wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/17/42

Another quiet day at the office. The dog days of summer continue.

Central Pacific: The usual Jap carrier aircraft patrol sightings - Kwajalein, Pago Pago, Canton Is. Jap minesweeping ops in progress at Kwajalein picking up the Argonaut's latest droppings.

South Pacific: All quiet on the "Antarctic Circle" shipping route. Weather forecast for 7/18 here is Heavy Precipitation.


Australia/NZ: A Jap Emily was observed flying recon over Auckland. Appears that the Japs have an operational air base at Exmouth in NW Australia - an Emily recon flight was spotted over Kalgoorlie (?).

Heavy Japanese air raid on airfield facilities in Daly Waters. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
G5N Liz x 24
Ki-49 Helen x 69

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
13 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
8 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet

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


India: Japanese minefield detected at Bombay - one AK damaged though not fatally. Otherwise all sectors quiet.

China: Japanese ground bombardment at Changsha. Otherwise no major activity from either Chinese or Jap forces.

[wneumann]

One last response to a suggestion from ctangus. I have been tracking Jap LCU's, since 12/7/41. Been combining sigint, Jap units identified on combat replay displays, recon, whatever. Every single Jap ground unit, where they were last seen and when. In excruciating detail.  
 
"he's making a list, checking it twice... Santa Claus is coming to town"

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/18/42

Central Pacific: The usual menu of Jap carrier air patrols reported from U.S. subs at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is.

South Pacific: All quiet along the Panama City-Wellington shipping route. H8K Emily recon aircraft reported flying over Auckland for the second consecutive day.

Australia: What appears to be advance elements of Japanese ground forces has appeared one hex north of Daly Waters along the road from Katherine. A B-17 recon flight identified the Jap unit as 14 Tank Rgt. The small "nest" of B-17's in question are based well beyond the range of Japanese air (from any direction). Oh boy! Time for some tank-busting.

Also... A second day of heavy Japanese air bombing of base facilities at Daly Waters. AAR follows. Most of the Jap aircraft participating in this raid are flying out of Katherine.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G5N Liz x 23
Ki-49 Helen x 70

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
8 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet

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


Burma/India: Minesweeping operations continue at Bombay. Otherwise, all other sectors reporting quiet.

China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks continue at Changsha. A Jap artillery regiment (15 FA) has entered this battle as a reinforcement. 15 FA Rgt appeared earlier in the battle at Sian. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3560 troops, 63 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1531
26th, 39th, 60th & 70th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mtn Gun Rgt, 6 & 15 FA Rgts
Defending force 29594 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 821
10th & 32nd Chinese Corps, 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps, HQ 1st Group Army

Allied ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[wneumann]

We're on a short intermission. Pillager is moving and his internet is temporarily out of service - he will be back in service on Tuesday (tomorrow) and play of this game will resume.

In the meantime... some high-level strategic situation maps as of 7/18/42.

[wneumann]

Central Pacific Map as of 7/18/42

[wneumann]

Southern Pacific Map as of 7/18/42

[wneumann]

Indian Ocean Area Map as of 7/18/42

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/19/42

U.S. West Coast: Two AK to AR ship conversions have completed in San Francisco - both ships now in service. A third AK to AR conversion is due to complete in the next 10-15 days.

Central Pacific: Jap carrier air patrols reported by U.S. subs at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, Canton Is.

An unidentified Jap submarine approaching Kona was spotted by a B-25 bomber on naval patrol. Additional bomber and patrol aircraft, along with a ASW/Minesweeping TF, have been dispatched to attack the Japanese sub and sweep mines as required.


South Pacific: No activity reported. Heavy precipitation was reported by ships moving along the Panama City - Wellington shipping route. Several Japanese air recon (Emily) reported flying over Norfolk Is.

Australia: Japanese air raids on Allied targets in and near Daly Waters - AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Marines Regiment, at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Ki-49 Helen x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G5N Liz x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 48

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 21

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
11 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
5 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet

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

Japanese recon reported flying over Australian ground troop positions at Geraldton (W Australia). Ground units in Geraldton include Australian 3 Brigade and a base force unit. Jap recon flight originated from Exmouth.


