Rising Sun over the Rockies - F.K. vs OSO - Wake captured by US

[FeurerKrieg]

ORIGINAL: bigbaba

congratulation for the great defensive succes over burma. i am realy a fan of your "north burma air force", krieg.[:D]

this guys are still doing very well against the best of allied aviation (spitfires, P-47, 4mot. bombers).

Thanks!

I'm about a month behind the game again, and I can tell you it has been fairly quiet in Burma all through July. That last raid must have scared them off for now. They still hit Akyab daily, but that's about it.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 5th, 1943
Another busy day, but a good one for the Empire!

China
Our training pilots attacked Chungking and met some enemy P-40Ns. Although our planes outnumbered the enemy 10 to 1, our rookie pilots took some losses. 5 A6M2, 1 A6M3 and 5 Tonys were lost in exchange for 7 (of 10) P-40Ns. Our fighters will rest up before their next attack and hopefully they will do better next time.

Burma
The enemy attacks seemed disorganized and unfocused today and our fighters capitalized on the situation.

In the morning, a sweep of 26 Hurricanes over Mandalay met our CAP from Lashio and Meiktila of 3 Jacks, 11 Tojo and 19 Tony. Our fighters did excellent against the old Hurricanes, downing 18 of the enemy for the loss of only 1 Tony. A bit later, a large bomber raid hit Mandalay - 99 B-24D escorted by 16 P-38G and 7 P-66 Vanguards. Our reduced CAP still did well enough, taking down 4 B-24Ds (plus 2 more to flak), 5 P-38Gs and 5 P-66s for the loss of only 2 Tojo and 1 Tony. The bombers did a fair bit of damage to the airfield, and destroyed a dozen recon planes on the ground, but no fighters are based at Mandalay, so our fighter force remains strong.

[center]
Enemy bombers attack our recon air base[/center]

In the afternoon, another sweep over Mandalay of 15 Spitfires met 3 Tojo and 20 Tonys on CAP. We did well again, losing only 1 Tony but bringing down 6 Spitfires.

[center]
Enemy sweep at Mandalay[/center]

Then another sweep went to Lashio. This was 14 P-40N Warhawks, 18 P-38G Lightnings, and 16 P-47C Thunderbolts. Our CAP was 56 Jacks and 15 Tojos. We lost 7 Tojo and 1 Jack, but took down 13 P-40Ns, 6 P-38Gs and 4 P-47Cs. As usual, several of our pilots were rescued today as well.

[center]
Another sweep at Lashio[/center]

Aleutians
Adak
Five battleships continued their small caliber shelling of the island while additional troops unloaded. Our CD guns hit the SC-636 sinking the ship. In the daylight, 53 heavy bombers and 76 mediums came in several waves attacking our ground forces there, but they held up well thanks to the mountain forts.

Attu
Three battleships shelled the island but no troops were landed. When the sun came up, bad weather had grounded the enemy carrier fighters out to sea, so our Bettys took from Paramushiro Jima to the attack and managed to put one torpedo into each of 1 AK and 2 AP off the coast of Attu.

[center]
Our Bettys hit some target near Attu[/center]

Kiska
5 battleships here continued their bombardment while troops and supplies were unloaded. The enemy charged forward here, but today they were repulsed soundly and our forts held. (Shock attack, 0 to 1, no fort loss).

Summary
Overall another good air day. Overall losses were 75 Allies to 45 Japan, with 12 of our losses from the recon planes on the ground, and 11 of our A2A losses were rookies on training in China.

With the 0 to 1 at Kiska I have confidence our troops will last a bit longer. Certainly long enough to evacuate enough elements of the ground troops that they will rebuild in the Kuriles, but also maybe long enough for the KB to arrive on the scene. The KB will form up at Eniwetok and sail slow with a large AO convoy. The threat of our Bettys will hopefully force the enemy fighters to spend time on LRCAP over the Attu and Kiska, tiring them and incurring ops losses.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 6th, 1943
It was a quieter day in comparison to the last few.

In the Aleutians, Adak, Kiska and Attu were all shelled by the enemy battleships stationed at each beach. More troops continue to unload at Adak and Kiska. 41 Medium bombers hit our troops at Adak and 61 heavy bombers hit Kiska.

