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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu May 17, 2012 8:12 pm

Summary of Operations 11/19/42

Central Pacific: US sub patrol intercepts Jap transport TF east of the Marianas. Reported movement of the Jap TF is on a NE heading – probable destination the Japanese Home Islands. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Pagan at 113,90 (ESE of Pagan)

Japanese Ships
PB Seikyo Maru
xAK Taian Maru
xAK Ume Maru

Allied Ships
SS Sargo

SS Sargo launches 2 torpedoes at PB Seikyo Maru
PB Seikyo Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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US AVD Hulbert torpedoed and sank in Christmas Is base hex by Jap submarine I-29. I-29 remains detected in Christmas Is base hex, reported movement SE. AAR follows.

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Sub attack at Christmas Island – 174,141

Japanese Ships
SS I-29

Allied Ships
AVD Hulbert, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

SS I-29 launches 4 torpedoes
I-29 bottoming out ....
Sub escapes detection

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Sigint entry for 11/18 reports heavy volume of Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows aircraft based there, ship(s) anchored in port. No other visible Jap forces or activity.

South Pacific: Several contacts reported by PBY Catalina air patrols operating from Tahiti and Christmas Is.

Unidentified Jap TF(s) believed to be the contact detected in the 11/17 Sigint report at hex 163, 152 was spotted this game turn in hex location 174, 162 (adjacent hex due W of Malden Is, also S of Christmas Is) by a PBY air patrol from Christmas Is. Calculated movement of Japanese ship(s) in this contact is on a due E heading – approaching a sea area near the general movement path followed by convoys between the mainland US and South Pacific. The spotting report this game turn indicates the Jap TF contains two ships.

A PBY air patrol from Tahiti spots a second contact (one ship, probable Jap sub) in hex location 174, 177 near (ENE of) Tahiti. Reported movement of this contact is on a SE heading and its current position also near the general convoy movement route.

No US naval forces or transport shipping is currently in the immediate area of either Japanese contact. PBY air patrols will continue monitoring both contacts.

Movement orders for two US transport convoys (Convoy PW-30 returning from Auckland to the mainland US, Convoy WP-26 outbound from the mainland US to the South Pacific) have been issued to re-route them farther to the E of Tahiti and Christmas Is. Both these convoys are about 3-4 days movement from the immediate area of the Jap contacts. Departure of a third convoy (WP-27) due to leave the mainland US for Christmas Is remains on schedule.

My current estimate is the two PBY contacts plus the I-29 now in Christmas Is base hex is a line of Japanese patrol subs sent out by Pillager to locate US transport shipping and (more importantly) identify its route of travel. In our last CHS game, Pillager sortied the KB on several occasions to interdict Allied shipping between the US and Australia/New Zealand. My belief is that Pillager could be planning to repeat this if he can locate a shipping route to attack. Engagements between US patrol subs vs a Japanese replenishment TF and a transport TF with several TK south of Ponape on 11/18 support the KB theory – improved Jap base facilities at Tabiteuea providing a replenishment point for the KB or Japanese surface naval forces operating in this area of the Pacific if Pillager can stock sufficient fuel and supply there.

Current plans are to allow Pillager’s subs to roam at will and find nothing – delay or re-route convoys as needed to prevent any contacts whatsoever. My first line of defense being to keep Pillager completely blind. What he cannot see, he cannot attack.

Night air bombing raid by G4M Betty over Suva, no hits or damage reported. AAR follows. Two CAP squadrons (36 F4F fighters) based at Suva are now activated – the “welcome mat” is out.

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Night Air attack on Suva, at 132,160

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/18 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Chojun Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
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 Koumac
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: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 4, Moving Southwest

South China Sea: Japanese capture Groot Natoena in a mop-up action. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Groot Natoena (57,83)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 678 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 3
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Groot Natoena !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
58th JNAF AF Unit (new LCU in known Japanese OOB, no previous report)

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF’s in harbor, 43 aircraft (43 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: Japanese ground bombardments along southern front outside Chungking. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29640 troops, 322 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 825
Defending force 61326 troops, 360 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2305

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

Assaulting units:
110th Division
17th Tank Regiment
39th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
20th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
3rd War Area
26th Group Army
27th Group Army

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Ground combat at 76,47 (E of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12258 troops, 140 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 418
Defending force 12544 troops, 200 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 422

Assaulting units:
22nd Division
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
63rd Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
30th Group Army
12th Group Army
25th Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 73,42 (S of Chengtu)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 27721 troops, 236 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 827
Defending force 13648 troops, 156 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 331

Assaulting units:
35th Division
104th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
10th Group Army
28th New Chinese Division

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wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri May 18, 2012 7:47 pm

Summary of Operations 11/20/42

Eastern Pacific: US BB California torpedoed and sunk NE of Pearl Harbor while enroute to the mainland US to complete repair of damage from 12/7/41. BB California had been moving at 5 kts when attacked, no possibility of evading torpedoes. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Lahaina at 184,105 (NE of Oahu)

Japanese Ships
SS I-171

Allied Ships
BB California, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
DMS Lamberton
DMS Boggs
DM Breese
DMS Dorsey

SS I-171 launches 4 torpedoes at BB California (all four hit)
I-171 diving deep ....
DM Breese fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS Dorsey fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected in adjacent hex SW of Alliford Bay off the Canadian west coast (hex location 198, 47). A float plane from this sub was also reported over Alliford Bay base. Movement of this sub is reported on a W heading and not expected to pose a threat to Allied ship movements.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/19 reports heavy volume of Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows aircraft based there, ship(s) anchored in port – both of these as expected. No other visible Jap forces or activity.

South Pacific: Contacts by PBY Catalina air patrols operating from Tahiti and Christmas Is continue. Both contacts remain well away from current locations of any Allied naval or transport shipping TF’s.

The Jap contact reported near Malden Is continues moving eastward past Malden Is and now E of Malden. Current hex location of this contact is 180, 152. The contact continues to show a TF containing two ships, one now identified as an AMC. It’s now more likely the Malden Is contact is one or more Jap surface raiders rather than a sub patrol. Pillager had operated a variety of ships as surface raiders in our previous CHS game, employing AMC and CS ships in this role – in the last game, many of the Jap surface raiders were eliminated by Allied surface naval TF’s sent out to intercept them. A similar antidote may be required this time around.

Contact has been lost with Jap submarine I-29 previously reported at Christmas Is.

The Jap contact reported near Tahiti is now confirmed to be a submarine. Current hex location of this contact is hex location 172, 179 (adjacent hex SW Tahiti). Reported movement of this contact continues to be a W heading.

No Japanese air activity this game turn over Suva. The “welcome mat” (2 F4F Wildcat squadrons) remains activated.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Monji Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown

DEI: Sigint entry from 11/19 is indicating elements of Japanese 52nd Infantry Division are now located in the DEI, it appears parts or all of 52 Division have been transferred from the Japanese Home Islands to the DEI. The Sigint report entry states that the “A” sub-unit of 52 Division is now located at Tjilatjap on Java – no information regarding 52 Division’s “B” and “C” sub-units. Last reported location of 52 Division was Kanazawa (Honshu) on 8/31/42. Two other Jap divisions (53rd and 54th) are known to be currently located on Java after transfer to the DEI from the Japanese Home Islands.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF’s in harbor, 34 aircraft (34 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s. Situation here appears to be static for the moment.

