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

[IdahoNYer]

15-16 Oct 44

Highlights – Nagasaki bombing goes in, but impacted by weather; Swatow taken by airborne attack.

Jpn ships sunk:
AG: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 105
Allied: 26

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph and Airborne Inv:
Swatow (China/SE Asia)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Swatow (China/SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: Was surprised to see a large number of day fighters being used as night fighter CAP.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: The Nagasaki raid got off to a bad start with weather grounding all the B-24s which eliminated the airbase strike, and L_S_T put a mass effort into night CAP over the target by putting over 100 day fighters in addition to the dozen or so Nicks. I figured it would be a bad night for the bombers, but the fighters wound up just being targets for the bombers. Perhaps it was the zero moonlight conditions - which definitely adversely effected bombing results. In any case, the two day raid put 139 B-29s over the target in 47 separate raids. Overall bombing was poor, and fires never got above 17k, yet some damage was done, and fires remain burning after the two days. B-29s only lost 4 bombers to fighters, and none to Flak. Most surprising was that the B-29s shot down 50 Franks, 28 Tonys and 4 Nicks! Plus another 20 to ops losses made for a good night. The results brought the Strat bombing VPs from 4536 to 5260. Bombers will again rest at least for next turn.

West Coast/Admin: CV Long Island II finishes up her repairs at Sydney from the single bomb hit she received in the East China Sea Furball. She’ll head to Naga to join the Fleet.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, PV-2 Harpoons out of Pagan hit an AV at Makin with three bombs in port, and will fly low level naval strike to hopefully catch the reported PB in the area. CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) will head from Guam to bombard Makin.

In SOPAC, the Fleet, just SE of Formosa, will move into the East China Sea to support the Kume-jima landings which will go in next turn. Following ASW TFs, Oldendorf’s BB TF (6BB, DDs) and a CL TF (4CL, DDs) will start things off with naval bombardments, and two CVE TFs (21 CVEs) will provide direct air cover. An additional CVE TF (9 CVEs) will depart Aparri after gaining Corsairs next turn to join the effort. The Fleet will stay close, in the hex NW of the landings to provide cover. Fighters from both the CVs and the CVEs should be able to provide mutual fighter cover, and will number over 800 on CAP, further augmented by the fighters flying LRCAP out of Miyako-jima.

In SWPAC, the focus is of course the Kume-jima landings which will go in next turn. The invasion TFs and their support will depart from Miyako-jima, so landings should go in at dawn, following the naval bombardment. While a few bombers will continue to hit Okinawa, most will shift to target Kume-jima. Six fighter squadrons will support from Miyako-jima. On Formosa, the 1st Aus Div reaches Karenko and will begin bombardments to reduce the defenders, supported by a limited amount of airpower.

In China, in the north, the Chinese main body fails to catch up with withdrawing IJA troops SE of Chengtu, and now will have to fight them in the city. In the SE, Hong Kong is bombarded by a CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) which inflict only 200 casualties. The initial ground bombardment shows about 16k defenders. Canton will get its naval bombardment next turn. The Lushi Bde succeeded in parachuting into an undefended Swatow, and secured the base. This opens up another port and airbase, and will begin shipping both supplies and Allied troops in from Indochina. While most of the Indian IV Corps is moving overland towards Canton, some troops will now go by sea via Swatow.

In SE Asia, as mentioned, will look to start moving ground elements via sea into Swatow. These troops will assist in taking Canton, Hong Kong (if not taken sooner), and other Chinese coastal cities from Swatow to Foochow.

[IdahoNYer]

17-18 Oct 44

Highlights – Kume-jima landings go in to an unexpectedly tough defense.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-115)
SC: 1
TK: 1
AG: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-117)

Allied ships sunk:
DMS: 1 (Hovey)

