The Emperor's Champions - 3x3 AAR

[FeurerKrieg]

Thanks Mistmatz!

I was out a few days on holiday, but should be getting back to posting tonight or tomorrow. Glad to hear you like the AAR!

(Don't fight the urge... just head to the local sushi bar with your laptop to do your next Japanese turn)

[FeurerKrieg]

New Years, Christmas and my annual Windows reformat out of the way... onward! I have two reports to put up tonight.


War Report 2/4/42
The SS Argonuaght was hit by deptch charges today near Taiwan.
Air attacks on Manilla. Betty's from Kuching hit two cargo ships at Samarinda, one of which sunk, as well as putting one torpedo into the CL Java at Palembang. Also, the AK Toendjoek was seen sunk in port at Samarinda, having been hit previously.[center][/center][center]The CL Java, hit by torpedo while in port.[/center]
Allied counterattacks at Clark and Myitkyina were both repulsed.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None!

Imperial Air Force
None!


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The SS Gato and Cuttlefish were both hit at Canton Island by KB aircraft.[center][/center][center]The SS Gato (top) and Cuttlefish, both hit at Canton Island by Val DBs.[/center]
The PC Shonon Maru #10 expired near Baker Island.
An allied unit at Gasmata launched a shock attack against the small garrison there, but it was repulsed and the Allied unit was destroyed.
Ferguson Island was occupied today also.

Sub Ops:
No activity today.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-173 49/76/0 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 99/90/0 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 72/52/0 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/21/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 49/18/0 (Cagayan)

PC Shonon Maru #10 sunk

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/5/42
Air attacks on Manilla. A Allied attack at Clark forced out the Japanese forces present.
An assault on Singapore gained ground and showed that Allied forces in the city are weakening.[center][/center][center]Fires in Singapore from Japanese bombardments and bombs.[/center]
The SS Argonaut was hit again and sunk.[center][/center][center]The deck of the SS Argonaut.[/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None!

Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Many Allied ships in the vicinity of Lunga. Something may be afoot, but little can be done at this point to defend the islands of the Solomons. The goal is to trap the Allies in that area, so if they move further up the chain it is not a major setback at this point.
Alfs at Munda continue to attack cargo ships, today a hit was scored on the AK Surigau. Nells at Rabaul launched and sunk both the AK American and Demodocus at Milne Bay.
Naval assets at Canton continue to refuel and will likely put to sea within two days.

Sub Ops:
The I-166, in the shallow water at Menado where no escorts were spotted, attacked the AK Liran on the surface, hit with a torpedo and its deck gun. Unfortunately, the cargo ship hit the sub with its small gun as well. Although damage is minor to the sub, it will require withdrawal to Palau for repairs.
The I-6 near Townsville attacked and hit the AK Mungana. Non-naval personnel were spots on the deck of the ships indicating the cargo ship was carrying ground forces, always a nice bonus for our submarine hits.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-173 49/79/0 (Canton Island)
AP Seizan Maru 99/95/0 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 72/55/0 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/18/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 49/19/0 (Cagayan)
I-166 14/12/0 (Menado)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/6/42
Many airstrikes launched today and ops losses rose accordingly.
Airstrikes in the follow places: Lashio, Akyab, Andaman Island, Singapore, Manilla, Wuchow, near Sian, and near Mandaly. The Allies launched a strike of their own at Tarakan.
Kates attacked and hit the AK Honolulan at Singapore. Also, several cruisers bombarded Andaman Island.
B-17s in Davao continue to harass transports in the Phillipines, with the AP Oigawa Maru being hit today.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Blenheim IV - 1

Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 3
KI-51 Sonia - 4
Ki-36 Ida - 1
Ki-46-II - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Many ships spotted again at Lunga. Today the AK Empire Bruce, loaded with troops, struck a mine. Nells from Rabual put four torpedos into the AK Empire Success sinking her. They also hit the AK Steel Traveler with a torpedo. Later in the day, Alfs managed to put a bomb into the AVD McFarland, hopfully damaging the ship enough to force it to retire (or sink) and take its aviation support with it. Rabaul also opened another airstrip today.
In the Southeast Pacific, Canton Island repair teams are now focused on getting the meager port facilities fixed up and then they will set about expanding the airfield to accomdodate Nell/Betty bombers.
The South Seas Detach, 14th NLF, 52 Nav Gd, 53rd Nav Gd, and Maizuru SNLF all loaded up today to prepare to head out for Suva. Supplies will be loaded into their ships tomorrow and the convoy will leave port on the 8th or 9th.
The KB and the surface force will be leaving port tomorrow to head west. Also, a small TF will leave Canton tomorrow to head to Wallis Island to pick up the 100% recovered NLF force there, which is well prepared for Suva as well.
The AP Seizan Maru sank before reaching Makin, it was just east of Tarawa.
A small convoy of big minelayers will leave Kwaj tomorrow to head for Makin and then Canton. The TF will be able to lay approx 1300 mines at Canton.
Part two of Enrai is below, Zeros at Canton will cover the assault group as far as it can. Closer to Suva, the five Zero groups in the KB will take turns covering the assault groups via LRCAP.[center][/center][center]Operation Enrai, phase II.[/center]

Sub Ops:
All quiet today.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-173 49/81/0 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 72/66/0 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/15/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 49/18/0 (Cagayan)
I-166 14/7/0 (Menado)
AP Oigawa Maru 32/10/6 (Phillipines)

AP Seizan Maru expired near Tarawa.

[FeurerKrieg]

You probably thought we were gone for good... but no! we are finally back... [8D]

War Report 2/7/42
An assualt on Wuchow was repulsed.
AK Sinabang reported sunk near Maccasar.
Air raids at Lashio, Akyab, Andaman Island, Singapore, Manilla, near Mandalay, and near Sian.
Two strikes were launched against Allied cruisers in the DEI. The CL Tromp was missed off of Java, but the CA Cornwall was hit with three torpedos near Muntok.[center][/center][center]The CA HMS Cornwall, seen posing in good times (left) and listing in bad times (right).[/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Brewster 339D - 2


Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 3
Ki-51 Sonia - 2
G4M1 Betty - 2
H6K4 Mavis - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Enrai continues, nothing else happening today.

Sub Ops:
All quiet today.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-173 49/84/0 (Canton Island)
AP Siraha Maru 72/67/0 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/15/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 49/12/0 (Cagayan)
I-166 14/5/0 (Menado)
AP Oigawa Maru 33/4/2 (Phillipines)

[Alikchi2]

Welcome back! [8D] One of my favorite AARs. Make sure you get the latest version of Elf's art!

[FeurerKrieg]

Has a new version been released lately?

[Alikchi2]

Yes, Elf released a new CHS version and a set of planetops for stock, as well. (I think.)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/8/42
CA Cornwall was reported as sunk today.
Airstikes at Imphal, Davao, NW of Wuchow, Wuchow, North of Sian, Singapore, and East of Mandalay. Allies launched some strikes of their own, although small, at Nanning, Tarakan, Biak amd Salamaua.
Several small IJN units landed at Davao and took some hits during the landing but made it ashore mostly intact with the help of several Betty bombers.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Do 24K-2 - 4
PBY Catalina - 3
Blenheim IF - 1

Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 1
G4M1 Betty - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Carriers and surface forces are in holding position and the main landing force leaves Canton Island tonight.
Lots of Allied ships spotted leaving Lunga, several groups of transports and what is believed to be the Hornet still in place south of Lunga, just out of escorted Nell range from Rabaul.
A couple Alf's took shots at some of the transports as well, but no hits were landed.
Additional port facilities were opened today at Rabaul (port size 5 now).

