wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Some reflections on current events...
 
It certainly appears that Pillager is beginning to launch offensive operations in an attempt to draw me into a major battle. The "status quo" at this point of the war obviously not in his favor the longer it continues - understandably he cannot just sit there and wait.
 
As long as Japanese attacks do not inflict major or long-term strategic damage to Allied positions, a large-scale response to Pillager's attacks may not be necessary in most cases. Patience could still be a virtue. Japanese offensive ops at this stage are more dangerous to Pillager than to me. One wrong move by the Japanese could put them on the receiving end of a "Midway". The risk being taken by Pillager in conducting offensive ops outweighs the result of these attacks - and that risk increases the longer Pillager continues attacking. My intent is to watch and shadow Pillager's movements into my "turf", pick off any easy targets of opportunity that are presented (without risking my own forces to an ambush), and wait for a Jap mistake if one occurs.
 
The fact the Pillager is attacking into Allied control areas in itself is a plus from the Allied perspective. It would be very difficult or impossible for me to send Allied forces into Japanese controlled areas and win a battle, a much different case exists if the Japs move into Allied territory. Basic "home field advantage".  

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/27/42

Central Pacific: The KB came out! The most massive Japanese carrier air strike since 12/7/41 was launched against a U.S. TF (five DD's) returning to Palmyra following the Jap naval bombardment attack on 8/26. All five DD's were sunk. Situation map and AAR follows.

Estimated size of the Japanese carrier force west of Palmyra (based on the number of attacking aircraft) would be 6-8 CV's (all the original KB carriers plus Junyo and/or Hiyo).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
A6M3 Zero x 41
D3A2 Val x 130
B5N2 Kate x 229

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships (all later reported sinking)
DD Russell, Bomb hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fanning, Bomb hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Walke, Bomb hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hammann, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mustin, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking: (deleted in this report)

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Contacts with Japanese carrier air patrols were still reported from U.S. submarines despite the KB attack on Palmyra. It can now be presumed that these contacts (Vals at Saipan, Kates at Kwajalein & Canton Is) are either (1) land-based aircraft or (2) from other carriers that did not participate in the Palmyra strike. Given the number of Jap carrier aircraft participating in the Palmyra attack, it is unlikely that case (2) above is true.

No Jap air patrols (either Kates or Vals) were observed this game turn at Pago Pago - Jap carrier plane contacts at Pago Pago were likely to be with aircraft actually based on a carrier. Jap air patrols (Kates or Vals) continued to be detected by U.S. subs this game turn at Kwajalein and Canton Is - these probably being land-based aircraft. The Vals reported on patrol at Saipan could either be carrier (Baby KB?) or land based aircraft.

Wasn't so much a matter of being fooled as not knowing for sure what I was watching (couldn't tell if what I was seeing was true or not, especially with no additional information available). Until proven otherwise, my assumption was the KB's current location probably (>50% chance) coincided with sightings of Val and/or Kate aircraft. And there was no information to prove this otherwise.

What can be learned from this is that monitoring flights of Kate and Val aircraft might sometimes be but not always is an accurate indicator of the KB's whereabouts. Especially true when these contacts continue for a long period of time with no change and/or when no additional information to confirm the KB's activity or location is available. Caveat Emptor, Kiddies...

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/27/42

Central Pacific (continued): No definite information appeared in any reports on the KB's movement (speed or heading). U.S. carrier TF's are moving to refuel at Johnston Is and will remain at sea in this area pending further orders. Unless surprise can be acheived (unlikely) or the KB continues launching air strikes to the point it is exhausting available ops, there is no intent for U.S. carriers at this time to engage the KB. Especially being outnumbered.

U.S. sub Nautilus attacks Jap AK Norfolk Maru at Saipan - 3 shell hits, no report of damage to Norfolk Maru.


South Pacific: Jap air recon reported at Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.


Australia: Jap air ground bombing attack on 4 Australian Division at Daly Waters. Light casualties reported.

F-5A air recon flight over Darwin reports only 43 ships in port - compared to previous report of 70+ ships. No detected change in strength of ground or air forces located in the base at Darwin.


India/Burma: Two attempted Jap fighter sweeps on Imphal - all Hurricane squadrons at Imphal had been grounded to rest & refit, no air combat or losses.

[alfrake]

On the Battleship bombardment, I've seen them do that kind of damage. It seems to vary a lot, but the high end of several BBs hitting a base is quite high. No idea is CVS did anything to those equations.

[wneumann]

Alfrake,
 
If you're referring to the Calcutta bombardment attack on 8/19/42, no Japanese aircraft were involved (either land or carrier based). That was one massive hit.
 
