Godzilla {J: Andav} vs. Rodan {A: witpqs}

[witpqs]

1943 April 21

INVADED
Maloelap, Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• All the major warships ecept the carriers (which are on a very evasive route and moving very slowly) have made it back to Pearl Harbor. BB Massachusetts has been pulled into Pierside (from Shipyard) so the carriers in the yard can repair more quickly. Two CVE's have been moved to priority High and they will be ready in 4 and 8 days. Enterprise will be ready in 32 days, but that time will shorten after the CVE's clear the yard. Many warships are being left in Readiness to accommodate these priorities. BB's Colorado and West Virginia will be sent to the West Coast for repairs along with the more heavily damaged CVE's.

• The fast battleships, BB Maryland, and 2x CA (separate TF's) are departing Pearl to follow the carriers. We already have 3x old BB at Johnston Island, 3x CA returning to Johnston to refuel, 1x CL returning to Johnston to refuel, 1x CL at Johnston. 1x CA and 2x CL are with the crippled fleet CV returning to Pearl and will break off to join the outgoing fleet. The old BB's at Johnston have 12x 14 inch guns each. Even though penetration of those guns is less than many other BB's at 653 mm, the number of guns gives them a greater chance of hitting when they fire.

• With all the sightings of JIN warships during the recent mayhem, we still have not seen Yamato or Musashi. Is it too early for Musashi? Where is Yamato?


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• Trying to clear the waters.

000002 ASW attack 1943-04-21 163,112 Johnston Island

ASW attack near Johnston Island at 163,112

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Aulick

SS I-164 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fletcher
I-164 diving deep ....
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000004 Sub attack 1943-04-21 178,107 Lihue

Sub attack near Lihue at 178,107

Japanese Ships
SS I-166

Allied Ships
DD Bancroft
DD Caldwell

SS I-166 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Bancroft
DD Caldwell fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Bancroft fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000009 Sub attack 1943-04-21 163,112 Johnston Island

Sub attack near Johnston Island at 163,112

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
DD Aulick

SS I-164 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Aulick
I-164 diving deep ....
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Pacific

• Got one; more carriers; counter-invasion on site.

000001 Sub vs Sub: 1943-04-21 139,114 Ailuk

Sub vs Sub: SS Tuna attacking SS I-165 at 139,114 - near Ailuk

Japanese Ships
SS I-165, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tuna

SS Tuna launches 2 torpedoes at 3,000 yards


000003 ASW attack 1943-04-21 132,112 Rongelap

ASW attack near Rongelap at 132,112

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio
CL Tama
DD Oshio

Allied Ships
SS Triton

SS Triton launches 4 torpedoes at DD Asashio
Triton diving deep ....
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oshio attacking submerged sub ....
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000005 Sub attack 1943-04-21 129,118 Kusaie Island

Sub attack near Kusaie Island at 129,118

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CA Chikuma
DD Naganami
DD Kazegumo
DD Satsuki
DD Uzuki
DD Yayoi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

SS Hoe launches 6 torpedoes at CV Hiryu
Hoe diving deep ....
DD Satsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inazuma fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Satsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yayoi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000006 Sub vs Sub: 1943-04-21 138,114 Ailuk

Sub vs Sub: SS Amberjack attacking SS I-165 at 138,114 - near Ailuk

Japanese Ships
SS I-165, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

SS Amberjack launches 2 torpedoes at 3,000 yards


000007 Sub attack 1943-04-21 133,115 Kwajalein Island

Sub attack near Kwajalein Island at 133,115

Japanese Ships
CM Tsugaru
DD Yugure

Allied Ships
SS Albacore, hits 1

SS Albacore launches 4 torpedoes at CM Tsugaru
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugure attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000008 Sub attack 1943-04-21 133,115 Kwajalein Island

Sub attack near Kwajalein Island at 133,115

Japanese Ships
CM Okinoshima, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugure

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

SS Grayling launches 4 torpedoes at CM Okinoshima
Grayling diving deep ....
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugure attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yugure is out of ASW ammo
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugure fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000010 ASW attack 1943-04-21 136,116 Maloelap

ASW attack near Maloelap at 136,116

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Tama
DD Oshio

Allied Ships
SS Puffer

SS Puffer is sighted by escort
Puffer diving deep ....
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oshio attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

• Anticipate troops landing tonight.


