Turns coming fast, opponent seems passive atm though, but as he's only just taken over I'm sure he's just getting to grips with whats going on. Taking over Japan in 1944 is being tossed into the deep end, I'm sure.
14th ARMY/SEAC
Nettie activity from a multitude of IJAAF bases - Port Blair, the Andamans, Victoria Point etc. mean I've temporarily ceased sending convoys into Rangoon. Each convoy would be hit, few ships sunk but quite a few damaged and its quite a risk convoying LCUs in waters like that. I'm gonna wait until the USAAF at Bassein and Rangoon can clear out most of those airfields before sending any more.
On the ground we have a stalemate immediately east of Moulmein, or even a slight Japanese advantage in terms of numbers, approximately 6 divisions facing each other. Southwards Allied armour thrusts south and takes Tavoy, which was my immediate objective (means some of the oil on Sumatra is now in 4E range, also cements my control over the Bay of Bengal so I can attempt some more amphibious operations).
I'm now a little bemused as to what to do next. Allied objectives are ultimately the oil on Sumatra, and plans are afoot for amphibious assaults at the Andamans, Port Blair and Sabang, but what should 14th Army do now? The obvious thing to do is to hook around and hit Bangkok, which would cut Malaysia off, as well as secure the frontline (which I feel is very precarious, stretched out along the road from Pegu to Tavoy). I have about 800 AV at the front I could immediately spare, 500 AV of reinforcements at Diamond Harbor which would have to run the gauntlet of Netties to land at Rangoon, and another 500 AV from the Burmese interior that I can now spare, question is is that enough...
The other hot zone is Papua New Guinea. Rabaul just fell to the Allies, it took a month of sieging with a division, 2 regiments and a boatload of artillery. The Aussie division is fine but the regiments have taken 75% disablements and need R&R. But few squads actually destroyed, so relatively painless.
I aim on roaring up the north and south coasts of PNG, and then hopping northwards towards Babeldoab and Mindanao. Meanwhile out in CENTPAC I will move on Wake and then Marcus Island in something of a feeble pincer movement. Japanese resistance in this area is so far quite limited, certainly no major LCUs have been spotted anywhere in my path of advance. I think Timor might be held in force, but given the Commonwealth is pressing quite hard on Sumatra I don't think a thrust in that direction by the US/Aussies is really required.
Naval aside - the US now has about 1000 carrier air in its main strike force, currently at Makin Atoll. If I can avoid using them until March, it'll be up to about 1500 carrier air, and I think that is enough to go KB hunting.
The Allied CVE force is currently at Townsville, and is used to escort convoys to Wessell Island, which are otherwise in Netty range. I think this is fairly low risk given the decent naval search I got in that area, the IJN so far have had no presence at all around Timor or SW of PNG. The last I saw KB was about a week ago and it was headed towards Guam.
The Royal Navy is mostly refitting in Cape Town and is the main holdup on further advances in the Sumatra area. I have what I hope to be adequate forces prepping for Sabang (which is heavily defended, at least a division there), Port Blair, and the Andamans. It's going to take about 50 days before the RN is ready - they'll be bringing 3 CVE, 1 CVL and a CV, with their airgroups heavily adjusted in favour of fighters. If KB is busy in the Pacific then that should be more than enough to protect against LBA, especially as the Allies can reach out and touch any threatening airbases in the area with heavy bombers at Tavoy - when Tavoy is up and running, which it will be in under a week.
Here's the strategic map... you'd think if I was daring I'd be going for the Marianas right now. Unfortunately whenever Allied CVs have met Japanese ones in this game its always been a horribly one sided beatdown, so I have no confidence at all in the Allied CV force to overcome the enemy. So everything has to be done within LBA range, and hops along Dutch Papua seem the best way to advance in the vague direction of vital areas without having to leap across vast expanses of ocean.
By mid 44 I'm hoping this will change, and it will be about then that I feel confident enough to make moves on Marcus Island and maybe the Marianas themselves.
If by May Sumatra has been cut off and the Allies are in bombing range of Mindanao and Babeldoab, I figure that'll be reasonable progress which will allow us to really thrust into the heartlands in the second half of 1944.
