"Bakayaro!" DBB-C vs LST(A) Jpn AAR: Feb 43 Summary

[IdahoNYer]

14-15 Jan 43

Highlights – IJA holds off attack at Lashio.

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (small)

Allied ships sunk:
AGP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CA dam)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (TK sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Ki-44-IIc Tojo R&D accelerated to 12/43. The first of five Ki-84a Frank R&D factories reaches 30 and will start researching.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB arrives at Tabiteuea.

South Pacific: I-168 torpedoes CA Northampton enroute to the usual Milne Bay bombardments. A handful of Tojos out of Gasmata manage a LRCAP intercept over Milne Bay, knocking down 5 Wirraways and a pair of Ansons at a cost of two fighters, but did nothing against the US aircraft – B17s and B25s. Milne Bay is ripe for an Allied landing, the defenders are heavily fatigued from the constant aerial and naval bombardments. Efate is also getting attention from the US Navy cruisers; defenders there are also ripe for the taking.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Allies finally launched the long awaited ground attack at Lashio, and it was held. Forts also remained at level 3. IJA lost about 500 men to over 1700 Allied.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – IJA holds off attack NW of Shwebo; busy day over Lae.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Northampton – doubtful)
SC: 1
ML: 1
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 79
Allied: 77

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (SC sunk, xAP dam)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Nakajima Ha-44 engine R&D accelerated to 1/43; one of the two R&D factories switched to research the Ha-43, the remaining factory production increased to 40 to sustain the Jill production starting next month. The second of five Ki-84a Frank R&D factories reaches 30 and will start researching.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB arrives at Tabiteuea.

South Pacific: Busy over Lae as P-38s return, but after P-40s get mauled by the CAP. After two days, Japan lose 36 A6M5 Zero, 11 Tojo IIb, 6 Nicks and 5 Tonys in exchange for 40 P-40E, 7 P-38G and 4 P-38F. Not terrible, but most Japanese losses were of course due to two squadrons of P-38s. At least the P-39s weren’t flying! Depleted air groups in Lae swapped out to include the new Oscar IIIa.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Allies attack the IJA position NW of Shwebo and are held just as another IJA Bde arrives after the fight concludes – Allies suffer 600 casualties to about 300 IJA. So far, the defensive line is holding both shoulders. In the air, Tojos attempt to support the ground forces with a LRCAP, but are met by robust sweeps which knock down 13 Tojos at a cost of 10 Hurri and 5 P-40Ks. The Tojos will attempt to provide LRCAP over Lashio next turn to interdict runs that so far are without fighter support.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allied Navies return to NW Australia; Wyndham lost

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2

Allied ships sunk: None

Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Ramillies)

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 12

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

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Wyndham (SW Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Was surprised to see the return of Allied Naval TFs to NW Australia.

Japan/Industry: J2M3 Jack R&D accelerated to 2/44, Ki-49-IIb Helen to 6/43 and Ki-61-Id Tony to 1/44. The two Ki-61-ID Tony R&D factories are shifted to begin research on the Ki-61-II KAI Tony.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Quiet in the air over Lae, just the usual Milne Bay strikes. Efate gets another Naval bombardment, but Milne Bay doesn’t.

DEI/SW: Two Allied TFs conduct successful bombardments along the NW Aus coast. Brit TF (BB, 4CA, 2CL, DDs) bombards Broome with just enough effect to shut down the AF. US TF (CA, 5CL, DDs) bombards Darwin with good effect, shutting down the AF and destroying 8 a/c on the ground. Both Darwin and Broome had level 4 forts which didn’t do much. That Darwin naval bombardment also coincided with a fast transport resupply run of two PBs which of course were obliterated – but at least after offloading. On the ground, Allied tanks also took an undefended Wyndham on the coast. While I want to hold out a bit longer with troops on the ground, I don’t want to lose the 2 Bdes of the 56th ID plus supporting troops conducting the delaying action. But those troops aren’t near enough to hold off the Allied troops moving to the final two bastions, Broome and Darwin. To that, transport a/c have started to fly out excess support troops from Darwin. Fleet assets will be needed for major withdrawal, and the CV Junyo/Hiyo TF is still at Soerabaja for that purpose.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Was surprisingly fairly quiet with just a few Allied air attacks on ground units NW of Shwebo which achieved little.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – F4U-1 Corsair encountered for the first time!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (O-23)

Air loss:
Jpn: 08
Allied: 09

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Allied carriers – unsure if CVEs or CVs, spotted south of Milne Bay.

