Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Pillager) Allies only

[wneumann]

Appreciate your response, Alfred.

The fact that other US submarines have the capability to carry and lay Mk 12 mines after 12/42 certainly weighs in as a reason to convert SS Argonaut to a SST rather than leave it as is.

Your idea on the uses of the three SST's is an interesting possibility. The main part of the premise behind my original decision had been that Argonaut would be the only available SST, its value as an SST would be at best marginal given its relatively small cargo capacity and the idea of Argonaut being the only SST available would make its use as a transport sub rather ineffective. The logic I had based on that argument was that SS Argounaut was more useful being left as a minelayer even if no Mk 12 mines were currently available for it to lay.

I will have to look around and identify the other two subs that are SST's or convertable to one.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/17/42

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-9 (22 ships) departing this game turn from the Eastern US to Australia via Capetown. LCU’s loaded on convoy EX-9 include 137 USAAF Base Force, 147 US Infantry Rgt, three FA Bns (4, 97, 134) and 428 Coast AA Bn. Convoy EX-9 is also carrying 49K supply and 7800 fuel.

Empty ships from the first US to Australia transport convoy (EX-1) returning to the Eastern US have left Capetown. From what I’m seeing so far, the round trip movement time for a US East Coast to Melbourne/Perth transport convoy via Capetown seems to be about 4 months in game time.


Central Pacific: Sigint report entries for 4/16 indicate Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit and Tarawa were intercepted. Detected status of both bases show no visible Jap forces or activity.


SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report harbor at Rabaul remains empty.


DEI: Japanese amphibious landing underway at Sampit (southern Borneo).

Detected status of Palembang base continues to show no damage to refinery, oil or resource production facilities from Dutch engineer demolitions. There had been 90 Dutch engineer squads stationed in Palembang at the time of the Japanese assault to capture it.


Philippines: Supply situation for US forces in Bataan is gradually deteriorating. At this time, the stockpile of supply points on hand in Bataan has fallen under 10K.


Burma: Continued ground attack strikes by Chinese AF bombers on the Jap LCU(s) in the adjacent hex S of Paoshan revealed a second Jap unit in this hex. This Jap unit was identified in the air attack as 2 Tank Regiment. The other Jap unit spotted in this hex (74,52) is 4 Tank Rgt which had been attacked by Chinese AF bombers on 4/16. Jap 4 Tank Regiment had attacked and captured Lashio on 3/23.


China: All sectors in China quiet this game turn.

[Alfred]

The Allied SST fleet can be comprised of the:

Argonaut
Narwhal
Nautilus

The endurance of the Argonaut is 8000 (200 hexes), both the Narwhal and Nautilus have endurance of 9380 (234 hexes)

The carrying capacity is:

Argonaut - 110 troop points, 72 cargo points
Narwhal and Nautilus each - 70 troop points, 60 cargo points

Hence the aggregate SST fleet can transport 250 troop points and 192 cargo points. A USMC Parachute Battalion costs 510 troop points (zero cargo) to transport. Accordingly the SST fleet can transport almost half a USMC Parachute Battalion.

Alfred

[wneumann]

Thanks, Alfred

Interesting... I'll have to come up with some kind of use for this, possibly something along the lines of commando-type operations (which were actually done).

Australian Independent Coy LCU's could also fit well in this role, plus I also have several other small company-sized Australian and Dutch infantry LCU's rescued from various spots in New Guinea and the DEI.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/18/42

Central Pacific: Two Sigint report entries for 4/17 indicate intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit for a second consecutive day. Detected status of Jaluit shows port facilities have been expanded to size 3(1), otherwise no visible Jap forces or activity.


South Pacific: Jap amphibious landing operation underway at Aoba Is near Luganville. AAR follows.

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Amphibious Assault at Aoba Island

TF 194 troops unloading over beach at Aoba Island (121,150)

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost in surf during unload of 91st Nav Gd /1

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US submarine attacks Jap AMC’s at Hoorn Is, one ship torpedoed. AAR’s follow.

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Submarine attack at Hoorn Islands – 138,157

Japanese Ships
AMC Kongo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-37

AMC Kongo Maru is sighted by SS S-37
SS S-37 launches 2 torpedoes at AMC Kongo Maru

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Submarine attack at Hoorn Islands – 138,157

Japanese Ships
AMC Kinryu Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-37

AMC Kinryu Maru is sighted by SS S-37
SS S-37 launches 2 torpedoes

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Japanese amphibious landing operation underway at Vaitupu (Ellice Islands). AAR follows.

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Amphibious Assault at Vaitupu

TF 57 troops unloading over beach at Vaitupu (138,145)

10 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 85th JAAF AF Bn

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SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report harbor at Rabaul remains empty for a third day.

Southwest Pacific HQ has entered the game at Brisbane as a reinforcement.


DEI: Japanese capture Sampit and Sandakan on Borneo. These actions complete the Japanese conquest of Borneo, all non-dot bases on Borneo are now under Japanese control. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Sampit (58,97)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1124 troops, 3 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 13
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 7
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Sampit !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+), leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment

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Ground combat at Sandakan (70,88)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3961 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 144
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 43
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 43 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Sandakan !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: op mode(-), leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
124th Infantry Regiment

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Jap minesweeping operations now underway in Palembang. AAR follows.

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TF 96 encounters mine field at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-17
DMS W-16
DMS W-15

13 mines cleared

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Philippines: Continuing Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan.

Detected status of Manila base hex – Resource production 39(2), light industry 88(13), repair shipyard 5(16), 2 Jap LCU’s.


