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

[witpqs]

1944 March 05

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Ebadon

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got one TK two times.

1,723 AV at Chungking.

Our troops in the battle hex are recovering, but some are still >70% disruption. The garrison at Rangoon has been reduced a great deal but is still quite strong enough to prevent our forces on the scene from assaulting that city.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Roi-Namur
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Roi-Namur
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit

Two hexes NW Iba (on Luzon) a 4-ship TF heading SW is sighted with 1x CA and 2x TK. I think it more likely that the TK are CV of some variety. Five hexes E Mersing a 4-ship TF is sighted with 2x CA heading E. There are also various cruisers seen at Manila, some in convoy escort some in TF. It is possible that the IJN is gathering strength to oppose a move into the Philippines. If so, that's good because we are not moving on the Philippines at this time and it's always good to make the IJN burn fuel.

Roi-Namur appears to be empty and the garrison at Jaluit appears a day or two from destruction. Troops are preparing to land and expedite the change in administration.

The unloading of supply and troops continues at the various points previously mentioned in the eastern DEI with more on the way. One of the carrier TFs refueled.

The invasion forces for Kendari have completed loading troops and are now loading supply.

Here is that DD TF now ordered to make its run.

[witpqs]

1944 March 06

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Tanahdjampea

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got an xAK and an AO.

1,735 AV at Chungking.

BB Valiant has just entered the map after upgrading at Cape Town. Escorts will meet up with her shortly.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit

Our DD TF up north found nothing, and worse yet, was not found. They took on quite a bit of incidental damage from the high speed run and will disband at Truk for TLC. A fighter sweep of Iwo Jima found no Imperials willing to play.

Tomorrow troops for Tinian will begin unloading on various other Mariana Islands in preparation for loading on assault shipping.

Here is a look at the Celebes Sea. Our fleet carriers will stay put for probably two more days, then head SW to cover the invasion of Kendari. An IJN CL TF was seen in the eastern Java Sea during the turn so I expect a bombardment of either Kalao or Salajar, or they are getting into position to oppose invasions. A fighter sweep of Makassar found nothing.

[witpqs]

1944 March 07

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Djailolo

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got a TK, an E, a PB, and an AO. There was a great deal of Imperial sub action at Guam, but our ships were all well protected and report sinking two subs and damaging others.

1,569 AV at Chungking after today's armour only attack.

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Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7494 troops, 272 guns, 791 vehicles, Assault Value = 3387

Defending force 155180 troops, 98 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1763

Japanese adjusted assault: 530

Allied adjusted defense: 1707

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 264 (9 destroyed, 255 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1930 casualties reported
Squads: 42 destroyed, 66 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Tank Regiment
17th/A Division
9th Mongol/A Cavalry Division
5th Tank Regiment
North China Gsn Brigade
10th Tank Regiment
22nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Tank Regiment
37th Division
14th Tank Regiment
35th Division
6th Tank Regiment
13th Ind.Infantry Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
19th Ind Engineer Regiment
11th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
12th Ind.Infantry Brigade
32nd/A Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment
34th/B Division
58th Infantry Regiment
15th Tank Regiment
51st Infantry Brigade
104th/C Division
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
22nd/B Division
39th Ind Engineer Regiment
110th/B Division
1st Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
31st Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
93rd Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
89th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
88th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
11th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
66th Chinese Corps Corps
303rd Brigade
36th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
2nd New Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps
2nd War Area
34th Group Army
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
17th Group Army
27th Chinese Corps
49th AA Regiment
79th Chinese Corps
34th Separate Brigade
China Command
56th AT Gun Regiment
CAF HQ
Jingcha War Area
83rd Chinese Corps
13th Group Army
6th Construction Regiment
64th Chinese Corps
16th Construction Regiment
5th Chinese Base Force
13th Construction Regiment
38th Group Army
8th Group Army
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
7th Construction Regiment
40th Group Army
5th War Area
20th Chinese Base Force
25th Group Army
17th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Base Force
80th Chinese Corps
Central Reserve
4th Chinese Base Force
7th Artillery Regiment
14th Group Army
6th Chinese Base Force
22nd Group Army
41st AA Regiment
9th Chinese Base Force
84th Chinese Corps
30th Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
29th Chinese Corps
8th War Area
12th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force
1st War Area
20th Artillery Regiment
24th Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
31st Group Army
11th Construction Regiment
37th Group Army
Red Chinese Army
21st Chinese Base Force


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

There are more units approaching Chungking from the west from both Neikiang and the hex between. At least one unit is pulling out of Chungking heading in that same direction.

