September 8, 1943
A quick synopsis of the 6th thru the 8th:
Starting in the East, it’s Burma too look at first. 3 Japanese units advanced on the Burma Field Force that was screening Moulmein on the Tavoy road. It has been ordered to retire to Moulmein immediately. Naval and air assets hit Tavoy for light losses; Raehang is still just a holding action.
I may have forgotten to mention that about a week ago, the 50th Indian Paras landed on Luang Prabang, which was ungarrisoned. In the interim, the whole brigade has been landed, along with most of a Chindit Brigade and a Chinese Division. The personnel from an EAB has been landed also. As future units arrive, they will press south to stretch the IJA defenses in Indochina.
09/06/43
Naval bombardment of Tavoy, at 28,37
Allied Ships
DD Isaac Sweers
DD Vendetta
DD Vampire
CL Dauntless
CA Hawkins
BB Prince of Wales
Japanese ground losses:
235 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3
Port supply hits 6
=============================================
09/06/43
Day Air attack on 31st Division, at 28,37
Vengeance I: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
120 miles south of Hanoi, a Chinese Corps has pushed a IJNLF down the road away from the capital.
Over Canton, between a P40 sweep and a squadron sized raid of B25’s, escorted by other P40’s, 16 Tony’s were claimed to 2 friendly losses, both P40’s.
3 Betties try to sneak into Thursday Island to attack shipping there; they are shot down miles from the harbor by some of the 80 planes that were on patrol that day. The reason for the large number of fighters was partially due to the few offensive strikes that day.
2 AP’s are left in a sinking condition at Lae by 2 air strikes, one of which was from Australia.
Over the 6th and 7th, over 100+ Liberators in total strike the Gili AF for a total of over 80 runway hits.
Over 3 days, over 150 bomber sorties are flown from Luganville and Rennell versus the wharfs at Lunga. At last report, the damage there is approaching over 60%. Also, about 3-4 barges were sunk or heavily damaged by a combination of P39’s and PT’s over this period.
Over in the Marshalls, Maloelap is the target for some small air strikes and a bombardment over the 3 day period for training.
Sub actions:
September 6th:
Pompano on a minelaying mission, torpedoes and sinks a ML in Surabaya.
Tullibee torpedoes a TK 120 west of Kagoshima; it is reported to have sunk 2 days later.
September 7th:
Shark missed an AK off Banjarmasin, and then avoids a large group of DD’s.
September 8th:
Shark, still off Banjarmasin, sights CV Soryu, fires a spread but misses as the carrier zigged out of the pattern.
Plunger, off Pontiniak, missed the CVE Unyo and Kaiyo in 2 separate engagements.
Finback, just south of Tokyo, intercepts the damaged CA Kumano. No apparent escorts; she is hit by 3 torpedoes and rapidly sinks, just in view of Tokyo Bay.
Operation JEHOVAH has been spotted; it is 300 miles south of Lunga, which is it’s destination. We will see what the IJN response is soon.
Allied Counter Offensive---June 1943---“Singapore before ‘44” in Feb '44 currently
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
Jap Carriers transiting Java Sea;Allied invasion groups spotted.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
Huge fight- Darwin; recap Sept-Oct '43
Ed. Note: Gah, it’s been far too long on my updates here. Dear reader(s) please forgive me, if you are still with me. Anytime you feel that an update is due, please feel free to bump this thread to knock me on the head and get it going again. Of course, something major has happened, prompting me to get back in the swing of things. I shall endeavor to catch everyone up the current situation on a area by area basis.
October 23, 1943
Except for a minor setback in the Northern Australian Defense Area (NADA), the war is proceeding pretty much the Allied way to date. The NADA situation shall be covered last, as it is the current “hotspot”.
Marshalls:
Originally, was planning to hit the Eniwetok Atoll one month after the fall of Kwajalein, but have not done so as of yet. I have been waiting for new construction carriers to support this operation, as the Fleet Carrier Force (FCF) is busy in the Southern Pacific area of operations. Two divisions (3rd Mar, and 33rd ID) will be fully ready for the landing planned for 3 weeks from this date. Additionally, the 2nd Marines will be ready to reinforce if necessary, but this is not anticipated. 24th and 25th ID’s are preparing for Ponape Atoll; the date for this has not been set as it is highly dependent on the Eniwetok operation and the availability of support from the main fleet, as this is mighty close to Truk Atoll for my taste.
Solomons:
Let’s see, the 1st MD and the Americal ID landed here around the middle of September; after a buildup of materiel and bombardments, they attacked continually for approximately one week, forcing the defenders inland. In the meantime, an RCT was landed at Tassaforanga as a blocking force, trapping the Lunga defenders in place. A fresh division, the 37th ID was landed; while the 1st MD and Americal were gradually shipped out. The 37th committed to the cleanup of Lunga on the 29th of September; the final battle took place on the 4th of October. That night, a Japanese naval force showed up in the roadstead (the Fleet Carriers had long departed, and most surface ships were away refitting):
10/04/43
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Hiei
DD Hayanami
DD Kisaragi
DD Tsuga, Shell hits 1
Allied Ships
PT PT-24
PT PT-27, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT PT-30
PT PT-48
=============================================
10/04/43
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Hiei
DD Hayanami
DD Kisaragi
DD Tsuga
Allied Ships
PT PT-281
PT PT-335
PT PT-340, Shell hits 2
PT PT-342
=============================================
10/04/43
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Hiei, Shell hits 6
DD Hayanami
DD Kisaragi
DD Tsuga
Allied Ships
PG Warrego, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PC Tiger, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
SC SC-646, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AK Henry S Grove
AK Sagadahoc
AK San Anselmo
AK Admiral Wiley, Shell hits 4, on fire
AK Shooting Star, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Harpoon
AK Timber Rush
=============================================
The light surface forces did their job; neither AK ended up sinking, though the Shooting Star is still beached in Lunga, she might be back in the war in ’45…
Lunga has just turned to a size 7 AF; there are significant light bomber, fighter and 4 squadrons of PBYJ’s working out of here now. The Privateers visit Rabaul every other 3rd day, weather permitting; currently, there is very little IJAAF opposition in the area.
Papua/New Guinea:
The more clever (or obtuse) among you might have surmised that Operation OLD FARTHING was targeted here….NEW GUINEA…OLD FARTHING…<I should shoot myself….>….
Anyhow, the timeline here was:
September 25th: Initial landings at Milne Bay, consisting the assault elements of the 32nd and 41st ID’s.
A few light landing craft and MSW’s were hit by coastal fire and one AP was severely mined; total losses were quite acceptable though. The prepatory air and naval bombardments (from B17/24’s from Australia, carrier air from the Fleet Carrier Force south of Milne Bay and 5 old BBs in two task forces) had suppressed the defenders fairly well. Almost 800 AV was in place the 1st day.
September 26th: landings continue; AV over 850, the Japanese merely bombard, as they don’t have enough strength to counterattack.
September 27th: the first attack goes in from the beachheads; with most of the Divisions in place and supporting armor and artillery ready, Gen. Eichelberger of I Corps is ready to attack.
09/27/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 37089 troops, 484 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 875
Defending force 19217 troops, 125 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 338
Allied max assault: 774 - adjusted assault: 1670
Japanese max defense: 233 - adjusted defense: 233
Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 9)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 8
Japanese ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Allied ground losses:
229 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Note the preparation of 100 on all attack units, the presence of the Corps HQ and SWPac in Cairns seems to help significantly; a base AV of 875 is lowered to a 774 max assault for disruption, etc. and then adjusted to 1670 for the additional factors listed above. The weak divisional equivalent the Japanese have in place is no match, even behind full fortifications.
September 28th:
09/28/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 38639 troops, 473 guns, 99 vehicles, Assault Value = 851
Defending force 19050 troops, 117 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 332
Allied max assault: 796 - adjusted assault: 2229
Japanese max defense: 252 - adjusted defense: 389
Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 8)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 7
Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
The grinding continues; some scattered Betty attacks come in, scoring single torpedo hits on a Aussie CL and an AK. The carriers had neglected to put up a proper cap over the beaches, as they were busy supporting bomb runs on the defenders.
September 30th:
Eichelberger feels that the situation calls for an all out effort. Strangely, circumstances don’t work out; this attack is not much stronger than the prior normal attack and doesn’t reduce the fortifications as predicted. Back to the planning at HQ I guess.
09/30/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 38504 troops, 467 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 825
Defending force 18723 troops, 107 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 319
Allied max assault: 1450 - adjusted assault: 2280
Japanese max defense: 258 - adjusted defense: 309
Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 7)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 6
Japanese ground losses:
296 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Allied ground losses:
423 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
October 1st:
Eichelberger had left for a conference at SWPac and forgot to change posture of the attack; another poor effort at all out attack again, with a low adjusted AV. The 8000 fresh troops indicated in the total are engineers landing in anticipation of the fall of the air complex.
10/01/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 46494 troops, 540 guns, 119 vehicles, Assault Value = 859
Defending force 18244 troops, 89 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5
Allied max assault: 1487 - adjusted assault: 1311
Japanese max defense: 232 - adjusted defense: 441
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 5)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 5
Japanese ground losses:
331 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
587 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
Vehicles lost 1
October 2nd:
The assaults finally crack the Jap position, splitting the defenders into pockets; their continued resistance is futile.
10/02/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 43115 troops, 480 guns, 112 vehicles, Assault Value = 798
Defending force 17825 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 299
Allied max assault: 880 - adjusted assault: 1264
Japanese max defense: 213 - adjusted defense: 241
Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 5)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
362 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 2
October 3rd:
The battle is over. A final deliberate attack pushes the defenders entirely out of the area and on the path to their bastion at Port Moresby.
10/03/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 37870 troops, 452 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 776
Defending force 17609 troops, 73 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 289
Allied max assault: 592 - adjusted assault: 1501
Japanese max defense: 221 - adjusted defense: 163
Allied assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Gili Gili base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Over the course of the next 3 weeks, the base has been repaired and expanded to level 5 AF/3 Port. Air units operating from here have been interdicting movement of troops from PM to Buna as they march overland. The assault divisions have been moved out to Australia, a garrison of 1st CavDiv has moved in.
When the campaign for Milne Bay seemed well in hand, the FCF decided to take a spin thru the Solomon Sea, visiting Rabaul and the Shortlands:
09/30/43
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 223
TBF Avenger x 139
TBM Avenger x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed
E7K2 Alf: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 10 destroyed
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed
Ki-57-II Topsy: 6 destroyed
L2D2 Tabby: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 12 damaged
TBF Avenger: 14 damaged
TBM Avenger: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Heito Maru, Bomb hits 1
Japanese ground losses:
599 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 113
Port hits 17
Port supply hits 2
10/01/43
Day Air attack on Shortlands , at 63,93
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35
F6F Hellcat x 66
SBD Dauntless x 123
TBF Avenger x 96
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 27 destroyed
Ki-57-II Topsy: 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 5 damaged
TBF Avenger: 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 10, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS I-7, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 57
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 4
These attacks allow the land based air from Lunga/Rennell and Milne Bay to have the run of the park for the rest of the month; they strike where and when they wish to date. IJ flak is about the only opposition for them for now, which is still quite heavy over the Shortlands.
Finally, as of today, Oct 22nd, the 6th ID has landed at Dobradura against no opposition.
Future plans for this area consist of more landings up the coastline, with the end result of cutting off the forces in the PM area from succor. They can wither there for the duration, passed up by the offensive; the airfield there is not needed for our purpose and attacking the large forces there would be an excersise in needlessness.
Burma:
The operation to split the defenders by attacking between Moulmein and Raehang was successful. The Japanese abandoned Moulmein under heavy Anglo air and naval attack, before the ground forces there could come to good grips with them. Meantime, heavy Jap reinforcements reached Raehang just as the Indian/Chinese attack went in, blunting it severely. The IJA then counterattacked, but the Allied troops held on to their positions, behind a rain of artillery shells and MG bullets.