Malacca Straits: Dutch sub operating from Colombo intercepts a Jap tanker convoy in the western Malacca Straits off the Thai coast, torpedoes and sinks one escort. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Phuket at 48,70 (SE of Phuket)

Japanese Ships (TF reported moving on a NW heading, probably bound for Rangoon)
PB Uchide Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
TK Kyoko Maru
TK Kuremente Maru
PB Menado Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVI

SS KXVI launches 2 torpedoes at PB Uchide Maru

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China: All sectors in China once again quiet this game turn.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/19/42

Central Pacific: Sigint report entry for 4/18 indicates intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Island is showing Jap aircraft (undetermined number and type) are based there. No visible sign of port or airfield expansion on Baker, also no other visible Jap forces or activity.

Sigint report for 4/18 also stating a heavy volume of radio transmssions were intercepted from unidentified Jap TF(s) west of Marcus Is and just north of the Marianas (hex 115, 84). Jap TF(s) were visible in the hex, however, no information was available concerning the number of Jap TF(s) in the hex, their composition or movement heading. No US submarines are currently operating in the vicinity of this contact.


South Pacific: Japanese capture Aoba Is near Luganville. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Aoba Island (121,150)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1446 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 31
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 31 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Aoba Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+), leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
91st Naval Guard Unit (this LCU previously reported in Singapore on 1/24)

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Japanese amphibious landing ops continue at Vaitupu (Ellice Islands).


SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report harbor at Rabaul is still empty.


Philippines: Continuing Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan. Supply point stocks on-hand for US forces on Bataan now down to 8K, not good. AAR of latest attack follows.

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Morning Air attack on Bataan , at 78,77

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 23
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 9 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
26 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Malacca Straits: Dutch sub K-XVI operating W of the Malacca Straits reports contact with Ki-48 Lily air patrol.


Burma: Detected status of hex 64,45 adjacent to Paoshan now indicating two Jap LCU’s in the hex. These LCU’s were identified in earlier Chinese AF ground attack strikes as 2 and 4 Tank Rgts.


China: All sectors in China remain quiet this game turn.

[wneumann]

Big Picture #9 – Another visit to strategy in the South Pacific theatre

The Current Japanese Situation:

Over the last several months (of game time), Pillager has the Japanese slowly and gradually creeping southward into the South Pacific theatre area.

At this time, the Japanese have largely completed their conquest of the Solomons and taken Port Moresby to secure their western flank.

Further east… The Japanese have entered the New Hebrides island group, capturing Luganville and Aoba Is. Bases in the southern half of the New Hebrides group including Efate remain in Allied hands for now.

Both the Japanese advance into the New Hebrides and conquest of the Solomons have Pillager positioned for launching a Japanese advance on Noumea. I’m expecting that a Japanese landing and capture of Efate is imminent, especially if Pillager’s primary strategic interest in the South Pacific theatre is a Japanese conquest of Noumea. No guarantee of that though a quick move on Efate would be a telltale sign.

Even farther east… The Japanese now control two island bases, Hoorn Islands and Wallis Is, immediately to the north of and between Samoa and Suva. Pillager is also completing a Japanese conquest of the Ellice Island group to the north of Hoorn and Wallis – the operation at Vaitupu currently in progress is the final step of this conquest. Canton Is was captured by the Japanese in Jan ’42 and secures the eastern flank of this position. All these developments position the Japanese for an advance on Samoa and/or Suva.

Overall… this has Pillager working toward re-establishing the Japanese outer perimeter along a line from Port Moresby in the west, through Noumea, Suva and Samoa, with Canton Is anchoring the eastern flank. This line is identical to what he (Pillager) created for the Japanese in our previous CHS match. My thought is that Pillager was quite content with that perimeter line last time and is very likely what he would like to do this time in AE.


The Allied View and Overall Plan:

The Port Moresby to Canton Is outer perimeter line described above was a major headache to crack in our CHS match – recalling my past adventures on and near Pago Pago in CHS, my choice of title for this AE thread also reflecting this. An Allied assault on this Japanese outer perimeter line would probably also be a major headache in AE, whether for the same or for different reasons.

The cornerstone of my overall Allied strategic plan for the South Pacific theatre is preventing the Japanese from forming a complete outer perimeter line between Port Moresby and Canton, the emphasis being on complete. The method of implementing this strategic plan for the Allies is to create, occupy and secure a viable bridgehead in this projected Japanese outer perimeter ahead of Pillager’s advance.

A viable bridgehead would have to

(1) Include one or more of the major links in this line as the core of the bridgehead - the remaining three links of this line still in Allied control being Noumea, Suva and Samoa.

(2) It is possible for the major base(s) included in the bridgehead to be adequately occupied, supplied and defended with the Allied forces and resources on-hand in the South Pacific theatre, plus any reinforcements that can be brought in from New Zealand, Australia and/or the mainland US in whatever time there is for these to arrive and be deployed.

(3) Occupy and secure a network of outlying forward bases that form a supporting position for the core of the bridgehead – these bases would be included in the bridgehead area itself and also in areas immediately surrounding the bridgehead. These positions would function to (a) provide outposts and flank protection to the major base or bases forming the core of the bridgehead, and (b) provide security for sea transport routes entering the bridgehead area from Allied rear-area bases, with emphasis on keeping these sea transport routes as much beyond the reach of Japanese LBA as possible

(4) The bridgehead area would have to be accessible from and reasonably close to one or more major Allied rear-area base(s).

What is important here is not so much where the bridgehead is located, but that it’s a viable one.


The Allied Situation:

At this time, Noumea and Samoa are lightly occupied by Allied forces and are basically open to being occupied by forces on either side.

