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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/08/43

Hawaii: Sigint entry for 1/07 reports intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine SE of French Frigate Shoal (hex location 172, 105). No information on the Jap sub’s movement is available.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 1/07 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake and Canton Is. Detected statuses of the two bases show unidentified Jap aircraft based at both locations, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Detected airfield size at Wake is 3(0), port size 1(0).

Heavy volume of Jap radio transmissions reported from Truk in another Sigint entry for 1/07. Detected status of Truk shows the expected aircraft based there and ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Truk is 5(2), port size 7(4) – both airfield and port fully expanded to maximum allowable sizes.


South Pacific (with a game question):

So what’s wrong with this picture?? Another unopposed Jap air strike over Suva. In four Jap air raids (this game turn and 1/07 combined), only one F4F out of three VMF squadrons shot at a Betty. Section 7.4.1 (CAP) in the AE Game Manual does not appear to answer this question, I've also yet to find anything in the forums directly addressing the subject (still looking).

AAR of this game turn’s raid on Suva follows. I also include a summary of pertinent information related to the current status in Suva and the three VMF squadrons set for CAP over the base hex.

A) Supply on hand in Suva (59K) appears to be adequate, the base only requiring about 3K.

B) No airfield runway or service damage.

C) Aviation support in Suva – 89 present, 90 required. Factor maybe?

D) Radar - two US Base Force LCU’s in Suva are equipped with radar, a third Base Force LCU (NZ) has sound detectors.

E) Weather conditions – light cloud for all four raids.

F) Number of pilots in each VMF squadron is at maximum capacity – 24 pilots. The three squadrons contain 18 planes each.

G) Pilot experience levels of the three VMF squadrons – 61, 63, 71

H) Pilot fatigue level (after all air actions) currently 9 for all three squadrons.

I) All 54 F4F planes in the three squadrons are ready, no damaged planes.

J) Commanders of all three VMF squadrons have 60+ leadership and aggressiveness ratings, air ratings between 56 and 64.

K) CAP levels – CAP in the three squadrons was set at 40% for the 1/06 game turn raids. CAP levels were increased to 60% for this game turn. All other planes in the CAP squadrons were at rest.

L) Range – set to 1 (all squadrons, in all four raids).

M) Altitude – CAP altitude for all three VMF squadrons was set at 15K in the 1/06 game turn attacks, 20K for this game turn. Bombing altitude flown by G4M Betties in all four Jap air raids was 6K. One could raise the question as to whether my CAP altitude was too high to engage the bombers?

N) Time to reach interception vs estimated time to target – it does appear that time for CAP fighters to reach interception was greater than the Jap bombers’ estimated time to target, seems to be true for many instances in the AAR’s of all four raids.

Of the factors I cited above, my conclusion is pointing to (N) time of interception as the primary symptom of the problem, with (M) CAP altitude being the primary culprit. It looks as if F4F’s from the three CAP squadrons were dispatched to intercept, the planes were in the air, but virtually none of the planes reached the bombers to attack them. Is this conclusion correct? None of the other factors I described above appear to have any significant negative effect that could have resulted in CAP fighters being unable to engage the Jap bombers.

The only solution I’m considering at this point is lowering the CAP’s altitude closer to that of the attacking bombers. If someone has any wisdom to add to my observations and conclusions, or just to verify the correctness (or incorrectness) of my analysis, it is certainly welcomed. I did not post displays of VMF squadrons or the base at Suva (so many displays to choose from) but this can be done on request.

AAR of this game turn attack follows, AAR’s of the other three Jap raids are posted in the 1/07/43 Summary of Operations above.

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Morning Air attack on TF, at Suva (132,160)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Pope
xAKL Iowan, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)
DD Schley

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

CAP engaged:
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VMF-221 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Iowan

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Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/07 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,136 near Auki, Speed 7, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: First reported action by US submarines just arriving in the Indian Ocean area.

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Sub attack near Victoria Point at 49,65

Japanese Ships
TK Shinetsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage (fuel cargo burning)
SC CHa-10
PB Tokuho Maru #5

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at TK Shinetsu Maru
Peto diving deep ....
PB Tokuho Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor, 44 aircraft (44 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks at Chengtu and outside Chungking, no significant changes in AAR’s.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/09/43

Hawaii: No further contact with the unidentified Jap submarine detected SE of French Frigate Shoal (hex location 172, 105) in a Sigint entry on 1/08.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Japanese naval air strike on Suva continues, this time bombers were engaged by CAP and all G4M Bettys in the raid destroyed. Two noticeable differences between this raid and the prior two game turns – (1) the raid had been detected farther out from Suva (80 vs 40 NM), and (2) altitude on fighter CAP had been set lower (11000’). Either or both of these might have been the difference. AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on TF, at Suva (132,160)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet. (detection by radar)
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed (5 destroyed air-to-air per Aircraft Losses screen in Intelligence Displays)
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Time

CAP engaged:
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VMF-221 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

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Allied minesweeping ops completed clearing Jap mines from Suva base hex this game turn.


Small Jap bombing raid on Norfolk Is. G4M bombers in this attack appear to likely originate from Noumea. If true, this AAR and the bombing raid on Suva indicates Pillager has at least two G4M Betty air units based in Noumea. AAR of Norfolk Is strike follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Norfolk Island, at 113,170

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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A US submarine dispatched to Lifou (near Noumea) to engage unidentified Japanese TF(s) detected in Lifou dot base hex by coastwatchers and PBY Catalina naval search on 1/08 found and attacked the Jap transports. AAR’s follow.

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Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159) – two separate torpedo attacks on this Jap AK, one AAR shown

Japanese Ships
AK Tosan Maru, Torpedo hits 1 (no hits in second attack)

Allied Ships
SS S-30

AK Tosan Maru is sighted by SS S-30
SS S-30 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Tosan Maru

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Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kokuei Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-30, hits 1 (system damage 22, float 18, engine 2; returning to base)

xAKL Kokuei Maru is sighted by SS S-30
SS S-30 attacking on the surface
Laing, F.W. decides to submerge SS S-30 due to damage

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Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159)

Japanese Ships
AK Yamasimo Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-30

AK Yamasimo Maru is sighted by SS S-30
SS S-30 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Yamasimo Maru

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A second US submarine is being dispatched to Lifou to continue attacks if Japanese ships are found remaining there.


Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/08 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 46 aircraft (46 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.

Sigint entries for 1/08 report two new Jap engineer LCU’s located in Burma – identified as 91 JAAF AF Bn and 43 Construction Bn. 43 Construction Bn transferred to Burma from the eastern DEI and now located in Mandalay. 91 JAAF Bn was previously located in Thailand and is now at Bassein.


