wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/25/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 81 days.


Central Pacific: Light Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs in the Marshalls.

A new group of three U.S. subs have arrived in the Canton Is area, relieving the Dutch K-XVI. Jap air patrols more active near Canton Is - G3M Nell and G4M Betty flights reported.

SS Spearfish at Truk continues reporting large numbers of E13A1 Jake and F1M2 Pete scout planes along with the stray D4Y Judy.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, business as usual otherwise.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, no air or ground combat activity in the Australian theater to report.

Catalina I recon flight over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 5 Jap TF's, 1 disbanded ship in port (-1 from last report), airfield damage 5, 113 aircraft (54 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's. PG Hashidate also sighted in Port Moresby.

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


DEI: A nice, big Jap TK confirmed sunk off Palembang. AAR follows.

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Sub attack at 22,54

Japanese Ships
TK Nissho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Nagata Maru
PG Ikunta Maru

Allied Ships
SS Herring, hits 1 (no significant damage)

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Sub attack at 22,54

Japanese Ships
TK Nissho Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Nagata Maru
PG Ikunta Maru

Allied Ships
SS Herring

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


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Myitkyina. No air or ground combat activity at Myitkyina. Quiet elsewhere.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 6 Jap TF's, 2 ships disbanded in port, heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's (-1 from last report).

Sigint report for 2/25 includes entry indicating HQ 3 Air Division is planning for Akyab. Current known location of Jap 3 Air Division HQ is in Magwe.


China: Jap recon flights Chungking and Pakhoi, otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/26/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 80 days.

Japanese Home Islands: Entry from Sigint report of 2/26 indicating HQ 3rd Air Fleet located in Tokyo. Being the first known report on 3rd Air Fleet HQ, this unit is a new addition to the Japanese OOB.


Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting light Japanese air patrols - G4M Betty flights around Kwajalein and Canton Is, G3M Nell flights around Canton Is and Pago Pago. No reported contacts between U.S. submarines and Japanese surface TF's.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


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


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No air or ground combat activity to report.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 2 Jap TF's (-3 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 1, 110 aircraft (54 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon flights over Exmouth and Darwin both report no detected activity or change in Jap forces. A6M3a fighters reported on CAP over Exmouth.


India/Burma: No Jap recon flights reported. Japanese air and ground bombardment attacks against Chinese forces defending Myitkyina. AAR's for all actions follow.

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 4
Ki-48-II Lily x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

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

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Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8226 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 335
55th Infantry Division, 1 Reserve Tank Rgt, 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 7281 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 187
Chinese 49th, 93rd, 96th & 200th Infantry Divisions

Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

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RAF and USAAF Liberators again bomb heavy industry facilities in Myitkyina. AAR follows

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 26
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 8

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 75
B-24D Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 13 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 13 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 19 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 75 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 32 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 13

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

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Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 6 Jap TF's in Rangoon, 2 ships disbanded in port, heavy industry 44(149), 182 aircraft (71 fighters, 28 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's.

Dutch submarine O-21 reports contact with a Japanese ASW TF off Rangoon. AAR follows. The O-21 also torpedoes and sinks (sinking confirmed) AK London Maru.

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ASW attack at 29,34

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

Allied Ships
SS O21

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Light Jap air attack against airfield facilities in Port Blair, minor damage reported.


China: Jap recon flight over Chengtu, otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/27/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 79 days.

Central Pacific: No Japanese air patrol activity reported by U.S. subs - possibly due to local weather conditions (heavy precipitation) or Pillager may have all his planes grounded.

U.S. sub Haddo reports ASW attack from a Jap surface TF (6 PC's) - no hits or damage reported.
PBY search patrol reports unidentified Jap submarine SW of Johnston Is moving east.
Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Also quiet. Jap recon flight over Auckland.


Australia: Jap recon flight and fighter sweep reported over Tennant Creek. Most Allied fighters in Tennant Creek were stood down to recover damaged planes. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 22
A6M3a Zero x 29
J1N1-R Irving x 1
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 4
Kittyhawk I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

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Detected status of Jap base in Port Moresby - 2 Jap TF's, 1 ship in port, 112 aircraft (55 fighters), no airfield damage, 6 Jap LCU's.
Catalina I on naval search spotted unidentified Jap TF (6 ships) at Portland Roads - possibly landing supplies or LCU reinforcements.

