THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 8/20/44 TO 8/21/44....STRATEGIC BOMBING OF NAGOYA


In the most audacious aerial assault of the war, 288 B-29s from Saipan and Tinian were ordered to bomb heavy industry in Nagoya in a daytime attack on 8/20/44 without fighter escort. Strategic Air Command(SAC) was gambling that the Japanese Home air defense would be concentrating on Toyko and Osaka.

Unfortunately, bad weather grounded the 192 B-29s of General Curtis C. LeMay's 13th Airforce based on Saipan but General Claire Chennault's 11th Airforce based on Tinian was able to launch 92 out of 96 available B-29s. Striking Nagoya from an altitude of 10,000 ft in broad daylight the B-29s encountered no fighter opposition and were able to score 34 hits on heavy industry. 2 B-29s were lost due to flak over the target but a size 1350 fire was started and almost 500 strategic bombing points were scored.

Hoping that the large fire in Nagoya would serve as an aiming point for his bombers, General Curtis LeMay ordered 13th Airforce to conduct a manpower attack on Nagoya that night with thoughts of creating a massive firestorm. 137 B-29s sortied out of an available 231 aircraft and 44 manpower hits were scored. At a cost of 2 more B-29s, almost 200 strategic points were scored however the efficient Nagoya Fire Department was able to reduce the conflagration to size 423 fire. 84 B-29s were damaged in the 2 attacks(40% damage rate) so it will take a few days to recover before another strategic bombing attack can be initiated.

A rather inauspicious start for the Strategic Air Command which from the 1950s to the 1980s became the most powerful military command ever known to mankind.

[Belphegor]

I shouldn't be enjoying these reports, but they are fun to read. [;)]

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-29-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN


3 large Japanese transport convoys dock off Aparri on 8/28/44 and are hit mercilessly by Allied bombers based throughout the Philippine Islands. 10 Japanese ships were sunk yesterday and another 12 were sunk today:


Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 46,49


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3
B-25J Mitchell x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC PC-25
PC PC-43, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 46,49


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 53
B-25J Mitchell x 112


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Busho Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akishimo, Bomb hits 4, on fire
PC Ch 18, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taijun Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anbo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Tosei Maru, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
PG Kanko Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PC Manju, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Tatsufuku Maru, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PG Kure Maru #5, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PC Chiburi
PC Kyo Maru #6
PC Ch 20, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 46,49


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 11
B-24J Liberator x 14


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Manju, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 20, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akishimo, on fire
PG Kure Maru #5, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 46,49


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 28
B-24J Liberator x 20


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Anbo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Kyo Maru #6, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Akishimo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Busho Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Kanko Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 46,49


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 56
P-40N Warhawk x 20
B-25J Mitchell x 113


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Akishimo, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PG Kure Maru #5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tosei Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anbo Maru, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
PG Busho Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
PC Chiburi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Kyo Maru #6, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 46,49


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PC Chiburi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

[Belphegor]

I've been trying to get some supply convoys through to Aparri on Luzon. It is the farthest away from Allied bases (although still reachable)... I'm not so worried about the aircraft as the schools of subs lurking in the waters between Japan Home Islands and Luzon.

I've sent out 5-6 small groups of DDs to assist in clearing them away. Because we are now using the latest beta patch (to solve our pilot issue) I've been hammering away at the subs, but not sinking as many. I think I've damaged numerous subs enough to send them for home, but I miss the good old days where I could sink one per turn.[:)]

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-18-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF LUZON: D-Day- 1


Supported by 40 CVEs and 16 BBs, SWPAC prepares to launch its long awaited assault on Luzon. 2 divisions and 3 tank units will wade ashore at Naga in a blocking operation to isolate Legaspi. The main assault will occur at Legaspi as 7 divisions and 14 armored units prepare to storm the beaches. Luzon will see the largest concentration of Allied armor in the entire war.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-19-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF LUZON


SWPAC troops stormed ashore today at both Naga and Legaspi.