China: Chengtu captured in Japanese ground assault. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Chengtu (75,41)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 67812 troops, 728 guns, 388 vehicles, Assault Value = 2212
Defending force 33269 troops, 286 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1015
Japanese adjusted assault: 2479
Allied adjusted defense: 865
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Chengtu !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
4557 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 179 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 47 disabled
Guns lost 24 (1 destroyed, 23 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
6916 casualties reported
Squads: 491 destroyed, 140 disabled
Non Combat: 358 destroyed, 168 disabled
Engineers: 75 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 93 (66 destroyed, 27 disabled)
Units retreated 13

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
104th Division
36th Division
15th Division
35th Division
8th Armored Car Co
32nd Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
23rd Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
3rd New Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
10th Group Army
28th New Chinese Division
3rd Chinese Base Force
88th Chinese Corps
14th Group Army
4th Construction Regiment

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Jap ground bombardment attack outside Chungking continues. Latest AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 76,44 (adjacent hex SW of Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23371 troops, 208 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 952
Defending force 25090 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 701

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

Assaulting units:
40th Division
13th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade (arrived this game turn to reinforce attack)

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
35th Group Army
2nd Prov Chinese Corps

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/10/43

US Fleet Subs and 12/42 Ship Upgrades: 68 of the 72 US fleet subs have completed or now undergoing the 12/42 ship upgrade. All four remaining subs are due to begin upgrade within the next several game turns. 48 subs have already finished the upgrade at this time, most of them returning to active patrol operations with improved torpedoes. All eligible US fleet subs are expected to complete the 12/42 upgrade by 01/25/43.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/09 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Eniwetok. Detected status of Eniwetok shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: A second US submarine dispatched to Lifou dot base hex (near Noumea) continues attacks on detected Japanese TF(s). AAR’s follow.

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Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159)

Japanese Ships
AK Yamasimo Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-44

AK Yamasimo Maru is sighted by SS S-44
SS S-44 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Yamasimo Maru

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Sub attack at Lifou (116,159) – two surface gun attacks by S-44 on this AK

Japanese Ships
AK Yamasimo Maru, Shell hits 5 (total of both attacks)

Allied Ships
SS S-44

SS S-44 attacking AK Yamasimo Maru on the surface
SS S-44 low on gun ammo, Moore, J.R. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

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US sub patrol intercepts Jap transport TF at the southern end of the Solomon Island group, two separate actions (one night, one daylight) in this hex location. Commander of SS Guardfish does not launch torpedoes in either attack, target ship in both attacks was the small Jap PB. Outraged congressman demands investigation. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Kirakira at 117,140 (adjacent hex E of Kirakira, both attacks had almost identical AAR’s)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tatsuha Maru
xAKL Kasui Maru
xAKL Kashi Maru
xAKL Sasago Maru
xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21
PB Katsuragisan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish

Captain of SS Guardfish elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
Guardfish diving deep ....
PB Katsuragisan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/09 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 138,157 near Hoorn Islands, Speed 17, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 135,161 near Lakeba, Speed 20, Moving West


DEI: US sub patrol outside entrance to Sunda Strait (between Java & Sumatra) engaged by Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Oosthaven at 46,97

Japanese Ships (three small ASW ships detected in this TF)
SC Ch 8
PB Higashiyama Maru

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

SS Amberjack is located by SC Ch 8
Amberjack diving deep ....
PB Higashiyama Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Malacca Straits: Dutch sub intercepts small Jap transport TF, also reports contact with Ki-49 Helen air patrol. AAR follows.

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

Japanese Ships
PB Wa 2
TK Manju Maru
PB Tama Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS O21

SS O21 launches 2 torpedoes at PB Wa 2
PB Tama Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 54 aircraft (54 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.


China: Small Jap air raids on Chungking, otherwise quiet this game turn. All Chinese LCU’s (except for those at Chengtu) are now pulled into Chungking base hex. Total combat strength of the Chinese LCU in Chungking is 18684 AV – granted there is practically no supply but Chungking does have level 6 fortifications.

Reports from Chungking indicate Chiang Kai-shek was deposed in a coup at China Command HQ by GEN Chang Chi-Chang and a committee of warlords. GEN Chang is considered by observers as equally qualified to the late “Peanut” as far as maintaining assault value of the Chinese army, however, Chang is rated a considerably superior administrator (66 vs 33) to “the Peanut” which could possibly result in slowing down the inevitable disruption rate of elements in combat LCU’s belonging to restricted commands of the Chinese army inside China.

What remains to be seen is whether the 251 PP spent to overthrow “the Peanut” pays off in terms of prolonging the collapse in China and producing a bigger headache for Pillager and the Japanese. A modest sum flushed down the toilet along with China. 70 years after this game turn… the American people might thank us in the end.

[johnjohn]

John checking in. A quick review of Feb 44 operations. The raid on Mitkyana turned into an assault on Lashio (taken) and Shwebo. The march down the coast thus far (I am one hex away from Akyab), brought Cox's Bazaar back into the fold. Several British LCUs (Divisions and Brigades) that entered at Mombasa are now approaching India (Chittagong). They will join the assault on Akyab and move on toward Mandalay. Additional naval and LCU reinforcements are reaching West Coast of USA. Am preparing to assault Marianas in two months.

I believe you answered the question on how to handle the CV resizing issue. I did the same. As for the Suva F4F issue, I think you correctly identified the matter. I routinely assign my squadrons at 10,000 feet because the enemy tends to fly low. I sweep at 20,000 feet, but nothing ever comes from that. I rarely get intercept results of 1 or 2 or none and my CAP usually gets at least 3:1 ratio of kills, many times even more than that. My top killer is a WCDR in India of the RAF. He has 26 ATM. Several others have 20+ kills. All are RAF in India. Top US guy is 15 and was at Darwin until dumped into TRACOM. I am getting LVL 39 graduates out of training now. They train up fast in my in game training effort.

You will be surprised how quickly you go through airframes once in combat. I found that waiting for the SBD-5s helped considerably, enabling me to use both 5s and 3s to keep supply levels adequate. I did not need to stop reequipping squadrons nor did I run out of planes. I also found waiting for the F6Fs helpful too. The carriers equip those very quickly. I used F4Us to replace the F4Fs Marine land units. I did alot of denying upgrades to ensure that the front line squadrons had enough airframes to remain in combat. Since the enemy tends to operate at 10,000 or below, I found the P-39s and P-40s excellent at killing Bettys et. al. They are at their best below 10,000.

Good luck to you as you move to the offensive. John

[johnjohn]

Another tip. As CVs pile up, the temptation to bunch them up presents itself. Even in 43 the effective number of operating aircraft in CV task force is still 150. You can put more into a task force (ie, three CVs or 2 CVs and 2 CVLs), but coordination will suffer. It is not until 44 that this restriction is lifted. I found that I frequently needed to reduce the number of carriers in task forces to avoid having one do nothing--which happened several times. One carrier would exhaust all sorties, the others would not fly even one. Strange. So I reduced the number of planes operating in each TF to 150 and the problem went away. Of course, that means many TFs need to operate together to protect each other. I am past this issue now, but thought you should take that into account. John

[wneumann]

I believe you answered the question on how to handle the CV resizing issue. I did the same.

My initial thought on this was I wanted to transfer VS squadrons off the carrier and use them as land-based training squadrons for the two months remaining until their withdrawal dates (I believe 3/01/43). In the meantime, the VB squadron would remain aboard the carrier and expand from 18 to 36 planes. Sounded good on paper. However, my plan didn't work when I actually got into the game and tried it.

My top killer is a WCDR in India of the RAF.

True in this game too, also true in my last (CHS) game vs Pillager. In both my games the RAF got the first shots in the air war over India/Burma, also the first aces on the Allied side.

All three Allied aces (so far) in this game are RAF, all three got their kills over Ledo. The top USAAF pilots in this game also got their kills over Ledo.

You will be surprised how quickly you go through airframes once in combat.

I had been anticipating that. Expanding on what you said... for any given "make and model" plane, there will be a finite total number of planes for that "make and model" that become available in the game; this being a function of (1) the starting number of planes in the replacement pool, (2) the plane's monthly production or build rate, and (3) period of time the plane is in production. A plane in production for one year with a build rate of 20/month will give you a total of 240 of that particular plane (12 x 20) available to work with.