Japan/Industry: N1k1-J George R&D accelerated to 6/43, Ki-43-IV Oscar to 11/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: About 10 Corsairs swept over Milne Bay downing a pair of Nick Bs on LRCAP. Surprisingly, that was the only air activity – figure L_S_T is massing his planes for what looks like a landing at Milne Bay. Impossible to keep supplies going into Milne Bay, and the Bde from 18th ID and Nav Gd unit are heavily fatigued and have low supply so are in bad shape. Will start to pull out what I can by air. Will not sortie the KB if there is a landing.

DEI/SW: Fairly quiet as Allies advance on the ground toward Broome and Darwin.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: IJA holds another attack to the NW of Shwebo, but each side lost about 650 men. Victories such as this won’t hold the position for a long time. No reserves avail to push in to assist, so its only a matter of time.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allies land at Milne Bay and Bettys do well off Broome.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Trigger)

Air loss:
Jpn: 57
Allied: 79

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (CA Hawkins dam)
Allies: 7 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph:
Milne Bay (South Pacific)

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Still not clear if Milne Bay landings have US CV TFs in support – definitely CVEs, but no sightings of CVs.

Japan/Industry: Ha-45 engine pool reaches the 500+ point; N1K1-J George and Ki-84a Frank R&D begin receiving the engine bonus!

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Kaga swaps out her Vals for Judys, but the Judys transitioned at Nauru while Kaga remained at Tabiteuea, so it will take at least a week for the majority of Judys to be fitted out.

South Pacific: Lots of air activity in support of the Milne Bay landings. Allies sweep Gasmata clean of Tojos on CAP, downing 14 at a cost of a single P-38. B-17s followed the sweeps, destroying a pair of Kates and Vals while moderately damaging the field. Allied airstrikes also wondered over Lae without any supporting sweeps or escorts, so the CAP had a field day; 33 Wirraways, 14 DB-7Bs, and 16 Havocs lost to a pair of Oscar IIIs. The target of those strikes was a convoy offloading a Bde of the 4th ID, bound for Salamaua. The Japanese response to the Milne Bay landings were a couple of ineffectual submarine attacks, resulting in crippling the RO-61. In the air, Japan limited itself to equally ineffectual night air attacks. Expect Milne Bay to fall easily as supplies are in short supply – hopefully Emilys can pull off more troops. Lastly, was surprised that a US CA TF (5 CA, DDs) was able to bombard Luganville without being detected, let alone attacked by LBA. Damage was moderate, more than expected for a level 4 fort, and 10 A6M5 Zeros were destroyed on the ground.

DEI/SW: While the US CA TF was able to sneak into Luganville, a Brit TF (BB, 4CA, 3CL, DDs) was detected and struck by Bettys out of Koepang with good effect. BB Resolution was hit twice, and CA Hawkins hit once by a Betty and then torpedoed by RO-62. Neither is reported sunk of course, but they have to be heavily damaged. The question is whether or not the TF continues on to bombard Broome, or turns around for port. Perhaps the Bettys can get another strike in?

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: INSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

24-25 Jan 43

Highlights – Allies take Milne Bay and Fenton.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 21
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit (sub laid mine did sink a small PB off Bengkalis)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Milne Bay (South Pacific)
Fenton (SW Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Looks as if the Allied Naval armada has departed Milne Bay.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: It only took one attack for the 8th Aus Div and supporting troops to take Milne Bay from the Bde of the 18th ID and an SNLF – low on supply with little fight left in them. 1200 Japanese troops lost to about 300 Alllied, and the remainder of the garrison will be eliminated in the next few days. The Allied naval forces didn’t stick around, and will likely return only when the AF is completed in a few days. With no targets, the Japanese air didn’t commit. Will fly a small sweep to see if there is any LRCAP, but any prospect of catching naval units will have to wait.

