LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!

[apbarog]

Often when I lose a sub to another sub, my sub had already been damaged. Maybe this caused a higher detection level, or reduced speed contributed. Or just luck.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: apbarog

Often when I lose a sub to another sub, my sub had already been damaged. Maybe this caused a higher detection level, or reduced speed contributed. Or just luck.

I know at least two subs were cripples headed to port - one off Brisbane and one off Perth. The others were on combat patrols. Most likely my sub entered a hex where an IJN sub was located - like the last two off Attu. So, is a moving sub less likely to get the first shot to a sub stationary in a hex?

And as BB and Bif pointed out, probably detection and enemy aggressiveness helped.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: apbarog

Often when I lose a sub to another sub, my sub had already been damaged. Maybe this caused a higher detection level, or reduced speed contributed. Or just luck.

I know at least two subs were cripples headed to port - one off Brisbane and one off Perth. The others were on combat patrols. Most likely my sub entered a hex where an IJN sub was located - like the last two off Attu. So, is a moving sub less likely to get the first shot to a sub stationary in a hex?

And as BB and Bif pointed out, probably detection and enemy aggressiveness helped.

I think you are right - the moving sub is more likely to be ambushed. The stationary sub has a sonar and sighting advantage so it can submerge and stalk. Radar is also a factor - the US subs did much better against the Japanese subs once the former got radar. I think the game models this.

[HansBolter]

I just had two damaged Russian subs returning to Vlad sunk by a Jap sub loitering along the coast in two turns.

It was only after the second one that I caught on to what was happening and rerouted all subs returning to Vlad and focused air ASW assets on the hex.

Also don't forget that there are two 'states' of stationary.

Sending a sub to a target hex with a Remain on Station order means it is truly stationary, at least presumably until Alfred corrects my misperception.

Giving a sub a one hex patrol pattern presumably means it is moving within the hex, at least until Alfred corrects my misperception.




hmmmmm. ya know what.....I think I'm just gonna start adding that qualifier to all my statements regarding the game from here on.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

hmmmmm. ya know what.....I think I'm just gonna start adding that qualifier to all my statements regarding the game from here on.

[:D]

I am also one of the legions of users who could/should use that disclaimer!

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

hmmmmm. ya know what.....I think I'm just gonna start adding that qualifier to all my statements regarding the game from here on.

[:D]

I am also one of the legions of users who could/should use that disclaimer!

Pretty sure that applies to all members of this forum!!

[IdahoNYer]

20-21 Sep 42

Highlights - Heavy air loss over Moresby; LR CAP over Akyab offensive results mixed

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 1 (old)

Jpn ships unsunk:
LSD:1 (Shinshu Maru)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 61
Allied: 94

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (2 xAP hit)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Timoeka (DEI)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: SIGINT has been absolutely worthless so far.

West Coast/Admin. Slow convoy departs LA for Auckland. CV Wasp/Hornet TF arrives at Seattle/Bremerton for Oct refits.

In NOPAC, still quiet as repairs continue at Amchitka as well as an xAK arrives with badly needed supply. IJN TF sighted SW of Attu heading SW - unclear of TF composition, perhaps KB heading home?

CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, KB 2 continues to launch a single large strike at Vaitupu, doing minor damage - but not losing any planes and keeping any construction on hold. Loitering north of the island, SS Porpoise gets a shot at CV Junyo with 4 torps and hits the CV - but it’s a dud of course!

In SWPAC, Over Moresby, my B-25s are met by a robust CAP while my P-38s were sweeping Buna. Not good. Over two days of strikes, I lose 12 B-26s and 21 B-25s in exchange for 12 Zeros - Ouch! Loses like these are necessary to remind the thick headed Allied CinC that careless use of hard scrounged bombers can be costly! 50+ B-17s follow the P-38s sweeping Buna, find no air opposition and achieve poor results on the target. Will resume sweeps over Moresby and then hit with bombers.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, the heavy LRCAP over the two Brit Divisions near Akyab is a bust - despite having about 200 fighters avail, the max LRCAP achieved was just over 50. These meet successive fighter sweeps of 36 planes, starting with Tojos, then Oscars. After two days, the bill is high for both sides: Allies lose 45 fighters in exchange for 25 Japanese - not good, especially since a number of aces were lost - 2ea KIA, MIA and WIA. This was also the debut of the P-40K, and its results against the Tojo was less than spectacular. Will rest the fighter force and rebuild - unlike the loss of B-25s/26s, the fighter losses can be more easily replaced.

