The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[tocaff]

August 6, 1944 81 Miles From Sansapor

Intel

Northern Area Force is located at Etorofo Jima.
1726 men are based at Fushan.
2nd South Seas Det. is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
49th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
7th Division is located at Sapporo.
6th Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
19th Division is located at Mishan.
8th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Davao.
9th Aviation Rgt is located at Hailar.
61st Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Aparri.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
81st Naval Guard Unit is located at Sabang.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Hiroshima/Kure 1 X AP, 2 LCUs 9000/72/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 11 X AK, 7 X AP, 41 bombers, 12 aux, 1 LCU 6120/27/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 1 LCU 1960/12/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari many ships, 23 bombers, 13 LCUs 44060/383/89
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Emirau Island vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 16780/101/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Cagayan 1 LCU 5360/29/0

Combat

The SS Grampus was attacked by 4 PCs 33 miles W of Bataan, but managed to escape unharmed.

Ichang was attacked by 63 X B-25J and 66 X P-40N. 3 Nicks and 7 Tonys were aloft and the fight was on. All of the Nicks and 3 Tonys were destroyed (1 damaged) then the flak added to the woes of the Chinese Mitchells who lost 8 Warhawks and had 6 bombers damaged. The airfield took moderate damage, there was a secondary explosion and casualties were light. Next came a fighter sweep of 44 X P-38J and 4 Tonys were up until they were jumped and then they fell like leaves. A Lightning was lost in the fight.

Tavoy was bombed by 109 X B-29 and the AA fire damaged 10 of the planes. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy. Later 44 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 lost, 9 damaged) and 17 X Thunderbolt II attacked doing light damage to the port, causing some secondary explosions and inflicting very light casualties. The Japanese had heavy losses from the Allied artillery barrage.

Krung Thep was raided by 34 X B-29, 31 X B-24J, 106 Liberator VI and 13 X Thunderbolt IIs. Flak damaged 3 of the Liberator VIs. The airfield took very heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 48th Division was hit by 41 X B-25J and 12 X Spitfire VIII for very light losses. Japanese artillery tried and failed to do any damage.

Truk was struck by 24 X B-24J for moderate damage to the airfield, a secondary explosion was claimed and troop losses were light.

Buna continued to suffer from the concerted bombing campaign against it as 48 X B-17E, 46 X B-24D, 42 X B-24J, 12 X Kittyhawk III and 18 X P-40N attacked with impunity. The airstrip was heavily damaged, the port lightly, there were some secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy.

The IJA 1st Engineer Regiment, bogged down on the Kokoda Trail was attacked by 48 X P-38J and 14 X P-40N for heavy casualties.

The Japanese ships 81 miles NE of Sansapor were finally brought under fire as the USN's planes found and attacked them. The American strike threw 26 X SBD (1 damaged), 28 X SB2C, 9 X TBF, 36 X TBM (1 damaged) and 41 X F6F at the virtually defenseless ships and the results were deadly.
AP Neikai Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakozaki Maru 1 bomb hit, 1 torpedo hit, on fire, heavy damage
AP Keisho Maru 1 torpedo hit, on fire
AP Meiu Maru 3 torpedo hits, sunk
AP Kamikaze Maru 5 bomb hits, 2 torpedo hits, sunk
AP Mexico Maru 5 bomb hits, 2 torpedo hits, sunk
AP Awa Maru 3 bomb hits, 2 torpedo hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Awajisan Maru 2 torpedo hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kuroshio Maru 1 torpedo hit, on fire
The airmen reported seeing soldiers jumping off of the ships to escape the fires. This lends credence to the thought that the Japanese are trying to pull troops out of the Solomon and Caroline Islands.
Later another strike of 21 X SBD, 18 X TBF and 28 X TBM attacked the luckless Japanese ships.
AP Awa Maru 2 bomb hits, 1 torpedo hit, sunk
AP Keisho Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Awajisan Maru, 1 torpedo hit, on fire, heavy damage
AP Matsukawa Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kasuga Maru 1 torpedo hit, on fire
The reports of Japanese jumping into the water continued.
The Japanese attacked the USN surface TF with 6 Bettys and the AA fire downed 3 of them. A torpedo found the BB North Carolina. A final strike of 24 X SB2C Helldiver and 39 X F6F dropped down on the Japanese and the PC Hachijo took 4 bomb hits and was a roaring inferno that the Pacific's waters extinguished as the ravaged vessel went under. The USN surface force then managed to deliver the final blow.
AP Awajisan Maru 2 shell hits, sunk
AP Hakozaki Maru 11 shell hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kasuga Maru 11 shell hits,1 torpedo hit, sunk
AP Keisho Maru 14 shell hits, sunk
AP Kuroshio Maru 11 shell hits, sunk
AP Matsukawa Maru 8 shell hits, sunk
AP Neikai Maru 4 shell hits, sunk
The BB Indiana took a shell as did the DD Conner. The water was full of helpless Japanese sailors and soldiers who were doomed with no hope of rescue as the American ships moved off, wary of the possibility of IJN subs. The North Carolina is making for Ulithi with light systems damage and some flooding. The fires are expected to be put out soon. The BB will need some yard time to make her fit once more.

6 PB4Ys attacked the Japanese ships near Morotai and were met by 24 X Zeke and 3 X Jack. 2 Zekes were damaged as the fighters swarmed all over the bombers. A PB4Y went down and another was damaged, but the bombs fell off target.

The O'Bannon spent the day running along at a sprint and then drifting to a stop, repeating the process again and again. Frank had GQs drills run 4 times before they returned to Mare Island. He's pleased with just about everything except his new Exec, LT Arthur Wagner. He's a naval officer, but how he ever advanced is beyond Frank's figuring. Frank had to leave the bridge with Art in tow and upon reaching his cabin he wheeled and said, “Mister I don't know how you achieved this berth, but I'll be damned if I'll tolerate you second guessing me on my bridge, in front of my crew. If you have something to say keep it private. We don't air our differences in front of the crew. Got it?” Art nods. “Furthermore we will always drill to sharpen the crew and then to keep them sharp. It just might save our lives. I don't give a crap about being popular with the men, only that when I issue an order it's obeyed? Got it?” Again Art nods. “We've gotten off on the wrong foot together so let's put this matter behind us and do our jobs. I might seem hard, but for a reason and I always maintain the same toughness, though my door is always open. I'm fair, but I expect a lot from my crew and even more from my officers. OK?” Once again Art nods. “Now then let's go to the wardroom and relax with a mug of coffee.” Art has never served on a ship before and he now wonders if it was a good idea to use family connections to get him this berth. The family wants him to have a war record that will help in politics in the future. Frank wonders how the hell the Navy can fight a war when it saddles it's fleet with guys like this. This problem will also be resolved by the time they reach Pearl Harbor or I'll jettison him like flotsam, he tells himself.

Elaine sits at the dinning room table writing a letter to Gil when her father strolls by saying, “Tell Gil that his Yankees don't seem to have it this year as they're in the same boat as the Bucs, trailing the leaders by a bit with not much hope.” She grins and pens the message after giving him a peck on the cheek and a hug. She also tells him that she misses him so much.

Phil sits in the office and is handed orders. He thanks the orderly, reads the sheet of paper and emits a low whistle. It seems that he's landed a staff job with Admiral Landy and he's to make his way to Ulithi, post haste. I'd rather have a command, but this'll do, he thinks. No he asks about transport and is told that any flights to Pearl that have room for him he'll grab. He might even be able to wave his orders under some noses and bump people off of flights. The best part is that hes been promoted to CDR, effective yesterday. Things are looking up. Now about the ride to Hawaii.

The Lucky 11 will depart tomorrow morning, with a stop at Wake Island on the way to Guam. “I was right! It's the Marianas where we're heading to,” says Gil. There are mixed emotions among the crew as Hawaii has been fun, but boring too and now they're really heading into the fight, finally.

2 days ago the Germans evacuated Florence.

American troops entered Laval.

The Red Army took Drohobyez.

The last Jewish ghetto in Poland (Lodz) was liquidated, sending 60K Jews to Auschwitz.

Victory Points Allied 37141 Japanese 33366

[tocaff]

August 7, 1944 Wake Island

Intel

9th AF Construction Battalion is located at Bankha.
62nd Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Nanking.
25th Air Flotilla is located at Tokyo.
50994 men are based at Kadina.
206188 men are based at Truk.
53rd Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Maizuru Fortress is located at Maizuru.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.
51st Division is located at Wuchow.
27th Division is located at Nanning.
15th Tank Regiment is located at Nanning.
65th Construction Battalion is located at Kagoshima.
Radio transmissions detected at Eniwetok.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Hiroshima/Kure 1 X AP, 2 LCUs 9120/60/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Camranh Bay 1 X AP, 1 X AG, 54 bombers, 22 aux, 2 LCUs 7180/78/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 1 aux, 2 LCUs 6920/24/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Menado 4 X AP, 4 X DE
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Cagayan 3 LCUs 17440/106/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Cotabato vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Madang vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Vella Lavella vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 3 LCUs

Combat

The SS Corvina, 251 miles NW of Kuching, tried and failed to get an attack in on an unsuspecting AK.

The SS Halibut, 70 miles E of Davao, hit a lone AK with a shot from the deck gun and 3 fish, ravaging the vessel and sending it down.

The SS Herring, 23 miles W of Soc Trang , caught an unescorted AP and tagged it with 2 torpedoes starting fires and causing heavy damage which resulted in it's demise. The troops on board tried desperately to escape the flames by jumping into the ocean. Another AP fell prey to the sub later in the afternoon as 5 shells hit the vessel along with an astounding 5 torpedoes. Many troops perished in the attack, as did the ship.

Over Bangkok 38 X P-39J and 38 X Thunderbolt II conducted a sweep and jumped 19 X Zeke, 7 X George, 22 X Jack, 15 X Frank and 3 X Randy. In the mayhem the Japanese fell like leaves from a tree as 14 Zekes, 4 Georges, 13 Jacks, 11 Franks and 3 Randys were shot down. The Allies suffered a Lightning downed (2 damaged) and 6 Jugs destroyed (2 damaged).

