Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

[Schlussel]

**FLASH REPORT December 11, 1942**

**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to isolate and neutralize Rabaul.

Code-name: TROPIC THUNDER

Plan: With Rabaul's outer defenses breached, the time has come to deny the use of Rabaul to the Japanese. Whether that is accomplished by capture or destruction remains to be decided.

Phase 1A: [November 1942 to January 1943] Code-name: LAZARUS
-Isolate Lae/Salamaua by capturing Finschafen and Umboi Island.
-Advance up New Guinea coast to Hansa Bay, under cover of land based air.
-Assault & capture Salamaua and Lae.

Phase 1B: [November 1942 to January 1943] Code-name: FOUR LEAF
-Assault & capture Namatanai and build up airbase for air assault on Rabaul.
-Assault & capture Kavieng and build up port and airbase.
-Assault & capture Massau Island and build up airbase.
-Assault & capture Manus and build up port and airbase.

Phase 2: [Jan. 1943 to February 1943] Code-name: TIGER BALM
-Capture Rabaul, or render its port & airfield inoperable.
-Continue advance up Northern New Guinea coast, capturing Japanese forward base at Hollandia.

**END TRANSMISSION**

[Schlussel]

Week 53: December 9th – December 15th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu.



Central Pacific:
Sporadic IJA bomber raids hit Tabiteuea. CAP continues to be successful at preventing the enemy from reaching their targets.



Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



New Guinea/Solomons:
On Bougainville, Allied troops are still marching towards Torokina. 4 engine bombers target the enemy held base, hopefully this will make the upcoming fight a little easier.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders. Artillery is taking longer than I hoped to arrive from Buna, the rough jungle terrain must be the culprit.

Wave 1 of the assault on Finschafen is underway. Infantry, engineers and artillery hit the beaches and things were looking good. Then the next morning, the Japanese shock attacked with about 100 to 20 advantage in AV. Allied troops held on but the fight resulted in 22 disabled squads. In tandem with the ground assault, the Japanese air force sortied and targeted the American fleet covering the landings. Allied CAP took care of the Japanese escorts, but the Bettys came in low and slipped right by…putting two torpedoes into CVE Nassau. Damage was severe, but it looked like she might be able to limp to port. However that afternoon, another Betty raid slipped by my CAP and put a torp into Nassau, which finished her. The good news was that the amphibs were untouched and I was able to adjust CAP altitudes to effectively counter the Japanese tactics. As the week progressed, more Allied troops came ashore unmolested thanks to a more effective CAP. At the end of the week, the AV tally stands at 118 to 89 in favor of the Allies. The beachhead is secure, but any deliberate attacks will have to wait until next week when wave 2 arrives.

At Woodlark Island, Allied forces landed and took the base rather quickly, aided by a timely BB bombardment that sent the Japanese defense into disarray.

East of Lunga, I finally caught up to the 3 Japanese cruisers raiding my supply line. Dauntlesses and Avengers from the Lexington overwhelmed the enemy, sinking the CL Kuma, CL Yura, and damaging an escorting Destroyer.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues the Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, I have a solid ground defensive position, but the Japanese control the air and have been using their bombers to maximum effect. One bright spot is the performance of my AA in the area, which has taken its toll on the Japanese bombers, but at the moment it doesn’t seem to affect the size or frequency of the enemy air attacks.

In central Burma, the Chindit force at Myitkynia ousts the Japanese garrison. The enemy flees towards Katha with the elite British force in hot pursuit. I have a small reconnaissance force holding the road due west of Katha, so with no escape route, this may be a good opportunity to surround and destroy the Japanese.

In China, the front has stabilized. The Japanese continue to bombard at Chengchow, but the rest of the theater is quiet. This is a welcome development, as less fighting means less supply consumption.



IJN Watch:
-3 BB’s are occasionally spotted anchored at Hollandia, but the Carriers are gone. No sight of the enemy flattops all week, it’s possible they retreated towards Truk.



Notable Base Captures:
-Woodlark Island [SWPAC] captured by Allies (12/12)
-Myitkynia [Burma] captured by Allies (12/14)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 2,886 [+58]
Biggest Losses (#): SBD-3 Dauntless (244), P-40E Warhawk (204), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 181)

Japanese: 6,764 [+141]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,565), Ki-48 Lily (1,117), A6M2 Zero (669)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 422 [+10]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 686 [+11]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,857 [+21]
Japanese: 3,920 [+53]
A/J Ratio: 2.25 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 27,252 [+366]
Japanese: 23,812 [+125]
A/J Ratio: 1.14 to 1



Operation Cumberland
-All incomplete objectives have been rolled into Operation Tropic Thunder, Cumberland is considered complete for all intents and purposes.


Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – IN PROGRESS [Wave 1 ashore, wave 2 in route]
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namantai
-Capture Kavieng
-Capture Massau Island
-Capture Manus

Phase 2: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia



Other Notes:
-The first LST’s arrive on the US west coast. They immediately depart for the Southwest Pacific, where their services (specifically their high unload rates) are sorely needed.

[Macclan5]

Very good update again - thanks SCH...

Your plans / offensive operations continue to build momentum in Soloman's / New Guinea - congrats. You targeting of Rabul for early 1943 is very aggressive and I will follow eagerly.