Entry in Sigint report for 2/26: 5th Mongolian Cavalry Division is loaded on AP Horai Maru moving to Port Moresby. Pillager's moving another LCU out of Manchuria, question is... what is he reinforcing at Port Moresby? I'd love to have the Russians right about now.

Hudson I recon flights over Exmouth and Darwin both report no detected activity or change in Jap forces.


DEI: Dutch sub K-XVI on patrol near Palembang engages Japanese AK in a surface action. No hits on the AK, the AK scored 6 hits (all light caliber guns) on the K-XVI. Oddly enough, the K-XVI is returning to base undamaged though it is out of torpedoes.


India/Burma: Ground attack air strikes by both Japanese and Allied air forces at Myitkyina, also Jap ground assualt on Myitkyina. AAR's follow. Chinese ground forces holding Myitkyina are badly run down despite continuous Allied supply airlift, fortifications in Myitkyina almost completely reduced.

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 15

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 3 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
A6M3a Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-21-II Sally x 5
Ki-49 Helen x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

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

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Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 16266 troops, 37 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 341
55th Infantry Division, 1 Reserve Tank Rgt, 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 7292 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 188
Chinese 49th, 93rd, 96th & 200th Infantry Divisions

Japanese max assault: 315 - adjusted assault: 599
Allied max defense: 176 - adjusted defense: 147
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Japanese ground losses:
168 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
345 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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Hudson I recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 190 aircraft (80 fighters, 25 bombers), heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's. Pillager has appeared to stop repair efforts on heavy industry facilities in Rangoon. Report from Dutch sub O-21 of two Jap TF's spotted off Rangoon.

Jap bombing raid on airfield facilities in Port Blair - light damage, no casualties.


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 2/28/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 78 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs report light Jap air patrol activity near Pago Pago, no air activity elsewhere.

SS Haddo again reporting contact with the same Jap surface ASW TF (6 PC's) north of Kwajalein, no hits or damage.
Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over AUckland, quiet elsewhere.


Australia: Jap recon flight and fighter sweep over Tennant Creek. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 23
A6M3a Zero x 36
J1N1-R Irving x 1
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 4

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

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 4 destroyed (aircraft actually damaged)

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

Detected status of Jap base in Port Moresby - 1 disbanded ship detected in port, 108 aircraft (51 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's.

Jap TF remains at Portland Roads. Catalina I naval search flight spotted Jap AP Waura Maru in Portland Roads (Pillager is dropping off troops?).

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 80 aircraft (10 fighters, 23 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting 2 Jap LCU's (no change).


DEI: U.S. submarine Trout reports attacking a Jap AG on the surface S of Banjermasin. Jap minesweeping ops detected in Kuala Lumpur.


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

Japanese ground forces capture Myitkyina. AAR's follow for both air and ground combat.

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 54
B-25C Mitchell x 30

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

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 16 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
61 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
14 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 3
Ki-21-II Sally x 8
Ki-49 Helen x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported

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

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Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 15984 troops, 36 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 329
55th Infantry Division, 1 Reserve Tank Rgt, 28 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 6780 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 156
Chinese 49th, 93rd, 96th & 200th Infantry Divisions

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese max assault: 312 - adjusted assault: 445
Allied max defense: 140 - adjusted defense: 105
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Myitkyina base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
250 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating! (Chinese divisions reduced to 30% TOE strength and pushed back into the jungle towards Kohima and the main Allied front line)

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Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - no Jap TF's, 3 ships disbanded in port, 262 aircraft (86 fighters, 69 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 44(149). Two Jap TF's sighted off Rangoon by Dutch subs K-XI and O-21.


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

Chinese P-66 fighters following up a detected Jap LCU sighting found and attacked the Jap 51st Infantry Division at hex 43,39. Last reported location of 51 Division was in Canton on 2/21, it appears to now be moving NW from Canton towards Hengchow.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/1/43, the catch up edition...

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 77 days. A pretty slow day at the office...

Central Pacific: Light Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs - G4M Betty flights near Canton Is, G3M Nell and Kate flights near Pago Pago. Kates operating from Pago Pago believed to be land-based.

An undetected wolfpack of nine U.S. subs now approaching the Japanese home islands.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland. U.S. transport TF arrived at Papaete carrying 123 USAAF Base Force plus 18K supply.


Australia: No air or ground combat action. Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M3a, Ki-61, Ki-45); 3 Jap TF's, 1 disbanded ship in port, 128 aircraft (66 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's. Also spotted in Port Moresby was MSW Choyo Maru #2.