All of the armour from the battle hex SE Prome has reached Prome for recovery. The lessened crowding is speeding recovery of the infantry still in the battle hex as well.

The single-CL bombardment of Rangoon went well. Another (with more modern 6 inch guns) is on for tonight.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rangoon at 54,53

Allied Ships
CL Caradoc

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

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5
Port hits 1

CL Caradoc firing at Rangoon


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

Pretty good for an old dog shooting alone.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit
Allied Ships Bombarding Jaluit

Plus this very damaging foray.

Japanese Ships Bombarding Kalao
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Kalao at 66,110

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta
CL Tenryu
CL Kuma
CL Abukuma
CL Kinu
CL Jintsu
CL Naka
CL Sendai
DD Karii
DD Murakumo
DD Shirayuki

Allied ground losses:
285 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 22
Port hits 21
Port supply hits 1

CL Tatsuta firing at Kalao
CL Tenryu firing at Kalao
CL Kuma firing at Kalao
CL Abukuma firing at Kalao
CL Kinu firing at 14th US Naval Construction Battalion
CL Jintsu firing at Kalao
CL Naka firing at Kalao
CL Sendai firing at Kalao
DD Karii firing at Kalao
DD Murakumo firing at Kalao
DD Shirayuki firing at Kalao


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A bunch of engineers will land overnight at Talaud-eilanden and most likely the airstrip will finally make size 1 tomorrow. Fighters will move in the day after and the fleet carriers will then depart for Kendari.

Our 8x DD TF is at Cagayan (unmolested by Imperial aircraft!) but their quarry is east of Panay. They will withdraw to Babeldaob to refuel, then make for the Talaud-eilanden/Sangi area to support operations there.

The remaining convoys of troops for Tinian are still en route.

Troops will land on Roi-Namur either tomorrow or the day after. Jaluit now appears empty and troops and ships are being rounded up for a landing.

Here is the overview map.

[witpqs]

1944 March 08

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Roi-Namur

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got an LSD, an xAP, and two xAK. Their subs got a YMS. We have a parade of subs going back to Pearl Harbor for repairs and I am sure that there are others damaged that I just didn't look hard enough to find this turn.

1,619 AV at Chungking. 13 of the increase in AV is due to the arrival of a base force, but the rest must be due to repair of disabled squads. Given that many squads were disabled from bombing today, that is quite surprising and might signal that there is some hope for at least putting up an even tougher resistance than I thought.

Allied Ships Bombarding Rangoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rangoon at 54,53

Allied Ships
CL Newcastle

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

Manpower hits 2
Fires 300
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19
Port hits 3

CL Newcastle firing at Rangoon


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This action was not interfered with by the IJN TF sent north, perhaps with that intent. There were welcomed properly in daylight hours, though.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 54,56

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 11

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
E Yomogi
E Tsuga
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 54,56

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter TF.X x 7

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter TF.X: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
E Tsuga, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Sagiri, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Beaufighter TF.X launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 54,56

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter TF.X x 7
P-51A Mustang x 9

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter TF.X: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Asagiri
E Yomogi, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Beaufighter TF.X launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 54,56

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter TF.X x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Asagiri

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Beaufighter TF.X launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo



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

The armoured units have recovered quite quickly at Prome. The question of exactly what to do next looms, as I am loath to hit the same spot. The British carrier fleet is not quite ready for offensive operations. The Imperial troop count in the battle hex (SE Prome) is now almost 86,000, almost as high as that near Toungoo. There are also now 5 units SW of the battle hex, between there and Rangoon. Counting the previously scouted garrison of 2 units and ~5,000 troops in that spot I figure that there are 3 artillery or (more likely) anti-tank units making their way to the battle hex. I am withdrawing the 3 American infantry units (2x USA ID + 1x USMC Div) to Prome to facilitate taking replacements. And the West African Division for the same reason plus to recover morale (now only 45!). The commander is pretty decent and there are slim pickings to replace him, so I don't want to spend the PP.