--

Bank to Burma [8D]

<< disclaimer ~ an aspect of the war I personally find interesting as well>>

The Stand Off at Akylab seems to be holding further supply / time / supply usage is now on your side.

I note the Chindits making a move and a "blocking force" (unspecified).

Do you think you have enough assets in place to go after Mandalay ?

Can you air lift any forces from i.e. Ledo to supplement i.e. RAF base forces in lieu of better ENG ?

Could you note or opine if you are moving air assets forward to suppress IJA / IJN air power ?

Opening the Burma road 'may be a little too aggressive' for early 1943 but if I recall the moonsoon season is abated till May. Current time is Nov ? So you certainly have a window to open the other prong of attack.

[Schlussel]

You are spot on, the Rabaul operation is a bit aggressive. My last big op timetable was too conservative, so I guess I'm just bracketing the target...I figure by my 3rd or 4th big operation, I should have things dialed in a bit better.[:D]

As for Burma, my blocking forces you speak of are small (100-150 AV) in comparison to the other troop concentrations in the area, but they are there mainly present to prevent a quick Japanese response via rail to the Chindit move on Myitkynia. So far it has been a success. Myitkynia has fallen to the Allies, and Intel has not reported any IJA troop movements in central Burma. The inevitable Japanese response will have to come by foot along the road from Mandalay, and that is clear terrain...my 4 engine bombers will be sure to make that a costly endeavor.

Air power in the Burma region still favors the Japanese, and its concentrated at Rangoon (150F/160B) . Thus I have pulled back my fighters and have been focusing my bomber missions on Akyab and the Myitkynia areas...out of the reach of enemy fighter cover. I'm currently allowing my fighter strength to build up, and I've got some Spitfires in route from Australia. I think by January or February, I should be in a position to challenge Japanese air superiority. This may be optimistic too, it all depends on how quickly the depleted Hurricane squadrons build back up.

As for Mandalay, I worry a direct advance will place my troops in open terrain, that will present a real juicy target for the Japanese. Perhaps I will pursue that once my fighters strength is back up, and it would make a nice CAP trap, but for now I'll stay hidden in the Jungle. With that said, I still have protected routes of advance around Mandalay's right flank toward the Lashio and Taung Gyi. Once I consolidate my Position around Mytkynia, I may head in that direction.

Your suggestion of air lift operations is a good one. I have plenty of C-47's and DC-3's supplying China from Ledo and Jorhat, I suppose I could spare a few squadrons. I have never experimented with airlift before, but this is probably a pretty forgiving area to try it out.

Thanks again for your interest and comments on my AAR. Between yours and all the other fourumite's comments, I am learning a great deal. [&o]

[Schlussel]

Week 54: December 16th – December 22nd 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu.



Central Pacific:
Sporadic IJA bomber raids continue to hit Tabiteuea, but Allied CAP denies the Japanese any successes here. Late in the week, another base force arrives to bolster air support, allowing for a PBY squadron to fly in.



Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



New Guinea/Solomons:
On Bougainville, Allied troops reach Torokina. Most of the week the Allied forces bombarded, but a deliberate attack was launched late in the week with mixed results…Forts were dropped from 3 to 2, but at the cost of 50 disabled squads, and high disruption of all my infantry units. AV is 340 to 114 in favor of the Allies, so once disruption eases (to about 10), I’ll order another assault. Reinforcements from Shortlands (a marine regiment and a tank battalion) will be arriving in a few days, so this influx of offensive firepower might be the perfect time to resume the attack.
Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders. Artillery is still traversing through the jungle, and should reach Salamaua mid next week.
At Finschafen, my precarious hold on the beachhead continues until the last day of the week, when wave 2 arrives and troops begin unloading over the beach. Currently an Allied BB force is 4 hexes from Finschafen ready to lend a hand. Depending on how bombardments go, I should be ready to order a deliberate sometime next week. The Japanese air force continues to send large raids to attack the Allied forces at Finschafen, the amphibs, and the Carriers providing CAP. So far there haven’t been any hits, but defiantly hasn’t been a shortage of close calls. Even with CAP set to low altitudes, Bettys still seem to squeak through at 100 feet. It’s almost as though my fighters tangle with their Japanese counterparts, and during that time, it draws them up in altitude, then when the Betty’s arrive they are out of position. Like I said, I have avoided incident so far, but that fact doesn’t calm my fears. Simple statistics say the Japanese torpedoes will find their mark eventually.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues the Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, I have some Spitfires due to arrive next week, we’ll see if they can make their presence felt. For now I am content hunkering down behind my AA guns.
In central Burma, the Chindit force pursues the retreating Japanese toward Katha. The goal here is to destroy the Japanese before they can send reinforcements.
In China, the front has stabilized. The only minor action was Japanese bombardments at Chengchow in the East and Nanning in the West.



IJN Watch:
-KB Jr. re-appears at Hollandia, reports vary, but aircraft count is around 50 fighters and 100 bombers.



