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

[witpqs]

Nauru port is size 2. Tarawa was size 1 and a whole division came out pretty quickly. I would definitely use the same size amphib capable ships that are used to land the division, so it should be OK. I would rather crush what's there and get building ASAP.

When you say Pagan do you mean Ponape? In a prior game I lost 10 carriers at Ponape. I took the base anyway, which must have given my honorable opponent a bad case of "Just what the heck do I have to do, anyway???" [:D] I will definitely be careful there!

I'm basically thinking of skipping the Marshalls as you suggest. We are thinking along the same track. I think I have some forces prepping but not much. I'm considering maybe small invasions on the side over time as the main thrust moves forward.

[princep01]

Yep, you got me... I was thinking Ponape.  Sorry.  And yes, as WOW! you learned, it is a most dangerous place to invade.

[witpqs]

1943 March 02

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Tectonic plates are moving in China.

Ground combat at 85,40 (near Sian)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17104 troops, 157 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 438

Defending force 12934 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 216

Japanese adjusted assault: 218

Allied adjusted defense: 75

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
347 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
4519 casualties reported
Squads: 131 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 253 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 6

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

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


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Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 641

Defending force 30768 troops, 184 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 201

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

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
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


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Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49901 troops, 310 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1443

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
114th Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
104th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
18th Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
20th Artillery Regiment


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Ground combat at 84,42 (near Sian)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6742 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 346

Defending force 14951 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 456

Assaulting units:
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd/C Division

Defending units:
40th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
3rd Group Army
31st Group Army


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Ground combat at 80,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4978 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 169

Defending force 6188 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 187

Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps


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Ground combat at 82,35 (near Lanchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1314 troops, 20 guns, 50 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Defending force 1621 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 46

Japanese adjusted assault: 21

Allied adjusted defense: 7

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
488 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 24 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry Brigade

Defending units:
5th New Chinese Corps


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Ground combat at 72,51 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3867 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127

Defending force 5992 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 102

Japanese adjusted assault: 162

Allied adjusted defense: 67

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
1710 casualties reported
Squads: 53 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 68 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/B Corps

Subs gone wild! Order your DVD now! Operators are standing by!

ASW attack near Toyohara at 125,48

Japanese Ships
TK Okigawa Maru
PB Teshio Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

SS Pollack is sighted by escort
Pollack diving deep ....
PB Teshio Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Teshio Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Teshio Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Teshio Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Teshio Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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Sub attack near Toyohara at 125,47

Japanese Ships
xAK Sangetsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Shinko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

SS Pollack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sangetsu Maru
PB Shinko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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Sub attack near Kanoya at 105,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Sydney Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AK Sasako Maru
xAK Seattle Maru
xAK Melbourne Maru
xAK Amagisan Maru
DMS W-21

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sydney Maru
DMS W-21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-21 attacking submerged sub ....
DMS W-21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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Submarine attack near Kuroshima at 99,61

Japanese Ships
xAK Chinkai Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gunnel

xAK Chinkai Maru is sighted by SS Gunnel
SS Gunnel attacking on the surface

The Empire claimed 2 x B-26 in an ambush over Tulagi. Another slew of ships began upgrades today. 9 days for Saratoga repairing at SF. Here is an overview.

[princep01]

The Hellcat wait is almost over.  The LYBs are going to pay dearly when they arrive in numbers.  Coupled with Corsairs as their land based brothers, you'll be able to put a hurt on them. 
 
I have never been fortunate enough to get deep enough into a PBM game to get the Hellcat, much less actually deploy them.  It will be fun to see how you do it.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: princep01

The Hellcat wait is almost over.  The LYBs are going to pay dearly when they arrive in numbers.  Coupled with Corsairs as their land based brothers, you'll be able to put a hurt on them. 

I have never been fortunate enough to get deep enough into a PBM game to get the Hellcat, much less actually deploy them.  It will be fun to see how you do it.

