The Emperor's Champions - 3x3 AAR

[Alikchi2]

Good to see this AAR again.. sounds like you guys are still cleaning up. [:)]

[FeurerKrieg]

Yes, we had a delay due to Nomad's departure. I should mention that Chris Scruggs (not sure of his forum name, if he has one) has taken over the Allied CBI command from Nomad. Updates should be more regular now that Chris has gotten up to speed.

January is almost over! I get to compile more spreadsheets!

EDIT: Chris Scuggs = niceguy2005

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 1/28/42
Air strikes on Chungking, Manilla, and Akyab. The strike on Chungking was particularly effective, destroying several aircraft on the ground. Two AK's confirmed sunk south of Davao.
A deserted Mandalay has fallen and General Mantill's forces continue the drive to cut off the Burma road supply line to China.[center][/center][center]The last British soldiers help to evacuate some citizens from Mandalay.[/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
IL-4 - 5
Blenheim IV - 5
SB-2c - 3
P-40B Tomahawk - 2

Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 3
Ki-21 Sally - 1
G4M1 Betty - 1

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Forces rested on Canton Island, and will do the same tomorrow. The reserve forces will move into staging positions tomorrow and then unload the following day to coordinate their attack with the forces already on the island.
Goodenough Island captured today and another barge was sunk by a Wirraway fighter.
The Minelayers successfully dropped 240 mines at Lunga in the night without being engaged by a MSW & DD force also at the island.

Sub Ops:
The AK Meroendoeng was confirmed sunk today.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-170 45/87/0 (Palmyra)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 1/29/42
Plenty of action today.
Airstrikes launched against Singaport, Manilla, Akyab and several places throughout China.
An assault was launched on Wuchow which made some progress.
The Allied SS Tautog was hit by depth charges near Takao.
B-17's hit an AP near Cagayan, and T.IVa's hit a PG at Miri. More Japanese troops have been landed at Cagayan to assist with the battle in progress there.
The Allied AK Empire Moonrise was hit at Akyab.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Wirraway - 11
T.IVa - 3
Blenheim I - 1
Brester 339D - 1
SBD Dauntless - 1


Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 2
B5N Kate - 1
Ki-15 Babs - 1
Ki-21 Sally - 1
Ki-51 Sonia - 1

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Shortly after midnight the I-173 spotted a large task force moving towards Canton Island from the southeast. Upon moving in closer, the I-173 was able to ID the CV Yorktown, CA Salt Lake City, CA Chester, and 8 escorting DD's. Unfortunately if was then detected and hit twice by depth charges.
Expecting an imminent attack, Adm Nagumo on the Kaga put the Zeros on alert and although F4F wildcats were spotted flying over Canton, they did not engage. Rather, because of weather or the Zeros on CAP, the SBD's flew farther west and attacked the unprotected Reserve landing group that was preparing to unload tomorrow. Several smaller ships and APs were hit. Casualties could have been worse, but due the large amount of tranports used in relation to the amount of troops casualties were acceptable.[center][/center][center]SBDs dive to attack ships of the Reserve Landing group near Canton Island.[/center]
No strikes were launched by the cautious Nagumo which is probably good as they would have been outnumbered by F4F's. Alf floatplanes did however spot the Enterprise as well.
With the recon reports of two Allies CVs within 100 miles of Canton Island, it is clear the Allies have taken the bait and presented an opportunity for Yamaguchi to strike. Nagumo and Yamaguchi will rendezvous tomorrow to allow a better CAP coverage of the IJN carriers, and all aircraft have been put on naval attack orders.
If the Allies stick to their pattern they will remain for one more day to try to get the Kaga or sink more landing craft. If they do this, then weather permitting, the full force of the KB will be able to go up against two Allied CVs. Even if the Saratoga shows up, odd will still be in our favor.
The landing force, while beat up, will move in and unload under cover of night. The damaged ships will then be split off and sent back to Makin Island for emergency repairs.
So far, the only ship lost at Canton is the MSW Toshi Maru #1.
Elsewhere....
Zeros at Rabaul flew a sweep pattern over Port Moresby and were rewarded when 33 Wirraways came out to fight. The Zeros dropped 11 Wirraways with no losses to themselves.[center][/center][center]A downed Wirraway burns at New Guinea.[/center]

