wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/9 - 5/10/42

Central Pacific: ASW vs submarine action has moved to the waters NE of Hawaii. One U.S. MSW torpedoed and sunk. Two Japanese subs attacked: I-28 hit 3 times and damaged on 5/9, I-20 hit twice (light or no damage) on 5/10.

Japanese have intensified their submarine activity between Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast since 5/1. So far, the combination of land-based naval search air patrols picking up sub contacts with several ASW TF's stationed at sea to move in and attack detected subs have been quite effective. While there is a considerable quantity of transport shipping activity moving between the U.S. West Coast and the Central Pacific "front lines", I have been able to easily route Transport TF's around Jap sub contacts. However, there is no doubt a "gap" of some undetermined size between Hawaii and the U.S. that land-based air patrols cannot reach. Might be possible to load a small air unit on CVE Long Island, put it in a TF with some escorts, and send it out to fly naval search operations in the "gap" if needed.

Plans are underway to send several one-ship surface TF's (Omaha-class CL's) into various areas of the North Pacific to probe Pillager's land-based air coverage. Objective is to see how far west these TF's can move before being spottted, otherwise avoiding contact as much as possible.

NW Australia: Japanese working on a rapid buildup of airfields in NW Australia. Beach hex at Exmouth built to a size 1 airfield (much quicker than expected) and the airfield at Wyndham expanded both on 5/9.

Below is a list of known Japanese ground units in NW Australia taken from AAR and Sigint reports - date following each unit is the most recent contact or report of that unit's location.

2nd Infantry Division Derby 420430
4th Infantry Division 23,85 (near Broome) 420419
5th Infantry Division Wyndham 420416
18th Infantry Division (reported enroute to NW Australia - exact location unknown)
21st Mixed Brigade 31,86 (E of Wyndham) 420504
3 NLF Wyndham 420416
22 NLF Wyndham 420416
1 Tank Regiment Broome 420426
2 Tank Regiment Wyndham 420416
3 Mortar Battalion Wyndham 420510
3 Mortar Regiment Wyndham 420416
3 Mountain Gun Regiment Wyndham 420428
5 Mortar Regiment Wyndham 420416
17 Heavy Field Artillery Regiment (reported preparing for attack on Darwin - exact location unknown)
18 Heavy Field Artillery Regiment Wyndham 420423
23 Aviation Unit 23,85 (near Broome) 420419
HQ 3rd Air Army Broome 420508
HQ 21st Air Flotilla Broome 420430
4 AF Construction Battalion Exmouth 420428
56 AF Construction Battalion Exmouth 420428

Ships in Australian and NZ ports not essential to conducting defensive operations in and around Australia/NZ have been departing both east and westbound for either the U.S. or India - most of these ships being extra transports or auxiliaries over and beyond the numbers, types, and cargo capacity needed to maintain current Allied positions in Australia/NZ. Many of the ships leaving the ANZAC area were earlier evacuees from the Phillipines or DEI - leaving them where they are serves no purpose other than providing cannon fodder to the IJN.


Indian Ocean: Contact between British DD's (remnant of the Carrier TF still operational) and Japanese sub I-27 east of Ceylon - one hit on I-27, damaged. Other British ships damaged during the carrier action still limping westward to Colombo. CV Formidable and CA Dorsetshire (both very heavily damaged) enroute to Perth - if I can fix flooding damage on these ships at Perth, both ships have a fair chance of getting back across to India later for more extensive repairs. Perth has a small shipyard so may be possible to also remove a small amount of system damage.

Philippines: Japanese mop-up operations in southern islands continue - Jap 56 Infantry Brigade landed at and captured Jolo on 5/9.

Burma/India: Jap air raids on Port Blair (Andamans) continue. Air-to-air combat between Allied and Japanese fighters over Imphal (AVG P-40's and British Hurricanes vs Jap Oscars & A6M3 Zeroes) - very light aircraft losses on both sides.

Other sectors mainly quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/10 - 5/12/42

Indian Ocean: CV Indefatigable and CA Dorsetshire sink just outside of Perth on 5/12 from damage taken in the carrier battle on 5/1 near Exmouth - both ships were attempting to reach Perth. Other British warships from this action are still making their way back to Colombo.

Australia: Two more Japanese ground units detected in NW Australia by Sigint - 3 Engineer & 3 Heavy Artillery Rgts (both units located in Wyndham). An additional engineer regiment (the 5th) was identified by Sigint as planning for an attack on Darwin.

