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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/07/42

Hawaii: Jap submarine I-3 intercepts US transport convoy PW-23 returning to the mainland US from Pearl Harbor. ASW escorts with the convoy attack the I-3, reportedly sinking it. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Pearl Harbor at 182,106 (NE of Oahu)

Japanese Ships
SS I-3, hits 7, heavy damage (reported sunk)

Allied Ships
APD Manley
APD Gregory
APD Colhoun
AP Barnett
xAK Yunnan
xAK Talune
xAK Florence D.
xAK Diamond head
xAKL Manini
xAKL Kahuku
xAKL Honomu
xAKL Susana
APD Stringham
APD McKean
APD Little

SS I-3 launches 2 torpedoes at APD Manley
APD Stringham attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 10/06 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap and Baker Is. Undetermined Japanese planes based at Baker Is, otherwise no visible Japanese forces detected at either location.


South Pacific: US fleet sub intercepts Jap transport convoy NE of Shortlands, sinks one xAKL. No information available on the Jap TF’s movement. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Ontong Java at 114,128 (NE of Shortlands)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Etashima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (reported sunk)
PB Yasushima Maru
TK Nanrei Maru
xAKL Fukuyo Maru
xAKL Kayo Maru
xAKL Toshin Maru
PB Kosin Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Etashima Maru
Tambor diving deep ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/06 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


Philippines: Japanese capture Culion (island base N of Palawan). This action was an automatic capture, no combat or AAR. With the fall of Culion, all bases in the Philippines are now in Japanese control.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor, 82 aircraft (53 fighters, 29 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


Capetown: A large draw-down of fuel points in Capetown reduced the fuel point stocks on-hand to almost zero. This could possibly be the result of transport convoy XE-13 (36 ships) returning from Australia to the Eastern US arriving in Capetown – the TF for this convoy had been set to “Full Refuel” as it passed through Capetown.

The on-hand fuel points in Capetown is now back to 750 (with an increase of 250 per day). A fuel convoy to replenish stocks in Capetown is departing the Eastern US, also supply convoys returning to Capetown from India will be routed via Abadan to pick up fuel cargo for transport back to Capetown. It is anticipated that fuel stocks on-hand in Capetown should be restored to normal operating levels within about 30 days.

Task force refuel settings on XE transport convoys returning from Australia to the Eastern US (via Capetown) will need to be monitored in the future so ships in these convoys do not refuel automatically in Capetown during off-map movement back to the Eastern US and cause unnecessary depletion of fuel stocks in Capetown.


China: Pillager is now turning his attention to the main pocket in China centered around Chungking, with the initial direction of assault coming from the south. Japanese ground attacks reported south of Chungking and along the road from Tsuyung to Chengtu. AAR’s and situation map follow.

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Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13024 troops, 156 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 513
Defending force 51782 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1963

Assaulting units:
17th Tank Regiment (arriving to reinforce this sector of attack)
39th Division
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
23rd Group Army
3rd War Area
26th Group Army
27th Group Army

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Ground combat at 70,45 (along Tsuyung-Kunming road)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11917 troops, 94 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 444
Defending force 2625 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 145
Japanese adjusted assault: 435
Allied adjusted defense: 22
Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
1426 casualties reported
Squads: 34 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
35th Division

Defending units:
200th Chinese Division
96th Chinese Division

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Japanese ground attacks continue in the far western area. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at 81,22 (W of Ansi)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12874 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 437
Defending force 1101 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 8
Japanese adjusted assault: 395
Allied adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 79 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
464 casualties reported
Squads: 34 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 30 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 29 (22 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Division

Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
17th Group Army
81st Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 35348 troops, 340 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 1168
Defending force 16773 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 591

Assaulting units:
6th Division
17th Division
37th Division
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
303rd Brigade
9th Separate Brigade
259th Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
17th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Base Force

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[wneumann]

So the evidence is in. It looks certain that a China/Burma linkup was the objective. Now it looks as though a major push into India may be next. Scary. I guess now is the time to consider what assets can be released and transferred to India to give you a certainty of holding out. A slow, but effective, march by Pillager. John

Johnjohn,

At this point, I think China will hold out until Nov maybe Dec 1942. There's little in the way of Chinese LCU's that can be transferred to India, mainly infantry divisions. I airlifted three Chinese divisions to India via Ledo already - all from the southern front. I believe there are four additional Chinese infantry divisions in the Chungking area that can go.

What could also turn out to be useful in India is the Chinese air force - in fact I had transferred most of it to India in our last CHS game and the Chinese AF did quite well in India with an adequate supply and command structure. To date I have transferred 5-6 Chinese air squadrons (mainly fighters) to India. Priority for transferring Chinese AF squadrons to India has been given to squadrons that do not have a withdrawal date - to this point I'm questioning the usefulness of bringing in Chinese squadrons that have a withdrawal date (I may still do so anyway but on some kind of limited basis).

All Chinese forces arriving in India have been sent to rear-area bases for rebuilding to full strength. Chinese air squadrons are also undergoing intensive pilot training. Some of the Chinese air squadrons with withdrawal dates will be useful in India as pilot training units up to the time they come up for withdrawal.

The more I examine the geography and general situation in Burma, the more I see the diifficulties in Pillager supporting large Japanese forces in Burma as a jumping-off point against India. It's going to take Pillager awhile to get Japanese LCU's from China to Burma (given the length and quality of the road link). The supply infrastructure in Burma is likely not adequate for supporting additional Japanese forces from China, plus the fact that Burma is at the end of a very long supply route.

