The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[tocaff]

With a house full of people I can't give you any more than just the facts.

August 25, 1944 Davao

Intel

6th Air Division is located at Kendari.
21 ships are based at Taichu.
204156 men are based at Truk.
49th Construction Battalion is located at Hailar.
44th Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
5th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Harbin.
Elements of the 9th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Tientsin.
Elements of the 2nd Ind. Brigade are located at Kaigan.
3rd Cavarly Brigade is located at Mishan.
11th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
107th IJN Base Force is located at Aomori.
114th IJA Base Force is planning for an attack on Chungking.
10th Area Army is located at Chengting.
78 aircraft are based at Gumma.
3rd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Matsue.
3rd Naval Construction Battalion is located at Nanning.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Camranh Bay 1 X AP, 1 X AK, 1 X AG, 5 fighters, 47 bombers, 31 aux, 2 LCUs 6220/77/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 aux, 2 LCUs 7800/27/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 24180/11/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Wasile vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dadjangas 4 LCUs 6900/95/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 9 aux, 14 LCUs 36120/113/0

Combat

An SBD spotted an AG near Davao and claimed a hit that caused the AG to sink.

The SS Thresher was on patrol about 19 miles NW of Iloilo when she spotted, tracked and attacked 3 X AP, 4 X PG and 2 X MSW. She managed 2 torpedo hits on an AP, causing heavy damage and fires. The Thresher then withdrew undetected.

Victoria Point was swept by 21 X P-38J, but they met with no opposition.

Bangkok was swept by 70 X P-38J and 30 X Zeke, 9 X George, 32 X Jack, 12 X Frank and a Randy met them. The Japanese shot down 6 Lightnings and damaged 5 others while suffering the loss of 21 X Zeke, 8 X George, 12 X Jack (2 damaged), 9 X Frank and the Randy.

Krung Thep threw up an inaccurate umbrella of AA as 19 X B-29 (1 damaged), 68 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 21 X B-24J, 17 X Mosquito FB.VI and 12 X Thunderbolt II attacked the base. The airfield took heavy damage, there were a great many secondary explosions claimed, a Frank, a Zeke and a George were destroyed on the ground and casualties were moderate. The IJA 128th Ind. Mixed Brigade was hit by 18 X B-25J and 8 X Spitfire VIII for moderately light losses as a bomber was destroyed and 5 more were damaged. Allied artillery caused heavy Japanese losses and the Japanese response was off target.

Truk underwent a raid from 20 X B-29 who caused light damage to the airfield and extremely light personnel losses.

Buna got it's daily dose of ordinance from 41 X B-17E, 43 X B-24D, 35 X B-24J, 30 X P-40N and 9 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip had moderately heavy damage, the port light damage, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Later the 67th Naval Guard Unit was bombed and strafed by 60 X P-38J and had heavy casualties.

Gili Gili was bombed by 32 X B-24D and flak damaged 7 of them. The airfield was lightly damaged, a single secondary explosion was observed and casualties were extremely light.

Lunga was struck by 54 X B-24J for light airfield damage, a few secondary explosions and very light troop losses.

The IJA 38th Division, at Tavoy, was attacked by 19 X B-25J and 9 X Spitfire VIII. AA fire brought down a Mitchell and damaged 5 more as the unit escaped with negligible losses. The another strike package of 23 X B-25J and 3 X Thunderbolt II struck and the ground fire downed a bomber and damaged 10 others. This time the unit had light losses. Yet another strike came in and it targeted the IJA 49th Division. 13 X B-25J and 4 X Thunderbolt II caused light losses as flak caused a bomber to explode in midair and 5 others took damage. The Allied troops had extremely light losses from the Japanese artillery and they had heavy casualties from the Allied guns.

Davao was the target of a carrier raid made up of 76 X SBD, 58 X SB2C, 45 X TBF, 72 X TBM and 104 X F6F Hellcat. They were intercepted by the CAP consisting of 30 X Zeke, 2 X George and 75 X Jack. The resulting furball saw aircraft constantly tumbling from the sky. The Americans lost 3 X SBD (10 damaged), an SB2C (10 damaged), a TBF, a TBM (4 damaged) and 14 X F6F (5 damaged) due to the fighters and ground fire while the Japanese losses were all of the Zekes, both Georges and 67 Jacks. An AP took 5 bomb hits and was left a burning, twisted hulk, the airfield was moderately damaged, the port took heavy damage, there were some fuel explosions, many secondary explosions and casualties were thought to have been heavy.

Finland and Russia held secret talks for a cease-fire.

DeGaulle entered Paris.

Victory Points Allied 38384 Japanese 33893

[tocaff]

The company is still here until Sunday. I have all I can do to squeeze a turn in and I'm in the middle of a huge operation. Why do these things always happen when things are heating up?

August 26, 1944 Davao

Intel

Shobu Force is located at Singapore.
19th Naval Guard Unit is located at Tulagi.
9850 men are based at Kanazawa.
74813 men are based at Sapporo.
6th Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Mongol Army is located at Sasebo.
2090 men are based at Kitakyushu.
58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.
21st AA Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Ryojun Fortress is located at Port Arthur.
2nd Army is located at Legaspi.
5101 men are based at Wonsan.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Sendai 5 LCUs 300/24/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kompong Trach vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 4 bombers, 11 aux, 7 LCUs 18020/88/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Morotai 69 bombers, 73 aux, 9 LCUs 33880/318/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Wasile vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant

Combat

The SS Sealion, 14 miles SE of Davao, was on the surface recharging her batteries when she picked up a radar contact. It turned out to be a hapless AG, which she dispatched after her guns scored 9 hits.

The SS Through, 327 miles SW of Andaman Island, was unsuccessfully attacked by 3 PCs.

The SS Grampus, 71 miles N of Lingayen, was forced to submerge when she detected approaching ships. Then her ordeal began as 2 X DD, 3 X PG and 3 X PC tried to pin her location down. Her skipper outmaneuvered the Japanese and she managed to escape.

The SS Icefish, 82 miles E of Puerto Princesa, was hammered by 5 X DD.

The SS Bashaw located a lone AP near Boac and proceeded to hit it with 2 fish, setting it ablaze. After moving off and reloading her forward tubes she spotted another AP, but failed to gain a position from which to launch an attack.

Tavoy was bombed by 114 X B-29, AA fire damaged 6 of them. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy. Japanese artillery caused negligible losses on the Allied troops while they had heavy losses from the Allied barrage.

Morotai was raided by 11 X B-24J, 2 of which were damaged by the flak. The airfield was lightly damaged, there were some secondary explosions and 2 Bettys and a Frances were destroyed.

Truk was hit by 28 X B-29 for light damage to the airstrip and a secondary explosion was seen.

Kwajalein was struck by 32 X PB4Y for light damage to the airfield, a few secondary explosions and very light casualties.

Buna was attacked by 38 X B-17E, 43 X B-24D, 36 X B-24J, 35 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield had heavy damage, the port light, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy. The 48th Naval Guard Unit had very heavy losses from 64 X P-38J and 3 X P-40N.

Gili Gili underwent an air raid by 33 X B-24D and ground fire damaged 6 of the planes. The airfield was lightly hit, a single secondary explosion was seen and casualties were very light.

Bangkok underwent a fighter sweep consisting of 56 X P-38J. The Japanese opposed them with 19 X Zeke, 3 X George, 25 X Jack, 8 X Frank and a Randy. 3 P-38Js were destroyed and another was damaged as they tore through the Japanese gaggle. 10 Zekes, a George, 9 Jacks, 5 Franks and the Randy were shot down before the rest of them ran.

Davao was raided by 69 X SBD (1 downed, 12 damaged), 46 X SB2C (2 downed, 10 damaged), 35 X TBF, 69 X TBM (3 damaged) and 137 X F6F (10 downed, 4 damaged). A CAP of 36 X Zeke and 11 X Jack intercepted them and between the Allied guns and bombs 42 Zekes, 17 Jacks and 7 Judys were destroyed in the air and on the ground. An AP at the dock was hit by 3 bombs and was listing, on fire. The airfield was lightly damaged, as was the port, there were many secondary explosions with fuel storage tanks burning nicely and casualties were placed at heavy.

The USN TF that had hit Davao was approached by 4 X Judy and 11 X Tojo and they were all destroyed long before they were a real threat by the CAP made up of 93 X F6F. A single Hellcat was lost in the lopsided fight.

Krung Thep was the scene of day long artillery exchanges with the Allies having no losses and the Japanese suffering heavily.

Allied commanders in Burma are concerned that the Japanese continue to amass troops while the Allied force is treated as an orphan when it comes to replacements. One soldier was heard to remark, “At least we've got plenty to eat and lots of bullets for the little sods.”

Hitler ordered the evacuation of troops from Greece.

Bulgaria pulled out of the war and declares neutrality.

Victory Points Allied 38537 Japanese 33817

[tocaff]

August 27, 1944 Guam

Intel

13th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
59th Division is located at Kweilin.
91st Division is located at Sapporo.
26908 men are based at Bonin.
68th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
93rd Division is located at Nagoya.
4th AA Regiment is located at Toyama.
27th Engineer Regiment is located at Mishan.
54th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
27992 men are based at Arshaan.
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagaoka 1 LCU
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 7360/25/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bandou vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 58 bombers, 95 aux, 6 LCUs 14460/39/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 16060/46/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 1 X DE, 88 fighters, 38 bombers, 104 aux, 14 LCUs 95620/934/10
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 5 LCUs 4120/2/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Siador vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 21320/68/0

Combat

The SS Grampus was patrolling about 29 miles N of Vigan when she spotted and attacked an extremely heavily escorted AK. She hit her target with 2 torpedoes, setting it on fire and causing very heavy damage. She then slipped away, undetected, to reload her tubes.