Krung Thep was raided by 32 X B-29, 37 X B-24J, 106 X Liberator VI (1 damaged) and 33 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was subjected to extremely heavy damage, there were a great many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 48th Division was attacked by 14 X B-25J and 2 X Thunderbolt II. It sustained very light casualties. The IJA 2nd Tank Div was greeted by 20 X B-25J and 11 X Spitfire VIII. The unit had moderate losses. The Allied troops had very light casualties from the Japanese artillery.

Buna was bombed by 40 X B-17E, 43 X B-24D, 44 X B-24J, 44 X P-40N and 9 X Kittyhawk III who did heavy damage to the airfield, light damage to the port, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy

Gili Gili had it airstrip hit by 20 X B-24D for moderate damage, a few secondary explosions and moderate personnel losses.

Lunga was visited by 42 X B-24J who did light damage to the port, triggered a couple secondary explosions and there were moderate losses.

The IJA 1st Engineer Regiment was pounded by 62 X P-38J for heavy casualties as it continues to struggle towards Buna.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was jumped by 15 X Peggy and nobody got hurt.

The 1st BAF AA Regiment, 18 miles N of Krung Thep, was pounced on by 23 X Frances, 6 X Frank and 3 X Randy. The AA fire damaged 4 X Frances and the unit had light losses.

Tavoy's port was lightly damaged by 36 X Mosquito FB.VI (4 damaged) and 23 X Thunderbolt II. There were many secondary explosions and light casualties reported. Allied gunners caused heavy Japanese losses today.

Jake's jalopy took off on schedule and the crew settled in for the long flight to Wake Island. Gil fell asleep as usual and then Willy roused him from his sleep so that he could ride the beam and help direct them to the island. Willy is a confident, but prudent navigator and that is one of the reasons the Lucky 11 feel that they are one of the best B-29 crews around. Sure enough Wake appeared right where they thought it would be and Jake took them down in a steep landing approach. Suddenly Gill felt his face and he was bleeding pretty good from his nose. Once the plane was on the ground an ambulance appeared and took him to the medical facility. Gil was excited at the thought of not being able to fly anymore, but once a doctor treated him that idea was put to bed. The crew relaxes, stretched out where they can find the space while the plane is serviced. Once that was done they boarded their bird and were to take off again, destination Guam. The number 3 engine wouldn't start so now they'll be spending the night on Wake. What nobody says and all are thinking is that they're lucky not to have had the engine quit on the way to Guam.

Gene is happy to be back at work. His mother was driving him nuts worrying about everything. All I needed was a little rest he thinks as he inspects a weld that completes this job for the day.

Sylvia and Pete say good bye as the doctor leaves, having examined and inoculated Pearl. Now Pete kisses his girls and rushes to the pub as the lunch hour is rapidly approaching. Milt is there to greet him, pint in hand. The 2 talk while Pete gets ready for a long afternoon.

The Americans stopped a German counter attack at Aranches.

Victory Points Allied 37244 Japanese 33483

[tocaff]

August 8, 1944 Tori Shima

Intel

21st Air Flotilla is located at Rabaul.
115th Division is located at Peking.
Elements of the 2nd Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Tsingtao.
12th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
1st Air Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
4th Air Division is located at Malang.
4323 men are based at Pusan.
13th AA Regiment is located at Maizuru.
28016 men are based at Arshaan.
106688 men are based at Tsitsihar.
7140 men are based at Nagasaki.
37081 men are based at Chiamussu.
24542 men are based at Iwo Jima.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
26270 men are based at Hamamatsu.
Yokosuka Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Tokyo.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Hiroshima/Kure many ships, 28 fighters, 38 bombers, 59 aux, 2 LCUs 14020/95/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bandou vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kuantan vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 15360/45/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Guiuan vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Finschafen vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 5 LCUs 7860/4/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Shortlands vacant

Combat

The SS Hardhead attacked an AK being escorted by 4 PCs about 93 miles E of Kagoshima. The target was hit by a torpedo and the sub was roughly handled by the escorts who kept up the attack for hours. The sub will make for Ulithi as she is suffering from heavy flooding and light systems damage.

Nanning underwent a fighter sweep by 49 X P-38J, who found 11 X Zeke and 2 X Tony up. The fight was on and over in a flash as 9 Zekes and both Tonys fell from the sky. A Lightning was lost and another took damage.

Bangkok continues to throw whatever will fly up against the Allied fighter sweeps. Today 24 X P-38J swept in on 11 X Zeke, 7 X George, 21 X Jack, 7 X Frank and 4 X Randy. 6 Zekes, 4 Georges, 10 Jacks, a Frank and 3 Randys were destroyed at the cost of 3 P-38Js downed and 2 others damaged.

Krung Thep was bombed by 34 X B-29, 106 X Liberator VI (4 damaged), 33 X B-24J (1 damaged) and 36 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The Allies had extremely light casualties from the Japanese artillery and their response inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese.

Truk's airfield was lightly damaged by 31 X B-24J (2 damaged) who also caused a secondary explosion and inflicted very light losses on the personnel.

Lunga was hit by 38 X B-24D and the port was moderately damaged, there were many secondary explosions and moderate casualties.

The 45th Indian Brigade, 17 miles N of Krung Thep was attacked by 16 X Frances and 3 X Randy. A Frances departed trailing smoke and the unit had extremely light losses.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was paid it's daily visit by Japanese planes. Today 15 X Peggy arrived and departed with nothing accomplished.

Tavoy had a couple of secondary explosions due to 28 X Mosquito FB.VI (10 damaged) and 10 X Thunderbolt II paying an unwanted visit. Personnel losses were light. Japanese artillery caused negligible Allied losses. The Allied big guns inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese.

The Palawan continues unloading cargo at Tori Shima and all available eyes continue to search for the Japanese that they know must come for them. Red sits in the radio shack chain smoking as he nervously strokes Lucky's head. The dog senses everybody's state and he too is upset.

Dave is reading the newspaper and it tells that the AVG, flying P-38Js in Burma, boasts the top 2 aces in the PTO. LTs P Finley and D Ellet both have 27 kills, passing RL Little who had 25 before he was shot down and killed. “The AVG is a deadly outfit according to this story,” he says to Sandy who is reading a letter from Bill. She makes no response and Dave returns to his coffee and the paper.

Taking off from such a small airstrip made it tight, but Jake managed to get the big bird aloft and the flight into Guam was smooth and uneventful. Except for the final hour and ½ Gil slept.

The patrols have become more aggressive and frequent in the effort to locate what is presumed to be a Japanese radio set broadcasting from the island. Sam's squad takes 5 as yet another Japanese recon flight passes overhead.

Victory Points Allied 37300 Japanese 33393

[tocaff]

August 9, 1944 PNG

Intel

15th Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
3rd Base Force is planning for an attack on Palau.
36th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Victoria Point.
3rd Tank Div is located at Peking.
113th IJA Base Force is located at Nanking.
Elements of the 4th Ind. Brigade are located at Nanning.
North China Area Army is located at Nanning.
6904 men are based at Inch'on.
2nd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
20th Division is located at Changkufeng.
8th Ind. Brigade is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Radio transmissions detected at Palau.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 15880/47/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Lautem 5 LCUs 7380/27/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 5 LCUs 7280/16/0

Combat

Dagua was occupied by the Allies

The SS Dragonet was attacked by 3 DDs about 141 miles E of Tarakan, but she easily evaded them.

153 miles W of Attu 2 DDs unsuccessfully attacked an IJN sub.

The SS Porpoise was stalking an AK 24 miles SE of Macassar when 3 PGs tried to drive her off. The sub was relentless in her hunt and was rewarded with a surface attack after the PGs had gone. The AK absorbed 9 hits from the deck gun and 2 torpedoes which left her a burning wreck.

Bangkok was swept by 39 X P-38J who feasted on 12 X Zeke, 5 X George, 14 X Jack, 9 X Frank and 5 X Randy. 5 of the Lightnings were shot down and 3 others were damaged in the fight that left Japan with 8 Zekes, 3 Georges, 7 Jacks, 6 Franks and 5 Randys fewer than when the day started.

Truk was raided by 23 X B-24J and flak damaged 3 of them as they dumped their bombs on the airfield for light damage, a secondary explosion and a destroyed Jake.

Kwajalein was hit by 28 X PB4Y and AA fire damaged 2. The airfield was moderately damaged and there were some secondary explosions seen.

Buna was bombed by 40 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 47 X B-24J, 12 X Kittyhawk III and 18 X P-40N. The airstrip took heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy.

Lunga was visited by 33 X B-24D who lightly damaged the port and caused a secondary explosion.

The IJA 5th Engineer Regiment was still trying for Buna when 46 X P-38J and 34 X P-40Npounced inflicting moderately heavy casualties on the unit.

The Allied CVTF 139 miles SE of Davao were attacked by 19 X Judy, 26 X Betty, 19 X George and 42 X Zeke. The CAP of 91 X F6F intercepted them and shredded the loose formation before any ordinance could be dropped on the intended targets. 16 Judys, 22 Bettys, all of the Georges and 30 Zekes were disposed of while 5 Hellcats went down and 9 others were damaged.

At Tavoy Japanese artillery caused very light Allied losses and they had heavy losses in return from the Allied barrage.

At Krung Thep the Allies had moderate casualties from the Japanese artillery and the Japanese had very heavy losses from the Allied guns.

Red and Cookie are chatting about the war when Red says, “Being this close to Japan and they don't even attack speaks lots about how the worm has turned.” Cookie agrees and they both start talking post war until Red says, “If we survive.”

Stick saw a big flying boat duck into the clouds, but when his element tried to find it it was gone. They even tried having the base radar give them a vector, but it all came to nothing.

Sam can't believe that on a little island like this with all of the American troops all over the place anyone could hide out, especially for any length of time. He walks over to his platoon CO and asks, “Has anyone reported stolen food?”

Slim and Gunny board an APD to be returned to Ulithi. The stay on PNG wasn't a picnic and all of the men agree that between the heat, moisture and mosquitoes it's hell on earth.

Gil can't believe that this is where they are now based. This makes the worst he's ever seen before look good. “If you think this is bad wait until you have the chow,” says Landy.

Eisenhower set up HQs in France.