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (DMS sunk)
Allies: 2 Attack, 2 ships hit (SS, AG sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Kume-jima (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Batjan (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Kume-jima defenders twice as large as expected. Intel showed a Mixed Regiment and support defending, actual troops included the 10th Ind Mixed Reg as well as 59th Ind Mixed Reg and 14th Naval Gd. Not sure if the 16 Emilys splashed were bringing in or pulling troops out; I’m hedging they were reinforcing.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: B-29s rest. Will look to bring all the B-29s to Formosa as the threat is less than expected, and the increased range vs. Luzon outweighs the risk. Recon flights looking at Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka and Nagoya as possible future targets. Fires still burning slightly increased the Strat bombing VPs from 5260 to 5346.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, naval forces encounter at least one, possibly two RO class subs enoute to Kume-jima, with one of the offending subs sinking DMS Hovey while being heavily damaged by other escorts. Its also likely that was the same sub that was sunk by US sub Dorado just NE of Kume-jima. Landing support bombardments went fairly well, with the BB TF (6 BBs, DDs) and a CL TF (4CL, DDs) inflicted over 500 casualties. CAP downed 16 Emilys on transport runs, but no other enemy planes ventured close. The Fleet will remain in support, the BB and CL TFs again bombarding next turn as they return to port to replenish. A CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) plus DDs and PTs will remain to cover the anchorage. CV TFs will continue to provide cover, loitering just to the NW, along with additional surface assets.

In SWPAC, the Kume-jima landings have gotten off to a rough start - the worst initial landing results so far. Despite what looked like effective bombardments, both sea and air, the ground assault by the 7th Aus Div and two IN Bdes went in against level 4 forts and as a shock attack due to the level 2 island size as expected, but I didn’t expect almost three times the size of the defenders. The 1-2 final odds garnered a terrible dice-roll and the attack was heavily repulsed with heavy loss - over 5000 Allied loss to 1500 IJA and no forts reduced. One of the two IN Bdes is totally wrecked as primarily disabled squads with an assault value of 5. It will be pulled off next turn - as will an BF engineer unit that obviously won’t be needed for a while by assault transports. The Division and other Bde are at about 50% strength (mainly disabled casualties), are heavily fatigued and disrupted, and all available combat engineers are combat ineffective. Supported by additional naval and air bombardments, the Aussies should be able to hold the beachhead, but any further attacks will need to wait for reinforcements, especially combat engineers to reduce those fortifications. Will look to bring in two US combat engineer units now available in Formosa and the NZ Fiji Bde with armor support recently available after taking Batjan and finishing the clearing the Moluccas - of course all of these units will have little preparation time. The real question at this point is whether or not L_S_T will go “all in” and try to reinforce.

In China, in the north, Chinese troops close on Chengtu and will bombard to test defenses. In the east, the IJA continues to fall back to their MLR, abandoning Siangtan, just west of Changsa. In the south, the main IJA line looks to be anchored near perhaps Amoy as Chinese troops continue to advance against minimal opposition.

In SE Asia, troops and air will begin bombarding Hong Kong and await two additional IN Bdes before making the first assault. In Malaya, XV Corps will attack to secure Malacca.

[IdahoNYer]

19-20 Oct 44

Highlights – US mines laid at Kume-jima are immediately effective - against Allied ships!

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
AMc: 1
TK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 4
Allied: 14

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Malacca (SE Asia)
Chaochow (China)
Kanhsien (China)
Siangtan (China)
Pingsiang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: So far, no response to the Kume-jima landings which is surprising. In China, IJA defense line looks to run roughly north-south in the vicinity of Changsa.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Another turn to rest the B-29s. Flyable B-29s in Luzon transferred to Formosa providing about 160 total available to hit Osaka next turn. Strat bombing VPs remained at 5346.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, mines recently laid at Kume-jima were apparently either poorly marked on the charts, or somebody laid them in the wrong place as they were very effective against US ships! 3 PTs were sunk while 3 CVEs, 2 DDs and a DE damaged. Kume-jima is going from bad to worse! All damaged ships should make port, and they will head to Miyako-jima first, then evaluate where they need to head for repair. Two Amph TFs heading toward Naga with troops pulled off Kume-jima. Fleet remains in support and continues to loiter just to the NW. CL TF (4CL, DDs) will head back to bombard next turn, while the BB TF will hold off returning until the reinforcing convoy with engineers heads in.