China: Japanese ground bombardments continue along southern front outside Chungking.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat May 19, 2012 8:11 pm

Summary of Operations 11/21/42

Japanese Home Islands: US sub patrol intercepts Japanese transport TF due south of Tokyo. AAR follows

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Sub attack near Aogashima at 113,67 (SE of Aogashima)

Japanese Ships
xAK Seisyo Maru
xAK Enzyu Maru
PB Nagata Maru

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

SS Seadragon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Seisyo Maru
Seadragon diving deep ....
PB Nagata Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected on 11/20 SW of Alliford Bay off the Canadian west coast (hex location 198, 47) spotted this game turn by Canadian naval air search and remains stationary at this hex location. Reported movement of this sub continues to be on a W heading. A Canadian surface ASW task force enroute to Prince Rupert is being diverted to this hex location for a possible attack on the sub.

South Pacific: PBY Catalina air search patrols from Christmas Is remain in contact with the Jap contact reported earlier near Malden Is. Current hex location of this contact is now 187, 147 (ESE of Christmas Is) and reported moving on a NE heading. The contact shows as a TF now containing 4 ships, one of them still identified as an AMC. As this contact now appears to almost definitely be a Jap surface raider TF, transport convoy WP-27 enroute to Christmas Is from the mainland US has been ordered to stop and await additional escort ships (several cruisers and DD’s) dispatched to join the convoy before continuing. Convoy WP-27’s current position is not near the Jap contact, though quite possibly continued NE movement of the Jap contact could put it near the convoy’s position or its projected route to Christmas Is.

Contact has not been re-established with Jap submarine I-29 previously reported at Christmas Is.

The unidentified Jap submarine reported near Tahiti was spotted again by PBY Catalina naval search patrol and reported stationary at hex location 172, 179 (adjacent hex SW of Tahiti), its reported movement still on a W heading.

No Allied transport shipping or naval TF’s are in the immediate area of either contact above.

Ship collision reported between two xAK in transport convoy WP-23 now approaching Auckland. Minor damage reported to both xAK involved in the collision – both ships remain in the convoy and expected to reach Auckland with no significant difficulty. Collisions are quite definitely among the risks of operating ships together in medium to large size TF’s.

Damaged US fleet sub Salmon torpedoed and sank by Jap submarine in a night action. SS Salmon had been severely damaged on 11/15/42 from several actions near Rabaul and was attempting to reach Australia when attacked. AAR follows.

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Sub vs Sub: SS RO-68 attacking SS Salmon at 103,133 (adjacent hex W of Woodlark Island)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-68

Allied Ships
SS Salmon, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

SS RO-68 launches 2 torpedoes at 1,000 yards

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Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/20 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: AMC Gokoku Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown

A Sigint entry for 11/20 reports intercepted radio transmissions from one or more unidentified Jap TF(s) now detected at hex location 117, 129 NE of Ontong Java. No information is available as to composition or movement of the Jap TF(s).

Sigint entries for 11/20 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul and Lunga. Detected statuses of the two bases show undetermined Jap aircraft based at both Rabaul and Lunga, also ship(s) in port at Rabaul. No other visible Jap forces or activity shown at either location.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF’s in harbor, 36 aircraft (36 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

Dutch sub O-21 on patrol in the Andaman Sea reports contact with Japanese surface ASW west of Tavoy. Jap ASW task force appears to be bound for Rangoon. No combat occurred.

China: Latest AAR’s of Japanese attacks along southern front outside Chungking follow.

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Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30625 troops, 322 guns, 136 vehicles, Assault Value = 871
Defending force 21984 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 943
Japanese adjusted assault: 436
Allied adjusted defense: 739
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
724 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 32 (1 destroyed, 31 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
957 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

Assaulting units:
17th Tank Regiment
110th Division
39th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
37th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 73,42 (S of Chengtu)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28127 troops, 236 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 871
Defending force 13669 troops, 152 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 336

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

Assaulting units:
104th Division
35th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
10th Group Army
28th New Chinese Division

johnjohn · Post by **johnjohn** » Sat May 19, 2012 11:56 pm

John commenting. Those recent attacks in China look awful, with the loss of numerous squads while only disabling most of the enemy. 90,000 plus attacking is scary. Seems to me that the inevitable fall is just weeks away. Rats.

The loss of California is not significant, although it would have been nice later in the war to bombard somewhere with her. I have been a little more fortunate in evacuating my old ladies, most of which are nearly complete with two year long repairs. I am just now (Dec 1, 1943,) bringing four to Munda to utilize in bombarding Truk. Two more will be ready soon, but will not be involved in the Truk campaign. Unfortunately, I lost three early in the game trying to stop the enemy advance. Land based torpedo attacks. Tough lesson. Evac'd the rest almost immediately, using all available ASW to clear the way to the west coast.

I am attacking today in Madang, the 43rd division against a mixed matched secondary unit defense effort. The 3rd Aussie Division and 1st Cav are a couple of days march away, but both are designated to continue moving up the coast. Hansa Bay is the stopping point to reorganize, bring up reserves and supplies, and prepare to move further west, hopefully with amphibious support rather than marching. The fact is, McA is hampered by three Aussie divisions having gone to India early on to help hold the line. He does not have that much to work with, although three other divisions are holding rear areas and should be available to rejoin the main effort soon. Fortunately, intel and recon show very little enemy buildup along the coast. McA may not have much to work with, but it seems more than enough at the moment.

Several Amphib Headquarters are in theatre and both the 5th Fleet and 3rd Fleet have arrived on the west coast. Am hustling them to Pearl and then to the action areas. Another learning, how to use these headquarters.

Am near to invasion of Eniwetok, with several Fast Carrier TFs reducing the defenders. Eniwetok has not been built up. It is one reason I am looking at Truk, a major base, as the anchor for the Mariana's campaign. Munda, a well developed and well defended base has been chosen as the staging area for the Truk invasion. Numerous units, fuel and supply, are presently enroute. It will take several months to stage everything. In the meantime I will secure the Marshalls. All of invaders except for the 2nd Marines need time to reequip. 8 divisions are available for Truk and the Mariana's. This is getting interesting and complicated. I expected that. BTW the submarine effort is really having an effect. Getting three or four enemy vessels each day.

Still watching and waiting as you prepare your comeback. Just think, in the next six months you will vastly outnumber Pillager with your carriers and most will be equipped with much better fighters. The days to come should be even more fun, as if that is possible. Good luck. John

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Wed May 23, 2012 12:14 am

johnjohn,

Repair of the old US BB's damaged on 12/7/41 went rather quickly in my case, all but two repaired and fully operational by mid-1942. BB's California and West Virginia being the two still under repair - both with heavy damage and both still at Pearl Harbor. What became apparent was leaving the two BB's together in shipyard at Pearl Harbor added considerably to the projected repair times of each ship. With the two BB kept together, the projected date for BB West Virginia completing its repair was beyond the end of the campaign, BB California's completion date sometime in 1945. I also observed that taking one of the damaged BB's in Pearl Harbor out of shipyard repair mode considerably shortened the projected repair time of the BB that remained in the shipyard.