Hudson I recon flight over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 112 aircraft (16 fighters, 32 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon flight over Darwin reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Chittagong. No air or ground combat action.

Four Jap LCU's detected in Myitkyina - these include the 3 LCU's (55th Division, 1 Reserve Tank Rgt, 28 Engineers) which captured Myitkyina on 2/28. The fourth LCU believed to be HQ 15th Army which was earlier reported at Myitkyina.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's, 2 disbanded ships in port, 8 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 44(149). Contact with Jap ASW TF reported by Dutch sub K-XI patrolling off Rangoon, AAR follows.

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ASW attack at 29,34

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

Allied Ships
SS KXI, hits 1 (no significant damage)

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/2/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 76 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarine war expands to Japanese home islands... SS Grampus on patrol 180 mi S of Tokyo attacks and sinks AK Yamaoka Maru. SS Grampus is part of a 9-boat submarine pack now splitting up into individual sub patrol TF's and operating in the open sea area to the S and SE of Honshu.

Very light Jap air activity reported by U.S. subs in the Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago areas.

Jap minesweeping ops detected at Kwajalein, also 36 ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base.


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


Australia: Japanese surface naval bombardment of Cairns. AAR follows. No aircraft actually destroyed in the attack. Status of Cairns base facilities - airfield service damage 11, runway damage 9, no port damage. No significant casualties or disruption reported to Allied LCU's in Cairns.

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Naval bombardment of Cairns, at 48,102

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed
Catalina I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
385 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 25

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Entry from Operations report for 3/2 indicate airfield size of Jap base at Portland Roads now = 4.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port, 6 Jap LCU's.

Jap recon over Tennant Creek.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 1 Jap TF is now at the base, 73 aircraft (21 fighters, 24 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reports 2 Jap LCU's.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Chittagong. No air or ground combat to report.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reports 3 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port, heavy industry 44(149), 8 Jap LCU's. Pillager still not repairing damage to heavy industry in Rangoon. Dutch sub K-XI spots a Jap TF off Rangoon.


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/3/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 75 days

Central Pacific: Very light Jap air patrol activity reported again by U.S. subs.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.
SS Bonita at Sydney Island (near Canton) reports contact with two Jap TF's, attacks one of them. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Sydney Island at 100,102

Japanese Ships
AK Risen Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Bonita

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


Australia: Jap recon flight and fighter sweep over Tennant Creek intercepted by Allied fighters. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 19
A6M3a Zero x 37
J1N1-R Irving x 1
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 5
Kittyhawk I x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed, 6 damaged
J1N1-R Irving: 1 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 22 damaged

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Hudson I recon over Darwin reports no activity or change in Jap forces.
Japanese TF remains at Portland Roads - probably unloading.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M2a, Ki-61, Ki-45); 3 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port (+1 from last report), 8 Jap LCU's.


DEI: Busy day for U.S. submarine Trout near Palembang. In addition to air attacks by J1N1-R Irving and G5M Liz, AAR's follow. SS Trout is now returning to base (out of torpedoes).

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ASW attack at 22,54

Japanese Ships
MSW Tamaura Maru
MSW Choun Maru #6

Allied Ships
SS Trout

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Sub attack at 22,54

Japanese Ships
TK Fujisan Maru
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51
DD Mikazuki
DD Nowaki

Allied Ships
SS Trout, hits 3 (light damage)

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Sub attack at 22,54

Japanese Ships
AO Notoro, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no confirmation of sinking)
MSW Tamaura Maru
MSW Choun Maru #6

Allied Ships
SS Trout

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India/Burma: No Jap recon flights.

British AK Tantalus successfully returned to Trincomalee from Port Blair after retrieving 3 damaged Martlet I fighter planes and pilots belonging to 814F Squadron FAA from CVL Hermes which flew to Port Blair before that carrier was sunk. These planes were recombined at Trincomalee with other elements of 814F Squadron. 814F Squadron will continue operating as a land-based air unit (though retaining its carrier capability) - being a small air unit (6 planes), it could possibly be useful at a future date for transfer aboard another CV without pushing the CV over its maximum operational plane capacity.

Jap 35 Construction Bn was identified and attacked in hex 35,28 by a squadron of Chinese P-66 fighters sent against an unidentified Jap LCU detected in this area. Hex 35,28 located outside of Myitkyina along the rail line between Myitkyina and Mandalay. It appears 35 Construction Bn has since moved into Myitkyina.

