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

[BBfanboy]

I bet he sent that sub to the Aleutians because he is worrying about a move on the Kuriles.
The Centpac invasions should be a surprise to him.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I bet he sent that sub to the Aleutians because he is worrying about a move on the Kuriles.
The Centpac invasions should be a surprise to him.

So far and kind of by mutual unspoken actions, we've both left the far north pretty much alone. I decided just for the fun of it that I didn't want to do much up there this game. I have built bases and now have the farthest one almost maxed out. I have nothing prepped for the Kuriles, but the groundwork is laid.

I'm really wondering if either Truk or the Marianas right after will surprise him. I just don't know. At least I'll be able to rearm at Truk! [:'(]

[witpqs]

1943 July 05

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Port Moresby

The China squeeze continues, and even if we win the various foot races, I'm not sure we have enough to hold out indefinitely in the mountains.

Force R took a shot at intercepting a convoy coming out of Rangoon but missed. They are now on their way back to Colombo to disband and repair so much high-speed running damage. More than 20 Nell and Betty were downed over Ramree Island today as they tried to get at a convoy unloading there. This was the first action for CAP flying from the base, an experienced Hurricane IIb squadron. They were joined by some Hurricane IIc from Akyab. The other remaining Hurricane IIb squadron has been moved to Ramree Island to stiffen defenses further, the two groups at different altitudes to help guard against sweeps.

At Calcutta there are 3x 16-plane and 3x 25-plane USA fighters groups preparing. One flies the Mustang A-36 and two the P-39N1. The three 25-plane groups are the P-47 squadrons. In addition there are 3x P-40N1 squadrons training, but production will not fully equip those units until the end of the month (when that happens, the trainee pilots will be swapped out for front-line ready pilots). Those first six squadrons, 123 additional fighters, will provide additional cover to support the ground troops in Operation Left Hook.

The forces on the plain (which will race to make the river crossing into Prome) will pull even with Magwe tomorrow. Then the Americal Division, already in that hex, will start moving with them. The forces along the coast will begin moving toward the division across from Prome the day after tomorrow. Relief forces will move in behind to swap places as needed after the first attack. The 2EB have simply not flown at all against the IJA forces near Lashio/Bhamo as ordered. I hope with the additional fighter cover they do fly for Left Hook (as they did NW of Toungoo).

The assault force at Port Moresby is in fine shape but needs another full day of unloading, maybe a little more. They were not even bombarded, and I am ordering them to attack tomorrow (they should have 90% strength by the ground phase). Yorktown is estimated to be ready tomorrow, then we'll see how long Enterprise will take with the additional resources then available. The Battle Fleet is heading to Nauru to replenish from the AE contingent there (the ships, not some rogue players who found their way into the code). We now have aircraft operating out of Darwin and Merauke. Hollandia recon reports are strange, indicating 2 ships in port for the last few days but no ground units. Continued observation should confirm or debunk that information. Dagua shows as empty (and is only a dot base). USMC paratroopers for both are being airlifted to Manus where Coronados will take them to target when ready.

Here is a look at the top air losses game to date.

[zuluhour]

Wow the skytrains take a real beating here, Were they flying the hump non stop?

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

Wow the skytrains take a real beating here, Were they flying the hump non stop?

In this game I've been using them mostly to get supplies into Burma, although they were flying supplies into China before that (and a few still are).

One problem with supply missions flying all the time is that when the weather is really bad you can lose a bunch all at once to ops losses.

[zuluhour]

Never watched the weather with them. Never stop learning in here.

[Richard III]

...and Wow [X(] on his G4M1 Betty losses, almost 70% Ops. Was he using these on night bombing?

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: Richard III

...and Wow [X(] on his G4M1 Betty losses, almost 70% Ops. Was he using these on night bombing?

No. I really don't know why that one is so high.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

ORIGINAL: Richard III

...and Wow [X(] on his G4M1 Betty losses, almost 70% Ops. Was he using these on night bombing?

No. I really don't know why that one is so high.