SEAC
Managed to get a convoy of xAPs into Rangoon without suffering air attack. Now the main heavy bomber base under SEAC is at Bassein, and given time to do their work, I've managed to seriously hammer the main Japanese bases in the area and I think this has probably proven decisive. It's carrying engineers, and will carry back 51st African Division, which is on 51 AV after almost the entire division became disabled in the fighting.
14th Armys' armour rolls into Mergui and seizes it, before turning southwest.
Tavoy now has aviation support and engineers, I moved up some Beaufighters and P51As to cover the tanks, which have attracted Helens.
Really need more LCUs, my forces are getting very thin as I stretch the frontline out so long, but I guess the same applies to the Japanese. Either way, I feel unbalanced, and only more advancing will help refuse the line.
PNG
Dagua has received several convoys of engineers, and is now an airfield 3. Wessell Islands, ditto. I have marines already prepped for Sarmi, when Dagua is level 5 I think the time is ripe and I will make the next hop. I'll need CVE and maybe even CV cover.
Speaking of the CVs, KB has stayed at Guam throughout. The American carriers are headed towards Guam through the dead zone my capture of Eniwetok created in his search patterns, the chance of them getting past the Truk-Wake Island line undetected seems thin... but I guess its worth a shot. Isnt it?
Bah. I always get the feeling I'm doing something really bad, but I end up doing it anyway. [8|]
The Japanese airforce has been conspicuous in its absence, there's no opposition to Allied aerial attacks at all. Helens are bombing the tar out of the Chinese still, but thats it. He must have humungous aircraft pools...
SEAC
Four RN destroyers raid around Great Nicobar, turns out the red ships there were mostly Japanese ASW flotillas. There are a few DD nightfights, the RN of course comes off worse, an R type DD is sunk for no real gain. Nothing larger than a DD though, and next day CL Emerald is coming in with some DDs, maybe she'll do better, if any Japs are still loitering (they have at least expended a lot of torps fruitlessly). Thunderstorms predicted and B24s have flattened all the airfields but Sabang, Sabang itself seems curiously empty despite being a level 7 airfield. Not sure whats going on there, but as I saw a hole and have a bunch of semi-useless RN cruisers sitting around I figured, what the hell.
I've decided to aim at Bangkok after all, so I've allocated an Indian division and all the armour and possibly some more brigade size units to start marching over the border into Thailand. Paratroopers are all prepping to drop on various bases east of Bangkok to cause maximum disruption - there doesn't look to be a whole lot there.
I've started moving the air units up, the heavy bombers are moving from Bassein to Moulmein, and the mediums and fighter/bombers at Moulmein are headed to Tavoy and, when its been built, Mergui. His Andamans bases are looking pretty exposed then, and after they fall, Sumatra and the oil is the next hop. Looking on schedule to be in Sumatra in force in a couple of months.
SOPAC/SWPAC
Dagua has been massively reinforced with SeaBees and baseforces and an airfield has sprung up there already since last update. Now Mitchells and SBD-5s roam at will over Papua New Guinea, looks like all of this is going to fall into the Allied hand pretty soon. An attack on Sarmi is next, which is quite a big jump - the fleet will support it just in case. I have some more units planned for Hollandia as well though so I'll control all the airfields on PNG, not really bypassing anything much.
Wessell Islands has also been built up to an airfield 3, I've started to trickle in bombers now which means the Selaroe-Aru Island line is all in Mitchell range as well.
Japanese resistance is basically nil. To the point that I bombed the airfield at Boela and blew up 9 Oscars on the runway but nothing was in the air. Its like the entire IJ airfarce has been stood down. I'm not sure I get what is going on... Stuff is going on and orders are being given as I see submarines taking potshots at convoys entering and leaving the Home Islands and headed up the strait to Merak, but still. It's uncommonly quiet, even more so than my previous foes empty airfield strategy.
you had quite a lot of surface engagements me think... [:D]
I do like my raiders and surface combat, it is true. Means I'm a bit of a sucker though given the IJ are so much better at it.
In this case its ASW TFs operating N of Sabang, with the Andamans airfields knocked out and Sabang itself apparently empty. I was hoping that the enemy would be in ASW TFs and therefore at a disadvantage to a surface combat TF, but the RN didnt cover themselves with glory.
Got serious misgivings about using a cruiser the day after, but meh what the hell, the RN have a bunch of interwar cruisers useless at anything other than surface combat. Need to at least try to engineer some surface combat...
