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

[IdahoNYer]

22-23 Dec 43

Highlights – Heavy Air attacks at Sibolga are costly; Medan is taken and sub losses mount.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Oshio)
SS: 1 (I-34)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-31)

Allied ships sunk:
CVE: 2 (Santee, Corregidor)
SS: 3 (Saury, Trigger, S-27)

Air loss:
Jpn: 166
Allied: 121

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1Attack, 1 ship hit (TK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Manus (SOPAC)
Long Island (SOPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB aircraft continued to pound subs, but PBYs fail to confirm KB’s presence off Babar - although I think its still in the Ceram Sea - at least a number of its fighter squadrons on confirmed to be engaged over Babar.

West Coast/Admin: A small admin note, with CV Bunker Hill finishing up her upgrade and minor repairs in Tulagi, I’ve place VF-17 back aboard her - Corsairs. Will be a while to fill out the squadron to full strength, but it’s a start.

In NOPAC, US ASW TF (2DD) find an IJN sub off Medny Island with the help of PBYs, and claim to heavily damage the sub. Three more DDs will head to the last location and see if the sub can be sunk.

In CENPAC, well, finally blundered into a Cap Trap. It was inevitable, and fortunately it was the navy heavies and not the Army’s - I have replacements! L_S_T snuck some Zeros into Truk, and I missed them - thinking the AF was still “closed”. It wasn’t, and I just moved the P-38 sweepers to SOPAC. So the PB4Y-1s got hammered. 22 lost to the CAP and another 9 to AA and Ops. Not a good day over Truk. Although I have no immediate plans to press any offensive attack in CENPAC, I’d rather not see Truk capable of sustaining IJN naval or air operations. For now, not much can be done, although I may send the Bunker Hill TF back, or the CVEs to provide more CAP over Truk. Will see.

In SOPAC, I was surprised that the Kavieng garrison came back out and attacked again - this time against the reinforced US position with the 33rd ID, gaining only 1-6 odds, and suffering accordingly - 1600 to 40. Will bombard next turn and see what the IJA does. At Manus, the 3 old US BBs bombard, and do it well, inflicting over 800 casualties. Following the bombardment, the ground assault carries the base in the first attack, 2000 Jpn lost to 550 US. The base is heavily damaged, and will need to start bringing in engineers, and will also need to pull some worn out troops as we’re over stacked. Troops need to rest, then will continue the attack!

In SWPAC, subs continue to take a pounding from a/c, and three subs succumb to damage, while another three must break station for repairs. At Babar, US DD TF (4DDs) finds and engages what was likely another Fast Transport TF (2CL, 8DD), and does fairly well, sinking a DD with a torp (With a TORP!!) for two DDs slightly damaged. Will send the DDs in again to disrupt operations, this time a PT squadron too, and will also attempt to lay some additional mines. In the air, LRCAP over Babar again finds Zeros, which are from the KB, and the Zeros take heavy loss - 35 are shot down for 2 Spits and a F6F. B-24s also drop mines at Babar. While the focus remains Babar, I managed to pull fighters from Koepang sweeps, but not the bombers - which this time find a good concentration fighters on CAP. 30 SBDs and 11 Mitchells are lost. Ugh…

In China, IJA forces continue to clear the delaying troops north of Kweiyang, this time pushing back a Chinese Corps and clearing the east west roadway between Chungking and Kweiyang. The attack cost 800 IJA to 3500 Chinese.

In Burma, the remnants of the IJA (actually RTA) that was blocking the Burma Road is again attacked south of Lashio, and this time they withdraw towards the SE, less about 1000 troops.

In the IO, it was a busy day over Sibolga!! I thought the 2 CVEs and a couple of squadrons from the CV TF would provide sufficient CAP, but oh, was I wrong! L_S_T threw in the kitchen sink with massed Oscars coming in low attack, Jills and level bombers coming in at over 25k. So the CAP was stretched, and many bogies got through. Still, CAP did well, and Jpn losses were heavy. After two days, two CVEs were sunk, CA Chester hit by a torp (0/0/24(22), and a DD and DE each damaged by a bomb. After two days, air losses were heavy for those hits: 55 Oscars, 17 George, 39 Jill, 7 Frances and a Betty against Allied losses of 12 F6F, 3 FM-1 and 2 Spit. An expensive, but successful strike by the Jpn LBA. On the bright side, the transports were protected, and lessons were learned - such as needing to better layer the CAP, and 2 CVEs are nowhere near enough to protect a landing (and a precursor to when Kamikazes come in play!). For the next couple of days, the empty transports of the initial landing force will head to Port Blair to rearm AA ammo, in preparation for bringing the 7th ID across from Sinabang. The CA TF will bombard one last time, and head to Colombo to rearm. Next turn, the two additional In Bdes and support troops from Tincomalee will come ashore at Sibolga, and to support that operation, a BB TF will move in to provide support and likely draw off any attacks - which could be a risky proposition. The CV TF will move a bit closer, to just off Sinabang, and continue to provide CAP, and this time increase LBA will provide CAP out of Medan, Sinabang and Sabang. On the ground, L_S_T might think he will not have a better opportunity to counter attack the Sibolga bridgehead with only two Allied Bdes ashore now - but with the two incoming Bdes, I’m confident in holding until the Aussies can move within support range. Still, I figure its going to be a few very costly turns coming up. At least the KB seems to be well away supporting the Babar fight!