New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• Tomorrow we will have our horde at Taung Gyi down to just a little over stacking limit.


Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 22

INVADED
Maloelap, Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• The Hellcats on Saratoga and Wasp are coming ready slower than hoped. 50% CAP might not be helping

• In 7 days we should have 3 undamaged CVE ready to leave Pearl.


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• Vermin I tell you!

000033 Sub attack 1943-04-22 158,112 Johnston Island

Sub attack near Johnston Island at 158,112

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
DD Abbot
DD Aulick

SS I-164 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Abbot
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Pacific

• Lots of nasties at Maloelap.

000001 encounters mine field 1943-04-22 Maloelap 136,117

TF 249 encounters mine field at Maloelap (136,117)

Allied Ships
SS Grunion, Mine hits 1



000002 ASW attack 1943-04-22 136,120 Majuro

ASW attack near Majuro at 136,120

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami
CA Chikuma
DD Niizuki
DD Satsuki
DD Uzuki
DD Yayoi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
SS Cisco

SS Cisco launches 4 torpedoes at DD Takanami
DD Satsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yayoi fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Inazuma attacking submerged sub ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inazuma attacking submerged sub ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Inazuma fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inazuma fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inazuma fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inazuma fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inazuma fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

000006 ASW attack 1943-04-22 134,118 Ailinglaplap

ASW attack near Ailinglaplap at 134,118

Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze
ACM Asahi Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kamikaze
Haddo diving deep ....
DD Kamikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kamikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kamikaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kamikaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kamikaze is out of ASW ammo
DD Kamikaze is out of ASW ammo
DD Kamikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000007 ASW attack 1943-04-22 112,109 Truk

ASW attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
PB Yahada Maru

Allied Ships
SS Whale

SS Whale is sighted by escort
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000008 Sub attack 1943-04-22 135,117 Maloelap

Sub attack near Maloelap at 135,117

Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze
ACM Asahi Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Gato

SS Gato launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kamikaze
Gato diving deep ....
ACM Asahi Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ACM Asahi Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ACM Asahi Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ACM Asahi Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ACM Asahi Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• It took 3 destroyers two combats to sink 3x 2-point merchants. I claim victory! And surfaced subs need alert lookouts!

000003 Night Time Surface Combat 1943-04-22 54,43 Cox's Bazar

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
xAKL Nanchang, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Wosang, Shell hits 37, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Nordhval, Shell hits 32, heavy fires, heavy damage

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 92% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 2,000 yards
DD Yukaze launches Torpedoes at xAKL Nordhval at 2,000 yards
DD Minekaze launches Torpedoes at xAKL Wosang at 2,000 yards
DD Minekaze launches Torpedoes at xAKL Nanchang at 2,000 yards
DD Minekaze engages xAKL Nordhval at 2,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Nordhval at 2,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Nanchang at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Yukaze engages xAKL Nanchang at 3,000 yards
DD Yukaze engages xAKL Nanchang at 3,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Nordhval at 3,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Wosang at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Minekaze engages xAKL Nordhval at 2,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Wosang at 2,000 yards
DD Minekaze engages xAKL Nanchang at 2,000 yards
DD Yukaze engages xAKL Wosang at 2,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Wosang at 2,000 yards
DD Minekaze engages xAKL Wosang at 2,000 yards
DD Yukaze engages xAKL Nordhval at 2,000 yards
DD Minekaze engages xAKL Wosang at 2,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


000004 Night Time Surface Combat 1943-04-22 54,43 Cox's Bazar

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
xAKL Nanchang, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
xAKL Wosang, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
xAKL Nordhval, Shell hits 10, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 92% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
DD Yukaze engages xAKL Nordhval at 2,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Nordhval at 2,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Nanchang at 2,000 yards
xAKL Nordhval sunk by DD Okikaze at 2,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages xAKL Nanchang at 2,000 yards
xAKL Nanchang sunk by DD Minekaze at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAKL Wosang sunk by DD Yukaze at 2,000 yards
xAKL Wosang sunk by DD Yukaze at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


000005 ASW attack 1943-04-22 29,36 Mangalore

ASW attack near Mangalore at 29,36

Japanese Ships
SS I-23, hits 9, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CA Sussex
CA Dorsetshire
DD Arunta
BB Prince of Wales
BC Repulse

SS I-23 is sighted by escort
BB Prince of Wales firing on surfaced sub ....
BC Repulse firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 22

Carriers to the east, battleships on top of us...