Sub Ops:
The RO-64 put one torpedo into the AK Empire Hawksbill as it was sailing south from Lugna.
[center][/center][center]The RO-64, active in the seas south of Guadalcanal.[/center]

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-173 49/86/0 (Canton Island)
AP Meigen Maru 37/8/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 49/4/0 (Cagayan)


AP Siraha Maru made it into port at Makin, although it still may sink (72/76/0).
I-166 has stopped all flooding, and the AP Oigawa Maru stopped flooding and fires.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/9/42
Blehiem IF's continue to try and hit Mandalay at night. Other Allied strikes included Tarakan, northeast of Lanchow, and Salamaua.
Japanese strikes at Ledo, Davao, Manilla, Clark Field, east of Manadalay, and Sian. A strike on Wuchow by some Sonias was ambushed by planes from the AVG, but only a few Sonias were shot down. Recon shows elements of the AVG located at Wuchow and Kweilin.
The 4th Division moved into Clark Field to support the advanced elements there. With the 4th in place it is unlikely the Allies will be able to force a second retreat.[center][/center][center]Snapshot of the current ground battles taking place.[/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Blenheim IV - 2

Imperial Air Force
Ki-51 Sonia - 5
Ki-49 Helen - 2
H6K4 Mavis - 2


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The 22nd SBF began unloading at Lae today, they will be tasked with developing the airfield in support of future operations against Port Moresby. A group of Oscars left Tokyo today to be based in Lae, and prevent the unescorted bombing runs of Beauforts against Salamaua and Lae.
Admiralty Island opened new airbase facilities today (AF size 2 now).
Recon reports almost 20,000 Allied troops now at Lunga. Flak took down two of the Mavis patrol planes on recon there today. Provided that operations against Noumea go well, a large amount of Allied troops should get starved out on the island.
Otherwise things are quiet, mostly logistical actions.
The main assault TF of Enrai will rendezvous with the KB, surface groups and replenishment fleets tomorrow. They will fuel up one more time and then set course directly for Suva.

Sub Ops:
The I-4 brazenly attacked the AK Barwon between Cairns and Port Moresby today. Apparently the AK was loaded as high casualties were reported. Unfortunately, the surface attack allowed the escorting PG Swan to hit the I-4 with many depth charges, sinking the sub in short order. LCDR Yoshimatsu was posthumously promoted in recognition of his brave assault on a ship carrying Allied troops.
Also today the I-173 made it into port at Makin. There are two submarine tenders, as well as a naval HQ located at the port which will hopefully be able to keep the sub from sinking, although the ship is not out of the woods yet.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Meigen Maru 37/4/0 (Canton Island)
AP Chihaya Maru 49/4/0 (Cagayan)

I-173 in port at Makin.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/10/42
Blehiem IF's managed one nightime runway hit on Mandalay. Other Allied strikes included Biak, Salamaua, Tarakan, northeast of Lanchow, and some Wirraways from Lashio hit Myitkyina.
Japanese strikes at Lashio, Ledo, Singapore, Davao, Manilla, Clark, and just east of Manadalay.[center][/center][center]Russian SB-2's continue to harass troops near Lanchow.[/center]


Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
PBY Catalina - 3
Blenheim IV - 1
C-60A Lodestar - 1

Imperial Air Force
G3M Nell - 3
Ki-21 Sally - 2
B5N Kate - 1
Ki-15 Babs - 1
G4M1 Betty - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Enrai taskforces refueled today and are now sailing south towards Suva.
The US CV taskforces near Lunga has headed south, most likely towards Noumea to refuel. Several Glen subs are in the area and will do their best to keep track of the carrier group. If it heads east we will be ready for it, if it stays put, the KB will give chase after Suva has been captured.

