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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/07/43

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub reports contact with light Jap surface ASW off eastern coast of Sakhalin. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Shikuka at 126,45

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-23

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock is sighted by escort
Haddock diving deep ....
SC CHa-23 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/06 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from multiple locations – including Wake Is, Maleolap, Majuro and Tarawa. Detected status of Wake Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at these four bases.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/06 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: CVL Chiyoda reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville


Andaman Sea: Several actions between US patrol subs and Jap surface ASW. The Andaman Sea along with Burma has become a “mini-game” within the game. With multiple Japanese flak LCU enroute to Burma via sea transport (this sea transport almost certainly passing through the Andaman Sea to Rangoon), the sea movement route between the Straits of Malacca and Rangoon has become for the time being more of a battlefield than usual. Little surprise that Pillager is putting up this level of Japanese surface and air ASW activity – it’s likely he suspects that I’m aware of this movement (flak LCU to Burma) and is taking appropriate action. Allied victory conditions of this “mini-game” is the number of Japanese flak guns that will be rusting on the bottom of the Indian Ocean (the sunken transport ships carrying these guns being collateral damage), Pillager’s condition is stopping Allied subs from doing so. Regardless of the outcome, this “mini-game” plays into the overall Allied strategy of stretching the Japanese defense (possibly along with Pillager’s attention span). AAR’s follow.

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ASW attack near Tavoy at 52,58 (NW of Tavoy)

Japanese Ships
E W-10
E Kamome
DD Numakaze
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
SS Billfish

SS Billfish launches 2 torpedoes at E W-10
Billfish diving deep ....
DD Numakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yunagi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yunagi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yunagi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yunagi cannot establish contact with SS Billfish
DD Yunagi loses contact with SS Billfish
DD Yunagi cannot reach attack position over SS Billfish
SS Billfish eludes ASW attack from DD Yunagi
DD Yunagi cannot establish contact with SS Billfish
DD Yunagi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yunagi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yunagi cannot establish contact with SS Billfish
SS Billfish eludes ASW attack from DD Yunagi
DD Yunagi cannot establish contact with SS Billfish
SS Billfish eludes ASW attack from DD Yunagi
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
E Hachijo
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Puffer, hits 1 (system damage 4, float 30, returning to base at 14 kts)

SS Puffer is located by DD Mutsuki
Puffer diving deep ....
DD Mutsuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Isonami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port , 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 83 aircraft (all fighters), 7 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39). The number of Jap LCU in Rangoon is being closely monitored as it is a possible (though not 100% reliable) indicator of Japanese flak LCU arriving in Burma via either land or sea movement.

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 51 aircraft (47 fighters) based in Mandalay, 8 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 108 aircraft (104 fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 17, 8 Jap LCU’s, oil production 86(215). Repairs to the airfield and oil production facilities in Magwe appear to have stopped. Is this the result of a supply problem?


China: No reported ground combat this game turn at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/08/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub in night actions off western coast of Korea against Jap transports. AAR’s follow.

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Submarine attack near Keijo at 101,50 (W of Keijo)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yamatsuru Maru

Allied Ships
SS Growler

xAKL Yamatsuru Maru is sighted by SS Growler
SS Growler launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Yamatsuru Maru

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Submarine attack near Keijo at 101,50

Japanese Ships
xAKL Jouban Maru

Allied Ships
SS Growler

xAKL Jouban Maru is sighted by SS Growler
SS Growler launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Jouban Maru

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Central Pacific: US patrol sub returning to Pearl Harbor for replenishment intercepts Jap transport convoy along its movement path in night actions SSE of Kyushu. AAR’s follow.

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Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 119,72 (NE of Iwo Jima)

Japanese Ships
PB Yamabato Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
E Sanae

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes at PB Yamabato Maru
E Sanae fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 119,72

Japanese Ships
xAK Alaska Maru
xAK Toba Maru
xAK Maebasi Maru
E Sanae

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Alaska Maru
Wahoo diving deep ....
E Sanae fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/07 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 99 aircraft (all fighters), 7 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39). As seen below, Pillager apparently has a Jap minesweeping TF operating in Rangoon base hex.

RAF bombers fly night aerial mine laying over Rangoon. At least some of the mines were immediately swept in daylight by Jap local minesweepers stationed in Rangoon. AAR’s follow.

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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53 (28% moonlight)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 9 (16 planes had been assigned to the attack)

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 5000 feet *

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

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TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6

11 mines cleared

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Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 57 aircraft (49 fighters) based in Mandalay, 8 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).


USAAF and RAF 2E bombers launch night bombing raid on Magwe airfield. No report of any Japanese planes destroyed in the attack, though damage level to airfield facilities in Magwe has increased. One Wellington bomber lost due to flak, 2 additional Wellingtons returned damaged. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after air strikes) - 105 aircraft (102 fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 32, 8 Jap LCU’s, oil production 87(214).

7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/490th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/490th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/491st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47 (28% moonlight)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 1000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x Wellington Ic bombing from 1000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 1000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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India: Jap submarine (probably I-160) remains detected off Colombo at hex location 28, 47 - British surface ASW (2 DD, 2 KV) now “circling overhead”. RAF Catalina air patrol from Colombo reports oil slick in the water at this hex location.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/09/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese TK off western coast of Korea. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Moppo at 100,52 (N of Moppo)

Japanese Ships
TK Ayayuki Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Growler

TK Ayayuki Maru is sighted by SS Growler
SS Growler attacking on the surface
SS Growler low on gun ammo, Gilmore, H.W. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

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Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/08 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port and unidentified Jap LCU. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Kwajalein.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/08 reports heavy volume of intercepted radio transmissions from one or more unidentified Jap TF(s) at hex location 103, 120 (NW of Kavieng). No information available as to number of Jap TF(s), composition or movement heading. If the Jap TF(s) are entering Rabaul, at least one or possibly two US patrol sub(s) are in the movement path between the Jap TF(s) current position and Rabaul base hex.

Another Sigint entry for 6/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul itself. Detected status of Rabaul shows unidentified Jap planes based there, also ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed in Rabaul.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/08 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Ume Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 8, Moving Northeast


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 4 Japanese ships anchored in port (+2 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 83 aircraft (all fighters), 7 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39). As seen below, Pillager apparently has a Jap local minesweeping TF operating in Rangoon base hex.

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 58 aircraft (48 fighters) based in Mandalay, 8 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).


RAF Blenheim 2E bombers launch night bombing raid on Magwe airfield. No Japanese planes reported destroyed in the attack, appears that little or no additional damage was inflicted on airfield facilities in Magwe. Little effect had been anticipated from this particular raid as Blenheim IV bombers are operating at extended range (with reduced bomb load), plus effects of the raid breaking up into small parts due to being a night operation. Still… any bombing raid is better than none. One Blenheim bomber destroyed (ops loss) along with its pilot lost. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after air strikes) - 107 aircraft (104 fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 28, 8 Jap LCU’s, oil production 87(214).

5 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (39% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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India: Jap submarine (probably I-160) remains stationary off Colombo at hex location 28, 47 - British surface ASW remains in this hex but made no attack on the sub. I-160 was spotted and attacked this game turn by RAF Catalina air patrol from Colombo.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/10/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub attacks Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Kume-jima at 93,63 (NW of Okinawa)

Japanese Ships
PB Tatsumi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Lapon

SS Lapon launches 2 torpedoes at PB Tatsumi Maru
PB Tatsumi Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tatsumi Maru is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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US patrol sub off Keijo reports contact with Jap transport TF, no combat occurred. Jap TF is reported to contain 2 ships (at least one xAK), moving northward to either Keijo or an unknown destination in Manchuria/northern China.


Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport convoy, gets a rare hit on a surface ASW escort. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Kanoya at 106,66 (SE of Kanoya)

Japanese Ships
E W-25, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Okuyo Maru
xAK Amagi Maru #2
xAK Eihuku Maru
xAK France Maru
E Niizaki
PC Sumire

Allied Ships
SS Whale

SS Whale launches 2 torpedoes at E W-25
E Niizaki attacking submerged sub ....
PC Sumire fails to find sub and abandons search
E Niizaki attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Intercepted radio transmissions from one or more Jap TF(s) at sea reported in a Sigint entry for 6/09 – position of this contact at hex location 125, 56 SSE of Hokkaido. No information available as to number of Jap TF, composition or movement heading. One possible estimate is the Jap TF(s) are enroute to an unknown destination in the Kurile islands.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/09 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro and Wotje. Detected statuses of Majuro and Wotje show no visible Japanese forces or activity at either base.


South Pacific: US patrol sub in action against small Jap transport TF south of Rabaul. The Jap TF remains detected and visible on the game map, contains two ships and moving on a SE heading. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Feni Islands at 107,128 (S of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
E W-15
xAKL Miiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

SS Scamp launches 2 torpedoes at E W-15
Scamp diving deep ....
E W-15 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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While watching the 6/09 game turn replay, a number of unidentified Japanese TF were visible on the game map in both the north and south sea approaches to Rabaul – these TF apparently detected during last game turn’s movement/combat phase resolution but did not remain detected going into the 6/10 game turn Orders Phase (I may or may not be correctly assuming this). Regardless… there’s little question a significant amount of Japanese ship activity is or has been occurring in the Rabaul area, especially given the Sigint reports from the Rabaul area on 6/08.