I'm more and more of the opinion that Pillager will send Jap forces from China into Burma (and Southeast Asia in general) not in preparation to invade India but to improve Japanese defenses to the point where an Allied offensive in Southeast Asia becomes highly difficult if not impossible. For Pillager, a Japanese invasion of India could easily trigger the "Law of Diminishing Returns".

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/08/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/07 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows undetermined Japanese planes based there, also ship(s) in port. Current port size at Tabitueua is 3(1), airfield size 4(3). Intelligence data has four Jap LCU’s located on Tabituea, including two HQ units (4 Air Division & 6th Fleet), 1 Garrison Unit and 65 Naval Gd. Pillager appears to have Tabiteuea established as a central base for Japanese operations in the Gilbert Is chain.

Contract between US fleet sub and probable Jap surface ASW reported near Truk. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Truk at 112,106 (due N of Truk)

Japanese Ships
PB Shotoku Maru
SC Ch 19
PB Heizan Maru
PB Tenzan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

SS Albacore launches 2 torpedoes at PB Shotoku Maru
PB Heizan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tenzan Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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South Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/07 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions at Rabaul. Detected status of Rabaul shows Japanese aircraft and ships located there. Current airfield size of Rabaul is 4(6), port size 4(4). Known Jap LCU’s in Rabual (per intelligence data) include HQ 8th Fleet, 5 & 10 Shipping Engineer Rgts, and 1 JNAF Co. No visible Jap TF’s observed. Few if any surprises here… Pillager still has Fortress Rabaul on the drawing board.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/07 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 4, Moving Southwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, one Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 65 aircraft (35 fighters, 30 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s. Japanese TF detected in Rangoon appears to be a surface combat TF and contains 10 ships.


India: Aerial combat over Ledo resumes between Japanese fighter sweeps and RAF squadrons. Intelligence screen display for aircraft losses is reporting 17 Japanese fighters destroyed in action (13 A6M3, 2 Ki-44-IIa, 2 Ki-43-Ic). No RAF fighter planes were destroyed, however, 27 planes were damaged in action and currently are not in operational condition. AAR’s follow.

A Sigint entry for 10/07 indicated that 7 JAAF Base Force is now located in Myitkyina. Pillager transferred this LCU to Myiktyina from its previous location at Rangoon. This makes perfect sense in that Myitkyina is the most likely airbase from which the Japanese fighter sweeps over Ledo are operating. This report is also an indication that Pillager is increasing the Japanese air effort being committed over Ledo. My plans are to reinforce the Allied fighter squadrons now at Ledo, however, this reinforcement will not be done at the expense of Allied air defenses elsewhere. At this point, Ledo is a favorable position for conducting a defensive air battle, especially an air battle where significant damage to Japanese air forces can be inflicted with minimal Allied losses.

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Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 16
Hurricane IIb Trop x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIa Trop: 2 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 18

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 6
Hurricane IIb Trop x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 3
Hurricane IIb Trop x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIa Trop: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 87 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 41
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 2
Hurricane IIb Trop x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIa Trop: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
39 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet
3 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks SE of Chungking and at Sining in the far western area. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/09/42

South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/08 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,136 near Auki, Speed 9, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 11, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 35 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, one Jap TF in harbor, 80 aircraft (56 fighters, 24 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


India: No reported Japanese air activity over Ledo this game turn. All three RAF fighter squadrons in Ledo have fully recovered their damaged planes and are again ready for combat ops. One Tenth USAAF fighter squadron (25 P-40E) arrived in Ledo this game turn, a second Tenth USAAF fighter squadron is enroute. The two USAAF fighter squadrons plus the three RAF squadrons already in Ledo will have a total strength of nearly 100 fighter planes.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks SE of Chungking. AAR’s and current situation map of Chungking sector follow.

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Ground combat at 75, 46 – hex marked (1) on situation map

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30139 troops, 272 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1047
Defending force 32303 troops, 220 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1175

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

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
34th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
1st Group Army
19th Group Army
25th Group Army

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Ground combat at 75, 47 – hex marked (2) on situation map

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13103 troops, 156 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 977
Defending force 51795 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1962

Assaulting units:
17th Tank Regiment
39th Division
110th Division (arrived this game turn to reinforce attack)
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
68th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
23rd Group Army
3rd War Area
26th Group Army
27th Group Army

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[johnjohn]

August 14, 1943. Your comment on spear tip and spear shaft hit a nerve, so I worked up a spreadsheet to determine (1) where the fuel and supply stockpiles are; and (2) which bases are significantly developed. I left India, China, Aden, and Capetown out of it. West Coast, SD, LA, SF, Mare Is, Portland, Tacoma, and Seattle are major bases with 31 million supply and 4 million fuel stockpiled. Hawaii/CENPAC: Pearl Harbor, Hilo, Lahaina, Suva, Pago Pago are major bases with 3 million supply and 1.6 million fuel stockpiled, half of both at PH. SOPAC: Noumea and Luganville are the major bases supporting ops up to Buka. 400 thousand fuel and 600 thousand supply on hand. SWPAC/AUSTRALIA Portland Roads, Coen, Cairns, Cooktown, Townsville, Charter Towers, Cloncurry, Tennant Creek, Darwin, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Port Morsby major bases. 300,000 fuel and 3.5 million supply stockpiled, most at Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Brisbane is center for SWPAC operations. PH is CENPAC center of operations. Noumea is SOPAC center of operations. SF, LA, SEA (NORPAC), and SD are major centers of operations supporting SOPAC, SWPAC, CENPAC and NORPAC. About 300,000 fuel and supply are on the high seas, most headed to Brisbane.