Hudson I recon flight over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's, 1 ship disbanded in port (-1 from last report), heavy industry 44(149), 8 Jap LCU's. Dutch sub K-XI reports engaging a Jap ASW TF off Rangoon, AAR follows.

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Two ASW attacks at 29,34

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

Allied Ships
SS KXI, 3 hits total from both attacks (light damage)

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/4/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 74 days

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines again reporting contacts with Japanese air patrols - contacts occurring at all locations (near Kwajalein, Canton, Pago Pago) and including a variety of aircraft types.

Reinforcements now arriving at Midway for U.S. forces - including 197 RCT, 69 Coast AA Rgt, 11K supply, 15K fuel.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon over Auckland, otherwise quiet.

Entry from Sigint report for 3/4/43 indicating 1st Mongolian Cavalry Division is now at Lunga. Previous location of 1 Mongolian Div was Chihfeng (Manchuria) on 11/16/42.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

USAAF and RAAF bombers strike Jap airfield facilities at Daly Waters. AAR follows. Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 9, 122 aircraft (41 fighters), 11 Jap LCU's.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 18
A-20G Havoc x 31
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-26B Marauder x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed, 8 damaged
A-20G Havoc: 2 destroyed, 19 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 6 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 15 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
11 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
6 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet

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

Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting 1 Jap TF now in Darwin (+1 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 104 aircraft (18 fighters, 33 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.

Detected status of Jap base in Port Moresby - no Jap TF's, 1 ship disbanded in port, 6 Jap LCU's.


DEI: U.S. sub Trout (out of torpedoes) spotted and engaged Jap AK in a surface while leaving DEI to return to base. AAR follows. SS Trout is continuing on its way out of the DEI.

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Sub attack at 23,56 (off Bangka Is, near Palembang)

Japanese Ships
AK Zyuyo Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Trout, hits 2, on fire (system damage 29, float 15)

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India/Burma: No major ground or air combat activity to report.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF (-2 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port (+1 from last report), heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report). Dutch sub K-XI off Rangoon spotted four Jap TF's, attacked and heavily damaged in action vs Jap ASW TF. AAR follows. K-XI now returning to base for repairs.

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ASW attack at 29,34

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

Allied Ships
SS KXI, hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/5/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 73 days. A very quiet day overall, probably the shortest AAR and Ops reports of our entire PBEM.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalein and Canton Is report light Jap air patrols. SS Gar at Pago Pago reporting contacts with E13A1 Jake, G3M Nell, and Kate air patrols.

No air or surface ASW activity by Japanese forces detected in waters S of Kyushu since the U.S. sub group appeared in this area. Pillager is no doubt gathering forces to counter U.S. sub attacks off the home islands of Japan, only a matter of time before they appear.

SS Bonita reports spotting three Jap TF's (2 unidentified, one ASW) at Sydney Is. AAR of contact with Jap ASW TF follows.

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ASW attack near Sydney Island at 100,102

Japanese Ships
PC Kyo Maru #6
PC Kyo Maru #2
PC Fumi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Bonita

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Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


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


Australia: No air or ground combat activity to report. Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M3a, Ki-45); 1 Jap TF, 1 ship disbanded in port, 94 aircraft (50 fighters), 6 Jap LCU's. Appears that Ki-61 Tony fighters in Port Moresby are either stood down or transferred out of Port Moresby to another base.

Entry from Sigint report of 3/5 indicates 151 IJNAF Base Force now located at Portland Roads (Jap beachhead base in NE Australia). This LCU is a new addition to Japanese order of battle - no previous report on the unit.

Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 4, 125 aircraft (38 fighters), 11 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 6 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, one Jap TF, 87 aircraft (10 fighters, 32 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Imphal. No ground or air combat activity to report.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 6 Jap TF's (+5 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port, heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's. No Allied subs currently off Rangoon, though subs are both entering and leaving the general area.


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/6/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 72 days. Another mostly quiet game turn.

Central Pacific: Light Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs near Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago.

Still no detected Jap air or surface ASW activity near the Japanese home islands, maybe Pillager is juggling forces around. One action report from U.S. subs operating south of Kyushu - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,47 (240 miles S of Tokyo)

Japanese Ships
AK Delagoa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
PC Matsuwa

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

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

CL Detroit (1-ship TF) now returning from patrol in the "no man's land" sea area between Johnston Island and the eastern Marshalls. CL Detroit approached without Jap detection to within 8 hexes of Kwajalein following the approximate route taken by U.S. carrier forces in the attempted raid on Kwajalein back in 1/43.