Using this example... Properly allocating those 240 planes has to include two factors - (1) number of air squadrons that can fly that particular plane and how many planes are needed to fully equip these squadrons, while at the same time, (2) providing an adequate number of planes on reserve in the replacement pool to cover operational and combat losses in the squadrons you're equipping with that plane. Staying with this example, add the consideration that you're receiving the 240 planes over 12 months, 20 planes at a time. Not all 240 planes at once. All this calculation even before dealing with airframe "consumption" in combat.

This is true for both sides, Allied and Japanese alike with some variation in the details.

The model of allocating planes I just described may no longer be true or needed later on. If so, this would likely become true only for the Allies (US in particular), probably not before late 1943 or early 1944. Even then, it's still likely that in 1945 I could be "rationing" some type of Allied airframe somewhere. Planes don't grow on trees, at least in AE.

As CVs pile up, the temptation to bunch them up presents itself. Even in 43 the effective number of operating aircraft in CV task force is still 150. You can put more into a task force (ie, three CVs or 2 CVs and 2 CVLs), but coordination will suffer. It is not until 44 that this restriction is lifted. I found that I frequently needed to reduce the number of carriers in task forces to avoid having one do nothing--which happened several times. One carrier would exhaust all sorties, the others would not fly even one. Strange. So I reduced the number of planes operating in each TF to 150 and the problem went away.

Carrier TF organization as I have it planned now should address this. I don't plan on departing from 1 CV task forces for some time, probably not before well into 1944 when I'll start having to "double up". With Independence CVL's coming in the game, my 1 CV carrier TF will likely evolve from its current form into 1 CV and 1 CVL by mid to late 1943. One CV and one CVL is well below the plane number limit for strike coordination. Escort ships in both the 1 CV and the 1 CV/1 CVL carrier TF organization will put up 5000+ flak against Jap air strikes. This mode of organization at least initially allows for 1-2 "reserve" US CV's to rotate in and out of front-line TF's for ship upgrades and/or repair of damage while keeping the main carrier force at full strength.

As long as the KB remains in action and the Japanese have significant LBA assets, spreading Allied carriers across many TF's remains a prudent move.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/11/43

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-28 (28 transports, one AM) departing this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (257 USAAF Base Force), one USMC dive bombing squadron, 93K supply and 13K fuel. The AM travelling with this convoy is planned to remain in Australia after its arrival for operational use in either SW or South Pacific theatres.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tarawa. Detected status of Tarawa shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Pillager may have dispatched this Jap AMC into Suva to find unarmed Allied transport ships, instead it found a barrage of Allied torpedoes. This more than makes up for the G4M Betty airstrikes in the VP tally. AAR’s follow.

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Submarine attack at Suva (132,160)

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

Allied Ships
SS S-33

AMC Kinryu Maru is sighted by SS S-33
SS S-33 launches 4 torpedoes at AMC Kinryu Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Suva (132,160)

Japanese Ships
AMC Kinryu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-33

AMC Kinryu Maru is sighted by SS S-33
SS S-33 launches 4 torpedoes at AMC Kinryu Maru

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


US submarine attacks on detected Jap TF’s at Lifou dot base hex (near Noumea) continue. Another US sub has been dispatched to Lifou to relieve S-44. Pillager has a definite interest in landing on and occupying this island. Lifou does have a small resource production and a size 0(5) airfield, however, the size 0(0) port is not easily expandable. Port size and proximity to the front lines make Lifou’s value questionable as a source of resource points for the Japanese economy. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159)

Japanese Ships
AK Tosan Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-44

AK Tosan Maru is sighted by SS S-44
SS S-44 attacking AK Tosan Maru on the surface
SS S-44 low on gun ammo, Moore, J.R. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Lifou (116,159)

Japanese Ships
AK Azumasan Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-44

AK Azumasan Maru is sighted by SS S-44
SS S-44 launches 2 torpedoes at AK Azumasan Maru

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


Transport convoy WP-34 (amphibious TF, 4 ships) arrives at Savaii with 113 USAAF Base Force and a small quantity of supply. Plans are to begin expansion of airfield and port facilities on Savaii.


Sigint entry for 1/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current airfield size at Luganville is 3(5), port size 1(1). Current intelligence data identifies 3 Jap LCU’s known to be in Luganville – including 28 JNAF AF Unit, 5 Naval Construction Bn, Yokosuka 3 SNLF.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/10 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Chiyoda reported in port at Rabaul - this is intriguing… both as indicating Chiyoda has been converted from a CS, also that KB could be gathering in Rabaul for a sortie
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: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 135,161 near Lakeba (E of Suva), Speed 23, Moving West – possibly first spotting of the late Jap AMC Kinryu Maru approaching Suva
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 133,161 near Gau Island (SE of Suva), Speed 12, Moving West – another spotting of AMC Kinryu Maru?
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 132,160 near Suva, Speed 16, Moving Northwest – this and the preceeding two coastwatcher entries at Gau and Lakeba tracing movement of AMC Kinryu Maru into Suva?
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 13 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving West


Australia: Transport convoy MX-12 (6 TK) arrives in Australia from the Middle East with 69K fuel cargo.


DEI: US sub patrol outside entrance to Sunda Strait (between Java & Sumatra) remains in contact with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Oosthaven at 46,97

Japanese Ships
PB Higashiyama Maru
SC Ch 8

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

SS Amberjack launches 2 torpedoes at PB Higashiyama Maru
Amberjack diving deep ....
PB Higashiyama Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Andaman Sea: Small Japanese transport TF (one TF, two PB, one unidentified ship) spotted by sub patrol at hex location 50, 62 near Mergui. No reported combat.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 36 aircraft (36 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.


China: Jap air raids on Chungking, otherwise quiet this game turn.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/12/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/11 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: US submarine patrols in several actions near Santa Cruz and the southern Solomon Islands area. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ndeni at 118,141 (NE of Ndeni)

Japanese Ships
xAK Kiyo Maru
xAK Yuri Maru
PB Shonan Maru #17

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish

SS Guardfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kiyo Maru
PB Shonan Maru #17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Auki at 117,136 (E of Tulagi)

Japanese Ships
PB Chiyo Maru #4

Allied Ships
SS Permit

SS Permit is sighted by escort
PB Chiyo Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


PBY-5 Catalina sighting report: Japanese AMC at 123,157 near Tanna (E of Tanna), Speed 14, Moving Northeast – This TF spotted from Suva and visible on the game map as having 2 ships. Continued movement of this TF on a NE heading map possibly takes it into the movement path of 2-3 US S-class subs, also brings it within range of 2E bombers on Suva. Two other US sub patrols operating nearby to the W and NW of the Jap TF’s current hex location.


US sub patrols remained at Lifou dot base, Jap transports no longer spotted in the hex. The sighting below from PBY Catalina naval search offers some explanation.

PBY-5 Catalina sighting report: 3 Japanese ships at 116,153 near Efate (WNW of Efate), Speed 13, Moving Northwest – TF in this sighting probably the Japanese ships previously at Lifou. Shown on game map including 2 AK.


Scheduled arrival of XIII US Bomber and Fighter Command HQ’s as reinforcements this game turn delayed due to their arrival locations (Noumea and Luganville) under Japanese control. Arrival location of the two HQ units moved to San Francisco. Scheduled time of entry to the game is delayed 22 days (XIII Bomber Command) and 24 days (XIII Fighter Command).

