Speedy vs Fabertong: Death to the Penguin!

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Hi Alfred - the purpose for attacking the main force would be to force it to retreat with massive losses 60 miles east. From there it would be smashed again NOT into Rahaeng (due to 254th. Ind. Tk Bde) but into the jungles to the SE. From there my forces would storm Rahaeng and be able to move towards Bangkok whilst also trapping his decimated forces in the jungle where they will starve[:)]

That would be the plan anyway! As you say though I have the Victoria Point Operation anyhow as a 'backup'.

We'll see what happens though. Today his AV in the main force dropped by a further 45 point to 6939.

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

The Jesselton invasion forces will reach Pontianak within 2 days. The CAP prevented any enemy airstrikes on them today.

Pontianak Havocs raided Batavia's Harbour and damaged AK Kyokko Maru and DD Murakumo with a bomb and sank ML Enoshima with 3 bombs. 1 x Havoc was shot down by AA.

My CV's will be back at Kuching tomorrow to refuel and re-arm.

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

More bombing if Iwo Jima.

Kusaie Island was stormed by Fiji Bde men today. The island was empty and the men were re-embarking at day's end for movement back to theeast.

[Alfred]

Speedy,
 
Your plan sounds very logical and practical.
 
What I am envisaging however, and I admit it may be too ambitious to accomplish, is that if you can freeze his units in situ and then land at Victoria Point and blitz to Bangkok, you would then detach a single unit, say a 1 battalion size force, to convert the unoccuppied hexes to Allied control (note there would be no free penguin unit to oppose this) so that there would be no hex (jungle or otherwise) for the penguins to retreat to.
 
Alfred

[AmiralLaurent]

ORIGINAL: Alfred

Speedy,

Your plan sounds very logical and practical.

What I am envisaging however, and I admit it may be too ambitious to accomplish, is that if you can freeze his units in situ and then land at Victoria Point and blitz to Bangkok, you would then detach a single unit, say a 1 battalion size force, to convert the unoccuppied hexes to Allied control (note there would be no free penguin unit to oppose this) so that there would be no hex (jungle or otherwise) for the penguins to retreat to.

Alfred

In WITP it is often better to leave a retreat hex to enemy units. Units fighting outside base will fight forever if they have no possible retreat. They will be far more damaged and disrupted if allowed to retreat. In teh above case, they will be chased into the jungle, and before they may come out of it Speedy may have taken Rahaeng and even Bangkok...

[Alfred]

AmiralLaurent,
 
As usual, you make a good point.  As an expert on Japan one must give proper consideration to your views.
 
Unfortunately I don't have time now to fully explain what I envisage - I will do that tomorrow.  What I am directly aiming for is the preliminary total destruction of the garrisons located at the Moulmein and Rahaeng bases.  Then a combination of supply attrition and perimeter attacks by greatly reduced Allied forces to deal with the Burma pocket.
 
Speedy's plan is simple and good, whereas mine would be more complicated and therefore more likely to fail.  On the other hand it is October 1944 and whilst time is not yet of essence, Speedy can't afford to waste time if he wants to achieve a decisive victory.  Remember the Philippines remains entirely in Japanese control and I doubt that an early capture of Iwo Jima will fully compensate.  Speedy's plan, if successful, will capture some important bases but leave a hugh army in being - mine will require some more preliminary moves aimed at eliminating that hugh army and thus free up SEAC to steam roller into Indo China et al.  The one that ultimately eliminates the Burma forces quickest is the better one.
 
Alfred

[Alfred]

Speedy,
 
As promised, and for what its worth, the details.
 
(A)  Assumptions
 
A1.  Hex (31,34) is Japanese controlled or at least neutral.
 
A2.  The Japanese Burma Army, if forced to retreat from (30,34), will do so to (31,34).
 
A3.  Insufficient time has elapsed since the cutting of the road supply line from Rahaeng to yet severely impact upon the combat cabapbility of the Burma Army.
 
A4.  Your house rules allow for the use of Chinese SEAC units as blocking units in unguarded hexes.
 
