Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Pillager) Allies only

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/19/43

South Pacific: Pillager continues reinforcing Japanese flak LCU in the SW/South Pacific area. Sigint entry for 8/18 reports Jap 22 Field AA Machine Cannon Co now located in Rabaul – this unit transferred here from Manchuria. Not a huge surprise.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/18 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 104,133 near Woodlark Island, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown


Australia: TF of Australian minesweepers intercepted by Jap patrol sub. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Newcastle at 94,166 (E of Newcastle)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-63

Allied Ships
AMc Korowa, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AMc Cheribon
AMc Durraween
AMc Bonthorpe
AMc Samuel Benbow
AMc Tongkol
AMc Goolgwai

SS RO-63 launches 2 torpedoes at AMc Korowa
AMc Tongkol fails to find sub and abandons search
AMc Goolgwai attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Indian Ocean: US sub in transit to assigned patrol area in unexpected encounter with Jap PB in open sea area south of Sumatra. The Jap PB appears to be operating alone and could be acting as a picket ship. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sinabang at 33,77 (SSE of Sabang)

Japanese Ships
PB Chitose Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Billfish

SS Billfish launches 2 torpedoes
Billfish diving deep ....
PB Chitose Maru #2 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 120 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 13(28). Pillager appears to have resumed repair of light industry in Rangoon.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 88 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 143(158), refinery 97(4).


RAF bombers launch a second night of small raids on Mandalay airfield. 1 Blenheim IV (ops loss) reported destroyed. AAR’s and Combat Events report entries follow.

5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (85% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 28

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


China: Detected statuses of Chengtu and Chungking now show likely results of Allied strategic bombing raids on heavy industry – the raids appear to have re-destroyed about 50% of the heavy industry capacity Pillager had rebuilt in the two cities since their capture.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/20/43

Japanese Home Islands, Western Pacific area: Unusually high level of Japanese LBA patrol activity in many locations south of the Home Islands, also near Formosa – many US patrol subs reporting contacts with Jap air patrols. Most Jap air patrols flown by Ki-49 Helens, two Helens reported hit by flak. No US subs hit or damaged.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: AK Shinanogawa Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 104,133 near Woodlark Island, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 104,133 near Woodlark Island, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving Southeast (submarine visible on map, identified as RO-62 in a 8/19 Sigint entry)

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 109 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 13(28).

Night aerial mine laying mission by RAF bombers on Rangoon harbor. Jap minesweeping activity reported in daylight (though Jap AMc in AAR below not reported in detected status of Rangoon above). AAR’s and Combat Events report entries follow.

4 x No.353 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (78% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 12

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 17

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 5000 feet *
5 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 5000 feet *

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 12

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 5000 feet *

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53) – combined from 2 separate AAR’s

Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6

24 mines cleared (total)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 90 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 143(158), refinery 97(4).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/21/43

The main US carrier force has formed with completion of all applicable ship upgrades through 8/43. As now formed, the main carrier force includes 10 CV, 3 CVL organized in ten air combat TF – all TF with 1 CV or 1 CV/1 CVL, all TF to the maximum effective 15 ships. Total flak value of ships in each air combat TF is in the 6000-6500 range, hopefully this amount of flak will be of value. Basically as good as it gets given what I set up.

A number of British ships are attached to the US main carrier force (BB Prince of Wales plus most newer British & ANZAC CA and CL with no withdrawal dates). The British and ANZAC ships had been in an air combat TF with CV Victorious. CV Victorious had entered the game at Panama and operated from the US west coast, this carrier now off-map and enroute to Capetown via Panama for its scheduled 10/15/43 withdrawal date.

The only unresolved issue at this point is the command structure – how the two US carrier fleet HQ LCU’s (Third & Fifth Fleets) can be used with the carrier force and exactly what value these two HQ LCU have in relation to air carrier TF operating at sea. My initial plans for these HQ deviates slightly from their historical use – carrier operations in the SW/South Pacific under HQ Fifth Fleet (now in Auckland), HQ Third Fleet (not yet in the game) doing the same in Central and North Pacific areas. Which HQ has the carriers depending upon where the carriers are currently operating.