Thus, the decision to take BB California (the least damaged of the two ships) out of Pearl Harbor and transfer to a shipyard in the mainland US was made. Executing this transfer did have a number of risk factors, most of all BB California capable of only 5 kts speed which left it with a 28-day transit time to cover the 56 hex distance (direct route) from Pearl Harbor to San Francisco. The slow movement of BB California leaving it highly vulnerable to any form of Japanese attack as events proved out. The critical part of BB California's journey was the first 5-6 game turns out of Pearl Harbor in which it passed through the sea areas in its movement path most likely to contain a Jap submarine (BB California sunk on the third day out from Pearl) - the risk of interception by a Jap sub decreasing significantly beyond those 5-6 days.

Moving BB California was a moderate-risk, moderate-reward proposition. Pillager could have had no Jap submarine in that area and California would now be well on its way to repair on the US West Coast. A poker hand played and lost.

...in the next six months you will vastly outnumber Pillager with your carriers and most will be equipped with much better fighters. The days to come should be even more fun, as if that is possible.

At this point in our game, neither Pillager nor I have yet to lose a single fleet carrier. Counting Junyo and Hiyo, the Japanese currently have an 8-6 numerical advantage. And I have nothing at this time (11/42) to match the Baby KB. Six months from now may not yet be the time to strike - though if Pillager gives me an opening, or I come up with one of my own...

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Wed May 23, 2012 12:18 am

Summary of Operations 11/22/42

Japanese Home Islands: US sub patrol intercepts a Jap transport TF south of Tokyo. No movement information on the Jap TF is available. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 114,74 (ENE of Chichi Jima)

Japanese Ships
xAK Mitimei Maru
xAK Argun Maru
xAK Ume Maru
PB Seikyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

SS Sturgeon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Mitimei Maru
Sturgeon diving deep ....
PB Seikyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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North Pacific: Contact lost with Jap submarine off (SW of) Alliford Bay. Canadian surface ASW arrives at location of the contact (hex 198, 47), does not find or engage the Jap sub.

Eastern Pacific: PBY Catalina air search patrols from Christmas Is remain in contact with the Jap contact reported earlier near Malden Is. The new current hex location of this contact is now 194, 142 (E of Christmas Is) and reported moving NE at 16 kts. The Jap contact is now showing as a TF with two ships, one of them now identified as an AV. What I’m beginning to suspect is that Pillager may have this force on a probing mission to pick up Allied shipping entering the map from the Panama Canal, its present movement taking it in that general direction.

Escort ships (CA Quincy, 2 Omaha class CL, 7 DD) dispatched from the mainland US have met and merged with transport convoy WP-27 (three xAK) bound for Christmas Is. Convoy WP-27 is now continuing movement to Christmas Is with its escort. A turn to the north by the Jap contact will take it near the projected movement path of WP-27 and a possible surface engagement with the convoy’s escort. Current plans are for WP-27’s escort to engage the Jap surface raiders if they come near enough for a contact. I have to consider a small possibility the KB may be about, but PBY Catalina air patrols would likely have encountered it (KB ships) and/or its CAP fighters by now if it was prowling this far eastward.

Transport convoy WP-26 (36 transports, currently unescorted) bound to the South Pacific from the mainland US has reversed course back toward the US west coast as it could face possible interception in 2-3 days if the convoy continues moving southward and Jap surface raiders remain on their present course. In this instance, discretion is the better part of valor. A delay of convoy WP-26 has no effect on current operations underway or planned in the South Pacific, the delay otherwise being a relatively minor inconvenience.

It is expected contact will be lost with the Jap surface raiders next game turn as the Jap force is moving eastward beyond the range of PBY naval search from Christmas Is with no other Allied force in position to maintain the contact.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/21 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island – these planes previously observed. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at Roi-Namur.

South Pacific: No further contact reported with the unidentified Jap submarine detected near Tahiti.

Transport convoy WP-23 (51 ships) arrives this game turn in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard convoy WP-23 includes six LCU’s (4 USMC Raider Bn, 5 USMC Defence Bn, 131 Combat Engineer Rgt, 822/823 Engineer Aviation Bn, 24 & 36 Seabee Bns), two USAAF fighter squadrons (50 P-39 & P-40 aircraft total), 169K supply and 190K fuel.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/21 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Taifuku Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
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 Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Kamo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown

Australia: Fast transport convoy EX-19 (8 ships) arrives this game turn from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard convoy EX-19 includes 178 USAAF Base Force, USMC fighter squadron VMF-111 (18 F4F aircraft), 41K supply, 2K fuel.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF’s in harbor (-2 from last report), 40 aircraft (40 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: A group of seven unidentified Jap LCU’s were detected this game turn – moving from south to north along the Tsuyung-Chengtu road. These Jap LCU are expected to enter the front lines within the next several game turns and will reinforce the push now underway by Jap 35th & 104th Infantry Divisions and 2 Ind Mixed Brigade towards Chengtu from the south. Current situation map of Chungking area follows.

Latest AAR’s of Japanese attacks along southern front outside Chungking follow.

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Ground combat at 75,47 (SE of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 410 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 818
Defending force 21168 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 844

Assaulting units:
17th Tank Regiment
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
39th Division
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
20th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 73,42 (S of Chengtu) – see situation map above

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28414 troops, 236 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 902
Defending force 13647 troops, 149 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 335

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

Assaulting units:
104th Division
35th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
28th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
10th Group Army
28th New Chinese Division

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri May 25, 2012 1:50 am

Summary of Operations 11/23/42

Eastern Pacific: PBY Catalina air search patrols from Christmas Island lose contact with the spotted Jap surface raider TF(s). This development was expected as continued eastward movement of the Jap contact would take it beyond flight range of the PBY’s at Christmas Is. No other contact with the Jap surface raiders reported.

Central Pacific: US sub patrol intercepts small Jap transport TF. No movement or other information available on this contact. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Ponape at 118,121 (S of Ponape)

Japanese Ships
PB Kyo Maru #8
xAK Horai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Gar

SS Gar launches 2 torpedoes at PB Kyo Maru #8
Gar diving deep ....
PB Kyo Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sigint entry for 11/22 reports heavy volume of Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows undetermined aircraft based on the island, also ship(s) in port (both as expected). Otherwise, no visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Truk.

Sigint entry for 11/22 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro. Detected status of Majuro shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Jap submarine enters Auckland harbor, torpedoes three loaded ships from convoy WP-23. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Auckland - 115,185

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
TK Esso Richmond, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)

TK Esso Richmond is sighted by SS I-24
SS I-24 launches 4 torpedoes at TK Esso Richmond

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Auckland - 115,185

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
xAK Golden Gate, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 38, float 94, engine 12, fire 22)

xAK Golden Gate is sighted by SS I-24
SS I-24 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Golden Gate

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Auckland - 115,185

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
xAK Henry S Grove, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)

xAK Henry S Grove is sighted by SS I-24
SS I-24 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Henry S Grove

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

A quick investigation of the situation in Auckland revealed several findings.