09/29/43
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 167944 troops, 1524 guns, 733 vehicles, Assault Value = 3448
Defending force 63924 troops, 295 guns, 469 vehicles, Assault Value = 962
Japanese max assault: 3268 - adjusted assault: 1623
Allied max defense: 872 - adjusted defense: 2287
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
3087 casualties reported
Guns lost 184
Vehicles lost 23
Allied ground losses:
1203 casualties reported
Guns lost 23
Despite a vast preponderance of forces (almost 3-1 in troops, 5-1 in tubes and even 2-1 in tracks) the Indian and Chinese forces hold.
I think that several things contribute to this:
1. Again, almost total prep for the target on all ground units (can’t say for the IJA).
2. Presence of the Corps HQ prepped for town
3. Command HQ in range and prepped for Raehang (again, can’t say what the IJA have for 2 and 3)
4. The artillery and tanks present for the allies are generally superior and outrange their Jap counterparts; ergo, the attackers heavy gun and vehicle losses.
This was the last IJA attack here; to date, all that has been happening here is a siege.
About 1/3rd of the IJA forces have pulled out to reserve apparently, while the Allied forces hold in place rebuilding and awaiting fresh troops which are promised…..
Supplies in Rangoon are nearly 1,000,000; so I feel the tide will turn in the next month.
Allied air from Rangoon/Moulmein has been hitting Bangkok facilities; hopefully this will impair the flow of supplies to the front.
The last exchange of artillery yesterday:
10/22/43
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 85713 troops, 901 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 1783
Defending force 72300 troops, 434 guns, 472 vehicles, Assault Value = 1422
Allied ground losses:
202 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
=============================================
10/22/43
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 65771 troops, 426 guns, 472 vehicles, Assault Value = 1419
Defending force 99173 troops, 928 guns, 165 vehicles, Assault Value = 1783
Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
While the IJA seems to have the upper hand, the AV’s from prior days would indicate not; IJA AV is virtually stagnant, at 1783 up from 1747 on October 5th; while Allied AV is at 1422, up from 1054 on October 5th. Only part of that gain is represented by a fresh Chinese division that arrived recently; most of it is the fact that we gain about 10 AV a day in repaired units.
Also, on the coast, the Burma Corps is moving on Tavoy with 2 Indian Divisions and a tank brigade; contact with the IJA lines is imminent. Additional units are in reserve, preparing to reinforce as necessary.
The reason that this move on the coast was delayed so long was the presence of most of the Imperial Fleet off Malaya during the last week of September thru the first week of October. They were apparently there to support a reinforcing convoy of troops to Victoria Point. After some futile strikes with long range planes against the massed fleet, the bombers were instructed to stay in fighter range and protect the Rangoon/Moulmein area only. The IJN bombarded Andaman Island, but the losses were not severe. The Royal Navy held back covering Ceylon, as this was thought to be a possible target for a IJA/IJN attack. A small IJN force (1 CL and 5 DD) tried to bombard Trincomalee; 2 of the DD were riddled by coastal fire from the naval guns ashore, they were sunk the next day by air strikes from Columbo.
Vietnam:
It’s a standoff here; Chinese units stiffened with some Chindit commandos hold the North; IJA forces hold Hue to the south. One attempt was made by the IJA to advance on Hanoi; it was halted 60 miles SW of the city. With their communications threatened by a Chinese Corps from inland, they retreated back to Hue on the coastal road.
China:
Huge offensives up and down the line during this period. Initially, the IJA was trying for Changsha, but their initial attack went poorly:
09/25/43
Ground combat at Changsha
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 243950 troops, 2675 guns, 565 vehicles, Assault Value = 5068
Defending force 94948 troops, 477 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2230
Japanese max assault: 4856 - adjusted assault: 539
Allied max defense: 2423 - adjusted defense: 2185
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
7907 casualties reported
Guns lost 189
Vehicles lost 11
Allied ground losses:
2371 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Spare Chinese units then started working their flanks, almost cutting them off from Wuhan, but they were able to retreat there.
In the meantime, Chinese units moved on Hsyinyang from Ichang; Kaifeng from Homan; Chengting from Yenen Area and Canton from Wuchow.
All were able to invest the defenders, but at Hsyinyang and Kaifeng the IJA was in just sufficient force to prevent successful attacks; after some long periods of bombardment, the Chinese withdrew to their starting cities.
Chengting is still under siege, last reported AV was 3178 – 2955 in the Chinese favor, but with the withdrawal of the Kaifeng attack, is doubtful that we will have time to build up favorable prep time before the IJA gets reinforced.
However, in the south, the Canton offensive looks promising: the last AV report was 4911-2636 with one more Chinese corps ready to enter the battle soon. Additionally, the force is nearing all units having 50 prep, with ½ having 100 prep for Canton. Allied air in the area is plentiful and is starting ground strike runs to soften the target.
Taking this city would be a major coup for the Chinese. Also, forcing the defenders back into Hong Kong would severely hurt the IJA, as they would have to rely on seaborne supply to maintain them; thus, exposing shipping to LBA attacks unless they choose to fight for air control with the 14th and Chinese Air Forces, which number some 600 planes in China.
Sub warfare:
See my post in the War Room, covers pretty much the totals and such so far. Will try to keep a sub diary from now on and post some results as time goes by.
Northern Australia Defense Area (NADA):
Finally, to the current hotspot. I would sure recommend Herbies companion thread for a blow by blow account here, I am sure that he’s going over it. Let me give some background:
Darwin is pretty much the backwater area of the war for me. It and the other NADA cities are held by obsolete Australian and Dutch units with a smattering of medium bomber groups. During the last few months, as barges became available, I would build some in Darwin (ending up with around 40). They would help ferry troops to Temimbar Island which is being slowly built as a forward AF. In the future, they would be used to land troops in a possible offensive in the Timor area. Some AK and AP were being slowly assembled there also; a handful or so of each.
Now, other than the some 30 PT based in Darwin/Temimbar area, there were only 3 old Flushdeckers and one Australian DD for the defense of Darwin. Putting any significant ships in Darwin would just be asking for their demise in the face of a Jap offensive, as is what happened, as you will see.
First, my LB bombers sortie; we didn’t know at the time that what appears to be most of his fleet was there:
10/19/43
Day Air attack on TF at 34,80
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
A6M5 Zeke x 151
A6M3a Zero x 70
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 4
A-20G Havoc x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 6 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 3 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 4 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 3 destroyed
=============================================
10/19/43
Day Air attack on TF at 34,80
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
A6M5 Zeke x 151
A6M3a Zero x 69
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 27
P-40B Tomahawk x 54
A-20G Havoc x 60
B-25J Mitchell x 47
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 17 destroyed, 44 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 14 destroyed, 18 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 7 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 27 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 41 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 29 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 18 destroyed, 11 damaged
I was glad when the morale finally failed and the bombers came back. Then, the carriers struck at Darwin:
10/19/43
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 19
A6M5 Zeke x 171
A6M3a Zero x 64
B5N Kate x 142
B6N Jill x 42
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 10
Kittyhawk III x 4
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 2
P-40B Tomahawk x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 14 destroyed
B5N Kate: 11 destroyed, 50 damaged
B6N Jill: 3 destroyed, 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 10 destroyed
Kittyhawk III: 4 destroyed
Beaufighter Mk 21: 2 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 11 destroyed
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-362, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-172, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-376, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-478, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Steel, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-363, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-171, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-370, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cairns, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-180, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Latrobe, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-378, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-173, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-471, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-375, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-377, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-170, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Fuller, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-361, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-477, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK City of Manchester, Bomb hits 1
LCT LCT-365, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP W.A. Holbrook, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-178, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sudabar, Bomb hits 1
LCT LCT-474, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-177, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-176, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MLE Poelau Tello, Bomb hits 1
AK Gandara, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Vitorlock, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
The small cap there does what it can; but, mainly just a bunch of sunk barges….whee.
That night, a bombardment group of Mutsu and about 6-7 DD try to enter the bay. The 4 DD and 6 groups of 4 PT each oppose them. I won’t post the details; the summary is that 2 DD were sunk, one severely damaged (99/90), and 8 PT sunk on the Allied side. On the IJN, 4 DD were torpedoed by PT, 1 by DD torpedo and 1 “heavily damaged” by first DD and then PT gunfire alone. Mutsu and one DD remain, but do not bombard.
As day dawns, the first air strikes start coming in; with the losses in the prior day, the fighters only cover Darwin. Additionally, a P40E group that was on Temimbar comes to Darwin and a veteran P38-J group that was in SWPac reserve was now there. The first strike was from Lautem as I recall:
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 47
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 66
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 18
P-40B Tomahawk x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 48
P-38J Lightning x 60
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 34 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 55 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 6 damaged
The defending fighters outnumber the escort and maul them.
The Japanese carriers launch vs. the port, but mislay their escorts; it turns into the Darwin ‘Roo Shoot:
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 46
D4Y Judy x 157
B5N Kate x 132
B6N Jill x 30
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 12
P-40B Tomahawk x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 36
P-38J Lightning x 49
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 45 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 116 destroyed
B5N Kate: 116 destroyed
B6N Jill: 28 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 3 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 3 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
That’s right 300+ naval bombers downed; I almost threw up watching it myself, it was a train wreck.
Three unescorted Betty strikes come in next; a total of about 100 are downed for one hit on a LCT…..
Finally, the last strike is from his carriers again, this time with escort as they bomb what is left of the DD’s:
Day Air attack on TF, near Darwin at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 22
A6M5 Zeke x 79
D4Y Judy x 36
A6M3a Zero x 27
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 12
P-40B Tomahawk x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 35
P-38J Lightning x 49
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 11 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 38 destroyed, 3 damaged
D4Y Judy: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 20 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 12 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 10 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 27 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 17 destroyed, 8 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Lawrence
DD Warramunga, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Air to air is about even, as he bulls thru the defenders.
October 21st
That night, the PT groups reform and load and another surface action group comes in, in addition to Mutsu with her lone DD. When the smoke clears 2 PT’s and the DD Lawrence are sunk; while Mutsu’s lone DD is torpedoed and sunk by PT’s.
No bombardment again, and the surface group (Yubari and about 5-6 DD) is only 60 miles out at day break; they get strafed and bombed severely, with the CL and 2 DD severely hit.
The first strike of the day is telling, knocking aside the fighters and hitting some 30 ships in harbor, about 1/3 to ½ LCT’s:
A6M5 Zeke x 310
D4Y Judy x 72
A6M3a Zero x 67
B5N Kate x 80
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 10
P-38J Lightning x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 43 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y Judy: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 31 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 4 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 10 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 11 destroyed
After this 11 Betties come in with no CAP opposition and get 3 hits in the shipping:
October 22nd:
The PT’s regroup again, into 3 6 boat packs; ships again come into the bay; 3 Beuforts and 6 A20’s night attack; one Beaufort claims a torpedo hit on the MUSASHI, but she is not slowed.
3 PT are sunk for one torpedo hit on a DD; the force of 8 BB, 6 CA, and 9 DD enter the bay and bombard; under 10 planes lost and about 2400 casualties, neglible hits on the fields.
An airstrike similar to yesterdays, meets similar CAP and similar results:
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 23
A6M5 Zeke x 202
A6M3a Zero x 13
B5N Kate x 76
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
Spitfire Vb x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-38J Lightning x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 49 destroyed, 2 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 24 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 4 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 4 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 5 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 12 destroyed
This strike hits about 16 ships, then 14 Betties come in with the cap down and score 4 more, though on prior stricken ships.
All in all, I am not displeased. Yes, he has shown that he can do what he will in this area; but, I was aware that he could do this….didn’t think he would….but that’s why I didn’t commit significant combatant shipping here. It would have been dead….
I don’t know how long he wishes to take these losses to churn up some supply shipping, but I am content with the situation. I believe that his air losses will hurt him far more in the long run than my loss of some landing craft, support vessels, PT’s and 4 DD. The fragmentation of his port strike that one day was a backbreaker to future offensive carrier ops for quite some time, in my opinion. While I have lost quite a few planes, pilot losses are lower as we are mainly over our land; and, let’s face it, I have the reserves to deal with it.