In Fiji, the main island (Suva) was reinforced almost immediately starting in 12/41, primarily with New Zealand LCU’s. The current strength of Allied ground forces on Suva include three NZ infantry brigades plus a variety of small US, NZ and Australian combat units including infantry, artillery and light armor in battalion and regiment strength. An ample quantity of supply is on hand at Suva and construction of fortifications at Suva and Nadi has been in progress continuously since 12/41. A significant number of Allied naval search planes are now operating from Suva. A submarine force including most of the US S-class subs are now based at Auckland and operating in patrol areas to the north of both Fiji and Samoa – these subs have had several meetings with KB carriers and Jap invasion transports.

Suva at this time already forms the core of an Allied bridgehead in Pillager’s projected Japanese outer perimeter line.

Covering positions to Suva at Tongatapu and Niue are occupied by Allied forces.

Development of Auckland as a major rear-area base is well underway. Ample quantities of fuel and supply have already been shipped in from the mainland US, quantities of resource points from Noumea also being picked up and shipped into Auckland. Auckland now has the capability to support submarine operations for US S-class subs now operating in the South Pacific theatre. Further improvements to Auckland are in progress or being planned.

A second rear-area base is also being developed at Tahiti, some activity to do this is already underway.

Other Allied assets in the South Pacific theatre now include several transport convoys with reinforcements just arriving in the theatre from the mainland US – these forces including a full US division, other combat LCU’s, plus ample quantities of supply. My current plans have these reinforcements destined for either Noumea or Samoa. The contents of these convoys have a good chance of occupying and securing either location, provided there is time for them to arrive and disembark without spotting or interference from the Japanese. A head-on meeting of these convoys with the KB or other IJN forces would be rather ugly not to mention undesirable.

US naval forces (carrier of surface) immediately available in the South Pacific theatre area for supporting deployment of reinforcements arriving in theatre from the mainland US is - none. While all US fleet carriers have completed the 4/42 ship upgrades, a very large number of their escorting cruisers and DD's are now in shipyards undergoing 4/42 upgrades. I simply do not have the ships available to properly form Air Combat TF's and in any event most of these ships are on the US West Coast. The present situation in the South Pacific had not been anticipated prior to the 4/42 ship upgrade, or at least anticipated to happen during the time the US Carrier Fleet is "out of service". The South Pacific for now does without.


Looking in the Crystal Ball:

What is known is a Sigint report entry from 4/16 having the Japanese 10th Division located on Truk. My estimate is that Pillager likely has this division destined for use in a Japanese amphibious operation to capture one of the major bases in the South Pacific (Noumea, Fiji or Samoa), this operation no doubt to be done with the full backing of the KB and IJN.

What cannot be determined right now is which objective does Pillager have the Japs going for? A new Sigint report entry indicating the objective (base) the Japanese10th Division is preparing for would be a major intelligence coup and almost certainly answer this question.

What I can reasonably estimate is that the Japanese can only go after one of the three major objectives in the South Pacific (Noumea, Fiji or Samoa), Pillager unlikely having sufficient Japanese LCU’s and other resources to attempt all three at once or even in rapid succession. I do hold the opinion Pillager will be moving against one of the three major objectives fairly soon (within the next 15-30 days if not before), the report on the Japanese 10th Division now at Truk largely backing up this theory.

The best-case scenario I’m hoping for is that Pillager will go after either Samoa or Noumea, preferably Noumea. I’m not sure at this point whether Pillager is aware of an Allied presence on Fiji or (if so) the extent of it – though he’s certainly aware of the US S-class subs swarming the area.


So what are we planning right now?

Allied short-term plans revolve around when and where the US reinforcements now entering the South Pacific theatre will go. Given the remaining time I’m estimating there is before Pillager makes his next Japanese move against one of the major bases in the South Pacific, attempting a dash into either Noumea or Samoa ahead of the Japanese with these reinforcements could be a recipe for disaster if both Pillager and I choose the same destination at or about the same – a head-on collision with the KB and Japanese forces following behind it.

I’m seeing the more prudent move here is letting the Japanese go first – whichever of the two objectives Pillager does not go for (Noumea or Samoa) can likely be occupied easily and in strength by the US reinforcements now arriving in the South Pacific. The reinforcements aren’t sufficient to occupy and defend both Noumea and Samoa but do stand a decent chance of moving into and holding either of them. Moving into Noumea or Samoa after Pillager “shoots his next bolt” will allow sufficient time (and lack of Japanese interference) for these reinforcements to arrive, disembark and start digging in during the interval the Japanese will need after completing their next move to reload, replenish and prepare for any move that follows.

Making an analogy of the current South Pacific situation to a poker game… my bet this time around the table is hold on to my chips and “check”.

The current position at Suva is the start of the Allied bridgehead, Allied occupation and control of either Samoa or Noumea after Pillager’s next move will expand it.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/20/42

Central Pacific: Sigint report entries for 4/19 indicates intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit and Maleolap.

Detected status of Maleolap is showing airfield facilities built to maximum size of 4(1), otherwise no significant information.

Detected status of Jaluit is showing port facilities built to size 3(1) with no airfield, also one or more Jap LCU(s) present (including Jaluit Naval Fortress which is a static unit).

The Sigint report for 4/19 again showing intercepted radio transmissions from the unidentified Jap TF(s) picked up last game turn near the Marianas. Location of these TF(s) is now hex 115, 90. Movement heading of the Jap TF(s) appears to be due south, probable destination Truk. Estimated movement speed makes it appear the Jap TF(s) includes at least some transports and/or auxiliaries. It would also be safe to say the departure point of the TF(s) was a port in the Japanese Home Islands. There’s still no visible information as to the number of Jap TF(s) or their composition. One US fleet sub (SS Sturgeon) is currently operating in a patrol area N of Truk and appears to be directly in the projected movement path of the Jap TF(s) – estimated arrival of the Jap TF(s) in the Sturgeon’s patrol zone is in two days.


SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report harbor at Rabaul is still empty.


DEI: Japanese capture Sintang (dot hex base, interior of SW Borneo). AAR follows. This action completes the Japanese capture and occupation of all base locations on Borneo.

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Ground combat at Sintang (59,92)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1025 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 21
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Sintang !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: op mode(-)

Assaulting units:
2nd Recon Regiment

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Jap ground forces on Sumatra pursue surviving Dutch LCU’s that had been pushed out of Palembang. AAR of action outside of Palembang follows.

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Ground combat at 47,91 (S of Palembang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13547 troops, 125 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 460
Defending force 5352 troops, 36 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 83
Japanese adjusted assault: 52
Allied adjusted defense: 33
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
288 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
886 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 34 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
18th Division

Defending units:
Padang Garrison Battalion
Zuid KNIL Battalion
Tapanoeli Gsn Battalion
So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion
2/15 Punjab Battalion
Palembang Base Force
Djojakarta Base Force
Semarang Base Force
2 ML-KNIL Aviation
Teloekbetoeng Base Force
Djambi Base Force
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Kalidjati Base Force

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Homeless and supposedly doomed Dutch LCU’s recapture and temporarily liberate Madjene (SW Celebes). AAR follows. Though it is a futile gesture, this "guerilla" action is still mildly entertaining from the Allied point of view.

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Ground combat at Madjene (65,103)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 391 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Allied adjusted assault: 2
Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Madjene !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-), fatigue(-), morale(-), supply(-)

Assaulting units:
Kendari Garrison Battalion
Makassar Base Force

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Philippines: Continuing Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan.


China: All sectors in China continue to be quiet this game turn.

[johnjohn]

Excellent analysis and prudent action plan. My sense is Efate will tip Noumea as you suggest and Samoa (being closest to the West Coast/Hawaii) may be the most desirable for the allies. However, the Fiji's offer a better defensive option and the opportunity to load up two "unsinkable carriers" with SBD's and fighters. Who knows, you may get one of the KB this way without risking your carriers. Whichever of the three Pillager goes for, I would recommend that your division(s) quickly occupy the others. Then dig in fast. Meanwhile, I would raid Wake/Roi/Kwajalene once I knew the KB was operating in sopac. Who knows, you may bag some valuable support ships. But that would put him on notice that you intend interfere to the best of your abilities. I would hit and run back to pearl, then, if necessary head back to the west coast. But I may be more of a risk taker.

From what you discribe, Pillager is deliberate. Good time to throw a curve ball at him. I have done this in other versions of Pacific War games and find it causes the careful to deploy more assets in the rear to protect those areas, lessoning the punch of the frontal assaults. Of course, it has no affect on the AI, but that is not your problem. You only need to distract him for a couple of months. By then your number of troops will make holding one or more of these critical bases much more feasible. Also Wasp arrives in July, evening up the odds with 6CVs each.

Meanwhile, I am continuing the slow buildup to taking back the canal (Sept 1 42, here). Thus far I have contained the AI at Guadalcanal and Rossel Islands (and Port Morseby) while holding Ndeni on down, losing only the Elice Island group (in Jan). I still hold Horn Island group, all the sopac islands other than Baker and the Ellice group, and have the Burma campaign bottled up on their side of the jungle. The enemy continues to lose about a division per month assaulting Wenchow. The coastal campaign has stalled with most of the shipping supporting Akyab and Cox's Bazaar ending up sunk.

Good luck in the SOPAC! Johnjohn

[wneumann]

Johnjohn,

Samoa is certainly the my preference of the two options (Noumea vs Samoa) to occupy with the forces I now have arriving in the South Pacific theatre - this especially true as I'm already occupying Suva in force (or as close to occupying something "in force" as the Allies can be in 4/42). Occupying both Suva and Samoa would create a large bridgehead in Pillager's possible Japanese outer perimeter line with the close proximity of the two locations making them mutually supporting. Numerous other islands around Suva and Samoa would add to the strength of this position.

The unfortunate part of the situation there is that I almost have to allow Pillager to make the first move - this for several reasons. The transport convoys that would be going in to occupy either Noumea or Samoa are highly vulnerable to interdiction by the KB or IJN surface forces. A head-on meeting between the US transport convoys and Japanese naval forces would be catastrophic - the almost inevitable loss of a US division (40th) and other US LCU's aboard these convoys. Once Pillager makes a move against either Suva or Noumea, it's likely I will be able to move into and occupy the other location relatively undisturbed, especially so if he commits the KB in support of his next move.

Another factor which is a small boo-boo on my part is the convoys with the loaded US LCU's aboard them are transport TF's rather than amphibious TF's. Given the port sizes at Samoa and Noumea, it's going to take way too long to get all those ships unloaded if I leave these TF's configured as Transport. I'm seriously considering getting the convoys with these reinforcements to a large port (probably Auckland), unloading them. disbanding the TF's and re-creating them as Amphibious TF's, then re-loading the ships and moving on from there. I don't like the idea of unloading Transport TF's with a large number of ships (and the LCU's aboard them) at small ports in what are now front-line bases with nothing between them and the KB except open water - it takes way too long. Sending Amphibious TF's in rather than Transport TF's will at least speed up the unloading time and slightly reduce their vulnerability to Japanese attack.