DEI/SW: Fenton, the last base before Darwin is taken in the second assault, with the Japanese losing about 2000 troops to the Allies losing only about 200. The Bde from the 56th ID and other remnants are withdrawing to Darwin. Darwin is at fort level 4 which may prove a tougher nut to crack, but its ground defenses are centered on a garrison unit.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Allies try another attack NW of Shwebo and this time are heartily repulsed - only 125 IJA casualties for over 1200 Allied. Hopefully this will curtail attacks for a while.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – CV Taiho arrives at Kobe!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (S-33)
xAP: 1
xAPc: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 11
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAPc sunk)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: CV Taiho joins the IJN at Kobe. She’ll take about a week “fitting out” at Yokohama, resizing her air group to 42F/24D/16T. Arriving with Taiho are the first prototypes of the B6N1 Jill that will go into production in Feb.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Fairly quiet as the Allies focus on reducing the remaining IJA troops at Milne Bay while the Japanese focus on reinforcing Lae/Salamaua area.

DEI/SW: With Fenton lost, the remaining IJA defenders withdraw to Darwin. Unless reinforced, Darwin will fall, so the IJN will have to come out to support operations – pulling out the battered Bde of the 56th ID, and perhaps reinforcing the defenses. Still debating that. In any case, islands in the Banda Seas still need reinforcing as those are the next likely Allied objectives if L_S_T is going to pursue a drive toward the DEI from Australia. And that of course will require fleet units.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: INSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Tough day for IJN subs.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hokaze)
SS: 2 (I-23, RO-61)
SSX: 1

Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Resolution – doubtful)
CA: 1 (Hawkins – perhaps)
AM: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 09

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAPc sunk)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (I-23 sunk) Sub laid mines sink DD Hokaze off Balikpapan despite DMS in same convoy! I-23 was previously crippled by ASW air, and S-18 hit her as she was entering the Bismark Sea. Lastly, RO-61 foundered after being crippled by DCs off Milne Bay.

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: A6M5b and A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 5/43 and B6N2 Jill to 9/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Milne Bay AF already at level 1, and an Allied TF (w/CVEs) has been spotted there so Air HQ at Rabaul will try and throw a “Kitchen sink” raid – about 70 Netties escorted by over 100 fighters with supporting sweeps/LRCAP from Gasmata and Lae. If the sweeps come in first, there is a chance for success…either way, casualties will be heavy.

DEI/SW: A single SXX was launched into Exmouth harbor, and immediately found a minefield and was lost. Not unexpected.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: INSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Milne Bay air attacks are bloodied

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 2 (Adelaide, Capetown -old?)
DD: 1 (Walke)
SS: 1 (Silversides)
AVD: 1
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 131
Allied: 60

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

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IV Oscar R&D accelerated to 10/44 and Ki-44-IIc Tojo to 11/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Well, the Milne Bay “Kitchen sink” raids were a disaster. No sweeps flew, and while the Allied CAP (63 F4F, 23 P-40E, 8 P-39) wasn’t insurmountable, it was more than enough without sweepers which were grounded by weather at Gasmata. First raid consisted of 45 A6M5 Zeros and 42 Oscar IIb escorting 20 Bettys, 4 of which managed attacks. The second day’s raid had only 23 A6M3a Zeros escorting 28 Nells – amazingly 10 made attacks. No torpedoes hit anything, and the Netties were mauled – 18 Bettys and 21 Nells lost. Fighter losses were about even, but without sweepers, the raid was doomed.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Attempted LRCAP “trap” over troops NW of Shwebo didn’t do well, with about an even exchange in fighters, and nothing left in the skies to go after any bombers.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Jan 43 Summary

