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

[IdahoNYer]

29-30 Mar 44

Highlights – Fairly uneventful end of the month turn.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-185)
AO: 1
PB: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Woleai and Satawal Amph TFs complete loading and will head to sea to stage south of the target, under the cover of CV TFs which will support both landings.

In SOPAC, Repl TF STILL hasn’t transited the Ceram Sea coming up from SWPAC - looks like it moved one hex…threat tolerance perhaps? Changed the threat tolerance to high, so hopefully the Repl TF will move towards Hollandia area. CV TFs still have well over 60% fuel on average, and will move to support CENPAC landings, and THEN take on fuel. 37th ID begins offloading at Sansapor, and that will likely take a few days due to the minimal level 1 port avail. Sorong on deck after the Fleet and Assault transports finish with Woleai and Satawal.

In SWPAC, Watampone Amphib and support TFs rendezvous at Kolaka, including the CVE TF from the IO. Kolaka and Salajar AFs now level 2, and additional fighters flown in to provide LRCAP. So all is set to land at Watampone next turn. Looks like L_S_T is perhaps pulling troops off Celebes, as a number of ships are sighted at Madjene, but no Allied bombers interdicts. Will send both PTs and a DD TF to “investigate” next turn. IJA bombers made an attempt at hitting the damaged CVEs at Kolaka at night, were disrupted by night flying FM-1s and hit nothing, losing 3 Frances in the process. Will augment Kolaka with some P-70 Havocs and likely move the CVEs to Darwin after Watapone Amphib is completed.

In China, the IJA continues to attack, this time in the Nanning area, pushing back a Chinese Cav Corps and a In Corps on the second day of attacks - held the first day, but the second day forced them to retreat, so loses were heavy: about 1500 IJA lost to 5500 Chinese.

In Burma, will attack to take Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand next turn while the main effort of about 7 Allied divisions aiming towards Bangkok will conduct a bombardment to see what the Japanese defenses consist of. In any case, as expected, L_S_T has established a solid defensive line in Thailand - I just expected it along the river, not in the rough terrain along the Burma border west of the river.

In the IO, bombers continue to hit Palembang, inflicting about 400 casualties. Troops begin recovering fatigue and disruption, but will need a few more days before we launch another attack. With forts reduced to level 2, think the next attack could have success, but I’m taking nothing for granted. Supply situation is getting better on Sumatra, and so far, shipping has not been interdicted by LBA out of Malaya.

[IdahoNYer]

Mar 44 Summary

Other than the first Kamikaze attack of the campaign, it was a pretty uneventful month. Palembang’s defenses were weakened, but as expected, has inflicted heavy Allied losses and continues to hold at month’s end. Continued gains in SWPAC with troops beginning to take back Celebes and SOPAC has begun its campaign to seize Sorong. The Kamikaze attack came as a surprise - I figured Kamikazes would be introduced with the KB seeking the “decisive battle”. Instead the IJN has been nowhere to be seen and the Kamis hit by themselves. China continues to be active with IJA advances, but at least defenses are causing more IJA loss than in the first two years of the conflict. Naval losses for the month were fairly minimal to both sides; the IJN reportedly lost 2DD, 3MTB, 4SS and 2SSX compared to the Allies losing only a single DD - but 5 CVEs will be out of the war with significant Kamikaze damage for a few months. In the air, the Kamikaze raid accounted for almost half of Jpn’s total monthly losses; 807 for Jpn to 432 Allied in an otherwise quiet month in the air.

INTEL: Well, L_S_T has me guessing. No idea where any major fleet units are; the largest contact for the month were destroyers. I thought the approaches to Balikpappan would be heavily contested on the ground, but resistance has been very light with numerous bases not being contested at all. The Kamikazes came as a shock, but since it wasn’t tied to any other major effort it didn’t delay operations by more than a few days at most. While SWPAC has met less than expected resistance, the advance into Thailand has met much more than expected - I figured troops there would have been pulled for the defense of the PI. So where is the main defensive line? I have no idea - still figure it has to be the Philippines and the Marianas perhaps - might find out in April…..

SUBWAR: Fairly uneventful with no major opportunities against fleet units. Major Japanese convoys are still well protected, but fewer were encountered as oil/refinery centers in the DEI become under direct threat. Jpn LBA remains the greatest threat to Allied subs. IJN subs are seldom seen, and when seen have been dealt with rapidly. SSTs are being seen and engaged near isolated bases, but so far none have been claimed sunk.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production remained at 872 in Apr with no changes. The last B-17 squadron swapped out its remaining half dozen B-17Fs for B-24s, which remain plentiful. The B-29 has arrived in India, but so far has not been employed as it’s a slow process to ship the mammoth airplanes from Aden. That will change in April. Likewise, the first P-47D25 and P-51B equipped squadrons are operational, but so far have not engaged in combat with enemy planes. Airplane pools remain pretty healthy with the lack of heavy air-air engagements this month, and pilot pools are good except for the US Navy fighters - largely due to the incoming CV/CVL/CVE’s raw air groups being exchanged for veterans in the pools. Both CVs in the yards will finish repairs (Essex) and refit (Illustrious) this month, while the 5 CVEs damaged in the Kamikaze raid will begin the journey to yards.

NOPAC. NSTR.

CENPAC. The Woleai operation finally got rolling the last days of March, and recon shows the forces allocated are overkill. Still Woleai will be jumping off point for Yap to get a firm foothold in what may be a major Japanese defensive line. Still not looking at making the Marianas a major effort, just to neutralize the Japanese ability to use them effectively. That may change depending on what is encountered in the coming months of course.

SOPAC. Finally getting the offensive moving in Theater with the return of the CV TFs to the Pacific in support with the landing at Sansapor. After Woleai is secured, 4th Mar Div will land at Sabang, followed by another Marine landing at Talaud-eilanden providing a staging base for future landings at Mindanao, likely in May. The Fleet will remain in the area, alternating supporting CENPAC and SOPAC, and seeking out the KB should they come out from hiding.

SWPAC. Solid progress as the advance leads to Celebes, with less resistance met on the ground, but surprised that the Kamikazes were committed - all in all, got lucky with the results. I am surprised Celebes is not being heavily defended as Balikpapan is now in single engine fighter range. April will focus on securing the southern part of Celebes, with both Kendari and Makassar being taken. The bases of Ternate, Obi and Bara in the Ceram Sea will also be secured to fully isolate Ambon and establish a firm base of operations before US troops begin operations against the Philippines. By the end of April, I will need to decide how much of SWPAC is committed against Borneo, Java or towards the PI.