SEAC
CL Emerald and 4 DD bumped into 3 Japanese DDs during the day of all times, Emerald didnt fire a single round despite day experience 75. The Japs clearly had barely any ammo. Dismal. Oh well. Emerald retired. He did move Netties to Sabang but only a tiny number had torpedoes for whatever reason, Emerald took a single 250kg bomb but thats it, 20 sys. She won't be out for long. On the plus side there were only 40 Netties and I think the RN carrier force being amassed will probably be able handle that number if the CAP actually fully engages.
14th Army is amassing troops for the Thailand invasion meanwhile, I got a few more I can bring up. Also got some convoys being loaded at Diamond Harbor for Rangoon, more reinforcements, the USAAF is busy suppressing all dangerous Japanese bases in readiness atm.
SOPAC
Aitape falls in Papua New Guinea, the marines marched from Dagua. Now they are en route to Hollandia via Vanimo. It'll take a long time. I also have an amphibious assault planned on Vanimo which is about a month away, so we'll be in force in >divisional strength which is probably enough to handle Hollandia itself, which is the big prize. Then the heavies at Lae will be moved to Hollandia for a while.
Major invasion force aimed at Sarmi, on the far side of Hollandia, will be embarking from Manus tomorrow, the CVE force and maybe the CVs will be in attendance just in case.
Paratroopers are ready to take the NW tip of Papua New Guinea, which looks to be ungarrisonned and undeveloped, in a lightning campaign. I'm also eying up Woleai, which looks to be useful for reconnaissance purposes, and pondering an invasion via submarine bourne paratroopers.
2 Jap CV still at Guam and still under observation, AFAIK its the entire KB. [&:]
CENTPAC
In a position to launch an assault on Wake Island again - they'll be able to embark from Tarawa in about a week. I think it'll be longer than that as I want CV support and the CVs are in Papua atm. Marcus is contingent on CV support also, I have LCUs already allocated to it.
There's 3 and a half active fronts at the moment really.
BURMA/CHINA FRONT
I've got 2500 AV in Paoshan behind level 6 forts facing a huge Japanese army (5000 AV?) which has been camped one hex away for some time now. Nobody is doing much, until today. I see the Japs are now in part advancing and in part falling back, so not sure what's going on over there.
BURMA/THAILAND FRONT
The static frontline up around Moulmein is still quiet and unless new Japanese forces are brought in it looks pretty secure to me.
LCUs are gathering near Tavoy in readiness to cross over the border into Thailand. We've got about 1500 AV, a lot of it being tanks.
Otherwise there's a lot of bombing of empty Japanese airfields (as ever), the Commonwealth are hurrying engineers and baseforces to Mergui though which is really bad news for Japan, as that puts Palembang within bomber range.
PAPUA FRONT/SOPAC
Amphibious invasion force escorted by the CVEs is one day out from Sarmi in Dutch New Guinea - my two brigades should be more than enough, recon suggests a single baseforce there. The Marines are still headed towards Vanimo from Aitape, that'll take a while. Really the action on northern Papua has all the hallmarks of a mopping up operation rather than an assault, Japanese resistance is negligible. The invasion force hasnt been spotted so it looks like the Japs have no naval search at all off the northern coast of Papua now, it's pretty much an Allied lake.
Bit more active on the DEI side of Papua. Allied destroyers raided Ambon and actually managed to get away with it, they sunk half a dozen xAKs despite a SAG being present. Also Allied heavy bombers hit Ambon and crippled a number of merchants left carelessly disbanded in Ambon harbor.
Aru Island, Taberfane, Saumlaki are all heavily suppressed. Wessell Islands is still being built up.
Some mopping up in SOPAC still going on, commandoes landed at Milne Bay today, looks like a single malnourished baseforce present, more Marines are headed towards Japanese held Nadzab from Lae.
CENTPAC
MAking my move on Wake Island again. KB still believed to be at nearby Guam but this time the Allied CV force is sortied in strength. I don't think he'll make a move given his so far very passive play, but we shall see. I'm happy to fight off of Wake, the island itself has been bombed to smithereens so no Jap LBA around, and it's closer to my bases than his in the event of crippled carriers. Also he'd have to run across three lines of submarines to get to me.
In general the Allies are advancing as fast as they can march/prep invasions.