I'm guessing that he set the Betties to Naval Attack and left the range at maximum. They would then launch way early on an approaching TF and if they took any damage at all, there is a higher chance that they would not make it back.
Operating from damaged bases also increases Ops losses.

[witpqs]

1943 July 06

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Rambutyo

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Port Moresby

In China the chase is heating up.

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Ground combat at 71,48 (near Kunming)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20154 troops, 140 guns, 327 vehicles, Assault Value = 656

Defending force 125667 troops, 486 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3336

Japanese adjusted assault: 134

Allied adjusted defense: 961

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 7

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

Japanese ground losses:
2149 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 277 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 61 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 22 (1 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Vehicles lost 82 (21 destroyed, 61 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1255 casualties reported
Squads: 154 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 21 (19 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
6th Division
5th Tank Regiment
55th Infantry Brigade
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
56th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps
9th War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
4th War Area
9th Group Army
21st Group Army
50th Chinese Corps
56th AT Gun Regiment


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Ground combat at 74,48 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 465 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 576

Defending force 33372 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 673

Assaulting units:
27th/C Division
32nd/A Division
9th Tank Regiment
27th/B Division
36th/B Division
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
65th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/C Corps
2nd Chinese Base Force
32nd Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
7th Chinese Base Force
20th Chinese Base Force


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Ground combat at Kienko (78,41)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 21647 troops, 165 guns, 28 vehicles, Assault Value = 699

Defending force 69580 troops, 250 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1630

Japanese adjusted assault: 114

Allied adjusted defense: 541

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
6926 casualties reported
Squads: 184 destroyed, 222 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 38 (6 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
912 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
64th Infantry Brigade
31st Infantry Regiment
15th RGC Temp. Division
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
60th Infantry Brigade
32nd/B Division
34th/A Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
55th Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
4th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
14th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
15th Group Army
33rd Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force


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First came the battle near the mountainous last redoubt. We lost more (already disabled) squads, but took a bite out of the Empire's current combat power. The third battle, near Kienko, was a major victory and some Imperial units can now be seen withdrawing to the SW. Near Kweiyang the Imperials now have enough for a successful attack and it is doubtful our forces will make their withdrawal before being routed.

Over Burma the Empire had a good day in the air, taken 6x Hurricane IIb and 4x P-40K to only two or three of their planes. The Hurricanes were swept of Burma by Zeros believed from Rangoon.

Our two regiments at Port Moresby are actually two battalions. Details, details. They attacked successfully but need more supply before they continue, although they might have enough for one attack after the transports finish unloading. Considering the weak resistance, that might be enough.

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Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2188 troops, 37 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 88

Defending force 1304 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied adjusted assault: 57

Japanese adjusted defense: 15

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3

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

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

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

Assaulting units:
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
49th Australian Battalion

Defending units:
3rd JNAF AF Unit

Yorktown is ready and will proceed to rendezvous with the fleet. Meanwhile reallocating the Sydney yard resources shows that Enterprise should be ready in 19 days. Back at Pearl, Essex is 40 days.

Here is a look at China.

[witpqs]

1943 July 07

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Derby
Dagua

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Port Moresby

Those Chinese forces near Kweiyang are in a worse predicament today as there are several hundred additional AV of Imperial troops on the scene now. I expect an attack tomorrow.

The Zero sweeps continued with some success over Ramree Island. I pulled back one squadron yesterday and today am doing so with the other one. Hopefully it will look like we've been pushed back. The first six reinforcement squadrons (discussed earlier) are now at Akyab, ready to go. The 3x P-47 groups are flying 0 range CAP at 30,000 ft just in case of a massed Japanese effort to get at a convoy or hit the airfield. There is a convoy offshore with an RN base force bound for Ramree Island. They will proceed when we spring forward a large fighter presence at Ramree.