The SS Icefish was attacked by 5 DDs 87 miles E of Puerto Princesa. They gave her a very rough time of it. Just when they thought they had escaped the attack was renewed and she suffered more damage. The voyage of Palau is going to be tough to make with light systems damage and heavy flooding.

Nanning was swept by 52 X P-38J and 6 Zekes and 2 Tonys were unfortunate to get caught aloft. All of the Japanese planes were destroyed and the Lightnings returned to base, unharmed.

Tavoy was attacked by 27 X B-29 (2 damaged), 36 X B-24J (5 damaged), 8 X Thunderbolt II, and 13 X Spitfire VIII. The port was lightly damaged, a huge number of secondary explosions were observed and casualties were placed at light. Another raid consisting of 99 X B-29 appeared and they caused heavy damage to the airfield, a large number of secondary explosions and moderate personnel losses. The daily artillery bombardments resulted in light Allied losses and heavy Japanese casualties.

Bangkok was swept by 21 X P-38J and they ran into 35 X Zeke, 10 X George, 43 X Jack, 16 X Frank and a Randy. After slashing through the gaggle of Japanese planes the tide of the fight rapidly swung in favor of the Japanese. 13 P-38Js were destroyed while the Japanese lost 13 Zekes (1 damaged), a George, 7 Jacks (2 damaged) and 4 Franks. Another fighter sweep made up of 61 X P-38J arrived a short time later and they were opposed by 16 X Zeke, 6 X George, 12 X Jack, 7 X Frank and a Randy. At a cost of 9 Lightnings shot down and another 4 being damaged the Allied planes destroyed 8 Zekes, 2 Georges, 7 Jacks, 5 Franks and the Randy.

Krung Thep was bombed by 133 X Liberator VI, 47 X Mosquito FB.VI and 18 X Thunderbolt II. The hit the airfield for heavy damage, a large number of secondary explosions were seen and casualties were heavy. Once again the Japanese fired their artillery and failed to achieve any results while the Allies caused very heavy Japanese losses.

Kai Island was raided by 141 X B-25J and 22 X Kittyhawk III. They did moderate damage to the port, triggered a great number of secondary explosions and heavy troop losses.

Dili was struck by 30 X B-24J for very light damage to the airfield and a lone secondary explosion was seen.

Lautem was bombed by 31 X B-24J and they did extremely light damage to the airfield and a single secondary explosion.

Morotai was swept by 37 X F6F but there were no Japanese planes up. Almost immediately following the sweep 50 X SBD, 45 X SB2C (4 damaged), 42 X TBF (1 downed, 2 damaged), 68 X TBM and 12 X F6F arrived on the scene. They went about their deadly work doing light damage to the airfield and port, causing many secondary explosions, destroying 8 X Betty, 5 X Frances and a Myrt and troop losses were very light.

Truk was attacked by 28 X B-29 who caused moderate damage to the airfield, destroyed a Mavis and there were light casualties.

The Lucky 11 are scheduled for a raid on Truck once more. Scuttlebutt has it that these attacks are little more than training before the real mission of bombing Japan commences. Gil and a couple of the guys look at a map that they have in their tent and one of them lets out a long, soft whistle when he sees how far Guam is from Japan. “I guess we'll be carrying lots of gas and only a few bombs if we're going to hit Japan from here,” he says. Each of them dreads these long over water flights and the thought of being damaged and having to limp home is almost as scary as having to bail out over enemy territory. They've heard stories about the Japanese treatment of prisoners.

“Gunny, where are we going to?” asks one of the lads and Gunny smiles at him and says that the Corps hasn't decided to share that information with him yet. Later he confides in Slim that he doesn't have a clue as to what's up other than the whole division is only part of the operation.

Gene looks at the ruptured seam on the ship's keel and shakes his head. This isn't an easy job. When they slap together these Liberty ships it seems that the early models have a problem with the strength of their overall integrity. To him it's just another job to do, sort of like pointing a dog at something and saying fetch.

Galati fell to the Soviets.

Victory Points Allied 38641 Japanese 33956

[tocaff]

August 28, 1944 Guam

Intel

19045 men are based at Shikka.
14th Division is located at Hailar.
49th Construction Battalion is located at Hailar.
6th Air Division is located at Kendari.
31st AA Regiment is located at Sapporo.
40th Division is located at Nanning.
42nd AA Regiment is located at Harbin.
2nd Mountain Gun Regiment is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
Nanking Naval Guard Unit is located at Nanking.
Kwantung Defense Brigade is located at Changchun.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
14741 men are based at Toyohara.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 16940/31/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1240/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Lae 1 LCU 2420/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 5 LCUs 2820/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Phnom Penh vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 4 bombers, 14 aux, 7 LCUs 14300/94/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 79 bombers, 88 aux, 6 LCUs 17960/65/0

Combat

A Helen attacked the SS Bowfin 98 miles E of Camranh Bay and the sub reported being hit. She will make for Palau with moderate systems damage and moderate flooding.

A Betty attacked the SS Bashaw 27 miles W of Bataan and the sub reported being hit. She has light systems damage and incidental leaks so a return to Palau will be made.

A pair of MSWs detected a mine field at Teloekbetoeng and began sweeping ops.

The SS Cero, 33 miles NW of Hakodate, attempted to attack an AK, but the lone PC escorting the freighter drover her off.

Ichang was attacked by 80 X B-25J and 62 X P-40N. 3 X Tojo, a Nick and 4 X Tony intercepted the raid and the Chinese downed a Tojo (1 damaged), the Nick and a Tony. Flak and the Japanese fighters destroyed a Mitchell (10 damaged) and 5 Warhawks (1 damaged). The airfield was heavily damaged, there were a few secondary explosions and moderate casualties.

Tavoy was bombed by 30 X B-29 (5 damaged), 33 X B-24J (1 destroyed, 5 damaged), 2 X Thunderbolt II and 8 X Spitfire VIII. The port was lightly damaged, there were many secondary explosions and personnel losses were very light. Allied troops took extremely light losses from the Japanese artillery. The Allied barrage caused very heavy Japanese casualties.

Bangkok was swept by 58 X P-38J and they were engaged by 23 X Zeke, 10 X George, 36 X Jack, 17 X Frank and a Randy. 10 Zekes, 7 Georges, 18 Jacks, 13 Franks and the Randy were shot down at a cost of 16 P-38Js killed and 6 damaged.

Krung Thep was hit by 120 X Liberator VI (1 damaged), 48 X Mosquito FB.VI and 20 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield took heavy damage, a great many secondary explosions were seen and casualties were moderate. The Japanese inflicted extremely light casualties on the Allied troops with an artillery attack. As soon as the shelling stopped the Allied troops assaulted the Japanese positions and made some inroads, forcing the Japanese back a bit. Casualties were extremely heavy on both sides.

Kai Island was raided by 134 X B-25J, 16 X P-40N and 22 X Kittyhawk III. The port was moderately damaged, there were some secondary explosions and troop losses were very light. Then the IJA 16th Mixed Brigade was bombed and strafed by 64 X P-38J and 2 X Kittyhawk III. Casualties were very heavy.

Dili was struck by 22 X B-24J for very light damage to the airstrip and a secondary explosion.

Lautem was paid a visit by 35 X B-24J who did light damage to the airfield.

Truk was attacked by 27 X B-29 who lightly damaged the airfield and inflicted light casualties.

Buna was hammered by 44 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 40 X B-24J, 44 X P-40N and 2 X Kittyhawk III for moderately heavy damage to the airfield, some secondary explosions and heavy troop losses.

Lunga underwent a bombing by 42 X B-24J and the result was light damage to the airstrip and extremely light casualties.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was hit by 9 X Peggy and the unit had light losses. Nearby the 6th Chinese Air Base Force was then attacked by 4 X Peggy, but escaped harm.

31 X Betty tried to attack the USN CVTFs 71 miles N of Morotai, but ran into 185 X F6F who made short work of all of the would be attackers. 16 Hellcats took some damage. Another raid was attempted by 11 X Betty and the CAP dispatched all of them to their ancestors. Another 7 Hellcats were damaged.

FDR again chides his commanders to push up their schedules. The brass says that they'll do what they can, but that they still have certain operational concerns to deal with. Later FDR is enjoying a cigarette while talking to one of the White House staff and says, “Maybe the people running this war aren't the best ones for the job, myself included.” The man just stares at the President and shakes his head.

Gil sits in the tent writing a letter to Elaine. This has become his routine way of unwinding after a mission. He tells her that he misses her and that where he is is nothing like home ever was. He puts his pen down and starts thinking of Brooklyn and thinks of how much he wishes he was there now. He never thought that getting away from the poverty of Cony Island would take him half way around the world.

US troops took Meaux.

The Germans in Marseilles surrendered.

Victory Points Allied 38778 Japanese 34001

[tocaff]

August 29, 1944 New York

Intel

3rd Air Army is located at Rabaul.
37105 men are based at Chiamussu.
52nd Division is located at Hamamatsu.
53rd Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Naha.
272443 men are based at Osaka/Kobe.
54th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
9th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
15th Army is located at Bangkok.
28th Army is located at Bangkok.
19063 men are based at Shikka.
6024 men are based at Pusan.
65th Construction Battalion is located at Kagoshima.
7th AA Regiment is located at Sendai.
68th Construction Battalion is located at Hamamatsu.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gumma 27 fighters, 8 bombers, 31 aux, 1 LCU 2900/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 1 X AP, 2 X APD, 1 X SS, 7 fighters, 33 bombers, 9 aux, 9 LCUs 39300/357/2
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 17920/32/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 78 fighters, 50 bombers, 83 aux, 14 LCUs 96300/941/8
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sag Sag vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 5 LCUs 1260/1/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Phnom Penh vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 4 bombers, 25 aux, 7 LCUs 15740/105/0

Combat

The SS Paddle tried to attack 4 DDs 42 miles S of Tainan, but she was the victim as the table got turned. on her. Then 4 PCs picked up where the DDs left off and they administered an awful pounding. The sub will now make for base with light systems damage and light flooding.