A5.  At optimal travel rate, SEAC units located at Taung Gyi can not reach Rahaeng before mid November 1944.
 
A6.  Rahaeng has mid to high fortification levels.
 
A7.  That only 1 unit is approaching Rahaeng suggests that the Penguin lacks a strategic reserve and has only threadbare garrisons in the rear areas of Malaya, Siam and Indochina.  Consequently he will need to rob Paul to pay Peter to confront any new SEAC advances.
 
A8.  The pending Allied landing at Victoria Point will (a) occur within 2 weeks, (b) include some Allied armour, and (c) will be strong enough to quickly capture the base and blitz to Bangkok within 10 days of landing.  Follow up infantry from Victoria Point will, if necessary (eg Bangkok remains contested), be able to move to from (28,39) to Krung Thep (29,39), thereby bypassing Bangkok (29,40).
 
A9.  The overall game objective is to achieve a dicisive Allied victory.  To accomplish this, you will need a 2:1 VP ratio no later than 31 August 1945.  To achieve this ratio, (a) you must not use atomic bombs, (b) capture many big value bases (Manila, Singapore, Formosa et al) and have them fully resupplied, (c) destroy Japanese industry and (d) minimize Allied casualties.  As non-Chinese/Soviet LCU lose 1 VP per 3 items destroyed whereas Japanese LCU lose 1 VP only per 6 items destroyed, this means that Allied LCU need to achieve a better than 1:4 casualty rate.
 
(B)  October 1944 SEAC Situation Analysis
 
B1.  The majority of SEAC forces, amounting to about 10,000 AV, are co-located at hex (30,34) with a huge Japanese Burma Army which itself amounts to over 9,000 AV.  Several weeks of fighting has resulted in only a slight weakening in combat strength of the Burma Army.
 
B2.  The Burma Army can still trace a limited supply line value of 42 from Krung Thep.  This is calculated as follows:
 
(29,39)  Krung Thep
(30,38)  rail -2
(30,37)  rail -2
(31,36)  rail -2
(30,35)  clear -50
(30,34)  rail -2
 
B3.  The best hex to destroy the Burma Army is where it is currently located (30,34).  This hex is the best to resupply SEAC units and as it is clear there are no combat modifiers for the defence.  From this hex, surplus SEAC units can be quickly sent to Rangoon for embarkation to other locations.  Here the Burma Army is furthest from its supply sources.
 
B4.  If forced to retreat, the Burma Army will move to (31,34).  This is a jungle hex, thus giving the defence a 2xAV combat multiplier.  It is also a road hex into Rahaeng.  Thus it will be easy for the Penguin to leave a rear guard and excape with the bulk of the Burma Army into Rahaeng.
 
B5.  If the Burma Army were to retreat instead to the clear hex (30,35), this materially improves its position as (a) its supply lines are shortened, (b) any pursuing SEAC units must cross a river, (c) if not pursued it constitues a large army in being which will require SEAC to maintain a commensurately sized overwatch force, and (d) defence of Rahaeng would then become secondary to blocking any SEAC drive on Bangkok and thus any Burma Army units not too fatigued could reach, from (30,35) the jungle rail hex (31,36) in 10-15 days thereby blocking the drive south from Rahaeng.
 
B6.  Only Allied air power can assist the 254th Ind. Tk Bde to maintain its blocking position at Rahaeng.
 
B7.  Tavoy has a major airfield and a significant garrison which can be easily resupplied overland from two directions (a) Bangkok and (b) Bandou.  It also has local resource centres.
 
B8.  Victoria Point constitutes a relatively weakly defended backdoor to Bangkok and Rahaeng.  Swift movement along rail lines can destroy 100% of the Burma Army supply.  A landing there allows for the encirclement and elimination of the Tavoy garrison.
 
(C)  Course of Action
 
C1.  Immediately move Chinese SEAC units from Mandalay and Lashio to Rangoon.  They should arrive by mid October.
 
