THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM

[Belphegor]

I'm the Japanese player here... I didn't lose too many. [8D]

I think the total on the American side was about 54...

In total, including the escorted strike on Tinian, total air losses for the day were

Japan 67
Allies 97

I'm not sure why that strike went in unescorted. TBMs left on port attack perhaps.

They did manage to sink about 7 barges in the harbour.[;)]

[Belphegor]

Unfortunately this next turn went more conventionally to the Allies. I lost over 200 aircraft.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 12-31-43


CENTPAC: BATTLE FOR KWAJALEIN

After 2 days of fierce hand to hand combat, the Allies have lost over 2500 troops vs Japanese losses of over 3500. The Japanese still tenaciously cling to their caves and dugouts in the eastern half of the atoll. The USN calls in airstrikes with napalm and close assaults with flamethowers and on the 3rd day of the battle the losses look like this:

Day Air attack on 4th Division, at 79,79


Allied aircraft
Hellcat II x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
Avenger II x 8


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Avenger II bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Avenger II bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Division, at 79,79


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 4
B-25J Mitchell x 93
PB4Y Liberator x 51
B-24J Liberator x 24


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Ground combat at Kwajalein

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 56436 troops, 536 guns, 124 vehicles

Defending force 8870 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 661 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
2610 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
663 casualties reported
Guns lost 37


OPERATION MARIANAS TURKEY SHOOT

The Allies launch a massive series of raids designed to achieve air superiority in the Mariana island chain. 300 medium bombers are ordered to hit the airstrip at Guam:

Day Air attack on Guam , at 62,66

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 26
B-25C Mitchell x 63
B-25J Mitchell x 236

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 128

8 CVs and 6 CVLs send their divebombers against Tinian airfields:

Day Air attack on Tinian , at 62,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 22
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 22

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 52
SBD Dauntless x 108
SB2C Helldiver x 144
TBM Avenger x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 6 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 23 destroyed
B5N Kate: 13 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 7 destroyed, 19 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 10 destroyed, 37 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
294 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 136

Over 300 heavy bombers escorted by 100 P-38Js are ordered to launch a morning strike against Saipan airfield, but the raid is cancelled due to poor weather. That afternoon, over 150 torpedo bombers go in for a port attack on Saipan with over 130 CV fighters assigned to escort but for the 8th or ninth time in the war the bombers go in without ANY escort:

Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M3 Zero x 51
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 155

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 6 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 58 destroyed, 39 damaged

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2531, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-368, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-121, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-123, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-2098, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-2530, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-354, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-105, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 2

Indeed, the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot in Reverse

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-1-44


DEI:

The RN CVs close on Palembang in another attempt to interdict Japanese oil shipments:

Day Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 20,55


Allied aircraft
Hellcat II x 3
Barracuda x 33
TBM Avenger x 7
Avenger II x 12


Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 5 damaged
Avenger II: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Kyo Maru #10, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashi
AO Erimo, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK Akane Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Shonan Maru #8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tamo Maru #6

MARIANAS TURKEY SHOOT

The USN fighters fly against Saipan a day late and a dollar short:

Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 15
A6M3 Zero x 39
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
F6F Hellcat x 151

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 15 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 38 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 9 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2530, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Finally the heavy bombers fly and the results in the Marianas are horrific:

Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 15
P-38J Lightning x 93
PB4Y Liberator x 49
B-24J Liberator x 278

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 26 destroyed
L3Y Tina: 18 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 11 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 10 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 12 destroyed
H6K2-L Mavis: 2 destroyed
F1M2 Pete: 1 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
616 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Airbase hits 61
Airbase supply hits 16
Runway hits 656

The USN CVs again lauch against Tinian:

Day Air attack on Tinian , at 62,65

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 85
SB2C Helldiver x 133
TBM Avenger x 92

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 14 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 17 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 9 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 21 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
268 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 194

304 Japanese AC are lost vs 35 Allied


SEAC:

SEAC troops capture Kratie after aerial bombardment:

Day Air attack on Ikaiei SNLF, at 31,44


Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 46


Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported

Ground combat at 31,44

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5894 troops, 39 guns, 103 vehicles

Defending force 885 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 42 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
112 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!