Heavy Japanese air and naval bombardment continues at Darwin, particularly on 5/12. Heavy casualties and heavy damage to airfield and port facilities. Very intense naval bombardment on 5/12, I'll print the AAR's from 5/12/42 below to list all the Jap ships and TF taking part.

I haven't been repairing any of the airfield or port damage in Darwin since the time it was no longer usable as an Allied base. If anything, many of the Jap attacks on Darwin have had value as "demolition ops" from the Allied point of view.

No Allied aircraft remain in Darwin - of the handful of Kittyhawks that were there, some were damaged in bombardment attacks on Darwin, the others were withdrawn after facing (and surviving) hordes of Zeroes.

The final Allied ships in Darwin leaving there on 5/10 - two short-ranged (3500 mi) Dutch subs that refuelled in Darwin and now enroute to India via Singkep Is (E of Singapore). Singkep Is is still in Dutch control and has a small amount of fuel points sufficient to refuel the subs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
G4M1 Betty x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Nowaki
CL Oi
CA Furutaka
BB Hyuga
BB Ise

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

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Shigure
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Kazegumo
CA Atago
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
290 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro
DD Sagiri
DD Ayanami
DD Shikinami
DD Isonami
CL Isuzu

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Inazuma
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba

Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

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

Central Pacific: Subs, subs, and more Jap subs around Hawaii. Three U.S. ASW TF's and every available (ASW capable) bomber or patrol plane in Hawaii working overtime chasing down and attacking Jap subs. At least some of my crews are getting combat experience. Situation Map of Hawaii on 5/12/42 follows.

[wneumann]

A brief post-mortem of the carrier action off Exmouth. Final (or at least appears to be final) score: two British CV & one CA sunk; two other CA's, one CL, one DD damaged. Japanese losses (if any) - CVL Shoho (3 torpedo hits), CVL Ryuho (one torpedo). Considering the odds: four Jap CVL's vs two British (Illustrious class) CV's - the end result did not depart greatly from what could be reasonably predicted.
 
At least three failures on the Allied side in this action - (1) The British CV TF diverted from its mission to escort 6 Australian Div (or rather its convoy) to engage the Japanese landing at Exmouth. In any event, attacking the Jap landing force at Exmouth was too late to stop them from capturing Exmouth. This action at Exmouth also pinpointed the British CV's to the Japs and also placed them within striking range of the Baby KB. (2) No Allied naval search aircraft were operating in support of the British CV's - the Japanese had a decided advantage in recon over this area of the Indian Ocean. Ny59giant's comments did indirectly hint on this. (3) Fuel situation in the British CV TF - ships were beginning to run low on fuel after crossing from Ceylon.
 
Could have been worse, like a full-scale Midway battle except the Japs won.           

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/13 - 5/14/42

Central Pacific: Japanese submarines around Hawaii retiring to the W and SW. Submarine I-8 attacked by U.S. ASW task force 240 mi SW of Oahu - 11 hits, on fire & oil slick, no confirmation of sinking. Other ASW task forces have returned to Pearl Harbor and disbanded for now.

Japanese carrier TF was spotted SW of Palmyra on 5/13 and continued moving on a NE heading on 5/14. Situation map of the area on 5/14 follows. U.S. Carrier TF's are scattered across various locations (one TF arriving at Midway, one TF at Pearl Harbor, a third enroute to the West Coast to swap CV's for 4/42 upgrade) - as of this time, no plans to engage this TF with carriers. However, there are 3 squadrons of land-based Dauntless DB's (A-24 & SBD-3) based on Palmyra - if the Japs get close enough, maybe a chance to put a hole through a flight deck or two. Ground units on Palmyra include a Marine CD Bn, one Army RCT, and two Base Force units. A second Army RCT is enroute to Palmyra, the transport convoy carrying it has been diverted temporarily until the current situation ends.

[wneumann]

More Operations from 5/13 - 5/14/42

China: The expected Japanese ground offensive on Iching started 5/14. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 44634 troops, 231 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 982
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt
Defending force 27373 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 787
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


Australia: Japanese ground forces pushing eastward from Wyndham towards Katherine. AAR and NW Australia situation map on 5/14 follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 31,87

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7631 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 204
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 1523 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15
Sparrow Force Bn, 109 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 159 - adjusted assault: 76
Allied max defense: 11 - adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 38 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
98 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

[wneumann]

Would appreciate a little feedback from the readers, lurkers, or whatever y'all want to call yourselves...