Allied offensive in New Guinea for December culminated this time with taking Milne Bay. Not sure if L_S_T will continue with any New Guinea landings as it looks like he’s pushing overland toward Lae/Salamaua. Can expect a landing on Efate, and continued pressure on Luganville as his main naval effort, supported by LBA. Defenses in NW Australia continued to contract, with the front line now at Darwin and Broome. Still debating the balance of reinforcing to delay or a full evacuation. Not good. In any case, trying to limit the use of the Fleet to conserve fuel, and am awaiting CV Taiho joining the fleet at Tabit in early Feb before any major commitment unless Luganville is attacked, while the CV Junyo/Hiyo TF responds to any needs off NW Aus. Some good news from Burma, as the Allied push has been held for the time being along the Shwebo-Lashio line. The sub war continues to be a challenge for both sides, as Allied ASW efforts have gotten much more leathal while Japanese aerial ASW continues to be the biggest threat to Allied subs. Feb will see a major effort of refitting IJN patrol craft, hopefully greatly assisting the naval ASW effort by month’s end. Production wise, the Oscar IIIa is replacing the IIb as the primary Army fighter, and the Jill has entered production at 45 a month to slowly replace the Jill. The Judy has replaced all Vals on carriers in January (and still hasn’t seen combat), and now production will focus on building up stocks. Industry continues to produce enough supply and HI with stocks increasing, although both oil and fuel levels continues to drop very slightly overall. The challenge continues to be bringing the fuel and oil to Japan with available shipping. For the month, naval losses were fairly light, except for IJN subs starting to take it on the chin: Japan lost 1DD, 4SS and an SSX while the Allies lost 1BB (doubtful), 4 CA (also doubtful), 2CL and 10SS. In the air, surprised to see another reasonable month for the Empire: 516 for Jpn to 512 Allied planes lost – take away the “Murder over Milne”, and it would have been a very good monthly ratio. Navy pilot pools are still managing to keep a 500 pilot surplus at month’s end, and Army pools are still well over 2500 and climbing.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allies land at Efate.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
TK: 1 (small)
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Saury)
AO: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 14

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 3 ships hit (xAK, TK sunk; xAK dam). New IJN escorts coming in service with upgraded D/C capability already having an impact with confirmed sub kill off Soerabaja. Of course, it’s a “target rich environment” with more and more Allied subs prowling the convoy routes. Additional escorts to enter service in next two months as the Wakatake DDs currently in the yards converting to very capable escorts, and CMs, such as the Hatsutaka class, will largely be converted to escorts as well.

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph:
Efate (South Pacific)

Bases lost:
Goodenough Island (South Pacific – flipped)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Was expecting the move on Efate, so that wasn’t surprising. Not clear if US CVs are present, or just CVEs, but I fully expect the Allied fleets to flee to safer waters next turn.

Japan/Industry: D4Y2 Judy R&D accelerated to 1/44; the three R&D factories now working on the D4Y3 Judy. CV Taiho (w/CA Atago, 2CL, 7DD) will depart Yokohama next turn to join the Fleet.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: As expected for a while, the Allies moved on to Efate. Unclear what exactly was landed, or what supported the landings. What is known is CVEs are present, and their Wilcats claimed 7 Emilys attempting to bring in supplies. With supplies low, I don’t expect the garrison to last long, and the KB will not sortie. On the New Guinea front, the Gasmata based Zeros finally managed to fly sweeps over Milne Bay, tangling with ground based CAP, downing two P-39s and two P-40s for a cost of two Zeros. Waste of a mission. The challenge in Theater is bringing enough supply for the growing number of ground troops – both in New Guinea and Espirutu Santo areas.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Efate is lost; destructive naval bombardment at Luganville.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Sturgeon)
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 09

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Efate (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Mitsubishi Ha-43 engine R&D accelerated to 12/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific Efate lasted about as long as I thought it would, fell on the second attack. Worse, the US CA TF (5CA, DDs) bombarded Luganville with good effect, destroying 7 Zeros and a Kate on the ground. Field is still useable, but also still vulnerable to more bombardments. The Fleet WILL need to put to sea to bring in supplies which are also dwindling…trying to wait for Taiho – and its DD escorts. Of course, by that time the Allies will have the AF at Efate up and running. One bright spot was the first major Allied attack against Salamaua was held handily – although each side was reported to have about 600 casualties, the odds were only 1-11. I don’t expect another Allied assault until some “softening up” takes place.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: IJA troops held another deliberate attack NW of Shwebo, about 600 Allied casualties to only 300 IJA, but the Allies also lost a number of tanks. So far, the line is still holding. A Bde from the 2nd Tank Div has moved out to conduct a spoiling attack in the clear hex just SW of this action, and can expect the usual Allied air attacks – will attempt LRCAP to assist, but that has been problematic in the past.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – P-38s do well over Salamaua while Bettys shot down in droves over Fergusson Is.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-175)

