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

[IdahoNYer]

19-20 Feb 43

Highlights – Corsair debuts against heavy raid on Lunga; Allied LBA catches IJN supply convoy off Ramree Island.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAK: 4

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 2 (Amatsukaze, Arashio)

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Craven)
AK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 105
Allied: 31

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAP sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB still not sighted – getting more worrisome…

West Coast/Admin: BB California reaches San Francisco from Pearl and will finish out repairs and conduct upgrade refit. Fast convoy departs LA for Auckland.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 1st wave Tabiteuea convoy departs Christmas Island and links up with small CA TF out of SOPAC to provide cover. 2nd wave will depart both Christmas and Fanning Islands, and link up enroute. Support convoy continues to load at Fanning. CVE TF depart PH as does a replenishment TF w/CVE as well. US CV TFs (each w/ 3CV, BB, 2CA, CL, CLAA, 6DD) will move to just west of the Gilberts to raid – and begin isolation of Tabiteuea. Not looking for a fight with the KB at this point, and have a dozen or so subs patrolling well west of the US CVs, hoping to catch a glimpse of anything moving east between Truk and Rabaul.

In SOPAC, finally get a big air raid against shipping off Lunga. L_S_T apparently re-established Munda as an operational base undetected. Preceded by estimated 2 Sentais of Oscar IIb, 25V escorted by 35 A6M5 Zeros attack shipping in morning, but unescorted 20V attack in the afternoon – on both days. With no interference so far, and no attacks when this convoy arrived earlier, CAP wasn’t heavy, USMC Corsair, US Army P-39 and NZ Kittyhawk squadrons at about 50% CAP. So the raid hit while the ships were unloaded at least. With the less than massive CAP, the raiders got through when escorted, but the Corsair’s combat debut was impressive – 36 planes killed by the Corsairs alone. Two day’s air tally: 41 Oscar IIb, 21 Val, 9 A6M5 lost in exchange for 1 Corsair, 8 P-39s and 3 Kittys. The two unescorted Val strikes didn’t hurt the tallys. The escorted Val strikes hit targets with good effect though – DD and AK sunk, two big (9400t) xAPs hit, one still on fire and may not make it, and a small xAP and DD dam. An expensive strike for both sides. Greater problem at this point is that Munda AF is back in operation as a fwd base – not good with the Tulagi Invasion TF set to depart Luganville, and all the primary US CA TF departing for CENPAC as well. So will have to deal with Munda from Lunga AF, now a level 4, as well as Kirakira based bombers. With SWPAC a bit quiet, pulled back a P-38G squadron and starting the trip back for a P-40K squadron. Two USMC F4F squadrons will also come up from Auckland as well, but will take some additional time for them to repair airframes as they just offloaded. Lastly, Ndeni based B-24Ds will hit Tabiteuea next turn, then will turn their attention to Munda, then back to Tabit.

In SWPAC, small IJN TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) bombards Gove with minimal effect but avoided any hits by 29 night time air sorties. Gove is actually starting to expand its forts again, although supplies are still coming in via air only. Two LCTs discover a freshly laid minefield at Gove the hard way, one sunk and one damaged. Groote TBFs find two DDs in daylight off Gove and put a bomb midships on Samidare, leaving her on fire. Second strike with torps miss both ships. Still, L_S_T now knows Groote has torpedo bomber capability. Jpn LBA strike the small xAK offloading at Groote with a Betty raid (6B, 11Z) and are met by a lackluster CAP of an F4F squadron and P-40K squadron. Despite losing 6Z and 3B against no friendly loss, the Bettys manage to hit the xAK which I scuttled during my portion of the turn – about half the supplies were offloaded. Will need to ramp up the supply runs to Groote, and then Gove – and if no major reaction takes place, start bringing in more troops as well. The big question is whether or not the KB is still in the area. Lastly, SWPAC, reinforced by two P-38 squadrons from WAUS, will provide LRCAP to the ground force heading to Daly Waters – gambling that the bomber force gathered at Darwin will try to hit the advancing ground troops as they did near Port Hedland. Of course, the bombers could be aiming for Groote, or Gove….

In WAUS, the Allied ground troops advancing on Port Hedland are not attacked by sea or air, and are now approaching the adjacent hex. B-17s hit Port Hedland AF with moderate effect, no CAP. Will need some P-38s back to WAUS to provide cover in the coming days as the troops move into Port Hedland itself. Airpower is being stretched very, very thin…

In China, Chungking AF remains closed, but repairs are moving forward rapidly, and no major airstrikes as the IJA bombers hit Lanchow with minimal effect. Allied fighters remain on the ground.

In India/Burma, an IJN convoy (supplies?) is hit by LBA with good effect at Ramree Island. Apparently the IJA LRP didn’t fly – which is a good thing as neither did the Allied escorts! Allied Albacores, SBDs, and Beauforts sink four xAKs and leave a couple burning as well as sinking about 8 barges. Nice – but very, very lucky that LRCAP didn’t fly. Will stand down the strike a/c as the TF remains at Ramree, and its beyond effective fighter range. The real question is, what was the TF doing at Ramree? I figure it was trying to get supplies into Akyab, either by staging at Ramree for a run into Akyab, or offloading in Ramree and hopefully the supplies would get sucked into the troops at Akyab. In either case, most supplies aren’t going to make it. On the ground at Akyab, the Allied assault is held, and losses weren’t light (368 vs 1976), but forts were reduced to level 3. Most troops are still in good shape, and will attack again next turn – and B-24s will support, the B-25s and Vengences aren’t doing enough.