Columbo is loaded with 1 million in fuel and 800,000 in supply. No particular supply difficulties exist. UK Fleet operating out of Calcutta and Trincomalee. Capetown has 1.5 million fuel and 1.3 million supply. Presently shipping both to Perth.

I will be shipping even more to SWPAC/AUSSIE due to overall lack, especially of fuel. A major lift to PH will also ensue once shipping returns from Alaska run.

Present fuel and supply sufficient given replenishment task forces supporting the carriers. Johnjohn

[wneumann]

johnjohn,

Your experience is pretty much what I'm expecting to happen in my game. The most difficult area of logistics to keep up with is going to be fuel - between the invasion TF's, surface combat forces and the carriers. That's even with replenishment TF's thrown in.

Fuel is the bottleneck, in terms of its consumption and also the amount of cargo capacity (TK and AO ships) available that is capable of efficiently transporting fuel to forward area bases from the mainland US or Middle East (Abadan). Sure you can load fuel aboard many other transport ship types (AK's), however, the use of these ships as fuel transports is quite inefficient in many instances (due to two points of cargo capacity to carry one point of fuel) and the "loss" of 1/2 your available cargo capacity when these ship types are used for fuel transport.

A considerable quantity of fuel is needed to run the transport convoy system alone. While the transport convoys bring large quanties of cargo, the number of ships in these convoys also require a considerable quantity of fuel. A practice I've needed to follow with the convoy system is having the cargo loaded aboard each convoy include at least as much fuel as needed for its own refuelling - for example... cargo aboard a convoy from the US West Coast to Auckland should include at least as much (more it possible) fuel as the quantity required to replenish the ships in the convoy in NZ for the return trip from NZ to the US West Coast. A transport convoy with 10K fuel aboard it arriving in NZ that requires 2K fuel for its ships to refuel in NZ before leaving to return to the US will leave (add) a net 8K of fuel to the South Pacific stockpiles. Several steps forward, one step back.

The more fuel and supply that can be "pumped in" to forward bases, the better. But also keeping in mind no matter how much fuel and supply is "pumped in", front-line operations will eventually exhaust your stockpiles.

I'm also predicting that once large scale Allied offensive operations start in the South/SW Pacific areas, it is very likely the rate at which combat and invasion operations consume fuel and supply is going to exceed the rate at which fresh stocks of fuel and supply reach forward areas from the mainland US. Between distances and available cargo capacity (however considerable that capacity is), fuel and supply simply can't move fast enough.

Logistics is hell... But just think, you could be playing the Japanese and the fuel situation of your front-line naval forces is probably worse beyond the sailing range of major oil production bases in the DEI. That could have some small part in why Pillager has HQ Combined Fleet located in Palembang (and I know its been there for some time). Even historically the IJN kept their major naval units based mainly at Singapore and in the DEI later in the war - just to ease the problem of keeping the Japanese fleet refuelled.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/10/42

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-20 (13 ships) departing the Eastern US this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo loaded aboard the convoy includes two LCU’s (43rd Infantry Division, 9 Marine Defense Bn), 8K supply and 56K fuel.


Central Pacific: US fleet sub returning to Pearl Harbor from patrol reports contact with Japanese task force, also a reported contact with a B5N2 Kate air patrol in the same hex location. While the AAR below suggests the Japanese TF is surface combat, the B5N2 Kate air contact indicates the possibility of the Jap TF also containing carrier(s). Kwajalein may be the likely origin or destination of the Jap task force in this action. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Eniwetok at 127,106 (due N of Eniwetok)

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Nachi
CL Kinu
CL Isuzu
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Yugumo
DD Maikaze
DD Yukikaze
DD Natsushio
DD Hatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

SS Albacore is sighted by escort
DD Hatsukaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sigint entry for 10/09 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Funafuti (Ellice Islands). Detected status of Funafuti shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, also no evidence of airfield or port construction.


South Pacific: Two ships from an unescorted Transport TF were torpedoed and sunk by Jap submarine I-5 as they were departing Suva. This incident and other sightings of Jap submarines in the same area indicate the need for surface ASW escorts being attached to Allied transport shipping TF’s going to Suva. Several transport convoys now enroute from the mainland US to the South Pacific theatre are bringing SC (sub chasers) for operational use in the South Pacific area. These SC will likely be employed as surface ASW escorts with transport ships moving to and from Suva. AAR’s follow.

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Submarine attack near Gau Island at 133,162 (SE of Suva, night attack)

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, hits 1

Allied Ships
xAKL Nicarata, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)

xAKL Nicarata is sighted by SS I-5
SS I-5 attacking on the surface
Massive explosion on xAKL Nicarata

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Submarine attack near Gau Island at 133,162 (SE of Suva, day attack)

Japanese Ships
SS I-5

Allied Ships
xAK Steel Trader, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

xAK Steel Trader is sighted by SS I-5
SS I-5 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Steel Trader

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VMF fighter squadron (17 F4F) launches from CVE Long Island and transferred to Suva airfield – the squadron will be employed in CAP coverage over Suva base hex. CVE Long Island is returning to base to retrieve a second VMF squadron for transfer to Suva.

Fast transport convoy WP-17 (11 transports) arrived in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes US 3 Marine Division, 25K supply and 13K fuel.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/09 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 18 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 20 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, one Jap TF in harbor, 66 aircraft (47 fighters, 19 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


India: No reported Japanese air activity over Ledo this game turn. The second Tenth USAAF fighter squadron (25 P-40E) enroute to Ledo arrived this game turn. All five RAF and USAAF fighter squadrons in Ledo remain stood down to complete resting of pilots.