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (KXII)
AMC: 1 (sm)
TK: 1 (sm)

Allied ships un-sunk:
CA: 1 (Indianapolis)

Air loss:
Jpn: 146
Allied: 76

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (AMC, TK sunk) I-175 sunk while trying to penetrate BB TF's escorts off Milne Bay.
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph:
Fergusson Is (South Pacific)

Bases lost:
Ambrym (Flipped- South Pacific)
Nookanbah (SW Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: N1K1-J George R&D accelerated to 5/43 and the K-43-IV Oscar to 9/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific Fighting ends on Efate as the last of the 88th Naval Guard unit is eliminated, less the fragment that was evacuated prior to invasion. At sea, another costly bombardment of Luganville – although only 2 Zeros destroyed on the ground, the AF is currently shut down. It was busy over Salamaua, with Japanese LRCAP over Salamaua tangling with Allied sweeps, and the P-38 wreaking havoc. The next day the Allies landed on weakly defended Fergusson Island, held by a SNLF Co. Bettys out of Rabaul were looking to prey on a naval bombardment run to either Gasmata, Salamaua or Lae, not a protected amphibious landing, so about 30 Bettys were lost to supporting Allied fighters. On the positive side, a reinforcement convoy into Lae was not attacked.

DEI/SW: The Allied noose gets tighter in NW Aus, with the undefended outpost of Nookanbah being taken. Will sortie the “Mini-KB” and BB TF out of Soerabaja to bombard Allied positions at Darwin and cover a resupply run next turn. The TFs may also look to interdict any Allied attempts to bombard remaining IJA holdouts at Darwin or Broome.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: The 2nd Tank Div spoiling attack in the clear hex just west of Shwebo was repulsed by a Chinese Corps, and was the target of numerous airstrikes which accomplished little due to a robust LRCAP which did fairly well all things considered. But the LRCAP just wears down Sentais and can’t be sustained.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – CA Ashigara takes two torps west of Koepang.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Grunion)
xAK: 3

Allied ships un-sunk:
CA: 1 (Northampton)
SS: 1 (O24)

Air loss:
Jpn: 08
Allied: 20

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 4Attacks, 1 ship hit (CA Ashigara dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Fergusson Is (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Two of three big Tanker Convoys from the DEI arrived in Japan, with the third expected in next turn. The three carried a total of about 250k Fuel, 215k Oil and 225k Resources. With total Fuel and Oil reserves well under a million, this was a big boost!

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific Surprisingly quiet on the New Hebrides front. On the New Guinea side, Allied air was limited to ground support against Fergusson Island which easily fell in the first assault. Re-supply convoy at Lae docks and begins offloading.

DEI/SW: Well the “Mini-KB” and BB TF departed Soerabaja and cleared the Lombok Strait without encountering any subs, but luck ran out mid ocean about 500 west of Koepang when SS Sculpin put two torps into CA Ashigara (12/70(57)/0). She’ll attempt to make Denpasar first, and then eventually Soerabaja. Even if she makes port, she’ll be out of the war for months. The mission continues however, both TFs heading toward Darwin as a resupply TF will depart Soerabaja next turn.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – CA Ashigara makes port and Luganville heavily bombarded.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 2

Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Royal Sovereign – who knows at this point?)

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Blackfish)

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4Attacks, 2 ship hit (2 xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph:
Kiriwina Is (South Pacific)
Normanby Is (South Pacific)

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: J2M3 Jack R&D accelerated to 1/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific Heavy bombardment of Luganville by a large Allied TF (2BB, 3CA, CL, 4CLAA, DDs) wrecks Luganville for the foreseeable future – or at least the KB can move south to “deter” any Allied sorties for a while. Supply laden transports loaded at Truk will depart to Tulagi and then Luganville next turn; KB will sortie to support. Goal is to put over 15k supplies at Luganville and restore the base to operable status – and avoid subs. I doubt the Allies will sortie in response. On the New Guinea side, Allies continue to land at lightly defended islands off the New Guinea coast. Kiriwina and Normanby invaded, each defended by an SNLF Co – “speed bumps”. Woodlark, Tagula and Rossel all defended by Bn size Naval Guards or SNLF, but at least the latter two have lost their usefulness and some troops will be pulled off.