Victory Points Allied 37443 Japanese 33512

[tocaff]

August 10, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

21st Mortar Battalion is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
4th Construction Battalion is located at Mukden.
52nd Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
9th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
6170 men are based at Taipei.
54th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
9th AF Construction Battalion is located at Bankha.
6th Army is located at Hailar.
54th Division is located at Okayama.
22nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changsha.
7th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Hailar.
11th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
35th Army is located at Manila.
493714 men are based at Hiroshima/Kure.
Radio transmissions detected at Prince Rupert.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 28 fighters, 57 aux, 11 LCUs 24980/103/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 4 aux, 2 LCUs 6940/28/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Malacca vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 18200/19/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 1 X CS, 13 LCUs 16660/122/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dadjangas 4 LCUs 11860/167/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Finschafen vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Shortlands vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 5 LCUs 5780/16/0

Combat

The SS Cod tracked and attacked an AK 33 miles NW of Batan Island being escorted by 2 PGs and a PC. She hit her target with a torpedo and that started a fire.

Krung Thep was bombed by 34 X B-29, 37 X B-24J, 105 X Liberator VI (4 damaged) and 11 X Thunderbolt II. The attackers caused extremely heavy damage to the airfield, a great many secondary explosions and heavy casualties. The Allied artillery caused very heavy Japanese losses and they had extremely light casualties from the Japanese guns.

Truk underwent a raid from 20 X B-24J which inflicted light damage on the airfield, destroyed a Jake and there were light personnel losses.

Kwajalein was hit by 26 X PB4Y (4 damaged) and the airfield had light damage, a couple of secondary explosions were seen and casualties were very light.

Buna was targeted by 41 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 47 X B-24J, 12 X Kittyhawk III and 18 X P-40N who did heavy damage to the airstrip, light damage to the port, many secondary explosions were reported and casualties were very heavy.

Lunga's port was lightly damaged by 25 X B-24D. Ground troops had very light losses.

The 48th Naval Guard Unit struggling towards Buna was pounced on by 48 X P-38J and 33 X P-40N who inflicted very heavy losses on the unit.

The 1st BAF AA Regiment 17 miles N of Krung Thep was attacked by 15 X Frances and 3 X Jack. 4 Frances were damaged by the AA fire and the unit had light losses.

Tavoy was raided by 26 X Mosquito FB.VI (6 damaged) and 11 X Thunderbolt II. The port had moderate damage done to it, there was a secondary explosion and the troops had moderate casualties. The Allied forces had extremely light losses from the Japanese artillery while their own caused very heavy Japanese casualties.

The SS Icefish, 82 miles SW of Puerto Princesa, tried and failed to attack 2 APs, 4 PGs and 2 MSWs.

Rest is what the Lucky 11 are getting plenty of as their area gradually fills with other air crews as the 500BG arrives plane by plane along with 3 other groups. There's lots of talk about their future targets. The one thing that they all can agree on is that they plan on hurting the Japanese, wining the war and going home as soon as possible.

Gunny leans on a gun mount, as the ship slices through the swells, steady as the Rock of Gibraltar. Some of the guys comment that there's nothing that Gunny can't do or handle. Slim knows better, but he won't say anything. What he found out is that Gunny is shy around females.

Ed looks over the maps and starts to discuss all of the possible problems that the next operation can offer up. “I expect mines, lots of 'em. The Japanese will probably use subs too. The reports all fail to mention sub activity except for maybe supply runs to isolated bases and extraction of garrisons from said bases. I believe that in closed waters we'll be confronted with a sub menace like the Pacific has seen yet. They must've learned from our subs by now.” Later that night he's informed that a new officer has been assigned to his staff and is on his way.

Victory Points Allied 37456 Japanese 33521

[tocaff]

August 11, 1944 Burma

Intel

89 ships are based at Nagoya.
109th Division is located at Singapore.
112th IJN Base Force is located at Wakkanai.
252332 men are based at Sasebo.
220669 men are based at Ominato.
Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.
9th AF Construction Battalion is located at Bankha.
3rd NLF is planning for an attack on Darwin.
47th Road Construction Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
14th Division is located at Hailar.
8th Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Broome.
Yokosuka 8th SNLF is located at Rabaul.
65th Division is located at Nanning.
2505 men are based at Ikitsuki.
2837 men are based at Matsue.
Radio transmissions detected at Eniwetok.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 3 aux, 2 LCUs 7140/29/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Ubon vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 50 bombers, 59 aux, 6 LCUs 22320/57/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dadjangas 4 LCUs 13660/224/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Torokina vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 6 LCUs 6020/17/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Khota Bharu vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 1 X CS, 14 LCUs 17780/90/0

Combat

The MSW Rampur encountered a mine field at Andaman Island and commenced sweeping it.

The SS Greenling made a predawn attack on an AP hitting it 6 times with the deck gun and 3 torpedoes sealing the ship's doom.

Victoria Point was swept by 39 X P-38J and 27 X Zeke engaged the. 16 Zekes were destroyed and all of the Allied planes departed unharmed.

Andaman Island was pounded by 139 X B-29. AA fire damaged 3 of the Allied bombers. The airstrip took very heavy damage, there were a large number of secondary explosions, a Dinah was left burning and troop losses were light.

Bangkok was swept by 44 X P-38J who dove out of the sun on 33 X Zeke, 13 X George, 25 X Jack, 18 X Frank and 3 X Randy. In the bloody battle the Japanese lost 12 Zekes (2 damaged), 7 Georges, 10 Jacks (1 damaged), 6 Franks and all of the Randys. 13 P-38Js were shot down and another 7 were damaged.

Kai Island was raided by 144 X B-25J, 55 X P-38J, 15 X P-40N and 18 X Kittyhawk III. The port was subjected to moderately heavy damage, there were an astounding number of secondary explosions claimed and casualties were placed at moderate.

Truk was bombed by 45 X B-24J and flak damaged 1 of them. The airfield was lightly damaged, a lone secondary explosion was reported and casualties were thought to have been light.

Kwajalein was visited by 36 X PB4Y and 24 X P-47D. 6 of the bombers were damaged by AA fire. The airfield was lightly damaged, there were some secondary explosions observed and casualties were light.

Buna was struck by 36 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 42 X B-24J, 9 X Kittyhawk III and 44 X P-40N. The airfield sustained heavy damage, the port took light damage, a large number of secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were heavy.

Lunga was raided by 38 X B-24D for light port damage and a couple of secondary explosions.

The 67th Naval Guard Unit was attacked by 64 X P-38J and the unit had very heavy losses as it continues to struggle on towards Buna.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had moderate losses from an attack made by 15 X Peggy.

The 1st BAF AA Regiment 17 miles N of Krung Thep was jumped by 12 X Frances and 2 X Randy. 2 X Frances were damaged and the unit had light losses.

Tavoy was attacked by 34 X Mosquito FB.VI (9 damaged) and 18 X Thunderbolt II. The port area had no damage, but there were some secondary explosions and light troop losses. The Allied troops had extremely light casualties from the Japanese artillery while the Allied guns dished out heavy losses to the Japanese.

Krung Thep was the scene of another artillery duel that caused very light Allied casualties and very heavy losses for the Japanese.

The O'Bannon departed San Francisco Bay in the company of the CL Cleveland and another DD. They are bound for Pearl Harbor. Frank stands on the bridge satisfied with his command finally getting back to sea. He is having the old hands work the new radar and sonar men hard to bring them up to acceptable performance levels. Another drill is in progress and once all stations report in as manned and ready he is pleased. They just knocked 22 seconds off their previous best time and he'll see them improve on that before he's satisfied.

Sam lies on his back watching the Betty on it's daily sneak a peek mission. Tori Shima is secure and there are no more living Japanese on the island and he feels like he has personally swept every inch of it clean. Now at least patrols are less frequent and of shorter duration.

“I've told you guys before and I'm telling you again,” Stick says to the other Flying Deuces, “The Japs are afraid of me. I can't get a kill because when they know that I'm flying they run or don't show up at all.” They guys laugh and throw things at him. Some of the other pilots are feeling the same way, but are a lot less vocal about it.

Mr. Doe is telling Pete that he hasn't forgotten about trying to track down the Pirates, but so far they're like trying to find a wisp of smoke on a windy day. Pete thanks him and offers John another beer, which is gratefully accepted.

Nantes and Angers fell to the Allies.

Victory Points Allied 37534 Japanese 33560

[tocaff]

August 12, 1944 Guam

Intel

52nd Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
49th Construction Battalion is located at Hailar.
60th Construction Battalion is located at Tarakan.
111th Division is located at Mutanchiang.
14742 men are based at Toyohara.
56429 men are based at Bangkok.
50th Construction Battalion is located at Kyoto.
1st Naval Construction Battalion is located at Morotai.
13th AA Regiment is located at Maizuru.
2nd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
21st Mixed Brigade is planning for an attack on Wyndham.
62nd Construction Battalion is located at Lunga.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Okayama 4 X AP, 4 X CA, 1 X BB, 1 LCU
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 5 aux, 2 LCUs, 72000/53/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Ubon vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Khota Bharu vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 138 bombers, 159 aux, 6 LCUs 22720/71/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 2 X AG, 14 LCUs 37260/299/1
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dadjangas 4 LCUs 15660/240/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua 1 LCU
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 3 LCUs 460/4/0

Combat

The RN MSW Rampur continued sweeping the mine field at Andaman Island.

Nanning had 2 Zekes up when 37 X P-38J jumped and trashed them.

Tavoy was bombed by 30 X B-29 (2 damaged), 41 X B-24J (1 downed, 6 damaged), 11 X Thunderbolt II and 13 X Spitfire VIII. The airfield took heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Later in the day 32 X Mosquito FB.VI (3 destroyed and 1 damaged) and 22 X Thunderbolt II hit the port for moderate damage, a few secondary explosions were observed and the troops had light casualties. Japanese artillery caused light Allied losses while the Allied guns inflicted very heavy casualties on the Japanese.

Bangkok was swept by 69 Lightnings and they were opposed by 27 X Zeke, 9 X George, 24 X Jack, 19 X Frank and 4 X Randy. 14 Zekes, 3 Georges, 13 Jacks, 10 Franks and all of the Randys were destroyed at the cost of 13 P-38Js shot down and 5 others damaged.