Numbers of Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base since the 1/43 U.S. carrier raid are considerably lower (40-60 ships now as compared to 140-150 in 1/43) - this indicating that at least part of the Japanese naval forces at Kwajalein have relocated to other bases. SS Spearfish on patrol near Truk on 2/23/43 encountered large numbers of E13A1 Jake floatplanes indicating that many Jap warships previously at Kwajalein are now based in Truk.

A second CL (1-ship TF) will be sent into this area to pick up any Jap naval air search activity in the Kwajalein area. If the second patrol is also undetected, perhaps another U.S. carrier raid on Kwajalein is not out of the question to rattle the bars on Tojo's cage.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet. A steady flow of 1-2 ship Allied transport TF's quietly moving in both directions across the southern map edge sea area.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No air or ground combat activity to report.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 2 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), 6 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reports 1 Jap TF, 15 aircraft (12 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 100 aircraft (9 fighters, 29 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.


DEI: Allied subs still operating in various locations. AAR follows of a contact reported by SS Grenadier near Soerabaja.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 24,67

Japanese Ships
TK Itsukushima Maru
PC Ch 22
PG Tatsumiya Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

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


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

RAF fighter sweep against Japanese airbase in Mandalay. Jap bomber strikes against Imphal. AAR's of all actions follow.

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 13
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 13
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 123

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 10 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 12 destroyed, 51 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14
Ki-48-II Lily x 34

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
13 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 2
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 3
Ki-21-II Sally x 13
Ki-49 Helen x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
4 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 30510 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 30510 feet

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

An unidentified Japanese LCU detected at hex 34,28 just N of Mandalay. Small ground strikes by RAF and Chinese air units to identify and attack the LCU have been ordered. As of now, this Jap LCU believed to be moving towards Myitkyina.

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - 3 Jap TF's, heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's. Dutch submarine O-19 laid additional mines in Rangoon base hex.


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/7/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 71 days.

Central Pacific: Jap air patrols (G4M Betty) reported by U.S. subs operating near Canton Is. No detected Jap air activity near Kwajalein. SS Bonita spots three Jap TF's at Sydney Is.

SS Gar engaged and sunk by Jap surface ASW TF at Pago Pago, SS Barracuda damaged in attack at Gardner Is. AAR's of both actions follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese Ships
DD Karukaya
DD Fuyo
DD Sanae
DD Kuretake

Allied Ships
SS Gar, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese Ships
DD Kuretake
DD Karukaya
DD Fuyo
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
SS Gar, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (2 direct hits, reported sunk)

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

Japanese Ships
AK Shohei Maru
PG Oi Maru
APD Patrol Boat No. 37
APD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
SS Barracuda, hits 3, on fire (system damage 29, float damage 32, returning to base)

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

U.S. subs off the Japanese home islands also busy. Pillager is beginning to throw in Jap ASW forces - E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete aircraft reported, also one Jap surface ASW TF. Several Jap transport ships torpedoed, one sunk. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 62,47 (near Tori Shima)

Japanese Ships
AK Arizona Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Toyotsu Maru
DD Tanikaze
DD Tokitsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,47 (Delagoa Maru also torpedoed on 3/6)

Japanese Ships
AK Delagoa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 62,47

Japanese Ships
AK Arizona Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Toyotsu Maru
DD Tanikaze
DD Tokitsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, hits 2 (minor damage, remaining on patrol)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 65,46

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Kisaragi
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,47

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

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

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

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


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


Australia: Jap recon flight and fighter sweep over Tennant Creek. AAR follows.

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 27
A6M3a Zero x 67

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 18
Kittyhawk I x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 7 destroyed, 4 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 7 destroyed

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

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP, no Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port, 6 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 101 aircraft (10 fighters, 29 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 5 Jap LCU's.

DEI: Light Jap air patrols reported by Allied subs, several engagements between U.S. subs and Jap shipping. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,54 (near Singkep)

Japanese Ships
TK Moji Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
PC Ch 16
PG Santo Maru
PG Nikkai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Shad

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,65 (near Bandjsermasin)

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5188, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Grunion

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


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Chittagong.