Also in the northern seas, the I-28 sunk from damage sustained over the past few days.

Our training raid on Chungking hit 2 SB-2c's on the ground and dropped 3 P-40N's in the air. We lost 1 Tony.

In Burma, the enemy bombers took on an easier target at Akyab, hitting it with two strikes.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 7th, 1943
A good day overall.

In the Aleutians, Adak, Kiska and Attu were again shelled. Enemy landings continued at Adak and Kiska, apparently at a slow pace as the troops counts do not seem to rising much. At Kiska, the enemy failed to provide air cover and 54 Bettys from PJ attacked the Americal Division, doing a fair bit of damage to the enemy troops.

[center]
Rare attack on enemy ground forces[/center]

In the Kuriles, SS Growler attacked one of our transports returning from dropping off reinforcements at PJ or OJ, but its torpedoes missed.

In Burma, an attempt to lure some enemy bombers to Meiktila worked. No planes were placed in the base, but many units were put on LRCAP from Moulmein and Rangoon. A first strike of 11 B-17D and 34 B-17Es came in and found 47 Tojo and 7 Tonys waiting for them. Some tried to turn around, but those that did didn't make it home. 12 bombers dropped bombs, and one of these was destroyed by AA guns. Next came 61 Liberator III's against 22 Tojo and 3 Tonys. Our fighters still did well, bringing down 29 of the enemy heavy bombers. The airbase took only light damage and the engineers made more progress than what the enemy planes damaged. We even got the enemy recon plane flying with the B-17s.

Total losses at Meiktila:
Allies
25 B-17E Fortress
9 B-17D Fortress
29 Liberator III
1 F-5 Lightning
Total: 64

Japan
3 Tojo
1 Tony
Total: 4

[center]
Unescorted bombers are caught in Burma[/center]

Akyab also was hit by some medium bombers.

In the Central Pacific, southwest of Wake, a Sally bomber hit the SS Bass.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 8th, 1943
In Burma, Akyab was hit by a couple waves of attacks. At Meiktila the runway is fully patched, and repairs on the facilities are rapidly being completed (0 runway/ 44 service).

Our bombing run on Chungking today got two P-40Ns in the air and 1 SB-2c on the ground.

In the Aleutians, only Adak saw additional landings today. All three island saw the normal bombardments. Ground forces launched attacks on all three islands. At Adak, a shock attack gained some ground (1 to 1, forts 6 -> 5). At Attu a more methodical attack also made progress (1 to 1, forts 8 ->7). But at Kiska a deliberate attack was repulsed (0 to 1, no fort loss). In all the fighting casualties were about even, although the Allies lost more tanks and guns than our forces.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 9th, 1943
In Burma, Akyab is hit once today. The airfield and facilities are repaired at Meiktila and our air forces will return to the base.

In the Aleutians, the Allies, encouraged by yesterday's progress launched more attacks today, but out troops showed their resolve and held their lines.

The battleships at Attu moved to Adak and joined the five already there. Thus 8 battleships shelled Adak island today. Then 54 medium and 107 heavy bombers pounded our ground forces in many waves. The enemy infantry then shock attacked, and perhaps they were tired or overconfident as our troops were able to repulse them with no loss of territory. (0 to 1, no fort loss). Casualties of the enemy were about 50% higher than our own.

At Attu, some 48 heavy bombers pounded our positions, however, without the shelling from the enemy battleships our troops were able to organize a bit. The enemy launched a deliberate attack, but this we severely repulsed with our troops inflicting 4 times the casualties they took. (0 to 1, no fort loss).

[center]
Ground attacks are repulsed at Attu and Adak[/center]

Meanwhile, the I-3 was pounded by ASW forces at Kiska and sunk. I-1 was hit at Adak, but damage was manageable and that sub should safely return to PJ.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 10th, 1943
In the Aleutians there were no further ground attacks today as the Allied troops recovered from yesterday's failed assaults. The air attacks continued however, with 14 medium and 49 heavy bombers hitting Adak, 38 heavies hitting Kiska and 16 heavies hitting Attu. The enemy battleships were not seen today, most likely heading back to Dutch Harbor or Umnak to reload their big guns.