IIRC it's 135 per month, so I should be have 3 x CV plus spares after one month, and all 6 after two months. They are a good bit better, but not magic. Lexington will go first, because he fighter pilots are a bunch of flat out killers.

While not an essential route strategically, the good thing about the Solomons is the continual grappling range all the way up the chain and even over to the DEI. We're having some air success in Burma, if we can put that together with some in the Solomons then we might finally put some pressure on those resources. I figure he's got deep pools of planes and pilots, but we have to get started draining the swamps.

[princep01]

Yep.  I too like the Solomons for that purpose.  As you say, strategically they are not all that significant except as a place to really deploy large numbers of Army AC and engage him in numbers.  Of course, as in all things, this must be done judiciously, because it also gives him a chance to exhaust your pools.  But at this point of the game you should have some really good pilots and planes on a par or better than his best fighters.
 
Looking forward to the next step forward!

[witpqs]

1943 March 03

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Biting the Empire's leg off in China. All Chinese units are now on the move out of the Sian area.

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 827

Defending force 30794 troops, 184 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 202

Assaulting units:
15th/C Division
110th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
17th/B Division
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

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


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Ground combat at 77,45 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6591 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 196

Defending force 261 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 92

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 92 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
11th Construction Regiment


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Ground combat at 77,44 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6390 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 171

Defending force 1101 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 90

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 90 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
588 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 46 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
17th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
60th Chinese Corps


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Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1140 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49864 troops, 310 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1442

Assaulting units:
8th Recon Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
30th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
21st Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
18th Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment


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Ground combat at 84,41 (near Sian)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 19806 troops, 114 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 587

Defending force 22540 troops, 189 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 476

Japanese adjusted assault: 366

Allied adjusted defense: 20

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
814 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 109 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

Allied ground losses:
5076 casualties reported
Squads: 374 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 264 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 35 (33 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 11

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

Defending units:
36th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
8th Group Army
7th Group Army
34th Group Army
42nd Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Base Force

Don't those mine-laying Imperial sub skippers know that Tarawa is already mined?

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TF 100 encounters mine field at Tarawa (136,128)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-106, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS RO-102, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

P-38 sweeps over Tulagi got pay back for the 2 bombers lost yesterday, taking 7 x Zero for only 1 x P-38. And yet even more ships begin refitting. The TFs of subs spotted at and near Tarawa are 5, 1, and 2. Either they are laying mines en masse or have taken up wolfpack tactics. Here is a look at the situation in China, changing daily, and for the worse.

[witpqs]

1943 March 04

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Somewhat quiet on the ground in China. After all, it takes time to catch up to fleeing troops.

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 836

Defending force 30788 troops, 184 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 207

Assaulting units:
15th/C Division
110th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th/B Division
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

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


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Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49888 troops, 310 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1442

Assaulting units:
114th Infantry Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
22nd/A Division
104th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
30th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
21st Group Army
3rd War Area
1st Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment

AA is performing quite well against strafing fighters over Chungking, taking down some Nicks and Oscars. The 17th Ind.Mixed Brigade is heading into Chungking from the NE.

We had some B-24 drops Mk 13 aerial mines on Shortlands. They are quite visible doing it so the mines will be swept, but still they could hit one of the battleships and impede the port until they are swept.

The troops are making progress in Burma.

[BBfanboy]

I usually use the air-dropped mines to mine my own ports, so the enemy doesn't know about them and they don't get immediately swept.
That saves the naval mines and sub-laid mines for his ports. He might see my DMs but won't know if they laid mines since they can be used as surface raiders too.

[witpqs]

I didn't know you could air-drop mines on your own ports??

[witpqs]

1943 March 05

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Big day in China, and the Chinese Army is holding on. The air force took down 3 Oscars for 6 biplanes.