Sub Ops:
The PG Swan hit a second IJN sub in as many days. Today it was the I-6 that fell victim to the extremely skilled crew of the Allied PG Swan. The I-6 is not sunk yet, but it is unlikely to make it back to Rabaul before sinking.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/56/0 (S of Port Moresby)

AP's Meigen Maru and Chihaya Maru both have fully contained flooding damage.

[FeurerKrieg]

Operations for Noumea are moving along. An OOB is finally forming up and can be seen below. Timing for the invasion is currently set for mid-March, sooner if possible. If things get difficult at Suva that could push this timeable back also. The plan overall is to capture Noumea, and then with Noumea, Canton and Suva providing Zero/Nell/Betty coverage, the remaining bases in the area, and eventually Lunga, can be captured without carrier coverage, allowing the KB to sail to Singapore for use in Gen Mantills Burma/India plans.
I will probably request one or two small CVE or CVLs, and some CS ships that will stay on station in the South Pacific to go convoy hunting on occasion. All of this is assuming we can take Noumea of course. The reserve units below are due to arrive in Tokyo over the next two weeks, will be understrength, and used only as emergency reinforcements.

OPERATION KOMOREBI
Objective: Seizure of Noumea Airbase & Port Facilities to further isolate Austalian bases from United States reinforcements. Engagement of Allied Carrier forces is NOT an objective of this operation, however opportunities will be evaluated as they present themselves.
Invasion Date: March 20, 1942.

OOB
Main Assault Forces:
56th Bdg
66th Nav Gd
67th Nav Gd
82nd Nav Gd
84th Nav Gd
8th NLF
Kure 3rd SNLF
Maizuru 4th SNLF
Sasebo 5th SNLF
Sasebo 7th SNLF
Yokosuka 7th SNLF
25th Special Base Force
26th Special Base Force

Reserve Assault Forces:
42nd Nav Gd
64th Nav Gd
65th Nav Gd
Kure 6th SNLF
Kure 7th SNLF
Sasebo 6th SNLF
South Seas Detachment (expected to be on R&R at Suva, but will be mobilized if needed.)

Fleet assets and TF organization:
To be determined.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/11/42
Quiet day, very few airstrikes. 25 SB-2c's attacked north of Lanchow. Some Wirraways attacked the Imperial Guards in Burma.
The O-24 attacked some IJN Destroyers near Formosa, however torps were duds. THe ASW ships (two groups of destroyers) managed some close shots, but no hits on the sub.
Shock attacks at Yenen and Wuchow both took heavy casaulties. An attack at Singapore pentrated into the defenses and produced heavy Allied casaulties. The fall of the city is likely getting near.
THe AK Sigli and AK Sipirok, both hit by Bettys at Samarinda and Dadjangas respectively, were both reported sunk today near the Banda sea.


Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Wirraway - 1

Imperial Air Force
H6K4 Mavis - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Enrai TFs enroute.
US CV force heading for Noumea.
Recon reports Lunga port has expanded (size 2).
Guam airfield also expanded today (size 2).

Sub Ops:
All quiet.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/57/0 (S of Port Moresby)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/12/42
Few airstrikes again. Strikes launched against Palembang, Manilla, Clark, and Davao.
Allies shock attacked at Hsinyang but were repulsed.
The SS Trout managed to put a torpedo into the AP Oigawa Maru.[center][/center][center]The SS Trout.[/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None.

Imperial Air Force
None.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Wirrways attempted to hit the one AK unloading supplies at Lae, but they all missed. Some Beauforts came by later in the day and dropped a bomb on the fledgling airfield. Oscars have been flown in and will be ready to fend off any attacks tomorrow.
Op. Komorebi forces in Truk are resting very well. Most of the forces are fully rested and in proper organization with full TOEs. The forces enroute to Truk will be evaluated once they land, and then a more firm invasion day will be set on the calendar. Intel reports a large quantity of aircraft at Noumea so the KB will need to rest for a week or so to ensure the Zeros are at full strength to fend off any LBA attacks.
A Catalina was spotted near the small TF sailing west from Wallis Island. Our ships were steaming west, so the Allies may or may not think this TF is heading for Suva. Hopefully they just believe we are picking up the stranded NLF that was at Wallis Island.
US CV force spotted in port at Noumea. Most likely resting after the long patrol it had south of Lunga. Glen subs are in the area to keep an eye on the carrier in case it heads east.