Notable Base Captures:
-None



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,019 [+133]
Biggest Losses (#): SBD-3 Dauntless (244), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 241), P-40E Warhawk (206)

Japanese: 7,085 [+321]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,554), Ki-48 Lily (1,229), A6M2 Zero (750)



Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 429 [+7]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 699 [+13]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,875 [+18]
Japanese: 3,959 [+39]
A/J Ratio: 2.24 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 27,743 [+491]
Japanese: 24,244 [+432]
A/J Ratio: 1.14 to 1



Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – IN PROGRESS [Wave 2 ashore, BB bombardment upcoming]
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namantai
-Capture Kavieng
-Capture Massau Island
-Capture Manus

Phase 2: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia



Other Notes:
-the 32nd Infantry Division is finally at full strength, after a near disaster on its voyage to the South Pacifc. Now it will continue to rest/train until it is needed for the Assault on Rabaul (prep is at 95).
-3 IJN subs were sunk off Finschafen by Allied ASW forces. The subs were caught in shallow water, which made the job much easier.

[Schlussel]

Week 55: December 23rd – December 29th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu.



Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



New Guinea/Solomons:
The Allies, re-energized with the arrival of fresh troops, launch a deliberate attack on Torokina. They inflict about 1,500 casualties (90 combat squads) and oust the defenders. The next few days are spent mopping up Japanese forces outside the base. By the end of the week, all organized Japanese resistance is suppressed on Bougainville, now the focus shifts to neutralizing Rabaul.

Speaking of Rabaul, it looks like it will be a tough nut, over 40K troops, 50 fighters, and 30 bombers. Most importantly, the Japanese navy is now patrolling the area in force. Intel reports over 10 capital ships in the immediate area, 5 of which are reported to be BB’s…and the KB is still out there as well. So unlike my previous operations, this means I won’t be able to isolate the Japanese positions with sea power alone. With the appearance of the IJN, the capture of strategic bases in the Bismarck/Admiralty Island chains will be even more important.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders. Artillery has finally arrived to bolster Allied bombardments. Infantry will be given a few more days of rest, and then the Assaults will commence.

At Finschafen, wave 2 finishes unloading. Then at the end of the week (following a stout BB bombardment) my forces attack and rout the defenders. Enemy losses are about 1,400, including 32 squads, 6 guns and 22 vehicles destroyed. The enemy pocket is now contained to Lae and Salamaua area. With the enemy isolated, I can take my time here, allowing most of my effort to be directed eastwards.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues the Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, Spitfires arrived and made their presence felt, but took a lot of losses as well. No big whoop, I am content hunkering down behind my AA guns.

In central Burma, the Chindit force continues their pursuit of the retreating Japanese northeast of Katha. The goal here is to destroy the Japanese before they can send reinforcements.

In China, the front has stabilized. The only minor action was artillery duels at Chengchow and Nanning.



IJN Watch:
-KB Jr. disappears again.
-2BB and 3 CA sighted anchored at Rabaul (12/29).
-3BB and 2 DD sighted patrolling the Bismarck Sea (12/29)



Notable Base Captures:
-Torokina [Bougainville] captured by the Allies (12/25)
-Finschafen [New Guinea] captured by the Allies (12/28)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,074 [+55]
Biggest Losses (#):F4F-4 Wildcat ( 250), SBD-3 Dauntless (246), P-40E Warhawk (206)

Japanese: 7,257 [+172]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,590), Ki-48 Lily (1,143), A6M2 Zero (662)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 434 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 720 [+21]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,891 [+16]
Japanese: 4,128 [+169]
A/J Ratio: 2.15 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 28,261 [+518]
Japanese: 24,342 [+98]
A/J Ratio: 1.16 to 1



Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE [repair efforts underway… RWY-37 SRV-68 PORT-93]
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay


Phase 1B: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namantai – UNDERWAY [Surface forces assembling to properly screen amphibs]
-Capture Kavieng
-Capture Massau Island
-Capture Manus


Phase 2: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia



Other Notes:
-With the IJN appearance, I postpone the planned assault on Namantai while I get my own fleet assets in place. This op will be high on the danger scale, as its only 1 hex from Rabaul. Luckily there is a large landmass in-between, so I just need to focus on guarding my flanks from enemy surface intrusions.

[Macclan5]

Thanks SCH... another fine update.

A note about the Spitfires.

I recall reading an AAR. I am sorry I cannot seem to search/find the specific page..but there was a great discussion about the early attributes of the Spit.

The Spit especially early models is not the game changer / equalizer in 42/43. Latter models yes but not where you are.

Its high maneuverability and pilots with Defense skills can be the great equalizer...

As I recall - the suggestion in that specific Allied AAR "about events in Burma and the Spit " was:

1) Tiered CAP which should always be in place anyway i.e. 15000 / 13000 / 10000

2) Put the Spits on the lowest level tier.

3) Their high defense and maneuverability wore out any sweeps and fighter escort and survive allowing the higher CAP planes to decimate the incoming attack.

They allied vets were speaking of stacking P40E over top of Spits going by memory. Perhaps though it was latter in the war and it could have been Corsairs / Jugs / Lightnings (??!!)

If there are other Allied vets reading this AAR perhaps they could join in and correct me / agree with me / recall that thread.

[Schlussel]

Thanks for the note sir, yeah I will try those suggestions...all good ones. You've piqued my interest in this...when I get some more time later this week, I'm gonna have to try and search for that thread you referenced. In the past I have used the following to search via google:



site:matrixgames.com/forums "War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition" xxxxxx

where xxxxxx is the term you are searching for.



This is what I've been using thus far. If anyone has had better success with another method, I'm all ears.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Thanks SCH... another fine update.