[witpqs]

1943 April 23

INVADED
Maloelap, Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• Yorktown is making 7 knots!

• I am diverting some 4EB groups meant for SWPac to SEAsia.


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• Take that!

000002 Sub attack 1943-04-23 158,112 Johnston Island

Sub attack near Johnston Island at 158,112

Japanese Ships
SS I-164, hits 8

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Aulick

SS I-164 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fletcher
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick attacking submerged sub ....
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick attacking submerged sub ....
DD Aulick is out of ASW ammo
DD Aulick is out of ASW ammo
DD Aulick is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

Pacific

• There are now more than 22,000 Imperial troops on Maloelap. The only possible saving grace is the rate at which they will eat supplies. I suspect Imperial High Command is not fully aware of that.

• Lots of activity.

000004 Sub attack 1943-04-23 112,109 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuzuki
CM Sokuten
CM Nasami
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hatsuzuki
Pogy diving deep ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare is out of ASW ammo
DD Samidare is out of ASW ammo
DD Samidare is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub


000005 Night Naval bombardment 1943-04-23 Maloelap 136,117

Night Naval bombardment of Maloelap at 136,117

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
DD Arare

Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Chokai
CA Chokai firing at 27th Infantry Division
DD Arare firing at 27th Infantry Division

New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• We tried to sneak in.

000001 Night Time Surface Combat 1943-04-23 54,43 Cox's Bazar

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
DD Yugumo
DD Onami
DD Hayashio

Allied Ships
xAKL Kalarand, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAKL Bust, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 85% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
xAKL Bust sunk by CA Takao at 2,000 yards
xAKL Kalarand sunk by CA Takao at 2,000 yards
xAKL Kalarand sunk by CA Takao at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


000003 Night Air attack 1943-04-23 54,43 Cox's Bazar

Night Air attack on TF, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
DD Onami

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

• Our troops at Taung Gyi are now well supplied. Even though we have a division and a regiment less I think they are now in a much better state to defend themselves. The enemy now has what must be an armored division present and at least one more unit is on the way.

• We are racing to have more base building done before monsoon begins.


Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 23

Both of the groups away from Maloelap are carriers.

Our carriers are moving westward to be SE of the IJN carriers, exactly where they are expecting us. Surface combat groups are mostly behind and they will refuel in a day or two. Meanwhile, other surface groups are moving WNW from Johnston Island with multiple objectives. They certainly will be moving into range to then advance for battles, but they are also will try to be sighted by Imperial air and sub search. I hope to draw the IJN carriers north across our major sub concentrations and to pull them away from out carriers axis of advance.

[witpqs]

1943 April 24

INVADED
Maloelap, Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• None of our TF's heading WNW from Johnston Island have been sighted yet.

• The USA 27th Infantry Division, reconstituted, will arrive in 28 days at San Francisco.

• Two old BB's are well on their way to the West Coast for repairs. When the final CVE makes Pearl Harbor I will also send the four worst damaged CVE's to the West Coast.


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• The TF with the two most damaged CVE has arrived at Pearl Harbor. The TF with the remaining CVE plus Yorktown and Hornet will likely arrive tomorrow.


Pacific

• Got one!

