Fire across the Pacific,AAR (now a yokel free zone)

[cantona2]

Communique Head of Intelligence, SIGINT, to Chief of Staff, Navy, Admiral Ernest J King.
 
Intell gathered for the month of February 1942 indicates Japanese plans for an offensive at Rangoon under the command of 15th Army. Radio traffic intercepts have indicated parachute operations against Wyndham and a heavy artillery regiment has received its orders for an attack a Darwin. A weak, though unbroken signal from Singapore indicates that a tank regiment has been issued with orders to familiarise itself with the terrain to the North West of Perth.
 
It is the firm belief of this office that the Japanese have no knowledge of the fact that we have broken their naval code. Intell picked up by British submarines have confirmed the 15th Army's presence at Georgetown. Therefore it is my firm belief that we should act upon the gathered intelligence in light of our recent succes at Tobolai and the sinking of Japanese transports carrying Naval Base forces. Recovered bodies and intell on them, backed up our initial intercepts
 
 

[cantona2]

Combat Report Log, SS Trusty, Commander Arbuthnott, E.P.
 
15th February 1942 ASW attack, 60 NM West of Bandjermasin. Sub only leaked some water but little damage. Course set WNW.
17th February 1942 Nothing to report other than seagulls and the occasional shark.
21st February 1942 60 NM North of Kragen, ship lights observed SW of position heading NW. Periscope depth ordered and shadowing convoy.
22nd February 1942 10 transports and escorts observed.
23rd February 1942 Sub lightly damaged after three close depth charge detonations. Light damage to aft generator. Combat patrol to continue.
25th February 1942 Sailing NW up the Java Sea. At 21:47 hours Jap recon seaplane spotted. Emergency dive carried out. Seaman Swift (not so) in sick bay with concussion and two broken ribs.
3rd March 1942 Signal received to sail for Merak to pick up some Dutch specialists before Japs overrun base.
5th March 1942 Approach to Merak delayed 48 hours due to heavy surface presence and high traffic of Straits.
9th March 1942 Attacked by H6K4 Mavis while recharging on surface. Light damage to conning tower. 263 AA rounds expended. Torpedo compliment still unfortunately full.
10th March 1942 Submerged. Sailing ENE. Coded message received of troop convoys leaving Singapore, destination Toboali.
11th March 1942 Finally some success.1 torpedo hit, of 4 fired (will have to drill crew when next in port) on transport south of Belioteng. Evaded escorts.
13th March 1942 Shadowing second Jap convoy.
14th Macrh 1942 3 torpedo hits, of 4 fired, sinking a 5000t transport full of troops at Toboali. Foward tubes lightly damaged by escort attack. Three fish left in rear tubes. Heading to Colombo at full speed. Morale great.
16th March 1942 Two torpedo hits, of 2 fired, on transport heading S, 60 NM NW of Benkolen. Evaded escort attacks. Still heading towards Colombo. 1 confirmed kill, 2 possibles. Morale high. Crew in good spirits.
17th March 1942 Damage report ordered from Chief Engineer.
 
 
HMS Trusty
 

 




Type
Submarine

Displacement
1090 / 1575 BRT 

Length
275 feet 

Complement
59 men 

Armament
1 4" gun
3 MG AA
10 21" torpedo tubes (6 bow, 2 bow external, 2 amidships external firing forward)
16 torpedoes 

Max speed
15.25 / 9 knots (surfaced/submerged)

Engines
Diesel / Electric, 2 shafts 

Power
2500 / 1450 HP  (surfaced/submerged)