I agree with your assessment of Pillager being deliberate, though he is by no means unaggressive if given the opportunity. He knows what he wants to do and seems to plan it out fairly well. If fleet carriers were queens and BB's were knights and bishops, this PBEM could end up being a chess match. Though this is only our second encounter, we go back a long time as opponents, each of us with ample opportunity to see the other's patterns and tendencies. Catching Pillager looking the other way or making a crucial mistake is going to be a very long, hard process.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/21/42

South Pacific: Japanese capture Vaitupu (Ellice Islands). AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Vaitupu (138,145)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 912 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 3
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Vaitupu !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
85th JAAF AF Bn (no previous report of this LCU in the known Japanese OOB)

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SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report four Japanese ships now in harbor at Rabaul.


Australia: An air evacuation operation to remove elements of Australian 15 RAAF Base Force from an open coastal hex (hex 98,131) near Port Moresby to Townsville was completed successfully. 15 RAAF Base Force reached Townsville with 60% of its TOE strength – the evacuation salvaged many aviation, naval and general support squads.

15 RAAF Base Force along with surviving elements of the Port Moresby (infantry) Brigade were evacuated by air from the open coastline outside of Port Moresby after these units were pushed out when Port Moresby fell to the Japanese on 2/17. Three patrol squadrons operating PBY-4 and Catalina I planes carried out the evacuation.

Further air evacuation ops are underway to remove the remnants of C Coy/NG Rifles from Terapo. While this is a rather small LCU, it could either be combined with the rest of Port Moresby Brigade or remain an independent unit. As an independent unit, C Coy could be rebuilt and employed as a small raiding force moved by submarine transport.


Transport Convoy EX-5 with 52 ships from the Eastern US arrived in Australia via Capetown this game turn. Cargo arriving aboard Convoy EX-5 includes 87K supply points, 89 K fuel, plus five US LCU’s (Americal Division, 2 Marine Raider Bn, 2 USMC Field Artillery Bn, 94 Coast AA Regiment, HQ Asiatic Fleet). Asiatic Fleet HQ had been destroyed in 12/41 near Borneo during sea evacuation from the Philippines when transport ships carrying it were sunk by Japanese action – the HQ was rebuilt in the mainland US and then shipped to Australia. Current plans for Asiatic Fleet HQ are to employ it at Sydney as an auxiliary naval HQ in support of South and SW Pacific theatre sea operations.


DEI: Jap 18th Division continues pursuit of surviving Dutch LCU’s pushed out of Palembang. Japanese ground attack air strikes on these Dutch units also continue. AAR of the ground combat action follows.

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Ground combat at 47,91 (S of Palembang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13286 troops, 125 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 442
Defending force 4686 troops, 36 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 63
Japanese adjusted assault: 163
Allied adjusted defense: 27
Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
119 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2074 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 99 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 12

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
18th Division

Defending units:
Zuid KNIL Battalion
Tapanoeli Gsn Battalion
So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion
2/15 Punjab Battalion
Semarang Base Force
Djojakarta Base Force
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Djambi Base Force
Palembang Base Force
2 ML-KNIL Aviation
Teloekbetoeng Base Force
Kalidjati Base Force

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


Philippines: Continuing Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan. 7200 supply points remain on-hand in Bataan.


China: All sectors in China continue to be quiet this game turn.


Korea: Sigint report entry for 4/20 indicating sub-units of Japanese 20th Infantry Division combined at Keijo to create the parent divisional LCU.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/22/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/21 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from unidentified Japanese TF(s) detected at hex 114,104 (NE of Truk). Composition, number of ships and movement heading of the TF(s) unknown, though it's likely the Jap TF(s) are either heading into or leaving Truk. If so, it appears the Jap TF(s) may have passed or will be passing just to the E of a patrol zone located N of Truk where US fleet SS Sturgeon is operating, no report of any contact between SS Sturgeon and the Jap TF(s). Current position of SS Sturgeon does not favor a possible contact between it and the Jap TF(s) during naval phases for the next game turn.

Multiple entries also in the 4/21 Sigint report indicate a heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Saipan. Detected status of Saipan base is showing an undetermined number of ship(s) anchored in port there, also aircraft based on Saipan – this information of little or no surprise.


South Pacific: PBY naval search plane operating from Suva reports spotting a Jap TF at Vaitupu – four ships (DD, CM, E, one unknown), movement unknown. It’s believed the spotted TF is probably the Jap invasion fleet participating in the just-completed landing and capture of Vaitupu.


SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report harbor at Rabaul is once again empty.


Philippines: Japanese ground forces renew land assault on Bataan. As indicted in the AAR below, Pillager dispatched numerous artillery, combat engineer and two Army HQ LCU’s into the Philippines (mostly from Singapore) to reinforce the latest attack. AAR of ground action follows.

Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan also continue.

The ground combat this game turn appears to have exhausted virtually all remaining supply point stocks in Bataan. Safe to say the end is approaching for the “battling bastards of Bataan”.