DEI/SW: CA Ashigara makes port at Denpasar and will repair what she can for a week or so before heading to Soerabaja for a repair assessment. She’ll likely have to get to Singers for the majority of the work. Mini-KB and BB TF arrive NW of Darwin, apparently undetected, and the BBs will head in for a bombardment.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Very bad day at Lae.

Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 1
PB: 4
AV: 1
AMC: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Plunger, Hake)
AMc: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 2 (Trigger, S-28)

Air loss:
Jpn: 166
Allied: 64

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

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Broome (SW Pacific)
Kiriwina Is (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Ki-84a Frank R&D accelerated to 12/43; A6M5b and A6M5c Zero to 4/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific Luganville hit by a number of Allied airstrikes, but the 10 Zeros on CAP do reasonably well knocking down a dozen F4Fs and 3 SBD/TBFs each for a cost of 3 fighters. Not so fortunate on the New Guinea front. Allied CA TFs come into Lae anchorage while the IJN Fast Transport TF was still offloading, and massacred the ships – they “should” have weighed anchor by the time the Allies approached, but of course, that didn’t happen. Worse, the Allied cruisers had a “nuclear bombardment” against the fort level 5 base’s AF, destroying over 50 a/c on the ground and heavily damaging the AF. Allied air forces came next, and although the remaining fighters went up on CAP, Allied numbers, and of course the P-38s cleared the skies by the time the B-17s came over. By the end of the two days, the Japanese airpower was crushed, and the AF closed.

DEI/SW: BBs Fuso and Yamashiro bombard Allied positions at Darwin with reasonable effect, hopefully delaying any attacks for a while. On the Broome side, the Allied attack surprisingly carried the day, taking the level 4 base in the second attack. Really figured an IJA Bde size force would have done better!!! Also taken were two Chutis of Zeros on the ground!

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allies land at an undefended speck NE of Luganville.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
TK: 2 (v. small)

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 70
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 3 ship hit (PB, 2TK sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph:
Vanua Lava (South Pacfic)

Bases lost:
Normanby Is (South Pacific)
Epi (South Pacific – flipped)
Derby (Southwest Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Ki-44c Tojo R&D accelerated to 10/43; Ki-43-IV Oscar to 8/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific Allies land on an obscure island just NE of Luganville, Vanua Lava. Undefended, I expect it to fall in short order, and if left to Allied engineer effort, will isolate Luganville. Luganville AF remains closed due to Allied air and naval strikes while the KB heads out of Tabit to support the resupply effort, but now also will attempt to deal with the recent landings. On the New Guinea front, Lae remains closed with another cruiser bombardment, and additional air strikes with the skies being swept of CAP by the highly effective P-38 sweeps. Situation deteriorating rapidly in South Pacific!

DEI/SW: Derby falls all too quickly to a single tank battalion, the Naval Guard troops fold easily despite the level 2 forts. This leaves only Darwin remaining as a significant defended position. The KB 2 strike force will withdraw back to Koepang and await developments.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Allied air focuses on hitting the Bde of 2nd Armored division west of Shwebo, but is lightly protected by fighters – will look to push out some LRCAP next turn.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Darwin falls to the first assault!!!

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
DMS: 1
ACM: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Sealion)
xAP: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
CV: 1 (Lexington)
CL: 1 (Capetown)
SS: 2 (Singray, S-33)

Air loss:
Jpn: 115
Allied: 82

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CM, xAP dam)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ship hit (PB, DMS sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Darwin (South Pacific)
Vanua Lava (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: D4Y3 Judy R&D accelerated to 7/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific As expected, Vanua Lava is taken without a shot fired. The KB meanwhile left Tabit undetected and rendezvoused with the CV Taiho BB Yamato/Musashi TF out of Truk. They’ll continue toward Espirutu Santo, and hopefully can bushwack any Allied shipping in the area. Meanwhile the resupply TF will pause at Ndeni to offload the Ichiki Det before continuing south to Luganville. Again, I doubt any worthwhile naval action, as soon as the KB is detected, the Allied ships will flee and subs converge. Either way, goal of the sortie is to reinforce Luganville with supplies and re-establish it as a base. And with the landings at Vanua, they will have to be dealt with as well – two Bdes of the 8th IN Div have started planning at Rabaul/Kavieng and will look to transit via convoy in the coming days. On the New Guinea front, Japanese LRCAP that should have been over Umboi Island wandered over Lae and was mauled by P-38s. On the positive side, some of that CAP remained over Umboi to cover a CD unit being offloaded, and did well against a few unescorted twin engine bomber strikes.