The Naga assault begins with a massive bombardment by 4 BBs:

Naval bombardment of Naga, at 44,54 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CL Marblehead
CL Perth
CA Pittsburgh
CA Baltimore
CA San Francisco
CA Louisville
CA Houston
BB Richelieu
BB New Jersey
BB Iowa
BB South Dakota

Japanese ground losses:
444 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

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

One of the CVE TFs providing aircover stumbles into a minefield:

TF 1386 encounters mine field at Naga (44,54)

Allied Ships
DD Wren
DD Charles Ausburne
CVE Attu, Mine hits 1, on fire

Waves of naval and land based bombers are launched against the entrenched defenders:

Day Air attack on 36th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 44,54


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 10
TBM Avenger x 136
Avenger II x 8
OS2U-3 Kingfisher x 2
SOC-3 Seagull x 4
Walrus x 1


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on 36th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 44,54


Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 22
B-25J Mitchell x 302


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
367 casualties reported

Day Air attack on 36th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 44,54


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 11
A-20G Havoc x 47
B-25J Mitchell x 138
PB4Y Liberator x 9
B-24J Liberator x 106


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
428 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

Day Air attack on 36th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 44,54


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 21
B-24J Liberator x 101


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Day Air attack on 36th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 44,54


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 11
P-40N Warhawk x 35
PB4Y Liberator x 94
B-24J Liberator x 42


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
163 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Day Air attack on 36th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 44,54


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 54
B-24J Liberator x 70


Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied troops suffer heavy losses at both Naga and Legaspi as they hit the beaches:

TF 1292 encounters mine field at Naga (44,54)

TF 1292 troops unloading over beach at Naga, 44,54


272 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD McCord, Shell hits 1
LST LST-449
DD John Rodgers
LST LST-342, Shell hits 1, on fire
LST LST-216
LST LST-202, Shell hits 1
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 2
LST LST-72
LST LST-43
DD Chauncey, Shell hits 6
LST LST-34
LST LST-29
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 1
DD Porter

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
2521 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

TF 1012 troops unloading over beach at Legaspi, 44,55


Allied Ships
MSW Agra
MSW Spear
MSW Lismore
MSW Kiama
MSW Echuca
DMS Lamberton
DD Clark
DD Miller
DD DeHaven
DD Aulick
LST LST-468, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Hudson
LST LST-640, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Coastal Guns at Legaspi, 44,55, firing at TF 1012
2040 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LST Empire Battleaxe, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Cotten, Shell hits 5
DD Aulick, Shell hits 9, on fire
DD Conway, Shell hits 4
LST LST-640, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-636, Shell hits 13, on fire
CA Astoria, Shell hits 5
LST LST-600, Shell hits 10, on fire
LST LST-467, Shell hits 4
LST LST-463, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
DD Miller, Shell hits 1
LST LST-391, Shell hits 14, on fire
LST LST-357, Shell hits 4
LST LST-125, Shell hits 6

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3210 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
Vehicles lost 27

By the end of the day, 36,000 troops have been landed at Naga and 26,000 troops have gone ashore at Legaspi:

Ground combat at Naga

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8347 troops, 44 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 36035 troops, 358 guns, 217 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Legaspi

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21683 troops, 295 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 27574 troops, 215 guns, 448 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


The coastal defense guns have taken a heavy toll on Allied assault craft:

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-21-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF LUZON

Naga was captured today in a brutal shock attack:
Ground combat at Naga

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 37538 troops, 379 guns, 376 vehicles

Defending force 10126 troops, 44 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 34 to 1 (fort level 6)

Allied forces CAPTURE Naga base !!!


Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
653 casualties reported
Guns lost 20

Allied ground losses:
356 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 4


The remnants of the Japanese defenders at Naga were last spotted retreating towards Manila. SWPAC has established a firm foothold on Luzon and has now isolated 29,000 IJA troops in Legaspi. Over 139,000 SWPAC troops have gone ashore at Legaspi and are planning a massive shock attack in a few days.