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/11 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 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 Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 116,159 near Lifou, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 8 ships reported in port at Rabaul
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: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


DEI: US sub patrol remains outside southern entrance to Sunda Strait, attacks Jap surface ASW. Latest AAR follows.

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

Japanese Ships
PB Higashiyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
SC Ch 8
PB Choyo Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

SS Amberjack launches 2 torpedoes at PB Higashiyama Maru
PB Choyo Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Andaman Sea: US sub patrol engages Jap surface ASW. Not known whether the Jap DD is operating alone or with other ship(s) in a TF. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,64 (W of Victoria Point)

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hakaze
DD Hakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Southeast Asia: Sigint entry for 1/11 indicates Jap 1 Recon Bn has transferred from Kwantung Army to an unknown Jap command. Reported current location of 1 Recon Bn is hex location 67, 57 near Hanoi.

Another Sigint entry for 1/11 indicates new location of Jap 8 Medium Field Artillery Rgt is hex location 49, 71 in southern Thailand. Previous reported location of 8 Artillery Rgt was Manila. What this LCU is doing in hex 49, 71 is less than totally clear – the hex location is a road hex (the road goes nowhere) adjacent to the main railroad line between Singapore and Bangkok. Considering Pillager transferred 8 Artillery Rgt here from the Philippines, I would have expected this Sigint report to show it positioned along the rail line (i.e. moving between Singapore and Bangkok) rather than its reported hex location off the rail line. FOW is my only theory behind the hex location shown in this Sigint entry – however, other information in this Sigint entry may not necessarily be FOW.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 53 aircraft (53 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. Rangoon has 17 additional planes this game turn, possibly the result of an additional Jap fighter squadron arriving at Rangoon airfield.


China: One interesting factor to the situation in Chungking… All LCU reinforcements and eliminated LCU’s returning to the game will now enter in Chungking. This scenario could provide an unintended “recycling” of eliminated Chinese LCU back into Chungking for as long as it holds out. I don’t expect many Chinese LCU arriving at Chungking in this manner but it does add something of possible interest. While in theory “recycling” has some (short-term) potential of prolonging the defense of Chungking, my estimate is this anomaly will be of little value in the end.

In the short term… reinforcements show an infantry corps is due to arrive at Chungking in 3 days, a previously eliminated Red Chinese infantry division returning 4 days from now, another Chinese infantry corps in 10 days, little or nothing beyond that. The two Chinese corps appear to be scheduled reinforcements rather than eliminated LCU.

Practically the entire on-map OOB of Chinese ground forces is now a compact mass inside Chungking – with the exception of (1) Chinese LCU that were defending Changtu, (2) remaining Chinese LCU in the far western area, (3) those Chinese LCU transferred to Southeast Asia command and evacuated by air to India, plus (4) a lone Chinese LCU from the southern China front that marched across northern Burma into India after the collapse in south China. To date very few Chinese LCU have been eliminated in combat which has kept practically everyone on-map. Until Pillager eliminates significant numbers of Chinese LCU in combat, there won’t be a great deal of Chinese LCU “recycling” going on.


Japanese ground forces attack in the far western area. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 81,18 (SE of Hami)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12515 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 458
Defending force 3834 troops, 56 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 116
Japanese adjusted assault: 204
Allied adjusted defense: 10
Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
1286 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 30 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 25 (10 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Units retreated 7

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
6th Division

Defending units:
82nd Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
303rd Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
12th Chinese Base Force

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/13/43

Central Pacific: Unidentified Japanese TF(s) visible on the game map at hex 147, 143 (NW of Gardner Is). This sighting does not appear in any of the Allied 1/12 game turn reports (Sigint, AAR, Combat Events, Operations). No Allied planes or ships operating in the immediate area of this contact. No available information as to number of Jap TF(s), their composition or movement.

For the second consecutive day, intercepted Jap radio transmissions were reported in Sigint from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur again shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: US sub patrol off southern approaches to Rabaul reports contact with probable Jap surface ASW TF (3 ships). No combat occurred.

Transport convoy WP-33 (22 ships) arrives this game turn at Auckland. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes two LCU’s (38 & 40 USN Seabee Bns), one USAAF recon squadron (8 F-5A Lightning), 85K supply and 58K fuel.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/12 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville


Australia: Transport convoy EX-22 (24 transports, 4 SC) arrives this game turn in Australia from the Eastern US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 11 Marine Defense Bn, five USAAF air squadrons (three 2E bomber, two transport), 58K supply and 46K fuel. The four SC with the convoy will remain in Australia for deployment with SW or South Pacific theatre.


Andaman Sea: Dutch sub patrol in contact with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tavoy at 52,58 (W of Tavoy)

Japanese Ships
PB Fukeui Maru #7
PB Aoi Maru
PB Rikusen Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

SS KXVIII is located by PB Fukeui Maru #7
PB Rikusen Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Fukeui Maru #7 fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 50 aircraft (50 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese continue ground attacks on Chinese forces pushed out of Chengtu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 76,41 (NW of Chengtu)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 58112 troops, 524 guns, 254 vehicles, Assault Value = 1828
Defending force 23982 troops, 221 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 638
Japanese adjusted assault: 1213
Allied adjusted defense: 835
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
982 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 145 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2078 casualties reported
Squads: 86 destroyed, 114 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 110 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 35 (21 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Assaulting units:
104th Division
36th Division
35th Division
15th Division
32nd Division

Defending units:
28th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
3rd Chinese Base Force
14th Group Army
28th New Chinese Division
3rd New Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
10th Group Army
4th Construction Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/14/43

Central Pacific: US sub patrol intercepts small Jap transport in the Marshalls. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ailinglaplap at 132,118 (S of Kwajalein)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Amakasu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
SC CHa-24

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel

SS Pickerel launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Amakasu Maru
Pickerel diving deep ....
SC CHa-24 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from numerous Central Pacific locations reported in 1/13 Sigint entries – including Kwajalein, Tarawa, Nauru and Ocean Is. Detected statuses of these locations show unidentified Jap planes based at Kwajalein and Nauru, ship(s) in port at Kwajalein. Otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity beyond what is already known.


South Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected S of Suva (hex location 131, 164). Sighting of the sub itself does not appear in any of the Allied 1/13 game turn reports (Sigint, AAR, Combat Events, Operations) – though Combat Events and Operations reports have entries indicating the sub is probably operating a floatplane over Suva. No movement information on the Jap sub is available.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/13 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving Northwest


Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII reports contact with small Jap transport TF (2 ships, including one xAK plus escort). Jap TF is reported moving on SW heading, appears to have just departed Rangoon with Singapore its likely destination. Two other Allied sub patrols are in the estimated path of this TF. No reported combat.

Unknown Japanese aircraft have been detected at airfields in Sabang (western Sumatra) and Georgetown. Current estimate is that these aircraft may be deployed here on naval search and/or ASW patrol missions to counter Allied sub patrols operating between Rangoon and the northern exit of Malacca Straits.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor, 45 aircraft (45 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. Some Jap transport shipping activity is being detected in Rangoon, but does not appear to involve a significant number of ships.


