Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Pillager) Allies only
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- wneumann
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RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 8/27/43
Several notes related to pilot training
Earlier in the campaign I was drawing replacements into LCU on a large scale when building units in the mainland US to full TOE strength before shipping them out. During this time I had given priority in drawing replacements to LCU entering the game in front-line theatre commands and LCU transferrable (and planned for transfer) to a front-line command. In doing this practice, I had set replacements in non-transferrable LCU in the mainland US “off” to prioritize LCU bound for front-line commands. An end result of this became visible (about 2-3 months ago) as the last aviation support LCU for front-line theatres departed the mainland US – aviation support LCU staying behind in the mainland US did not have a sufficient number of aviation support squads to handle the number of planes in pilot training squadrons. White this scenario does not bring pilot training to a halt, it does leave damaged planes in pilot training squadrons unrepaired. Though not a major crisis, it is still an inconvenience.
Several measures to clear up the situation have since been taken –
(1) Movement of training squadrons and aviation support LCU in the mainland US to properly match planes and aviation support elements
(2) Some air squadrons currently in pilot training mode that were planned for conversion to front-line operations were shipped from the mainland US to forward theatres. These squadrons will continue pilot training in the forward theatre area until their current compliments of pilots are mostly or all trained for use in front-line missions.
(3) Aviation support LCU in the mainland US began drawing replacements – replacements being drawn at least to bring the number of aviation support elements in these LCU to full strength (numbers of other element types in these units not as significant). In most cases, I turn replacements “off” in these LCU once they reach full TOE strength in aviation support squads.
I’m stating this not so much as a problem but (rather) to point out a precaution that may need to be considered.
The second item is related to training of USN pilots (especially fighters) for carrier squadrons. Until recently, I had most carriers (of all types) engaged in some amount of pilot training, this practice most heavily done with CVE’s. Given that I was (for the most part) keeping my carriers out of harms’ way, I had the luxury of using my carrier flight decks for training pilots. No more….
Even with using carriers for pilot training, numbers of available fully-trained USN fighter replacement pilots were coming up short – not an immediate crisis but one that needed a solution before it does. Air groups aboard new US carriers entering the game (in many cases) contain pilots that need additional training. Most pilots in these carrier air groups have usable skill levels but can still use additional pilot training – my practice being to transfer these pilots from the carrier squadrons to the Reserve pool for additional training as openings come up in pilot training units and replacing them with fully-trained pilots from the Reserve pool. The highest demand for trained US Navy pilots is in (VF) fighter squadrons as they exist aboard all CV, CVL and CVE – not all carriers having dive bombing or torpedo squadrons. With reorganization of both US main and escort carrier forces for front-line operations, available capacity for US Navy pilot training has dropped considerably in the short term.
Some actions taken to resolve this situation include the following –
(1) USN dive bombing and torpedo air squadrons aboard replenishment CVE have been put ashore (at least temporarily) as pilot training squadrons. Numbers of planes in these squadrons were not increased to allow their return to the CVE if or when desired.
(2) Several large land-based US Navy VF fighter squadrons arrive in the game (starting 8/43) as reinforcements – these squadrons come into the game equipped with F6F Hellcats. Since I have a sufficiently large force of USAAF and US Marine LBA fighter squadrons in front-line service, the new USN land-based VF squadrons are readily available for training replacement carrier fighter pilots. I “upgraded” plane types in these VF squadrons from F6F Hellcats to F4F or FM-1 Wildcats – in the process releasing 100+ F6F planes into the pool as replacement planes for front line carrier squadrons. The land-based VF squadrons are proving invaluable as a tool for producing fully-trained USN fighter pilots for the carrier fleet. Three land-based VF squadrons are now actively training USN fighter pilots – one additional VF squadron due to enter the game some time in 9/43. Total training capacity of the 4 land-based VF squadrons is 150-160 fighter pilots.
(3) Naval search training for USN carrier dive bombing and torpedo pilots has been switched to USN patrol squadrons in the mainland US already employed in pilot training for naval search. I currently have a rather large contingent of fully-trained USN replacement pilots trained in both naval search and naval bombing skills – these pilots usable either in USN patrol squadrons or as dive bomber pilots in the carrier fleet.
Both items above (plus others not mentioned) have bearing in terms of shifting US pilot training for all branches from an “early campaign” mode (1941-43) to a “late campaign” mode (1943 and beyond). It’s mostly a matter of the available resources an Allied player has and changes that occur between the early and later parts of the campaign.
East China Sea: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Saishu To at 100,56 (adjacent hex E of Saishu To)
Japanese Ships
PB Ansyu Maru
PB Kyo Maru #12
PB Shonon Maru #11
Allied Ships
SS Skate
SS Skate launches 2 torpedoes at PB Ansyu Maru
Skate diving deep ....
PB Ansyu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #11 fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub
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Formosa: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport N of Formosa Straits. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Orchid Island at 87,68 (N of Batan Island)
Japanese Ships
xAK Tsukuba Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Shinko Maru #1
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Tsukuba Maru
PB Shinko Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Central Pacific: A second day of heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio signals from Kwajalein reported in an 8/26 Sigint entry. Detected status of Kwajalein shows no substantial change from last game turn - unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.
South Pacific: A reception for the long-anticipated arrival of Jap 38th Infantry Division at Luganville from China. A series of Sigint entries had indicated various elements of this LCU were aboard transport ships bound for Luganville (the division departing China via Hong Kong). The Japanese transport convoy being 38 Division to Luganville was intercepted this game turn by a US patrol sub placed along the sea approaches into Luganville. AAR follows.
Plans for a similar reception of Jap 42nd Infantry Division and 4 Air Defense AA Rgt at Ndeni is underway.
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Sub attack near Santa Maria at 120,148 (due N of Luganville)
Japanese Ships
xAP Hakozaki Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
E Sado
PB Sinko Maru
PB Zuiko Maru
PB Chosa Maru
PB Tamo Maru #7
AMC Gokoku Maru
AK Hokkai Maru
AK Katuragi Maru
AK Kashii Maru
AK Tacoma Maru
xAP Ussuri Maru
xAP Takatiho Maru
xAP Horai Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
xAP Rakuyo Maru
xAP Hakone Maru
xAP Brazil Maru
xAP Teia Maru
xAP Teiko Maru
DD Uzuki
DD Arashi
E Niizaki
E Tomozuru
Allied Ships
SS S-42, hits 1 (minor damage)
Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
SS S-42 launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Hakozaki Maru
S-42 diving deep ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Arashi attacking submerged sub ....
E Tomozuru fails to find sub and abandons search
E Niizaki attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
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A Jap submarine identified as I-4 attacked and hit by PBY Catalina air patrol off Nadi (hex location 130, 161). It is not certain whether I-4 was damaged or sunk – oil slick was indicated in an 8/26 Operations report entry.