In SWPAC, troops begin slowly healing at Kume-jima, and no enemy counterattack developed. Allied air had good results hitting ground targets in support, inflicted over 1500 casualties. Two combat engineer units begin loading at Takao, and ground attacks will resume once these reinforcements land at Kume-jima. NZ troops also begin loading in the Moluccas, but hopefully they will not be needed.

In China, a number of bases fall unopposed as the IJA continues to pull back and Chinese troops advance. Chengtu in the north remains the primary objective there, and the focus of air support. Will begin the ground attack in a few turns as one more Chinese Corps is moving to support. In the SE, coastal operations are being turned over to SE Asia troops, augmented by a few Chinese Corps.

In SE Asia, Hong Kong continues to be softened up by air and a naval bombardment. The ground attack is still a week away. As Chinese forces continue to advance, the rail lines are being cleared allowing the 14th Army to use strategic movement to transit XXXIII Corps troops from Indochina to Kukong, just NE of Canton. From there, they will move SE toward the coast. IV Corps continues to move toward Canton via road. This will effectively commit the majority of the powerful Indian 14th Army into SE China. In Malaya, XV Corps secures Malacca and will continue to attack towards Singapore. The understrength III Corps and a number of units under 14th Army control will remain uncommitted until the situation at Singapore develops further.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

wow!
how many mines you had? that would had been a very successful mining operation, a pitty it went against you

[Bif1961]

A mines is a terrible thing to waste unless you run into your own minefield. I did that when laying a mine to close a single access point while I was landing against another enemy controlled hex. My 7 DDs ran into my own minefield with 3 sinking and the rest damaged.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

wow!
how many mines you had? that would had been a very successful mining operation, a pitty it went against you

Had about 400 mines laid....figured the IJN was going to be barreling down. Didn't quite work out that way!

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

A mines is a terrible thing to waste unless you run into your own minefield. I did that when laying a mine to close a single access point while I was landing against another enemy controlled hex. My 7 DDs ran into my own minefield with 3 sinking and the rest damaged.

Yeah, mines can be effective. I've had pretty good luck with mines so far in the game. This was the first big SNAFU.

[IdahoNYer]

21-22 Oct 44

Highlights – Good effort in Osaka raid despite weather challenges.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 32

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Changteh (China)
Hengyang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: A reasonably good effort against Osaka despite poor weather hindering first day’s strikes. The first night only 26 B-29s flew over target in 4 separate raids achieving exactly one manpower hit. Second night was more effective, with 107 bombers hitting the city in 14 separate raids at 6k, 8k and 12k altitudes. They were met by a fairly robust CAP maxing about 50 fighters, a mix of both day and night fighters, but none having radar. Results were fairly good, with fires maxing out at about 46k. No bombers were lost to CAP, but 10 were lost to heavy Flak and 4 operational write offs. CAP suffered 18 Nick night fighters and 24 Zeros lost. With fires still burning and clear weather forecasted, will send the B-29s back over Osaka, but a number of squadrons will stand down for needed rest. Will hope to put perhaps 100 planes over target. The raid increased Strat bombing VPs from 5346 to 5903. Will need to rest the B-29s for a while after this next raid.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) bombard Marcus Is, but don’t catch any shipping. An AK escorted by an E was intercepted by SS Perch II NW of Marcus, but the sub missed and suffered a heavy depth charge attack which will require yard work. Reinforcing CL and CLAA heading to the Fleet from the West Coast will bombard Marcus enroute to Naga, and hopefully catch a reported PB in the area.

In SOPAC, CL TF (4CL, DDs) is still enroute to Kume, and will bombard next turn, along with the BB TF (6BB, DDs) coming out of Miyako-jima in support of landing the two combat engineer units. Fleet and CVE elements remain in support, and I hope to pull much of these out once troops secure the island, and the supporting engineers to build the airfield are brought in. I’d like to reconfigure the fleet before supporting the next landings. The three damaged CVEs reach Miyako-jima. All offload some fighters for other flattops to utilize and two will sail for Takao to await for Hong Kong to be available for repair. The third, the British Shah, will get some attention at Miyako from an incoming AR before heading back out to sea.