China: Japanese ground attacks on Chinese forces pushed out of Chengtu continue. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 76,41 (NW of Chengtu)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 57063 troops, 524 guns, 254 vehicles, Assault Value = 1728
Defending force 22191 troops, 205 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 549
Japanese adjusted assault: 960
Allied adjusted defense: 261
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1272 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 168 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled

Allied ground losses:
8516 casualties reported
Squads: 337 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 326 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 42 (21 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Units retreated 12

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
104th Division
15th Division
36th Division
35th Division
32nd Division

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
3rd Chinese Base Force
10th Group Army
88th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
28th New Chinese Division
4th Construction Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/15/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/14 reports a Jap ASW escort (SC CHa-14) located in Tabiteuea. One or multiple Jap TF(s) are visible in Tabiteuea base hex, no additional information available on number of TF(s), composition or movement.

Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from numerous Central Pacific locations reported for a second day in 1/14 Sigint entries – including Funafuti, Tarawa, Nauru and Gardner Is. Detected status of Nauru shows unidentified Jap planes based there. Two Jap LCU’s are visible at Funafuti, these previously identified as 3 Garrison Unit and 3 JNAF Co. No other visible Japanese forces or activity shown at these locations.

Unidentified Jap TF(s) visible on the game map NW of Truk (hex location 111, 106), no information available as to number of TF, composition or movement. No entries referencing this contact shown in the 1/14 game turn AAR, Combat Events, Operations or Sigint reports. Three US sub patrols are operating in the sea area immediately N of Truk.


South Pacific: Several 1/14 Sigint entries report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi and Tassafronga. No visible Japanese forces or activity at either location.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/14 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 10 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Southeast


DEI: Unknown Japanese aircraft detected at Palembang airfield.


Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII torpedoes large Jap TK with oil cargo aboard. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tavoy at 53,57 (NW of Tavoy)

Japanese Ships
TK Manju Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Tama Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

SS KXVIII launches 2 torpedoes at TK Manju Maru
PB Tama Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 42 aircraft (42 fighters, no bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. It’s likely the Jap TF leaving Rangoon included the TK torpedoed off Tavoy by Dutch sub K-XVIII.

Sigint entry for 1/14 reports the first Japanese LCU from China operating in the Burma theatre, this LCU identified as 9 Armored Car Co now located in Magwe. This LCU was previously part of Japanese forces involved in the fall of southern China.


China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/16/43

Hawaii: Intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine at hex location 176, 111 (SW of Oahu) was reported in a 1/15 Sigint entry.


Central Pacific: US sub patrol intercepts Jap transport TF off Truk. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 112,111 (SE of Truk)

Japanese Ships
PB Kyo Maru #8
xAK Hasuna Maru

Allied Ships
SS Halibut

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

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

Sigint entry for 1/15 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: US fleet sub Seawolf on patrol in the southern sea approaches near Rabaul reports contact with probable Jap surface ASW TF (4 ships). No combat occurred.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/15 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 11 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 8, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
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 Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 7 ships reported in port at Rabaul
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 sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 11, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown


Australia: Transport convoy EX-23 (27 transports, 2 SC) arrives in Australia this game turn from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 136K supply and 35K fuel, no LCU’s or air units. The two SC arriving with the convoy are planned to remain in Australia for future employment with SW or South Pacific theatre.


DEI: US sub Amberjack off southern exit of Sunda Straits reports air attack from Ki-49 Helen air patrol, no hits or damage. Combat Events report for 1/15 reports this contact as being with a Dutch O-class submarine. I’d be curious as to whether Pillager saw this contact as being with a Dutch sub or a US one.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 66 aircraft (39 fighters, 27 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.

The one Jap TF that had been appearing continuously in Rangoon over the last several months seems to have left Rangoon – this TF consisted of approximately 10 ships and appears to have been a surface combat TF or a TF containing CS or small carriers (some form of “Baby KB”). In several occasions in our last CHS match (in both the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas), Pillager employed a type of TF containing several CS for use against lightly or unescorted Allied shipping with mixed success. So far in our current PBEM he has not employed this type of TF.


India: Some deployments of Allied ground forces have been underway in India, others in various stages of planning and execution. Construction to expand several satellite airfields near Calcutta (Asansol & Jamshedpur) is completed. An airfield was also built at the dot base at Tezpur in NE India. A group of Allied ground forces under III Indian Corps HQ was also created at Tezpur, this group including 18th British Division, several brigades plus smaller combat LCU.

Several other “clusters” of Allied ground forces in India are planned at various locations, each of these around a ground HQ. Coastal bases in eastern India along the Bay of Bengal are occupied by Allied ground forces, fortifications also built at most of these locations including all coastal bases with a port (or where a port can be built). Plans are to have an “Atlantic Wall” in place at coastal bases along the Bay of Bengal, each coastal base occupied in strength with combat LCU(s) and constructed fortifications. A mobile reserve of Allied ground forces is being distributed at several inland locations, each of these locations at inland bases along rail lines allowing quick movement of the reserve to areas where needed or desired. My intent is having the majority of Allied combat LCU’s in India operating in the mobile reserve with sufficient strength deployed in the coastal bases to at least seriously impede an amphibious assault.

Similar preparations are also underway on Ceylon. An Allied garrison including two divisions (2nd British & 6th Australian) is already in place on Ceylon, additional reinforcement of LCU’s here is also planned.

While not a big concern at the moment, all possible contingencies have to start being examined and covered regarding future deployment of Japanese ground forces now in China after the eventual fall of Chungking. My view (at least the short term) has Allied preparations in India (including Ceylon) as strictly defensive in nature.

Part of my current estimate for Pillager deploying Japanese ground forces out of China includes a possible movement into Burma, Southeast Asia and possibly the DEI in sufficient strength to at least make any Allied offensive from India very difficult if not impossible. I’m estimating the possibility of a defensive deployment by Pillager of at least some Japanese ground forces from China across Burma, Southeast Asia and parts of the DEI (Sumatra & Java) being at least equal to the probability of Pillager using Japanese forces from China in an offensive against India (either an amphibious invasion or overland from Burma).

From my perspective, Pillager using a large part of Japanese ground forces from China as a defensive reinforcement in Burma, Southeast Asia and the DEI is the alternative appearing most favorable to Allied long-term strategy at least for this moment. My current view is that tying up Japanese ground forces to maintain a stalemate in Burma, Southeast Asia and the DEI is preferable to having these forces occupying island bases in the Pacific theatres though it’s inevitable that Pillager will move some Jap LCU’s from China to the Pacific. The more Jap LCU’s (from China) Pillager is “persuaded” to keep in the SRA and Southeast Asia, the better. I’d be quite content with creating and maintaining a stalemate in this part of the world.

Regardless of where Pillager does transfer Japanese ground units released from China, there is little question ample intelligence data (particularly Sigint) will become available to identify what Jap LCU’s are going and where they end up. This intelligence provides considerable insight and detail into Pillager’s Japanese defensive strategy and deployments later in 1943 and beyond.


China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

[johnjohn]

April 2, 1944--Update

India--The Upper Burma invasion, originally designed as a raid, is now a full blown assault headed for Mandalay. 1st Aussie, 2nd Aussie, 18th British, 81st West African, 11th East African (I may have those reversed) and numerous support Brigades, AAA units, and Engr are involved. Akyab was taken with great loss of life on the part of the enemy, which is running towards Proome (5000 casualties). The plan is to take Magwe, Mandalay, Shwebo, and suburbs. Already have Lashio and everything west (upwards on map) of Shwebo. I have two divisions and a brigade keeping the enemy "bottled up" at Shwebo (ha,ha). They have more force than I, but holding in place is working well.