000002 Sub attack 1943-04-24 112,107 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,107

Japanese Ships
CM Nasami
CM Sokuten
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS Lapon, hits 1

SS Lapon launches 4 torpedoes at CM Nasami
Lapon diving deep ....
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000003 Night Naval bombardment 1943-04-24 Maloelap 136,117

Night Naval bombardment of Maloelap at 136,117

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
DD Kamikaze
DD Asashio

Allied ground losses:
365 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

CA Kako firing at 27th Infantry Division
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Furutaka
CA Furutaka firing at 27th Infantry Division
DD Kamikaze firing at 27th Infantry Division
DD Asashio firing at 27th Infantry Division


000004 Night Naval bombardment 1943-04-24 Maloelap 136,117

Night Naval bombardment of Maloelap at 136,117

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CA Chokai firing at 27th Infantry Division


000005 Sub attack 1943-04-24 112,109 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
CM Hoko, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Umikaze

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

SS Sunfish launches 4 torpedoes at CM Hoko
Sunfish diving deep ....
DD Umikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Umikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Umikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Umikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Umikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000006 Sub attack 1943-04-24 135,118 Maloelap

Sub attack near Maloelap at 135,118

Japanese Ships
DD Arare

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

SS Hoe launches 2 torpedoes at DD Arare
Hoe diving deep ....
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000007 Sub attack 1943-04-24 135,118 Maloelap

Sub attack near Maloelap at 135,118

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
DD Arare

Allied Ships
SS Pompano

SS Pompano launches 4 torpedoes at CA Chokai
Pompano diving deep ....
DD Arare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Arare is out of ASW ammo
DD Arare is out of ASW ammo
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

• Drat! This turn cost us 312 VP.

000028 Ground combat 1943-04-24 Maloelap 136,117

Ground combat at Maloelap (136,117)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20292 troops, 191 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 606

Defending force 9503 troops, 183 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 198

Japanese adjusted assault: 377

Allied adjusted defense: 19

Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1658 casualties reported
Squads: 92 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (10 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
7126 casualties reported
Squads: 162 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 735 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 19 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 201 (201 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 170 (170 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
89th Naval Guard Unit
88th Naval Guard Unit
16th Division
52nd Naval Guard Unit
Maloelap Naval Fortress

Defending units:
27th Infantry Division

• In addition to getting more warships to sea for the Wotje invasion, we can menace the troops being removed from Maloelap. 25,460 is the count recon shows. Our Hellcats aboard Saratoga and Wasp continue to come ready very slowly, with 12 more on Saratoga and 10 more on Wasp yet to come on line. Both squadrons are filled out to 36.


New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• Increased enemy sub activity.

000001 ASW attack 1943-04-24 29,34 Mangalore

ASW attack near Mangalore at 29,34

Japanese Ships
SS I-177

Allied Ships
PG Hindustan
xAKL Buijskes
xAKL Sarpen
xAKL Hermod
xAKL Jalatarang
xAKL Kwai Sang
xAKL Halvdan
xAKL Haiyang
PG Clive

SS I-177 launches 2 torpedoes at PG Hindustan
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub



000026 Sub attack 1943-04-24 28,38 Calicut

Sub attack near Calicut at 28,38

Japanese Ships
SS I-177

Allied Ships
PG Clive
PG Hindustan
xAKL Sarpen
xAKL Hermod
xAKL Kwai Sang
xAKL Halvdan
xAKL Haiyang

SS I-177 launches 2 torpedoes at PG Clive
I-177 diving deep ....
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
PG Clive fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

• Our troops at taung Gyi still have full supply, with the exception of hte AA unit, which exhausts its supply each turn owing to the huge air attacks it opposes.

• More enemy troops piling in opposite our defensive position outside Mandalay.


Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 25

INVADED
Maloelap, Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• Hellcats on Saratoga and Wasp still coming on line slowly. Reduced CAP from 50% to 20% this turn to see if that pushes them through. Our carriers will not advance this turn.


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• Remaining cripples have made Pearl Harbor. 4x CVE are heading for the West coast to repair. Yorktown and Hornet will remain in Ready status making minor repairs until Enterprise leaves the yard.


Pacific

• Gato sank. In return an IJN sub is reported sunk this turn.