China. IJA offensive operations continue from both the east and southwest. Chinese and Allied troops are able to inflict more casualties on the attackers, and have even conducted a successful “spoiling attack”, but so far, the IJA continues to advance, albeit slowly. April will likely see more of the same on the ground. In the air, April may just see offensive fighter sweeps from Chinese bases in support of B-29 raids as long as the supply situation continues to improve.

Burma. Moulmein was taken quickly and easily, but after that, it’s been a slow advance. I expected a slow advance from the jungle terrain, not the amount of IJA troops still deployed forward. The IJA has established a solid defense along the Thai border which will be the focus in April. Any hopes of a quick dash into central Thailand are dashed. Bangkok looks to have a major concentration of IJA fighter airpower, and that will also have to be reduced - with aircraft hopefully released from Sumatra once Palembang is taken.

IO. All things considered, it was an extremely uneventful and quiet month in this Theater. Palembang was finally assaulted; its fortifications reduced at a heavy cost. But, still holds. Not surprised there. Merak’s minefield was eliminated and bombarded with minimal cost. Am a bit surprised Merak is not more heavily defended. With the Sunda Strait open, Allied subs have good access to the Java and South China Seas, and have started to operate there in greater numbers. Java appears to be lightly defended, and may be the focus once Palembang is taken, which remains the priority effort until it is secured. Some of the limited assault shipping remaining in Theater may be diverted to the Burma Theater for an end run at Tavoy, otherwise is fully available for landings in Java or southern Borneo. First, Palembang needs to be taken.

[IdahoNYer]

31 Mar - 1 Apr 44

Highlights – Troops ashore at Watampone; Chiang Mai taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
SC: 2
ACM: 1
AK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 25

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Watampone (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Chiang Mai (Burma)
Palopo (SWPAC - flipped)
Wetar (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Still absolutely no clue as to where the bloody IJN is, or what will trigger a reaction.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Woleai and Satawal Amph TFs rendezvous with the CV TFs south of Woleai. Woleai Amph will proceed to target next turn, supported by two CV TFs which will remain adjacent just to the north - capable of covering the amphib - no CVE TF committed here. As Woleai is an atoll, troops won’t be offloaded just yet, want the full turn to offload before the shock attack. The third CV TF will head to Manus to refuel as the Repl TF decided to go through the Torrez Strait enroute to the Pacific - not a major concern as I don’t see any reason that the KB would engage for Woleai, but it has delayed the replenishment of the CVs significantly. Satawal Amph will hold off until Woleai is secure, so can expect the CV TFs to remain in CENPAC for another week or so.

In SOPAC, 37th ID continues to slowly offload at Sansapor, but will begin moving west to Sorong. Will be at least a week before the 4th Mar Div will embark and land at Sorong. Sansapor AF now at level 3, so between LBA CAP and CVE based CAP, there should be enough fighters to thwart another Kamikaze strike.

In SWPAC, Watampone Amphib of two Aussie Bdes plus support goes in after solid naval and air bombardment of defenders, believed to be a single infantry regiment which reportedly loses over 1000 men to the combined bombardments. Although troops are still a bit fatigued, they will attack next turn to secure the base as follow on troops are already beginning to stack up - these troops of course are the necessary engineers, but also about a division’s worth of troops earmarked for inland objectives, including Makassar. 80 miles to the north of Watmpone, Palapo flips to the Allied control, and I’m going to land a single engineer battalion to take control of the base - and see if this lone transport and DD will trigger an LBA Kamikaze strike. Most available LBA, CVEs and all other supporting TFs remain focused on Watampone. But once most of the shipping clears from Celebes, LBA at Koloka, Salajar and Endeh can begin softening up Balikpapan area defenses. The Kamikaze damaged CVEs will begin their trek to Darwin for evaluation of repairs next turn as again night time Frances tried their luck losing 9 to AA and nightfighters. So far, I’ve been lucky, but one bomb hit would be devastating to the damaged CVEs. Hopefully the DD escorts and ASW TF will ward off any subs encountered enroute. Troops earmarked for Ternate are beginning to load at current destinations and move to embarkation ports, but the landing is still at least a week away as assault shipping needs to be released from Celebes and the CVs returned from Woleai to SOPAC AO. Lastly, two divisions (one US and one Aus) and supporting troops reach Kendari and will begin bombarding next turn to see what the defenses consist of.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand falls on the second attack: IJA losing about 1500 troops to 300 Allied. On the road to Bangkok, the Allied bombardment recon by fire goes heavily against the Allies, with the IJA losing only 20 troops to about 300 Allied - IJA troops look to be pretty well dug in then. The bombardment also puts the over stacked Allied concentration in the red for supply, so for now, will hold in place.

In the IO, bombers hitting Palembang inflict about 400 casualties again, and the troops will need at least another turn to recover fatigue and disruption. Will repeat again next turn and hope the troops can recover enough to attack in a few days. Still quiet at sea.

[RangerJoe]

When you are over stacked and there is a bombardment, your losses will tend to be a lot heavier than they otherwise should be. There is just not enough places for the troops to hide . . .

[IdahoNYer]

2-3 Apr 44

Highlights – Watampone taken while Zeros splash TBFs near Balikpapan; Woleai Amph in position.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Kikuzuki)
TK: 1
xAK: 2

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

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 35

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 3 ships hit (TK, xAK sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Watampone (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: A bit of shipping around Balikpapan. Likely another attempt to pull fuel/oil with small tankers/xAKs/PBs. Will have to investigate and increase interdiction efforts.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Woleai Amph TF along with supporting BB TF (BB, CA, CL, DDs) reach Woleai without incident and will begin bombardment and Amphib Ops next turn. The two CV TFs remain just to the north, along with the Satawal Amphib TF. The third CV TF takes on fuel at Manus, and links up with CVL Princeton, freshly repaired out of Sydney. They will remain at Manus to conduct slight repairs for a few days before heading back out to sea. A fourth CV TF (2CV, 2CVL, CA, DDs) out of the West Coast took on fuel at Pearl and will depart for Manus next turn - will break this CV TF down amongst the others to balance each CV TF with 4 CVs and about 4 CVLs each - barring ships detached for needed repairs or upgrades.