C2.  Sidetrack 1 Chinese unit when it reaches (30,33) to move into a blocking position at (31,34).  It should arrive by the end of October provided the Burma Army does not retreat there.
 
C3.  Embark 2 Chinese units at Rangoon for disembarkation at Moulmein.  Use of AK to conserve AP is OK,  Then move 1 to (30,35) arriving by end of October.  The other unit is moved to (30,36) via (29,36).  This should be finalised by mid November.
 
C4.  Embark remaining Chinese for transport to Allied owned Victoria Point.  From there move one to (28,38) completition by beginning of November, move another to (29,38), completed by mid November.  Move 1 to (28,39) and then bypassing Bangkok proceed to Krung Thep.  Remaining Chinese can relieve blocking SEAC units at Bandou and Songkhia.
 
C5.  Immediately move units from Moulmein to invest Tavoy.  Do not attack until Chinese units have encircled Tavoy.
 
C6.  Proceed with scheduled Victoria Point invasion.  Once secured (a) blitz with armour to Bangkok and (b) secure southern front with blocking at Bandou and if possible Songkhia.
 
C7.  Once the Burma Army is surrounded (anticipated by end of October) rely on attrition and artillery bombardment to reduce the pocket.  As enemy weakens reduce SEAC units for redeployment elsewhere.  This will minimize Allied casualties.
 
C8.  Temporarily redirect Allied bombing to assist the 254th Ind. Tk Bde.
 
(D)  Disdavantages.
 
D1.  The 254th Ind Tk Bde is quickly ejected from Rahaeng and the opportunity to cause serious damage to the Burma Army is thereby missed.
 
D2.  The Burma Army voluntarily commences a retreat.
 
Neither of these outcomes is necessarily bad for SEAC because you can (a) redeploy by sea SEAC units to capture Malay bases, (b) move into Tavoy more quickly than the Penguin can relieve its garrison, and (c) reinforce the Bangkok axis of advance.
 
Remember unless you inflict greater than 4:12 casualties upon the Burma Army, you are not advancing your goal of a decisive victory.
 
Alfred

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Hi Alfred - wow. That's a detailed analysis there my friend! I do appreciate the thought you have put into it and you make some good points. The only thing is that I had decided to attack the enemy mass in Burma before I read your post!

Overall a massive battle took place (probably the largest single engagement i've EVER seen in WiTP). Here's the result:

Ground combat at 30,34

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 395844 troops, 2332 guns, 1200 vehicles, Assault Value = 10219

Defending force 330532 troops, 1469 guns, 746 vehicles, Assault Value = 6900

Allied max assault: 10249 - adjusted assault: 2052

Japanese max defense: 5872 - adjusted defense: 946

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
7151 casualties reported
Guns lost 173
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
31783 casualties reported
Guns lost 553
Vehicles lost 20


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Approximately 1/2 of the enemy force retreated into the Jungle. My troops are withered though. Every LCU has between 1/3-1/2 disablements now. I feel the risk was worth it though since his forces must be devastated.

I am resting my weary men tomorrow since they havevery high fatigue and disruption. TYhere's not need to risk disabling all of my men over a futile attack. We have time since it will take the enemy 30 days to move out of the jungle.

In a few days when rested we'll attack the rest of the Japanese and then storm into Rahaeng. I have begun moving the reserves at Rangoon (originally scheduled for Victoria Point) to join my main army in it's advance.

The Japanese tried a futile attack at Rahaeng when another IJA Division reinforced their position:

Ground combat at Rahaeng

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 14228 troops, 42 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 642

Defending force 8184 troops, 12 guns, 455 vehicles, Assault Value = 205

Japanese max assault: 274 - adjusted assault: 80

Allied max defense: 205 - adjusted defense: 189

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
809 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
Vehicles lost 2

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

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

In other news the Jesselton invasion force is approaching Kuching.

Usual bombing of Iwo Jima.

Ebon and Majorik atolls taken in the Marshalls.

I wonder what Faber's reaction to this will be.

[Nikademus]

Here's my analysis......Speedy SUCKS!