A 6/09 Combat Events report entry indicates another US patrol sub in the sea area south of Rabaul was spotted by a Japanese “dive bomber” west of Munda (hex location 108, 134). Was the dive bomber really a dive bomber or some other plane?

Another interesting item… a daily coastwatcher entry for 6/09 (shown below) reports a Jap AR (repair ship) is now located at Lunga. Presence of the AR in Lunga is not likely a random occurrence.

While the evidence for the moment is all circumstantial, it cannot be excluded Pillager could be running a sortie of the KB and/or Jap surface naval forces southward from Rabaul. If true, the current position of Jap forces is likely in the Solomon or Coral Sea area off the central Solomon islands. Some preparations are underway in the South Pacific theatre area in the event this actually is a KB or Jap surface naval sortie. Measures now in effect include routing or sortie of available US subs into the sea area N of New Zealand (between New Zealand and Noumea), increased naval air search patrol flights into this area. Allied LBA based in Suva and New Zealand also alerted – this force includes 2E skip bombers plus 11 first-line dive bombing squadrons (170+ SBD-3 Dauntless) with matching LBA fighter escort. I would have no objection to the KB coming within range of this.


Transport convoy WP-61A (detachment, 5 ships) arrives this game turn at Pago Pago from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 31K supply and 2500 fuel, no LCU or air units. Two other sections of convoy WP-61 are still in transit, each section of the convoy approaching a separate destination port in New Zealand.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/09 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: AR Kiyosumi Maru reported in port at Lunga (see above)
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port (-1 from last report), 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 98 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s (+3 from last report), light industry 2(39).

Two observations taken from this game turn's recon – (1) identified Jap ships from the three TF in Rangoon include significant numbers of surface ASW and minesweeping ships, (2) it’s quite possible one or more of the three new Jap LCU arriving in Rangoon are flak units. It is known from multiple Sigint reports over the last 8-10 game turns that Pillager has several Jap flak LCU enroute to Rangoon via sea transport – specific identities of these units are known, most being transferred to Burma from the Japanese Home Islands. Movement of Japanese flak units to cover forward bases might solve Pillager’s immediate problems, though the end result could make Allied bombing in 1945 easier.

An attempted night raid by USAAF and RAF bombers against refinery facilities in Rangoon was aborted. No planes from the 6 bomber squadrons in the raid reached Rangoon – appears that most never took off, the remainder “got lost” and returned to base. Weather conditions the last few game turns have been unfavorable for air operations in general, this being monsoon season. Combat Events report entries follow, there were no AAR’s for this action.

7 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
4 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night


Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 65 aircraft (46 fighters) based in Mandalay, 8 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 90 aircraft (all fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 26, 8 Jap LCU’s, oil production 87(214).


China: Japanese resume ground bombardment at Chungking. AAR follows.

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

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 284009 troops, 2763 guns, 1460 vehicles, Assault Value = 10394
Defending force 411006 troops, 1553 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7614

Allied ground losses:
546 casualties reported
Squads: 100 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
35th Division
22nd Division
34th Division
64th Infantry Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
36th Division
110th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
59th Infantry Brigade
116th Division
15th Division
3rd Tank Division
39th Division
8th Armored Car Co
70th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
41st Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
40th Division
13th Division
104th Division
6th Division
17th Division
26th Division
32nd Division
58th Division
38th Division
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
RGC Army
North China Area Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Army
China Expeditionary Army
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
12th Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
NCPC Army
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Army
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
11th Army
21st Mortar Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
21st Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
17th Construction Regiment
81st Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
7th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
2nd Construction Regiment
19th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
16th Construction Regiment
57th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
42nd Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
70th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
48th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
76th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
11th Construction Regiment
6th Chinese Base Force
7th War Area
6th Group Army
Red Chinese Army
4th Chinese Base Force
24th Group Army
13th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
65th Chinese Corps
15th Group Army
9th Separate Brigade
7th Chinese Base Force
47th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Base Force
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
18th Group Army
96th Chinese Corps
5th Group Army
14th Group Army
3rd Construction Regiment
3rd War Area
6th Construction Regiment
31st Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
26th Group Army
8th Construction Regiment
13th Construction Regiment
China Command
33rd Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force
32nd Group Army
1st War Area
10th Chinese Base Force
22nd Group Army
Central Reserve
5th War Area
2nd Chinese Base Force
21st Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
36th Group Army
Y' Force
CAF HQ
83rd Chinese Corps
20th Artillery Regiment
38th Group Army
2nd Group Army
35th Group Army
41st AA Regiment
9th Group Army
7th New Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Base Force
23rd Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
12th Construction Regiment
4th War Area
49th AA Regiment
20th Group Army
12th Group Army
2nd War Area
14th Construction Regiment
19th Group Army
16th Group Army
11th Chinese Corps
1st Group Army
99th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
6th War Area
20th Chinese Corps
10th Construction Regiment
10th Chinese Corps
37th Group Army
3rd Group Army
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[johnjohn]

John piping in with observation that I have not been able to check. In reading "Black Shoe Carrier Admiral" the author opined on the difference between the F4F models with 4 machine guns vs. F4F-4s with six. The models with 4 MG have twice the ammo capacity. If this is true in AE, then you may want to reconsider the FM-1, FM-2 for service. I have made that adjustment and have found it really doesn't make much difference. The LBA Marines will end up with F4Us anyway. It is the escort carrier force that gets most of the FMs. Since the escort carrier force will not likely face frontline enemy forces, the difference really ends up being a matter of supply. Eventually you will run out of F4Fs if that is where you concentrate.

BTW--the Hellcats are superior in all regards to the Wildcats, no surprise there. However, unless used in high numbers (multiple carrier task group), they are not as effective against the enemy as one may think. The USN jetisonned the single carrier task group at about this time in 1943. The advantages in greater aircraft numbers and better screens for the carriers proved that to be the best organizational approach. Of course, this is when you start to get many more carriers. Something to consider.

I use multiple carrier task groups and am able to put up AAA of 10000 in most groups. I also have close to 100 fighters for CAP too. Generally I follow the actual groupings, 3 CVs, or 2 CVs and 2 CVLs that the USN used in WWII. This will give you five groups which are not unwieldy to utilize. The 2 big KBs may be slightly larger, but, there are only two of them. Only the one with Shokaku and Zuikaku present any real difficulties. The other carriers do not carry that many planes, meaning you will outgun the smaller KB with its carriers that only have A/C complements of 50 or so.

Lastly, and this is meant as possible strategy and not a criticism. I found that the Union Army's approach to managing the Civil War applies here as well. What the union did was press on every front until something gave. They did not always know where that would be, especially against the ANV and Robert E. Lee, but eventually they punched holes in the circle defense that they were able to take advantage of. Same thing applies here. Obviously the Big KB is a threat that must be accounted for, but it cannot be everywhere. So there are opportunities in the north and Southwest that you may be able to use, making the enemy chase your ships all over the map, using up precious fuel. Something to think about. Also, I have used the dangle the bait trick more than once. I load up several land bases with naval aircraft set to naval attack and then lure an enemy force in close. The result is predictable. They get clobbered, and you don't. Just don't do that with the KB, big or little. 100 Zeros tear up land based squadrons.

Although this has been a deliberate match, I am eagerly awaiting what is to come. John (johnjohn)

[wneumann]

johnjohn,

Pretty much agree with what you stated.

John piping in with observation that I have not been able to check. In reading "Black Shoe Carrier Admiral" the author opined on the difference between the F4F models with 4 machine guns vs. F4F-4s with six. The models with 4 MG have twice the ammo capacity. If this is true in AE, then you may want to reconsider the FM-1, FM-2 for service. I have made that adjustment and have found it really doesn't make much difference. The LBA Marines will end up with F4Us anyway. It is the escort carrier force that gets most of the FMs. Since the escort carrier force will not likely face frontline enemy forces, the difference really ends up being a matter of supply. Eventually you will run out of F4Fs if that is where you concentrate.

I had noticed that myself - the FM-1 and 2 having only four MG vs the F4F-4 Wildcat's six. With availability of F6F Hellcats for CV and CVL squadrons, the distinction between F4F-4 and FM fighters determines only which planes will be used elsewhere. My current plans have FM-1 and 2 planes going mainly to training squadrons. I designated F4F-4 Wildcats the primary fighter plane for CVE squadrons, they will also remain the primary plane for US Marine VMF squadrons until F4U Corsairs phase them out. I actually have a rather large number of F4F-4 planes available - little danger in running out of those planes in their projected service role as long as they continue to be needed.

Current (short to medium-term) plans have US escort carriers being employed in a separate group of Air Combat TF (3-5 CVE in each plus DD escorts) to be used as close-in cover for Amphibious TF's during landing operations. Escort carrier TF's will usually "stack" in the same hex with other amphibious/transport TF's while landing operations are taking place. Air groups on most CVE's will mainly be fighters operating in a CAP role - except for being equipped with F4F's, fighter squadrons aboard these CVE will otherwise be set up much like their front-line brethren on CV and CVL's. In most cases, anticipated Japanese opposition for CVE fighter squadrons will probably be mostly LBA sent to attack the landing force. Escort carriers literally used as escort.