Sub Ops:
A very large group of TFs has been picked up sailing from SF to Pearl. Two attack subs have been ordered to follow and intercept while a Glen sub follows from a safer distance.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/54/0 (S of Port Moresby)
AP Oigawa Maru 45/47/7 (Pescadores)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/13/42
Airstrikes against the Allies occured only at Manilla and Clark Field, while the Allies launched some heavier attacks than usual. An escorted Martin 139 strike on Miri ran into Zeros on CAP and suffered for it. 4 Demons, 2 Brewsters and 2 Martins all destroyed for no losses. Many bombers still made it through, however all bombs missed their mark.[center][/center][center]Dutch Martin 139, recently spotted on bombing runs against Miri.[/center]
Nates defended against some Blenheim IV's in Mandalay and also distrupted the bombers enough that no hits were scored.
Allied ground forces launched and attack at Tarakan, but although our troops there are tired, the attack was repulsed.
Northest of Lanchow, however, three Chinese corps forced 2 Mongolian Cav Divisions to retreat.
The DD Asagumo managed to hit the SS Gudgeon near Formosa. On that note, several Destroyers have returned to the Home Islands and are currently undergoing upgrades to their Anti-sub and anti-air weapon systems. These will certainly help us in the long struggle ahead.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
CW-21B Demon - 4
Martin 139 - 2
Brester 339D - 2
Blenheim IV - 1


Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 1
H6K4 Mavis - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The Enrai transport fleet was spotted again today, and if the Allies compare to yesterday there can be no doubt as to the force's destination. The main battle fleet, 200 miles north of the transports, was not spotted so perhaps the US CV will think the transports are unescorted and launch an attack? We will be ready if that is the case, as the battlefleet has been ordered to form up with the transports again tomorrow. Also, the 14th NLF group has successfully been merged into the main landing force.
Also, an AP was spotted at Suva, whether it is unloading reinforcements, or evacuation cannot be determined. Mavis planes continue to recon Pago Pago to attempt some mask of our intentions.
US CV force near Noumea disappeared today. It either headed south or west from Noumea or disbanded into the port.
Oscars arrived in Kwajelein today, and will remain there for now. Once the Zeros at Tarawa are moved further south, the Oscars will move to Tarawa to provide fighter cover in that area.
The Mavis group in Rabaul will stand down for a couple days as it receives replacement pilots and new H8K Emily floatplanes.

Sub Ops:
The I-1, following orders to intercept the convoy spotted yesterday, was sunk by DD Walke while attempting a kill.
The I-122, after dropping mines in Batavia harbor, took a shot at the Tanker Ven-Koh, but fell victim to dud torpedoes. The sub then promptly left the area to head home for another load of mines.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/56/0 (S of Port Moresby)

The AP Oigawa Maru entered port at Pescadores.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/14/42
Blenheim IV's from Tarhat and Ledo hit Mandalay today, and were met by Nates on CAP, which was enough to disrupt the bombing attacks. Also, Martins hit Brunei and again lost a couple bombers and a couple escorts as well.
Japanese airstrikes were launched against Clark, Manilla and Davao. At Davao, a large battlegroup came in and shelled the Allied defenders heavily. The next morning a fresh assault was launched, and it nearly captured the base.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Martin 139 - 2
Blenheim IV - 2
Brewster 339D - 1

