Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

[witpqs]

Based on SigInt, these are 3 of the 4 units there:

53rd Naval Guard Unit
13th Air Flotilla
7th JNAF Coy

What the 4th unit is, I don't know but it can't be very big or I would see the troop count. Or AFV count for an armored unit. My plan is to put Tawara air base out of business with Air strikes and shore bombardment. LBA opposition then will have to come from a fair distance, and I'm confident that the fleet can handle that.

Landings will take place at Tarawa and Abemama simultaneously.

As Abemama is not garrisoned, I expect the engineers will land on the second day. The first priority there will be getting the air base to size 2 or 3 before even starting on the port.

Naval air opposition is more of a concern. Akagi was not involved in the recent actions and might still be off line. Kaga is certainly off line. Hiyo was sunk, a conclusion strengthened by ground losses reported. Shokaku was hit but most likely quite modestly damaged. That leaves 4 untouched carriers, Shokaku, and possibly Akagi. The two CVE that seem to have escaped the Indian Ocean are probably too far away to arrive in time.

The Imperial naval air groups have had time to reequip and draw replacement pilots. Combined with LBA, naval air could cause problems. Still, it's a less favorable spot for such intervention compared to the Solomons, Truk, or the Marianas. On the other hand, Hellcats arrive in less than two months, with enough production to equip all the USN fleet carriers within two months time.

[GreyJoy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Based on SigInt, these are 3 of the 4 units there:

53rd Naval Guard Unit
13th Air Flotilla
7th JNAF Coy

What the 4th unit is, I don't know but it can't be very big or I would see the troop count. Or AFV count for an armored unit. My plan is to put Tawara air base out of business with Air strikes and shore bombardment. LBA opposition then will have to come from a fair distance, and I'm confident that the fleet can handle that.

Landings will take place at Tarawa and Abemama simultaneously.

As Abemama is not garrisoned, I expect the engineers will land on the second day. The first priority there will be getting the air base to size 2 or 3 before even starting on the port.

Naval air opposition is more of a concern. Akagi was not involved in the recent actions and might still be off line. Kaga is certainly off line. Hiyo was sunk, a conclusion strengthened by ground losses reported. Shokaku was hit but most likely quite modestly damaged. That leaves 4 untouched carriers, Shokaku, and possibly Akagi. The two CVE that seem to have escaped the Indian Ocean are probably too far away to arrive in time.

The Imperial naval air groups have had time to reequip and draw replacement pilots. Combined with LBA, naval air could cause problems. Still, it's a less favorable spot for such intervention compared to the Solomons, Truk, or the Marianas. On the other hand, Hellcats arrive in less than two months, with enough production to equip all the USN fleet carriers within two months time.

A IJAF coy doesn't even have a radar. You're gonna have some easy time closing that base with your LBA imho. Not a single AA piece embedded on those LCUs... doesn't seem like the best possible defence for an important base like Tarawa.
What about Makin? Is it built?

[obvert]

The JNAF Coy does have radar! The navy version has it, as I found out trying to airlift them and not being able to get this portion out. Still, fields can be closed and then a few ground raids will take out this small unit.

[witpqs]

Thanks for the info, guys!

Makin is not built at all. I have a Kiwi para unit prepping. If it's garrisoned then the place will be target practice instead.

[witpqs]

1943 February 07

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


No significant combats to report. The beatings from the air in China. Today's raids on Tulagi were particularly ineffective. Maneuvers in China are more significant, as IJA forces push more at the edges of the plain east of Chungking. To the north, a strengthened Chinese army at Kungchang will attack tomorrow.

The fleet for the Gilberts operation will assemble south of Gardner Island.

Here is a look at China.

[princep01]

China is looking increasingly grim, but I wonder how Wa is supplying those troops in the Chungking plain?  Any thoughts on that, Admiral witpqs?  If they are out of supply, perhaps they are vulnernable to counterattack.  Regardlessly, the situation in China is not good...it seldom is against competent IJA play.
 