Notes on class
The T class were the designed as replacements for the O, P and R class boats. There size (1325 tons) was kept down to allow more hulls to be built within the tonnage restrictions of the London Treaty. In common with the S class boats they had a very powerful torpedo armament, carried all their fuel internally and were constantly being improved throughout the war. Boats specifically intended for the far east had extra fuel tanks fitted to increase the range.
The specifications as given above is for the first group.
The first T class submarine to be completed, HMS Triton had a slightly different displacement; 1095 / 1579 BRT.
At least two boats from the first group, HMS Tigris and HMS Torbay, had an external stern torpedo tube fitted giving them 11 torpedo tubes. They also carried an extra torpedo.
Further specifications for the later groups;
2nd Group;
Same as the first group except;
Complement: 61 men
Armament
1 4\" gun
3 MG AA
11 21\" torpedo tubes (6 bow, 2 bow external, 2 amidships external firing aft, 1 stern external)
17 torpedoes
3th Group;
Same as the first group except;
Complement: 61 men
Armament:
1 4\" gun
1 20mm AA
3 MG AA
11 21\" torpedo tubes (6 bow, 2 bow external, 2 amidships external firing aft), 1 stern external
17 torpedoes
 

[cantona2]

Well we're at 1st April 1942 and the inevitable has happened. Apart from Bataan and Manila the whole of the SRA is one Japanese conglomerate. I now need some advice as regards the economic crippling of my opponent as i wait for the arsenal of democracy to produce the weapons i need to push him back home.

The oil fileds of Burma can very easily be pummelled one by one by some very good air assetts in India, its the ones in the former DEI that i need help with. Which ports in the HI's will need to be blockaded or shadowed by my subs? Or is it more productive to try and blockade the oil producing centers? Ideally finding his convoy routes would be the best bet but unless SIGINT reveals something im groping about in the dark about that one.

Ill be posting the figures for a pretty dark March soon but Operation Warrior is about two weeks away and if my opponent hasnt got wind of it, it will be a sorely needed morale booster.

Anyhow suffice to say that March 1942 was NOT good for the good guys

[cantona2]

Admrials Halsey and Nimitz had been locked in the foward map room of the Yorktown. They had talked and talked and gone over hundreds of recon photos of the Tarawa atoll and they had arrived at a decision. The handle of the wood veneered door turned and the gathered Generals and officers gathered in the briefing room adjoining the map room turned. As one they all stood up and saluted, all converstaion ceasing and all the attention focused on the pair of naval officers that had opened the door. A palpable tension gripped the atmosphere.

"Gentlemen," intoned Halsey in a grave voice, "the order is that we go!"

The tension lifted and was replaced by the sound of many voices talking at once. The Admiral raised his hand asking for silence. He motioned the gathered crowd to sit and unveiled a hitherto covered map of the area of operations. He then handed over to Admiral Nimitz.

"The invasion task forces will rendevous at this point," boomed the Admiral's powerful voice. "300 nautical miles South East of the target. We have extensive recon intell and the only aircraft we have sited are one weak squadron of float planes. Our picket submarines have detected no incoming traffic other that the convoy we saw last week."

At this several officers murmered loudly, at which the Admiral responded,

"I know your frustations gentlemen when pernission to strike was refused but secrecy for this operation is paramount, the Lightinings on Baker were just as frustrated to have unprotected ships within range of their bombs. If i may continue, Yorktown and Enterprise will move in with the bombardment group while Hornet will remain behind to cover the transporst along with the Colorado group. The intention is to use the dawn to cover our approach, pulverise the airfield and then move onto the identified emplacements. All carrier based air groups will help in bombarding the island while our Wildcats will assist the Baker Lightnings in covering the fleet. The first landings will land the 27th Division and the 279th RCT and they will be tasked with the intial beach head securing. Once this has been achieved the 754th Tank Brigade will be put ashore and add its armoured punch in the final suppresion of the Jap garrison. Once the atoll has been secured our engineers will land and brgin clearing the atoll and making it battle ready. The secondary landings at Makin are scheduled for D+2 and are designed to secure a second toe hold in the Gilberts and to confuse the enemy and make him think a wider offensive is under way."

"Gentlemen. good luck and God speed." At this the gathered men stood, saluted firmly and turned away to attend their respective commands. Halsey looked out into the flight deck and prayed silently that the Japanese had not got wind of this operation as surprise was the key.