Otherwise, Allied CAP fighters in Ledo are fully operational and await Pillager’s next Japanese air sweeps. My view of the air activity over Ledo is less that it’s a defensive battle and more as an opportunity to inflict attrition on Japanese pilots and planes under conditions relatively favorable to the Allied side.


China: Continuing Japanese ground bombardment attacks SE of Chungking. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,46 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30253 troops, 272 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1059
Defending force 32352 troops, 220 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1184

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
34th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
4th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
1st Group Army
19th Group Army
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13103 troops, 156 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1104

Defending force 51819 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1966

Assaulting units:
39th Division
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
138th Infantry Regiment (arrived to reinforce attack this game turn, from Luchow)
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
32nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
26th Group Army
3rd War Area
23rd Group Army
27th Group Army

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


Japanese launch ground assaults in the far western area. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 80,21 (W of Ansi)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12872 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 436
Defending force 652 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3
Japanese adjusted assault: 206
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 206 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
426 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (9 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Division

Defending units:
17th Group Army
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 35850 troops, 340 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 1218
Defending force 16900 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 600
Japanese adjusted assault: 2114
Allied adjusted defense: 1069
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1710 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 201 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled

Allied ground losses:
395 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 91 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
17th Division
6th Division
37th Division
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade
259th Brigade
303rd Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force

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

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: wneumann

johnjohn,

Your experience is pretty much what I'm expecting to happen in my game. The most difficult area of logistics to keep up with is going to be fuel - between the invasion TF's, surface combat forces and the carriers. That's even with replenishment TF's thrown in.

Fuel is the bottleneck, in terms of its consumption and also the amount of cargo capacity (TK and AO ships) available that is capable of efficiently transporting fuel to forward area bases from the mainland US or Middle East (Abadan). Sure you can load fuel aboard many other transport ship types (AK's), however, the use of these ships as fuel transports is quite inefficient in many instances (due to two points of cargo capacity to carry one point of fuel) and the "loss" of 1/2 your available cargo capacity when these ship types are used for fuel transport.

A considerable quantity of fuel is needed to run the transport convoy system alone. While the transport convoys bring large quanties of cargo, the number of ships in these convoys also require a considerable quantity of fuel. A practice I've needed to follow with the convoy system is having the cargo loaded aboard each convoy include at least as much fuel as needed for its own refuelling - for example... cargo aboard a convoy from the US West Coast to Auckland should include at least as much (more it possible) fuel as the quantity required to replenish the ships in the convoy in NZ for the return trip from NZ to the US West Coast. A transport convoy with 10K fuel aboard it arriving in NZ that requires 2K fuel for its ships to refuel in NZ before leaving to return to the US will leave (add) a net 8K of fuel to the South Pacific stockpiles. Several steps forward, one step back.

The more fuel and supply that can be "pumped in" to forward bases, the better. But also keeping in mind no matter how much fuel and supply is "pumped in", front-line operations will eventually exhaust your stockpiles.

I'm also predicting that once large scale Allied offensive operations start in the South/SW Pacific areas, it is very likely the rate at which combat and invasion operations consume fuel and supply is going to exceed the rate at which fresh stocks of fuel and supply reach forward areas from the mainland US. Between distances and available cargo capacity (however considerable that capacity is), fuel and supply simply can't move fast enough.

Logistics is hell... But just think, you could be playing the Japanese and the fuel situation of your front-line naval forces is probably worse beyond the sailing range of major oil production bases in the DEI. That could have some small part in why Pillager has HQ Combined Fleet located in Palembang (and I know its been there for some time). Even historically the IJN kept their major naval units based mainly at Singapore and in the DEI later in the war - just to ease the problem of keeping the Japanese fleet refuelled.

It is not that bad unless you have lost a lot of tankers to the Imperial forces. 42 shows a shortage of Tankers but steady reinforcements make up for that so that except for the first half of 42, I never really have had to worry about fuel. There has been enough to support all major operations up until mid 44 with plenty of reserve stocks in all theaters. Massive operations in 45 might be different but the shipping route from the West Coast should be shorter as well. In fact, I show that I am really starting to burn supply and have had to increase the flow from the West Coast and Aden. But there are plenty of AKs for that. It was just a matter of better planning. By mid 43, Japanese subs should not be much of a factor either as you start to get a flood of escorts and DDs.

[wneumann]

It is not that bad unless you have lost a lot of tankers to the Imperial forces.

I've lost 10 TK to date, nine during 12/41, only one since then. During 1942 I've only been losing an average of 2 AK or AKL a month.

I'm attributing the relatively light transport ship losses to establishment of the convoy system, along with extensive use of surface ASW escorts moving with convoys (especially in sea areas near departure and destination ports). Routing of these convoys has also proven helpful - more indirect routes in some instances and occasional shifting of routes. Utilization of the convoy system does result in fewer opportunities for Japanese subs to intercept transports as there's a relatively small number of Allied transport TF's moving about (though the TF are larger).

Extensive use of the Eastern US to Australia off-map convoy route via Capetown has resulted in zero ship losses along this route as practically the entire route is completely beyond the reach of Jap submarines, surface combat TF's, or the KB. It does make the travel time longer but convoys moving along this route can do so with complete impunity. At least for 1942 and somewhat into 1943, travel time does not matter, getting the cargo there does.

I strongly agree with the idea that surface ASW escorts in Allied transport convoys significantly reduce if not eliminate Jap submarines as a significant threat to transport shipping. Most of my transport ship losses to submarine attack have been ships that were traveling independently or in a TF that was unescorted at the time of attack. Escorts do make a difference. Use of a transport convoy system allows more effective use of available surface ASW ships (especially true in early 1942 when few surface ASW escorts are available).

