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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 3/31/43

East China Sea: US sub patrol in engagement against Japanese surface ASW west of Honshu. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 99,58 (W of Fukue-jima)

Japanese Ships
DD Urakaze
DD Harukaze
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes at DD Urakaze
DD Harukaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Japanese Home Islands: Intercepted radio transmissions from one or more unidentified Jap TF(s) off the southern coast of Hokkaido (hex location 123, 54) reported in a Sigint entry for 3/30. No available information as to number of Jap TF(s), composition or movement.

US sub patrol intercepts small Jap transport TF. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 115,78 (ESE of Chichi-jima)

Japanese Ships
PB Wa 7
xAK Matumoto Maru
E Matsuwa

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock launches 2 torpedoes at PB Wa 7
E Matsuwa fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 3/30 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from multiple locations in the Marshall and Gilbert island areas – including Eniewetok, Roi-Namur, Maleolap, Majuro and Tarawa. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity was detected at any of the above locations.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 3/30 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: US sub patrol intercepts small Jap transport TF. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Phuket at 47,69 (adjacent hex W of Phuket)

Japanese Ships
TK Hirota Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
SC CHa-10
PB Tokuho Maru #5

Allied Ships
SS Peto

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

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 5 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 52 aircraft (51 fighters, 27 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Quiet this game turn in Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/01/43

More notes on LCU’s drawing replacement elements: This continues the last game question on drawing LCU replacements begun here several game turns ago. Early results are showing dividing a divisional LCU into A/B/C sub-units is effective at least sometimes if not most of the time. In the case of one Australian division drawing replacements, each of the division’s A/B/C sub-units is drawing one AIF 42 infantry section in a game turn’s replacement phase (3 sections total per game turn for the entire division). This rate in contrast to the division as a single LCU previously drawing one AIF infantry section during each game turn’s replacement phase. Using this example, the speed at which the Australian division is drawing replacements appears to have increased by a multiple of 3.


While updating my intelligence records with reported Jap LCU locations from the 3/31 Sigint report, I noticed an interesting pattern where (1) a number of Japanese infantry divisions are known to be divided into A/B/C sub-units, (2) all sub-units of the same division are reported to be at the same location, and (3) the dates (game turns) in which A/B/C sub-units of a division in the same location were reported are all recent and closely match (slightly different but close to each other). Identifying the pattern would not have been possible without maintaining a continuous record of Jap LCU locations and dates obtained from Sigint entries and AAR. The pattern existed and I had noticed it for some time but couldn’t attach any significance to it before now.

From the pattern, it appears likely Pillager is also familiar with and using the process of dividing divisional LCU into A/B/C sub-units and drawing replacement elements into the sub-units for LCU upgrade and/or building the unit to full TOE strength. Dates (game turns) recorded for individual Jap sub-units from Sigint and AAR entries indicate Pillager may have been using this process for at least several months if not longer.

Japanese divisions where Pillager may now or has been be drawing replacement elements using this method include Imperial Guards Division (A/B/C sub-units all in Singapore since 3/24/43 or earlier), 1st Infantry Division (all sub-units at Saipan since 3/22/43 or earlier), 4th Infantry Division (sub-units in Balikpapan 3/28/43 and earlier). Dates (game turns) and recorded locations from AAR and Sigint entries for sub-units of all three divisions above have appeared in this pattern for at least several months. It’s also possible this process could be underway or about to start with Jap 28th Division at Surat Thani (Thailand). This list may not be all-inclusive given that sub-units do not have to in the same location and also given FOW with its margin of error.


4/43 Ship Upgrades: These are being started immediately for ships currently at a base and not immediately required for operational missions. The 4/43 upgrade includes a large number of US DD in various classes; also some US CL, DM and CVE.

It should also be noted that many ships in the US main carrier force returning from the Palembang operation are due for various upgrades (2/43, 3/43 and 4/43) in addition to repair of minor system/engine damage received during sea movement in the operation. This activity will largely be done in the Eastern US – return movement of the carrier TF’s to the US is off-map via Capetown. Carrier task forces are due to arrive at Eastern US in 2-4 days. Given the relatively large number of ships in the carrier force due for upgrade and/or needing repair of minor system/engine damage, shipyard facilities at Eastern US are expected to be sufficient to handle this activity. Any ships in the carrier force in excess of shipyard capacity at Eastern US or not requiring repair/upgrade can easily be passed through Panama to bases on the US West Coast.


A final note on the Palembang operation: One of the major risks involved in planning of the operation was the consideration the entire US fleet carrier force would be off-map during nearly all the time period of the operation – the carrier force has either been off-map or in the Indian Ocean since early Jan 43.

It goes without saying most of the on-map area (particularly the Pacific) has been left completely open to the KB. I considered that risk a significant gamble in my planning, though two points can be made in response to taking the gamble – (1) possible benefit of hitting Palembang worth the risk and cost, and (2) whatever Pillager did (or still can do) with the KB would likely occur regardless of where the US carrier force was. Keep in mind that point (2) above was also true during the entire 1941-42 period.

Rationale for the decision to use off-map sea movement was that fuel consumption of the carrier force during its transit to and from the Indian Ocean would be minimized – rather than refueling from on-map fuel stockpiles in Australia or the South Pacific (saving this fuel for other operations). Refuelling the carrier force during its on-map movement in the Indian Ocean area was handled by a fully-expanded and stocked British naval base at Diego Garcia. I should also note that Diego Garcia (even with a fully expanded size 5 port) cannot handle replenishment of six 15-ship US Air Combat TF at once – it took three game turns to refuel all six TF.

In retrospect, if I had brought sufficient Replenishment TF(s) into the Indian Ocean to refuel the entire US carrier force, at least 1-2 additional game turns of US carrier air strikes on Palembang would have been easily possible at low or minimal risk of effective Japanese opposition. Fuel supply aboard the ships ended the carrier strikes, remaining strike capacity on the carriers was quite sufficient to continue (plane losses in the strikes being virtually zero). Estimated results of one or two additional air strikes would have been at least 80-90% damage to Palembang oil production if it hadn’t been completely knocked out – the one day’s air strikes which actually occurred resulting in about 40% damage.

With all necessary logistical “pieces” in place, a Palembang operation is very doable. I had all but one of those “pieces”.


East China Sea: US sub patrol intercepts unescorted small Jap transport west of Honshu. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Fukue-jima at 98,59 (adjacent hex W of Fukue-jima)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shingetsu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

xAKL Shingetsu Maru is sighted by SS Wahoo
SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Shingetsu Maru

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Okinawa: US patrol sub engages Jap transport TF, attacked and damaged by surface ASW escort. SS Barb is returning to base for repair at 11 kts speed. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Okinoerabushima at 97,66 (NE of Naha)

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami
xAK Terukawa Maru
xAK Maebasi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Barb, hits 3 (two direct hits reported in the replay - system damage 20, float 42, engine 5)

SS Barb launches 2 torpedoes at DD Ayanami
Barb diving deep ....
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 3/31 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions at Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, also ship(s) anchored in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 3/31 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 8 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving Northwest


Andaman Sea: US sub patrol in action against Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Phuket at 47,69 (adjacent hex SW of Phuket)

Japanese Ships
DD Kuri

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kuri
DD Kuri attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-3 from last report), 68 aircraft (47 fighters, 21 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report).


China: Japanese ground bombardment attack at Chungking resumes. AAR follows.