(1) No surface ASW or ASW air patrols covering Auckland base hex itself. While considerable attention has been given to providing ASW escorts for incoming and departing transport convoys, this coverage had not been extended to transport ships during the time they are in Auckland. There are ample surface ASW ships based in the South Pacific theatre where ASW coverage of the Auckland base hex can be quickly implemented, particularly during times when transport convoys are present in Auckland.

(2) The size of convoy WP-23 relative to Auckland’s port capacity. Despite Auckland being fully expanded to a size 9 port, the dock facilities in Auckland were not sufficient to handle docking of all ships in convoy WP-23 at the same time. This problem being a matter of both the number of ships (51) in the convoy and the total size of all the transports in the convoy. Auckland’s dock capacity was completely filled with 31 ships from the convoy docked and unloading, the remaining 20 ships “at sea” in the Auckland base hex awaiting their turn at the docks (some of these 20 ships already begun unloading in an undocked state). It should be noted that all three torpedoed ships in the AAR’s above were from among the 20 ships “at sea” inside Auckland and awaiting dock space.

Several conclusions from this investigation…

(a) Implementation of surface ASW patrols within major base hexes near the front-line areas. This policy was being done all along at Pearl Harbor and major ports on the US West Coast since 12/7/41 – this concept will need to be expanded to Auckland and the main ports in Australia initially, then to major ports elsewhere. For the most part, this solution should be completed easily as surface ASW ships are available in both Australia and the South Pacific to do this.

(b) Procedures to process unloading of transport convoys in major destination ports, particularly Australia, New Zealand and some locations in India. While the use of large transport convoys to these ports should not be discontinued, the handling of loaded ships from these convoys that are waiting for dock space merits examination.

Current practice has large convoys being divided into several components (TF’s) upon arrival at a major destination port (i.e. Auckland) – usually one TF containing ships unloading at dock, a second TF of loaded ships awaiting dock space for unloading, and occasionally a TF of empty ships being formed for departure. The security problem exposed in the Auckland sub attack is with ships in undocked TF’s either waiting for dock space to unload or unloaded ships waiting to depart.

One solution to this is to disband TF’s with undocked ships in the destination base hex and keep them at anchor until either there is dock space for the ship to unload, or the convoy is finished unloading and being re-formed for departure.

(c) Convoy size. As stated earlier, convoy WP-23 was too large for dock facilities in Auckland to handle all its ships at the same time. While a simple solution is to reduce size of the convoys, the end result of this solution creates more convoys and more opportunities for Japanese interception at sea while going to and from a destination. There are instances where size of a given convoy can be reduced, though plans are to mostly retain current convoy sizes as is for the moment with some exceptions.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/22 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: AK Toa Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 14 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF’s in harbor, 40 aircraft (40 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: The seven unidentified Jap LCU’s detected this game turn S of Chengtu now reached the front lines – this shown in the second AAR below.

Latest AAR’s of Japanese attacks along southern front outside Chungking follow.

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 410 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 838
Defending force 21182 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 846

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

Assaulting units:
39th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Tank Regiment
110th Division
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
75th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 73,42 (S of Chengtu)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30254 troops, 347 guns, 177 vehicles, Assault Value = 931
Defending force 13612 troops, 149 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 334

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
104th Division
35th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion **
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment **
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment **
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion **
23rd Army **
2nd Mortar Battalion **
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion **

Defending units:
28th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
10th Group Army
28th New Chinese Division

** Japanese LCU’s entering the front line as reinforcements this game turn. These units were previously engaged in Southern China and transferred back northward.

johnjohn · Post by **johnjohn** » Fri May 25, 2012 4:35 pm

Myitkyina, Madang fall to invaders. December 43 sees the Chindit Raid taking Katha and now Myitkyina with several other Chindit units one hex from "Whatsup". I have activated two British Units held back in India (III Corps India) and transferred them to the 14th US Army in order to transfer them in as garrisons. The Chindits will move on towards Lashio. Good units and their HQ is with them, but they withdraw at the end of 44. So...whatever I am going to get out of them I need to get now. Hence bringing in good units behind them. Plan is to build up the airfields, occupy them with the 14th AAF Chinese fighters and bombers training at Karachi, and start pressuring the enemy airfields in the area. I am shooting down numerous enemy aircraft near Imphal, so hitting their bases may help diminish their enthusiasm for going after me. Madang was wide open and the 43rd Inf Div marched in an secured it without any difficulty. The 3rd Aussie Div is racing for Hansa Bay. Looks like McA will have an easy time of it. Next for SWPAC is to bring up the reserves, reorganize the fighting units, then to pull up some shipping and start hoppin down NG.

I have the 33rd Inf division heading to Eniwetok to evict the enemy. I do not expect significant difficulties there either.

The submarine campaign is heating up. I have more subs on patrol and results are improving. I also have floating docks at Kwajalene and Noumea. Intrepid is on the way from the East Coast and will team up with Cabot at Balboa and then head for Pearl. The debarked Essex Air Group is ready to swap out with Intrepid, having trained up for the last six months.

Truk may be a hard nut to crack. Intel has a division and other combat units entrenched there. This could be messy. But that is still a couple of months off.

Iowa and Missouri arrive in the next two months. Sara and Wasp will refit in January 44. Troops, Air groups, and ships are arriving in droves. Amazing. BTW--I finally did have a collision, two APAs banged into each other. Both survived. Lucky me.

John

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat May 26, 2012 12:05 pm

johnjohn,

Way ahead of me... it does look as if you're moving ahead well, though.

At this point, my plans for strategic offensive in the Pacific are rather "fuzzy", viewing the big picture right now rather than looking at specific objectives or lines of advance. There were some trends that were beginning to develop in my last CHS game vs Pillager that could be worth following this time in AE if they prove valid and acting on these trends is the best path to an Allied victory.

That being said, at least the early phases of an Allied strategic offensive could well center around attrition rather than the capture of real estate. Destroy the enemy forces first, the real estate will quickly follow.

Attrition would likely be focused on the destruction of Japanese air (first) then naval forces. In our last CHS match, the Japanese LBA air forces were on their way to being decimated by mid to late-1944, this leaving the still-intact KB as the primary remaining source of Japanese air power. At some point thereafter, the KB would have to be committed, quite possibly in a situation where Allied forces have some level of advantage. Destruction of the KB under this scenario would mark the end of effective Japanese air power.

With the end of Japanese air power (carrier and LBA), search and destroy of IJN surface forces is next. If it floats, it's sunk, regardless of type or size.

Once the above steps are accomplished, what remains is a collection of Japanese-held islands, each one isolated from the other, all isolated from the Japanese home islands and sources of supply.

How well the theory plays out in practice, who knows... Last and far from least, Pillager's plans have to be taken into account. Samoa in our last CHS game became "Verdun in the Pacific", this time I'd rather find the Ardennes and attack through there.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat May 26, 2012 12:09 pm

Summary of Operations 11/24/42

North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine re-appears in adjacent hex SW of Alliford Bay on the Canadian West Coast (hex location 198, 47). A floatplane from this sub was also reported over Alliford Bay base hex.