Main body of transport convoy WP-78 (2 SC, 4 AM, 1 APD, 30 transports) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving in Auckland aboard WP-78 includes two LCU (154 USA Base Force, 18 USN Naval Construction Rgt), seven air squadrons (2 transport, 2 dive-bomber, 3 patrol), 104K supply and 48K fuel. SC, AM, APD plus one APA and 6 xAP will be detached from the convoy to remain in South Pacific theatre for future operations.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/26 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
SW Pacific: USAAF and Australian AF 2E bombers hit Jap transport TF in another skip bombing strike. Reports below indicate the air strike likely inflicted significant casualties to an unidentified Jap LCU aboard the convoy. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x Beaufort VIII unable to locate target due to range or weather
4 x Beaufort VIII from No.100 Sqn RAAF flight failed to link up proceeding alone
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell unable to locate target due to range or weather
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell 3rd BG/13th BS turning back !!!
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell from 22nd BG/33rd BS flight failed to link up proceeding alone
6 x 22nd BG/33rd BS B-25D1 Mitchell flight loses cohesion
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 99,133 (SE of Port Moresby)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAP Kobe Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AK Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 99,133
Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 4
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AK Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (6 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort VIII bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 99,133
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AK Yamasimo Maru, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kobe Maru, heavy fires
AK Azumasan Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
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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, 112 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).
USAAF and RAF 4E bombers launch night strategic raid on light industry facilities in Rangoon – this particular attack part of a “war on supply” against Japanese forces in Burma. Pillager had been observed attempting to rebuild light industry in Rangoon after previous bombing by Allied air forces. No Allied bombers reported lost, 2 Ki-61 CAP fighters reported destroyed (1 air-to-air, 1 ops). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
7 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (10% moonlight)
Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 17
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23
B-24D Liberator x 12
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Light Industry hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 15
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
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Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53
Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 6
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 6
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 6
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
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Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 52 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 4, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).
RAF bombers in night raid on Magwe airfield. No Japanese planes reported destroyed, one RAF Wellington I lost to flak. AAR follows.
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky (10% moonlight)
Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 9
Wellington B.X x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
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China: US patrol sub off Hong Kong attacked by Japanese surface ASW. SS Lapon is attempting to reach Australia through the eastern DEI for repair – while Colombo or Calcutta are closer shipyards, sea passage through the Sunda Straits (between Java and Sumatra) is known to be mined and the sub will easily come under attack by Jap ASW forces if any attempt made to go through Malacca Straits. SS Lapon faces a long, slow journey to safety regardless of destination. AAR follows.
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ASW attack near Hong Kong at 77,62 (adjacent hex S of Hong Kong)
Japanese Ships
E Yanagi
Allied Ships
SS Lapon, hits 5, heavy damage (system damage 13, float 70, engine 1)
SS Lapon is located by E Yanagi
Lapon bottoming out ....
E Yanagi attacking submerged sub ....
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Several notes related to pilot training
Earlier in the campaign I was drawing replacements into LCU on a large scale when building units in the mainland US to full TOE strength before shipping them out. During this time I had given priority in drawing replacements to LCU entering the game in front-line theatre commands and LCU transferrable (and planned for transfer) to a front-line command. In doing this practice, I had set replacements in non-transferrable LCU in the mainland US “off” to prioritize LCU bound for front-line commands. An end result of this became visible (about 2-3 months ago) as the last aviation support LCU for front-line theatres departed the mainland US – aviation support LCU staying behind in the mainland US did not have a sufficient number of aviation support squads to handle the number of planes in pilot training squadrons. White this scenario does not bring pilot training to a halt, it does leave damaged planes in pilot training squadrons unrepaired. Though not a major crisis, it is still an inconvenience.
Several measures to clear up the situation have since been taken –
(1) Movement of training squadrons and aviation support LCU in the mainland US to properly match planes and aviation support elements
(2) Some air squadrons currently in pilot training mode that were planned for conversion to front-line operations were shipped from the mainland US to forward theatres. These squadrons will continue pilot training in the forward theatre area until their current compliments of pilots are mostly or all trained for use in front-line missions.
(3) Aviation support LCU in the mainland US began drawing replacements – replacements being drawn at least to bring the number of aviation support elements in these LCU to full strength (numbers of other element types in these units not as significant). In most cases, I turn replacements “off” in these LCU once they reach full TOE strength in aviation support squads.
I’m stating this not so much as a problem but (rather) to point out a precaution that may need to be considered.
The second item is related to training of USN pilots (especially fighters) for carrier squadrons. Until recently, I had most carriers (of all types) engaged in some amount of pilot training, this practice most heavily done with CVE’s. Given that I was (for the most part) keeping my carriers out of harms’ way, I had the luxury of using my carrier flight decks for training pilots. No more….
Even with using carriers for pilot training, numbers of available fully-trained USN fighter replacement pilots were coming up short – not an immediate crisis but one that needed a solution before it does. Air groups aboard new US carriers entering the game (in many cases) contain pilots that need additional training. Most pilots in these carrier air groups have usable skill levels but can still use additional pilot training – my practice being to transfer these pilots from the carrier squadrons to the Reserve pool for additional training as openings come up in pilot training units and replacing them with fully-trained pilots from the Reserve pool. The highest demand for trained US Navy pilots is in (VF) fighter squadrons as they exist aboard all CV, CVL and CVE – not all carriers having dive bombing or torpedo squadrons. With reorganization of both US main and escort carrier forces for front-line operations, available capacity for US Navy pilot training has dropped considerably in the short term.
Some actions taken to resolve this situation include the following –
(1) USN dive bombing and torpedo air squadrons aboard replenishment CVE have been put ashore (at least temporarily) as pilot training squadrons. Numbers of planes in these squadrons were not increased to allow their return to the CVE if or when desired.
(2) Several large land-based US Navy VF fighter squadrons arrive in the game (starting 8/43) as reinforcements – these squadrons come into the game equipped with F6F Hellcats. Since I have a sufficiently large force of USAAF and US Marine LBA fighter squadrons in front-line service, the new USN land-based VF squadrons are readily available for training replacement carrier fighter pilots. I “upgraded” plane types in these VF squadrons from F6F Hellcats to F4F or FM-1 Wildcats – in the process releasing 100+ F6F planes into the pool as replacement planes for front line carrier squadrons. The land-based VF squadrons are proving invaluable as a tool for producing fully-trained USN fighter pilots for the carrier fleet. Three land-based VF squadrons are now actively training USN fighter pilots – one additional VF squadron due to enter the game some time in 9/43. Total training capacity of the 4 land-based VF squadrons is 150-160 fighter pilots.
(3) Naval search training for USN carrier dive bombing and torpedo pilots has been switched to USN patrol squadrons in the mainland US already employed in pilot training for naval search. I currently have a rather large contingent of fully-trained USN replacement pilots trained in both naval search and naval bombing skills – these pilots usable either in USN patrol squadrons or as dive bomber pilots in the carrier fleet.
Both items above (plus others not mentioned) have bearing in terms of shifting US pilot training for all branches from an “early campaign” mode (1941-43) to a “late campaign” mode (1943 and beyond). It’s mostly a matter of the available resources an Allied player has and changes that occur between the early and later parts of the campaign.
East China Sea: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Saishu To at 100,56 (adjacent hex E of Saishu To)
Japanese Ships
PB Ansyu Maru
PB Kyo Maru #12
PB Shonon Maru #11
Allied Ships
SS Skate
SS Skate launches 2 torpedoes at PB Ansyu Maru
Skate diving deep ....