A note about the Spitfires.

I recall reading an AAR. I am sorry I cannot seem to search/find the specific page..but there was a great discussion about the early attributes of the Spit.

The Spit especially early models is not the game changer / equalizer in 42/43. Latter models yes but not where you are.

Its high maneuverability and pilots with Defense skills can be the great equalizer...

As I recall - the suggestion in that specific Allied AAR "about events in Burma and the Spit " was:

1) Tiered CAP which should always be in place anyway i.e. 15000 / 13000 / 10000

2) Put the Spits on the lowest level tier.

3) Their high defense and maneuverability wore out any sweeps and fighter escort and survive allowing the higher CAP planes to decimate the incoming attack.

They allied vets were speaking of stacking P40E over top of Spits going by memory. Perhaps though it was latter in the war and it could have been Corsairs / Jugs / Lightnings (??!!)

If there are other Allied vets reading this AAR perhaps they could join in and correct me / agree with me / recall that thread.

Hurricanes were considered good for the 10K-20K range - they keep their maneuverability better than most other fighters.

[Macclan5]

Thanks

I tried your google trick and promptly got lost in reading a number of old threads to learn more as per usual.[8D]

I still could not find the exact thread I was looking for under Spitfire low cap and other variations.

However the efficient and knowledgeable Ser Lowpe did point out what I was referring to in his AAR from Japans side.

He did a side by side comparison of the Oscar IV / P47 D2 / Spit VIII albeit in 1944. Say 2/3rds down the page.

The key here was to note the ratings on maneuver bands; the Spit is 33/33/33/27/21. Vastly superior to the American beast and on par with Japanese planes noted for being maneuverable.

I think it semi-supports the contentions of "my failing memory and a really old Allied AAR" that the Spits were best deployed as: the lowest level in tiered cap with good pilots.

They seem to have defense maneuver on par with your opponent.

Say you set the CAP at 10,000 / 15,000 / 20,000. Spits on 10.

It should allow your P40E (better still P40K) to jump the bombers and IJ fighters with the dive bonus. I am assuming you have USAAF 10th or something in theater to fly over top other than RAF Hurri's

tm.asp?m=3549450&mpage=238

[Schlussel]

Yeah Lowpe's AARs are very enlightening, even if they are from the perspective of the evil empire.[:D]

The Spitfire V has some real nice maneuverability below 20K, I'll keep them low and see if that helps, thanks guys!

[Schlussel]

Situation Report – January 1st 1943







Central/North Pacific:

Surface Forces: 5-BB, 4-CA, 30-DD (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 1,219K @ Pearl Harbor
Near-Term Plans: Continue developing Tabiteuea and bases in Aleutians.
Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls.





New Guinea/Solomons:


Surface Forces: 5-CV, 1-CVE, 1-CVL, 10-BB, 5-CA, 10-DD
Fuel Reserves: 565K @ Noumea
6K @ Port Moresby
23K @ Sydney
Near-Term Plans: Capture Namantani and Kavieng, move up New Guinea coast towards Lae.
Long Term Plans: Isolate/Capture Rabaul







SE Asia/China



Surface Forces: 1-CV, 5-BB, 9-CA, 6-DD (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 1,124K @ Colombo
Near-Term Plans: Hold Akyab. Chindit Raid in Central Burma.
Long Term Plans: Launch two-pronged attack into Burma. Force A will advance down the coast to threaten Prome/Rangoon, while Force B will advance through central Burma and threaten Mandalay. The goal of both advances is not to capture territory, but to keep Japanese LCU’s in this theatre occupied.




Base Status:


Akyab:
Port Size: 3.72 (+0.02)
Airfield Size: 7.07 (+0.01)
Supplies: 5K (<1 Week of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 5.70 (+0.25)
Supplies: 4K (8 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 2.22 (+0.11)
Airfield Size: 2.44 (+0.11)
Supplies: 8K (84 Weeks of normal operations)

Buka:
Port Size: 0.00
Airfield Size: 1.66 (+1.59)
Supplies: 11K (8 Weeks of normal operations)

Buna:
Port Size: 2.00 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 7.55 (+0.54)
Supplies: 52K (17 Weeks of normal operations)

Finschafen:
Port Size: 3.0
Airfield Size: 4.0
Supplies: 24K (17 Weeks of normal operations)

Kalemyo:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 7.0 (MAX)
Supplies: 7K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.32 (+0.16)
Supplies: 54K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Midway:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 57K (22 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 4.54 (+0.19)
Airfield Size: 5.84 (+0.34)
Supplies: 24K (18 Weeks of normal operations)

Munda:
Port Size: 4.53 (+0.50)
Airfield Size: 5.16 (+0.47)
Supplies: 39K (23 Weeks of normal operations)

Myitkynia:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 2.0
Supplies: 1K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 3.06 (+0.21)
Airfield Size: 5.77 (+0.09)
Supplies: 7K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Port Moresby:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.57 (+0.44)
Supplies: 42K (5 Weeks of normal operations)

Tabiteuea:
Port Size: 3.10 (+0.76)
Airfield Size: 4.29 (+0.84)
Supplies: 9K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Tulagi:
Port Size: 5.62 (+0.99)
Airfield Size: 1.41 (+0.00)
Supplies: 32K (14 Weeks of normal operations)

[Bif1961]

Very interesting on your advances to historic progress. You seem to be well ahead of historic timeline for the Allies and have many ships, BBs and CVs that where historically lost by now. Seems you will be well on a pace to end this in mid-44.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Very interesting on your advances to historic progress. You seem to be well ahead of historic timeline for the Allies and have many ships, BBs and CVs that where historically lost by now. Seems you will be well on a pace to end this in mid-44.

Thanks Bif!

I think having the advantage of hindsight has really helped things. I have lost fewer ships than historically, however the KB is pretty much intact as well.

So far things have went to schedule, but too much success can lull one into being too confident. I hope to avoid catching the victory disease, but with all the new assets the allies get in the coming years, the pressure builds to maintain a speedy advance. I'll have to balance that with the fact that the Japanese still have a sizeable surface fleet, and the KB is out there somewhere...

[Schlussel]

Week 56: December 30th – January 5th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu.




Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




New Guinea/Solomons:
The operation to capture Namantanai and Kavieng is assembling at Noumea. Recon reports about 3K troops at Kavieng, but it looks like Namantanai is un-garrisoned. Due to this and the heightened IJN presence in the area, the current plan has changed a bit. Instead of an amphibious assault on Kavieng, the plan is to land and capture Namantanai, and then march up the road to assault Kavieng.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders. Artillery has helped, but the Japanese defenders are well dug-in behind Level 4 forts. My last assault was precluded by a strong BB bombardment and the attack was still thrown back with 16 destroyed and 69 disabled squads. This pocket of resistance is isolated, so I plan to continue bombardments and wait to attack until lack of supplies tips the scales in my favor.

The new Allied base at Finschafen is almost fully repaired…all that remains is 30 port damage. One oversight was that I didn’t include aviation support in the second wave, but that is being rectified. An aviation regiment is on its way and should reach its destination next week.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues the Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, though the Japanese bombing raids have tapered off a bit. It seems my plan is working…the IJAF is shifting its focus toward my raid in central Burma. Increased Japanese bombing runs target Kalemyo, Myitkynia, and my Chindit force approaching Katha. So far my CAP is doing its job, and no real damage has been inflicted by the strikes. Also, I’m sure the Allied troops at Akyab appreciate the change in the enemy’s efforts.

In central Burma, the Chindit force continues their advance towards Katha. They have defeated a small force North East of Katha, and now are advancing on the village itself. I still have my blocking force stationed on the railroad South West of Katha to block any Japanese attempts to quickly reinforce. So far there are no signs of an enemy relief effort.

In China, the only minor action was artillery duels at Chengchow and Nanning. I have finally abandoned my position at Paotow in Northern China, as my supply situation was critically low. I plan to move back towards Lanchow until I reach a point where the supply situation is more suitable.




IJN Watch:
-KB nowhere to be seen.
-2 BB and 2 CA sighted north of Rabaul (12/30).
-1 BB anchored at Rabaul (1/3)
-2 CA/1 CL spotted patrolling the Bismarck Sea (1/2 thru 1/5)




Notable Base Captures:
-None



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,109 [+35]
Biggest Losses (#):F4F-4 Wildcat ( 252), SBD-3 Dauntless (247), P-40E Warhawk (207)

Japanese: 7,428 [+171]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,905), Ki-48 Lily (1,059), A6M2 Zero (502)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 438 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 732 [+12]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,907 [+16]
Japanese: 4,207 [+79]
A/J Ratio: 2.12 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 28,647 [+386]
Japanese: 24,424 [+82]
A/J Ratio: 1.17 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE [repair efforts underway… RWY-07 SRV-0 PORT-30]
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B - FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namantai – UNDERWAY [Surface forces and amphibs assembling]
-Capture Kavieng [Amphibs assembling]
-Capture Massau Island
-Capture Manus

Phase 2 - TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Other Notes:
-It has only been a few days since the improved USN torpedoes arrived, and we’ve already got 4 confirmed reports of transports sunk by American subs. In those attacks, seven torpedoes hit their targets, only two of the torpedoes failed to explode…not perfect, but this ratio is definitely more-better.

[Schlussel]

Week 57: January 6th – January 12th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu.




Central Pacific:
The last day of the week, KB Jr (3-CVL and 1 CV – 50F/50B) approaches Midway from the West and launches a 20 bomber raid which surprises the Allied garrison and sinks an AP docked at the port. Surviving ships (3 AP’s) are set to dash at full speed back to Pearl.




Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




New Guinea/Solomons:
The Namatanai invasion force hits the beach at the end of the week. Boots on the ground confirm reports that the base is un-occuppied. Once the base is captured, the Kavieng portion of this invasion, will land and begin the advance up the long road towards the Northern tip of the island.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders. Artillery has helped, but the Japanese defenders are well dug-in behind Level 4 forts. Currently the plan is to starve out the defenders and use their bases as level bombing training grounds, for the squadrons that will eventually target Rabaul in a month or so.

The new Allied base at Finschafen is repaired, and aviation forces have arrived. Now the focus becomes building the airfield to a point where it can base B-17’s, B-24’s and B-25’s.
Buka’s airfield reached level 2 and that allowed some P-40 sweeps of the skies over Rabaul. Results were better than expected, and the Warhawk’s were on the good side of a 3:1 kill ratio. Japanese CAP consisted of mostly Nates and Zeroes, who got some shots in…but it was the durability of the Allied fighters really made the difference. After two good sweeping days, the B-17’s swooped in and closed the airfield. The plan is to keep it that way so the bases’ 23,000 defenders have no protection from Allied bombing.