000001 encounters mine field 1943-04-25 Maloelap 136,117

TF 120 encounters mine field at Maloelap (136,117)

Allied Ships
SS Gato, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage



000002 encounters mine field 1943-04-25 Maloelap 136,117

TF 152 encounters mine field at Maloelap (136,117)

Allied Ships
SS Hake, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



000004 Sub attack 1943-04-25 112,109 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
PB Eiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Harder

SS Harder launches 2 torpedoes
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

• The IJN carriers have pulled back westward; recon Maloelap shows 18.5k troops (down from 22k); still transports at Maloelap. A 1x CL TF (with DD's) will advance NE of the Marshalls tomorrow to be contacted by search (none of our TF's are so far) and try to draw IJN carriers that way as noted before.


New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China

• IJA heavy elements continue pouring into Burma from China.


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• They cam looking at both Akyab and Cox's Bazar for merchants but we had none there.

000003 Night Air attack 1943-04-25 54,45 Akyab

Night Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 54,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 8

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 26

INVADED
Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• Hellcats contniue to come ready slowly on the carriers at sea, although a some progress was made today. Six on one carrier and 8 on the other remain to finish make ready.


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii


Pacific

• E's!

000001 Sub attack 1943-04-26 112,109 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
E Saishu
E Shirakami

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

SS Tautog launches 2 torpedoes at E Saishu
Tautog diving deep ....
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000002 Sub attack 1943-04-26 112,109 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
PB Koei Maru
PB Yahada Maru

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

SS Sunfish launches 2 torpedoes at PB Koei Maru
Sunfish diving deep ....
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahada Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

• It seems like our surface forces NE of Maloelap can't even buy being sighted by enemy search planes. However, DL on our subs indicates the IJN carriers, which have vanished from air search,are located on the northwestern end of the Marshall Islands. Our carriers will advance 5 hexes tomorrow and risk detection, because if they are not detected they might be able to sprint and attack the transports the following day.


New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• Lots of Japanese troops and tanks.


Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 27

INVADED
Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• 2 days for 2 more CVE ready, making 3 ready. Two of them have Hellcats.


Pacific

• Lots of ASW activity.

000002 Sub attack 1943-04-27 131,113 Roi-Namur

Sub attack near Roi-Namur at 131,113

Japanese Ships
PB Choko Maru #5
PB Kinsyo Maru #4

Allied Ships
SS Mingo

SS Mingo launches 2 torpedoes at PB Choko Maru #5
Mingo diving deep ....
PB Kinsyo Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000003 ASW attack 1943-04-27 112,109 Truk

ASW attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
PB Shuko Maru #5
PB Shonon Maru #15

Allied Ships
SS Harder

SS Harder is located by PB Shuko Maru #5
Harder diving deep ....
PB Shonon Maru #15 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #15 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #15 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #15 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #15 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000004 ASW attack 1943-04-27 112,107 Truk

ASW attack near Truk at 112,107

Japanese Ships
E Saishu
E Shirakami

Allied Ships
SS Paddle

SS Paddle is located by E Saishu
Paddle diving deep ....
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Saishu fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000005 Sub attack 1943-04-27 112,109 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,109

Japanese Ships
PB Toshi Maru #3
PB Fumi Maru #3
PB Tama Maru #8

Allied Ships
SS Harder

SS Harder launches 2 torpedoes at PB Toshi Maru #3
Harder diving deep ....
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000006 Sub attack 1943-04-27 134,117 Ailinglaplap

Sub attack near Ailinglaplap at 134,117

Japanese Ships
PB Eifuku Maru
PB Sozan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pompano

SS Pompano launches 2 torpedoes at PB Eifuku Maru
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China

• We had a mildly successful CAP trap near Paoshan over our beleaguered troops. Our P-38's shot down a number of Nick's (15?) and a few Helen's, but the Helen's mostly got away.


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• They seemed to accomplish nothing this time.

000001 Night Naval bombardment 1943-04-27 Akyab 54,45

Night Naval bombardment of Akyab at 54,45 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

24 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Takao
CA Takao firing at 2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at CA Takao

• Our merchants rounding Ceylon have been spotted, but our battleships moving along the Bengal coast have not.


Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 27

KB as noted. You can see our fleet carriers highlighted together with their orders for tomorrow.