Morning Air attack on Chengtu , at 75,41

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 29

Allied aircraft
I-16-III x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
I-16-III: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 18000 feet

CAP engaged:
11th FG/41st FS CAF with I-16-III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
11th FG/42nd FS CAF with I-16-III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes


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Ground combat at 77,50 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 768 troops, 0 guns, 141 vehicles, Assault Value = 684

Defending force 38073 troops, 177 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1031

Japanese adjusted assault: 63

Allied adjusted defense: 1297

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 20

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 30 (2 destroyed, 28 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
240 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
57th Infantry Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
15th Tank Regiment
61st Infantry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
53rd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
11th Chinese Base Force
14th Chinese Base Force
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
17th Chinese Base Force


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Ground combat at 78,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31221 troops, 241 guns, 60 vehicles, Assault Value = 936

Defending force 31877 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1027

Japanese adjusted assault: 467

Allied adjusted defense: 1297

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2462 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 212 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
264 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
39th Division
15th Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division

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


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Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32952 troops, 279 guns, 51 vehicles, Assault Value = 849

Defending force 30780 troops, 184 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 209

Japanese adjusted assault: 431

Allied adjusted defense: 346

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
930 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 116 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
519 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th/C Division
17th/B Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

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


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Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49863 troops, 310 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1443

Assaulting units:
22nd/A Division
114th Infantry Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
1st Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment


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Ground combat at 73,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1140 troops, 0 guns, 209 vehicles, Assault Value = 490

Defending force 43831 troops, 296 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1274

Japanese adjusted assault: 94

Allied adjusted defense: 843

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 8

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 50 (2 destroyed, 48 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
311 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

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


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Ground combat at 78,49 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 768 troops, 0 guns, 148 vehicles, Assault Value = 420

Defending force 47078 troops, 141 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1259

Japanese adjusted assault: 42

Allied adjusted defense: 1570

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 37

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 56 (2 destroyed, 54 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
14th Tank Regiment
22nd/B Division
6th Tank Regiment
51st Engineer Regiment
15th/A Division

Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/C Corps
6th War Area
9th War Area
19th Group Army
32nd Group Army

Our mine sweepers are clearing mines at Tarawa. The Empire's mine sweepers are clearing mines at Shortlands! Tomorrow 3 x AP will arrive at Pago Pago to join the AK and load up the 43rd ID for Nauru. With any luck DAW HQ will presume we are holding on such operations while many AP upgrade to APA. About 1,000 troops at Mili. That Imperial Rgt that blundered into our main thrust in Burma is now retreating to avoid being cut off. You can see that the Empire's progress in China is reflected in the stalling or slight retrograde of the points balance.

[witpqs]

1943 March 06

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Pressing in China, perhaps even impatient to trap Chinese units who are currently withdrawing in good order near Chihkiang. Chungking is now invested.

Ground combat at 72,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1524 troops, 0 guns, 277 vehicles, Assault Value = 597

Defending force 27922 troops, 203 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 811

Japanese adjusted assault: 99

Allied adjusted defense: 501

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 5

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 38 (2 destroyed, 36 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
716 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
23rd Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
55th Infantry Brigade
3rd Tank Regiment
104th/B Division

Defending units:
14th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
6th Construction Regiment
1st Construction Regiment
4th Construction Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment


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Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 202 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 768

Defending force 30309 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 191

Assaulting units:
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th/B Division
110th Division
15th/C Division
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


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Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49835 troops, 308 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1441

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

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
114th Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
21st Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment


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Ground combat at 81,42 (near Ankang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4494 troops, 36 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 144

Defending force 2064 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 74

Assaulting units:
34th/A Division

Defending units:
43rd Chinese Corps


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Ground combat at 78,49 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4410 troops, 33 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 527

Defending force 46952 troops, 141 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1250

Japanese adjusted assault: 1

Allied adjusted defense: 1774

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1774

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

Japanese ground losses:
1966 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 133 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
22nd/B Division
15th/A Division
6th Tank Regiment
51st Engineer Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
116th/B Division

Defending units:
65th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/C Corps
6th War Area
9th War Area
19th Group Army
32nd Group Army

Maloelap appears to have almost 5,000 Imperial troops. Battleship Massachusetts has arrived in the South Pacific and will make her way to the Battle Fleet, finding an escort along the way. The 43rd ID will have to wait two more days for enough quick-unloading transport to be at Pago Pago.