One P-47D2 group at Bassein has upgraded to P-47D25. Given the great gap in P-47 replacements that occurs later, I am going to try and nurse the supply as much as possible.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

A whole bunch of mines were cleared at Guam. Some mines were found and cleared at Salajar but there are no mine sweepers there to do a proper job. Roi-Namur is ours even as ships enter the lagoon. Troops will begin boarding tonight for Jaluit.

Talaud-eilanden airfield has reached size 1 as hoped, and two fighter squadrons have transferred in to protect shipping in the area. One USMC 18-plane F4U-1A group, and one 25-plane USA P-39N1 group, both with very experienced pilots. The carriers will now head directly toward Kendari and should take two days to reach station there. The invasion convoy (unspotted so far) is standing one hex SW of Namlea and will require only one day to rendezvous with the battle fleet. The carriers have been doing their anti-submarine/keep IJN carriers from guessing the exact range dance around their present position, and today's dispositions brought some within range of this bold Imperial convoy at Jolo.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 54
SBD-5 Dauntless x 28

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tama Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Yoshinogawa Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
PB Choko Maru #5, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Tama Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Yoshinogawa Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Choko Maru #5


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

Although there are no fighters in the area, there are now 3x DD at Salajar to protect the 2x AVD that just arrived and dropped anchor. A 9-ship squadron of Catalina also has moved there to extend patrols farther across the Java Sea and to the Indian Ocean side of Java. In addition to aiding our submarines, IJN carriers will have a much tougher time surprising our own carriers as they stand off Kendari. There is also an enemy convoy at Makassar, which DAW HQ must now deem to be imperiled. We have support units on the way to Salajar - and more to Kalao - but it will be a bit before they arrive. Until then the airfield at Salajar will continue snail's pace construction.

The units for Tinian should be finished unloading tomorrow or the day after in the Marianas Islands, then perhaps a day to put the right ships in the right spots to load them.

The supply(-) that the Imperial troops SE of Prome got in the recent battle really surprised me. I thought that the Empire had remedied their supply woes in that area. What is behind the recent shortage? The Marianas garrisons that we have encountered so far were bountifully supplied, so they must have had priority. The campaign to take Chungking certainly requires significant supply. Could it be that the Empire is getting tight enough on supply that big supply runs to Burma are simply not high enough on the priority list?

Here is the course set by the USN fleet carriers.

[witpqs]

Some information and thoughts for your comments if you wish.

[witpqs]

A question:

[witpqs]

Bonus Post!

Transport will begin moving to roundup the following units assigned to invade Iwo Jima. 1st Marine Division is still taking replacements but should be finished with that and with upgrading squads by the time they embark. I would like to get the two USMC tank Bns' TOE upgraded, but the pool of M4 Sherman Tanks is empty!
Dagua
33rd Infantry Division

Hansa Bay
1st Marine Division
3rd Marine Division
33rd Medium Regiment
2nd Pioneer Battalion

Kavieng
V US Amphib Force

Manus
24th Infantry Division
3rd USMC Tank Battalion
4th USMC Tank Battalion
762nd Tank Battalion
763rd Tank Battalion
198th Field Artillery Battalion
249th Field Artillery Battalion
225th Field Artillery Battalion

Talasea
7th Infantry Division
1st (Spec) Cavalry Division
XI US Corps

The tally comes to:

6 Infantry Divisions
-- 2 USMC Div
-- 3 USA ID
-- 1 USA (Spec) Cav Div

4 Tank Battalions
-- 2 USMC (Stuarts)
-- 2 USA (mostly Shermans + some Stuarts)

4 Artillery
-- 3 USA FA Bn (2 with 155mm, 1 with 105mm)
-- 1 Brit Army Rgt (5.5 inch)

1 Engineer
-- 1 USMC Pioneer (shore party type)

2 HQ
-- 1 USN Amphib Force (facilitate landing)
-- 1 USA Corps HQ

[JocMeister]

The Sherman pool is always empty it seems! [:)]

[aaffins]

Just finished reading your entire AAR, thanks for taking the time to post it and doing such a nice job making it easy to follow.