Pillager likes this hex location for some unknown reason despite the fact this hex does not lie along any movement routes being used for Allied ship movements between Seattle/Vancouver and the North Pacific theatre area – my general policy for ship movement routes being to get them out into the open sea and away from the coast as quickly as possible (this applied even to coastal shipping). Two things being accomplished by this policy of ship movement – (1) accurately positioning submarines to intercept opposing ships is more difficult in open sea areas than in a coastal area, and (2) ships moving in open sea are more easily re-routed past detected enemy subs.

Canadian surface ASW is being dispatched to the location again to find and attack the Jap sub if possible.

Eastern Pacific: No contact reported this game turn with the (suspected) Jap surface raider TF east of Christmas Is. My estimate has leaned towards the possibility the Jap raiders are moving towards the “outlet” from the Panama Canal off-map base to pick up any Allied ships entering the map from Panama moving westward toward the South Pacific. If so, Pillager will be finding nothing but empty sea.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/23 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Marcus Is. Detected status of Marcus Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Jap submarine off Auckland intercepts departing transport convoy PW-31A (empty ships from convoy WP-23), sub was attacked and damaged by the convoy’s ASW escort. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Auckland at 118,185 (E of Auckland)

Japanese Ships
SS I-7, hits 2 (one direct hit, also a report of torpedo tube damage on the second hit)

Allied Ships
AK Algorab
AK Alchiba
AK Bellatrix
xAK William Williams
xAK William C. Claiborne
xAK Jane Addams
xAK Cleveland Abbe
xAK Masaya
xAK Mormacsul
DD John D. Edwards

SS I-7 is sighted by escort
DD John D. Edwards attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Emergency repair to one of the 3 transport ships torpedoed in Auckland on 11/23 (xAK Golden Gate) has kept it from sinking – the ship is now in shipyard at Auckland with an estimated 54 day repair time.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/23 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Heito 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: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 8, Moving Northwest

Sigint entries for 11/23 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul and Noumea. Detected statuses of the two bases show undetermined Jap planes based at both Rabaul and Noumea, also Jap ship(s) at anchor in Rabaul – all this as expected. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at either Rabaul or Noumea.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF’s in harbor (+3 from last report), 44 aircraft (44 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: Japanese ground advance breaks through south of Chengtu, bombardment attack along southern front outside Chungking. AAR’s follow.

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 410 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 870
Defending force 65 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
17th Tank Regiment
110th Division
138th Infantry Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
22nd Artillery Regiment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 73,42 (S of Chengtu)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30456 troops, 347 guns, 177 vehicles, Assault Value = 952
Defending force 13567 troops, 148 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 335
Japanese adjusted assault: 718
Allied adjusted defense: 220
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
588 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
3163 casualties reported
Squads: 221 destroyed, 58 disabled
Non Combat: 188 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 33 (24 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Units retreated 6

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
104th Division
35th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
23rd Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
10th Group Army
28th New Chinese Division

Crackaces · Post by **Crackaces** » Sat May 26, 2012 1:28 pm

Truk may be a hard nut to crack. Intel has a division and other combat units entrenched there. This could be messy. But that is still a couple of months off.

I have looked at this closely in my game. I find that an atoll is usally easily planned for. Take the stacking limits and drop in 2:1 AV and enough stuff to depopulate the Atoll of life [8D]

But In my opinion, There are three main obsticles to taking Truk.

1. Big Naval guns. Not the usual 150 or even 170 mm but 200 mm Shore batteries .. backed with 88 mm flak batteries so 4E's will have a time neutralizing the naval fortress. And more targets makes it less likely the bombers will target the fortress.

2. Mines. The ACM's have to be neutralized. Minesweepers will be crushed by #1 above.

3. Stacking size ... I am using the stacking limits map but 25,000 stacking means that multiple shock attacks using lots of troops and supply will be required to devoid this atoll of IJA ...

I estimated 3 months minimum to isolate the port, neutralize the airabse, bomb the fuel supply/hit the ACM's, hit ground units and attrite the fortress, and at the same time assemble invasion forces required to take this atoll.

After a discourse with Alfred --I am leaning on going around ... [8D]

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun May 27, 2012 8:58 pm

Summary of Operations 11/25/42

Eastern Pacific: No contact this game turn with the (suspected) Jap surface raider TF east of Christmas Is.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/24 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island (aircraft previously detected there), otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Jap submarine I-7 engaged off Auckland on 11/24 by ASW escorts from transport convoy PW-31A is reported sunk.

It turns out the unidentified object in the harbor protection net at Auckland reported here on 11/6/42 was indeed a Jap midget submarine, as confirmed in the 11/24 Operations Report entry that follows.

SSX Ha-5 is reported to have been sunk near Auckland on Nov 06, 1942

Small Jap transport TF intercepted by Allied sub patrol off Munda. Jap task force is reported moving on a NW heading, probably returning to Rabaul. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Munda at 110,135 (adjacent hex SW of Munda)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Meiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
DMS W-8

Allied Ships
SS KXV

SS KXV launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Meiko Maru
KXV diving deep ....
DMS W-8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/24 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
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: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown

Sigint entries for 11/24 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Noumea, Port Moresby and Thousand Ships Bay. Detected statuses of Noumea and Port Moresby show undetermined Jap planes based at each location. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at Noumea, Port Moresby or Thousand Ships Bay.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF’s in harbor, 54 aircraft (54 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

Allied sub patrol covering sea approaches to Rangoon engaged by Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tavoy at 52,57 (SW of Moulmein)

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-27
SC CHa-8
PB Hong Kong Maru

Allied Ships
SS O21

SS O21 is located by SC CHa-27
PB Hong Kong Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
SC CHa-27 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

China: Japanese ground assault forms bridgehead across river line outside Chungking. Situation map and AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,45 (adjacent hex S of Chungking)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 74979 troops, 695 guns, 222 vehicles, Assault Value = 2638
Defending force 47432 troops, 566 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1664
Japanese adjusted assault: 1743
Allied adjusted defense: 236
Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
8156 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 832 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 73 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 60 disabled
Guns lost 57 (1 destroyed, 56 disabled)
Vehicles lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
12667 casualties reported
Squads: 557 destroyed, 305 disabled
Non Combat: 686 destroyed, 199 disabled
Engineers: 25 destroyed, 40 disabled
Guns lost 313 (136 destroyed, 177 disabled)
Units retreated 17

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
34th Division
13th Division
15th Division
36th Division
40th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
79th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
14th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
55th Prov Chinese Division
74th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
6th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
29th Group Army
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Mon May 28, 2012 8:28 pm

Summary of Operations 11/26/42

Canada: Unidentified Jap submarine detected at hex location 205, 52 (WSW of Victoria), reported moving on a SE heading.

Eastern Pacific: No contact this game turn with the (suspected) Jap surface raider TF east of Christmas Is.