[IdahoNYer]

21-22 Feb 43

Highlights – Allied attack on Akyab held with substantial loss; heavy Jpn fighter sweeps over Merauke; Army gets its first 15+ kill Ace.

Additional Highlight.....PBEM with L_S_T celebrating our 2nd year anniversary this week!! Wow!!! How time flies! Only what...4 more years to go??

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-36, RO-64)
TK: 1 (very small)

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 108
Allied: 61

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB location remains unknown; with Tabiteuea invasion imminent, this is becoming very, very concerning…

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, US CV TFs rendezvous with CA TF out of SOPAC; CV scout planes hit two PBs near Tabiteuea, but no strikes launch other than a single squadron LRCAP over Tabit for raiding B-24s out of Ndeni. B-24s bomb AF with good effect, reportedly closing the field, no CAP and little flak. Amph TF and supporting TFs should close next turn. CV TFs will head north to range southern Marshall Islands before returning to take station NE of Tabit and support upcoming landings. With the KB’s location unknown, I send two DDs west and NW as pickets. Recon overflies Truk for the first time, and no CVs present. Fingers crossed that the KB isn’t in the central Pacific.

In SOPAC, Allied fighter sweeps over Munda find no CAP. Munda to be hit by bombers next turn. Tulagi invasion TF and support arrives at Lunga to stage – will cross the channel next turn and commence landings at Tulagi, supported solely by LBA. Will also resume ground attacks against remaining troops at Tassafaronga next turn as well.

In SWPAC, L_S_T has a sixth sense when doing sweeps sometimes! Heavy A6M5 Zero sweeps over Merauke – right after I pull out a fresh P-40K squadron! CAP Remaining P-400 and an Aussie Kitty I squadron do fairly well, but they are outclassed by the latest version of the Zero. 15 Zeros lost in exchange for 14 P-400s and 6 Kittyhawks. No bomber follow up fortunately. Will reinforce Merauke fighters next turn and pull out the P-400s to quieter areas till the pool runs dry. Gove is again bombarded by a small CA TF (2CA, 2CLs DDs) with minimal effect, but enough to prevent expansion – TBFs did manage two daylight attacks against this force as it approached – no torp hits, and two bomb hits on CAs which were seen to bounce off the deck armor. Mines are laid in the approaches to Gove, so its going to get a little more dicey for the Toyko Express bombardment runs. Supplies building at Groote, as the xAKL shuttle continues – will try and push in a big AK with some escort shortly. In the Daly Waters front, P-38 LRCAP managed to intercept some escorted Sally raids on Allied troops adjacent to Daly Waters. Zero escort downed 2 P-38Fs, but the P-38s did well against the Sallys – 15 shot down (and 4 to AA fire) including 6 to 1LT Lawlor, giving him 16 kills! He’ll go sit out in TRACOM for a while.

In WAUS, no attacks on the advancing Allied ground troops, now adjacent to Port Hedland, waiting for trail elements to catch up. Once consolidated, will march on Port Hedland, reportedly defended by 8000 troops.

In China, the vaunted Lanchow Airforce takes to the skies with good effect once again, downing 12 Lilys to one Vanguard lost in a series of raids – not all raids came in escorted, and the Vanguards did well. Will pull them out to refit as raids did close the AF.

In India/Burma, the attack on Akyab was held with heavy Allied loss (55 squads destroyed), but worse was on the second day, two IJA Tank Divisions arrived to bolster the defense. The supporting IJA attack on the Brit 70th Div to the east of Akyab was held, so the IJA will have a hard time supplying Akyab. Will hold off attacks until a fresh division can be brought up, and will allow air to wear down the supply and disrupt the troops a bit. Keeping the IJA focused on the frontier fighting isn’t a bad thing right now – with the IJN supply convoy at Ramree Island, it provided a good excuse to recon the base – only 1500 troops reportedly there. Now I just need to gain some semblance of air parity to take advantage of that flank…that will take a bit.

[IdahoNYer]

23-24 Feb 43

Highlights – KB off Exmouth! Tulagi landings go in and Tabiteuea TFs arrive at the atoll.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Hibiki)
SS: 1 (I-36)

Allied ships sunk:
PC: 1
PT: 1
xAP: 2 (both from previous airstrikes on Lunga)
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 73
Allied: 67

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit (Wasp missed!)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ship hit (TK, xAK hit)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Tulagi (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Thousand Ships Bay (SOPAC – flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB (and much of the IJN) shows itself supporting Port Hedland

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, IJN sub I-171 sinks an xAKL off Amchitka, but B-18s report hitting the sub with a 500lber.

In CENPAC, IJN sub I-33 misses CV Wasp with 6 torps NW of Tabiteuea as the CVs troll for targets in the Gilberts. No airstrikes are launched, but scouting SBDs report hitting two PBs, an AM and a SC. TFs close on Tabit: Amph TF (CA, 2DM, 2DMS, AM, 12AP, xAP, 5AK) carrying the 3rd Mar Div and support, CA TF (2CA, CL, 4DD) to provide cover, ASW TF (DD, DE) and Minesweeping TF (2AM). No enemy counter action so far, and troops will begin offloading next turn. Bombardment TF (3CA, 2CL, 5DD, DMS) currently with the CVEs about 120m NNE of Tabit will run in next turn, and the CVE TF (2CVE, BB, CL, 4DD) will also close to provide support. With the KB confirmed well away from the Central Pacific, I can breathe a bit easier. Subs look like the greatest threat at the moment.