CENTPAC: BATTLE FOR KWAJALEIN

The 4th day of the battle rages on with both naval bombardment:

Naval bombardment of Kwajalein, at 79,79 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied Ships
CA Hobart
CL Newcastle
CL Emerald
CL Java
CA Frobisher
CA Hawkins
CA Cornwall
CA Devonshire
CA Shropshire
BB Royal Sovereign
BB Revenge
BB Prince of Wales
BB South Dakota

Japanese ground losses:
297 casualties reported


and air bombardment:

Day Air attack on 4th Division, at 79,79


Allied aircraft
Hellcat II x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
Avenger II x 8


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Avenger II bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Avenger II bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Division, at 79,79


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 4
P-38J Lightning x 22
B-25J Mitchell x 95
PB4Y Liberator x 65
B-24J Liberator x 42


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported

The next shock attack resulted in huge IJA casualties:

Ground combat at Kwajalein

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 55394 troops, 484 guns, 127 vehicles

Defending force 6938 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 499 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
10888 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
355 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-2-44


DEI:

The RN CVs leave a final parting shot on Palembang as they head towards the Burma coast:

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55


Allied aircraft
Corsair IV x 2
Barracuda x 52
TBM Avenger x 6
Avenger II x 12


Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Tamo Maru #6, Bomb hits 4, on fire
PG Kyo Maru #10, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Takasago Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ishigaki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Namba Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 22, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
TK Akane Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 4


CENTPAC: KWAJALEIN SECURED

The final 7500 Japanese were routed out of their caves and dugouts after a battle that lasted 5 days. Counting the naval bombardments, over 30,000 Japanese died on Kwajalein(and probably another 10,000 were killed during the yearlong bombardment) while the US Army suffered 4500 casualties during the initial invasion and another 4000 casualties once ashore. 4 US Divisions will be out of the war for awhile while they rebuild.

The US Army 7th Infantry Division suffered over 40% casualties....the engineer squads in particular were hit pretty hard. The planned invasion of Maloelap(which is just as strongly defended as was Kwajalein) will now be put on hold indefinitely.

Ground combat at Kwajalein

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 55109 troops, 466 guns, 130 vehicles

Defending force 2917 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1876 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
7444 casualties reported
Guns lost 61

Allied ground losses:
353 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 1

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-5-44


SWPAC:

In preparation for the invasion of Palau scheduled towards the end of January, SWPAC rototills the atoll with both land lased air:

Day Air attack on Palau , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 15
P-38J Lightning x 50
PB4Y Liberator x 47
B-24J Liberator x 285


Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 8

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 43
B-25J Mitchell x 182


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

and naval based air:

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 101
SBD Dauntless x 108
SB2C Helldiver x 162
TBM Avenger x 139


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 4 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
374 casualties reported
Guns lost 6


SEAC:

SEAC forces capture Phnom Penh abd cross the Mekong River farther upsteam to invest Bien Hoa:

Ground combat at Phnom Penh

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 31394 troops, 141 guns, 1169 vehicles

Defending force 2053 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 322 to 1 (fort level 6)

Allied forces CAPTURE Phnom Penh base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
473 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bien Hoa

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29110 troops, 206 guns, 976 vehicles

Defending force 4065 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[Belphegor]

Since it seems by intelligence reports that the carrier group is back and trying to embarrass Japanese avaiators by brashly moving down the Malacca strait honour demanded a response. So I sent what I had, it wasn't much, and by the time the fight was done it was a lot less... 2 bettys getting through. But I did try, and hope I scared him just a little.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-11-44


SWPAC:

SWPAC continues to soften up Palau both by sea:

Naval bombardment of Palau, at 52,67

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow
CL Leander
CA Australia
CA Wichita
CA San Francisco
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CA Northampton
BB Alabama
BB Massachusetts
BB Indiana
BB Washington

Japanese ground losses:
1237 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 76
Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 6

...and by nearly 1000 bombers:

Day Air attack on Palau Coastal Gun Regiment, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 77
SBD Dauntless x 107
SB2C Helldiver x 178
TBF Avenger x 18
TBM Avenger x 162


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 4 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
242 casualties reported
Guns lost 7


