been laid there several weeks ago - no Japanese ship(s) reporting hitting them.
Also, Japanese now landing LCU reinforcements and/or supplies at Suva. Just happens to be a few Allied ships heading there as well.....
Australia: No change in situation around the Broome area or in NW Australia in the last 24 hrs.
Other sectors mostly quiet, no major Japanese activity detected.
South Pacific:
Japanese landing in progress at Nandi. Mines (80) had been laid there several weeks ago - no Japanese ship(s) reporting hitting them.
Also, Japanese now landing LCU reinforcements and/or supplies at Suva. Just happens to be a few Allied ships heading there as well.....
Australia: No change in situation around the Broome area or in NW Australia in the last 24 hrs.
Other sectors mostly quiet, no major Japanese activity detected.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 4/1/42
Central Pacific: Japanese TF's moved slightly to the south in the past 24 hrs, still remain to the S of Johnston Is. All three TF's now stacked again in the same hex - the two TF's shown moving to the west last game turn have turned around. Reports now indicate two of the TF's are moving east.
U.S. carrier TF's north of Johnston Is remain undetected - these are now moving west and will replenish within the next several days. Further U.S. carrier movement will be as events dictate.
The following excerpts appeared in the 4/1/42 Operations Report for the Japanese TF's S of Johnston (hex 103, 83)
B-17E Fortress sighting report: 9 Japanese ships at 103,83 , Speed 9 , Moving East
B-17E Fortress sighting report: 8 Japanese ships at 103,83 , Speed 11 , Moving East
B-17E Fortress has spotted Hiryu at 103,83
If the Jap TF's are indeed moving east, the delay in the Jap movement has allowed most U.S. transport ships that had been in the area to move well out of range. A few single-ship TF may still be within range of Japanese interception though the KB will have to sail several days on an E or SE course to catch and attack them. This would be a small advantage as (1) the KB's carriers will begin to expend air ops, and (2) ships in the Jap TF's will begin consuming fuel. The farther E or SE the Jap TF's go, the more likely they will require a replenishment TF to refuel. Movement of U.S. carriers will place them NW of Johnston Is in position to move S or SW into the rear of the KB with a reasonably good opportunity to intercept any Jap replenishment TF attempting to resupply the KB. At minimum, this will give Pillager a little headache. Best case scenario leaves the KB low on fuel and ops and vulnerable to attack with U.S. carriers between them and their home base.
We'll have to see how this turns out. Personally, I'd like to see Pillager send the KB eastward for at least 1-2 days.
No status on Kwajalein as the U.S. submarine that was there was damaged in an ASW attack and started back to Pearl. A relief sub is enroute to Kwajalein and will arrive in one or two days.
Weather forecast for the area remains unchanged - Precipitation.
Central Pacific: Japanese TF's moved slightly to the south in the past 24 hrs, still remain to the S of Johnston Is. All three TF's now stacked again in the same hex - the two TF's shown moving to the west last game turn have turned around. Reports now indicate two of the TF's are moving east.
U.S. carrier TF's north of Johnston Is remain undetected - these are now moving west and will replenish within the next several days. Further U.S. carrier movement will be as events dictate.
The following excerpts appeared in the 4/1/42 Operations Report for the Japanese TF's S of Johnston (hex 103, 83)
B-17E Fortress sighting report: 9 Japanese ships at 103,83 , Speed 9 , Moving East
B-17E Fortress sighting report: 8 Japanese ships at 103,83 , Speed 11 , Moving East
B-17E Fortress has spotted Hiryu at 103,83
If the Jap TF's are indeed moving east, the delay in the Jap movement has allowed most U.S. transport ships that had been in the area to move well out of range. A few single-ship TF may still be within range of Japanese interception though the KB will have to sail several days on an E or SE course to catch and attack them. This would be a small advantage as (1) the KB's carriers will begin to expend air ops, and (2) ships in the Jap TF's will begin consuming fuel. The farther E or SE the Jap TF's go, the more likely they will require a replenishment TF to refuel. Movement of U.S. carriers will place them NW of Johnston Is in position to move S or SW into the rear of the KB with a reasonably good opportunity to intercept any Jap replenishment TF attempting to resupply the KB. At minimum, this will give Pillager a little headache. Best case scenario leaves the KB low on fuel and ops and vulnerable to attack with U.S. carriers between them and their home base.
We'll have to see how this turns out. Personally, I'd like to see Pillager send the KB eastward for at least 1-2 days.
No status on Kwajalein as the U.S. submarine that was there was damaged in an ASW attack and started back to Pearl. A relief sub is enroute to Kwajalein and will arrive in one or two days.
Weather forecast for the area remains unchanged - Precipitation.
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