South Pacific: A new Jap submarine contact is detected and engaged off Auckland by ASW escorts returning to base for replenishment. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Auckland at 117,185 (E of Auckland)

Japanese Ships
SS I-23

Allied Ships
DD Edsall
DD John D. Edwards

SS I-23 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Edsall
I-23 diving deep ....
DD John D. Edwards attacking submerged sub ....
DD John D. Edwards is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/25 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 6, Moving Southeast

Sigint entry for 11/25 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kavieng. Detected status of Kavieng shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. No evidence of port or airfield construction activity seen at Kavieng.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF’s in harbor (-3 from last report), 44 aircraft (44 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: Situation quiet this game turn.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue May 29, 2012 7:18 pm

Summary of Operations 11/27/42

North Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/26 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Paramushiro Jima. Detected status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current intelligence data has one Jap LCU (302 Ind Infantry Bn) and a static fortress located at Paramushiro, this indicating a possibility Pillager is not likely engaging in a build-up of the North Pacific beyond defensive purposes. Current airfield size at Paramushiro is 4(4), no detected expansion of port facilities.

Canada: Unidentified Jap submarine now detected at hex location 207, 51 (W of Victoria), reported moving on a NW heading. Canadian surface ASW forces are pursuing this contact.

Central Pacific: US sub patrol engages Jap surface ASW off the Marshalls. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kusaie Island at 127,116 (SW of Kwajalein)

Japanese Ships
PB Takuna Maru #7
PB Senyu Maru #2
PB Mikitade Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at PB Takuna Maru #7
Tunny diving deep ....
PB Mikitade Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Takuna Maru #7 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Sigint entry for 11/26 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Mili (Marshall Islands). Detected status of Mili shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, also no visible evidence of port or airfield construction.

Another Sigint entry for 11/26 reports intercepted radio transmissions from unidentified Japanese TF(s) at hex location 107, 110 (WSW of Truk). No information as to numbers, size, composition or movement of the TF(s) is available. Location of the Jap TF(s) appears to indicate it/they could be moving between Truk and Rabaul in either direction.

Report from a Sigint entry for 11/26 indicates Pillager is transferring at least a small number of Jap LCU(s) from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria) to reinforce garrisons in the Pacific theatres. This particular Sigint entry reports Jap 6 Independent Heavy Artillery Bn is now located on Guam – this LCU last reported in Port Arthur on 8/03/42.

South Pacific: Jap submarine contact (probably I-23) remains detected in hex location 117, 185 outside (E of) Auckland. Allied surface ASW is being dispatched to attack the sub.

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/26 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 0, Moving Northwest

DEI: Dutch sub K-XVI on patrol near southern exit of Sunda Strait (between Java & Sumatra) spots a probable Jap surface ASW TF (3 ships). No reported combat.

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), 43 aircraft (43 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: Situation again quiet this game turn.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu May 31, 2012 9:44 pm

Summary of Operations 11/28/42

Central Pacific: Jap transport TF intercepted and attacked by two separate US sub patrols near Bikini. Locations of the two attacks indicate general movement heading of the Jap TF appears to be NW (likely departing from Kwajalein with possible destination the Japanese Home Islands). AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bikini at 130,112 (NW of Kwajalein)

Japanese Ships
AK Nagara Maru
AK Asakasan Maru
AK Goyo Maru
PB Tama Maru

Allied Ships
SS Gato

SS Gato launches 2 torpedoes at AK Nagara Maru
PB Tama Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bikini at 129,112 (NW of Kwajalein)

Japanese Ships
AK Nagara Maru
PB Hayakafuku Maru
AK Seia Maru
AK Asakasan Maru
xAK Surabaya Maru
PB Tama Maru

Allied Ships
SS Thresher

SS Thresher launches 2 torpedoes at AK Nagara Maru
Thresher diving deep ....
PB Tama Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

South Pacific: Jap submarine I-23 remains stationary off Auckland, attacked and possibly damaged by US surface ASW. Surface ASW ordered to maintain contact with I-23 and continue to attack as long as a contact is maintained. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Auckland at 117,185 (E of Auckland)

Japanese Ships
SS I-23, hits 2 (one hit reported to fuel tanks - leaking oil)

Allied Ships
SC-700
SC-699
SC-702
SC-701

SS I-23 launches 2 torpedoes at SC-700
SC-702 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/27 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AV Sanyo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 7, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,132 near Fergusson Island, Speed 13, Moving West

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 39 aircraft (39 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: Situation once again quiet this game turn.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:36 pm

Summary of Operations 11/29/42

US West Coast: Unidentified Jap submarine remains off sea approaches to Seattle/Vancouver (WSW of Victoria), sub continues to be tracked by US and Canadian surface ASW forces and naval air patrols. Pillager has this sub either operating on a set patrol zone pattern or he’s moving the sub “manually” to evade attack by Allied surface ASW. In any event, the Jap sub is not a major concern to Allied shipping beyond the obvious need for ASW escorts in all TF’s and convoys moving through the area.

Central Pacific: US sub patrol intercepts Jap transport TF AAR’s follow.

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Sub attack near Truk at 108,112 (SW of Truk)

Japanese Ships
xAK Kirisima Maru
PB Chiyo Maru #4
AK Yamasimo Maru
AK Azumasan Maru
AK Tosan Maru
TK Nanrei Maru
TK Juko Maru
xAK Macassar Maru
xAK Konan Maru
PB Kosin Maru #3
PB Kensyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kirisima Maru
Haddo diving deep ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kensyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Truk at 108,112 (SW of Truk)

Japanese Ships
xAK Konan Maru
PB Heimei Maru
AK Yamasimo Maru
AK Azumasan Maru
TK Nanrei Maru
TK Juko Maru
xAK Macassar Maru
xAK Kirisima Maru
PB Kosin Maru #3
PB Kensyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Konan Maru
Haddo diving deep ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kensyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Small Japanese transport (possibly unescorted) intercepted and sunk by US sub patrol. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Truk at 112,116 (due S of Truk, SW of Ponape)

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

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

xAKL Kayo Maru is sighted by SS Albacore
SS Albacore launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Kayo Maru

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

Sigint entry for 11/28 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Mili. Detected status of Mili shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, also no evidence of port or airfield construction activity.

Another Sigint entry for 11/28 reports heavy volume of Jap radio signals from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows the expected Jap aircraft based on the island, also ship(s) anchored in port – no specific information on either of these. Otherwise, no visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Contact lost with Jap sub I-23 off Auckland.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/28 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 5 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: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 7, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 5, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 7 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 0, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, 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), 45 aircraft (45 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

Sigint entry for 11/28 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Moulmein. Detected status of Moulmein shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

China: Overall situation continues to be quiet. Movements of Japanese ground forces appear to indicate Pillager is likely to move first against Chengtu with forces from the southern front before launching an assault on Chungking itself. Northern front remains quiet. A transfer of some Chinese forces from the northern to southern front has been underway. However, most of the Chinese force on the northern front remains in place to meet a potential secondary assault from the north and northwest.