[cantona2]

D Day 15th April 1942

For the sailors, airmen and soldiers of TF Warrior it was a day of destiny. The US Navy was going to conduct its very first combined arms amphibious landing on the Tarwa Atoll. It would be down to the guns of TF Idaho and the bombs of the carrier groups to deliver the first blows.

Admiral Nimtiz scanned the horizon through his binoculars. The flight deck of the Yorktown was full of aircraft with their engines reved up. The flight officer suddenly exploded into action, a mass of waving arms and coloured flags. The first Wildcat hurtled down the flight deck and dipped slightly as it cleared it. In an instant the pilot heaved back on his control stick and the fighter veered skywards. He was soon joined by the rest of his squadron and then by the heavier Dauntless'. Soon enough the sky above Carrier Group 1 was full of circling aircraft. In groups of 5 they circeld around the gathered ships waiting for all aircraft to get into position before heading North West. Higher up, lost in the thin wispy Cirrus clouds, those Wildcats detailed with CAP watched over the gathering host, acting as a protective shield against any possible aggression.

By 07:45 hours the aerial armada was assembled and as one each squadron took a north western heading and gradually the last aircraft left the range of Nimtiz's sight. The worrying waiting game had begun, Operation Warrior was launched, the Rubicon had been crossed, there was no turning back now.

[cantona2]

Result of attack by Idaho Bombardment Force.
 
 
Naval bombardment of Tarawa, at 84,95
 
Japanese aircraft
no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
CA Louisville
CA Indianapolis
BB Warspite
BB Idaho
 
Japanese ground losses:
2271 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
 
Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 19
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 1
 
Result of Carrier Force Group 1 Strikes.
 
Day Air attack on 52nd Naval Guard Unit, at 84,95
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 21
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
SBD-3 Dauntless x 63
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged
 
Japanese ground losses:
149 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
 
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
18 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

[Gen.Hoepner]

Very well wirtten AAR. I enjoy the reading. Thx

[cantona2]

Thanks General Hoepner, high praise coming from the likes of yourself
 
thanks

[Cathartes]

WHoah! Allied invasion of Tarawa in April '42?! Gutsy move!

Which version of CHS? Please keep us posted on developments, and thanks for the AAR.

[cantona2]

Cathartes

Hes very heavily committed in Northern Oz and there seems to be very little level of fortification and development on Tarawa. Intell suggests about 7,000 troops, and a level 1 airfield and forts. I know the KB is in dry dock or too far away to intervene. Canton and Baker Islands can provide back up bases if he does come out to play in the Gilberts but im hoping his level of commitment in Oz (lack of any reasonable level of LBA for example) will mean that the KB will have to support his ops there. I also made sure he knew i had carriers in Oz so that he would have to keep some of his mobile forces in and around the theatre. well fingers crossed and we all know the old adage, no plan survives contact with the enemy [X(]

thanks for the comments

PS CHS version 2.8 with NikMod

[cantona2]

Second day of the assault
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/16/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1036 encounters mine field at Tarawa (84,95)
 
TF 1036 troops unloading over beach at Tarawa, 84,95
 
 
Allied Ships
AP Mormacdove, Mine hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Smith
AP President Coolidge, Mine hits 1,  on fire
 
 
Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
 
Coastal Guns at Tarawa, 84,95, firing at TF 1036
16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Smith
 
Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
 
Allied ground losses:
112 casualties reported
 
-------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tarawa  at 84,95
 
Japanese Ships
SS RO-64
 
Allied Ships
AP Barnett
DD Smith
 
-------------------------
TF 1036 encounters mine field at Tarawa (84,95)
 
TF 1036 troops unloading over beach at Tarawa, 84,95
 
 
Allied Ships
DD Smith
 
Coastal Guns at Tarawa, 84,95, firing at TF 1036
10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Smith
 
 
Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Tarawa, 84,95, firing at TF 1038
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1038 encounters mine field at Tarawa (84,95)
 