Ichang was swept by 61 X P-38J and the Japanese threw 16 X Jack, 10 X Tojo and 13 X Tony into the fight. 7 Lightnings were destroyed and 5 others took damage as they killed 7 Jacks, all of the Tojos and 12 Tonys.

Krung Thep was attacked by 28 X B-29, 120 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 25 X B-24J and 21 X Thunderbolt II. They administered very heavy damage to the airfield, caused many secondary explosions and inflicted heavy personnel losses. The IJA 48th Division was attacked by 47 X B-25J (3 damaged), 79 X Thunderbolt II (3 damaged) and 17 X Spitfire VIII. The unit had heavy casualties. Then another wave of planes arrived and the 17 X B-25J ( 2 damaged), 30 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed, 2 damaged) and 2 X Thunderbolt II caused an additional count of heavy losses on the unit. Then it was the 50th Division's turn as 12 X B-25J (1 damaged), 9 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 destroyed, 1 damaged) and 2 X Thunderbolt II struck. The unit had heavy casualties. The Japanese artillery dished out extremely light losses on the Allied troops. Allied troops crossed the river to join the troops already investing the defenses and had extremely heavy losses as the Japanese had similar casualties.

At Tavoy the IJA 38th Division was jumped on by 48 X Thunderbolt II (5 damaged) and 9 X Spitfire VIII. The unit took light losses. Japanese artillery caused very light Allied casualties and they had heavy losses from the Allied guns.

Morotai was raided by 20 X B-24J and ground fire damaged 2 of them. The airstrip was lightly damaged, there was a secondary explosion and 2 Bettys were trashed.

Truk was struck by 29 X B-29 for light airfield damage.

Buna was bombed by 42 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 38 X B-24J, 39 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield took heavy damage, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The 47th Naval Guard Unit was pounced on by 64 P-38Js and 4 P-40Ns for heavy losses.

Lunga had light damage to the airfield done by 41 X B-24D and 47 X B-24J. There were also light troop losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was the target for 14 X Peggy who caused very light losses.

The 1st BAF AA Regiment, 17 miles N of Krung Thep was attacked by 15 X Frances (5 damaged), 6 X Helen and 3 X Irving. The unit had no casualties.

The SS Robalo, 13 miles W of Cebu, spotted an AK being escorted by 4 DDs. She slipped inside of the screen and hit the AK with a torpedo and then she departed, undetected.

Sandy is again disappointed that there are no letters from Bill. It's been a few days since one has arrived and that one was old. She knows that she shouldn't worry, but can't help herself as her imagination tends to run amok. She promises herself that tomorrow she'll take a nice hike, which should help her to regain her balance.

A welder got seriously hurt today at the yard and as bad as Gene feels for the man he knows that until a replacement is found the workload will only get shared around. More overtime is the last thing that he wants, but management doesn't really ask, for when they do it's actually telling you to work more. When the foreman approaches later in the day he passes by Gene and talks to a few other welders. Then he stops by and asks Gene how he's doing. Gene says that he's OK and the foreman says good and leaves. Gene lets out an audible sigh of relief as his day will still end after 10 hours of work.

O'Bannon's crew likes their skipper as Frank has been firm, fair and they always know what to expect. Discipline is evenly disbanded and anyone who falls afoul of regulations knows that they're in trouble, if caught. Section heads turn a blind eye to minor things that the men do as nothing is hurt by it and the boredom gets broken up.

The Ploesti oil fields fell to the Russians.

The Slovakian uprising against the pro German government started.

Victory Points Allied 38834 Japanese 33928

[tocaff]

Once more I have no time to embellish the facts. I'm changing the way I'm doing the AAR as I'm doing the storyline along with that turn. The game remains about 6 weeks ahead of the AAR.

August 30, 1944 Burma

Intel

10545 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
Tsushima Fortress is located at Masan.
4th AA Regiment is located at Toyama.
Yosu Fortress is located at Masan.
Peng Hu Fortress is located at Pescadores.
110th Division is located at Hsinyang.
4th Engineer Regiment is located at Koepang.
128th IJA Base Force is located at Lautem.
Southern Area Army is located at Manila.
18th Division is located at Davao.
19th Army is located at Manila.
51st Division is located at Wuchow.
40th Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
7th Mixed Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
60th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Radio transmissions detected at Eniwetok.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gumma 15 fighters, 7 bombers, 30 aux, 1 LCU
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bandou vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 17980/32/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Sarmi 2 LCUs 240/8/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 100 fighters, 26 bombers, 102 aux, 14 LCUs 97600/881/5
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 53220/373/8
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 8 aux, 14 LCUs 46740/202/5
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 1760/5/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 6 X AP, 1 X AK, 2 X DE, 27 fighters, 16 bombers, 34 aux, 1 LCU 6180/26/0

Combat

A Japanese TK was attacked by the SS Bashaw near Masbate Island. A torpedo struck home and caused heavy damage and fires to rage. The 3 PGs and 2 PCs then attacked the sub.

Ichang was swept by 52 X P-38J and 13 X Jack, a Nick and 3 X Tony greeted them. 9 Jacks, the Nick and all of the Tonys were destroyed at a cost of a Lightning shot down and another damaged.

Krung Thep was bombed by 27 X B-29, 109 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 23 X B-24J and 18 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield took very heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 48th Division had heavy losses from 35 X B-25J, 60 X Thunderbolt II and 19 X Spitfire VIII. Then the 48th was hit by 27 X B-25J, 32 X Mosquito FB.VI (5 damaged) and 2 X Thunderbolt II for additional light casualties. A Japanese artillery barrage did not harm a single soul.

Lautem was the target for 8 X B-24D who did very light damage to the airstrip.

Truk was raided by 21 X B-29 for light damage to the airfield and light personnel losses.

Buna was bombed by 42 X B-17E, 44 X B-24D, 40 X B-24J, 40 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily hit, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were very heavy. The 47th Naval Guard Unit had very heavy losses due to an attack made by 63 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was attacked by 12 X Peggy and the unit had moderate losses.

Morotai was raided by 54 X PB4Y and flak damaged 3 of them. The port was lightly damaged and there were some secondary explosions seen.

Davao was struck by 76 X SBD (3 destroyed, 15 damaged), 48 X SB2C (6 damaged), 44 X TBF (3 damaged), 71 X TBM (1 destroyed, 4 damaged) and 95 X F6F Hellcat (17 destroyed, 4 damaged). The Japanese CAP of 31 X Zeke, 18 X George and 21 X Jack intercepted and paid a heavy price as 29 Zekes, all of the Georges and all but 1 of the Jacks were shot down. The AA fire contributed to the USN's misery as their planes did moderate damage to the airfield, heavy damage to the port, caused many secondary explosions, destroyed 11 Judys on the ground, hit an AP with 4 bombs sinking it and inflicted very heavy troop losses.

The Japanese TF, near Paramushiro Jima was under an umbrella of 10 X Zeke and 30 X Frank when 36 X B-25J and 55 X P-47D arrived in an attempt to ruin their day. 9 Zekes and 20 Franks were destroyed and an AK took 8 bomb hits, which caused it to sink. The Mitchell pilots raved about the job their escorts did as not a single plane was damaged. A Jug went down and 2 others were damaged.

At Tavoy the Allied forces had extremely light losses from the Japanese artillery. The Allied shelling caused heavy Japanese casualties.

Allied troops continue their advance on Buna with the objective of wiping out the Japanese troops there.

Patton's advance on the Meuse River was ordered to continue until the tanks run dry and then to advance on foot. The fuel supply can't keep up with the rapidly advancing troops.

Victory Points Allied 39004 Japanese 34069

[Capt. Harlock]

The AA fire contributed to the USN's misery as their planes did moderate damage to the airfield, heavy damage to the port, caused many secondary explosions, destroyed 11 Judys on the ground, hit an AP with 4 bombs sinking it and inflicted very heavy troop losses.

I wouldn't be miserable about those results. The bombers took fairly light losses, while the fighters had a more than acceptable exchange rate against the Japanese planes.

[tocaff]

No entry tonight as in about 10 minutes Brazil and Argentina get it on for a football match (soccer game).