Sub Ops:
The I-173 as mentioned was damaged by the Yorktown and Enterprise escorts.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-170 45/91/0 (Palmyra)
PC Toshi Maru #3 99/69/49 (Canton Island)
I-173 49/65/0 (Canton Island)
AP Teiryu Maru 87/60/49 (Canton Island)
PC Shonon Maru #10 68/50/46 (Canton Island)
PG Koei Maru 75/46/45 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 73/25/49 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 67/23/28 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 28/12/11 (Canton Island)
AP Tatuwa Maru 15/8/16 (Canton Island)
PG Tatsumiya Maru 49/7/13 (Miri)
AP Montevideo Maru 15/4/11 (Canton Island)
AP Kunimitsu Maru 60/1/2 (Cagayan)

[FeurerKrieg]

The Allies bought in hook, line, and sinker. Big long post coming up tomorrow, but I'm off to sleep. Maybe the Emperor will give me another medal? [&o]
RIP Adm Spruance....

[Alikchi2]

[X(][&o]

Congratulations! A glorious victory for the Emperor! [:D]

Poor Gary..

[Cap Mandrake]

Wow. Nice plan. Nicely executed. Maybe Hawaii will get some decent sushi bars.

[FeurerKrieg]

Lots to report today. The Battle of Canton Island will be reported in a seperate post later tonight. As for the rest...

War Report 1/30/42
Plenty of action on all fronts.
Air raids continue against Lashio, Akyab, Singapore, Manilla, and various land units across China. A large raid of 160 Sally bombers hit Chungking, damaging many resource production centers in that area.
In another of Gen Mantill's string of victories, Sian was taken as the last Chinese unit was forced out by overwhelming odds. The city was captured with both resource and oil production intact and and plenty of factories still usable. Also, some I-16c, I-153c and P-40B aircraft were captured and will be studied to assist in combating the Allied air units.[center][/center][center]Several P-40B aircraft captured at Sian.[/center]
Also, southeast of Kweilin several Chinese units stumbled into two solid divisions of Gen Mantill and shock attacked. The Japanese forces took very few casulties and inflicted massive losses on the charging Chinese.
Betty and Nell bombers put four fish into the AK Empire Moonrise at Akyab, sinking the ship quickly.
Additional troops have been landed at Cagayan, and that port's capture is imminent.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
SBD Dauntless - 73
F4F-3 Wildcat - 54 (+2 ops)
TBD Devastator - 15 (+15 ops)
SOC-3 Seagull - 1 (+8 ops)
B-17E Fortress - 7
I-153c - 4
P-40B Tomahawk - 4
I-16c - 3
PBY Catalina - 2


Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 12 (+3 Ops)
B5N Kate - 11 (+1 Ops)
D3A Val - 7 (+1 Ops)
Ki-21 Sally - 1
E7K2 Alf - 1 (+1 Ops)


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Little else to report in my area besides the actions at Canton Island. Ground forces there will rest for just under a week and then load up to hit Suva.
GHQ has passed down orders to bypass Lunga and put all available forces into capturing Noumea once Suva has been captured.
We will then move west to work over PM and take Lunga back, as the situation allows.
One important note - the last Cruiser that took part in the Battle of Wake Island entered Tokyo yesterday. So all told, the total cost of capturing Wake island was 4 PCs, 1 PG, 1 MSW and 2 APs. All the CA, CL and DD involved have safely made it back to port, and will be ready for action within the next 6-12 months.

Sub Ops:
The I-157 was discovered by several DD's northwest of Soerabaja today and hit by many depth charges, sinking instantly.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
CV Kaga 74/56/49 (Canton Island)
I-170 45/89/0 (Palmyra)
PC Toshi Maru #3 99/89/26 (Canton Island)
I-173 49/69/0 (Canton Island)
AP Teiryu Maru 99/76/19 (Canton Island)
PC Shonon Maru #10 78/62/17 (Canton Island)
PG Koei Maru 89/62/18 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 88/35/18 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 70/26/8 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 36/17/7 (Canton Island)
AP Tatuwa Maru 15/0/4 (Canton Island)
AP Montevideo Maru 18/6/5 (Canton Island)

PG Tatsumiya Maru in port at Brunei.
AP Kunimitsu Maru, flood and fires under control.

[FeurerKrieg]

A good battle deserves a good story, right?