China--everything remains static for now. Am in the process of moving the B-29 squadrons into the theatre. Have XX Air Force and XX Bmbr Cmd along with CVE Ranee (UK--enters at SF) in task force headed to Panama. They will go to Aden and then enter at Kariachi. Ranee will end up at Trincomolee, which is the carrier naval base for Eastern Fleet. UK is now building up carrier and fast battleship assets.

Aussie--No changes. Darwin still holding out against Bettys.

PNG--Have bypassed Hollandia (supressed air and naval bases) to occupy Sarmi, which was mine but undeveloped. Setting up Sarmi to hit Biak, et al, and then Sorong by end of August. Currently bringing all SWPAC base force units to PNG from SF where they were "training."

SOPAC--No changes--build up nearly complete for Marianas campaign. Going to take Guam first, make it operational, then take Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. None are fully developed. Plans put off for a month when nearly all APAs and fast AKs went in for upgrades this month.

Carriers--Most are back in action after the mad convergence on the mini KB, putting it out of action. Three new CVs have joined in the past six weeks.

And now for comment.

India--I have found that even the 18th British division is not reliable in combat. None of the India LCUs stand up to assault for long. Usually one or two turns and their AV is depleted. Fortifications help--but not enough. 1st Aussie and 2nd Aussie, which I put into India rather than Aussie, have been the best units available. That is why my assault on Mandalay is with non-Indian units for the most part.

In keeping the enemy out I used what little AF I had hitting their units as often as possible. When they stopped coming, I put them on Cap, and a stand off ensued. I also moved whatever I had into each base hex (or potential base hex). I exposed the British CV force far too much early on, but that turned back all invasion probes. It cost me Formidable, a big loss, but it worked. It will not keep the KB out, but I figured (correctly in my case) that the KB was tasked to other areas. The real threat was subs, and that is what got Formidable.

The rag tag pioneer units kept the enemy ant farm from just arriving and taking bases. I put major elements at Imphal, built up all the airbases between Imphal and Ledo, including Tezpur. I used everything available, especially the b-25s, to attack all things naval. That kept the enemy in Cox's Bazaar rather than letting them move up the road. I believe that cutting off their supplies had alot to do with it, but in my campaign the enemy did not make Invasion of India a priority. I still cut off as much of the supply effort as possible.

You should have enough subs with working torps to cut off any invasion forces coming towards the India coast. I would load up the area and make it as expensive as possible for Pillager. You should also have enough trained squadrons to make a KB intrusion expensive too. Land based planes attacking Carriers is a good trade.

...Meanwhile, if Pillager does decide to go after India, then opportunities present themselves all over the map. Hit hard and hit often. There is nothing like a string of bad news to deflate an opponent. It is here that the Allies have the advantage. We are supposed to get slaughtered. When we hit back and go on the offensive, pushing back that ring of defense, tightening the noose ever so much, the enemy has the problem of dealing with where are they coming next. Wake, Canton Island, Suva and environs, New Cal, Efate, Loganville, Port Morseby, et al. Spread those hits around and Pillager will go nuts trying to find you and administer some Bushido justice.

Of course this all depends on the committment of the KB to support India. Your most vulnerable place is Ceylon. You can hang out on that Landlocked airbase in the middle, but you do not have enough force to repel pillager if he makes Ceylon a priority. Cutting off supply goes both ways. If he takes Ceylon, getting supplies to your forces around Calcutta is going to prove very costly if not impossible. Without supply, holding India, at least East India, will become impossible.

[wneumann]

I have found that even the 18th British division is not reliable in combat. None of the India LCUs stand up to assault for long. Usually one or two turns and their AV is depleted. Fortifications help--but not enough. 1st Aussie and 2nd Aussie, which I put into India rather than Aussie, have been the best units available. That is why my assault on Mandalay is with non-Indian units for the most part.

I do have considerable doubt concerning the ability of British and Indian ground forces against a determined Japanese offensive that would no doubt include many Jap combat LCU’s that are seasoned veterans of China (with increased experience ratings).

This difference alone between British and Japanese ground forces will greatly impact any land battle between them regardless of time or location - includes not only a Japanese invasion of India but also any Allied ground offensive going out of India.

You can hang out on that Landlocked airbase in the middle, but you do not have enough force to repel pillager if he makes Ceylon a priority.

What if I was to make holding Ceylon a priority and allow Pillager to have the landlocked airbase in the middle? Actually Ceylon as a defensive position can be held more effectively than a position on the Indian mainland with the same forces. A consideration at this point is giving more priority to a defense of Ceylon, even at the cost of (modestly) reducing some defensive capability in mainland India.

Meanwhile, if Pillager does decide to go after India, then opportunities present themselves all over the map. Hit hard and hit often. There is nothing like a string of bad news to deflate an opponent. It is here that the Allies have the advantage. We are supposed to get slaughtered. When we hit back and go on the offensive, pushing back that ring of defense, tightening the noose ever so much, the enemy has the problem of dealing with where are they coming next. Wake, Canton Island, Suva and environs, New Cal, Efate, Loganville, Port Morseby, et al. Spread those hits around and Pillager will go nuts trying to find you and administer some Bushido justice.

Agreed.


Some more thoughts and notes...

My estimate on the probability of Pillager invading India at this point in the campaign is somewhat less than 50%. If this was mid-1942 I could see the odds easily be well over 50%, but there are differences between 1942 and 43 – the first being the Allies as well as Japan are capable of making offensive moves.

Would Pillager have sufficient Japanese forces available to invade India in 1943 after the fall of China with any degree of success? Yes, with a number of other conditions (many of these falling under the Law of Diminshing Returns).

(1) A campaign in India will absorb a considerable part of the IJ Army and require most if not nearly all the Japanese LCU’s gained from the fall of China. An Indian campaign (as you said yourself) would also require the involvement of substantial Jap naval forces including KB’s presence in the Indian Ocean or at the very least KB’s location close enough to the Indian Ocean for Pillager to make its intervention there a credible threat.

(2) A Japanese emphasis on India would require Pillager to turn his back on the Pacific theatres – the more he commits to an Indian campaign, the more he exposes the Pacific theatres to what would likely be an earlier and quicker US attack.

(3) The time element. A 1943 Japanese campaign in India would have to result in two things - a major Allied collapse, and that collapse would need to occur quickly. Unless both those things occur, Pillager would have a rather ugly two front war on his hands.

(4) What ground the Japanese capture also has to be defended. The more you take, the more you have to protect.

(5) How much is India actually worth to the Japanese economy in 1943, especially given the distances between India and the Japanese home islands? Anything leaving India would certainly have to move by sea – there being no direct overland transportation routes out of India (the Himalayas to the north, the border region near Burma to the east). Does Pillager even have enough transport ships to effectively haul very much cargo into or out of India given the Japanese merchant fleet’s existing commitments? Not likely.

What is Pillager's more likely option(s)? Strengthening the defensive positions he already has. In early to mid-1942 India would be tempting, less so now. Those Japanese LCU's from China can reinforce quite a few defensive positions, and as I stated earlier, the China forces are now the "cream" of the IJ Army. I expect to see some in the Pacific theatres which isn't gonna be pretty.

What I also see from intelligence data on known Japanese LCU locations is that Pillager is placing significant emphasis on securing the DEI and its resources against Allied amphibious invasions. This area is actually where I'd like Pillager to reinforce and there may be a way that will convince him to do that.