Those three units on Tarawa don't look so tough and if the 4th unit is small (a fragment, maybe?) maybe it will be a pushover after all.

[witpqs]

On the China plain, I figure either they are living off of stores or supply is being flown in. Except for sneaking in odd bomber attacks - after which he LRCAPs and shoots down some of the precious few remaining bombers - the Empire owns the skies over China. I can't effectively use fighters to stop that.

No way I can counter-attack those units. They are too strong, and my units are almost all low on supply in addition to being poor quality. I'm just buying as much time as I can.

I still have no idea about the fourth unit on Tarawa. I'm supposing an engineering unit of some kind. Whatever it is, it is small in terms of troops. Some type of CD unit or AA unit, maybe?

[witpqs]

1943 February 08

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Victory in China! Well, victory is a relative term, right?

Ground combat at 87,41 (near Tsiaotso)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6730 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 632

Defending force 21019 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 685

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

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
59th Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
34th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
7th Group Army
8th Group Army


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

Ground combat at Kungchang (81,36)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 35119 troops, 91 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1060

Defending force 3715 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 112

Allied adjusted assault: 144

Japanese adjusted defense: 115

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
101 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
368 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
9th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment


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Ground combat at 81,35 (near Lanchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10040 troops, 91 guns, 23 vehicles, Assault Value = 295

Defending force 4398 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149

Japanese adjusted assault: 189

Allied adjusted defense: 916

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
198 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
187 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
19th/A Division
19th/B Division

Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps

DAW HQ pulled off a small ambush of B-24 over Milne Bay, but only two failed to return. It's cat and mouse there of when are sweeps versus CAP versus raids. The raids against Tulagi went much better today. The airfield is showing 64% damaged, so probably it is more so after today. The B-25 and B-26 will hit the airfield again tomorrow. The 4EB from Luganville will stand down, while the 4EB from Vanua Lava will hit the port. After that the 2EB will need a rest. The 4EB will rotate as possible.

In two days the invasion forces will have assembled south of Gardner with the fleet carriers lagging only slightly. They will then set out for an ESE approach to Tarawa. The USMC paras will drop on their southern Solomons objectives when the invasion fleet is about to draw level (N-S) with Arorae. Rabaul has been mined.

Here is the Intel screen.

[witpqs]

1943 February 09

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The second day of attacks at Kungchang was a disappointment, but we are whittling down that out of supply unit. The troops rest to recover disruption before trying again.

Ground combat at 87,41 (near Tsiaotso)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6721 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 631

Defending force 21011 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 685

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
59th Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
34th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
7th Group Army
8th Group Army


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

Ground combat at Kungchang (81,36)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34614 troops, 90 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1005

Defending force 3658 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 105

Allied adjusted assault: 113

Japanese adjusted defense: 331

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

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

Allied ground losses:
824 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Tulagi was hit hard, and ACM Asahi Maru #2 was sunk.

Morning Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
ACM Asahi Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 3
B-26 Marauder x 15

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 24

No Allied losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

An APD TF dropped about 600 supply at Arorae. The Gilberts Invasion fleet will begin moving out now and the carriers will catch up tomorrow.

Cape Town has about run out of supply! I've been paying close attention to the fuel situation there, but just figured that supply kept on coming in. India has about 1.5 million so there is no crisis. Many of the xAK making that run will now get caught up with refitting. Maybe the next come Imperial sky raiders come calling they will sustain more damage.

Here is the dire situation in China.

[witpqs]

1943 February 10

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire has made a critical breakthrough in China. See graphic at the end of the post.

