West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, NSTR.
In SOPAC, as Ed Sullivan used to say, it was a “really big shooow”! IJN comes roaring back into the fray, and didn’t stop at Amami Oshima, but continued all the way to a presumed “safe, well protected anchorage” of Kume-jima. Best as I can figure, the IJN was broken down into two main TFs, a BB TF (6BB, 2CA, 2CL, DDs) and a CA TF (7CA, 3CL, DDs) which were preceded by 2-3 DD TFs to clear the way, all at fast speed. The IJN deftly avoided the 50+ subs from doing any damage, none getting past the TFs’ protective ASW screen. The IJN TFs then mauled a still offloading LST/LCI(G) TF at Amami and rolled over the PTs in the area. Continuing on to Kume-jima, they mauled another LST TF bound for Amami and some PTs that survived the mayhem at Amami. Now in daylight, the IJN steamed into Kume-jima where the 3 CVE TFs lay. They were in theory well protected by a CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs), two DD TFs and two PT squadrons. Well….not so much. And of course, the IJN managed to avoid the CAs and DDs and go right into the CVEs! The accompanying cruisers, and DD/DEs with the CVEs gave a good account of themselves, but all three CVE TFs were effectively engaged by both the IJN BB and CA TFs and were mauled, losing 9 CVEs and all but 5 or so (out of about 30 baby flattops) unscathed and ready for action. The US CA TF engaged the IJN CA TF which was pretty much a draw, banging up both TFs. What was missing was any US airpower up to this point. Weather was likely the main factor, but the US CV TFs, one hex to the north sortied perhaps 50% of its strike aircraft all told, including not one of the British torpedo bombers from three carriers. Not good. Still, land based B-25s at low level did yeoman work against cruisers and destroyers on both days scoring numerous bomb hits, and the few CV strikes that did launch did get hits across the IJN, although primarily with bombs. The US DD TFs also did well, getting engaged after the main battles wore down the IJN. The trip back to home port is where most of the damage was inflicted on already damaged ships. The first air delivered torpedoes found the mark on BBs Kongo, Mutsu and Ise while subs picked off a few cruisers. On the positive side….of course…it could have been worse. A big Replenishment TF (w/CVEs and AOs for the Fleet) was completely missed, as was a TF loaded with some engineers holding for Amami to be secured. However, the Iowa led BB TF with the carriers just a hex a way didn’t intervene either, which is probably a good thing.
So who won? Tactically, the IJN again did well in the individual battles usually inflicting much more damage, at least until they were worn down by constant engagements. So perhaps a marginal tactical victory. Operationally, I’d give this a solid Allied victory, although due to the losses, a marginal one. The IJN has likely shot its bolt, and based on the 25 float planes listed as ground loss, a good number of ships were lost to the IJN as well. And while 9 CVEs lost was severe, having some two dozen or so heading into repair is more damaging, at least in the near term. Fortunately, most aren’t severely damaged, only one is in danger of sinking (fires still raging). The loss of LSTs, LCI(G)s and PTs aren’t going to effect operations in late ’44. And based on current operations to secure Amami, and then Tokunoshima, having the IJN launch now is probably the best timing I could ask for. Had this armada launched against the Tokunoshima landings, it would have been bleak. Not having the CVs or assault shipping engaged means little will change in the overall offensive plans. So, what’s next? The CV TFs will head NE two hexes to see if they can take out any additional damaged ships. Tokunoshima Amph TFs managed to offload their troops at Miyako-jima (forgot to set TFs to not unload when I adjusted ship composition), so they’ll reload their troops next turn and then be prepared to sail. Will still need air cover to protect troops landing at Amami, and I’m a tad short CVEs now - 5 just finished refit at Manila, 5 more are holding at Miyako and another 5 or are still combat ready from the action at Kume-jima. I’ll take the two air cover CVEs from the Repl TFs, so I can muster two CVE TFs, which should provide around 300-350 fighters. Will go with what I have and plan to proceed as planned. Brit cruisers that were doing bombardment missions along the China coast will be brought out to provide additional cover, replacing cruiser losses. I still need to sort out what repair yards to send the damaged ships, and prioritize repairs. One thing is that CV Enterprise will lose its yard space at Manila to make room for CVEs and cruisers. Some will also head to Hong Kong whose repair capability is expanding nicely and will overtake Manila shortly in capacity. Hopefully, Singapore can be captured quicker than later with its yards reasonably intact. If not, will need to send some ships to Colombo. Two moderately damaged CVEs will head to Sydney, and that is the furthest I’d like to send any of the damaged ships. Still, all yards in the western Pacific will be heavily taxed for the next few weeks, perhaps months.
In SWPAC, the next ground attack on Amami will go next turn, and should take the base. Hopefully. That will allow engineers to flow in, beginning with that TF missed at Kume-jima, as well as two other TFs full of engineers waiting at Batan Is. Will look to begin operations against Tokunoshima once I get an AF up at Amami - that is the only real change, I was going to start landings there prior to getting the Amami AF up and running, but being short CVEs, I can wait a turn or two. Should be within a week perhaps. On Formosa, the US 31st ID has landed and is moving toward Taihoku, and once in place, the Aussie II Corps will begin the attack to take the base. And with this ever so slight delay in landing at Tokunoshima, Oldendorf’s BB TF can make a bombardment run in support.
In China, NSTR.
In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps troops take Foochow in the first attack, and now are focused on moving on Wenchow and Chuhsien. IV Corps remains battling stubborn defenders in the rubble of Canton; in two attacks, 3500 IJA lost at a cost of 2500 Allied. Costly. Troops will rest a turn before resuming the attack. In Malaya, as XV Corps will make the assault against Singapore next turn! Hopefully weather permits full air support as they will likely need all the help they can get in that initial shock attack. Brit BB TF (2BB, 2CL, DDs) will also provide gunfire support.