[IdahoNYer]

24-25 Dec 43

Highlights – Merry Christmas in the Pacific! CAP does better over Sibolga and mines claim more victims at Babar.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Tama)
DD: 1 (Okinami)
DMS: 1 (W-11)
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Kirishima)

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Claxton)
SS: 1 (Skipjack)

Air loss:
Jpn: 112
Allied: 37

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Finschafen (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB at Ambon.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, US DDs fail to find the sub off Medny Is.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, once again, the Kavieng garrison Banzai out of its forts, this time with a shock attack managing 1-234 odds! 3000 less IJA soldiers to worry about in exchange for 18 US. At this rate, perhaps I don’t even have to attack at all! New Zealand troops take Finschhafen which was being held by a left behind Eng Co. Fairly quiet elsewhere as troops continue to rest at Manus as additional engineers begin offloading.

In SWPAC, DM Tracy lays 40 more mines after avoiding contact with a Fast Transport TF (2CL, 8DD), and then US DD TF (4DDs) bumps into different CL TF (2CL, 7DD) and gets the worst of it with a DD taking a torp and sinking. I’m assuming these CL TFs are pulling troops off Babar - there is no reason to keep 20k soldiers on that rock. But its not without cost to the IJN, mines continue to take their toll, claiming another CL and DD. No enemy air activity over Babar, and the KB is staying at or close to Ambon. Lastly, the SS Skipjack succumbs to previous bomb hits and sinks trying to reach Darwin.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, another busy day over Sibolga, but this time CAP holds off the attackers, which were far fewer than the previous day’s strikes. CAP was stacked better, and more numerous which also helped. 45 Oscars, 27 Lilys and 18 Bettys shot down in exchange for perhaps 8 Hellcats in Ops losses; no Allied fighters were lost to air-to-air. No Jpn bomber got through the CAP, and two more IN Bdes and support troops were put ashore. Troops are pretty fatigued, hopefully they can attack next turn. The US CA TF bombards with remaining ammo before heading back to Colombo, but achieves little. Will continue to shuttle bombardment TFs in to support, but most naval forces (and all Amphib TFs) will pull back from Sibolga to prepare to support bringing in the US 7th Div in a few turns. Allied ground troops out of Medan are still advancing to link up with the beach head, but the main force, the Aussie 9th Div is still pretty spread out. Back in Ceylon, the US CVE Repl TF begins taking on planes at Colombo, and should be ready to put back to sea in a turn or two. Also, CV Essex is pulled from the shipyards to prepare to head to probably England to finish out repairs (36 Maj Float). Still looking to wind down major naval operations in support of the Sumatra landings as the IJN seems to be fixed at Ambon.

[IdahoNYer]

26-27 Dec 43

Highlights – Fairly quiet; KB location unknown.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 18

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attack, 2ships hit (xAK sunk, TK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases Liberated:
Tankjoengbalai (IO)

SIGINT/Intel:KB location unknown.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CVE TF (8 CVE, DDs/DEs) move toward Truk out of Tulagi to support renewed effort to suppress Truk, probably in two turns or so.

In SOPAC, the Kavieng garrison again attacks out of its forts, this time with a deliberate attack managing 1-99 odds, and suffering another 2000 casualties. US troops will resume the attack on Manus next turn, and BBs continue to provide support. LBA for the most part, rests.

In SWPAC, its quiet. KB’s location is unknown - perhaps due to weather hiding them from PBYs, or have the IJN CVs left the area? A IJN CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) bombards Molu without any effect, but perhaps a prelude to another IJA attempt to retake the island? In any case will attempt two minelaying efforts next turn, with a CM/DD TF heading to mine both Babar and Molu. DD and PT TFs will also head to Babar, and some aerial mines will drop at Babar as well. The question is whether or not the IJN is still in the area…

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, US CL TF (2CL, DDs) and BB TF (2BB, 3CA, 2CL, DDs) bombard Sibolga with minimal effect, and start to head back to Colombo as the US fleet begins to withdraw from focused support of the landings. The CVs will head toward the AO TF well off Sumatra to take on fuel, and CV Sara will detach next turn toward Colombo to refit. CVE Rpl TF has just about completed re-stocking planes at Colombo and will be ready to head back to sea next turn. With the CVs then refueled, and CVEs back at sea, the US “Death Star” will be ready to provide support to one more landing (at Siberoet) in the IO before heading toward Australia. On Sumatra, the IJN defenders of Sibolga look to be pulling out, so its time for the 4 Bdes and support landed there to attack even though the 9th Aus Div is still moving up from Medan. On the Medan coast, Aussie troops take Tandjoengbali, the last base on the north coast to be taken (as not to trigger Kamikazes, Bengkalis will be avoided).

[IdahoNYer]

28-29 Dec 43

Highlights – Sibolga attack held while progress made at Manus; KB’s location remains unknown.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB location still unknown; little IJN activity in any Theater.

West Coast/Admin: CV Intrepid finishes re-sizing some USMC squadrons and is ready to depart; will sail with BB New Jersey to Aden next turn.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CVE TF (8 CVE, DDs/DEs) continues move toward Truk and should be in position to support strikes next turn.

In SOPAC, the Kavieng garrison continues to be restive, this time attacking with a deliberate attack, and only suffering 360 casualties this time. The renewed attack on Manus meets heavy resistance, but makes progress. In two attacks, the Japanese suffer over 3500 men lost, but the cost was high - 1200 Allied troops lost. US troops need to rest a turn before resuming the attack, while transports begin taking off the second USMC of the 2nd Mar Div. 2nd Mar Div is slowly being pulled out to refit in Cairns. Moved two of the three Heavy Bomber groups in SOPAC to Merauke to begin shutting down bases south of New Guinea. The first target will be the Level 5 AF at Kaimana, with fighters supporting primarily out of Sarmi.