Some activity is underway to recover remaining parts of the Chinese AF that are still within China for use with the Chinese Air Forces in India. Two CAF bomber squadrons with a full complement of planes and pilots were found at Chungking, both squadrons transferred to USAAF Tenth Air Force command and flown to Ledo from Chungking to continue operations from India. Three CAF fighter squadrons with no operational planes remain in Chungking – all three squadrons having withdrawal dates. All pilots that could be removed from the three CAF fighter squadrons were transferred to the reserve pilot pool for future employment with CAF squadrons now in India. The CAF squadrons still in Chungking are remaining on-map in China to the end – this as camouflage to create an indication that the CAF has been collected in Chungking for a final stand. In actuality, substantial elements of the Chinese Air Force (12 squadrons total) are based in India under Tenth USAAF command and now fully operational. The Chinese squadrons in India include all permanent CAF squadrons not having a withdrawal date.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:31 am

Summary of Operations 11/30/42

US West Coast: Unidentified Jap submarine remains off sea approaches to Seattle/Vancouver (WSW of Victoria), sub continues to be tracked by US and Canadian surface ASW forces and naval air patrols. Pillager has this sub either operating on a set patrol zone pattern or he’s moving the sub “manually” to evade attack by Allied surface ASW. In any event, the Jap sub is not a major concern to Allied shipping beyond the obvious need for ASW escorts in all TF’s and convoys moving through the area.

Central Pacific: US fleet sub Tautog attacked by Ki-21 Sally air patrol north of the Marianas (hex location 113, 83). Possible base locations from which the Ki-21 plane attacking SS Tautog originated include Iwo Jima, Marcus Is, or an undetermined airfield in the northern Marianas.

Sigint entry for 11/29 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. Port size at Jaluit is shown as expanded to size 3(1).

Sigint entry for 11/29 reports intercepted Jap radio signals from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. A size 1(0) airfield is shown at Baker Is.

Sigint entry for 11/29 reports intercepted Jap radio signals from Ocean Island. Detected status of Ocean Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, also no evidence of port or airfield construction activity.

US patrol sub engages Jap DD along the direct shipping route between Truk and Rabaul. No information available as to whether the Jap DD in this action is moving alone or attached to a TF with other ship(s). AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Truk at 108,112 (SW of Truk)

Japanese Ships
DD Niizuki

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes
DD Niizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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US patrol sub intercepts unescorted Jap transport in a daylight surface action. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Lihir at 112,122 (E of Kavieng)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Toshin Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Pogy, hits 2 (no reported damage)

xAKL Toshin Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy attacking on the surface

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

South Pacific: Several actions between Allied surface ASW and Jap submarines off Auckland. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Auckland at 122,185 (E of Auckland)

Japanese Ships
SS I-1

Allied Ships
DMS Perry
xAKL Hamakua
xAKL Georgian
DMS Elliot

SS I-1 is sighted by escort
I-1 diving deep ....
DMS Elliot attacking submerged sub ....
DMS Elliot loses contact with SS I-1
SS I-1 eludes ASW attack from DMS Elliot
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Auckland at 117,185 (E of Auckland)

Japanese Ships
SS I-23

Allied Ships
DD Chew
DD Pope
DD Schley

SS I-23 is located by DD Chew
I-23 diving deep ....
DD Chew attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-23 eludes ASW attack from DD Chew
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/29 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 5 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: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 6, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: AK Mikage Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 11, 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), 46 aircraft (46 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: Japanese begin ground assault on Niekiang on southern front. AAR and situation map follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Neikiang (75,44)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 49271 troops, 487 guns, 180 vehicles, Assault Value = 1675
Defending force 28270 troops, 170 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1180

Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
40th Division
36th Division
15th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
2nd Prov Chinese Corps

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:50 pm

Summary of Operations 12/01/42

US Fleet Subs and 12/42 Submarine Upgrades: Nearly all the 70 US fleet submarines currently in service are included in the 12/42 ship upgrade just starting this game turn. Plans for the 12/42 upgrade particularly address US fleet subs – not only upgrading the ships but also reviewing the current commanding officer of each individual sub and making command changes where required. To this point in the game, I have not given a great deal of attention to commanders on individual US fleet subs, basically going along with whatever commanding officer the AE game system put aboard the sub as it entered the game. Through 1942, commanders aboard individual US fleet subs have not been too critical from my perspective as I’ve employed these subs mainly for scouting and recon purposes rather than catch anything they manage to intercept and sink (a high torpedo dud rate not expected to produce many results).

With the arrival of improved US torpedoes in 1943, the potential role of US fleet subs is anticipated to be considerably greater than what it is now and was previously. The potentially greater role for these subs in 1943 and beyond require some attention be given to the officers commanding individual US fleet subs – command being more critical to effectively operate these subs with their increased capability.

The method employed to accomplish this will perform the 12/42 ship upgrade and the commanding officer change (as required) simultaneously for each individual US fleet sub as it completes the 12/42 upgrade – this also allows easier tracking of what subs have been done and those yet to be done. 18 subs are scheduled to begin 12/42 upgrade immediately, the remaining subs upgraded as they return to base from their current patrol operations and/or they can be taken “offline”. Command changes for US fleet subs will take top priority for Allied PP expenditures (except as required for emergency) during the time this process is underway. Time estimate for the US fleet submarine upgrade is for full completion sometime in 1/43.

Game question: I’ve seen and read several threads in the forums on the subject of selecting commanding officers for ships (and other things). I’ve been trying to locate these threads again to review and re-read, haven’t found them yet. If any readers are an author of one of these threads or can provide direction to their location(s), any information would be appreciated.

US West Coast: Jap submarine off sea approaches to Seattle/Vancouver engaged by US surface ASW. Probable Jap float plane from this sub also reported flying over Puget Sound Defense LCU (Oak Harbor base hex). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria at 208,52 (WSW of Victoria)

Japanese Ships
SS I-26

Allied Ships
DD Kane
SC-643
SC-518
DD King

SS I-26 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kane
I-26 diving deep ....
DD King attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

South Pacific: No reported contact this game turn with Jap submarines off Auckland.

Sigint entry for 11/30 reports 13 JNAF Air Unit (base force) is now located in Noumea, this LCU being transferred to South Pacific theatre from the Japanese Home Islands (previous reported location Matsue).

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/30 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 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 Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 4 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 Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 5, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 5, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 15, Moving Southeast

Australia: Transport convoy EX-18 (66 transports, one AM) arrived this game turn in Australia from the Eastern US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 3 LCU’s, 7 air squadrons, 170K supply and 48K fuel.

Arriving air units include four USAAF 4E bomber squadrons (48 B-24 Liberators) and two USAAF fighter squadrons (50 P-40E) for SW Pacific command, plus one USMC dive bomber squadron for employment in South Pacific theatre. LCU’s arriving with the convoy include 222 USN Base Force, 32 Aviation Base Force and 177 Construction Rgt. The AM arriving with convoy EX-18 is remaining in Australia for future employment in South or SW Pacific theatres.

Southeast Asia: Sigint entry for 11/30 reports 3 Heavy Artillery Rgt is now located at Singapore, this LCU transferred here from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria). Possible employment of 3 Heavy Artillery Rgt could either be Burma or the DEI.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF’s in harbor, 54 aircraft (54 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

Dutch sub O-21 operating on patrol in the Andaman Sea reports contact with Japanese surface ASW (four ships including 2 PB, 1 LB) west of Tavoy moving on a SW heading. No reported combat occurred.