Given the possibility that Japanese ground forces may be at an equal level of starvation for supply points as their US counterparts (as I had drawn all available stocks of supply points into Bataan from elsewhere on Luzon prior to the Japs' arrival), the end could actually take awhile to happen. This being true if Pillager is required to ship fresh quantities of supply into Luzon to replenish the Jap army and continue the ground attack. What definately cancels out this "silver lining" for the US is the fact that the Japanese can replenish supply stocks on Luzon for their attacking forces while the US forces defending Bataan has no possibility to replenish theirs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15762 troops, 297 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 720
Defending force 61580 troops, 928 guns, 816 vehicles, Assault Value = 2138
Japanese adjusted assault: 79
Allied adjusted defense: 4117
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 52 (fort level 4)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
5078 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 82 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 331 disabled
Engineers: 39 destroyed, 88 disabled
Vehicles lost 95 (11 destroyed, 84 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
347 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
19th Division
12th Division
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment (arrived from Singapore)
56th Engineer Regiment (arrived from Singapore)
25th Army (arrived from Singapore)
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment (arrived from Singapore)
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment (arrived from Singapore)
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment (transferred from SE Asia)
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Army (arrived from Singapore)
1st RF Gun Battalion (arrived from Singapore)

Defending units:
41st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
4th Marine Regiment
11th PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
2nd/45th PS Inf Battalion
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
Manila Bay Defenses
51st PA Infantry Division
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
14th PS Engineer Regiment
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
4th PA Constabulary Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
1st PA Infantry Division
31st Infantry Regiment
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
201st PA Construction Battalion
202nd PA Construction Battalion
PAF Aviation
Provisional GMC Grp
I Philippine Corps
Far East USAAF
Bataan USN Base Force
1st USMC AA Battalion
Manila USAAF Base Force
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
301st Construction Battalion
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
1st PI Base Force
II Philippine Corps
USAFFE
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
Cavite USN Base Force
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

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


China: All sectors in China remain quiet this game turn. No visible movement of Japanese land forces. Light Japanese air activity – small ground attack air strikes against scattered targets, little or no reported damage or Chinese troop casualties.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/23/42

US West Coast: Sigint entry for 4/22 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from an unidentified submarine at hex 214,73 (SW of San Francisco). No information available on the sub’s movement. Transport convoy WB-8 outgoing from San Francisco is being re-routed to bypass the Jap sub’s detected location.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 4/22 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein and Tabiteuea. Detected status of both locations show undetermined Jap ships in port and aircraft based on each island. No other visible Japanese forces or activity is shown.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/22 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from what appears to be a detected Jap submarine at hex 107,136 (NNE of Rossel Is). No information shown as to the sub’s movement heading.


SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report harbor at Rabaul remains empty.


Australia: Air evacuation of C Coy/NG Rifles from Terapo in eastern New Guinea to Townsville successfully completed. C Coy reached Townsville at 40% TOE strength, plans are to rebuild the unit to full TOE strength pending further orders.


Philippines: Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan continue.


China: Japanese ground forces begin attack on Tuyun. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28640 troops, 369 guns, 320 vehicles, Assault Value = 984
Defending force 15728 troops, 213 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 461
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 763
Allied adjusted defense: 433
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), preparation(-)
experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
512 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
647 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 52 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 86 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
9th Armored Car Co
38th Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
62nd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
55th Prov Chinese Division
64th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
93rd Chinese Division
9th Chinese Base Force
4th War Area
2nd Chinese Base Force
35th Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
9th Group Army
16th Group Army
13th Chinese Base Force

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/24/42

4/42 Ship Upgrades: Upgrades for most US cruisers, DD’s and fleet subs are completing or now near completion. Nearly all upgrade activity has occurred in shipyards along the US West Coast, shipyard capacity at Pearl Harbor being taken by repairs on the two most seriously damaged BB’s from 12/7/41 (California, West Virginia) with the remaining available shipyard capacity at Pearl being reserved for emergency ship repairs. A small number of “quick” ship upgrades are being done at Pearl but this is being limited to keep open as much shipyard capacity in Pearl as possible for emergency use.

4/42 upgrades to US S-Class subs are being done “in theatre” at shipyards in Auckland and Sydney. These are gradually being done one or two at a time as individual subs return to base from patrol missions. About half the S-class sub “fleet” has completed upgrade or is now in shipyard being upgraded.

Upgrades on all US fleet carriers are already completed.


Hawaii: Unidentified Jap submarine detected due W of Lihue, reported moving on a W heading. No US surface ships in the immediate area of this contact.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/23 report heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows undetermined Jap ships in port and aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity is shown.


South Pacific: 4/23 Operations report entry indicates Japanese construction is likely underway to expand airfield facilities at Luganville. The Operations report entry stated the airfield at Luganville had expanded to size 2 this game turn.


SW Pacific: Coastwatchers report one Japanese xAK in Rabaul, a second Operations report entry for 4/23 picked up this ship in the process of arriving in Rabaul this game turn from somewhere in the Japanese rear-area.


DEI: Dutch submarines operating off Palembang report several contacts with Japanese transport shipping. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ketapang at 55,96 (along coast of Borneo, SE of Ketapang)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kaishi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS O16

SS O16 launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Kaishi Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90 (entrance to Palembang base)

Japanese Ships
xAK Hawaii Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

xAK Hawaii Maru is sighted by SS KXVIII
SS KXVIII launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hawaii Maru

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


Philippines: Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan continue. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Bataan , at 78,77

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 15
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 14 damaged

Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 4000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
12 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
8 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 4000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Bataan , at 78,77

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 7 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Eight Japanese LCU’s (9 Garrison Unit known to be at Clark, seven others unidentified) detected this game turn in Clark Field base adjacent to Bataan. It’s anticipated most of the detected LCU’s at Clark are moving into Bataan to reinforce the next Japanese ground attack.


Burma: One unidentified Jap LCU detected in the hex adjacent to Myitkyina along the rail line and road from Mandalay. Little or no doubt this is at least part of a Japanese ground force advancing on Myitkyina to capture it.

A lone British infantry battalion continues to occupy Myitkyina as a rear-guard force, this LCU also being the last Allied ground unit remaining in Burma (excluding a garrison still occupying Akyab). All other British LCU’s initially in Burma have reached India, these units have since dispersed to rear-area bases in India to rest (recover disabled elements) and in some cases rebuild to full TOE strength with replacement elements.