[:'(]

[Dino]

I appreciate the thought you have put into it...

[:'(]

[Nikademus]

it was nothing.......really! [:D]

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

At Dublin airport waiting to fly back so little time. Here's the CR for last turn:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/11/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,63

Japanese Ships
PC Amakusa
PC Hirado
PC Mutsure
PC Tsushima
PC Hachijo

Allied Ships
SS Sand Lance, hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 35,55

Japanese Ships
ML Ikitsushima, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS O23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Jesselton , at 35,56


Allied aircraft
Mosquito PR.IX x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tarakan , at 33,61

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-29 Superfortress x 84

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84-Ia Frank: 1 destroyed
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29 Superfortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 136

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Macassar , at 30,69


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 21
B-25J Mitchell x 46


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kendari , at 33,71


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 44


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Bali , at 24,68


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 30


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 55

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sorong , at 42,74


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 10
Boomerang II x 12
A-20G Havoc x 30


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Iwo Jima , at 63,53


Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 29
F-5C Lightning x 3
B-29 Superfortress x 60


Allied aircraft losses
B-29 Superfortress: 13 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
65 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 144

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Marcus Island , at 75,56


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 12


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 11


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Marcus Island , at 75,56


Allied aircraft
B-29 Superfortress x 36


Allied aircraft losses
B-29 Superfortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 57

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pagan , at 64,62


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 3
TBM Avenger x 48
F-5C Lightning x 3


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 29

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Eniwetok , at 76,74


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 63


Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 94

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kwajalein , at 79,79


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
F4U-1D Corsair x 26
F-5C Lightning x 3
PV-1 Ventura x 23


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Maloelap , at 82,81


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 108


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 129

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Ponape , at 71,79


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 33


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 48

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 13th Division, at 43,32


Allied aircraft
IL-4c x 23


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 36th Division, at 43,32


Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 33
P-40N Warhawk x 42
B-25J Mitchell x 20
I-16c x 22


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 36th Division, at 43,32


Allied aircraft
IL-4c x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 8th Heavy Artillery Brigade, at 63,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 24
TBM Avenger x 40


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 46th Naval Guard Unit, at 79,79


Allied aircraft
F-5C Lightning x 1
P-47D Thunderbolt x 64


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
70 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 53rd Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 31,64


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 42
Spitfire VIII x 10
Kittyhawk III x 14
Beaufort V-IX x 12
P-38J Lightning x 63


Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 29th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 30,34


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 13
P-47D Thunderbolt x 5
B-29 Superfortress x 66


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
231 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 70th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 30,34


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 30
P-38J Lightning x 199
P-47D Thunderbolt x 44
B-29 Superfortress x 69


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
562 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 70th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 30,34


Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
Thunderbolt II x 12
Liberator VI x 34
Beaufighter VIC x 6
Mosquito FB.VI x 10
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 4
P-38J Lightning x 7
B-25J Mitchell x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
222 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Tank Div , at 30,34


Allied aircraft
B-29 Superfortress x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Tank Div , at 30,34


Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 10
Thunderbolt II x 84
Liberator VI x 56
Beaufighter VIC x 32
Mosquito FB.VI x 66
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 26
P-38J Lightning x 63
B-25J Mitchell x 19


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
328 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 15


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Jesselton , at 35,56


Allied aircraft
Mosquito PR.IX x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 41,52

Japanese Ships
PC PC-26
PC PC-14
PC Kusagaki
PC Yashiro
PC Miyake
PC Etoforu

Allied Ships
SS Seahorse, hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kunming

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4764 troops, 171 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4215

Defending force 202725 troops, 210 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5141



Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1708 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5496

Defending force 204813 troops, 76 guns, 22 vehicles, Assault Value = 5279



Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kunming

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 75013 troops, 210 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5141

Defending force 213798 troops, 2334 guns, 309 vehicles, Assault Value = 4215


Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 30,34

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3341 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6929

Defending force 54508 troops, 173 guns, 614 vehicles, Assault Value = 1151


Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Balikpapan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 68325 troops, 702 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 1780

Defending force 70641 troops, 599 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 1435


Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Things are beginning to move again in the western theatres.