Krung Thep was paid a visit by 113 X Liberator VI and the AA managed to damage 3 of them. The airfield was very heavily damaged, there was a large number of secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The Japanese artillery had no effect and as soon as the barrage lifted the Allied troops surged forward to assault the Japanese defenses. Both sides suffered extremely heavy losses, though the Japanese got the worst of it. The defenses were reduced and some ground was gained.

Koepang's port was moderately damaged by 29 X B-24J. 4 of the bombers were damaged by flak. There were some secondary explosions reported and personnel losses were very light.

Lautem had it's facilities draw 46 X B-24D and 45 X B-24J. The damage done was moderately heavy to the airstrip, the port had light damage and there were some secondary explosions.

Buna was pounded by 39 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 47 X B-24J, 18 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip took very heavy damage, the port was lightly hit, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were very heavy.

Gili Gili drew 48 X B-24D and the ground fire damaged 4 of them. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were many secondary explosions and troop losses were light.

The 47th Naval Guard Unit was hammered by 48 X P-38J and 34 X P-40N for very heavy casualties. The Japanese troops can't wait to reach the supposed safety of Buna.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light losses from 14 X Peggy.

The IJA 16th Mixed Brigade, on Kai Island, was attacked by 64 X P-38J and 10 X Kittyhawk III. The unit sustained heavy losses.

The Lucky 11 now know where they will receive their baptism of fire, Truk. They will be bombing the airfield there and the B-24s that currently have that job will stand down and eventually be based elsewhere. For the B-24s Truk was at extended range, but the B-29s will reach there with ease so less fuel and more bombs are on order. The guys talk about this and Gil silently keeps his fear to himself. The mission is planned for the 15th. In the meantime more B-29s continue to arrive from points East.

Sandy writes to Bill telling him that she's been hiking in the mountains this summer and though nature's beauty is breath taking she longs for his company to share it all.

The O'Bannon's crew once again beat their best time as the drilling is having a tremendous effect on them. Frank decides that the drill scheduled for tonight can be dispensed with, but as luck would have it as soon as he climbs into his bunk the klaxon sounds. He throws on his pants and shirt, ties his shoes and is off like a bolt of lightning. Upon reaching the bridge he's informed that they have a sonar contact and are working it. A short while later they stand down from GQs as the contact proved to be false. The sonar man sheepishly says that it could've been a whale or a thermal. Frank reassures him with, “You did the right thing. It could've been a sub and I'd hate to miss a chance to attack one or worse have him attack us. Keep up the good work.”

Victory Points Allied 37600 Japanese 33593

[tocaff]

I've got no time to attend to the AAR so here's the dry facts for the day. The game itself hasn't advanced for a few days as Steve's suffered computer problems. I've been pretty busy anyway so with luck we'll resume in a day or so.

August 13, 1944

Intel

Yosu Fortress is located at Masan.
107th Division is located at Hailar.
25th Air Flotilla is located at Tokyo.
2753 men are based at Toyama.
7354 men are based at Hakodate.
8th Division is located at Tsitsihar.
81st Division is located at Tokyo.
41st Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
22nd/B Division is located at Wenchow.
87387 men are based at Hailar.
86620 men are based at Camranh Bay.
Radio transmissions detected at Yap.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Victoria Point 12 fighters, 44 aux, 11 LCUs 30540/139/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 aux, 2 LCUs 6920/25/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 1 LCU 1380/9/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 1 X CS, 1 X AK, 2 X AG, 14 LCUs 36760/365/2
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dadjangas 4 LCUs 15140/228/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1080/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Emirau Island vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Okayama 3 X AP, 1 X SS, 1 LCU

Combat

The MSW Rampur was continuing sweeping the mines at Andaman Island when suddenly without warning an IJN sub fed her a fish. The ship went down rapidly.

Ichang was swept by 43 X P-38J and 5 X Tojo, 2 X Nick and 6 X Tony were caught by them. 2 Tonys managed to escape while the rest of the Japanese planes bought it. A Lightning went down in the fight.

Tavoy was attacked by 25 X B-29 (2 damaged) , 21 X B-24J (9 damaged), 28 X P-47D and 13 X Spitfire VIII. The airfield was subjected to moderate damage, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were moderate. 32 X Mosquito FB.VI (3 damaged) and 9 X Thunderbolt II did light damage to the port and triggered a few secondary explosions. The Japanese artillery lobbed shells at the Allied troops in futility while the Japanese had very heavy casualties from the Allied guns.

Krung Thep was swept by 48 X Thunderbolt II, but they met with no opposition. A little bit later 106 X Liberator VI and 29 X Thunderbolt II swooped in and caused heavy damage to the airfield, a great many secondary explosions were seen and personnel losses were moderate. Then 128 X B-29 appeared and they added very heavy damage to the airfield, many secondary explosions were claimed and troop losses were heavy. The IJA 50th Division was struck by 36 X B-25J and 11 X Spitfire VIII for heavy losses. The 119th IJA Base Force was attacked by 45 X B-25J and 1 went down while 9 others were damaged by the flak. The unit had moderate losses. The 18th UK Division was hit by 15 X Frances (6 damaged) and 6 X Frank. There were no Allied casualties. The 25th Indian Division was harmlessly attacked by 3 X Frances and 4 X Jack. An artillery barrage caused very light Allied losses. An Allied assault resulted in little ground changing hands while both sides had extremely heavy losses.

Lautem was raided by 141 X B-25J, 14 X P-40N and 22 X Kittyhawk III. The port sustained heavy damage, many secondary explosions were reported and casualties were placed at moderate.

Truk was bombed by 34 X B-24J and the AA fire damaged 7 of them. The airstrip took light damage, there was a secondary explosion , a Jake was destroyed and there were very light casualties.

Buna was hit by 41 X B-17E, 44 X B-24D, 47 X B-24J, 45 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, the port lightly, there were some secondary explosions observed and very heavy troop losses.

The IJA 4th Tank Regiment, retreating towards Buna, was attacked by 61 X P-38J and 5 X P-40N. The unit had heavy casualties.

The IJA 28th Ind. Mixed Brigade, on Kai Island, was jumped by 63 X P-38J and 2 X Kittyhawk III for heavy losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light losses from an attack made by 14 X Peggy.

Victory Points Allied 37630 Japanese 33635

[tocaff]

August 14, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

3rd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Hailar.
3rd Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is located at Davao.
24th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Cagayan.
10th Area Army is located at Chengting.
14248 men are based at Saipan.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
24th Engineer Regiment is located at Chiamussu.
17th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Niigata.
81st Naval Guard Unit is located at Sabang.
10th Tank Regiment is located at Mishan.
102nd IJN Base Force is located at Paramushiro Jima.
Yura Fortress is located at Takamatsu.
Chinhae Bay Fortress is located at Pusan.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Waingapu vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Lautem 5 LCUs 8480/16/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Tacloban vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Songkhia vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Sag Sag vacant

Combat

The SS Herring attacked 2 MSWs and a PC 25 miles E of Singapore. She hit 1 of the MSWs with 2 fish and the target went under in a hurry.

Tavoy had it's airfield attacked by 20 X B-29 (1 damaged), 21 X B-24J (1 destroyed, 8 damaged), 25 X P-47D and 12 X Spitfire VII for moderate damage, some secondary explosions were seen and casualties were moderate. 32 X Mosquito FB.VI and 17 X Thunderbolt II attacked the port. Flak brought down a Mosquito and damaged 10 others. No facilities were hit, though there were some secondary explosions and very light casualties. The daily artillery bombardment caused light losses for the Allies.

Bangkok was swept by 48 X Thunderbolt II and the Japanese greeted them with 23 X Zeke, 10 X George, 20 X Jack, 24 X Frank and 3 X Randy. 13 Jugs were destroyed and 6 more were damaged as they cut through the gaggle of Japanese fighters. The Japanese lost 16 Zekes, 5 Georges, 9 Jacks, 8 Franks and all of the Randys.

Krung Thep was visited by 6 X Thunderbolt II, but nobody was home. Then 109 X Liberator VI (1 damaged) and 24 X Thunderbolt II arrived to pound the airstrip for heavy damage. There were a few secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy. The IJA 29th Ind. Mixed Brigade had moderate losses from 19 X B-25J (4 damaged), 42 X P-38J and 20 X Spitfire VIII. The 18th UK Division was the target for 12 X Frances, 9 X Jack, 6 X Frank and 3 X Randy. They were surprised by 10 X Thunderbolt II who jumped them. In the fight 2 X Frances were damaged and 6 X Jack were destroyed at the cost of a downed Jug. Nothing fell on the target. Then the 25th Indian Division was targeted by 3 X Frances and 9 X Thunderbolt II destroyed them all before any harm was done. Japanese artillery account for lots of noise while the Allied guns caused heavy casualties.

Gili Gili was raided by 45 X B-24D and the AA damaged 9 of them. The airstrip took moderate damage, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were light. Later another 11 X B-25J struck and the ground fire damaged 8 of them as they caused light losses on the 29th.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was struck by 15 X Peggy for light losses.

The SS Argonaut, 18 miles S of Tainan, was attacked and hit by 4 DDs. The sub will make for port to get some repairs and then will require yard time before her war continues as she suffered moderate systems damage and the flooding is also moderate. The only good news was that she laid her mines and was on the way home before being attacked.

Ed welcomes the haggard looking Phil to his staff and says, “From the looks of you you haven't slept in a decent bunk for quite a while so I want you to have some chow, a shower and sleep. We'll have plenty for you to do once you're rested as things are picking up tempo around here.” Phil salutes and heads off for the shower and sleep, food can wait.

The SS Tarpon's skipper, CDR Wallace, isn't happy with the assigned patrol area. The Solomons are a backwater with no Japanese naval activity in the area except for suspected sub transports bringing in food and taking out troops. He figures that guarding the approaches to Guadalcanal will be uneventful, but orders are orders.

Gil watches some B-29s arriving at Guam while his crew readies for their first combat mission. They are going to bomb the airfield at Truk tomorrow. The Lucky 11 don't know if they should be excited or scared. The day drags on and Gil becomes increasingly nervous. By the time he flops onto his cot he's exhausted, but sleep won't come. He finally dozes off.