Jap air bombing attack on airfield facilities at Imphal - no significant damage or casualties reported.

Ground strikes by RAF and Chinese air units on the Jap LCU detected moving towards Myitkyina on 3/6. This LCU identified as 123 IJA Base Force - previous known location was Magwe on 4/16/42.

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's.


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/8/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 70 days. Another quiet day overall, though pleased with how submarine operations are picking up. Spread out Pillager's attention (not to mention spreading out Jap forces) over more and more parts of the game map - get his attention and keep him occupied in as many places as possible.

Central Pacific: Light Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein, no detected Jap air patrols in the Canton Is area. With the sinking of SS Gar on 3/7, no U.S. subs patrolling at Pago Pago.

SS Bonita at Sydney Is spots two Jap TF's, attacks one of them. AAR follows. Bonita is out of torpedoes and now returning to base to refuel/replenish.

U.S. subs now enroute from Pearl Harbor to relieve sub patrols at Canton Is and Pago Pago.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sydney Island at 100,102

Japanese Ships
PC Kyo Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
PC Kyo Maru #6
PC Fumi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Bonita

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

U.S. sub activity off the Japanese home islands continue. AAR follows. Four additional U.S. subs now enroute to relieve subs now on patrol S of Kyushu.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 65,48

Japanese Ships
AK Amagisan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
DD Onami

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

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


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


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No ground or air combat activity to report.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 1 ship disbanded in port (-1 from last report), 6 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting no Jap TF (-1 from last report), 85 aircraft (14 fighters, 35 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting 1 Jap TF (-1 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's.


DEI: Allied subs detecting light Japanese air patrols - including G3M Nell, G4M Betty, G5M Liz, Ki-48 Lily, Ki-49 Helen.


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

Jap ground strike air attacks against Chinese divisions withdrawing from Myitkyina (to Imphal) and also in position outside (just north of) Lashio. Light or no casualties to Chinese LCU's reported in both attacks.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reports 3 Jap TF's, 286 aircraft (105 fighters, 46 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's.


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

[wneumann]

View of the Big Picture #12 - Australia (NE and NW Fronts)

Situation has been largely static on both Australian fronts. Situation map showing current known LCU deployments follow.


Mobile combat LCU reserves elsewhere in Australia include

9 Australian Div (currently 88% TOE strength) - now moving from Perth to Melbourne to complete build-up to full TOE strength.
22 & 27 Australian Brigades - both units rebuilt to full TOE strength after evac from Singapore as cadres.
two Australian & one Dutch INF battalions
two Armored regiments (both Australian)
three artillery LCU's (one US, two Australian)

Reserve LCU's listed above do not include Allied LCU's deployed as garrisons at Perth or in bases along east coast of Australia.

[wneumann]

LCU's in Tennant Creek base:

3 Australian Division at 92% TOE strength after rebuilding from combat at Darwin against Jap landings in May-June 1942.
31 U.S. RCT at 97% TOE strength after rebuilding following evac from Philippines.
Australian 2/9 Armoured Rgt at 80% TOE strength.

Other Allied LCU's listed in Tennant Creek at full TOE strength.

[wneumann]

Allied air forces currently based at Tennant Creek.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/9/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 69 days.

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

SS Haddo attacks Jap ASW TF 180 miles NE of Kwajalein. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 83,82

Japanese Ships
DD Shiokaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
DD Hokaze
DD Yukaze
DD Yamagumo

Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 1 (very minor system damage, remaining on patrol)

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

SS Bass reports contact at hex 89,96 with a B6N2 Jill flying patrol - this location halfway between Tarawa and Baker Is. Land-based or carrier? You make the call...

Small Jap surface TF bombards U.S. base under construction at Jarvis Is. Reports indicate light casualties, no damage. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Jarvis Island, at 112,99

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Kinu
CA Myoko
CA Maya

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported

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

Light activity by U.S. submarines operating near Japanese home islands. One Jap AK torpedoed, SS Pogy and SS Grampus reporting contacts with surface Jap ASW. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,47

Japanese Ships
AK Kinugasa Maru, Torpedo hits 1 (no report of sinking)

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 68,46

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 65,48

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Kisaragi
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

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


South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Norfolk Is and Auckland. Shipping lanes between Wellington and Panama City quiet.