[IdahoNYer]

22-23 Sep 42

Highlights - Much improved from last turn with Allied victories (even small ones) in the air, on the ground and at sea.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 3
xAP: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 38
Allied: 07

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit (PB, xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC, although still quiet, PBYs sight an IJN TF at Attu - not sure if it’s a resupply, or another bombardment run to Amchitka. In any case, Amchitka’s AF is now repaired, and a xAK continues to offload. With the AF repaired, DBs may get a chance at the naval target. Attu invasion troops and TFs remain at Kodiak - with no clue on the location of the KB, any invasion is still on hold.

CENPAC, Combat Engineer regiment departs PH on a fast convoy, bound for Brisbane and Horn Island operations.

In SOPAC, KB2 has disappeared - I’m not sure what base he’s operating his CA and CV TFs out of - Solomons has good eyes on it and nothing reported, so perhaps he’s coming south out of Kwaj/CENPAC area. In any case, trans-shipping troops and resupply in SOPAC remains the priority, and so far, that isn’t being disturbed.

In SWPAC, P-38s sweep over Moresby and do well - losing only one P-38 in exchange for 11 Zeros. Of course, luck would have it, the US pilot lost, now MIA is Pappy Boyington! At sea, a US DD TF (3DDs) sink a barge convoy returning along the coast from Moresby, sinking a PB and 9 barges at the cost of ammo spent. This marks the first use of Allied surface warships in these waters since Moresby was lost. Will gradually increase the use of light naval forces (CLs, DDs) in the coming weeks.

In WAUS, PBYs sight incoming IJN TFs approaching Exmouth from the DEI - still over 300m distant, but the initial sighting reported BBs. I figure this to be the IJN heavy units that covered the landings at Port Hedland, then were used against Chittagong - now are back for operations against Exmouth and perhaps Carnarvon. Exmouth has AF2 and Fort3, with engineers digging. Troop wise, Exmouth is defended by a Bde(+), consisting of pretty good troops. While Allied airpower has some bite to it in this area, naval units have gone to port for refit - am recalling heavy units from the Indian Ocean, Cape Town and SOPAC, but am limited to ships not due refit in Oct - which means only one Brit CV will be heading back to the waters off Carnarvon. Will be interesting to see what develops here - a major effort to take Exmouth or Carnarvon, or just a bombardment/suppression effort as I saw at Chittagong.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, the British two division attack near Akyab finally pushes back the two IJA regiments - with heavy loss to the Japanese. No Allied fighters provided cover as they recovered loses, and it was a good thing as the Japanese AF conducted numerous sweeps, apparently they didn’t need to recover. IJA Sonias were flown in support of the defenders, but flew low and AA claimed 17, with no bombing effects. The British divisions will need to rest and refit a bit, but will continue the pressure to flank Akyab in this slow grind. The US 27th Div will move in behind this attack to follow and support, and I will likely reinforce the British 18th Div at Akyab. Am also pushing troops up through Imphal, and as long as supply remains good, they will begin advancing on Shwebo next month. Goal is pressure all along the Burma front.

[jwolf]

Looks like a great turn, really nice just about across the board. Hope you can keep it up!

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Looks like a great turn, really nice just about across the board. Hope you can keep it up!

No chance to keep that kinda luck going - yet - still don't have the resources needed. But I'll take it when I can get it!

[IdahoNYer]

24-25 Sep 42

Highlights - IJA grounds closer to Chungking

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-28)
xAK: 1


Jpn ships unsunk:
CL: 2 (Tama, Yubari)
DD: 1 (Shirakumo)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 49
Allied: 27

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
SS I-28 reported sunk by DE King off Unmak
Allies: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. CV Lex begins its 6/42 refit at Cape Town.

In NOPAC, US ASW efforts do well; B-18s report two IJN subs hit off DH, and DE King claims a sub sunk by depth charges off Unmak.

CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, KB2 returns to waters off Vaitupu, this time south of the island - no raids, just appears to be trolling for targets. Shipping continues to run normal operations in the New Hebrides and Santa Cruz Is.

In SWPAC, P-38 sweep over Moresby finds no opposition and B-17s hit Moresby with two strikes of 62 planes and 69 planes over two days inflicting substantial damage to the AF, but not shutting it down according to recon. No B-17s were lost.