FDR and Churchill met in Quebec. They initial the Morgenthau Plan, the division of post war Germany and transforming it into an agricultural country. Before the conference closes later in the month they will sign off on this plan.

Victory Points Allied 37696 Japanese 33556

[tocaff]

August 15, 1944 Guam

Intel

7376 men are based at Hakodate.
220653 men are based at Ominato.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
110th Division is located at Ichang.
21st AA Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
3rd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Hailar.
46th Division is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
136th IJNAF Base Force is planning for an attack on Saipan.
19th Army is located at Manila.
14th Air Fleet is located at Manila.
4778 men are based at Hanoi.
4th Construction Battalion is located at Mukden.
4th Mortar Battalion is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Hanoi 2 LCUs 3280/7/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Kratie vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 4 aux, 2 LCUs 7440/28/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bulla vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sarmi 2 LCUs 1340/8/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Guiuan vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Madang vacant

Combat

Ichang had a Nick and 2 Tonys aloft when 50 X P-38J dove on them, destroying the 3 planes before they knew what had hit them.

Krung Thep was bombed by 110 X Liberator VI and 12 X Thunderbolt II. A bomber was damaged by flak as they inflicted heavy damage on the airfield, caused many secondary explosions and there were very heavy troop losses. A short time later 91 X B-29 appeared and the Japanese gunners damaged 4 of them. The bombers missed the target, but there were light Japanese casualties. The Japanese artillery was once more useless despite their best efforts.

Koepang was raided by 27 X B-24J and AA fire downed 1 and damaged another. The port took heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were light. Another 22 B-24Js then hit the airstrip for light damage and light personnel losses.

Lautem was paid a visit by 28 X B-24D who did moderate damage to the airfield.

Truk was bombed by 30 X B-29 and much to Gil's relief none of the planes were damaged. Light damage was done to the airfield, a couple of secondary explosions were claimed and casualties were placed at extremely light. This was the Lucky 11's baptism of fire.

Kwajalein was attacked by 33 X PB4Y and flak damaged 3 of them. The airstrip was lightly damaged, a couple of secondary explosions were seen and a Judy was destroyed.

Buna was bombed by 42 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 44 X B-24J, 41 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, the port lightly, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were very heavy. The units that retreated to this hell from Port Moresby are shocked that their supposed haven isn't quite as expected. The IJA 1st Engineer Regiment was pounced on by 64 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N. The planes were like angry bees bombing and strafing the helpless Japanese troops. The unit had heavy losses.

Lunga was struck by 46 X B-24D and 62 X B-24J. The airfield was moderately damaged, the port also had moderate damage, a great many secondary explosions were claimed and casualties were light.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was attacked by 14 X Peggy , who missed hitting anything of value.

The 16th Mixed Brigade, on Kai Island, was attacked by 64 X P-38J for heavy losses.

Bangkok was swept by 49 X P-38J and the Japanese offered up 12 X Zeke, 6 X George, 11 X Jack, 14 X Frank and 3 X Randy. The fight was over quickly with the Japanese having lost 5 Zekes, 2 Georges, 3 Jacks (1 damaged), 7 Franks and 2 Randys in exchange for 9 P-38Js downed and 2 others damaged.

Japanese artillery at Tavoy caused moderate Allied losses and the Allied barrage inflicted similar casualties on the Japanese.

After the long flight to Truk and back Gil is happy to have his feet back on the ground. It seems weird without the roar of the engines. After being debriefed he heads of to have some chow. Most of the mission he was sound asleep, though a couple of incoming transmissions immediately woke him. The fact that he was able to sleep on a mission, much less the first one, surprises him. Maybe, just maybe this won't be so horrible, he thinks.

Sandy reads a letter from Bill and wonders when, if ever, he'll get back to the States. She misses him badly, especially when she hikes in the mountains. Dave continues to talk about selling the garage after the war end, but nothing about what they'll do then.

Sylvia says that they should seriously consider having another baby before to much time passes as this way they'll be closer together for play, etc. Pete listens and smiles saying, “Whatever you want.”

“The worst day of my life” says Hitler as the Southern coast of France was invaded and the German troops pulled back at Falaise.

Victory Points Allied 37735 Japanese 33583

[tocaff]

August 16, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

Southern Area Army is located at Manila.
3rd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
66643 men are based at Bangkok.
Mongol Army is located at Sasebo.
330854 men are based at Tokyo.
50th Construction Battalion is located at Kyoto.
2nd Mountain Gun Regiment is located at Nanning.
7th Engineer Regiment is located at Mishan.
6894 men are based at Inch'on.
15th Mixed Brigade is located at Canton.
60th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
84th Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 4 aux, 2 LCUs 7720/31/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 14540/38/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Babo vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Guiuan vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Lae 1 LCU 2440/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua 1 LCU 140/0/0

Combat

The SS Paddle found an AK, an AP and their escort of a single MSW about 159 miles SW of Tainan. The hunt was on and when a firing solution was obtained the AK was hit by 2 torpedoes which caused fires and heavy damage.

Ichang had 2 X Tony up when the Chinese arrived with 76 X B-25J and 49 X P-40N. The escorts fought off the Tonys and scored a kill, but they lost a fighter and had another damaged in the fight. AA fire damaged 5 Mitchells as they made their bomb runs. The airfield took moderate damage, there were a lot of secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

Victoria Point was swept by 41 X P-47D, who jumped the 22 X Zeke that were airborne. The result was 5 Zekes downed as the American pilots of the 311th FG got their baptism of fire.

Bangkok was swept by 54 X P-38J and they were countered with 20 X Zeke, 8 X George, 40 X Jack, 24 X Frank and 3 X Randy. In a brutally bloody fight the Japanese suffered 12 Zekes, 3 Georges (1 damaged), 18 Jacks, 14 Franks and 2 Randys destroyed. The Allies had 18 P-38Js go down and another 7 took damage.

Krung Thep was attacked by 114 X Liberator VI and 13 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Allied troops had very light losses from the Japanese artillery.

Lautem was bombed by 143 X B-25J, 16 X P-40N and 22 X Kittyhawk III. The port was lightly damaged, the airstrip took heavy damage, there were to many secondary explosions to count and troops losses were light. As soon at the raid had left 71 X P-38J appeared and they attacked causing another secondary explosion and additional light casualties.

Morotai was visited by 4 X B-24J, who laid mines in the harbor.

Kwajalein was raided by 5 X PB4Y for very light damage to the airfield,

Buna got it's daily dose of pain from on high as 46 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 47 X B-24J, 16 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip was very heavily damaged, the port took light damage, there were lots of secondary explosions and troop losses were very heavy. A large Allied ground force is slowly approaching to put the suffering Japanese out of their misery. The 62nd Naval Guard Unit was hit by 48 X P-38J and 31 X P-40N for heavy losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, stubbornly clinging to existence, was struck by 14 X Peggy. Both sides escaped harm.

On Kai Island the IJA 16th Mixed Brigade suffered an attack made by 61 X P-38J, 64 X P-47D and 12 X Kittyhawk III, who inflicted very heavy casualties on the unit.

Tavoy witnessed a Japanese artillery barrage that resulted in extremely light Allied casualties. The Allied guns caused moderate Japanese losses.

As the SS Argonaut limps home she has managed to dodge aircraft for the past couple of days.

Phil dives into his new job with gusto. A staff job isn't the same as being a tin can driver, but it's better than sitting around with nothing to do. Ed spoke with him at length and they discovered that Bill is a joint friend. Ed told Phil that Bill's ship, the CL Helena, is currently based out of Ulithi and that there's a good chance that they can catch each other during the ship's port calls. In the meantime Phil is busily going over the plans for the current and planned operations looking for things that might have been missed. He's already learned at yesterday's staff meeting that Ed is obsessed with mines.

Gil writes a letter to Elaine telling her that life overseas isn't exactly what he'd call plush, but it's not that bad. As he writes he hears small arms fire in the distance. Though Guam was taken long ago there are still some stray Japanese that refuse to surrender.

Frank is very pleased at the way his crew has is rounding into shape. The drilling schedule has been eased a bit as he feels comfortable going into battle with the times that they turn in. The O'Bannon draws closer to Pearl and then they'll be getting orders.

Radio Paris went off the air today.

All German forces were ordered to withdraw from the South of France.

Victory Points Allied 37802 Japanese 33725

[tocaff]

August 17, 1944 Washington DC

Intel

4314 men are based at Pusan.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
24th Division is located at Chiamussu.
46th Division is located at Rabaul.
100th Division is located at Davao.
24562 men are based at Iwo Jima.
Ponope Base Force is located at Ponape.
11th Tank Regiment is located at Mishan.
Iki Fortress is located at Ikitsuki.
114th IJA Base Force is planning for an attack on Chungking.
23rd Army is located at Nanning.
10537 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
1st Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kyoto.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Takamatsu 2 X AP, 5 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 3 bombers, 27 aux, 11 LCUs 31060/134/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 20260/16/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sarmi 2 LCUs 1560/7/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Finschafen vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 47480/384/9

Combat

The SS Grampus stumbled onto an AP being escorted by an MSW 92 miles SW of Tainan. Once in position she hit the AP with a torpedo and silently glided away.

The RN TF's escorts conducted an ASW attack 12 miles W of Rangoon on a suspected IJN sub. No hits were claimed, but they continued the hunt and a couple of hours later a dedicated ASW TF attacked the contact and claimed many hits. They kept up the barrage of DC for an extended period of time they suspect that the sub will die, but no kill has been awarded.

Ichang managed to scramble a Tony in time for it to run away from 66 X B-25J and 33 X P-40N. AA fire killed a bomber and damaged 13 more while the airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions, a Nick was burning and troop losses were light.

Victoria Point was swept by 44 X P-47D and 19 X Zeke were the targets for them. 7 Zekes were destroyed in return for a lost Jug.

Tavoy was struck by 37 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 downed, 7 damaged) and 13 X Spitfire VIII who did light damage to the port, caused a couple of secondary explosions and inflicted light casualties. The Japanese once more tried and failed with an artillery barrage. An Allied barrage caused very heavy Japanese losses.