Imperial Air Force
G4M1 Betty - 1
Ki-49 Helen - 1


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Operation Enrai is nearing its conclusion! The bombardment fleet goes in tonight for a first pass. The carrier group and landing forces will assemble just north of the island before preparing to land.
Wirraways from Port Moresby finally managed to hit the AK Shinsei Maru as it was leaving Lae. Although damaged, the ship should make it back to Rabaul with little difficulty. Also, the new Oscars at Lae attempted to scramble and defend the fields at Salamaua, but arrive too late to stop the Beauforts.
Nells and Zeros from Rabaul have been given secondary orders to attack the airfields at Port Moresby tomorrow.
GHQ has released two Zero groups, and one Oscar group to our theater. These units will mostly be used in the Southern New Guinea area to sweep the skies near PM. A group of Zeros will likely go to Suva once that base is secured.
[center][/center][center]Some credits among the lessor known aircraft. Note the H8K credit.[/center]
[center][/center][center]One of many new H8Ks being put into service at Rabaul and other areas throughout the Empire.[/center]

Sub Ops:
Quiet today.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/56/0 (S of Port Moresby)
AK Shinsei Maru 20/3/26 (Near Lae)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/15/42
A good day for the Empire in the air today!
After several days of rough weather the skies lifted a bit and the Imperial airforces took a toll on the Allies. Heavy airstrikes were launched at Yenen, Ichang, just east of Mandalay, and Davao. Also, Betties at Kuchang missed a ship at Palembang, but managed to put one torpedo into the CA Exeter at Muntok.[center][/center][center]The HMS Exeter, hit by torpedo on 2/15/42.[/center]
The Allied bombing run at Miri took some losses again. Also, the Blenheim IV's returned to Mandalay to meet a combined CAP of Zeros and Nates. Both fighters did well, and all the Blenheims were either shot down or chased away.
In the water the BBs Hyuga, Yamashiro and Mutsu continued to pound Davao.[center][/center][center]The Battleship Hyuga.[/center]
A shock attack against Yenen made some progress against the defenses, but failed to route the defenders (forts reduced to lvl 4). Another assault on Davao again nearly pushed the defenders out.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The BBs Ise and Hiei pounded the island base of Suva inflicting moderate casaulties. Also, a small strike was launched by Yamaguchi to sink a cargo ship fleeing east from Suva, the AK Hirondelle was located and sunk easily. Ground forces have been ordered to land tomorrow as the Battleships continue to pound the beaches.
The strike ordered against Port Moresby was successful today. Upon arriving, the 27 Zero escorts found 3 squadrons of Wirrways (36 planes) coming to meet them. The Zeros mercilessly tore through the defening CAP and although lost 2 Zeros in the process, managed to kill many more of the enemy, killing many Australian pilots. A couple Nells were also hit by the Wirraways, but 50 still got through to unload on the airfields at PM.

Sub Ops:
Quiet today.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Wirraway - 23
Brester 339D - 7
SB-2c - 4
Blenheim IV - 4
Martin 139 - 3
Beaufort V-IX - 1
Blenheim I - 1
CW-21B Demon - 1

Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 3
G4M1 Betty - 2
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1
G3M Nell - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/55/0 (S of Port Moresby)

AK Shinsei Maru has flooding under control and will make it back to Rabaul.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/16/42
Airstikes against Yenen, Wuchow, Manilla, and Clark. Allied planes hit Tarakan and again returned to Miri - and again Dutch pilots died. An strong push at Davao again nearly captured the base. A massive push at Singpore made solid gains, with the defenders now hundled in the city center with Japanese forces past all defensive fortifications. The city's fall is imminent. Also, the 2nd Yokosuka SNLF force landed and secured Andaman island.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Suva was again bombarded, while the landing forces moved in. A beachhead was gained and all forces except for a a few squads from the base force were unloaded. Casaulties were light, although some squads did get split up. The assault group will spend a couple days reorganizing within their perimeter before attacking. Recon indicates the 8th New Zealand bridage, a RN Base force, and a group of US Artillery are present in the base. If the defenders are difficult, bombers from KB will lend some ground support. Two cargo ships with approx 10,000 supplies have been sent down from Nukufetu in case the fight goes slow. Reinforcement are unlikely as all available ground units are being prepared for Op Komorebi.[center][/center][center]Photo found at Suva after the initial landing on the body of a runner. Writing on the back states 'Frank, Sam, and John Sanday'.[/center]