China: Japanese ground forces continue attack on Tuyun. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28846 troops, 420 guns, 364 vehicles, Assault Value = 949
Defending force 15106 troops, 213 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 419
Japanese adjusted assault: 465
Allied adjusted defense: 520
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
513 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 59 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 32 (8 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1602 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 91 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
104th Division
9th Armored Car Co
13th Tank Regiment
38th Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion (arrived this game turn to reinforce attack)
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment (arrived this game turn to reinforce attack)
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
55th Prov Chinese Division
62nd Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
93rd Chinese Division
35th Group Army
9th Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
16th Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
4th War Area
13th Chinese Base Force

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/25/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 4/24 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tarawa and Baker Is.

Detected status of Tarawa shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, though some construction of base facilities may be occurring there.

Detected status of Baker Is shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, plus one or more Jap LCU(s). Jap 61 Naval Gd and 1 Naval Construction Bn are known to be located on Baker Is. No other visible Japanese activity was shown at Baker Is.


North Pacific: Construction to expand airfield facilities at Umnak Is near Dutch Harbor is underway. Expansion of Umnak airfield is part of a planned expansion and build-up of a complex of bases centered at Dutch Harbor.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/24 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Lunga. Detected status of Lunga shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, also some evidence of possible airfield construction activity.


DEI: Dutch submarines operating off Palembang report several new contacts with Japanese transport shipping. Both contacts were daylight actions and (for reasons unknown) both sub attacks were made while surfaced. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90 (entrance to Palembang base)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yosyu Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

SS KXVIII is sighted by xAKL Yosyu Maru
SS KXVIII attacking on the surface
De Boer D. decides to submerge SS KXVIII due to damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yosyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (reported sunk)

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII, hits 3 (System damage 4, float 3, engine 2)

xAKL Yosyu Maru is sighted by SS KXVIII
SS KXVIII attacking on the surface

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


Philippines: Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan continue. Four of the eight Jap LCU’s detected last game turn at Clark Field have moved from the hex and appear to have entered Bataan. Safe to say the next Japanese ground attack against Bataan is coming shortly.

Sigint report entry for 4/24 indicates elements of Jap 6 Tank Regiment are enroute to Lingayen via sea transport, likely to reinforce the attack on Bataan. 6 Tank Regiment participated in the capture of Palembang on 4/16.


Burma: Unidentified Jap LCU(s) continue to be detected in the hex adjacent to Myitkyina along the rail line and road from Mandalay. The detected Jap LCU(s) are likely Pillager’s (Japanese) push into northern Burma and expected to enter the Myitkyina base hex shortly.

Current situation map of central and northern Burma follows, including the location and identities of known Jap LCU’s in Burma.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/25/42 (continued)

China: Japanese ground forces at Sian continue attack on Tuyun. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian (83,41)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75268 troops, 656 guns, 185 vehicles, Assault Value = 2763
Defending force 106292 troops, 661 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3634
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 1635
Allied adjusted defense: 3599
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
12794 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 788 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 636 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 79 disabled

Allied ground losses:
6657 casualties reported
Squads: 31 destroyed, 380 disabled
Non Combat: 53 destroyed, 607 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
32nd Division **
54th Infantry Brigade **
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade **
35th Division
61st Infantry Brigade **
36th Division
26th Division
12th Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

** indicates Jap LCU reinforcements arriving since last Japanese ground attack at Sian on 4/11

Defending units:
9th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
3rd Construction Regiment
27th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
2nd Construction Regiment
Red Chinese Army
34th Group Army
24th Group Army
15th Group Army
7th Group Army
4th Group Army
36th Group Army
1st War Area
14th Group Army
39th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
8th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force
15th Chinese Base Force

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

Sigint report entry for 4/24 indicates Jap 13 Independent Mixed Brigade is planning to attack Sian.

Current situation map of central China follows including known counts of detected Jap LCU(s).

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: wneumann

DEI: Dutch submarines operating off Palembang report several new contacts with Japanese transport shipping. Both contacts were daylight actions and (for reasons unknown) both sub attacks were made while surfaced. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90 (entrance to Palembang base)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yosyu Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

SS KXVIII is sighted by xAKL Yosyu Maru
SS KXVIII attacking on the surface
De Boer D. decides to submerge SS KXVIII due to damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yosyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (reported sunk)

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII, hits 3 (System damage 4, float 3, engine 2)

xAKL Yosyu Maru is sighted by SS KXVIII
SS KXVIII attacking on the surface

Subs are more likely to attack on the surface if;

(a) there is minimal danger to the sub ie no combat ships as escorts in the TF
(b) the sub captain has a high aggression rating

Alfred

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/26/42

Central Pacific: Several entries in 4/25 Operations report indicate Japanese float planes spotted flying over Johnston Is. An unidentified Jap sub was detected in hex 162,116 (SW of Johnston Is) – the sub is reported moving on a SW heading.


South Pacific: Coastwatchers reporting 39 Japanese ships in Rabaul base. These ships are probably arrivals in Rabaul as there have been no ships reported in Rabaul for the last several game turns. Question is... what are these ships, what's on them and where are they going? Dutch submarine K-XV is now on patrol station near the southern exit from Rabaul.

Airfield construction appears to be underway at Ndeni, entry in 4/25 Operations report indicating airfield size at Ndeni is now 2.