In SOPAC, Amph TF (3DD, DMS, AVD, DM, 3AP, xAP, 2AK) land the 6th Marine Reg, an Eng Reg and FA Bn at Tulagi, covered by a small CA TF (2CA, 3DD, DMS) which bombards. Landing craft are used in mass for the first time to lift a Marine Tank Bn and Amphib Tractor Bn from Lunga to Tulagi. Only counter action is a series of small night air raids by Bettys and Jakes (Jakes??!!) which hit nothing. That there are no daylight raids is a very positive note. Heavies hit Munda with good effect; no CAP and 11 Jakes are destroyed on the ground – AF should be closed. On Guad, US Army troops are held in the first attack to clear out IJA troops at Tassafaronga. This will be a long process. 1st Mar Div reaches Lunga to rest and refit for the next objective (TBD at this point).

In SWPAC, other than continued heavy Sally strikes on Aussie troops advancing on Daly Waters, it was pretty quiet. The few P-38Gs I sent to cover the Aussies, were met by many A6M5 Zeros, and although 8 Zeros failed to return, so did 4 P-38s – and I can’t afford ANY P-38 losses! xAKLs manage to get into Groote, and supply there is back over 5000. Two LCTs got supplies delivered to Gove as the mines were swept by an AM. Most interesting is that PBYs spotted two TFs apparently headed toward Merauke. A CL TF out front, followed most likely by a CA TF, if L_S_T’s pattern holds (could be a BB TF following too, but I think its CAs). Since the KB is away at the other end of OZ, this time, I’m going to have a reception committee waiting. 18 PTs in three squadrons at Merauke, another at Horn will engage first, then two 4DD TFs and a CL TF out of Portland Roads will head at speed to Merauke to engage. The goal here is to use up ops points and delay the exodus of the IJN – and mitigating any bombardment – which “hopefully” will allow the two SBD and one TBF squadron based at Merauke to do some damage. Will be an interesting turn…

In WAUS, I’m surprised to see the KB pop up four hexes from Exmouth! Of course I’m expecting another bombardment run on the ground troops, so my a/c are set to daylight naval – and get mauled by the KB’s CAP, losing 8 Beauforts, 9 Banshees and 11 B-25s! And the expected BB TF (2BB, 3CA, 2CL, DDs) hit the Allied troops adjacent to Port Hedland with good effect – 874 casualties. On the bright side, the KB only launches three small strikes on my CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) at Exmouth, slightly damaging the Cornwall and Australia with bombs – strangely delivered by Kates. No Vals, and no torps. Not sure what the problem was (L_S_T was a tad annoyed in his email, and not sure what the heck was wrong), but I’m pleased nonetheless by the light strikes. All ships and shipping will head south at fast speed from Exmouth and Carnavon – I’m even pulling shipping out of Perth “just in case”. All avail fighters will stack up in Exmouth, and hope the KB air hits the port (couple of small ships will remain) or airfield, and doesn’t go hunting along the coast. Ground troops will continue to push toward Port Hedland – between SOPAC, SWPAC, CENPAC and WAUS, this WAUS Allied offensive is the most lightly resourced of the four – and of course, this is where L_S_T seems to focus his most energy. While I’m not ready to abort this attack, or even call it an “economy of force” operation, I’m good with the KB being here and not in CENPAC or SOPAC right now!

In China, I fly both the US and Chinese P-40 squadrons to Chungking during the turn, and will try another CAP trap – Chungking was hit by Sonias escorted by a single Tojo Sentai. No sweeps, so maybe we can get in among the sheep.

In India/Burma, Akyab is hit by B-24s with good effect, and only a couple of A6M5 Zeros come up as CAP. I did manage to leave a squadron of Albacores at Cox’s Bazaar on Naval attack, and they lose 15 of 16 to Zeros over Ramree. With shipping still at Ramree at turn’s end, I’m going to send in my small CL TF (2CL, 3DDs) out of Chittagong to sweep through Ramree at speed and hopefully catch something.

[BBfanboy]

Sounds like LST is ticked at himself for leaving the KB Kates armed with bombs instead of torpedoes - which he may have done if he had them planned for a long range strike.

[IdahoNYer]

25-26 Feb 43

Highlights – Good turn! Tabiteuea taken; Merauke plan works, and a VERY good day in the air.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Furutaka)
CL: 2 (Kiso –old, Isuzu(or perhaps Sendai))
DD: 2 (Tokitsukaze, Nowaki)
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SC: 1
AM: 2
PT: 8
AVP: 1
xAKL: 1
AMc: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 235
Allied: 43

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Tabiteuea (CENPAC)
Nanumea (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Tabiteuea (CENPAC)
Nanumea (CENPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB still off the Aussie coast between Exmouth and Carnavon; little sign of any combat a/c stationed in the Gilberts or Marshals

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

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Marines come ashore at Tabit after CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) bombards. Defense is less than expected, only a Naval Gd Unit and two construction battalions – but at fort level 4. Tally was 3112 Jpn casualties for only 61 Marines; base taken on the first assault. Apparently L_S_T was attempting to fly out the defenders, as CAP splashed 8 Emilys and 4 Mavis transports. No enemy air attacks, and recon on surrounding islands and southern Marshalls show no enemy a/c. CVs will retire back to Baker Is where I hope to be able to disband the Scout SBD squadrons, and expand the now single remaining SBD squadrons on the carriers. Amph TF remains at Tabit as 3rd USMC Div rests, along with CVEs providing cover. First P-40K squadrons flown in to Tabit’s level 1 AF which is taken w/o damage. 2nd and 3rd Wave troops – which include engineers should close next turn, additional support troops following. With the lack of opposition, but all of the Gilberts having some Bn sized force, will now spend a few turns cleaning out the Gilberts with the 3rd Marines – prep will be non existent, so will see how this goes. Carriers and CA TF will return to support. May even continue operations here towards the Marshalls if the KB stays away and defenses continue to be light. Will see. Also, the undefended rock halfway between the Ellice Island and the Gilberts, Nanumea, was seized by APD landed Marine Raiders – was going to use this as a PBY base, but won’t need to with Tabit’s quick fall. So far, so good in CENPAC.