You might ask where my fleet is; it’s mainly in Eastern Australian ports for repair and refit. Too far away to have much hope of intervention here and I have my own plans for it that are not going to be affected by his actions here. Timor and the rest of the DEI will just have to be pushed back another 3 months in the big picture or so.
October 23, 1943
Except for a minor setback in the Northern Australian Defense Area (NADA), the war is proceeding pretty much the Allied way to date. The NADA situation shall be covered last, as it is the current “hotspot”.
Marshalls:
Originally, was planning to hit the Eniwetok Atoll one month after the fall of Kwajalein, but have not done so as of yet. I have been waiting for new construction carriers to support this operation, as the Fleet Carrier Force (FCF) is busy in the Southern Pacific area of operations. Two divisions (3rd Mar, and 33rd ID) will be fully ready for the landing planned for 3 weeks from this date. Additionally, the 2nd Marines will be ready to reinforce if necessary, but this is not anticipated. 24th and 25th ID’s are preparing for Ponape Atoll; the date for this has not been set as it is highly dependent on the Eniwetok operation and the availability of support from the main fleet, as this is mighty close to Truk Atoll for my taste.
Solomons:
Let’s see, the 1st MD and the Americal ID landed here around the middle of September; after a buildup of materiel and bombardments, they attacked continually for approximately one week, forcing the defenders inland. In the meantime, an RCT was landed at Tassaforanga as a blocking force, trapping the Lunga defenders in place. A fresh division, the 37th ID was landed; while the 1st MD and Americal were gradually shipped out. The 37th committed to the cleanup of Lunga on the 29th of September; the final battle took place on the 4th of October. That night, a Japanese naval force showed up in the roadstead (the Fleet Carriers had long departed, and most surface ships were away refitting):
10/04/43
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Hiei
DD Hayanami
DD Kisaragi
DD Tsuga, Shell hits 1
Allied Ships
PT PT-24
PT PT-27, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT PT-30
PT PT-48
=============================================
10/04/43
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Hiei
DD Hayanami
DD Kisaragi
DD Tsuga
Allied Ships
PT PT-281
PT PT-335
PT PT-340, Shell hits 2
PT PT-342
=============================================
10/04/43
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Hiei, Shell hits 6
DD Hayanami
DD Kisaragi
DD Tsuga
Allied Ships
PG Warrego, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PC Tiger, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
SC SC-646, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AK Henry S Grove
AK Sagadahoc
AK San Anselmo
AK Admiral Wiley, Shell hits 4, on fire
AK Shooting Star, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Harpoon
AK Timber Rush
=============================================
The light surface forces did their job; neither AK ended up sinking, though the Shooting Star is still beached in Lunga, she might be back in the war in ’45…
Lunga has just turned to a size 7 AF; there are significant light bomber, fighter and 4 squadrons of PBYJ’s working out of here now. The Privateers visit Rabaul every other 3rd day, weather permitting; currently, there is very little IJAAF opposition in the area.
Papua/New Guinea:
The more clever (or obtuse) among you might have surmised that Operation OLD FARTHING was targeted here….NEW GUINEA…OLD FARTHING…<I should shoot myself….>….
Anyhow, the timeline here was:
September 25th: Initial landings at Milne Bay, consisting the assault elements of the 32nd and 41st ID’s.
A few light landing craft and MSW’s were hit by coastal fire and one AP was severely mined; total losses were quite acceptable though. The prepatory air and naval bombardments (from B17/24’s from Australia, carrier air from the Fleet Carrier Force south of Milne Bay and 5 old BBs in two task forces) had suppressed the defenders fairly well. Almost 800 AV was in place the 1st day.
September 26th: landings continue; AV over 850, the Japanese merely bombard, as they don’t have enough strength to counterattack.
September 27th: the first attack goes in from the beachheads; with most of the Divisions in place and supporting armor and artillery ready, Gen. Eichelberger of I Corps is ready to attack.
09/27/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 37089 troops, 484 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 875
Defending force 19217 troops, 125 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 338
Allied max assault: 774 - adjusted assault: 1670
Japanese max defense: 233 - adjusted defense: 233
Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 9)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 8
Japanese ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Allied ground losses:
229 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Note the preparation of 100 on all attack units, the presence of the Corps HQ and SWPac in Cairns seems to help significantly; a base AV of 875 is lowered to a 774 max assault for disruption, etc. and then adjusted to 1670 for the additional factors listed above. The weak divisional equivalent the Japanese have in place is no match, even behind full fortifications.
September 28th:
09/28/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 38639 troops, 473 guns, 99 vehicles, Assault Value = 851
Defending force 19050 troops, 117 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 332
Allied max assault: 796 - adjusted assault: 2229
Japanese max defense: 252 - adjusted defense: 389
Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 8)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 7
Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
The grinding continues; some scattered Betty attacks come in, scoring single torpedo hits on a Aussie CL and an AK. The carriers had neglected to put up a proper cap over the beaches, as they were busy supporting bomb runs on the defenders.
September 30th:
Eichelberger feels that the situation calls for an all out effort. Strangely, circumstances don’t work out; this attack is not much stronger than the prior normal attack and doesn’t reduce the fortifications as predicted. Back to the planning at HQ I guess.
09/30/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 38504 troops, 467 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 825
Defending force 18723 troops, 107 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 319
Allied max assault: 1450 - adjusted assault: 2280
Japanese max defense: 258 - adjusted defense: 309
Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 7)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 6
Japanese ground losses:
296 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Allied ground losses:
423 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
October 1st:
Eichelberger had left for a conference at SWPac and forgot to change posture of the attack; another poor effort at all out attack again, with a low adjusted AV. The 8000 fresh troops indicated in the total are engineers landing in anticipation of the fall of the air complex.
10/01/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 46494 troops, 540 guns, 119 vehicles, Assault Value = 859
Defending force 18244 troops, 89 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5
Allied max assault: 1487 - adjusted assault: 1311
Japanese max defense: 232 - adjusted defense: 441
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 5)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 5
Japanese ground losses:
331 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
587 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
Vehicles lost 1
October 2nd:
The assaults finally crack the Jap position, splitting the defenders into pockets; their continued resistance is futile.
10/02/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 43115 troops, 480 guns, 112 vehicles, Assault Value = 798
Defending force 17825 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 299
Allied max assault: 880 - adjusted assault: 1264
Japanese max defense: 213 - adjusted defense: 241
Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 5)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
362 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 2
October 3rd:
The battle is over. A final deliberate attack pushes the defenders entirely out of the area and on the path to their bastion at Port Moresby.
10/03/43
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 37870 troops, 452 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 776
Defending force 17609 troops, 73 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 289
Allied max assault: 592 - adjusted assault: 1501
Japanese max defense: 221 - adjusted defense: 163
Allied assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Gili Gili base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Allied ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Over the course of the next 3 weeks, the base has been repaired and expanded to level 5 AF/3 Port. Air units operating from here have been interdicting movement of troops from PM to Buna as they march overland. The assault divisions have been moved out to Australia, a garrison of 1st CavDiv has moved in.
When the campaign for Milne Bay seemed well in hand, the FCF decided to take a spin thru the Solomon Sea, visiting Rabaul and the Shortlands:
09/30/43
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 223
TBF Avenger x 139
TBM Avenger x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed
E7K2 Alf: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 10 destroyed
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed
Ki-57-II Topsy: 6 destroyed
L2D2 Tabby: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 12 damaged
TBF Avenger: 14 damaged
TBM Avenger: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Heito Maru, Bomb hits 1
Japanese ground losses:
599 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 113
Port hits 17
Port supply hits 2
10/01/43
Day Air attack on Shortlands , at 63,93
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35
F6F Hellcat x 66
SBD Dauntless x 123
TBF Avenger x 96
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 27 destroyed
Ki-57-II Topsy: 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 5 damaged
TBF Avenger: 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 10, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS I-7, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 57
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 4
These attacks allow the land based air from Lunga/Rennell and Milne Bay to have the run of the park for the rest of the month; they strike where and when they wish to date. IJ flak is about the only opposition for them for now, which is still quite heavy over the Shortlands.
Finally, as of today, Oct 22nd, the 6th ID has landed at Dobradura against no opposition.
Future plans for this area consist of more landings up the coastline, with the end result of cutting off the forces in the PM area from succor. They can wither there for the duration, passed up by the offensive; the airfield there is not needed for our purpose and attacking the large forces there would be an excersise in needlessness.
Burma:
The operation to split the defenders by attacking between Moulmein and Raehang was successful. The Japanese abandoned Moulmein under heavy Anglo air and naval attack, before the ground forces there could come to good grips with them. Meantime, heavy Jap reinforcements reached Raehang just as the Indian/Chinese attack went in, blunting it severely. The IJA then counterattacked, but the Allied troops held on to their positions, behind a rain of artillery shells and MG bullets.
09/29/43
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 167944 troops, 1524 guns, 733 vehicles, Assault Value = 3448
Defending force 63924 troops, 295 guns, 469 vehicles, Assault Value = 962
Japanese max assault: 3268 - adjusted assault: 1623
Allied max defense: 872 - adjusted defense: 2287
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
3087 casualties reported
Guns lost 184
Vehicles lost 23
Allied ground losses:
1203 casualties reported
Guns lost 23
Despite a vast preponderance of forces (almost 3-1 in troops, 5-1 in tubes and even 2-1 in tracks) the Indian and Chinese forces hold.
I think that several things contribute to this:
1. Again, almost total prep for the target on all ground units (can’t say for the IJA).
2. Presence of the Corps HQ prepped for town
3. Command HQ in range and prepped for Raehang (again, can’t say what the IJA have for 2 and 3)
4. The artillery and tanks present for the allies are generally superior and outrange their Jap counterparts; ergo, the attackers heavy gun and vehicle losses.
This was the last IJA attack here; to date, all that has been happening here is a siege.
About 1/3rd of the IJA forces have pulled out to reserve apparently, while the Allied forces hold in place rebuilding and awaiting fresh troops which are promised…..
Supplies in Rangoon are nearly 1,000,000; so I feel the tide will turn in the next month.
Allied air from Rangoon/Moulmein has been hitting Bangkok facilities; hopefully this will impair the flow of supplies to the front.
The last exchange of artillery yesterday:
10/22/43
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 85713 troops, 901 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 1783
Defending force 72300 troops, 434 guns, 472 vehicles, Assault Value = 1422
Allied ground losses:
202 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
=============================================
10/22/43
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 65771 troops, 426 guns, 472 vehicles, Assault Value = 1419
Defending force 99173 troops, 928 guns, 165 vehicles, Assault Value = 1783
Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
While the IJA seems to have the upper hand, the AV’s from prior days would indicate not; IJA AV is virtually stagnant, at 1783 up from 1747 on October 5th; while Allied AV is at 1422, up from 1054 on October 5th. Only part of that gain is represented by a fresh Chinese division that arrived recently; most of it is the fact that we gain about 10 AV a day in repaired units.
Also, on the coast, the Burma Corps is moving on Tavoy with 2 Indian Divisions and a tank brigade; contact with the IJA lines is imminent. Additional units are in reserve, preparing to reinforce as necessary.
The reason that this move on the coast was delayed so long was the presence of most of the Imperial Fleet off Malaya during the last week of September thru the first week of October. They were apparently there to support a reinforcing convoy of troops to Victoria Point. After some futile strikes with long range planes against the massed fleet, the bombers were instructed to stay in fighter range and protect the Rangoon/Moulmein area only. The IJN bombarded Andaman Island, but the losses were not severe. The Royal Navy held back covering Ceylon, as this was thought to be a possible target for a IJA/IJN attack. A small IJN force (1 CL and 5 DD) tried to bombard Trincomalee; 2 of the DD were riddled by coastal fire from the naval guns ashore, they were sunk the next day by air strikes from Columbo.
Vietnam:
It’s a standoff here; Chinese units stiffened with some Chindit commandos hold the North; IJA forces hold Hue to the south. One attempt was made by the IJA to advance on Hanoi; it was halted 60 miles SW of the city. With their communications threatened by a Chinese Corps from inland, they retreated back to Hue on the coastal road.