Day Air attack on Palau Coastal Gun Regiment, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported


Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 48


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 26
B-24J Liberator x 17


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
Hellcat II x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
Liberator VI x 7
P-38J Lightning x 28
PB4Y Liberator x 31
B-24J Liberator x 176


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
193 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 34
B-25J Mitchell x 78


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 119
B-24J Liberator x 85


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
154 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Day Air attack on 2nd South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
Hellcat II x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
Liberator VI x 3
P-38J Lightning x 9
PB4Y Liberator x 13
B-24J Liberator x 55


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
124 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Day Air attack on 2nd South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 8


No Allied losses

The invasion of Palau is now less than 2 weeks away and CINCPAC fears the heaviest casualties of any invasion so far in this war.


SEAC:

The RN CVs attack Japanese shipping in port at Kuala Lampur:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kuala Lumpur , at 23,46


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 2
Hellcat II x 4
Corsair IV x 2
Barracuda x 53
TBM Avenger x 6
Avenger II x 15


Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged
Avenger II: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Sumatra Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hokko Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shinamogawa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Showa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Suruga Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Brazil Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hisashima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 8

The 2 SEAC offensives in Indochina.....both at Saigon and at Kompong Trach are stalled as the Japanese hastily reinforce at the last minute.

The Japanese are now completely surrounded at Krung Thep and SEAC orders liquidation of the pocket.

Ground combat at Krung Thep

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 92940 troops, 749 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 29899 troops, 79 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
142 casualties reported

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-13-44


SEAC:

SEAC attacks are repulsed with heavy losses at Saigon and Krung Thep.

Ground combat at Krung Thep

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 91388 troops, 711 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 28618 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 8 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
405 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
1903 casualties reported
Guns lost 50


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saigon

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 31304 troops, 180 guns, 1181 vehicles

Defending force 9343 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
396 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

Allied ground losses:
855 casualties reported
Guns lost 16
Vehicles lost 8

SEAC is surprised by the huge number of casualties suffered at Krung Thep.....they have 8:1 odds on the defender, the fortifications are destroyed, the city has been captured, and the Japanese have been surrounded for over a month with continuous artillery and aircraft bombardment. The Japanese in Krung Thep cant have much supply left(if any).

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-18-44: INVASION OF PALAU......D-DAY MINUS ONE

After 2 weeks of nearly continuous naval and aerial bombardment, the Allies stand poised to assault Palau tomorrow in a combined SWPAC/SOPAC operation. The invasion will be supported by Admiral Spruance's 5th Fleet, the largest concentration of Allied naval power so far in the war with over 1300 naval aircraft, 10 CVs, 8 CVLs, 10 CVEs, 12 BBs, 21 CAs, and hundreds of smaller ships. With the New Years Day "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" destroying over 300 Japanese aircraft, Guam, Tinian and Saipan lie almost totally denuded of aircraft and minimal interference is expected from that quarter.


ORDER OF BATTLE

5TH FLEET ADMIRAL SRUANCE

FAST CARRIER TF 58 ADM MITSCHER
TF 58.1 2 CV, 1 CVL
TF 58.2 2 CV, 2 CVL
TF 58.3 2 CV, 1 CVL
TF 58.4 2 CV. 2 CVL
TF 58.5 2 CV, 2 CVL

BOMBARDMENT TF 48 ADMIRAL LEE
TF 48.1 3 BB, 1 BC, 7 CA
TF 48.2 4 BB, 6 CA
TF 48.3 4 BB. 6 CA

AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT TF # 1292 ADMIRAL DRAEMEL
1 CL
4 DD
4 DMS
5 LSD
8 MSW
78 TRANSPORT AND ASSAULT SHIPS

AMPHIBIOUS COMMAND AND SUPPORT TF # 1223 ADMIRAL TURNER
6 CVE
5 CL
4 DD


ASSAULT FORCES

US ARMY XIV CORPS MGEN THOMPSON

1ST USMC DIVISION
3RD USMC DIVISION
US ARMY AMERICAL INFANTRY DIVISION
US ARMY 6TH INFANTRY DIVISION
US ARMY 43RD INFANTRY DIVISION
9TH AUSTALIAN INFANTRY DIVISION
1ST USMC ARMORED AMPHIBIOUS BN
8TH AUSTRALIAN TANK REGIMENT
192ND US ARMY TANK BN
1ST USMC PARATROOP BN
2ND USMC RAIDER BN
3RD USMC RAIDER BN
30TH USA FIELD ARTY REG
40TH USA FIELD ARTY REG
72ND USA FIELD ARTY REG
147TH USA FIELD ARTY REG