3 detected Japanese LCU remain in hexes adjacent to Chungking.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new arrivals)

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Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3310 troops, 318 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 8616
Defending force 523318 troops, 2698 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15671

Allied ground losses:
226 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
70th Division
116th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
36th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Armored Car Co
40th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
35th Division
13th Division
17th Division
3rd Tank Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
22nd Division
104th Division
32nd Division
15th Division
26th Division
110th Division
58th Division
15th Tank Regiment
34th Division
37th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
38th Division
2nd Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
North China Area Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
12th Army
11th Army
21st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
23rd Army
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
67th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
74th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
75th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
71st Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
9th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
57th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
35th Group Army
41st AA Regiment
1st War Area
9th War Area
9th Chinese Base Force
Lusu War Area
259th Brigade
19th Group Army
4th War Area
26th Group Army
17th Group Army
38th Group Army
39th Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
25th Group Army
5th War Area
9th Group Army
14th Group Army
Red Chinese Army
Central Reserve
83rd Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
16th Construction Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
37th Group Army
12th Construction Regiment
17th Construction Regiment
40th Chinese Corps
29th Group Army
4th Group Army
23rd Group Army
8th War Area
1st Group Army
5th Construction Regiment
12th Group Army
24th Group Army
21st Group Army
31st Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force
15th Group Army
13th Construction Regiment
7th Construction Regiment
51st Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Base Force
22nd Group Army
58th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Base Force
4th Chinese Base Force
7th Group Army
34th Chinese Corps
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
8th Group Army
13th Group Army
6th Construction Regiment
China Command
11th Construction Regiment
8th Construction Regiment
23rd Chinese Corps
39th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
303rd Brigade
20th Group Army
18th Group Army
27th Group Army
36th Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
30th Group Army
48th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army
Jingcha War Area
16th Group Army
22nd Artillery Regiment
49th AA Regiment
11th Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Base Force
13th Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force
10th Chinese Base Force
CAF HQ
34th Group Army
7th War Area
14th Construction Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
9th Separate Brigade
6th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
57th AT Gun Regiment
3rd Group Army
5th Group Army
32nd Group Army
18th Artillery Regiment
6th Group Army
2nd War Area
6th War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/02/43

East China Sea: US sub patrol attacks unescorted small Jap transport west of Honshu. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 100,59 (SE of Nagasaki/Sasebo)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shingetsu Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Tunny, hits 1 (no damage)

xAKL Shingetsu Maru is sighted by SS Tunny
SS Tunny attacking xAKL Shingetsu Maru on the surface

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US West Coast: Unidentified Jap patrol sub detected off San Francisco, float planes launched from this sub reported flying over San Francisco base hex. US surface ASW TFs’ dispatched to locate and attack the sub. No Allied transport shipping or naval TF on schedule to approach or leave San Francisco this game turn – the Jap sub is not impacting any current ship operations in or around San Francisco.


South Pacific: Two 4/01 Sigint entries report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ndeni. Detected status of Ndeni shows 8 Jap aircraft (all fighters) based there, airfield size 3(5), port size 1(1). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Ndeni.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/01 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Akitsushima Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Daigen Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 85 aircraft (55 fighters, 30 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


USAAF and RAF bombers launch city strikes against several targets in Burma. Total reported Allied plane losses from the strikes – 19 Allied bombers destroyed (12 Wellington, 6 B-24D, one Liberator II), 4 Allied bombers damaged. Seven Jap fighter planes (4 A6M2 Zero, 3 Ki-44 Tojo) reported destroyed – three in air-to-air action.

Results of these air strikes also indicate Pillager has a significant force of Jap fighter squadrons deployed in the Burma theatre, making any Allied bombing campaign against production targets in Burma (other than night raids) a somewhat complex if not difficult proposition. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 7 (first reported action where Pillager is operating Ki-45 Nick fighters)

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 16
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged

Oil hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Wellington Ic bombing from 11000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Wellington Ic bombing from 11000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 74 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

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Current detected status of Magwe shows oil production at 32(269), 31 aircraft (all fighters), 6 Jap LCU’s (five identified, including a sub-unit of 33rd Infantry Division, 9 Armored Car Co, three IJA Base Force LCU). Given the Japanese CAP reported in the AAR’s above, reported number of fighter planes in Magwe appears to be fairly accurate.


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Morning Air attack on Lashio, at 62,46

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Liberator II bombing from 11000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x Liberator II bombing from 11000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
77th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

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Detected status of Lashio after the air strike shows resource production 21(0), no aircraft reported (contrary to the AAR above), no Jap LCU’s. One Jap LCU known to be at Lashio from available intelligence data – 4 Tank Regiment. Available information on what Pillager has in Lashio is dated and probably incomplete. My estimate on results of the RAF air strike at Lashio is no damage inflicted to resource production there.



China: Japanese continue ground bombardment attack at Chungking. Latest AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no recent arrivals, maybe this is everything Pillager has available to commit against Chungking)

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Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3315 troops, 319 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 8803
Defending force 526350 troops, 2695 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15861

Allied ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
40th Division
34th Division
104th Division
70th Division
3rd Tank Division
59th Infantry Brigade
35th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
15th Tank Regiment
116th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
15th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
26th Division
13th Division
22nd Division
37th Division
110th Division
8th Armored Car Co
58th Division
36th Division
38th Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
11th Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Army
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
North China Area Army
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
35th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
44th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
69th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
86th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
49th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
61st Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
89th Chinese Corps
39th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
20th Group Army
5th Group Army
16th Chinese Base Force
12th Group Army
15th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
10th Chinese Base Force
CAF HQ
Red Chinese Army
36th Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
25th Group Army
11th Construction Regiment
8th War Area
4th Group Army
48th Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Base Force
31st Group Army
35th Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force
6th Construction Regiment
24th Group Army
41st AA Regiment
1st Group Army
39th Group Army
5th Construction Regiment
22nd Artillery Regiment
2nd War Area
34th Chinese Corps
7th War Area
5th War Area
303rd Brigade
18th Group Army
21st Group Army
7th Construction Regiment
1st War Area
15th Chinese Base Force
34th Group Army
259th Brigade
9th War Area
7th Artillery Regiment
29th Group Army
38th Group Army
8th Group Army
17th Construction Regiment
7th Chinese Base Force
11th Group Army
16th Group Army
14th Group Army
58th Chinese Corps
10th Construction Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment
Jingcha War Area
40th Chinese Corps
4th War Area
13th Chinese Base Force
6th Group Army
3rd Group Army
22nd Group Army
11th Chinese Base Force
37th Group Army
3rd War Area
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
30th Group Army
China Command
19th Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
13th Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
32nd Group Army
Central Reserve
23rd Group Army
7th Group Army
6th Chinese Base Force
1st Chinese Base Force
9th Chinese Base Force
8th Construction Regiment
27th Group Army
57th AT Gun Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
14th Construction Regiment
17th Group Army
12th Construction Regiment
49th AA Regiment
13th Construction Regiment
33rd Group Army
9th Group Army
26th Group Army
Lusu War Area
4th Chinese Base Force
16th Construction Regiment
6th War Area
23rd Chinese Corps
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/03/43

Okinawa: Group of US patrol subs entering the East China Sea this game turn through the sea passage between Kyushu and Okinawa encounters Jap surface ASW in a night action. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Amami Oshima at 99,64 (adjacent hex N of Amami Oshima)

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-17

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

Captain of SS Silversides elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
SC CHa-17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


North Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/02 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Shimushiri-jima (Kuriles). Detected status at Shimushiri-jima shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, also evidence of airfield construction. Current detected airfield size at Shimushiri-jima is 3(4), port size 1(1). Current intelligence data indicates two known Jap LCU’s (303 Independent Infantry Bn & 11 JNAF AF Unit) are located on Shimushiri-jima.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/02 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Teia Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 6, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 4, Moving Southwest



Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 98 aircraft (67 fighters, 31 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese continue ground bombardment attack at Chungking. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new arrivals)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3315 troops, 319 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 8983
Defending force 527460 troops, 2685 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15956

Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
32nd Division
36th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
37th Division
40th Division
15th Tank Regiment
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Tank Division
104th Division
58th Division
15th Division
13th Division
17th Division
8th Armored Car Co
26th Division
35th Division
34th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
70th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
41st Division
22nd Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
116th Division
110th Division
38th Division
1st Mortar Battalion
12th Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
23rd Army
21st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
North China Area Army
11th Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
93rd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
5th New Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
56th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
8th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
39th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
51st Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
97th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
22nd Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
67th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
12th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
1st Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
37th Group Army
12th Construction Regiment
31st Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
25th Group Army
2nd Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force
Lusu War Area
9th War Area
2nd Group Army
24th Group Army
5th Group Army
6th Construction Regiment
8th Construction Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
13th Chinese Base Force
18th Chinese Base Force
34th Chinese Corps
49th AA Regiment
China Command
5th War Area
23rd Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force
19th Group Army
6th War Area
7th War Area
6th Chinese Base Force
16th Construction Regiment
16th Chinese Base Force
30th Group Army
2nd War Area
41st AA Regiment
22nd Artillery Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
48th Chinese Corps
4th Group Army
9th Group Army
CAF HQ
34th Group Army
26th Group Army
39th Group Army
1st War Area
32nd Group Army
27th Group Army
Central Reserve
4th War Area
12th Group Army
6th Group Army
13th Group Army
17th Group Army
259th Brigade
14th Group Army
303rd Brigade
38th Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
21st Group Army
58th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army
57th AT Gun Regiment
10th Chinese Base Force
14th Construction Regiment
20th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
7th Group Army
35th Group Army
11th Chinese Base Force
7th Construction Regiment
11th Construction Regiment
18th Group Army
15th Group Army
3rd War Area
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
83rd Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Base Force
4th Chinese Base Force
5th Construction Regiment
1st Chinese Base Force
36th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
17th Construction Regiment
22nd Group Army
Red Chinese Army
40th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
3rd Group Army
11th Group Army
8th Group Army
13th Construction Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
16th Group Army
8th War Area
29th Group Army
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/04/43

Formosa Straits: US patrol sub operating in the straits between Formosa and mainland China intercepts unescorted Jap transport – two night attacks, identical AAR's in both actions. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 87,61 (NW of Taihoku)

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamagata Maru

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

xAK Yamagata Maru is sighted by SS Wahoo
SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes

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


North Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/03 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from unidentified Jap TF(s) at hex location 126, 39 in the straits between the mainland USSR and northern part (Russian-controlled sector) of Sakhalin island. Unless the Sigint entry is FOW, what is curious about this report is location of the Jap TF(s)… detected position of the Jap TF(s) beyond the northernmost point of any Japanese-controlled territory. A continued northward movement of the Jap TF from this position will take it into the Sea of Okhotsk where the entire coastline of this sea area is Russian territory.

No information on the Jap TF’s composition or movement is available.

Maybe this Sigint report is FOW, maybe the Jap TF(s) are executing unintended sea movement of some kind, maybe Pillager is actually doing something here. If it’s not FOW or accidental Japanese sea movement, we’ll soon learn both the method and logic behind what Pillager might be doing (if anything). Situation map follows.




Central Pacific: Intercepted Jap radio transmissions reported in Sigint entries for 4/03 from Jaluit and Maleolap, three Sigint entries for this game turn reporting radio signals from Jaluit. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Jaluit or Maleolap.

Pillager has expanded facilities at both Jaluit and Maleolap. Detected airfield size at Maleolap is 4(1), port size 1(1). Jap LCUs known to be at Maleolap from current intelligence data include Maleolap Naval Fort (static unit), Maleolap Base Force and 64 Naval Gd. Detected port size at Jaluit is 3(1), airfield size 0(0). Four Jap LCU’s known to be located at Jaluit from available intelligence data – Jaluit Naval Fort (static unit), Jaluit Base Force, 24 JNAF AF Unit, 41 Naval Gd.


South Pacific: US patrol sub damaged in action against Jap surface ASW. SS Scamp was diverted to Thousand Ships Bay base to engage possible Jap ship targets reported in earlier Sigint entries. No barges this time… AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at Thousand Ships Bay - 114,136

Japanese Ships
PB Myoken Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scamp, hits 6 (system damage 23, float 48, returning to base at 10 kts speed)

Captain of SS Scamp elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
PB Myoken Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/03 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Tokiwa Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 5, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,136 near Auki, Speed 10, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 13 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Southwest Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/03 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kavieng. Detected status of Kavieng shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, also no detected evidence of port or airfield construction. Current intelligence data has only one Jap LCU located at Kavieng – 66 Naval Gd.


Andaman Sea: Dutch submarine K-XVIII arrives this game turn at its assigned patrol zone area, spots and attacks a Jap transport TF, then hit and damaged by Jap Ki-21 Sally air patrol. Reported damage to SS K-XVIII is system 11, float 5 – the sub is now returning to base for repair at 16 kts speed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Victoria Point at 49,63 (NW of Victoria Point)

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze
PB Menado Maru
TK Kuremente Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

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

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 113 aircraft (85 fighters, 28 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


India: SS Jack arrives in Colombo this game turn from the Eastern US to reinforce US sub operations in the Indian Ocean area. Two other US subs are currently enroute to Colombo from the Eastern US. All three of these US subs entered the game as reinforcements in the Eastern US – plans are to deploy additional US subs to operate in the Indian Ocean area from subs entering the game as reinforcements in the Eastern US. Deployment of US subs to the Indian Ocean is intended to replace losses of British and Dutch submarines destroyed in a KB carrier strike against Colombo in 1942 (this strike destroying nearly the entire Allied sub force in the Indian Ocean).


China: Japanese continue ground bombardment attack at Chungking. Latest AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new arrivals)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3315 troops, 319 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 9110
Defending force 528055 troops, 2675 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16028

Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
40th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
59th Infantry Brigade
22nd Division
39th Division
58th Division
36th Division
37th Division
110th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Division
35th Division
15th Tank Regiment
13th Division
104th Division
34th Division
41st Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
70th Division
3rd Tank Division
8th Armored Car Co
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Division
116th Division
26th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
38th Division
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
North China Area Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
23rd Army
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
92nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
39th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
46th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
35th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
69th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
89th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
44th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
90th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
30th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
70th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
13th Chinese Base Force
13th Construction Regiment
36th Group Army
Central Reserve
39th Group Army
15th Group Army
18th Group Army
1st War Area
1st Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
16th Construction Regiment
34th Chinese Corps
34th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
1st Artillery Regiment
1st Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force
21st Group Army
32nd Group Army
303rd Brigade
16th Group Army
29th Group Army
8th War Area
31st Group Army
7th Construction Regiment
26th Group Army
259th Brigade
7th Artillery Regiment
22nd Artillery Regiment
17th Construction Regiment
22nd Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
2nd War Area
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
38th Group Army
14th Construction Regiment
3rd Group Army
5th Construction Regiment
41st AA Regiment
40th Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Base Force
20th Chinese Base Force
16th Chinese Base Force
13th Group Army
14th Group Army
China Command
33rd Group Army
2nd Group Army
30th Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
48th Chinese Corps
CAF HQ
6th War Area
18th Chinese Base Force
12th Construction Regiment
7th Group Army
25th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
12th Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
Lusu War Area
4th War Area
35th Group Army
5th Group Army
8th Group Army
19th Group Army
49th AA Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment
11th Construction Regiment
Red Chinese Army
58th Chinese Corps
37th Group Army
4th Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force
8th Construction Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
5th War Area
6th Group Army
9th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
20th Group Army
27th Group Army
18th Artillery Regiment
83rd Chinese Corps
11th Group Army
24th Group Army
6th Construction Regiment
17th Group Army
7th War Area
2nd Chinese Base Force
9th War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/05/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport TF west of Kyushu in a night action. AAR of this action follows. SS Gurnard later attacked and hit in daylight by Ki-49 Helen air patrol. Reported damage levels to SS Gurnard are system damage 24, float 30, engine 5 – sub is returning to Pearl Harbor for repair at 13 kts speed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 98,59 (WSW of Fukue-jima)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Zuiho Maru
xAKL Shinrei Maru
SC CHa-46

Allied Ships
SS Gurnard

SS Gurnard launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Zuiho Maru
Gurnard diving deep ....
SC CHa-46 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Pillager is actively operating Ki-49 Helen air patrols over the East China Sea near Kyushu and the Tsushima Straits. Both the two US patrol subs in this sea area (SS Gurnard and a second US sub) reported attacks by Ki-49 air patrols. This area of the East China Sea is certainly along one or more major Japanese sea transport routes to the Home Islands. Nearly all the US subs sent to patrol zones in the East China Sea have returned with significant combat damage from Jap air and surface ASW action, though none so far have been sunk. This does shorten US subs’ time on patrol and adds a game turn or two repair time when returning to base but increased opportunity to attack Japanese sea transport adequately compensates for the inconvenience. In addition, the East China Sea area is one more front Pillager has to deal with and the activity here draws Japanese forces from employment elsewhere.


Formosa Straits: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese troop convoy at northern exit of the straits, torpedoes large AP. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hengchun at 85,68 (adjacent hex E of Hengchun)

Japanese Ships
xAP Buenos Aires Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
xAP Huzi Maru
E Aotaka

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise

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

SS Porpoise launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Buenos Aires Maru
Porpoise diving deep ....
E Aotaka fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


North Pacific: No further report or detection of unidentified Jap TF(s) near Sakhalin reported in a Sigint entry for 4/03. Chalk up a UFO (unexplained floating object).


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/04 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit for a second consecutive day. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Jaluit.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/04 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Australia: Sub-units of 8th Australian Division (rebuilt 22 & 27 Australian Brigades; Lark, Sparrow & Gull Bns) combined this game turn to form the divisional LCU under SW Pacific theatre command. The combined 8th Australian Division is now at 83% TOE strength (the divisional unit missing its motorized support elements and some artillery) – plans are for the division to continue drawing replacement elements to full strength. 8 Division is the fourth Australian infantry division (along with 2nd, 7th & 9th) forming the core of Australian “mobile” ground forces under SW Pacific command.

6th Australian Division is currently based at Colombo as garrison. Current plans have the division remaining at Colombo until there are sufficient available Allied ground forces in India to relieve 6 Division for transfer to Australia or it otherwise becomes unnecessary to keep the division in Colombo. Ultimate plans for 6th Australian Division are for it to join the Australian “mobile” force in SW Pacific.


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action against small Jap transport TF south of Rangoon. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tavoy at 52,58 (NW of Tavoy)

Japanese Ships
TK Kuremente Maru
PB Menado Maru
DD Hakaze

Allied Ships
SS Gunnel

SS Gunnel launches 2 torpedoes at TK Kuremente Maru
Gunnel diving deep ....
DD Hakaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor, 94 aircraft (71 fighters, 23 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.

Current detected damage level to oil production in Magwe is 35(266).


China: Japanese ground bombardment attack at Chungking continues. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new arrivals)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3315 troops, 319 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 9213
Defending force 528803 troops, 2662 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16115

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

Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Division
17th Division
13th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
40th Division
26th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
34th Division
37th Division
36th Division
104th Division
35th Division
15th Tank Regiment
116th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Armored Car Co
59th Infantry Brigade
58th Division
70th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
41st Division
22nd Division
39th Division
3rd Tank Division
38th Division
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
11th Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
23rd Army
2nd Mortar Battalion
North China Area Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
90th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
21st Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
31st Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
17th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
27th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
39th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
9th Separate Brigade
70th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
17th Chinese Base Force
10th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
31st Group Army
13th Construction Regiment
34th Chinese Corps
49th AA Regiment
3rd Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force
33rd Group Army
37th Group Army
8th War Area
5th Construction Regiment
39th Group Army
16th Group Army
2nd War Area
Red Chinese Army
26th Group Army
21st Group Army
259th Brigade
16th Construction Regiment
40th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
1st Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
20th Chinese Base Force
57th AT Gun Regiment
36th Group Army
16th Chinese Base Force
27th Group Army
22nd Group Army
29th Group Army
CAF HQ
22nd Artillery Regiment
18th Chinese Base Force
11th Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
15th Group Army
Lusu War Area
83rd Chinese Corps
12th Group Army
7th War Area
1st Artillery Regiment
9th Chinese Base Force
12th Construction Regiment
17th Construction Regiment
35th Group Army
13th Group Army
14th Group Army
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
2nd Group Army
41st AA Regiment
4th Group Army
30th Group Army
17th Group Army
7th Artillery Regiment
6th Chinese Base Force
32nd Group Army
9th War Area
58th Chinese Corps
8th Construction Regiment
6th Group Army
20th Group Army
5th Group Army
14th Construction Regiment
18th Group Army
1st War Area
Central Reserve
8th Group Army
24th Group Army
13th Chinese Base Force
34th Group Army
6th Construction Regiment
303rd Brigade
9th Group Army
5th War Area
Jingcha War Area
China Command
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
19th Group Army
7th Construction Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
38th Group Army
11th Chinese Base Force
7th Group Army
6th War Area
25th Group Army
4th War Area
20th Artillery Regiment
11th Construction Regiment
1st Chinese Base Force
23rd Group Army
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[johnjohn]

Update from John (johnjohn). June 13, 1944. Marines take Saipan after bloody 11 day campaign. Five divisions, 1st USMC, 24th Inf, 93rd Inf, 2nd USMC, and 4th USMC defeated an entrenched defensive force built around two divisions after 11 days of fighting. In the same time frame Rota was secured by the 25th Inf and Tinian is nearly secure. The battle for Saipan proved costly as most of the Allied divisions fell to less than 50% strength. Engineers are already at work to expand the bases.

Guam, taken some three weeks ago, is now a major allied base in the region. 14 Fleet and 16 Escort carriers supported the effort. Kaga and 1 CVL attempted to intercept and was promptly dispatched. Another CVL force also attempted to intercept and was destroyed. At this time it is believed that all the available carrier strength of the enemy is sunk.

In the Upper Burma campaign 6 allied divisions completed the sweep of Swebo to Magwe. What is left of the enemy is hiding in the jungle. The rainy season is coming. I hope they like the mud. The Burma units plan to refit around Mandalay and then move toward Rangoon.