The leading coastal component of Left Hook is on the way toward the target division, which is across the river NW Prome. That first line is 1,510 AV, and is over stacked by a little more than 25%. As the combat will take place adjacent to Ramree Island, fighter cover from that base should be strong, while our own bombers have it a bit easier. Prome is only a level 1 airfield while Ramree Island is 2 + 78%. The three component regiments of a decoy division are beginning to move south from Meiktila to show a threat on the other route to Toungoo. At about the same time those regiments emerge on that road between Meiktila and the forest to the south, the main force now west of Magwe should make another hex and be just NW (and across the river) from the forest hex where the main battles took place a few weeks ago. How quickly the main force will be scouted is unknown.

Meanwhile a second enemy unit of unknown strength has arrived at the battle hex SW of Bhamo. Our paratroop regiment should arrive in combat formation tomorrow as they have 4 miles to go. The 268th Motorized Bde will arrive probably 2 days after. The USA 4EB are still constantly bombing the opposition here, hoping both to stave of the retreat of our defenders and to reinforce the notion of a weak spot being defended.

Iwo Jima and Rota airfields both expanded to 1 today, signalling priority. A large convoy with 2x divisions and a corps HQ all prepping for Guam will leave San Francisco tomorrow, first stop Hawaii. Finding staging areas close enough to the front for all the divisions amid the large cadre of support units is becoming challenging. The farther back they are, the longer the pause between invasions and the longer the Empire has to prepare for the next battle. Within 10 days a total of 1x Essex CV and 2x Independence CVL will arrive at Balboa. The first Independence CVL and 2x CVE just refueled at Tabiteuea and are proceeding to Nauru to integrate with the fleet.

The Bns at Port Moresby will attack tomorrow. One is still low on supply, but the additional supply that will be unloaded tomorrow show cover them.

[witpqs]

1943 July 08

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Port Moresby

The D is for devious!

AK Mintaka hits Type 88 Mine at Kavieng

She is OK and will make temporary repairs at Kavieng.

The anticipated attack in China did not occur. There were others on pockets resulting in continued destruction of forces, but no blow against the main retreat.

We now have two supply convoys unloading at Ramree Island and are sending forward the convoy with the RN base force. Two P-40K squadrons have flown in and will CAP at 20,000 ft while a Hurricane IIb group (we found a third one!) will fly at 10,000 ft. In three days the entire first line of ground troops in the jungle will be in place to attack the following day. The main river-crossing group on the plain is making good progress and is several days behind the jungle group as planned.

Near Bhamo the paratroop reinforcements made it to the defensive positions without the IJA attacking, and in two days the additional Bde will arrive on scene.

The attack at Port Moresby went well, and again brought a Bn below full supply. Also again, that will be taken care of with tomorrow's unloading and they will attack again.

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Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2486 troops, 37 guns, 22 vehicles, Assault Value = 88

Defending force 1263 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Allied adjusted assault: 45

Japanese adjusted defense: 13

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
49th Australian Battalion

Defending units:
3rd JNAF AF Unit

Tomorrow the new CVL and 2x CVE will arrive at Nauru where the fleet is waiting for them. Yorktown is still some time away. the Tulagi invasion forces are all loaded and the last convoy is leaving La Foa. The others will wait for them near Lunga so all can land together.

Here is a look at the movement in Burma.

[witpqs]

1943 July 09

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Port Moresby

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Port Moresby

A stack of Chinese units in the mountains north of Kienko was destroyed today. That Imperial attack near Kweiyang finally came and did smite our erstwhile defenders.

In Burma the Empire has launched an air offensive against our main river-crossing force on the plain. So, they were spotted right away. The Empire conducted several recon bombardments today, including some in Burma.