If these fleet HQ LCU are used with the carrier force, current plans will assign air combat TF to the appropriate fleet HQ (Third/Fifth) depending on geographical area the carrier force is operating.

The big question here is what would be the value of assigning Halsey or Spruance as commanders in Third/Fifth Fleet HQ LCU’s – compared to putting them in command of the lead carrier TF’s. Does using these two HQ actually influence carrier operations? If not, it would be a terrible waste putting Halsey and Spruance ashore in these LCU. I’m researching this now but readers are still welcome to chime in.


South China Sea: US patrol sub operating off Hong Kong torpedoes Jap TK. I had stationed this patrol sub off Hong Kong with the intent of intercepting Japanese troop transport convoys departing Hong Kong with LCU transferred out of China to the DEI or Pacific theatres. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hong Kong at 77,62 (adjacent hex S of Hong Kong)

Japanese Ships
TK Ogura Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (oil cargo burning)
DD Hatsushima

Allied Ships
SS Lapon

SS Lapon launches 2 torpedoes at TK Ogura Maru #1
Lapon bottoming out ....
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Central Pacific: Large Jap transport convoy spotted and attacked by US patrol sub E of the northern Marianas. The Jap convoy is the same transport TF engaged by US sub Grunion near Iwo Jima on 8/17. Projected destination of the Jap convoy’s current movement path appears to be Truk. SS Sailfish also attacked by a B5N2 Kate air patrol, this plane likely based aboard a carrier attached to the Jap convoy – no land bases within range of the hex location where B5N2 Kate attacked the sub. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Pagan at 116,91 (E of Pagan)

Japanese Ships
xAK Yoneyama Maru
AV Kamikawa Maru
AK Momokawa Maru
AK Yamahuku Maru
AK Kamikaze Maru
xAK Namba Maru
xAK Yahiko Maru
xAK Yasuteru Maru
xAK Unkai Maru #3
xAK Uji Maru
xAK Tsuyama Maru
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru
xAK Sangetsu Maru
xAK Nitimei Maru
xAK Shinkoku Maru
xAK Ryoyo Maru
xAK Madras Maru
xAK Jusan Maru
xAK Jinsai Maru
xAK Achou Maru
xAK Taito Maru
E W-33

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

SS Sailfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yoneyama Maru
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sigint entries for 8/20 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is and Jaluit. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Japanese planes based there, otherwise no visible Jap forces or activity observed.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/20 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 2, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 13, Moving Northeast


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+3 from last report), 114 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 14(27).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 89 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 143(158), refinery 97(4).

[guytipton41]

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Summary of Operations 8/21/43

The only unresolved issue at this point is the command structure – how the two US carrier fleet HQ LCU’s (Third & Fifth Fleets) can be used with the carrier force and exactly what value these two HQ LCU have in relation to air carrier TF operating at sea. My initial plans for these HQ deviates slightly from their historical use – carrier operations in the SW/South Pacific under HQ Fifth Fleet (now in Auckland), HQ Third Fleet (not yet in the game) doing the same in Central and North Pacific areas. Which HQ has the carriers depending upon where the carriers are currently operating.

If these fleet HQ LCU are used with the carrier force, current plans will assign air combat TF to the appropriate fleet HQ (Third/Fifth) depending on geographical area the carrier force is operating.

The big question here is what would be the value of assigning Halsey or Spruance as commanders in Third/Fifth Fleet HQ LCU’s – compared to putting them in command of the lead carrier TF’s. Does using these two HQ actually influence carrier operations? If not, it would be a terrible waste putting Halsey and Spruance ashore in these LCU. I’m researching this now but readers are still welcome to chime in.