Just got a turn, at work, but I got the combat report at least. [;)]
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 19, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay (101,133)
LST-451 fired at enemy troops
LST-458 fired at enemy troops
LST-464 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Izu Oshima at 113,63
Japanese Ships
xAK Syoto Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Showa Maru #5
Allied Ships
SS Halibut
SS Halibut launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Syoto Maru
PB Showa Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Showa Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Showa Maru #5 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Showa Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Showa Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Guam at 105,97
Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
Allied Ships
SS Seal, hits 1
SS Seal is located by DD Yudachi
Seal diving deep ....
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Murasame attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yudachi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Murasame fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Izu Oshima at 113,63
Japanese Ships
xAK Syoto Maru, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Seahorse
SS Seahorse launches 6 torpedoes Pre-DB change subs, fire all tubes!!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rota at 109,97
Japanese Ships
DD Michishio
DD Akatsuki
Allied Ships
SS Saury, hits 1
SS Saury launches 4 torpedoes at DD Michishio
Saury diving deep ....
DD Akatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Michishio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Akatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akatsuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Akatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Guam at 105,97
Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
Allied Ships
SS Flasher, hits 1 Guam is ringed with subs, so his carriers arent getting out without risk...
SS Flasher launches 6 torpedoes at DD Yamagumo
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Murasame attacking submerged sub ....
DD Murasame is out of ASW ammo
DD Yudachi fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Murasame fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Murasame fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Murasame fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Murasame fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Murasame fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay (101,133)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
LST-123 fired at enemy troops
LST-43 fired at enemy troops
LCI-400 fired at enemy troops
LCI-329 fired at enemy troops
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Guam at 104,96
Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo
DD Yudachi
Allied Ships
SS Batfish
SS Batfish launches 6 torpedoes at DD Yamagumo
Batfish diving deep ....
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yudachi is out of ASW ammo
DD Yudachi is out of ASW ammo
DD Yudachi is out of ASW ammo
DD Yudachi is out of ASW ammo
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Guam at 103,95
Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi
DD Yamagumo
Allied Ships
SS Lapon
SS Lapon launches 6 torpedoes at DD Yudachi
Lapon diving deep ....
DD Yamagumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 40,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 9
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
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Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 39,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 9
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan This is his huge army by Paoshan.
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 45,500 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 9
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 41500 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 38,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 10
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 11
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 29000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 255th Armoured Brigade, at 54,60 (Tavoy)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 12
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIc x 5
P-40N5 Warhawk x 7
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
P-51A Mustang x 5
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5318th PAU/FS with P-51A Mustang (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31350
Raid is overhead
80th FG/88th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Raid is overhead
80th FG/90th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Raid is overhead
No.177 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIc (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
Also attacking 50th Tank Brigade ...
Also attacking 85th British AT Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 255th Armoured Brigade ...
Also attacking 50th Tank Brigade ...
Also attacking 255th Armoured Brigade ...
This is where 14th Army is forming up ready to cross the Thai border. Really, ground attack is a waste of time here I think, they are in jungle terrain. Be better off going for airfields, but they are all heavily defended, this is LRCAP/bleeding CAP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Chinese Corps, at 76,49 , near Chihkiang
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 29
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
29 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 52nd Chinese Corps, at 72,48 , near Kunming
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 60th Chinese/C Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 60th Chinese/C Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 6th Division, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on Tanaka Detachment, at 56,55 , near Moulmein
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 39th Division, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 15
Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Vengeance I releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
8 x Vengeance I releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ponape , at 119,113
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 16
No Allied losses
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ambon , at 76,109
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 35
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 20
B-24J Liberator x 22
Japanese Ships
CL Katori, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Taizan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kowa Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Senyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tohuku Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yamahuku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Nippo Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Akagisan Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Tango Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kikukawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Taganoura Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Taito Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Port hits 9