In SWPAC, the attack on Kume-jima will go in next turn as reinforcing combat engineers will transit from their staging area at Miyako-jima. Although LBA has had good effects on the defenders for the past four days, I’m leery of this attack against the level 4 forts, especially since the engineers have had little time to plan. Hoping for good results from the naval bombardment and good weather to allow more airstrikes. Just in case, NZ’s Fiji Bde and armor support continues to load from Moluccas. Although I need a max effort from LBA in support of the Kume-jima ground attack, I also need to start resting some of the bombers, and stand down a few B-24 squadrons.

In China, two more bases fall to advancing Chinese troops, Hengyang was abandoned, but Changteh was contested by a small rearguard. While the IJA defensive line still looks to be forming up centered on Changsa, IJA troops on the move continue to offer good targets for Allied airpower, and IJA casualties have been heavy.

In SE Asia, CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) bombard Canton with little effect. Troops continue to move toward Canton, Hong Kong and now via rail to Kukong as the majority of the 14th Army shifts from Indochina to SE China. Limited naval transport assets are also bringing in troops to Swatow, but more shipping is needed to make this effective, and with the rail line secured, it’s really not necessary. So for now, I’m holding off on shifting much naval transport from SOPAC and SWPAC.

[RangerJoe]

The President Coolidge was sunk by American mines.

[IdahoNYer]

23-24 Oct 44

Highlights – Excellent results in the Osaka raid; Kume-jima taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-46)
SSX: 1
AO: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-116)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 29
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (a rare big AO sunk off southeast coast of Honshu)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kume-jima (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Another good effort against Osaka, although again poor weather prohibited all of the second day’s strikes. The first day’s bomber stream consisted of 9 separate raids with a total of 49 bombers hitting the city at 8k ft altitude. They were met what looked to be the same squadrons on CAP, but this time only putting a max of about 34 fighters up. Bombing results were much better than previous day’s strikes, with fires maxing to just over 50k. No bombers were lost either to CAP or Flak, and only 2 operational write offs. CAP suffered 12 Nick night fighters and 14 Zeros lost. Without a second day’s strike, fires were minimal by the end of the turn. The raid increased Strat bombing VPs from 5903 to 6954. Will rest the B-29s for a few turns before launching at the next target while long range recon continues to probe over the Home Islands.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, CL TF (CL, CLAA, DDs) bombard Marcus Is, but don’t catch any shipping, nor have any worthwhile effects. Will detach a pair of DDs from this TF to try and locate a reported PB south of Marcus - which I assuming left Marcus to avoid the incoming bombardment TF. I have no current plans to take Marcus, this is all harassment raiding.

In SOPAC, CL TF (4CL, DDs) and BB TF (6BB, DDs) bombard Kume-jima with good effect in support of landing the two combat engineer units and the ground attack. The bombardments inflicted over 750 casualties which greatly assisted the ground assault. Fleet and CVE elements continue the support, although the CV TFs will move to the west of Kume-jima as subs are starting to prowl again - one reportedly sunk after it failed to penetrate the screen. CVEs, will focus on Kume as supporting engineers will begin to offload next turn. 5 CVEs will depart and head to refit, but this will still leave three CVE TFs with over 25 CVEs to provide fighter and ASW cover. Assault transport TFs will depart Naga next turn for Mindanao to head to ports to load troops for the next operation - Amami Oshima.

In SWPAC, the attack on Kume-jima goes in and takes the base on the first attack. Another expensive attack with just over 1000 IJA lost in exchange for over 650 Allied troops. Not sure if the two combat engineer units really assisted as the forts remained at 4, and the engineers were wrecked. They’ll be pulled out to Batan Is until they withdraw in a few weeks. A second attack goes better, inflicting 500 casualties to less than 100. Although combat troops badly need a rest, will attempt to finish off the remaining defenders next turn so combat troops can be pulled off as rapidly as possible to alleviate current overstacking. As mentioned, engineers will begin to flow in which will not help the over stacking, but want to get the AF constructed ASAP. Combat troops earmarked for Amami-Oshima are pretty much fully prepped and will consist of two US divisions and two NZ Bdes as the primary effort, supported by the usual armor and artillery. Like Kume-jima though, no separate combat engineers are available which could make this another interesting adventure.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, CA TF (CA, 2CL, DDs) bombards Hong Kong with reasonable effect inflicting over 150 casualties. The attack on Hong Kong is still at least a week away as I’m waiting for combat engineers which are still enroute. Canton is likely a bit further away. In the meantime, XXXIII Corps units are making good progress to Kukong via strategic movement and lead elements should start arriving there next turn.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

A mines is a terrible thing to waste unless you run into your own minefield. I did that when laying a mine to close a single access point while I was landing against another enemy controlled hex. My 7 DDs ran into my own minefield with 3 sinking and the rest damaged.