Ground combat at 78,48 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 36304 troops, 259 guns, 130 vehicles, Assault Value = 1172

Defending force 42575 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 972

Japanese adjusted assault: 695

Allied adjusted defense: 141

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1963 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 192 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
11346 casualties reported
Squads: 313 destroyed, 50 disabled
Non Combat: 339 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 15 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 54 (47 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units retreated 12

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
51st Infantry Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
52nd Infantry Brigade
39th Division
37th Division

Defending units:
10th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
29th Group Army
7th Artillery Regiment
30th Group Army
20th Group Army
23rd Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment


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Ground combat at 73,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1140 troops, 0 guns, 210 vehicles, Assault Value = 490

Defending force 44509 troops, 349 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1275

Japanese adjusted assault: 59

Allied adjusted defense: 1115

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 18

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 44 (1 destroyed, 43 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
262 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
30th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
66th Infantry Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
50th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps
57th AT Gun Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment


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

Ground combat at 73,51 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4956 troops, 40 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 146

Defending force 2260 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 95

Japanese adjusted assault: 140

Allied adjusted defense: 25

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
698 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd/B Division

Defending units:
89th Chinese Corps

I've decided to pull out of the Sian region and collapse those forces back onto the Chungking plain, if there is even time for that.

Tulagi shows as 100% airfield damage, so the 4EB will concentrate of the port for a while. Enterprise will be ready to steam at sundown tomorrow. Ready to accompany her will be 8 x DD and 3 x CLAA, with another CLAA to catch up the day after. 3 x CA and 2 x DD are two days behind.

Tomorrow the invasion forces will pull level with Arorae, so the USMC units will execute their para drops on the southern Solomons. The invasion forces can make Tarawa in 3 days, so D-Day will be in 4 days (tomorrow is D-3). No TF reports being spotted.

Here is that map of China. Note that by moving SE from that crucial battle hex, Imperial troops will open up a supply route on a primary road. Very bad.

[witpqs]

1943 February 11

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Kirakira
Rennell Island

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In China the Empire opened a supply route to the IJA units in and just outside of Kungchang, and made one of those funny attacks.

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 732 troops, 0 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 726

Defending force 34375 troops, 160 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 846

Japanese adjusted assault: 18

Allied adjusted defense: 739

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 41

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

Allied ground losses:
305 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Division
13th Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
35th Division
104th/A Division

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 791

Defending force 35351 troops, 196 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 597

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
110th Division
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 80,44 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4952 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 167

Defending force 1226 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 24

Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
28th New Chinese Division


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

Ground combat at 81,35 (near Lanchow)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3874 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 456

Defending force 3997 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 121

Japanese adjusted assault: 9

Allied adjusted defense: 136

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 15

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

Japanese ground losses:
162 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
19th/A Division
19th/B Division

Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps

Rennell Island and Kirakira were both seized per plan. Unfortunately, one CVE TF was spotted by an IJN float plane. Probably from one of the two IJN subs now seen hunting near Arorae. The fleet will continue onward, into a forecast of overcast skies tomorrow. The heavy cruisers will rush ahead to make a bombardment of the island while the carriers and escort carriers will fly bombers against the base. Lexington's and Yorktown's fighters will fly sweep missions against Tarawa as well.

Enterprise is leaving Pearl Harbor. Too late for the invasion she will steak in that direction anyway just in case she is needed for follow up actions.

The quiet Gilberts...

[neilm85uk_MatrixForum]

I'm about to launch my first serious amphib operation (admittedly I'm playing the AI) so this is great stuff to see. Hopefully I can learn from your stunning success...

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: neilm85uk

I'm about to launch my first serious amphib operation (admittedly I'm playing the AI) so this is great stuff to see. Hopefully I can learn from your stunning success...

Welcome and good luck! I hope I have some stunning success to share. [:D]

[witpqs]

1943 February 12

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A pleasant surprise east of Sian. That, an expected expulsion from position of a small unit, and several recon bombardments by the IJA. The IJA have now opened up the supply route on the main road bypassing Chihkiang. Hopefully I can delay the "I'll bite your leg off!" phase as long as possible.