Most CVE bomber and torpedo squadrons have been put ashore and being used in a training role, though plane numbers in these squadrons have been kept at original values to allow them to re-board the CVE if needed or desired.

use multiple carrier task groups and am able to put up AAA of 10000 in most groups. I also have close to 100 fighters for CAP too. Generally I follow the actual groupings, 3 CVs, or 2 CVs and 2 CVLs that the USN used in WWII. This will give you five groups which are not unwieldy to utilize. The 2 big KBs may be slightly larger, but, there are only two of them. Only the one with Shokaku and Zuikaku present any real difficulties. The other carriers do not carry that many planes, meaning you will outgun the smaller KB with its carriers that only have A/C complements of 50 or so.

I'm still operating one CV carrier task forces (now 7 TF's in all), the current US fleet carrier force includes the original six US carriers plus CV Essex. The start of the big push of US CV and CVL reinforcements is within 2-3 months, at this time I will have to start looking at multiple carrier TF's. The first step in this will probably be 1 CV and 1 CVL in many cases, otherwise 2 CV. Current plans are to keep carriers dispersed across as many TF as possible - availability of escort ships for carriers being a primary factor in how many carrier TF will be operating.

I can't predict if or how this is going to work out... if Pillager does not aggressively use the KB immediately, my plans will be to go after Japanese LBA as the primary target in the air campaign. The objective being destruction of Japanese land-based air to a point where the KB becomes Pillager's last and best remaining air force. Once that situation is reached (assuming the KB is still alive and in action), Pillager will be required (at some point) to use the KB as a stand-alone force, probably in a time and place not of his liking.

Lastly, and this is meant as possible strategy and not a criticism. I found that the Union Army's approach to managing the Civil War applies here as well. What the union did was press on every front until something gave. They did not always know where that would be, especially against the ANV and Robert E. Lee, but eventually they punched holes in the circle defense that they were able to take advantage of. Same thing applies here. Obviously the Big KB is a threat that must be accounted for, but it cannot be everywhere. So there are opportunities in the north and Southwest that you may be able to use, making the enemy chase your ships all over the map, using up precious fuel. Something to think about. Also, I have used the dangle the bait trick more than once. I load up several land bases with naval aircraft set to naval attack and then lure an enemy force in close. The result is predictable. They get clobbered, and you don't. Just don't do that with the KB, big or little.

My strategic view at this time is geared heavily toward a battle of attrition. If it floats, sink it. If it flies, shoot it down or destroy it on the ground. If it crawls across land, either bypass and starve it or flatten it with as much force as can be brought to bear. Priorities of this strategy is destruction of enemy forces and closing in on the Japanese Home Islands with as much damage as possible done at as little cost as possible, capture of real estate is a secondary objective exercised in support of the first objectives.

This strategy has no fixed path of advance, it will follow whatever path of least resistance presents itself to the greatest extent this path can be followed. This strategy is likely to follow multiple routes of attack, not allowing Pillager to concentrate his attention on one area of the game map and turn his back on everything else.

My current estimate (correct or otherwise) is that Pillager is aware of "bait and switch". Pillager is for the most part anticipated to use Japanese forces in a manner to preserve them as long as possible. There will be times and places where Pillager does sacrifice a Japanese force, this will likely occur for one of two reasons - (1) the Japanese force is forced to stand where it is due to it no longer being mobile or otherwise stuck where it is, or (2) he is buying space and time to defend something else. I don't expect any Banzai charges from him unless there is a very clear reason for doing so. This doesn't exclude the possibility of Pillager sending out KB on a spoiling action - I could see him doing this now on the chance I'm giving too much attention to the air campaign in Burma and taking it for granted things will remain quiet elsewhere. Though if Pillager does a move like this and isn't careful with the bait, he could very easily get the switch (it's there and waiting).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/11/43

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport convoy off eastern coast of Sakhalin in night actions. AAR’s follow.

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Sub attack near Toyohara at 125,47 (E of Toyohara)

Japanese Ships
xAK Kinsyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Rasin Maru
xAK Midori Maru
SC CHa-26

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kinsyu Maru
Haddock diving deep ....
SC CHa-26 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 Kinsyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock launches 4 torpedoes

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Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-39 (31 ships) departs this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes two LCU (249 Field Artillery Bn, 227 USN Base Force), 96K supply and 38K fuel. At this time, all LCU and air units currently in the game and assigned to SW Pacific command are already located in Australia or now enroute to Australia via convoy. Movement of supply, fuel and new LCU/air units entering the game as reinforcements from the Eastern US to Australia is continuing.


South Pacific: Observations and reports this game turn are indicating the high level of Japanese task force activity in the Rabaul area reported on 6/10 may be an unusually large number of Jap transport TF(s) that simultaneously entered and left Rabaul in or from various directions. Despite no direct evidence this game turn of Japanese carrier or surface naval activity in sea areas south of Rabaul, alerts set for Allied forces in the South and SW Pacific theatre areas will briefly remain in effect until the possibility of a KB or Jap surface naval sortie in the Coral Sea can definitely be eliminated (this will certainly be verified in the next game turn or two). At this point, there are no substantial disruptions of ongoing Allied activity in either the South or SW Pacific theatre areas.

No Japanese air activity was reported by Allied patrol subs operating in adjacent sea areas south of the Solomons.

Several daylight actions against Japanese transport shipping by a US patrol sub near Shortlands. It cannot be determined from the AAR whether the Jap transport ships shown are in the same or different transport TF. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Treasury Islands at 108,132 (SW of Shortlands)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kanaiyama Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel

xAKL Kanaiyama Maru is sighted by SS Pickerel
SS Pickerel launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Kanaiyama Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Shortlands at 108,131 (adjacent hex W of Shortlands)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Heiwa Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel

xAKL Heiwa Maru is sighted by SS Pickerel
Captain of SS Pickerel elects not to launch torpedoes at this target

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Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/10 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAKL Tenposan Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: TK Sanju Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 104,133 at Woodlark Island, Speed 4,
Moving Southwest


The main body of transport convoy WP-59 (14 transports, one AKA, 6 LST) arrived this game turn in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the main body of WP-59 includes a USN patrol air squadron (12 PB2Y-3 Coronado), 56K supply and 101K fuel. AKA and LST arriving with the convoy will remain in South Pacific theatre on reserve for use in future operations. A detachment from WP-59 (convoy WP-59A) previously arrived in Pago Pago.


Australia: Transport convoy EX-35 (47 transports, 2 APA, 1 LSI) arrived in Australia from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes one LCU (2 Engineer Amphibious Brig), one USAAF recon air squadron (4 F-10 Mitchell), 144K supply and 51K fuel. The APA and LSI arriving with the convoy will remain in SW Pacific theatre on reserve for use in future operations.


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in actions with Japanese surface ASW off southern Burma – it cannot be determined from the AAR whether SS Billfish engaged one or two Jap TF(s). SS Billfish received light damage from hits in the two actions (system damage 6, float 5, no engine or fire) – now returning to base at 19 kts speed for repair. AAR’s follow.

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Sub attack near Tavoy at 51,59 (night action W of Tavoy)

Japanese Ships
E Hachijo
DD Mutsuki
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Billfish, hits 2

SS Billfish launches 2 torpedoes at E Hachijo
Billfish bottoming out ....
DD Mutsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Isonami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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ASW attack near Tavoy at 51,59 (daylight action)

Japanese Ships
DD Minekaze
DD Usugumo

Allied Ships
SS Billfish, hits 2

SS Billfish is sighted by escort
Billfish bottoming out ....
DD Minekaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Usugumo attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor, 100 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s (-1 from last report), light industry 2(39).

Attempted night raid by USAAF and RAF bombers against refinery facilities in Rangoon was aborted for a second time. No planes assigned to the raid reached Rangoon – most did not appear to take off, the remainder “getting lost” and returning to base. Combat Events report entries follow, no AAR’s for this action.

4 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 63 aircraft (59 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s (+3 from last report), resource production 2(19).


USAAF and RAF 2E bombers launch night bombing strike on Magwe airfield. Japanese losses reported indicate 13 aircraft (9 Ki45 Nick, 4 Ki-44 Tojo) destroyed on the ground. One RAF Blenheim reported destroyed (ops loss), two other planes returned damaged. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) - 52 aircraft (all fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 29, 10 Jap LCU’s (+2 from last report), oil production 88(213).