In WAUS, S-38 finds the IJN BB TF (2BB,CL, DDs) off Port Hedland, but fails to penetrate the screen. I figured they were headed to Port Hedland to bombard, but apparently then need to fuel first perhaps? Five Allied AFs are hit by night bombing with no results for the Jpn, but Allied AA and NFs score well downing 14 Bettys and 4 Sallys.

In China, IJA forces gain another 40m toward Chungking from the east, defeating and pushing back the defending Chinese troops. I don’t see stopping this attack.

In India/Burma, Allied CAP over Chittagong wonders across the Burma border into large fighter sweeps - 14 Allied fighters are downed in exchange for 9 Zeros.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

For Chungking. Just remember that over stacking can easily destroy your supply stockpile in a few turns. I would avoid concentrating lots of troops in a hex that can be defeated forcing it to Chungking.

What are you using in Burma? Hurricanes II C?

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

What are you using in Burma? Hurricanes II C?

Brits still have a mix of Hurri IIBs and IICs, plus s squadron of Martlets as the front line fighters. I also have Fulmars and Hurri Is on night CAP duties. US has P-40E and P40-K, with a squadron of P-39s and P-38Es inbound, and also Marine 4F4s a little ways off.
Single squadrons of Canadian (KittyHawk), NZ (Hurri IIB), Dutch (P40E)round out the force, plus a heavy Chinese contingent at Ledo (P-66, P-43, I-16) are also around.

I'm getting enough fighters now - its the small squadron size that impacts effective use at times, and of course the Tojo does pretty well against these Allied airframes. Bottom line is that its getting better with each passing week, but I still need to be careful as the IJA fighters can still mass effectively.

[IdahoNYer]

26-27 Sep 42

Highlights – Exmouth is leveled by a naval bombardment; Allied air begins offensive against Lashio

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Yugure)

Allied ships sunk:
PC: 1
PT: 3
xAKL: 2
AMc: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 30
Allied: 19

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Wessel Is (SWPAC)
Gove (SWPAC)
Groote Eylandt (SWPAC)

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Kukong (China)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC, IJN CL TF (CL, 6DD) sinks one of two PTs off Amchitka, but does not bombard. The following morning, Vindicators out of Amchitka put a bomb into the Kitakami, leaving her burning, and two into the DD Yugure, reporting her sunk off Attu. Supply situation at Amchitka still critical, but port and AF now fully repaired.

CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, CA TF (4CA, CL, DDs) bombards Vaitupu with moderate effectiveness, but finds no shipping. KB2 not sighted, but not sure if it has withdrawn or is lying in wait. Focus remains building up Ndeni.

In SWPAC, P-38s sweep Wau and find no opposition while Heavies and Mediums hit Moresby with poor effectiveness – only 20 hits reported on the AF. Bombers will have to rest and I’m pulling the P-38s back to the Exmouth front for a few turns. IJN apparently is conducting mopping up operations, landing small detachments at previously unoccupied locales in Northern Australia – all targets for upcoming Allied landings in the next two months. Still tracking to land at Horn Island in a few weeks.

In WAUS, that BB TF reported by sub, as expected hits Exmouth hard. Local shipping was brushed aside (actually under) as were the 4 PTs prior to the bombardment. US LBA hit the TF prior to the bombardment, scoring three 1000lb hits on BB Kongo and one on Nagato which just bounced off armor. End result is that the AF is shut down and worse, supplies went from just under 4000 to just over 500 – and the engineers will now have to work on the AF and port instead of increasing defenses from fort level 3 (88%) to level 4. On the positive side, the Zero sweep lost 8 Zeros in exchange for 4 Aussie Kittyhawks, and will have F4Fs out of Carnavon providing LR CAP next turn. As long as the IJN can be kept away from effectively shutting down Carnavon, invading Exmouth can be a dangerous play for the IJN. And although the majority of the US Navy will be in refit shortly, a combined Brit/Aus/NZ/US surface TF (including BBs Valiant, Warspite and North Carolina) will assemble to meet the threat in the coming week. This could prove interesting if the KB stays away….

In China, Kukong falls to the second IJA attack with the usual heavy loss, but only one Chinese Corps was left as a rear guard. Still nothing looks promising in China.