As Admiral Draemel's Amphibious Assault TF #1292 approaches within 120 miles of Palau, Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner's Command and Support TF # 1223 takes up position just offshore in order to direct tomorrows morning invasion. For the 2nd invasion in a row, TF #1223 sails into a minefield. Last invasion it was a CVE that struck a mine. This time its Admiral Turner's flagship AGC Blue Ridge and a DD:


TF 1223 encounters mine field at Palau (52,67)

TF 1223 troops unloading over beach at Palau, 52,67


Allied Ships
AGC Blue Ridge, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Van Galen
DD Norman, Mine hits 1


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Though AGC Blue Ridge is on fire and taking on water, Admiral Turner orders his flagship to remain on station in order to direct tomorrows assault.


Meanwhile SWPAC airforces continue to hammer the defenders:

Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 6
PB4Y Liberator x 15
B-24J Liberator x 68


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
87 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 112
B-24J Liberator x 76


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 3
PB4Y Liberator x 11
B-24J Liberator x 48


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 18
B-24J Liberator x 19


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
61 casualties reported

Day Air attack on 2nd South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 4
PB4Y Liberator x 20
B-24J Liberator x 154


Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
166 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Admiral Spruance's 5th Fleet pummels Palau from the sea:

Naval bombardment of Palau, at 52,67

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CL Mauritius
CA Exeter
CA Suffolk
CA Quincy
CA Salt Lake City
CA Chicago
CA Indianapolis
BC Repulse
BB Warspite
BB Pennsylvania
BB Colorado

Japanese ground losses:
999 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 83
Port hits 11
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

and the air:

Day Air attack on 2nd South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 74
SBD Dauntless x 72
SB2C Helldiver x 262
TBF Avenger x 43
TBM Avenger x 176


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
310 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-19-44: INVASION OF PALAU

The invasion commenced as Amphibious Assault TF #1292 worked its way through the minefields towards the beach:

TF 1292 encounters mine field at Palau (52,67)

Allied Ships
MSW Townsville
MSW Deloraine
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Lismore
MSW Launceton
MSW Ipswitch
MSW Gladstone
MSW Cootamundra
DMS Howard
DMS Palmer
DMS Dorsey
DMS Southard
AP La Salle, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported

The Command and Support TF #1223 runs into the minefield yet again:

TF 1223 encounters mine field at Palau (52,67)

TF 1223 troops unloading over beach at Palau, 52,67


Allied Ships
DD Van Galen
CL Sumatra, Mine hits 1

The assault forces begin to wade ashore and surprisingly the assault craft suffer minimal losses(evidently the naval bombardments must have suppressed the 8" and 5" guns of the Palau CD unit):

TF 1292 encounters mine field at Palau (52,67)

TF 1292 troops unloading over beach at Palau, 52,67


Allied Ships
MSW Townsville
MSW Deloraine
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Lismore
MSW Launceton
MSW Ipswitch
MSW Gladstone
MSW Cootamundra
DMS Howard
DMS Palmer
DMS Dorsey
DMS Southard
DD Kennison
DD Flusser
AP Barnett, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Caldwell
DD Bailey


Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Palau, 52,67, firing at TF 1292
368 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Caldwell
AP Talthibius
CL Raleigh
DD Bailey
AP Mount McKinley
LST LST-29
DD Flusser
LST LST-17, Shell hits 1, on fire
MSW Townsville
AP President Madison

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3434 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

TF 1292 encounters mine field at Palau (52,67)

TF 1292 troops unloading over beach at Palau, 52,67


Allied Ships
MSW Townsville
MSW Deloraine
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Lismore
MSW Launceton
MSW Ipswitch
MSW Gladstone
MSW Cootamundra
DMS Howard
DMS Palmer
DMS Dorsey
DMS Southard
DD Kennison
DD Bailey