Port supply hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
50th Sentai with Ki-61-Ib Tony (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 31 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 37730 , scrambling fighters to 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
These are ships already damaged by a previous bomber raid, I think they must have been leaking quite badly so he didnt bother evacuating them. CL Katori certainly was hit hard before. I expected Tonies to chew up B24s but looks like he's got no radar judging by the short raid warning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ambon , at 76,109
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 34
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 10
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAK Yamahuku Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Busho Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
xAP Tango Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kashima Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Katori, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Taizan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Akagisan Maru, and is sunk
Port hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
50th Sentai with Ki-61-Ib Tony (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 24 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 37730 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Massive explosion on xAP Kashima Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Boela , at 80,110
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 42,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet *
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Afternoon Air attack on 46th Chinese Corps, at 74,55 (Liuchow)
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 20000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 46th Chinese Corps, at 74,55 (Liuchow)
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
9 x PBJ-1D Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Hansa Bay , at 97,121
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 48
TBM-1C Avenger x 24
No Allied losses
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 6
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 27th JNAF AF Unit , at 101,133 (Milne Bay)
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 34
PV-1 Ventura x 15
B-24J Liberator x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 17
P-40N5 Warhawk x 22
PV-1 Ventura x 15
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Beaufort VIII bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
22 x Beaufort VIII bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 18th JAAF AF Bn , at 94,118 , near Aitape
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Allied aircraft
DB-7B x 17
Kittyhawk IV x 32
A-20G Havoc x 30
B-25D1 Mitchell x 14
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x DB-7B bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 27th JNAF AF Unit , at 101,133 (Milne Bay)
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Beaufort VIII bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Beaufighter TF.X bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tanaka Detachment, at 56,55 , near Moulmein
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8
P-40N5 Warhawk x 12
CA Northampton firing at 111th Naval Construction Battalion
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Sarmi (91,114)
TF 64 troops unloading over beach at Sarmi, 91,114
Assaulting units:
2nd British Division
5th Indian Division
2/9th Field Regiment
2/11th Field Brigade
30th Field Artillery Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
Defending units:
Kure 3rd SNLF
27th JNAF AF Unit /1
Those commandoes have been waiting a whole year almost for another crack at Milne Bay. The war has long since moved on, but I figured may as well mop up given I got a couple of battalions ready to roll.
Assaulting units:
96th Chinese Division
30th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
Defending units:
Tanaka Detachment
Part of that static frontline near Moulmein, I pulled a Bde out and replaced it with a Chinese division. In so doing, saw an opportunity to cause some damage. This doesn't mean I can really advance though, he holds the border in force east of here.
For those (few [;)]) reading this, do you want more combat reports do you think? I've generally just put up a precis of the important events of the prior week rather than doing things day by day, and have kept the combat reports to a minimum.
But I guess it does cut out a lot of knowledge of what is going on.
THAILAND FRONT
The 21st of Feb proves somewhat interesting as the unit on the road to Bangkok turns out to only be a battalion of Japs. They get brushed aside by the lead division of 14ths Army advance into Thailand.
Looks like Bangkok is in trouble, though I need to do a paradrop to prevent the rapid evacuation of his units from the Burma border to the north. At least, the place is going to be sieged, how long that'll take is anybodys guess.
Heavy bombers hit Sabang for the first time as well from Tavoy, extended range, still torched 32 Netties though. Mergui is just a couple more crucial hexes that will get Palembang also into range.
PAPUA FRONT
Sarmi was captured essentially bloodlessly, it'll be a short while before engineers and paras are in place. The paras are going to storm the NW tip of Papua, there are no more Japanese garrisons of significance on the island. The only redoubts of importance are Hansa Bay, which is held in divisional plus strength and is bypassed, and Hollandia, which is in similar strength but I'll actually move to take it as its a fairly short march from Vanimo, which I want.
Wessel Islands still being built up, the Allied strength in engineers and baseforces is now significant.
CENTPAC
The fleet is now 1 hex from Wake, will be storming it tomorrow. KB appears to still be at Guam, and he's had time to deploy them so I doubt there'll be a contest over it.
My CVs are moving west of Wake anyway just in case, bombardments and suchlike are scheduled. Odd though, Catalinas at Eniwetok picked up a small 6 ship TF east of Guam which is apparently merchants. If they go any further east, they are gonna get nailed. My foe is rather careless, this may be a symptom of that...
Having read Greyjoys AAR, it may be fun reading but I think I would bust a nut if that happened to my beloved CVs. [:D]
I'm envisaging a rather more boring approach to the end game here. I seem to be well on schedule to have Saipan and maybe Guam in my hands by April, which means the B29 is going to get a chance to strut its stuff. Given we have no houserules on night bombing or the like, I think the strategic bombing aspect of the game is going to get a thorough test from summer '44 on.
Palembang is going to get snipped off fairly soon too if the Commonwealth can keep up their momentum (which is admittedly flagging). Be interesting to see what the true strategic import of that is in the late game for Japan.
