wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/15/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 91 days.

Central Pacific: Jap recon flight over Penhryn, quiet everywhere else.

South Pacific: Same, except the Jap recon flight was over Auckland.


Australia: Hudson I bombers strike port facilities in Port Moresby. AAR follows. Recon flight over Port Moresby reporting 5 Jap TF's, 2 ships disbanded in port, 81 aircraft (39 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 54,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 24
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 4
Hudson I x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 5 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 4 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet

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

Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP, 4 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report).


DEI: Allied subs beginning to find targets. The following AAR is an action report from U.S. sub Trout in the Makassar Strait south of Tarakan. No report on the Atago Maru's fate.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,63

Japanese Ships
AK Atago Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Trout

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


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Myitkyina. Jap fighter sweep again over Imphal, no combat or losses on either side. No combat activity at Myitkyina.

Hudson I recon flight over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, heavy industry 52(141), 136 aircraft (58 fighters, 10 bombers), 10 Jap LCU's.

Japanese air and naval bombardments of Port Blair. AAR's follow.

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Naval bombardment of Port Blair, at 23,34

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Ariake
DD Oshio
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Blair, at 23,34

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Ariake
DD Oshio
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 7

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


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Tuyun. Otherwise quiet.


Japanese home islands: Sigint report of 2/15 includes entry indicating HQ Jap 5th Air Fleet located in Tokyo. This HQ a new addition to known Japanese OOB - no prior report for 5 Air Fleet HQ.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/16/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 90 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting light Jap air patrols.

SS Grouper at Gardner Is reports sighting two Jap TF's and torpedoed Jap AE Irako. AAR follows. Detected status of Jap base at Gardner Is - airfield size 1, port size unknown, 12 Jap LCU's (this matches the number of identified Jap LCU's on Gardner Is - see 2/12/43 situation map).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gardner Island at 96,101

Japanese Ships
AE Irako, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)
APD Patrol Boat No. 37
APD Hakaze

Allied Ships
SS Grouper, hits 4 (light damage, remains in patrol area)

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

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet.


Australia: Jap recon flight and air bombing strike on Tennant Creek. AAR follows. Reports indicating airfield facilities in Tennant Creek are undamaged.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 16
A6M3a Zero x 9
J1N1-R Irving x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 14
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 14 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
C-47 Dakota: 2 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Dakota I: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 16

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

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

Hudson I recon flights over Exmouth and Darwin both reporting fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M3a, Ki-61, Ki-45); 4 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port, 94 aircraft (42 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.


DEI: No reports of contact or activity from Allied subs.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Imphal, Myitkyina.

No air or ground combat activity in Myitkyina. Allied supply airlift into Myitkyina continuing daily.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 1 Jap TF, heavy industry 53(140), 160 aircraft (61 fighters, 22 bombers), 10 Jap LCU's. Jap DD Oshio detected minefield in Rangoon.

Jap air bombing raids on Port Blair - AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 32
Ki-49 Helen x 24

No Japanese losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet

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


China: Jap recon flight over Chengtu, otherwise quiet.

Sigint report entry for 2/16 indicating Japanese 51st Infantry Division now located in Canton and re-combined from its A/B/C sub-units.

[ny59giants]

What is the situation around the south pacific?? Canton Island Suva, Pago, Pago, French Polynesia, etc..
A screenshot of that area would be helpful.

[wneumann]

NY59Giants,

I posted a series of situation map screen shots following the 2/12 Operations Summary displaying Japanese controlled areas along an arc from Marcus Is in the north through Fiji in the south. These maps showing detected or known port and airfield sizes for Japanese bases, also locations of known Jap LCU's.

I will have to put together a similar map of Noumea/Solomons/New Guinea area, also maps of Allied positions in Central and South Pacific area.

I've actually been a straggling a little (3 days behind) with AAR reports, need to catch up on those too.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/17/43, the "It's too damn quiet around here" edition

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 89 days.

Central Pacific: Generally quiet. U.S. subs again reporting light Jap air patrols.

A group of 5-6 U.S. subs are now operating in the Marshalls - around Kwajalein though not in close proximity.

I'm beginning changes on U.S. sub movement in the Central and South Pacific areas - scaling down (though not completely eliminating) surveillance of Kwajalein, Canton, and Pago Pago that I had concentrated on thru 1942. More subs at a time will be operating, subs are also moving through Jap bases on other islands to detect activity Pillager may have going on in these bases and attack Jap ships as possible.