In SWPAC, more mines are laid at Babar, and a sub drops some mines at Molu - still expecting a renewed IJN effort in support of these two bases, but the last two turns have been anything but busy. Very quiet. Will slowly begin prepping for future landings, massing the Heavies in Theater to shut down base, by base. No landings will begin for a few weeks, but its time to start prepping and see what develops. On the admin side, CA Louisville will depart for refit/upgrade in Sydney next turn, along with an APA I missed earlier.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, the first attack on Sibolga is held by the Japanese, although forts are reduced to 1. Even preceded by a Brit CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) bombardment, the attack was costly: about 600 IJA casualties to over 2200 Allied, mostly from one Bde - the Canadian Bde. Troops need to rest, but the IJA looks to be pulling out, and lead elements from the Medan Front should arrive in a turn or so to support. On the north coast, US PTs are moved fwd to newly captured base of Tandjoengbalai, and are hit by Judys with heavy fighter escort, sinking two PTs. I’ve moved some fighters in to support, but most LBA avail fighters are flying CAP over Sinabang as the US CV TF is out of range taking on fuel. I expect Sibolga to fall in the next few days, and will move the US 7th ID across from Sinabang - that movement will require the CVs in support to provide air cover for the APs. At Ceylon, CV Essex will depart Colombo for her voyage to England to finish repairs - she still has 36 major float damage and is in need of her refit/upgrade. Not sure if its more effective to move her to finish out repairs, but I want to free up the yard space at Colombo. Lastly, the mop up landing for Great Nicobar has finished loading at Koggala, and will proceed towards target next turn.

[IdahoNYer]

30-31 Dec 43

Highlights – Pretty quiet - Babar mines claim another DD, this time US; KB’s location remains unknown.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Waller)
YMS: 1

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB location still unknown; still little IJN activity in any Theater.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CVE TF (8 CVE, DDs/DEs) in position to support air strikes on Truk, will wait another turn to allow P-38 support.

In SOPAC, the Kavieng garrison loses another 750 men in another futile attack, otherwise quiet. Attacks will renew on Manus next turn, and a DD TF (4xDD) will sortie up the New Guinea coast. At Lae, an IJA division enters the hex, defended by a US Army Regiment. Perhaps another Kavieng type Banzai in the works? Although Lae has fort level 5, I’m bringing in a New Zealand Bde to reinforce…just in case.

In SWPAC, solid raid on Kaimana. Sweeps meet no opposition and Heavies destroy 15 Jakes on the ground as well as shut down the AF. Heavies move to Australia where they will look to begin shutting down AFs on Timor next. US DD TF (4xDD) to Babar finds no enemy, but a US laid mine claims DD Waller. No major IJN movements observed, and the KB’s location is unknown. Will look to reinforce Molu in the coming days and see what that brings.

In China, IJA continue to focus on pushing Chinese delaying positions toward Kweiyang, one attack is successful with 1200 IJA loss to 2900 Chinese, and the other, just north of Kweiyang, is held with about 1000 casualties each. The best news is that the Jpn tank blitz that looked to be heading along the north bank of the river due west toward Kumning looks to have ceased now that Chinese troops have occupied the entire river line in force. Any attempt to force the river will be expensive to the IJA.

In Burma, Japanese laid mines (presumably from an undetected sub) claims a big xAK crippled just off Rangoon before all the mines can be swept, one the hard way as it claims a YMS. Will increase a/c ASW efforts off Rangoon. At Bhamo, another Allied attack goes in with about 600 IJA loss to only 80 Allied, but the Allied force is short on supply and further attacks will need to wait until the supplies can be built up.

In the IO, CV Essex heads out of Ceylon waters without incident so far, and CVEs will remain with her for another turn to provide additional ASW a/c. US CV TF will move to provide cover for the landings at Great Nicobar, then proceed to cover the Siberoet landings in the coming days. Marines begin loading at Sabang for Siberoet, will then move to Sinabang area to wait for US forces still conducing minor repairs at Colombo. Hopefully, if all goes well, the landings at Siberoet will take place in about a week, and at that point the US fleet will begin its trek toward Australia. The majority of the rest of the Sumatra campaign will focus on the ground advance, and support provided by the British Navy.

[IdahoNYer]

Dec 43 Summary

Another good month, with good forward progress overall, and only one setback that was anticipated; and although Babar was lost, it was an expensive campaign for the IJN. Major focus was in Sumatra, and that did not disappoint, with Medan falling much quicker than planned. Other Theaters were fairly quiet and stable, without any major offensive operations undertaken. US CVs remained in the IO, supporting Sumatra operations, and the big surprise was the KB did not come west, but stayed in the vicinity of Ambon for most of the month. Naval losses for the month were in the Allies favor again mainly due to Babar; the IJN lost 1CV, 1CVE, 1 CL, 11DD, 2E and 1SS compared to the Allies losing 2CVE, 2DD, 11SS and 17PT overall. Of the IJN losses, only the CV (Zuikaku), the SS and the two Escorts were not directly attributed to the Babar campaign. In the air, heavy action over Babar, Singapore and Sumatra made it expensive for both sides; losses were 1479 for Jpn to 1038 Allied.

INTEL: For the majority of the month, the KB was confirmed to be operating out of Ambon, able to sortie to support the Biak area or the Babar area. The last week of the month however the KB’s location has been unknown…a worrisome development. While I expected the KB to sail for the IO in response to the Allied landings on Sumatra at the beginning of the month, now, I’m at a loss as to what will trigger the KB to sortie. If a threat to Palembang doesn’t do it, what will?