TF 1038 troops unloading over beach at Tarawa, 84,95
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Tarawa, 84,95, firing at TF 1094
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1094 encounters mine field at Tarawa (84,95)
 
TF 1094 troops unloading over beach at Tarawa, 84,95
 
 
6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1094 encounters mine field at Tarawa (84,95)
 
TF 1094 troops unloading over beach at Tarawa, 84,95
 
 
6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1137 encounters mine field at Tarawa (84,95)
 
TF 1137 troops unloading over beach at Tarawa, 84,95
 
 
Allied Ships
AK Steel Traveler, Mine hits 1
AK Steel Scientist, Mine hits 1,  on fire
 
 
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1
 
Coastal Guns at Tarawa, 84,95, firing at TF 1137
 
Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tarawa  at 84,95
 
Japanese Ships
SS RO-64
 
Allied Ships
AK Bintoehan, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 84,95
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
AP President Coolidge, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 84,95
 
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied Ships
AK Bintoehan,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 84,95
 
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
AK Sagadahoc, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
-------------------------------------------------------
 
Some idiot forgot to change the previous days orders to the carrier fighters (they wouldve eaten through the Bettys). Whole operation is now in doubt [:@].
 
 

[cantona2]

Extract from The Dark Times January- May 1942, Scimitar Military Press, 1984.

Operation Warrior was a total failure, well apart from the Makin raid that in strategic terms was made redundant by the failure at Tarawa. Though valuable lessons had been learnt the losses vastly outwieghed any gains that had been made. Though the reasons of failure were indisputable, two major errors hitherto unknown and now made available to historians because of their declassification, stand out above the rest. The first was a massive, indeed critical, error of the vaunted Intelligence Corps that failed to notice that the Japanese had built an air strip on Maloelap Atoll capable of launching G4M1 Betty torpedo bombers at the invasion force.

The second critical mistake was made by the air coordination officer of the United States Navy Carrier forces that did not set the carrier fighters to fly combat missions over Tarawa to cover the invasion forces and meet the incoming Betty's head on. The impact of this mistake was compounded on the third day of the battle when Wildcats on combat patrol over Tarawa were able to prevent any strike on the ships now limping away from the atoll.

Losses could have been much worse but several transports were left burning hulks on the shallow waters around Tarawa, most notably the SS President Coolidge that after striking two mines was left floundering and sinking.



The only substantial military casualty was the DD Sampson, that took one mine hit, and the SS Greenling that was twice hit evacuating the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion from Makin. Both ships made dry dock but were out of the fight for a time...


Tarwa Atoll, 18th April 1942, 19:43

Sergeant Gordon Straith, 2nd Company 754th Tank Battalion, watched from the body strewn shores of Tarawa as the navy ships disappeared over the horizon. From the sand dunes behind his M3 Lee tank he could observe Japanese soldiers cautiously appraoching. His radio operator cocked the bow .30 cal machine gun and prepared to engage them. He lightly touched his shoulder and shook his head. He unhooked his headphones and verbally ordered his crew out and surrender. He was the last to alight the vehicle but before he did he dropped three grenades into the tank just after disabling the breech.

The force of the explosion threw him off the hull of the tank as he prepared to jump off.

"Bastards," he shouted loudly as he shuffled to his feet. Whether he was shouting at the approaching Japanese soldiers, the departing Navy ships or the top brass that had ordered his unit to that damn island he did not make clear.

[cantona2]

Not posted one of these yet. As you can see as of 25th April 1942, I'm getting my a**e spanked.

[ctangus]

Ouch - the lack of CAP over Tarawa certainly hurt! If it's any consolation, I (and probably many others) have made far stupider & costlier mistakes than that...

Looks like you had a good idea, though. And even if it didn't work out the way you wanted - atoll invasions are tough - it will force your opponent to start thinking defensively.

ORIGINAL: cantona2

Not posted one of these yet. As you can see as of 25th April 1942, I'm getting my a**e spanked.