However, the base at Calcutta is recovering pretty well though I haven't been able to fly any air ops from there (mainly due to damaged aircraft). Very few aircraft in Calcutta were actually destroyed in the bombardment, but all of them were damaged on the ground.
 
Other than several MSW, the port in Calcutta is completely inactive (though intact). Calcutta now being within the range of Jap LBA (Nells and Bettys) based in Rangoon and simply the fact that that part of the Bay of Bengal is a cul-de-sac where Pillager can easily trap and sink any Allied ships moving in that area. Supply has been moving well and adequately overland mostly from Bombay. Almost anything (air or ground reinforcements) showing up in Aden is immediately shipped to India; not to mention substantial quantities of supply, fuel, oil. The coastline from Chittagong to Colombo is a veritable "Atlantic Wall" or as close to one as I can get. Behind that wall, all but one of the Indian LCU's starting in Malaya are in various stages of rebuilding.     

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/28/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting resumed contacts with Japanese carrier aircraft (all Kates) at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is. Jap minesweeping operations detected at Canton Is.

However... the KB remains at sea, now WSW of Palmyra. Situation map follows. Several Japanese TF's now entering the base at Canton Is - contacts with U.S. sub Skipjack, also AAR reports of Japanese ships encountering mines.

Ed Note: Weather forecast on situation map below is for 8/29 game turn (not 8/30).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/28/42, part zwei

Australia: Japanese air bombing attacks on Australian 4th Division and airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Moderate casualties to both 4 Division and other LCU at Daly Waters, light damage to Daly Waters itself.

F-5A recon aircraft flight over Darwin showing possible (though unconfirmed) removal of Japanese ground unit(s) from NW Australia. Several TF's (reports indicate these are entirely made up of AP's) are in Darwin - no change in number of Jap ground units in Darwin to indicate these are loading aboard ships. Recon flights over Darwin will be continued. I am making no conclusion from recon reports in Darwin at this time.

Situation map of NW Australia follows.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/28/42, part drei

India: Japanese recon, air bombing, and fighter sweep missions flown over Calcutta. AAR's follow. Allied aircraft based in Calcutta are still damaged from the Jap naval bombardment on 8/19. However, the flak was active.

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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 16

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed
Dakota I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 3

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

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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23 (Allied fighters still grounded, sweep was unopposed)

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 26

No Japanese losses

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Burma: RAF Liberator III bombers hit naval base at Rangoon. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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


No significant activity to report in other theaters.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/29/42

Central Pacific: Contacts with Jap carrier air patrols from U.S. subs in Canton Is, Pago Pago, Kwajalein continue. With most or all the KB still at sea, these contacts can no longer be accurately interpreted as indicating Jap carriers are in port.

Several contacts and attacks between U.S. sub Seadragon and Japanese ships at Kwajalein. AAR's follow. Sub Seadragon received moderate damage and returning to Pearl for repair.

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Sub attack near Kwajalein at 81,84

Japanese Ships
AP Shuko Maru, Shell hits 8

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

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Sub attack near Kwajalein at 81,84

Japanese Ships
AP Tsuruga Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon, hits 4, on fire

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

Current situation map of Palmyra area follows.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/29/42 part deux

South Pacific: Several contacts reported between U.S. submarine S-46 and Japanese DD's at hex 61,122 near Norfolk Is. No hits or damage on either side. Japanese recon flight (H8K Emily) resumed over Norfolk Is.

Australia: Jap air bombing of 4 Australian Div at Daly Waters - light casualties. Recon flight over Darwin by F-5A aircraft continued. No change observed in the situation at Darwin.

India: Jap recon flight over Calcutta. Otherwise quiet.


Burma: Sigint reports Jap 3rd AA Regiment now in Magwe. 3 AA Regiment had been transferred from HQ Home Defense Force to the Burma Area Army in the process of redeployment.

Fighter sweep by RAF Hurricane II's against Jap base at Lashio. AAR follows.

ALSO... First Allied fighter ace of the war. PO Boyd, J.L. of No.135 Squadron RAF is credited with kill number 5 recorded over Lashio during the fighter sweep. PO Boyd tallied all kills flying a Hurricane II.

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Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 62

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 6 damaged

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

China: All sectors continue quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/30/42

Central Pacific: Several engagements at Kwajalein between U.S. subs on patrol and Japanese minesweepers. A flotilla of U.S. subs also laid additional mines in the base at Kwajalein. AAR's follow.