Imperial fliers opposed sweeps over Burma and Horn Island, much to their dismay.

[princep01]

If you have the supply to counterattack those yahoos that shock attacked you at Chinkiang, you will reap a heavy harvest of dead/captured Japanese soldiers.  Similarly where he is attacking you with those armor heavy stacks at poor odds, a victorious counter-attack will wreck those units.  A couple of such actions might give you a few days of relief and pile up some points (don't know if you guys are playing with an eye toward "points".

[witpqs]

Alas, in China I have no supply for any attacks. And those guys he's been shock attacking would have to give up almost a full hex worth of cross-country movement to counter-attack. No way on that. The tanks; I have nothing that could successfully attack them without lots of supply and big numerical superiority, both lacking. Plus they are defended by infantry in good defensive terrain.

I'm afraid that practically any attacking the Chinese Army could do at this time would serve only to render the attackers totally ineffective.

We're not playing for points, but I look at them as an indication of how much mayhem has been wreaked.

[witpqs]

1943 March 07

The Empire captured:
Sian

The Allies captured:
Onotoa

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


We will soon have some units arrive from Sian and Kungchang areas to start interdicting the supply lines of the Imperial units running around on the Chungking plain. Meanwhile other Imperial units continue pressure.

Ground combat at 77,50 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 750 troops, 0 guns, 139 vehicles, Assault Value = 682

Defending force 37768 troops, 176 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1001

Japanese adjusted assault: 13

Allied adjusted defense: 652

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 50

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 30 (3 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
61st Infantry Brigade
57th Infantry Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
53rd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
14th Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1140 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49859 troops, 308 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1442

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

Assaulting units:
8th Recon Regiment
22nd/A Division
114th Infantry Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
21st Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
18th Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment


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

Ground combat at Sian (83,41)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4146 troops, 32 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 134

Defending force 21 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 33

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 33 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Sian !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender:
Attacker: leaders(-)

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

Assaulting units:
32nd/C Division

Defending units:
12th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at 81,42 (near Ankang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4486 troops, 36 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 143

Defending force 2064 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 74

Japanese adjusted assault: 16

Allied adjusted defense: 49

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

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

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

Assaulting units:
34th/A Division

Defending units:
43rd Chinese Corps

Mine sweepers at Shortlands and Tarawa are busy. Four days until Saratoga can leave port (sans sir group). The long march through the jungles of Burma continues.

Here is a look at that situation on the Chungking plain.

[witpqs]

1943 March 08

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


'Just' maneuvering in China.

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49806 troops, 308 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1439

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
8th Recon Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
30th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
21st Group Army
3rd War Area
18th Artillery Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment

The 43rd ID is now loading at Pago Pago. Wotje has 2 units and about 2,000 men. I-173 is hunting on the convoy route into Bombay. Little does she know that she is the only prey in the ocean! Convoys to Cape Town have brought up supply there to about 200,000. As that amount can be moved in short order the merchants will all finish upgrading before resuming cargo duty, giving the sub-hunters free reign.

[witpqs]

1943 March 09

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Quiet in China combat-wise, but Imperial troops are bearing down on Neikiang. All the Allied 4EB have flown into Ledo for a strike on that unit tomorrow.