China:
Huge offensives up and down the line during this period. Initially, the IJA was trying for Changsha, but their initial attack went poorly:
09/25/43
Ground combat at Changsha
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 243950 troops, 2675 guns, 565 vehicles, Assault Value = 5068
Defending force 94948 troops, 477 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2230
Japanese max assault: 4856 - adjusted assault: 539
Allied max defense: 2423 - adjusted defense: 2185
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
7907 casualties reported
Guns lost 189
Vehicles lost 11
Allied ground losses:
2371 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Spare Chinese units then started working their flanks, almost cutting them off from Wuhan, but they were able to retreat there.
In the meantime, Chinese units moved on Hsyinyang from Ichang; Kaifeng from Homan; Chengting from Yenen Area and Canton from Wuchow.
All were able to invest the defenders, but at Hsyinyang and Kaifeng the IJA was in just sufficient force to prevent successful attacks; after some long periods of bombardment, the Chinese withdrew to their starting cities.
Chengting is still under siege, last reported AV was 3178 – 2955 in the Chinese favor, but with the withdrawal of the Kaifeng attack, is doubtful that we will have time to build up favorable prep time before the IJA gets reinforced.
However, in the south, the Canton offensive looks promising: the last AV report was 4911-2636 with one more Chinese corps ready to enter the battle soon. Additionally, the force is nearing all units having 50 prep, with ½ having 100 prep for Canton. Allied air in the area is plentiful and is starting ground strike runs to soften the target.
Taking this city would be a major coup for the Chinese. Also, forcing the defenders back into Hong Kong would severely hurt the IJA, as they would have to rely on seaborne supply to maintain them; thus, exposing shipping to LBA attacks unless they choose to fight for air control with the 14th and Chinese Air Forces, which number some 600 planes in China.
Sub warfare:
See my post in the War Room, covers pretty much the totals and such so far. Will try to keep a sub diary from now on and post some results as time goes by.
Northern Australia Defense Area (NADA):
Finally, to the current hotspot. I would sure recommend Herbies companion thread for a blow by blow account here, I am sure that he’s going over it. Let me give some background:
Darwin is pretty much the backwater area of the war for me. It and the other NADA cities are held by obsolete Australian and Dutch units with a smattering of medium bomber groups. During the last few months, as barges became available, I would build some in Darwin (ending up with around 40). They would help ferry troops to Temimbar Island which is being slowly built as a forward AF. In the future, they would be used to land troops in a possible offensive in the Timor area. Some AK and AP were being slowly assembled there also; a handful or so of each.
Now, other than the some 30 PT based in Darwin/Temimbar area, there were only 3 old Flushdeckers and one Australian DD for the defense of Darwin. Putting any significant ships in Darwin would just be asking for their demise in the face of a Jap offensive, as is what happened, as you will see.
First, my LB bombers sortie; we didn’t know at the time that what appears to be most of his fleet was there:
10/19/43
Day Air attack on TF at 34,80
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
A6M5 Zeke x 151
A6M3a Zero x 70
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 4
A-20G Havoc x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 6 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 3 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 4 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 3 destroyed
=============================================
10/19/43
Day Air attack on TF at 34,80
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
A6M5 Zeke x 151
A6M3a Zero x 69
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 27
P-40B Tomahawk x 54
A-20G Havoc x 60
B-25J Mitchell x 47
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 17 destroyed, 44 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 14 destroyed, 18 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 7 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 27 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 41 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 29 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 18 destroyed, 11 damaged
I was glad when the morale finally failed and the bombers came back. Then, the carriers struck at Darwin:
10/19/43
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 19
A6M5 Zeke x 171
A6M3a Zero x 64
B5N Kate x 142
B6N Jill x 42
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 10
Kittyhawk III x 4
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 2
P-40B Tomahawk x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 14 destroyed
B5N Kate: 11 destroyed, 50 damaged
B6N Jill: 3 destroyed, 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 10 destroyed
Kittyhawk III: 4 destroyed
Beaufighter Mk 21: 2 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 11 destroyed
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-362, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-172, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-376, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-478, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Steel, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-363, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-171, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-370, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cairns, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-180, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Latrobe, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-378, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-173, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-471, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-375, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-377, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-170, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Fuller, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-361, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-477, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK City of Manchester, Bomb hits 1
LCT LCT-365, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP W.A. Holbrook, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-178, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sudabar, Bomb hits 1
LCT LCT-474, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-177, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-176, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MLE Poelau Tello, Bomb hits 1
AK Gandara, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Vitorlock, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
The small cap there does what it can; but, mainly just a bunch of sunk barges….whee.
That night, a bombardment group of Mutsu and about 6-7 DD try to enter the bay. The 4 DD and 6 groups of 4 PT each oppose them. I won’t post the details; the summary is that 2 DD were sunk, one severely damaged (99/90), and 8 PT sunk on the Allied side. On the IJN, 4 DD were torpedoed by PT, 1 by DD torpedo and 1 “heavily damaged” by first DD and then PT gunfire alone. Mutsu and one DD remain, but do not bombard.
As day dawns, the first air strikes start coming in; with the losses in the prior day, the fighters only cover Darwin. Additionally, a P40E group that was on Temimbar comes to Darwin and a veteran P38-J group that was in SWPac reserve was now there. The first strike was from Lautem as I recall:
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 47
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 66
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 18
P-40B Tomahawk x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 48
P-38J Lightning x 60
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 34 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 55 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 6 damaged
The defending fighters outnumber the escort and maul them.
The Japanese carriers launch vs. the port, but mislay their escorts; it turns into the Darwin ‘Roo Shoot:
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 46
D4Y Judy x 157
B5N Kate x 132
B6N Jill x 30
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 12
P-40B Tomahawk x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 36
P-38J Lightning x 49
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 45 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 116 destroyed
B5N Kate: 116 destroyed
B6N Jill: 28 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 3 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 3 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
That’s right 300+ naval bombers downed; I almost threw up watching it myself, it was a train wreck.
Three unescorted Betty strikes come in next; a total of about 100 are downed for one hit on a LCT…..
Finally, the last strike is from his carriers again, this time with escort as they bomb what is left of the DD’s:
Day Air attack on TF, near Darwin at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 22
A6M5 Zeke x 79
D4Y Judy x 36
A6M3a Zero x 27
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 12
P-40B Tomahawk x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 35
P-38J Lightning x 49
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 11 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 38 destroyed, 3 damaged
D4Y Judy: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 20 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 12 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 10 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 27 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 17 destroyed, 8 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Lawrence
DD Warramunga, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Air to air is about even, as he bulls thru the defenders.
October 21st
That night, the PT groups reform and load and another surface action group comes in, in addition to Mutsu with her lone DD. When the smoke clears 2 PT’s and the DD Lawrence are sunk; while Mutsu’s lone DD is torpedoed and sunk by PT’s.
No bombardment again, and the surface group (Yubari and about 5-6 DD) is only 60 miles out at day break; they get strafed and bombed severely, with the CL and 2 DD severely hit.
The first strike of the day is telling, knocking aside the fighters and hitting some 30 ships in harbor, about 1/3 to ½ LCT’s:
A6M5 Zeke x 310
D4Y Judy x 72
A6M3a Zero x 67
B5N Kate x 80
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 10
P-38J Lightning x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 43 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y Judy: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 31 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 4 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 10 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 11 destroyed
After this 11 Betties come in with no CAP opposition and get 3 hits in the shipping:
October 22nd:
The PT’s regroup again, into 3 6 boat packs; ships again come into the bay; 3 Beuforts and 6 A20’s night attack; one Beaufort claims a torpedo hit on the MUSASHI, but she is not slowed.
3 PT are sunk for one torpedo hit on a DD; the force of 8 BB, 6 CA, and 9 DD enter the bay and bombard; under 10 planes lost and about 2400 casualties, neglible hits on the fields.
An airstrike similar to yesterdays, meets similar CAP and similar results:
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 23
A6M5 Zeke x 202
A6M3a Zero x 13
B5N Kate x 76
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
Spitfire Vb x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-38J Lightning x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 49 destroyed, 2 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 24 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 4 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 4 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 5 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 12 destroyed
This strike hits about 16 ships, then 14 Betties come in with the cap down and score 4 more, though on prior stricken ships.
All in all, I am not displeased. Yes, he has shown that he can do what he will in this area; but, I was aware that he could do this….didn’t think he would….but that’s why I didn’t commit significant combatant shipping here. It would have been dead….
I don’t know how long he wishes to take these losses to churn up some supply shipping, but I am content with the situation. I believe that his air losses will hurt him far more in the long run than my loss of some landing craft, support vessels, PT’s and 4 DD. The fragmentation of his port strike that one day was a backbreaker to future offensive carrier ops for quite some time, in my opinion. While I have lost quite a few planes, pilot losses are lower as we are mainly over our land; and, let’s face it, I have the reserves to deal with it.
You might ask where my fleet is; it’s mainly in Eastern Australian ports for repair and refit. Too far away to have much hope of intervention here and I have my own plans for it that are not going to be affected by his actions here. Timor and the rest of the DEI will just have to be pushed back another 3 months in the big picture or so.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
Early '44; Canton China and Rabaul Fall
February 4, 1944
This war continues to grind on, with the Allied forces making significant gains over the last 5 months of fighting; while there haven’t been any huge fights, as both sides are content to avoid large entanglements for the moment.
Burma-Thailand:
After Moulmein, the Japanese retired to Tavoy, with the Anglo-Indian army following them; there was prolonged fighting there, but the Japanese evidently were feeling a bit constrained by something, perhaps a lack of supply, as they withdrew in January to the south. The British pursued cautiously, fearing a counterstroke against their lead elements.
The Japanese army split, with approximately even numbers falling back to Songkhia and Bangkok respectively.
Meanwhile, in Raehang, the Japanese endeavored to counterattack using reinforcements that arrived from Bangkok; this attack failed, partially due to an Indian Division that arrived in the proverbial nick of time (as in the day of the attack).
01/13/44
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 176377 troops, 1923 guns, 755 vehicles, Assault Value = 3986
Defending force 86761 troops, 555 guns, 465 vehicles, Assault Value = 1830
Japanese max assault: 5890 - adjusted assault: 2592
Allied max defense: 1884 - adjusted defense: 4525
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
9708 casualties reported
Guns lost 303
Vehicles lost 45
Allied ground losses:
1106 casualties reported
Guns lost 40
Following this failed attack, the Japanese units beat a retreat to Krung Thep, just outsided Bangkok. Allied paratroopers endeavored to cut them off, but were rudely met by a couple of Japanese Divisions upon landing. The Indian paras are now rebuilding back in Rangoon…..
01/15/44
Ground combat at Krung Thep
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 2700 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 84
Defending force 61611 troops, 566 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 1319
Allied max assault: 72 - adjusted assault: 0
Japanese max defense: 802 - adjusted defense: 1853
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Allied ground losses:
323 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
So, at this time, the Japanese hold Songkhia on the Malay Peninsula, Bangkok and Krung Thep. The Anglo-Indian forces are currently content to hold in place for now; taking on replacements, airfield building at Tavoy and Victoria Point and waiting for some new divisions to reach the theater.
A few days ago, Chinese forces from Tonkin crossed the Mekong River and are pressing on the northern Thai town of Pisanuloke; Japanese reinforcements heading north from Bangkok suffer some ground strikes from Mossie FB’s; it appears to be a infantry Brigade and a Tank Regiment that are heading that way.
01/30/44
Ground combat at 33,37
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 46529 troops, 287 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1308
Defending force 3568 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54
Allied max assault: 1178 - adjusted assault: 953
Japanese max defense: 47 - adjusted defense: 7
Allied assault odds: 136 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
313 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Allied ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
China:
The IJ tried to relieve the siege of Canton by landing at Pakhoi and dropping paras between Wuchow and Canton. They were driven off by reserve Chinese units that had been resting from the Canton siege. Upon the failure of this counter move, the Japanese evidently felt exposed in Canton and withdrew in to Hong Kong defenses.
In Central China, the Nationalists have moved into the outskirts of Wuhan, Nanchang and Hsyinyang. The Japanese have yet to counterattack them, so it is presumed that they are in some difficulty regarding their supplies. For now, the Chinese are content to merely engage them in place, as they don’t feel that they are strong enough at the moment to eject the IJA from these locations.