I anticipate maintaining if not increasing the volume of Allied transport shipping moving from the mainland US and Middle East to the front-line theatre areas. Virtually all Allied transport ships employed in the convoy system are the larger capacity, long-range ships (xAK, AK, TK) which are more suitable in this role than being used in amphibious operations - plans are to permanantly retain the larger, long-range transport ships in the convoy system. I do have a pool of smaller xAK and xAKL reserved specifically for use with Amphibious TF's and for general short-range movement of cargoes within a theatre area. Currently, all large Allied AO's are being employed in the convoy system as fuel transports - this use of AO's projected to continue until I begin operating Replenishment TF's on a large scale. The change in utilization of AO's is the only factor projected (over the long term) to remove ships from of the convoy system that are operating there now.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/11/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, also evidence of port construction activity. Current port size at Canton Island is 2(2). No other visible Japanese forces or activity. Available intelligence data has four Jap LCU located on Canton Is - these include Yokosuka 1 SNLF, 52 Naval Gd, 144 JAAF AF Bn, 2 JNAF Co.

US sub Thresher reports contact with unidentified Jap aircraft NW of Kwajalein (hex position 128, 113). There’s a possibility this plane contact may be from or related to the same Jap TF encountered N of Eniwetok by SS Albacore on 10/10.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/10 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 17 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands


Australia: 26 PP were expended this game turn to bring 22 Australian Brigade back into the game from the eliminated LCU pool. 22 Brigade is now due to re-enter the game at Sydney as reinforcement in 31 days. This action was done as part of a “project” to build 8 Australian Division as a full TOE strength divisional unit. Plans are for 8 Australian Division to eventually be employed in a front-line combat role (attached to SW Pacific theatre) after it is fully rebuilt. All other sub units of 8 Division (27 Brigade and three Bn’s) are already collected together in Melbourne.


DEI: Dutch submarine K-XVI on patrol at the southern exit from Sunda Straits (between Java & Sumatra) reports attack by G4M Betty air patrol. No reported hits or damage to K-XVI.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, one Jap TF in harbor, 86 aircraft (59 fighters, 27 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s. Virtually no visible Japanese activity in Rangoon over the past few game turns.


India: No reported Japanese air activity over Ledo this game turn


China: Continuing Japanese ground attacks SE of Chungking. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,46 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30353 troops, 272 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1067
Defending force 32380 troops, 220 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1186
Japanese adjusted assault: 695
Allied adjusted defense: 910
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2683 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 113 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Guns lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
735 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 11 (2 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
34th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
19th Group Army
1st Group Army
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29264 troops, 284 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1104
Defending force 51833 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1969

Assaulting units:
39th Division
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
67th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
26th Group Army
23rd Group Army
3rd War Area
27th Group Army

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

[Alfred]

The 26 PP spent on resusitating 22 Bde were wasted. You don't need that bde to reform 8 AIF Div. The bde will return basically empty so you don't even gain any additional devices to fill out 8 AIF Div.

Alfred

[wneumann]

The 26 PP spent on resusitating 22 Bde were wasted. You don't need that bde to reform 8 AIF Div. The bde will return basically empty so you don't even gain any additional devices to fill out 8 AIF Div.

Agreed... and I was originally looking at it that way. And if not for the scenario I'm describing below, I wouldn't have bothered with 22 Brigade.

Displayed below is the current status of 8 Australian Division's sub-units. The three battalions (Sparrow, Gull and Lark) are at full TOE strength, 27 Australian Brigade is very close to 100% TOE.

Plans exist to transfer Sparrow, Lark and Gull battalions from ABDA to SW Pacific at a total cost of approx 650 PP, this transfer a prerequisite to combining the battalions with 27 Brigade to form 8 Division under SW Pacific command. At this time, there are other planned PP expenditures to be done elsewhere before the 650 PP becomes available for completing the LCU transfers and form 8 Division. Availability of PP is the bottleneck - at some point the 650 PP for 8 Division will become available, but there are other "projects" ahead of it in line.

The rationale to acquiring 22 Brigade is this... Once 27 Brigade is at 100% TOE strength, none of the sub-units forming 8 Division will have the capacity to draw replacement elements, and the building of 8 Division would come to a halt. Not until the 650 PP (which are unavailable at the moment) are spent and 27 Brigade and the three battalions combined to form 8 Division could addtional build-up of the division to full strength continue. This basically imposes a delay on building of 8 Division until the 650 PP become available and used. That is... without 22 Brigade.

With 22 Brigade in the game, I now have the ability to continue building 8 Division to full TOE strength between now and when the 650 PP (for transferring the three battalions) become available. In this scenario, 22 Brigade will be the sub-unit of 8 Division that is drawing replacement elements. Note that 22 Brigade would be transferred to SW Pacific (the planned command for 8 Division once formed) immediately on entry into the game before it starts drawing any replacement elements - the low initial strength of 22 Brigade works out nicely for this.

If all goes as planned, building of 22 Brigade to full TOE strength should be well along if not completed by the time 650 PP to transfer Sparrow, Lark and Gull battalions to SW Pacific become available and sub-units combined to form 8 Division. With 22 Brigade in the game, 8 Australian Division will be much closer to full TOE strength when sub-units are combined to form it than otherwise possible without using 22 Brigade.

What would normally be a useless expenditure of PP is actually purchasing an accelerated buildup of 8 Division from would otherwise be possible in this situation (without employing 22 Brigade).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/12/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/11 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, also ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity, though the possibility exists this Sigint report could be related to arrival at Kwajalein of the Jap surface combat (or carrier) TF encountered by SS Albacore N of Eniwetok on 10/10.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/11 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Efate. Detected status of Efate shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. Only one Japanese LCU (86 Naval Gd) is known to be located on Efate from current intelligence data. No evidence of construction at Efate to expand port or airfield facilities is detected.