Hi wneumann,

From reading Alfred's (or maybe it was someone else, witpq?) guides there is no advantage to having a good Naval HQ commander. They contribute diddly divided by squat.

Cheers,
Guy

[jeffk3510]

ORIGINAL: guytipton41

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Summary of Operations 8/21/43

The only unresolved issue at this point is the command structure – how the two US carrier fleet HQ LCU’s (Third & Fifth Fleets) can be used with the carrier force and exactly what value these two HQ LCU have in relation to air carrier TF operating at sea. My initial plans for these HQ deviates slightly from their historical use – carrier operations in the SW/South Pacific under HQ Fifth Fleet (now in Auckland), HQ Third Fleet (not yet in the game) doing the same in Central and North Pacific areas. Which HQ has the carriers depending upon where the carriers are currently operating.

If these fleet HQ LCU are used with the carrier force, current plans will assign air combat TF to the appropriate fleet HQ (Third/Fifth) depending on geographical area the carrier force is operating.

The big question here is what would be the value of assigning Halsey or Spruance as commanders in Third/Fifth Fleet HQ LCU’s – compared to putting them in command of the lead carrier TF’s. Does using these two HQ actually influence carrier operations? If not, it would be a terrible waste putting Halsey and Spruance ashore in these LCU. I’m researching this now but readers are still welcome to chime in.

Hi wneumann,

From reading Alfred's (or maybe it was someone else, witpq?) guides there is no advantage to having a good Naval HQ commander. They contribute diddly divided by squat.

Cheers,
Guy

Correct. You want your worst commander to fill the Naval HQ spots. Put them at a base that you will be repairing a lot of ships.

[Richard III]

No offensive intended, but can anyone provide a link to Alfred`s post on this. or one of the devs. post please ? I never considered the Naval HQ structures just "Chrome", and spend PP`s for better HQ leaders. It`s always been conventional wisdom in WITP & AE to install Nimitz as CO of Pacific Fleet ASAP.

ORIGINAL: guytipton41

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Summary of Operations 8/21/43

The only unresolved issue at this point is the command structure – how the two US carrier fleet HQ LCU’s (Third & Fifth Fleets) can be used with the carrier force and exactly what value these two HQ LCU have in relation to air carrier TF operating at sea. My initial plans for these HQ deviates slightly from their historical use – carrier operations in the SW/South Pacific under HQ Fifth Fleet (now in Auckland), HQ Third Fleet (not yet in the game) doing the same in Central and North Pacific areas. Which HQ has the carriers depending upon where the carriers are currently operating.

If these fleet HQ LCU are used with the carrier force, current plans will assign air combat TF to the appropriate fleet HQ (Third/Fifth) depending on geographical area the carrier force is operating.

The big question here is what would be the value of assigning Halsey or Spruance as commanders in Third/Fifth Fleet HQ LCU’s – compared to putting them in command of the lead carrier TF’s. Does using these two HQ actually influence carrier operations? If not, it would be a terrible waste putting Halsey and Spruance ashore in these LCU. I’m researching this now but readers are still welcome to chime in.

Hi wneumann,

From reading Alfred's (or maybe it was someone else, witpq?) guides there is no advantage to having a good Naval HQ commander. They contribute diddly divided by squat.

Cheers,
Guy

[Richard III]

OK, sorry to hijack the thread, ( and answer myself[:o] ) this seems to be the definitive info on AE leaders:

tm.asp?m=2350193&mpage=1&key=Leaders&#2350193

RIII

ORIGINAL: Richard III

No offensive intended, but can anyone provide a link to Alfred`s post on this. or one of the devs. post please ? I never considered the Naval HQ structures just "Chrome", and spend PP`s for better HQ leaders. It`s always been conventional wisdom in WITP & AE to install Nimitz as CO of Pacific Fleet ASAP.