In India/Burma, Allied fighters sweep Lashio as the beginning of a sustained air offensive to interdict the supply flow to IJA ground forces at Pashoan – and attrit the IJA air as well. Brit ground based Martlets and US P40Es sweep losing 4 a/c in exchange for 8 Oscars. Sweeps will repeat and Mediums will hit Lashio next turn as Allied air ramps up. On the Akyab front, a new IJA division, the 4th, makes itself known by attacking into the flank of the Allied flanking drive on Akyab, pushing back a Brit IN Bn – I’m actually good with this as the IJA attack did not pursue, and the US 27th ID is coming up, which should stalemate the IJA’s 4th ID – and leave it vulnerable to the force that will soon come out of the Kohima-Imphal route. The Akyab flanking venture is just part of a prolonged broad front campaign along the entire India-Burma frontier designed to pull in IJA troops (working so far with the 21st and 4th IDs reported now in Theater) and attrit them both in the air and on the ground as the calendar turns toward 1943.

[jwolf]

If you are able to go into detail without compromising your plans or OpSec, I would very much like to hear your general strategy regarding holding the Japanese while you upgrade most of the USN during the month of October. On the one hand, these are critical upgrades that you really can't skip or even delay very much; on the other, experienced IJ players know this and could potentially cause a lot of grief.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Other than carriers, the Allies can still have a very credible force to deal with a Japanese renewed offensive. In any case, the Allied navies are waging "guerrilla" warfare in 1942. wherever Japan goes full scale, Allies need to get out, so lack of carriers in October will, at most, reduce the counter punch possibilities.

EDIT: By the way, end of 42 is probably one of the worst times for a carrier vs. carrier battle: Wildcats are becoming old, while Japan is getting A6M3a and A6M5 if accelerated.
Not to mention the potential for 10 fleet/ light carriers vs. only 6 Allied

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

If you are able to go into detail without compromising your plans or OpSec, I would very much like to hear your general strategy regarding holding the Japanese while you upgrade most of the USN during the month of October. On the one hand, these are critical upgrades that you really can't skip or even delay very much; on the other, experienced IJ players know this and could potentially cause a lot of grief.

Jorge pretty much covered it - the IJN can still take what it wants, and I'm not ready to challenge the KB directly just yet. That said, the only true "plan" is that I'll leave the CV airgroups deployed on land bases while the CVs are in refit/upgrade. Any naval operations will be done under the reinforced LBA coverage.

[IdahoNYer]

28-29 Sep 42

Highlights – Exmouth is hit by air and sea; Allied air offensive continues against Lashio

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 44
Allied: 32

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Wessel Is (SWPAC)
Gove (SWPAC)
Groote Eylandt (SWPAC)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: IJA’s 5th Div enroute to Rangoon

West Coast/Admin. Slow convoy departs LA for Auckland.

In NOPAC, quiet returns.

CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, IJN forces withdraw, no contact. Ndeni continues to build up, with a second port maint battalion landed and the 22 MAG HQ flown in. Vaitupu, however, has not been able to expand due to the attention of the IJN. From the Allied perspective, Ndeni is the more important as Vaitupu’s build up is not needed until 1943…plenty of time here.

In SWPAC, Mediums hit Moresby again, no air opposition. Heavies continue to rest. The Jpn landings at Gove and Groote Eylandt are ill timed, a month later and the Allies could have occupied an Allied base. Now, they will require assault. Shipping begins building up in Brisbane for the Horn Is landings.

In WAUS, Exmouth seems to be the focus of L_S_T’s attention – I’m assuming an invasion will take place in the next few weeks, although SIGINT has not revealed any units planning for it as a target. A CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) brushes aside two PTs without loss to either side, and bombards – keeping the AF closed and destroying 2 Banshees and 5 Kittyhawks. Many Sallys escorted by Zeros bomb the AF, doing little damage and lose 6 Zeros and 5 Sallys to either AA or the F4F LRCAP. Two F4F squadrons from refitting CVs will rotate out of Carnarvon, providing LRCAP as long as feasible. With some luck, this will tire the Zeros enough for a P-38 sweep over Port Hedland, allowing the Heavies to hit the target as well. All this assumes that Carnarvon can be protected – if the IJN holds off for a week, and the KB does not support, Allied surface fleet units will be in place. The next few days could be dicey!

In China, the Oscar IIb is noted operationally for the first time.