The overall ratio doesn't look good, but it's still early. On a quick glance plane losses seem low. Are there any areas you can start an air offensive? Even if you lose 1:2 at first you'll start attriting Japanese pilots & gradually bring the points score to a better ratio.

[cantona2]

Snapshot of shipping losses in the last 5 weeks of game time. Most of mine happened during the faliure at Tarawa [&:]
Since these have been posted ive hit a couple more PC's and a few transports. Thankfully my subs are keeping me in the fight. two turns ago i hit a heavily escorted TK sailing into Osaka with 4 duds!!!!!!![:@] I'm sure that one was bringing the spoils of war back to the HI's

[cantona2]

Ok guys, heres the plan for the Defence of India, not perfect but open to criticism.
Game date is 27th April 1942, SIGINT keeps getting hits of Japanese troops prepping for India.
As of this date these are the strengths at various points.

Madras: 345 AV's, 2 Indian Brigades, 1 LAA Rgt, 1 Ind Field Art Rgt
Vizagapatam: 130 AV's, 1/3 Indian Div, 1 Indian Briagde
Diamond Harbour: 400 AV's 7th Div AIF, 1 HAA Rgt
Calcutta: 350 AV's 2nd British Div, 1 HAA Rgt
Chittagong: 362 AV's 1 Ind Brigade, 1 Arm Brigade, 1/3 Ind Div, 1 HAA Rgt, 1 LAA Rgt
Cox's Bazaar: 400 Av's 2 Indian Brigs, 1 Gurhka Brig, 1 Arm Rgt, 2 HAA rgts
Dacca: SEAC HQ, 1 Arm Rgt, 1 Ind Brig, 1 Art Rgt. Size 6 AF covering southern front.
Bagalore: 18th Brit Div, India HQ, Building up size 4 Af to cover eastern front
Raipur: 1 Arm Brig, 1 Art Rgt, building up size 4 AF to cover Central front
Colombo: 346 AV's, 6th Div AIF, 1 LAA rgt, 1 HAA Rgt, Eastern Fleet Hq (Forward RN Base)
Tricomalee: 1 Inf Brig, 2 LAA Rgts 114 AV's
Bombay: Rear RN base.

Each of the above bases has 1000+ mines and fortified to a lesser or greater extent.

RAF currently deployed in India.
8 Hurricane Squadrons
6 Blenheim IV Squadrons (1 will upgrade to Wellington's)
1 Boston Squadron
1 Wellington Squadron
1 Vildebeeste Squadron (will upgrade to Swordfish)
1 Buffalo Squadron
2 AVG Groups
3 Lysander Squadrons (1 upgrading to Hurricanes)
Plus Carrier borne squadrons from Hermes, Indomitable and Fromidable (im ignoring the April 42 request to withdraw a CV. rather take the PP penalty)


RN in IO
2 CV's
1 CVL
4 BB's
1 BC
6 CA's
13 CL's
and their attendant DD's.

My plan is to try and hold at the beach as long as possible as i do not know where he will strike, though sigint has picked up different units prepping for Madras. Im toying with moving 7th AIF to Calcutta and 2nd Brit to Dacca to have a solid unit as strategic reserve. Dacca will be the main airfield for the south, Raipur for the centre and Bangalore in the East. Though at the moment the RAF is deployed forwards, it will relocate to the rear airfields the moment picket subs and search a/c spot any incoming Jap ships. The RN is at full strength and hopefully will have a chance to hit and run at any incoming transports and ships if LBA can hit or damage the carriers he will need to bring to support any invasion without LBA. Tricomalee at the moment is the weak link in the line but ill have to make do with what i have.

Comments please.