Our small surface combat TF near Wake Island is spotted DL 10/10.

[obvert]

What are your plans here in Cent Pac?

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: obvert

What are your plans here in Cent Pac?

Wotje and Roi-Namur, the question is: when? Enterprise will be ready in 24 days which, together with 4x CVE will give me at least parity likely an edge in carrier air for the moment. Essex will be available at Balboa sooner but then must transit to Hawaii. Massachusetts will be ready before Enterprise, giving me 4x fast BB. I have 4x old BB already at sea. Most cruisers are available and couple more will be, and many destroyers have already been fixed up.

To put the severe damage in perspective, I lost one CVE (unless I am remembering wrong) and one CV, low losses which really surprised me. I had thought the CVE were all toast, all of them. There are 4x CVE heading to the West Coast, as is 1x old BB. 1x fast BB is repairing at Pearl Harbor (ready soon as noted). 2x CVE are expected ready in 2 days, one in the yard and one at the pier. 1x CV is in shipyard at Pearl (ready in 24 days as noted) and 2x CV are waiting in Ready status for pier and the yard to clear. One CV will enter the yard while the other repairs at the pier until the yard is done with the other CV. A few cruisers are still repairing but not many and not too bad off. A few DD are bad off but are also repairing in metered fashion to keep resources available for the carriers. A greater number of DD are at or down to minor damage and will finish repairing in a few days. Quite a few DD have already finished repairs (as mentioned above).

In the meantime I am trying to keep the heat on. If I can get an air strike in against the transports at Maloelap that would be great. If I can pull off a carrier battle with better prospects than the IJN that would be great.

[witpqs]

I just checked Tracker; yes, just Lexington and Long Island lost. I expected far more carnage on my side. I think I got lucky with hits being spread out just enough.

On the IJN side CV Kaga, CVL Ryujo, and CVE Taiyo are the only ones listed, but I am sure more CVE went down. With hits which should necessitate repairs on several other carriers I think I am facing 3x fleet CV and about 1x CVE. The scouting of that KB shows fewer fighters and bombers than Saratoga and Wasp are carrying, which might be inaccurate scouting.

[witpqs]

1943 April 28

INVADED
Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• [:(] Make that 3x CVE on the way to the West Coast.

Extensive Flooding Damage aboard CVE Chenango
Pumps having difficulty controlling flooding aboard CVE Chenango
Pumps fail aboard CVE Chenango, flooding increases...
Extensive flooding aboard CVE Chenango
Major flooding aboard CVE Chenango
Major flooding aboard CVE Chenango
CVE Chenango sinks....

West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• Our surface combat elements which were scouted have pulled back and are now unspotted.


Pacific

• Drat! The transports have pulled out of Maloelap.

000002 Sub attack 1943-04-28 133,119 Jaluit

Sub attack near Jaluit at 133,119

Japanese Ships
DD Amatsukaze
LSD Shinshu Maru
xAP Naminoue Maru
xAP Buenos Aires Maru
xAP Teia Maru
xAK Okiyu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Hoe, hits 1

SS Hoe launches 2 torpedoes at DD Amatsukaze
Hoe diving deep ....
DD Amatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Amatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Amatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Amatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Amatsukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Amatsukaze is out of ASW ammo
DD Amatsukaze is out of ASW ammo
DD Amatsukaze is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub


000004 Sub attack 1943-04-28 132,113 Roi-Namur

Sub attack near Roi-Namur at 132,113

Japanese Ships
PB Eiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Jack

SS Jack launches 2 torpedoes
Jack diving deep ....
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Eiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000005 Sub attack 1943-04-28 113,106 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 113,106

Japanese Ships
PB Tama Maru #8

Allied Ships
SS Paddle

SS Paddle launches 2 torpedoes at PB Tama Maru #8
Paddle bottoming out ....
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000007 Sub attack 1943-04-28 112,107 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,107

Japanese Ships
PB Toshi Maru #3
PB Tama Maru #8

Allied Ships
SS Lapon

SS Lapon launches 2 torpedoes at PB Toshi Maru #3
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

• In addition to the transports pulling out of Maloelap we have spotted the other IJN carriers. Scouting reports of numbers of ship types is totally out of control as usual, but looking at aircraft numbers gives us a reasonable picture. In two separate TF's we see: F: 27, B: 30, A: 3 and F:70, B: 64, A: 12. Totaling those gives us F: 97, B: 94, A: 15, slightly superior in numbers to our two fleet carriers currently at sea. Our fleet elements are pulling back for now. At the very least we will have three CVE giving us a bunch more fighters for the next foray.