B-29s are now bombing Rangoon knocking out over half the refinery capacity there. It is my first use of city attack. Fighter sweeps of Rangoon are bagging a good number of enemy fighters.

With the imperial fleet essentially disabled, I will now start the mid and late 44 upgrades for the carriers and old battleships. I am planning to refit the major land units in the Marianas while bringing Nimitz to Guam. I suspect with Guam as an available base, the sub campaign will really pick up. I am sending another of the floating dry docks there. The carriers et al will refit at PH and the West Coast.

Comment--attacking a significantly defended island like Saipan proved very expensive. Not only did the Divisions take a huge hit, the assault ships got clobbered too. I lost some forty ships, APs and AKs to shell fire from the Island (and a lot of troops too). Knowing what happened here, although I did succeed, I would not attempt an attack like this again. It is not worth the expense. I think our host is absolutely right about avoiding such spots in his campaign. John

[wneumann]

June 13, 1944. Marines take Saipan after bloody 11 day campaign. Five divisions, 1st USMC, 24th Inf, 93rd Inf, 2nd USMC, and 4th USMC defeated an entrenched defensive force built around two divisions after 11 days of fighting. In the same time frame Rota was secured by the 25th Inf and Tinian is nearly secure. The battle for Saipan proved costly as most of the Allied divisions fell to less than 50% strength. Engineers are already at work to expand the bases.

Rebuilding those divisions will take a considerable period of time not to mention the quantities of replacement pool elements required (assuming the quantities of needed replacement elements exist in the pools). Even if there's enough replacement elements in the pools to rebuild all the divisions, it's gonna take a considerable amount of time to rebuild them. In my estimate, the biggest part of the cost is not supply or replacement elements consumed to rebuild the division, it's the time. The time in which those five divsions will not be available for further offensive operations.

Time consumed in replacing LCU casualities is a greater expensive than the casualties themselves. Especially true in cases where LCU's not available due to replacing casualties negatively affect the ability to launch or continue offensive operations.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/06/43

East China Sea: Action between US patrol sub and Japanese surface ASW west of Kyushu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Fukue-jima at 100,57 (adjacent hex W of Fukue-jima)

Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

SS Silversides is sighted by escort
DD Harukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yuzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Harukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 4/05 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Abamama and Ocean Is. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Abemama or Ocean Is.


South Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport TF at the southern end of the Solomon island chain. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 117,140 (adjacent hex E of Kirakira)

Japanese Ships
xAK Sugiyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AK Aobasan Maru
xAK Nissen Maru #3
xAK Izumo Maru
PB Taiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sugiyama Maru
Tambor diving deep ....
PB Taiko Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/05 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Australia: Transport convoy EX-29 (39 ships) arrives this game turn from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes four LCU (HQ US XIV Corps, 1 US Marine Corps Tank Bn, 36 Aviation Base Force, 1 USN Construction Rgt), 135K supply and 26K fuel.


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action against Jap surface ASW near northern entrance to Malacca Straits. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Phuket at 48,68 (adjacent hex SW of Phuket)

Japanese Ships
DD Kuri

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kuri
Peto diving deep ....
DD Kuri attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 114 aircraft (88 fighters, 26 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


Dutch Air Force: The first reactivated squadrons of the Dutch AF transferred this game turn from ABDA to Southeast Asia command and now preparing to deploy from Aden for on-map assignment. Three small patrol squadrons (9 Do-24K-1 planes total) are in this contingent. Plans for these squadrons are to operate on naval air search patrols from Colombo and/or the British naval base at Diego Garcia.

Other squadrons of the Dutch AF reactivating in Aden include

• 10 additional small patrol squadrons (all with PBY-5 Catalina)
• One fighter squadron (12 P-40E Warhawk)
• One 2E bomber squadron (9 B-25C Mitchell, pilots trained for naval attack)
• Two small bomber squadrons (both 139WH) converted for pilot training. One squadron training naval attack, one squadron training ground attack.
• One recon squadron (9 FK-51) converted for naval search pilot training.

One additional Dutch 2E bomber squadron (18 B-25C Mitchell) is part of the Australian AF and based in Australia.

Current plans are to employ Dutch AF squadrons mainly in rear-area operations rather than front-line combat to minimize attrition and conserve the limited numbers of available Dutch pilots and aircraft. Dutch AF squadrons starting the game in the DEI on 12/41 were manually withdrawn during the later stages of collapse of the DEI in early 1942 as they became no longer operational or immediately before Japanese capture of their airfields - these squadrons all re-entered in Aden as reinforcements in late-1942. The available supply of Dutch pilots and planes for these squadrons when they re-entered the game is limited to what had existed in the squadrons or replacement pools at the time the DEI fell earlier in 1942. A very important note here is no new Dutch planes are being produced, also no new Dutch pilots are entering the replacement pools. Continued existence of the Dutch AF as a viable force is wholly dependent on preserving the supply of Dutch pilots and aircraft on-hand in squadrons and the replacement pools. The Dutch AF ceases to exist as an operational force once the supply of Dutch pilots or planes currently in the game is exhausted.

19 additional Dutch AF squadrons (including 8 fighter, 9 bomber, 2 transport) are in the game but were not re-activated to conserve available stocks of Dutch pilots and planes (these being concentrated in the activated squadrons). The inactive Dutch air squadrons were emptied of all planes and pilots before placing them in a “mothballed” status. Plans for the deactivated squadrons are to retain the air units in Aden in an inactive condition. The numbers of Dutch pilots and planes on-hand were not sufficient to fill these 19 squadrons.


China: Japanese launch deliberate ground assault on Chungking. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new arrivals)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 261774 troops, 2530 guns, 1439 vehicles, Assault Value = 9300
Defending force 529882 troops, 2650 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16220
Japanese adjusted assault: 3096
Allied adjusted defense: 8177
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
6848 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 554 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 112 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 126 disabled
Guns lost 89 (3 destroyed, 86 disabled)
Vehicles lost 63 (2 destroyed, 61 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
35622 casualties reported
Squads: 788 destroyed, 2973 disabled
Non Combat: 621 destroyed, 2208 disabled
Engineers: 49 destroyed, 78 disabled
Guns lost 306 (81 destroyed, 225 disabled)
Units destroyed 11