Coastal Guns at Palau, 52,67, firing at TF 1292
208 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Kennison
DD Bailey
LST LST-16
DD Caldwell, Shell hits 1
CL Raleigh
DMS Dorsey

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1848 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Overhead over 1000+ naval and land based bombers work over the defensive positions:

Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 13
SB2C Helldiver x 15
TBF Avenger x 6
TBM Avenger x 3
Liberator VI x 5
P-38J Lightning x 12
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 72


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 50


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 42
SBD Dauntless x 72
SB2C Helldiver x 206
TBF Avenger x 18
TBM Avenger x 162


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
369 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 26
SB2C Helldiver x 33
TBF Avenger x 12
TBM Avenger x 7
Liberator VI x 6
P-38J Lightning x 27
PB4Y Liberator x 30
B-24J Liberator x 137


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
249 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 31
B-25J Mitchell x 118


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 124
B-24J Liberator x 90


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on 2nd South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 18


No Allied losses


Almost 79,000 Allied troops storm ashore on the 1st day as the Japanese unleash an artillery bombardment:

Ground combat at Palau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20426 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 78930 troops, 1026 guns, 234 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

Casualties run high for both sides as the shock attacks continue against the Japanese fortifications for the entire day:

Ground combat at Palau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 76370 troops, 1026 guns, 230 vehicles

Defending force 27169 troops, 91 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 9)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 8


Japanese ground losses:
2084 casualties reported
Guns lost 24

Allied ground losses:
3962 casualties reported
Guns lost 76
Vehicles lost 11


TF #1292 continues to offload troops overnight as the hand to hand fighting will continue into its second day.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-20-44 BATTLE FOR PALAU DAY 2


The Battle for Palau rages on for the 2nd day as the Assault TF #1292 continues to unload:

TF 1292 encounters mine field at Palau (52,67)

TF 1292 troops unloading over beach at Palau, 52,67


Allied Ships
MSW Townsville
MSW Deloraine
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Lismore
MSW Launceton
MSW Ipswitch
MSW Gladstone
MSW Cootamundra
DMS Howard
DMS Palmer
DMS Dorsey
DMS Southard
AP Van Overstraten, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kennison

Coastal Guns at Palau, 52,67, firing at TF 1292
91 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Bailey
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 1
DD Kennison
DD Caldwell


Allied ground losses:
1160 casualties reported

Allied bombardment TFs pound the atoll:

Naval bombardment of Palau, at 52,67

Allied Ships
CA Hobart
CL Newcastle
CL Emerald
CL Java
CA Frobisher
CA Hawkins
CA Cornwall
CA Devonshire
CA Shropshire
BB Royal Sovereign
BB Revenge
BB Prince of Wales
BB South Dakota

Japanese ground losses:
497 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 72
Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 1

Naval bombardment of Palau, at 52,67

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow
CL Leander
CA Australia
CA Wichita
CA San Francisco
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CA Northampton
BB Alabama
BB Massachusetts
BB Indiana
BB Washington

Japanese ground losses:
489 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 75
Port hits 11
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 5

Coastal Guns at Palau, 52,67, firing at TF 1292
TF 1292 troops unloading over beach at Palau, 52,67


15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LST Empire Battleaxe


Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported

90,000 Allied troops are now ashore but the assault forces suffer disproportionate losses during the 2nd day of intense ground combat:

Ground combat at Palau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 89075 troops, 926 guns, 239 vehicles

Defending force 23916 troops, 63 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 7

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 7)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 7


Japanese ground losses:
1082 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

Allied ground losses:
4270 casualties reported
Guns lost 135
Vehicles lost 13

Amphibious HQ commander Admiral R.K. Turner orders the floating reserve:
US Army 1st Calvary Division
US Army 138th RCT
US Army 147th RCT

to come ashore tomorrow.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-22-44......BATTLE FOR PALAU: DAY 4


Yesterday the tide started to turn on Palau. 1074 Japanese were casualties vs. 829 Allied. Most of the original Allied assault divisions are under 50% strength and the Marine battalions have suffered 90%+ casualties.