New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• Got two!

000001 Sub attack 1943-04-28 50,64 Victoria Point

Sub attack near Victoria Point at 50,64

Japanese Ships
xAK Ansyu Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
xAK Toyotu Maru
TB Kamo

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

SS KXIV launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Ansyu Maru
KXIV diving deep ....
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000003 Sub attack 1943-04-28 50,64 Victoria Point

Sub attack near Victoria Point at 50,64

Japanese Ships
xAK Mikage Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Toyotu Maru
TB Kamo

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

SS KXIV launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Mikage Maru
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Kamo attacking submerged sub ....
TB Kamo fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000006 Sub attack 1943-04-28 48,70 Phuket

Sub attack near Phuket at 48,70

Japanese Ships
E Fuyo
xAK Kasyu Maru
xAK Ikuta Maru
xAK Hakakisan Maru
xAK Eiko Maru #2
E Karukaya

Allied Ships
SS KXV, hits 1

SS KXV launches 4 torpedoes at E Fuyo
E Karukaya attacking submerged sub ....
E Karukaya fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Karukaya attacking submerged sub ....
E Karukaya is out of ASW ammo
E Karukaya is out of ASW ammo
E Karukaya is out of ASW ammo
E Karukaya is out of ASW ammo
E Karukaya fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Karukaya attacking submerged sub ....
E Karukaya is out of ASW ammo
E Karukaya is out of ASW ammo
E Karukaya is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 28

The KB is highlighted, the transports are one hex west of Maloelap, our carriers are in the lower right corner.

[witpqs]

1943 April 29

INVADED
Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• Two CVE's came ready today, giving us three on the line.


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• A little action.

ASW attack near Johnston Island at 155,112

Japanese Ships
SS I-171, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Aulick

SS I-171 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fletcher
I-171 diving deep ....
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick attacking submerged sub ....
DD Aulick attacking submerged sub ....
DD Aulick is out of ASW ammo
DD Aulick is out of ASW ammo
DD Aulick is out of ASW ammo
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aulick fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Pacific


New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China

• Our CAP trap of two days ago is causing George pilots to work.


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• Our 4x battleships at Chittagong have been spotted hard, DL 10/10. They will move away toward Calcutta to break contact.


Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

1943 April 30

INVADED
Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• The 3x CVE are heading to Johnston Island.


Pacific

• Got one! A good one!

000003 Sub attack 1943-04-30 119,112 Ponape

Sub attack near Ponape at 119,112

Japanese Ships
LSD Shinshu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
xAP Buenos Aires Maru
xAP Teia Maru
xAK Okiyu Maru
DD Shiranui

Allied Ships
SS Steelhead, hits 4

SS Steelhead launches 2 torpedoes at LSD Shinshu Maru
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiranui attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000005 Sub attack 1943-04-30 135,117 Maloelap

Sub attack near Maloelap at 135,117

Japanese Ships
PB Chokai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock launches 2 torpedoes at PB Chokai Maru
Haddock diving deep ....
PB Chokai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Chokai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Chokai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Chokai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Chokai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• Got one!