SUBWAR: A very expensive month for Allied subs with 11 lost and as many damaged, largely due to ASW a/c in the Babar area. But, at least one sub found and sunk the Zuikaku! IJN subs remain a threat, with one occasionally appearing on a convoy route and sinking or damaging a ship, or laying mines. At least the IJN subs have been less successful against fleet elements.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production actually to 633 in Jan with the P-39N1 ending its production run. Fighters are still at a premium, and likely will be for some time, with reserves minimal for most frontline fighters. Medium bomber squadrons continue to remain understrength, while the Heavy bomber squadrons are gradually converting to the B-24J across the Pacific. Pilot pools remain mixed, with US Army fighter pilots the only pool I would consider more than adequate. On the naval side, the Essex class CVs plus CVLs and CVEs continue to roll off the production lines at a good clip. CV Essex remains the only damaged CV requiring yard work, and is currently in transit at month’s end. Jan will see some refit/upgrades impact the fleet, but nothing that would hinder operations as the upgrade requirements did back earlier in the war.

NOPAC. NSTR all month.

CENPAC. The Navy heavy bombers got caught in a CAP Trap over Truk was the highlight, sadly. Most effort was redeploying troops and ships toward SOPAC for further offensive operations, and with the exception of renewing bombing of Truk, the Theater will be quiet.

SOPAC. No further progress up the New Guinea coast as the Allied bases needed to be developed, and the IJN made some forays on the north side of New Guinea. This has allowed the IJA to reinforce western New Guinea, but that was expected, and other than a few DD raids and a solid sub presence, not much effort was put in disrupting IJN operations. But one of those subs did claim Zuikaku! Manus was the critical offensive action, and as anticipated has been a tough slog. By month’s end the base was secured and expanding, with ground pounders mopping up remaining IJA troops. What was surprising was the repeated attacks emanating from Kavieng garrison - likely wanting those troops to be eliminated and bought out to redeploy in other Theaters. I’ve no immediate plans for further Amphib landings in Jan, at least until the question of the KB can be addressed.

SWPAC. Babar’s loss was, in the end, expected as I refused to bring out the fleet in support. Instead cadres of troops on Babar were pulled off, and they are reconstituting those elements. Babar was costly to the IJN, and that was the point once I realized the KB was staying to support. That said, the main Allied effort in ’44 will shift to SWPAC as the fleet will now be brought in. Until the fleet arrives, likely at the end of Jan, US Heavies will focus on shutting down major Japanese airfields, and may look at initial amphibs on the eastern Japanese holdings, near Babar. These attacks will be to gain a foothold and perhaps draw the IJN’s attention again. The goal of bringing the fleet in with be twofold: to support further amphibious operations, but also to seek out and destroy the KB.

China. With supplies flowing in from Rangoon through the Burma road, the Chinese Army is finally getting supplied and making IJA attacks more expensive. While the IJA can still effectively mass, and push the Chinese Army back, the days of the one-sided attack is likely gone for the IJA. The Kweiyang Line, most of it along a river, will be held if at all possible, and as available, additional Allied airpower will be used.

Burma. With the Burma Road open, the focus has been keeping it open, which has been a challenge from stay-behind troops. The last major bypassed IJA troop concentration is at Bhamo, and that is gradually being reduced. I’m hesitant to continue a major ground offensive further south of Rangoon into Thailand as the IJA still has a large army in place, and British and Indian troops on the attack are severely limited by a slow replacement rate. For now, the emphasis is on Sumatra, although a continued Allied offensive in ’44 toward Bangkok is not out of the question.

IO. Although not without losses (2CVEs), the Sumatra campaign has far exceeded expectations. I expected a bitter fight from Sabang along the north coast, and that simply did not happen. All the bases, to include the developed AF at Medan were abandoned with only a rearguard action. The IJA did, and is currently fighting at Sibolga, but that position will fall as the Allies can concentrate there. From Sibolga on, Sumatra will be a predominately ground campaign, with the upcoming landing at the island of Siberoet off Padang begin the last major Amphib prior to the US CVs heading out of Theater. The goal being bringing the oil wells under LBA bomber with fighter support threat in the next couple of months. While most of the Amphib capability will also head east, Theater will retain the capability to land about a Division, supported by the British Fleet, to land at targets of opportunity should the situation allow.

[IdahoNYer]

31 Dec 43 Naval Summary

DBB-C Naval Summary showing comparison of sunk ships for both sides, active Allied ships as well as the total available, some of which are yet to arrive as reinforcements.


Of note are the 72 IJN DD/DE losses - over 30 of them due to the Babar Island campaign. On the other side of the coin, most of the US sub losses are due to L_S_T's highly effective ASW a/c employment.

[IdahoNYer]

31 Dec 43 Ground Summary - Burma

Burma stalemate........with Rangoon taken and the Burma Road clear, I'm hesitant to continue the offensive toward Bangkok.

That initial river crossing would be VERY bloody as L_S_T still has a large force available.

Decisions...decisions....

[IdahoNYer]

31 Dec 43 Ground Summary - China

Although Chungking is lost, the "Kweiyang Line" has so far been able to hold off the Japanese advance. Like the Allied situation in Burma, crossing the river to attack Kweiyang would be expensive.

Changsa is also held, although the Chinese eastern and southern defensive positions are relatively lightly manned and vulnerable.

Goal is to hold the line for as long as possible, and collapse toward the west if necessary.

Slowly, Allied "stiffeners" will start arriving along the Burma Road - primarily tank, AA and AT units.

[IdahoNYer]

31 Dec 43 Ground Summary - Indian Ocean

Although held up at Sibolga for the moment, the Allied ground offensive will continue along Sumatra's south coast towards Padang.

[IdahoNYer]

31 Dec Ground Summary - SWPAC

While Babar was the focus for the last three months of 1943, 1944 will bring renewed Allied offensive beginning with reinforcing the sole Allied island, Molu, and then striking to take Saumlaki.

Further attacks all depend on whether or not the KB returns to Ambon to counter the Allied moves.