PB Ansyu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #11 fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub
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Formosa: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport N of Formosa Straits. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Orchid Island at 87,68 (N of Batan Island)
Japanese Ships
xAK Tsukuba Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Shinko Maru #1
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Tsukuba Maru
PB Shinko Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Central Pacific: A second day of heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio signals from Kwajalein reported in an 8/26 Sigint entry. Detected status of Kwajalein shows no substantial change from last game turn - unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.
South Pacific: A reception for the long-anticipated arrival of Jap 38th Infantry Division at Luganville from China. A series of Sigint entries had indicated various elements of this LCU were aboard transport ships bound for Luganville (the division departing China via Hong Kong). The Japanese transport convoy being 38 Division to Luganville was intercepted this game turn by a US patrol sub placed along the sea approaches into Luganville. AAR follows.
Plans for a similar reception of Jap 42nd Infantry Division and 4 Air Defense AA Rgt at Ndeni is underway.
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Sub attack near Santa Maria at 120,148 (due N of Luganville)
Japanese Ships
xAP Hakozaki Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
E Sado
PB Sinko Maru
PB Zuiko Maru
PB Chosa Maru
PB Tamo Maru #7
AMC Gokoku Maru
AK Hokkai Maru
AK Katuragi Maru
AK Kashii Maru
AK Tacoma Maru
xAP Ussuri Maru
xAP Takatiho Maru
xAP Horai Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
xAP Rakuyo Maru
xAP Hakone Maru
xAP Brazil Maru
xAP Teia Maru
xAP Teiko Maru
DD Uzuki
DD Arashi
E Niizaki
E Tomozuru
Allied Ships
SS S-42, hits 1 (minor damage)
Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
SS S-42 launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Hakozaki Maru
S-42 diving deep ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Arashi attacking submerged sub ....
E Tomozuru fails to find sub and abandons search
E Niizaki attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
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A Jap submarine identified as I-4 attacked and hit by PBY Catalina air patrol off Nadi (hex location 130, 161). It is not certain whether I-4 was damaged or sunk – oil slick was indicated in an 8/26 Operations report entry.
Main body of transport convoy WP-78 (2 SC, 4 AM, 1 APD, 30 transports) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving in Auckland aboard WP-78 includes two LCU (154 USA Base Force, 18 USN Naval Construction Rgt), seven air squadrons (2 transport, 2 dive-bomber, 3 patrol), 104K supply and 48K fuel. SC, AM, APD plus one APA and 6 xAP will be detached from the convoy to remain in South Pacific theatre for future operations.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/26 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
SW Pacific: USAAF and Australian AF 2E bombers hit Jap transport TF in another skip bombing strike. Reports below indicate the air strike likely inflicted significant casualties to an unidentified Jap LCU aboard the convoy. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x Beaufort VIII unable to locate target due to range or weather
4 x Beaufort VIII from No.100 Sqn RAAF flight failed to link up proceeding alone
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell unable to locate target due to range or weather
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell 3rd BG/13th BS turning back !!!
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell from 22nd BG/33rd BS flight failed to link up proceeding alone
6 x 22nd BG/33rd BS B-25D1 Mitchell flight loses cohesion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 99,133 (SE of Port Moresby)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAP Kobe Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AK Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 99,133
Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 4
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AK Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (6 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort VIII bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 99,133
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AK Yamasimo Maru, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kobe Maru, heavy fires
AK Azumasan Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 112 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).
USAAF and RAF 4E bombers launch night strategic raid on light industry facilities in Rangoon – this particular attack part of a “war on supply” against Japanese forces in Burma. Pillager had been observed attempting to rebuild light industry in Rangoon after previous bombing by Allied air forces. No Allied bombers reported lost, 2 Ki-61 CAP fighters reported destroyed (1 air-to-air, 1 ops). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
7 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (10% moonlight)
Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 17
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23
B-24D Liberator x 12
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Light Industry hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 15
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53
Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 6
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 6
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 6
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 52 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 4, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).
RAF bombers in night raid on Magwe airfield. No Japanese planes reported destroyed, one RAF Wellington I lost to flak. AAR follows.
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky (10% moonlight)
Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 9
Wellington B.X x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: US patrol sub off Hong Kong attacked by Japanese surface ASW. SS Lapon is attempting to reach Australia through the eastern DEI for repair – while Colombo or Calcutta are closer shipyards, sea passage through the Sunda Straits (between Java and Sumatra) is known to be mined and the sub will easily come under attack by Jap ASW forces if any attempt made to go through Malacca Straits. SS Lapon faces a long, slow journey to safety regardless of destination. AAR follows.
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ASW attack near Hong Kong at 77,62 (adjacent hex S of Hong Kong)
Japanese Ships
E Yanagi
Allied Ships
SS Lapon, hits 5, heavy damage (system damage 13, float 70, engine 1)
SS Lapon is located by E Yanagi
Lapon bottoming out ....
E Yanagi attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 8/28/43
Jap Divisional LCU Transfers: A number of Sigint report entries have been reporting movement of Jap infantry divisions Pillager is transferring from China and the Japanese Home Islands to various forward locations in the Pacific theatres. Identified Jap LCU include 17th Division (Tarawa), 38th Division (probably now arriving in Luganville), 42nd Division (Ndeni), 47th Division (Milne Bay), 1st Guards Division (Rabaul). The first two divisions above are transfers from China (both veterans of the battle at Chungking), 42 and 1 Guard divisions from the Japanese Home Islands, and 47 Division recently formed from combining its sub-units. This is of little surprise given the fall of China. The intelligence data does provide a good picture of what Pillager is doing with IJA units freed up from China for employment elsewhere. What‘s less clear at the moment is what and how many IJA units Pillager may be moving to Burma – there has been little or no information on this area to date. I have been able to track fairly well Japanese LCU movements within China from Chungking mainly to ports and some coastal locations in China
Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts small Jap transport TF south of Truk. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Ponape at 116,116 (SW of Ponape)
Japanese Ships
TK Juko Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage (sunk)
TK Nanrei Maru
DD Nagatsuki
Allied Ships
SS Paddle
SS Paddle launches 2 torpedoes at TK Juko Maru
DD Nagatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sigint entries for 8/27 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Maleolap. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Canton Is or Maleolap.
South Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/27 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi. Detected status of Tulagi shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port size 3(3), airfield size 2(2), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.
PBY Catalina naval air search patrol spots Jap transport TF (10 ships) in Luganville base hex – this TF the same one intercepted outside Luganville last game turn by US sub S-42.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/27 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: PB Taiko Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 120,149 near Santa Maria, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 5, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed 7, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher Report: DD Asanagi reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 3, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 102,133 near Normanby Island, Speed 16, Moving East
SW Pacific: Dutch patrol sub operating off eastern tip of New Guinea intercepts what is probably a surviving DD from the Japanese transport TF attacked in the skip bombing naval air strike last game turn. AAR follows.
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ASW attack near Milne Bay at 101,134 (adjacent hex S of Milne Bay)
Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze
Allied Ships
SS KIX
SS KIX launches 2 torpedoes at DD Tachikaze
KIX diving deep ....