Yeah, mines can be effective. I've had pretty good luck with mines so far in the game. This was the first big SNAFU.

When you lay a minefield, it takes a turn before your own ships become aware of their presence - I presume the updating at the end of the turn in which the mines were laid. Never let your own ships enter the hex you are mining until the following turn.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

When you lay a minefield, it takes a turn before your own ships become aware of their presence - I presume the updating at the end of the turn in which the mines were laid. Never let your own ships enter the hex you are mining until the following turn.

Learning that the hard way!

Does that apply to both friendly and enemy bases when you lay mines? I don't recall having issues when the base is friendly....

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

When you lay a minefield, it takes a turn before your own ships become aware of their presence - I presume the updating at the end of the turn in which the mines were laid. Never let your own ships enter the hex you are mining until the following turn.

Learning that the hard way!

Does that apply to both friendly and enemy bases when you lay mines? I don't recall having issues when the base is friendly....

Yes, same at friendly bases. I learned that the hard way too![8|][:-]

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Are you seeing ship movement? at this point I imagine there shouldn't be a lot of traffic, so maybe you should focus on ports that you are not close by, or even think about stopping mining operations altogether

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Are you seeing ship movement? at this point I imagine there shouldn't be a lot of traffic, so maybe you should focus on ports that you are not close by, or even think about stopping mining operations altogether

Little traffic...but I like using mines to "reinforce" an amphibious landing against a counter strike Just fouled up the timing.

[IdahoNYer]

25-26 Oct 44

Highlights – Fighting ends on Kume-jima; some IJN activity south of Marcus interrupting convoy routing.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 7
Allied: 20

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kluong (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: Two IJN TFs are sighted at sea well south of Marcus and so far have evaded any naval strikes. These TFs appear to consist of only one ship each - perhaps PBs on anti-shipping mission? Or perhaps trying to get troops into or out of Truk?

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers rest. Remaining fires at Osaka increased Strat bombing VPs from 6954 to 7102. Two additional long range recon squadrons arrive in Luzon/Formosa, so recon finally has enough birds to provide good coverage over the Home Islands.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, what I thought was a PB clearing Marcus harbor to avoid a bombardment may have more sinister intentions. Two IJN TFs of apparently one ship each, could be on a raiding mission to interdict convoys between Truk and Marcus - the primary route of troop convoys heading out of the PI back to Pearl. Will move a few surface TFs (DD and CA TFs) to try and catch these raiders. One troop convoy is potentially at risk to one of these TFs, and two DEs are broken off escort to provide surface cover. Hopefully these are just a token raid - a cruiser loose as a raider would be very troublesome.

In SOPAC, NSTR.

In SWPAC, fighting ends at Kume-jima with one final attack that eliminates the last 700 defenders withought any Allied loss. The 17th Aussie Bde will begin to be taken off next turn as engineers have already started to flow in. Additional transports enroute next turn to offload more engineers as well as a USMC Def Bn and those transports will take off the 17th Aus Div and supporting artillery. These Aussie troops will need some rest and refit, but have already begun to plan for landing at Ishigaki, just west of Miyako-jima - which will eventually be used as a B-24 AF to range Kyushu. As engineers work the airfield, PBYs begin to operate out of Kume-jima in both search and ASW missions. Meanwhile, assault transports should arrive at embarkation locations for all troops earmarked for Amami-Oshima next turn and will begin loading shortly thereafter. Bombers will begin mining operations on all islands between Okinawa and Kyushu in preparation for the Amami landings - to hinder any IJN response. Most bombers shift to hit IJA positions at Karenko in Formosa in preparation for the first ground assault.