Ground combat at 85,40 (near Sian)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17722 troops, 157 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 501

Defending force 15696 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 421

Japanese adjusted assault: 169

Allied adjusted defense: 555

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
1633 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 138 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
716 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 84 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Mobile Infantry Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
102nd Infantry Regiment
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
36th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
34th Group Army
6th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 802

Defending force 35391 troops, 195 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 599

Assaulting units:
110th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 79,45 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6750 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 745

Defending force 17815 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 567

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

Assaulting units:
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
17th/A Division

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
10th Group Army
12th Group Army
39th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 80,44 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4952 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 167

Defending force 1156 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22

Japanese adjusted assault: 79

Allied adjusted defense: 10

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
265 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
28th New Chinese Division


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

Ground combat at 83,44 (near Ankang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1434 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 574

Defending force 27138 troops, 148 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 870

Assaulting units:
36th/A Division
15th/B Division
34th/B Division
12th RGC Temp. Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
55th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army

Milne Bay and Tulagi were both hit again.

There was no naval bombardment of Tarawa - I should have sent them in both full speed (which they are) and Remain on Station. The air attacks went in successfully enough, although the Imperial fighters got their share of the bombers. A total of 10 x SBD and 8 x TBD were lost along with 3 of their Wildcat protectors. No attacks were received by the fleet. Against that went 6 x Nell, 6 x Zero, 2 x Alf, and 2 x Rufe. The air base seemed to be hit hard, but WILL be bombarded tonight for certain. The fighter sweeps did not go in, at least not separately from the strike.

Afternoon Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 26
F4F-4 Wildcat x 95
SBD-3 Dauntless x 88
TBF-1 Avenger x 96

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 destroyed, 15 damaged

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

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 42

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
17 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
17 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
9 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
10 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
9 x F4F-3 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
4 x F4F-3A Wildcat sweeping at 15000 feet
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 21 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
802 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

A slight change in plan; D-Day for Abemama is tomorrow. Tomorrow is still D-1 for Tarawa. Most of the fleet will position itself 40nm SE Tarawa. The heavy cruisers will be at Tarawa after making a high-speed run during the night. The TF took position 9 hexes from Tarawa, only advancing 3 hexes today. That is in line with the code setting up for a high-speed run into a nighttime bombardment, as I should have realized. Still, after the air attack Tarawa air base shows as 33% damaged, enough to close down offensive operations. No air attacks on the base tomorrow. Fresh air groups will be needed if an IJN KB responds. Mine sweepers should begin doing their work tomorrow.

The passage below Rabaul has just been mined today. The USA 43rd ID, prepped for Nauru, is loading on transports for passage to the forward areas. USMC paratroopers continue dropping on Rennell Island and Kirakira. Tomorrow 3 x APD will make each island to unload supplies. As Tulagi is shut down, Munda is the nearest Japanese air base. The area will be covered by rain (with overcast at Munda), so the bombers will take a day off. Three subs are northwest and west of Ndeni, possibly guarding against movement toward the Solomons to follow up on the para landings. A SeaBee unit was delivered to Vaitupu to speed construction of that air base. Vaitupu will help form a chain of short distance hops to and through the Gilberts so that squadrons of small aircraft can deploy forward more easily.

Here is an overview map.

[JocMeister]

I´ll keep my fingers crossed! [:)]

[witpqs]

Keep them crossed for about two more turns!

---

1943 February 13

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Abemama

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Abemama

This is always a good omen:

Sub vs Sub: SS Perch attacking SS I-4 at 97,159 - near Brisbane

Japanese Ships
SS I-4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Perch

SS Perch launches 2 torpedoes at 1,000 yards

The IJA forces in the north (near Kungchang) are getting supply flow, but they are still low enough to show a (-).