DD Tachikaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
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Australia: Allied CAP fighters take on Jap fighter sweep over Cooktown. Report from Intelligence screen (Aircraft Losses) indicate 5 N1K1 George destroyed (4 air-to-air, 1 ops), 1 USAAF P-40K destroyed in air-to-air combat (plane only lost, pilot saved). AAR follows.
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Afternoon Air attack on Cooktown, at 92,137
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 13 (appear to be using drop tanks)
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 5
P-40K Warhawk x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet
CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
35th FG/40th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 103 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 86 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 1, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).
Southern China: Two unidentified Japanese LCU detected on the Tsuyung-Paoshan road by Chinese “spotter” LCU in mountain hex adjacent to the road. The spotted Jap LCU may possibly be units from the China army in transit to Burma.
Jap Divisional LCU Transfers: A number of Sigint report entries have been reporting movement of Jap infantry divisions Pillager is transferring from China and the Japanese Home Islands to various forward locations in the Pacific theatres. Identified Jap LCU include 17th Division (Tarawa), 38th Division (probably now arriving in Luganville), 42nd Division (Ndeni), 47th Division (Milne Bay), 1st Guards Division (Rabaul). The first two divisions above are transfers from China (both veterans of the battle at Chungking), 42 and 1 Guard divisions from the Japanese Home Islands, and 47 Division recently formed from combining its sub-units. This is of little surprise given the fall of China. The intelligence data does provide a good picture of what Pillager is doing with IJA units freed up from China for employment elsewhere. What‘s less clear at the moment is what and how many IJA units Pillager may be moving to Burma – there has been little or no information on this area to date. I have been able to track fairly well Japanese LCU movements within China from Chungking mainly to ports and some coastal locations in China
Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts small Jap transport TF south of Truk. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Ponape at 116,116 (SW of Ponape)
Japanese Ships
TK Juko Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage (sunk)
TK Nanrei Maru
DD Nagatsuki
Allied Ships
SS Paddle
SS Paddle launches 2 torpedoes at TK Juko Maru
DD Nagatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sigint entries for 8/27 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Maleolap. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Canton Is or Maleolap.
South Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/27 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi. Detected status of Tulagi shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port size 3(3), airfield size 2(2), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.
PBY Catalina naval air search patrol spots Jap transport TF (10 ships) in Luganville base hex – this TF the same one intercepted outside Luganville last game turn by US sub S-42.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/27 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: PB Taiko Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 120,149 near Santa Maria, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 5, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed 7, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher Report: DD Asanagi reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 3, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 102,133 near Normanby Island, Speed 16, Moving East
SW Pacific: Dutch patrol sub operating off eastern tip of New Guinea intercepts what is probably a surviving DD from the Japanese transport TF attacked in the skip bombing naval air strike last game turn. AAR follows.
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ASW attack near Milne Bay at 101,134 (adjacent hex S of Milne Bay)
Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze
Allied Ships
SS KIX
SS KIX launches 2 torpedoes at DD Tachikaze
KIX diving deep ....
DD Tachikaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
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Australia: Allied CAP fighters take on Jap fighter sweep over Cooktown. Report from Intelligence screen (Aircraft Losses) indicate 5 N1K1 George destroyed (4 air-to-air, 1 ops), 1 USAAF P-40K destroyed in air-to-air combat (plane only lost, pilot saved). AAR follows.
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Afternoon Air attack on Cooktown, at 92,137
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 13 (appear to be using drop tanks)
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 5
P-40K Warhawk x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet
CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
35th FG/40th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 103 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 86 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 1, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).
Southern China: Two unidentified Japanese LCU detected on the Tsuyung-Paoshan road by Chinese “spotter” LCU in mountain hex adjacent to the road. The spotted Jap LCU may possibly be units from the China army in transit to Burma.
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 8/29/43
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine visible on game map SE of Amchitka (hex location 158, 53). Sub is reported moving on a NE heading.
Sigint entry for 8/28 reports intercepted Jap radio signals from Onnekotan Jima (Kuriles). Detected status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 1(1), airfield size 4(4). Current intelligence data has three Jap LCU located on Onnekotan Jima – 301 Independent Infantry Bn, Maizuru 3 SNLF, 10 JNAF AF Unit.
Formosa: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport convoy at northern entrance to Formosa Straits. AAR follows.
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ASW attack near Orchid Island at 86,68 (N of Batan Is)
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
PB Katsuragisan Maru
PB Heimei Maru
AK Toei Maru
AK Nippo Maru
AK Matsukawa Maru
AK Kikukawa Maru
AK Yamabiko Maru
AK Teikoku Maru
AK Tamagawa Maru
AK Sinko Maru
PB Kaika Maru
PB Kembu Maru
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 4 torpedoes at CL Yubari
PB Kaika Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kembu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport TF south of Truk – identified ships in this TF same as in the Jap convoy tracked and intercepted N of Truk by other US subs since 8/17. As this Jap TF is almost definitely moving southward, possible destinations include Lunga/Tulagi, Luganville, Ndeni, Noumea. Luganville could be eliminated from this list as another large Jap transport TF (10 ships) is now at Luganville and likely disembarking Jap 38 Infantry Division. Given previously known information on this Jap TF, my most likely estimate is this convoy is bound for Ndeni with Jap 42 Infantry Division and 4 Air Defense AA Rgt (both LCU transferred to the Pacific from the Japanese Home Islands). AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Ontong Java at 119,128 (W of Nauru Is)
Japanese Ships
xAK Shinkoku Maru
AV Kamikawa Maru
AK Momokawa Maru
AK Yamahuku Maru
AK Fushimi Maru
xAK Akitsushima Maru
xAK Yoneyama Maru
xAK Yahiko Maru
xAK Yasuteru Maru
xAK Unkai Maru #3
xAK Uji Maru
xAK Tempei Maru
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru
xAK Shozan Maru
xAK Nitimei 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 Tambor, hits 1 (minor system damage, sub remains on patrol)
SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Shinkoku Maru
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-33 attacking submerged sub ....
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap reported in two 8/28 Sigint entries. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.
South Pacific: Jap transport TF (10 ships) remains in Luganville base hex, spotted again by PBY Catalina naval air search. My estimate is the Jap TF is probably now disembarking 38th Infantry Division known to be enroute to Luganville from China.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/28 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Kamo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: PB Keiko Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Australia: Allied surface ASW patrol in action with Japanese sub along east coast of Australia. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Newcastle at 93,167 (ESE of Newcastle)
Japanese Ships
SS RO-63
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
DMS Hopkins
DD Voyager
SC-751
SS RO-63 launches 4 torpedoes at DMS Southard
RO-63 diving deep ....
DD Voyager fails to find sub and abandons search
SC-751 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel transport convoy MX-18 (7 TK) arrives in Australia from Abadan via Capetown, cargo includes 46K fuel.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor, 105 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 3(38).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 85 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine visible on game map SE of Amchitka (hex location 158, 53). Sub is reported moving on a NE heading.
Sigint entry for 8/28 reports intercepted Jap radio signals from Onnekotan Jima (Kuriles). Detected status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 1(1), airfield size 4(4). Current intelligence data has three Jap LCU located on Onnekotan Jima – 301 Independent Infantry Bn, Maizuru 3 SNLF, 10 JNAF AF Unit.