In SOPAC, 37th ID completed its offload at Sansapor and has begun moving overland to Sorong, preceded by a US infantry and NZ armor regiment. The transports at Sansapor will remain to pick up the NZ Bde, and return it to Madang to prep for future operations. In the air, LBA discover what looks to be a fast transport TF (CL, DDs) off Ternate, and B-25s manage to damage a CL and a DD with single bomb hits. Ternate is right on the boundary between SOPAC and SWPAC - and although SWPAC troops are earmarked to land at Ternate, that upcoming amphib will be primarily supported by SOPAC elements, and once captured, the base itself will be in SOPAC’s area of operations.

In SWPAC, Watampone is taken in the first assault, and the IJA troops withdraw to the south, less 875 men. Follow on troops will now start offloading, and the advance fanning out to seize both Madjene in the NW and Makassar in the SW. Unescorted TBFs off the CVEs wander a bit too far and encounter Zeros over Balikpapan, losing 8 in for their efforts for no hits scored on a single small xAK attacked. With Watampone secured, Kolaka AF expanded and the damaged CVEs departed, will spare some fighters to sweep Balikpapan and provide some fighters to escort SBDs/TBFs for further strikes on naval targets. Kolaka AF fighters will also sweep to support B-24s out of Endeh hitting Balikpapan AF. As troops move on the ground toward objectives, airpower will begin to shift focus toward Borneo - within a few days, AFs at Kolaka and Salajar will be able to support medium bombers, adding additional range to the threat against IJN shipping. Constructing suitable airfields remains the critical event to continue the advance - from fighter strips able to provide CAP, to sweep/LRCAP capability and single engine strike aircraft runways, to support medium bombers and finally being able to support Heavies. Allied engineers are plentiful and working wonders, but it still takes time! On the Kendari front, troops do bombard Kendari and only inflict less than 50 casualties on the 6000 or so defenders - so can expect them to be well dug-in. Supply needs to be brought forward before the first ground attack, but hopefully that can happen in the next few days as there is plenty in Kolaka, it just needs to make its way along the roadways.

In China, IJA air makes another rare appearance, with Franks sweeping Kweilin, meeting Chinese P-40s on CAP with predictable results - 6 P-40s lost to two Franks. IJA Sonias also make an extremely rare appearance, escorted by 96 Oscars to hit the last slow moving Chinese Corps withdrawing east of Hengyang in a clear hex, inflicted about 300 casualties without loss. Will send some US aircraft to provide LRCAP next turn, but the few P-51As and P-40s I have in country probably won’t fare well. I’m reluctant to shift fighters in from Burma for this; need to rest and build up for the forthcoming bloodbath over Bangkok.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, bombers hitting Palembang do a bit better, inflicting a reported 700+ casualties. Troops will attack again next turn, supported by all available bombers - which badly need a rest. Hopefully this attack will carry the base! At Oosthaven, two sizeable troop task forces will land engineers and support which will establish Oosthaven as a true base of operations for both airpower and with the AS docked, a submarine base. Of course, the transports need to offload, and while fighter cover was increased to three squadrons, they are of course vulnerable to a mass air attack - Kamikaze or conventional.

[IdahoNYer]

4-5 Apr 44

Highlights – Palembang holds another Allied attack; Woleai taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
SST: 1 (Yu-1)
TK: 1
AM: 1
AG: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 49
Allied: 27

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Woleai (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Woleai (CENPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Woleai Amph goes in without any issues, and troops seize Woleai on the initial assault, destroying the SNLF defenders on the second attack. About 500 defender casualties to a dozen US. The two assaulting IN regiments, AR and Arty Bn will be re-loaded onto transports, leaving only engineers to begin their work. USMC Def Bn and additional engineers will be brought in, and a MAG HQ flown in from Ponape to begin air operations next turn. Satawal Amphib TF remains with the CV TFs just to the north, and will move to occupy Satawal in a few days. So far, no surprises here in CENPAC’s first offensive moves for the year.

In SOPAC, Ternate is hit by Heavies with good effect, but no a/c or shipping encountered. Manado will be the target next turn for combined strikes of SOPAC and SWPAC Heavies.

In SWPAC, troops complete offloading at Watampone - must be a record, about a division’s worth of combat and support troops are completely offloaded with the vast majority of supply and the troops begin fanning out inland. Assault transports, now empty, begin to head to ports of embarkation to bring in additional troops to Celebes as well as the Ternate Amphib. Troops still hold off attacking Kendari due to supply issues, but otherwise, all on schedule. The big event was in the air over Balikpapan, hightlighted by the P-47D25’s combat debut, which did well against A6M8 Zeros - downing 17 for 6 lost. Heavies did well against both the airfield and the port - 16 planes of various types destroyed on the ground, and an AG sunk, an AS, and 8 xAKs damaged in the port. SBDs hit 3 TKs and 3 xAKs off the port, and recon still shows targets to be hit, so more raids are planned for tomorrow. The only drawback at the moment is forward airfields remain over crowded with both fighters and bombers as engineers work to expand them - it will only get better, but right now, they are vulnerable to air attack. Lastly, a DD TF (5DD) will sortie to disrupt any remaining shipping at both Samarinda and Balikpapan. While it will remain busy in SWPAC, the focus will now shift as the landings on Celebes are complete. Time for the ground troops to take the remaining bases in southern Celebes, build up the airfields and let airpower gain superiority over the Makassar Strait and eastern Borneo. Naval forces will shift to supporting landings in the Ceram Sea area to secure LOCs. Figure that should take the rest of April before SWPAC can effect landings further west, into Borneo and/or Java.

In China, heavy IJA sweeps over Kweilin again, this time no Chinese or US a/c oppose and they accomplish nothing, other than signaling a major concentration of good fighter aircraft likely originating from Canton - will send some recon to confirm. A few Sonias make some ground attacks on a couple of Chinese Corps, but accomplish little.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, well, another two attacks go in against Palembang, and although reduce fortifications to level 1, are held. Loss ratios are getting slightly better, but still hurt: 1400 IJA to about 2500 Allied. Allied troops are again heavily fatigued - exhausted is probably a better description, and another - the last - combat engineer unit is gutted…glad forts are at level 1. Will pull out the US and Aus Divs to rest, and replace them with the two remaining fresh Indian IN Bdes just incase the IJA decide to launch a spoiling attack. Will rest about half the Heavies as they badly need a break, and with some luck, can resume the ground attack within a week or so. At least supplies remain plentiful as transports and LSTs continue to bring them in without interference, limited only by port capacities.

[IdahoNYer]

6-7 Apr 44

Highlights – Balikpapan area becomes a very good hunting ground!