In China, troops are almost set to begin the ground attack on Chengtu, and bombers continue to pound the defenders there. The IJA defensive line does look to be taking shape near Changsa, but is still undefined to south along the coast.

In SE Asia, CA TFs bombard both Canton and Hong Kong with reasonable effects as ground troops still move in. Air recon shows minimal defenses along the coastal bases east of Swatow, and lead elements of the XXXIII Corps begin debarking from trains at Kukong will begin moving along roads SE toward the coast. Chinese troops taking the rail junction of Henyang just SW of Changsa has greatly facilitated the shifting of 14th Army elements from Hanoi to coastal China - probably cut at least two weeks to a month of transit time. Also, Henyang (along with the adjacent bases of Shaoyang and Siangtan) will be developed into bomber bases for SE Asia B-24s. They can be developed to level 9 and B-24s from there can range eastern China bases of Nanking and Shanghai. And with the rail link established, engineers finishing up work in Indochina are now clear to move in to begin construction. While we have a house rule prohibiting strategic bombing into or out of China until ’45, ports, airfields and ground troops are fair game until then. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, XV Corps continues towards Singapore by taking Kluong.

[IdahoNYer]

27-28 Oct 44

Highlights – IJN Rear Area Carrier Raid NW of Johnston Is!

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-114)
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 4
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit (CV Franklin missed, offending sub sunk)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Batu Pahat (SE Asia)
Johore Bahru (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: Well, L_S_T has snuck a CV TF deep into the Allied shipping lanes for a raid! That AO sunk by a sub off Honshu a few turns ago suddenly makes sense now - repl TF for this raid as it likely slipped into the Allied rear from the north. The question now is….is this a one way mission or is the CV TF (how many CVs??) will try and get back to the Home Islands.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers continue to rest. Strat bombing VPs remain at 7102. Next turn, Formosa based B-29s will launch against Kobe manpower at medium altitude (8k) while the single group at Gaum will hit engine works at Hamamatsu at low level (3k). Hopefully weather cooperates.

West Coast/Admin: the first P-51D and B-29-25 equipped squadrons arrive in the USA, a bit ahead of production starting next month.

In NOPAC, will vector some additional subs just south of the Kuriles in case the IJN CV raiders return this route. Still, it’s a big ocean and chances to intercept are low.

In CENPAC, well, while I was focused on a pair of wandering PBs, a CV TF managed to sneak into the convoy lanes west of Pearl! My bet they sailed from the Aleutian/Midway gap and then due south between Midway and Pearl. That’s only a guess, but likely for minimum chance of a PBY picking up the TF. The raiding force launched two Judy strikes against a loaded fast resupply convoy heading west that was about 400 miles SW of Midway - the CV TF was about 480 miles south of Midway! The strike sunk two loaded xAKs (supplies and an FA Bn), and damaged an APA, xAP, AK and AKV for a loss of 3 Judys to AA. The effected convoy will scatter, using full speed in all compass directions, as will another sighted convoy just the SW of the reported IJN CV position. A number of other convoys that weren’t sighted, but that are within striking range will move at full speed out of the area to the nearest port with fighter cover such as Midway, Pearl, Makin, Wake and Johnston Is. Additional fighters, Navy patrol bombers and patrol search planes are brought in to track and perhaps strike at the IJN TF - which remains a mystery as to composition. I figure 2 CVs plus escorts. The US CV TFs will depart station off Kume-jima and head east, but only if the IJN loiter significantly will they have a chance to intercept. Subs are also vectored to try and intercept, but until L_S_T shows his hand as to a potential route, chances are long to make contact with a sub. Will likely loose more merchants, even if the CV TF begins to head home. Hopefully the convoy scattering will minimize losses and L_S_T won’t make this a “death ride” and continue to hunt convoys as some big convoys (TK and troop), although re-routing, could potentially still be found and effected if this raid is prolonged.