KB (consisting of 8 CVs and 7 CVLs) is now heading northward and will rendezvous with several light cruisers and destroyers that were recently upgraded at Home Island bases. Once those ships have been added to their respective TFs, the KB will head east, to be between Midway and the Aleutians and see if an opportunity arises.

[center]
The fleet sails to possible battle[/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

July 11th, 1943

Aleutians
Today the Allies sent more troops to Adak to bolster their attack there. However, the initial wave of troops arrived before the enemy battleships and our gunners managed to hit 4 LSTs, 1 SC, 1 AVD and 2 AK. The SC was sunk right away, but the other ships retreated on fire. Closer to dawn, the enemy battleships started shelling the island and subsequent landings did not suffer as much.

Air attacks came in on all three island as also - 43 medium bombers and 44 heavies hit Adak while 33 heavies hit Kiska and 20 heavies hit Attu.

Our small cruiser and destroy group has been skirting the edges of the enemy carrier's reach looking to sneak in under the bad weather. Today they were spotted up north. They will retreat at full speed lest the enemy carriers move towards us and launch an attack.
[center]

Our raiders are detected[/center]

Elsewhere, the airbase at Yap atoll was expanded today (sz 3), and Akyab in Burma was attacked by several bombers.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 12th, 1943
Troops continue to unload at Adak island. The US has apparently decided to focus on one island and work their way across the Aleutians that way. I think that is what they should have done in the first place, but we'll take what we can get. A total of 13 battleships shell Adak causing pretty heavy damage. Additionally 46 medium and 37 heavy bombers pound the place. 27 heavy bombers also hit Kiska.

Although Adak received all the ordinance, it is at Kiska where the enemy launches a deliberate attack that gains some ground. (1 to 1, forts 6 -> 5, even casualties).

Akyab is hit by three waves of bombers.

At Chungking, our training runs again have no opposition.
[center]

Training runs get easy again[/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

July 13th, 1943
Landings continue at Adak, today we hit 2 LST and 1 SC. "Only" 8 battleships shell the island today. 57 medium and 41 heavy bombers also hit the place. However, due to the lack of enemy CAP, our Bettys from Paramushiro make the long flight and hit the US 7th Division also. The enemy troops again advance, taking important areas on the island. (Delib, 3 to 1, forts 5 ->4, casualties 3 US to 1 Japan)

[center]
Battle at Adak[/center]

Attu was hit by 9 heavy bombers and Kiska was hit by 43 heavies. The ground troops at Kiska also attacked, gaining ground again. (2 to 1, forts 5 -> 4, casualties 2 US to 1 Japan).

Along with the medium and heavy bombers, 16 SBD-3 divebombers attacked Kiska from enemy carriers. Also, the enemy carrier forces were spotted in two different groups. This is the type of opportunity we were waiting for, but the fleet is still organizing a few hundred miles away. It could be on the scene fairly soon though, so if the enemy hold this posture (in order to keep CAP over all island against our Bettys) then maybe the KB will have a chance. The weather also needs to break, as it is just too risky to send the KB into a bad weather zone with so many heavy bombers flying around. We might manage one surprise day before the heavies are placed on naval attack, but then we have to leave.

[center]
Carrier planes attack our ground forces[/center]

Given that the KB will not stay longer than a day, our heavy surface fleet of battleships will not be needed and will instead head towards Midway to see if it can be spotted by the enemy. Perhaps the enemy will think it is an invasion fleet headed to Midway and move their carriers south away from their LBA. It is of course possible the KB will be spotted by submarines or enemy patrol planes before that though.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 14th, 1943
Lots of action today.

Aleutians

Adak
Landing continues. Bombings continued also from 48 heavy and 37 medium bombers. The constant pounding is taking its toll but our troops do their best. They are now outnumbered 7,000 troops to 50,000 and 17 guns to 550 guns. The US troops continue their crawl across the mountainous terrain. (Delib, 2 to 1, forts 4 -> 3, Jap casualties higher today)

Kiska
The enemy sent more troops here today, however because there have been no shore bombardments lately, our gunners were able to hit a few ships. 4 AKs and 1 PC were all damaged today. Nevertheless, the enemy continued to advance, largely due to the presence of several tanks. (2 to 1, forts 4 -> 3) The island was also hit by 41 heavy bombers and 17 carrier dive bombers.