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Ground combat at Taung Gyi (59,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 288 troops, 29 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 872

Defending force 31445 troops, 574 guns, 419 vehicles, Assault Value = 953

Assaulting units:
146th Infantry Regiment
11th Garrison Unit
55th Engineer Regiment
53rd Division
38th/C Division
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
44th Field AA Battalion
20th AA Regiment
39th Field AA Machinecannon Company

Defending units:
19th Indian Division
2nd British Division
29th British Brigade
IV Indian Corps
48th Light AA Regiment


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Ground combat at 62,45 (near Lashio)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3882 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 427

Defending force 5397 troops, 46 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 182

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

Assaulting units:
64th Inf Group Brigade
55th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
75th Indian Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade


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Ground combat at 56,49 (near Toungoo)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 660 troops, 61 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 1951

Defending force 57338 troops, 790 guns, 569 vehicles, Assault Value = 1412

Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 19 (1 destroyed, 18 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
2nd Guards Division
29th Division
9th Division
56th Infantry Regiment
3rd Division
114th Infantry Regiment
21st Fld AA Gun Co
1st RF Gun Battalion
55th Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
14th Indian Division
6th Australian Division
17th Indian Division
9th Australian Division
14th Army
XXXIII Indian Corps
2/11th Field Regiment
21st Light AA Regiment
2/1st Med Regiment
77th Heavy AA Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment


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Over in the Pacific, our forces captured Port Moresby.

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Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2465 troops, 37 guns, 22 vehicles, Assault Value = 84

Defending force 1163 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Allied adjusted assault: 47

Japanese adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Port Moresby !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
209 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
49th Australian Battalion

Defending units:
3rd JNAF AF Unit

A supply convoy for Darwin ventured too far from the coast and three Liberty ships were torpedoed by a flight of Betty bombers. They came all the way from Ambon AFAIK.

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Wessel Islands at 84,122

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Ikauna, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Clan Cameron, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Empire Baxter, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



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Tomorrow we sent paratroopers against Hollandia and set up strong CAP in Burma using most of the new groups.

Here is a look at today's air losses.

[witpqs]

1943 July 10

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Hollandia

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire finally attacked with its second unit in place near Lashio and was rebuffed. Tomorrow we have the remaining reinforcements arriving.

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Ground combat at 62,45 (near Lashio)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14149 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 427

Defending force 5404 troops, 46 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 182

Japanese adjusted assault: 334

Allied adjusted defense: 703

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
529 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
255 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
64th Inf Group Brigade
55th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
75th Indian Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade


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As you can see by the air losses below, the fighting over Burma was tough today. It is much more difficult even for P-47s to CAP own targets than to attack. An unknown number of IJA units are moving SW from the battle hex NW of Toungoo, now that DAW HQ is certain we are racing to bypass that line of defense. Today all 4EB and 2EB in the area began hitting the division in the jungle across the river from Prome. The first of our ground units arrived there today and the remainder will be in place for attack in one or two days at the most.

Enemy carriers are seen at Ambon and possibly at Babo. Holding IJN carriers here while we push in CentPac would be great. We've closed the point gap to less than 2,000, although our progress there continues in a painfully slow period. D-Day at Tulagi is 2 days from now. Yorktown will refuel at Ndeni tomorrow and proceed to rendezvous with the fleet at Nauru.

[witpqs]

1943 July 11

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Namatanai

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Search failed to spot these guys. Only Pillicula survived the night (she is now at Darwin unloading) and now we are again just below 2,000 points behind. If this helps advertise this axis of advance, then it's an inexpensive investment.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Bathurst Island at 77,123, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CL Oyodo
CL Jintsu
DD Susuzuki
DD Natsushio