To answer your question, I have a stock game in late 1943 where I have an overland route from Singapore to Manchuria (albeit without Changsha) and if my SLOCs were cut it would quickly result in catastrophic economic meltdown. As I've been reading I've actually been wondering why you weren't more aggressively interdicting his supply routes, although it seems like your subs have been doing a fine job on their own.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: aaffins

Just finished reading your entire AAR, thanks for taking the time to post it and doing such a nice job making it easy to follow.

To answer your question, I have a stock game in late 1943 where I have an overland route from Singapore to Manchuria (albeit without Changsha) and if my SLOCs were cut it would quickly result in catastrophic economic meltdown. As I've been reading I've actually been wondering why you weren't more aggressively interdicting his supply routes, although it seems like your subs have been doing a fine job on their own.

Thanks! Welcome aboard.

I really concentrated the assault shipping for the Mariana Islands campaign. When it comes to landing 6 divisions plus armor, arty, etc. for one invasion there just isn't enough of it to go around in 1943. I could have pushed earlier with more risk in the eastern DEI but it would have been a double whammy - mostly merchant shipping and very little air cover. I've got lots of CVE now, in fact I have more than a dozen that have yet to sortie on an operation because their pilots are training.

The route of advance to Okinawa is aimed mostly at interdicting supply, etc. Making additional strategic bombing bases available is a secondary objective, and of course, future offensives from there.

Taking bases on the Indochina coast, the speculative operation posed in the graphic above, is solely aimed at interdicting supply, etc. but future operations could also originate there. The reason I'm considering it is I suppose those bases would be less strongly defended than other bases astride the mainland side of the supply line, and they are less exposed to attack from major Imperial bases.

Burma was intended as a breakthrough to move through Thailand, Indochina, and Malaya. As you see it's turned into a giant holding operation. At this point its strategic value is in tying up lots of Imperial troops, both directly and in China (which depends on Burma for its lifeline). There is always the possibility of cutting of and destroying large formations as the Allies get more ability to make major landings behind the defense.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

ORIGINAL: aaffins

Just finished reading your entire AAR, thanks for taking the time to post it and doing such a nice job making it easy to follow.

To answer your question, I have a stock game in late 1943 where I have an overland route from Singapore to Manchuria (albeit without Changsha) and if my SLOCs were cut it would quickly result in catastrophic economic meltdown. As I've been reading I've actually been wondering why you weren't more aggressively interdicting his supply routes, although it seems like your subs have been doing a fine job on their own.

Thanks! Welcome aboard.

I really concentrated the assault shipping for the Mariana Islands campaign. When it comes to landing 6 divisions plus armor, arty, etc. for one invasion there just isn't enough of it to go around in 1943. I could have pushed earlier with more risk in the eastern DEI but it would have been a double whammy - mostly merchant shipping and very little air cover. I've got lots of CVE now, in fact I have more than a dozen that have yet to sortie on an operation because their pilots are training.

The route of advance to Okinawa is aimed mostly at interdicting supply, etc. Making additional strategic bombing bases available is a secondary objective, and of course, future offensives from there.

Taking bases on the Indochina coast, the speculative operation posed in the graphic above, is solely aimed at interdicting supply, etc. but future operations could also originate there. The reason I'm considering it is I suppose those bases would be less strongly defended than other bases astride the mainland side of the supply line, and they are less exposed to attack from major Imperial bases.

Burma was intended as a breakthrough to move through Thailand, Indochina, and Malaya. As you see it's turned into a giant holding operation. At this point its strategic value is in tying up lots of Imperial troops, both directly and in China (which depends on Burma for its lifeline). There is always the possibility of cutting of and destroying large formations as the Allies get more ability to make major landings behind the defense.