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Sub attack near Kwajalein at 81,84

Japanese Ships
MSW Tama Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (later reported sunk)
MSW Shonan Maru #8
MSW Shonan Maru #7
MSW Senyu Maru #2
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1

Allied Ships
SS Gar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kwajalein at 81,84 (attack did occur but no actual damage to Pickerel - sync error?)
Japanese Ships
MSW Shonan Maru #8
MSW Shonan Maru #7
MSW Senyu Maru #2
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel, heavy damage

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

Jap carrier aircraft patrol contacts by U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago - no contacts at Kwajalein.

KB task forces south of Johnston Is spotted by several B-17 & B-24 bombers flying naval search from Johnston Is. KB TF's appear to be moving westward. Situation map follows.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/30/42, part dos.

South Pacific: Jap recon aircraft flights (H8K Emily) reported over Norfolk Is. Also a small Jap surface TF at Norfolk Is (four ships including CL Katori) detected and attacked by Auckland-based Hudson I planes.

An Allied surface TF (BB Prince of Wales, 1 CA, 3 CL's) is heading for Norfolk Is to intercept and engage the Jap TF.


Australia: Japanese air bombing raids on 4 Australian Division and airfield facilities at Daly Waters - light casualties to 4 Division, heavy damage to runway at Daly Waters airbase. F-5A recon aircraft reports no change in status of Jap forces in Darwin.


India/Burma: Small Jap naval bombardment TF strikes at Calcutta. Two Jap air bombing raids against Allied airbase at Imphal. AAR's follow.

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Naval bombardment of Calcutta, at 29,23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Dakota I: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami
CL Naka

Allied Ships
MSW Agra, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
381 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 70
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 28

Aircraft Attacking:
9 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 Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
7 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
4 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
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

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 15
Ki-49 Helen x 11

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet

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


China: Scattered Jap air bombing raids (ground attacks) on front-line Chinese forces. Light casualties reported.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/31/42

HQ Asiatic Fleet now disembarked in Los Angeles after transport by sea from Australia via Wellington & Panama City. Current strength of Asiatic Fleet HQ is 69 support squads (out of TOE of 360). Asiatic Fleet HQ will draw replacements as support squads become available (this unit on low priority for replacement support elements behind front-line combat and base units) to rebuild to full TOE strength.

Central Pacific: Jap carrier aircraft patrol contacts by U.S. subs at Canton Is - no contacts at Kwajalein or Pago Pago. Mine sweeping ops by U.S. forces at Fanning Is, Jap mine sweeping ops continue at Kwajalein.

Several reports from PBY and B-17 naval patrol aircraft indicate KB task forces have reversed course and now moving eastward. Situation map follows.

[wneumann]

More Operations from 8/31/42:

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Norfolk Is. No further contact with Jap surface TF at Norfolk Is reported on 8/30. Allied surface TF is still heading for Norfolk Is - estimated time of arrival at Norfolk Is is 2 game turns.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Daly Waters, also air bombing (ground attack) against 4 Australian Div. Light casualties reported. F-5A recon aircraft flew again over Darwin - no change in Jap forces there.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights reported over Imphal and Port Blair (Andaman Is). Two Jap fighter sweeps were launched against base at Imphal - RAF fighter squadrons were grounded for a quick repair of aircraft and rest, no aircraft losses or damage on either side.

China: Quiet other than scattered Jap air bombing attacks on Chinese front-line ground units.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/1/42

Central Pacific: KB returns to launch another air attack against U.S. base at Palmyra.

An attempted "1000 bomber raid" from Palmyra by all available 4E bombers in the Central Pacific theater fails to hit Jap carriers - however, a large number of Japanese carrier fighters were damaged while intercepting the raid.

U.S. carrier TF's (four CV's) have turned back on a SW heading towards Johnston Is. U.S. carriers are heavily outnumbered by KB forces near Palmyra - U.S. CV's are moving into position to attack only if a favorable opportunity for a successful strike does occur. Possibility for a U.S. carrier counterattack might be favorable if (1) KB carriers exhaust their available ops, and/or (2) damage to a large number of Jap aircraft on the KB's carriers continues to occur at the present rate.

AAR's and situation map follows. Note: AAR's below are from Japanese report as there was a very significant AAR sync error on this game turn. Actual U.S. losses tend to confirm the Jap AAR's.

Jap carrier aircraft patrol contacts by U.S. subs at Canton Is - no contacts at Kwajalein or Pago Pago.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
A6M3 Zero x 50
D3A2 Val x 158
B5N2 Kate x 262

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 8 destroyed, 90 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 42 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 10 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless: 12 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 3 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 24
Airbase supply hits 16
Runway hits 173

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
7 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
28 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
24 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
28 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
18 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
23 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
20 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
23 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
25 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
27 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
26 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
28 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
15 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
15 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
10 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 105,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
A6M3 Zero x 78

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 11
B-17E Fortress x 2
LB-30 Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 16 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 9 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 10 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Sanae
DD Kuretake

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 105,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
A6M3 Zero x 78

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 29
LB-30 Liberator x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 22 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 41 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 10 destroyed, 9 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 20 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
CV Hiryu

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
1 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
1 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/1/42, part deux

South Pacific: Jap recon flight reported over Norfolk Is. Allied surface TF approaching Norfolk Is from the SW - expected arrival at Norfolk next game turn.