Capt. the air crews don't think in terms of acceptable rates, especially when they see their pals getting killed. [;)]

[tocaff]

Last night's match between Argentina and Brazil was canceled because the stadium lights wouldn't work. Since Brazil had won the first leg of this made for TV cup they were declared the winners. Leave it to Argentina to lurch from one mishap to another and still insist that they're superior. [:)]

August 31, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

Shimbu Force is located at Kadina.
13th AA Regiment is located at Maizuru.
Radio transmissions detected at Port Arthur.
49th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mukden.
21st Engineer Regiment is located at Lunga.
Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.
36th Division is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
9th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
21st Engineer Regiment is located at Lunga.
111th Division is located at Mutanchiang.
41st Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
101st IJNAF Base Force is located at Wotje.
7654 men are based at Hakodate.
1st Parachute Regiment is located at Victoria Point.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Takamatsu 9 X AP, 2 X AK, 5 LCUs 2220/24/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 7 X AP, 1 X TK, 4 X DE, 33 fighters, 27 bombers, 81 aux, 1 LCU 7600/40/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bandou 1 LCU 2020/11/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili 3 LCUs 4320/5/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Lautem 3 LCUs 4020/5/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 12100/132/0

Combat

2 IJN MSWs encountered a mine field at Teloekbetoeng and immediately set to work clearing them.

Krung Thep was hit by 27 X B-29, 114 X Liberator VI (4 damaged), 27 X B-24J (1 damaged), 34 X Thunderbolt II (1 damaged), 18 X P-38J (1 damaged) and 27 X Spitfire VIII (2 destroyed, 1 damaged). There were 16 X Zeke (13 destroyed), 8 X George (4 destroyed), 13 X Jack (all destroyed), 5 X Tony (4 destroyed) and 6 X Frank (5 destroyed). The AA fire did more damage than the Japanese fighters in the bloody battle. The airstrip was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 48th Division was being protected by 3 Zekes, 4 Georges, a Tony and a Frank when 31 X B-25J (3 damaged), 30 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed, 4 damaged) and 63 X P-47D (2 downed, 11 damaged) arrived. The Jugs were on a strafing run when the Japanese CAP fell on the Allied planes. The unit had moderate losses. The 2nd UK Division was attacked by 20 X Frances and ground fire damaged 5 of them. Casualties were moderate. A Japanese artillery barrage caused no damage.

Marcus Island was raided by 23 X PB4Y and 27 X Zeke greeted them. 4 bombers went down and 15 were damaged while 14 Zekes were damaged and a Nick was destroyed on the ground. The airfield was very lightly damaged and personnel losses were very light.

Truk was bombed by 11 X B-29 who did light damage to the airfield, a secondary explosion was seen and casualties were light.

Gili Gili was attacked by 44 X B-24D, of which flak nailed 1 and damaged 4. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were a few secondary explosions and troop losses were moderate.

Lunga was paid a visit by 54 X B-24J and the result was heavy damage to the airfield, some secondary explosions and moderate casualties.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was futilely attacked by 14 X Peggy.

The IJA 16th Mixed Brigade on Kai Island was hammered by 64 X P-38J and 10 X Kittyhawk II for very heavy losses.

SS Trout, 38 miles SE of Macassar, attacked a lone AP and hit it with 2 fish sinking it.

At Tavoy Japanese artillery caused very light Allied losses. The Allied shelling inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese.

“Mr. President I have the report that you requested,” the aide says as he hands the sheet of paper to FDR. Franklin looks at it and reads: Aircraft Losses, All Types, To Date Allied 13789 Japanese 17921. He smiles as he places the paper down on his desk, knowing that production numbers and training programs are grinding the Japanese war machine down.

The Lucky 11 are scheduled to raid Truk once again. Sleep will not come easily with a mission scheduled for the morning. Scuttlebutt has it that these missions are nothing more than to build up their experience and confidence before they start going after Japan itself. “Where have I heard that before?” asks Gil to nobody in particular.

Sam has his squad on the lookout for an aircraft recognition book. He wants to know what type of planes he keeps seeing on a daily basis. It's something he hopes will help him to kill the boredom. He told the guys of the squad that he doesn't care or even want to know how they obtain it for him as long as he gets his paws on one.

Gunny tells Slim that the Filipino regiment seems to be training like they did before the APDs took them all over creation. Slim lights a cigarette , inhales deeply and says, “Lucky devils will get to give us a rest. That must be bad for us as something tougher must be in our future.” Gunny agrees and says that's what the Corps is for.

The British took Amiens.

Nice fell to the Allies.

Patton's 3rd Army reached the Meuse.

The US 5th Army crossed the Arno River.

Bucharest was taken by the Russians.

Victory Points Allied 39096 Japanese 33990

[tocaff]

September 1, 1944 Tori Shima

Intel

203285 men are based at Truk.
5th RF Gun Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
27th Special Base Force is located at Lae.
11th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
Burma Area Army is located at Bangkok.
3rd Air Fleet is located at Tokyo.
7th Division is located at Sapporo.
15th AA Regiment is located at Nagoya.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
55th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
Elements of the 17th Mixed Brigade are located at Shanghai.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 23720/8/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Morotai 15 fighters, 15 aux, 9 LCUs 37440/309/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 25020/101/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Admiralty Islands vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 6120/46/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 17920/41/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua 1 LCU

Combat

The SS Grampus reported that she had been attacked and hit by an Ann about 22 miles S of Batan Island. She will return for repairs as she has light systems damage and light flooding.

The SS S-27 was attacked by 4 APDs 33 miles SE of Kendari. She escaped unharmed.

Tavoy was attacked by 132 X B-29 and the AA fire damaged 7 of them. The airfield took extremely heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Japanese artillery accounted for light Allied losses and they had very heavy casualties from the Allied barrage.

Krung Thep was raided by 25 X B-29, 115 X Liberator VI (6 damaged), 28 X B-24J, 14 X P-38J (1 damaged) and 31 X Thunderbolt II. 8 X Zeke, 3 X George, 18 X Jack, 2 X Tony and 6 X Frank tried and failed to stop the Allied attackers. 5 Zekes, 2 Georges, 12 Jacks, 2 Tonys and 6 Franks were destroyed. The airstrip was moderately damaged, there were a very large number of secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 48th Division was hit by 27 X B-25J (1 damaged), 48 X P-38J, 69 X Thunderbolt II (4 damaged) and 7 X Spitfire VIII (1 downed). The CAP of 4 Zekes, 2 Georges, 7 Jacks and a Frank were all killed save 3 of the Jacks who ran. The unit had light losses. Then 39 X B-25J Mitchell (1 destroyed, 1 damaged), 24 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged) and 2 X P-38J struck and inflicted additional moderate losses on the 48th. The 3rd Indian Division was struck by 14 X Frances and the ground fire downed 2 and damaged 5 more as the unit had moderate losses. The Allied troops had negligible losses from the Japanese artillery.

Truk was bombed by 35 X B-29 and the airfield took moderate damage and there were very light personnel losses.

Kwajalein had it's airfield lightly damaged by 35 X PB4Y. There were also a couple of secondary explosions.

Buna was blasted by 48 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 47 X B-24J, 16 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, a secondary explosion was seen and casualties were heavy. The 67th Naval Guard Unit was hit by 48 X P-38J and 30 X P-40N for very heavy casualties.

The SS Becuna, 39 miles NW of Batan Island, was subjected to a long, accurate and violent attack by 4 X PC. She will forever remain listed as on patrol.

Gil is relieved that another mission has been survived. One of the bombers didn't make it on take off and exploded, killing the entire crew and another plane crashed on landing. At least the crew walked away from the wrecked plane and could joke about it. The reality of war is sinking in fast. “The Japs don't need to kill us,” Willy said, “We are doing it to ourselves.” The scary part is that he's right.

“So I heard the colonel saying something about a line of subs between us and Japan and that there were at least 2 carriers on patrol not to far away so that if anything came our way they would get jumped immediately.” The man leans back taking a long draw on his butt. The other guys say nothing and continue their card game. Sam ponders what he just heard and thinks that it's nothing more than scuttlebutt. Scuttlebutt from on high, he thinks.

The British government announced that General Bernard Law Montgomery has been appointed field Marshall. This was done to sooth his wounded pride as Eisenhower is the commander of the land battle in Western Europe.

British troops crossed the Somme.

The Canadians took Dieppe.

The American 3rd Army took Verdun.

The Americans started the attack on Brest.

Victory Points Allied 39160 Japanese 34110

[tocaff]

September 2, 1944 Palau

Intel

38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
44th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
7th Engineer Regiment is located at Mishan.
42nd Division is located at Sendai.
2nd South Seas Det. is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
37075 men are based at Chiamussu.
15th AA Regiment is located at Nagoya.
41st AA Regiment is located at Changchun.
2nd Mountain Gun Regiment is located at Nanning.
17th Army is located at Clark Field.
280440 men are based at Osaka/Kobe.
Radio transmissions detected at Prince Rupert.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 24340/7/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Morotai 19 fighters, 19 aux, 9 LCUs 37880/327/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 25260/87/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Lae 1 LCU 3680/49/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 3 LCUs 220/5/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 3180/49/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 7 LCUs 16140/92/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bangkok 61 fighters, 56 aux, 23 LCUs

Combat

The SS Sawfish, 92 miles W of Tainan, suffered through a horrible ASW attack made by 5 PCs. No matter what they tried the attackers couldn't be thrown off the scent. The sub will try to limp to a base for repairs, but it's a long way to go with moderate systems damage and heavy flooding.

Kai Island was attacked by 139 X B-25J and 24 X Kittyhawk III with the airfield taking very heavy damage, there were a large number of secondary explosions reported and casualties were placed at heavy.

Koepang's port was heavily damaged by 31 marauding B-24Js. 3 of the attackers were damaged by AA fire. There were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were moderate.

Lautem was subjected to a bombing by 33 X B-24J and 36 X B-24D. The airfield was heavily damaged and there were some secondary explosions seen.

Buna got the short end of the stick once again as 45 X B-17E, 45 X B-24D, 44 X B-24J, 39 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III came a calling. The airfield took heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy. The 62nd Naval Guard Unit had very heavy casualties from 64 X P-38J who leisurely bombed and strafed the unit.

Gili Gili's airfield was moderately damaged by 36 X B-24D who also caused moderate casualties.