Your strategy is, as always, impeccable (not that I have ever seen a peccable one[:'(] ).
It certainly shows the dilemmas the Japanese defender faces in 1944 in trying to set up an effective defence. Even if he does so in one place like Burma,
he risks losing all those troops when the Allies gather their strength and push from another direction. With poor transportation links and weak control of air and sea routes, the IJA cannot retreat
fast enough to make a coherent fighting retreat possible. Tough spot to be in.

[witpqs]

BB - Thanks. Should I take it that you think seizing a base or three on the Indochina coast is a good idea?

[BBfanboy]

If you can secure your flanks across the South China Sea against naval and air attack you should be able to induce panic in Burma.
It looks like you have enough of his troops tied down that he cannot have much in Indochina.
Do you have enough air strength to put lots of fighters and a few bombers on those bases?
CRB and Saigon have naval fortresses and likely lots of mines, so I would land at the next base up the coast and march to the latter two targets.
The shipyard at Saigon would be most useful and CRB is the best location for DDs and bombers to hit his convoys.
Go get him, tiger!

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

If you can secure your flanks across the South China Sea against naval and air attack you should be able to induce panic in Burma.
It looks like you have enough of his troops tied down that he cannot have much in Indochina.
Do you have enough air strength to put lots of fighters and a few bombers on those bases?
CRB and Saigon have naval fortresses and likely lots of mines, so I would land at the next base up the coast and march to the latter two targets.
The shipyard at Saigon would be most useful and CRB is the best location for DDs and bombers to hit his convoys.
Go get him, tiger!

Didn't know that. Considering CRB (has a second base next door, both can build to size 8 airfield) and started thinking about options to cut the rail lines to either side to slow up reinforcements. Maybe land battalions along the coast rail lines. It would have to be a big invasion with support troops embarked close behind so that the bases can both be seized fairly quickly and built up rapidly.

Yes, I think I have lots of fighters and bombers available for the op. Fighter groups will start to get a bit thinner considering the length of the corridor, but suppressing enemy bases greatly reduces the strain on the fighter/fighter pilot pools. One of the nice, big - actually huge - NZ AA units plus others should help too.

A side benefit of such a coup de main is that DAW HQ will have to wonder just where those combat units will march to next?

[witpqs]

1944 March 09

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got an SS and a TK.

1,575 AV at Chungking.

The bombardment of Rangoon went OK, but I would prefer some supply hits on the base.

Allied Ships Bombarding Rangoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rangoon at 54,53

Allied Ships
CL Kenya

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

CL Kenya firing at 63rd Inf Group Brigade


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Probably in response to us pulling some troops out of the battle hex, the Empire has done likewise with several units (beyond the hex's garrison) now between the battle hex and Rangoon. A number of units not yet deployed to the interior of Burma are now assigned to prepare for Pegu with the idea being an amphibious landing to block supply to the main forces. The landings would be carried out largely by merchant shipping, and plenty of it to make up for the slow rate of unloading.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

Surprisingly, our fleet carriers on their way to the Kendari invasion appear to be unspotted by the Imperials.

DD Ralph Talbot has made it to Boela and is making temporary repairs.

One of the (two) divisions for Tinian has to switch from strat mode to combat mode at Guam and will take 3 days to do so.

Here is a look at the Intel screen.

[witpqs]

1944 March 10

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Jaluit

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Jaluit

Our subs were involved in approximately half a zillion combats, and got an xAK, an APD, an SS, and an SC.

1,572 AV at Chungking. Bad air attacks today.

Allied Ships Bombarding Rangoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rangoon at 54,53

Allied Ships
CL Caradoc

CL Caradoc firing at 114th Infantry Regiment


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I guess that was a non-result. The good news is that more than a dozen Bettys were shot down attacking ships at the bombardment staging area.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

The Kendari invasion force lands tomorrow, as does one at Manokwari. The latter is a small affair, a single regiment going in against about an equal number of troops. Two more days before final loading of the Tinian invasion.

Early recon shows Chichi Jima with about 24,000 troops; good thing we are not going there. P-38 sweeps over Iwo Jima finally got some company, but treated Frank quite rudely. See the air losses below.