China: Japanese capture Niekiang, launch attack on northern front. AAR’s and situation map follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Neikiang (75,44)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 49389 troops, 487 guns, 180 vehicles, Assault Value = 1686
Defending force 28261 troops, 169 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1179
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 1001
Allied adjusted defense: 246
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Neikiang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2132 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 117 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled

Allied ground losses:
9076 casualties reported
Squads: 197 destroyed, 336 disabled
Non Combat: 243 destroyed, 100 disabled
Engineers: 40 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 82 (36 destroyed, 46 disabled)
Units retreated 6

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
40th Division
36th Division
15th Division
32nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
62nd Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
2nd Prov Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 80,43 (NW of Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14816 troops, 94 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 542
Defending force 9908 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 386
Japanese adjusted assault: 304
Allied adjusted defense: 370
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1103 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 49 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
553 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 88 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 44 (4 destroyed, 40 disabled)

Assaulting units:
58th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
40th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
24th Group Army
32nd Group Army

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 1:00 am

Summary of Operations 12/02/42

Japanese Home Islands: US sub Sturgeon reports attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol NE of Chichi Jima – the Jap plane in this action possibly operating from an airfield somewhere in the Bonin Island group. No hits or damage reported to SS Sturgeon.

Hawaii: Several Jap submarines detected near Oahu - one (unidentified) E of Pearl Harbor, one (identified as I-171) in adjacent hex NE of Pearl Harbor. I-171 was attacked and reported hit by a PBY Catalina air patrol. US surface ASW is being dispatched from Pearl Harbor to maintain contact with and if possible continue attack on I-171.

US West Coast: Jap submarine I-26 remains detected off the sea approaches to Seattle/Vancouver, sub was not engaged this game turn by US/Canadian ASW forces. Jap float plane continues flying over Puget Sound Defense LCU (Oak Harbor base hex).

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/01 reports heavy volume of Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows the expected aircraft based on the island and ship(s) anchored in port – no specific information shown for either ships or planes. No other Japanese forces or activity visible at Kwajalein. Current port size at Kwajalein is 3(2), airfield size 1(0). Japanese LCU’s located at Kwajalein from current intelligence data include Kwajalein Base Force, 6 & 26 Shipping Engineer Rgts, HQ 4th Fleet plus the static fortress LCU.

Multiple Sigint entries for 12/01 are reporting Jap radio transmissions from Nikunau (Gilbert Islands). Detected status of Nikunau is showing undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island. Current airfield size at Nikunau is 2(2), port size 1(0). Four Jap LCU’s are known to be at Nikunau from current intelligence data – including Ichiki Detachment, 22 Special Base Force, 113 JAAF AF Co, 4 JNAF Co. No other Japanese forces or activity visible at Nikunau.

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/01 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Lunga. Detected status of Lunga shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Lunga is 3(5), port size 3(1). Current intelligence data has four Jap LCU’s known to be located at Lunga – including Sasebo 6 SNLF, Yokosuka 2 SNLF, 15 JNAF AF Unit and 4 Naval Construction Bn.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 12/01 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 5, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 5, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 5, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
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 Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 4, Moving Southwest

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF’s in harbor, 43 aircraft (43 fighters, no bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 1:00 am

The Big Picture #13 – Return of the Dutch Air Force

All Dutch air squadrons starting the game in the DEI under restricted command and withdrawn from the game immediately before their bases in the DEI were captured by Japanese forces had re-entered the game as reinforcements at Aden in 10/42. Dutch squadrons re-entering the game appeared in the same restricted commands (MLD and ML-KNIL) they were attached to at the time they were withdrawn in early 1942.

Dutch AF squadrons did not return to the game as full-strength air units – the squadrons appeared to come back with planes and pilots each individual squadron had on-hand when it was withdrawn from the game earlier in 1942.

Aircraft replacement pools and the Reserve pilot pool for the Dutch AF remained mostly in the same condition as they existed at the time the DEI fell in early 1942. Training of new “rookie” pilots had stopped when the DEI fell and has not started again. Except for one plane type (PBY-5 Catalina), there are no Dutch plane types in current or future production. Production of the PBY-5 Catalina for the Dutch AF stops at the end of 12/42, after which there is no production of Dutch planes of any type.

The end result being strength of the Dutch AF is permanently limited to what is currently on hand – the total number of available pilots includes those currently assigned to a squadron or in the Reserve pilot pool, the number and type(s) of planes available limited to planes now in a squadron plus planes in the aircraft replacement pool. In summary, what belongs to the Dutch AF now is probably all there will ever be in the Dutch AF through 1945.

Given what’s stated above, plans are to rebuild only some of the Dutch air squadrons returning to the game and leave the rest as empty shells. Also, limited resources (pilots & planes) of the Dutch AF will greatly impact future mission(s) and employment of Dutch AF squadrons through the remainder of this game. Suitable missions for Dutch AF squadrons will take into account two factors – (1) missions engaged in must have a very low rate of plane and pilot attrition, and (2) missions engaged in must be best suited to the Dutch plane types available in sufficient numbers to fill active squadrons. The number and type of Dutch AF squadrons to be activated is driven entirely by the number of pilots and planes available, leaving replacement pools with a modest number of planes and pilots to absorb losses (hopefully only operational losses).

Current plans have composition of the rebuilt Dutch AF with only patrol squadrons, this including all the 13 small GVT squadrons (3 PBY-5 or Do-24K-1 patrol planes to each squadron). The GVT squadrons work nicely as they are small in size and also that the PBY-5 and Do-24K-1 aircraft in these squadrons are the most useful plane types in the Dutch inventory for operational use at this point in the campaign. Also one cannot have too much naval air search. Rebuilding of all 13 GVT air squadrons is now complete and these squadrons are in training at Aden. Several small Dutch bombing squadrons were also rebuilt in Aden as pilot training squadrons for naval search and ASW missions – no plans exist for these bomber squadrons to be employed in any front-line combat role.

One other Dutch air squadron exists in addition to the rebuilt Dutch squadrons in Aden, this a bomber squadron (25 B-25C Mitchells) currently based in south Australia and assigned to RAAF Command. This squadron entered the game in Australia as a reinforcement after the fall of the DEI and has been trained in ground attack. Plans are for this squadron to be a second-line unit and restricted to operations where there is a low likelihood of combat losses.

No fighter or transport squadrons are planned for the rebuilt Dutch AF. Rebuilding of a Dutch transport squadron had been considered but the number of transport planes in the aircraft replacement pool is not sufficient to fully equip a squadron. No operational Dutch bomber squadrons are planned other than the one bomber squadron now in Australia.

Most pilot training done for the Dutch AF will be for the naval air search and ASW missions, this to a large extent being retraining of fighter and transport pilots for use in the naval search/ASW role. The current Dutch reserve pilot pool contains 159 pilots for all mission types, with an additional 30 pilots in squadrons that are not being activated (these pilots to be drawn from the unactivated squadrons into the Reserve pool).

Once fully operational, plans are to assign and distribute the rebuilt Dutch squadrons across a number of different commands based on need. It is anticipated future employment of rebuilt Dutch air squadrons will include Southeast Asia/Indian Ocean areas, Australia, possibly SW Pacific or South Pacific commands.

It should be noted here that much of the scenario described above is likely to also become true for Chinese air forces evacuated to India once Pillager finishes off China (this being a more or less foregone conclusion).

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

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)