North China lines remain at Chengting and outside of Tatung. There is sporadic fighting in the Tatung area, where neither side seems to have the superiority of #’s to win an offensive.
North Pacific:
Aleutian Islands are fully built up and garrisoned. First airstrike launched on Parashimo Jima from Attu by B24’s. Mainly just a “knock on the door”; there are some thoughts of a future move on the northern Kuriles, but not in a serious manner for now.
Central Pacific:
Well, over this time, CenPac has taken Eniwetok, Kusaie and Ponape. The last resistance on Ponape has been reduced on the 31st of January. During this time, the Fleet Carriers struck at Truk before the initial landings at Ponape, rendering the AF useless while the landings were underway. It had been rumored that the IJN would show up for any Ponape landing, but this did not come into being
Solomons:
During the last 4 months, Munda, Torokina and Green Island have fallen to the SouthPac forces. AF there have all been built up; Rabaul, Shortlands, Kaveing and Admiralty Islands are struck by bombers almost daily. It appears that there isn’t much defending Rabaul, so I Amph Corps is embarking at the time of this writing for that destination. 3 Divisions are slated for this effort; capture of this location will provide a valuable anchorage and AF complex for future operations.
New Guinea:
Since the last report in October, the SWPac forces moved on Buna and Lae, taking both relatively easily. This isolated Port Moresby from the rest of the Japanese positions on New Guinea. Moresby was then subjected to severe bombing attacks, rendering it virtually uninhabitable to the IJA; who then tried to march over the Owen Stanleys toward Buna. After detecting this, these forces were bombed on the road mercilessly; when they arrived in Buna, a relatively small force was able to counterattack them and push them into the jungle NW of Buna. In the meantime, an Australian Division landed at PM and took it, pushing those defenders up the trail toward Salamaua. Brigade size garrisons are in position, which should be sufficient to hold these bases versus these remnant units that the IJA has in the bush.
Two Divisions, the 32nd and 41st landed at Madang on January 17, 1944; they expected to face a IJ base force, instead they found the remnants of the Imperial Guard Division there. This division had been one of two that had gone “missing” from the IJA roster in 1942, which resulted in the treaty of Blacktown; which designated two American divisions (7th & 40th) to be frozen and not deployed to the Pacific War. The following shows the progress versus this unit, which the IJA cannot contact or move:
Initial attack by 1 division 1 day after landings:
01/17/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 31474 troops, 373 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 887
Defending force 25237 troops, 259 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 37
Allied max assault: 376 - adjusted assault: 111
Japanese max defense: 358 - adjusted defense: 1179
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Allied ground losses:
248 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
A bombardment attack the next day; note that the AV only reflects the base unit there:
01/18/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 17556 troops, 236 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 877
Defending force 25129 troops, 256 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36
Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
3 days later, and the situation is not improving; thought is given to just pulling out and giving up. Air attacks do not apparently affect the ghost; when they target it, the flight path shows planes flying from NG to Rangoon, where the IG Division was when it “disappeared”….
01/21/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 39660 troops, 423 guns, 240 vehicles, Assault Value = 898
Defending force 24888 troops, 249 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 32
Allied max assault: 818 - adjusted assault: 879
Japanese max defense: 301 - adjusted defense: 2465
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
235 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 2
Air forces are re-targeted against the AF at Madang in an attempt to reduce overall supply in area as the only possible way to reduce the defenders. Over a week of this seems to have some effect, that and the time allows the attackers to mend their damages:
02/01/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 42843 troops, 480 guns, 255 vehicles, Assault Value = 943
Defending force 24454 troops, 244 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 8
Allied max assault: 954 - adjusted assault: 2455
Japanese max defense: 242 - adjusted defense: 2285
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 8)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 8
Japanese ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Allied ground losses:
232 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 1
The continuation of the assault shows even more gains; it appears that we have the upper hand on this situation. But, the assault shows some weariness and the infantry require some time to catch their breath until the next attacks.
02/02/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 41066 troops, 445 guns, 256 vehicles, Assault Value = 922
Defending force 24002 troops, 230 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 7
Allied max assault: 912 - adjusted assault: 1744
Japanese max defense: 213 - adjusted defense: 1083
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 7)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 7
Japanese ground losses:
203 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
92 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 4
The next target for SWPac are the Admiralties; after they are taken, SouPac will assume operational control of the NG operations and all SWPac forces, land and air will move to the next theater; Southern DEI.
Southern DEI:
On January 25, the Australians detected that Japanese units were moving out of Lautem, Timor. Acting on the belief that the Japanese were retiring, the Darwin Defense Brigade was mobilized and landed there on that date, via LCT’s.
This was an error; the Japanese were merely adjusting their dispositions and within 2 days, a bombardment force including 2 BB hit the base. Additionally, air strikes from various bases hit the defenders; though, with a large cost to the attackers. Several more bombardments occurred over the next 2 week, with continuous air combat; landings were made early in February. The Japanese carriers were in the area, providing cover for this; the American carriers were still off supporting operations in the Solomons.
The end result was that before the American Fleet could come up to assist, the Japanese were able to overwhelm the defenders and take Lautem on the 7th of February. The Darwin Brigade was captured in it’s entirety. Even with this loss, the campaign was viewed as not a total loss; the Japanese lost an inordinate amount of planes, lost more merchants, light craft and some DD’s and one of the American subs, BANG, was able to hit HIRYU with one torpedo as it moved past Menado, Celebes after the battle.
OVERALL SITUATION:
Will follow with a overall map to illustrate later; but, in the meantime this is the plan for future operations.
SEAC will continue to work toward a two edged purpose; one is to hold the ground forces against it in place while waging attrition air attacks against ground and air targets.
Bases to support future moves down the Malay Peninsula will be captured in the next month or so; this, along with the improvement of Victoria Point and Tavoy, will allow the projection of air power against the Singapore area.
CHINACOM will continue to pressure the Peking front in the Tatung/Chengting area. For the time, the Central front around Wuhan will merely be held in place; while the Southern front will explore the possibility of forcing Hong Kong. It is unlikely to work initially, but as the air is currently controlled by American air units and the resources in Hong Kong are severely damaged, I am confident that eventually, the defenders there will be weakened enough to allow an assault to succeed. In the meantime, two groups of Liberators should suffice to close the South China Sea to Japanese shipping for the current time.
NORPAC will hold and plan for Northern Kurile commitment; but this is dependent on overall situation and the availability of forces being sent to support it.
CENPAC and SOUPAC are to be combined operationally after the taking of the final CENPAC objective ---Truk. Some 4-5 Divisions and sufficient shipping are ready for this; it waits on SOUPAC achieving its next goals.
SOUPAC will take Rabaul, Admiralties, Kavieng and possibly Emiraus prior to Truk landings. All do not seem held by significant forces and should be achievable. After this, SOUPAC will take over the NG campaign from SWPAC and move down the coast in chunks toward the western end.
(Note---on Feb 5th 3 divisions landed at Rabaul; on the 9th, it fell. It was only held by some AAA and rear echelon troops)
SWPAC will pull out of the NG campaign and shift to the DEI theatre. Australian troops will make the initial landings, properly supported this time. American units will then leapfrog over these landings deeper into the Japanese perimeter.
If everything goes well, in 6-7 months, we will have airbases that, in combination with Chinese/Malay bases, will provide coverage over most of the Southern area. These will either be able to attack Japanese shipping, or provide information to subs in the area. Superforts come on the scene in 2 months; their usage and bases is indeterminate.
This war continues to grind on, with the Allied forces making significant gains over the last 5 months of fighting; while there haven’t been any huge fights, as both sides are content to avoid large entanglements for the moment.
Burma-Thailand:
After Moulmein, the Japanese retired to Tavoy, with the Anglo-Indian army following them; there was prolonged fighting there, but the Japanese evidently were feeling a bit constrained by something, perhaps a lack of supply, as they withdrew in January to the south. The British pursued cautiously, fearing a counterstroke against their lead elements.
The Japanese army split, with approximately even numbers falling back to Songkhia and Bangkok respectively.
Meanwhile, in Raehang, the Japanese endeavored to counterattack using reinforcements that arrived from Bangkok; this attack failed, partially due to an Indian Division that arrived in the proverbial nick of time (as in the day of the attack).
01/13/44
Ground combat at Rahaeng
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 176377 troops, 1923 guns, 755 vehicles, Assault Value = 3986
Defending force 86761 troops, 555 guns, 465 vehicles, Assault Value = 1830
Japanese max assault: 5890 - adjusted assault: 2592
Allied max defense: 1884 - adjusted defense: 4525
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
9708 casualties reported
Guns lost 303
Vehicles lost 45
Allied ground losses:
1106 casualties reported
Guns lost 40
Following this failed attack, the Japanese units beat a retreat to Krung Thep, just outsided Bangkok. Allied paratroopers endeavored to cut them off, but were rudely met by a couple of Japanese Divisions upon landing. The Indian paras are now rebuilding back in Rangoon…..
01/15/44
Ground combat at Krung Thep
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 2700 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 84
Defending force 61611 troops, 566 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 1319
Allied max assault: 72 - adjusted assault: 0
Japanese max defense: 802 - adjusted defense: 1853
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Allied ground losses:
323 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
So, at this time, the Japanese hold Songkhia on the Malay Peninsula, Bangkok and Krung Thep. The Anglo-Indian forces are currently content to hold in place for now; taking on replacements, airfield building at Tavoy and Victoria Point and waiting for some new divisions to reach the theater.
A few days ago, Chinese forces from Tonkin crossed the Mekong River and are pressing on the northern Thai town of Pisanuloke; Japanese reinforcements heading north from Bangkok suffer some ground strikes from Mossie FB’s; it appears to be a infantry Brigade and a Tank Regiment that are heading that way.
01/30/44
Ground combat at 33,37
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 46529 troops, 287 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1308
Defending force 3568 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54
Allied max assault: 1178 - adjusted assault: 953
Japanese max defense: 47 - adjusted defense: 7
Allied assault odds: 136 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
313 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Allied ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
China:
The IJ tried to relieve the siege of Canton by landing at Pakhoi and dropping paras between Wuchow and Canton. They were driven off by reserve Chinese units that had been resting from the Canton siege. Upon the failure of this counter move, the Japanese evidently felt exposed in Canton and withdrew in to Hong Kong defenses.
In Central China, the Nationalists have moved into the outskirts of Wuhan, Nanchang and Hsyinyang. The Japanese have yet to counterattack them, so it is presumed that they are in some difficulty regarding their supplies. For now, the Chinese are content to merely engage them in place, as they don’t feel that they are strong enough at the moment to eject the IJA from these locations.
North China lines remain at Chengting and outside of Tatung. There is sporadic fighting in the Tatung area, where neither side seems to have the superiority of #’s to win an offensive.
North Pacific:
Aleutian Islands are fully built up and garrisoned. First airstrike launched on Parashimo Jima from Attu by B24’s. Mainly just a “knock on the door”; there are some thoughts of a future move on the northern Kuriles, but not in a serious manner for now.
Central Pacific:
Well, over this time, CenPac has taken Eniwetok, Kusaie and Ponape. The last resistance on Ponape has been reduced on the 31st of January. During this time, the Fleet Carriers struck at Truk before the initial landings at Ponape, rendering the AF useless while the landings were underway. It had been rumored that the IJN would show up for any Ponape landing, but this did not come into being
Solomons:
During the last 4 months, Munda, Torokina and Green Island have fallen to the SouthPac forces. AF there have all been built up; Rabaul, Shortlands, Kaveing and Admiralty Islands are struck by bombers almost daily. It appears that there isn’t much defending Rabaul, so I Amph Corps is embarking at the time of this writing for that destination. 3 Divisions are slated for this effort; capture of this location will provide a valuable anchorage and AF complex for future operations.