I exposed the British CV force far too much early on, but that turned back all invasion probes. It cost me Formidable, a big loss, but it worked. It will not keep the KB out, but I figured (correctly in my case) that the KB was tasked to other areas. The real threat was subs, and that is what got Formidable.

British carriers are not an effective force - they're too small, too few, and (exactly as you said) too easy to lose. Then you have the (British CV) withdrawals. At this point I only have CVL Hermes available. CV Victorious arrives in 29 days, but that's in Panama. I have BB Prince of Wales and some RN cruisers coming east across the Pacific to "pick up" Victorious when it arrives. After that I have no plans currently in place for using it. It may end up operating with the Americans as it did for awhile historically. What I'm describing with the British carrier force involves only ship withdrawals, no carriers lost in action.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/17/43

The silence is deafening – the AAR report for the 1/16 game turn is completely empty.

CV Hiyo has surfaced again! The latest chapter of CV Hiyo’s odyssey now has it afloat (in service) once again, this according an entry in the 1/16 Operations report. This report is the second time CV Hiyo has sunk and later resurfaced. Before this PBEM is over, we could establish a new AE record for number of times an individual ship has been sunk or reported to sink during a single game.

Considering the known fact that CV Hiyo was hit by one torpedo (visible signs of fire and flotation damage in the AAR and combat replay not withstanding), my opinion is leaning in the direction that Hiyo never sank. Still... FOW at its finest.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 1/16 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wotje and Tarawa. Detected statuses of Wotje and Tarawa show no visible Japanese forces or activity in either location.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/16 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Hakone Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
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: 5 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+2 from last report), 74 aircraft (42 fighters, 32 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s. The 10-ship Jap surface combat TF reported as departing Rangoon last game turn has re-appeared in Rangoon.


China: All sectors reporting quiet this game turn.

[johnjohn]

johnjohn (John) chimes in some more--My Vicky came and went again. And now that some newer UK carriers are arriving, I am experiencing problems with air groups. I purchased all the RAF Naval units lost early in the war. Now I have a few that cannot update since they need max airframes to do so and those airframes are lost, never to reappear. As a result, the UK carriers, which are lessor units anyway, now don't have strike aircraft. There are few strike squadrons that come with the carriers, mostly just fighter/bombers. This is proving a challenge as I wait for more strike units to appear as "extras" late in 1944.

Although the UK carriers are not front line defenders against the KB, they are more than adequate against supply convoys. That is how I kept the enemy out of Chittagong, Diamond Harbor, and so forth. They did march overland to Cox's Bazaar while I ran away (excellent Sir Robin retreat) with whatever I had. The Assam Rifle units were parked in various important small bases to dissuade the showup and conquer approach used by the AI. Further, I only built up Ledo, Dacca, and Calcutta early in the game. After it became clear that they were not coming, all ship born supply having been intercepted, I then built up a line (sort of) from Chittagong to Imphal to Ledo using the jungle as the main defense. I misspoke earlier re: Aussie units. The I Corps units, 6 and 7 Divisions respectively, went to India. The seventh ended up in Chittagong, while the UK 18th went to Imphal. The 6th stayed at Colombo.

The 7th along with one Indian Bde (the 44th Inf) took on the 33rd Jap Inf Div, an 88 exp division at Akyab. Both were seriously depleted in what turned out to a successful assault once additional help showed up. The 7th, which remains at Akyab along with the 44th Bde, is at 60% strength while the 44th is at 40%. Both are refitting at Akyab. They will be there for some time. Meanwhile the 11th EA Inf and the 81st WA Inf, several Bdes, and the 6th Aussie (505 AV) are crossing the jungle to Magwe, a 7 airbase. The idea is to cut the supply route to Mandalay, bomb the defenders extensively and take the place eventually. There is basically nowhere else to go but Rangoon, and I am not interested in going that far in 44.

II Corps (Aussie) is with Mac. The 5th Aussie is at Hansa Bay refitting. Mac has skipped over Hollandia (airbase and port fully suppressed) to Sarmi which is building up nicely. Sarmi is my planned forward base for the Biak et al stuff all the way to Sorong. I am going to send some small stuff overland to secure the oil fields at the east end of NG. 43rd US Inf is at Sarmi with 200 engineers. Base Force units are enroute, and numerous F and DB and Torpedo squadrons are ready to take over. Nine CVEs are operating out of Madang, a major base, supporting operations. 1st Cav, 32nd US Inf, 41st US Inf, and two more in San Francisco awaiting lift.

Munda is loaded with 7 divisions, PH another 5, and 1st USMC Div is at Tarawa all ready to go to get the Marianas. 11 CVs and 7 CVLs are tasked up to support the effort. It is overkill, but so what? The object, at least one of them, is to see if I can manage invasion forces of this size.

I concur with your analysis of Pillager intending to make the DEI difficult. If that is his course of action, he is setting himself for the old "cut-off the head and the arms go limp" strategy. I believe that it would be a simple matter (having dealt with the KB and making some inroads toward Japan) to take Iwo, Okinawa, perhaps Formosa, and stop any shipping from reaching home, having the same impact as invading the DEI without actually having to do it. Same goes for the Philippines. Since I do not have any political reason to liberate Manila, I am giving considerable thought to just finishing the central pacific strategy and then focusing on Japan.

John

[wneumann]

johnjohn,

The one thing most noticeable from your narrative of the India/Burma campaign is the difference in how we're employing the Australian army in our respective games. Your deployment of Australians into the India/Burma theatre appears to be rather effective, though you appear to be facing what is pretty much the historical Japanese army in Burma.

For my own situation... there is only one Australian LCU (6th Division) in the Indian theatre. 6 Division is currently located in Colombo (same as you actually) - it was moved immediately to Colombo when it entered the game in 1942 to quickly secure Ceylon against a Japanese amphibious landing. My plans (at least until now) had been to keep 6 Division in Colombo until (1) other Allied ground forces can be moved to Ceylon to secure it, and/or (2) any significant threat of Japanese attack to capture Ceylon no longer exists. Once those conditions had been met, 6 Division would transfer to Australia to join the main body of the Australian forces. This plan for 6 Australian Division may no longer be valid - chances are it may have to remain in Ceylon indefinately.

The planned emphasis on my use of Australian forces is in the Pacific theatres, mainly with SW Pacific. The core of my "mobile" (unrestricted command) Australian ground forces already includes 2, 7, 8 and 9 Australian Divisions, HQ I Australian Corps, most of the Australian armored units, plus an assortment of other LCU's. Other Australian army units could still be added to this force.


Another interesting component of my Allied forces in India is the Chinese - a ground army plus an air component. The Chinese army now in India includes 11 infantry LCU's (mostly divisions) and a HQ. This force includes nearly all Chinese LCU's that were transferrable to unrestricted command and worth the PP cost to transfer. Chinese LCU's in India are at various points in the process of rebuilding from replacements - since the supply situation inside China no longer permitted LCU's in China to draw replacements, the entire Chinese LCU replacement pool is available to LCU's in India. As long as Chungking holds out, more LCU replacements are added to the pools for the Chinese army in India to draw from.

The Chinese AF in India includes 12 squadrons (6 fighter, 6 bomber) plus an air HQ - this force engaged entirely with pilot training. With fully trained pilots and the possibility of improved plane types (P-40N Warhawk, B-25D Mitchells) later in 1943, the Chinese AF has the potential of becoming a useful addition to Allied air forces in India. I employed Chinese AF fighter squadrons in India during my last (CHS) match vs Pillager, they proved quite effective with trained pilots and decent aircraft equipment.