The arrival of the floating reserve today appeared to be decisive as the Allies capture the Palau bases:

Attacking force 102156 troops, 922 guns, 219 vehicles

Defending force 19215 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Allied assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Palau base !!!


Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
5246 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

Allied ground losses:
899 casualties reported
Guns lost 57
Vehicles lost 6



SEAC:

Saigon has been captured and the Allies turn their attention to capturing Kompong Trach and eliminating the pocket at Krung Thep. LRCAP is placed over Krung Thep to prevent resupply by air. SEAC orders a shock attack at Krung Thep as the armored brigades reach the battle:

Ground combat at Krung Thep

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 97340 troops, 594 guns, 590 vehicles

Defending force 25678 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 86 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
4668 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
1490 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 2

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-24-44......PALAU SECURED

With the fortifications on Palau destroyed, the Japanese troops are dead meat for the Allied bombers:

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 2
F6F Hellcat x 81
Hellcat II x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
SBD Dauntless x 72
SB2C Helldiver x 248
TBF Avenger x 43
TBM Avenger x 168
Avenger II x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
659 casualties reported

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 21
Liberator VI x 13
P-38J Lightning x 12
PB4Y Liberator x 47
B-24J Liberator x 252


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
737 casualties reported

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 62
B-25J Mitchell x 188


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
288 casualties reported

Day Air attack on 51st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 52,67


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 105
B-24J Liberator x 59


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
315 casualties reported

Day Air attack on 2nd South Seas Det. , at 52,67


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 5
F6F Hellcat x 46
Hellcat II x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 27
SB2C Helldiver x 1
TBM Avenger x 8
Avenger II x 5


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

After losing 6600 troops in the Allied shock attack yesterday and another 2000 in the aerial bombardment today, the final 22,000 fanatical IJA troops execute a Banzai attack and annihilate themselves:

Ground combat at Palau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 103005 troops, 857 guns, 218 vehicles

Defending force 7138 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1443 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
22828 casualties reported
Guns lost 82

Allied ground losses:
96 casualties reported

The Japanese lose 30,000 troops in the last 2 days and over 50,000 troops in the entire Palau campaign.

For the Allies the cost is also huge: 6400 casualties during the landing and 10,400 casualties in the ensuing land battle. The 6 assault divisions average 50% casualties with some losing 60%. These divisions will be out of the war for awhile.


SEAC:

The reduction of the Krung Thep pocket continues. 9600 IJA were killed yesterday and another 7300 today:

Ground combat at Krung Thep

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 108991 troops, 605 guns, 1097 vehicles

Defending force 17716 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 305 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
7348 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

Allied ground losses:
979 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 1

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-25-44


SEAC:

SEAC captures Kompong Trach:

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 46404 troops, 291 guns, 1170 vehicles

Defending force 14785 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 9)

Allied forces CAPTURE Kompong Trach base !!!


Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K Emily: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
608 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

Allied ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

SEAC continues to reduce the Krung Thep pocket in a series of shock attacks:

Ground combat at Krung Thep

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 108028 troops, 575 guns, 1098 vehicles

Defending force 12590 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 572 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
9281 casualties reported
Guns lost 34

Allied ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 2

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-27-44


MARIANAS:

Admiral Mitscher's Fast Carrier TF 58 goes on anti-shipping mission into the Maraiana Islands:

Day Air attack on TF at 62,63


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 33
TBM Avenger x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Hakkai Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Asosan Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
F6F Hellcat x 157
SB2C Helldiver x 62
TBM Avenger x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Toyohi Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Gozan Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF at 63,63


Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Kasyu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Kyo Maru #5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


SEAC:

SEAC troops continue to attack Kompong Trach:

Ground combat at Kompong Trach

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 45076 troops, 257 guns, 1153 vehicles

Defending force 12417 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 31 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
488 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
430 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 9


Meanwhile the Japanese counterattack 120 mi ME of Bangkok in division size strength:

Ground combat at 31,40

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 22492 troops, 253 guns, 7 vehicles

Defending force 1430 troops, 0 guns, 99 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 27 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 3


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

The pocket at Krung Thep is finally liquidated. Over 55,000 IJA have been killed here in the last 2 weeks:

Ground combat at Krung Thep

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 107359 troops, 557 guns, 1096 vehicles

Defending force 4816 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1182 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
15052 casualties reported
Guns lost 58

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-28-44


SEAC:

Two RN CVs are placed into drydock for routine maintenance and repairs. Their torpedo bomber complements are flown off and staged to the newly operational airfields at Saigon.