Unidentified Jap submarine detected SW of Tongatapu, probably looking for Allied transport shipping moving to/from Suva.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/11 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,136 near Auki, Speed 6, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Bingo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 9, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 6, Moving Southwest


DEI: Dutch submarine K-XVI on patrol at the southern exit from Sunda Straits (between Java & Sumatra) reports attack by Ki-21 Sally air patrol. No reported hits or damage to K-XVI.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF’s in harbor (+2 from last report), 69 aircraft (48 fighters, 21 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

A small RAF bombing attack was launched against oil refinery facilities in Magwe. AAR follows. A small diversion to perhaps draw Pillager’s attention, maybe divert a Jap fighter squadron away from the action over Ledo.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 12

No Allied losses

Refinery hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

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


India: Air-to-air combat over Ledo resumes between Jap fighter sweeps and Allied CAP squadrons. Aircraft Losses display in Intelligence screens show 35 Jap fighter planes destroyed (22 Ki-43-1c Oscar, 8 Ki-44-IIa Tojo, 5 A6M3 Zero). Nine USAAF P-40E and 18 RAF Hurricane fighters were lost in action, many of these losses appearing to be in action vs the Ki-44 Tojo.

The Ki-44 Tojo is certainly a more difficult Jap fighter to take on with the existing Allied fighter plane inventory. Also possible that Pillager is sending in Jap fighter squadrons with more experienced pilots than in earlier actions. It’s very likely that I’m giving up the altitude advantage to Pillager (especially against the Ki-44) as I’m attempting to operate the planes I have (Hurricane IIa & IIb, P-40E) at the maximum altitude (15000 ft) where these planes possess any level of maneuverability in combat. The Ki-44 has a better combat ceiling than all three Allied fighter types, plus it out-maneuvers all three Allied fighters at 15000 ft. My squadrons still held their own even though the Japanese held the much of the advantage “on-paper”. However, results from this game turn’s action shows it could well be rough going against the Ki-44 with the US and British fighter plane types that are currently available. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 13

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 16
Hurricane IIb Trop x 32
P-40E Warhawk x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIa Trop: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
23rd FG/75th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 13
Hurricane IIb Trop x 26
P-40E Warhawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
23rd FG/75th FS with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 scrambling fighters between 19000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 11
Hurricane IIb Trop x 22
P-40E Warhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
23rd FG/75th FS with P-40E Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 11
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.17 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
23rd FG/75th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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


China: Continued Japanese ground attacks along the southern approaches to Chungking. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,46 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28507 troops, 272 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 876
Defending force 31722 troops, 218 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1108

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
34th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
19th Group Army
1st Group Army
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29293 troops, 284 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1105
Defending force 51833 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1969

Assaulting units:
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
39th Division
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
68th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
26th Group Army
23rd Group Army
3rd War Area
27th Group Army

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


Jap ground forces attack remnants of Chinese army in the far southern area. AAR follows. Pillager apparently wants the road into Burma cleared, though he actually pushed the Chinese LCU’s back in exactly the direction I wanted them to go.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 64,45 (S of Paoshan, near China-Burma border)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13961 troops, 124 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 481
Defending force 778 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 14
Japanese adjusted assault: 730
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 730 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), morale(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

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

Allied ground losses:
307 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 21 (12 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
38th Division

Defending units:
54th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Base Force

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/13/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 10/12 report heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein for a second consecutive day. Detected status of Kwajalein shows 117 ships anchored in port; 11 aircraft (6 fighters, 2 bombers) based on Kwajalein. No visible Japanese TF or other activity.

A Sigint entry for 10/12 is reporting intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Gardner Is. Detected status of Gardner Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, also no evidence of airfield or port construction. One Japanese LCU (62 Naval Gd) is known to be located on Gardner Is from current intelligence data.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/12 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AK Kozui Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 7 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,136 near Auki, Speed 1, Moving Northeast


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF’s in harbor (-1 from last report), 69 aircraft (48 fighters, 21 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


India: No air activity over Ledo. One of the three RAF fighter squadrons (17 Squadron) operating from Ledo was transferred to the rear-area due to there being no Hurricane IIa planes left in the replacement pool – the Hurricane IIa has been out of production since 1/42. 17 Squadron is currently the only front-line RAF squadron equipped with Hurricane IIa.

Plans are to convert 17 Squadron temporarily into a training squadron (keeping its current Hurricane IIa aircraft in use for now). Combat experienced pilots in 17 Squadron (including six aces) will be removed from the squadron to the Reserve pool – the squadron then re-manned entirely with rookie pilots to begin air-to-air training on the Hurricane IIa. Combat-experienced pilots removed from 17 Squadron will then become available from the Reserve pilot pool for transfer into other front-line RAF fighter units.

My current intent is utilizing 17 Squadron as a training unit until such time its planes are upgraded from Hurricane IIa. I'm anticipating the new rookie pilots brought into 17 Squadron should be mostly if not fully trained for air-to-air combat by the time there are sufficient planes in a newer fighter plane type to upgrade 17 Squadron.

This action is being done as part of a policy to conserve replacement planes for British fighter types (actually all plane types in general), keeping replacement planes reserved as much as possible for exclusive use in front-line squadrons so that sufficient replacement pool planes for a given type are available to replace losses in front-line units equipped with that plane type.