Assaulting units:
34th Division
37th Division
40th Division
41st Division
110th Division
15th Tank Regiment
35th Division
58th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
104th Division
17th Division
32nd Division
70th Division
3rd Tank Division
116th Division
26th Division
8th Armored Car Co
36th Division
13th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
59th Infantry Brigade
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
22nd Division
15th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
38th Division
1st Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
11th Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
North China Area Army
23rd Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
12th Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
65th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
39th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
41st Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
12th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
29th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
70th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
6th Construction Regiment
30th Group Army
Red Chinese Army
11th Group Army
8th War Area
1st Artillery Regiment
18th Group Army
25th Group Army
1st War Area
38th Group Army
12th Construction Regiment
13th Chinese Base Force
10th Chinese Base Force
21st Group Army
58th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
22nd Artillery Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
32nd Group Army
6th Chinese Base Force
4th Chinese Base Force
16th Group Army
83rd Chinese Corps
41st AA Regiment
15th Chinese Base Force
2nd War Area
3rd Group Army
1st Group Army
29th Group Army
9th War Area
Lusu War Area
18th Chinese Base Force
8th Group Army
16th Construction Regiment
24th Group Army
14th Construction Regiment
4th Group Army
16th Chinese Base Force
49th AA Regiment
36th Group Army
CAF HQ
13th Construction Regiment
5th Construction Regiment
8th Construction Regiment
33rd Group Army
5th War Area
27th Group Army
7th Construction Regiment
31st Group Army
14th Group Army
10th Construction Regiment
20th Group Army
19th Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force
9th Group Army
37th Group Army
Central Reserve
12th Group Army
57th AT Gun Regiment
39th Group Army
34th Group Army
22nd Group Army
26th Group Army
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
5th Group Army
35th Group Army
7th War Area
4th War Area
11th Construction Regiment
7th Chinese Base Force
23rd Group Army
7th Artillery Regiment
Jingcha War Area
303rd Brigade
15th Group Army
40th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
6th War Area
7th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
6th Group Army
13th Group Army
259th Brigade
3rd War Area
17th Construction Regiment
9th Chinese Base Force
China Command
17th Group Army
34th Chinese Corps
18th Artillery Regiment
11th Chinese Base Force
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/07/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub intercepts several Jap transport TF in the western approaches to Tsushima Strait. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Saishu To at 99,56 (night action, adjacent hex SW of Saishu To)

Japanese Ships
xAK Hamburg Maru

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

xAK Hamburg Maru is sighted by SS Silversides
SS Silversides launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hamburg Maru (one dud torpedo hit)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saishu To at 100,56 (day action, adjacent hex SE of Saishu To)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Unyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
xAKL Minowa Maru
SC CHa-46

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

SS Silversides launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Unyo Maru
SC CHa-46 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


A second US patrol sub in action against Jap transports, this in the northern approaches of the sea passage between Formosa and the China mainland. SS Greenling also reports spotting a possible Jap transport TF (4 ships including 2 PB) in the hex location of the attack below – no indication as to whether xAK Konsan Maru was part of the spotted Jap TF or it was moving separately. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 87,61 (NW of Taihoku)

Japanese Ships
xAK Konzan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

SS Greenling launches 2 torpedoes

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


Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts multiple Jap TF’s in the same hex location (132, 118) south of Kwajalein. SS Haddo reporting three separate Jap TF’s spotted in hex location 132, 118 – these Jap TF 3-5 ships each and moving on various SE and SW headings. My estimate is they are likely small Jap transport TF Pillager dispatched from Kwajalein to various destinations in the Gilberts or southern Marshalls – another possibility includes one of the Jap TF is an unengaged surface ASW TF. AAR’s follow.

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

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tonegawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
xAKL Yagi Maru
xAKL Miyako Maru
PB Sureboko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Tonegawa Maru
Haddo diving deep ....
PB Sureboko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Japanese Ships
xAK Matumoto Maru
PB Wa 7
xAK Tuyama Maru
E Matsuwa

Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 2 (system damage 6, float 1)

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Matumoto Maru
Haddo diving deep ....
E Matsuwa attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


PBY Catalina naval air search from Midway reported spotting 7 unidentified Japanese ships at hex position 160, 91 (2 hexes due E of Midway), moving on a SW heading at 10 kts speed. No Japanese ships or activity visible on-map at or near this hex location. Movement on a SW heading from this hex location would indicate the Marshalls as a possible destination of this contact.

My most likely estimate for this contact is Jap sub(s) returning to base from patrol ops in the North Pacific or near the US West Coast – it’s either FOW, seven submarines (probably just one), or perhaps seven whales with “meatballs” painted on them. A TF of four US patrol subs enroute from Pearl Harbor to assigned patrol areas near the Japanese Home Islands is now SE of Midway and moving on a NW heading, otherwise no Allied ships currently at or near Midway.

What is odd about this report is that PBY’s based on Midway are set for naval search from Midway flying a search arc from 240 to 320 (covering sea areas WSW-W-NW of Midway), location of the contact (due E of Midway) in the exact opposite direction from the PBY's assigned search arc.


Sigint entries for 4/06 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro and Maleolap. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Majuro or Maleolap.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/06 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: AG Soya reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 3, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 2, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 10, Moving Southwest


Andaman Sea: US sub Peto on patrol near Phuket reporting contact with probable Jap surface ASW TF (3 PB), no reported combat between SS Peto and the Jap TF. SS Peto also reporting attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol.

US sub Gunnel on patrol S of Rangoon reports contact with unidentified Jap TF (3 ships including one DD & one APD), no reported combat between SS Gunnel and the Jap TF.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 94 aircraft (73 fighters, 21 bombers), 8 Jap LCU’s.


China: No significant reported combat activity at Chungking.

Sigint entries for 4/06 report two Japanese artillery LCU (identified as 4 Independent Mountain Gun Rgt & 13 Independent Artillery Mortar Bn) now located at Kienko near Chungking. Pillager transferred both these artillery units into the China theatre from Kwantung Army (Manchuria). The two artillery LCU are probably enroute to Chungking and expected to reinforce the Japanese attack there.

[BBfanboy]

Re: the PBY search arcs - it is easy to get them going the wrong direction if you don't match the start/end points with the clockwise/counterclockwise setting! If that is not the problem and if you are playing the latest official patch, then the reports that the search arc settings are fixed are premature![:(]

[wneumann]

the PBY search arcs - it is easy to get them going the wrong direction if you don't match the start/end points with the clockwise/counterclockwise setting!

BBfanboy,

My first thought when seeing that spotting report off Midway was exactly what you posted. I immediately pulled up the PBY squadron display and verified the search arcs of the PBY squadron - the PBY squadron was searching W of Midway (start 240, end point 320). I agree it is easy to mix up the start and end points when assigning naval search arcs, I've done it and caught the mistake on the next game turn.

Having no other explanation, I offer this only as speculation... and it depends on the process done in the AE game mechanics to generate FOW. This particular sighting may have actually happened somewhere W of Midway, the sighting was made by a PBY (as no other Allied ships or planes are near Midway that could have made that spotting in either the actual or reported location), but FOW mechanics in the game changed the location (hex position) of the sighting from W to E of Midway then added an entry for it in the Operations Report. Not that this is really an issue but still a little fun to speculate.

[BBfanboy]

Your speculation sounds reasonable!
There have been reports of many strange bugs in recent mods - mostly the more exotic versions like Reluctant Admiral and Da Big Babes. I have been trying to get a handle on what to expect from the game engine and what, if anything can be done to avoid the bugs. I hate it when people report they had to stop the game and go back several turns or develop a work-around because a bug caused a major and unfair problem to one side. Search arc randomness is just a nuisance until it allows KB to waltz in and nuke your fleet in port!

[johnjohn]

Johnjohn (John) piping in. I totally agree with the diagnosis re the 5 divisions. They will need considerable time and supply and rest and equipment to reestablish full TOE. That's the price for learning. I wanted to know how much force would be needed to eject 2 Divisions dug in (6 forts). Turns out more than 5 divisions were needed, although five divisions got the job done. Major issue was unloading, that is when most of the casualties occured. I hope that I don't have to invade any more heavily defended islands. I plan to go around them. The good news is these 5 divisions are not scheduled for new ops until early 45 (Iwo area). Then its Okinawa.

In the meantime I will get all the CV and BB upgrades done. A lot of the small stuff is already receiving them. BTW, the three divisions on Tinian did not suffer much taking the island.