Mid week, Allied subs catch BB Mutsu north of Rabaul and put three fish in her. Then a few days later, carrier based Devastators catch Mutsu trying to hit the transports at Namatanai, and two more torps find their mark. That afternoon, Intel confirms Mutsu slips beneath the waves. Scratch one more enemy battlewagon!




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues the Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, with bombardment and air raids from both sides attempting to break the stalemate. Lots of air to air losses on both sides, with the Allies coming out slightly ahead.

In central Burma, the Chindit force captures Katha, but apparently the noose wasn’t tight enough, and the Japanese defenders retreated South-West towards Schwebo. Now the advance will shift to the south east with an Allied push towards Lashio, keeping under the protective cover of the Burmese jungle.

In China, the Japanese advance from the Hong Kong/Canton area and assault my defenses at Wuchow. The Chinese successfully beat back the Japanese attack and now both sides dig in.




IJN Watch:
-KB Jr. spotted West of Midway.
-1 BB and 2 CA sighted in the Rabaul area
-1 CVE spotted fleeing Rabaul heading North.




Notable Base Captures:
-Katha [Burma] captured by the Allies (1/12)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,177 [+68]
Biggest Losses (#):F4F-4 Wildcat ( 255), SBD-3 Dauntless (247), P-40E Warhawk (220)

Japanese: 7,696 [+268]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,779), Ki-48 Lily (825), A6M2 Zero (823)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 439 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 736 [+4
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,920 [+13]
Japanese: 4,260 [+53]
A/J Ratio: 2.09 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 28,647 [+386]
Japanese: 24,424 [+82]
A/J Ratio: 1.19 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namantai – UNDERWAY [Wave #1 on the beach]
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force heading toward Namantai]
-Capture Massau Island
-Capture Manus

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Other Notes:
-Good week for USN subs, in addition to the Mutsu sinking noted above, the Silent Service tallied 4 TK’s sunk, 3 off the home islands and 1 near Truk.

[Schlussel]

Week 58: January 13th – January 19th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu.




Central Pacific:
KB Jr. retires to the east without launching any more raids on Midway.

Japanese raids on Tabiteuea from the North [Makin?] resume, but this time they have escorts. Almost all of the raids get through. Airfield damage is somewhat light [10-ish], but I lost a lot of P-40’s, and that’s more of a concern, since these squadrons don’t receive reinforcements due to their supply situation. I might have to fly in a new squadron via Baker, or get Tabiteuea’s supply over 20K.




Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




New Guinea/Solomons:
Namatanai falls easily [it was un-occupied], and troops prepped for Kavieng, begin landing immediately and start heading north. Mid-week, BB Hiei and friends [2 CA & 1 DD] show up near Kavieng and thrashed 5 AK’s unloading at Namatanai. Most only had supply, but two were full of equipment for the 23rd Marine Rgt. Even though I had a BB/DD force patrolling north of Namatanai and the amphibs had a few CAs/DDs imbedded in the Task Force, the Japanese still got through. They hit the transports at night and slipped away before dawn. It wasn’t a total loss though, my carrier force in the area spotted them and SBD’s got four 500lb bomb hits on the Hiei and sank the escorting DD. All the BB hits were on the armor belt, so damage was probably limited, but at least we got some small form of revenge. Due to the LBA threat, my carriers were Fighter-Heavy, so the bomber compliment was lower than usual...this limited my attacks on the Japanese surface force. I have set more carrier aircraft on naval search, and brought in a few SBD squadrons to Buka. Hopefully I can spot the next attack sooner and be in a better position to react.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders using artillery and level bombers. The Japanese defenders are well dug in, so I’ll probably have to wait them out.

The Allied advance on Lae from the east [Finschafen] continues. Terrain has slowed down the pace, but that was expected.

Level bombers based out of Luna are keeping Rabaul’s airfield mostly suppressed. An occasional fighter or two is on CAP, but they have a minimal impact on Allied air raids. Late in the week, an Allied 6BB bombardment force arrives at Rabaul and hits the airfield hard. Japanese planes destroyed on the field made up about 40% of the total enemy air losses this week.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues the Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, with bombardment and air raids from both sides attempting to break the stalemate. Japan has a slight AV lead [1,468 to 1,358] but neither side has the upper hand.

In central Burma, the Chindit force moves via train to Myitkynia and begins the march south to attack Ledo. Katha receives a base force and a sizeable garrison [via air transport] and shifts to a defensive posture…just in time it seems, as two Japanese units are spotted coming up the road from Mandalay.

In China, the Japanese receive reinforcements and launch a major assault on Chengchow [multiple Deliberates and a few Shock attacks]. The Chinese hold, but forts are reduced to 1 and supply is all but used up. I have reinforcements of my own on the way, and hopefully supply will hold. Other action in the theater consists of routine Japanese bombardments [Nanning in the West, and Wuchow in the South].




IJN Watch:
-KB Jr. (3-5 CV) spotted retiring westward from Midway.
-1 BB and 2 CA sighted in the Rabaul/Kavieng area.