In SOPAC, Tulagi defenders (two SNLF) hold the first attack with level 3 forts. Casualties are light (52 US), but forts aren’t reduced. Will continue attacks next turn, and increase air support. Transports will retire to Ndeni to bring in more troops. Ndeni based B-24s elect to hit Munda troops on the second day as their primary target at Tabit no longer existed – unfortunately, Nicks were waiting over Munda, and 3 bombers lost. Will increase sweeps over the Solomons next turn, and keep the bombers focused on Tulagi.

In SWPAC, the plan at Merauke actually works for the most part, but isn’t without loss. Only one of the two spotted IJN TFs head to Merauke, the other bombards Gove without much effect, other than sinking the lone AM that had cleared mines. The CA TF (2CA, 2CL, 5DD) headed to Merauke first encounters a series of three PT boat squadrons – and engages all of them at 12k yds! Needless to say, the PTs don’t achieve anything – the first loses all 6 boats, the 2nd and 3rd each lose a boat. Next the CA TF engages a DD TF (4DD) which is inconclusive, one DD (Phelps) heavily damaged. Lastly, the CA TF is engaged by the CL TF (3CL, 4DD), which is pretty much mauled as two CLs draw torps, despite the CL TF managing to cross the “T”. At least so far, the CLs remain afloat, and may make it back to Horn Island. Not sure what happened with Arleigh Burke’s four Fletcher DDs – they missed the IJN entirely and retired back to Horn Island without engaging. Sometime during the night an IJN CL and DD each hit a mine as well. Daylight opens with the IJN TF well within LBA range, and the expected air raid on Merauke (62 A6M5, 25 Nell). CAP duly protects the AF, and inflicts heavy loss on the attacking planes, with only one plane destroyed on the ground. Now it’s the Allied LBA’s turn – and for a change, we hit something. TBFs come up empty, but multiple SBD attacks score repeated hits on both CAs, one CL and 2DDs. CA Furutaka, CL Sendai (or Izusu?) and two DDs reportedly sunk, and CA Kako likely heavily damaged or crippled by 4 SBD bomb hits and, believe it or not, a PBY delivered torp. While expensive in PTs (and possibly CLs), getting a chance for LBA to hit back at these bombardment runs was well worth it! Hopefully this will give a pause in the IJN’s venture into the Arafura Sea – at least until the KB can return to provide support. In the mean time, will bring the first additional troops (base group) into Groote and focus on building Groote, then Gove up. Gove is still sustaining, but not expanding, and both Groote and Gove need many more engineers – which are available, just need to run the gauntlet. Merauke is secure. Focus will be on Groote expansion.

[IdahoNYer]

In WAUS, I get very lucky. Apparently, L_S_T had his KB air on both Naval and Port/AF attack as a secondary, and the KB attempted to destroy the CA TF and other shipping off the coast. So the KB headed towards Carnavon, but the Allied ships were heading towards Perth at speed, and only a single xAKL was found and sunk by scouts. With no naval targets, the full weight of the KB hit both Carnavon and Exmouth once on each day. Carnavon wasn’t covered by CAP, and the KB strikes (first time the Jill is observed) does well against the port sinking a number of small vessels, and damaging a good number of others – some which may eventually sink. The strikes at Exmouth fair very poorly for the KB. Despite very heavy escort protection, the CAP ravishes the attacks somehow. Few Allied planes are lost, and little damage done to the AF and port. I fully expect the KB to withdraw back to port to re-equip its planes, then my bet it will be back in the Arafura Sea. That said, CAP is now set to attempt to protect both Carnavon and Exmouth next turn.

[IdahoNYer]

In China, the Chungking CAP trap does extremely well against both escorted and non escorted Sonia strikes. At the end of two days, 11 Tojos and 48 Sonias are lost in exchange for only a single P-40E from both the US and Chinese squadrons. Expecting severe retribution next turn, and the non damaged fighters fly to Kuming to regroup.

In India/Burma, its pretty quiet. The CL TF (2CL, 3DD) raid off Ramree only caught and sunk a solitary PB, but returned to Chittagong without incident. Air forces rest.

Lastly, the below screen shot highlights the air-air carnage for the day. Not sure how I’m getting that kind of loss ratio, but I’m not complaining!

[jwolf]

That was a great turn for air combat, especially in China! [X(] Also really nice to see one of the IJN bombardment fleets finally get crushed. Sweet! [:)]

[Macclan5]

The even better news is the war of attrition in the air as of February 1943.

~ 2300 more units lost by Japan than the Allies when the Allies are mostly flying P40E P40K F4F Hurricanes and a handful of Spits and P38's.

A good day in the air war is nice ~ a good war in the air is better.

According to my better understanding from above: (1) PDU off and (2) your best units in the "near pipeline" i.e. Corsairs / Hellcats / P47 / Upgraded P38 and more Spits.