[center]The Battle of Canton Island, Jan 30, 1942. [/center]
Late Jan 29, 1942, upon receiving reports of two US CVs just east of Canton Island, Adm Yamaguchi ordered the Kido Butai to make flank speed to an area approximately 60 miles south of Canton Island. Admiral Nagumo on the Kaga would also make for the same approximate location and the carriers would field a solid combat air patrol of Zeros through the day while they would both launch strike attacks if the US CV's were located in the vicinity on Jan 30. Orders had been relayed via Alf floatplane flying from Nagumo's task force to the KB to avoid any radio detection.

Spirits were high as an Operation that had been planned since over a month before seemed to have a solid chance of succeeding in two of its three stated objectives. The KB set of around midnight, 000 hrs on the 30th. After about 2 hrs of traveling, the heavy cruiser Tone reported problems with its boiler #2. The fleet was forced to stop for approximately 90 valuable minutes while repairs were effected. The KB was underway again by 0330 hrs, but it was clear it would not reach the rendezvous point until after dusk the following day. Due to radio silence orders, Yamaguchi was not able to warn Nagumo to sail further west to meet the KB, this would have consequences the following day.[center][/center][center]The five carriers of the Kido Butai.[/center]
Meanwhile, the Reserve landing forces made for the eastern side of Canton Island (see map) and began to disembark against significant coastal gunfire around 0400 hrs. Since two days before, the South Seas Detachment, and the 29th Base Force had secured their position on the southwestern corner of the atoll, putting their mortars and heavy guns within range of the Allied positions on either end of the airstrip. The 2nd Maizuru SNLF force had spent those two days securing the southeast corner of the island, and had not located any significant Allied forces. They had presumably retreated northwards to solidify their position at the airstrip, where the AA guns were positioned.[center][/center][center]Positional map of Canton Island.[/center]
At dawn, the guns of the S.Seas Detach and the Base Force began to trade shots with the guns of the 27th USA/C Div and also with some of the AA guns of the 76th Cst AA Regiment, which were being used to bring fire down up the Japanese invaders. While this firing was going on, the Nav Gard units, having completely unloaded within 3 hrs, began a slow crawl up the northeast side of the atoll towards the positions just east of the airstrip.

At sea, the sun rose, and carriers on both sides began launching aircraft. While the Allied forces were not yet aware of the proximity of the KB, they launched a strike of 16 SBD Dauntless dive bombers which attempted to locate enemy ships near Canton Island. Due to cloud cover, the Dauntlesses were unable to find their targets and began to head for their base carriers. After a short time, scouts from either the Yorktown or Enterprise, it is unclear which, spotted the Kaga making a large holding pattern approximately 75 miles south of Canton Island. The Allies began to prepare a strike to attack this valuable target that they had come to Canton Island to claim in the first place. Also, Alf float planes spotted the Allied carriers, and although the Adm Spruance (in charge of the Allied TF) believed it was from the Kaga, it was in fact flying from KB. It immediately headed back to report.[center][/center][center]Both sides worked hard to launch aircraft for the pivotal battle ahead.[/center]
On the island itself, the Nav Guard units, rested, fresh and fighting against tired and battered US forces were making progress. Around 1100hrs they were close enough to the airstrip to call in accurate mortar & Art fire from the SS Detach unit. Using this accurate fire, they managed to hit the main radio houses remaining at the airstrip, knocking out all ability for the US forces present to radio to the nearby carrier fleet. Sensing the possibility that the island may fall to the Japanese, the local Allied commander ordered all remaining aviation fuel dumped to prevent it from falling into enemy hands, another decision that would have consequences later that day.

About this time, the 2nd strike force prepared by the Allied had taken off and was on its way to attack the Kaga. At that same moment, the Alf spotter was just returning to the KB and reporting on its findings. Yamaguchi ordered his first strike to begin launching and forming up. Five carriers of the IJN began spitting out planes as fast as their crews could manage.

As the first strike from the US CVs was nearing the Kaga, the first wave of Dauntlesses had returned and was landed, refueled and sent off to also attack the Kaga. However, due to some navigational confusion, the force headed on a bearing much farther west than intended.