DEI/SW: Well, that didn’t take long. Darwin falls in the first attack despite level 4 forts and a fairly robust defense of a Bde of the 56th ID and a garrison unit, plus support. Most unexpected! With loss, a solid Oscar IIb Sentai was also lost! Not a good day. Will attempt to “rescue” some of the remaining troops with a fast transport run, but I don’t consider that likely. In the IO, a pair British cruisers bombarded the Cocos with minimal effect and appear to be heading back to Exmouth – KB 2 will depart Koepang and attempt to intercept.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: The LRCAP covering the Bde of 2nd Armored division west of Shwebo, did fairly well, but was gradually worn down over the course of the two days, and will be shut down next turn.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

19-20 Feb 43

Highlights – KB moves into South Pacific waters.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
TK: 1 (medium)

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Skipjack, S-46)
xAP: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (S-23)

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 26

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 3 ship hit (PB, TK sunk, PB dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Ki-61c Tony R&D accelerated to 8/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific The KB rendezvoused with the CV Taiho BB Yamato/Musashi TF ENE of Espirutu Santo and is sighted by PBYs. The TFs reconfigure, and Tanaka is given a CL TF (2CL, DDs) to provide cover for the resupply TF heading south to Luganville from Ndeni. The two TFs of the KB will loiter about 240m to the east to provide cover, although I doubt L_S_T will venture any surface units with the KB at sea – likely subs more than anything else will be the main threat. On the New Guinea side, Tojos out of Gasmata attempt to provide some LRCAP over Salamaua, and managed to down half a dozen Wirraways before Allied escorts took their toll resulting in a total of 8 Tojos lost. Allied cruisers also bombarded Lae, keeping the AF closed, and worse, not sure how I’m going to get sufficient supplies in at this point.

DEI/SW: KB 2 failed to find any targets in the IO well off Port Hedland and will continue to a point well off Exmouth to see if anything can be spotted and attacked.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: As expected the air attacks west of Shwebo came with extra escorts and sweeps while the Japanese LRCAP stood down. Minimal ground effects from the raids.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – KB2 attacks CVL Hermes TF in IO with good effect.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1
TK: 2 (small)

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (S-42
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 29
Allied: 38

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 4 ship hit (2TK, xAK sunk, PB dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: B6N2 Jill R&D accelerated to 8/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific The KB in position ENE of Espirutu Santo, but no targets are sighted to attack, it's not attacked either by sub or aircraft – yet. BB TF (2BB, 2CA, DDs) detached to bombard Vanua Lava next turn which has already got an AF operational. Transport TF arrived at Luganville, and will begin offloading supplies next turn. KB providing LRCAP over Luganville and will also sweep Vanua Lava next turn. At Rabaul and Kavieng, transports begin loading two Bdes of the 8th ID and 19th Army HQ that will attempt to reclaim Vanua. On the New Guinea side, Lae is bombarded by a cruiser TF again, and the AF remains closed. Salamaua holds off another Allied ground attack, despite continued air attacks in support.

DEI/SW: KB 2 managed to find the “cruiser TF” that bombarded the Cocos Is some 300+ miles NW of Exmouth, and was surprised to find the CVL Hermes as part of the TF. Only one strike (28Z, 21K, 20J) was launched, and was met by a CAP of 20 Martlets that the escorting A6M5 Zeros had no issues dealing with. The strike focused almost entirely against the Hermes which was hit by 6 bombs and 2 torpedoes and left in a sinking condition -actually sunk by the Martlets listed as “destroyed on the ground”, but Tracker doesn’t have it as sunk. KB 2 will head NW in hopes of regaining contact, but my bet is that L_S_T will head them to Ceylon.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Magwe oil fields are hit at night, destroying 3. Nicks on night CAP failed to intercept.

China: NSTR.