In SOPAC, I also have to consider this rear area convoy raid as another sinister purpose - draw the US Fleet away from the Ryukus so the main IJN comes to play havoc against the Kume-jima landing. Well, the US CV TFs will depart, but the CVE TFs and supporting TFs will remain as the Aussie combat troops still need to be pulled off. While the CVE TFs don’t have the offensive striking power of the CVs, they still pack a very viable 600+ plane CAP, so I’m not that concerned that I’m leaving the Kume-jima anchorage bare. Assuming no IJN force comings roaring in, SOPAC naval assets will begin softening up Amami Oshima in the coming days, with Oldendorf’s BBs starting the show in a few days. The CVs will obviously need to return to support the Amami landings, but those are still at least a week or so away.

In SWPAC, Kume-jima AF becomes operational for fighters with engineers getting the AF to level 2 already, and Corsairs and P-47s arrive to provide CAP as well as begin LRCAP over Amami Oshima. Most of the remaining Aussie combat troops will begin loading transports next turn for the return trip to the PI while engineers continue to expand the AF and dig in. Troops earmarked for Amami Oshima landings are ready to go, just waiting the final assault transports to gather at embarkation ports. With the IJN CV raid still developing, I’m not rushing this right now. Bombers will begin to hit troops and port/AF targets at Amami next turn, as well as heavily focusing on Karenko on Formosa. The Karenko ground attack should go in shortly, just waiting for the Aussie II Corps HQ to move in to provide support.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, in SE China, Kukong is packed with Allied troops transiting the base, IV Corps elements getting off trains to begin ground movement to Canton, while XXXIII Corps troops starting to head SE toward Amoy. The port of Swatow is also busy with both engineers and combat troops disembarking - not to mention plenty of supply. In Malaysia, the XV Corps take Johore Bahru, surprisingly undefended. Only Mersing remains to be taken before launching the attack on Singapore! But before that can happen, will need to move some air assets back from China to support. So I don’t see Singers being attacked until at least Chengtu and Hong Kong are taken. As with other heavily fortified targets, I’d like to prep Singapore for an extended period of time.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

hard to say if it will be a suicide run; at the very least we can say that survival is not a priority at all,
is there any Japanese port nearby? any bypassed base?

it would be hard to return to the HI, that is for sure, and after the initial surprise you should redirect your TFs so that for now on it will be empty sea until he finds the USN

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

hard to say if it will be a suicide run; at the very least we can say that survival is not a priority at all,
is there any Japanese port nearby? any bypassed base?

it would be hard to return to the HI, that is for sure, and after the initial surprise you should redirect your TFs so that for now on it will be empty sea until he finds the USN

Nearest bypassed base is Truk….they aren't going to get to Truk. The longer they stay in this general area and don't head north, the more likely its a one way trip.

[IdahoNYer]

29-30 Oct 44

Highlights – US CVs find another possible raiding force near the Bonins; CENPAC shipping avoids additional losses.

Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Chuyo)
CL: 1 (Yahagi)
DD: 1 (Yukaze)
E: 1
ML: 11
AV: 1
AK: 1
AG: 1
AMc: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-115)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 46
Allied: 52

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Air search identifies the CV raiding force as 4 ships - types still unknown. CVE Chuyu sunk by CVs west of Iwo Jima remains a mystery - no planes reported lost, so what was she doing there? Another raider perhaps? Either way, the questions still remains where the CV raiding force will head.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: good raid on Kobe, and dismal results against Hamamatsu. Good weather allowed bombing over two nights against Kobe, and the bomber stream consisted of 17 raids with a total of 163 B-29s hitting the target. CAP was robust with 30 Zeros and 8 radar equipped Irvings. Bombing results were fair, and I expected better with fires getting to 174k. Losses were 4 B-29s against 31 Zeros and 3 Irvings. The Hamamatsu raid was mauled by a small but effective CAP of 6 Nicks which shot down 11 bombers of the 26 that made the target. The Ha-45 factory suffered only 6 hits of damage. The extended range is making a significant difference in survivability! Still, while the one Bomb Group at Guam isn’t inflicting much damage, it is being consistently met by a solid CAP and Flak - which would otherwise be used against the Formosa groups. So, they will keep flying. Following those raids, the Strat bombing VPs increased from 7102 to 7488. Next turn, Formosa based B-29s will launch against Okayama hitting manpower as an experiment in seeing the results of a manpower attack against a smaller city (total of 4 manpower). Recon says defenses are week, so this will be a low level (4k) raid. Guam based bombers will rest.