7 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47 (60% moonlight)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 29
Wellington Ic x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 6 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 5 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 21

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 3

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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



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

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

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 285074 troops, 2763 guns, 1460 vehicles, Assault Value = 10496
Defending force 412027 troops, 1543 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7748

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

Allied ground losses:
386 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
34th Division
26th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Division
58th Division
35th Division
6th Division
36th Division
13th Division
64th Infantry Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Armored Car Co
3rd Tank Division
15th Tank Regiment
104th Division
37th Division
32nd Division
40th Division
116th Division
70th Division
110th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
22nd Division
59th Infantry Brigade
41st Division
17th Division
38th Division
North China Area Army
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Army
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
2nd Mortar Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
NCPC Army
RGC Army
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
11th Army
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
China Expeditionary Army
12th Army
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
42nd Chinese Corps
16th Construction Regiment
7th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
56th Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
2nd Construction Regiment
59th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
12th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
9th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
60th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
1st New Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
74th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
11th Construction Regiment
36th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
20th Group Army
24th Group Army
6th Chinese Base Force
China Command
7th War Area
11th Chinese Corps
6th War Area
9th Separate Brigade
31st Group Army
12th Group Army
8th Construction Regiment
7th New Chinese Corps
10th Construction Regiment
13th Group Army
4th Group Army
1st War Area
5th Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
19th Group Army
65th Chinese Corps
14th Group Army
15th Group Army
3rd Group Army
10th Chinese Corps
12th Construction Regiment
33rd Group Army
21st Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Base Force
99th Chinese Corps
Y' Force
9th Group Army
96th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army
2nd Group Army
38th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
13th Construction Regiment
32nd Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
6th Construction Regiment
37th Group Army
17th Construction Regiment
8th War Area
5th War Area
36th Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
2nd War Area
47th Chinese Corps
18th Group Army
CAF HQ
3rd War Area
3rd Chinese Corps
Jingcha War Area
11th Chinese Base Force
22nd Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
15th Chinese Base Force
14th Construction Regiment
23rd Group Army
21st Group Army
4th War Area
7th Chinese Base Force
Red Chinese Army
83rd Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
3rd Construction Regiment
20th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Base Force
4th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
35th Group Army
16th Group Army
16th Chinese Base Force
1st Group Army
49th AA Regiment
41st AA Regiment
Central Reserve
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/12/43

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport convoy south of Honshu. Jap TF remains detected and visible on the game map – reported to contain 5 ships (4 PB, one xAK) and moving on a E heading. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Torishima at 110,66 (WSW of Aogashima)

Japanese Ships
PB Fumi Maru
PB Yachiyo Maru
PB Wa 2
xAK Seizan Maru
xAK Anzan Maru
xAK Italy Maru
PB Ma 3

Allied Ships
SS Snapper

SS Snapper launches 2 torpedoes at PB Fumi Maru
Snapper diving deep ....
PB Fumi Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Ma 3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Torishima at 110,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Kusuyama Maru
PB Yachiyo Maru
PB Wa 2
xAK Seizan Maru
xAK Anzan Maru
xAK Italy Maru
PB Fumi Maru
PB Ma 3

Allied Ships
SS Snapper

SS Snapper launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kusuyama Maru
Snapper diving deep ....
PB Fumi Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Ma 3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

A second Jap transport convoy was detected by another US patrol sub in the same sea area S of Honshu. The Jap TF is visible on the game map – reported to contain 9 ships (including 2 CL, 4 xAK) and moving on a SW heading. No reported combat between the US sub and the Jap convoy.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/11 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit and Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, also ship(s) in port. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Jaluit.

Heavy volume of intercepted radio transmissions from Truk reported in another 6/11 Sigint entry. Detected status of Truk shows unidentified Japanese planes based there, ship(s) in port, also LCU(s) – these all as expected. No other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/11 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from multiple locations in the Rabaul area – including Manus, Hansa Bay, Woodlark Is. No visible Japanese forces or activity at any of these locations.

US sub Skipjack on patrol E of Tulagi at hex location 120, 136 reporting contact with unidentified Japanese “dive bomber”. Given a 6/11 coastwatcher entry is reporting Jap CVL Mizuho (30 plane capacity) to be in port at Lunga (7 hexes W of SS Skipjack’s position), it is not impossible the “dive bomber” could actually be a dive bomber.

While most ongoing Allied activity in nearby South and SW Pacific theatre continues without interruption, alerts set in the last several days for Allied forces in the South and SW Pacific theatre areas remain in effect.


Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/11 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Iwaki Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga (see above)
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 3 , Moving Northwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port (-1 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 107 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), light industry 2(39).

It appears likely that many (though not all) of the new Japanese LCU arriving in Burma are flak units. Reports posted for the 6/11 game turn show approximately 8-10 newly arrived Japanese LCU in Burma, not all of them flak units and not all arriving by sea. Sigint and other reports will be watched closely to obtain specific identities of these new arrivals, also determine exactly where Pillager is deploying Japanese flak LCU within Burma. Deployment of new Jap LCU in Burma is being monitored (to the extent this can be done) but adjustments will still be required in Allied night bombing operations (specifically attack altitudes).


Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 58 aircraft (51 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).


USAAF and RAF bombers launch night bombing strike on oil refining in Magwe. No Allied planes were lost, one RAF Liberator II returned damaged. No reported Japanese plane losses. Reported damage on oil refineries in Magwe from the bombing raid appears to be minor – all damage appearing to be from only the first bombing attack below. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) - 70 aircraft (68 fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 34, 10 Jap LCU’s (+2 from last report), oil production 88(213), refinery 97(4).

4 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
4 x No.353 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.353 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (71% moonlight)

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 12
B-24D Liberator x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged

Refinery hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Liberator II bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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


India: An end result of many automatic upgrades of British and Indian combat LCU (most of these started before they could be caught) is a very high level of demand for 6 pdr AT gun elements from the replacement pool combined with a rather low rate of production (12 per month). The effect of this shortage is a number of units (mainly infantry LCU of all sizes) rebuilding to nearly full TOE strength lacking only a full complement of 6 pdr AT gun elements. A “compromise” solution in progress is temporarily allowing infantry LCU at (otherwise) full TOE strength to have a partial complement of 6 pdr AT gun elements.

Note: I previously had a similar shortage of AIF Combat Engineer 43 replacement elements in Australia due to simultaneous upgrading of 6th, 7th and 9th Australian Divisions plus rebuilding of 8th Division as a divisional unit. The game simply did not produce combat engineer elements quickly enough to meet demand, though all four divisions gradually received the engineers. The situation in India with 6 pdr guns had already started before I grasped the lesson.

The moral of the story is watching your LCU upgrades…


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

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

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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 286172 troops, 2763 guns, 1539 vehicles, Assault Value = 10532
Defending force 413809 troops, 1533 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7896
Japanese adjusted assault: 6288
Allied adjusted defense: 4245
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
14258 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 1549 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 158 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 187 disabled
Guns lost 109 (1 destroyed, 108 disabled)
Vehicles lost 67 (2 destroyed, 65 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
44312 casualties reported
Squads: 1090 destroyed, 1247 disabled
Non Combat: 976 destroyed, 1852 disabled
Engineers: 54 destroyed, 49 disabled
Guns lost 185 (98 destroyed, 87 disabled)
Units destroyed 19

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
22nd Division
15th Tank Regiment
104th Division
6th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Tank Division
41st Division
116th Division
32nd Division
34th Division
15th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Armored Car Co
59th Infantry Brigade
36th Division
37th Division
39th Division
110th Division
70th Division
13th Division
35th Division
40th Division
17th Division
26th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Division
64th Infantry Brigade
38th Division
China Expeditionary Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
North China Area Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
RGC Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Army
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
11th Army
1st Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
NCPC Army
23rd Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
7th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
70th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
79th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
45th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
59th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
56th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
2nd Construction Regiment
20th Chinese Base Force
20th Chinese Corps
14th Group Army
47th Chinese Corps
11th Construction Regiment
6th Chinese Base Force
18th Group Army
11th Chinese Base Force
3rd Construction Regiment
12th Group Army
17th Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
36th Chinese Corps
5th War Area
2nd War Area
26th Group Army
16th Construction Regiment
14th Construction Regiment
3rd War Area
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
6th Construction Regiment
1st Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
96th Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
Y' Force
1st Chinese Base Force
4th War Area
49th AA Regiment
9th Chinese Base Force
6th War Area
2nd Chinese Base Force
15th Group Army
24th Group Army
99th Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
7th New Chinese Corps
Jingcha War Area
38th Group Army
33rd Group Army
17th Construction Regiment
21st Chinese Corps
5th Group Army
Red Chinese Army
7th War Area
10th Construction Regiment
13th Group Army
1st War Area
21st Group Army
9th Separate Brigade
31st Group Army
36th Group Army
10th Chinese Corps
CAF HQ
20th Group Army
19th Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
9th Group Army
32nd Group Army
3rd Group Army
11th Chinese Corps
41st AA Regiment
13th Construction Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
12th Construction Regiment
China Command
10th Chinese Base Force
16th Chinese Base Force
37th Group Army
8th War Area
4th Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force
3rd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
65th Chinese Corps
Central Reserve
8th Construction Regiment
22nd Group Army
35th Group Army
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/13/43

A first in this PBEM… replay of the 6/12 game turn produced a completely empty Combat report file. Other than three incidents involving attacks by air patrols on opposing submarines, absolutely nothing happened (at least visible to the naked eye).


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/12 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap and Abemama. Detected statuses of the two bases show no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location.

Heavy volume of intercepted radio transmissions from Truk reported for a second day in another 6/12 Sigint entry. Detected status of Truk shows unidentified Japanese planes based there, ship(s) in port, also LCU(s) – these all as expected. No other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/12 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi and Woodlark Is (second consecutive day from this location). Detected status of Tulagi shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, port size 2(3), airfield capacity 2(2). There’s little question now that Pillager is developing a major Japanese air/naval base complex at Tulagi and Lunga. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Woodlark Is.