The initial strike found the Kaga at approximately 1000hrs. The strike of 14 SBD Dauntlesses and 15 TBD Devestators was met by approximately 10 Zeros, with more being launched to intercept. In the end 19 Zeros took part, but several were not able to get to altitude before the strike hit home. 2 SBDs and 5 TBD were reported destroyed, and many more damaged. Never the less about 2/3 of the strike was able to unleash their ordinance on the Kaga. Of the entire strike, 2 torpedoes found their mark, hitting the Kaga and starting fires in the lower decks. Admiral Nagumo, cautious as ever, immediately ordered as many aircraft aloft as possible and ordered them to find nearby bases to land in case things got worse. Damage control did its best, but within a short while the flight deck was no longer safe to use. A couple Kate torpedo bombers made it to Baker island, several Zeros landed at Tarawa, and a pair of Zeros managed to get airborne with fuel tanks aboard to continue to provide some degree of CAP. The Vals, which had been planned to launch last in any strikes, were not able to get off the Carrier before fires and smoke rendered the deck unusable.[center][/center][center]The Carrier Kaga burns after taking two torpedoes.[/center]
Around 1030hrs, Admiral Yamaguchi ordered his first strike away to attack. The strike consisted of 38 D3A Vals, 42 B5N Kates, 33 E7K2 Alfs and an escort of 45 A6M2 Zeros. The aircraft were flying in at 9,000 ft, with the escorts above around 11,000 ft. After the strike was on its way, CAP aircraft were rotated on all carriers, and by 1100 hrs, approximately 40 fresh Zeros swarmed the skies above the KB.

At 1115 hrs, the relaunched strike of 16 SBD bombers spotted a large TF and made to attack. As they neared their target, they spotted not one Kaga, but five fleet carriers of the IJN! Having traveled farther west, they had found the KB. As they prepared to attack, the Zeros on CAP at 14,000 ft dove down and devastated the strike group, nearly all the bombers were splashed, with two or three escaping and making their way back towards the US CVs. Once this threat was put down, Adm Yamaguchi ordered a second strike force to launch and form up.

Around 1130 the first strike from the KB found its target. Many F4F-3 Wildcats were airborne, and seeing the strike coming Adm Spruance ordered as many more as possible to launch. The Zeros increased speed to attempt to clear the skies before the bombers arrived and a tremendous air battle raged between 45 Zeros and 52 Wildcats. Within 10 minutes, nearly half of the fighters from both sides were reported downed. The remaining Zeros did their best to keep the pressure on the Wildcats, now slightly outnumbered, so that the bombers could make their runs. Diving down from 9,000 feet, nearly all the attack planes escaped the CAP (2 Kates, and 1 Alf having been shot down) however the flak put up by the US Carrier group was intense and damaged many planes, even destroying some. However, there were just too many planes for the flak to block them all and by the time the strike force was headed for home several Allied ships were burning wrecks.

This first strike had hit both the Yorktown and Enterprise as well as the CA Salt Lake City, CA Pensacola, and the CL Phoenix. Upon hearing word via radio of the success the strike had had, and the disablement of the Allied CAP, Yamaguchi began to fire off smaller strikes at a rapid pace. The next strike hit the Allies at 1220 consisting of 8 zeros and 22 Vals. The Zeros easily brushed aside the spent force of 9 Wildcats remaining, and the Vals hit both CVs and the Pensacola. Another strike arrive ten minutes after of 4 Zeros, 22 Vals, and 24 Kates, this one only facing 4 remaining Wildcats, 3 of which were shot down. This strike hit both Carriers and also hit the CA Chester with a torpedo. The last first round strike arrive around 100 hrs, consisting of 22 unescorted Kates. Three Wildcats managed to try to hit the Kates, but could only damaged them since they were nearly out of ammo. These Kates, unable to located the Enterprise, which had by now sunk, managed to put another torpedo into the Yorktown.[center][/center][center]The Yorktown (top) and Enterprise burn after taking hits.[/center]
Aboard the Allied Carriers, it was clear they were not going to survive the day as soon as the first strike started landing hit after hit. The last remaining armed Wildcats took off first and headed for the Canton Island airfield. Next various Wildcats, TBDs and SBD were also ordered to takeoff from both carriers and head to Canton. Several didn't make it off, but the ones that did flew to Canton and landed. Upon landing, they found they learned of the perilous situation the airfield was in. Although not able to refuel, several of the loaded SBDs did have enough fuel remaining to reach the Kaga and return to Canton. They launched this strike around 0130 hrs and found the Kaga quickly. The two remaining Zeros managed to knock down 5 SBDs, but against 22 bombers they could only do so much. The Kaga was then rocked by several 1000lb GP bomb hits, which although stoking large fires, and penetrating the flight deck did not do a catastrophic amount of damage. The two Zeros, now very low on fuel, could not reach Tarawa and instead flew to land on the Shokaku. Nagumo was ferried over to the CS Mizuho and flown by Alf floatplane back to Tarawa, to fly on back to HQ at Makin to prevent his being lost at sea on board the Kaga. The SBDs, also very low on fuel had no choice but the land on Canton, and with no fuel remaining there (having been dumped earlier) were stranded.