With Australia fast becoming the main "front line" in this PBEM, and given the situation as described, the following questions might be in order.

1) What are the overall prospects of defending Australia? How much of Australia can be defended successfully and what areas? Right now there are a lot of points to defend - while I have ample forces, they are spread thin and across a wide area.

2) Current estimate of the situation in NW Australia is that the Japanese will take Darwin (probably by amphibious assault) and eventually Katherine as well. Question here is where can I best prepare a defense to stop Japanese advance into the interior from NW Australia? I am thinking Daly Waters , possibly Tennant Creek. The dilemma I see here is if the Japs reach Tennant Creek, they will be in position to threaten Allied positions in NE Australia.

3) Any suggested improvements in the current Allied LCU deployment?

4) Deployment of air units. There are no bases in NW Australia or the interior large enough or with sufficient supply on hand to support any more than minimal Allied air activity. Any defensive position in response to (2) above will likely have to be far enough from Jap airfields to reduce the number of aircraft they can bring to bear.

5) Anything else that may be relevant.

Additional information and data on the overall situation in Australia:

a) Maps below and in the previous post (5/14/42) - these maps include detail on current Allied ground & air unit positions.

b) Identity and estimated positions of known Japanese ground units already in NW Australia are listed in earlier AAR posts for 5/9 and 5/10/42.

c) Overall supply situation in Australia: Very good in SW Australia and most of the east coast - ample stockpiles of supply in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. Supply situation generally good in NE Australia, fair to poor in NW Australia and most bases in the interior.

d) Deployment of 1 Australian Motor Brigade @ Coen is intended to defend that base in the event of a Japanese landing at the beach hex east of Coen.

e) Fuel point stockpiles are adequate, though somewhat low for supporting large-scale naval operations. BB Prince of Wales, BC Repulse, most of the Dutch and Australian navy warships, a handful of U.S. DD's constitute Allied naval forces based in Australia. Single ship transport TF's (tankers) are enroute to Australia/NZ from both Aden and the U.S. West coast to augment fuel stocks on hand locally.

f) Over the last 10-15 days (game turns), a large number of transport ships (AK, AP, TK) and various auxiliary ships in excess of the quantities essential for coastal shipping around Australia/NZ and defense of Australia/NZ have been leaving Australian ports enroute to both India and the U.S. (Central Pacific).

g) HQ South Pacific departed Auckland the end of 4/42 and now enroute to Panama City (expected to arrive there by the end of May). South Pacific HQ is being re-positioned to head up the southern flank of a future Allied advance to the west and southwest from the Central Pacific area.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/15/42

Most sectors quiet - little or no detected Japanese activity.

Central Pacific: Japanese TF heading northeast towards Palmyra has pulled away from the island - beyond range of air strikes from either Japanese or American sides. Movement of this TF on a W heading was reported by PBY patrols. The (still) unidentified Jap submarine remains at Palmyra.

South Pacific: Japanese mine clearing operations detected at Luganville. AAR follows. Patrol #35 APD later confirmed sunk after damage from hitting a mine. A large number of Allied mines probably remain at Luganville - at least several hundred were laid in several Allied minelaying operations, including the three ML sunk by the KB on 5/2/42 (returning after laying mines at Luganville).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 118 encounters mine field at Luganville (71,111)

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #7
MSW Tama Maru #2
MSW Fuji Maru
MSW Chitose Maru
APD Patrol Boat No. 35, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD Patrol Boat No. 33
APD Patrol Boat No. 32

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

Indian Ocean: British CL Glasgow sinks S of Sumatra from flooding damage received in the carrier action off Exmouth.

China: Ground combat at Ichang continues. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 44582 troops, 231 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 984
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt
Defending force 27177 troops, 113 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 783
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/16/42

Once again, most sectors remain quiet.

Central Pacific: Still unidentified Japanese submarine has departed Palmyra. Contact has been lost with Japanese TF(s) that were SW of Palmyra.

South Pacific: More reports of Japanese minesweeping operations at Luganville. AAR follows. No further report on what (if anything) happened to Jap APD Patrol Boat #33.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 118 encounters mine field at Luganville (71,111)

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #7
MSW Tama Maru #2
MSW Fuji Maru
MSW Chitose Maru
APD Patrol Boat No. 33, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Philippines: Japanese amphibious landing reported at Dumaguete (beach hex) in the central Philippines. Identity of Jap LCU is not known at this time.