Allied Ships
AM Tamworth, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Islami, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Pellicula, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Silverteak, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Silverwillow, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK City of Agra, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK City of Pretoria, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Empire Condor, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Empire Curlew, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Empire Peregrine, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Itaura, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 67% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages AM Tamworth at 12,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAK Empire Curlew at 12,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Empire Condor at 12,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Silverwillow at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages AM Tamworth at 11,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Empire Peregrine at 11,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages AM Tamworth at 11,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Empire Condor at 11,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK City of Agra at 11,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Silverwillow at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages AM Tamworth at 8,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Itaura at 8,000 yards
AM Tamworth sunk by CL Oyodo at 8,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Empire Curlew at 8,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Empire Condor at 8,000 yards
CL Oyodo engages xAK City of Agra at 8,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAK Silverwillow at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAK Itaura at 5,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Empire Peregrine at 5,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Itaura at 5,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Itaura at 5,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK City of Agra at 5,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAK Itaura at 5,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Itaura at 5,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Empire Curlew at 5,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK City of Pretoria at 5,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAK Silverwillow at 5,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Silverteak at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Itaura at 7,000 yards
xAK Itaura sunk by CL Oyodo at 7,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Empire Condor at 7,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK City of Agra at 7,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Silverwillow at 7,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Islami at 7,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAK Empire Peregrine at 7,000 yards
CL Oyodo engages xAK Empire Condor at 7,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK City of Agra at 7,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Silverwillow at 7,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Silverteak at 7,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Pellicula at 7,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Islami at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Empire Peregrine at 6,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Empire Curlew at 6,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Empire Condor at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK City of Pretoria at 6,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK City of Agra at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Silverwillow at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Pellicula at 6,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Islami at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Empire Peregrine at 8,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Empire Peregrine at 8,000 yards
CL Oyodo engages xAK Empire Condor at 8,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Empire Peregrine at 8,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Pellicula at 8,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages xAK Empire Curlew at 8,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Empire Condor at 8,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK City of Pretoria at 8,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK City of Agra at 8,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Silverwillow at 8,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Pellicula at 8,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Islami at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
xAK Empire Peregrine sunk by CA Suzuya at 9,000 yards
DD Susuzuki engages xAK Empire Curlew at 9,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAK City of Pretoria at 9,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


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We likely traded a DE for an IJN sub near Tarawa, an S boat hit a mine at Truk but will make port, and a Trident sank another merchant off of Malaya. Tulagi invasion lands tomorrow.

The first attack 1 hex NW Prome is tomorrow. DAW HQ is rushing troops to the scene!

[witpqs]

1943 July 12

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
New Hanover

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Tulagi

Houston, we've had a problem in China. Some much needed formations retreating toward Kunming were attacked, punished, and pushed off the road today. DAW HQ might not realize it but all remaining strength is critical to holding the mountains, which incidentally holds the flank of Burma.

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Ground combat at 73,47 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16721 troops, 121 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 550

Defending force 29884 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 490

Japanese adjusted assault: 226

Allied adjusted defense: 112

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1041 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled

Allied ground losses:
8919 casualties reported
Squads: 325 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 391 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (13 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 10

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
52nd Infantry Brigade
32nd/A Division
9th Tank Regiment
27th/C Division
116th/C Division

Defending units:
30th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/C Corps
6th War Area
32nd Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
7th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
1st Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force


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

In Burma near Prome the attack went well but failed to dislodge the stubborn IJA opposition. It is still very much a foot race as Japanese reinforcements stream toward the battle area.

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

Ground combat at 54,49 (near Ramree Island)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45600 troops, 720 guns, 686 vehicles, Assault Value = 1510

Defending force 10560 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 330

Allied adjusted assault: 714

Japanese adjusted defense: 604

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1056 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 109 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
954 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 98 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Assaulting units:
7th Indian Division
77th LRP Brigade
111th LRP Brigade
3rd Cavalry Regiment
46th Indian Brigade
18th British Division
5th Indian Division

Defending units:
63rd Inf Group Brigade

All across the front lines in Burma Imperial units are seen pulling back and heading toward the SW. This signals that Prome is a thin spot in the Empire's defense. One division and one brigade have disruption >20, but time if critical so they all attack again tomorrow. See map below.

There are tankers in port at Rangoon, with at least one CA as escort! Palliser's force with 2x CA and 2x DD will take up intercept position tomorrow for a possible run up the river.

Tulagi should fall quickly enough.

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

Ground combat at Tulagi (114,137)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6545 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 232

Defending force 17944 troops, 264 guns, 281 vehicles, Assault Value = 495

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

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

Assaulting units:
87th Naval Guard Unit
83rd Naval Guard Unit
Bandasan SNLF
61st Naval Guard Unit
7th Naval Construction Battalion
A/50th JNAF Coy
10th Special Base Force
1st JNAF Coy
Maizuru 3rd SNLF /1

Defending units:
34th Cmbt Engineer Regiment
37th Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
I Marine Amphib Corps
4th Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Pioneer Battalion


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

The troops at Namatanai have been supplied and will resume their attacks to eliminate the enemy pocket (and increase their experience).