ORIGINAL: guytipton41

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Summary of Operations 8/21/43

The only unresolved issue at this point is the command structure – how the two US carrier fleet HQ LCU’s (Third & Fifth Fleets) can be used with the carrier force and exactly what value these two HQ LCU have in relation to air carrier TF operating at sea. My initial plans for these HQ deviates slightly from their historical use – carrier operations in the SW/South Pacific under HQ Fifth Fleet (now in Auckland), HQ Third Fleet (not yet in the game) doing the same in Central and North Pacific areas. Which HQ has the carriers depending upon where the carriers are currently operating.

If these fleet HQ LCU are used with the carrier force, current plans will assign air combat TF to the appropriate fleet HQ (Third/Fifth) depending on geographical area the carrier force is operating.

The big question here is what would be the value of assigning Halsey or Spruance as commanders in Third/Fifth Fleet HQ LCU’s – compared to putting them in command of the lead carrier TF’s. Does using these two HQ actually influence carrier operations? If not, it would be a terrible waste putting Halsey and Spruance ashore in these LCU. I’m researching this now but readers are still welcome to chime in.

Hi wneumann,

From reading Alfred's (or maybe it was someone else, witpq?) guides there is no advantage to having a good Naval HQ commander. They contribute diddly divided by squat.

Cheers,
Guy

[BBfanboy]

I disagree with this entry re: Amphibious FORCE HQs:

High Land Skill - This influences the Amphibious Landings in that units will land faster, with less disruption and fewer losses

The job of the Amphib force ends at the beach. Their job is to coordinate the ships unloading and waves of landing craft so that beaches are not overloaded and the craft do not come in gobs and bunches. For this, high Naval skill is important. Check the stats on the Guru of Amphib Landings - Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner.

[zuluhour]

I would think high admin skills as well. As a side note, Alfred once posted skills best suited for commanders, I can't find my copy but would be interested if anyone has it.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

I would think high admin skills as well. As a side note, Alfred once posted skills best suited for commanders, I can't find my copy but would be interested if anyone has it.

I searched the WITP-AE forum for posts by Alfred about leaders. I only found three, dealing with aggression in TF vs Ship commanders, with some reference to Air Unit leaders. There was no overall treatment of the subject by Alfred.

[guytipton41]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

I would think high admin skills as well. As a side note, Alfred once posted skills best suited for commanders, I can't find my copy but would be interested if anyone has it.

I searched the WITP-AE forum for posts by Alfred about leaders. I only found three, dealing with aggression in TF vs Ship commanders, with some reference to Air Unit leaders. There was no overall treatment of the subject by Alfred.

Hi Folks,

That was my false canard saying that Alfred had a guide, mea culpa. It was Mike Wood's guide I was thinking of - see up stream link. Note that JWE (in the linked thread) said that Mike Wood's insight and analysis was as detailed as the Devs were willing to release.

Cheers,
Guy

[wneumann]

Update on US Fifth/Third Fleet HQ’s (not to be confused with a bank of similar name)

Thanks to all who posted. Both the responses posted here as well as my own research in the forums is leaning in the direction that (at least) these particular fleet LCU have little or no value in terms of supporting operations at sea and limited value elsewhere.

I did find several forum strings related to Fleet HQ LCU (my primary search) – the most noteworthy titles including “Fleet HQ” (vettim89 - early 2009) and “Fleet Commanders?” (Gunner98 – early 2010). There is some risk information in these threads could be obsolete, though a fairly good chance the information in them may still be accurate. The overall conclusion in both the two threads above is that US fleet HQ LCU do not impact friendly TF during their operation at sea and only influence shore-based activity. From this it can also be concluded top naval commanders should be assigned to front-line TF’s appropriate to their ratings rather than assigned to these HQ.

I also examined the various US fleet and theatre command LCU – my findings covered here as well. Excluding HQ for air and ground forces, US headquarter LCU’s relevant to naval activity fall into two categories. This would also apply to HQ LCU for other Allied nationalities though I'm not covering these here.