The object I am pursuing is how to finish off the Japanese. This is still my first venture.

Future operation plans are for Mac to move through NG to Sorong. Then it is time to gear up for the Philippines.

Sub ops have been less than optimal. Most of my subs are too aggressive and are taking significant damage from high risk attacks against low cost shipping. I have about 25 subs either sunk or damaged attacking AKLs and E's. Not too many tankers are getting targeted, much less hit. The good news, many more subs are being added to the campaign than I am losing. And the floating dry dock at Perth is fixing them up quickly. (I have a floating dock at Perth, Noumea, Munda, Kwajalene, and one on the way to Guam.) These things are god sends. I still have not been able to get the 40th division to reform. I am going to move them to PH and see if that makes a difference. They are at Suva with 200K supply. I think the issue of distance from HQ may be the issue, so I will move it to where the HQ is--although it will not be there for long. They are scheduled to move up to Guam.

30,000 survivors from Swebo (the last central Burma city attacked, the first being Magwe) are attempting an end run on the one road available to them. The 7th Aussie and 82nd West African are moving to cut them off. Four divisions have repositioned to strengthen Mandalay et al. I am bombing the crap out of them, but they are still coming. My plan is to bottle them up here, so that I can move on Ragoon and not need to fight them again. In the meantime, ground attack ratings are going way up for the flyers.

I have had spurious readings from asw and naval search too. I generally ignore it unless a marker appears. Most of the time they are my ships. Gotta have navy guys doing the searches, lol. (Although my navy guys are no better than the army or marines).

Happy Thanksgiving, John

[wneumann]

Johnjohn,

Happy turkey day to you as well.

Sub ops have been less than optimal. Most of my subs are too aggressive and are taking significant damage from high risk attacks against low cost shipping. I have about 25 subs either sunk or damaged attacking AKLs and E's. Not too many tankers are getting targeted, much less hit. The good news, many more subs are being added to the campaign than I am losing.

I've been somewhat more fortunate with sub losses on patrol - seven Allied submarines lost at sea (4 US, 3 Dutch) to date in this campaign. Five of the seven Allied sub losses from Japanese air attacks, none by Jap surface ASW. These figures exclude the nine British and Dutch subs destroyed at anchor in Colombo by KB carrier air strikes on 6/12/42.

One noteworthy item is the four sub-vs-sub actions to date in this campaign - 2 Japanese and 2 US subs torpedoed and sunk by opposing submarines.

I've had a substantial number of Allied subs damaged in actions from both Japanese air attack and surface ASW, including US and Dutch subs damaged in action multiple times. There are several locations in this game where I'm sending US/Allied patrol subs into sea areas where they will face certain attack from Pillager's Jap air and/or surface ASW - these sea areas notably in the Andaman Sea between Rangoon and Malacca Straits, also the area W of Kyushu near the Tsushima Strait. Both these sea areas are along known Japanese shipping lanes and Pillager is heavily contesting these areas with both Jap air and surface ASW forces.

I'd estimate around 50% of US/Allied patrol subs I dispatached to the two sea areas (Andaman Sea & west of Kyushu) have been damaged in action against either Jap air or surface ASW. My experience to date has shown Jap surface ASW ships (DD, PB, SC, etc) are very difficult targets for sub torpedoes, though it's also true a vast number of Jap depth charges and aerial bombs have been dropped on US subs with no effect. Actually, hits by either side are relatively infrequent given the vast quantities of Allied and Japanese ordnance of all types (torpedoes, depth charges, aerial bombs) launched by both sides in the submarine campagns.

My view is there's no lack of targets (Jap transport shipping) in the contested sea areas and a siginificant number of Jap transport ships have been sunk . I've also added two locations on the game map that occupy Pillager's almost continuous attention along with Jap forces Pillager dispatched into these two areas. Sending US/Allied patrol subs into these sea areas has hit a (Japanese) nerve, otherwise Pillager would not be devoting as much Japanese attention to defending these sea routes. At this time, Pillager is quite aware I've sent Allied subs all over the map on a regular basis - continuous sub patrols throughout the Central and South Pacific, the Andaman Sea passage to Burma. Pillager has "barricaded" primary entry points into the Java Sea from the Indian Ocean and through the Malacca Straits - but there are other ways to "get there from here" and that fact will shortly become known.

At this point in our campaign, my primary objective is getting Pillager to watch and commit Japanese forces on multiple fronts at once - in addition to his ongoing effort at Chungking. An intact KB provides little effective defense from "death by 1000 cuts" - one or more of these cuts will eventually claim the KB along with everything else. The Allied submarine campaign, US carrier strike on Palembang, other operations being considered or in some stage of planning are intended to convey that the Allies can strike anywhere and on multiple fronts. My overall strategy includes creating a less than predictable situation where Pillager is watching everything, everywhere at once.

I have had spurious readings from asw and naval search too. I generally ignore it unless a marker appears.

Against a human opponent, investigate everything. Many things do turn out to be spurious, beyond your reach, or not worth the trouble. Against a human opponent - until proven spurious (and often is), it's not. Even what initially appears to be an insignificant piece of raw intelligence data can turn out to be quite significant when combined with another piece of apparently insignificant raw intelligence (connecting the dots). Also keeping in mind these multiple pieces of insignificant data often appear across multiple game turns - and used this to accurately track at least one of Pillager's KB sorties plus other Japanese actions.

[wneumann]

FOW, or an AE Program Bug?

PBY-5 Catalina sighting report: 7 Japanese ships at 160,91 near Midway Island, speed 10, Moving Southwest

Above is the 4/07 Operations Report entry from last game turn's Midway sighting. I’ve seen a number of entries like this and my first impression (and still my conclusion) is the information shown in the entry is partially factual, part FOW. I go through the AAR’s, Operations and Sigint reports pretty much with a fine-tooth comb each game turn – there’s “wheat”, there’s some “chaff”, and a few things you look at and go “so what”. Intelligence not being an exact science.

Another thing to note with this Operations Report entry was that there was no visible Japanese TF at that hex position (or anywhere else in that area of the Pacific). Unusual but not alarming.

Breaking down an Operations entry into its pieces and putting them back together often solves the riddle and gives some kind of idea about what might be going on. The caveat that applies to doing this is not going too far from the literal facts and putting things between the lines that really don’t belong there. This is my breakdown of the 4/07 Operations Report entry above.

• There actually was a sighting, or at least a high probability of one. More likely than not it happened… on to the next question.

• The sighting was done by a PBY air search plane. Fact. Only because there was no other Allied plane or ship in this area of the map that could have done it. Despite the PBY squadron's assigned search arc (start 240 - end 320).

• 7 Japanese ships moving at 10 kts – now we’re getting into the “gray” area. If we were somewhere else in the Pacific, this piece of information walks and talks like a Jap transport TF with some xAKL’s chugging along. Given the map location and overall situation in this game it’s not likely I’d find Jap xAKL’s east of Midway. Not the KB or a surface combat TF either - if the Ops entry said 25 kts speed and moving S or SE towards Hawaii, maybe.

• I’ve seen a number of other Ops and Sigint entries resembling this one. Nearly all of them turned out to be submarines. That’s the conclusion where this particular report is heading.

• The seven Japanese ships is probably FOW, the movement at 10 kts is probably accurate. 10 kts is an appropriate cruising speed for a submarine.