A group of U.S. subs have also departed Pearl Harbor some days ago enroute to a patrol area south of the Japanese home islands.

Game turn replay for 2/16 indicated Jap AK Yuki Maru sunk near Marcus Is. Yuki Maru struck a mine at Kwajalein on 2/7.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is, otherwise quiet.


Australia: Jap recon and air bombing attack on Tennant Creek. AAR follows. No reported damage (?) to airfield facilities in Tennant Creek. Either there really is no damage, or the small horde of engineers in Tennant Creek are doing quick work of it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 16
A6M3a Zero x 9
J1N1-R Irving x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 19
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 15 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
B-26B Marauder: 2 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 12

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

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

Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting no detected change in Jap activity or forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 71 aircraft (11 fighters, 30 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report).

USAAF bombers strike Jap airfield facilities in Port Moresby. AAR follows.
Catalina recon over Port Moresby reports airfield damage 19, 101 aircraft (52 fighters), 6 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), 6 Jap LCU's.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 54,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 28
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 15
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 3
B-17D Fortress x 22
B-17E Fortress x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 18 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed, 14 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 2 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 17 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 24 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet

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


DEI: AAR report from U.S. sub Trout in the Makassar Strait between Balikpapan and Tarakan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,63

Japanese Ships
MSW Bisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
PC Ch 21
MSW Seki Maru
MSW Mejima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Trout

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


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Myitkyina and Imphal.

Jap air and ground attacks at Myitkyina. AAR's follow. Allied supply airlift to Myitkyina continues.

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Day Air attack on 93rd Chinese Division, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 4
Ki-48-II Lily x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet

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

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16907 troops, 49 guns, 79 vehicles, Assault Value = 365
55th Infantry Division, 1 Reserve Tank Rgt, 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 8431 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 253
Chinese 49th, 93rd, 96th & 200th Infantry Divisions

Japanese max assault: 366 - adjusted assault: 307
Allied max defense: 238 - adjusted defense: 251
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3

Japanese ground losses:
499 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - 1 Jap TF, heavy industry 54(139), 10 Jap LCU's. Action off Rangoon between Dutch sub O-24 and Jap surface TF. AAR follows. O-24 received light damage in the action and remaining on patrol.

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Sub attack near Rangoon at 29,33

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
DD Shirayuki
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Ariake
DD Oshio

Allied Ships
SS O24, hits 1

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

Unidentified Japanese sub detected in Port Blair, also Jap air bombing attacks. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 33
Ki-49 Helen x 19

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 4

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 11

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
5 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet

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


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Pakhoi, Liuchow. Jap bombing raid on Liuchow airfield - AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Liuchow , at 41,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 27
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
27 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/18/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 88 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting light Jap air patrols, including G4M Betty contacts near Canton Is. Game turn replay for 2/18 reporting Jap AP Kyuma Maru sunk after striking a mine at Kwajalein on 2/8.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet.


Australia: Jap recon flight and bombing raid on Tennant Creek. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 16
A6M3a Zero x 8
J1N1-R Irving x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 12
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 2 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 1 destroyed
Dakota I: 3 destroyed
B-26B Marauder: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 15

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

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

Hudson I recon flights over Darwin and Exmouth both report fighters on CAP, otherwise no detected activity or change in Jap forces.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 3 Jap TF's (-3 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port, airfield damage 26, 94 aircraft (43 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.


DEI: U.S. sub Gudgeon attacked by G5M Liz near Singapore and hit with heavy damage (55 system & flood). SS Gudgeon moving at 9 kts, heading towards India for repairs.

Sigint report entry for 2/18 indicating 127 IJN Base Force now located on Aru Island (north of Darwin). No previous reports on 127 Base Force - new LCU to the Japanese OOB.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Myitkyina and Imphal.

RAF fighter squadrons in Chittagong and Japanese air forces based in Magwe trade air raids. AAR follows. No reported damage to airfield facilities in Chittagong.

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Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 106

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11
A6M3a Zero x 16
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 21

No Japanese losses

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Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 39
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 18
Ki-48-II Lily x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-II Lily: 1 destroyed, 25 damaged

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
13 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet

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

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting no Jap TF's, heavy industry 55(138), 10 Jap LCU's. Dutch sub O-24 finds a target off Rangoon, AAR follows.