Ground combat at 79,45 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23586 troops, 176 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 746

Defending force 16834 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 511

Japanese adjusted assault: 480

Allied adjusted defense: 359

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
771 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1079 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
17th/A Division

Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
10th Group Army
12th Group Army
39th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 79,44 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6453 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 178

Defending force 7525 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 166

Japanese adjusted assault: 153

Allied adjusted defense: 91

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
427 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
319 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
17th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
60th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at 78,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12107 troops, 98 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 750

Defending force 32024 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1049

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

Assaulting units:
39th Division
37th Division

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
44th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps


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

Ground combat at 81,35 (near Lanchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15121 troops, 137 guns, 73 vehicles, Assault Value = 453

Defending force 3752 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 103

Japanese adjusted assault: 125

Allied adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
201 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1440 casualties reported
Squads: 38 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (3 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
19th/A Division
1st Cavalry Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
19th/B Division

Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at 83,44 (near Ankang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1434 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 576

Defending force 27154 troops, 148 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 870

Assaulting units:
12th RGC Temp. Division
36th/A Division
34th/B Division
15th/B Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
59th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army

A bit of success with our diversion on the Burma frontier. There is now a second IJA unit to oppose the river crossing near Kalemyo! Our units will no longer make a crossing there but will continue to demonstrate as though moving in that direction. Meanwhile the forces of Operation Wedge make progress moving through the jungle the long way.

The mine field below Rabaul has been cleared, but apparently the mine field at Rabaul has yet to be found. There are three subs seen closing on the landing sites, but no indication of carriers. There is an unidentified radio source 160nm NW Roi-Namur. The USN heavy cruisers hit Tarawa with quite a lot of well placed 8 inch ordnance.

Night Naval bombardment of Tarawa at 136,128

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 2 damaged
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 29 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground
H6K4 Mavis: 19 damaged
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CA Quincy
CA San Francisco
CA Astoria
CA Pensacola
CA Chester
CA Northampton
CA Portland

Japanese ground losses:
641 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 3 disabled

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 27
Port hits 19
Port supply hits 10

CA Wichita firing at Tarawa
CA Quincy firing at Tarawa
CA San Francisco firing at Tarawa
CA Astoria firing at Tarawa
CA Pensacola firing at Tarawa
CA Chester firing at Tarawa
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CA Northampton
CA Northampton firing at Tarawa
CA Portland firing at Tarawa

Tarawa shows damage of 45% to the airfield and 27% to the port. Only a few planes are in evidence. The 3 x slow battleships will bombard tomorrow, in support of the landing. The heavy cruisers will make for Canton Island where a replenishment station has been set up. Most cruisers used up almost all of their main gun ammo and some of their 5 inch, a couple used up about half. Spotted troops on Tarawa is 6,920 and 18 guns. No AFV.

Abemama was seized and airfield building will begin right away. Tomorrow the base forces & engineers will land and get busy themselves. A PBY group is moving to Abemama and will commence search operations tomorrow.

[witpqs]

1943 February 14

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Tarawa

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Tarawa

Another battle in China went our way.

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 40590 troops, 304 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 1189

Defending force 35578 troops, 196 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 601

Japanese adjusted assault: 782

Allied adjusted defense: 1357

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1562 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 240 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1178 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army

Tarawa went well, the only downside being that the base is trashed. Repairs begin at once.

Ground combat at Tarawa (136,128)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3175 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 100

Defending force 13277 troops, 190 guns, 174 vehicles, Assault Value = 394

Japanese ground losses:
292 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
44th Naval Guard Unit
53rd Naval Guard Unit
13th Air Flotilla

Defending units:
40th Infantry Division
134th Cmbt Engineer Battalion
3rd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion


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

Ground combat at Tarawa (136,128)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 12171 troops, 186 guns, 124 vehicles, Assault Value = 394

Defending force 3745 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 74

Allied adjusted assault: 286

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 286 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Tarawa !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed
H6K4 Mavis: 2 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 3 destroyed
H8K1 Emily: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
5430 casualties reported
Squads: 143 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 226 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 24 (24 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Allied ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
40th Infantry Division
134th Cmbt Engineer Battalion
3rd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
44th Naval Guard Unit
53rd Naval Guard Unit
13th Air Flotilla

One IJN subs fired two torpedoes at Hornet, but missed. Other subs attacked the landing forces but also missed.