[Gen.Hoepner]

Is that important to keep such a force at Cox's Bazar? I really think that, considering the number of mutal-supporting bases you have in the area (Chittagong, Dacca, Calcutta, DH) it's useless to keep a so strong force there. I'd keep them at Dacca, where his BBs cannot reach you and ready to come in if needed.
Consider that if he wants to land there he's going to do so, no matter what you put on the beaches. Better imho is to reinforce your back bases (Dacca and Calcutta) and think of harrassing him with your air forces as soon as he decide to land. From Cox's Bazar he cannot go anywhere but towards Chittagong, so you can easily mass your troops there if needed, while if he decides to land at Calcutta or DH your units at Cox's Bazar will be too far away to defend the place...

[cantona2]

Good advice GH, I initially reinforced Cox's Bazaar as i had abandoned all Burma upto the line Cox's Bazaar Kohima. I'll leave a token force but move two of the bridages to Calcutta, just noticed that he needs to occupy DH before he can move bombardment units into the Calcutta hex.

I keep a very strong RN presence in Colombo to counter any 'left hook' movement. Is this sound or should i withdraw all the RN to Bombay in the eventuality that he does comes. For all i know it could be an almighty bluff.

[Jim D Burns]

ORIGINAL: cantona2

Good advice GH, I initially reinforced Cox's Bazaar as i had abandoned all Burma upto the line Cox's Bazaar Kohima. I'll leave a token force but move two of the bridages to Calcutta, just noticed that he needs to occupy DH before he can move bombardment units into the Calcutta hex.

I keep a very strong RN presence in Colombo to counter any 'left hook' movement. Is this sound or should i withdraw all the RN to Bombay in the eventuality that he does comes. For all i know it could be an almighty bluff.

KB can show up unannounced and slaughter anything you have at Colombo. I use Colombo as a repair base for my subs and a refueling point, but not a *main* base for the fleet. You're better off leaving the RN at Bombay and spending a few days getting to the action then you are if he launches a surprise port strike or sinks any fleets docked at Colombo. I do keep my Dutch CL’s and DD’s around Colombo/Trincomalee right now, but I’ll probably pull even those back once Singapore is gone.

Colombo will be a safer base once you can afford to base at least two 12 plane float groups on naval search at both Colombo and Trincomalee, but right now it’s vulnerable as you usually won’t spot KB until it is too late.

As to land forces, you cannot possibly hope to stop a Japanese invasion on the beaches right now, so any forces you put on the coastal hexes will get smashed by Japanese BB’s. You’re better off placing just a brigade at each coastal base (with some artillery perhaps) and keeping the lion’s share of your land strength inland away from battleship strikes. These forces can then react to a landing and try to bottle it up after the BB’s have spent their ammo and gone home.

Bangalore and Dacca are my two reaction force bases. Eventually I’ll use Raipur as well once I have enough units to spare.

I’d also re-combine those Indian divisions you have divided and keep them with India Command HQ until they are fully rebuilt. They’ll take forever to get up to strength on their own, stacked with their parent HQ in a base with ample supplies gives them the max rebuilding bonus possible. Even with an HQ it’ll take them over a year to rebuild, on their own, it may take them forever.

Jim

[cantona2]

Thanks Jim

At Colombo i have two 12 plane groups of Catalina's on naval search at Colombo and 2 squadrons of Dornier's and one of Blenheim's on naval search at Tricomalee.

I see that I'll need to redploy a lot of my units and if he is coming i hope i have enough time. Im hoping its a bluff but Bataan fell last turn and it will be Manila so he'll have troops to spare. Even if he doesnt come it will pay to be prepared.

Following on from the advice given, my new plan will consist of 7th Aif at calcutta, 2nd brit and 2 brigades at dacca, 18th brit and 1 brigade at Bangalore with india hq and 2 ind divs (refitting). remaining brigades will garrison Madras, DH, Viz Chitt and Cox's with supporting AA and Eng units. Ill keep the heavy hitters in strategic reserve and use them as fire brigades once he's ashore. Like i said SIGINT is strongly suggesting Madras but i have a gut feeling these are bluffing units. My worry is if he decides to go for the west coast of India as i cant posibly cover every single point of landing or entry.