Implementing this policy requires closely watching the number of squadrons equipped with a particular plane type – maintaining a sufficient number of replacement planes for that plane type available in the pool to adequately cover combat and operational plane losses in air squadrons equipped with the same plane type. The policy is intended to avoid a scenario where too many squadrons are equipped with the same type of plane and stocks of replacement planes in the pool for this plane type become quickly exhausted if enough of these squadrons begin drawing replacement planes at the same time.

I had several experiences of that scenario in our last CHS game and taken the view that it’s even easier for it to happen in AE with the smaller numbers of Allied planes that are produced in AE vs in CHS. Consequences of this scenario as I experienced it in CHS included grounding nearly all USAAF fighter squadrons equipped with P-40E’s for a period of several months when the replacement pool of P-40E’s became exhausted – end result of too many squadrons equiipped with P-40E's for the total number of P-40E planes available in the game.


China: Continuing Japanese ground attacks along the southern approaches to Chungking, also a Japanese ground attack along the road from Tsuyung (in the southern area) to Changsha. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,46 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28767 troops, 272 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 902
Defending force 31757 troops, 218 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1110

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
34th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
51st Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
19th Group Army
1st Group Army
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29318 troops, 284 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1105
Defending force 51826 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1968

Assaulting units:
39th Division
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
67th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
3rd War Area
23rd Group Army
26th Group Army
27th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 71,44 (along Tsuyung-Kunming road)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11917 troops, 94 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 444
Defending force 1652 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 62
Japanese adjusted assault: 200
Allied adjusted defense: 10
Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
791 casualties reported
Squads: 30 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
35th Division

Defending units:
200th Chinese Division
96th Chinese Division

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


Japanese ground attacks in the far western area. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 81,20 (E of Hami)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12930 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 438
Defending force 353 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3
Japanese adjusted assault: 206
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 206 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
255 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 23 (23 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Division

Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
17th Group Army
81st Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 35004 troops, 340 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 1119
Defending force 16279 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 532

Assaulting units:
17th Division
6th Division
37th Division
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
259th Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
303rd Brigade
9th Separate Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/14/42

South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/13 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: xAKL Kamishima Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,137 near Tassafaronga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF’s in harbor (+1 from last report), 84 aircraft (51 fighters, 33 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground attacks continue along the southern approaches to Chungking, also at Sining in the far western area. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,46 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28964 troops, 272 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 920
Defending force 31750 troops, 218 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1113

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

Assaulting units:
34th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
9th Prov Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
1st Group Army
19th Group Army
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29329 troops, 284 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1105
Defending force 51840 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1968

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

Assaulting units:
39th Division
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
46th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
26th Group Army
23rd Group Army
3rd War Area
27th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 35244 troops, 343 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 1139
Defending force 16333 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 538

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Division
17th Division
37th Division
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
303rd Brigade
9th Separate Brigade
259th Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/15/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/14 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein base continues to show aircraft based on Kwajalein, also ships in port. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed.


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-16 (49 ships) arrived this game turn in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard convoy WP-16 includes five LCU’s (37th Infantry Division, 143 USA Base Force, 30 Aviation Base Force, 3 USMC Tank Bn, 2 USMC Engineer Aviation Bn), 115K supply and 90K fuel.

With 37th Division, Allied ground forces in the South Pacific theatre now include four US Divisions (3 US Marine; 37th, 40th and 41st US Infantry). In addition, all sub-units of 2nd US Marine Division are present in the South Pacific theatre area – these sub-units are currently dispersed in several locations but plans are underway to collect all of 2 Marine Division’s sub-units to combine and form the divisional LCU (one of the numerous day-to-day housekeeping activities).

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/14 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Fushimi Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF’s in harbor, 22 aircraft (10 fighters, 12 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


India: A series of Japanese fighter sweeps reported this game turn over Ledo. Planes reported in these sweeps included A6M3 Zero & Ki-44-IIa Tojo. Allied fighter squadrons in Ledo were stood down this game turn for rest and recovery, no air-to-air combat actions.


China: Japanese ground attacks continue along the southern approaches to Chungking, also at Sining in the far western area. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29120 troops, 272 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1273
Defending force 35946 troops, 222 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1348

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
70th Division (arrived this game turn to reinforce attack)
34th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
1st Group Army
19th Group Army
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29299 troops, 284 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1102
Defending force 50947 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1968

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

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
39th Division
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
3rd War Area
26th Group Army
27th Group Army

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/16/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 10/15 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Gardner Is and Maleolap. Detected statuses of the two bases show no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location. Known intelligence data places one Jap LCU (1 JNAF AF Unit) on Maleolap along with the static fortress LCU there.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/15 reports intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine NE of Savaii. No information regarding movement of this sub.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/15 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 9 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed 3, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed 5, Moving West

Sigint entry for 10/15 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul. Detected status of Rabaul shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, also ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity.


Philippines: Sigint entry for 10/15 indicates HQ Jap 3rd Fleet is now located at Manila – transferred there from Takao.