Today the Wake invasion happened. The IJN is in evidence. Not KB, which skulks under heavy fighter cover at Guam, but what looks like a flotilla of DD raiders. I moved my CVs well to the west though so the DDs got nobbled.
There's another Jap TF of 3 ships, identified as cruisers, NW of Wake, so might be a two pronged raid. Too late now anyway, the Allies are ashore and the amphibious TF ordered to pull out. The CVs have used up a lot of ops points trying to blow away elusive destroyers, so I've ordered them to only move a tiny distance NE towards Wake just in case those other Japs decide to make targets of themselves, for fear of the CVs getting split up.
This is ~1000 CV air btw, which is the lot pretty much. CVL San Jacinto and CVL Bataan are still en route. It's probably as weak as the CV force is going to be. As I'm fighting under Catalina recon range, and long range naval Liberator range, I'm a little more daring than usual with them. After the Wake op though I hope to retire for a bit again and accept more flattop reinforcements.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 22, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Fukue-jima at 99,57
Japanese Ships
xAK Taian Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
SS Balao
xAK Taian Maru is sighted by SS Balao
SS Balao launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Taian Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nakadori-jima at 101,56
Japanese Ships
SC CHa-17
Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish
Captain of SS Flying Fish elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
SC CHa-17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-17 attacking submerged sub ....
SC CHa-17 is out of ASW ammo
SC CHa-17 is out of ASW ammo
SC CHa-17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Wake Island at 136,98
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2
Port hits 5
Port supply hits 1
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Pennsylvania
BB Pennsylvania firing at Wake Island
BB Arizona firing at Wake Island
CA Astoria firing at Wake Island
CL Montpelier firing at Wake Island
DD O'Brien firing at 48th Naval Guard Unit
DD Thompson firing at Wake Island
DD Sigourney firing at Wake Island
DD Abner Read firing at Wake Island
DMS Perry firing at Wake Island
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Wake Island (136,98)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
BB Idaho firing at 48th Naval Guard Unit
DD Spence firing at 64th Naval Guard Unit
DD Burns firing at 9th JNAF Coy
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
DD Burns fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
One LCI blew up this turn, reason for sinking 'unknown'. Got Mutsu'd maybe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Wake Island (136,98)
TF 357 troops unloading over beach at Wake Island, 136,98
13 troops of a USMC Rifle Squad 43 lost overboard during unload of 21st Marine Rgt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Wake Island (136,98)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
LCI-535 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Hengchun at 85,68
Japanese Ships
xAK Hakodate Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Whale
xAK Hakodate Maru is sighted by SS Whale
SS Whale attacking on the surface [X(]
Unescorted merchants in the Straits of Formosa???
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 36,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 9
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 38,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 9
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 255th Armoured Brigade, at 54,59 , near Tavoy
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 15
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5318th PAU/FS with P-51A Mustang (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31350
Raid is overhead
Also attacking 85th British AT Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 254th Armoured Brigade ...
Also attacking 255th Armoured Brigade ...
Also attacking 85th British AT Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 255th Armoured Brigade ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 46th Chinese Corps, at 74,55 (Liuchow)
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 20000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 86th Chinese Corps, at 76,49 , near Chihkiang
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 29
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
29 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 28th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 28th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 28th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 4th Chinese Corps, at 72,48 , near Kunming
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 21st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 20th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 20th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 74,55 (Liuchow)
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Vengeance I releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
8 x Vengeance I releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ponape , at 119,113
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
These guys are, incidentally, an example of limited airfield space. Ponape is being bypassed, theres no real reason to bomb it, though keeping it out of action can't hurt I suppose. But there is no airbase space at the forward tip of the axis of advance - Merauke and Buna - to profitably move them further to the spear tip. This is a pretty major issue for me in 1944. More bombers than airfield space!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Division, at 57,56 , near Rahaeng
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze
DD Urakaze, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shiranui, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kishinami, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Kikuzuki
DD Sawakaze
DD Asakaze, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
11 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
13 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
17 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
16 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
20 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
16 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Shiranui
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Urakaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kishinami
Magazine explodes on DD Asakaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 123,98
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 3
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
DD Kikuzuki
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 123,98
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 7
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
DD Kishinami, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shiranui, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 123,98
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes
Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 7
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
DD Kishinami, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 35,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 13
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Hansa Bay , at 97,121