Formosa: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport convoy at northern entrance to Formosa Straits. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Orchid Island at 86,68 (N of Batan Is)
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
PB Katsuragisan Maru
PB Heimei Maru
AK Toei Maru
AK Nippo Maru
AK Matsukawa Maru
AK Kikukawa Maru
AK Yamabiko Maru
AK Teikoku Maru
AK Tamagawa Maru
AK Sinko Maru
PB Kaika Maru
PB Kembu Maru
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 4 torpedoes at CL Yubari
PB Kaika Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kembu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport TF south of Truk – identified ships in this TF same as in the Jap convoy tracked and intercepted N of Truk by other US subs since 8/17. As this Jap TF is almost definitely moving southward, possible destinations include Lunga/Tulagi, Luganville, Ndeni, Noumea. Luganville could be eliminated from this list as another large Jap transport TF (10 ships) is now at Luganville and likely disembarking Jap 38 Infantry Division. Given previously known information on this Jap TF, my most likely estimate is this convoy is bound for Ndeni with Jap 42 Infantry Division and 4 Air Defense AA Rgt (both LCU transferred to the Pacific from the Japanese Home Islands). AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ontong Java at 119,128 (W of Nauru Is)
Japanese Ships
xAK Shinkoku Maru
AV Kamikawa Maru
AK Momokawa Maru
AK Yamahuku Maru
AK Fushimi Maru
xAK Akitsushima Maru
xAK Yoneyama Maru
xAK Yahiko Maru
xAK Yasuteru Maru
xAK Unkai Maru #3
xAK Uji Maru
xAK Tempei Maru
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru
xAK Shozan Maru
xAK Nitimei 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 Tambor, hits 1 (minor system damage, sub remains on patrol)
SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Shinkoku Maru
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-33 attacking submerged sub ....
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap reported in two 8/28 Sigint entries. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.
South Pacific: Jap transport TF (10 ships) remains in Luganville base hex, spotted again by PBY Catalina naval air search. My estimate is the Jap TF is probably now disembarking 38th Infantry Division known to be enroute to Luganville from China.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/28 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Kamo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: PB Keiko Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Australia: Allied surface ASW patrol in action with Japanese sub along east coast of Australia. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Newcastle at 93,167 (ESE of Newcastle)
Japanese Ships
SS RO-63
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
DMS Hopkins
DD Voyager
SC-751
SS RO-63 launches 4 torpedoes at DMS Southard
RO-63 diving deep ....
DD Voyager fails to find sub and abandons search
SC-751 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel transport convoy MX-18 (7 TK) arrives in Australia from Abadan via Capetown, cargo includes 46K fuel.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor, 105 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 3(38).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 85 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 8/30/43
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub attacked and heavily damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol near Kanoya (hex location 104, 62) – system damage 64, float 22, engine 8, returning to base at 14 kts.
Central Pacific: Lots of Sigint activity from this region.
An 8/29 Sigint entry is reporting radio signals intercepted from one or more unidentified Jap TF(s) visible on the game map SW of Kwajalein at hex location 122, 106. Movement information on the Jap TF(s) was not available. Beyond curiosity and the opportunity to pick off one or more Japanese ships from the TF(s), there appears to be no great cause for alarm or concern (at least for the moment).
Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit reported in two 8/29 Sigint entries. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.
Sigint entries for 8/29 also report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Nikunau and Abemama in the Gilbert islands. Detected status at Nikunau shows unidentified Jap planes based there, airfield size 2(2), port size 1(0). One Jap LCU (Ichiki Detachment) is identified on Nikunau from available intelligence data. Detected status of Abemama shows airfield size 2(2), port size 2(1), no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current intelligence data has one identified Jap LCU (24 Naval Garrison Unit) on Nikunau, though there is also some evidence here of construction activity so it’s possible undetected Jap engineering units may also be on Nikunau or had been there in the past.
South Pacific: Jap transport TF (10 ships) remains in Luganville base hex, spotted by PBY Catalina naval air search.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/29 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 9, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed 9, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Kamo Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
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: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,123 near Tabar Island, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Australia: Allied surface ASW remains in action with Japanese sub near Sydney. Jap sub RO-63 reported moving on SW heading toward Sydney. Latest AAR follows.
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ASW attack near Newcastle at 93,167 (daylight action ESE of Newcastle)
Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, hits 3
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
DD Voyager
SC-751
SS RO-63 is located by DMS Southard
RO-63 diving deep ....
DD Voyager fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-751 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-751 is out of ASW ammo
DD Voyager fails to find sub and abandons search
SC-751 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-751 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transport convoy EX-42 (9 ships) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes US 1st Cavalry Division, 21K supply and 15K fuel. With the arrival of 1 Cavalry Division, all available US divisional LCU for SW Pacific theatre currently in the game have now reached Australia.
Andaman Sea: British patrol sub attacked and damaged by Ki-49 Helen air patrol NE of Port Blair (hex location 51, 58). Reported damage to sub is system 20, float 4, engine 1 – sub returning to base at 14 kts speed.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 114 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Aerial minelaying mission on Rangoon flown by RAF bombers - Jap minesweeping activity reported later in daylight. No plane losses reported on either side. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53 (0% moonlight)
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 9
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 7000 feet *
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (3 airborne, 6 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 5 minutes
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TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)
Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6
8 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 92 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4). The bombing raid appears to have put some additional damage on oil production facilities in Magwe.
USAAF and RAF bombers strike oil production in night raid on Magwe. Reported Jap aircraft losses include 5 Ki-45 Nick (4 air-to-air, 1 ops). Three Allied bombers were destroyed – one US B-24 Liberator lost to flak, 2 other bombers (1 B-17E, 1 Blenheim IV) reported ops losses. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
7 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator 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
7 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
5 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
6 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Light cloud (0% moonlight)
Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 19
Wellington B.X x 12
B-17E Fortress x 19
B-24D Liberator x 14
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
Oil hits 6
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 78 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
Oil hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 7
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 6
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Oil hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub attacked and heavily damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol near Kanoya (hex location 104, 62) – system damage 64, float 22, engine 8, returning to base at 14 kts.
Central Pacific: Lots of Sigint activity from this region.
An 8/29 Sigint entry is reporting radio signals intercepted from one or more unidentified Jap TF(s) visible on the game map SW of Kwajalein at hex location 122, 106. Movement information on the Jap TF(s) was not available. Beyond curiosity and the opportunity to pick off one or more Japanese ships from the TF(s), there appears to be no great cause for alarm or concern (at least for the moment).
Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit reported in two 8/29 Sigint entries. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.
Sigint entries for 8/29 also report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Nikunau and Abemama in the Gilbert islands. Detected status at Nikunau shows unidentified Jap planes based there, airfield size 2(2), port size 1(0). One Jap LCU (Ichiki Detachment) is identified on Nikunau from available intelligence data. Detected status of Abemama shows airfield size 2(2), port size 2(1), no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current intelligence data has one identified Jap LCU (24 Naval Garrison Unit) on Nikunau, though there is also some evidence here of construction activity so it’s possible undetected Jap engineering units may also be on Nikunau or had been there in the past.