Australia: Naval and air bombardments continue in NW Australia, mainly at Darwin. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Katherine , at 35,87

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 12

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84 (Darwin)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84 (Darwin)

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G5N Liz x 11

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Shigure
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Kazegumo
CA Atago
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 18

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

Burma/India: Bombing attacks by small numbers of Jap bombers continue on Port Blair (Andamans). Small Allied bombing attacks have been ongoing against targets in Burma - including (ground attack on) Jap 33rd Division at Lashio and night attacks on Oil facilities at Magwe & Mandalay. Light damage reported on targets, very minor losses in aircraft reported on both sides.

China: Ground combat at Ichang continues. Hankow SNLF has joined attacking Japanese LCU's at Ichang. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 44585 troops, 231 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1008
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt, Hankow SNLF
Defending force 27273 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 783
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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

Major Japanese ground offensive begins on Sian. Attacking forces include six divisions & three brigades, plus some artillery support. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 55857 troops, 210 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2540
26th, 32nd, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 82433 troops, 429 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 2345
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
187 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/17/42

Again, light activity reported in most sectors.

Australia: Heavy Japanese naval bombardment of Darwin - multiple TF's. AAR's follow. Elsewhere, small Jap air bombing raid on Australian 1 Motor Infantry Brigade at Coen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Arashio
DD Michishio
DD Oshio
DD Tokitsukaze
CA Nachi
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
406 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Nowaki
CL Oi
CA Furutaka
BB Hyuga
BB Ise


Allied ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 18
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

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

Philippines: Japanese capture Dumaguete beach hex, eliminating remnants of Philippine 73 Reserve Rgt. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dumaguete

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4490 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
65th Infantry Brigade
Defending force 798 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19
Philippine 73rd Reserve Rgt (eliminated)

Japanese max assault: 48 - adjusted assault: 6
Allied max defense: 15 - adjusted defense: 3
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Dumaguete base !!!

Allied ground losses:
1627 casualties reported

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

Indian Ocean: British CA Exeter sinks S of Sumatra from flooding damage received in the carrier action off Exmouth. One damaged British CA and one DD damaged in the action off Exmouth continue moving toward Colombo.

Three DD's from the British Carrier TF at Exmouth (the only undamaged ships in the TF) arrived in Colombo and refuelled on 5/16 before continuing on to Bombay. The DD's encountered Japanese sub I-124 and sank it along the coastline of Ceylon just outside of Colombo - sinking of I-124 was confirmed.

China: Ground combat continues at both Sian and Ichang. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 45355 troops, 235 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1007
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt, Hankow SNLF
Defending force 27420 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 793
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th & (part) 8th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 128741 troops, 528 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 2923
26th, 32nd, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 82246 troops, 427 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 2348
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations: 5/18/42

Most sectors remain quiet.

Central Pacific: A Japanese minefield has been detected at Palmyra, apparently laid by the unidentified Jap submarine that departed from Palmyra on 5/16. No damage reported to U.S. ships.

Australia: Japanese air reinforcements at Wyndham - an air group of 25 Zeroes now flying ops from Wyndham. No reports of air or naval bombardments at Darwin.

Burma/India: An unidentified Japanese LCU has appeared at Myitkyina - a group of five Chinese divisions are currently holding Myitkyina. No combat reported in Myitkyina.

Light Jap air bombing attacks resumed on Port Blair (Andamans). British and Chinese air bombing attacks against targets in Burma previously reported continue. Light damage to targets - light aircraft losses reported on both sides.

China: A lull in ground combat at Sian. Ground combat at Ichang continues - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 45366 troops, 236 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1013
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt, Hankow SNLF, 3 Construction Bn
Defending force 27369 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 784
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th & (part) 8th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/19/42

Central Pacific: U.S. 24 RCT is disembarking at Palmyra. Allied garrison on Palmyra now includes two RCT (24 & 161), 1st Marine CD, and two base force LCU's - along with substantial supply and fuel point stocks on hand. Escorts from the convoy bringing 24 RCT to Palmyra now conductiong minesweeping operations there.

Reports have been received from several U.S. submarines at and near Kwajalein of Val dive bombers flying naval search/ASW patrols.


South Pacific: Jap APD Patrol Boat #33 reported sinking W of Ndeni after hitting a mine during Japanese minesweeping operations at Luganville.


Australia: No Japanese aerial or naval bombardment attacks reported in NW Australia. Sigint reports HQ Japanese 14th Army is now located in Wyndham.