Gunfire continued on Canton Island throughout the day. Upon hearing the fate of the carriers, morale was at a major low among the Allied defenders. The Nav Gd units were making a constant advance from the east as artillery fire from the south was called down onto every position that caused difficulty to the advance. Using the radios on the aircraft, the ground forces were now able to communicate with the carrier fleet, but the news they were getting was distressing - it seemed that Yamaguchi was not finished for the day yet.

After gathering up all the aircraft that were returning from strikes, Yamaguchi order one last large strike prepared. Having sat in the middle of the ocean for nearly a week waiting for this moment, he was not about to let any more ships than possible slip away. A small group of Alf planes left first, to verify the location of the Allied ships. This group found them around 1545 hrs. These 17 floatplanes proceeded to report no sign of the Yorktown or Enterprise, both of which had by now sunk. They did report on the locations of other ships in the area however. At 1600, the rest of the strike force arrived and took targets based on the Alfs prior reports. This strike of 49 Zeros, 63 Vals, 75 Kates, and 23 Alfs mercilessly pounded any large ships they could find. The CA Chester and Pensacola were pounded repeatedly along with the DD McCall and DD Craven which received a torpedo and a bomb hit respectively. The CA Chester and Pensacola were both spotted slipping under the waves rapidly. Later interrogations on Canton Island would reveal that Adm Spruance was reported as going down with the CA Pensacola.

On Canton Island, the Allied defenders continued to be stuck between the guns of the SS Detach on the south, and the advance of the Nav Gd units on the east. Hearing of the fate of the Task Force and Adm Spruance, the Allied unit's morale and hopes fell dramatically. Having few large caliber guns left, and no hope of intervention in the near future, the local Allied commander signaled for a surrender as dusk arrived. The Japanese forces assumed control of the airfield and the engineers of the 28th Base Force moved up from the southern side of the atoll to begin work on the airfield immediately. Several planes were captured intact and will certainly assist with the Japanese research and doctrinal review efforts.

The Kaga is still able to move, although slowly, and she is headed for Makin. Crews on board are bravely fighting fires to attempt to save the ship, but there is a high probability she will not make it.

SUMMARY of Battle:
Ships hit/damaged:
CV Kaga, .......Torpedo hits 2, Bomb hits 6
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 8, Bomb hits 14 (sunk)
CV Yorktown, .Torpedo hits 4, Bomb hits 6 (sunk)
CA Pensacola, Torpedo hits 3, Bomb hits 2 (sunk)
CA Chester, ...Torpedo hits 8, Bomb hits 6 (sunk)
CA Salt Lake,. Torpedo hits 2, Bomb hits 0
CL Phoenix, ....Torpedo hits 0, Bomb hits 2
DD McCall, .....Torpedo hits 1, Bomb hits 0
D Craven, ......Torpedo hits 0, Bomb hits 1

A/C Destroyed
.......................AA....Flak....Ground....Ops
A6M2 Zero........12......0..........0..........3
B5N Kate............2......9..........0..........1
D3A Val..............0......7..........0..........1
E7K2 Alf..............1.....0..........0..........1
F4F-3 Wildcat.....46.....0.........8..........2
SBD Dauntless...17......4.......52..........0
TBD Devastator...2......3.......10.........15
SOC-3 Seagull.....0......0.........1..........8
B-17E Fortress.....0......0.........7..........0
PBY Catalina........0.....0..........2..........0

[AlexCobra]

Memo from the High Command.

The Emperor is very pleased with Adm. Feurer Krieg's actions in operation Enrai. He wanted me to commemorate the victory with this:


Order of Golden Kite 4th class

This is very highly valued award, but I feel you deserved it on 100%. The order itself, as the papers and money will be delivered to you as soon as possible. So I suppose you'll provide some aircover for the next plane from Osaka[;)].