That has to be a concern for you opponent.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

The even better news is the war of attrition in the air as of February 1943.

~ 2300 more units lost by Japan than the Allies when the Allies are mostly flying P40E P40K F4F Hurricanes and a handful of Spits and P38's.

A good day in the air war is nice ~ a good war in the air is better.

According to my better understanding from above: (1) PDU off and (2) your best units in the "near pipeline" i.e. Corsairs / Hellcats / P47 / Upgraded P38 and more Spits.

That has to be a concern for you opponent.

"A good day in the air war is nice ~ a good war in the air is better." Great quote Macclan5!

Air war has been going fairly well, and with 1st and 2nd generation Allied a/c.
Japanese production still concerns me, he can ramp up output as needed - I can't and I'm still very short airframes. Just waiting for the Hellcat right now....it WILL get better!

[IdahoNYer]

27-28 Feb 43

Highlights – Pretty quiet except for the IJN sub convention at Tabit; Tulagi taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-159)
TK: 1 (sm)

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-33)

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 8

Subwar:
Jpn:3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attacks, 1 ships hit (sm TK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Tulagi (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB moves off and vanishes.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, PV-1 Venturas debut over Attu.

In CENPAC, about a half a dozen IJN subs congregate at Tabiteuae, missing an LST and 2DDs with torps, but getting pounded by escorts. One sunk by gunfire after being forced to surface, another 4-5 at least heavily damaged by depth charges for their efforts. US transports begin loading up the 3rd Marine Div and support to land on three smaller islands near Tabit – Nikunau, Beru and Onotoa. All of the Gilberts are occupied, estimated by battalion sized single units – so I’m betting they aren’t dug in. The Marines should be able to clear them out without too much effort despite the lack of prep. Will see. To quell the sub threat, PBYs are brought in for some focused ASW work. These are in addition to the PBYs flying search out of Tabit, putting the southern Marshalls under air search. Two P-40 squadrons are also now operating off the AF, and F4Fs will arrive next turn. SBDs are next, once the AF reaches level 2. US CV TFs completed the SBD reorganization at Baker as well as took on fuel, and will move NE of Tabit to look for shipping (doubtful) and provide some additional ASW a/c. Lastly, pulling one troop transport convoy back to Christmas Is, to pick up troops for the Abemama landing as well as sending APs enroute to PH for refit. But it’s going to stay busy in the Gilberts for a bit.

In SOPAC, the 6th Marines take only two days to clear out and destroy the two SNLF units and take Tulagi – cost was only 35 troops. I expected that fight to last a few days, so troops prepped for Tulagi will now switch to other islands in the Solomons. AF and port were however heavily damaged, and bringing in engineers will now be the focus of barge shuttles between Lunga and Tulagi. Offensive shipping is limited, and two of the four remaining APs in Theater will depart for Auckland for upgrade. Will continue with what is left, along with some smaller xAPs and incoming LST/LSIs, starting with landing on Rennell Island in a couple of days. Then slowly up the chain as practical with limited available resources.

In SWPAC, crippled CLs Hobart (40/89(44)/13(1)) and Perth (35/69(46)/26(13)) and four banged up DDs successfully limp into Horn Island, with additional escorting Fletcher class DDs crippling the prowling SS I-159. Both CLs will get some limited repairs on site before running the gauntlet to Sydney – but that will take some time. Damaged DDs will head to Brisbane with the tide. At Groote, so far so good at pushing some troops and supplies in. Ships still offloading, but no air attacks yet – and no sign of the IJN. The troops landed boost the AV support to over 100, and with the AF at level 3, SBDs are brought in for the first time. Fingers crossed that the IJN stays away for a bit. Given some more time, Groote will be able to project its airpower offensively – fighter sweeps over Darwin perhaps. Of course if the KB and the battleships come visiting, that’s not going to happen. On the land front, the ground advance to Daly Waters is stopped cold – got their too late and the defenses were reinforced by a Garrison Unit before the advancing Aussie IN Bde could attack – that attack was held by the defenders, but without heavy loss. IJA Sally attacks continue to harass the ground troops, and I’m unwilling to commit P-38s to LRCAP here – planes are too valuable, and I’ll need them over Port Hedland – or sweeping over Darwin.

In WAUS, the KB apparently heads north out of range. Location unknown. Lead ground troops close on Port Hedland, and will need to cover these troops with LRCAP – so I’m bringing the P-38s back to Exmouth. Also need to bring in additional supplies by sea, and with the two CAs recently damaged, covering these supply runs will be dicey if the IJN focuses here. I’m not willing to commit major fleet units, but I am willing to reinforce the airpower, but assets that can range from Exmouth to Port Hedland are very limited (P-38s and F4Fs). If LST focuses his combat power here, he can hold Port Hedland – but I’m not sure he can do that AND keep pressure on Gove/Groote.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, its pretty quiet. That said, an IJA Div(+) sized force, with plenty of tank and artillery units has moved into the open terrain hex NW of Shwebo occupied by the US 43rd Div (and support). Been waiting to see if this would happen – and now will see what Allied airpower can do against enemy troops in the open. Will focus all air assets here to see what damage we can inflict – a test of sorts. Some risk here as the Allied troops are also fairly exposed, but so far I think the odds can be held.

[Capt. Harlock]

escorting Fletcher class DDs crippling the prowling SS I-159.

Not that it makes a serious difference, but the I-159 is listed under Japanese Ships Sunk, which I had assumed was the one forced to the surface and then taken out by gunfire near Tabiteuea.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

escorting Fletcher class DDs crippling the prowling SS I-159.