Krung Thep was raided by 49 X B-25J (9 damaged), 22 X P-38J Lightning, 43 X Thunderbolt II and 16 X Spitfire VIII. The results were less than stellar as the bombs fell off target, though they caused light losses. Then it was the turn of 115 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 47 X B-25J (1 damaged) and 31 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was very heavily damaged, there were a great many secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy. The 18th UK Division was attacked by 11 X Frances, 13 X Jack, 2 X Frank and 2 X Randy. 6 X Thunderbolt II were on patrol and they attacked downing 3 X Frances (5 damaged), 2 X Jack and a Frank. A Jug was damaged in the fight and the 18th had light casualties. Not to long after the 25th Indian Division was attacked by 10 X Frances and though 6 Thunderbolt IIs were there they didn't manage to engage. The 25th had very light losses. Allied ground losses were very light due to a Japanese artillery bombardment while the Allies dished out very heavy casualties from their guns.

Koepang was targeted by 38 X B-24D (5 damaged) and 41 X B-24J (1 lost, 2 damaged). The airfield and port were lightly damaged, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were light.

Truk was visited by 24 X B-24J who caused light damage to the airfield and light casualties.

Kwajalein was hit by 29 X PB4Y (1 damaged) for light damage to the airstrip and very light casualties.

Buna was blasted by 43 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 40 X B-24J, 43 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The port took light damage, the airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Then the 48th Naval Guard Unit was pounced on by 64 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N with the result being the unit had very heavy losses.

The SS Piranha, 21 miles NW of Okinawa, had juicy targets to sink her teeth into as 3 X AK and 2 X MSW appeared. The sub scored a torpedo hit on an AK, setting it ablaze. Later, after reloading she surfaced and attacked the AK as it had been left behind. Her deck gun scored twice and another torpedo struck home.

Stalin sends a strongly worded protest to Tokyo regarding the IJA unit that is now in the proximity of the 5th Rifle Brigade. “If they want to play games we'll play,” he tells the assembled generals. “We'll plan on moving the brigade back and replacing it with a much larger force.”

FDR listens to the presentation and then thanks the gathered men and they clear the room. A few generals and admirals remain and he chides them to pick up the pace. “We must put an end to this war before the populace grow to tired and their will wanes. I want the Japanese booted out of the places we've targeted and then I want their lines of supply choked off once and for all.” They general officers agree and depart.

“Do you think that if we were flying Lightnings we'd be on offensive missions?” asks Stick. The other pilot shrugs and and they resume their card game. Stick hasn't had a letter in weeks and some of the guys told him it's probably because his family has disowned him out of shame because he has no kills. “That's hitting below the belt,” said Stick.

Remnants of the Vichy regime fled to Germany.

Field Marshall Model took command in the West.

The Russians reached the East Prussian and Lithuanian border.

Victory Points Allied 37831 Japanese 33742

[tocaff]

Normally I live with pain every day as I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back and 3 in my neck. To go with this I'm drawing closer to getting a hip replacement procedure. The good part of the hip pain is that the discs rarely bother me anymore. Today my back is agonizing, which is pretty bad considering how I've adjusted to dealing with pain every day for the last 10 years or so. Due to the pain medication I'm not even going to attempt dealing with characters today. The game is now up to 10/30/1944.

August 18, 1944 Tavoy

Intel

87701 men are based at Pescadores.
20th Engineer Regiment is located at Canton.
71st Division is located at Changkufeng.
33rd Army is located at Tavoy.
67th Construction Battalion is located at Toyama.
12th Construction Battalion is located at Batan Island.
1st Guards Division is located at Tokyo.
Elements of the 4th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Paotang.
3964 men are based at Osumi.
Nagasaki Fortress is located at Nagasaki.
4th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kagoshima.
Yokosuka Base Force is located at Tokyo.
8th Ind. Brigade is planning for an attack on Chungking.
252258 men are based at Kagoshima.
67th Construction Battalion is located at Toyama.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 57 fighters, 21 bombers, 62 aux, 10 LCUs 66220/734/14
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Harbin 24 fighters, 45 aux, 8 LCUs 31800/424/5
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Hailar 40 fighters, 42 aux, 10 LCUs 46420/516/14
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 2 X APD, 1 X SS, 2 X DE, 3 X AK, 32 bombers, 9 LCUs 43260/397/7
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Raba vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Biak vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 3 LCUs 260/2/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Woodlark Island vacant

Combat

Victoria Point was swept by 43 X P-47D, but nobody was minding the store.

Tavoy was attacked by 129 X B-29 and they got a very warm welcome from 25 X Zeke, 7 X George, 16 X Jack, 11 X Tony and 15 X Frank. In the running battle the Japanese fighters flitted in and out of the bomber formations, hammering away at the big silver birds. 22 X B-29 were destroyed and 50 others were damaged and the Superforts turned away before reaching their target. The cost to the Japanese was 4 Zekes (8 damaged), a George (5 damaged), a Jack (7 damaged), 3 Franks (7 damaged) were shot down and 8 Tonys were also damaged. Japanese artillery inflicted moderate casualties on the Allied forces and the Allied version caused heavy losses for the Japanese.

Krung Thep was raided by 49 X B-25J (7 damaged), 40 X P-38J,36 X Thunderbolt II and 19 X Spitfire VIII. No facilities were damaged, though there were light casualties. Then came 108 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 24 X B-24J (1 damaged), 43 X B-25J (1 damaged), 11 X P-38J and 33 X Thunderbolt II who caused very heavy damage to the airfield, a very large number of secondary explosions were seen and casualties were heavy. Another inept attempt at an artillery barrage was made by the Japanese today. The Allied artillery was zeroed in and inflicted very heavy casualties on the Japanese.

Koepang was hit by 27 X B-24J, 7 damaged by the flak, for moderate damage to the airfield and some secondary explosions.

Lautem was struck by 91 X B-25J and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield had heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were very light.

Truk was attacked by 22 X B-29 and the airstrip was lightly damaged, a Mavis was trashed and there were very light casualties.

Buna was battered by 47 X B-17E, 46 X B-24D, 39 X B-24J, 45 X P-40N Warhawk and 12 X Kittyhawk III, who in a leisurely fashion dumped their loads causing heavy damage to the airfield, a few secondary explosions were seen and troop losses were very heavy. The 62nd Naval Guard Unit had heavy losses thanks to 64 X P-38J and 5 X P-40N.

Gili Gili's airfield was hit by 48 X B-24D and 6 planes were damaged by the AA fire. The strip took moderately heavy damage, there were a large number of secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was bombed by 8 X Peggy and had light losses as a result. Then the 6th Chinese Air Base Force, a short distance away, was jumped by 6 X Peggy who missed the mark.

The IJA 16th Mixed Brigade, on Kai Island, was jumped by 64 X P-47D and 2 X Kittyhawk III. The unit had moderate losses.

At the debriefing stunned B-29 crews voices were muffled and one man was heard to say that, “It was raining tin. The Japs knew we were coming and ambushed us. We didn't stand a chance. Where were our fighters?”

Sandomir fell to the Soviets.

Victory Points Allied 37877 Japanese 33775

[tocaff]

August 19, 1944 Guam

Intel

32nd Army is located at Bangkok.
84424 men are based at Naha.
18th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Toyama.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
34th Road Construction Battalion is located at 44,39.
Elements of the 4th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Tabun-Nur.
7129 men are based at Nagasaki.
24th Division is located at Chiamussu.
48th Division is located at Bangkok.
Nagasaki Fortress is located at Nagasaki.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Maizuru 5 X AP, 2 X CA, 5 LCUs 6540/135/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 6 X AP, 1 X TK, 1 X AK, 4 X DE, 6 fighters, 12 bombers, 7 aux, 1 LCU 4220/34/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Goodenough Island vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 18140/12/0

Combat

The SS Bashaw, 32 miles W of Bataan, was attacked 2 PCs and a PG. She avoided being damaged though. Later 4 PCs arrived and tried to kill the Bashaw, but she gave them the slip once more avoiding damage.

The SS Hawkbill was attacked by 4 DDs about 129 miles E of Wenchow. The sub took a pretty good pounding, but sustained no damage.

Kwajalein was raided by 26 X SB2C and 24 X P-47D. A Helldiver was damaged as they did very light damage to the airstrip.

Buna was pounded by 45 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 40 X B-24J, 49 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The port took light damage, the airfield took moderately heavily damage, there were some secondary explosions reported and casualties were very heavy.

Lunga was bombed by 111 X B-24J and 48 X B-24D. The airfield was heavily hit, the port lightly, a very large number of secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were light.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was attacked by 14 X Peggy who missed the target.

151 miles W of Attu Island an IJN sub put a fish into the CVE Gambier Bay. The DDs escorting the victim pounced on the sub and they thought that they inflicted heavy damage on it. No kill was awarded. The Gambier Bay was lucky to only have light systems damage, moderate flooding and negligible fires. She will make for port to have her condition stabilized and then she'll be off to Anchorage.

At Tavoy artillery exchanges were the order of the day. The Allies had moderate casualties and the Japanese had heavy losses.

Krung Thep was the scene of artillery duels with the Japanese having very heavy losses and the Allied forces very light casualties.

Phil is amazed at the amount of paper Ed's staff produces and wonders how much of it is really needed. Later Ed stops by and has a chat with Phil. Phil explains to him that from what he can gather it appears that the Japanese haven't been laying minefields at the next invasion targets. “I plan to have some exploratory sweeps made prior to any landing just to confirm this though,” Phil says. Ed thanks him and leaves.

FDR listens to the reassurances that Stalin has given concerning the proposed joint operation. FDR then summons Admiral King and General George C. Marshall to discuss the feasibility of diverting the needed forces for the operation. It seems that the Army has almost all of their assets already in place. The Navy on the other hand plans on sending ships piecemeal for the operation and this concerns Roosevelt. “We need to do this and do it on schedule.” The 2 men agree and then leave.