Alex Cobra out.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 1/31/42
Air raids - Lashio, Manilla, Singapore, and across China.
An assault launched on Manilla, but made little progress owing to the heavy urban defenses of the city.
B-17s attacked some of our ships in the PI, but no hits were landed.
Troops continue to unload at Cagayan.
Also, troops moved closer to the northwestern coast of Boreo, routing an already retreating unit ahead of them on the trail to Singkawang.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None!

Imperial Air Force
Ki-51 Sonia - 3
Ki-21 Sally - 1
B5N Kate - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Adm Yamaguchi continued to hunt down enemy ships southwest of Canton. The destroyers Helm, Craven and Maury were all hit by bombs and torpedoes, sinking them. The heavily armored "light" cruiser Phoenix was also hit by multiple torpedoes and sunk. Destroyers Gridley, Mugford and Blue were all hit by bombs, torpedoes (or both) as well.
The Kaga crew made solid progress fighting fires, however flooding still threatens to overtake the ship.
The PC Toshi Maru #3 sunk west of Canton today.
Aircraft from the Shokaku have been order to hit the ports at Pago Pago tomorrow in case any damaged Allied ships seek refuge there. All other aircraft will continue to comb the seas for enemy shipping.

Sub Ops:
Ship spotted coming from San Francisco.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
CV Kaga 79/69/15 (Canton Island)
I-170 45/92/0 (Palmyra)
I-173 49/67/0 (Canton Island)
AP Teiryu Maru 99/95/12 (Canton Island)
PC Shonon Maru #10 80/67/5 (Canton Island)
PG Koei Maru 89/62/18 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 98/47/11 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 73/32/4 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/20/2 (Canton Island)
AP Tatuwa Maru 15/0/1 (Canton Island)
AP Montevideo Maru 18/0/1 (Canton Island)

PC Toshi Maru #3 expired near Canton Island.

[MarcA]

Weekly Assessment of Operations on Mainland Asia: 21st Jan to 31st Jan, 1942

General mantill


With the greatest repects I submit my assessment of operations on mainland Asia for approval by the high command

Momentous events and our steadfast armies continue to carry us forward on all fronts on the Asian mainland

Of primary importance is a change in our enemies command structure. Supreme Commander CBI Field Marshal Kenneth Dammon was replaced by Field Marshal Christopher Suggs. The reason for the change is unlcear at this stage and our intellegence on Field Marshal Sugg's abilites is limited. The next few weeks will be important in gauging our enemies abilities and temper.

Generally the weather has been exceptionally clement in all theatres of operation, to such a fortunate extent many of our pilots are feeling the effects of the heavy workload. Never the less they continue to support our armies on all fronts.

Singapore: Our troops entered Singapore over a week ago. With coordinated bombing of the airfield and ground troops our forces have started the process of reducing the British defences. Reinforcements are currently en route to help bring the campaign to a swifter conclusion.

Burma: We entered Mandalay with 3 divisions and the British fled before us. Curiously they fled East to Lashio where reconnaissance indicates there is a considerable strength of troops, almost certainly 5 Chinese corps. The presence of such a large army in such a cul-de-sac invites the force to be isolated and left to rot, which is the current plan. To this end air strikes from Manadaly are targeting the supplies around the airfield at Lashio.

Whilst 2 divisions gaurd the crossing at Manadalay Lt General Mori leads the Imperial Gaurd division, supported by the 1st Tank, North to Myitkiyina to finally close the Burma Road. This line of communication will be closed within the next two days.

Allied air operations over Burma have been negligible this week

China: Significant progress has been made across China. Homan fell about a week ago, with 9 corps plus ancillary units being pushed from the city. Our forces then marched into Sian where the enemy fled. We captured the city will all industry fully intact

We caught the 1st temporary Chinese division in the city and shattered them. The forces fleeing from Sian split, with some fleeing North and some to Chungking. This is a little unexpected and may suggest they wish to make a stand in both the Northern and the Southern parts of the country.

Several assaults have been made on Wuchow, though the attacking force is not currently sufficient to take the city. Similarly an artillery dual has been raging in Yenen for over two weeks. With Sian taken and the North and the South of the country split the bulk of our forces are now en-route to force the defenders from these cities.