The RN Barracudas quickly find Japanese tranports and an ASW TF in the South China Sea:

Day Air attack on TF at 30,50


Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 2
Thunderbolt II x 2


Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Karimo Maru

Day Air attack on TF at 36,47


Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 26
Thunderbolt II x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shimakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Yamagumo, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF at 36,47


Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 25
Thunderbolt II x 14


Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Harusame, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Susuzuki
DD Shimakaze, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Meanwhile, SEAC forces continue to hammer away at Kompong Trach:

Ground combat at Kompong Trach

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 44566 troops, 246 guns, 1143 vehicles

Defending force 11612 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 33 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
286 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 1

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 1-31-44

SEAC:

SEAC troops continue to assault Kompong Trach:

Ground combat at Kompong Trach

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 44035 troops, 228 guns, 1140 vehicles

Defending force 8493 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 206 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
3218 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
134 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 2


CENTPAC:

CENTPAC captures Wotje in order to firm up their rear area prior to the Spring 1944 offensive into the Marianas:

TF 1093 encounters mine field at Wotje (82,79)

Allied Ships
MSW Oriole
MSW Salute
MSW Robin
MSW Competent
MSW Buoyant
MSW Saunter
MSW Requisite
MSW Prevail
MSW Revenge
MSW Penguin
MSW Dubbo
PG Jasmine, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DE Brackett

Day Air attack on Wotje , at 82,79


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
PB4Y Liberator x 35


No Allied losses

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 7

Day Air attack on Wotje , at 82,79


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
PB4Y Liberator x 35


No Allied losses

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 7

---------------------------------
Day Air attack on 145th IJN Base Force, at 82,79


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 109
PB4Y Liberator x 42
B-24J Liberator x 40


No Allied losses

Day Air attack on 145th IJN Base Force, at 82,79


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 84
PBY Catalina x 1
P-47D Thunderbolt x 64
PB4Y Liberator x 24


No Allied losses

TF 1093 encounters mine field at Wotje (82,79)

TF 1093 troops unloading over beach at Wotje, 82,79


Allied Ships
MSW Oriole
MSW Salute
MSW Robin
MSW Competent
MSW Buoyant
MSW Saunter
MSW Requisite
MSW Prevail
MSW Revenge
MSW Penguin
MSW Dubbo
DD Racehorse
DE William C. Miller
DE Brackett
APD Herbert
DE Harmon, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
1231 casualties reported

Ground combat at Wotje

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 11498 troops, 157 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 420 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Allied assault odds: 562 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Wotje base !!!


Japanese aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Japanese ground losses:
79 casualties reported

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 2-4-44


SEAC:


SEAC troops capture Kompong Trach after a protracted battle.


The South China Sea is now a very dangerous place for Japanese shipping with all the Allied subs and the long range naval air now based in Saigon.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 2-9-44 SWPAC.....INVASION OF SANSAPOR


Led by the USMC 4th Regiment, SWPAC storms ashore today at Sansapor:

Naval bombardment of Sansapor, at 44,74

Allied Ships
CA Hobart
CL Newcastle
CL Emerald
CL Java
CA Frobisher
CA Hawkins
CA Cornwall
CA Devonshire
CA Shropshire
BC Renown
BB Royal Sovereign
BB Revenge
BB Queen Elizabeth
BB Prince of Wales

Japanese ground losses:
2204 casualties reported

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 81
Port hits 29
Port supply hits 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1292 troops unloading over beach at Sansapor, 44,74



Allied ground losses:
1930 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1292 troops unloading over beach at Sansapor, 44,74



Allied ground losses:
1260 casualties reported

Sansapor is a LvL 5 airfield and represents the last Japanese offensive airbase in New Guinea. SWPAC will take Sansapor to tidy up its rear area before the Spring 1944 offensive into the Philippines.