With the capture of Jaluit, the Marshall Islands are secured, and I am not going to worry about the remaining dot-bases. The CA and CL TFs have repositioned to Kavieng and will begin bombarding Rabaul tonight. Lots of ships are coming due for upgrades. When we invest (or capture??) Iwo Jima that will activate kamikazes, so those upgrades are now critical. A mass of CLAA are due (currently with the carriers), North Carolina and Washington are due (currently with the carriers), many DD are overdue, and many ships come up next month. I'm not worried about kamikazes at Iwo Jima, but after that we will be deeper into the Imperial base net. So at least a slight operational pause will take place, which many fleet carriers need just to repair minor damage.

Here are today's air losses.

[witpqs]

Here is a look at the CRB area. CRB and the base next to it are jungle-rough terrain, whereas the base up the coast is only jungle. That could make them tougher to capture if they are strongly defended, but would also make them easier for us to defend as a bastion while our offensive moves elsewhere.

[witpqs]

1944 March 11

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Lolobato

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Manokwari
Kendari

Our subs got an xAKL, a DD, and three xAK.

1,571 AV at Chungking.

Kenya was like a one-ship armada!

Allied Ships Bombarding Rangoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rangoon at 54,53

Allied Ships
CL Kenya

Japanese ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Refinery hits 1
Light Industry hits 1
Manpower hits 1
Fires 141
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17
Port hits 5

CL Kenya firing at Rangoon


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

The four divisions noted earlier (2x USA, 1x USMC, 1x African) have made it back to Prome and divided to take replacements faster. The West African division is also in rest mode with only 45% morale.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Rabaul
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Rabaul
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

I have a feeling that the fortifications at Rabaul are not so high.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rabaul at 106,125

Allied Ships
CA Boston
DD Hale
DD Cotten

Japanese ground losses:
247 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10
Port hits 2

SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CA Boston
CA Boston firing at Rabaul
DD Hale firing at Rabaul
DD Cotten firing at Rabaul


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rabaul at 106,125

Allied Ships
CL Biloxi
DD Stevens
DD Stembel
DD Ingersoll
DD Lewis Hancock

Japanese ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 16
Port hits 1

CL Biloxi firing at Rabaul
DD Stevens firing at Rabaul
DD Stembel firing at Rabaul
DD Ingersoll firing at Rabaul
DD Lewis Hancock firing at 8th Base Force


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

Oddly, neither Kendari nor Manokwari saw Imperial forces bombard the invading troops. Attacks are ordered at both places. I think we have superiority at Kendari but possibly only parity at Manokwari (but almost certainly a huge supply and disruption advantage).

LCT-353 damaged while beaching at Manokwari
LCT-357 damaged while beaching at Manokwari
LCT-170 founders in surf at Manokwari
LCT-61 founders in surf at Manokwari
APA Feland runs aground while attempting to unload at Kendari

The amount of detail in this game is staggering! Feland has significant damage and spilled her remaining cargo, so she will make for Sydney under escort.

One more day until the Tinian invasion final loading.

Trying to further upset the convoy lines with 5x DD.

[witpqs]

1944 March 12

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Kendari

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got a DD.

1,549 AV at Chungking.

Some Imperial unit(s) at Rangoon is heading toward Pegu.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Rabaul
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Kendari
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Rabaul
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

Kendari was captured in a total anti-climax. Manokwari will likely be seized tomorrow.

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

Ground combat at Kendari (70,106)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8313 troops, 91 guns, 129 vehicles, Assault Value = 312

Defending force 3611 troops, 27 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 29

Allied adjusted assault: 470

Japanese adjusted defense: 19

Allied assault odds: 24 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied forces CAPTURE Kendari !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1256 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 53 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 29 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 16 (6 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Allied ground losses:
233 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
158th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
15th NZ Brigade
2nd Regiment
I US Corps

Defending units:
38th JNAF AF Unit
25th JNAF AF Unit
8th JAAF AF Bn


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

Ground combat at Manokwari (85,109)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4998 troops, 42 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 153

Defending force 3976 troops, 21 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 94

Allied adjusted assault: 71

Japanese adjusted defense: 16

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
284 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
8th NZ Brigade

Defending units:
21st Infantry Regiment
23rd Field Construction Battalion


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

I have to remember to check on that Bde's leader.