Sub Ops:
The Tanker Semiramis was confirmed sunk today, putting the I-158 on the sub scoreboard.
Also, subs spotters reported possible CVs in the Bay of Bengal. This information was given to Gen Mantill in order for him to evaluate the possibility of using his air assets in the area. Also, the subs on leave in Rangoon were given emergency mobilization orders and launched at full speed to investigate.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Martin 139 - 2
CW-21B Demon - 2
Hurricane II - 1
Brewster 339D - 1

Imperial Air Force
Ki-51 Sonia - 2
Ki-15 Babs - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/50/0 (S of Port Moresby)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/17/42
Airstrikes at Wuchow, Akyab, Manilla, Clark, east of Mandalay, Singapore and against enemy ground units at Hsinyang.
Davao finally fell, with several Allied units retreating to Cotabato. Another assault on Singapore did not route the defenders.
Several cargo ships were spotted moving around south of Singapore. Betties from Kuching hit the AK Beatrice and Kates from Johore Bharu hit the AK Honolulan, sinking it along with several ground troops. Whether they were on the way to reinforce Singapore, or they were evacuees is unclear.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Bombardment at Suva continues. All troops and supply from the initial wave are now on shore. Tomorrow the Hiei and the Kirishima will trade places, allowing the Kirishima, with its full load of ammo, to deal out some punishment on the island. After the battleships trade places, the next bombardment will be close in to allow the destroyers to shell the defenders as well. A risk perhaps, but maximum damage is needed to weaken the defenders at Suva. This will occur along with float plane and dive bomber attacks on ground units on the first day that ground forces attack.
Allied carrier is still in place at Noumea.

Sub Ops:
Nothing much turned up from yesterday's spotting in the Bay of Bengal.
On a positive note, it looks like the I-6 will managed to make it into port at Rabaul tomorrow and survive to fight another day.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Brewster 339D - 4
Martin 139 - 1
Wirraway - 1

Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 3
Ki-49 Helen - 1
Ki-51 Sonia - 1
A6M2 Zero - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-6 27/46/0 (S of Port Moresby)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/18/42
A difficult day in the air today. Due to a late night Saki binge by the Rangoon Zero pilots, a bombing run over Akyab arrived with no escort and was met by no less than the AVG. Several planes were shot down. Nells and Sallys arrived over Imphal with no escort as well, but faired better against the smaller force of Hurricanes there. Heads will roll once the report reaches Gen Mantill.
Extra Zeros were flying over Miri today for the Martin's oil bombing run. Several allied planes were downed there.
In other areas - airstikes against Lashio, Manilla, Clark, northwest of Wuchow, Hsinyang, Yenen, and some cargo ships were hit near Palembang.
The Allies hit Tarakan, Myitkyina, and Biak.
The first solid ground assault on Clark airfield made good progress. Attacks continued against the surrounded Chinese as Hsinyang. A base force landed and secured Lamon Bay.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The battleships at Suva have rearranged. Tonight our soldiers will launch their first assault on the enemy. Approximately half of the KB planes have been ordered in on ground support missions, along with close to shore bombardment by all ships of the surface group, destroyers included.

Sub Ops:
The I-6 did make it into Rabaul and will be sent back to the home islands once secured from flooding.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Martin 139 - 5
Brewster 339D - 4
CW-21B Demon - 4


Imperial Air Force
Ki-48 Lily - 9
G4M1 Betty - 7
Ki-21 Sally - 6
E13A1 Jake - 2
G3M Nell - 2


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-6 in port at Rabaul.