In India/Burma, Allied fighters sweep Lashio again with good results, followed up by escorted Mediums hitting the AF. A total of 21 Oscar IIa are lost in exchange for 14 Allied fighters – mainly Hurri IIbs. Bombing inflicts 32 dam on the AF. My assumption here is that damage to Lashio this WILL decrease the supply flow to the IJA force at Paoshan – in addition to attritting the IJA air in Theater. Will continue the attention on Lashio until the B-24s are ready – figure about a week more to get 5 full strength squadrons ready. Will also do some select fighter sweeps over other targets to see what the response is – avoiding the Hornets Nest of Magwe until the IJA is attritted a bit more, and additional Allied assets are in place. Lastly SIGINT has reported the IJA’s 5th Div is enroute to Burma, via Rangoon. That makes three additional reinforcing divisions (21st, 4th, 5th) now in or deploying to Burma since the British attack to flank Akyab. All three of these divisions were last confirmed in NW Australia, so my intent of drawing forces into Burma has worked – not sure I really wanted THREE divisions, but it should make things easier in SWPAC and WAUS in the coming months.

[IdahoNYer]

Sep 42 Summary

Sep was a pretty quiet month for the most part, with no major naval engagements as most of the major US naval units headed to port for the Oct refit. No new Allied offensive operations were initiated, and the ongoing ground drive near Akyab slowly gained ground. The Japanese continued to drive slowly but surely in China, and conduct mop up landings on small, bypassed bases, in the DEI and SWPAC. The KB was divided in half, both halves trolling for victims in NOPAC and SOPAC, mostly without success. IJN bombardments, especially BB bombardments continue to be the greatest threat to Allied bases, with no counter yet identified. The repeated presence of carriers in NOPAC has shut down Allied offensive operations toward Attu. Overall, it was still a positive month, with Allied airpower growing and potentially gaining the initiative over Burma and SWPAC Theaters – heavy bombers used in mass, and P-38s have been effective. Ground has been gained slowly in Burma, and both Exmouth and Ndeni established as advanced bases (although Exmouth has recently been heavily targeted). Best overall is all 6 US CVs remain intact and headed into refit/upgrade – the 40mm boost in AA across all ships going into refit will be a solid edge in actions to come. Heading into October, Allied offensive action will be again limited, with the majority of the fleet dispersed in ports undergoing refit/upgrades. I do expect a renewed IJN/IJA offensive against Exmouth – this may develop into a fleet action as well, as long as the KB stays away. Any Allied operations will be solely supported by Allied LBA, which includes most of the normally CV based air. Allied LBA will also expand its air offensive in Burma, including employing Heavies for the first time. Naval losses for the month were light for both sides; IJN reported losses for the month were 3DD and 3SS as compared to the Allies losing 2DD, 2SS and 3PTs. Air losses were in the Allies favor, 472 for Jpn to 417 Allied.

Screenshot shows Allied Forces disposition - Notes: 1)Ships are in service, not under refit or stood down. 2) a/c shown are combat available, not trainers or deployed on CVs. (also, during this particular timeframe, most US CV airgroups are deployed ashore as CVs are prepping to refit) HB are 4 engine bombers. 3) CENPAC subs are those against IJN shipping, other Theater subs shown are “in close” for defense of that Theater. 4) En are Construction or Combat Engineers, all others (Port, Base, Group are under BF, including static bases). 4) AR includes armor, TD or recce units of any size.


INTEL: Last month I was convinced the IJN is done with major amphibious operations, now I’m not too sure. The attention Exmouth is getting is a very possible prep for amphib landing – but I have zero SIGINT on units preparing. SIGINT has been more than useless so far – not a single “hit” on a warship move, let alone an actionable one.

SUBWAR: Still nothing spectacular here. Allied subs continue to miss or have torps not explode when warships or even tankers are targets – seldom as that may be. IJN subs continue to threaten certain shipping lanes from time to time, although there greatest successes so far have been against Allied subs!

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: All ships scheduled for the 10/42 refit/upgrade are in port awaiting the calendar to move to October. US Army bomber, British and Aus fighter pilot pools remain low although are improving. Planes remain short across the board, and only one CAP Trap away from a crisis.

NOPAC. This has turned out to be the most frustrating (less China of course) Theater in the entire Pacific. Attu invasion has been repeatedly postponed, with troops and ships waiting not so patiently at Kodiak for the word to go. While I don’t think the KB is still prowling now at the end of October, I’m still cautious about going forth with the invasion. Will see…

CENPAC. Remaining quiet for a while longer.