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Sub attack at 29,34

Japanese Ships
AK Hokuyo Maru, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS O24

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

Two Japanese air attacks on airfield facilities in Port Blair, light damage reported. Contact lost with unidentified Jap sub detected in Port Blair on 2/17.

Jap air and ground attacks at Myitkyina. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on 93rd Chinese Division, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 33

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16235 troops, 44 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 332
55th Infantry Division, 1 Reserve Tank Rgt, 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 7931 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 229
Chinese 49th, 93rd, 96th & 200th Infantry Divisions

Japanese max assault: 261 - adjusted assault: 89
Allied max defense: 210 - adjusted defense: 221
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
226 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Pakhoi, Tuyun, Nanning, Chengtu, Kunming.

Jap air bombing attack on Liuchow - AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Liuchow , at 41,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 24
Ki-49 Helen x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
15 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet

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

Sigint report entry for 2/18 indicating Jap 69th Infantry Division now located in Shanghai. Previous reported location of 69 Division was hex 45,34 on 11/30/42, one of the LCU's Pillager withdrew from the front lines in late 11/42.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/19/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 87 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting more Jap air patrols - including Jap carrier planes and Ki-49 Helens in the Kwajalein area, G4M Betty flights at both Kwajalein and Canton Is.

SS Grouper at Gardner Is (near Canton) reporting contact with 3 Jap TF's. Pillager has 12 LCU's on Gardner Is (nearly all construction engineers). It's possible that Pillager is having a slow time with construction efforts on Gardner similar to my experience with U.S. Seabees building base facilities on Jarvis Is (Gardner and Jarvis Islands are both dot hexes).

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet.

U.S. base at Papaete (Society Is) now operational as a refuelling stop for shipping between the U.S. and Australia/NZ. One U.S. patrol squadron (12 PBY's) is flying naval search from Papaete supported by an AVD. A U.S. base force LCU is enroute to Papaete along with additional fuel and supply. Papaete now has size 2 port, size 3 airfield facilities with construction still underway.


Australia: Jap recon flight and bombing raid on Tennant Creek, AAR follows. USAAF and RAAF fighter squadrons repairing aircraft in Alice Springs now fully operational and transferring into Tennant Creek for the 2/20 game turn. Again, no damage shown at Tennant Creek airfield.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
J1N1-R Irving x 2
Ki-49 Helen x 7
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 7 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 4

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

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

Hudson I recon flights over Darwin and Exmouth again reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces - Jap fighters on CAP in both locations.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M3a, Ki-61, Ki-45); 1 Jap TF (-2 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port, airfield damage 20, 88 aircraft (39 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.


DEI: U.S. sub Gudgeon attacked and hit again near Singapore by G5M Liz air patrol, no additional damage. Gudgeon still proceeding to India for repairs.

Japanese minesweeping ops in Palembang, TK Toa Maru strikes mine in Palembang (on fire).

U.S. sub Herring near Palembang attacks and misses AK Italy Maru.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Myitkyina.

RAF Hurricane squadrons returning to Chittagong from sweep on 2/18 against Magwe switching to CAP mission over Chittagong and intercepted Jap air attacks. AAR's follow. No Hurricane fighters actually destroyed in combat, though many were damaged.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 33
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 20
Ki-21-II Sally x 18
Ki-49 Helen x 47

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 80
Hurricane IID/IV x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 6 destroyed, 15 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-21-II Sally: 4 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 7 destroyed, 33 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 18 destroyed, 44 damaged
Hurricane IID/IV: 8 damaged

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 42
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 13

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 27
Hurricane IID/IV x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 7 destroyed, 14 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 3 destroyed, 14 damaged
Hurricane IID/IV: 4 damaged

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

Operating RAF Hurricane squadrons in large numbers have had some success - primary intent of this tactic being more of a "mass combat training exercise" rather than an Uber CAP or Uber sweep. The main success here has been training large numbers of RAF fighter pilots with relatively small combat losses, basic "safety in numbers".

USAAF and RAF Liberators again bomb heavy industry facilties in Rangoon. AAR follows. It's beginning to appear these attacks could be affecting Pillager's supply chain to front-line Jap forces in interior areas of Burma.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 73
B-24D Liberator x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 11 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 39 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 24 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 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
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator 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

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

Hudson I recon over Burma reporting 4 Jap TF's, 2 disbanded ships in port (+2 from last report), heavy industry 38(155), 10 Jap LCU's.