Attu
This island was not ignored today, as 27 heavy bomber hit the place. The enemy troops made a push, but our troops easily repulsed it. (0 to 1, forts held at 7)

In the Kuriles, an Ann dive bomber hit the SS Drum.

At Chungking, our bombers in training managed to destroy an IL-4 on the ground.

In Burma, for the last two days there have been 4 or 5 waves of attacks on Akyab. Most likely enemy bombers are training up new pilots after the heavy losses a few days ago, as well as some fighters on ground attack. If possible, I will soon move some fighters into Magwe and LRCAP Akyab to see if we can catch some of these planes.

At Magwe, 22 P-38G and 12 B-24D attacked the airfield and 26 Tony's were there from Meiktila. 2 P-38Gs and 1 B-24D went down along with 2 Tonys. All the enemy bombs missed their target however.

Given our defensive posture for some time in Burma, I felt it was time to keep the enemy honest so to speak. An attack was launched on Calcutta, from Rangoon, that had been planned for the past few days. Enemy fighter cover was fairly light, and our Zeros took down 2 Spitfires and 2 Kittyhawks for the loss of 3 Zeros. Our bombers then hit many of the small ships in harbor with 500 and 800kg AP bombs. Five MSW and 2 PGs were all hit hard, with the PG Indus sinking at the dock. The main goal of the attack was to increase the enemy CAP, hopefully pulling fighters back from offensive duties at the front. Enemy flak was heavy, and 7 G4M1, 2 G4M2 and 2 G5N Liz bombers were all lost.

MSW Oudh, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Indus, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cromer, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Hindustan, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bihar, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cromarty, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Patna, Bomb hits 1, on fire

[center]
Bombing attack on the docks at Calcutta[/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

July 15th, 1943
Today Kiska received reinforcements. Our gunners hit a MSW and an AP. 36 fighters and 14 SBDs bombed our troops there, while the ground forces continued to advance. (3 to 1, forts 3->2)

At Adak, five fully loaded BB's shelled the island with their large caliber ammo. The ground forces there advanced as well. (2 to 1, forts 3->2)

It is not clear if our troops will be able to retain control of the airfields on Kiska or Adak tomorrow, but we will hope they hold.

In China, 9 P-40N's appeared in the air to challenge our bombing runs. We lost 2 A6M2 and 2 Tonys, but shot down 4 of the P-40Ns.

In Burma Akyab was hit by 3 waves of enemy planes.

Near Timor, a brave Allied ship attempted to leave Darwin, but our Bettys put 5 torpedoes into the ship, sinking it instantly.

[center]
An enemy ship is found and sunk[/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

July 16th, 1943
More landings at Kiska, but our gunners managed to hit an AK and an SC - the SC was sunk. Three battleships shelled the island, then 31 fighters and 11 divebombers attacked and finally the enemy troops managed to push us off the airfield. (4 to 1, Allies capture)

At Adak, our Betty's took the long flight and then evaded a half a dozen P-38Gs to hit the enemy. 33 Bettys hit the 138th RCT and 29 hit the 150th RCT. Even with the air support though, the enemy was able to push us back, taking control of the island. (3 to 1, Allies capture)

In the Kuriles, enemy subs are everywhere. The SS Gunred attacked and missed a troop transport. However, the SS Cisco hit one of our big troop ships, the AP Conte Verde with two torpedoes. The ship is very big though and seems like it might make it.

[center]
Dangerous waters[/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

July 17th, 1943
Our survivors on Adak and Kiska are shelled and bombed. Farther south, just south of the northeast weather sector, the SS Rasher spots the fleet and evades attack after attack by our ASW forces. Later in the day, the sub managed to hit the destroyer Nenohi with a torpedo.

I-122 is hit by enemy depth charges near Kiska, but should be able to limp home.

In the Kuriles, SS Paddle missed a transport, SS Gunnel missed a PC. SS Gudgeon was hit by a Mary divebomber.