Australia: Jap air bombing raids on airfield facilities at Daly Waters and Tennant Creek. AAR's for both raids follow.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 17

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 7 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
5 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 40
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 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
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
4 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

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


India/Burma: Japanese bombardment TF appears to be enroute to strike Calcutta. AAR and situation map follow.

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Day Air attack on TF at 27,27

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 21

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1
BB Ise
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/2/42

Central Pacific: KB task forces holding position WNW of Palmyra. One or more Japanese bombardment TF(s) approaching Palmyra from the west - expected to hit Palmyra within the next game turn. Situation map follows.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/2/42 part deux

South Pacific: Allied surface TF (BB Prince of Wales, 1 CA, 3 CL's) reached Norfolk Is - no contact made with Japanese forces previously detected in this area. TF is now proceeding to Sydney. Jap recon flight (H8K Emily) over Norfolk Is.


Australia: Japanese air raids on 4 Australian Div and airfield facilities at Daly Waters - light damage, moderate casualties reported. Jap air recon flight detected over Tennant Creek.

F-5A recon flight over Darwin reports no change in status of Japanese forces. However, sigint report on 9/1 indicated Jap 44 Road Construction Bn previously at Darwin is now at Tjlitjap.


India/Burma: Japanese shore bombardment TF hits Calcutta. AAR follows. Several squadrons of land-based naval strike aircraft (Swordfish, Beauforts) are being transferred from Ceylon to bases surrounding Calcutta. Unfortunately the Royal Navy currently has only two BB's available (Valiant, Revenge) with British Withdrawal for 9/42 requiring one of these BB to go - no match for the IJN. I am moving non-essential air and ground units from Calcutta to adjacent bases - from where they can be recalled into Calcutta as the situation dictates. If I can't stop Pillager from hitting Calcutta, I will at least make it as close to an "empty bag" as possible.

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Naval bombardment of Calcutta, at 29,23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Dakota I: 8 destroyed
Hudson I: 2 destroyed
Hurricane IIb: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
Hurricane IID/IV: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
8437 casualties reported
Guns lost 132
Vehicles lost 15

Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 67

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China: Japanese ground forces launch an attack on Chinese positions in Kanhsien. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5718 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 71
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 21 Mortar Bn, 19 Engineer Rgt

Defending force 5873 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 224
63rd Chinese Corps

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 5
Japanese max assault: 62 - adjusted assault: 19
Allied max defense: 205 - adjusted defense: 193
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese ground losses:
203 casualties reported, 21 Mortar Bn retreated
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/3/42

Central Pacific: Two Japanese surface bombardment TF's hit Palmyra. AAR's below.

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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed

29 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari, Shell hits 3
CL Oi
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 2
CA Ashigara

Allied ground losses:
287 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 2 destroyed
LB-30 Liberator: 4 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless: 7 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Atago
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
1581 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 10

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 56
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits

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


South Pacific: Japanese recon continues over Norfolk Is.

Australia: Jap air bombardment of Daly Waters airfield - light casualties and damage.


India/Burma: Japanese air bombing raid on airfield at Calcutta, RAF bombers strike Japanese warships in port at Rangoon. AAR's for both follow.

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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-49 Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Dakota I: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IID/IV: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 13

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

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 19 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 27 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL Naka, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
7 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF, near Rangoon at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Inazuma
DD Umikaze

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet

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China: Jap ground forces bombard Chinese units in Kanhsien - no casualties reported on either side.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/4/42

Central Pacific: Jap carrier aircraft patrol contacts by U.S. subs at Pago Pago and Canton Is - no contacts at Kwajalein. Japanese mine sweeping ops detected at Kwajalein after a minelaying flotilla of U.S. subs reached Kwajalein and laid mines there on 9/3.

Another Jap surface naval bombardment at Palmyra - AAR and situation map follow. Light to moderate damage and casualties. Airfield at Palmyra inoperative due to bombardment damage, nearly all aircraft in Palmyra damaged in the bombardments. Aircraft based in Palmyra that are still operational have been flying out from there to nearby airfields within range as they become repaired - this activity will continue as aircraft in Palmyra become operational.

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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19
Port supply hits 1

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