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 23
TBM-1C Avenger x 18
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Madang , at 97,123
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 16
SBD-5 Dauntless x 17
No Allied losses
Runway hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 19th Division, at 97,121 (Hansa Bay)
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Allied aircraft
DB-7B x 18
Kittyhawk IV x 12
Allied aircraft losses
DB-7B: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x DB-7B bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 123,98
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 15
F6F-3 Hellcat x 32
SBD-5 Dauntless x 33
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Kikuzuki, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sawakaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Sawakaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kamikaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kikuzuki
Plenty of dead sailors, though the DDs took a LOT of sorties to score hits.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Wake Island (136,98)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
LST-449 fired at enemy troops
LST-125 fired at enemy troops
LST-88 fired at enemy troops
LST-82 fired at enemy troops
LST-78 fired at enemy troops
LST-72 fired at enemy troops
LCI-535 fired at enemy troops
LCI-533 fired at enemy troops
LCI-526 fired at enemy troops
LCI-448 fired at enemy troops
LCI-444 fired at enemy troops
LCI-334 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
Assaulting units:
763rd Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
21st Marine Regiment
Defending units:
64th Naval Guard Unit
48th Naval Guard Unit
9th JNAF Coy
Wake is toast, even with the forts, looks like it'll take a little while though and I'll need to barge up supply probably. There is more supply in the amphib TF but caution has compelled me to get out of Dodge asap so one day of unloading is all they got. Just in case raiders get lucky. Hate to have my battleship sunk like a sitting duck.
Assaulting units:
2nd British Division
5th Indian Division
2/13th Field Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
30th Field Artillery Regiment
2/11th Field Brigade
8th Medium Regiment
Wake falls... Japanese CVTF sighted north of Wake, ~10 hexes or so, the Allied max ranged naval search on their CVs caught them. No need to press matters so I'm pulling back to around Eniwetok. After the Epic Destroyer Bombing all my bombers and Hellcats have fatigue in the 30+ range. He'd need to go well south of Wake to engage now and he'd be in Liberator range - and the USN libs are very well trained in low naval attack...
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 23, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 99,57
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kaimyo Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
Allied Ships
SS Balao
SS Balao attacking on the surface
SS Balao low on gun ammo, Crane, R.H. breaks off surface engagement and submerges
Unescorted AKL off Japan now... [X(]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 88,62
Japanese Ships
SC CHa-45, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
SC CHa-61
Allied Ships
SS Lancetfish
SS Lancetfish launches 6 torpedoes at SC CHa-45
Lancetfish diving deep ....
SC CHa-61 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-61 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-61 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-61 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-61 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Part of the sub force between Formosa and China.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saishu To at 99,56
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kaimyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Cod
SS Cod launches 6 torpedoes
The unescorted baby AK does not make it... that was a death sentence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Toyohara at 125,48
Japanese Ships
xAK Liverpool Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Ryoka Maru
xAK Uga Maru
xAK Asaka Maru #3
xAKL Rozan Maru
PB Toshi Maru #1
Allied Ships
SS Bowfin
SS Bowfin launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Liverpool Maru
Bowfin diving deep ....
PB Toshi Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toshi Maru #1 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Toshi Maru #1 cannot establish contact with SS Bowfin
PB Toshi Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toshi Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toshi Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Got a couple of subs marking Hokkaido still, Bowfin is one of them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 38,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 13
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 42,500 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 10
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 41500 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kusaie Island at 124,115
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2
Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
VMF-225 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Launched from Ponape, guess its good the airfield is out of action after all! The target was a TK convoy from Rabaul->CONUS which had its waypoints set rather laxly and got a bit too near Jap held Ponape. Bypassing is only semi effective, you still have to avoid the teeth, even bases on 0 supply can put up a/c for a while at least.
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Morning Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 76,49 , near Chihkiang
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 29
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
29 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps ...
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Morning Air attack on 21st Chinese Corps, at 72,48 , near Kunming
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 14th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 21st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 21st Chinese Corps ...
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Morning Air attack on 37th Division, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3
P-40N Warhawk x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25D Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 41,500 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 11
Spitfire VIII x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 41500 feet
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Morning Air attack on 31st Infantry Regiment, at 67,46 , near Tsuyung
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
Mosquito FB.VI x 2
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Mosquito FB.VI bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 11th Army, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 37,600 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
8 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 35600 feet *
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Morning Air attack on 11th Division, at 57,56 , near Rahaeng
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 12
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 11th Division, at 57,56 , near Rahaeng
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Also attacking Tanaka Detachment ...