Notable Base Captures:
-Namatanai [SW Pacific] captured by the Allies (1/14)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,286 [+109]
Biggest Losses (#):F4F-4 Wildcat ( 256), SBD-3 Dauntless (253), P-40E Warhawk (224)

Japanese: 8,002 [+306]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,469), Ki-48 Lily (1,193), Ki-27b Nate (759)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 444 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 763 [+27]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,935 [+15]
Japanese: 4,346 [+86]
A/J Ratio: 2.05 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 29,864 [+776]
Japanese: 24,798 [+303]
A/J Ratio: 1.20 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force marching from Namatanai]
-Capture Massau Island
-Capture Manus

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Other Notes:
-Another good week for USN subs, 2 TK’s and an AK are sunk, and at the end of the week SS-Wahoo puts two torps into CL Tenryu north of Truk. No confirmation, but I hear definite sinking sounds after the attack. Wahh-Hoo!

[Schlussel]

Week 59: January 20th – January 26th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity in the region.




Central Pacific:
Japanese continue their raids on Tabiteuea, but the raids are more disorganized. They came in piecemeal and with less fighter support, resulting in lots of downed Betties. The plan is to rotate in another P-40 squadron, (in route to Baker Island) allowing the group currently at Tabiteuea to replenish its airframes. Bringing in 20K supply to Tabiteuea right now is not feasible, Bettys are still getting through my CAP, and I need all available shipping for the upcoming Rabaul operation.




Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




New Guinea/Solomons:
BB Hiei and friends retreats northward towards Truk and I use the opportunity to land an engineer-heavy force at Mussau at the end of the week. The landing craft were attacked multiple times by Japanese bombers from Hollandia, but CAP from the escorting carriers did their job. There’s no garrison, but the base doesn’t auto flip to my control, so I have ordered up a deliberate attack to force the issue.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders using artillery and level bombers. The Japanese defenders are well dug in, so I’ll probably have to wait them out.

Advance elements reached Lae this week and immediately began bombarding. A deliberate attack will have to wait till next week when the rest of the Allies force arrives.

Rabaul’s airfield remains mostly suppressed (damage is in the high 80’s). Intel reports there are around 10 fighters and 15 bombers at the base, but they haven’t attacked anything recently. Currently I am standing down most of my 4E bombers to allow them to rest and refit for the upcoming Rabaul assault.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues the Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, air raids from both sides attempting to break the stalemate. Japan has a slight AV lead [1,428 to 1,367] but their AV is consistently dropping around 5 points every turn. I suspect supply is becoming a problem for them. The Allies keep up the pressure with bombardments, and a deliberate attack may be on tap in the coming weeks.

In central Burma, the Chindit force continues the march south to attack Ledo. The IJA forces are now in the hex immediately West of Katha, and they are composed of the 4th tank regiment and one other unidentified ground unit.

In China, A Japanese shock attack reduces the forts to 0, but Chengchow holds on. The Japanese take over 6,000 casualties (220 destroyed/50 disabled squads) and go back to bombarding. Supply is still critically low. Elsewhere, the normal bombardments continue at Wuchow and Nanning.




IJN Watch:
-2 CVL (10F/10B) spotted at Hollandia.
-1 BB and 2 CA sighted in the Rabaul area




Notable Base Captures:
-Feni Islands [SW Pacific] occupied by the Allies (1/25)
-Lihir [SW Pacific] occupied by the Allies (1/26)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,325 [+39]
Biggest Losses (#):F4F-4 Wildcat ( 268), SBD-3 Dauntless (253), P-40E Warhawk (225)

Japanese: 8,379 [+377]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,863), Ki-48 Lily (1,264), Ki-27b Nate (925)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 445 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 775 [+12]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,951 [+16]
Japanese: 4,404 [+58]
A/J Ratio: 2.03 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 30,356 [+492]
Japanese: 24,891 [+93]
A/J Ratio: 1.22 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force marching from Namatanai]
-Capture Massau Island – UNDERWAY [Attack planned for the 27th]
-Capture Manus

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Other Notes:
-3 SBD squadrons have re-based to Finschafen and Buna, and are sinking lots of Japanese merchantmen in the Bismarck Sea. Couple that with a few DD hunter-killer groups patrolling the area, and the plan to cut off the Japanese forces in the Lae-Salamaua pocket is in motion.
&#8195;

[Schlussel]

Situation Report – February 1st 1943








Central/North Pacific:

Capital Ships: 5-BB (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 1,314K @ Pearl Harbor
Near-Term Plans: Continue developing Tabiteuea and bases in Aleutians.
Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls.






New Guinea/Solomons:



Capital Ships: 5-CV, 4-CVE, 1-CVL, 10-BB
Fuel Reserves: 685K @ Noumea
44K @ Milne Bay (Replaces PM as forward base)
10K @ Sydney
Near-Term Plans: Capture Kavieng and Manus, move up New Guinea coast towards Lae.
Long Term Plans: Isolate/Capture Rabaul







SE Asia/China



Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 1,217K @ Colombo
Near-Term Plans: Hold Akyab. Chindit Raid in Central Burma.
Long Term Plans: Launch two-pronged attack into Burma. Force A will advance down the coast from Akyab to threaten Prome/Rangoon, while Force B will advance through central Burma and threaten Mandalay. The goal of both advances is not to capture territory, but to keep Japanese LCU’s in this theatre occupied.