Jap carrier planes strike Norfolk Is. AAR and situation map follows. Two unidentified Jap TF's located NW of Norfolk Is detected moving on a SW heading. My current estimate is the possible objective of Jap TF's are Allied bases (Sydney, Brisbane) along the southeast coast of Australia. Allied ships at anchor in Sydney and Brisbane are now under orders to move to other locations.

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24

No Japanese losses

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/9/43 part deux.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No air or ground combat activity.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP, 2 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), 6 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), still 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF now in Exmouth, 5 Jap LCU's (no change).


DEI: No significant activity reported.


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

RAF Blenheim bombers strike Jap airfield at Magwe, RAF and USAAF Liberators bomb heavy industry facilities in Rangoon. Jap bombers attack Imphal. AAR's of all three actions follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11
A6M3a Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 11
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 4 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 14 destroyed, 5 damaged

Runway hits 1

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 15
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 23
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 16

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 65
B-24D Liberator x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 13 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 9 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 16 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 65 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 31 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 6

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9
Ki-48-II Lily x 45

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
20 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet

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

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 254 aircraft (61 fighters, 70 bombers), heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's. Recon does not indicate any heavy industry damage from bombing raid by Liberators. Dutch submarine K-X reporting contact with Jap ASW TF off Rangoon, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 27,34

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

Allied Ships
SS KX

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


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/10/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 68 days.

Central Pacific: Light Jap air patrol activity detected by U.S. subs near Kwajalein and Canton Is.

A productive day for U.S. sub Pogy patrolling SE of Tokyo. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 68,46 (180 mi SE of Tokyo)

Japanese Ships
AK Kinugasa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,45

Japanese Ships
AK Lyons Maru
PC Gamitsu Maru #1
PG Choko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,45

Japanese Ships
AK Matsumoto Maru, Torpedo hits 1 (no report of sinking)
PC Gamitsu Maru #1
PG Choko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

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

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


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

No detection or contact reported with the Japanese carrier TF operating near Norfolk Is on 3/9. Allied shipping travelling westbound for Australia is being stopped in Wellington until location and movement of this Jap TF is determined. Similarly, eastbound ships departing Australia for NZ or the U.S. are being held up until further notice. Based on information from the 3/9 sighting, the Jap carrier TF is projected moving SW into the sea area between New Zealand and the Australian east coast.


Australia: Bases on the Australian east coast from Rockhampton southward remain alerted for the Jap carrier TF that struck Norfolk Is on 3/9. All coastal shipping along the Australian east coast (light volume and generally 1-2 ship TF's) is entering the nearest port or being held at its current location if already in port.

Jap recon flight and fighter sweep over Tennant Creek. No reported losses on either side. Allied fighters had been stood down for recovery of damaged aircraft and to rest pilots.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF (+1 from last report), 1 ship disbanded in port (-1 from last report), 7 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report). It is possible the additional Jap LCU appearing in Port Moresby is the arrival of 5th Mongolian Cavalry Division that was reported enroute to Port Moresby from Manchuria in the Sigint report of 2/26.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting 1 Jap TF (-1 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 78 aircraft (9 fighters, 28 bombers), 1 Jap TF, 5 Jap LCU's.


DEI: U.S sub Shad attacked and hit in air attack by B5N Liz bomber near Palembang. SS Shad is returning to base with 44 system & 41 float damage.

SS Halibut in action at Tarakan. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tarakan at 34,60

Japanese Ships
TK Amatsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1 (no report of sinking)
PG Nishho Maru

Allied Ships
SS Halibut

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

Japanese AO Sata confirmed sunk - AO Sata was torpedoed by SS Shad near Palembang on 3/9 (I inadvertantly omitted the AAR for this attack from the 3/9 Summary of Operations above).


India/Burma: Jap recon flight and air bombing attacks on Imphal. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-48-II Lily x 48

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
10 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
12 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
5 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 32810 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 77

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
24 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet

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

Japanese air bombing attack on Chinese ground forces N of Lashio and units retreating from Myitkyina towards Imphal. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 22nd New Chinese Division, at 36,30 (N of Lashio)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 93rd Chinese Division, at 35,27 (retreating from Myikyina towards Imphal)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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

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

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's, 315 aircraft (94 fighters, 85 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 44(149). Dutch sub K-X off Rangoon reporting contact with two additional Jap TF's.


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/11/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 67 days.


Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalein, Canton Is reporting light Jap air patrol activity. SS Bass reports attack by B6N2 Jill torpedo bomber. Jap minesweeping ops reported at Kwajalein, one PC damaged from hitting mine.