New Guinea:
Since the last report in October, the SWPac forces moved on Buna and Lae, taking both relatively easily. This isolated Port Moresby from the rest of the Japanese positions on New Guinea. Moresby was then subjected to severe bombing attacks, rendering it virtually uninhabitable to the IJA; who then tried to march over the Owen Stanleys toward Buna. After detecting this, these forces were bombed on the road mercilessly; when they arrived in Buna, a relatively small force was able to counterattack them and push them into the jungle NW of Buna. In the meantime, an Australian Division landed at PM and took it, pushing those defenders up the trail toward Salamaua. Brigade size garrisons are in position, which should be sufficient to hold these bases versus these remnant units that the IJA has in the bush.
Two Divisions, the 32nd and 41st landed at Madang on January 17, 1944; they expected to face a IJ base force, instead they found the remnants of the Imperial Guard Division there. This division had been one of two that had gone “missing” from the IJA roster in 1942, which resulted in the treaty of Blacktown; which designated two American divisions (7th & 40th) to be frozen and not deployed to the Pacific War. The following shows the progress versus this unit, which the IJA cannot contact or move:
Initial attack by 1 division 1 day after landings:
01/17/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 31474 troops, 373 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 887
Defending force 25237 troops, 259 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 37
Allied max assault: 376 - adjusted assault: 111
Japanese max defense: 358 - adjusted defense: 1179
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Allied ground losses:
248 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
A bombardment attack the next day; note that the AV only reflects the base unit there:
01/18/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 17556 troops, 236 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 877
Defending force 25129 troops, 256 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36
Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
3 days later, and the situation is not improving; thought is given to just pulling out and giving up. Air attacks do not apparently affect the ghost; when they target it, the flight path shows planes flying from NG to Rangoon, where the IG Division was when it “disappeared”….
01/21/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 39660 troops, 423 guns, 240 vehicles, Assault Value = 898
Defending force 24888 troops, 249 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 32
Allied max assault: 818 - adjusted assault: 879
Japanese max defense: 301 - adjusted defense: 2465
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
235 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 2
Air forces are re-targeted against the AF at Madang in an attempt to reduce overall supply in area as the only possible way to reduce the defenders. Over a week of this seems to have some effect, that and the time allows the attackers to mend their damages:
02/01/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 42843 troops, 480 guns, 255 vehicles, Assault Value = 943
Defending force 24454 troops, 244 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 8
Allied max assault: 954 - adjusted assault: 2455
Japanese max defense: 242 - adjusted defense: 2285
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 8)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 8
Japanese ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Allied ground losses:
232 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 1
The continuation of the assault shows even more gains; it appears that we have the upper hand on this situation. But, the assault shows some weariness and the infantry require some time to catch their breath until the next attacks.
02/02/44
Ground combat at Madang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 41066 troops, 445 guns, 256 vehicles, Assault Value = 922
Defending force 24002 troops, 230 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 7
Allied max assault: 912 - adjusted assault: 1744
Japanese max defense: 213 - adjusted defense: 1083
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 7)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 7
Japanese ground losses:
203 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
92 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 4
The next target for SWPac are the Admiralties; after they are taken, SouPac will assume operational control of the NG operations and all SWPac forces, land and air will move to the next theater; Southern DEI.
Southern DEI:
On January 25, the Australians detected that Japanese units were moving out of Lautem, Timor. Acting on the belief that the Japanese were retiring, the Darwin Defense Brigade was mobilized and landed there on that date, via LCT’s.
This was an error; the Japanese were merely adjusting their dispositions and within 2 days, a bombardment force including 2 BB hit the base. Additionally, air strikes from various bases hit the defenders; though, with a large cost to the attackers. Several more bombardments occurred over the next 2 week, with continuous air combat; landings were made early in February. The Japanese carriers were in the area, providing cover for this; the American carriers were still off supporting operations in the Solomons.
The end result was that before the American Fleet could come up to assist, the Japanese were able to overwhelm the defenders and take Lautem on the 7th of February. The Darwin Brigade was captured in it’s entirety. Even with this loss, the campaign was viewed as not a total loss; the Japanese lost an inordinate amount of planes, lost more merchants, light craft and some DD’s and one of the American subs, BANG, was able to hit HIRYU with one torpedo as it moved past Menado, Celebes after the battle.
OVERALL SITUATION:
Will follow with a overall map to illustrate later; but, in the meantime this is the plan for future operations.
SEAC will continue to work toward a two edged purpose; one is to hold the ground forces against it in place while waging attrition air attacks against ground and air targets.
Bases to support future moves down the Malay Peninsula will be captured in the next month or so; this, along with the improvement of Victoria Point and Tavoy, will allow the projection of air power against the Singapore area.
CHINACOM will continue to pressure the Peking front in the Tatung/Chengting area. For the time, the Central front around Wuhan will merely be held in place; while the Southern front will explore the possibility of forcing Hong Kong. It is unlikely to work initially, but as the air is currently controlled by American air units and the resources in Hong Kong are severely damaged, I am confident that eventually, the defenders there will be weakened enough to allow an assault to succeed. In the meantime, two groups of Liberators should suffice to close the South China Sea to Japanese shipping for the current time.
NORPAC will hold and plan for Northern Kurile commitment; but this is dependent on overall situation and the availability of forces being sent to support it.
CENPAC and SOUPAC are to be combined operationally after the taking of the final CENPAC objective ---Truk. Some 4-5 Divisions and sufficient shipping are ready for this; it waits on SOUPAC achieving its next goals.
SOUPAC will take Rabaul, Admiralties, Kavieng and possibly Emiraus prior to Truk landings. All do not seem held by significant forces and should be achievable. After this, SOUPAC will take over the NG campaign from SWPAC and move down the coast in chunks toward the western end.
(Note---on Feb 5th 3 divisions landed at Rabaul; on the 9th, it fell. It was only held by some AAA and rear echelon troops)
SWPAC will pull out of the NG campaign and shift to the DEI theatre. Australian troops will make the initial landings, properly supported this time. American units will then leapfrog over these landings deeper into the Japanese perimeter.
If everything goes well, in 6-7 months, we will have airbases that, in combination with Chinese/Malay bases, will provide coverage over most of the Southern area. These will either be able to attack Japanese shipping, or provide information to subs in the area. Superforts come on the scene in 2 months; their usage and bases is indeterminate.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
Feb 44 strategic map
..
- Attachments
-
- Feb44map.jpg (138.22 KiB) Viewed 168 times
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
Solomons area reported "Secure"
February 26, 1944
Burma Thailand:
Over the last 3 weeks, 3 Chinese Corps and 2 SEAC Chinese divisions have moved from the Vietnam border and marched on Pisanuloke. 2 Mosquito Squadrons provide ground support during this approach march. Upon arriving there, it took 3 days of attacks to force the defending 23rd Mixed Brigade and assorted support units to retreat.
Base support elements are now flying in, with three SpitVb squadrons covering them.
Elsewhere, medium and Lib VI squadrons continue to hit ground positions at Krung Thep. The SEAC command has around 5-6 divisions in the rear waiting to be employed in future operations. One of them is enroute to Sabang to gain a lodgment there
There were 5 Torpedoings and 2 minings of Japanese shipping in the Java-Sumatra-Malaya waters during these 3 weeks. Beaufighters from VPoint report strafing and bombing some minor shipping off Kuantan during the period.
China:
Scattered bombing of various Japanese ground units, mainly in the northern area. An attack on Tatung was repulsed; losses of 1500 Chinese to 100 Japanese were estimated. There is no corps or command HQ here; the troops will hold until some can be found for the area, and bombing of units and infrastructure will be stepped up before any future attempt is made.
The only shipping seen in the area has been near Formosa, at Taipei. Liberators are mining the port at night starting on the 25th. Subs have been seen entering Hong Kong; it is unknown whether they are bringing in supplies or removing troops at this time. It is at least two weeks away from any attempted push on HK. Any attempt will have to wait for sufficient bombers to be available for support. 2 FG (P40 and P38) are slated for deployment here in the next 2 weeks; a new BG(m) is arriving in under 50 days. There are still 1 BG(H) and 2 BG(M) operating in SEAC, one or more of them might be re-deployed to this area for support in the interim.
North Pacific:
No activity of note; though, potential assault RCT’s are moved to forward positions in the Kiska/Attu area in order to be ready to move if the occasion warrants.
Central Pacific:
The forces are gathering for the Truk operation; some are still coming in from PH and should arrive in about 10 days. By then, airbases in the Northern Solomons should be fully operational and ready to support this .
Solomons:
Other than bombing the Shortlands group, this campaign is over. With the occupation of Rabaul, Admiralties, Kaivieng the domination of the area is complete.
New Guinea:
Madang is not operational, waiting for base forces to be found to work there.
Meanwhile, the shifting of SWPac forces to the west begins.
Southern DEI:
Awaiting future troop and plane reinforcements; additionally, there are landing and support craft heading this way. After the CenPac operation is done, this area will be the next to be activated. Three sweeps by P38’s from Tenimbar to Kendari on the 15th , 16th and the 23rd claimed 103 Jacks, Tonies and Tojos for the loss of 13 Lightnings in air to air combat.
Overall situation:
Subs have been having some success off Eastern Borneo along the Balikpapan-Tarakan area and the Celebes; more assets will be assigned there. Little shipping spotted in South China or East China Seas. About 10-12 subs are working in 3 groups from Kwajalein mining the Marianas, which have gotten 2 hits so far. In the HI-Philippine-Marianas triangle, we have done 4 torpedoings so far.
Superforts arrive on the West Coast in 7 weeks; figure that it will take some 2 weeks to deploy forward before employment. Unsure as of yet what the first basing will be. Bases are ready in Northern Australia, Rangoon, and China. Tenative plans are to work them up out of Australia in support of operations there. Then a redeployment to operate from Rangoon or China will be considered.
Burma Thailand:
Over the last 3 weeks, 3 Chinese Corps and 2 SEAC Chinese divisions have moved from the Vietnam border and marched on Pisanuloke. 2 Mosquito Squadrons provide ground support during this approach march. Upon arriving there, it took 3 days of attacks to force the defending 23rd Mixed Brigade and assorted support units to retreat.
Base support elements are now flying in, with three SpitVb squadrons covering them.
Elsewhere, medium and Lib VI squadrons continue to hit ground positions at Krung Thep. The SEAC command has around 5-6 divisions in the rear waiting to be employed in future operations. One of them is enroute to Sabang to gain a lodgment there
There were 5 Torpedoings and 2 minings of Japanese shipping in the Java-Sumatra-Malaya waters during these 3 weeks. Beaufighters from VPoint report strafing and bombing some minor shipping off Kuantan during the period.
China:
Scattered bombing of various Japanese ground units, mainly in the northern area. An attack on Tatung was repulsed; losses of 1500 Chinese to 100 Japanese were estimated. There is no corps or command HQ here; the troops will hold until some can be found for the area, and bombing of units and infrastructure will be stepped up before any future attempt is made.
The only shipping seen in the area has been near Formosa, at Taipei. Liberators are mining the port at night starting on the 25th. Subs have been seen entering Hong Kong; it is unknown whether they are bringing in supplies or removing troops at this time. It is at least two weeks away from any attempted push on HK. Any attempt will have to wait for sufficient bombers to be available for support. 2 FG (P40 and P38) are slated for deployment here in the next 2 weeks; a new BG(m) is arriving in under 50 days. There are still 1 BG(H) and 2 BG(M) operating in SEAC, one or more of them might be re-deployed to this area for support in the interim.
North Pacific:
No activity of note; though, potential assault RCT’s are moved to forward positions in the Kiska/Attu area in order to be ready to move if the occasion warrants.
Central Pacific:
The forces are gathering for the Truk operation; some are still coming in from PH and should arrive in about 10 days. By then, airbases in the Northern Solomons should be fully operational and ready to support this .
Solomons:
Other than bombing the Shortlands group, this campaign is over. With the occupation of Rabaul, Admiralties, Kaivieng the domination of the area is complete.
New Guinea:
Madang is not operational, waiting for base forces to be found to work there.
Meanwhile, the shifting of SWPac forces to the west begins.
Southern DEI:
Awaiting future troop and plane reinforcements; additionally, there are landing and support craft heading this way. After the CenPac operation is done, this area will be the next to be activated. Three sweeps by P38’s from Tenimbar to Kendari on the 15th , 16th and the 23rd claimed 103 Jacks, Tonies and Tojos for the loss of 13 Lightnings in air to air combat.