[IdahoNYer]

31 Dec Ground Summary - SOPAC

1943 closed out with the focus to secure Manus. Taking Hollandia in 1943 with relative ease was a major surprise, and frankly, ground troops need time to prep for further landings to the west.

Also, the KB must be dealt with, or US CV TF brought in, before landings can take place in 1944.

With bypassed IJN garrisons apparently getting restless, Jan '44 will focus on reducing the rear area threat and preparing for future operations.

[jwolf]

How about a landing at Victoria Point to take that base and the one next to it and cut off Thailand from Singapore, at least by land?

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

How about a landing at Victoria Point to take that base and the one next to it and cut off Thailand from Singapore, at least by land?

Think that ship sailed a long while ago[;)]

L_S_T has garrisoned the Burma ports with a reported 20k or so each - would take a huge investment to land and seize a coastal Burma port right now.

[IdahoNYer]

1-2 Jan 44

Highlights – Welcome to 1944!!!! CVE torpedoed, Sibolga holds again and fighting ends on Manus.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Isonami)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Yugumo)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CVE Altamaha dam)
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Great Nicobar (IO)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Arawe (SOPAC -flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB location still unknown…its pretty quiet.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CVE TF (8 CVE, DDs/DEs) will provide cover for Navy Heavies out of Ponape hitting Truk next turn. Just hope the KB isn’t lurking out here!

In SOPAC, the Kavieng garrison stays quiet for a change. Final attack on Manus wipes out the final 1100 defenders while losing 10 men. Americal Div will pull off Manus immediately to reduce stacking, Marines to follow. Americal may head to Lae where another IJA Div has shown up - although I think 2 Bdes can hold with level 5 forts, having the Americal there might not hurt. BBs will shift from bombarding Manus to softening up Kavieng where I’ll likely attack to mop up what’s left of the IJA defenders in the coming days. CV Bunker Hill TF (CV, 2CVL, CA, CL, DDs) will depart Tulagi for SWPAC via Sydney/Perth route next turn - eventually linking up with the IO CVs at Exmouth before the end of the month. In the coming weeks, will build up Manus as a major base, but nothing dramatic planned for the moment.

In SWPAC, started the slow reinforcing of Molu via sub and a/c to expand the defenses and get patrol planes based there as a start to support future operations. Bombers with fighter sweeps will hit Koepang next turn, and fighters will also sweep Lautem to draw off some CAP from Dili, which will be the next base to be suppressed after Koepang. All this is to set conditions for renewed offensive operations in Theater, starting with a landing at Saumlaki in about 2 weeks - assuming the KB doesn’t come back in view. The goal though is to draw the KB out, so the US CVs can find and destroy it. But my hunch at the moment is that KB will be held back for a bit…but….

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, CVE Altamaha, one of the replacement CVEs, is torpedoed off Ceylon by I-8 which gets clean away. She should make Colombo next turn as her damage (30/41(19)/1) isn’t critical and she’s only 4hexes off the port at the turn’s end. Will focus some additional ASW assets at the last known location of the sub, but its mid ocean, and it’s a big ocean. Great Nicobar amphib goes in, landing the understrength Indian 17th Div to mop up any remaining stay-behinds. On Sumatra, Sibolga defenders hold off another attack with 600 enemy casualties to 400 Allied. Allied troops are pretty tired, so will wait until the Aus 9th Div moves in from its march from Medan, now only one hex away. Still have the US 7th Div on Sinabang waiting to ship to Sibolga once it falls as well. Also now moving at sea is 2/3rds of the 3rd Mar Div which finished loading at Sabang. Amph TF will stage at Sinabang to pick up supporting engineers, and then the TF(s), with US CVs in support will head to land on Siberoet. Following the Siberoet support, the CVs and much of the supporting shipping, will depart Theater for SWPAC.

[IdahoNYer]

3-4 Jan 44

Highlights – Zeros back on Truk and KB enroute; Great Nicobar taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
AK: 1
xAK: 2

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 57
Allied: 74

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (2xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Great Nicobar (IO)

SIGINT/Intel:At least part of the KB is sighted about 300m due west of Truk heading east.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CVE TF (8 CVE, DDs/DEs) provided cover for Navy Heavies out of Ponape which hit Truk which was defended by a robust CAP of 84Z! The Navy fliers did their job in protecting the heavies with a number of sweeps, as did the P-38s out of Ponape, but fighter losses were high, and bombing effects were poor. After two days, 25Z down in exchange for 15 F6F, 11 Wildcats, 4 P-38s and two PB4Y-1s Not good. But on the bright side, the KB is sighted heading east toward Truk early enough for the CVEs to be well on their way towards SOPAC. About a half dozen subs are vectored toward the KB’s route, and maybe one will get lucky. Further Truk bombing missions will be limited to night.

In SOPAC, well, L_S_T has now brought two divisions to attack Lae, and they succeed in reducing the Jpn built forts to level 4, and lose over 1000 men vs. 200 Allied. Still, two divisions are a threat, so the Americal Div won’t get the promised rest in Australia, instead will begin landing at Lae next turn. The 3 old US BBs will shift from hitting Kavieng to bombard Lae and the remaining 4 heavy bombing squadrons at Buna will as well. With the KB on the prowl in CENPAC, there is of course a threat it may head south to disrupt operations in SOPAC. Just in case, LBA is concentrated at Mussau-New Hannover area should the KB come calling.