At Krung Thep the IJA 48th Division was pounced on by 36 X B-25J (2 damaged), 70 X Thunderbolt II (10 damaged) and 9 X Spitfire VIII. There were 5 Jacks on hand, but after 1 of them was shot down the others ran. The unit took moderately heavy losses. The 2nd UK Division was attacked by 12 X Frances and 7 were damaged by the ground fire as the unit took very light losses. The Japanese threw another artillery attack at the Allied forces, causing very light casualties.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was struck by 14 X Peggy for light losses.

The Allied TF near Palau was attacked by 3 Bettys and the 6 Corsairs on CAP downed 2 of them. The third Betty dove into an AK, causing it to burn. This is the first appearance of Kamikazes. The AK Brastagi had moderately light systems damage and flooding along with some small localized fires. She will be tended to at Palau and then sent to a yard for further repairs.

An artillery bombardment attack by the Japanese resulted in light Allied losses at Tavoy. The Allied barrage inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese. The Allies staged a general assault on the Japanese positions, forcing the defenders back and breaching the defenses in several spots. The Japanese continue to cling to the base though. Casualties for both sides were extremely heavy.

Now Stick knows he's cursed as he had just landed his plane when the Japanese planes attacked the shipping in the harbor. His squadron mates added 2 kills to the unit's total. What really bothers him and the rest of the pilots is that the other Betty seemed to dive into the AK on purpose. They discuss this and can't figure out why anybody would do such a thing when just dropping the bombs on target would do the job.

The Palawan continues to ride at anchor in Guam's harbor. Red was monitoring the radio when he heard that a Japanese plane dove into an AK at Palau. The men on board discuss this and they all agree that it was a freak accident as nobody in their right mind would purposely commit suicide like that when just dropping bombs would do the trick. Still there is some lingering doubt as they've heard stories about the Japanese that just don't make any sense.

“No sir, it hasn't happened before, but it appears to be an isolated incident. Yes sir, the Japanese do think quite a bit differently than we do. Yes sir, I'll watch for any other incidents that show a trend.” With that the officer hangs up the phone with a sigh and heads to the cafeteria to get some lunch. He thinks that working in the Pentagon is safe, but he certainly hates dealing with the admirals who act like they are you know who almighty.

The launching of V1s from France stopped.

Allied troops have crossed into Belgium.

The Germans have started pulling their troops out of the Aegean Islands.

Victory Points Allied 39180 Japanese 34142




Brastagi

[tocaff]

September 3, 1944 Washington DC

Intel

31st AA Regiment is located at Sapporo.
1st Mixed Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
3rd Engineer Regiment is located at Lunga.
105th IJA Base Force is located at Mukden.
2999 men are based at Akita.
28014 men are based at Arshaan.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
21st Reserve Engineer Regiment is located at Shimuzu.
21st Division is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
10th Aviation Rgt is located at Changchun.
Maizuru 4th SNLF is located at Rabaul.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bien Hoa vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 4 aux, 2 LCUs 6480/22/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 25160/104/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Madang vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Buka vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 13260/130/0

Combat

Nanning was attacked by 68 X B-25J and 37 X P-40N, who encountered a lone Tony that ran as fast as he could. The AA fire was heavy and accurate, as it brought down 4 bombers and damaged 32 more. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were some secondary explosions, 11 Helens, 3 Topsys and 2 Tabbys were destroyed and casualties were very heavy. A force of 37 X P-38J ran into the fleeing Tony and put him out of his misery.

Bangkok was swept by 40 X P-38J and 26 X Zeke, 7 X George, 39 X Jack, a Tony, 5 X Frank and a Randy put up a fight. 14 Lightnings were shot down and 3 took damage. The Japanese lost 11 Zekes (1 damaged), 4 Georges, 13 Jacks (2 damaged), a Tony, 3 Franks and a Randy. Life is short for fighter pilots in Burma, on both sides.

Krung Thep was the scene of 6 X Spitfire VIII meeting 3 X Jack and 12 X Frank. 2 Spits were downed and a Frank took some damage. A little later the the Japanese CAP of 15 X Jack, 25 X Frank and a Zeke was faced with an attack made up of 29 X B-29, 127 X Liberator VI (1 damaged), 35 X B-24J, 16 X P-38J, 39 X Thunderbolt II, and 7 X Spitfire VIII. All of the Japanese planes were destroyed and the bombers caused very heavy damage to the airfield, a huge number of secondary explosions were observed and personnel losses were heavy. The 34th Ind. Mixed Brigade was hit by 23 X B-25J (1 damaged), 27 X P-38J, 44 X Thunderbolt II (7 damaged) and 8 X Spitfire VIII. The unit took very heavy casualties. A very short time later, before the dust had even settled, the 34th was struck again. This time 30 X B-25J, 39 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed, 4 damaged), 60 X P-47D (2 damaged) and 2 X P-38J. Losses were once again very heavy. A Japanese shelling did nothing except damage to the local foliage, or what's left of it. An Allied assault saw the Japanese forced back once again with both sides absorbing extremely heavy losses.

Truk was attacked by 81 X B-29 and the airfield had heavy damage, there were a couple of secondary explosions and casualties were moderately heavy.

Buna was bombed by 44 X B-17E, 44 X B-24D, 39 X B-24J, 41 X P-40N and 11 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The 67th Naval Guard Unit was pounded by 63 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N for very heavy casualties.

Lunga was raided by 37 X B-24D who did moderate damage to the port, caused some secondary explosions and personnel losses very light.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was raided by 12 X Peggy, who dumped their bombs off target.

At Tavoy the Japanese threw shells at the Allied forces, causing negligible losses. The Japanese had heavy casualties from the Allied artillery.

Another of the never ending meetings at the Pentagon has finally come to a conclusion. It has been decided that Morotai and Menado will protect the flanks of the Mindanao operation. Recon flights will allow a guesstimation of Japanese strength and where the actual landings will take place. It is expected that Davao will be the bastion that is tough to take. Plans also call for the taking of Gasmata, Lae, Kavieng and other spots in the area to seal the fate of about 100,000 Japanese troops.

Sam watches the Sea Bees doing their work and he amazed at how they've managed to cut an airstrip out of this place. Now they are expanding the strip as the work on the fortifications slows down. If it weren't for these Sea Bees he'd have almost nothing to do and plenty of time to do it. He wonders if the 25th Division isn't going stale just sitting tight on this tiny bit of land so close to Tokyo.

The amount of shipping of all types gathering at Ulithi, Guam and Palau is staggering. Of course Gil is only aware of what's in the area surrounding Guam, but just that is enough to make him wonder how the Japanese manage to fight against such an awesome machine. The raids on Truk have met with no Japanese planes and the light AA fire has been inaccurate at best. He hopes that this is the case for the rest of his war, but somehow he has doubts.

Bill writes to Sandy telling her of his longing to see her again. He stops writing and leans back in his chair thinking of her and then he looks at her picture and sighs.

FDR addressed the nation on the radio today as it was Labor Day. He extolled the virtues of the American worker and how they are winning the war by the sheer amount of goods being produced.

A National Day Of Prayer was declared in Britain on the 5th anniversary of the outbreak of the war. British Empire casualties are 242,995 KIA, 311500 WIA, 80,063 MIA and 290,381 POW.

British troops took Brussels.

Von Rundstedt took command in the West.

Victory Points Allied 39329 Japanese 34180

[tocaff]

September 4, 1944 Burma

Intel

19th Army is located at Manila.
5th Air Division is located at Manila.
50971 men are based at Kadina.
21st AA Regiment is located at Changsha.
17th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Niigata.
6th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
5th RF Gun Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
6th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
3rd Mortar Battalion is located at Balikpapan.
87648 men are based at Pescadores.
32nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Aomori.
Hensui Construction Battalion is located at Sasebo.
2501 men are based at Ikitsuki.
11 men are based at Taichu.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 5 bombers, 29 aux, 8 LCUs 19380/110/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 89 bombers, 85 aux, 6 LCUs 19180/58/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 32940/192/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siador vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Shortlands vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 11200/117/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya 3 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Morotai 31 fighters, 20 Aux, 9 LCUs 36540/329/0

Combat

The SS Stratagem, 342 miles W of Andaman Island, was forced to dive by 3 PCs escorting a juicy AO. All plans for an attack were aborted. A short time later 2 CLs and 5 DDs attacked her.

The SS Thresher, 101 miles SW of Bataan, was attacked by 5 DDs. The IJN ships found and attacked her again in the afternoon. The sub has moderate systems damage and her flooding is very bad. The crew are working very hard to save their boat, but the outcome is doubtful.

Bangkok was swept by 36 P-38Js and 16 X Zeke, 7 X George, 32 X Jack and 5 X Frank fought them. 15 Lightnings were destroyed and 3 more took damage while the Japanese lost 7 Zekes (2 damaged), a George, 10 Jacks (3 damaged) and 2 Franks.

Dili's port took moderate damage from 138 X B-25J. There were many secondary explosions reported and casualties were placed at moderate.

Truk was hit by 21 X B-29 for moderately light damage to the port, a fuel tank exploded, 2 AGs were sunk and personnel losses were very light.

Buna was attacked by 46 X B-17E, 42 X B-24D, 46 X B-24J, 43 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip was moderately damaged, the port lightly, a few secondary explosions were claimed and casualties were heavy.

Lunga was bombed by 33 X B-24J for light port damage and a few secondary explosions.

The IJA 48th Division, at Krung Thep, was jumped on by 18 X B-25J (3 damaged), 4 X Thunderbolt II and 7 X Spitfire VIII. Casualties were moderate. At the same time the 34th Ind. Mixed Brigade was being hit by 20 X B-25J, 42 X Thunderbolt II (6 damaged) and 9 X Spitfire VIII for heavy losses. The Japanese artillery expended ordinance and obtained no results. As soon as the barrage lifted the Allied troops surged forward. Both sides sustained extremely heavy losses, but the Japanese were forced back once again and their casualties were thought to have been twice that of the Allied troops.