Some severe limitations are anticipated with regard as to where and to what extent Chinese forces in India can be used, especially concerning the shortage of replacement pool pilots, planes and LCU elements to recover combat or operational losses. I'm expecting the replacement pool situation for Chinese forces in India to be similar to what I've already experienced with Dutch ground and air units I still have in the game - what is already in the Chinese replacement pools will remain available but nothing new will be added to the replacement pools after Chungking falls.

Still... the Chinese forces now in India are something else to throw in Pillager's path.

My Vicky came and went again. And now that some newer UK carriers are arriving, I am experiencing problems with air groups. I purchased all the RAF Naval units lost early in the war. Now I have a few that cannot update since they need max airframes to do so and those airframes are lost, never to reappear. As a result, the UK carriers, which are lessor units anyway, now don't have strike aircraft. There are few strike squadrons that come with the carriers, mostly just fighter/bombers. This is proving a challenge as I wait for more strike units to appear as "extras" late in 1944.

I will have to look out for that. In terms of aircraft (air group) capacity and TF strike coordination limits, British carriers can in some way be regarded and used as CVL's. In my projected 1 CV/1 CVL task force organization scheme, CV Victorious (and its sister ships) could be paired in a TF with a US fleet carrier - the British carrier being the "CVL" in this combination.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/18/43

Light activity resumes in the 1/17 game turn AAR report.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 1/17 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabituea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified aircraft based there, also ship(s) in port – both as expected. No other Japanese forces or activity observed.


South Pacific: Some Japanese air activity reported over Suva - this includes a floatplane from an undetected Jap submarine operating near Suva, also possible naval search or recon flights by G4M Betty from Noumea. Fighter CAP is activated over Suva. Additional naval search air patrols from Suva are going up to locate the Jap sub. Allied surface ASW forces are available in Suva and will be dispatched to engage the Jap sub if it is found.

US sub patrol engages Jap surface ASW in southern sea approaches to Rabaul. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 106,128 (S of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
PB Magan Maru
PB Kyo Maru #10
PB Nanpo Maru
PB Myoken Maru

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf

SS Seawolf launches 2 torpedoes at PB Magan Maru
Seawolf diving deep ....
PB Nanpo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Myoken Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Intercepted Jap radio transmissions reported from Tulagi and Woodlark Is in Sigint entries for 1/17. No visible Japanese forces or activity shown in either location. Some evidence of port and airfield construction was observed on Woodlark Is – current port size 2(2), airfield size 3(5).

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/17 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Morioka Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving West


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 4 Japanese ships anchored in port (2 PB, 1 xAK, 1 unidentified; +2 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 61 aircraft (40 fighters, 21 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn.

Japanese air bombing raids (ground attack) over Chungking, these strikes inflicting little or no significant effect on Chinese LCU’s.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/19/43

Central Pacific: US sub patrol engages Jap surface ASW near Truk. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 111,106 (N of Truk)

Japanese Ships
PB Tenzan Maru
SC Ch 19
PB Heizan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scorpion, hits 1 (minor system damage, remains on patrol)

SS Scorpion launches 2 torpedoes at PB Tenzan Maru
Scorpion diving deep ....
PB Heizan Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Tenzan Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

US sub Swordfish reports attack by Ki-21 Sally air patrol near the northern Marianas.


South Pacific: US sub patrol in southern sea approach to Rabaul remains in contact with Jap surface ASW. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Feni Islands at 107,127 (SE of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
PB Myoken Maru
PB Kyo Maru #10
PB Nanpo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf

Captain of SS Seawolf elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
Seawolf diving deep ....
PB Nanpo Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Myoken Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Sigint entry for 1/18 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/18 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: AKE Kashino reported in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
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: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Noumea is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: Pillager appears to have two Jap surface ASW TF’s pursuing this sub. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,65 (E of Victoria Point)

Japanese Ships
DD Wakatake
E Kunashiri
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto is located by DD Wakatake
Peto diving deep ....
DD Sanae attacking submerged sub ....
DD Sanae attacking submerged sub ....
DD Wakatake attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,65 (W of Victoria Point)

Japanese Ships
PB Yomei Maru
PB Seikai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto is sighted by escort
Peto diving deep ....
PB Yomei Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Seikai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,63 (W of Victoria Point)

Japanese Ships
E Kunashiri
DD Sanae
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto is sighted by escort
DD Sanae fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Wakatake attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port (2 PB, 1 xAK; -1 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 62 aircraft (39 fighters, 23 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 1/20/43

Central Pacific: Small Jap transport intercepted by US sub patrol. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ponape at 116,117 (SW of Ponape)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kokuei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock launches 2 torpedoes

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

Sigint entries for 1/19 report intercepted Jap radio signals from Jaluit and Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity in these two locations.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 1/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 16 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Igasa Maru reported in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Noumea is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown

Recent coastwatcher reports and other observations indicate a small but steady volume of Japanese transport ship traffic at Noumea. My estimate of this traffic being it’s a combination of supply, fuel and possibly air or LCU reinforcements arriving at Noumea, plus transports leaving from Noumea with resource point cargo on their return trip.

There is some resource production at Noumea – whether the output of this production is useful enough for Pillager to pick up and transport back to Japan is an open question. Until the Japanese capture of Noumea, I had been transporting resources from there to Auckland to remove them for use by NZ industry rather than leaving them to become available for Japanese production.

One US S-class sub patrol is already dispatched and enroute to take up a patrol area on the northern sea approach to Noumea, other sub patrol(s) could be sent to the Noumea area if the situation justifies this. Patrols here will monitor Jap sea movements into and from Noumea, also attack and sink targets of opportunity they can intercept.


Australia: Some construction has already started on airfield expansion at selected bases in the interior of Australia to create a line of fully expanded bases from Melbourne/Sydney toward NW Australia. This is a lower-priority project and will be pursued with engineers and supply not required for other purposes. Engineer LCU assigned to this project includes those not currently needed elsewhere or become available after completion of higher priority tasks on which they’re employed.

24 US and Australian construction engineer LCU’s are currently operating in mainland Australia, this total excludes base force LCU’s and other LCU containing engineer elements.

Plans at this time are to complete airfield expansions northward to Tennant Creek, including bases at Alice Springs and Cloncurry with available engineers and supply not immediately needed for other tasks. Once these bases are completed, I’ll be evaluating whether base construction will continue northward from Tennant Creek toward Darwin.

The project is intended to create a “pipeline” for air squadron transfers and supply movement northward to Darwin if this link somehow becomes useful or necessary to future Allied operations (no current Allied plans under consideration require this “pipeline”). I have seen one or more reference(s) in the forums stating or implying the string of bases between Darwin and Melbourne/Sydney has limited value for moving supply to Darwin and NW Australia, a review of terrain on the game map pretty much confirms that position. However, if this project is completed and a string of bases is in place, it would be available and could be used to the extent it proves to be useful.


DEI: Sigint entry for 1/19 reports Jap 23rd Infantry Division has transferred from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria) and now located at Endeh (Flores Island) in the DEI. This report is another indication Pillager is placing some emphasis on defense of the DEI from Allied amphibious assaults.


Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII operating south of Rangoon reporting two air attacks from Ki-49 Helen air patrols. No hits or damage.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 65 aircraft (37 fighters, 28 bombers), 9 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn.