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

[CaptBeefheart]

I have not been reading his AAR, but I see he has "no supplies, no fuel" in his title. Maybe this is a brilliant rope-a-dope strategy? [:)]

Cheers,
CB

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: CaptBeefheart

I have not been reading his AAR, but I see he has "no supplies, no fuel" in his title. Maybe this is a brilliant rope-a-dope strategy? [:)]

Cheers,
CB

L_S_T has always liked to do things "BIG" when he can - so I figure he's got at least one good "all in" counterattack coming. Kamikazes, mini subs, MTBs, and of course the KB which is pretty much intact. I'm just not sure anymore when I'm going to see it - I figured the Philippines, but now I'm thinking maybe Formosa or even the Home Islands. We'll see....

[IdahoNYer]

3-4 Jul 44

Highlights – Ayuthia, gateway to Bangkok, taken early; Cotabato also taken

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 13

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit - two IJN fleet boats sighted at sea…first in a LONG while.
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Ayuthia (SE Asia)
Nakhon Batchasima (SE Asia)
Cotabato (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Very surprised that Ayuthia fell so quickly - perhaps the lack of supplies are more severe than thought in the Bangkok pocket.

West Coast/Admin: 3xEssex Class CVs finished their refits at Manus and will head to rejoin the fleet. Only CV Bunker Hill requires the Jun ’44 refit, but will hold off for a bit as she is a “fighter carrier” with 72 fighters on board.

In NOPAC, an IJN sub makes an rare appearance off the Aleutians. Sighted by a PBY, an ASW TF prosecutes an inconclusive attack on I-9 off Attu. Will continue to focus on the subs demise.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Cotabato taken and the Naval Guard defenders destroyed. Troops now begin advancing on Cagayan. In the south, troops reach Davao and will bombard to see what’s there. Both Digos and Cagayan AFs now operational with fighters flying CAP. CV TFs will move off Panay to potentially launch strikes at reported activity off San Fernando in northern Luzon and conduct sweeps over Clark AF and Manila. Need to keep the CVs in the Sulu Sea to provide cover for the upcoming SWPAC landings at Panay and Busuanga.

In SWPAC, the first engineers arrive at Taytay and so far, no kamikazes. Landings will begin at Panay’s SW coast next turn, covered by CA and CVE TFs. Only one CVE TF will support as the other will remain at Jolo to take on fuel from the Repl TF. With the CV TFs loitering in the area, this should not pose a problem. With the CVs providing some sweeps, Manila will be hit by Heavies for the first time next turn - weather permitting. A limited strike, one group of B-24s out of Jesselton and the B-29 Group at Balikpapan.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, I’m pleasantly surprised that my fouled-up movement command to a single Indian Bde manages to secure Ayuthia. I mistakenly left the Bde on “move” instead of “combat”, so it high-tailed ahead of the remaining 2.5 divisions moving into Ayuthia on the second day. So, the lone Indian Bde conducts a shock attack across the river in movement mode and STILL takes the base. The two Independent Mixed Bdes were pushed back in Bangkok, losing over 1800 troops. So now I’m hopeful the IJA supply situation is also critical in Bangkok -that has to be the reason for the successful attack. Also, Nakhon Ratchasima was taken by the 20th Indian Division, destroying 24th Independent Mixed Bde and part of an RTA Div. In Indochina, the LSTs arrive with needed supplies to both Soc Trang and Quinhon. So far, no Jpn response. A Bde carrying convoy should arrive at Quinhon next turn, and frankly, that’s a fat target - so will sea if that draws some Kamikazes.

[BBfanboy]

Those IJ Bdes at Ayuthia could have been in strat mode, so they were unable to resist your single bde. The AV modifiers in the combat report should give a clue as to the reason for their dismal performance.

D'oh! When I composed the above I had the post on screen but the Combat Report attached to the map was not visible. Just did not see the CR that time!

[jwolf]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Those IJ Bdes at Ayuthia could have been in strat mode, so they were unable to resist your single bde. The AV modifiers in the combat report should give a clue as to the reason for their dismal performance.

If so, wouldn't that have triggered an op mode penalty in the combat report?

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Those IJ Bdes at Ayuthia could have been in strat mode, so they were unable to resist your single bde. The AV modifiers in the combat report should give a clue as to the reason for their dismal performance.

If so, wouldn't that have triggered an op mode penalty in the combat report?

Yes, I think either strat or movement mode would also show up in the combat report.

[IdahoNYer]

5-6 Jul 44

Highlights – Panay landings go in to find the initial objective abandoned; Manila bombed for first time.

Jpn ships sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Tenryu - replaces Yubari as sunk)
DD: 1 (Shimozuki - replaces Umigiri as sunk)
SS: 1 (RO-110)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Yubari)
DD: 1 (Umigiri - which was however reportedly bombed in Manila this turn)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 28

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit - two IJN fleet boats sighted at sea…first in a LONG while.
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Dadjangas (SOPAC)
San Jose (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: No CAP over Manila tells me that the PI isn’t going to be the decisive battlefield I expected.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, ASW TF (3DD) continues to hunt the elusive IJN sub off Attu.

In CENPAC, another IJN sub makes an appearance in the “air gap” between Pearl and San Francisco. DE John C. Butler coming in from the west coast is missed by a torpedo spread and counterattacks reportedly damaging the sub with a hit. Additional ASW assets will head out of Pearl to continue the attack against the sub.

In SOPAC, troops continue to advance on Mindanao with the Americal Division entering the outskirts of Davao and will bombard to test defenses. In the far south, a Bde from the 93rd ID takes Dadjangas and destroys the 230 man SNLF garrison. Meanwhile engineers continue to come ashore at Cotabato to expand the base. Both reinforcing NZ IN Bdes are at Talaud, awaiting assault shipping to return to transit to Mindanao. So far, so good in Mindanao. The CV TFs came up empty in the attempt to target any shipping off Luzon, and will move out of the Sulu Sea, heading south around Mindanao enroute to the Philippine Sea. Will refuel one CV TF at a time during this transit, as well as link up with the 3 freshly upgraded Essex CVs. The Fleet will stay in the Philippine Sea off Luzon’s east coast to be in a better position to interdict IJN shipping off north Luzon while staying out of range of Formosa Airfields.

In SWPAC, the 16th Aus Bde lands unopposed at San Jose on Panay, securing the base. Follow on engineers and another Bde will start landing next turn to move east and clear the island. Panay WAS heavily garrisoned as recently as a few weeks ago - apparently that concentration of aircraft on Panay’s AFs was to remove most of that garrison - an estimated 30k troops were identified on Panay’s three bases - so much combat power that the 2nd Aus Div was missioned to reinforce the two Bde’s already earmarked for the attack. Obviously, the 2nd Aus Div can relax in Darwin for a bit longer! With the Fleet departing the Sulu Sea, air defense will rely on the two CVE TFs operating off Panay to provide cover. The first bombing of Manila by B-24s out of Jesselton and B-29s out of Balikpapan showed no CAP over the base and bombing results were fair - a number of ships in the harbor were hit including an ARD, AV, DD, AKE and SS, but only 5 auxiliary a/c destroyed on the AF. Will continue to hit Manila and other Luzon targets with increasing tempo as additional AFs are expanded to handle the heavy bombers - currently only Jesselton is in range and capable of supporting a single B-24 group. Assault transports begin loading the Naga Amph support troops on Timor at Latuem, to be followed by the combat troops next turn. Much assault transport still needs to be assembled at the two other primary embarkation ports of Kendari and Balikpapan.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, additional fighter squadrons are flown into Soc Trang and Quinhon to provide CAP as a Bde is slated to arrive by sea at each port next turn, and also to provide LRCAP to the Bde sized Amphib landing that will go in at Cam Rahn Bay. If L_S_T is going to unleash the Kamikazes, now would be the time! Even with about 150 fighters providing cover, having all three Bdes coming ashore at three different points is pushing the risk factor a bit. But based on all indicators, I don’t expect any major response. Fingers crossed…. Additional combat and support troops are currently loading in various ports in Sumatra and Java as transports are now becoming available from SWPAC - the key is having Cam Rahn Bay’s level 5 port available to disembark the majority of the troops. Elsewhere, troops begin moving from Ayuthia towards Bangkok, all deliberately this time in combat mode. Troops also continue to push east, advanced elements reach Udon Thani and will bombard to test defenses. Troops are also heading toward Ubon, and from there will head into the jungles of Vietnam to link up with seaborne delivered troops in the vicinity of Hue. Lastly, the drive into Malaya continues at a snail’s pace, slowed by both terrain and lack of supplies - which should improve once Victoria Point is reached in a few days.

[Capt. Harlock]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: jwolf

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Those IJ Bdes at Ayuthia could have been in strat mode, so they were unable to resist your single bde. The AV modifiers in the combat report should give a clue as to the reason for their dismal performance.

If so, wouldn't that have triggered an op mode penalty in the combat report?

Yes, I think either strat or movement mode would also show up in the combat report.

Note also that all Japanese losses were destroyed. No disablements.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock


Note also that all Japanese losses were destroyed. No disablements.

I didn't notice that! So....what does that signify - a lack of supply issue?

[IdahoNYer]

7-8 Jul 44

Highlights – Cam Rahn Bay landings go in and the Amph TF is met by heavy CD Batteries and mines.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Yubari)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Tatsuta - OK, intel now says it WAS in fact Yubari that went down!)

Allied ships sunk:
DMS: 1 (Dorsey)
AM: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 21
Allied: 40 (35!! Ops losses!)

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Cam Ranh Bay (SE Asia)
Tawau (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Rachgia (SE Asia - flipped)
Chumphon (SE Asia)
Chanthaburi (SE Asia)
Tawau (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Big, well guarded, IJN convoy which included support ships (AKE, AGP, etc) as well as merchants was spotted by sub in the East China Sea apparently heading away from Formosa and towards Japan - I take this as another “tightening” of the defensive perimeter, with Formosa become part of the front lines.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, ASW TF (3DD) still hunting the sub off Attu.

In CENPAC, contact is lost with the sub NE of Pearl. ASW TFs will continue to comb the last reported position for another turn or so.

In SOPAC, the bombardment recon of Davao finds the base to be defended by six regimental sized combat formations - in what shape or condition is anyone’s guess. So, as planned, the Americal Div will hold off attacking until the NZ Bde can make it ashore and the Bde from the 93rd ID moving from Dadjangas can arrive. In the meantime, airpower will continue to pound the target. Troops landed at Cotabato continue to advance along the northern part of the island, with the 25th ID breaking down to Bdes, two of which will head west to secure Oroquita and Dumanquilas before joining the 31st ID’s drive toward Cagayan. At sea, the CV TFs clear the south coast of Mindanao as they proceed into the Philippine Sea, with one of the three CV TFs taking on fuel enroute. A second CV TF will take on fuel next turn, and will see if there is sufficient fuel remaining in the Repl TF for the third. Focus in SOPAC remains reinforcing the advance on Mindanao and setting the conditions for the upcoming landings on Luzon at Naga. The follow-on landings after Naga/Legaspi will be northern Luzon, centered on the Lingayen area, and SOPAC will lead this effort. These troops are fully prepped, but are at a number of bases including Sorong, Sansapor, and Darwin. The Darwin troops will move by xAP forward to Balikpapan and that slow process is also beginning - the goal is to have the Lingayen Amphib troops in position to embark as soon as assault transports can be freed up from the Naga landings. The tricky part will be the CV TF moving back from the Philippine Sea around northern Luzon into the South China Sea - the first test of the air defenses/kamikazes based in Formosa.


In SWPAC, Australian troops on Panay begin their advance on Roxas on Panay’s east coast. CVE and CA TFs remain in support at San Jose, safeguarding the anchorage as supplies and engineers continue to come ashore. The much heralded 2/9 Cdo makes another jump to seize the undefended Borneo base of Tawau. The troops slated for the Naga amphib continue to load at Lautem, with the combat troops centered around the US 32nd ID beginning to load. Assault shipping is still enroute to Balikpapan, and loading there should begin next turn, along with troops earmarked for Legaspi to load at Kendari. Much moving parts for this operation!

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, all three brigades come ashore at Soc Trang, Cam Ranh Bay and Quinhon without any interdiction by Japanese air. However…the coastal batteries supported by an extensive minefield takes its toll of the Amphib TF landing at Cam Ranh Bay. Despite having cruisers in the Amphib TF, the coastal batteries focused initially on the minesweepers, sinking a DMS and two AMs and damaging another DMS. Coastal batteries (130mm type) also damaged the CLAA Van Heemskerk and CLs Caradoc and De Ruyter while DD Sigsbee found a mine the hard way. All of these ships will require some body and paint work, but are in no serious danger - unless they hit a mine as they head home. The ground troops were all landed in good order, and will attack to take the base next turn. Also, with the influx of the additional ground troops, units will begin to advance from Soc Trang and Quinhon. On the ground front, lead elements move into the outskirts of Bangkok, and do not trigger and artillery bombardment - perhaps the supply situation is dire for the defenders. West of Rahaeng, Allied troops begin the attack to eliminate the IJA pocket astride the road to Rahaeng, and the first two attacks to well, inflicting over 3000 casualties to only 250 Allied in two attacks - but the defenders still block the road. Will take another day or two to clear the remaining troops. The attack into Malaya is slowly developing, with the lead Allied unit, elements from the Indian 17th Division, taking Chumphon and pursuing the remnants back toward Victoria Point. Once Victoria Point is taken, the supply situation should improve dramatically.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock


Note also that all Japanese losses were destroyed. No disablements.

I didn't notice that! So....what does that signify - a lack of supply issue?

The unit is already mostly disabled. Additional damage to already disabled devices means destruction.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The unit is already mostly disabled. Additional damage to already disabled devices means destruction.

Thanks BB! Makes perfect sense.

[IdahoNYer]

9-10 Jul 44

Highlights – Cam Rahn Bay and Udon Thani taken in SE Asia Theater.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 2

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (O-24)

Air loss:
Jpn: 3
Allied: 16

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Rachgia (SE Asia - flipped)
Chumphon (SE Asia)
Chanthaburi (SE Asia)
Tawau (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Big, well guarded, IJN convoy which included support ships (AKE, AGP, etc) as well as merchants was spotted by sub in the East China Sea apparently heading away from Formosa and towards Japan - I take this as another “tightening” of the defensive perimeter, with Formosa becoming part of the front lines.

West Coast/Admin: I managed to overlook a ship withdrawal. DD Harding is due to withdraw in two days and she’s currently working off Panay, so no where near a port to where she can be withdrawn. So she’ll instead go on a death-ride recon north of Luzon.

In NOPAC, no sign of the offending sub, I figure she’s headed home.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, on Mindanao, troops enter Cagayan and will bombard to see what’s there - recon says over 25k in troops, so the US 31st Division will wait for follow on forces before making any assault. Bombers continue to work over IJA defenders at Cagayan and Davao. At sea, a second CV TF takes on fuel and the three recently refurbished Essex CVs join the fleet heading towards Samar. The last CV TF will take on fuel next turn, then the fleet will head north looking for targets of opportunity and likely probe defenses of Formosa and Okinawa areas.

In SWPAC, other than the mentioned DD Harding sortie, its quiet in the Sulu Sea area. 32nd ID Amph TF completed its loading at Lautem and will head to Taluad to await the other Amphib TFs - the 1st CAV began loading at Balikpapan, but additional assault transports are needed for support troops. They’re inbound next turn. Troops bound for Legaspi also load at Kendari, and they will join the party at Talaud as well. Waiting at Talaud are two CVE and a CA TF to provide cover. As Ed Sullivan used to say, the Naga-Legaspi landings “will be a really big shoooww”.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, Cam Ranh Bay was taken easily in one attack, only a 50 man CD unit was left to defend the port - but they certainly earned their medals the turn before against the Amphib TF! Troops will move inland to secure Dalat and engineers already are debarking. The facilities were taken largely intact, so fighters are flown in to provide CAP. Troops are also moving inland from Soc Trang and north along the coast from Quinhon. Inland, the road hub base of Udon Thani is taken from a rearguard delaying force which left behind 500 defenders and inflicted almost 200 casualties. Two Chinese divisions will head north to Vientiane, while the majority of the Allied troops will head easterly toward the coast toward Vinh and eventually Hanoi/Haiphong. To bolster the advance, an Airborne Bde will be flown into Udon Thani. Lastly, troops advancing in Malaya have reached Victoria Point which they find defended, and will bombard to see what is there.

[IdahoNYer]

11-12 Jul 44

Highlights – Kamikazes hit convoy returning from Soc Trang.

Jpn ships sunk:
SC: 1
xAKL:1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Downes)
DE: 1 (Encounter)

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attack, 1 ships hit (xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Davao (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Iloilo (SWPAC)
Prachuap Khiri Khan (SE Asia)
Malaybalay (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: L_S_T has again used bypassed based Kamikazes to hit a convoy - this time from a base in Malaya. Also, SIGINT says a troops convoy is heading to one of the islands in the Okinawa chain…may be an opportunity for a CV strike.

West Coast/Admin: Three more CVLs finish out refit at Soerabaja and will head to join the fleet, and swap out the three remaining CVLs still needing the upgrade. Also, four Kingfisher squadrons are withdrawn - all of which were training US Navy fighter pilots which will further impact the already strained Navy fighter pilot training program.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Navy Heavies turn their attention to hitting Tinian AF while Navy mediums hit troops on the outer Marianas island of Anatahan with good effect inflicting about 300 casualties. Will continue to focus Navy bombers on softening up enemy positions in the Marianas.

In SOPAC, troops continue to advance on Mindanao with two Bdes of the 93rd ID seized the mountain base of Malaybalay just north of Davao inflicting over 700 casualties. This cuts Davao off from withdrawing to assist the major bastion of Cagayan which was bombarded by the lead elements of the 31st ID. Cagayan is heavily defended by numerous IJA combat units, including the 2nd Infantry Division totaling about 25k men. The bombardment results inflicted about 50 IJA casualties to about 30 US. This will be a tough fight, and will wait until troops can be brought up from Davao. At Davao, the 8th NZ Bde is brought ashore directly, supported by a CA TF (3CA, DDs) naval bombardment inflicting only 70 casualties which tells me the troops there are well dug in. Will look to attack the base in the next turn or so, depending on the fatigue recovery of the NZ Bde. On the other side of the Celebes Sea, the rear area clean up at Manado intensifies as a BB TF (5BB, DDs) rolls in a solid bombardment, inflicting a reported 1600 casaulties to support the ongoing ground bombardment of the US 40th ID which will turn to ground attack next turn, supported by the continued air bombardment and additional naval bombardments. I suspect supplies are exhausted at Manado, so hopefully the 40th will have a low cost attack. In the Philippine Sea, the last US CV TF takes on fuel from the Repl TF which now heads back to Manus. The supporting surface and ASW TFs take on fuel from the CV TFs and the Fleet will now head north toward Luzon.

In SWPAC, DD Harding continues its northward cruise, and is attacked by Kamikazes out of Clark AF while she was off Lingayan Gulf. Unfortunately…..she beat off the 7 attackers and continues her cruise to patrol off northern Luzon. On Panay, the two Aus Bdes take Iloilo from two defending SNLF companies and will now advance on Roxas, which looks to also have been pretty much abandoned. The Busuanga Amphib will put troops ashore next turn supported by CA and CVE TFs. Being only 4 hexes from Manila, Kamikazes are expected. The Naga and Legaspi Amphib TFs have all completed loading their primary elements and are now proceeding to Talaud. A few support units remain to be loaded, and they will follow as they complete loading. Current recon on southern Luzon is showing minimal IJA defenses, with most troops apparently have being withdrawn to defend Manila proper.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, one of the returning Indochina bound convoys from Soc Tran wondered a bit too close to the Malayan coast where it was observed the turn prior, and was set upon by Kamikazes. Truly a minimal expenditure of 8 Jakes and 7 Babs managed to sink a DD and DE and heavily damage an APA and an AKA. Both ships were empty and should make Soerabaja for paint and body work. I didn’t see any of this due to the synch bug! So, I have no idea where the attack originated from. Regardless, using Jakes is an effective Kamikaze as they don’t need an airfield - so as long as there is supply, they can fly from any base. Will focus some recon and bombers over southern Malaya, in the Singers area and see what we can find. Will also route convoys away from Malaya and focus some fighters to provide some LRCAP, but the troops flow will continue to the recently gained Indochina bases, however, this does effectively close the Malacca Straits for the time being as well. Not good, but not critical either; will just take a tad longer to route convoys around Sumatra and through the Sunda Straits instead of the Malacca Straits. On the ground, troops bombard Victoria Point and find it minimally defended; it should fall next turn. Also the bypassed base of Prachuap Khiri Khan along the rail line to Bangkok was seized by the main body of the Indian XV Corps as they begin to move down the peninsula.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tioman Island at 52,84

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Caradoc
AKA Aquarius, Kamikaze hits 1
APA Henderson, Kamikaze hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x E13A1 Jake flying as kamikaze
Kamikaze: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tioman Island at 52,84

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 54 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-15-II Babs x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-15-II Babs: 4 destroyed
Ki-15-II Babs: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Downes, Kamikaze hits 3, and is sunk
DE Encounter, Kamikaze hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-15-II Babs flying as kamikaze

[IdahoNYer]

13-14 Jul 44

Highlights – US CV strikes hit ASW units off Formosa; Manado taken in first assault.

Jpn ships sunk:
SC: 3
PB: 1
TK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 30
Allied: 16

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Busuanga (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Dalat (SE Asia)
Dumaguete (SWPAC - flipped)
Oroquieta (SOPAC)
Victoria Point (SE Asia)
Manado (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Few targets for the US CVs off Luzon further indicate L_S_T will not fight his decisive battle in the Philippines.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, continued progress on Mindanao with Oroquieta begin taken without a fight. Troops are about ready to launch the attack on Davao, while the remaining NZ Bde on Talaud boards ships to transit to Cotabato for the attack on Cagayan. A CA TF will support the Cagayan attack with naval bombardment. At sea, the CVs move off Appari on northern Luzon and find few targets - a small ASW TF of three SCs are hit off Formosa. Will head the CVs NE towards Okinawa and the East China Sea to see what they can stir up before heading back south to cover the landings at Naga/Legaspi. With the continued lack of response in the air, and the recon showing most IJA troops have gathering in Manila vs. defending the coastal bases, I’m looking at off-ramping the two USMC Divisions (and their associated support) slated for the Northern Luzon landings - leaving it to the US Army to secure north Luzon. This will allow the Marines to plan for Okinawa. One of those USMC Divisions is at sea transiting to Balikpapan, so I’ll hold off on this decision until they reach port - and focus recon on north Luzon to confirm my suspicions. Lastly, DD Harding remains a lucky ship - three Kamikazes missed her off Aparri this time. She’ll now cruise to Formosa/Pescadores to hopefully run into trouble.