There continue to be Imperial carrier(s) and battleship(s) at Ambon, and various smaller warships at Boela. Tomorrow CV Nanumea arrives at Balboa.

[witpqs]

1943 July 13

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Broome

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Tulagi

Our attack NW Prome ran into the original defenders plus a regiment rushed in to reinforce them, but routed them both!

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

Ground combat at 54,49 (near Ramree Island)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 44876 troops, 719 guns, 686 vehicles, Assault Value = 1404

Defending force 13673 troops, 80 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 359

Allied adjusted assault: 848

Japanese adjusted defense: 304

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
4582 casualties reported
Squads: 106 destroyed, 63 disabled
Non Combat: 108 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 18 (6 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Allied ground losses:
819 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 89 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
111th LRP Brigade
46th Indian Brigade
77th LRP Brigade
7th Indian Division
3rd Cavalry Regiment
18th British Division
5th Indian Division
14th Indian Light AA Regiment

Defending units:
63rd Inf Group Brigade
78th Infantry Regiment


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

Our troops need to recover some disruption before moving on. The plan for assaulting Prome calls for their river crossing to be coordinated with the main river-crossing from the plain. In preparation, Prome will now be the target of sweeps and continuous aerial bombing.

1 hex NW Prome, the former point of main attack, seems to be the scene of a pullback. At least one of the units scouted by this bombardment is moving SW.

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

Ground combat at 56,49 (near Toungoo)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1173 troops, 104 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 1431

Defending force 21411 troops, 218 guns, 64 vehicles, Assault Value = 655

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

Assaulting units:
17th Indian Division
14th Indian Division
6th Australian Division
9th Australian Division
XXXIII Indian Corps
2/9th Field Regiment
77th Heavy AA Regiment
2/1st Med Regiment
21st Light AA Regiment
14th Army
2/11th Field Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Guards Division
56th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
21st Fld AA Gun Co
55th Mountain Gun Regiment


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

I'm mulling over whether to attack here. I think so. To spoil their withdrawal and take advantage of moving troops that don't get a fortification bonus.

That tanker convoy at Rangoon now scouts as being escorted by 4x CA plus other warships. The RN is sortieing 3x TFs, one of a CV (Victorious), one a CVL (Hermes), and one a BB (Prince of Wales), to a point where they have the option of intercepting when the targets put back to sea.

Meanwhile our first attack at Tulagi was handled well by the enemy, but our own casualties were light. The troops will rest to recover disruption. I suppose it was a bad die roll that none of the engineers took down the fortification level.

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

Ground combat at Tulagi (114,137)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14562 troops, 264 guns, 278 vehicles, Assault Value = 494

Defending force 10611 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 230

Allied adjusted assault: 714

Japanese adjusted defense: 832

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
271 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
471 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Guns lost 21 (1 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Assaulting units:
37th Infantry Division
34th Cmbt Engineer Regiment
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
I Marine Amphib Corps
4th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Pioneer Battalion

Defending units:
83rd Naval Guard Unit
87th Naval Guard Unit
Bandasan SNLF
61st Naval Guard Unit
10th Special Base Force
7th Naval Construction Battalion
A/50th JNAF Coy
1st JNAF Coy
Maizuru 3rd SNLF /1


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

Here is a look at Burma.

[witpqs]

1943 July 14

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Tulagi

Intel says that CV Junyo is still in service, which is what we expected.

We hold in China.