In other news, the hapless Japanese sub I-148 attempts to strike the transports anchored off Legaspi but instead is hit a record 26 times by Allied ASW before breaking up:

Sub attack near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese Ships
SS I-48, hits 10

Allied Ships
DD Prichett, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Kalk
DD Hobby
DD Cassin Young
DD Yarnall

ASW attack near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese Ships
SS I-48, hits 16, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
MSW Igonish
MSW Robin
MSW Finch
MSW Quail
MSW Bittern
MSW Scuffle
MSW Zeal
MSW Prevail
MSW Impeccable
MSW Skylark

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-21-44 THE NAVAL BATTLE OF IWO JIMA


The largest carrier battle of the war and the first CV vs CV battle in almost 18 months occurred around the island of Iwo Jima today. The Allies had sent Admiral Spruance's Fast Carrier TF 58 comprising 14 USN CVs , 9 USN CVLs, 3 RN CVs and a RN CVL on a commerce raid off the coast of Japan. The Allies had been sending heavy bombers from Saipan, Tinian, Guam and Wake to suppress Japanese airbases at Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands and Marcus Island but evidently Japanese search aircraft were still bale to fly and the Fast Carrier TF 58 had been spotted.

The KB sortied south to meet the Allied CVs but stayed north of the band of thundershowers and was not spotted by the Allies. An IJN decoy force of 8 DDs was sent 180 miles ahead of KB to draw in the Allied naval bombers. The Japanese plan worked to perfection as all the Allied aircraft only hit the decoy DD TF and numerous AKs in the area around Iwo Jima:

Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 30
TBM Avenger x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Ryuzin Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF at 65,51


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 54
TBM Avenger x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Matsutan Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Odatsuki Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF at 64,52


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 67
Hellcat II x 5
Corsair IV x 2
SB2C Helldiver x 212
Barracuda x 40
TBM Avenger x 180
Avenger II x 14
SOC-3 Seagull x 32


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 4 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Naganami, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kari, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yuzuki, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsushima, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagumo, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Day Air attack on TF at 64,52


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 4
SB2C Helldiver x 52
TBM Avenger x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsushima, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yuzuki, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Bonin at 65,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zeke x 1

Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 36
TBM Avenger x 17

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Yamabato Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

The KB counterstrike ran into almost 600 Hellcats flying CAP and was decimated:

Day Air attack on TF at 64,54

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 18
B6N Jill x 12

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 593
Hellcat II x 47
Corsair IV x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 18 destroyed
B6N Jill: 12 destroyed

Day Air attack on TF at 64,54

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 37
D4Y Judy x 98
B6N Jill x 54
B7A Grace x 13

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 593
Hellcat II x 47
Corsair IV x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 37 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 82 destroyed
B6N Jill: 54 destroyed
B7A Grace: 13 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 5 destroyed, 11 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,54

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 18
D4Y Judy x 12

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 566
Hellcat II x 45
Corsair IV x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 18 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Overall 264 Japanese aircraft were lost today vs 19 Allied including 56 Zekes, 116 Judys, 66 Jills and 13 Graces.

Admiral Spruance has ordered TF 58 due north at full speed in an attempt to engage KB tomorrow.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-23-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF LUZON


SWPAC forces captured Legaspi today in a huge shock attack:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/23/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Legaspi, 44,55, firing at TF 1293
TF 1293 troops unloading over beach at Legaspi, 44,55


64 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
208 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Legaspi, at 44,55

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CL Marblehead
CL Perth
CA Pittsburgh
CA Baltimore
CA San Francisco
CA Louisville
CA Houston
BB Richelieu
BB New Jersey
BB Iowa
BB South Dakota

Japanese ground losses:
680 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 58
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 4

Ground combat at Legaspi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 133588 troops, 1369 guns, 974 vehicles