Burma is becoming fluid with the remaining enemy forces storming east towards Rahaeng. I will follow them.

At the same time the enemy is abandoning Tavoy and Victoria Point. I am sending 1000AV from Moulmein to march on Tavoy. 3 x Divisions and 1 x Bde are to leave Columbo tomorrow bound for Victoria Point.

Overall i'm still fairly happy how this has gone with almost 300,000 enemy soldiers trapped in the jungle.

The attached map shows how Faber has abandoned/is abandoning the entire region.

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

Operation Minnow is underway with Invasion forces bound for Jesselton leaving Kuching tomorrow. They will be guarded by 2 x CV, 3 x CVE, a SC TF and a mass of P38J/P51D LRCAP from Kuching.

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

Iwo Jima is still pounded day and night but I plan to launch my invasion forces in the next week.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

The chase in Burma continues with my men marching 45 miles towards the east. I doubt the Japanese will still be there when I enter the hex tomororw. They will probably have shock attacked into Rahaeng. To show how battered the Japanese must be in the area though look at this:

Ground combat at Rahaeng

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38210 troops, 215 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 1846

Defending force 7896 troops, 5 guns, 443 vehicles, Assault Value = 198

Japanese max assault: 377 - adjusted assault: 265

Allied max defense: 179 - adjusted defense: 159

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
316 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 2

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

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

I am 2-3 days out of Jesselton now and it's clear i've been spotted since more enemy planes have entered the area. What Faber may not have planned for is 3 x P51D FG and 1x P38J FG at Kuching flying LRCAP over my TF's. We'll see what happens.

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

Usual bombing over Iwo Jima.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Burma -

Advance armour units have arrived on the outskirts of Tavoy. They indicate the place deserted with the Japanese 60 miles SW down the road. We attack tomorrow.

My main Allied force is 60 miles west of Rahaeng. There are 4 Japanese units there. We try to Shock attack and follow them tomorrow.

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

SRA -

B29 raids cause heavy damage to Saigon and Brunei airfields. 80 enemy planes destroyed over the day to 34 Allied.

Jesselton invasion fleet 1 day away from Jesselton. No enemy attacks today. I'm trying something new here. Due to the heavy Mustang/Lightning CAP i'm sending my CV's to the NE of Jesselton to attack any enemy naval interference. Faber knows i'm coming and at every SRA landing he's tried to send in SC/KB TF (Koepang, Maumere, Banja, Pontianak and Kuching) to interfere with the landings. Why should this time be any different?

Judy Kami's attacked AK's at Kuching. They had just finished unloading further Base Force personnel. AK Henry Adams was overwhelmed and sank after 8 Kami hits........

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

CentPac -

SS Sea Owl sank PC Kyo Maru #11 with a torpedo 180 miles SSW of Shanghai. 5 x DC near miss - 15/0/0.

CV's are to stop bombing enemy troops and focus on port, airfields, support and supply depots at Iwo Jima for the last week before the invasion.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

A mixed day............

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

Burma -

I f*cked up! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

I shock attacked the enemy NW of Rahaeng and foolishly forgot they would follow the enemy into the forest to the SW NOT into Rahaeng. F*ck. All of my armour in this force (800AV worth) is in the jungle with the Japs. The rest of my infantry will move towards Rahaeng now.

Tavoy was taken today and we continue to the SW to cut off Malaya.

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

SRA -

The invasion of Jesselton has begun!

As predicted Faber sent in a SC TF which came off better.

2 x CL and 4 x DD engaged CA Hawkins, CL Danae + 3 x DD. By the end of the day CA Hawkins + 1 x DD are heavily damaged and will probably not make Kuching. 1 x DD sunk. On the Japanese side DD Yugure was sunk by SS O23 whilst limping away from Jesselton.

85% of my force is ashore though. After tomorrow I am getting out of dodge since this is in enemy territory and I do not have a lot to cover this force now. I will probably paradrop an Airborne and Glider Rgt from Kuching to add to my forces.