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

Ground combat at 71,48 (near Kunming)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18747 troops, 140 guns, 342 vehicles, Assault Value = 526

Defending force 96509 troops, 263 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2621

Japanese adjusted assault: 119

Allied adjusted defense: 814

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 6

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

Japanese ground losses:
3002 casualties reported
Squads: 93 destroyed, 147 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 19 (4 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 127 (6 destroyed, 121 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1972 casualties reported
Squads: 102 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (7 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Tank Regiment
6th Division
4th Tank Regiment
55th Infantry Brigade
5th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
70th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
9th War Area
9th Group Army
21st Group Army
4th War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment


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

The IJN sent a raider to Ramree Island!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, Shell hits 1
CA Cornwall, Shell hits 1
DD Stronghold
DD Thanet

Poor visibility due to Rain with 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 96% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages CA Cornwall at 3,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Stronghold at 3,000 yards
Hanami, Kouhei orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Stronghold at 5,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Stronghold at 7,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Stronghold at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Stronghold at 11,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Thanet at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 53,48, Range 13,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, Shell hits 1
CA Cornwall
DD Stronghold
DD Thanet, Shell hits 1

Low visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 13,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 13,000 yards
Hanami, Kouhei crosses the 'T'
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Thanet at 8,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Thanet at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Thanet at 14,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Thanet at 16,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 16,000 yards
DD Asanagi engages DD Thanet at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 24,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 26,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 26,000 yards
Hanami, Kouhei orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 28,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 28,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 28,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 27,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 27,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 26,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 24,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 21,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Asanagi at 17,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages DD Asanagi at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
DD Asanagi sunk by CA Cornwall at 21,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Nauru Island at 126,130

Japanese Ships
SS I-7

Allied Ships
DD Braine

SS I-7 is located by DD Braine
DD Braine fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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

On land our casualties were higher than hoped for.

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

Ground combat at 56,49 (near Toungoo)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 50457 troops, 730 guns, 432 vehicles, Assault Value = 1440

Defending force 21385 troops, 218 guns, 64 vehicles, Assault Value = 654

Allied adjusted assault: 969

Japanese adjusted defense: 903

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1622 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 77 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 20 (1 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1669 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 257 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Guns lost 38 (1 destroyed, 37 disabled)

Assaulting units:
6th Australian Division
14th Indian Division
17th Indian Division
9th Australian Division
77th Heavy AA Regiment
XXXIII Indian Corps
2/1st Med Regiment
21st Light AA Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
14th Army
2/9th Field Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Guards Division
56th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
21st Fld AA Gun Co
55th Mountain Gun Regiment


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

Next door (1 hex NE Toungoo) we will make a similar opportunistic attack after seeing this Intel.

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

Ground combat at 57,49 (near Toungoo)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16043 troops, 194 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 652

Defending force 6067 troops, 52 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 250

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

Assaulting units:
Winnipeg Grenadiers Battalion
13th Indian Brigade
20th Indian/A Division
Rifles of Canada Battalion
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
20th Indian/B Division
20th Indian/C Division

Defending units:
4th RTA Division
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

The troops at Tulagi will attack tomorrow, but those at Namatanai need another day both to recover and draw more supply.

Here is a contact near Babar. We have a supply convoy near Groote Elyandt making their way up the coast to Darwin, so they will hold behind Gove.

[witpqs]

1943 July 15

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Grampus had a good night.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Naha at 93,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Yosyu Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

xAK Yosyu Maru is sighted by SS Grampus
Massive explosion on xAK Yosyu Maru
SS Grampus launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Yosyu Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Naha at 93,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Tohuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

SS Grampus launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Tohuku Maru


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

The attack NE Toungoo favored us but only by a little. The troops will rest tomorrow and then do it again.

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

Ground combat at 57,49 (near Toungoo)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17952 troops, 194 guns, 193 vehicles, Assault Value = 647

Defending force 6070 troops, 52 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 251

Allied adjusted assault: 447

Japanese adjusted defense: 461

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
252 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 54 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 29 (12 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
567 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
20th Indian/A Division
13th Indian Brigade
20th Indian/B Division
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
Winnipeg Grenadiers Battalion
Rifles of Canada Battalion
20th Indian/C Division

Defending units:
4th RTA Division
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

The force NW of Toungoo sees only 3 enemy units remaining in-hex. Those could be the 3 infantry units, but the troop count is only 10,000, so we attack again tomorrow. Those tankers at Rangoon might have escaped as they are not seen by naval search today.