Defending force 18874 troops, 174 guns, 52 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 7

Allied assault odds: 91 to 1 (fort level 7)

Allied forces CAPTURE Legaspi base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
3171 casualties reported
Guns lost 67
Vehicles lost 15

Allied ground losses:
860 casualties reported
Guns lost 18
Vehicles lost 9


CENTPAC:

Admiral Spruance's Fast Carrier TF 58 races north to the coast of Japan in pursuit of KB but the IJN gets away today. The CVs settle for pounding Japanese shipping in the home islands:

Day Air attack on TF, near Shimuzu at 65,43


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 33
SOC-3 Seagull x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #8, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-30, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Osaka/Kobe at 63,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 27
Ki-27 Nate x 21
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 207
SB2C Helldiver x 62
TBM Avenger x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 27 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 9 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 14 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Maki, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-34, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Kuwa, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kiri, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-33, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Shimuzu at 65,43


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 34
TBM Avenger x 15
SOC-3 Seagull x 4


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW W.8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.26, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Seki Maru #3, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Osaka/Kobe at 63,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 14
Ki-27 Nate x 19
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 254
SB2C Helldiver x 88
TBM Avenger x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 14 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 19 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 11 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 8 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Nichirei Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Tatsushiro Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hiyori Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shima Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tokuwa Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yamagiri Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese land based aircraft are slaughtered on the counterstrike:

Day Air attack on TF at 65,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
B6N Jill x 27
Ki-27 Nate x 12

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 356

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 12 destroyed
B6N Jill: 16 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 12 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged


Over 400 Japanese aircraft and 30 ships have been destroyed in the last 2 days including 10 DDs. Fast Carrier TF 58 has been ordered to escort strategic bombing missions and stage commerce attacks along the Japanese coast for the next few days.


STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND:

B-29s from Tinian excecuted a daylight raid against heavy industry in Tokyo today knocking out 38 HI and scoring over 200 points:

Day Air attack on Tokyo , at 66,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
B-29 Superfortress x 117

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 destroyed, 12 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-29 Superfortress: 3 destroyed, 49 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 38

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-24-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN...BATTLE FOR LUZON

SWPAC armored spearhead charges down the road towards Manila approaching within 60 mi of the capitol:

Ground combat at 43,53

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 16265 troops, 147 guns, 100 vehicles

Defending force 5766 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 18 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
206 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!


An all out shock attack is ordered at Legaspi tomorrow.


CENTPAC:

Fast Carrier TF 58 continues to pound the Japanese mainland as another 20+ ships are sunk and 512 aircraft are destroyed:

Day Air attack on Tokyo , at 66,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zeke x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zeke: 5 destroyed


Day Air attack on TF, near Osaka/Kobe at 63,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 5
A6M3a Zero x 1
Ki-27 Nate x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 107
SB2C Helldiver x 374
TBM Avenger x 240

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 5 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed


Japanese Ships
DD Maki, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kuwa, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kiri, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-34, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-33, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-31, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 23
J2M Jack x 6
B6N Jill x 15
Ki-27 Nate x 14
Ki-15 Babs x 27

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 439

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 23 destroyed
J2M Jack: 6 destroyed
B6N Jill: 12 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 11 destroyed
Ki-15 Babs: 27 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 23
J2M Jack x 6
B6N Jill x 15
Ki-27 Nate x 14
Ki-15 Babs x 27

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 439

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 23 destroyed
J2M Jack: 6 destroyed
B6N Jill: 12 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 11 destroyed
Ki-15 Babs: 27 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
A6M3a Zero x 29
J2M Jack x 15
D3A Val x 27
G4M1 Betty x 14
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 42

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 437

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 15 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 29 destroyed
J2M Jack: 15 destroyed
D3A Val: 21 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 14 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 11 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 41 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 16 destroyed, 4 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zeke x 3
B7A Grace x 9
Ki-27 Nate x 26
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 34
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 421