South Pacific: Jap transport TF (10 ships) remains in Luganville base hex, spotted by PBY Catalina naval air search.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/29 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 9, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed 9, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Kamo Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
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: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,123 near Tabar Island, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Australia: Allied surface ASW remains in action with Japanese sub near Sydney. Jap sub RO-63 reported moving on SW heading toward Sydney. Latest AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Newcastle at 93,167 (daylight action ESE of Newcastle)
Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, hits 3
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
DD Voyager
SC-751
SS RO-63 is located by DMS Southard
RO-63 diving deep ....
DD Voyager fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-751 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-751 is out of ASW ammo
DD Voyager fails to find sub and abandons search
SC-751 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-751 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transport convoy EX-42 (9 ships) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes US 1st Cavalry Division, 21K supply and 15K fuel. With the arrival of 1 Cavalry Division, all available US divisional LCU for SW Pacific theatre currently in the game have now reached Australia.
Andaman Sea: British patrol sub attacked and damaged by Ki-49 Helen air patrol NE of Port Blair (hex location 51, 58). Reported damage to sub is system 20, float 4, engine 1 – sub returning to base at 14 kts speed.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 114 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Aerial minelaying mission on Rangoon flown by RAF bombers - Jap minesweeping activity reported later in daylight. No plane losses reported on either side. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53 (0% moonlight)
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 9
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 7000 feet *
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (3 airborne, 6 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 5 minutes
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TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)
Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6
8 mines cleared
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Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 92 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4). The bombing raid appears to have put some additional damage on oil production facilities in Magwe.
USAAF and RAF bombers strike oil production in night raid on Magwe. Reported Jap aircraft losses include 5 Ki-45 Nick (4 air-to-air, 1 ops). Three Allied bombers were destroyed – one US B-24 Liberator lost to flak, 2 other bombers (1 B-17E, 1 Blenheim IV) reported ops losses. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
7 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator 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
7 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
5 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
6 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Light cloud (0% moonlight)
Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 19
Wellington B.X x 12
B-17E Fortress x 19
B-24D Liberator x 14
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
Oil hits 6
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 78 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
Oil hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 7
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 6
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Oil hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
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- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 8/31/43
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub attacked and heavily damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol near Kanoya (hex location 104, 62) – system damage 64, float 22, engine 8, returning to base at 14 kts.
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/30 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, port size 2(0), airfield size 4(1) – port and airfield on Roi-Namur are almost fully expanded. Current intelligence data has four Jap LCU located at Roi-Namur (HQ 25 Air Flotilla, 2 Garrison Unit, 2 Sasebo SNLF Co, 6 Base Force). This information providing a fairly good picture of where Roi-Namur falls within Pillager’s Japanese scheme of things.
Intercepted Jap radio signals again reported from Nikunau in another 8/30 Sigint entry. No visible change in status of Nikunau from last game turn.
South Pacific: US patrol sub S-42 attacked and damaged in attack by B5N2 Kate air patrol outside Ndeni. My estimate is that the B5N2 is probably LBA as by this date in the campaign it is very likely Pillager has replaced (almost if not entirely so) the B5N2 Kate in front-line carrier service in the KB – the main Japanese carrier TB in KB service at this point almost certainly the B6N1 Jill. Reported damage to S-42 is system 49, float 14, engine 6 – the sub now returning to base at 11 kts.
8/30 Sigint entries report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from several locations – Ndeni, Lunga and Port Moresby. Detected statuses of all three bases show unidentified Jap planes at each location, ship(s) in port at Lunga – none of this any surprising revelation. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at any of the three bases.
Jap transport TF (10 ships) remains in Luganville base hex, spotted by PBY Catalina naval air search.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/30 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: E Hoko reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 3, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Thailand: Sigint entry for 8/30 reports first known Japanese LCU transferred from China into Southeast Asia. Jap 39th Infantry Division is now reported in Bangkok, this unit a veteran of the Chungking battle. Bangkok is an unexpected location for Jap LCU’s from China, my expectation being these units would enter the theatre from southern China via Lashio. It’s possible Pillager is routing at least some Jap LCU transfers from China into Southeast Asia/Burma through Indochina – this not the most direct land movement route into Burma but perhaps 39 Division’s final destination may not necessarily be Burma.
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), 126 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 86 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
China: Unusually large number of Sigint report entries involving Japanese infantry LCU located in China. These reports include a variety of units (mainly RGC and NCPC units, only one regular IJA unit) in scattered locations. My initial estimate is Pillager could be re-arranging garrison forces for an unknown purpose.
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub attacked and heavily damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol near Kanoya (hex location 104, 62) – system damage 64, float 22, engine 8, returning to base at 14 kts.
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/30 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, port size 2(0), airfield size 4(1) – port and airfield on Roi-Namur are almost fully expanded. Current intelligence data has four Jap LCU located at Roi-Namur (HQ 25 Air Flotilla, 2 Garrison Unit, 2 Sasebo SNLF Co, 6 Base Force). This information providing a fairly good picture of where Roi-Namur falls within Pillager’s Japanese scheme of things.
Intercepted Jap radio signals again reported from Nikunau in another 8/30 Sigint entry. No visible change in status of Nikunau from last game turn.
South Pacific: US patrol sub S-42 attacked and damaged in attack by B5N2 Kate air patrol outside Ndeni. My estimate is that the B5N2 is probably LBA as by this date in the campaign it is very likely Pillager has replaced (almost if not entirely so) the B5N2 Kate in front-line carrier service in the KB – the main Japanese carrier TB in KB service at this point almost certainly the B6N1 Jill. Reported damage to S-42 is system 49, float 14, engine 6 – the sub now returning to base at 11 kts.
8/30 Sigint entries report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from several locations – Ndeni, Lunga and Port Moresby. Detected statuses of all three bases show unidentified Jap planes at each location, ship(s) in port at Lunga – none of this any surprising revelation. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at any of the three bases.
Jap transport TF (10 ships) remains in Luganville base hex, spotted by PBY Catalina naval air search.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/30 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: E Hoko reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 3, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Thailand: Sigint entry for 8/30 reports first known Japanese LCU transferred from China into Southeast Asia. Jap 39th Infantry Division is now reported in Bangkok, this unit a veteran of the Chungking battle. Bangkok is an unexpected location for Jap LCU’s from China, my expectation being these units would enter the theatre from southern China via Lashio. It’s possible Pillager is routing at least some Jap LCU transfers from China into Southeast Asia/Burma through Indochina – this not the most direct land movement route into Burma but perhaps 39 Division’s final destination may not necessarily be Burma.
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), 126 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 86 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
China: Unusually large number of Sigint report entries involving Japanese infantry LCU located in China. These reports include a variety of units (mainly RGC and NCPC units, only one regular IJA unit) in scattered locations. My initial estimate is Pillager could be re-arranging garrison forces for an unknown purpose.
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/01/43
East China Sea: US patrol sub hit and damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol W of Kyushu (hex location 99, 59). Reported damage to the sub is system 43, float 14, engine 1 – the sub returning to base at 17 kts movement.