1) Theatre HQ (Pacific Ocean Areas, North Pacific, South Pacific, SW Pacific) – Only the four US HQ LCU’s above contain naval support elements. These four HQ (alone) would have a significant effect on ship repair.

2) Fleet HQ (US Fifth and Third Fleets, also US Asiatic and Seventh Fleet) – None of these HQ contain naval support, they only have regular support elements. Based on their composition of only regular support elements, it appears these HQ have a lesser degree of influence on naval operations if any at all. The most significant usefulness of these Fleet HQ is likely mainly related to activities that can be done with the large number of regular support elements in them.

This appears to be the bottom line…

Ghormley is my current US Fifth Fleet HQ commander – with his high admin rating (70) probably the most suitable choice for this posting (Ghormley also being a less inconvenient loss had Pillager sank the transport ship bringing HQ 5th Fleet to Auckland). My conclusion is similar commanders with high admin ratings (and relatively low in other areas) will eventually go into the other US fleet HQ. For the moment I’m leaving Kinkaid ashore at US Seventh Fleet HQ at least until I begin placing more emphasis on surface naval combat operations in the main Pacific theatres – Kinkaid is fine here for now and not needed elsewhere at this time.

Halsey, Spruance, et al are definitely going out with the TF’s.

[wneumann]

Update on US Fifth/Third Fleet HQ’s (not to be confused with a bank of similar name)

Thanks to all who posted. Both the responses posted here as well as my own research in the forums is leaning in the direction that (at least) these particular fleet LCU have little or no value in terms of supporting operations at sea and limited value elsewhere.

I did find several forum strings related to Fleet HQ LCU (my primary search) – the most noteworthy titles including “Fleet HQ” (vettim89 - early 2009) and “Fleet Commanders?” (Gunner98 – early 2010). There is some risk information in these threads could be obsolete, though a fairly good chance the information in them may still be accurate. The overall conclusion in both the two threads above is that US fleet HQ LCU do not impact friendly TF during their operation at sea and only influence shore-based activity. From this it can also be concluded top naval commanders should be assigned to front-line TF’s appropriate to their ratings rather than assigned to these HQ.

I also examined the various US fleet and theatre command LCU – my findings covered here as well. Excluding HQ for air and ground forces, US headquarter LCU’s relevant to naval activity fall into two categories.

1) Theatre HQ (Pacific Ocean Areas, North Pacific, South Pacific, SW Pacific) – Only the four US HQ LCU’s above contain naval support elements. These four HQ (alone) would have a significant effect on ship repair.

2) Fleet HQ (US Fifth and Third Fleets, also US Asiatic and Seventh Fleet) – None of these HQ contain naval support, they only have regular support elements. Based on their composition of only regular support elements, it appears these HQ have a lesser degree of influence on naval operations if any at all. It's likely the most significant usefulness of these Fleet HQ appears to be mostly activities that can be done with the large number of regular support elements in them.

This appears to be the bottom line…

Ghormley is my current US Fifth Fleet HQ commander – with his high admin rating (70) probably the most suitable choice for this posting (Ghormley also being a less inconvenient loss had Pillager sank the transport ship bringing HQ 5th Fleet to Auckland). My conclusion is similar commanders with high admin ratings (and relatively low in other areas) will eventually go into the other US fleet HQ. For the moment I’m leaving Kinkaid ashore at US Seventh Fleet HQ at least until I begin placing more emphasis on surface naval combat operations in the main Pacific theatres – Kinkaid is fine here for now and not needed elsewhere at this time.

Halsey, Spruance, et al are definitely going out with the TF’s.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/22/43

Sea of Japan: Several unidentified Japanese TF visible on the game map in the Sea of Japan – none of these contacts observed in Sigint or other reports. No US patrol subs are currently operating in the Sea of Japan area. My estimate is these TF are likely transports moving cargo between the east coast of Korea and ports on the northern coast of Japan. Pillager could be using these routes to avoid interception by US patrol subs operating in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and west of Tsushima.