Japanese air bombing raid reported against 1 Australian Motor Brigade stationed there. Attack was carried out by Kate TB's escorted by Zeroes - these planes originated from a newly established Japanese airbase at Thursday Is.


DEI: Japanese mopping-up operations of isolated bases still under Allied control appears to be in the works - Jap air bombing raid on Pontianek reported.

Indian Ocean: Japanese ML Hatsutaka attacked by British SS Rover in Malacca Straits.


Burma/India: Japanese LCU reported at Myitkyina on 5/18 now identified as part (1/3) of Jap 33rd Division. Other elements of the Jap 33rd Division have been detected at Lashio and Mandalay.

Air combat between Japanese and Allied fighter planes over Imphal. Allied fighters include RAF Hurricanes and P-40's from the AVG. Aircraft losses reported light on both sides.

Japanese sub RO-34 spotted and attacked by Allied ASW TF near Bombay - sub took four hits from depth charges. Damage to the RO-34 appears to be light from AAR.


China: Ichang captured by Japanese ground forces, also Japanese ground attacks at Sian and also hex 47,32 (SW of Honan). AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22040 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 908
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 21099 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 680
18, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 46898 troops, 235 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 1014
22nd & 116th Infantry Divisions, 14 FA Rgt, Hankow SNLF, 3 Construction Bn
Defending force 27006 troops, 107 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 779
42nd, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps, 7th & (part) 8th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 976 - adjusted assault: 510
Allied max defense: 782 - adjusted defense: 195
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Ichang base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
3024 casualties reported
Guns lost 20
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
463 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 148713 troops, 617 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 2983
26th, 32nd, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 82251 troops, 428 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 2355
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 2787 - adjusted assault: 662
Allied max defense: 2557 - adjusted defense: 3069
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
9320 casualties reported
Guns lost 50
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
689 casualties reported
Guns lost 30
Vehicles lost 1

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/20/42

Central Pacific: Numerous reports from U.S. subs of Val DB aircraft patrolling at and near Kwajalein. Appears possible that most or all the KB is now located there.

9th US Marine CD arrived and now disembarking at Christmas Is. U.S. ground units already on Christmas Is include 102 U.S. Army RCT, 804 Engineer Aviation Bn, and 119 USN Base Force.

Plans are underway to begin construction activity to build up airfield & port facilities on Fanning Is. Two USN Seabee Bns and 25-30 K supply are now enroute or will be shortly.


Australia: Japanese air attacks continue at Coen and Darwin against Allied ground units. Jap aircraft attacking Coen include land-based Kate TB from Thursday Is, also Liz bombers based in Port Moresby. Air attacks on Darwin include Jap air units based at Wyndham, also Liz bombers based at Koepang.

Departure of ships from Australia in excess of the numbers and type(s) needed to maintain local operations there continue to depart from Australian ports for both India & the U.S. Nearly all the ships leaving Australia are AK, AP (especially the faster ones with large capacities), larger TK's, and extra auxiliary ships of various types. Many of the large AP are well on their way to the U.S. (via Panama City) - I expect these will eventually be very useful for U.S. amphibious operations come the day "Island hopping" begins. Just the idea of keeping large numbers of AK, AP, TK, and auxiliaries in Australian ports mostly doing nothing except waiting for the KB to take a shot at them. Not to mention these ships could also later return to Australia carrying reinforcements and supply. While these ships are presently in no danger, the situation over the past several weeks (of game time) has been quite favorable for moving them out of Oz. Weather conditions in many of the zones these ships are passing through (both eastbound and westbound) has also been very good recently (lots of heavy precipitation).


China: Ground combat between Japanese & Chinese forces at hex 47,32. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22057 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 905
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20979 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 680
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/21/42

Central Pacific: Minesweeping operations continue at Palmyra.

Contact between U.S. submarines and at least two KB task forces entering or leaving Kwajalein - the level of Val DB patrol activity this game turn indicates these TF were most likely departing Kwajalein. No indication as to movement or destination of the KB TF's. AAR's follow.