Jap bombing raids continue on Port Blair. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30
Ki-49 Helen x 18

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 14
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 1 destroyed

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet

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

Light bombing raids at Myitkyina by both Allied and Jap air forces. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th Engineer Regiment, at 36,28

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 200th Chinese Division, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 35

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Tuyun, otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

View of the Big Picture #10 - U.S. eastern Pacific front

With the capture of Canton, Samoa, Fija, and Noumea by Japanese forces in early and mid-1942, the primary (historical) Allied route of communication between the U.S. and Australia/NZ was completely erased. This situation left all major base locations in the southern Pacific under Japanese control and only Penhryn, the Society Islands, and several other small bases remaining in Allied hands. None of the bases still under Allied control in the southern Pacific were occupied with significant air/ground forces nor had any significant stocks of fuel or supply on hand. With no bases in the southern Pacific capable of supporting Allied LBA or naval forces, any form of Allied transport shipping moving westbound from Panama City or the Line Islands, or eastbound from New Zealand would be unescorted, uncovered, and subject to Japanese attack with no warning. Except for single-ship TF's moving independently via the Panama City sea channels and the southern map edge, virtually no sea communication existed between the U.S. and Australia/NZ throughout 1942.

One end result of the strategic situation in this region was the South Pacific theater as it historically existed was not a "going" entity. HQ South Pacific entered the game stranded in Auckland with virtually no units to command, and virtually no way of transporting South Pacific command reinforcements arriving in the U.S. to reach bases in or near the historical theater area without a high risk of unopposed Japanese interception.

With all U.S. land and air reinforcement for South Pacific command "backed up" at bases in the eastern Pacific or on the U.S. west coast, the decision was made to move HQ South Pacific out of Auckland and transport it eastward across the Pacific to join the "backed up" air and ground forces under its command. HQ South Pacific was transported in fragments during the summer of 1942 from Auckland via Panama City and Los Angeles (recover elements disrupted in transport and re-unite the HQ as a single LCU) to its current location at Palmyra.

In a similar manner, many of the air and ground reinforcements belonging to SW Pacific also "backed up" in the eastern Pacific and on the U.S. west coast.

With HQ South Pacific deployed to Palmyra, a new theater was formed to start out of the Line Islands area to operate side-by-side with the Central Pacific theater along that theater's southern flank. Forces in the new theater include the "backed up" air and ground units of South and SW Pacific combined under South Pacific HQ.

Approximately 80-90% or more of all U.S. forces beginning the game in the eastern Pacific or the U.S west coast, or arriving as reinforcements in the U.S. since 12/41, have concentrated in an area between the Hawaiian and Line Islands. While it makes future developments a bit more obvious for Pillager, I do have the advantage of operating on "interior lines".

The map below displays current geographic command areas in the eastern Pacific.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/20/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 86 days.

North Pacific: Preparations for a possible Japanese spring attack in the Aleutians underway.

Transports with air and LCU reinforcements, supply and fuel points arriving at various U.S. bases in the Aleutians. Cargoes include 4700 supply at Kiska, 159 RCT and 8K supply at Amchitka, 56 US Coast Artillery and 4500 supply at Adak.

Carrier replacement squadron VMO-251 (24 F4F-4 fighters) arrived in Adak from Seattle. Pilots in VMO-251 left Seattle trained to average experience level = 59. The squadron is expected to continue training in Adak and also help provide CAP fighter cover over Adak as needed.

Two Canadian air squadrons were transferred to North Pacific command and deployed in the Aleutians - 14 Squadron RCAF (16 Kittyhawk I) now in Adak, 7 Squadron RCAF (12 PBM Mariner) now in Dutch Harbor.


Central Pacific: U.S. subs continue reporting Jap air patrols - Jap carrier planes and Ki-49 Helens in the Kwajalein area, G4M Betty flights at both Kwajalein and Canton Is.

U.S. sub patrols scouting various Jap bases in the Marshall Islands. SS Spearfish scouted Eniwetok - detected base size (airfield = 2, port = 3), no detected Jap activity. Unidentified Jap TF (6 ships, moving on unknown heading) spotted S of Eniwetok by SS Sculpin, no reported sub or ASW attack. SS Dolphin scouting Wotje - detected airfield size = 3, no detected Jap activity.

Jap minesweeping ops reported at Kwajalein. AK Keiyo Maru strikes mine at Kwajalein - on fire, no report of sinking.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.