India/Burma: Most sectors reporting quiet. Minesweeping ops at Bombay - one PC hit a mine and heavily damaged. Japanese recon aircraft (Dinah) reported over Port Blair (Andamans).


China: Japanese ground offensive underway at Changsha and Kanhsien. AAR follows. Attacking Japanese army forces reinforced at both locations - 40th Division at Changsha, Shanghai SNLF at Kanhsien.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3560 troops, 63 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2030
26th, 39th, 40th, 60th & 70th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mtn Gun Rgt, 6 & 15 FA Rgts
Defending force 29478 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 821
10th & 32nd Chinese Corps, 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps, HQ 1st Group Army

Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5070 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 139
20 Mixed Brigade, Shanghai SNLF
Defending force 6649 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 240
63rd Chinese Corps

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/20/42

North Pacific: Several transport TF's are enroute to Amchitka carrying combat & engineer LCU's along with supply points. Mission of these TF's and units aboard them is to occupy Amchitka Is and begin base construction there.

Central Pacific: Japanese sub near Kona retreated on a W heading. U.S. ASW TF and aircraft in pursuit. No reports at this time of any Jap mines laid in Kona.

Plans are underway to send engineer units and supply from the U.S. west coast to Laysan Is (SE of Midway) to begin construction of base facilities there. Objectives (not necessarily in this order) of base construction at Laysan is to create (1) a base to support Midway, (2) additional airfield capacity in the Central Pacific forward operating area, (3) additional base and port facilities for stockpiles and assembly of future offensive operations.


South Pacific: All sectors reporting quiet. Weather forecast along the Panama City - Wellington shipping route for 7/21 is Overcast.


Australia/NZ: Japanese naval bombardment of Norfolk Is - AAR follows. Jap recon aircraft (Emily) continue to fly over Norfolk Is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Norfolk Island, at 60,123

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
CL Natori

Runway hits 3
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 4

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

Finally... Pillager sent Jap ground units within bombing range of B-17 bombers. Four squadrons of B-17D's and E's (48 aircraft total) now based in Cloncurry went on a "tank busting" mission against the Jap 14 Tank Regiment in forward positions near Daly Waters. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Tank Regiment, at 35,89

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 4
B-17E Fortress x 10

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet

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

Heavy Japanese air raids continue at Daly Waters. One raid a ground attack against 4 Australian Division (light casualties), a second Jap air raid done on air base facilities in Daly Waters (light damage).

Jap recon flights (Emily) continue on Geralton. (Correction from 7/19 report... 13 Australian Brigade is stationed at Geraldton, not 3 Brigade)


Burma/India: All sectors reporting mostly quiet.

China: Japanese ground attacks continue against Changsha and Kanhsien. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 91406 troops, 491 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2033
26th, 39th, 40th, 60th & 70th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mtn Gun Rgt, 6 & 15 FA Rgts
Defending force 29343 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 820
10th & 32nd Chinese Corps, 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps, HQ 1st Group Army

Japanese max assault: 1897 - adjusted assault: 1589
Allied max defense: 861 - adjusted defense: 945
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 8

Japanese ground losses:
1518 casualties reported
Guns lost 19

Allied ground losses:
1544 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4980 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 137
20 Mixed Brigade/B, Shanghai SNLF
Defending force 6637 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 240
63rd Chinese Corps

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/21/42

Central Pacific: Japanese sub RO-68 intercepted and sunk by U.S. ASW task force 360 mi SW of Pearl Harbor. RO-68 was the Jap sub detected near Kona and is the 15th Japanese sub confirmed sunk by Allied forces in this campaign to date.

U.S. submarine Bonita attacked by Jap ASW TF at Kwajalein - control room fire reported, otherwise light damage. Bonita is remaining on patrol station until relieved. Two other U.S. subs now enroute to Kwajalein.

Japanese carrier air patrols reported continuing at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is.

U.S. submarine Seadragon shelled and torpedoed a large Jap AP (identified as Kiyoshima Maru) at Canton Is. Seadragon reports the AP on fire and heavily damaged.