In addition, ships in the two KB TF's also passed through a freshly laid minefield (courtesy of US submarine Argonaut). Do have to say the Argonaut is one of the better U.S. weapons in the early part of the war - except for a two-week layover in Pearl Harbor to repair minor (wear & tear) system damage, this sub has crissed-crossed the Pacific. The Argonaut's "concert tour" has included dumping mines in Kwajalein (several times), Truk, Rabaul, Wake, Pago Pago, Palau, and several other locales along with two appearances in Sydney to reload and refuel. The (adventures of the) Argonaut in this PBEM could have its own string. This is one Allied boat that will NEVER go through an upgrade.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 42 encounters mine field at Kwajalein (81,84)

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 174 encounters mine field at Kwajalein (81,84)

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Mine hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kwajalein at 81,84

Japanese Ships
AK Shozan Maru, Torpedo hits 1
MSW Rikusen Maru
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
PC Hachijo

Allied Ships
SS S-39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kwajalein at 81,84

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku (too bad the torps missed)
DD Asagiri
DD Murakumo
DD Kasumi
DD Arare

Allied Ships
SS S-39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kwajalein at 81,84

Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo
DD Urakaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Akigumo
CV Soryu

Allied Ships
SS S-39

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

A busy day for the S-39. Finally, a look at Pillager thru the periscope.

[wneumann]

More Operations from 5/21/42

South Pacific: Japanese landing reported at Koumac (N end of New Caledonia opposite Noumea). Identity of LCU(s) landing there is not known at this time.

Australia: Japanese air bombardment of Australian ground units at Darwin and Coen continue. Sigint reports Japanese 17 Heavy FA (artillery) Rgt is now present at Wyndham.


Burma/India: Japanese air raids reported at Port Blair (Andamans). Elements of Japanese 33rd Division at Myitkyina have withdrawn back to the south - British bombers spotted and attacked this unit along the Mandalay-Myitkyina rail line.

Numerous small bombing raids (many of them night ops) being conducted throughout Burma and adjoining areas of China by both Allied and Japanese air forces. Little damage or aircraft losses reported on either side.

A Japanese minefield has been detected at Bombay - mine clearing operations underway. No Allied ships have been hit or damaged. Minefield is believed to have been laid by Jap submarine RO-34 that was spotted and attacked by British ASW forces on 5/19.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks at Sian and hex 47,32. A ground battle at hex 48,39 eliminated a Chinese Army HQ trapped behind Japanese lines since 1/42. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21971 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 906
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20868 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 679
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,39

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21738 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 503
40th Infantry Division
Defending force 2080 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
HQ Chinese 23rd Group Army

Japanese max assault: 553 - adjusted assault: 553
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 276 to 1

Allied ground losses:
1960 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 138401 troops, 510 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2457
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 81028 troops, 392 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2341
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
156 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/22 - 5/24/42

Central Pacific: Numerous air patrols by Val DB's reported at Kwajalein - it now appears that the KB task forces (CV's Shokaku & Soryu) contacted on 5/21 were entering not departing Kwajalein. U.S. submarine S-28 was sunk at Kwajalein by Val air patrols on 5/24.

At least five Jap ML's have been spotted in TF's operating "at sea" in the Kwajalein hex over the last three days. Japanese ships damaged or sunk at Kwajalein include one ML (Katoku) torpedoed and sunk on 5/24 by the S-28, a second Jap ML (Okinoshima) along with PC Ch-29 struck and damaged by mines. Combat reports appear that at least some of these ships were being deployed for ASW ops.

A Japanese surface combat TF appeared at Palmyra during 5/23 turn night phase - surprise attack on two U.S. PC's (both on a minesweeping op) and one AK docked and in the final stage of unloading. All three ships were sunk. AAR's follow. Myoko was trailing a small quantity of smoke in the surface combat display (ship had minor system damage prior to this action?).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
DD Kuroshio
DD Natsushio, Shell hits 1 (no significant damage)
DD Tsuga
DD Hasu
DD Kuretake
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
PC Ontario, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PC Navajo, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
DD Kuroshio
DD Natsushio
DD Tsuga
DD Hasu
DD Kuretake
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
AK Challenger, Shell hits 26, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

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


South Pacific: Koumac (New Caledonia) captured by Japanese forces on 5/22. AAR follows. Given that at least most of the KB is reported at Kwajalein, a British/ANZAC surface TF (Force "Z" and friends) has been sortied from Sydney to Noumea to intercept and attack any Japanese ships it can find in this area.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Koumac

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3877 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 117
Kure 7 SNLF, 86 Naval Guard
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 97 - adjusted assault: 49
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 49 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Koumac base !!!

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


Australia: Japanese air raids continue on Coen (5/22,23,24) and Darwin (5/22 & 24). Light casualties reported. Most of the excess Allied ships in Australia ports have now departed for either India or the U.S. Weather conditions over the Indian and the southern Pacific Ocean have been improved over the last several days. While interception of these ships by other Japanese naval forces remain a possibility, the KB's latest move to Kwajalein at least eliminates the possibility of attack on these ships from Jap fleet carriers.