SS Grouper still on patrol at Gardner Is (near Canton Is) reported ASW attack - no hits or damage reported. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Gardner Island at 96,101

Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze
DD Yukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
SS Grouper

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South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet.


Australia: Jap recon flight and bombing raid on Tennant Creek. AAR follows. No airfield damage or destroyed planes reported in Tennant Creek. Allied CAP fighters back in action over Tennant Creek.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
A6M3a Zero x 12
J1N1-R Irving x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 9
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 12
Kittyhawk I x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
J1N1-R Irving: 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 12 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4

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

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Airfield facilities in Alice Springs now operating as a "rear area" air base for recovery of Allied front-line air squadrons operating in Tennant Creek. This is a small-scale implementation of the "two layer" system of air bases now used by Allied air forces in NE India.

Entry in Sigint report for 2/20 indicates Jap 23 AA Regiment now located in Daly Waters. Previous location of 23 Rgt was in Singapore as of 6/24/42.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, 2 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's. U.S. submarine Shad off Exmouth reported contact with G4M Betty on patrol (this plane probably based at Exmouth).

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 4 Jap TF's, airfield damage 19, 93 aircraft (42 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.


DEI: Battle report (AAR) from U.S. sub Herring near Palembang.

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Sub attack at 22,54

Japanese Ships
TK San Diego Maru
PC Takunan Maru #10
PC Sonan Maru #6
PG Shinko Maru #2
PG Nanpo Maru
PG Edo Maru
PG Chohakusan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Herring

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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Myitkyina.

Ground attack missions on Myitkyina by both Allied and Jap air forces. AAR's follow. In the current situation, disruption of Japanese ground forces from the air is as valuable as casualties to Jap LCU's given the possible supply difficulties being experienced by Japanese ground and air forces operating in interior areas of Burma.

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Day Air attack on 28th Engineer Regiment, at 36,28

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 36,28

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 15

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 36,28

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 41
B-25C Mitchell x 32

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on 200th Chinese Division, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 33

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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Pillager launched a second Jap bombing raid on Chittagong, extent of damage to airfield facilities in Chittagong unknown. RAF fighter squadrons that had been flying from Chittagong were transferred out to rear-area bases to recover damaged planes and rest pilots, once again Pillager hit an empty bag.

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Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12
A6M3a Zero x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 45
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 42
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 27
Ki-21-II Sally x 13
Ki-49 Helen x 26
Ki-48-II Lily x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 8 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 4 destroyed, 21 damaged

Allied ground losses:
144 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 52

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
12 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet

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Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port (-1 from last report), 197 aircraft (79 fighters, 24 bombers), heavy industry 39(154), 10 Jap LCU's.

Jap air bombing raid against airfield in Port Blair - light damage, no casualties reported.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Pakhoi. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/21/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 85 days.

CVL Independence (reinforcement) arrived on U.S. west coast from Panama City.


Central Pacific: Reports from U.S. subs indicating contacts with Jap air patrols continue at Kwajalein, quiet at Canton and Pago Pago. Jap patrol flights from Kwajalein include G4M Betty, Ki-49 Helen, and carrier-based aircraft (Vals & Kates). It appears that Pillager has kept at least part of the KB in Kwajalein. While it is very unlikely that a second attempt to hit the KB at anchor in Kwajalein by surprise attack is possible, the situation continues to be watched. If there is a second chance, it will be taken.

AAR of action near Kwajalein follows.

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Sub attack at 78,82

Japanese Ships
DD Teruzuki, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite
DD Kamikaze
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Akizuki

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin

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Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet. My estimate is that the South Pacific theater has relatively few forces on either side. Pillager may or may not be doing this by design, I have virtually no large, usable base outside of New Zealand to build up Allied forces within striking range of Japanese controlled bases in the South Pacific without Jap detection. I exclude Auckland as a usable base for major operations because Pillager would detect and move to counter any Allied build up quickly (almost daily Jap recon flights over Auckland) long before any Allied move against Noumea, Fiji, or the Solomons could be put together.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. RAAF and USAAF Hudson I bombers strike Port Moresby. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 54,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 29
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 5

Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 4
Hudson I x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 9 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 damaged
Hudson I: 8 destroyed, 7 damaged (actual destroyed count lower)

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
1 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet

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Recon over Port Moresby reporting 5 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 18, 79 aircraft (38 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon flight over Exmouth reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces. U.S. submarine Shad enroute from Perth to patrol area in the DEI reported contact with G4M Betty flight off Exmouth.