Base Status:

Akyab:
Port Size: 3.72 (+0.26)
Airfield Size: 7.22 (+0.15)
Supplies: 16K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.01 (+0.31)
Supplies: 3K (5 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 2.35 (+0.13)
Airfield Size: 2.57 (+0.13)
Supplies: 7K (75 Weeks of normal operations)

Buka:
Port Size: 0.33 (+0.33)
Airfield Size: 2.55 (+0.89)
Supplies: 15K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Buna:
Port Size: 2.56 (+0.56)
Airfield Size: 7.87 (+0.32)
Supplies: 57K (19 Weeks of normal operations)

Finschafen:
Port Size: 3.82 (+0.82)
Airfield Size: 4.68 (+0.68)
Supplies: 40K (20 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.49 (+0.17)
Supplies: 73K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 4.70 (+0.16)
Airfield Size: 6.04 (+0.20)
Supplies: 62K (41 Weeks of normal operations)

Munda:
Port Size: 5.00 (+0.47)
Airfield Size: 5.72 (+0.56)
Supplies: 35K (22 Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 0.67 (+0.67)
Airfield Size: 0.67 (+0.67)
Supplies: 4K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Myitkynia:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 2.31 (+0.31)
Supplies: 2K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 3.18 (+0.12)
Airfield Size: 5.86 (+0.09)
Supplies: 5K (5 Weeks of normal operations)

Port Moresby:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (+0.43)
Supplies: 65K (9 Weeks of normal operations)

Tabiteuea:
Port Size: 3.77 (+0.67)
Airfield Size: 4.85 (+0.56)
Supplies: 6K (6 Weeks of normal operations)

Tulagi:
Port Size: 6.00 (+0.38)
Airfield Size: 2.80 (+1.39)
Supplies: 66K (26 Weeks of normal operations)

Umnak:
Port Size: 2.29
Airfield Size: 4.63
Supplies: 2K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

[Schlussel]

Week 60: January 27th – February 2nd 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity in the region.



Central Pacific:
Only 2 Tabiteuea raids this week and they were weak sauce. The replacement p-40 squadron arrives at Baker. Once the aircraft are re-assembled, they will fly to Tabiteuea and the P-40s there will get some well-deserved R&R.



Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



New Guinea/Solomons:
Mussau falls and engineers immediately began base building activities. Port and Airfield should reach level 1 on Feb. 3rd .
Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders using artillery and level bombers. The Japanese defenders are well dug in, so I’ll probably have to wait them out. No signs of the Japanese running out of supply yet.

The main Allied force reaches Lae, and fatigue is higher than I’d like. Forces will rest up for a few days and then begin testing Lae’s defenses.

Rabaul’s airfield remains mostly suppressed (damage is in the 50’s). Intel reports there are still around 20 fighters and 20 bombers at the base, but they haven’t attacked anything recently. Currently I am standing down most of my 4E bombers to allow them to rest and refit for the upcoming Rabaul assault.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, air raids from both sides attempting to break the stalemate. Japan has a slight AV lead [1,410 to 1,370] and their AV is consistently dropping around 3 points every turn. The Allies keep up the pressure with bombardments, and a deliberate attack may be on tap in the coming weeks.

In central Burma, the Chindit force continues the march south to attack Ledo. The Japanese 4th tank regiment swings north to Katha’s right flank. Not sure if they plan on trying to cut the road from Myitkynia, but I have a small reaction force heading that way. I am not too worried about this, as its only one unit and I have been pummeling it from the air for a whole week now. Plus tanks don’t move or fight very well in the dense jungle, so I’d prefer to attrit them here.

In China, Chengchow holds on, amid three more deliberate attacks by the IJA. In those attacks, the Japanese take over 11,000 casualties (540 destroyed/30 disabled squads) while the Allies suffer a little over 1,000 (8 destroyed/120 disabled). The outlook here is good, but supply is still critically low and forts are at 0…one lucky roll and my forces could be retreating. Elsewhere, the normal bombardments continue at Wuchow and Nanning.



IJN Watch:
-2 CV spotted at Hollandia. (1/26)
-1 BB north of Manus (2/1)



Notable Base Captures:
-Massau Island [SW Pacific] occupied by the Allies (1/27)
-Tabar Island [SW Pacific] occupied by the Allies (2/1)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,395 [+70]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (283), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 268), P-40E Warhawk (226)

Japanese: 8,712 [+333]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,156), Ki-48 Lily (1,131), Ki-27b Nate (793)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 445 [+0]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 792 [+17]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,965 [+14]
Japanese: 4,517 [+113]
A/J Ratio: 1.98 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 30,962 [+606]
Japanese: 25,020 [+39]
A/J Ratio: 1.24 to 1



Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force marching from Namatanai]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE [Engineers building base facilities]
-Capture Manus – UNDERWAY [Troops loading @ Noumea]

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia



Other Notes:
-SBD’s and destroyers have been sinking a couple IJN transports daily in the seas around Lae and Umboi Island.
-Operation Tropic Thunder is now officially behind schedule. My Intel on the Northern NG coast was not accurate and the discovery of larger garrisons on Umboi Island and Manus have forced me to postpone these invasions a bit. Things are still going well, just a little slower than anticipated.