• In the context of this entry, “moving Southwest” is very possibly accurate. Also fits the profile of a Jap submarine returning to base (probably the Marshalls because it is moving SW). This direction of movement doesn’t fit a KB strike on Hawaii.

• The hex position of this contact is also in the “gray” area – it could be either true or false. A Jap submarine returning to base could certainly be in this hex position moving SW at 10 kts. In this particular situation it's not relevant.


My final verdict… the most likely possibility that fits at least most of the information is a Jap sub returning to base probably somewhere in the Marshalls (Kwajalein?).

There have been reports of many strange bugs in recent mods - mostly the more exotic versions like Reluctant Admiral and Da Big Babes. I have been trying to get a handle on what to expect from the game engine and what, if anything can be done to avoid the bugs. I hate it when people report they had to stop the game and go back several turns or develop a work-around because a bug caused a major and unfair problem to one side. Search arc randomness is just a nuisance until it allows KB to waltz in and nuke your fleet in port!

I can’t really be sure whether my particular incident is a bug. It actually walks, talks and quacks like real FOW.

Though going back to my 4/04/43 post, the Japanese TF’s off northern Sakhalin reported in a Sigint entry and shown on the game map is somewhat more difficult to explain, even using the technique above. That incident could be an AE game anomaly, though one can't even be sure about this.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Though going back to my 4/04/43 post, the Japanese TF’s off northern Sakhalin reported in a Sigint entry and shown on the game map is somewhat more difficult to explain, even using the technique above. That incident could be an AE game anomaly, though one can't even be sure about this.

Maybe one of your Intel Monkeys was collecting a few extra bananas from unofficial sources to make strange things appear in the Intel Reports!

I don't often do multi-turn analysis of SIGINT but I often do look for confirmation of a SIGINT radio location item in the Op Report sightings. If both reports show activity in the same area [2-3 hex radius] I give it more creedence than just a SIGINT report. Usually I do not have enough assets to check out everyting so it helps to know which area is best to go fishing in.

[wneumann]

Maybe one of your Intel Monkeys was collecting a few extra bananas from unofficial sources to make strange things appear in the Intel Reports!

Maybe they smoke bananas on Midway rather than eat them. That could explain a pilot returning from his naval search patrol W of Midway overshooting the runway by two hexes.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/08/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub engages Jap surface ASW in western approaches to Tsushima Strait. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nakadori-jima at 101,56 (W of Tsushima)

Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

SS Silversides launches 4 torpedoes at DD Yuzuki
DD Harukaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yuzuki is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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


North Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/07 reports intercepted radio transmissions from contact at hex location 189, 43 in the Gulf of Alaska between Kodiak Is and Prince Rupert on the Canadian West Coast. No visible Jap TF observed on-map at this location. No Allied TF operating at sea in or near this hex coordinate. Naval air search from the Aleutians and Canada activated to patrol the sea area near this contact.


Central Pacific: Intercepted radio transmissions from unidentified Jap TF(s) at hex location 129, 123 (NE of Nauru Is) reported in a Sigint entry for 4/07. Hex location of this contact is the halfway point of a direct line between Kwajalein and Nauru. No information available as to number of TF, composition or movement – though likely the contact reported in this Sigint entry is one of 3 Jap TF’s intercepted by SS Haddo near Kwajalein last game turn.

No further reports related to last game turn’s PBY Catalina naval search contact reported near Midway.


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-46 (30 transports, 9 LST) arrives at Auckland this game turn from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes two LCU (6 USN Construction Rgt, 37 USN Construction Bn), 120K supply and 97K fuel. LST arriving with the convoy are being transferred to South Pacific theatre for use in future amphibious operations. A total of 14 LST currently arrived in South/SW Pacific theatre area with other LST/LCI now enroute. Unloading of cargo from Convoy WP-46 will increase South Pacific theatre operational reserves to over 2 million supply points and over 1 million fuel on hand.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/07 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 11, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Yosida Maru #3 reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport TF south of Rangoon. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tavoy at 52,58 (NW of Tavoy)

Japanese Ships
xAK Brisbane Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DMS W-10

Allied Ships
SS Gunnel

SS Gunnel launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Brisbane Maru
Gunnel diving deep ....
DMS W-10 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+2 from last report), 114 aircraft (85 fighters, 29 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s (-1 from last report).


China: No significant reported combat activity at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/09/43

4/43 and other Ship Upgrades: A large number of 2/43, 3/43 and 4/43 ship upgrades have already been or soon to be completed. Most US destroyers were included in one of these upgrades, many upgraded DD had returned from the Palembang strike with the US main carrier force. Completed upgrades also include many auxiliaries and transports.

All six TF’s with the US main carrier force returning from Palembang arrived in Eastern US – all but a few of the 90 ships in the carrier force requiring either repair of minor system/engine damage and/or due for ship upgrade. All repair and upgrade activity for ships from the carrier force being done in Eastern US. Most ships from the carrier force have completed repair and/or upgrade and since been dispatched to the US West Coast via Panama. CV Wasp, all four US fast BB (Washington, North Carolina, South Dakota, Indiana), 3 CA, 2 CL and 13 DD still remain in shipyard at Eastern US – most of these in upgrade.

Much of the available shipyard capacity in US West Coast bases is currently reserved for quick turn around of a large number of transport ships in a series of “WP” convoys returning from the Pacific theatres (both Hawaii and Auckland/Suva) that are now approaching the US West Coast – more than 100 ships total in seven convoys. Most ships from the convoys require repair of minor system/engine damage from weeks of sea movement and/or due for ship upgrade on arrival in the mainland US. A similar process is done in the Eastern US shipyard with ships in “EX” convoys to Australia. A major component of Allied build-up activity has been maximizing turn around of ships in all transport convoys to Australia and the South Pacific - completing repair, upgrade and re-loading of transports as quickly as possible; then forming and dispatching new convoys. Turn around of transport ships is virtually continuous and a heavily managed process.


Formosa Straits: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport TF off the eastern coast of Formosa and north of the straits. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Iriomote at 88,65 (adjacent hex SW of Iriomote)

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokusei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
xAK Tsukuba Maru
PB Heiei Maru #7

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

SS Wahoo launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Hokusei Maru
Wahoo diving deep ....
PB Heiei Maru #7 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


North Pacific: Naval air search patrols from Alliford Bay (Canada) and Dutch Harbor fail to spot the contact in the Gulf of Alaska (hex location 189, 43) reported last game turn in a Sigint entry. Air patrols are being continued.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Mili (Marshall islands). No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Mili. Detected port size at Mili is 2(1), airfield size 1(2). Available intelligence data has two Jap LCU reported on Mili – 67 Naval Gd and Mili Naval Fortress (static).

Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Marcus Is reported in another Sigint entry for 4/08. Detected status of Marcus Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, also no evidence of port or airfield construction activity.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 4/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Munda (Guadalcanal). No visible Japanese forces observed on Guadalcanal. Detected port size at Munda is 3(1), airfield size 3(5) – construction activity definitely going on. Only one Jap LCU reported in Munda from available intelligence data (18 Naval Gd reported there on 3/07/43) – very likely this information is incomplete as I’d estimate Pillager also has at least one base force or engineer LCU in Munda given the evidence of construction there.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 4/08 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 104,133 near Woodlark Island, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-3 from last report), 114 aircraft (94 fighters, 20 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No significant reported combat activity at Chungking. One or more unidentified Jap LCU(s) now detected in the adjacent hex NW of Chungking, probably reinforcements for the attack on Chungking.