Philippines: Sigint report entry for 2/21 indicating Jap 21 Engineer Rgt now in Legaspi. Previous location of 21 Engineers was at Darwin on 8/9/42.


Malacca Straits: U.S. sub Argonaut attacked and hit by G5M Liz in the Malacca Straits near Kuala Lumpur while on a minelaying mission to Singapore. SS Argonaut received moderate damage (33/33 system & float). Argonaut has changed the target of its minelaying mission to Kuala Lumpur, then return to base in India for repairs. An unknown number of Jap ships were detected at anchor in Kuala Lumpur - possible base for Jap surface ASW ships Pillager is occasionally operating against Allied subs in the Malacca Straits.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Myitkyina. Jap bombing raid on Port Blair - AAR follows. Otherwise no air or ground combat actions in Burma or NE India.

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Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet

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Dutch sub O-23 reports spotting two Jap TF's off Rangoon, no combat reported.

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - 1 Jap TF, heavy industry 40(153), 229 aircraft (86 fighters, 30 bombers), 10 Jap LCU's. Pillager appears to be attempting to repair heavy industry damage in Rangoon - I plan to continue bombing it.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Sining, Liuchow. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/22/43, the catch up edition

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 84 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting lighter Jap air patrols around Kwajalein, one G4M Betty air patrol near Canton. Several contacts between U.S. subs and Jap surface ASW TF's in the Marshalls, AAR's follow.

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ASW attack at 79,82 (night action)

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 20
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 7

Allied Ships
SS S-41, hits 5 (moderate damage, returning to base)

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ASW attack at 78,82

Japanese Ships
DD Oite
DD Kamikaze
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Akizuki

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin

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Dutch submarine K-VII on patrol at Gardner Is spotted three Jap TF's - no attack. Considerable amount of Jap activity continues at Gardner, this activity consistant with known Jap LCU's (12 total, most of them construction engineers) on Gardner.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. Allied bombing attack on Jap airbase in Daly Waters. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6
A6M3a Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 36
B-25C Mitchell x 13
B-26B Marauder x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 14 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 7 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 3 destroyed, 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
10 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet

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Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 3 Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 1 ship detected in port, airfield damage 11, 86 aircraft (43 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 61 aircraft (6 fighters, 29 bombers) 5 Jap LCU's. Aircraft sighted in Exmouth consistant with U.S. sub Shad's contact with G4M Betty air patrol on 2/21.


India/Burma: No Jap recon flights. Jap air bombing strikes on Port Blair and against Chinese LCU in Myitkyina. AAR's of both follow.

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Day Air attack on Port Blair , at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 20
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 5

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet

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Day Air attack on 93rd Chinese Division, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 6
Ki-21-II Sally x 9
Ki-49 Helen x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 1 Jap TF, 3 disbanded ships in port (all believed to be damaged from Allied mine/sub attacks), heavy industry 41(152), 229 aircraft (100 fighters, 22 bombers), 10 Jap LCU's.

Dutch sub O-23 off Rangoon torpedoes Jap AK, no report to confirm sinking. AAR follows.

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Sub attack at 29,34 (night action)

Japanese Ships
AK Oridono Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS O23

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China: Jap recon flight over Chungking, otherwise quiet.

It's been a very long quiet spell in China. Many Chinese INF Corps encircled and destroyed in ground combat actions during 1942 have been rebuilding in Chungking in the past months - most at or near 50% or so TOE. Longer it continues to stay quiet the better.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/23/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 83 days.

Central Pacific: Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs. Contacts in the Kwajalein area include G4M Betty, Ki-49 Helen, and small numbers of carrier planes (Vals & Kates). Dutch sub K-VII at Gardner Is spotting G4M Betty flights. SS Spearfish reached Truk - numerous flights by E13A1 Jake scout planes.

Several minor actions. Jap DD Teruzuki hits mine returning to Kwajalein after being torpedoed WNW of Kwajalein by SS Sculpin on 2/21. AAR follows of contact between Dutch sub K-VII and Jap ships arriving or leaving Gardner Is.