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected in the Aleutians east of Umnak Is (hex location 166, 51). My estimate is this Jap sub’s primary assignment is mainly recon plus sinking a ship or two if the opportunity presents itself. The sub is known to be moving E and operating a floatplane. No Allied naval forces or transport shipping currently in the sea area near the Jap sub.
Central Pacific: Intercepted Jap radio transmissions reported in a number of 8/31 Sigint entries from several locations.
Baker Is – Detected status showing unidentified Jap planes based there, port and airfield sizes both 1(0). Available intelligence data has 4 Jap LCU located on Baker Is – 61 Naval Gd, 1 Naval Construction Bn, 7 and 29 JNAF AF Units. I estimate the information received in my AE reports is likely underreporting both the port and/or airfield sizes at Baker Is. Japanese construction activity has to be at least underway if not completed. If there is no airfield or port facilities on Baker Is, then fortifications.
Tarawa – Detected status showing no visible Japanese forces, port size 3(1), airfield size 3(2). Available intelligence data also has 4 Jap LCU located on Tarawa – 53 Naval Gd, Sasebo 7 SNLF, 6 Naval Construction Bn, 5 JAAF AF Bn. Sigint report entries continue indicating elements of Jap 17th Infantry Division are enroute from China to Tarawa. Troop stacking limits at Tarawa does allow 17 Division to be placed there as a complete unit – this division is likely a high quality unit in Pillager’s Jap OOB given it is a veteran of the Chungking battles.
Nauru Is – Detected status showing unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 2(2), port size 2(0). Available intelligence data has two Jap LCU located on Nauru – 1 Sasebo SNLF Co, 7 JNAF Co.
The pattern I’m beginning to see is that Pillager could be building a 2-layer Japanese outer perimeter in the Pacific theatres. The first layer including the outermost Japanese controlled bases is likely a “crust” – bases in this layer mainly operating naval air search, probably more lightly defended in many cases, and functioning as an “early warning system”. Amphibious assaults entering this zone will definitely give Pillager a good idea as to the direction and strength of an Allied offensive. This outer “crust” also provides a second benefit – Japanese bases in the main perimeter line are (at least initially) beyond the effective range of most Allied LBA. If true, Baker Island is probably a part of this “crust” zone. Farther west, Noumea and its surrounding islands as well as Port Moresby and much of eastern New Guinea (except Milne Bay) could be within the “crust” area.
The second layer of the Japanese outer perimeter is the probable main line of defense, these bases being the most heavily defended in terms of troops and fortifications, also containing the main forward Japanese LBA air bases. If true, Tarawa is within the main line of defense in the outer perimeter. Other Japanese bases identified as possibly or probably in this main line of defense include Tabiteuea, Luganville, Ndeni, Lunga/Tulagi and Rabaul. Available intelligence is indicating the main Japanese outer defense line could include the entire length of the Solomon island chain – larger bases in the Solomon islands are all occupied by Jap LCU(s) with evidence of construction activity in many cases.
My estimate has Nauru Is as an interior area base completely inside both layers of the estimated Japanese outer perimeter line.
South Pacific: Unidentified Japanese sub spotted by PBY Catalina naval search NW of Nadi (hex location 130, 158). The sub is reported moving on a SW heading but appears to be stationary – no visible movement from its position last game turn.
A detected Jap TF (type unknown) is visible on the game map at Ndeni. The Jap TF reported to contain 10 ships (1 CV, 4 CVE, 5 AK) with 12 planes total including 10 bombers. My estimate is the Jap TF is likely transports now arriving at Ndeni with LCU reinforcements (42 Infantry Division and/or 4 Air Defense AA Rgt) – it is easily possible Pillager escorted this TF with one or more CVE but it is unlikely to be the KB. US patrol sub S-46 is in Ndeni base hex but had no reported contact with either the Jap convoy or Japanese air patrols. Any further southward movement of this Jap TF toward Suva would likely bring it into contact with multiple US patrol subs operating to the S and SE of Ndeni.
Jap transport TF in Luganville base hex appears to have departed.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/31 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,138 near Lunga, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: PB Taiko Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Nisshin reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,138 near Lunga, Speed 6, 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, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 112 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 85 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
East China Sea: US patrol sub hit and damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol W of Kyushu (hex location 99, 59). Reported damage to the sub is system 43, float 14, engine 1 – the sub returning to base at 17 kts movement.
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected in the Aleutians east of Umnak Is (hex location 166, 51). My estimate is this Jap sub’s primary assignment is mainly recon plus sinking a ship or two if the opportunity presents itself. The sub is known to be moving E and operating a floatplane. No Allied naval forces or transport shipping currently in the sea area near the Jap sub.
Central Pacific: Intercepted Jap radio transmissions reported in a number of 8/31 Sigint entries from several locations.
Baker Is – Detected status showing unidentified Jap planes based there, port and airfield sizes both 1(0). Available intelligence data has 4 Jap LCU located on Baker Is – 61 Naval Gd, 1 Naval Construction Bn, 7 and 29 JNAF AF Units. I estimate the information received in my AE reports is likely underreporting both the port and/or airfield sizes at Baker Is. Japanese construction activity has to be at least underway if not completed. If there is no airfield or port facilities on Baker Is, then fortifications.
Tarawa – Detected status showing no visible Japanese forces, port size 3(1), airfield size 3(2). Available intelligence data also has 4 Jap LCU located on Tarawa – 53 Naval Gd, Sasebo 7 SNLF, 6 Naval Construction Bn, 5 JAAF AF Bn. Sigint report entries continue indicating elements of Jap 17th Infantry Division are enroute from China to Tarawa. Troop stacking limits at Tarawa does allow 17 Division to be placed there as a complete unit – this division is likely a high quality unit in Pillager’s Jap OOB given it is a veteran of the Chungking battles.
Nauru Is – Detected status showing unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 2(2), port size 2(0). Available intelligence data has two Jap LCU located on Nauru – 1 Sasebo SNLF Co, 7 JNAF Co.
The pattern I’m beginning to see is that Pillager could be building a 2-layer Japanese outer perimeter in the Pacific theatres. The first layer including the outermost Japanese controlled bases is likely a “crust” – bases in this layer mainly operating naval air search, probably more lightly defended in many cases, and functioning as an “early warning system”. Amphibious assaults entering this zone will definitely give Pillager a good idea as to the direction and strength of an Allied offensive. This outer “crust” also provides a second benefit – Japanese bases in the main perimeter line are (at least initially) beyond the effective range of most Allied LBA. If true, Baker Island is probably a part of this “crust” zone. Farther west, Noumea and its surrounding islands as well as Port Moresby and much of eastern New Guinea (except Milne Bay) could be within the “crust” area.
The second layer of the Japanese outer perimeter is the probable main line of defense, these bases being the most heavily defended in terms of troops and fortifications, also containing the main forward Japanese LBA air bases. If true, Tarawa is within the main line of defense in the outer perimeter. Other Japanese bases identified as possibly or probably in this main line of defense include Tabiteuea, Luganville, Ndeni, Lunga/Tulagi and Rabaul. Available intelligence is indicating the main Japanese outer defense line could include the entire length of the Solomon island chain – larger bases in the Solomon islands are all occupied by Jap LCU(s) with evidence of construction activity in many cases.