Meanwhile, the IJN took advantage of the known location of major USN units. This force was not seen coming. There was a search report yesterday of a small TF of a PB and 3 x AS just north of Munda. The submarine tenders turned out to be battleships!

Day Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 4
BB Haruna
BB Kirishima
DD Makinami, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Onami, Shell hits 2
DD Samidare, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CL Sumatra, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Piet Hein, Shell hits 2
DD Kortenaer, Shell hits 4
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Witte de With
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 1
DD Banckert, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1, on fire

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
De Walt S. crosses the 'T'
BB Kongo engages CL Sumatra at 18,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Banckert at 18,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Van Nes at 18,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Samidare at 18,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Kortenaer at 18,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Samidare at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Sumatra at 11,000 yards
BB Haruna engages CL Sumatra at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Banckert at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Witte de With at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Evertsen at 11,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Samidare at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Sumatra at 5,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Van Ghent at 5,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Samidare at 5,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Onami at 5,000 yards
DD Witte de With engages DD Samidare at 5,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Samidare at 5,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Samidare at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 11,000 yards
BB Haruna engages CL Sumatra at 11,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Sumatra at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Banckert at 11,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Evertsen at 11,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Onami at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Sumatra at 13,000 yards
BB Haruna engages CL Java at 13,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Van Nes at 13,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Banckert at 13,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Samidare at 13,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Witte de With at 13,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Onami at 13,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Kortenaer at 13,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Piet Hein at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CL Sumatra engages DD Onami at 12,000 yards
BB Haruna engages CL Java at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Van Ghent at 12,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Samidare at 12,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Piet Hein at 12,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Witte de With at 12,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Samidare at 12,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 12,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Piet Hein at 12,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Sumatra at 12,000 yards
CL Java engages DD Makinami at 12,000 yards
CL Sumatra sunk by BB Kongo at 12,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Samidare at 12,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Onami at 12,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Evertsen at 12,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Piet Hein at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 8,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Makinami at 8,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Java at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Witte de With at 8,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Witte de With at 8,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Makinami at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Kortenaer at 8,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Piet Hein at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Java engages DD Makinami at 6,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Van Ghent at 6,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Van Ghent at 6,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Samidare at 6,000 yards
DD Witte de With engages DD Onami at 6,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Kortenaer at 6,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Samidare at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 9,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Van Ghent at 9,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Samidare at 9,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Piet Hein at 9,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Kortenaer at 9,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Van Nes at 9,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 9,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Piet Hein at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 11,000 yards
BB Haruna engages CL Java at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Banckert at 11,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Onami at 11,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Banckert at 11,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Evertsen at 11,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 14,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Onami at 14,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Makinami at 14,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Witte de With at 14,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Witte de With at 14,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 14,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Makinami at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 18,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Piet Hein at 18,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Java at 18,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Van Nes at 18,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Onami at 18,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Piet Hein at 18,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 18,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Piet Hein at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 23,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Van Ghent at 23,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Banckert at 23,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Van Nes at 23,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Kortenaer at 23,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Piet Hein at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages CL Java at 29,000 yards
BB Haruna engages CL Java at 29,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Van Nes at 29,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Kortenaer at 29,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Piet Hein at 29,000 yards
De Walt S. orders Allied TF to disengage
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
BB Kirishima
DD Makinami, on fire
DD Onami
DD Samidare, on fire

Allied Ships
AM Ipswitch, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
TK Paula, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages TK Paula at 16,000 yards
TK Paula sunk by BB Kongo at 16,000 yards
DD Onami engages AM Ipswitch at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages AM Ipswitch at 13,000 yards
AM Ipswitch sunk by BB Kongo at 13,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 430 encounters mine field at Ndeni (120,143)