My covering CV's sunk 2 enemy freighters in the area.

Here is Jesselton force disposition at present:

Ground combat at Jesselton

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6278 troops, 99 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 248

Defending force 9754 troops, 55 guns, 88 vehicles, Assault Value = 371

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

SS Sea Owl claimed her 2nd PC victim in two days by sinking PC Ch 29 with a torpedo 120 miles SE of Shanghai.

[Capt. Harlock]

ORIGINAL: Speedy


As predicted Faber sent in a SC TF which came off better.

2 x CL and 4 x DD engaged CA Hawkins, CL Danae + 3 x DD. By the end of the day CA Hawkins + 1 x DD are heavily damaged and will probably not make Kuching. 1 x DD sunk. On the Japanese side DD Yugure was sunk by SS O23 whilst limping away from Jesselton.

You sent WWI cruisers in to do a WWII job . . .[:-]

[Speedysteve]

Hi Capt.

Not much choice i'm afraid. All of the surface battles at Maumere, Banja, Pontianak and Kuching haveled to VERY few available surface assets in the area.

Once I start moving Tavoy/Victoria Point though I can bring another RN TF from India into play and I have ships repairing at Sydney.

This TF is full of cripples heading to Darwin (in time to Allied Singapore):

[Speedysteve]

Here's Sydney.

Note I have another BB, CA, CL and 3 x DD in Melbourne which will be combat ready within a month.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Burma -

The Allied advance continues with forces massed at Tavoy pressing SW and the main Allied contingent 50 miles from Rahaeng.

The screenshot also shows the Victoria Point invasion forces passing the Andaman Islands...............

BB King George V will arrive at Karachi tomorrow..........a welcome addition.

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

SRA -

The unloading at Jesselton continued unmolested today. All combat troops and sufficient supply (6000) has been put ashore so my forces have been ordered back to Kuching where they will wait to see if the current Jesselton force is sufficient to take the place. If not additional forces will invade from Kuching.

43 x Zeke Kamikazi tried to attack my unloading transport but the patrolling Lightnings and Mustangs prevented any from getting through. Interestingly enough guys Maj Reynolds is still active in 49th FG with 25 kills from 140 missions[&o] This guy made his fame over Maumere and Raba.

A mass of Commando transports arrived overnight. Tomorrow they will begin to take the 188th USA Glider Rgt to Jesselton to aid in it's capture. 503rd USA Para Rgt will follow.

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

CentPac -

Heavy CV raids on Iwo Jima.

Invasion forces will leave Saipan in 3-4 days.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Burma -

Armoured untis have caught a Japanese rearguard SW of Tavoy and will attack tomorrow.

Victoria Point will be invaded tomorrow.

King George V leaving Karachi tomorrow.

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

SRA -

Most of 188th Glider Rgt landed around Jesselton with moderate disablements. Fleets heading back to Kuching before going back in (if needed).

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Burma -

Victoria Point has been taken undefended. Allied forces continue to unload here and continue to advance SW from Tavoy and towards Raheang.

My British CV's sank the Freighter AK Juyo Maru with 4 torpedoes at Sabang.

Soon i'll have to decide whether to advance down Malaya or to tackle Bangkok.

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

SRA -

The main focus has been Jesselton. My men attacked today and the enemy looks pretty weak here. I'm confident of taking the place over the next couple of days and as such supply and support forces are turning around from Kuching to go back to Jesselton:

Ground combat at Jesselton

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17142 troops, 130 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 528

Defending force 8135 troops, 101 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 239

Allied max assault: 459 - adjusted assault: 328

Japanese max defense: 184 - adjusted defense: 121

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
468 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

Allied ground losses:
148 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1

Soon i'll have to decide here also where to advance next taking into account Burmese developments.

Mossie FB's have sunk 4 Barges around the Palembang area over the past 2 days.

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CentPac -

Further Iwo Jima invasion forces have started to embark at Saipan. I will detail the full breakdown over the coming days.

Iwo Jima continuous to be bombed by CV's.