U.S. subs operating S of Kyushu reporting several small Jap surface ASW TF's, no Jap air patrol activity. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 66,46 (two attacks)

Japanese Ships
DD Nenohi
DD Naganami
DD Makigumo
DD Yugumo

Allied Ships
SS Sawfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,47

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Kisaragi
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

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

Confirmation of several Jap ships sinking after earlier U.S. sub attacks. AK Amagizan Maru now confirmed sunk after torpedoed S of Kyushu by SS Grampus on 3/8. DD Shiokaze confirmed sunk after torpedoed by SS Haddo near Kwajalein on 3/9.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland. Quiet along the southern map edge shipping route between Wellington and Panama City/Papaete. Westbound shipping from the U.S. to Australia is still being held up in Wellington, some ships are being unloaded at Wellington.

Sigint report for 3/11 includes entry indicating HQ Jap 10th Area Army now located in Saipan. This is a new LCU in the Jap OOB (first report).

Sigint report for 3/11 also has an entry indicating Japanese 20 Mixed Brigade now at Dobodura. Previous known location of 20 Brigade was hex 58,30 (China) on 2/7/43.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise no air or ground combat activity.

Still no report or contact with Jap carrier TF(s) that struck Norfolk Is on 3/9 - Jap TF's may have turned back, also a very good possibility they are continuing southward through sea areas beyond the range of Allied land-based naval search planes from bases on the Australian east coast.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M3a and Ki-45), 1 Jap TF, 1 ship disbanded in port, 7 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Darwin reporting 1 Jap TF, 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 75 aircraft (7 fighters, 21 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.


DEI: U.S. subs reporting contacts with light Jap air patrols including G3M Nell, Ki-21 Sally, Ki-51 Sonia. Otherwise quiet.


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

Jap bombing attack on airfield facilities in Calcutta, also continuing bombing attacks on Chinese ground forces N of Lashio and units retreating from Myitkyina towards Imphal. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 14
A6M3a Zero x 23
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10
Ki-49 Helen x 65

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 8 destroyed, 49 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Dakota I: 3 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17
(reported damage - airfield service 6, no runway damage)

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported

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

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Day Air attack on 93rd Chinese Division, at 35,27

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported

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

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Dutch sub K-XI reaches Diamond Harbor, then sinks from damage received from Jap attack on 3/4.
Dutch sub K-X heavily damaged off Rangoon by air attack (Ki-21 Sally), returning to base.

Hudson I recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 329 aircraft (98 fighters, 82 bombers), heavy industry 44(149), 9 Jap LCU's.


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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/12/43, another catch-up edition...

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 66 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalein, Canton Is continue reporting light Jap air patrol activity. SS Bass being followed around by the B6N2 Jill torpedo bomber.

No contacts or activity reported by U.S. subs operating S of the Japanese home islands.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


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


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. Allied and Japanese air forces in NW Australia trade airfield bombing attacks. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 31
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-26B Marauder x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 3 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 23

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
9 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
7 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 27
Ki-49 Helen x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 19 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 4 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26
(reported damage in Tennant Creek - airfield service 2, no runway damage)


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

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Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 15, 63 aircraft (22 fighters, 8 bombers), 11 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 22 aircraft (6 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 93 aircraft (10 fighters, 35 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port, 7 Jap LCU's.


DEI: Another Jap AO torpedoed picking up oil or fuel. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Balikpapan at 31,64

Japanese Ships
AO Erimo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)
PG Taiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grunion

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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Chittagong. Jap bombing raids on Calcutta, Imphal, Dimapur, also Chinese divisions. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 4
Ki-49 Helen x 27

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 30510 feet

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Day Air attack on Dimapur , at 35,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 16
Ki-48-II Lily x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-II Lily: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Runway hits 3

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

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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23 (withdrawing from Myitkyina to Imphal)

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
A6M3a Zero x 21

No Japanese losses

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Day Air attack on 22nd New Chinese Division, at 36,30 (in position N of Lashio)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 24

No Japanese losses

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

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Day Air attack on 49th Chinese Division, at 35,27

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 9

No Japanese losses

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

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Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - no Jap TF's, 344 aircraft (102 fighters, 82 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 44(149).


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

Entry in Sigint report for 3/12 indicating Jap 70th Infantry Division now in Chengting, previous location Shanghai on 1/5/43.