Also attacking 11th Division ...
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Morning Air attack on 104th Division, at 66,44 , near Paoshan
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 15
Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Vengeance I releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x Vengeance I releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 10th JNAF AF Unit , at 98,125 (Nadzab)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 11
B-24D1 Liberator x 21
B-24J Liberator x 24
B-25G Mitchell x 6
P-39N1 Airacobra x 17
P-40N5 Warhawk x 12
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Not like the Marines really needed such vast air support against a bunch of starving engineers but they got nothing else to bomb so why not. Buna is now too far behind the front to be an effective heavy bomber base, but Merauke is already at max stacking. I need to get Sarmi and maybe Hollandia online asap. Engineers are debarking at Sarmi this very turn actually.
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Morning Air attack on 10th JNAF AF Unit , at 98,125 (Nadzab)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
SBD-5 Dauntless x 16
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on Ponape , at 119,113
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 14
No Allied losses
Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on Saumlaki , at 78,117
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 16
B-24J Liberator x 22
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Heavies at Merauke keeping the Japanese bases on the axis of advance well toasted. Will be advancing here soon, a couple of weeks I would guess.
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Morning Air attack on 10th JNAF AF Unit , at 98,125 (Nadzab)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25G Mitchell x 9
P-40N5 Warhawk x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment, at 59,56 (Uttaradit)
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
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Afternoon Air attack on 19th Division, at 97,121 (Hansa Bay)
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
DB-7B x 17
Kittyhawk IV x 11
P-38H Lightning x 22
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x DB-7B bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
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Afternoon Air attack on 46th Road Const Co Regiment, at 56,61 (Ayuthia)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
P-40N5 Warhawk x 17
P-51A Mustang x 10
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Intelligence bombs. This is the base one hex NE of Bangkok, and sitting on the rail line. The rail line is essential to bring his troops out of Burma, as its rail or trail. There are 2 units here, ~3000 reported men, looks like one is engineers. A Chindit Bde is prepping for a paradrop from Rangoon to cut the rail link as soon as my troops are out of the Burmese jungle and into Thailand. The intelligence bombs suggest 120 AV of Chindit should be more than enough.
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Afternoon Air attack on 18th JAAF AF Bn , at 94,118 , near Aitape
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 31
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Aitape attack bombers, they are on naval/ground, keeping the routed Japs fleeing into Papua honest - and earning good experience in so doing.
Assaulting units:
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
763rd Tank Battalion
21st Marine Regiment
Defending units:
48th Naval Guard Unit
64th Naval Guard Unit
9th JNAF Coy
The Marines roll over the defenders which is just as well, as you can see they only had enough supply landed for 2 days of fighting. 2 days is all they needed. Defenders BANZAI and are totally destroyed. Overall a fairly bloodless operation for the Allies.
Assaulting units:
2nd British Division
5th Indian Division
2/11th Field Brigade
2/9th Field Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
30th Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
Settling back into routine turns now, mopping up in SOPAC, troops inching across the Thai border. I'll do another big update when something of import happens.
In the mean time. I thought it'd be interesting to look at the last months record for Allied subs, as barely a turn passes now without at least 1 sinking. The super-E has not yet been in evidence really but apparently they are still in the pipeline.
So in the last month Allied subs have accounted for...
6 SC
3 PB
1 CM
12 AK
3 AKL
1 DD
All kills by American submarines, Gato or Balao class. The British submarines have had a much harder time in shallow waters and with less traffic and more ASW, so didnt get any kills at all.
The US has lost 2 submarines, Aspro and Crevalle. Aspro to a 250kg bomb and Crevalle to depth charges. The Brits have lost 2 T and one S class submarines, all to depth charges, all while undertaking mining missions around Sumatra.
I have been using wolfpacks quite a lot and keeping the American subs to deep waters only around Japan. All the important areas have subs working in pairs, but there are a lot of single submarines as well. It's not very scientific but it seems to me that paired subs do a lot better, almost never failing to attack and seemingly much more resistant to enemy ASW efforts as well, but thats not really very scientific, more a gut feeling. 2 x SS TFs does seem to work well for me though.