The 16th Mixed Brigade, at Kai Island, was struck by 64 X P-38J and 10 X Kittyhawk III for extremely heavy losses.

Paramushiro Jima was swept by 21 X P-47D, but there were no Japanese planes up.

Tavoy was the scene of artillery barrages once more with the Allies having extremely light losses and the Japanese absorbing heavy casualties.

Burma continues it's downwards spiral into a morass of blood and stagnation. London keeps asking for the USN to help as the RN doesn't have the proper assets to shake thing loose with an end run. Washington curtly replied that the USN has it's hands full as things are being stretched from Australia to Alaska.

Gil reads a letter from Elaine that says the weather has already turned much cooler. She hopes that it's not a very cold winter and that she misses him terribly.

Gene jokes with the other guys during their lunch about the President's Labor Day speech. They all agree that the work load they face constantly is going to be the death of them. Little do they know that a laborer was in the wrong place at the wrong time and got killed at the yard just before they went to lunch.

Bill and his exec, Jeff, sit in Bill's cabin talking about the pending work on the ship. They aren't sure what exactly will be done to her, but they know that the amount of yard time required won't be much. “Probably increased AA capability and a newer radar type,” says Jeff. Bill nods and says something about finding out soon enough. They both look forward to some time to relax.

British troops entered Antwerp and it's docks were undamaged.

The Russian and Finnish governments agreed to a ceasefire. The Germans must leave Finland by the 15th.

Victory Points Allied 39367 Japanese 34111

[tocaff]

September 5, 1944 Guam

Intel

4th Air Division is located at Malang.
39th Division is located at Sining.
8th Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Broome.
12th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Nagoya.
6th Ind. Brigade is located at Sian.
57th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
5th Division is located at Kendari.
15th Mortar Battalion is located at Davao.
Mongol Army is located at Sasebo.
Karafuto Mixed Brigade is located at Shikka.
Peng Hu Fortress is located at Pescadores.
13th Tank Regiment is located at Changsha.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya many ships, 10 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 1 X AP, 2 X APD, 9 LCUs 14320/92/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sarmi 1 LCU 140/0/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 24960/105/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 14 LCUs 31540/181/1
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Morotai 24 fighters, 25 aux, 9 LCUs 37980/357/0

Combat

A PBM spotted an AK at Dili and reported a hit.

The SS Pompano, 158 miles S of Kendari, was recharging her batteries when radar spotted a contact. She closed on her target to find a lone AP. A torpedo and 5 gun hits were recorded causing heavy damage and fires.

The SS Pike found an unescorted AP 19 miles NW of Dili and fed it a torpedo which started fires.

The SS Thresher, limping towards home 38 miles W of Manila was attacked, but she avoided being hit.

Andaman Island was bombed by 131 X B-29. The airfield had very heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and troop losses were moderate.

Krung Thep was hit by 31 X B-29 (1 damaged), 135 X Liberator VI (1 damaged) and 24 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip took very heavy damage, there were a huge number of secondary explosions, 12 Jacks and 5 Franks were left burning wrecks and casualties were heavy. The IJA 48th Division was attacked by 24 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 42 X P-47D (1 downed, 4 damaged) and 2 X Thunderbolt II. Casualties were moderate. The IJA 34th Ind. Mixed Brigade was the target of 41 X Thunderbolt II (1 destroyed, 4 damaged) and 9 X Spitfire VIII who caused moderate losses. The 18th UK Division had light casualties from 9 X Frances (3 damaged). The 44th Indian Division had extremely light losses from 11 X Frances (1 downed, 3 damaged). Japanese artillery inflicted light losses on the Allied forces.

Koepang was raided by 12 X B-24J and flak damaged 5 of them. The port was lightly damaged and a secondary explosions was observed.

Dili was bombed by 129 X B-25J and the port was moderately damaged, there were many secondary explosions and personnel losses were light.

Truk was visited by 24 X B-24J who did moderate damage to the port, sank 3 AGs and caused a couple of secondary explosions.

Buna continued to be tortured by Allied aircraft in preparation of the coming land battle. The strike was made up of 41 X B-17E, 42 X B-24D, 41 X B-24J, 44 X P-40N, and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was moderately damaged, the port lightly, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy.

Gili Gili's port was moderately damaged by 33 X B-24D. AA fire damaged 7 of the bombers. There were some secondary explosions and troop losses were light.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light losses from 14 marauding Peggys.

The IJA 16th Mixed Brigade, on Kai Island had very heavy losses from 64 X P-38J and 10 X Kittyhawk III.

The Allied TF 84 miles SW of Rangoon was attacked by 3 X Frances and the CAP of 4 X Thunderbolt II and 2 X Spitfire VIII downed all of them to the relief of the crew of the BB Royal Sovereign, which appeared to be the target.

At Tavoy the Japanese artillery accounted for very light Allied losses. The Allied gunners struck for heavy Japanese casualties.

Another mission to bomb Truk is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The men view it as a milk run, but there is always that nagging doubt and the operational losses. The port will be the target. Gil has another night of fitful sleep, but that's not a problem say the guys as they know he'll be asleep for a good part of the mission.

Stick knows that something is up as the carriers came into port and were gone again the following day. He figures that with the scuttlebutt about suicide attacks on ships that he's going to see some Japanese planes in the air sooner than later.

Still no response by the Japanese other than the daily recon flights has Sam wondering what is going on. The boredom leaves him to much time for thinking and his mind gets carried away with these thoughts. He watches a ship laying mines and figures that between the mines, the Marine Defense Battalion and the 25 Division retaking the island isn't in the cards for the Japanese. He wonders how many ships the Navy has lurking about.

Pete and Sylvia spent the late morning taking a walk in the park with Pearl. Many people stop them and fuss over the baby.
Pete glances at his watch and excuses himself by saying, “I've got to get back as it's almost time for lunch. I'll see you girls later.” He gives them both a kiss and hurries off.

Patton's troops crossed the Meuse.

British forces reached Ghent.

The Soviets declared war on Bulgaria.

A German and Hungarian counterattack in Romania failed.

Victory Points Allied 39424 Japanese 34231

[tocaff]

September 6, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

28th Special Base Force is located at Laoag.
155th IJN Base Force is located at Singapore.
Elements of the 22nd Division are located at Wenchow.
Elements of the 1st Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Paotang.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
35th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
110th IJA Base Force is located at Haichow.
280454 men are based at Osaka/Kobe.
24th AA Regiment is located at Nagasaki.
1st Mortar Regiment is located at Sasebo.
2nd Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
69th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
3059 men are based at Akita.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osaka/Kobe many ships, 10 LCUs 3540/91/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wasile vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 14 LCUs 13720/63/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tassafaronga vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Buin 7 LCUs 20360/57/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 40280/221/5

Combat

Krung Thep was attacked by 30 X B-29, 120 X Liberator VI (2 damaged) and 22 X Thunderbolt II. There were 10 X Tony able to intercept them and 5 were destroyed as a reward for their efforts. The airfield sustained moderate damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 56th Brigade was attacked by 27 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged) who dished out moderate casualties to the unit. There was another futile Japanese artillery bombardment of the Allied positions today.

Dili was raided by 42 X B-24J who did light damage to the port, caused some secondary explosions and there were light personnel losses. Another strike of 15 X B-24J came in and missed the target due to cloud cover.

Truk was hit by 19 X B-29 for moderate damage to the port, a secondary explosion was claimed, an AG was sunk and there were moderate casualties.

Buna was battered by 45 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 42 X B-24J, 42 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip was heavily damaged, the port took light damage, there were some secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy. The 47th Naval Guard Unit was pounced on by 64 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N for extremely heavy casualties.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was once again targeted by 14 X Peggy and the unit had light losses.

Kwajalein was bombed by 28 X PB4Y, the airfield taking light damage and there were a few secondary explosions.

Tavoy witnessed more trading of artillery barrages. The Allies had no losses and the Japanese had heavy casualties.

“Want to grab a beer on the way home?” Gene turns and says OK to the guy he works with. He needs to relax and a stop at the local watering hole is a good idea. When they get there Gene is stunned to see Miss Rheingold of 1944, Jane House. Hours later he finally arrives at home.

The British government keeps pressing Washington for more help in Burma, but Washington remains firm in it' politely denying the requests.

Stalin questions his generals about the plans for 1945 and he's assured that everything will be ready for the anticipated operations. Stalin doesn't appear to be interested in the answer as he's looking at a map of Europe. “When our forces capture Hitler I want him brought to Moscow, unharmed. Anyone disobeying this order will be executed.”

Ed wants the two of his Old Gals currently stationed at Wake Island to either be released to him for the upcoming operations in the Philippines or sent to a ship yard for their overdue upgrades. He feels as if he's banging his head against the wall as the answer is always the same. “Intel reports the Japanese readying to attack Wake Island.”

Victory Points Allied 39447 Japanese 34134




Miss Rheingold 1944, Jane House.