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Mine hits 1



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 12
P-40K Warhawk x 17
TBF-1 Avenger x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
SBC-4 Helldiver x 18

Allied aircraft losses
SBC-4 Helldiver: 2 damaged
SBC-4 Helldiver: 2 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
BB Kirishima

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 14
SBD-2 Dauntless x 27

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 14
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 17
TBF-1 Avenger x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 8
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
SBC-4 Helldiver x 12

Allied aircraft losses
SBC-4 Helldiver: 3 damaged
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 12
SBD-2 Dauntless x 9

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Kongo

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
BB Kirishima
DD Makinami
DD Onami
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
PT-36
PT-37
PT-38
PT-39
PT-40
PT-43
PT-44
PT-45
PT-46
PT-47
PT-48
PT-59, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
BB Kongo engages PT-37 at 20,000 yards
BB Kongo engages PT-36 at 20,000 yards
PT-59 sunk by BB Kongo at 20,000 yards
BB Kongo engages PT-43 at 20,000 yards
BB Kongo engages PT-40 at 20,000 yards
Searles, J. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 19,000 yards
DD Samidare engages PT-48 at 19,000 yards
DD Makinami engages PT-48 at 19,000 yards
BB Kongo engages PT-40 at 19,000 yards
BB Kongo engages PT-37 at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages PT-48 at 21,000 yards
BB Haruna engages PT-48 at 21,000 yards
BB Haruna engages PT-39 at 21,000 yards
BB Haruna engages PT-37 at 21,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages PT-36 at 21,000 yards
Tanaka, Raizo orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 25,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages PT-48 at 25,000 yards
BB Haruna engages PT-47 at 25,000 yards
BB Haruna engages PT-36 at 25,000 yards
Task forces break off...

The Imperial battle wagons are still at Ndeni! At least Kongo should be slowed down by hitting that mine. Two separate TF, one with 2 x CL + 1 x DE and one with 2 x CA + 1 x DD are ordered from Luganville to Ndeni. One CL and both CA have torpedoes, and combined with the Dutch DD still at Ndeni they might get some hits in during a night battle. The TB group has moved from Luganville to Vanua Lava to get closer, but Ndeni is too close as it might get whumped.

Here is a look at the Intel screen. We just edged past the Empire in points for bases, and they are down to an even 500 bases held. That number might go up due to the situation in China.

[BBfanboy]

That TF of Kongo BBs must have been on a bombardment mission when they used up their ops points tangling with the Dutch TF. That's the only reason I can think of for them to remain there, especially after hitting a mine. They will likely bombard tonight and head for Rabaul or Truk.

[witpqs]

Quite a wild and woolly turn with me attacking in one place and he in another. I was a bit surprised to see them still there. I would have to go back to a save to really be sure, but they might have been more than one phase away at full speed. Maybe he counted on bombarding (thus closing Ndeni) and then getting far enough away to escape bombers from the airfields farther back. Or, they were just going in to kill ships and rush back out. Either way it didn't quite work. I figure on a bombardment tonight, but Kongo should be slow and might be within range or even keep them all within range. The long range level bombers (2E & 4E) could get lucky and score some annoying hits, but the crews are not trained up in naval attack. We have plenty of subs out patrolling, and two of their DD escorts got hurt and will not operate at 100%.

I've decided to lift the division out of Tarawa right away, and so have two Marine Defense Bns and a USA infantry Bn being picked up to bolster the combat engineers who will remain with the base forces. The convoy will need one or two more days to finish unloading supplies before it can load up the division. The amphibious tractor unit will remain until the reinforcements have arrived to facilitate unloading, then move out for the next assignment.

I used some extra AP to load the division, but I would have preferred more. It seems that including the amphibious tractor Bn was the right move. I'm convinced that it helped get the entire division unloaded in just the one day. Remember these are only AP, not APA.