With Kiska and Adak in enemy hands, KB's strike time is limited. Those bases will be repair fast by the SeaBees. Since the KB has been spotted, the fleet will head back south for a day or two - making like it is retreating, and then head farther east and maybe sneak up on any battleships reloading at Umnak. I am sure that with the sighting of our fleet, the enemy carriers will be sure to operate in a single formation now. However, if the enemy carriers move south, our Bettys will be able to hit enemy ships that try to approach Attu, which is still solidly in our control.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 18th, 1943
SS Cisco hits one of our escorts in the Kuriles. The ship is pretty heavily damaged but will try to limp back to Sakahlin.

Allied bombers hit all three bases in the Aleutians, but mostly Adak and Kiska where they are slowly wearing down our survivors.

At Chungking, we lose 5 A6M2 and 1 Tony while shooting down 6 P-40Ns.

In Burma, Akyab is hit by three waves while a small fighter sweep hits Mandalay. 15 Spitfires and 12 Thunderbolts engage 11 Tonys. We lose one Tony but take down 2 Spits and 2 Bolts.

[center]
Enemy fighter sweep[/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

July 19th, 1943
More quiet today than it has been.

Akyab is hit by four waves of bomebrs and fighters today.

Attu is shelled by 5 battleships, but no air attacks anywhere in the Aleutians. The enemy ground troops at Attu seem content to wait for some reinforcements before attempting to attack again.

In the Kuriles, a Ki-30 Ann divebomber hit the SS Drum.

[FeurerKrieg]

July 20th, 1943
CL Tama and the destroyers attempt to find battleships at Attu in the night, but come up empty handed. They don't make it as far from Attu as planned, and dawn finds them within enemy carrier strike range. Thankfully, the prevailing bad weather of the region prevents them from being attacked all day. They will escape to the west as evening falls.

[center]
Close call near Attu[/center]

Attu is shelled in the daylight, after our cruiser has left the area. Some air attacks are launched at all three bases.

In the Kuriles, an ASW group finds the SS Cisco and hit the ship with a couple depth charges, but no sinking is confirmed.

At Chungking, only 2 P-40N's are up to meet our bombers and they are both shot down.

In Burma, we put a CAP over Akyab and catch some enemy planes, including some Hurricanes on ground attack. Since htese are not our crack pilots, their results were mixed. It may at least force the enemy fighters to stay on escort instead of bombing missions.

Over the course of 4 waves, we lost 5 A6M3 Zeros, 2 J1N1-S Irvings, and 7 Ki-45 KAIb Nicks. We shot down 5 Vengeance DBs, 3 P-40N Warhawks, 1 Hurricane IIb, and 1 Liberator III. Our pilots gained some experience and several of the downed pilots were rescued since Akyab is still under our control.

[center]
Combat over Akyab[/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

July 21st, 1943
Our planes evacuate Magwe, which turns out to be a good thing as P-38's and P-47's sweep Akyab. Several bombers attack there as usual also.

In the Pacific, the DD Nenohi, hit by a sub several days ago, finally sinks en route to Tokyo. The KB is again in position to attack, but at this point the weather continues to be very bad in the north.

Today in the Aleutians, Attu ges the lions share of enemy air attacks. With the enemy carriers providing CAP over Attu, Kiska is lightly guarded and 38 Bettys fight past 8 F4F-4 Wildcats, losing 4 Bettys in the process. The rest score several hits on three transports. Two of them, the Alaskan and the Maliko sink immediately.

[center]
Successful attack on enemy ships[/center]

[Alikchi2]

Looking good, sir. I eagerly await the clash of fleets up North.. What could he do with Attu? Can it build up into a good B-29 base?

[FeurerKrieg]

Attu can go to a sz 8 airbase, so yes, B-29s can fly there.

However, as I posted on a map some time ago, the real issue is whether or not he can escort those B-29s. I'll post a map sometime in the next week or so detailing my defenses in the north as they relate to the ranges of enemy fighters and bombers. Thankfully we still have some time before those Silver Bees start buzzing - but all the same, defensive preparations are ongoing.

The other issue with using Attu as a B-29 base, is the problems the winter weather causes, which is only a few months, but it is a few months more than if B-29s were flying out of the Mariannas.