[tocaff]

September 7, 1944 Guam

Intel

28th Army is located at Bangkok.
1st Air Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
7136 men are based at Nagasaki.
84400 men are based at Naha.
34th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
3rd Air Fleet is located at Tokyo.
61st Air Flotilla is located at Tokyo.
6139 men are based at Takamatsu.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
24th Special Base Force is located at Rabaul.
51st Road Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
3rd Cavarly Brigade is located at Mishan.
6th Tank Regiment is located at Bangkok.
3rd Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is located at Davao.
4307 men are based at Kyoto.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Macassar vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wasile vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 14 LCUs 13420/61/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Emirau Island vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osaka/Kobe 3 X AP, 2 X AK, 10 LCUs 5580/112/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Kiriwina Island vacant

Combat

Tavoy was targeted by 36 X B-24J (1 destroyed, 15 damaged), 12 X Thunderbolt II (1 destroyed) and 10 X Spitfire VIII. They fought their way through the CAP of 5 Zekes (3 downed), 2 Georges (both damaged), 12 Jacks (8 downed) and 2 Franks. The airfield took moderate damage, there were many secondary explosions, 4 X Frances were trashed and casualties were very light. The IJA 38th Division was attacked by 40 X P-47D, 3 X Thunderbolt II and 3 X Spitfire VIII. 2 X Zeke, 2 X George, 5 X Jack and 2 X Frank tried to fend them off. 5 of the P-47Ds were damaged and the Japanese suffered the loss of a Zeke, a George, 2 Jacks and both Franks. The unit had very light losses. Artillery exchanges caused light losses for the Allies and heavy for the Japanese.

Moulmein was attacked by 31 X Helen, 13 X Sally and 4 X Zeke. The CAP of 43 X P-38J, 6 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire intercepted them and destroyed all of the Japanese planes except for 13 Helens. The strike never reached it's intended target.

Krung Thep was hit by 15 X B-29, 60 X Liberator VI (5 damaged) and 13 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy. The IJA 56th Brigade was pounced on by 19 X B-25J (1 damaged), 47 X Thunderbolt II (7 damaged) and 8 X Spitfire VIII who caused moderate casualties. The IJA 34th Ind. Mixed Brigade was subjected to an attack by 13 X B-25J and 17 X Thunderbolt II who inflicted moderate losses on the unit. Then the 34th was hit by 36 X B-25J, 30 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged) and 2 X Thunderbolt II for heavy losses. The Japanese artillery tried and failed to do any damage to the Allied troops.

Dili had it's port attacked by 42 X B-24D. The port took light damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were very light.

Truk was struck by 13 X B-29 for light damage to the port, a fuel tank caused a large fireball and troop losses were extremely light.

Buna was visited by 44 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 42 X B-24J, 47 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip was heavily damaged, the port was lightly hit, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were negligible.

Lunga's port was lightly damaged by 48 X B-24J. There were some secondary explosions and extremely light troop losses.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was attacked by 12 X Peggy who missed their target.

Kwajalein was bombed by 26 X PB4Y who did light damage to the airfield and caused a secondary explosion.

Gil has another mission under his belt. He's happy that they made it home. The members of the Lucky 11 had a meeting prior to takeoff and they voted that for the duration of the war that if possible they would not abort a mission. The goal is to complete the missions, reach the magic number and go home. Today the number 3 engine's supercharger quit and they completed their trip to Truk on 3 motors as it was flown at an altitude that requires the superchargers.

Sam is disgusted as he watches yet another Japanese plane fly unchallenged over Tori Shima.

Red and Cookie talk about everything that's gone by since the war started and Red says, “I wonder how the guys from the Tarpon are doing. I'd sure like to see them again.” Cookies agrees that they're a nice bunch of guys and Red says, “I don't know how anybody can go to war in a sub. There's no room, everything is damp, the food stinks, the sub, stinks, the crew stinks and it's scary as hell.”

Romania declared war on Hungary.

Victory Points Allied 39521 Japanese 34261

[tocaff]

My father is back in the hospital and it's been a rough day so my apologies for just the facts and no story.

September 8, 1944 Indian Ocean

Intel

2nd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
8th Division is located at Tsitsihar.
5th Army is located at Tsitsihar.
8 men are based at Okayama.
1753 men are based at Tainan.
24th AA Regiment is located at Nagasaki.
14th Naval Construction Battalion is located at Naha.
16th Army is located at Rabaul.
9880 men are based at Hanoi.
68646 men are based at Tori Shima.
22nd AA Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Ominato Base Force is located at Ominato.
1st Amphibious Brigade is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
3104 men are based at Akita.

Recon

No reports

Combat

A PBM spotted and claimed to have hit an AK no position report was given.

Night time attack was made by 2 X CL and 3 X DD near Kai Island and the Dutch ships were rewarded with a juicy AP, which absorbed a huge number of hits and went down. She took many Japanese soldiers with her according to various reports.

The SS Subtle tried to attack a CL and 6 DDs, but failed.

Tavoy was raided by 35 X B-24J (9 damaged) and 21 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip had light damage, a Helen and a Frances were destroyed and casualties were moderate. The IJA 31st Division was attacked by 51 X P-47D and 2 X Thunderbolt II. The unit had light losses. The Allies had very light casualties due to the Japanese artillery. The Allied guns accounted for heavy Japanese losses.

Krung Thep was attacked by 30 X B-29 (1 damaged) and 110 X Liberator VI (7 downed, 29 damaged). 16 Jacks, 2 Irvings and 21 Zekes intercepted the bombers and tried to fight them off. The Japanese lost 2 Jacks (13 damaged), both Irvings damaged and 3 Zekes (15 damaged). The airfield took heavy damage, there were a great many secondary explosions and casualties were moderate. Another strike of 52 X B-29 came in and 7 Jacks, an Irving and 9 Zekes attacked them. A Jack, the Irving and a Zeke were destroyed with another Zeke being damaged. A Superfort went down and 13 others were damaged. The airfield had moderate damage, a couple of secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were light. Later the IJA 30th Division was attacked by 33 X B-25J (4 damaged), 40 X P-38J, 49 X Thunderbolt II (5 damaged) and 14 X Spitfire VIII were challenged by 14 X Jack, 4 X Irving and 18 X Zeke. 12 Jacks, 4 Irvings and 18 Zekes were destroyed. The unit sustained heavy losses. Another attack on 30th Division arrived a little later as 14 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged) caused very light casualties. The IJA 34th Ind. Mixed Brigade was also attacked. 33 X B-25J (3 damaged) and 13 X Mosquito FB.VI (4 damaged) dished out heavy losses. An Allied assault gained a little ground as both sides absorbed extremely heavy casualties, though the Japanese got the short end of the stick.

Kwajalein was hit by 33 X PB4Y for light damage to the airstrip and a secondary explosion.

Buna got another heavy dose of Allied aircraft today. 40 X B-17E, 46 X B-24D, 42 X B-24J, 39 X P-40N and 11 X Kittyhawk III caused havoc as the airfield was heavily hit, the port had light damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The 62nd Naval Guard Unit was struck by 64 X P-38J and 4 X P-40N for extremely heavy casualties.

Lunga's port was lightly damaged by 33 X B-24D.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, still frozen in place, had very light losses at the hands of 12 X Peggy.

An Allied TF midway between Trimcomalee and Andaman Island was attacked by 35 X Grace, 11 X Jill, 3 X Kate, 32 X Judy and 8 X Zeke. They were met by 19 X Corsair I. Though the Corsairs and AA fire valiantly tried to stop the Japanese attack the BB Resolution was struck by 4 bombs and a torpedo. The Japanese lost 9 X Grace (9 damaged), 10 X Jill, 15 X Judy (1 damaged) and 8 X Zeke. A Corsair was damaged in the battle. A second strike was made by 12 X Grace and 12 X Judy and 14 X Corsair IV fell on them with a vengeance. 7 X Grace were splashed and 4 X Judy went down (4 damaged) at the cost of a damaged Corsair. The BB Resolution took another bomb hit and once again a torpedo struck her. Yet another attack appeared as 22 X Grace, 3 X Kate, 25 X Judy and 13 X Zeke came on. 15 X Corsair IV attacked and 12 X Grace went down, 2 X Kate were destroyed, 11 X Judy were shot down (3 damaged) and 9 X Zeke were destroyed. A Corsair was damaged and the RN's force was ravaged as the following ships were hit.
CV Formidable 2 torpedo hits 2, light systems damage, moderate flooding, moderate fires
BB Howe 2 bomb hits, very light fires
BB Prince of Wales 1 torpedo hit, light systems damage, light flooding, light fires
The Japanese still threw more planes at the RN as 18 X Frances made their runs. 15 X Corsair IV downed 5 X Frances (1 damaged) and 3 of the Corsairs were shot up a bit as they turned away the attackers before any more harm could be done. The BB Resolution has moderate systems damage, moderate flooding and moderate fires. The RN finds itself in dire straits as of today the Indian Ocean seems to be up for grabs. There was never a hint of CVs, only surface forces, and now many questions are being asked in London.

The first V2s hit London and Paris from mobile bases in Holland.

The US 5th Army attacked the Gothic Line.

Victory Points Allied 39695 Japanese 34185

[tocaff]

September 9, 1944 New York

Intel

19368 men are based at Tinian.
46th Division is located at Rabaul.
Elements of the 26th Division are located at Chengting.
7252 men are based at Hanoi.
Ponope Base Force is located at Ponape.
7th Mixed Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
103rd Division is located at Clark Field.
87389 men are based at Hailar.
34211 men are based at Paramushiro Jima.
North Chishima Fortress is located at Paramushiro Jima.
Tsushima Fortress is located at Masan.
2nd Coastal Gun Regiment is located at Lunga.
1st Air Fleet is located at Tokyo.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tokyo many ships, 26 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Macassar vacant
Catalina I takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 36100/234/9

Combat

An SB2C spotted an AK 27 miles W of Bulla and reported a hit.