South Pacific: All sectors reporting quiet.


Australia/NZ: U.S. submarine S-18 reported sinking off the Australian coast near Townsville while attempting to return to base. The S-18 was attacked and heavily damaged on 7/10 by a Ki-49 Helen aircraft while on patrol near Rabaul.

Japanese air bombing raid (Bettys & Zeroes) reported at Norfolk Is. Jap aircraft participating in this attack originated from Noumea.

Two Jap recon flights (Emilys) reported at Geralton in western Australia.

Air raids by both Japanese and U.S. forces in and around Daly Waters - AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Australian Division, at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
G5N Liz x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
122 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
18 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
Ki-49 Helen x 48

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Tank Regiment, at 35,89

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 11
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 15000 feet

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

India/Burma: Japanese sub sighted by Hudson air patrol off Ceylon. Otherwise all sectors reporting quiet.

China: All sectors reporting quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/22/42:

Central Pacific: Jap carrier air flights in the usual places (Canton Is, Pago Pago, Kwajalein). The KB remains at home.

U.S. Submarine Activity... Bonita attacked once again by Jap ASW TF at Kwajalein - one hit but no significant additional damage. Bonita is remaining on patrol. Sub S-43 on patrol at Sydney Is (near Canton) attacked by Japanese ASW TF - one direct hit, plus a second hit inflicting torpedo tube damage. S-43 is heavily damage and returning to Pearl Harbor.

South Pacific: Japanese recon flights and air bombing continues at Norfolk Is.


Australia: Jap recon flights continue over Geraldton. Operations report for 7/22 indicates Japanese airfield at Exmouth base is now a size 4. Possible threat to Allied shipping moving between Perth and points in Southeast Asia.

Air raids by both Japanese and Allied air forces continue in and around Daly Waters. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Tank Regiment, at 35,89

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 23
Ki-49 Helen x 73

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
5 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet

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


Malacca Straits: Japanese ASW task force activity - Dutch submarine O-16 heavily damaged (torpedo tubes) in an attack.

India: Unidentified Japanese sub sighted at Trincomalee. Allied aircraft based in and around Trincomalee have been dispatched on ASW patrol in an attempt to engage this sub.

No significant activity reported from Burma or China.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/23/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs report continued Jap carrier air patrols.

It would appear that Pillager has made Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is into permanent bases for the main elements of the KB. A reasonable (though unconfirmed) estimate would be that each of these bases is supporting one Jap carrier TF (each TF possibly a two-CV carrier division with escorts).

This estimate does not account for the "baby-KB", though at least two and possibly three of its CVL/CVE's were damaged in the action off Exmouth (NW Australia) with the British CV's, nor does it include the Junyo and Hiyo (both of which should now be in service). It's likely that at least some of these are based in locations where they can operate either in the Pacific or Indian Ocean.

Only seven U.S. subs (to date) have been sunk in the Central Pacific by Japanese ASW forces (all at Kwajalein). Many subs have been hit and damaged - most received 30-35 sys damage or less and have returned to service fairly quickly. Just wait 'till I get torpedoes...

U.S. Submarine Activity today... Bonita attacked again by Jap ASW TF at Kwajalein - one hit but no significant additional damage. Bonita is still remaining on patrol with 15 or so sys damage. U.S. sub Sailfish hit 3 times by Jap ASW at Sydney Is. Sailfish is returning to Pearl Harbor with moderate (accumulated) damage.

Unidentified Jap submarine detected at French Frigate Shoals. U.S. ASW task force has been dispatched.


South Pacific: Southern shipping route (Panama City - Wellington) reporting quiet. Current weather conditions along the shipping route Overcast and forecast to continue so.


Australia: Jap recon flights continue in SW Australia - Geraldton and Kalgoorlie. Heavy Japanese air bombing of airfield facilities at Daly Waters - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 23
Ki-49 Helen x 73

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
5 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet

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


India/Burma: Most sectors reporting quiet. Unidentified Jap submarine(s) sighted at Trincomalee, possibly damaged. A small ASW task force is being dispatched to Trincomalee from Colombo.