Okinawa/East China Sea: US patrol subs hit and damaged in separate attacks by Ki-49 Helen air patrols. SS Cabrilla attacked NE of Okinawa (hex location 99, 65) and SS Flying Fish north of Taihoku (hex location 89, 61). Both subs have moderate damage and returning to base for repair.


Central Pacific: Two damaged xAK reached Pearl Harbor after ship collision at sea in transport convoy WP-76 east of Christmas Is – the ships detached from the convoy for a long, slow journey northward to Hawaii at 5 kts. The two xAK delivered intact cargoes of supply and fuel to Kona, then arrived in Pearl Harbor for shipyard repair. Convoy WP-76 arrived in New Zealand since the collision. .

Sigint entries for 8/21 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from several locations – Tabiteuea, Roi-Namur and Jaluit. Detected status at Tabiteuea and Roi-Namur show unidentified Japanese planes based there, also ship(s) in port in both locations. Otherwise no visible Jap forces or activity observed.

Sigint entries for 8/21 are reporting that elements of Jap 4 Air Defense AA Rgt are loaded as cargo aboard at least three xAK in the large southbound Jap transport convoy intercepted last game turn by SS Sailfish near Pagan. All 8/21 Sigint entries referring to 4 Air Defense AA Rgt are indicating this LCU is bound for Ndeni. Previous location of 4 AA Rgt was Yokohama/Yokosuka in the Japanese Home Islands.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/21 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,133 near Normanby Island, Speed 3, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,138 near Lunga, Speed 0, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor, 118 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 14(27).


RAF bombers hit Magwe airfield in a night air strike. No planes reported destroyed on either side, no detected damage to Magwe airfield. AAR’s and Combat Event report entry follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) - 76 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 143(158), refinery 97(4).

5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Light cloud (57% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 53 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/23/43

Central Pacific: Intercepted radio transmissions from what is likely the large Japanese transport convoy attacked by US subs on 8/17 and 8/21 reported in an 8/22 Sigint entry. Position of the contact is at hex location 117, 102 (NE of Truk) – this contact visible on the game map as one or more unidentified Jap TF(s). One US patrol sub (SS Snapper) remains in the movement path between the Jap TF location and Truk.

Unidentified Jap TF(s) visible on the game map in a second contact due S of Truk (hex location 112, 112). One US patrol sub is near this contact – no reported actions between the US sub and the unidentified Jap TF, also no reported contacts between the US sub and Japanese air patrols. At this point, not a major cause of concern but it will have to be watched and identified. Three additional US subs are in patrol zones south of this contact.

Situation map of the two contacts follow.



Sigint entry for 8/22 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake Is. Detected status of Wake Is shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, airfield size 3(0), port size 1(0), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/22 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 125 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 15(26).


RAF bombers hit Magwe airfield in a night air strike. No planes reported destroyed on either side, no detected damage to Magwe airfield. AAR’s and Combat Event report entry follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) - 77 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 143(158), refinery 97(4).


Night raid on Mandalay airfield by RAF bombers. One Blenheim I reported destroyed (ops loss), no reported damage on Mandalay airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
Pilot killed in landing accident of Blenheim IV from No.110 Sqn RAF

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (46% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9

No Allied losses

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

[BBfanboy]

I don't have my old game saves anymore, but I seem to recall having Spruance assigned to Fifth Fleet HQ AND being able to deploy him on an Air Combat TF at the same time.

[wneumann]

I don't have my old game saves anymore, but I seem to recall having Spruance assigned to Fifth Fleet HQ AND being able to deploy him on an Air Combat TF at the same time.