SOPAC. The IJN’s attention to Vaitupu instead of Ndeni has me wondering why – but, I’ll take it at face value. I don’t need Vaitupu any time soon while Ndeni continues to expand. Good. SOPAC will lose some Army air assets in the short term to SWPAC due to the upcoming Horn Island operation, as well as all larger than DD warships to refit. Minimal operations until the carriers return.

SWPAC. Despite Jpn activity at Exmouth, plan remains to launch at Horn Island in October – awaiting an engineer regiment enroute from CENPAC. Allied LBA strength, along with bases to support it, remains good, and should be able to cover the landings.

WAUS. Exmouth seems to be the point of major contention for the next few weeks. Allied LBA is in good shape – as long as Carnarvon remains operation. That will likely require heavy surface forces, and they are heading toward WAUS from Ceylon, Melbourne and Cape Town – about a week or so away. Of course, no US CVs will deploy, so again, the wild card is the KB. Will attempt to hold Exmouth regardless – and will deploy addition troops from the quiet Tennant Creek front.

Burma/India. The slow, grinding attack to flank Akyab has had limited success – defeating two IJA regiments, but drawing in at least two, possibly three IJA divisions to this Theater. This will likely result in a stalemate on the Akyab front, but it will be interesting to see if the IJA can sustain a prolonged ground fight that consumes much supply. In the air, will continue to ramp up the tempo with additional fighters and bombers – including putting B-24s and a USMC MAG into action. The goal in Burma, both ground and air, is to undertake a war of attrition against the IJA.

China. IJA grinding attacks continue to make forward progress from the SE, E and NE. Expect fighting in or adjacent to Chungking in October. Don’t see a solution as supplies are still lacking everywhere. IJA LBA is unopposed in the air due to lack of supplies.

[IdahoNYer]

30 Sep - 1 Oct 42

Highlights – Pretty quiet; Exmouth is not hit and China holds an attack 40m east of Chungking.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 11

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. October refit/upgrades have begun!!! 5 CV (Sara will begin next turn), 2BB, 12CA, 4CL, 7DD all laid up for the next couple of weeks. One interesting tidbit – the Lady Lex didn’t do her 6/42 upgrade until a about a week ago – so she was at 39 days remaining when the Oct refit hit. Figured that the 10/42 refit would add the 21 days to that total. NOPE!! Instead, the Lex is at 21 days – just the Oct refit requirement! Nice! Also in Oct, the F4Fs get drop tanks and the first P38G is fielded in Australia.

In NOPAC, still quiet as Amchitka is slowly being resupplied.

CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, CL TF (CL,2DD) bombard Vaitupu with little to show for it, but supplies are now critical. xAKL with SC escort is enroute with supply, and hopefully the IJN will miss its arrival. 6th Marine Reg begins loading at Luganville for movement back to Noumea as the 37th ID takes over responsibility for defenses. Ndeni reaches fort level 4 as support troops (AA Bn this trip) and supplies continue to arrive without interference. In the air, Munda is hit for the first time – LB30s at night – destroying 2 a/c on the ground while 12 B-24s hit Tulagi with good effect and no loss.

In SWPAC, Mediums hit both Moresby and Horn Island with good effect and no air opposition and both AFs should be closed. Bombers, both heavy and medium need rest though. Shipping continues to build and transit on the eastern seaboard of OZ, with subs being the only obstacle – will increase LBA ASW efforts.

In WAUS, Exmouth gets a breather – no attention from air or sea. A single xAKL begins offloading, but the port and AF are still closed. LBA fighters out of Carnavon continue to provide LRCAP. 3 B17Ds hit Port Hedland at night with very, very good effect – 9 Sally, 3 Dinah and 4 Zeros are destroyed on the ground from 10 airbase hits – the AF is packed is my assumption!

In China, Chinese troops hold off a sizeable attack 40m east of Chungking – 3000+ IJA casualties in exchange for only 250 Chinese. Still, the terrain is clear, and its only a matter of time before additional IJA troops can be brought in – hope supply remains challenging as his LOCs are not good here.

In India/Burma, Allied air missions against Lashio were apparently weathered out as no sweeps or bombing missions took place. Fighter sweeps against Akyab were unopposed. IJA attacked the Allied troops (including US Mtn Reg) in the jungle 80m E of Kohima, but are held, but I expect to be pushed back here across the river – not a major issue, this is a holding action and I doubt the IJA has the strength to push on Kohima or Ledo at this point.