In SWPAC, Koepang is hit with good effect by massed Heavies supported by sweeps and LRCAP out of Truscott. No CAP came up in response, and AA claimed a B-24. The base is shut down, so the bombing will shift to Dili, which is better protected by fighters and a hex further, so the P-47s will fly at extended range. Initial attacks on Dili at night by B-24s destroyed 5 Zeros, 2 Irvings and 3 Jakes. Will continue with the night bombing against Dili as well, but this will be a tough fight in daylight - an estimated 70 fighters are expected on CAP. Going to be a bloody day. But with at least a good part of the KB out near Truk, landings in the East Banda Sea area against Saumlaki are accelerated and put in motion. Amph TF begins loading troops in Darwin and will move to stage at Bathurst. So if all goes well - good results at Dili, AND no major increase in IJN activity, will begin landings at Saumlaki shortly. Saumlaki, like Babar, is 6 hexes off Bathurst, well within single engine fighter cover, and at the moment is reporting a garrison of about 10% what is on Bathurst - only 1500 troops last reported. Unlike the Bathurst operation, Saumlaki will be built up as a major base as a stepping stone for the Allied advance to resume in SWPAC.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, CVE Altamaha makes it to Columbo where she’ll be in the yards for about a month. Could have been worse, the CVEs are very, very vulnerable to any damage. Great Nicobar fell in the first attack, only a few vehicles that couldn’t be flown off were all that was left of the garrison. Not unexpected. The 17th Indian Div will be pulled off and brought to Port Blair to prepare for future operations, and engineers brought in to expand the facilities. The landing at Great Nicobar seemed to trigger an increase in IJN sub activity - four subs were spotted and attacked by ASW a/c. Will continue to prosecute against the sub contacts with ASW TFs, one off Ceylon (most likely the I-Boat that hit the Altamaha), and three others near Sabang. The US CV TF will move off of supporting Great Nicobar (and away from the sub contacts), out to sea past Sinabang to support the upcoming landings at Siberoet. Additional US warships that were under minor repairs have cleared out of Ceylon and will rendezvous with the CVs next turn as well. The Siberoet Amph TF will move from Sinabang to stage out to sea from Siberoet, under cover of the CV TF. What is curious about the planned landing at Siberoet is that so far recon has detected no IJA units there - and not at Padang on the coast either. Will continue to fly recon to confirm IJA strength - I can’t believe these two bases are empty - especially Padang! On Sumatra, no attacks at Sibolga as the 9th Aus Div is still enroute. In the air, to prep the upcoming Amph at Siberoet, Allied fighters will conduct a heavy sweep over Kuala Lumpur, reportedly base to over 150 fighters. US Heavies have begun moving into Sabang, one Bomb Group so far, the 307th. These will hit Kuala at night to hopefully disrupt the morning’s CAP. Should be a bloody day over Kuala, but at least its only a few hexes from Allied bases on the Sumatran north coast.

[IdahoNYer]

5-6 Jan 44

Highlights – KB hits coastal convoys off north New Guinea coast; busy day in the air.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-30, I-40)
PB: 2
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-122)

Allied ships sunk:
DE: 1 (Seid)
SC: 1
YMS: 1
TK: 2 (sm)
xAK: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 130
Allied: 70

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attack, 1 ship hit (DE sunk)
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB - all of it - is north of New Guinea, just out of LBA strike aircraft range.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, PB4Y-1s out of Ponape hit Truk at night doing no damage and losing one to AA. Fighters remain on Truk, and the AF is still operational.

In SOPAC, KB, operating out of two separate TFs hits two small coastal convoys off of the New Guinea coast sinking 2xAK, 2TK, YMS and an SC. Could have been much worse as a big support TF with AR, AKE etc was just arriving at Manus, which apparently was still out of range. With the KB prowling again, shipping will head back to the Solomon Sea or take refuge in ports. The CVE TF as well as the BBs (disbanded) will hunker down at New Hannover Island under the cover of about 300+ fighters. Goal is to minimize losses, but normal transport/shuttle operations are put on hold until the KB departs. Lastly, a US DD TF (4DD) out of Sarmi sinks 2 PBs and a big xAK offloading troops off Sansapor. Hopefully, they can avoid the KB’s wrath!

In SWPAC, Dili gets plastered by concentrated sweeps and the focus of the Heavies. Sweeps do well in keeping the fighters off the B-24s, with only two lost, one to fighters and one to AA. Fighters lose 6 F6F and a pair of P-47s. Japanese lose 34Z in the air with another 13 on the ground, plus 10 Irvings and 3 Jakes on the ground as well. A good two days work! The AF is at 50 dam, so will have to hit it again to keep it closed, and will send out a single bomber group and some B-17s to accomplish that while the rest of the Heavies take a needed rest. And with the three closest AFs suppressed, and the KB north of New Guinea, the Saumlaki Amph is a go, and will head in next turn, with LBA out of Bathurst providing the fighter cover. While I can expect Jpn LBA out of Boela and Ambon to react, the big question is what parts of the IJN is still at Ambon or other bases. To counter the naval threat, Allied CAs/CLs will finally be committed in support. With luck, the better part of two Bdes and support will land and seize the island before the IJN can regroup to reinforce. Lastly, PBYs begin operating out of Molu to extend the search range in support of the Saumlaki operation.