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49803 troops, 308 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1442

Assaulting units:
22nd/A Division
8th Recon Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
18th Artillery Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment

Wotje appears to have 2 units and about 2,400 troops. DAW HQ has had a look at Pearl Harbor, detection level 1/1. Perhaps he spied carriers in refit? The 43rd ID is loaded at Pago Pago. The huge convoy also have more than 30,000 tons of supply loaded. We will give them one more day to hopefully bring that to more than 50,000 tons. The intention is to put the division ashore with enough supply that follow on units can land without risking ships that are also bringing in supply before the airbase is up and providing CAP. The Battle Fleet, SE of Abemama, has not been spotted in several days. When they appear with the invasion convoy I am hoping for as much surprise as possible. I do not anticipate a major reaction, but that's just a guess. The journey from Pago Pago to Nauru should be about 9 days. As the invasion force nears the objective a much smaller force will leave Tabiteuea for Ocean Island.

Here is a look at China. The white arrows show most current movements of Chinese Army units. Formations just in from the Sian and northern fronts are maneuvering to cut or lengthen the supply lines of the Imperial units on the Chungking plain and elsewhere. Units still leaving the Sian area are seeking to establish a new defensive line in better terrain. Other troops are moving from Chungking to reinforce Neikiang. To the south the green arrows show a coordinated march of multiple units in each of three hexes that was just completed, extricating several units that were almost cut off. As you can see, that danger still hangs over many units.

[witpqs]

1943 March 10

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Quiet in China, except for the wailing of Imperial commanders about lack of fighter cover!

Morning Air attack on 17th/A Division, at 75,43 , near Neikiang

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 27

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
472 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 17th/A Division, at 75,43 , near Neikiang

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 11

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 17th/A Division, at 75,43 , near Neikiang

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 17th/A Division, at 75,43 , near Neikiang

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 11

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
195 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 17th/A Division, at 75,43 , near Neikiang

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 24

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
305 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 80,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4986 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 169

Defending force 6164 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 185

Japanese adjusted assault: 38

Allied adjusted defense: 94

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps

I would say they took a right good smacking!

Saratoga is expected out of repair tomorrow! The invasion convoy is making course for Nauru. Kwajalein appears to have 3 units and 2,600 men.

Changes in movement north of Shwebo indicate that DAW HQ has realized that those positions are being bypassed.

[witpqs]

1943 March 11

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Biding time in China.

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 565

Defending force 49856 troops, 307 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1445

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
8th Recon Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
21st Group Army
18th Artillery Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment

Two IJN subs are playing in the hunting grounds west of Bombay. They are the only prey. Saratoga is on her way to the South Pacific where she will pick up her air group. The boys are claiming 5 x subs sunk in the last 8 days. I'm skeptical.

Here is the Intel screen.

[witpqs]

1943 March 12

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In China the Empire is continuing its crush. Now Neikiang is invested. Although defended, more help should arrive tomorrow. All tasked units are battered and by rights should be recovering at Chungking for the next several weeks at least. An Imperial unit has been moving westward, cross country, and now threatens the road between Kweiyang and Chungking. Defenders are moving to block them.

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49827 troops, 307 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1443

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

Assaulting units:
114th Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
18th Artillery Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
3rd War Area
20th Artillery Regiment

Roi-Namur appears to have 2 units and about 2,600 troops. The Nauru invasion force will be near Funafuti this time tomorrow.

Unloading at Amchitka Island has run into a great big bottleneck. That theater is getting hind teat, so there is no naval support at Amchitka. The port is 71% toward size 2, and I hope that achieving that milestone will get large items unloading faster. Two radar sets for an AA unit and motorized support for other units are queued up forever. Transports just arrived with a USN Special Construction Bn, and those have some naval support crews. Hopefully that light at the end of the tunnel isn't the searchlight of an IJN heavy cruiser...

The TF at top is PB and/or xAKL moving westward. They might have made a fast transport run into Horn Island a couple of days ago but aircraft didn't fly against them. These heavy cruisers are on an uncertain mission. Are they hoping to interdict supply and troop runs to Gove? Bombard Normanton? Escort other ships to Horn Island? Rain is forecast tomorrow, so aerial interception might be more difficult.