In SWPAC, the Busuanga landings go in without any response, but the US Para Reg does find the base occupied and will attack next turn. The attack on Manado in Celebes falls to the US 40th Div in the first assault - level 4 forts didn’t save the garrison suffering from lack of supplies. Few combat troops in the garrison remained, mostly support units that were left behind. Only 700 IJA casualties to 175 US which should leave over 5000 IJA troops to be dealt with. The 40th needs to recover fatigue and will rest for a bit. The Naga/Legaspi Amphib TFs depart Talaud accompanied by two CVE and CA TFs. A three division Amphib plus the usual support will head to target, with the US CV TF providing distant cover, although any chance the KB comes south is pretty remote.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, Victoria Point is taken on the Malayan Peninsula, and is the last base to be liberated in Burma. Indian XV Corps troops will continue to slowly march south, and progress is going to be slow largely due to the terrain more than resistance. Allied troops continue to mass in Bangkok, the last pieces slowly assembling for the first attack - the Corps HQ is in place, and supplies are now good, but will wait for the combat engineers to march in; within a week will launch the attack. No rush here as the troops aren’t needed to clear any major force in Indochina - just a rear guard is left, and that is being dealt with by the Allied advanced guard now moving east and southeast from Udon Thani towards Vietnam. Allied troops landed in Vietnam are moving to secure Saigon and moving along Rte 1 towards Hue. The key now is to establish and build up the airbases in Indochina to reposition the Heavy Bomber force.

[IdahoNYer]

15-16 Jul 44

Highlights – US CV strikes find and hit a big convoy in the East China Sea; DD Harding does all too well.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Shiokaze)
E: 1
TK: 2
AS: 1
xAK: 4
AG: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 10

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 7 Attacks, 2 ships hit (AG sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Tourane (SE Asia)
Kompong Trach (SE Asia)
Busuanga (SWPAC)
Roxas (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: US CVs find and hit an oil laden convoy in the East China Sea so there is still some merchant traffic moving the Home Islands, while no attacks were made against the CV TFs.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, the CV sortie up toward the East China Sea finds paydirt, with a number of strikes launched against a fat convoy SE of Wenchow. A number of xAKs, TKs and an AV are reported sunk, with another half dozen plus ships left burning. A couple of good strikes over two days, with no CAP. The CVs will head back towards Luzon though. DD Harding’s “death sortie” has turned out to be anything else but so far, she’s engaged some loose merchant traffic at Appari in northern Luzon and off Takao on Formosa - she’ll now head towards Shanghai - hopefully finding a minefield. Also off Aparri, a CA TF (CA, DDs) I sent to bombard Appari ran into DD Shiokaze and an escort departing the port and they were duly sunk. The port was bombarded, but nothing major was gained - the port and AF was unoccupied. On Mindanao, the attack on Davao is about ready and will go in next turn. Lastly, a major change in plans - both the USMC’s 1st and 4th Divisions, along with the associated USMC support troops were off-ramped from the northern Luzon landings and missioned for Okinawa. This will leave the northern Luzon landings to be made with Army only troops - about 2 Divisions and a few separate infantry regiments plus support. They will likely need reinforcements from troops currently in Mindanao to secure both north Luzon and isolate Manila.

In SWPAC, Busuanga is taken by assault, but was undefended by the time of the assault - the air bombardment likely eliminated the co size element left to defend the base. Busuanga will join the bases on Palawan and Panay as the primary fighter bases to cover Luzon - last IJA troops on Panay at Roxas were eliminated and the base secured. On that note, the Legaspi and Naga landings will go in next turn - original plan was for Naga to go in first, then Legaspi, but based on the minimal defense recon has observed, both will go in next turn. Ultimately, these troops - three divisions and supporting troops, will advance up to Manila. I’ve also started to move the Heavies north as Jolo, Kudat, Cotabato and of course Jesselton can support bomber operations.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, one more turn to prepare the attack on Bangkok - one tardy engineer regiment needs to move in. Elsewhere, troops take the abandoned Tourane and should advance on Hue next turn. They will continue north to link up with lead elements advancing out of Thailand and converge on Hanoi/Haiphong. Slow, but steady progress towards Saigon, and the lead two elements will attack Phnom Penh next turn before half of that force turns east toward Saigon, and the rest continue north to link up with the main body of troops near Bangkok. Also, the first Heavies are re-located to Cam Ranh Bay from Burma/Sumatra as more troops continue to come ashore here as well from the DEI. With Trourane taken, they can now rail the 300 or so miles up from Cam Ranh Bay.