DEI: Several actions reported between Dutch submarine K-XVIII operating at entrance to Palembang base report and Japanese surface ASW. AAR’s follow. A second Dutch submarine arrived off Palembang this game turn and is also on patrol in this area. Two Japanese TF (one nine ships, one six ships) have been spotted in hex 49,90, both Jap TF’s believed to be transports heading into Palembang to load up with bounty.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palembang at 49,90 (entrance to Palembang)

Japanese Ships
PB Shonan Maru #7

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

SS KXVIII is sighted by escort
KXVIII bottoming out ....
PB Shonan Maru #7 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palembang at 49,90

Japanese Ships
DMS W-11
PB Kongo Maru #2
PB Wa 14

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII, hits 3 (received additional minor damage – system damage 12, float 4, engine 1)

SS KXVIII is located by DMS W-11
PB Wa 14 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Japanese mop-up operations on Celebes underway – amphibious landing reported at Donggala. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Donggala

TF 9 troops unloading over beach at Donggala, 68,99

10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Ind. Engr Rgt

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


Philippines: Jap airfield bombing strikes against Bataan continue. 20 Japanese LCU’s are now detected in Bataan hex.


Burma: Unidentified Jap LCU(s) still detected in the hex adjacent to Myitkyina along the rail line and road from Mandalay.


China: Japanese ground forces resume their attack on Tuyun. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28546 troops, 420 guns, 338 vehicles, Assault Value = 936
Defending force 14167 troops, 213 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 331
Japanese adjusted assault: 350
Allied adjusted defense: 619
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
517 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 53 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 49 (2 destroyed, 47 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
617 casualties reported
Squads: 32 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 62 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
9th Armored Car Co
38th Division
2nd Mortar Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
31st Chinese Corps
55th Prov Chinese Division
62nd Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
93rd Chinese Division
16th Group Army
35th Group Army
9th Group Army
2nd Chinese Base Force
9th Chinese Base Force
4th War Area
7th Chinese Base Force
13th Chinese Base Force

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/27/42

US West Coast: Unidentified Jap submarine detected off (SW of) Los Angeles. A surface ASW task force has been formed and will attempt to locate and attack this contact.


Central Pacific: Entry in 4/26 Sigint report indicates heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk is showing one or more unidentified Japanese TF(s) in Truk base hex.


South Pacific: Coastwatchers reporting 30 Japanese ships in Rabaul departed from Rabaul during this game turn.

Combat report for 4/26 reporting Japanese amphibious landing operations are underway at Vanua Lava (NW of Luganville in New Hebrides). Jap landing TF (4 ships) at Vanua Lava was spotted by a naval search air patrol.


DEI: Japanese capture Donggala (central Celebes). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Donggala (68,99)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1122 troops, 3 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 13
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 13
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Donggala !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment

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


China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

One unidentified Jap LCU detected along the Nanyang-Sian highway just outside Sian, this LCU likely headed into Sian to reinforce Japanese ground forces attacking there.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/28/42

US West Coast: USN Surface ASW task force dispatched from Los Angeles to find and attack the unidentified Jap submarine detected SW of Los Angeles on 4/27 reached the reported hex position of the sub and returned to base without making contact.


South Pacific: Japanese capture Vanua Lava (NW of Luganville). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Vanua Lava (121,148)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1528 troops, 19 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 63
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 55
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 55 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Vanua Lava !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
Sasebo 8th SNLF (previously reported at Manus on 4/15)

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

Sigint entry for 4/27 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Shortlands. Detected status of Shortland base shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, also some evidence of airfield construction activity. Current airfield size at Shortlands base is shown as 3(4). Two Jap LCU's (13 JAAF AF Bn & 7 Naval Construction Bn) are known to be at Shortlands.

Coastwatchers reporting 26 Japanese ships currently in Rabaul.

A rare and interesting action… US submarine S-39 torpedoes and sinks a Jap submarine off Port Moresby. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS S-39 attacking SS RO-60 at 96,131 - near Port Moresby

Japanese Ships
SS RO-60, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-39

SS S-39 launches 2 torpedoes at 1,000 yards

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


DEI: Multiple contacts reported between Dutch sub and Japanese transport TF(s) at entrance to Palembang base. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90 (entrance to Palembang)

Japanese Ships
xAK Anyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS O16

xAK Anyo Maru is sighted by SS O16
SS O16 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Anyo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90

Japanese Ships
TK Itukusima Maru

Allied Ships
SS O16

TK Itukusima Maru is sighted by SS O16
SS O16 launches 2 torpedoes

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


Southeast Asia: Dutch submarine on patrol off Phuket (Thailand) spots Japanese TF (4 ships reported) moving out of the Malacca Straits on a NW heading. Destination of the Jap TF is believed to be Burma (probably Rangoon). No combat occurred between the Dutch sub and Japanese TF.


Burma: Unidentified Japanese LCU(s) are now detected in Myitkyina base hex, a Jap ground attack to capture Myitkyina expected to occur shortly. .


China: Japanese resume their ground attack against Tuyun. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28320 troops, 420 guns, 338 vehicles, Assault Value = 926
Defending force 13562 troops, 212 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 329
Japanese adjusted assault: 492
Allied adjusted defense: 454
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
230 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 22 (7 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
510 casualties reported
Squads: 60 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 40 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
9th Armored Car Co
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
38th Division
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps
55th Prov Chinese Division
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
62nd Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
16th Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
35th Group Army
9th Group Army
4th War Area
7th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
13th Chinese Base Force

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Sigint report entry for 4/27 identifies the Jap LCU detected on 4/26 along the Nanyang-Sian highway outside Sian as 62 Infantry Brigade. I'm expecting to see 62 Brigade in the Japanese OOB for next ground combat at Sian.