Not that it makes a serious difference, but the I-159 is listed under Japanese Ships Sunk, which I had assumed was the one forced to the surface and then taken out by gunfire near Tabiteuea.

I-159 was engaged and listed as sunk off Horn Island in a combat report, and it came up on Tracker as sunk, so I listed it. I-33 was engaged and brought to the surface, engaged by gunfire and "slipped beneath the waves" in a combat report at Tabiteuea, but didn't come up on Tracker. Since it didn't show up on Tracker, it could be a synch bug, and never happened.

With sub losses, between the game's FoW and the occasional synch bug, saying which sub is actually sunk is a guess at best. Either way, I figure 1-2 really sank, and maybe another 1-2 will sink due to damage. Time will tell.

[IdahoNYer]

Feb 43 Summary

A solid month for the Good Guys! Gains are made, and the fleet remains intact….since our carriers have conveniently been in different oceans! The multiple axis approach seems to be working fairly well – While L_S_T can slow or halt the advance toward Darwin, advances in SOPAC and most recently CENPAC move forward slowed more by logistics and sheer distances than the enemy at the moment. Will continue this approach into March, adding pressure in the Aleutians and increasing the pressure a bit in Burma as well. Have largely avoided a major naval engagement in Feb, and only one small inconclusive cruiser engagement was fought at the end of the month at Merauke. Still short fighters, but the Hellcats will start producing in a mere month which will significantly help the fighter pools for both the Navy and Marines. Naval losses for the month were favorable; IJN reported losses for the month were 1CA, 2CL, 3DD, and 10 SS as compared to the Allies losing a DD, 3SS and 15PT. In the air, it was another very good month for the Allied Cause, 1148 for Jpn to 581 Allied – just shy of that 2-1 loss ratio.

INTEL: L_S_T is, and probably rightfully so, focusing his major concentrations on protecting the DEI. Major Naval and air concentration on the eastern end delaying the drive toward Darwin, and major ground and air concentration in Burma, protecting the approaches from the west. Can’t fault that general strategy, but, I’m finding less than expected forces – especially air and naval – in SOPAC and CENPAC. Will continue to press in those areas as resources permit to see whether the KB can be drawn out into the Pacific. The India-Burma frontier seems to be his major concentration of ground forces, and I want that to continue for as long as possible.

SUBWAR: Still not doing much with subs. Got a hit on a large tanker for the FIRST time in Feb, which exemplifies how bad the situation has been. L_S_T’s effective use of ASW a/c remains the greatest threat.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Lack of fighters remain the major shortfall, but that will improve beginning next month. Pilot pools are fairly good (500 US Army fighter pilots!) for the most part, although I need to get more US Navy pilots of all types through advanced stateside schooling as more squadrons are becoming available and draining the pools. Brit and Aussie fighter pools also remain critically low, but those should be improving over the next few months. AP to APA refit/upgrade this next month will be staggered slowly as I really still want to press where I can – but I can’t ignore this important upgrade, and will need to get ships to the yards.

NOPAC. With the winter weather prohibitions ending in Feb, will begin anew to take Attu in March. NOPAC fleet still needs some reinforcement, and a cruiser with escorts are enroute from West Coast.

CENPAC. A good start with the Tabiteuea landing – less than expected defenses, both on the ground and so far nothing in the air. Will press to clear the Gilberts and southern Marshalls as resources permit. Curious to see what WILL trigger a major response – defined as fleet units or major air commitment. However, that’s probably in the category of “don’t ask for what you really don’t want to hear”.

SOPAC. Slow and steady progress in the lower Solomons. Jpn troops are proving tough to dig out of Tassafaronga, as expected, but both Lunga and Tulagi fell easier than anticipated. Have been surprised by the lack of daylight air attacks – most Betty naval strike raids are now at night, and so far, very ineffective. This will be a slow grind up the chain, limited by lack of naval support which has been pulled to CENPAC. Can expect this slow steady approach to continue, slowed as much by a lack of Allied resources than resistance. As in CENPAC, curious to see whether or not any major IJN naval units will be committed here.

SWPAC. Progress has pretty much been halted in this Theater with L_S_T’s very active defense. Finally became a bit costly for him with the engagement at Merauke at month’s end. Will be interesting to see if the KB comes back (I fully expect it will). Plan remains pretty much unchanged – build up Groote and then Gove as enemy pressure permits. Groote is close to becoming able to support offensive air operations against the Darwin area, as long as the IJN fleet doesn’t level the place. No major Allied naval forces will be committed here, and once Groote is able to project its airpower, should be able to increase the flow into Grove significantly. Even if I did have Gove’s AF up and functioning now, I don’t have the a/c available to shut down Darwin, so a delay here isn’t crucial.

WAUS. The continued grinding overland approach to Port Hedland has been met by a series of major counters by the IJN fleet, including the KB. But, the troops continue to slowly slog toward Port Hedland. It’s certainly not a given that the troops will have enough combat power or supply to take the base when they arrive in the first week of March. However, they have certainly tied down a large amount of Jpn effort. The challenge will be to keep them supplied and somehow neutralize the BB bombardments – that has been L_S_T’s wonder weapon so far! Still not committing the Allied fleet here, other than some cruisers. If L_S_T keeps HIS fleet engaged here, he could hold off the Allied attack.