China: Japanese ground forces launch bombardment attack on Chinese forces at Changsha. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 89019 troops, 462 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1921
26th, 39th, 40th, 60th & 70th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mtn Gun Rgt, 6 & 15 FA Rgts
Defending force 25262 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 797
10th & 32nd Chinese Corps, 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps, HQ 1st Group Army

Allied ground losses:
175 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

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


Finally, a question on Auto Victory....

I've been researching this but could not locate an answer. Does the WitP game program automatically end the game when it detects an Auto Victory condition or does the game program allow player(s) to continue the game beyond the point where an Auto Victory occurs?

[alfrake]

Do you think he is going to take (or try to take) Daly Waters? Is his bombing doing anything significant there?

[Alfred]

wneumann,
 
After an auto victory, you are given the option to continue.
 
Alfred

[wneumann]

Alfred... Thanks for the info. I was curious about the auto victory as it's fairly likely to happen in this PBEM, couldn't find anything about how the WitP game program handled it. Looked in the manual and around the strings in here and didn't see anything. Not to repeat my earlier discussion on the subject but I'm way more inclined to stick with my game plan and play this PBEM out for the long haul (to 1945) rather than go for a "hail mary" attack sometime in Dec '42 (which more likely than not would be unsuccessful).

Alfrake... Two part answer to whether Pillager is going for Daly Waters. (1) Yes, if he can pull it off. (2) Yes, if he thinks taking Daly Waters is to his advantage.

My point of view on this is that a Japanese attack (and probable capture) of Daly Waters would not entirely be to the Allies' disadvantage. There are 4 full Japanese divisions in NW Australia - the farther they can be drawn into the interior (beyond the range of an easy supply line, not to mention much of his air support) the better. The best Allied scenario in NW Australia at this time is to make this area into a quagmire for Japanese forces. I'd rather see these four divisions (along with their supporting troops and air) stuck in NW Australia to the greatest extent possible as Pillager will not have them to use elsewhere.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/23/42

Central Pacific: Jap carrier air patrols reported in the usual locations. Contact has been lost with the Japanese sub detected at French Frigate Shoals on 7/22, U.S. ASW task force is still enroute. All other sectors reporting quiet.

South Pacific: Jap air bombing raid on Norfolk Is - AAR follows. Other sectors quiet.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Norfolk Island , at 60,123

Japanese aircraft (all originating from base at Noumea)
A6M2 Zero x 8
G4M1 Betty x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

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


Australia: Both U.S. and Japanese air bombing raids in the Daly Waters area. Also, Jap air recon and bombing attack at Geraldton. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Tank Regiment, at 35,89 (just N of Daly Waters)

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 11
Ki-49 Helen x 59

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
18 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
19 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
8 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Geraldton , at 8,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G4M1 Betty x 15

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

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


India: Japanese submarine detected at Trincomalee on 7/22 now identified as the I-154. British ASW task force still enroute to Trincomalee to engage the I-154 (which has remained in Trincomalee).

Burma: Japanese air bombardment (ground attack) on the Chinese 22nd Division holding positions along the Burma Road immediately N of Lashio. Chinese forces report light casualties.

China: Japanese ground attack continues at Changsha. AAR follows. Increase in Japanese air bombing activity of Chinese ground forces holding front line positions at Changsha and on the flank NW of Changsha.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 88980 troops, 458 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1927
26th, 39th, 40th, 60th & 70th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mtn Gun Rgt, 6 & 15 FA Rgts
Defending force 24946 troops, 82 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 789
10th & 32nd Chinese Corps, 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps, HQ 1st Group Army

Japanese max assault: 1837 - adjusted assault: 494
Allied max defense: 748 - adjusted defense: 344
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 7

Japanese ground losses:
926 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
487 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

[Alfred]

wneumann,
 
IIRC, continuation after an auto victory is referred to in the notes accompanying one of the post 1.5 patches.
 
Alfred

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/25/42

Most sectors reporting quiet.