Hmmm. Might be worth trying out. I'm not able to for the moment but might be worth doing at a time when the TF's, bases, stars and planets are properly aligned.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/24/43

US Escort Carrier force is now forming. Current composition of the escort carrier force is six CV Escort TF’s (CVE Divisions 1-6) with 13 CVE total – each CVE division with 2-3 CVE and a small DD escort.to provide mainly ASW cover. Air groups on carriers in Divisions 1-4 are operating CAP fighters only. CVE Divisions 5 and 6 have air groups with both CAP fighters and a small VT squadron – these two divisions set up to also allow their possible use as a small “Baby KB“ force. Fighter aircraft aboard most CVE are F4F Wildcats with one VF squadron of F6F Hellcats, all VT squadrons in the escort carrier force have TBF-1 Avengers. Planned employment of the Escort Carrier force will mainly be direct cover of amphibious landings and follow-up transport operations.


Central Pacific: Actions this game turn involving both Jap TF contacts reported near Truk on 8/23.

US patrol sub (SS Snapper) attacks large Jap transport convoy in northern sea approaches to Truk. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 117,104 (daylight action N of Truk)

Japanese Ships
xAK Toei Maru
AV Kamikawa Maru
AK Momokawa Maru
AK Yamahuku Maru
AK Fushimi Maru
xAK Akitsushima Maru
xAK Namba Maru
xAK Yoneyama Maru
xAK Yahiko Maru
xAK Yasuteru Maru
xAK Uji Maru
xAK Tempei Maru
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru
xAK Shozan Maru
xAK Nitimei Maru
xAK Shinkoku Maru
xAK Nittai Maru
xAK La Plata Maru
xAK Jusan Maru
xAK Iwaki Maru
xAK Achou Maru
xAK Taito Maru
E W-33

Allied Ships
SS Snapper, hits 2 (system damage 12, float 34, returning to base at 14 kts)

SS Snapper launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Toei Maru
Snapper diving deep ....
E W-33 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------.


US patrol sub in action against Jap surface ASW south of Truk.– this action may or may not be the contact (second Jap TF) reported on 8/23 in this area. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 111,112 (night action S of Truk)

Japanese Ships
E W-18

Allied Ships
SS Trigger

SS Trigger launches 2 torpedoes at E W-18
Trigger diving deep ....
E W-18 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/23 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from dot hex base at Tassafronga. Detected status of the base still shows it as a dot hex, no visible Japanese forces or activity, though it could be concluded Japanese construction activity is very likely underway in Tassafronga. Available intelligence data has one Jap LCU (Kure 5 SNLF) located in Tassafronga since 4/05/43 – other Jap LCU could be there as well.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/23 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed unknown (Japanese ship in this sighting may have been attacked in AAR below)
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,136 near Auki, Speed 14, Moving Southwest


Southwest Pacific: USAAF 2E bombers from NE Australia launch skip bombing attack on Japanese transport TF in Milne Bay – the Jap TF also spotted by Catalina I naval search prior to the air strike. This action is the second successful naval skip bombing strike by 5th USAAF 2E bomber squadrons specialized for this mission. Currently five 2E bomber squadrons in 5th USAAF are now operating in this role – pilots in these squadrons fully trained in NavB, LowN and NavS (at least 65-70 ratings in naval bombing if not all three skills). All available B-25D1 (eight .50 cal MG) and B-25G (75mm cannon) planes are being allocated for use in specialized 2E skip-bombing squadrons. Several additional USAAF 2E skip-bombing squadrons are being prepared in the Pacific theatres. Two Australian 2E torpedo bombing squadrons with Beaufort VIII planes are operating with the 5th USAAF bombers.