The final loading for Tinian is taking place tomorrow, D-Day the day after. Saipan airfield will hit max size 7 tomorrow and the port is already building toward the max size 4.

Our DD shipping raid has yet to be seen and has not vectored on anything, so it will remain in place for another day.

Three Australian divisions that still need to be bought out have begun preparing for Cam Ranh Bay. Other heavy units will follow as they finish current assignments.

Here is the overview map.

[witpqs]

1944 March 13

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Galeia
Manokwari

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Ambon

Our subs got a TK, a DMS, and a DD. We lost one sub.

1,536 AV at Chungking. The Empire conducted a recon today.

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

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3270 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3540

Defending force 152548 troops, 92 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1624

Allied ground losses:
245 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th RGC Temp./A Division
35th Division
12th Tank Regiment
22nd/B Division
32nd/A Division
39th Ind Engineer Regiment
104th/C Division
37th Division
9th Mongol/A Cavalry Division
11th Tank Regiment
32nd/C Division
3rd Tank Regiment
22nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
13th Ind.Infantry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment
19th Ind Engineer Regiment
North China Gsn Brigade
51st Infantry Brigade
17th/A Division
12th Ind.Infantry Brigade
20th Ind Engineer Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th/B Division
14th Tank Regiment
58th Infantry Regiment
34th/B Division
13th RGC Temp. Division
31st Engineer Regiment
15th RGC Temp./B Division
21st Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
31st Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
129th Red Chinese Division
28th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
61st Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
303rd Brigade
48th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
43rd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
18th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
66th Chinese Corps Corps
2nd New Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps
25th Group Army
11th Construction Regiment
30th Group Army
24th Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
49th AA Regiment
1st War Area
84th Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
5th Chinese Base Force
12th Group Army
13th Group Army
79th Chinese Corps
22nd Group Army
17th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
16th Construction Regiment
2nd War Area
4th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
64th Chinese Corps
8th Group Army
3rd Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force
34th Separate Brigade
Red Chinese Army
80th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Base Force
34th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
CAF HQ
4th Group Army
32nd Group Army
5th War Area
7th Construction Regiment
8th War Area
Jingcha War Area
19th Chinese Base Force
6th Construction Regiment
27th Chinese Corps
14th Group Army
Central Reserve
29th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Base Force
China Command
37th Group Army
56th AT Gun Regiment
41st AA Regiment
20th Chinese Base Force
13th Construction Regiment
17th Group Army
38th Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
31st Group Army
21st Chinese Base Force


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

We get unit arrivals with another >300 AV in two days; will it be soon enough?

This was one of those days when the Empire got fighters in among our bombers over the battle hex near Prome. See the air losses below. Many of the George losses were from elsewhere, when they tried to sweep P-47 CAP over newly captured Kendari. Steps have been taken to try and get the bombers over Burma to wait for the sweeps but there are no guarantees. From now on, all bombers in the area on ground attack will have it as a secondary assignment, with naval attack as primary. The groups' ranges are being set to the distance from base to ground target, in the hopes that any naval attack which materialize will not out fly escort.

Allied Ships Bombarding Rangoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Rangoon at 54,53

Allied Ships
CL Newcastle

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

Manpower hits 2
Fires 184
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1
Port hits 1

CL Newcastle firing at Rangoon


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

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Rabaul
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Rabaul
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

Manokwari fell.