Air units have continued to reduce the industry in Chungking with approximately 2/3rds of its resource capacity destroyed. A surprise air raid on Kunming also destroyed about 20% of the production capacity of that city. Supplies through out China can only be assumed to be critical. With the closure of the Burma Road our current estimates are that the total resource production within nationalist China, over the last two months, has been reduced by approximately 70%

[FeurerKrieg]

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[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/1/42
A solid assault was launched on Singaport today. It is likely this city will fall within the next week or two.
Chinese forces charged two Mongolian Cavalry units northeast of Lashio and were soundly repulsed.
Cagayan was captured today.
B-17s from Davao hit one of the APs at Cagayan.
Air action was lighter today, but strikes did continue at Manilla and a couple locations in China.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None!

Imperial Air Force
G4M1 Betty - 1

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Various ground forces in the HI, Truk, Saipan and the South Pacific have been given orders to begin planning for the invasion of Noumea. The Saratoga has finally departed Lunga, and some APDs have shown up with yet another ground unit. More ground units at Lunga hopefully means less on the islands in the South Pac, which should make it a bit easier to finish our conquests there.
Operation Enrai continues on which Admiral Yamaguchi sinking the last remaining ships of the US Carrier CV except for the CA Salt Lake City. The DDs Mugford, Blue, Gridley and McCall were all sunk in or near Pago Pago today.[center][/center][center]Four more Destroyers fall to Yamaguchi.[/center]
Alf planes flying from Canton Island spotted the CA Salt Lake City still far northwest of Pago Pago. Admiral Yamaguchi will head back towards Canton ISland to finish off the heavy cruiser tomorrow, and then will continue on the next day to reload the KB.
The SS-23 was reported sinking today.
The PG Koei Maru and AP Teiryu Maru both sunk while enroute to Makin.
Fires are nearly out on the Kaga, but the ship has a very severe list and could sink if the flooding situation is not brought under control very soon.
Near Lunga, 4 Alf planes from Munda attempted to hit the transports unloading but all bombs missed. Both units of Nell's that sunk the CV Lexington are now rested and back in Rabaul. The Zero unit there is also well rested and has high morale.

Sub Ops:
The I-16 attacked the AK West Cape in Alaska Bay, a few hundred miles west of Portland, but all torpedoes missed their target. The two subs present in the area have been ordered to attempt another intercept tomorrow, as the ship appears to have no escort.
On the other side of the theater, the I-25 again went beyond its spotter role and attack the AK Lousianan on the surface, hit with one torpedo and with its deck gun, before leaving the scene. The I-25 has been ordered a bit farther out of the shipping channel to prevent its captain from placing the valuable Glen sub into harms way. Once back to port, this captain may be transferred to a non-Glen attack sub.
Recon on Gili Gili shows two unescorted AP ships sitting in port. A submarine has been ordered to attempt an attack on one or both ships.
Also, with the departure of the Saratoga from Lunga, all submarines in that area have been order to cover the approaches to attempt to hit some cargo and personnel transport ships.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
CV Kaga 84/85/6 (Canton Island)
I-170 45/95/0 (Palmyra)
I-173 49/67/0 (Canton Island)
PC Shonon Maru #10 87/73/4 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 99/63/9 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 73/35/1 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/13/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 48/22/25 (Cagayan)

AP Teiryu Maru and PG Koei Maru both sunk.
AP Tatuwa Maru and Montevideo Maru, fires/flood under control.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/2/42
Multiple ASW attacks on Allied subs between the PI and Taiwan, but no success.
The Chinese actually challenged one of Gen Mantills China airstrikes, sending up 5 I-16c against 29 Nates, 8 Oscars and 151 Sally bombers. The I-16's were all downed with no damage to our forces, and the Sallys proceeded to demolish the runways there.[center][/center][center]Chinese pilots get clobbered over Ichang.[/center]
Airstikes against assorted ground units in China, and Manilla as well.
Lastly, an assault was launched on Wuchow and made little progress at this point. Most likely it was a probing attack, but Gen Mantill will have more details in his report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
I-16c - 7
SOC-3 Seagull - 1
CW-21B Demon - 1

Imperial Air Force
D3A Val - 27
B5N Kate - 22
A6M2 Zero - 0 (5 ops)
G3M Nell - 3


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The CV Kaga sunk today with its entire Val compliment on board. Elements of the Zeros and Kates did make it off the carrier, so those units may be reformed given some time. Never fun to lose a carrier, however it was the slowest of our fleet carriers.
Nells and Zeros launched two strikes today with some hitting Lunga and some hitting Gili Gili. The strike at Lunga hit the AP St. Mihel with two torpedos and the AVD Ballard with 1 torpedo. The St. Mihel later sunk. The attack on Gili Gili saw the AK Demodocus take two torpedos. Alf's also attacked Lunga, but no hits were landed.
Recon reports the Allies have finished a small airstrip on Lunga. They will now be able to provide some level of CAP to ships there. For now this is okay as Lunga is not to be assaulted until after Noumea, if/when it falls.