Though the weather forecast isn't to good for tomorrow the Lucky 11 are scheduled to pay Truk another visit. Their war has only recently begun and the men of the crew already hope for awful weather so that the mission gets scrubbed. “I'm in no hurry to fly our next mission,” says Brownie and others concur. Gil wonders how Brownie can deal with being alone in his tail gunner position and later the 2 of them talk about it. Brownie says that he's so busy looking around and caring for his guns that he doesn't have much time to think about much. “Besides,” he adds, “I spend lots of time praying.”

The Germans are granted a truce in Paris to withdraw their troops.

Victory Points Allied 37904 Japanese 33768

[tocaff]

August 20, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
Ponope Base Force is located at Ponape.
7th Tank Regiment is loaded on AP Buyo Maru moving to Singapore.
44th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Soerabaja.
19362 men are based at Tinian.
52nd Naval Guard Unit is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
11th Division is located at Mishan.
129th IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
141st IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
51st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Soerabaja.
12th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
64th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
Elements of the 19th Mixed Brigade are located at Wuchow.
35th Army is located at Manila.
54th Division is located at Kagoshima.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kyoto 3 LCUs 1080/14/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Camranh Bay 1 X AP, 1 X AK, 1 X AG, 1 fighter, 31 bombers, 9 aux, 2 LCUs 4080/61/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Tavoy 1 X SS, 18 LCUs 147260/1701/173
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 25 fighters, 30 aux, 9 LCUs 3460/13/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Guiuan vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 33960/179/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sag Sag vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant

Combat

Krung Thep underwent a raid by 31 X B-25J (8 damaged), 67 X P-38J (6 downed, 3 damaged), 61 X Thunderbolt II and 24 X Spitfire VIII. The Lightnings swept in first on 13 X Zeke, 4 X George, 21 X Jack and 13 X Frank and they destroyed 9 Zekes, 4 Georges and all of the Jacks and Franks. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were a few secondary explosions observed and casualties were moderate. The artillery exchanges cost the Japanese heavy casualties and the Allies light losses.

Truk was bombed by 50 X B-29 who caused light damage to the airfield, a couple of secondary explosions , a Jake destroyed and light personnel losses.

Kwajalein was attacked by 37 X PB4Y and the AA fire damaged 5 of the bombers. The airfield sustained light damage and casualties were negligible. Then another 33 X PB4Yappeared and the flak damage 2 of them. The did light damage to the airstrip, triggered a couple of secondary explosions and inflicted light troop losses.

Buna was bashed again by 46 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 37 X B-24J, 40 X P-40N Warhawk, and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip was heavily damaged, the port took light damage, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Then the 48th Naval Guard Unit was targeted by 64 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N. The unit had heavy losses from the bombing and strafing.

The 16th Indian Brigade, about 17 miles N of Krung Thep, was attacked by 13 X Frances and ground fire downed 1 and damaged another. The unit had no losses. Then the 1st BAF AA Regiment was attacked by 15 X Frances and 3 X Randy. A Frances was damaged and the unit had light losses.

Tavoy was swept by 12 X Corsair IV and they were met by a Jack, a Zeke, a Tony and a Frank, all of whom ran for their lives. A Tony was caught and destroyed. Artillery duels resulted in extremely light Allied casualties and heavy Japanese losses.

Another mission has been survived by the Lucky 11. Gil astounds the guys with his ability to sleep on the missions. They were sure that once they were flying combat missions the naps would stop, but boy were they wrong. What they don't know is that the raids on Truk are serving the dual purpose of hurting the Japanese and giving the B-29 crews experience for much more dangerous targets in the near future.

Slim and Gunny know that the next operations are going to be knocking at the very doorstep of Japan and that means the fighting will become more desperate than ever. In the meantime they see a huge buildup of men and material.

Phil sits in the staff meeting wondering why some of these men have jobs of importance. Later he questions one of them about remarks that he made. The man defends them and Phil replies, “Our ASW is second to none, but if you want the screens reduced in numbers they won't be able to do their jobs. Just because the Japanese subs haven't been to busy in our area of operations don't think for a minute that they've forgotten us. It's guys like you who get careless and cost people their lives. Expect the unexpected and bring more than you think you need if you want to succeed.” With that Phil leaves a stunned officer. I guess I didn't make any new friends today, Phil thinks as he walks away. He's madder than hell, but happy that he got it off of his chest.

The Falaise gap has been sealed.

The Red Army attacked into Romania with 96 divisions, 1.4K tanks and 1.7K planes.

Victory Points Allied 37978 Japanese 33782

[tocaff]

August 21, 1944 Burma

Intel

Southern Area Army is located at Manila.
40th Division is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
2nd South Seas Det. is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
1st Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
50th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Bangkok.
6th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
26th Aviation Unit is located at Truk.
106th IJA Base Force is located at Anshan.
22nd Air Flotilla is located at Bangkok.
31st Army is located at Manila.
6th Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
9th AF Construction Battalion is located at Bankha.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya many ships, 3 LCUs 1220/37/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Shikka 1 X AP, 9 fighters, 7 aux, 2 LCUs 16720/169/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Dili 4 LCUs 4240/0/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 9 LCUs 7240/48/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 2 X AG, 2 X DE, 72 fighters, 91 aux, 14 LCUs 50340/487/1
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 53420/421/8
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 7 aux, 13 LCUs 21660/110/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Phnom Penh vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 8 LCUs 19700/132/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sarmi vacant

Combat

2 X IJN MSW detected a mine field at Teloekbetoeng and began sweeping it.

The SS Paddle unsuccessfully attacked an unescorted AP 161 miles SE of Hong Kong.

An AK hit a mine at Pescadores and it was seen burning.

Krung Thep was swept by 34 X P-38J and 9 X Zeke, 3 X George, 17 X Jack, 10 X Frank and 2 X Randy put up a fight. 3 Zekes (1 damaged), 2 Georges, 8 Jacks (1 damaged), 4 Franks (1 damaged) and both Randys were destroyed. The Allies lost a pair of P-38Js and another was damaged. The Allies had negligible losses from the Japanese artillery while the Japanese had very heavy casualties from the Allied barrage.

Truk was bombed by 31 X B-29 and 6 X AG were hit in the port area, all sinking, and casualties were negligible. This was a strange happening as the airfield was the target.

Buna was bashed by 43 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 41 X B-24J, 39 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was moderately damaged, the port took light damage, there were lots of secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The 62nd Naval Guard Unit was jumped by 63 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N. The unit sustained moderate losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light casualties from 13 X Peggy.

The 1st BAF AA Regiment, 17 miles N of Krung Thep was raided by 23 X Frances and 3 X Randy. 2 of the bombers were damaged and the unit had light losses.

At Tavoy the daily artillery exchanges caused light Allied losses and heavy Japanese casualties.

The final plans for the expulsion of Japanese forces from PNG are now being put into motion. Once this has been done the SWPAC will mop up some other spots. The debate as to take or bypass Gili Gili continues to rage. In the meantime the plan to take Mindanao are also in motion. When FDR is presented with these plans he smiles and asks if there's anything concrete to follow.

Gunny passes the word that the 2nd Marine Division has orders and the units that comprise it will make sure that everything is in order. “Make sure the lads have their 782 gear in order and don't forget the Joe-pot,” he tells the other NCOs who smile about the pot.

Mr. Doe tells Pete that as far as he can tell the Pirates are OK. “As to where they are or what they're doing, who knows,” he says. Pete thanks him and asks if he'd like a beer. The two men are talking and John says, “There's are rumor that I'm to be replaced. If that's true I wanted to let you know that you and Sylvia have helped me doing my job and that I can't thank the two of you enough.”

The French 1st Army surrounded Toulon.

Patton's 3rd Army reached Troys and Reims.

Romanian troops changed sides and the Germans withdrew.

UK, USA and USSR representatives meet at Dumbarton Oaks in the US to discuss post war international security. The USSR refuses to participate with China represented so once the USSR departs the Chinese arrive. Ultimately the result of this conference will be the United Nations.

Victory Points Allied 38018 Japanese 33678





Dumbarton Oaks Conference

[tocaff]

August 22, 1944 New York

Intel

Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
52nd Road Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
45th Road Construction Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
49th Division is located at Tavoy.
5th Air Fleet is located at Tokyo.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
31st AA Regiment is located at Sapporo.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
57th Division is located at Arshaan.
24th Division is located at Chiamussu.
4th AF Construction Battalion is located at Medan.
8th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Davao.
11th Division is located at Mishan.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Phnom Penh vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 6 bombers, 21 aux, 7 LCUs 18960/137/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 19800/6/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 9 LCUs 14200/121/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 2 X AG, 1 X DE, 91 fighters, 104 aux, 14 LCUs 86200/803/5
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siador vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Lae 1 LCU 4180/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 52180/422/7

Combat

2 Japanese MSWs and an AK encountered a mine field at Teloekbetoeng , with the AK striking 1 and sinking.

Tavoy was swept by 17 Corsair IVs,, but no opposition was met. Japanese artillery caused light Allied losses and they had heavy casualties from the Allied guns.

Andaman Island was bombed by 123 X B-29 and 2 of the big birds were damaged by the light and inaccurate AA fire. The airfield had heavy damage, the port was also heavily hit, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were placed at very light.

Krung Thep was swept by 61 X P-38J and the Japanese threw 13 X Zeke, 4 X George, 6 X Jack and 8 X Frank at them. 12 Zekes, a George, 4 Jacks and 5 Franks were destroyed as 4 Lightnings went down with another 2 being damaged. A short time later 31 X B-29, 91 X Liberator VI (1 damaged), 32 X B-24J (1 damaged), 41 X B-25J, 37 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 11 X P-47D and 28 X Thunderbolt II (1 destroyed) arrived. They were met by 2 Zekes, 4 Georges, 5 Jacks and 8 Franks who were all shot down. Then the bombs rained down doing heavy damage to the airfield and caused a huge number of secondary explosions and inflicting very heavy losses on the personnel. Japanese inflicted very light losses on the Allied troops while the Allied barrage caused very heavy casualties on the Japanese force.

Truk was raided by 29 X B-29 who did light damage to the airstrip, caused a pair of secondary explosions and moderate casualties.

Buna was battered by 38 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 36 X B-24J, 34 X P-40N, and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, the port lightly, there were some secondary explosions and losses were very heavy. Then the 67th Naval Guard Unit was bombed and strafed by 58 X P-38J and 3 X P-40N. The unit had very heavy casualties.