Nearly all Allied ships leaving Australia are moving in single-ship TF's though in some cases TF's of two ships (one "short range" ship together with a "long range" ship to share fuel). The longer range ship in the two ship TF's does lose some of its cruising range and speed in the process of keeping the shorter range ship refuelled, but this "tactic" seems well suited for moving ships with short (5000 mi or less) cruising range over long distances. I'm also deploying small replenishment TF's in safer locations to cover any shortfalls (in fuel) with the two ship TF's.


India/Burma: Sigint (on 5/23) reported HQ Japanese 15th Army is located in Mandalay. Jap air raid on Port Blair (5/24) - little damage reported.


China: Ground combat continues at Sian and hex 47,32 (near Honan). AAR's follow. Most Chinese ground forces remaining east of the river line between Ichang and Changsha are withdrawing behind this river line - leaving rear guard forces in the bridgeheads. Chinese LCU's east of Changsha (the right flank of this line) are pulling back through Changsha across the river, some of these units are being moved into the interior behind the front lines outside Ichang to cover any possible Japanese advance on the Chinese left flank towards Chungking.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian (5/23/42)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 140101 troops, 528 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 2546
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 81059 troops, 399 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2342
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian (5/24/42)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 140818 troops, 529 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 2581
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 80774 troops, 393 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2347
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan) 5/22/42

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21997 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 908
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20860 troops, 82 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 679
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan) 5/23/42

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22074 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 910
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20835 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 676
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan) 5/24/42

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22070 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 908
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20864 troops, 79 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 679
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/25/42

Central Pacific: Japanese PC Ch-29 reported sunk at Kwajalein.

U.S. 140 RCT arrived at Johnston Is. Allied garrison on Johnston now includes two RCT (125 & 140), two Marine CD (3 & 4), and 116 USAAF Base Force - along with substantial supply point stocks on hand.

U.S. submarine Grenadier at Saipan reports Val DB aircraft sighted on patrol - possible Jap carrier(s) at or passing through base at Saipan.


South Pacific: A Japanese surface combat TF appeared at Norfolk Is during 5/25 turn night phase - surprise attack on a Dutch AVD which was sunk in the attack. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Norfolk Island at 60,123

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Kinu
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
AVD Reiger, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

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

Australia: Japanese air raids continue at Coen. No Jap air or naval attacks at Darwin. Ground combat at hex 32,87 (W of Katherine) - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 32,87

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7932 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 204
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 906 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 8
Sparrow Force Bn, 109 RAN Base Force

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

DEI: Japanese mop-up operations of remaining Allied-controlled bases. Jap forces landing at Pontianek (Borneo) - LCU not identified at this point.

Other bases in DEI still under Allied control at this time include Singkep Is (near Singapore), Benkolen (Sumatra), Pinrang (Celebes), and Morotai.


Burma/India: Japanese air bombing & recon over Port Blair (Andamans). Nell bombers reported based in Rangoon.

China: Ground combat continues at Sian and hex 47,32 (W of Honan). AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22037 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 907
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20858 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 681
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 141412 troops, 528 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 2618
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 81028 troops, 401 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2357
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

[wneumann]

Question for readers...
 
Having seen two successful surface combat actions by Japanese TF's (Norfolk Is on 5/25, Palmyra on 5/23) - both Jap TF's made their run into these bases and out of them undetected, this despite Allied naval air search patrols flying from each of these bases and in at least decent enough local weather conditions where it would have been possible for the Jap TF to be spotted (if not attacked) by my aircraft either approaching or leaving the "scene of the crime".  
 
My question here is... Is there some kind of technique for doing this?  One common thread I noticed to both of these actions was that they occurred at night. I could see where Pillager might have done something with the timing and/or movement orders of his TF's so that they can arrive and depart in such a manner where they can do this unobserved and unattacked. Any ideas. If there is a method to this, would be handy to know for my own use in planning and conducting similar operations in the future.     

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/26/42

Most sectors fairly quiet.

Australia: Light Japanese air bombing continues at Coen - no significant damage to the base, light casualties to Australian 1st Motor Brigade.