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Sub attack near Gardner Island at 96,101

Japanese Ships
AP Kiyosumi Maru
APD Akikaze

Allied Ships
SS KVII

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Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. Bombing raid on airfield facilities in Port Moresby by USAAF B-17's, AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 54,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 29
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 2
B-17D Fortress x 8
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 8 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet

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Game question for readers... I have two USAAF bombing squadrons in Australia operating B-17D's - both squadrons upgrade to B-29 Superforts (which needless to say aren't available yet). At the same time, there are no B-17D's in the aircraft replacement pool and no B-17D's are being produced to go in the pool. Each of the two B-17D squadrons have lost 2-3 planes in combat or from operational loss - the pilots are in good shape, but no replacement planes available for them.

The question here is how to handle these two squadrons, has to be a better option than leaving them in front-line service until they run out of planes. Options I can see include, (1) operating them from a rear-area base flying naval search, ASW or other low-combat mission for a year or so until B-29's become available; (2) taking them completely out of service for the same year or so; (3) combining the two squadrons together (using either withdraw or disband) keeping one B-17D squadron in service and getting the other squadron back later as a reinforcement. Just trying to determine the best option.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting 5 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 9, 83 aircraft (52 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's. Jap PG Saga spotted in Port Moresby.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports no activity or change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Myitkyina, otherwise quiet.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 6 Jap TF's (+5 from last report), 3 disbanded ships in port, heavy industry 42(151), 10 Jap LCU's. Dutch sub O-23 reports contact with two additional (unidentified) Jap TF's off Rangoon.

Entry from Sigint report for 2/23 indicates HQ Jap 28th Army now in Rangoon. This HQ is a new unit in the Japanese OOB, no prior report on it.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Liuchow, Chengtu. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

View of the Big Picture #11 - U.S. Southern Pacific front. Situation maps and commentary.

The historical South Pacific theater area has been mostly static since the Japanese capture of Noumea, Fiji, Samoa, and Canton was completed in mid-1942.

Bases on smaller islands in this area that remained in Allied control were unoccupied - Pillager overran the area before any Allied build up in these smaller bases could be completed. These smaller bases have remained unoccupied through 1942.

U.S. forces have gradually moved southward to occupy this area from the Line Islands since 10/42. Progress of base construction at Penhryn and Papaete are well along. Plans to occupy and build bases further to the W or SW are under consideration.

Build up of U.S. bases in the far-southern Pacific is intended to support the following objectives.

(1) Reopen a more direct shipping route between the U.S. and Australia/NZ. PBY naval search patrols from U.S. bases now operational at Penhryn and Papaete provide a screen (in the sense of being able to detect Jap subs and TF's) for Allied ships moving southward from Christmas Is towards the area near the southeast map corner. This "leg" of the route is much shorter than requiring ships to travel south from Los Angeles via Panama City and the ship channels before getting into the southern edge area of the game map.

(2) Bases in this area can be used as possible locations to "form up" naval raids or amphibious invasions of major South Pacific bases to the north now in Japanese control.

Overall, the historical South Pacific theater area appears to be lightly occupied by both Allied and Japanese forces. At first glance, Pillager does have a relatively solid line of bases from Noumea eastward to Canton Is but there could be one or more points vulnerable to Allied attack. My intent is to keep U.S. build up in the southern Pacific somewhat gradual and below Pillager's "radar screen". Keeping him distracted farther north in the Central Pacific will go a long way.

Anyway... maps.

[wneumann]

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/24/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 82 days. Not a great day for Allied subs, though fortunately, none were sunk.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs around Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago all reporting light Jap air patrols.

Japanese surface ASW TF's active in the Marshalls - several contacts reported between U.S. subs and Jap ASW TF's. AAR's follow.

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ASW attack at 83,83 (night action)

Japanese Ships
MSW Tama Maru No. 2
MSW Seki Maru #3
MSW Rikusen Maru
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
MSW Wa 19
DD Chidori

Allied Ships
SS Peto, hits 3 (moderate damage, returning to base)

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Sub attack at 81,80

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
DD Oite
DD Kamikaze
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Akizuki

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

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ASW attack at 79,81

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 20
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 7

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin, hits 4 (moderate damage, returning to base)

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Report confirming Jap DD Teruzuki sank near Kwajalein. DD Teruzuki struck a mine on 2/23 entering Kwajalein after being torpedoed by SS Sculpin on 2/21.

SS Spearfish at Truk reporting numerous Jap air patrols, many E13A1 Jake and F1M2 Pete scout planes. Spearfish also reporting one contact with a D4Y Judy flying patrol - a carrier in Truk(?). No Jap TF's reported in Truk, undetermined number of ships at anchor.