The 16th Indian Brigade, about 18 miles N of Krung Thep, was attacked by 21 X Frances, 9 X Zeke, 6 X George and 15 X Jack and a Randy. There were 9 X P-38J on hand to intercept and they killed a Zeke, 2 X Jack (1 damaged), a Randy and damaged 2 X Frances while suffering the loss of 3 planes and 2 others damaged. The unit had moderate casualties.

The SS Haddo underwent an ASW attack near Boac by a force of unknown composition. She escaped without damage.

Sam sits eating some chow and is pleased that the division is almost back up to full strength. It also pleases him that the Sea Bees are busy building up the fortifications on the island.

The amount of work at the yard keeps pouring in faster than they can deal with it. “It gets frustrating that there's always so much more to do that I get the feeling that I'm getting nothing done,” laments Gene to one of the other guys as they have some lunch. “Nobody cares about our safety, just get it done and move on to the next job.” This is a problem not confined to just the shipyards.

Red is enjoying some music he has picked up from the states. Cookie asks him how it's possible to hear a radio station from home all the way out here. Red says, “The signal bounces back to earth from the atmosphere and then off of the ground back up again. There are dead spots, but you'd be amazed at how far the signal can travel.” Cookie grunts and grabs a seat, lights a smoke and listens to the music.

The RN's Air Fleet Arm stated 4 days of attacks on Tirpitz and other ships in the Alten Fjord.

Jassy fell to the Red Army.

Victory Points Allied 38091 Japanese 33706

[Capt. Harlock]

Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.

Wow! Those Intel guys sure earned their money! [;)]

[tocaff]

Those intel types are really scary. Sometimes they report to me telling how many men are at a given base, but the base is mine!

August 23, 1944 Moscow

Intel

4th Mortar Battalion is located at Nanning.
46th Road Construction Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
15th Construction Battalion is located at Tawi Tawi.
60th Construction Battalion is located at Tarakan.
6030 men are based at Pusan.
North Chishima Fortress is located at Paramushiro Jima.
Yura Fortress is located at Takamatsu.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
7th AA Regiment is located at Sendai.
4th Air Division is located at Malang.
11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
19th Division is located at Mishan.
102nd Division is located at Cebu Island.
21st Mortar Battalion is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
24th Engineer Regiment is located at Chiamussu.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bangkok 127 fighters, 9 bombers, 163 aux, 17 LCUs 65560/474/18
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 1 LCU 1080/8/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 21320/9/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 9 LCUs 15380/131/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 2 X AG, 81 fighters, 101 aux, 14 LCUs 91340/829/6
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua 1 LCU 40/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 3 LCUs 160/3/0

Combat

The SS Sailfish, about 24 miles E of Kendari, was attacked by a Lily and reported being hit. The sub will now make for base as she has moderate systems damage. Her flooding in minor and her skipper has been informed that it will be stopped in short order.

The SS Paddle, 84 miles SE of Hong Kong, spotted a TK, PG, PC, 2 MSWs and a DD. She tried to gain a favorable position from which to attack, but failed.

Krung Thep was swept by 26 X P-38J, but no opposition was found. Then 18 X B-29, 22 X B-24J, 80 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 36 X B-25J, 14 X Mosquito FB.VI and 14 X Thunderbolt II arrived to deal out death and destruction. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were a great many secondary explosions, a Zeke, a George and a Frank were destroyed on the ground and casualties were put at moderate. The Allies had negligible losses due to a Japanese artillery bombardment. The Allied big guns accounted for heavy Japanese casualties.

Truk had it's airfield lightly damaged by 17 X B-29.

Kwajalein was bombed by 34 X PB4Y and AA fire damaged 3 of the planes while they caused light damage to the airstrip and very light personnel losses.

Today's air raid on Buna was made by 40 X B-17E, 44 X B-24D, 31 X B-24J, 33 X P-40N and 9 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The 47th Naval Guard Unit was pounced on by 59 X P-38J who inflicted heavy losses on the unit.

Gili Gili was struck by 48 X B-24D and flak knocked 1 down and damaged 6 others. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

Lunga was visited by 21 X B-24D who caused light damage to the airfield.

The 49th Division, at Tavoy, was attacked by 12 X B-25J (2 damaged), 21 X P-38J, 72 X Thunderbolt II (2 destroyed, 11 damaged) and 16 X Spitfire VIII. The unit sustained heavy casualties. Japanese artillery roared but their bark was worse than their bite as the Allied forces had no losses. The Allied barrage caused heavy Japanese casualties.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was hit by 12 X Peggy and both sides had no losses.

Stalin suggests that maybe some air units that are facing the Japanese should be given new types of planes. A general informs him that this has been going on based on having newer types available in great enough numbers. The general also states that additional units have been assigned to the East in preparation for the inevitable conflict there.

Bill reads his orders and can't believe his eyes. The Helena will be part of a TF that will proceed to Pearl Harbor. Once there the ship will undergo a long overdue refit. He had hoped to get lucky and have it done Stateside. He sighs and puts the paper down and picks up a pen to write to Sandy.

The O'Bannon knifes through the water ever vigilant, searching for subs, planes and ships. Frank lies in his bunk comforted by the vibrations made by the engines. He wonders how Bill is doing and if he'll ever see him again. At the same time Art stands on the bridge quietly observing the men going about their business. He has tried very hard to learn from Frank and Frank knows and appreciates his trying.

The Lucky 11 are finding life on Guam boring. “If we don't have a mission to fly there's damned little to do,” says Pete. Somebody has suggested that they ought to build a baseball diamond and a formal request has been pushed up the chain of command. That would add something to do, but for now they eat, sleep, BS, read mail and just manufacture ways to kill time. Gil never thought that a war could be so boring. When he said this Jake laughed and told him to wait that there will be moments of sheer terror too.

US and French forces met outside of Bordeaux.

King Michael I of Romania fired Marshall Antonescu as head of state and allied the country with the Soviets.

Victory Points Allied 38112 Japanese 33716

[tocaff]

August 24, 1944 Guam

Intel

32nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Aomori.
Iki Fortress is located at Ikitsuki.
29th Division is located at Tsitsihar.
13th Air Fleet is located at Truk.
1st Mixed Regiment is located at Amoy.
39th Road Construction Battalion is located at Manila.
6177 men are based at Taipei.
Arshan Garrison Regiment is located at Arshaan.
16th Aviation Rgt is located at Wuhan.
5821 men are based at Aomori.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Ominato 2 X AP, 4 X AK, 1 X DE, 4 X CA, 5 LCUs 4740/66/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 20 fighters, 23 aux, 9 LCUs 13100/95/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 2 X AG, 1 X PC, 1 X DE, 143 fighters, 185 aux, 14 LCUs 95680/882/6
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua 1 LCU 100/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 3 LCUs 660/1/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 6 X AP, 1 X TK, 5 X DE, 10 fighters, 28 bombers, 28 aux, 1 LCU 4700/19/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 22660/11/0

Combat

The SS Ray, 98 miles SE of the Amami Group, attacked a heavily escorted AK and set it on fire with a torpedo hit. Then the sub underwent a rough time as the angry escorts tried to do her harm. The Ray has light systems damage and light flooding so she is heading for Guam.

Tavoy was swept by 12 X Corsair IV, but they came up empty. Allied troops had very light losses from a Japanese artillery barrage and their reply cost the Japanese heavily.

Bangkok was swept by 64 X Thunderbolt II and 63 X P-38J and they were rewarded with 34 X Zeke, 12 X George, 32 X Jack and 13 X Frank filling their gun sights. The battle was furious and cost the Japanese all of their Zekes, all but 1 of the Georges, 18 Jacks and 10 Franks. This didn't come without cost as 11 Jugs went down with 3 others being damaged and a Lightning was also shot down.

Krung Thep was attacked by 40 X B-29, 40 X B-24J, 121 X Liberator VI, 58 X B-25J, 42 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged) and 25 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was very heavily damaged, there were to many secondary explosions to count, a Frank, a George and a Zeke were destroyed at their revetments and casualties were placed at moderate. A futile Japanese artillery attack was made and the Allied response inflicted heavy Japanese losses.

Truk was raided by 28 X B-29 who caused moderate damage to the airstrip and very light personnel losses.

Kwajalein was raided by 28 X PB4Y (1 damaged) and they did light damage to the airfield and caused extremely light casualties.

Buna was brutalized once more by Allied aircraft. The attack was made by 42 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 34 X B-24J, 33 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The defenseless Japanese had the their airfield take heavy damage, the port was lightly hit, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The 62nd Naval Guard Unit had moderate losses from 63 X P-38J and 3 X P-40N.

Lunga was struck by 33 X B-24D for light damage to the airfield, a single secondary explosion was triggered and there were negligible troop losses.

Gil drops out of Jake's Jalopy happy to have survived another mission. The flak over Truk was light and inaccurate, but operational losses claim more aircraft than the Japanese. It seems that the B-29 seems to be a bit underpowered and losses on takeoffs are more than wanted.

The Palawan is anchored at Guam and the crew goes ashore to stretch their legs. Lucky is romping on the beach while Red and Cookie watch him. They are lost in conversation when suddenly the report of a rifle shot snaps them back to reality. The round strikes the tree that they are standing under and they drop to the sand, crawling to the other side of the tree. The next sound that they hear is automatic weapons fire followed by a voice asking if they're OK. “We got him so you can get up now,” the soldier says. Red and Cookie immediately shake off the sand and call Lucky, who returns to them. They've had enough of the beach for the day and head back to the Palawan.

According to intel it is believed that Mindanao is not mined. Ed reads the report and hands it to an aide saying, “I'll believe that when no ships hit any.” He turns to Phil and adds, “I want each landing area swept prior to entering it with our ships. I don't give a hoot what intel says, I want to be sure so see to it that the proper planning is done.” Phil acknowledges and heads off to cut the proper paper work. He knows that Ed is a good boss to work for, but when he wants something woe to those who fail to get it for him.

The Red Army reached Tartu in Estonia.

Romania declared war on Germany today.

Victory Points Allied 38200 Japanese 33735




B-29s on Guam