US sub Skipjack on patrol E of Tulagi at hex location 116, 136 reports two air attacks by Japanese bombers – this time the planes were identified as a G3M Nell and G4M Betty, possibly operating from the Tulagi/Lunga base complex mentioned above. Entries in the 6/12 Combat Events report indicate the G3M was hit by SS Skipjack. No hits or damage reported by the sub. So much for “Dive Bombers”. Someone aboard SS Skipjack needs a refresher course in plane identification.


Main body of transport convoy WP-61 (21 transports, 8 APA, 1 LSD) arrives this game turn in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes US 4th Marine Division, 58K supply and 83K fuel. Two detachments from the convoy in addition to the main body has reached South Pacific theatre - one detachment (convoy WP-61A with five xAK) arrived in Pago Pago on 6/10 with supply and fuel cargo, a second detachment (convoy WP-61B with 10 xAK) is due to reach New Zealand shortly with additional fuel and supply. The APA, LSD and some xAP from the main body of WP-61 are remaining in the South Pacific to be held in reserve for future operations.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/12 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Miho Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 6, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Shinkoku Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 104,133 near Woodlark Island, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port (+1 from last report), 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 98 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 58 aircraft (48 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 71 aircraft (70 fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 28, 10 Jap LCU’s, oil production 90(211), refinery 97(4).


India: Two Japanese subs spotted and attacked by British air patrols off Colombo – one identified as I-160, the second an unidentified Type KD4 class sub. A 6/12 Operations Report entry indicates a hit was scored on one of the two Jap subs off Colombo, no report of any Jap sub sinking.


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/14/43

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub returning to base intercepts Japanese transport convoy. The Jap TF remains visible on the game map - reported to contain 5 ships including a DD, moving on a NW heading (this course indicates the convoy likely returning to Japan from the general direction of Wake Is or the Marshalls). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 120,74 (E of Chichi-jima)

Japanese Ships
AK Aobasan Maru
xAK Taito Maru
xAK Kosei Maru
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS Grunion

SS Grunion launches 2 torpedoes at AK Aobasan Maru
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/13 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

Heavy volume of intercepted radio transmissions from Truk reported in another 6/13 Sigint entry - for a third consecutive day. Detected status of Truk shows unidentified Japanese planes based there, ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/13 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Woodlark Is (third consecutive day from this location). Detected status of Woodlark Is shows a stationary Jap transport TF containing two ships (1 xAKL, 1 AM), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. The Jap TF at Woodlark Is was also spotted by a US PBY Catalina naval search air patrol from NE Australia.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/13 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: AR Kiyosumi Maru reported in port at Lunga (second coastwatcher report indicating this ship at Lunga, previously reported here on 6/10)
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: PB Tomitu Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 5, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Shinkoku Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port (-1 from last report), 3 Jap TF in harbor, 107 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39). One of the new Jap LCU’s in Rangoon was identified this game turn as 11 Shipping Engineer Rgt in a 6/13 Sigint report entry. This unit was transferred to Burma from its previous known location at Georgetown (Malaya).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 53 aircraft (47 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 99 aircraft (97 fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 23, 10 Jap LCU’s, oil production 91(210), refinery 97(4).


India: Jap submarine I-160 attacked and reported sunk by a Dutch/Indian surface ASW TF. The second unidentified Jap sub off Colombo remains detected at hex location 27, 49 southwest of Colombo – the sub spotted this game turn by a RAF Catalina naval search air patrol plus a TF of British light surface ASW is also in this hex position. AAR’s follow

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Colombo at 28,47 (NW of Colombo)

Japanese Ships
SS I-160, hits 6

Allied Ships
DD Tjerk Hiddes
KV Genista
DD Van Galen

SS I-160 is located by DD Tjerk Hiddes
I-160 bottoming out ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Van Galen fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tjerk Hiddes attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Colombo at 28,47

Japanese Ships
SS I-160, hits 2 (reported sunk)

Allied Ships
DD Tjerk Hiddes
KV Genista
DD Van Galen

SS I-160 is located by DD Tjerk Hiddes
I-160 bottoming out ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes is out of ASW ammo
DD Van Galen fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Three US fighter squadrons that entered the game this turn at Capetown under 10th USAAF command are being retained in Capetown for temporary use in pilot training. The three squadrons at this time are surplus to current front line operational needs of 10th USAAF command in on-map areas of India – there being sufficient numbers of front-line capable Allied fighter squadrons in mainland India for now. The three squadrons entered the game with virtually no pilots and have been filled to full strength with a total of 75 partially trained USAAF fighter pilots from the reserve pool.

A possibility now under consideration is the possible transfer of HQ 14th USAAF out of India, possibly into the Pacific. 14th USAAF command is the historic successor to the AVG in China – in AE, the HQ LCU and its subordinate air units enter the game as reinforcements at various locations in India and nearby off-map bases. As no viable front exists within China for 14th USAAF to operate in, a decision is being considered as to whether parts or all of this air command will be used to reinforce 10th USAAF in India and/or transferred out for probable use in the Pacific. The three USAAF fighter squadrons in Capetown will probably transfer from 10th to 14th USAAF command and fall (in some manner) within the scope of this decision. Pending a decision, the squadrons will remain in Capetown and used there to complete training of partially trained USAAF fighter pilots now in the reserve pool.


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/15/43

Pilot Training: Some time ago, I mentioned the use of CAP air missions over friendly rear-area bases as a means to continue training of fighter pilots beyond the maximum levels they reach using “conventional” AE training missions. Indications are showing the practice is effective in producing a gradual increase of experience levels for pilots in fighter squadrons where this type of mission is being flown – experience level increases are modest but evenly distributed across all pilots in most squadrons. Fighter pilots in these squadrons are already trained to 70 Air and Strafing skill levels before these CAP missions were begun – thus, the CAP missions are increasing only experience levels.

Fighter squadrons where this type of CAP mission is being flown are already deployed in front-line theatres – the practice is now being used in all Pacific theatres (Central, South, SW). Squadrons flying this operation are set to 30% CAP (continuous), everything else at rest – pilot fatigue remains well below 10, very few planes damaged and no ops losses.

It should be emphasized this type of CAP mission does not replace use of the “conventional” AE training mission for fighter pilots – it is intended as a third level of training for fighter pilots that have already completed training for Air (1st training level) and Strafing (2nd traiining level) skills with the standard AE training mission in training squadrons specifically designated for that purpose. My implementation of CAP mission training for fighter pilots has not replaced or reduced designated pilot training squadrons. There are currently 1800+ Allied fighter pilots (all nationalities) in the replacement pool who have completed one or both the first two levels of Air and Strafing skills training – this number excludes fighter pilots already assigned to front-line squadrons and also fighter pilots currently in a designated pilot training squadron to complete either Air or Strafing skill training.

Within the context of my PBEM campaign, the large scale use of CAP missions for fighter pilot training is a temporary luxury – something that can be done with front-line squadrons in the time they’re awaiting active combat. It’s something not as well suited for 1941-42 or the late campaign, but useful and feasible at this point in 1943. Primary objective of these CAP air missions as initially designed is increasing pilot experience levels in front-line fighter squadrons (mainly in the Pacific theatre areas) during whatever time remains before the start of Allied general offensive operations. Except for a small number of squadrons based at airfields within possible range of Japanese LBA, most of the fighter squadrons now flying these CAP missions were otherwise idle.

Pilot training as an industry…


Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub attacks Japanese TF containing light surface ASW in a night action, another hit scored on a small Jap escort ship. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ulleungdo at 106,51 (adjacent hex NW of Ulleungdo)

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-17, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Zosen Maru

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish

SS Blackfish launches 2 torpedoes at SC CHa-17
PB Zosen Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/14 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from several locations including Baker Is, Majuro and Roi-Namur. Unidentified Jap planes are shown detected on Roi-Namur and Baker Is, ship(s) in port at Roi-Namur. No other visible Japanese forces or activity were observed at these locations.

US patrol sub Trout reports contact with E13A1 Jake floatplane at hex location 112, 113 south of Truk. This incident will be watched further for any additional contacts. Additional US sub patrols are operating in nearby sea areas surrounding SS Trout.


South Pacific: Unidentified Japanese sub spotted off Suva (hex location 132, 161) by Hudson III naval search air patrol. US surface ASW is also operating in the hex but did not engage the Jap submarine.

US patrol sub in the sea approaches S of Rabaul intercepts Jap transport. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Feni Islands at 107,128 (S of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kanaiyama Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

xAKL Kanaiyama Maru is sighted by SS Scamp
SS Scamp launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Kanaiyama Maru

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

The second detachment of transport convoy WP-61 (convoy WP-61B, 10 ships) arrived this game turn in Wellington from the mainland US. Convoy arriving aboard WP-61B includes 62K supply and 5K fuel, no air units or LCU.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/14 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Madras Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown


Australia: All Dutch CL based in Australia upgraded their on-board spotter planes from CXI-W to OS2U-3 Kingfishers - planes drawn from the Australian replacement pool. The five Dutch CL's along with all eligible Dutch DD’s are currently in 6/43 ship upgrade at ports in Australia.