000001 Sub attack 1943-04-30 46,71 Langsa

Sub attack near Langsa at 46,71

Japanese Ships
xAK Nansin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Kuroshio

Allied Ships
SS KXV

SS KXV launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Nansin Maru
DD Kuroshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kuroshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kuroshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kuroshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kuroshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000002 Night Air attack 1943-04-30 54,45 Akyab

Night Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 54,45

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 8

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 2 damaged
Beaufort I: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Takao

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo


000004 Night Naval bombardment 1943-04-30 Akyab 54,45

Night Naval bombardment of Akyab at 54,45 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

43 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 1
DD Onami
DD Yugumo

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Takao
3rd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at CA Takao
CA Takao firing at 3rd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
3rd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Hayashio
DD Hayashio firing at 3rd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
DD Onami firing at 2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Onami
DD Yugumo firing at 2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment

Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

I just checked Tracker; yes, just Lexington and Long Island lost. I expected far more carnage on my side. I think I got lucky with hits being spread out just enough.

On the IJN side CV Kaga, CVL Ryujo, and CVE Taiyo are the only ones listed, but I am sure more CVE went down. With hits which should necessitate repairs on several other carriers I think I am facing 3x fleet CV and about 1x CVE. The scouting of that KB shows fewer fighters and bombers than Saratoga and Wasp are carrying, which might be inaccurate scouting.

I think any battle in which you get better than the IJN in a CV duel at this stage is great for you, especially if he has to send more back to repair. It gives a window as well for you to act.

With Hellcats you should be okay.

[witpqs]

1943 May 01

INVADED
Urumchi, Taung Gyi are invested.

CHANGED OWNERSHIP



Overall

• 13 days until Enterprise is projected to leave the yard. In about 4 days her fighters will upgrade to Hellcat's.


West Coast USA, Alaska, Hawaii

• 3 enemy subs in TF near Midway. They might be laying mines there after seeing a number of our fleets head that way during withdrawal after the last series of battles.


Pacific

• LSD Shinshu Maru lives.

000002 Sub attack 1943-05-01 112,107 Truk

Sub attack near Truk at 112,107

Japanese Ships
xAP Naminoue Maru
LSD Shinshu Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
xAP Teia Maru
xAK Okiyu Maru
xAK Tatumiya Maru
DD Shiranui

Allied Ships
SS Paddle

SS Paddle launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Naminoue Maru
Paddle diving deep ....
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiranui fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


000003 ASW attack 1943-05-01 131,113 Roi-Namur

ASW attack near Roi-Namur at 131,113

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Mingo

SS Mingo is sighted by escort
Mingo diving deep ....
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

• No sign of IJN carrier elements.


New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Solomons, Papua New Guinea, New Britain


Philippines


DEI, Dutch new Guinea, Borneo, Malaya


China

• The Chinese Army units are getting supply flow across the border.


India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina

• Lots of activity.

000001 ASW attack 1943-05-01 52,57 Tavoy

ASW attack near Tavoy at 52,57

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamahuku Maru
xAK Sinsei Maru
E W-20

Allied Ships
SS O19

SS O19 is sighted by escort
E W-20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia


Complete combat report attached.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: witpqs

I just checked Tracker; yes, just Lexington and Long Island lost. I expected far more carnage on my side. I think I got lucky with hits being spread out just enough.

On the IJN side CV Kaga, CVL Ryujo, and CVE Taiyo are the only ones listed, but I am sure more CVE went down. With hits which should necessitate repairs on several other carriers I think I am facing 3x fleet CV and about 1x CVE. The scouting of that KB shows fewer fighters and bombers than Saratoga and Wasp are carrying, which might be inaccurate scouting.

I think any battle in which you get better than the IJN in a CV duel at this stage is great for you, especially if he has to send more back to repair. It gives a window as well for you to act.

With Hellcats you should be okay.

Even though I lost one to impatience (not letting minor flooding repair at Pearl before sailing for the West Coast) and Kaga might not have gone down (but I think it did), I still think we did at least even. It seems like Walter's assessment is based on us losing more CVE than we did.

I messed up a little bit and need more fuel at Johnston Island, which will be there in two days. Basically no delay because the remaining Hellcats aboard carriers are coming on line. We will have the two fleet carriers plus 3x CVE. One CVE will have Wildcats, the rest of the carriers Hellcats. Another CVE is a few days from Pearl with Wildcats and will sail to join the fleet after refueling. In a few days the fleet will move forward with the idea of invading Wotje before any or many IJN warships have a chance to repair and get back to sea.