[jwolf]

DD Harding’s “death sortie” has turned out to be anything else but so far, she’s engaged some loose merchant traffic at Aparri in northern Luzon and off Takao on Formosa - she’ll now head towards Shanghai - hopefully finding a minefield.

Seems kind of unfair: Harding's reward for surviving a suicide mission is to go on an even more hopeless suicide mission! [:'(]

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

DD Harding’s “death sortie” has turned out to be anything else but so far, she’s engaged some loose merchant traffic at Aparri in northern Luzon and off Takao on Formosa - she’ll now head towards Shanghai - hopefully finding a minefield.

Seems kind of unfair: Harding's reward for surviving a suicide mission is to go on an even more hopeless suicide mission! [:'(]

I really didn't think trying to sink a DD would be so challenging....wait till you see what she finds next!

[RangerJoe]

Send her to Tokyo and sink the entire Japanese Navy there! [8|]

[IdahoNYer]

17-18 Jul 44

Highlights – Naga and Legaspi amphibs go in; Davao taken in second assault.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 07
Allied: 29

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Legaspi (SWPAC)
Naga (SWPAC)
Tandjoengselor (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Davao (SOPAC)
Phnom Penh (SE Asia)
Ubon (SE Asia)
Sibuyan (SWPAC - flipped)
Tagbilaran (SWPAC - flipped)
Tandjoengselor (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, DD Harding’s adventure continues all the way to Shangai where she finds a major convoy - which escapes! She’ll now head to Okinawa in hopes of finding her doom to CD batteries or mines. Had I sent her to home port, she’d be there by now!

In SOPAC, Davao is taken in the second assault after a tough fight - level 3 forts helped the defenders, but lack of supply made the difference. After two days, the IJA lost over 4000 men and withdrew east into the jungles while it cost the Allies about 600 men - mostly disabled. Amphib TFs released from Naga and Legaspi will now head to embark troops for the invasion of northern Luzon at Iba and Lingayen. Without the USMC divisions, two US Army divisions and three IN Regiments plus support will make the landings. Additional follow on forces will be brought in as well, but exactly how many and when with be determined by how long Cagayan holds out.

In SWPAC, troops land without much issue at both Naga and Legaspi and will attack to secure the bases next turn - they look to be minimally garrisoned, so no major naval bombardment or air attacks will take place. CV TFs maintain overwatch off the coast, but so far, no Kamikazes have been thrown into the fight. As mentioned, Amph TFs will depart to embark Luzon bound troops, while the supporting CVE and CA TFs will remain for a while at Legaspi and Naga until AFs can become operational to maintain CAP for follow on engineers and support troops. And again, the venerable Aussie 2/9 Cdo dropped in and secured the undefended base of Tandjoengselor near Tarakan.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, well….Bangkok attack goes in next turn. Fingers crossed! Elsewhere, troops continue to advance in Indochina taking Phnom Penh and reaching the outskirts of Hue, and begin to advance directly on Saigon. Will need to look a bit closer at garrison requirements in these recently liberated bases, as I really don’t want to keep a 100+ AV Bde garrisoning a 20 AV requirement. So a few of the Bdes making the advances are for now being forced to garrison gains. Will look to bring on some battalions or perhaps some engineers with combat value to take on the garrison requirements. In Malaya, the advance continues at a slow pace in the jungle terrain south of Victoria Point.