[witpqs]

1943 February 15

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


No ground combat in China. Lanchow is again invested as two Imperial formations moved in from the SE (between Lanchow and Kungchang).

Discretion being the batter part of valor, the Imperial battle wagons were withdrawing from Ndeni when the only force to catch them, four destroyers already fairly to mostly beat up, made their attack. Heavy fire kept the Dutch from reaching torpedo launch range.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Shell hits 1
BB Kirishima
DD Makinami
DD Onami, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Piet Hein
DD Kortenaer
DD Evertsen
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1, on fire

Improved night sighting under 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 82% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
De Walt S. crosses the 'T'
DD Onami engages DD Evertsen at 12,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Van Ghent at 12,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Van Ghent at 12,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Piet Hein at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Van Ghent at 11,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Kortenaer at 11,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Piet Hein at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Van Ghent at 12,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Kortenaer at 12,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Onami at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Onami at 11,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Kortenaer at 11,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Piet Hein at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Van Ghent at 10,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Evertsen at 10,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Kortenaer at 10,000 yards
DD Makinami engages DD Van Ghent at 10,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Van Ghent at 10,000 yards
DD Onami engages DD Evertsen at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Haruna engages DD Van Ghent at 8,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Next up was S-41, waiting in ambush along the egress route. Persistent S-41.

Sub attack near Stewart Island at 117,139

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS S-41

SS S-41 launches 4 torpedoes at BB Kongo
S-41 diving deep ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Stewart Island at 117,139

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Torpedo hits 2
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS S-41

SS S-41 launches 4 torpedoes at BB Kongo
S-41 diving deep ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Scouting reports make it seem that a TF of 2 ships is 80nm N Tulagi. That could be Kongo and an escort. Spotted at Shortlands is a TF composed of 1 x SC, 1 x MTB, 2 x AS. In other words, the other 2 battleships.

The fleet SE Tarawa evaded submarine attacks and gave some hits in return. Tarawa itself now has a fully operational airfield and service damage is being worked on (R-S-P: 0-71-49). The first squadron to base there, USMC dive bombers, has arrived. The first operational Corsair squadron in en route on an AKV. Unloading is proceeding at a good clip from the amphibious forces, but is somewhat hampered by the damaged port. Tomorrow or the day after the division will begin loading. In about two days Enterprise will join the other fleet carriers.

The heavy cruisers have replenished at Canton Island and are making for Tabiteuea where they will endeavor to render the same devastating assistance to that invasion.

The 9th Australian Division is leaving Karachi for Chittagong. They will join the push inland from the coast when Operation Wedge is revealed.

There was a running air battle on the Burma-India border as a large Imperial air armada tried to ambush the 4EB that have been slamming their troops guarding the river. They did succeed in taking down 2 x B-24 and causing 1 x B-17 ops loss, but the P-40K sweepers made them pay dearly for it. These battles are closer to our fighter bases and farther away from the Empire's fighters bases than will be the case when Operation Wedge is revealed with the bombing of Imperial forces entrenched in the jungle across from Akyab.

Morning Air attack on Tanaka , at 60,42 , near Kalemyo

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M5 Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 29
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
202 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
24th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
11th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 24000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
11th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 29000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
202 Ku S-1 Det B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
77th Sentai Det A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tanaka , at 60,42 , near Kalemyo

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M5 Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 21
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 143 minutes
202 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
24th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
11th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 29000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
202 Ku S-1 Det B with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 101 minutes
77th Sentai Det A 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 19000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 113th Infantry Regiment, at 60,42 , near Kalemyo

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M5 Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
202 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 9000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 61 minutes
11th Sentai/C 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 29000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 124 minutes
202 Ku S-1 Det B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
25th 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 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 129 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
77th Sentai Det A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tanaka , at 60,42 , near Kalemyo

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
251 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 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
11th Sentai/C 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 29000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
21st 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 256 minutes
25th 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 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 311 minutes