In China, IJA continues to push in the delaying forces north of Kweiyang. In two attacks, one holds with about 800 IJA to 400 Chinese troops lost, and the other attack two Chinese Corps are pushed back at the cost of 3300 Chinese troops to only 200 IJA. At least one attack held. Looks like L_S_T is shifting his forces from west of Kweiyang to east of the city. This will take time, but it does avoid the river. The best news is the first Allied troops have begun to arrive near Kweiyang - AA, AT and even a Brit armored squadron! Nothing to tip the balance, but perhaps some firepower to increase IJA casualties.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, heavy fighter sweeps against Kuala Lumpur are, as expected, met by a very robust cap of 70+Tojos and losses aren’t light for either side. 38 Tojos are lost in exchange for 9 Corsair, 5 P-47, and 13 P-38s. Surprised the P-38s faired so poorly. P-47s remains the best fighter in the inventory. At sea, DE Seid loses its ASW battle with an IJN sub off Sabang, and is sunk by a single torp hit. Allied ASW a/c claim two hits on the offending sub, but that’s not confirmed. Recon is still reporting both Siberoet and Padang empty of defenders, so one of the USMC Bdes and the supporting combat engineers earmarked for Siberoet will be held on transports in reserve, with the option to follow up Siberoet with a landing at Padang. Siberoet goes in next turn, and the US CV TF will position just off Padang - between expected air threat and the transports. The hope being that any air strike will impale on the CVs with over 400 fighters on CAP rather than the softer Amphib TF at Siberoet. On land, IJA defenders at Sibolga are reported to only be a rear guard, with the majority pulled out the SE. Two Allied Bdes will attack, supported by tanks and the 9th Aus Div in reserve. So, it should be an entertaining next turn in and around Sumatra!

[IdahoNYer]

7-8 Jan 44

Highlights – US subs hit TWO IJN CVs! [:D][:D] Landings goes in at Siberoet and Saumlaki without issue.

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1
xAK: 1
AG: 1
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CVE: 1 (Unyo)
CL: 1 (Noshiro)
DD: 2 (Amatsukaze, Arashi)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 35
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 3 ships hit (CV Kaga crippled, Hiryu dam, xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Saumlaki (SWPAC)
Siberoet (IO)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Gasmata (SOPAC-flipped)
Sibolga (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: KB pulling back to the WSW north of New Guinea, presumably back toward Ambon area.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, will begin moving troops out of Theater to New Guinea area bases to facilitate landings west of Truk in CENPAC in the coming months. With Truk staying as a viable IJN base for a while, and Allied bases in the Gilberts and Marshalls fully built up, numerous engineer units can be moved forward, and do some additional work prior to being employed eventually in the Marianas.

In SOPAC, KB, still operating out of two separate TFs run across two US subs south of Woleai as the IJN looks to be moving WSW back toward the Ambon area. First, Hiryu and consorts run across SS Grayling which was moving to its new patrol zone further west. One torp found Hiryu, but no secondary explosions were observed. Then SS Flasher finds CV Kaga. In the replay, thanks to the bloody synch bug, misses! Wasn’t until I saw CV Kaga come up as “sunk”, and then looked through the combat report did I realize she was hit. Interestingly, Flasher hit Kaga twice in the same hex in two attacks - and the first attack came from her stern tubes! Gotta love the detail in this game! Enemy intercepts - email from L_S_T, later tells me that she was hit twice with 4 torps, but is still afloat! Will focus subs and some air to try and finish the job next turn - she’s nowhere close to a port over level 1, but I’m sure L_S_T will try to make the nearest port regardless to try and get the air group off. Biak, the nearest port, about 8 hexes from the sub attack is still a long way for a ship taking 4 torps - but just in case, will put some a/c laid mines there incase subs, aircraft and IJN damage control don’t sink her. Otherwise, its quiet in SOPAC, and shipping return to normal operations with the KB threat diminished. So, another expensive KB sortie north of New Guinea for little gain - the last one cost the CV Zuikaku.

In SWPAC, troops are put ashore at Saumlaki where the garrison is now reported as an SNLF and a Raiding Regiment which will be a tough nut to crack. CA TF (CA,CL,DDs) bombardment and air attacks do little, but will continue next turn. Aussie In Bde with support is ashore, but US In Reg and some additional support still has to offload, so transports will remain offshore next turn. So far, no response from Jpn, I expect next turn will be more challenging, and much of the LRCAP is fatigued, and needs to be swapped out - in other words, will have less air cover next turn…not good! Still the KB is still north of New Guinea, and should be a few days away. Still not sure what the IJN has immediately avail to sortie, and an Aussie/US CA TF (CA, 2CL, DDs) will maintain cover of the anchorage. Fully expect another drawn out fight similar to Babar here - just hope the ground troops can take the base before the KB can intervene. Goal here really though is twofold - first to gain a foothold as a base in the Eastern Banda Sea to set conditions for further landings, but also keep the IJN attention in the Eastern Banda Sea area until the US CV TF can arrive.

In China, IJA push back the last Chinese delaying force north of Kweiyang; the remnants of two Corps retreat south of the river leaving behind 3400 casualties. While the final attack was not inexpensive, the delaying force bought much needed time to bolster defenses. On that note, the probable next major IJA thrust east of Kweiyang with no river to add to the defenses, was held inflicting 5500 IJA casualties to only 1100 Chinese. Figure this will be the first of many attacks in the this two hex gap area, and will bring in more troops as quickly as I can. Will also look at basing some US bombers at Kumning to support, but not sure I want the supply drain.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, troops ashore at Siberoet find no defenders, but the base hasn’t been secured quite yet. Surprisingly, no air attacks were launched at either the transports off Siberoet, or the CV TF off Padang. The only IJN activity was a pair of subs attacked by ASW a/c off Siberoet, both reportedly hit. Recon over Padang is reporting only 300 troops and a few guns, likely a small base force. So, will take the gamble to land a Bde of the 3rd Mar Div and an Eng Reg earmarked for Siberoet, but held on the transports. These troops aren’t prepped for Padang, but it’s worth the shot to get a foothold some 7 hexes further down the Sumatra coast - and within single engine fighter range to Palembang. Fully expect a heavy air attack next turn on the fleet and the landings at Padang - a reported 250+ fighters at Singapore are well within range. Sibolga falls as expected in a rearguard action, and the Allied troops will begin the advance along the coast toward Padang. How many troops will depend on the situation at Padang; if successful there, will likely ship many troops directly to Padang. On that note, the US 7th ID completed loading on transports at Sinabang with the intent to bring the division to Sibolga, but will stage out at sea instead, again pending the situation at Padang. So Padang could be very ugly, or very, very beneficial in shortening the drive on Palambang. Elsewhere in the IO Theater, CV Essex departs Aden bound for England to complete repairs, while CV Intrepid TF (with BB New Jersey) are also departing Aden bound for the IO and linking up with the CV TF off Sumatra.