Adm Yamaguchi, as planned, finished off the CA Salt Lake City, with Vals' putting 21 250kg bombs into the ship before it sunk. The sinking of the SLC, to the best of my knowledge, means that we performed a clean sweep of the Allied TF. 3 CA, 1 CL (more like a CA), 7 DD, 2 CV. Add to that one AK and one DD sunk by Kaga earlier.[center][/center][center]The CA Salt Lake City, sunk 2/2/1942.[/center]
Repairs continue at Canton, and the runway there is nearly useable. Fuel is enroute, current supply stocks are sufficient.
Lastly, four Destroyers have been ordered back to the Home Islands for AA & ASW upgrades.

Sub Ops:
The I-170 expired before reaching Kwaj. The first sub with a kill credit to fall victim to Allied ASW.
The AK Lousianan, hit yesterday by the I-25, sunk today.
In the same area, the I-158 attacks the tanker Semiramis today, hitting with one torpedo, and causing its oil cargo to ignite.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-173 49/66/0 (Canton Island)
PC Shonon Maru #10 87/78/1 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 99/73/4 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 72/37/0 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/18/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 50/25/3 (Cagayan)

CV Kaga sunk enroute to Makin Island.
SS I-170 Sunk enroute to Kwaj.

[FeurerKrieg]

As of Feb 2, 1942.

[duckenf]

With Kaga sunk, the allies have pulled into a slight VP point lead! I think the SRA and PI conquests will turn that dramatically around in the near future, but thought I'd point out this "Indian summer" in allied fortunes...

ORIGINAL: Feurer Krieg

[FeurerKrieg]

Already taken care of, the turn I just ran saw Japan capture Myitkyina, bringing the score to J:7402 A:6955. I would expect that it will stay to our favor for a while now - barring any unforeseen disasters. [X(]

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/3/42
Airstrikes on Akyab, Singapore, Manilla, and various spots in China.
Heavier than usual airstrikes launched against Japanese units in Tarakan.
B-17s were again harassing shipping in the Philippines, but an afternoon raid was intercepted by several Zeros and three B-17s were brought down.
A large Betty strike at ships in Samarinda saw AK Sigli, AK Toendjoek and the AK Senang hit by torpedoes. The Senang later sunk. A strike on Palembang nearly hit the CL Java.
The Imperial Guards division and the 1st Tank Rgt entered the deserted Myitkyina base and secured it quickly.
Chinese units north of Lanchow again charged Mongolian Cav units and were again repulsed.
Midway airfield also was reported as having expanded today.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
B-17C Fortress - 3
Brewster 339D - 2

Imperial Air Force
Ki-27 Nate - 3
Ki-48 Lily - 3
G4M1 Betty - 1
H6K4 Mavis - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Mostly quiet today. The KB resupplied at Canton Island today and will dock for a day or two waiting for fast tanker coming from Makin which should arrive in two days. The Bombardment group is also present as well as two replenishment TFs and all the undamaged transports from the Canton Island assault. Ground units will probably begin loading in two more days.
The airfield at Canton should be functional tomorrow, the hangers repaired a couple days after, and then repairs will begin on the docking facilities. Mavis planes started flying recon on Palmyra today to get the Allies thinking. Lots of ships at Lunga still, with luck we will be able to get some Nells into Suva and isolate a lot of the Allied forces near Australia, far away from USA repair yards, fuel and supply.

Sub Ops:
The I-156, while attempting a run back to Saigon for repairs, was caught by destroyers near the port of Batavia. The sub fired torpedoes, but none connected. The sub was then hit by many depth charges in the shallow waters near the port and sunk.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-173 49/74/0 (Canton Island)
PC Shonon Maru #10 87/95/0 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 99/79/1 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 72/42/0 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/22/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 49/19/0 (Cagayan)

[Mistmatz]

I think I just found myself a new favourite thread. [:)]

Keep em coming folks, awesome report! [&o]

I think I'm slowly devoloping a japanese fanboy tendency... and you are not really helpful here. *must fight the urge* [;)]