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zeke: 3 destroyed
B7A Grace: 9 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 26 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 34 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 9 destroyed, 6 damaged

Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 22
D4Y Judy x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 205

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 22 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 11
A6M3a Zero x 2
B7A Grace x 9
G4M2 Betty x 19
P1Y Frances x 18
Ki-27 Nate x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 318

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 11 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
B7A Grace: 9 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 19 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 18 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 6 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 23 damaged

Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
A6M3a Zero x 4
J2M Jack x 7
B7A Grace x 12
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 17

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 201

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 8 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
J2M Jack: 7 destroyed
B7A Grace: 12 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 17 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
B6N Jill x 17
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 18

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 199

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N Jill: 14 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 18 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Day Air attack on Tokyo , at 66,43


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 141
SB2C Helldiver x 403
TBM Avenger x 285


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 3 destroyed, 20 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 25 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Akigawa Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Turusima Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PG Chitose Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Minryo Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Husimi Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ume Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichiryo Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-52, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-51, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-130, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Kume, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meizan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tazan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
APD APD-2, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kumagawa Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chifuku Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yasukuni Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nikkin Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Momogawa Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Seia Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kanseishi Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tatsutagawa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Rakuto Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kanjo Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Osaka Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yuzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Aki Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yamato Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Wuhu Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Takaosan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire
AP Tatuwa Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Teiyo Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-21, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ayatosan Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sakae Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Waura Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatumiya Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Chuka Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hoki Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Tsushima, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Suzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kumanoyama, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Choko Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-61, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryusei Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakusan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
PC Okinawa, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yamakuni Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Toko Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Teiun Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hoten Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatuta Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire
AP Senkai Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sasako Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP Kiyama Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yosyu Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nichiman Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-23, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Tamon Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Taijin Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nagato Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Malta Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arizona Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
542 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Port hits 49
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 3

[Belphegor]

Not much joy in my game right now... but the few subs that are left are still scoring and getting away with it.

2 hits on the CL Newfoundland off Legaspi

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 9-24-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF LUZON


SWPAC troops continue to shock attack Japanese defenders at Legaspi:

Ground combat at Legaspi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 163808 troops, 1503 guns, 1833 vehicles

Defending force 10430 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 2738 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
3928 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 10

Allied ground losses:
386 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 3


CENTPAC:

Admiral Spruance's Fast Carrier TF 58 continues to work over the Japanese mainland as 22 ships are sunk in Tokyo harbor and 66 aircraft are shut down:

Day Air attack on Tokyo , at 66,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zeke x 1
Ki-27 Nate x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 57

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 6 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 13
B6N Jill x 4
Ki-27 Nate x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 407
Hellcat II x 45
Corsair IV x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 13 destroyed
B6N Jill: 2 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

Day Air attack on Tokyo , at 66,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zeke x 2
Ki-27 Nate x 1
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 28
SB2C Helldiver x 385
TBM Avenger x 272

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zeke: 2 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SB2C Helldiver: 5 destroyed, 40 damaged
TBM Avenger: 9 destroyed, 47 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kiyama Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichiryo Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Takaosan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tatsutagawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Husimi Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tazan Maru, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arizona Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatuwa Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Wuhu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-23, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Teiun Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Aki Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-52, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kanseishi Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Minryo Maru, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hoki Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yamakuni Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Toko Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Senkai Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kumagawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Malta Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nikkin Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chifuku Maru, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nichiman Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Akigawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryusei Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taijin Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Teiyo Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yasukuni Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meizan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hoten Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sasako Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tamon Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Choko Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakusan Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Seia Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Osaka Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yuzan Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Tsushima, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Okinawa, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-10, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Suzan Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Rakuto Maru, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ayatosan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatuta Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Turusima Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nagato Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Yosyu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Chuka Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC PC-61, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
398 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Port hits 32
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 2

Day Air attack on TF at 66,44

Japanese aircraft
B6N Jill x 8
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 12

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 387
Hellcat II x 42
Corsair IV x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N Jill: 8 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 12 destroyed

[Belphegor]

The battle for resources is of course over. During the last year from May '43 to now, Sep 44 most subs sunk have been in the PI, and north of the PI, or around Japan.