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 2
SC: 1
xAK: 11

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 13 Attacks, 7 ship hit (SC, 5 xAK sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Pare-Pare (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Much merchant fleet traffic attempting to load oil/fuel and flee Balikpapan apparently without support of the IJN.

West Coast/Admin: CV Essex finishes repairs in England from being torpedoed in the IO way back in ’43. She’ll head through the Panama Canal then on to PH and eventually to the fleet. Her airgroup’s fighter and torpedo squadron have long since been deployed with the fleet, so she’ll need to have a new airgroup deployed once she’s in Theater.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, TFs remain at Woleai and continue loading recently landed troops - as anticipated, taking longer than putting the troops ashore. Will augment with available LSTs for another turn, and then all assault transports will depart as landings at Sorong are about due. CV TFs remain in support, and will shift to support Satawal landings, then shift west for Sorong and Ternate in SOPAC AO. Woleai AF operational with two fighter squadrons deployed to provide CAP.

In SOPAC, Manado hit by Heavies with good effect, shutting down the AF and destroying a reported 10 a/c on the ground - most likely heavily damaged a/c from the Kamikaze strike.

In SWPAC, a good two days interdicting shipping around Balikpapan by DDs, subs and LBA. Airstrikes hit shipping in and around the port, sinking an escort and damaging three tankers. DD TF (5DD) sink 5 xAKs in single TFs attempting to flee, and damage a big TK and E. Lastly, subs manage to pick off 5 more fleeing xAKs and damage another. All ships were loaded with fuel or oil. So a good day, but numerous targets still reported in the area, so the DDs with turn around, although low on ammo, and attempt to interdict. Another DD TF (4DD) will depart Watampone anchorage and head toward Balikpapan, and LBA will also add to the fray. On the ground troops will make the first attack on Kendari and are closing on Makassar and Madjene. Assault shipping begins returning from Celebes and arriving at Darwin and Broome for Ternate and other targets. Heavies will focus on Balikpapan and Samarinda supported by sweeps to maintain pressure. So far, so good in SWPAC!

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, troops shift into and out of Palembang as bombers continue to hit ground targets at the base, inflicting about 250 casualties with over half the Heavies resting. Another few days of rest are needed for the ground troops before attacks resume. At sea, supplies continue to transit to Sumatran ports without interdiction, while assault shipping consolidates at Siberoet in preparation for upcoming landings on Java at Merak, after the fall of Palembang.

[IdahoNYer]

8-9 Apr 44

Highlights – Kendari taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-40)
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Tama)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (TK, 2 xAK dam)
Also…..Sub laid mines at Bataan dam two xAKs heading to Manila

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kendari (SWPAC)
Bengkalis (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: Merchant traffic decreases in the Balikpapan area, but some still remains as interdiction attempts continue. Also, a merchant convoy reported by PBYs docking at Tinian in the Marianas…worthwhile to sortie the CVs against.

West Coast/Admin: Starting to see a real shortage (less than 10 pilots) in the USMC and US Navy fighter pilot pools. This is more due to the influx of new squadrons with lackluster pilots who need additional training than anything due to losses. It will get better, but will take some time, especially with the USMC pilot pool, and may require some less than fully trained pilots begin committed to “rear area” CAP squadrons.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, all ground troops being pulled of Woleai are now aboard transports and LSTs, and will head back to Hansa Bay to prepare for future missions. Assault transports will then head to Hollandia to pick up the 4th Mar Div for Sorong amphib in SOPAC Theater. Satawal Amphib will land troops next turn, recon says the atoll is not occupied - it will be used as a PBY base. CV TFs meanwhile will head towards the Marianas for the first time as a convoy was reportedly docking at Tinian. Fighter sweeps will (hopefully) precede naval strikes, and the sweeps will also include P-38s from the newly acquired airstrip at Woleai. Heavy CAP will be retained over the CVs as I don’t have a good read on what is on the Marianas airfields - perhaps another major Kamikaze strike is available? CV TFs, in theory, have a few days before they need to head west to support landings in SOPAC, so this is a good time for a little recon of the Marianas defenses.

In SOPAC, more good strikes against Manado looks to have shut down the AF, although only 5 a/c destroyed on the ground. CVE TF still covering the Sansapor will depart for Hollandia to refuel and take on a few replacement a/c in preparation for future operations. CA TF will bombard Sorong enroute back to Hollandia as well. CAP over Sansopar will be maintained by LBA which should be more than sufficient with Manado AF knocked out. Also at sea, two LST TFs will land supplies to troops already at Sorong, supported by LCI(G)s for the first time.

In SWPAC, available targets in the Balikpapan are markedly less, two xAKs being found and hit by subs as they headed north through the Makassar Strait. The DD raid (5DD) at Balikpapan encountered two lone xAKs, but somehow the xAKs avoided the faster DDs. Will send another DD TF (4DD) up towards Tarakan for the first time to raid shipping and draw fire, and leave any remaining shipping in the Balikpapan area to LBA. The big news is on the ground where the two division attack on Kendari finds it lightly defended (fort level 2) by only an In Reg and support. 1700 IJA lost to about 220 Allied. The facilities are in bad shape, but TFs carrying engineers are already at sea and repair should begin in earnest next turn - perhaps the level 4 AF will be in operation as well, or shortly thereafter. Next major landing will be at Ternate by two Aussie Bdes, but most naval support will come from SOPAC and SWPAC naval support may be available in the Makassar Strait area - perhaps the Java Sea. In either case, after Ternate, assault shipping will gather for landings on Borneo.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, stalemate. The IJA remain very strong along the Burma-Thai border line, knocking back the Brit 18th Div at Rahaeng less 3100 at a cost of 1300 IJA. Also, an Allied probing attack west of Rahaeng was held with 1300 Allied casualties to 700 IJA. Bottom line is that the IJA are still dug in, and very strong along this line - not delaying, but defending. So, I’m now asking myself, “why attack?”. Thinking instead of pulling a couple of Divisions back to Rangoon and use the Navy in a few months to bypass, or commit to other areas. Work in progress, but there really is no advantage I can see right now to bulling my way forward through a robust defensive line in western Thailand.

In the IO, remains pretty quiet as troops in the Palembang area continue to rest. The “other” base controlled by the IJA on Sumatra, Bengkalis along the Strait of Malacca, is taken from a rear guard detachment - in other words, troops/equipment that could not be airlifted out. Most bombers continue to rest, and the troops will rest another turn before resuming operations against Palembang.

[IdahoNYer]

10-11 Apr 44

Highlights – Successful CV raid on shipping in the Marianas as Satawal is taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Matsu)
PB: 3
PC: 1
TK: 2
xAK: 10

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 69
Allied: 65

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 9 Attacks, 4 ships hit (2TK, PB sunk, PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Satawal (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Satawal (CENPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Very surprised by a total lack on any CAP in the Marianas! With or without two big convoys in the area, I expected a hornet’s nest of fighters.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, US CVs sortie north to raid the Marianas where PBYs reported a convoy off Tinian, and find two fat, troop loaded convoys - one off Tinian and another at Saipan. The bigger surprise was a total lack of CAP anywhere to be found - not a single fighter launched to interfere with the strikes, or the P-38 sweeps out of Woleai. CVs launched a single large strike at each convoy, and two straggler strikes at the Saipan convoy. Results were good with DD Matsu blowing up with a magazine explosion, and numerous loaded xAKs hit, a reported 10 or so sunk - all loaded with troops, over 6000 men reportedly lost, and over 100 guns. A solid two day’s work! While I’m tempted to keep the CVs trolling for survivors, but I’m heading the CV TFs SW to set up for upcoming landings at Ternate and Sorong. Meanwhile Satawal Amphib goes in, and as expected, finds the atoll empty - PBYs are brought in and begin operations. Troops offloaded, the assault shipping will head south. The primary assault element, the US 37th (Sep) In Reg, is due to withdraw from Theater in about a week or so, so no need to spend time pulling it off.

In SOPAC, the Woleai Amphib TF reaches Hansa Bay, and will begin offloading troops, then head to Hollandia to embark the 4th Mar Div and support troops for Sorong. CVE and CA TF pulled off Sansopar reach Hollandia to rearm in preparation to support the Sorong landings. Timing is about right with the CVs coming out of CENPAC, 4th Mar Div loading and the 37th ID reaching Sorong overland from Sansopar.

In SWPAC, its fairly non-eventful. DD TF (4DD) catches and sinks a PC and xAK at Samarinda, and will now head north toward Tarakan looking for trouble. A second DD TF (4DD) will follow, but jog east a bit, hunting for some ASW TFs reportedly hunting US subs. With Kendari secured, engineers have repaired enough damage for a B-24 Group to fly in, and three squadrons will hit Tarakan for the first time at night - targeting both the airfield and refineries. With most assault shipping clear, CVE and CA TFs will depart Watampone for Endeh to rearm and refuel. Ternate Amphib TFs complete loading at Broome, and will head to Darwin to link up with another Aussie Bde loading there before heading to target. Also loading at Darwin are supporting amphib TFs which will land at Obi (Para Bde) and Bara (In Bde) - both in the Ceram Sea to complete the isolation of major bases of Ambon and Boela. In the air, most bombers rest in preparation for upcoming landings - but - a FIRST! For the first time, aircraft transferred from SWPAC AO directly to the IO Theater! 5 Medium bomber squadrons landed at airfields in Sumatra to support upcoming operations against Palembang. The airbridge has been established!

In China, another series of multiple fighter sweeps with Georges, this time against Nanning which overwhelmed the single Chinese P-40 squadron on CAP. 6 P-40s lost to a pair of Georges. Again, no bomber attacks follow. These Georges are coming out of Canton, which will be hit at night by two B-25 squadrons, one Chinese, one US. I don’t expect much from this, but its something. In any case, the focus in the air in SE China next turn will be supporting the first B-29 strike with fighter sweeps and recon over the target - the target being Hong Kong.

In Burma, the big news is the arrival of the twelve B-29 squadrons in Rangoon. All twelve will sortie to bomb Hong Kong, the first use of B-29s. Hoping for a bit of surprise here, haven’t flown recon over Hong Kong, and I’m chancing the usual foul weather possibility, so I could be in for a nasty surprise if its well defended with a massed daylight raid first time out. While Rangoon is fairly well defended to protect the B-29s with both fighters on CAP and much AA, Moulmein wasn’t, and was again the target for a series of fighter sweeps out of Bangkok. Numerous Franks sweep, and were met by roughly a 60 plane CAP, but included a squadron of P-47D25s, which did well, but there were just not enough Allied fighters in the sky. After two days, the CAP was worn completely down, but no bombers followed up. Air losses totaled 44 Franks (both a and r models) against 11 P-40s, 11 P-47s and 7 Spits. All three Allied squadrons engaged need to be withdrawn to rebuilt. On the ground, fairly quiet.

In the IO, the focus turns again to Palembang as the two Allied divisions resting will march back to Palembang to resume the attack as soon as possible. Bombers will resume the full court press starting next turn, augmented by those 6 medium squadrons just flown in from SWPAC. With the forts reduced to level 1, I’m thinking positive here that this can be wrapped up with this next series of attacks.

[RangerJoe]

You might want to consider bombing the oil and not the refineries. The Japanese have enough refinery capacity in the Home Islands but they need the oil. Unless, of course, you want to entice tankers in the area to try and haul the oil out. [;)]

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

You might want to consider bombing the oil and not the refineries. The Japanese have enough refinery capacity in the Home Islands but they need the oil. Unless, of course, you want to entice tankers in the area to try and haul the oil out. [;)]

probably will wind up hitting both, but will start with the oil.

[IdahoNYer]

12-13 Apr 44

Highlights – Good debut of the B-29 over Hong Kong; Tarakan DD raid goes well.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Yugumo)
xAK: 1
ACM: 2
AMc: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 2 (Natsushio, Arashi)
TK: 1 - first time I’ve seen a TK “falsely reported as sunk” on Tracker.

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 21
Allied: 40

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, US CVs pull away from the Marianas without incident and head into SOPAC to support upcoming amphibious operations. Recon shows a number of ships in Tinian’s port, will send some Navy Heavies out of Ponape to hit the port at long range, supported by P-38 sweeps out of Woleai.

In SOPAC, the Woleai Amphib TF completes offloading at Hansa Bay, and will head to Hollandia next turn to begin loading for the Sorong Amphib. Assault shipping is also routed to Kiriwina Island to embark troops earmarked for Moratai. One of the US CV TFs takes on fuel from the Repl TF and will rejoin the other two as they all head towards the Molaccas to support the upcoming landings. Will likely head into the Celebes Sea to raid the Tarakan area at some point during this sortie. CVE and CA TFs rearm and refuel at Hollandia, and will head back out to sea, joining the Repl TF north of New Guinea. CVs US Grant and RE Lee arrive at Manus and will configure air groups for a turn before heading out to join the fleet. As the Hellcat squadrons arrived “upgraded” to 40 planes instead of the previous 36, the two CVs will still take on 24 Corsairs but only 21 SBDs will replace the Helldivers; so 64F, 21D, 18T. Probably not a bad load out.

In SWPAC, the two DD TFs (4DDea) raiding up to Tarakan was reasonably successful, but of course, could have been better if the US DDs pressed their attacks more. As it was, three IJN DDs, 2E, PC, TK and AV were all damaged to some degree in three separate engagements. One US DD suffered minor damage (7 sys). So not bad, but no torpedoes found targets, so all IJN ships are likely to survive. The main positive here is that L_S_T now knows Tarakan is now directly threatened by sea. Also at sea, the Obi, Bara and Ternate Amphib TFs will depart Australian waters next turn and stage at Kendari, linking up with CVE and CA TFs there. From Kendari, they will head to targets, joining upcoming SOPAC landings at Sorong and Moratai. All told, with 5 separate invasion sites, totaling about 3 divisions of troops, this will be the most complex series of landings undertaken so far. On the ground, troops bombard Makassar, but will wait until the last Aussie Bde and Engineer Regiment arrives overland from Watampone - probably enough combat power already at Makassar, but the troops marching in are the best prepared for the target. In the air, most bombers rest in preparation for the upcoming landings, while some SBDs are now moved to Watampone, now at AF level 2, able to interdict anything around Balikpapan a bit easier. All things considered, it was a pretty quiet turn; that quiet ends next turn.

In China, quiet other than fighter sweeps and recon supporting the B-29s over Hong Kong. They met no CAP, and will be pulled back to Burma Theater.

In Burma, a good, solid start to B-29 missions! All available twelve squadrons targeted Hong Kong, 8 to hit the city, 3 the port and 1 the AF. I figured the port might have some ships under repair in the level 51 shipyards, and there were. The raid was cohesive, with 66 B-29s bombing at 8000 feet the first day, and 57 the second. A good number of ships in port were hit repeatedly, including 2TK, 2AR, xAK, and some smaller vessels. Was hoping to catch a warship in the yards, but this will do. Industry was also damaged to a fair degree, with the repair shipyard taking the brunt, being reduced from 51 to 22, while both heavy and light industry also took damage. Of the B-29s, none were lost as no fighters were present and AA was light. About a dozen suffered damage, and will rest them while I think of the next target. I had planned to bring the B-29s to Sumatra to range the Borneo oilfields, and will likely strike at Miri/Brunei, but Balikpapan and Tarakan are both well within range of SWPAC B-24s. And with Balikpapan under single engine LBA range, I’m now thinking to take the base without gutting the oil/refineries. On land, stalemate. In the air other than the B-29s, a Brit night raid on Bangkok gets mauled by nightfighters and AA - 17 Wellingtons and 9 Libs out of three squadrons fail to return - and of course I forgot to shut down those squadrons, so they’ll likely get chewed up again next turn. Hoping for bad weather for a change! Bangkok will however have to be dealt with. It’s the primary fighter base in the area, with over 300 last reported.

In the IO, will have another go at Palembang as the US and Aussie Divisions re-enter the target hex in good shape - well rested and supply is good. Throwing in the kitchen sink - 3 Div, 2 Bde, plus supporting armor and engineers - overstacked of course. Airpower continues to attrit the defenders, about 1000 casualties this last turn. Other than Palembang, its quiet.

[IdahoNYer]

14-15 Apr 44

Highlights – Palembang taken!

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 1
TK: 2

Allied ships sunk:
YMS: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 4 ships hit (2TK, E sunk, TK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Palembang (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Ponape based Navy Heavies hit Tinian port and destroy about a dozen barges there - no damaged merchants found. L_S_T has mentioned in his dispatches he’s not putting air into the Marianas..a bit surprised with that, but understand as they are isolated and he hasn’t built up the AFs across the chain. Doesn’t much change Allied plans - at least for now though.

In SOPAC, Sorong Amphib begins loading at Hollandia and Morotai Amphib starts loading at Kiriwina as well. US CV TFs moving toward the Celebes Sea, and the Repl TF links with the CVE and CA TFs north of Sarmi. CVs US Grant and RE Lee with air groups re-configured, along with 2CVLs and a CA will depart Manus to join the fleet next turn. Once joined, the fleet will sortie into the Celebes Sea to strike targets and still provide somewhat “distant” cover to ongoing amphib operations around the Moluccas - CVEs and LRCAP will provide primary CAP over landing sites. Lastly, the four old BBs come out of Manus and arrive at Sarmi to provide bombardment to Sorong in support of the Marines. Lots of activity for the next few turns!

In SWPAC, Kendari is mined by a very stealthy IJN sub - just as the Amphib TFs are supposed to arrive to stage for upcoming landings. Timing could have been worse, but it does throw a small wrench into the cogs. CVE and CA TFs arrived in Kendari and I don’t want to chance moving these two TFs out until the mines are cleared. So, 3xAM will detach from the Amphib TFs to clear the mines while the Ternate Amphib loiters off the coast, covered by LRCAP out of Kendari and the CVEs there just in case. The Obi and Bara Amphib TFs will press on to target and conduct landings, supported by Heavies hitting ground targets. Taking a little chance here as they won’t have much air cover - another CVE TF (5CVE) is heading out of Endeh to cover Obi, but not sure it will arrive in a timely manner. With the AF at Manado still shut down, I think the risk to air attack is minimal. Once the mines are cleared, hopefully next turn, the Ternate Amphib will move to target with the CVE and CA TFs. Meanwhile, Makassar remains besieged, as troops continue to head toward the target. Hopefully attacks can be made against both Makassar and also Madjene in the next turn or so, so attention can shift toward Balikpapan.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, its quiet and the B-29s stood down. Despite not flying a single mission, more B-29s need maintenance! Apparently the mechanics need more training on this new fangled bird….

In the IO, Palembang finally falls in the second day’s attack. Tough nut to crack to the end costing the Allies another 2000 men to the IJA’s 3000. All facilities are completely destroyed - ALL oil and refinery! Wasn’t planning on using the production anyway, and after the just over two weeks of direct ground assault, and an air campaign starting at the end of Feb, it’s not surprising that the production capabilities are in ruins. IJA troops remain in the hex and will need to be dealt with, but the US and Aussie Divisions are pulling out, along with most of the combat engineers to refit and prep for further operations in the DEI. That will leave two Indian Divisions to finish off the IJA troops - at least push them out of Palembang and into the swamps. Taking Palembang concludes the Sumatran Campaign - which was not intended as a major ground campaign when the first troops came ashore at Sabang in late Nov 43. Goal back then was to establish bases to range and bomb Palembang - that all changed when troops were landed at Padang. So, what’s next for the ground troops? First off, 3rd Mar Div will land to secure Merak on Java - how far troops will advance on Java will depend on what L_S_T has defending. I’m assuming at this point its not significant. Linking up the IO Theater and the SWPAC Theater on the ground in Java is appealing - but as a secondary effort. The primary focus will now shift to shutting down all oil/refinery operations on Borneo with air attack after a bit of rest, and potential landings around Kuching to open up the sea lanes into the South China Sea.

[jwolf]

Congrats on taking Palembang! Even with the facilities destroyed, was there by chance any oil or fuel left there when you took it? Could be helpful for some operations going forward.

I agree that Borneo is more strategically important than Java, but it would sure be nice to have that shipyard at Soerabaja.

[Rafid]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

In Burma, its quiet and the B-29s stood down. Despite not flying a single mission, more B-29s need maintenance!

When you stand down an air group the mechanics will (over the next few turns) look at the planes and find the ones which are flyable but have some damage or high fatigue. They will then take these offline to give them a proper fixup.

Hence it's normal to have the number of maintenance planes increase just after standing them down. But the planes will be in better condition for future operations ones these are worked trough.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Rafid

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

In Burma, its quiet and the B-29s stood down. Despite not flying a single mission, more B-29s need maintenance!

When you stand down an air group the mechanics will (over the next few turns) look at the planes and find the ones which are flyable but have some damage or high fatigue. They will then take these offline to give them a proper fixup.

Hence it's normal to have the number of maintenance planes increase just after standing them down. But the planes will be in better condition for future operations ones these are worked trough.

I've never noticed that before - thanks for the explanation. Makes sense!

[IdahoNYer]

16-17 Apr 44

Highlights – Troops ashore at Bara and Obi.

Jpn ships sunk:
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 9

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Bara (SWPAC)
Obi (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Boeton (SWPAC -flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 444th Heavy Bomb Group with their 28 B-29s are flown into Kavieng’s Level 9 AF direct from Rangoon, and are assigned to the XIII Bomber Command. With Navy PB4Y-1s flying out of Ponape at extended range, the bombers will be used to soften up the bases in the Marianas.

In SOPAC, Sorong Amphib completes loading at Hollandia and Morotai Amphib completes loading at Kiriwina and both will begin to head to target. BB TF (4BB, DDs) at Sarmi will head to bombard Sorong in support. US CV TFs begin to slowly head toward the Celebes Sea while providing distant cover the Ternate and Moratai landings while the CVE and CA TFs will move to rendezvous with the Hollandia Amph TF. In the coming turns, will look to sortie the CV TFs deep into the Celebes Sea to strike remaining oil producing areas at Tarakan, Brunei and Miri. With the Allied “Death Star” now having over 1500 aircraft available including almost 900 fighters, it should be able to venture beyond Allied LBA cover without too much worry. Hopefully I won’t regret that line of thinking……

In SWPAC, Obi and Bara Amphib TFs put troops ashore without incident, defenders look to be an SNLF on each base. CVEs with the Obi Amph shoot down 6 cargo variant Emilys likely trying to pull troops out. Troops will need a turn of rest before attacking. The Amph TFs will depart shortly as they are mostly off-loaded. These assault transports will head to Hollandia to augment SOPAC’s amphib capability. The CVE TF, less two CVEs/DDs which will remain at Obi and Bara to provide some CAP to intercept any other air transport attempts, will join the other CVEs out of Kendari, heading to Ternate. Mines were successfully cleared from Kendari, and the Ternate Amph TF along with CVE and CA TFs will head to target next turn, and should begin offloading troops on the second day. On Celebes, troops will attack to take Madjene next turn, and should be in position to attack Makassar the following turn as well. Based on what was encountered in Kendari, probably too many troops than necessary for Makassar. But I’d rather have too many, than too few. Kendari prepped troops already have begun prepping for future targets.

In China, IJA attack is held east of Kweilen, with 2300 IJA troops lost to 700 Chinese, and no attack of any kind on the second day which is a good sign. Still, IJA pressure probably won’t let up, and will need to reinforce positions here - with troops from somewhere.

In Burma, as mentioned, one B-29 Group departed Theater, all other B-29 squadrons are still resting from the Hong Kong mission. Three additional B-29 squadrons are enroute to India via AKV to make up for the departed squadrons. I’m mulling over whether or not to move a B-29 group to Sumatra to range Miri/Brunei or keep the B-29s in Rangoon to suppress the Bangkok AF. Either way, a number of the B-24 Groups currently in Sumatra will likely shift to Burma/Thailand missions as will a significant amount of the fighters once the Merak landings take place.

In the IO, with Palembang taken, most troops and aircraft take a needed rest. Will look to resume ground attacks on remaining IJA troops in the Palembang hex once the Allies’ disruption and fatigue are reduced a bit. The next main event will be the landing of the US 3rd Mar Div and support at Merak on Java. Fully prepped, the troops are just awaiting assault transports which will depart from Siberoet and head to Benkoelen next turn to embark the Marines. Goal for the landing will be to fully open the Sunda Strait and gain a foothold in western Java. Will start to focus more recon on Java bases as well - to determine whether a Java campaign is worthwhile, or whether the majority of troops in Sumatra are better used elsewhere. Still not sure where that “elsewhere” is right now. Have a few ideas in mind, but nothing firm yet.

[IdahoNYer]

18-19 Apr 44

Highlights – Troops ashore at Ternate and Sorong; first B-29s lost to combat.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
AK: 1
xAKL: 2

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 15

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Ternate (SWPAC)
Sorong (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Madjene (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:A number of IJN Georges are reported as operational losses, and the concentration of fighters in Canton, China are gone - so the question is….where did the Georges go???

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Sorong Amphib begins offloading the Marines at Sorong - so far, so good. BB TF (4BB, DDs) will bombard next turn, and the troops ashore need to rest a turn before attacking. Morotai Amph moves up along the New Guinea coast from Kiriwina and should link up with additional troops embarked at Sarmi next turn. US CV TFs and supporting BB TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) sink a PB in the Celebes Sea, and will head further into the Sea to engage reported shipping north of Mindanao and near Tarakan. This will leave CVEs as the primary air defense around the Moluccas. Lastly, once the Sorong Amphib TF completes offloading, they will head to Madang to embark the troops earmarked for Talaud-eilanden.

In SWPAC, Ternate Amphib completes offloading troops at target, and will head back to embark Balikpappan Amphib for the next mission. CA TF will bombard next turn and the troops are in good shape to attack as well. Troops ashore at Obi and Bara will also attack next turn as well. On Celebes, the attack at Madjene takes the base against IJA remnants which could not be evacuated…4 vehicles destroyed. The attack against Makassar will go in next turn - finally! This should secure the base and focus now is shifted toward Borneo, while recon begins to fly over Java as well. Heavies mainly rest, and await AFs to extend fighter cover over Tarakan - or may use CV based fighters to cover raids. In any case, Borneo is now the primary target of SWPAC, with Java as a secondary objective to link up with forces out of SE Asia.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, three B-29 squadrons attack Bangkok at night from 18k, and lose two planes to AA fire while achieving nothing other than shooting down a single Nick. Not good if AA fire is that hot at 18k. Not to mention the 300+ fighters reported there. I’m hoping L_S_T gets restless and conducts another fighter sweep against Moulmein - that will trigger a good opportunity to begin the suppression of Bangkok with Allied fighter sweeps. To stir the pot, P-47s will sweep the base adjacent to Bangkok, hoping to catch some wandering CAP. In any case, Bangkok will need to be neutralized as a major base, and it looks to be a rough ride.

In the IO, 3rd Mar Div begins embarking on assault shipping - mainly British LSIs as most of the US APAs have moved to other Theaters. Still, enough is left to carry the entire division and support to Merak. Landings may take place as early as next turn, 2nd day if loading goes extremely well. Air cover will be provided by LRCAP primarily out of Ooosthaven, although I don’t expect much opposition. Java looks pretty ripe for the taking based on recent recon flights - so the plan is to have the Marines secure Merak, then be re-missioned. I’ve got a number of Brit/Can/Ind Bdes now earmarked for Java, so the majority of the combat power employed at Palembang should be available for “elsewhere”….still need to decide what/where that is. At sea, ASW TFs begin a concerted sweep around the Sunda Strait as subs do remain a concern. Will also sortie the first minesweeping effort to Palembang. On Sumatra, the first attack since Palembang was taken will go in on the remaining IJA troops, supported by mediums. Heavies continue to rest and will begin deploying towards Burma unless something unexpected happens in Java. Looking to bring a B-29 group in from Rangoon once weather permits to hit Miri/Brunei in exchange of the B-24s which don’t have the range.

[jwolf]

Didn't know AA could even reach that high, let alone do anything. [X(]

[IdahoNYer]

20-21 Apr 44

Highlights – Four bases secured; CVs find targets in the Celebes Sea raid.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Tamanami)
E: 1
PB: 2
AKV: 1
xAK: 2
MTB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
LST: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 42
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (PB sunk, PB, TK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Makassar (SWPAC)
Bara (SWPAC)
Obi (SWPAC)
Ternate (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: The reported heavy fighter concentration at Bangkok has gone from over 300 to a reported 75 - like the Georges, where did these guys go??? Perhaps massing to support another Kamikaze strike against the CVs?

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, SBDs out of Woleai catch a convoy offloading at Guam, damaging two xAPs with troops aboard. Will sortie a DD TF (4DD) to Guam to disrupt shipping traffic next turn. Meanwhile, Palopo based Navy Heavies hit Saipan AF while Kavieng’s B-29s hit Guam AF to begin the softening up of the Marianas. Will continue the bombing (and Woleai fighter sweeps) as long as the bombers hold up.

In SOPAC, US CV TFs proceed into the Celebes Sea, striking at shipping in the Sulu Sea and off northern Mindanao; E, PB, AKV, 3xAK sunk, 3DD, AG, xAP dam. The damaged DDs look to have taken refuge at the dot base of Tapul off Jolo - and will be bombarded by a small TF (CLAA, 2DD) and hit by naval air next turn. CVs move off Tarakan to provide sweeps in support of B-24 strikes while a BB TF (BB, CA, DDs) bombards. Hoping to keep CV air just shy of Miri next turn, and will look to hit Miri perhaps later, depending on how events develop. Meanwhile, both CVE TFs - totaling about 18 CVEs (w/400+fighters), will rendezvous at Morotai in support of the upcoming landings next turn. Sorong attack will also go in next turn, and hopefully will carry the base. Assault transports still enroute to Madang to embark Talaud-eilanden troops.

In SWPAC, all four ground attacks go in well and take Obi, Bara, Ternate and Macassar on the first attacks. Focus now shifts to Balikpappan/Samarinda and troops begin embarking at a number of ports. This was originally planned to be a 3+ division assault, but recon has reported few defenders between the two bases, as well as assault shipping being stretched in supporting simultaneous SOPAC/SWPAC landings, the total force has been reduced to a Div for Balikpappan and a Bde landing at Samarinda. Meanwhile, Heavies will reach out to hit Tarakan facilities - oil, refinery, AF, and port. Recon is now looking at eastern Java, and has reported light defenses on the island. If that holds, will look to land a Bde or so quickly to begin moving west to link up with Allied troops landing on the western end at Merak. That said, following the Balikpapan landings, SWPAC will need a tactical pause to build up facilities and bring up support troops before commencing the next major attacks - northern and western Borneo.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, recon by fire discovers a port unit holding the main line in western Thailand in the jungles off the road hex, so perhaps we can collapse the line a bit here. Will make a good demonstration if nothing else. Air meanwhile will launch heavy sweeps over Bangkok where air defenses look to have been reduced. No bombers will go in, just fighters for the moment.

In the IO, 3rd Mar Div and support completes loading at Benkoelen, and will head to land at Merak next turn. Defenses are reported very light. Attacks resume at Palembang and go well, two attacks reducing the defenders by 6600 men and costing about 300 Allied casualties. Allied troops are a bit fatigued though, and will need to rest next turn. Still, a good start to eliminating the remaining troops. Heavies continue to rest, but two B-24 groups are moved to Port Blair to be in position to hit Bangkok. One B-29 group is flown into Siberoet to be in position to hit meanwhile. Next turn, LBA will focus on supporting the Merak landings with fighters, flying LRCAP over the beach head while the mediums continue to hit the Palembang defenders. Lastly, as minesweepers enter Palembang port and find no mines, DD TF (5DD) departs Siberoet to raid Miri - the first Allied venture with surface forces to western Borneo waters.