DEI: Japanese amphibious landing operations reported underway in the eastern DEI at Waingapoe (Soemba) and Ruteng (Flores). These are mop-up operations of remaining Allied-controlled bases in the eastern DEI. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ruteng (64,111)

TF 358 troops unloading over beach at Ruteng, 64,111

Japanese ground losses:
305 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (0 destroyed, 6 disabled)

10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Garrison Unit /3 (18 Garrison Unit moved into the DEI from its previous location at Hirosaki/Aomori – northern Honshu)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Waingapoe (63,113)

TF 354 troops unloading over beach at Waingapoe, 63,113

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 14th Garrison Unit /3

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

Dutch submarine K-XVI attacked by Japanese surface ASW off the southern exit of Sunda Straits between Java and Sumatra. No significant damage to K-XVI from the attack. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Oosthaven at 46,97 (S of Oosthaven)

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 8
PB Higashiyama Maru
PB Chitose Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVI

SS KXVI is located by SC Ch 8
PB Chitose Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Higashiyama Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Southeast Asia: Dutch sub O-21 on patrol near Rangoon attacked and damaged by Ki-21 Sally air patrol. O-21 is returning to base for repairs.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, one Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 39 aircraft (16 fighters, 23 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks continue along the southern approaches to Chungking, also at Sining in the far western area. Jap ground attack near Ankang along the northern front of the Chungking sector. AAR of Ankang action follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 81,42 (S of Ankang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9309 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 336
Defending force 870 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 325
Allied adjusted defense: 22
Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
277 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
58th Division
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
HQ 3rd Group Army

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/17/42

Central Pacific: Small Jap transport TF intercepted by US fleet sub south of Jaluit. I suspect the fuel aboard the Jap TK is bound for Tabitueua or the fuel has already been delivered there. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Jaluit at 134,122 (S of Jaluit)

Japanese Ships
TK Akatuki Maru
PB Shuko Maru #5

Allied Ships
SS Searaven

SS Searaven launches 4 torpedoes at TK Akatuki Maru
Searaven diving deep ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/16 reports intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine S of Norfolk Is (hex 112, 179). No information regarding movement of this sub.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/16 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Fushimi Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,137 near Tassafaronga, Speed unknown


DEI: Japanese capture Waingapoe (Soemba) and Ruteng (Flores) in the eastern DEI. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ruteng (64,111)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2644 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 73
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 Ruteng !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
18th Garrison Unit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Waingapoe (63,113)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2096 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 70
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 15
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Waingapoe !!!

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

Assaulting units:
14th Garrison Unit /1

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

Dutch sub K-XVI operating off the southern exit of the Sunda Strait remains in contact with a Jap surface ASW TF it was engaged with on 10/16. No combat reported this game turn.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, two Jap TF’s in harbor (+1 from last report), 49 aircraft (26 fighters, 23 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


India: No reported Japanese air activity over Ledo.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks continue along the southern approaches to Chungking, also at Sining in the far western area. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 35738 troops, 343 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 1176
Defending force 16423 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 551

Assaulting units:
17th Division
6th Division
37th Division
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade
303rd Brigade
259th Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,46 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 38499 troops, 328 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1303
Defending force 35934 troops, 222 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1349

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

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
70th Division
34th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
60th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
19th Group Army
1st Group Army
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29318 troops, 284 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1104
Defending force 50916 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1964

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
39th Division
17th Tank Regiment
110th Division
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
32nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
3rd War Area
26th Group Army
27th Group Army

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 10/18/42

Canada: Construction of port facilities at Prince Rupert base is now completed, port size fully expanded to 9(7). Expansion of Port Rupert base facilities to their maximum port and airfield sizes is part of plans to utilize Port Rupert as a primary departure point from the mainland US/Canada for points in the North Pacific (replacing Seattle for this function). The maximum port and airfield sizes available at Prince Rupert, along with a major railway connection into Port Rupert from all points in the mainland US and Canada (via Seattle & Vancouver), plus a small shipyard facility in Port Rupert makes this base quite suitable as a location for close-in support of many activities in the North Pacific area.

Seattle and Vancouver will retain some functions for the North Pacific area, especially activities that require a significant amount of shipyard capacity. Plans are for loading and departure of much if not most transport shipping from the mainland US/Canada to the North Pacific to occur from Prince Rupert rather than Seattle or Vancouver.


US West Coast: Unidentified Jap submarine detected W of Portland (hex location 205, 55), no available information on its movement. Current location of the sub does not impact any Allied shipping activity currently planned or underway.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 10/17 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Abemama (northern Gilbert Island group) and Mili (southern Marshalls). Detected statuses of the two bases show no visible Jap forces or activity at either location.


South Pacific: A second US VMF fighter squadron launched from CVE Long Island and transferred into Suva this game turn. Total available CAP located in Suva is now two VMF squadrons with a total of 36 F4F Wildcats.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/17 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed 4, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 19, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AG Soya reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 19, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 98,122 near Hansa Bay, Speed 3, Moving Southeast


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF’s in harbor (+1 from last report), 80 aircraft (51 fighters, 29 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


India: Jap fighter sweeps reported over Ledo, planes included Ki-44-IIa Tojo and A6M3 Zero fighters. Allied fighter squadrons were stood down, no combat.


China: Japanese ground attacks continue along the southern approaches to Chungking. AAR’s and current situation map follow.

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Ground combat at 75,46 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33368 troops, 290 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1310
Defending force 35953 troops, 221 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1349
Japanese adjusted assault: 527
Allied adjusted defense: 1480
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
3033 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 250 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Guns lost 19 (4 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1561 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 154 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Assaulting units:
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
70th Division
34th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
4th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
1st Group Army
19th Group Army
25th Group Army

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Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29293 troops, 284 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1101
Defending force 50850 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1956

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

Assaulting units:
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
39th Division
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
26th Group Army
3rd War Area
27th Group Army

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[johnjohn]

Johnjohn, moving supplies and refitting, replenishing and preparing for the assault on the Marshalls: I found the quick discussion regarding the 8th Aussie Infantry Division interesting. I have lost both the 22nd and the 27th brigades and only in late 42 was able to get the last of the remaining components out of NG and into Darwin. As of August 43 the Division has an assault value of 254 and continues to rebuild. I did not know (and still don't know) how to buy back land units so never did. It looks as though it will eventually reach full strength, even if that takes another year. John