Japanese naval and air bombing resumes at Darwin - more damage to the base at Darwin (in addition to already substantial damage there), heavy losses to Australian 3rd Division. AAR's follow. Movement of a fresh division northward from positions in Southern Australia has been started, intent of this move is to use this division to rotate Australian 3rd Division out of the line and move 3rd Division to the south to patch up disruption and replace losses. 3rd Division will continue to hold positions in Darwin until the new division reaches the front lines in NW Australia.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Michishio
DD Tokitsukaze
CL Kitakami
CA Nachi
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
742 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 2

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-48-I Lily x 17
Ki-49 Helen x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-I Lily: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G5N Liz x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet

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

Ground combat in NW Australia west of Katherine. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 32,87

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7932 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 204
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 846 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 8
Sparrow Force Bn, 109 RAN Base Force

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


DEI: Japanese mop-up operations at Pontianek. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pontianak

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 824 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 39
Kure 2 SNLF
Defending force 2295 troops, 13 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 37
W Borneo Garrison Bn, 108 RN Base Force

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


China: Japanese night air raid (city attack) on Kwaiyang - 1 manpower hit. Ground combat continues at Sian and near Honan. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22034 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 905
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20839 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 680
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 142090 troops, 533 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 2652
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 81002 troops, 403 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2355
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
91 casualties reported

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/27/42

Central Pacific: Japanese minesweeping operations observed at Kwajalein.

Australia/NZ: Allied ships carrying fuel supply now arriving at or approaching various ports in Australia and NZ from both India and the U.S. - ten ships (sailing individually without escort) carrying a total of 90-100K fuel points. Other ships carrying supply points and oil are also enroute to Australia/NZ or preparing for departure. Although Allied communications at this time with Australia and NZ is basically blockade running, this will be carried out to the maximum extent possible. Bad weather conditions and Jap carriers being elsewhere has certainly helped out the cause.

Fuel point stocks in the ANZAC area should be fairly good for remaining Allied shipping and naval forces - especially given that most of the excess shipping and auxiliary capacity (much of it evacuees from the Philippines and DEI) in ANZAC ports is already departed for India or the U.S. Many of the ships leaving Australia or NZ ports (including some large AP's and AK's) already reached U.S. or Indian waters safely - many others well on their way.

Japanese naval and air bombardment of Darwin continues - AAR's follow. Also light Jap air bombing at Coen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Michishio
DD Tokitsukaze
CL Kitakami
CA Nachi
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-48-I Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-I Lily: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 6000 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 21000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Australian Division, at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G5N Liz x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet

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

Ground combat (Jap bombardment attack) reported between Japanese and Australian forces west of Katherine.


DEI: Japanese landing additional ground troops to reinforce Kure 2 SNLF already landed at Pontianek.


China: Ground combat continues at Sian and near Honan. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32 (SW of Honan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22045 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 906
13th Infantry Division, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades
Defending force 20753 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 674
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 143127 troops, 541 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 2702
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st, 59th & 110th Infantry Divisions, 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brigade, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 80972 troops, 406 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2361
3rd, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 33rd, 61st, 80th & 90th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
92 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

[wneumann]

Also from 5/27/42:

HQ South Pacific arrived in Panama City aboard a four-ship convoy that left Auckland for the U.S. in early May. South Pacific HQ will continue from Panama City to the U.S. West Coast, and re-deployed from there.

The decision to move South Pacific HQ from Auckland to the Eastern Pacific was influenced by two major factors.

1) Japanese capture of Canton Is, Pago Pago, and Suva cutting the primary sea communications route between the U.S and Australia/NZ.

2) The remaining sea route available (via Panama City and the channels) being very long and highly vulnerable to interdiction by Japanese forces (particularly the KB).


It became apparent that it was easier (and safer) to move HQ South Pacific closer to its reinforcements arriving on the U.S. West Coast than it was to attempt moving South Pacific HQ's reinforcements (along with the supply points, etc needed for them to operate) via Panama City to Australia/NZ.

Several options are opened up with HQ South Pacific becoming available on the U.S. "main front".

1) A short term (remainder of 1942 into early '43) use for HQ South Pacific would be to locate it at one of the bases on the U.S. West Coast to accelerate ship repair/upgrade capability. This use of South Pacific HQ would be temporary until such time as offensive operations against the Japanese commence from the U.S.

2) HQ South Pacific would control forces along the southern flank of the Central Pacific command area (see map).

3) Another possible option is combining HQ's South and Central Pacific in a manner similar to that historically done with U.S. Third & Fifth Fleet HQ's in the late war ('44-45). This would entail using one HQ (either South or Central Pacific) to control an operation (or operations) currently in progress, the other HQ being engaged in planning for the next operation or set of operations.