Overall situation:
Subs have been having some success off Eastern Borneo along the Balikpapan-Tarakan area and the Celebes; more assets will be assigned there. Little shipping spotted in South China or East China Seas. About 10-12 subs are working in 3 groups from Kwajalein mining the Marianas, which have gotten 2 hits so far. In the HI-Philippine-Marianas triangle, we have done 4 torpedoings so far.
Superforts arrive on the West Coast in 7 weeks; figure that it will take some 2 weeks to deploy forward before employment. Unsure as of yet what the first basing will be. Bases are ready in Northern Australia, Rangoon, and China. Tenative plans are to work them up out of Australia in support of operations there. Then a redeployment to operate from Rangoon or China will be considered.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
-
Speedysteve
- Posts: 15975
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Reading, England
RE: Solomons area reported "Secure"
Real interesting read Tabpub.
Any thoughts you can divulge on sub attacks over the previous period
(bearing in mind the conversation we've had on
this)?
Any thoughts you can divulge on sub attacks over the previous period
(bearing in mind the conversation we've had on
this)?
WitE 2 Tester
WitE Tester
BTR/BoB Tester
WitE Tester
BTR/BoB Tester
RE: Solomons area reported "Secure"
How about this. I will say that finding the buggers after '43 gets tougher and tougher. That, and you are busy duckng ASW groups with the damnable Type 2's....ORIGINAL: Speedy
Real interesting read Tabpub.
Any thoughts you can divulge on sub attacks over the previous period
(bearing in mind the conversation we've had on
this)?
- Attachments
-
- subs.jpg (236.77 KiB) Viewed 168 times
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
Landing at Sabang; CENPAC on the move..
March 17, 1944
Plans that were set in motion 2 weeks ago start to develop; other situations are confusing…..I hope to go to a more daily reporting soon as this and other areas pick up now in ’44.
SEAC:
Landings at Sabang begin on the 3rd of March. Light opposition from scattered air attacks, some suiciders and submarines are the only Japanese seen. No major fleet units, nor concerted air attacks. They seem to be using transport air to re-supply/reinforce, so attacks against Malay airstrips are stepped up. Results are generally good, except one day when some newly filled out FB units are jumped by some very good George fighters for a 2-1 loss rate against us. Next day, two veteran Spit VIII squadrons straighten things out again.
First attack at Sabang by 3 Commonwealth brigades, directed by the XV Indian Corps on the 5th:
03/05/44
Ground combat at Sabang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 16619 troops, 137 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 362
Defending force 16643 troops, 126 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 289
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 8
Allied max assault: 353 - adjusted assault: 262
Japanese max defense: 176 - adjusted defense: 503
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
305 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
499 casualties reported
Guns lost 9
Next attack launched on the after the 251st UK Brigade arrives to reinforce the effort:
03/15/44
Ground combat at Sabang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 21732 troops, 196 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 466
Defending force 13607 troops, 81 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 243
Allied max assault: 479 - adjusted assault: 344
Japanese max defense: 134 - adjusted defense: 617
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
341 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
397 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
This looks like a siege situation here. The Commonwealth units don’t have enough firepower to carry this position right now. Either more infantry or armor will have to be found for here. Air operations from Andaman Island are inhibited by really bad weather lately; hope that improves also.
At Krung Thep, the IJA is detected as leaving to Bangkok; air attacks are ordered there to support the crossing of the 254th Indian Tank Brigade and 4 Chinese Divisions led by the Indian III Corps. Weather has inhibited this also, crossings should be achieved tomorrow or the next day. 2 B24 groups from China have flown in to Moulmein to assist these ground attacks. Pisanuloke now has 80000 men there; mainly in the form of 4 Chinese Corps and two Chindit Brigades, led by Stilwell and his NCAC command.
Bangkok will be the next target for this command, but only after intensive bombardment and preparations.
China:
Y’Force HQ is shipped into Northern China by transport planes and is moving to Tatung. Sporadic bombardments and testing attacks occur down the front; no weakness is found yet. Hong Kong is curious; I don’t know if they are moving in supplies or troops out yet. A squadron each of Catalina I and Mariners operate from Canton now, taking some of the naval search role from the land based bombers.
New Guinea:
Madang is operational now, and is ready to support the next move here in NG.
DEI:
The 475th FG shows it is as good as the 8th; shooting down 25 Jacks and Tonies for the loss of 1 plane over Kendari. This paves the way for the 380th BG to plaster the port from 12,000 ft; hitting 5 transports and a sub. It is believed that the sub and 2 of the ships were sunk, the rest heavily damaged. Transports, landing craft, and fresh troops approach North Australia.
Sub operations:
The efficacy of his new PC types are forcing me to patrol away from major bases for the time being. Too small an area for him to conduct offensive ASW operations in . Concentrating on the fronts and Philippine Sea areas.
Central Pacific:
The current hotspot, 3 division set sail from Kwajalein some days ago; they are now some 200 miles from the atoll. Will rendezvous with sweeps, escort carriers and bombardment groups tomorrow and then wait for favorable weather to land the landing force. Operation is covered by damn near the whole fleet. 3 more divisions are ready to embark and land if this force is insufficient.
Here is the picture:
Plans that were set in motion 2 weeks ago start to develop; other situations are confusing…..I hope to go to a more daily reporting soon as this and other areas pick up now in ’44.
SEAC:
Landings at Sabang begin on the 3rd of March. Light opposition from scattered air attacks, some suiciders and submarines are the only Japanese seen. No major fleet units, nor concerted air attacks. They seem to be using transport air to re-supply/reinforce, so attacks against Malay airstrips are stepped up. Results are generally good, except one day when some newly filled out FB units are jumped by some very good George fighters for a 2-1 loss rate against us. Next day, two veteran Spit VIII squadrons straighten things out again.
First attack at Sabang by 3 Commonwealth brigades, directed by the XV Indian Corps on the 5th:
03/05/44
Ground combat at Sabang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 16619 troops, 137 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 362
Defending force 16643 troops, 126 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 289
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 8
Allied max assault: 353 - adjusted assault: 262
Japanese max defense: 176 - adjusted defense: 503
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
305 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
499 casualties reported
Guns lost 9
Next attack launched on the after the 251st UK Brigade arrives to reinforce the effort:
03/15/44
Ground combat at Sabang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 21732 troops, 196 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 466
Defending force 13607 troops, 81 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 243
Allied max assault: 479 - adjusted assault: 344
Japanese max defense: 134 - adjusted defense: 617
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
341 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
397 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
This looks like a siege situation here. The Commonwealth units don’t have enough firepower to carry this position right now. Either more infantry or armor will have to be found for here. Air operations from Andaman Island are inhibited by really bad weather lately; hope that improves also.
At Krung Thep, the IJA is detected as leaving to Bangkok; air attacks are ordered there to support the crossing of the 254th Indian Tank Brigade and 4 Chinese Divisions led by the Indian III Corps. Weather has inhibited this also, crossings should be achieved tomorrow or the next day. 2 B24 groups from China have flown in to Moulmein to assist these ground attacks. Pisanuloke now has 80000 men there; mainly in the form of 4 Chinese Corps and two Chindit Brigades, led by Stilwell and his NCAC command.
Bangkok will be the next target for this command, but only after intensive bombardment and preparations.
China:
Y’Force HQ is shipped into Northern China by transport planes and is moving to Tatung. Sporadic bombardments and testing attacks occur down the front; no weakness is found yet. Hong Kong is curious; I don’t know if they are moving in supplies or troops out yet. A squadron each of Catalina I and Mariners operate from Canton now, taking some of the naval search role from the land based bombers.
New Guinea:
Madang is operational now, and is ready to support the next move here in NG.
DEI:
The 475th FG shows it is as good as the 8th; shooting down 25 Jacks and Tonies for the loss of 1 plane over Kendari. This paves the way for the 380th BG to plaster the port from 12,000 ft; hitting 5 transports and a sub. It is believed that the sub and 2 of the ships were sunk, the rest heavily damaged. Transports, landing craft, and fresh troops approach North Australia.
Sub operations:
The efficacy of his new PC types are forcing me to patrol away from major bases for the time being. Too small an area for him to conduct offensive ASW operations in . Concentrating on the fronts and Philippine Sea areas.
Central Pacific:
The current hotspot, 3 division set sail from Kwajalein some days ago; they are now some 200 miles from the atoll. Will rendezvous with sweeps, escort carriers and bombardment groups tomorrow and then wait for favorable weather to land the landing force. Operation is covered by damn near the whole fleet. 3 more divisions are ready to embark and land if this force is insufficient.
Here is the picture:
- Attachments
-
- trukop.jpg (122.19 KiB) Viewed 168 times
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
Krung Thep falls; air attacks stepped up on Truk
The invasion force for Truk is finally grouped together; air strikes are ordered to soften up the defenses for the landing. The results are disappointing, as most of the attack aircraft seem to gravitate toward an anti-air unit. The final attack spots an infantry division. More attacks are scheduled and I hope that they target this unit. More bombardment is scheduled and 4 transport groups idle on the tarmac at Rabaul. If the weather clears (currently overcast) about 2 regiments worth of paras can join the attack in two days.
The fleet carriers are in reserve covering the landing. It is not planned to use their planes versus ground targets unless absolutely necessary.
03/17/44
Day Air attack on Truk AA Battalion, at 63,78
FM-2 Wildcat x 36
F6F Hellcat x 9
TBM Avenger x 63
SB2C Helldiver x 32
B-25J Mitchell x 69
PB4Y Liberator x 32
PB4Y Liberator x 22
B-24D Liberator x 29
B-24J Liberator x 31
B-24D Liberator x 36
B-24J Liberator x 32
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 7 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 5 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
28 casualties reported
70 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Day Air attack on 48th Division, at 63,78
Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 6
B-24D Liberator x 7
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
03/17/44
Day Air attack on Truk , at 63,78
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
TBM Avenger x 55
Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2
03/17/44
Naval bombardment of Truk, at 63,78 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CL St. Louis
CL Houston
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 4
BB Idaho
Japanese ground losses:
958 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 23
Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 1
============================================
Meanwhile, to the far west, a Spitfire squadron continues to show the flag over Malaya.
All the other bomb groups are busy plastering Krung Thep; hundreds of sorties before the Indian III Corps crosses the river there. The remnants that are left there for the Japanese retire to Bangkok, their last bastion. The units at Sabang content themselves with shelling the defenses. The fleet retires on Andaman.
03/17/44
Day Air attack on Songkhia , at 24,43
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed
In China, an attack is planned on the Hsyinyang position in two days. It appears weak. A map will display the situation there in next post. Planning for Hong Kong is in advanced stage. Though, this will have to wait for the American air groups to return from Burma-Thailand before assaulting the position. Additionally, 3 armor units are to be prepped and moved there before the attacks.
The fleet carriers are in reserve covering the landing. It is not planned to use their planes versus ground targets unless absolutely necessary.
03/17/44
Day Air attack on Truk AA Battalion, at 63,78
FM-2 Wildcat x 36
F6F Hellcat x 9
TBM Avenger x 63
SB2C Helldiver x 32
B-25J Mitchell x 69
PB4Y Liberator x 32
PB4Y Liberator x 22
B-24D Liberator x 29
B-24J Liberator x 31
B-24D Liberator x 36
B-24J Liberator x 32
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 7 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 5 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
28 casualties reported
70 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Day Air attack on 48th Division, at 63,78
Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 6
B-24D Liberator x 7
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
03/17/44
Day Air attack on Truk , at 63,78
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
TBM Avenger x 55
Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2
03/17/44
Naval bombardment of Truk, at 63,78 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CL St. Louis
CL Houston
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 4
BB Idaho
Japanese ground losses:
958 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 23
Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 1
============================================
Meanwhile, to the far west, a Spitfire squadron continues to show the flag over Malaya.
All the other bomb groups are busy plastering Krung Thep; hundreds of sorties before the Indian III Corps crosses the river there. The remnants that are left there for the Japanese retire to Bangkok, their last bastion. The units at Sabang content themselves with shelling the defenses. The fleet retires on Andaman.