Andaman Sea: US sub Muskallunge hit and damaged in attack by Ki-30 Ann air patrol while on patrol at hex location 47, 70 south of Phuket. Reported damage to SS Muskallunge is system 35, float 5, engine 1 – sub now returning to base at 17 kts speed for repair.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 96 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 51 aircraft (47 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 94 aircraft (93 fighters) based in Magwe, airfield damage 12, 10 Jap LCU’s, oil production 91(209), refinery 97(4).

An attempted night air strike against Magwe airfield was aborted - many planes did not appear to take off, those planes that did “got lost” and returned to base. It’s uncertain whether or not weather conditions and/or other factor(s) caused the strike mission to abort. Combat Events report entries follow.

7 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
7 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/16/43

Japanese Home Islands: Sigint entry for 6/15 reporting intercepted radio transmissions from one or more unidentified Japanese TF(s) at hex location 114, 69 east of Torishima. The Jap TF(s) remain detected and visible on-map. No information available as to number of TF, composition or movement headings.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/15 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows unidentified Jap planes based there, also ship(s) in port and LCU(s). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Truk.


South Pacific: US patrol sub in the Solomon Sea intercepts and sinks Jap transport. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Treasury Islands at 108,134 (W of Munda)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tateyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel

xAKL Tateyama Maru is sighted by SS Pickerel
SS Pickerel launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Tateyama Maru

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

Catalina naval search air patrol (operating from NE Australia) spots one or more detected Jap TF(s) in Woodlark Is base hex. Composition of one Jap TF at Woodlark identified as two ships including one xAKL and one AM.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/15 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAKL Tenposan Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Shirashika Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 100 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).


USAAF B-25 bombers hit Mandalay airfield in a night air strike. No Japanese planes reported destroyed, minor if any damage on Mandalay airfield facilities. One B-25 bomber returned to base damaged, no planes were lost. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon (after raid) – 57 aircraft (55 fighters) based in Mandalay, airfield damage 1, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

5 x 341st BG/490th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/491st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46 (96% moonlight)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 15

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – no airfield damage, 10 Jap LCU’s, oil production 93(208), refinery 97(4).


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/17/43

Central Pacific: US patrol sub in action with Japanese ASW escort near the Marshalls. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Eniwetok at 128,112 (SW of Eniewetok)

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi
xAK Sumatra Maru

Allied Ships
SS Shark

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

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

Sigint entry for 6/16 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/16 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: TK San Diego Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: DD Asashio reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 104,133 near Woodlark Island, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 8, Moving East


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action with Japanese surface ASW. AAR’s follow.

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

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
E Hachijo
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at DD Mutsuki
DD Mutsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Isonami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,63

Japanese Ships
E Hachijo
DD Mutsuki
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto is located by E Hachijo
Peto diving deep ....
DD Mutsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isonami fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor, 113 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 58 aircraft (49 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – oil production 94(207), refinery 97(4).


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/18/43

Sea of Japan: US patrol sub in action against Japanese transport off eastern coast of Korea. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Genzan at 106,50 (SE of Genzan)

Japanese Ships
xAK Tasmania Maru

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish

xAK Tasmania Maru is sighted by SS Blackfish
SS Blackfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Tasmania Maru

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


6/43 Ship Upgrade: One of the more valuable ship upgrades available this month is for US S-class submarines. What stands out with this particular upgrade is that it effectively doubles the movement range of these subs. The timing of this upgrade presents a significant factor when applying the 6/43 update for US S-class subs - many S-class subs have ship withdrawal dates in late 1943 bringing into consideration the remaining time an individual sub of this class has in the game until its scheduled withdrawal date. Repair time to complete the 6/43 update varies between individual S-class subs – many update in only 8 days, others as long as 27 days. For the S-class subs with late 1943 withdrawal dates, the time needed to complete the update of an individual sub must be balanced against now much time that sub will remain in the game. My plans are giving priority for this upgrade to those S-class subs with no scheduled withdrawal date, or with withdrawal dates in or beyond early 1944. It is likely at this point that S-class subs with late 1943 withdrawal dates will not receive the 6/43 upgrade – this decision based on maximizing use of these subs during the time they remain in the game and are still available for front-line operations.


US West Coast: Intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Japanese sub reported in a 6/17 Sigint entry. Detected position of the sub is WSW of San Francisco (hex location 213, 73) – no information as to the sub’s movement heading. The Jap sub remains well off the US coastline, no Allied ships currently in or immediately due to pass through the sea area near the sub.


Central Pacific: US sub Bowfin attacked and severely damaged by a B5N2 Kate bomber while on patrol north of Truk (hex location 111, 101). Reported damage levels to SS Bowfin are system 82, float 68, engine 16. SS Bowfin is making way at 5 kts movement. Given the location and type of aircraft involved, this incident could be considered a likely contact with the KB. A second US patrol sub is operating in a nearby patrol area to the south of SS Bowfin between SS Bowfin’s position and Truk – this second sub had no reported contacts this game turn with Japanese planes or ships. My estimate is pointing to the KB probably caught in the act of arriving in or leaving Truk to/from the north.

Sigint entries for 6/17 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is and Wotje. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Wotje or Baker Is.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/17 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 4, Moving Northeast


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 93 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 52 aircraft (48 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).


USAAF and RAF bombers hit oil production facilities at Magwe in a night air strike. No Allied plane losses or damaged, five Japanese CAP fighters (3 Ki-44 Tojo, 2 A6M5 Zero) destroyed in air-to-air combat.

Reported results of the raid indicate little if any additional damage to oil production in Magwe (see base status below) – while this indication could be the result of FOW and a short-term lapse in Allied recon flights over Magwe, it is likely the combination of night and weather conditions over Magwe make the reported results accurate.

An observation from my own experience of night bombing ops and something I also took from previous discussion in the forum (Pillager’s night bombing thread) is that results of night bombing raids as reported to the attacking side (Allied in my case) may often understate the actual results. In the forum, Pillager’s report of night bombing raid results consistently exceeded information I was receiving in my own AE reports, this even with Allied recon over the target. Based on all this… it cannot be assumed that night bombing over Burma is completely ineffective, though the opposite cannot be assumed either. The truth most likely lies somewhere in between, the details not expected to be revealed by Pillager at least prior to the post-PBEM analysis.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid) – 10 Jap LCU’s, oil production 95(206), refinery 97(4).

Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (100% moonlight, not much help given weather conditions)

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 7
Wellington GR.VIII x 19
B-24D Liberator x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington GR.VIII: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Liberator II bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator II bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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


China: Japanese resume ground attack on Chungking. AAR follows.

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

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 288079 troops, 2797 guns, 1460 vehicles, Assault Value = 10325
Defending force 393917 troops, 1406 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6683

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

Allied ground losses:
526 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Division
40th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Armored Car Co
116th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Division
17th Division
35th Division
22nd Division
59th Infantry Brigade
58th Division
41st Division
6th Division
3rd Tank Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
39th Division
104th Division
64th Infantry Brigade
110th Division
32nd Division
26th Division
36th Division
34th Division
70th Division
38th Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
China Expeditionary Army
12th Army
1st Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
NCPC Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
RGC Army
North China Area Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
14th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
73rd Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
91st Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
46th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
58th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
3rd Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Base Force
2nd Construction Regiment
20th Chinese Corps
6th War Area
96th Chinese Corps
38th Group Army
11th Construction Regiment
11th Chinese Base Force
36th Group Army
21st Chinese Corps
Jingcha War Area
26th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Base Force
9th Chinese Base Force
2nd War Area
3rd Group Army
15th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
3rd War Area
33rd Group Army
2nd Group Army
18th Group Army
65th Chinese Corps
41st AA Regiment
18th Chinese Base Force
CAF HQ
37th Group Army
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
21st Group Army
23rd Group Army
8th War Area
3rd Construction Regiment
17th Construction Regiment
7th War Area
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
Central Reserve
1st Chinese Base Force
12th Group Army
China Command
20th Group Army
5th Group Army
Y' Force
7th Chinese Corps
10th Construction Regiment
7th Chinese Base Force
6th Group Army
49th AA Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
24th Group Army
9th Group Army
4th Group Army
10th Chinese Corps
6th Chinese Base Force
7th New Chinese Corps
13th Group Army
2nd Chinese Base Force
47th Chinese Corps
29th Group Army
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
1st Group Army
31st Group Army
81st Chinese Corps
5th War Area
36th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Base Force
77th Chinese Corps
Red Chinese Army
15th Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Corps
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/19/43

“You won’t have China to kick around anymore” - While the fall of Chungking was inevitable, the timing was a mild surprise. My estimate prior to this game turn was that Chungking had another month or so left in its life span. Pillager had achieved 1:1 odds (actually near 1.5:1 with a 6288 to 4245 AV edge) in his last Japanese deliberate ground attack on 6/12, this being my indication the end was approaching in Chungking.

As for dire predictions from the fall of Chungking… There is little question the collapse of China frees up a substantial number of Japanese LCU for deployment to other theatres. Over the last few months it was realized this was unavoidable and would occur at some point in time – and also had to be accounted for in Allied strategy elsewhere. It’s a given that Pillager is going to be able to put additional Japanese “boots on the ground” in places I’d rather not have them. Intelligence will likely provide a picture of exactly what Pillager is sending to where – until this information becomes known (to the extent it becomes known), the appropriate adjustments in Allied strategy will not be fully made. I have some projections but they are only projections.