Burma/India. Still fairly stalemated here along the India/Burma frontier. Missed a golden opportunity to take Shwebo in a tank raid, but that moment has passed. Focus now on slowly grinding down defenses of Akyab, which may or may not be feasible. Not sure how good he’s able to push supplies into the base. Goal remains to keep him focused on the frontier and attrit the force. To that, will begin another air offensive in March with freshly arrived USMC fighters, including Corsairs, and the enroute P-38Gs. Still, the recon report of 300-400 fighters in Magwe is still daunting.

China. Other than the continued successes of the lone US P-40E squadron over Chungking, and the few crates of the vaunted Lanchow Airforce, the position in China continues to deteriorate. Lanchow is still holding out and tying up a large amount of the IJA. The noose is tightening on Changsa, in the SE, and general lack of supplies continue to limit any counter.

[jwolf]

Thanks for another strategic update; these make for great reading. Do you plan to move against Milne Bay and Port Moresby anytime soon? I'm wondering if you can duplicate Apbarog's axis of advance so that you could bring major carrier or surface support to the Arafura Sea area more easily.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Thanks for another strategic update; these make for great reading. Do you plan to move against Milne Bay and Port Moresby anytime soon? I'm wondering if you can duplicate Apbarog's axis of advance so that you could bring major carrier or surface support to the Arafura Sea area more easily.

I don't think I'll take on either Moresby or Milne directly - to heavily garrisoned and I'm assuming well fortified. Eventually, I look to tackled the north coast of New Guinea, but that's well in the future. Apbarong had it right! But I think L_S_T reads that AAR too![;)]

[IdahoNYer]

1-2 Mar 43

Highlights – March off to a relatively quiet start; Vengeances again get pasted over Burma

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-155, I-178)
PB: 2
TK: 1 (sm)

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 2 (I-25, I-164)

Allied ships sunk:
APD: 1 (Little)
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 46
Allied: 66

Subwar:
Jpn:4 Attacks, 1 ships hit (APD sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (sm TK sunk, AK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Rennell Island (SOPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB sighted by recon at Koepang.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 3rd Marine Div departs Tabiteuea by brigades in three Amph TFs; each one arriving at their destinations, the nearby atolls of Onotoa, Nikunau, and Beru. Onotoa, occupied by two units (the others only by one), receives the attention of a bombardment TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) as well as B-24s out of Ndeni
to good effect. Although the Marine Bdes aren’t prepped, defenders appear to be unfortified and I’m hoping for light casualties. Troops will land next turn. The concentration of IJN subs at Tabit has broken up, three subs are sighted heading away from Tabit and US ships, which remain heavily concentrated in the Gilberts area – with three separate invasions about to launch, supplies and troops still coming into Tabit, and empty transports heading back towards Christmas and Fanning to pick up more troops. Lastly, the US CV TFs finish fueling from the AO at Baker, and will head towards Tarawa to provide distant cover, and search for any shipping. Will stay busily engaged in the Gilberts for a few more turns, then most of the fleet and 3rd Marines will depart for other ventures.

In SOPAC, just as the troops finished loading at Ndeni for an amph at Rennell Island, Rennell flips to Allied control as apparently the IJA garrison was pulled out. That’s two bases (the first being Thousand Ships Bay) that flipped just prior to a fully prepped brigade was to load transports for invasion. Not complaining, but I now have to seriously re-organize the next series of invasions. Will take a few turns to reorganize both troop locations and planning objectives, and xAPs will be busy at relocating both combat and support troops in the Solomons. While that is going to take a while, am looking to land next at Rekata Bay with a US Army In Reg already prepped and about to offload at Ndeni. With recently converted xAKs to xAPs arriving out of Auckland, I should have sufficient shipping to accomplish the shuttling- but there’s much to be done. Air will focus on protecting the shipping, as well as continued sweeps and limited strikes on enemy bases up the Solomons chain. Lastly, Army troops began another offensive at Tassafaronga to eliminate the remaining enemy troops, but it continues to be a slow grinding process.

In SWPAC, IJN BB TF (BB, 2CA, 3CL, DDs) avoided the mines and subs and bombarded Gove with minimal effect, and didn’t catch the xAKL with SC escort that arrived with needed supplies. A small Jpn airstrike 6Z, 9Betty) went after a couple of recently arrived PTs off Gove without success. An unescorted Betty strike on the second day went after shipping at Groote, and 10 of 12 were splashed by CAP. Groote cleared of transports by the end of the second day, and will try a P38F sweep over Darwin next turn. On the ground front, Aussie troops begin pulling back from Daly Waters, still being heavily harassed by escorted Sally raids.

In WAUS, on the Port Hedland front, lead troops in the Port Hedland hex are bombarded by a BB TF (2BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) with minimal effect, and then are hit by Sallys destroying only two tanks, but the main body of troops just to the west weren’t hit, and should close over the next couple of days. Supplies are getting a bit thin and I’m moving C-47s in from SWPAC to begin airlifting supplies. P-38s are flown into Exmouth and will being flying LRCAP next turn. F4Fs are in short supply, but will also being flying LRCAP and will also receive priority of replacements. Once I can get some semblance of LRCAP over Port Hedland, I’ll start bombing with Heavies as well, and will also begin aerial mining of Port Hedland next turn. Maybe that will help against the naval bombardments. This is about all the support I can muster to support the ground attack – plus subs of course. I’m curious to see which direction the KB heads now from Koepang – support the defense of Port Hedland, or back into the Arafura Sea.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, weather muddles the air support of the US 43rd Div near Shwebo. About half the sweeps and LRCAP don’t fly, and the Brit Vengeance strikes get mauled by a very robust LRCAP of the Jpn troops. B-24s and Mediums only fly once in two days and do well against the troops in the open, over 500 casualties inflicted. But the cost in the air was severe: 25 Vengeance, 12 P-40K, 10 Hurri and 5 Spits in exchange for 17 Oscar IIb, 5 Tony and a Tojo. Not good. Will pull the Vengeances out to recover, but the Heavies and Mediums will go in again, and hopefully the sweeps and LRCAP will do a bit better. I need to keep the air support up because L_S_T is attempting to flank this position by heading into the jungle to the west. I’m going to pull these troops out back toward Imphal, and that will take some time. With this threat in the Center, I’m now turning around the Aus 9th Div from the road toward Akayb and bring it to the Imphal area as a reserve, just in case L_S_T is successful here. Akyab is now heavily defended anyway (40k troops), so that was a low prospect attack anyway. Lastly, the CL TF (2CL, 3DD) raid on Ramree sinks another PB, but finds no other shipping.