May '43 45 sunk since the start of the war
Oct '43 74
Mar '44 106
Sep '44 141

and still they swarm around me.

[Capt. Harlock]

Given what TF 58 did to Tokyo harbor, Spruance might not need subs anymore!

[Belphegor]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Given what TF 58 did to Tokyo harbor, Spruance might not need subs anymore!

yeah [:(] and that was his second visit. I do wish he wouldn't stay so long. His subs are busy mining all my ports in the home Islands. A little easier to find since they aren't announcing themselves with large booms near my cargo ships.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 10-6-44 PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN...BATTLE FOR MANILA

After capturing Legaspi several days ago, SWPAC troops have raced across Luzon and invested Manila. Following a week long aerial bombardment by over 2000 medium and heavy bombers stationed throughout th PI, a deliberate attack is ordered in what will be the largest tank battle of the entire Pacific war:

Ground combat at Manila

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 202094 troops, 1786 guns, 2673 vehicles

Defending force 102678 troops, 885 guns, 175 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 8

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)


Japanese ground losses:
4308 casualties reported
Guns lost 123
Vehicles lost 14

Allied ground losses:
3718 casualties reported
Guns lost 127
Vehicles lost 79


The heavy employment of armor has kept Japanese casualties higher than Allied losses.

[Capt. Harlock]

The heavy employment of armor has kept Japanese casualties higher than Allied losses.

A wise move. I'm highly impressed that you managed to get nearly 3K vehicles into action!

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 10-17-44 CENTPAC....INVASION OF IWO JIMA


The war in the Pacific reached its horrific climax today as US Marines and Army troops stormed ashore on the desolate volcanic island of Iwo Jima. USN 5th Fleet sent in the minesweepers first to open up lanes for the assault ships as dug in Japanese coastal guns took their toll on US transports:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/18/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1261 encounters mine field at Iwo Jima (63,53)

TF 1261 troops unloading over beach at Iwo Jima, 63,53


Allied Ships
MSW Cairns
MSW Turkey
MSW Bittern
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Prevail
MSW Skylark
MSW Whyalla
MSW Dubbo
MSW Benalla
DD Stanly
DD Conway
LST Empire Battleaxe, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DE Osmus

Coastal Guns at Iwo Jima, 63,53, firing at TF 1261
4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

TF 1291 encounters mine field at Iwo Jima (63,53)

TF 1291 troops unloading over beach at Iwo Jima, 63,53


Allied Ships
MSW Eland Dubois
MSW Guysborough
MSW Quatsino
MSW Tern
MSW Freemantle
MSW Pirie
DD Pope
DD Pillsbury
DD Edwards

Coastal Guns at Iwo Jima, 63,53, firing at TF 1291
537 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Hughes
CL Richmond, Shell hits 8
DD McCalla, Shell hits 5
DD Barton
LCI(G) LCI(G)-81, Shell hits 2
AP Wayne, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Doyen
AP Neville, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Barnstable, Shell hits 1
AP American Legion, Shell hits 2


Allied ground losses:
3626 casualties reported
Guns lost 10


BBs go in close to shore to give the island another "Spruance Haircut":

Naval bombardment of Iwo Jima, at 63,53

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Concord
CA New Orleans
CL Glasgow
CL Achilles
CA Australia
CA Boston
CA Wichita
BB Resolution
BB Alabama
BB Massachusetts
BB Pennsylvania

Japanese ground losses:
2826 casualties reported
Guns lost 23

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 29
Port hits 27
Port fuel hits 7
Port supply hits 22

US assault ships continue to get hit by the coastal guns as the Army and Marines wade ashore:

TF 1291 encounters mine field at Iwo Jima (63,53)