South Pacific: No activity to report.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. A2A combat over Tennant Creek between RAAF fighters and Jap fighters escorting recon flight. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 21
A6M3a Zero x 28
J1N1-R Irving x 1
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 10
Kittyhawk I x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged
J1N1-R Irving: 1 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged

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9th Australian Division (AIF) arrived as reinforcement in Perth at 87% TOE strength. 9 Division is transferring overland to Melbourne to receive replacement elements and build to 100% TOE strength. Subsequent employment of 9 Division has not been decided on at this time.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M3a, Ki-61, Ki-45); 5 Jap TF's, 78 aircraft (45 fighters), airfield damage 12, 6 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports no Jap fighters on CAP, also no detected activity or change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Myitkyina and Imphal.

Both Allied & Japanese air forces carry out bombing attacks against ground forces engaged at Myitkyina, also Japanese ground forces attack. AAR's of all actions follow. Airlift of supplies from bases in NE India to Chinese forces holding Myitkyina continue despite shortage of Dakota I replacement planes in the pool.

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Day Air attack on 28th Engineer Regiment, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on 28th Engineer Regiment, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 46
B-25C Mitchell x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 93rd Chinese Division, at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 4
Ki-21-II Sally x 8
Ki-49 Helen x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16284 troops, 36 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 345
55th Infantry Division, 1 Reserve Tank Rgt, 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 7730 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 214
Chinese 49th, 93rd, 96th & 200th Infantry Divisions

Japanese max assault: 205 - adjusted assault: 158
Allied max defense: 190 - adjusted defense: 329
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese ground losses:
174 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
427 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

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

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - no Jap TF's, 2 disbanded ships in port, heavy industry 43(150), 10 Jap LCU's.

Report of minesweeping ops in Rangoon by Jap DD's. Night ASW action off Rangoon between Dutch sub O-23 and Jap ASW TF - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 29,34

Japanese Ships
DD Kiji
DD Sagi
DD Kikuzuki
DD Inazuma
DD Yugure
DD Kawakaze
DD Michishio

Allied Ships
SS O23, hits 1 (moderate damage, returning to base)

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

British AK Tantalus arrives safely in Trincomalee from Port Blair with eight damaged Martlet I fighters from No. 881 Squadron FAA that reached Port Blair from CV Illustrious before its sinking. The 8 Martlet fighters joined with 8 other fighters from 881 Sqdn - the squadron was salvaged in Trincomalee from CV Illustrious with a full complement of 16 planes. AK Tantalus is returning to Port Blair to retrieve four additional damaged Martlet fighters that reached Port Blair from CVL Hermes.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu. Otherwise quiet.

[Alfred]

Regarding your B-17D.  Am I correct in assuming that PDU is off?  If it is off, then I would use both units on low level operational loss missions such as naval search, but why restrict them to a rear area base.  Use them in the frontlines.
 
I must admit I remain amused that you have continued with the CV Essex arrival countdown.  You sure must be looking forward to that particular vessel.
 
Alfred 

[wneumann]

Alfred,

We're playing with PDU off - this meaning (to best of my knowledge) the two B-17D squadrons have to continue flying B-17D's until B-29 Superforts become available in '44. In any event, pilot experience levels in both B-17D squadrons make them candidates for early conversion to B-29's (both squadrons having extensive combat experience since arriving in Australia from the Philippines).

As for the Essex countdown... I'm liking CV's, the more, the sooner, the better. With all Japanese and U.S. carriers still afloat in our PBEM, the Essex begins the end of the Japanese numerical advantage in fleet CV's vs the U.S. (the present situation being 6 U.S. CV vs 8 Japanese fleet CV & large CVL).

The Essex arrival also represents the minimum amount of time a new U.S. CV would arrive to replace a CV if one were sunk today. The lower that number gets, the more an even swap of U.S. and Jap carriers sunk in battle would be in the Allies favor.

My estimate is a carrier battle between me and Pillager at this point (early to mid-43) would likely be a somewhat bloody draw, my preferrred outcome being to seriously disable or sink most of the KB's fleet CV's even while losing most of the early U.S. CV's in the exchange. At this point in '43, with all six of the "original" U.S. CV's still in service, the U.S. can accept carrier losses. The KB can't. Especially given that a bunch of Essex CV's are coming out of the shipyards relatively shortly - this not even counting the fact any of the six "original" U.S. CV's sunk in a battle also return as an Essex class themselves (provided they sink sometime in 1943) and the Independence CVL's are also around.