This is proving a highly successful experiment – anticipated weaknesses to skip bombing at this point include vulnerability to Japanese fighter CAP, also this type of naval air strike is expected to prove less effective against carriers and surface naval warship targets. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Milne Bay (hex 101,133)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Miiko Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
xAK Kisogawa Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
E W-15, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Massive explosion on xAK Kisogawa Maru
Massive explosion on xAK Kisogawa Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action vs Japanese surface ASW. SS Capelin also attacked and hit by Ki-49 Helen air patrol. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Blair at 49,60 (E of Port Blair)

Japanese Ships
E Hachijo
DD Mutsuki
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Capelin, hits 2 (system damage 28, float 44, engine 2, returning to base at 11 kts)

SS Capelin launches 2 torpedoes at E Hachijo
DD Mutsuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Isonami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Isonami is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Mergui at 50,61

Japanese Ships
E Hachijo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
SS Capelin

SS Capelin launches 2 torpedoes at E Hachijo
Capelin diving deep ....
DD Mutsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon (after raid below) – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 98 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 7, 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 16(25).

USAAF and RAF 4E bombers hit Rangoon airfield in a night raid, also aerial minelaying by RAF bombers in Rangoon base hex. Two B-17E bombers destroyed (1 flak, 1 ops). Six Japanese planes (3 A6M3a Zero, 1 Ki-61 Tony, 2 Ki-44 Tojo) reported destroyed on the ground, one Ki-61 Tony destroyed in air-to-air combat. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
4 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
B-17E Fortress from 341st BG/491st BS crashes on landing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Weather in hex: Overcast (35% moonlight)

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 22

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 2 damaged
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 10 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 22

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 22

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 22

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged


Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 20

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 20

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 20

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 80 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 144(157), refinery 97(4).


Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay (after air strikes below) – 3 Jap LCU, no Jap planes, resource production 2(19).

Second night raid on Mandalay airfield by RAF bombers. One Blenheim I reported destroyed (ops loss), no reported damage on Mandalay airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
Blenheim IV from No.84 Sqn RAF crashes on landing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Overcast (35% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 11

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/25/43

South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/24 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 13, Moving Southwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 113 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 10, 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 17(24).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 79 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/26/43

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-48 (22 ships) departing for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 61K supply and 37K fuel, no LCU or air units. No LCU or air units for SW Pacific theatre currently remain in the mainland US – all units for this theatre have already reached Australia or are now enroute. For the moment, additional supply and fuel cargoes to Australia will continue to be pushed out of Eastern US as quickly as ships returning to Eastern US are turned around.

The relatively small quantity of cargo aboard EX-48 is due to a number of AK and xAK in the convoy with fuel cargoes (the convoy having no TK or AO) – this reflects a long-standing general policy I established with all transport convoys where the total fuel points loaded as cargo aboard each convoy includes at least as much (preferably more) fuel as the convoy’s ships require for minimal refueling at the convoy’s destination to complete its round trip. The policy ensures that arrival of each convoy at its destination leaves a net gain of fuel points in the convoy destination’s stockpile after unloading and refueling.


Central Pacific: An elusive Jap E sunk by a US patrol sub (the second E sinking in 3 days) – another blow to the “urban legend” among US sub commanders in this PBEM that this Japanese ship type could evade torpedoes at will. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 111,112 (S of Truk)

Japanese Ships
E W-1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Trigger

SS Trigger launches 2 torpedoes at E W-1
Trigger diving deep ....
Sub escapes detection

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sigint entry for 8/25 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio signals from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port and LCU(s) – no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: A detachment of transport convoy WP-78 (7 ships) arrives in Suva from the mainland US – the main body of WP-78 due in Auckland shortly. Cargo arriving in Suva includes 43K supply and 3500 fuel, no LCU or air units.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/25 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 8, Moving Southeast (possible Jap transport TF arriving, nearby US patrol sub dispatched to locate and attack)


Australia: Transport convoy EX-41 (BB Pennsylvania, 1 AD, 29 transports) arrives from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (183 USAAF Base Force), 2 USAAF air transport squadrons, 109K supply and 41K fuel. BB Pennsylvania had been sent to Eastern US after 12/07/41 for repair of attack damage plus ship upgrades – the BB was attached to the convoy after completing its repair and upgrades. The AD and BB Pennsylvania will remain in Australia on reserve for future operations.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 99 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 18(23).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 52 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).