But… there are still yellow LCU counters on the map, nearly all of them at full TOE strength. And air squadrons too. Anything that I could legitimately transfer out of China (within HR limits) got out – this contingent now in India. Chinese forces in India include 11 infantry LCU and two HQ, all these units rebuilt to full TOE strength. One additional Chinese LCU (3rd New Chinese Corps) is now marching across northern Burma near the border into India. Much of the Chinese AF also resides in India – the core of the air contingent being fighter squadrons plus a smaller number of bombers. Current training and skill levels of Chinese pilots in India are already comparable to US/British front-line counterparts – they will at least make best use of the planes they have available. Chinese plane and LCU element replacement pools will likely be a long-term problem but that’s a long-term problem.

In the belly of the Japanese empire, the wrath of Walmart has been provoked. A new sun is rising, bright yellow with a smiley face. [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)] Thousands of them, opening up all over the place. Japanese co-prosperity is going out of business.

AAR of the season finale follows.

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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 289433 troops, 2797 guns, 1542 vehicles, Assault Value = 10404
Defending force 394697 troops, 1394 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6764
Japanese adjusted assault: 9648
Allied adjusted defense: 4307
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Chungking !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-43A-1 Lancer: 2 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
14673 casualties reported
Squads: 49 destroyed, 1758 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 80 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 167 disabled
Guns lost 138 (5 destroyed, 133 disabled)
Vehicles lost 78 (7 destroyed, 71 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
374963 casualties reported
Squads: 23605 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 38710 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 714 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1421 (1421 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 154

Assaulting units:
59th Infantry Brigade
26th Division
110th Division
8th Armored Car Co
3rd Tank Division
13th Division
37th Division
40th Division
6th Division
15th Tank Regiment
17th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
22nd Division
116th Division
41st Division
32nd Division
70th Division
104th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
58th Division
15th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th Division
34th Division
35th Division
64th Infantry Brigade
38th Division
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
12th Army
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
RGC Army
1st Army
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
China Expeditionary Army
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
NCPC Army
11th Army
23rd Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
North China Area Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
259th Brigade
9th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
90th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
45th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
40th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
68th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
78th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
7th Construction Regiment
84th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
48th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
36th Chinese Corps
1st Group Army
10th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
99th Chinese Corps
18th Group Army
5th War Area
15th Chinese Base Force
3rd Construction Regiment
77th Chinese Corps
37th Group Army
CAF HQ
8th War Area
5th Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force
12th Group Army
49th AA Regiment
Central Reserve
9th Chinese Base Force
31st Group Army
13th Chinese Base Force
96th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
9th Group Army
21st Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
41st AA Regiment
18th Chinese Base Force
20th Group Army
7th Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
3rd Group Army
33rd Group Army
6th War Area
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
11th Chinese Base Force
26th Chinese Corps
Red Chinese Army
20th Chinese Base Force
2nd Group Army
China Command
3rd Chinese Corps
13th Group Army
10th Construction Regiment
11th Chinese Corps
2nd Construction Regiment
4th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
7th Artillery Regiment
2nd War Area
38th Group Army
2nd Chinese Base Force
15th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
7th War Area
21st Group Army
17th Construction Regiment
36th Group Army
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
29th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
Y' Force
3rd War Area
24th Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
23rd Group Army
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
11th Construction Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment

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


Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-40 (43 ships) departs this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes two USAAF air transport squadrons (26 C-47 Skytrain), 184K supply and 11K fuel.


Central Pacific: US sub Bowfin damaged in an air attack last game turn N of Truk has sunk. Damage levels on SS Bowfin indicated getting the sub back to any base for repair (the sub was heading for Pearl Harbor) would have been a long, difficult proposition with an uncertain probability of success.

Sigint entry for 6/18 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/18 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Iwaki Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Kongo Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 13, Moving Northeast


Australia: Transport convoy EX-36 (39 ships) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes five air squadrons (one USAAF 2E bomber, four small Dutch patrol squadrons), 106K supply and 48K fuel.

Dutch squadrons (12 PBY-5 Catalinas total) arriving aboard EX-36 are part of the rebuilt Dutch air arm that reentered the game at Aden – the squadrons were rebuilt in Aden and transported to Capetown where they were picked up by the convoy. The squadrons are under SW Pacific command to be employed in naval search air ops.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 4 Japanese ships anchored in port (+2 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor (+2 from last report), 92 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).


USAAF and RAF 2E bombers launch night air strike on Mandalay airfield. Three Allied planes (2 B-25C, 1 Blenheim IV) and two Japanese planes (1 Ki-45 Nick, 1 A6M2 Zero) reported destroyed – all planes were ops losses. One additional USAAF B-25C returned to base damaged. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon (after air strike) – 52 aircraft (48 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19). No reported damage to Mandalay airfield.

5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/491st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
7 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (96% moonlight, weather again probably cancelling this out)

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 20

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 25
B-25C Mitchell x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
16 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 9 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 15

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

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


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 91 aircraft (89 fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, oil production 95(206), refinery 97(4).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/20/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/19 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Hudson III naval search air patrol spots unidentified Jap submarine at hex location 131, 161 (adjacent hex SW of Suva) - sub is reported moving on a W heading. No Allied shipping currently in or due to enter the immediate area of this contact.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: xAKL Hoko Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 111,134 near Munda, Speed 4, Moving Northeast


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub reports contact with Japanese surface ASW west of Tavoy. Jap ASW task force contains 4 ships (including 3 DD) and moving northbound. No reported combat between the sub and ASW.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 2 Japanese ships anchored in port (-2 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 117 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 60 aircraft (55 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).


RAF bombers hit Magwe airfield in a night raid. Light damage to airfield facilities in Magwe, nine Japanese planes destroyed on the ground (6 Ki-45 Nick, 2 Ki-44 Tojo, 1 Ki-46 Dinah). One RAF Wellington I bomber destroyed (ops loss), no Allied planes damaged. Weather and moonlight conditions were both favorable for this raid. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid) – 64 aircraft (62 fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, airfield damage 6, oil production 96(205), refinery 97(4).

5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Clear sky (92% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 65 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 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 36 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 10 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

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China: A few small Chinese holdouts remain inside China.

The most significant is a small group of non-transferrable Chinese LCU in southern China blocking the road going into Burma. This group cannot leave China per HR and includes remnants of six Chinese infantry corps plus a base force LCU (435 AV face value) occupying a mountain hex along the road between Tsuyung and Paoshan (hex location 67, 44). One unidentified Japanese LCU is detected in the hex. Pillager is no doubt aware of the Chinese blocking force and is expected to dispatch a Japanese ground force to take it out.

Also, there is the front in western China which has been inactive in recent months. Pillager had stopped the Japanese advance here after capturing Urumchi. There is no Chinese ground force of any consequence in western China – one infantry corps, one infantry brigade and four base force LCU; all of these non-transferrable command, badly depleted and absolutely nowhere to go. Known Japanese ground forces on the western China front includes one Japanese division (3rd Infantry) – parts or all of this division probably occupying Urumchi. Neither of the two remaining Chinese controlled base hexes (Wasu and Kashgar) contain anything of significance for the Japanese to capture. The western front in China is expected to remain inactive – though in the event of the USSR entering the campaign, Russian ground forces may be able to use Wasu as a potential entry point into China (via the road leading from the Russian off-map base at Alma-Ata).


Manchuria: A number of recent Sigint entries are indicating movement of various Jap flak LCU into Port Arthur for likely transfer from the Kwantung Army to other front-line commands. This development not much of a surprise as Manchuria is a source of flak units that Pillager can access with little or no consequence to the Kwantung Army or to Japanese AA defenses in general. A side effect of this is Japanese PP expenditures to transfer flak LCU out of Manchuria does compete with PP requirements for transferring Jap LCU from China to other theatres – not necessarily a bad thing.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/21/43

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/20 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Munda. Detected status of Munda shows unidentified aircraft based there, airfield size 2(3), port size 0(2). No other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/20 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Taito Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nitimei Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port (+1 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 86 aircraft (all fighters), 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 49 aircraft (42 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 83 aircraft (81 fighters) based in Magwe, 10 Jap LCU’s, airfield damage 6, oil production 97(204), refinery 97(4).


China: Combat between group of non-transferrable Chinese LCU in southern China occupying mountain hex between Tsuyung and Paoshan along the road to Burma and the Japanese LCU previously detected in the hex. AAR and situation map follows.

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Ground combat at 67,44 (N of Paoshan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3627 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127
Defending force 14707 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 442
Japanese adjusted assault: 50
Allied adjusted defense: 214
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4

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

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

Allied ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Base Force

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[johnjohn]

John piping in again. I read about the dislodging of your forces at Chungking. One thought came to me that may prove valuable to you. When I moved five divisions into Northern Burma to fight a similar sized force, I had no idea that I would dislodge them rather easily. What has proved a major pain is that this enemy force, although weakened and cut off from all support is still nearby, thus forcing me to keep that large allied force garrisoned nearby to ensure that what I have taken does not fall to the stragglers as it most likely would if I pulled my forces forward towards Rangoon. The point here is this: perhaps you could do the same to pillager. Scatter your force around the area and force him to either chase you or garrison to resist you. It doesn't matter if you are able to engage ever again. It is the "fleet in being" idea applied to your Army. You may not be able to extract or save any of these units, but you can chew up a fair measure of time playing goose goose duck, thus tying down a goodly portion of his China forces.