[Rafid]

First of all: Thanks IdahoNYer for doing this AAR! I especially enjoy the monthly strategic updates but also the way you write and present the big battle summaries.

In addition I have a request: Would you please post a screen of the India/Burma front. I tried to looking for one in the last couple of pages, but came up blank. Also my imagination is not good enough to create one from your descriptions, which sound like it is an interesting situation.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Rafid

First of all: Thanks IdahoNYer for doing this AAR! I especially enjoy the monthly strategic updates but also the way you write and present the big battle summaries.

In addition I have a request: Would you please post a screen of the India/Burma front. I tried to looking for one in the last couple of pages, but came up blank. Also my imagination is not good enough to create one from your descriptions, which sound like it is an interesting situation.

Thanks much for the kind words Rafid!!

And you're right, probably need an updated graphic on the Burma fight. So I'll throw a quick screen shot of the Burma Theater with my next update. I see about doing a more detailed one before the month is out.

[IdahoNYer]

3-4 Mar 43

Highlights – Gilberts slowly being cleared; heavy air loss in Burma

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-156)
DMS: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
CA: 1 (Furutaka)
DD: 1 (Nowaki)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 97
Allied: 124

Subwar:
Jpn:0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Beru (CENPAC)
Nikunau (CENPAC)
Onotoa (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Auki (SOPAC - flipped)
Beru (CENPAC)
Nikunau (CENPAC)
Onotoa (CENPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB still sighted at Koepang.

West Coast/Admin: repaired CA Indianapolis departs LA with 2DD for NOPAC. Once Indy closes, will begin ops against Attu.

In NOPAC, Armor and Engineers depart DH to stage at Amchitka and Buldir respectively; they will utilize landing craft/LSTs for the Attu amphib op.

In CENPAC, 3rd Marine Div lands at Onotoa, Nikunau, and Beru and easily clears the islands of minimal defenders – a construction battalion, and two small naval guard units are destroyed. 3rd Marine Div, while suffering few troops lost, has about 1/3 of its troops disabled in the landings due to the lack of preparation. Was pretty much expected. 3rd Marine Div will reboard transports and land back at Tabit for future operations. US CVs troll north of Tabit, an AM and a PB hit by scouting SBDs. Little other IJN activity at the moment.

In SOPAC, still trying to re-sort troops and shipping. Transports begin loading the 24th (Sep) In Reg at Ndeni slated to land at Rekata Bay. After a bit of rest, recon planes will begin refocusing on the various islands in the Solomons. Attacks on Tassafaronga, while making progress, need to take a rest. Still not much enemy activity noted. Lack of shipping and reorganization are slowing the Allied advance – which is fine at this point.

In SWPAC, other than the usual Sally raids on Aussie troops slowly withdrawing from Daly Waters, its pretty quiet. P-38Fs sweep Darwin and find no CAP – I wish I had some spare bombers and more fighters to raid the port/AF – but I just don’t have the assets right now. Transports begin loading at Normanton for big reinforcement push to Groote.

In WAUS, Allied troops at Port Hedland bombarded by BB TF (3BB, 3CA, 2CL) with reasonable effect after Dutch sub KXII missed BB Nagato with 4 torps. US 41st ID hit by escorted Sally strike with minimal effect just west of Port Hedland; US LRCAP downs 8 Oscars, but don’t have enough planes to get to the bombers. P-38Gs will fly next turn as I expect the US Div to enter the Port Hedland hex. Supplies are good right now, the C-47 drops appear to have helped. Will also focus aerial mines on both Broome and Port Hedland. Will be interesting to see if the KB comes out in support – kinda surprised its still at Koepang.

In China, the vaunted Lanchow AF takes to the skies with its 4 available Vanguards, downing 3 Lillys but lose a plane to escorting Oscars.

In India/Burma, Allied sorties come in full bore over the 43rd ID, and are met by a mass of LRCAP. Heavy air battles go against the good guys as numbers swing the edge to the IJA. IJA commits 5 Oscar IIb, 2 Tojo IIa, and 2 Tony Sentais to the fight. While the Allied fighters don’t do too terribly, but they can’t protect the bombers. Losses are heavy: 45 Oscar IIb, 18 Tony, 14 Tojo against 26 Hurris, 16 P-40K, 11 P-39, 9 NZ Kittyhawk III, 7 Spits and the bombers also take it on the chin: 11 B-24s and 21 B-25s. I thought about committing Corsairs to that fight last turn, and they might have turned the tables, but I don’t want to commit them before the P-38s arrive. Will rest the air force and await the P-38Gs before we go again – they should arrive in India within the week. Star on screen shot below shows the location of the furious air battles.