Sigint: The following excerpt from the daily sigint report (for 7/25) indicates the command assignment of this LCU may have been changed from HQ Home Defense Forces to an undetermined theater HQ - this unit possibly under orders to depart the Japanese home islands for operations in the South Pacific.

68th Construction Battalion is loaded on AP Harada Maru, moving to Efate.


Central Pacific: U.S. submarines reporting routine Jap carrier air patrols at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, Canton Is. All other sectors reporting quiet.

South Pacific: Jap air raids continue over Norfolk Is.


Australia: Japanese air recon flights and a bombing raid (airfield attack) Geraldton. Moderate damage reported. Two fighter squadrons are being transferred via Perth enroute to Geraldton to engage Jap aircraft operating there.

Heavy Jap bombing raid (airfield attack) reported at Daly Waters - substantial damage to airfield facilities, also moderate casualties.


India: Jap submarine I-154 remains at Trincomalee. British ASW TF still enroute to engage it. Another Jap submarine (unidentified) was detected at Colombo.

Burma: Jap ground attack air raids continue on Chinese 22nd Division holding positions outside (north of) Lashio. No report of casualties.

China: Japanese ground bombardment attack against Chinese forces at Changsha. Daily sigint report for 7/25 indicates Japanese 34th Division is enroute to reinforce the offensive against Changsha.

[wneumann]

Alfred, didn't look through notes for the patches.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/26/42

North Pacific: Amchitka Is occupied by U.S. forces. A convoy carrying 58 RCT and 13K supply arrived at Amchitka and is now disembarking. A second convoy with engineers and additional supply is enroute to Amchitka and due to arrive within 2 or 3 days.

Central Pacific: Jap carrier air patrols quiet over Canton Is and Kwajalein. U.S. submarine Guardfish took a direct hit in a Jap surface ASW attack at Canton Is - Guardfish is returning to Pearl Harbor with moderate to heavy damage.

South Pacific: Jap air bombing raids continue at Norfolk Is.


Australia: Recon mission over Darwin was flown by a Dutch F-5A aircraft - mission was successful and returned with significant information on Japanese activity in Darwin. Pillager appears to be using Darwin as a primary base for the eastern Indian Ocean area. Data received from the recon mission (along with other recent info) on Jap activity in Darwin includes the following.

Current port size = 3, airfield size = 5. Three Jap engineer units (5 Engineer Rgt, 42 & 44 Road Construction Bns) known to be operating in Darwin.
Total of 10 Japanese LCU (20700 troops, 60 guns, 83 AFV) reported in Darwin. Other Jap ground units known to be in Darwin within the last month include HQ 14th Army, 5 Mortar Bn, 17 Heavy FA Rgt. Jap ground units reported in Darwin prior to 7/1/42 include 5th & 18th Divisions, two tank regiments, HQ 3 Air Army & 21 Air Flotilla.
78 ships reported at anchor in the port at Darwin. Aircraft based at Darwin include 26 fighters, 26 auxiliary aircraft. However, no mention made of the numerous Jap bombers hitting Daly Waters.

Air bombing raids by both Allied and Japanese air forces in the Daly Waters area. Also Jap air bombing raid and recon at Geraldton. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 20
Ki-49 Helen x 67

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
11 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Geraldton , at 8,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
G4M1 Betty x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

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Day Air attack on 14th Tank Regiment, at 35,89

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 4
B-17E Fortress x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet

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India: British ASW attack on Japanese sub RO-34 at Trincomalee. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Trincomalee at 13,25

Japanese Ships
SS RO-34, hits 20, on fire, heavy damage (including two direct hits, no report on sinking)

Allied Ships
PG Indus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
PG Clive
MSW Khyber
MSW Romney
MSW Cromer
SC Nigella

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Burma: 1st AVG fighter squadron flew fighter sweep against Japanese airfield at Magwe. Jap ground attack bombing raids continue on Chinese 22nd Division near Lashio. AAR's for both follow.

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Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 damaged

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Day Air attack on 22nd New Chinese Division, at 36,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-21-II Sally x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet

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China: Japanese ground bombardment continues against Chinese forces at Changsha.