Tulagi continues to be a tough slog. The only consequence is that the infantry division can not re-task for another target until Tulagi is secure.

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

Ground combat at Tulagi (114,137)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14348 troops, 265 guns, 278 vehicles, Assault Value = 457

Defending force 10287 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 203

Allied adjusted assault: 375

Japanese adjusted defense: 436

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
612 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 8 (4 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
387 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Assaulting units:
34th Cmbt Engineer Regiment
37th Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
4th Field Artillery Battalion
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
I Marine Amphib Corps
1st Pioneer Battalion

Defending units:
Bandasan SNLF
87th Naval Guard Unit
83rd Naval Guard Unit
61st Naval Guard Unit
A/50th JNAF Coy
10th Special Base Force
1st JNAF Coy
7th Naval Construction Battalion
Maizuru 3rd SNLF /1


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

Here is an overview map.

[witpqs]

1943 July 16

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Tulagi

A busy day! There was no ground action in China. In Burma that division moved off NW Toungoo, leaving behind the 2x Bde to hold the line. They are not seen to be moving, so we should get a chance to attack them again tomorrow.

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

Ground combat at 56,49 (near Toungoo)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 49063 troops, 729 guns, 432 vehicles, Assault Value = 1260

Defending force 8189 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 234

Allied adjusted assault: 806

Japanese adjusted defense: 425

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1139 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
265 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled

Assaulting units:
14th Indian Division
6th Australian Division
17th Indian Division
9th Australian Division
21st Light AA Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
14th Army
77th Heavy AA Regiment
2/1st Med Regiment
XXXIII Indian Corps
2/9th Field Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
56th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment


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

At Taung Gyi and near Lashio our recon bombardments show the pull-out of enemy forces. The task force at Taung Gyi will attack tomorrow.

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

Ground combat at Taung Gyi (59,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28546 troops, 540 guns, 325 vehicles, Assault Value = 955

Defending force 5469 troops, 81 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 160

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

Assaulting units:
19th Indian Division
2nd British Division
29th British Brigade
IV Indian Corps
48th Light AA Regiment

Defending units:
11th Garrison Unit
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th AA Regiment


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

Ground combat at 62,45 (near Lashio)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8589 troops, 110 guns, 203 vehicles, Assault Value = 266

Defending force 3882 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127

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

Assaulting units:
268th Motorised Brigade
75th Indian Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade

Defending units:
55th Infantry Regiment


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

Also tomorrow our group NE of Toungoo will attack again, having rested enough.

Over near Rabaul, Namatanai has been secured. Mr Battleship paid a visit to Darwin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Darwin at 76,124, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CA Tone
CA Chikuma
DD Nenohi
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
xAK Pellicula, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 100% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
CA Chikuma engages xAK Pellicula at 8,000 yards
xAK Pellicula sunk by DD Nenohi at 8,000 yards
xAK Pellicula sunk by DD Nenohi at 8,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Darwin at 76,124

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 5 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25C Mitchell: 19 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground
P-38G Lightning: 18 damaged
Beaufort VIII: 5 damaged
Beaufort VIII: 2 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25D1 Mitchell: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CA Chikuma
CA Tone

Allied ground losses:
143 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 19
Port hits 4

BB Haruna firing at Darwin
CA Chikuma firing at Darwin
CA Tone firing at Darwin


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

The base is at Port:9%; Service:24%; Runway:19%. As you can see from the results below, fighters are very much in business. P-38G and P-40E flying from Darwin massacred the Betties and kept them totally away from the supply convoy that should arrive at Darwin tomorrow night. The good news, of course, is the continued interest in this axis by DAW HQ.

BB Colorado will make it to Alameda tomorrow to enter dry dock. CVL Belleau Wood arrived at Balboa but will await the arrival of CVL Princeton tomorrow before setting off for the front.

All the Betties shown below were lost attacking that convoy.