[IdahoNYer]

9-10 Jan 44

Highlights – Kaga found and sunk! Landing goes in at Padang, less than expected air attacks against Saumlaki Amphib

Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Kaga)
DD: 1 (Natsushio - old?)
TK: 1
AKV: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 207
Allied: 49

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CV Kaga, TK (sm) sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Padang (IO)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Siberoet (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: KB looks to be at Babeldaob; CA TF looks to be forming at Ambon for a sortie.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, SS Flasher, while enroute to her new patrol area near the Moluccas, again finds crippled Kaga and puts two torps into her to end her misery. Interestingly, 85 brand new A6M8 Zeros are listed as ground losses, so she was being used as a fighter only CV! Now, my question is, what happens to the pilots??? Otherwise, fairly quiet, with the only action being the IJA attacking at Lae again, this time with the first part of the Americal Div landed, get only 1-20 odd, losing about 1000 men to the 200 Allied. With the KB seeming to be in a position to thwart any further advance by SOPAC along the New Guinea coast for a while, the CVE TF (8 CVEs) will depart Theater and head to SWPAC to support ongoing operations.

In SWPAC, all troops are landed at Saumlaki with the only reaction being three small heavily escorted daylight Jill attacks, scoring no hits, despite a rather lackluster CAP maxing out at less than 40 fighters at any one time. With much air action over China for a change, accurate air losses are challenging. Best estimate is about 15 George, 12Z and 20 Jills against 8-12 Allied fighters. Not bad. With all the troops ashore, and most of the supplies, the fleet will head back to Darwin, with the covering CA TF bombarding on their way home. PTs will head in from Bathurst to disrupt the anticipated IJN CA TF assembling at Ambon, as well as about the dozen or so subs lurking in the Banda Sea. LRCAP out of Bathurst will be a bit more robust should the Jpn air attack those PTs. Should the IJN TF loiter near Saumlaki, LBA has strike aircraft capable of ranging as well. Troops need a rest a day or so prior to beginning their attacks. With the KB at Babeldaob, I’m not too worried about the KB coming down in support for a few more days at least. Lastly, I’m shuttling troops as quickly as shipping allow further landings to launch on short notice should the KB stay to the north. Troops are fully prepped, but are scattered amongst the various bases. Looking at landing at Taberfane in the next week or so as the first step.

In China, action picks up with heavy enemy fighter sweeps over Kweiyang. A single P-40N5 squadron meets the challenge, but after 9 sweeps, the squadron is pretty well shot up. The P-40s claim 11 enemy shot down - including a few Georges, but are pretty much outclassed and lose about 15 planes. The squadron is withdrawn to Rangoon to replenish its losses, and 4 other US squadrons are flown in to meet the next attack, and Kumning’s air defenses are also increased incase this was a feint. Also waiting at Kweiyang is the first of a few AA units brought in from Burma - so if L_S_T decides to hit the AFs with those Sonias again, it won’t be a cheap raid. Also in China, a single IJA ground attack is held in the mountains to the WNW of Kweiyang with over 2000 IJA troops lost to only 200 Chinese. The “Kweiyang Line” continues to hold and inflict substantial losses on the IJA.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, troops are shore at Padang! As expected with no prep, many troops are disabled in the landings, over 500 between the two Bde sized elements. Still, against the 400 odd defenders, there should be enough combat power to take the base in the attack next turn. Surprisingly, the estimated over 350 a/c based at Singapore don’t launch a daylight strike, instead only two nighttime Betty/Frances strikes come in and are met by night flying Corsairs off the Wasp and heavy flak, downing 9 of the attackers for no hits scored. Siberoet falls undefended, and will eventually be built up into a level 9 bomber base. At Sinabang, engineers begin loading to bring to Siberoet and Sibolga while transports head to Sibolga to begin shuttling troops forward to Padang. I’m banking on Padang falling next turn, the Padang Amphib finished offloading will retire back to Sinabang to also bring troops forward. The 7th ID in transports will move closer to Padang, rendezvousing with the CV TF just off the coast to provide air cover. There is still a significant air threat out of Singapore (and likely other bases), so any TF operating off Sumatra is at risk, and air cover is at a premium. If all goes well, Padang will have fallen and 7th ID can be brought in next turn, followed within a week by the 9th Aus Div at Sibolga. With the unexpected, rapid advance in Sumatra (I figured most of January would be focused on taking Medan, not Padang!), support troops are having a challenge keeping up, especially base forces and engineers (many still in Ceylon and Burma). Will begin shuttling these support troops in the coming weeks, stretching the transport capability to max, and until ports can be built up by the engineers needed to be shipped, amphibious ships will be needed to shuttle troops along the coast. All this will likely keep the CVs off the Sumatra coast for a bit longer than anticipated. My original plan had the CVs heading to SWPAC when Siberoet fell.

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

Interestingly, 85 brand new A6M8 Zeros are listed as ground losses, so she was being used as a fighter only CV! Now, my question is, what happens to the pilots???

If they were still aboard, they're lost. Hopefully (says the JFB), he pulled them off into the General Reserve last turn. Planes can be replaced much easier than pilots.