TF 1291 troops unloading over beach at Iwo Jima, 63,53


Allied Ships
MSW Eland Dubois
MSW Guysborough
MSW Quatsino
MSW Tern
MSW Freemantle
MSW Pirie
DD Pope
DD Pillsbury
DD Sterett
AP Pijnacker Hordijk, Mine hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Iwo Jima, 63,53, firing at TF 1291
474 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CL Richmond, Shell hits 1
DD Barton, Shell hits 7
DD Edwards
DD McCalla, Shell hits 3


Allied ground losses:
3333 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

By the end of the 1st day, 5th Fleet has put over 100,000 men ashore under difficult conditions:

Ground combat at Iwo Jima

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 26115 troops, 294 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 105360 troops, 1580 guns, 51 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Guns lost 1



SWPAC: PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN....BATTLE FOR MANILA

The street fighting continues to rage in Manila as the SWPAC troops move forward in house to house combat. The battle has been going on for almost 2 weeks as the Allies find it difficult to dislodge 100,000 IJA in a heavily fortified urban environment. SWPAC has been able to reduce the fortifications from level 9 to level 6 but have been suffering unsustainable losses. 3 US Army paratroop regiments and 2 British Armored brigades have been rushed to Legaspi to reinforce the assault:

Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 153170 troops, 1252 guns, 506 vehicles

Defending force 88653 troops, 483 guns, 88 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[Sneer]

looks like it is a good idea is to move japanese armor divisions to Luzon in 44
still I'm surprised 3k vehicles are used in single place

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 10-25-44 CENTPAC....INVASION OF IWO JIMA


After a week of assaulting the beaches over 300,000 Allied troops have made it ashore. The 2100 aircraft aboard Fast Carrier TF 58(18 CVs, 10 CVLs) and the 1500 aircraft carried in the 5th Fleet(51 CVEs) work over the heavily fortified Japanese(level 9 fort) on Iwo Jima:

Day Air attack on 11th Ind. Mixed Regiment, at 63,53


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 311
F6F Hellcat x 9
Hellcat II x 7
F4U-1D Corsair x 50
TBM Avenger x 110
Avenger II x 6


Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
111 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Day Air attack on 68th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 63,53


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 206
F6F Hellcat x 6
Hellcat II x 4
F4U-1D Corsair x 36
TBM Avenger x 86
Avenger II x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


Day Air attack on 68th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 63,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 666
Hellcat II x 44
Corsair IV x 17
SB2C Helldiver x 481
Barracuda x 34
TBM Avenger x 303
Avenger II x 13


Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 2 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
748 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Day Air attack on 61st/A Division, at 63,53


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 64
F6F Hellcat x 16
F4U-1D Corsair x 24
TBM Avenger x 32


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Even the B-29s of the Strategic Air Command are thrown against Iwo Jima:

Day Air attack on 68th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 63,53


Allied aircraft
B-29 Superfortress x 136


Allied aircraft losses
B-29 Superfortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Day Air attack on 61st/A Division, at 63,53


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 30
B-24J Liberator x 30
B-29 Superfortress x 127


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
B-29 Superfortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
268 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Finally an all out shock attack is ordered and the level 9 fortifications are completely reduced prior to the assault as the Allies achieve 16:1 odds:

Ground combat at Iwo Jima

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 275878 troops, 3206 guns, 867 vehicles

Defending force 26805 troops, 107 guns, 49 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Allied assault odds: 16 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Iwo Jima base !!!


Japanese a18ircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Japanese ground losses:
2346 casualties reported
Guns lost 29
Vehicles lost 19

Allied ground losses:
2199 casualties reported
Guns lost 54
Vehicles lost 11

The bases on Iwo Jima are captured and all that is left is the mop up of 30,000 IJA stragglers.

More importantly, the 18th and 19th USA Engineer Regiments can be withdrawn from Iwo Jima and sent to Luzon to help reduce the fortifications at Manila and Clark. Of all the combat forces in the game, it appears that the US Army's greatest deficiency is the lack of cambat engineer formations(only 3 regiments that I can find).