03/17/44
Day Air attack on Songkhia , at 24,43
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed
In China, an attack is planned on the Hsyinyang position in two days. It appears weak. A map will display the situation there in next post. Planning for Hong Kong is in advanced stage. Though, this will have to wait for the American air groups to return from Burma-Thailand before assaulting the position. Additionally, 3 armor units are to be prepped and moved there before the attacks.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
General Confusion in Command
Bah….I say bah….you’ll understand at the end….bah….
18 March
Bangkok AF bombed by approximately 100+ bombers; 5-10 planes reported destroyed on the ground, 1 FB lost to flak. FB’s are being removed from this mission soon; too vulnerable to the light flak over Bangkok.
Songkhia AF attacked by bombers flying over 20K feet; scattered hits on AF. Prior sweep of 13 Spit Vb’s shoot down 6 of 7 Zeke’s that rise to oppose them. Mainly a morale building effort for the bomb groups here.
Sabang ground troops are bombed by both sides; Beaufighters from Andaman and Sallies from the Malay. Allies lose 50 men, the IJA loses 70. Troops in trenches hurl insults between the bombing and shelling.
Brit Liberators from Tavoy put two bombs on an AP off Camranh Bay, leaving her listing. This is believed to be one of some ships that were attacked by China based B24’s some days ago.
Off Dili, Timor Darwin-based P40N’s strike shipping again for the 2nd day; 2 ships struck, with one listing and burning.
60 miles E of Legaspi, PI----SS Runner is not ordered off its patrol here after being sighted the day before; 6 new PC’s converge on her and sink her. She is able to surface before that and the captain and some crew make it to shore, hoping to link up with Filipino guerrillas.
Chengting, China--- Northern China Army launches attack to test the Jap lines here; they are knocked back, losing 7k casualties to the IJA 1k. 60 miles to the east, IJA forces numbering about 24,000 attack the Chinese 40th Corps blocking the rail; they are thrown back, losing 300 to 100 men.
Truk, Caroline Islands --- bah.
Well, something got messed up and all 3 of the landing divisions are found 180 miles E of where they were supposed to be….must have clicked off the DoNotRetire button by mistake on the lead group and they all started back to the Marshalls….gah…
And the worse thing is that the weather was fine, partly cloudy, and the assault paratroopers were all set to go…well, tomorrow is it, barring future messups.
4 BB and 4 CL in 2 separate bombardments cause about 2000 casualties, silence around 20 guns. Only Idaho takes 1 shell hit of no import. 3-4 minesweeping groups are working the waters without finding anything yet.
Ground strikes hit the base forces today and then find the 48th Divisions position; light damage to both sides; mainly just keeping their heads down.
3 Betties from Woleai AF show up at dusk, sneaking by the Hellcats without loss (there were only 6 F6F up, as the CVE’s had wandered off). BB Arizona is targeted, but avoids them. These aren’t the Betty crews that we saw 2 years ago.
Combined sorties and effects on Truk targets below:
========================================
Day Air attack on Truk Base Force, at 63,78
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 6
TBF Avenger x 16
TBM Avenger x 16
SB2C Helldiver x 23
PB4Y Liberator x 11
B-24D Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator x 3
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 2 damaged
TBM Avenger: 4 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
8 casualties reported
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
=============================================
Day Air attack on 48th Division, at 63,78
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 32
TBM Avenger x 61
B-25J Mitchell x 57
PB4Y Liberator x 29
PB4Y Liberator x 13
B-24D Liberator x 31
B-24J Liberator x 30
B-24J Liberator x 40
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 1 destroyed
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
working on the China map....
18 March
Bangkok AF bombed by approximately 100+ bombers; 5-10 planes reported destroyed on the ground, 1 FB lost to flak. FB’s are being removed from this mission soon; too vulnerable to the light flak over Bangkok.
Songkhia AF attacked by bombers flying over 20K feet; scattered hits on AF. Prior sweep of 13 Spit Vb’s shoot down 6 of 7 Zeke’s that rise to oppose them. Mainly a morale building effort for the bomb groups here.
Sabang ground troops are bombed by both sides; Beaufighters from Andaman and Sallies from the Malay. Allies lose 50 men, the IJA loses 70. Troops in trenches hurl insults between the bombing and shelling.
Brit Liberators from Tavoy put two bombs on an AP off Camranh Bay, leaving her listing. This is believed to be one of some ships that were attacked by China based B24’s some days ago.
Off Dili, Timor Darwin-based P40N’s strike shipping again for the 2nd day; 2 ships struck, with one listing and burning.
60 miles E of Legaspi, PI----SS Runner is not ordered off its patrol here after being sighted the day before; 6 new PC’s converge on her and sink her. She is able to surface before that and the captain and some crew make it to shore, hoping to link up with Filipino guerrillas.
Chengting, China--- Northern China Army launches attack to test the Jap lines here; they are knocked back, losing 7k casualties to the IJA 1k. 60 miles to the east, IJA forces numbering about 24,000 attack the Chinese 40th Corps blocking the rail; they are thrown back, losing 300 to 100 men.
Truk, Caroline Islands --- bah.
Well, something got messed up and all 3 of the landing divisions are found 180 miles E of where they were supposed to be….must have clicked off the DoNotRetire button by mistake on the lead group and they all started back to the Marshalls….gah…
And the worse thing is that the weather was fine, partly cloudy, and the assault paratroopers were all set to go…well, tomorrow is it, barring future messups.
4 BB and 4 CL in 2 separate bombardments cause about 2000 casualties, silence around 20 guns. Only Idaho takes 1 shell hit of no import. 3-4 minesweeping groups are working the waters without finding anything yet.
Ground strikes hit the base forces today and then find the 48th Divisions position; light damage to both sides; mainly just keeping their heads down.
3 Betties from Woleai AF show up at dusk, sneaking by the Hellcats without loss (there were only 6 F6F up, as the CVE’s had wandered off). BB Arizona is targeted, but avoids them. These aren’t the Betty crews that we saw 2 years ago.
Combined sorties and effects on Truk targets below:
========================================
Day Air attack on Truk Base Force, at 63,78
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 6
TBF Avenger x 16
TBM Avenger x 16
SB2C Helldiver x 23
PB4Y Liberator x 11
B-24D Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator x 3
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 2 damaged
TBM Avenger: 4 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
8 casualties reported
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
=============================================
Day Air attack on 48th Division, at 63,78
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 32
TBM Avenger x 61
B-25J Mitchell x 57
PB4Y Liberator x 29
PB4Y Liberator x 13
B-24D Liberator x 31
B-24J Liberator x 30
B-24J Liberator x 40
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 1 destroyed
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
working on the China map....
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
RE: General Confusion in Command
March 19-29 1944
Well, as you might know if you are reading the opposing thread on this campaign, Truk fell to US forces on the 21st; the 2 Marine Divisions, one Army Division, 3 amphibious LVT battalions, 2 tank battalions and a slew of support units were able to complete the capture and destruction of the garrison in 2 days of combat.
It was a bit of a disappointment in that there were not more valuable units there to destroy, as the planning had accounted for this possibility; but the capture of this base does go a long way toward the war aims of the Allied faction in this campaign.
Meanwhile, on the other fronts:
SEAC: Sabang is still a holding action currently. The 4 Commonwealth Brigades there don’t quite have the punch to break the Japanese position; their engineer elements suffered badly in the last attacks. So, it has settled into a siege, waiting for a tank battalion and another British brigade to rest and prep for this campaign. Additionally, Nicobar Island is building up to provide some closer support for the landing forces.
On the Malay, Bandou was threatened by a large force of 100k + Japanese, but no major attack was launched and it appears to have withdrawn back to Songkhia. It is believed here that the purpose of this maneuver was to mask the withdrawal of some forces from Bangkok. Submarines have torpedoed several transports off Saigon/Camrahn with troops aboard. It might be that the IJA is trying to save units from Thailand/Vietnam for use elsewhere; perhaps China, PI, or Formosa.
A push on Bangkok to test this is in the offing; plus the troops from Pisanaluke are moving deeper into the Indochina area to test the defenses. Chinese from Tonkin are moving on Hue.
China: Quiet, other than having a couple of Chinese Corps pushed off blocking areas near Kaifeng and Chengting. Pushes on Tatung and Hong Kong pending here.
North Pacific: is pacific
Central Pacific: With the capture of Truk, studies are being made on the desireability of taking Wake, perhaps with one of the new divisions that are arriving over the next 60 days. Other than that, CentPac is now combined with SouthPac for the future.
SouthPac: Planning is done for the first of the NG landings. Should take place in 3 weeks time at the outside.
DEI (now SWPac): The final 1st wave units are arriving to Darwin now; anticipate 1st landing in the SWPac plan to take place in 1 week’s time. Hope to time SW and SouPac operations in a “pendulum” pattern; will see if this aids in throwing off the Japanese balance on the defense. Plus, if one hangs up, the other can continue on; helping the stalled front regain momentum….at least, that’s what we think here at HQ…….
Subs: am not trying to do close in work off shores of Marianas, PI and HI for the near future. Am concentrating on 3 things, not in any particular order:
1. support of future offensives as scout, mining and interdictors.
2. mid-ocean patrols between known enemy nodal bases with some mining by obsolete types in the HI.
3. forming of reaction packs in areas like the South China Sea where air search can provide vectors to detected shipping without needing to patrol in heavily guarded waters.
Well, as you might know if you are reading the opposing thread on this campaign, Truk fell to US forces on the 21st; the 2 Marine Divisions, one Army Division, 3 amphibious LVT battalions, 2 tank battalions and a slew of support units were able to complete the capture and destruction of the garrison in 2 days of combat.
It was a bit of a disappointment in that there were not more valuable units there to destroy, as the planning had accounted for this possibility; but the capture of this base does go a long way toward the war aims of the Allied faction in this campaign.
Meanwhile, on the other fronts:
SEAC: Sabang is still a holding action currently. The 4 Commonwealth Brigades there don’t quite have the punch to break the Japanese position; their engineer elements suffered badly in the last attacks. So, it has settled into a siege, waiting for a tank battalion and another British brigade to rest and prep for this campaign. Additionally, Nicobar Island is building up to provide some closer support for the landing forces.
On the Malay, Bandou was threatened by a large force of 100k + Japanese, but no major attack was launched and it appears to have withdrawn back to Songkhia. It is believed here that the purpose of this maneuver was to mask the withdrawal of some forces from Bangkok. Submarines have torpedoed several transports off Saigon/Camrahn with troops aboard. It might be that the IJA is trying to save units from Thailand/Vietnam for use elsewhere; perhaps China, PI, or Formosa.
A push on Bangkok to test this is in the offing; plus the troops from Pisanaluke are moving deeper into the Indochina area to test the defenses. Chinese from Tonkin are moving on Hue.
China: Quiet, other than having a couple of Chinese Corps pushed off blocking areas near Kaifeng and Chengting. Pushes on Tatung and Hong Kong pending here.
North Pacific: is pacific
Central Pacific: With the capture of Truk, studies are being made on the desireability of taking Wake, perhaps with one of the new divisions that are arriving over the next 60 days. Other than that, CentPac is now combined with SouthPac for the future.
SouthPac: Planning is done for the first of the NG landings. Should take place in 3 weeks time at the outside.
DEI (now SWPac): The final 1st wave units are arriving to Darwin now; anticipate 1st landing in the SWPac plan to take place in 1 week’s time. Hope to time SW and SouPac operations in a “pendulum” pattern; will see if this aids in throwing off the Japanese balance on the defense. Plus, if one hangs up, the other can continue on; helping the stalled front regain momentum….at least, that’s what we think here at HQ…….
Subs: am not trying to do close in work off shores of Marianas, PI and HI for the near future. Am concentrating on 3 things, not in any particular order:
1. support of future offensives as scout, mining and interdictors.
2. mid-ocean patrols between known enemy nodal bases with some mining by obsolete types in the HI.
3. forming of reaction packs in areas like the South China Sea where air search can provide vectors to detected shipping without needing to patrol in heavily guarded waters.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...