[wneumann]

johnjohn,

Chinese ground forces still holding out are non-transferrable LCU with nowhere to go. These units are at or near remnant strength, no base of supply. My course of action is making Pillager chase them down with the Japanese army and waste a little more time and effort. That little group in the mountains is blocking the road to Burma, a Chinese Thermopolye. I'm investigating whether it is possibile to airlift supply to them from Ledo. Even if our HR allowed these Chinese LCU to march overland to Ledo, they would likely disintegrate in the mountains or jungle before they reached India. There's a slight chance of Western China being useful as a bridgehead for Russian forces if the USSR enters the game.

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With both Chungking and Chengtu in Japanese control, all the Chinese LCU destroyed at Chungking are virtually eliminated from the game permanently. The only possible exception to permanent elimination is an invasion of China by other Allied forces (US/British or Russian) and a re-capture of either Chungking or Chengtu. With all but the far western areas of China occupied by the Japanese - this invasion would have to make its way across China (from either the coast, northern or southern borders) to reach Chungking and then re-capture it. Not an impossible task but the liberation of China is also not a very feasible Allied strategy in that this operation would likely consume most if not all available Allied ground forces and logistical resources at the expense of other operations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

However... there are Chinese ground and air forces still in the game, alive and well in India. If you had the Free French, why not the Free Chinese?

With the HR we have in effect, Chinese LCU and air units could not exit China unless they are transferrable command and PP are paid for their transfer. With most Chinese LCU being non-transferrable except for a number of smaller units, this is a moot point anyway. There are a dozen or so smaller Chinese LCU (mostly division size) which are transferrable - nearly all of these reached India and now rebuilt to full TOE strength. These Chinese LCU are now under Southeast Asia command and basically part of the Allied armies in India. They are at least a useful addition for defensive purposes and/or to merely occupy territory.

Nearly all these Chinese LCU reached India as cadres (well less than 10% TOE strength) via air evacuation. My attempted supply airlift from Ledo to China in late 1942 proved useless, it simply could not transport enough supply points with the available planes and the rate at which supply points could reach Ledo. Once this became apparent, my Allied airlift operations between Ledo and China reversed direction - instead of moving supply in, the planes were evacuating remnants of transferrable Chinese LCU out to India.

It should also be noted given the general supply situation (more specifically the complete lack thereof) inside China, there was not enough available supply points within China for Chinese LCU in China to draw replacement elements. Through most of 1942 and the first half of 1943, Chinese replacement elements were accumulating in the pools and could not be drawn into Chinese LCU inside China due to supply. However... depleted Chinese LCU reaching India have access to a sufficient quantity of supply points, could and did rebuild with replacement pool elements. After the fall of Chungking, the end result is a relatively small number of surviving Chinese LCU combined with a fairly good pool of replacement elements given the number of Chinese units this pool has to support. Replacement pools for the Chinese army no longer receive any new additions of squads or equipment with the fall of Chungking - what is in these pools now is all there is and conserving them is a factor. This means avoiding the use of Chinese ground forces in operations where they will likely encounter high levels of attrition.

A small Chinese air force also exists in India, this now attached to 10th USAAF command. What I had to look at in the case of the air force was how many squadrons (and what kind of squadrons) could actually be supported in India given the numbers of Chinese pilots and planes available. Many Chinese air squadrons (about 1/2 the air force) stayed behind in China and deliberately grounded to face elimination after being stripped of planes and pilots (mostly pilots without planes) to the maximum extent possible. In any case, there was no supply inside China to fly or maintain these squadrons.

Evacution of Chinese air squadrons to India worked along three guidelines - (1) withdrawal date if any, (2) type of squadron, (3) how many and what kind of Chinese squadrons in India could be adequately supported with the available Chinese pilots and planes. In most other respects, evacuation of the Chinese air force to India went much along the same lines as described above with the army - the main difference being they could fly themselves out rather than evacuation via air transport. Pilots and planes removed from Chinese AF squadrons remaining inside China were evacuated via the replacement pools.

The Chinese air force now in India includes seven first line squadrons (4 fighter, 3 bomber, all with no withdrawal dates) plus seven additional squadrons that have withdrawal dates. This Chinese AF is now operating completely in pilot training mode, training standards for Chinese pilots the same as those for their US and British counterparts. By mid-1944, strength of the Chinese air force will be reduced to the core of 7 squadrons that do not have a withdrawal date. My goal here is to fully train as many Chinese replacement pilots as possible in the time I still have most or all the 14 available Chinese squadrons. The seven "permanent" Chinese squadrons are intended to operate with the best possible pilots and planes available.

Like the army, Chinese air squadrons in India will have a useful second-line role, particularly the fighter squadrons. The primary plane type for Chinese AF fighter squadrons is the H81-A3 (early P-40 variant) - I took the liberty of swapping all H81-A3 planes from AVG squadrons into the replacement pools before the squadrons were withdrawn from the game (the AVG leaving the game with Russian I-15 and I-16 types, plus perfectly good US pilots from these squadrons replaced with all rookies). Chinese fighter squadrons will not be expected to go up against Tojos and advanced Jap fighter planes, though they are well suited to handle unescorted Jap bombers. Chinese bomber squadrons will be of more limited value mainly due to quality and quantities of available Chinese bomber plane types, also fewer Chinese bomber pilots.

Plane and pilot replacement pools for the Chinese air force are under the same constraints as replacement pools for the Chinese army - what's now in these pools is all there is, no new replacements entering the pools with Chungking gone. A larger part of current Chinese pilot and plane replacement pool contents is for the fighter arm - more available trained fighter pilots and fighter planes than bombers.


Chinese air and ground forces in India are fragile but could prove a useful addition to other Allied forces in India/Southeast Asia if properly employed and preserved within their limitations. Supplied Chinese LCU at full TOE strength are quite different from the starved and depleted units Pillager faced in Chungking. Chinese air squadrons with fully trained pilots and best available planes should also prove different.


Much of what's been done and still doing with Chinese forces in India is drawn from my experience with the small Dutch contingent I still have running around. Many of the conditions and issues I experienced with Dutch forces since Japanese conquest of the DEI in early-1942 also apply in the case of Chinese forces now. You never know... there could be a Chinese LCU marching into Tokyo, or maybe a Dutch one.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 6/22/43

At least for the moment... a relatively slow day or two in the office. Though the process of Allied logistics, pilot traning and basically pushing stuff forward silently continues.

South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 6/21 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nichiren Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 6, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Noumea is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 8, Moving Northwest


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub engaged by Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.

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

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
E Hachijo
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

SS Amberjack launches 2 torpedoes at DD Mutsuki
DD Isonami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mutsuki attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 97 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s (-1 from last report), light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 66 aircraft (62 fighters) based in Mandalay, 11 Jap LCU’s, resource production 2(19).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 99 aircraft (95 fighters) based in Magwe, 11 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), airfield damage 5, oil production 98(203), refinery 97(4).


India: Allied air unit reinforcements arriving in India over the last several game turns include a group of air transport squadrons intended for use in flying airlift missions “over the Hump” to China – these too little and too late for helping the situation there. All these squadrons are equipped with C-46 Commando transports though numbers of planes in the squadrons are below full strength. As there are no longer Chinese forces in China to supply (except possibly the small group holding out in the mountains near Paoshan), other tasks are being looked into for these new squadrons. All these squadrons are also restricted command plus they have scheduled withdrawal dates on or around 12/01/43.

Plans under consideration for this group of transport squadrons include transfer to rear-area bases inside mainland India for employment as training squadrons until their 12/43 scheduled withdrawal dates - as they are USAAF, they would be training US transport pilots that can be used anywhere. While these squadrons are in the game, they could possibly train USAAF air transport pilots in sufficient numbers to cover much if not all requirements for trained USAAF air transport pilots (across all theatres) from the reserve pool for the remainder of the campaign. Also being considered at a time near the squadrons’ scheduled withdrawal dates is “upgrading” some of these squadrons with older US transport plane types, drawing C-46 Commando planes from upgraded squadrons into the replacement pools. Plans also include leaving the plane strength of these squadrons at current levels throughout the time they are in the game – no planes to be drawn into these squadrons except for the “upgrades” mentioned above.

Air transport squadron reinforcements mentioned here are in excess to current and (short-term) projected requirements for ongoing Allied air transport activities in the India theatre area. USAAF and RAF air transport squadrons already in India prior to arrival of these reinforcements are considered sufficient to cover Allied air transport needs within India.

What’s mentioned above in this particular topic can be included as part of my Allied local and global adjustments resulting from the recent collapse in China. Other items directly or indirectly related to the collapse of China will no doubt come up in various places and times through the remainder of the campaign - future items of significance or value related to this subject will be mentioned here to illustrate various things and issues in AE that need to or can be addressed on the Allied side in the aftermath of a complete elimination of China.