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

Ground combat at Manokwari (85,109)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4997 troops, 42 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 150

Defending force 3641 troops, 21 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 71

Allied adjusted assault: 133

Japanese adjusted defense: 13

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Manokwari !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1166 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 48 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

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

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
8th NZ Brigade

Defending units:
21st Infantry Regiment
23rd Field Construction Battalion


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

Our DD convoy raiders drew blood.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ishigaki at 91,71, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 2, on fire
E Hirado, Shell hits 2, on fire
TK Rikko Maru, Shell hits 28, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TK San Ramon Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
TK Toa Maru, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Daly
DD Hall
DD Mullany
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Owen, Shell hits 2, on fire

Improved night sighting under 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 82% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 11,000 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
DD Hatsushima engages DD Owen at 8,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages E Hirado at 8,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Hall at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Owen engages DD Hatsushima at 9,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages DD Hatsushima at 9,000 yards
DD Mullany engages TK Toa Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Hall engages DD Hatsushima at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Owen engages DD Hatsushima at 5,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages DD Hatsushima at 5,000 yards
DD Mullany engages TK San Ramon Maru at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
DD Owen engages DD Hatsushima at 3,000 yards
DD Hall engages TK Toa Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Hall at 3,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages TK Rikko Maru at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Owen at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD O'Bannon at 2,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages TK Toa Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Hall at 2,000 yards
TK Rikko Maru sunk by DD Daly at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
DD Owen engages E Hirado at 4,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Mullany at 4,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


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

Two of our destroyers need some repairs, one of them more extensive. One of the tankers is claimed sunk. The Empire responded at Salajar, but the tables turned after daybreak.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Salajar at 66,108, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
DD Kiyonami
DD Kagero
DD Hokaze
E Fuyo

Allied Ships
AM Ararat, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

Improved night sighting under 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 82% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 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
AM Ararat engages E Fuyo at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Hokaze engages AM Ararat at 6,000 yards
DD Kiyonami engages AM Ararat at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Hokaze engages AM Ararat at 5,000 yards
AM Ararat sunk by DD Yugumo at 5,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Salajar at 66,108, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
DD Kiyonami
DD Kagero
DD Hokaze
E Fuyo

Allied Ships
DD Bagley
DD Mugford
DD Maury, Shell hits 3, on fire

Improved night sighting under 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 82% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DD Maury at 7,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Yugumo at 7,000 yards
DD Kiyonami engages DD Maury at 7,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DD Maury at 7,000 yards
E Fuyo engages DD Maury at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Yugumo at 5,000 yards
DD Kiyonami engages DD Maury at 5,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DD Maury at 5,000 yards
DD Maury engages E Fuyo at 5,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Yugumo at 5,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Kagero at 5,000 yards
DD Bagley engages DD Kagero at 5,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Yugumo at 5,000 yards
DD Maury engages E Fuyo at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Yugumo at 6,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Yugumo at 6,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Kiyonami at 6,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DD Maury at 6,000 yards
DD Maury engages E Fuyo at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Hokaze engages DD Mugford at 10,000 yards
DD Bagley engages DD Kagero at 10,000 yards
DD Kiyonami engages DD Maury at 10,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Yugumo at 10,000 yards
DD Maury engages E Fuyo at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Makassar at 65,107

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 7

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 101
SBD-5 Dauntless x 48
TBF-1 Avenger x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Kagero, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
E Fuyo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hokaze, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kiyonami, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yugumo

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
15 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
14 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 25000.
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring E Fuyo
Hokaze dead in the water ...
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kagero
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hokaze


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Makassar at 65,107

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 42
SBD-5 Dauntless x 26
TBF-1 Avenger x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo, Bomb hits 3
E Fuyo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hokaze, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 25000.
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring E Fuyo
Hokaze dead in the water ...
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hokaze


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Makassar at 65,107

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 65
SBD-5 Dauntless x 20
TBF-1 Avenger x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
E Fuyo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kiyonami, and is sunk
DD Kagero, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Hokaze, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

Hokaze dead in the water ...
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hokaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kiyonami
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kagero


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

Hokaze was finished off by two torpedoes from submarine Sturgeon. In these strikes the Hellcats took it on the chin from the George CAP.

The troops are ashore without much incident at Ambon - 27th Aus Bde - and will attack tomorrow. Little resistance is expected.

Tinian D-Day is tomorrow, then we will know for certain what we are up against. There are (and have been) lots of logistical moves going on to downsize some and pull out of most rearward bases.

Here are today's air losses.