Tavoy was attacked by 24 X B-24J (11 damaged) and 21 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was lightly damaged and there were very few casualties. The IJA 38th Division was attacked by 46 X P-47D (2 destroyed, 5 damaged) and 2 X Thunderbolt II. The unit had very light losses. Artillery exchanges caused very light Allied losses and heavy Japanese casualties.

Andaman Island was bombed by 107 X B-29, of which 8 were damaged by the AA fire. The airfield was very heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were light.

Krung Thep was raided by 30 X B-29 (1 damaged) and 99 X Liberator VI. An Irving made a halfhearted attack and was damaged. The airstrip was heavily damaged, there were a very large number of secondary explosions and casualties were moderate. The IJA 30th Division was attacked by 42 X B-25J (7 damaged) and 9 X Spitfire VIII. Another lone Irving was damaged as it tried to flee. Losses were light. Another raid on the 30th was made by 47 X B-25J (3 damaged) and 26 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed, 4 damaged) and casualties were moderate.

Amboina was hit by 81 X TBF (1 downed, 5 damaged) , 54 X TBM (6 damaged) and 17 X F6F. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were a few secondary explosions and 8 X Frances, an Ida and 8 X Betty were destroyed on the ground . 72 X SBD (5 damaged), 64 X SB2C (8 damaged) and 16 X F6F Hellcat attacked later in the day adding moderate damage to the airstrip, causing some secondary explosions, destroying 7 X Frances and 6 X Betty and inflicting moderate casualties.

Truk was struck by 24 X B-29 for light damage to the airfield and very light troop losses.

Lunga was visited by 35 X B-24D who lightly damaged the port, triggered a few secondary explosions and inflicted very light casualties.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had extremely light losses from 12 X Peggy.

The Japanese AP 33 miles W of Bulla was bombed by 52 X SBD and 107 X F6F. 14 bomb hits were claimed and the victim rapidly went down.

The Allied TF near Rangoon was attacked by 5 X Frances who met with a warm reception provided by 13 X P-38J, 29 X Thunderbolt II (5 damaged) and 6 X Spitfire VIII (1 damaged). All of the attackers were shot down before they could do any harm. Another strike of 4 X Frances tried and failed to accomplish anything other than getting all of their number destroyed by the CAP. 1 Thunderbolt II was damaged.

A Japanese AP 163 miles NW of Okinawa was attacked by the SS Capelin and hit with 2 fish, causing heavy damage and fires.

Though the RN is beaten, battered and bloodied the ships can and will be repaired to fight another day. The Prince of Wales and the Formidable rest at Trimcomalee under a strong air umbrella. The BB Resolution is expected there tomorrow.

The submarines Thresher and Swordfish continue to limp towards safe haven. The issue for both boats is seriously in doubt.

The 2nd Marine Division has been rebuilt after the recent operations and stands ready for it's next task. Gunny still has nothing to tell the lads and he confides in Slim that he has a gut feeling that this next one will be ugly. Slim laughs and asks which one hasn't been. “If it not the Japanese it's the jungle or disease. No difference other than the jungle is beautiful and the others aren't.” With that Slim shuts up and lights a smoke and passes it to Gunny and then he lights another for himself. “If I survive this war I'm never going to do any harm to anyone ever again.” Gunny looks at Slim and nods in agreement.

Stick still loves flying his Corsair, but feels that he's wasting it by never getting into a fight with the Japanese. His CO tells him to relax because it's a long way to Tokyo and something is bound to happen before then.

Gene reports to the foreman that the cables used for lifting the heavy machinery needs to be replaced. He points out a couple of spots where it's starting to fray. The foremen tells him, “Don't worry about it, get back to work. Besides there's a war on and a replacement will take some time to get.” Gene protests that during the time taken to replace this one with a new one it'll only get worse. He asks why not place an order now and is told bluntly to get back to work or report to the induction office. Gene grumbles as he turns back to work seriously considering quitting and enlisting.

The Italian luxury liner Rex capsized and sunk off of Trieste, where it had been mothballed, after being hit by 133 RAF bombs and rockets.

Victory Points Allied 39793 Japanese 34312

[Capt. Harlock]

Though the RN is beaten, battered and bloodied the ships can and will be repaired to fight another day. The Prince of Wales and the Formidable rest at Trimcomalee under and strong air umbrella. The BB Resolution is expected there tomorrow.

A bit surprising that the Japanese were able to do that much damage with four capital ships throwing up AAA. (Maybe the quartermaster forgot to load the VT-fused shells . . .)

[tocaff]

Actually the amount of AA that the RN can throw up isn't as great as you think. The cruisers and destroyers don't lend to much help and the older BBs are no great shakes. The CAPs can deal with a first strike (usually), but then it's weakened to allow more than a few attackers through.

September 10, 1944 Washington DC

Intel

Combined Fleet is located at Tokyo.
17th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Niigata.
14th Ind. Brigade is located at Wuhan.
117th Division is located at Tientsin.
6th Fleet is located at Kwajalein.
14744 men are based at Rahaeng.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
24th Engineer Regiment is located at Chiamussu.
5th AF Construction Battalion is located at Singapore.
4th AF Construction Battalion is located at Medan.
2480 men are based at Ikitsuki.
Shimonoseki Fortress is located at Nagato.
64th Construction Battalion is located at Nagasaki.
1st Amphibious Brigade is located at Paramushiro Jima.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
52nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Harbin.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 3000/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Lautem 3 LCUs 2940/3/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wasile vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Lae 1 LCU 3120/2/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tokyo 5 X AF, 26 LCUs

Combat

An Ann attacked the SS Seadragon, 52 miles NW of Singapore, and the sub reported being hit. She will make for port with moderate systems damage and light flooding.

A Mary attacked the SS Blackfin, 23 miles NW of Okinawa, and the sub reported being hit. The damage was negligible.

The Dutch surface force encountered a mine field at Kai Island, a DD struck one and was reported as limping home with light systems damage, moderate flooding and small fires.

The SS Capelin,39 miles SE of Wenchow, spotted, tracked and attacked an solitary AP. She hit her target with 2 torpedoes which caused heavy damage and fires. After reloading her tubes the Capelin put 2 more fish into her prey, spelling it's doom.

The SS Plunger, 140 miles NW of Dili, stumbled on 2 X AP being escorted by 5 X PG. She wasn't able to get an attack in.

Tavoy was attacked by 3 X B-24J (2 damaged), 13 X P-47D (7 damaged), 13 X Thunderbolt II and 11 X Spitfire VIII. The airstrip took very light damage and casualties were extremely light. The artillery barrages caused light Allied losses and heavy Japanese casualties.

Krung Thep was bombed by 31 X B-29 (1 damaged), 111 X Liberator VI (6 damaged) and 11 X P-38J. The airfield took very heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy. The IJA 30th Division was hit by 35 X B-25J (2 downed, 5 damaged) and 36 X Mosquito FB.VI (4 damaged) for moderate casualties.

Kai Island was hit by 33 X B-25J Mitchell and 12 X Kittyhawk III for light damage to the airfield.

Dili had moderate damage to it's airstrip, light damage to the port and a very large number of secondary explosions due to an attack made by 48 X B-24J and 48 X B-24D.

Truk was struck by 22 X B-29 for light damage to the airfield and negligible troop losses.

Buna was clobbered by 45 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 46 X B-24J, 16 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, the port lightly, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The 47th Naval Guard Unit was pounded by 48 X P-38J and 30 X P-40N for very heavy losses.

Lunga was called on by 35 X B-24D who did light damage to the port, caused a few secondary explosions and inflicted heavy personnel losses.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was bombed by 14 X Peggy, but they missed the target.

Morotai was attacked by 69 X SBD (1 downed, 1 damaged), 79 X SB2C (2 damaged), 79 X TBF (2 destroyed, 5 damaged), 54 X TBM (3 damaged) and 48 X F6F Hellcat. The Japanese CAP of 23 X Jack was swept aside by the Hellcats who accounted for 21 kills. The airfield was moderately damaged, the port took moderate damage, there were a large number of secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

The BB Resolution sits safely at Trimcomalee. She will have temporary repairs made and will then be sent on her way.

The BB Prince of Wales, under heavy escort is now making for Colombo.

Naval forces are moving from the Marianas to Ulithi for the operation against Morotai. The timing depends on if mines are discovered and if so the sweeping of them.

London sends an urgent message to Washington requesting that the USN send some CVs to the Indian Ocean to protect India. FDR quietly tells the British ambassador that granting the request is impossible given the needs of current operations in Europe and the Central Pacific. “Future operations can not be delayed so express my regrets to Winston, but I must say no.” With that the ambassador thanks him and leaves. Admiral King, who was sitting in on the meeting is fuming at the gall of the request. “Do they want us to do everything for them? Is it our fault that the RN can't seem to cope with what's left of the IJN?” FDR tells him to relax and fill him in on the first phase of the next operation. King replies, “Almost all of the assets are or will be in place shortly. What concerns me is the amount of fuel that will be needed just to keep Admiral Landy's BBs going. I don't know if the shore bombardments will be a viable option for an extended period of time during phase 2. We'll do our best, but there are only so many tankers and the fuel stocks in the NOPAC need attention as does CENPAC.” FDR thanks him and tells him to do the best he can with what's available.

Pete has noticed that there has been a disruption of train service to and from Townsville. “I wonder what's up with that? Think they're moving around a lot of units?” he asks the man sipping a beer at the bar. The man shrugs and call to Milt, who just walked in. He's here to meet Jac and to see his grand daughter. Of course he has time for a little nip first.

Eisenhower agreed to Market Garden.

US troops moved into Luxembourg.

The first Allied patrol entered Germany near Aachen.

Victory Points Allied 39840 Japanese 34228