My estimate has Nauru Is as an interior area base completely inside both layers of the estimated Japanese outer perimeter line.
South Pacific: Unidentified Japanese sub spotted by PBY Catalina naval search NW of Nadi (hex location 130, 158). The sub is reported moving on a SW heading but appears to be stationary – no visible movement from its position last game turn.
A detected Jap TF (type unknown) is visible on the game map at Ndeni. The Jap TF reported to contain 10 ships (1 CV, 4 CVE, 5 AK) with 12 planes total including 10 bombers. My estimate is the Jap TF is likely transports now arriving at Ndeni with LCU reinforcements (42 Infantry Division and/or 4 Air Defense AA Rgt) – it is easily possible Pillager escorted this TF with one or more CVE but it is unlikely to be the KB. US patrol sub S-46 is in Ndeni base hex but had no reported contact with either the Jap convoy or Japanese air patrols. Any further southward movement of this Jap TF toward Suva would likely bring it into contact with multiple US patrol subs operating to the S and SE of Ndeni.
Jap transport TF in Luganville base hex appears to have departed.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/31 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,138 near Lunga, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: PB Taiko Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Nisshin reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,138 near Lunga, Speed 6, 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, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 112 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 85 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/02/43
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol W of Kyushu on 9/01 was attacked again this game turn and sunk by Japanese LBA air patrols near Kyushu.
Japanese transport convoy intercepted by US patrol sub near Torishima, a large xAP hit and sunk. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Aogashima at 114,68 (SE of Aogashima)
Japanese Ships
xAP Kanzyu Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
xAP Teikyo Maru
xAP Kamo Maru
E Hoko
Allied Ships
SS Runner
Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
SS Runner launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Kanzyu Maru
E Hoko attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Aogashima at 114,68
Japanese Ships
xAP Teikyo Maru
E Tsubame
xAP Kamo Maru
E Hoko
Allied Ships
SS Runner
SS Runner launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Teikyo Maru
Runner diving deep ....
E Hoko fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected in the Aleutians last game turn remains – current position at hex location 169, 52 (adjacent hex SW of Umnak Is). The sub is operating a floatplane and there's little question the sub is dispatched on a recon mission that will more likely than not find nothing beyond some depth charges if caught.
South Pacific: Unidentified Japanese sub remains stationary NW of Nadi (hex location 130, 158). US light surface ASW TF is now approaching the Jap sub’s position.
Detected Jap TF remains at Ndeni. Reported composition of the Jap TF now appears to be a transport TF as originally estimated, The Jap TF does contain at least one CVE operating B5N2 Kate aircraft which attacked US sub S-46 also located in Ndeni base hex.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/01 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: PB Nako Maru #2 reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: PB Kensin Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
SW Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/01 reports Jap 55 Field AA Bn now located at Buna, transferred to New Guinea from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria). Detected status of Buna shows airfield size 6(6), port size 3(1) – both these larger than Port Moresby. Current intelligence data has five additional Jap LCU already located in Buna – 19 Naval Gd, 8 Independent SNLF Co, 20 JNAF AF Unit, 14 and 16 Naval Construction Bns. Pillager has apparently prioritized expansion of Buna over Port Moresby.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 123 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 97 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
Jap fighter sweep over Akyab. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol W of Kyushu on 9/01 was attacked again this game turn and sunk by Japanese LBA air patrols near Kyushu.
Japanese transport convoy intercepted by US patrol sub near Torishima, a large xAP hit and sunk. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Aogashima at 114,68 (SE of Aogashima)
Japanese Ships
xAP Kanzyu Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
xAP Teikyo Maru
xAP Kamo Maru
E Hoko
Allied Ships
SS Runner
Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
SS Runner launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Kanzyu Maru
E Hoko attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Aogashima at 114,68
Japanese Ships
xAP Teikyo Maru
E Tsubame
xAP Kamo Maru
E Hoko
Allied Ships
SS Runner
SS Runner launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Teikyo Maru
Runner diving deep ....
E Hoko fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected in the Aleutians last game turn remains – current position at hex location 169, 52 (adjacent hex SW of Umnak Is). The sub is operating a floatplane and there's little question the sub is dispatched on a recon mission that will more likely than not find nothing beyond some depth charges if caught.
South Pacific: Unidentified Japanese sub remains stationary NW of Nadi (hex location 130, 158). US light surface ASW TF is now approaching the Jap sub’s position.
Detected Jap TF remains at Ndeni. Reported composition of the Jap TF now appears to be a transport TF as originally estimated, The Jap TF does contain at least one CVE operating B5N2 Kate aircraft which attacked US sub S-46 also located in Ndeni base hex.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/01 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: PB Nako Maru #2 reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: PB Kensin Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
SW Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/01 reports Jap 55 Field AA Bn now located at Buna, transferred to New Guinea from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria). Detected status of Buna shows airfield size 6(6), port size 3(1) – both these larger than Port Moresby. Current intelligence data has five additional Jap LCU already located in Buna – 19 Naval Gd, 8 Independent SNLF Co, 20 JNAF AF Unit, 14 and 16 Naval Construction Bns. Pillager has apparently prioritized expansion of Buna over Port Moresby.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 123 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 97 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
Jap fighter sweep over Akyab. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/03/43
A slight modification of pilot training practices: This was something I came upon and applies specifically to USN pilot training for naval attack bombing and patrol squadrons. I had unintentionally created a surplus of specialized USN pilot training squadrons training in Naval Search and Naval Bombing skills. Result being a substantial number of pilots in the Bombing and Patrol Reserve pilot pools fully trained (skill level 70+) in either Naval Search or Naval Bombing only. The number of trained pilots in Naval Search also considerably exceeds current or anticipated needs for USN patrol squadrons.
This situation presented an opportunity to do some quick large-scale cross training of pilots where many USN pilots would be fully trained in both Naval Search and Naval Bombing, producing a large pool of replacement pilots suitable for assignment in either USN patrol or dive bombing squadrons (both carrier and LBA). The two actions (below) done to implement this are temporary and easily reversed. It also uses my existing USN pilot training structure without any significant modification required. It should be noted while these changes are in effect, USN pilot training squadrons for Naval Search, ASW, and Naval Bombing skills are no longer drawing rookie pilots - all pilots entering these squadrons coming from the Reserve pool.
(1) Pilots entering USN training squadrons for ASW and naval bombing skills are now being drawn from the reserve pool of USN pilots fully trained in naval search only. USN pilots passing through this process would become usable in both patrol and dive bombing squadrons - in the case of bombing squadrons either carrier or LBA. I may later opt to expand this practice to also use this group of pilots as input to USN pilot training squadrons for torpedo bombing.
(2) USN pilots in the Bombing and Patrol Reserve pilot pools already fully trained for naval bombing skills (skill level 70+) are now becoming input to USN pilot training squadrons for naval search. This too could be expanded to include USN torpedo pilots.
I'm projecting the changes above in training practice as short term (a few months or so) - it will likely be returned to the status quo as the available supply of eligible USN pilots in the Reserve pools for input to this process is used up.
US torpedo dud rates: Now that we’re in Sept 43, USN torpedoes have reached their maximum reliability (10% dud rate). It will be seen whether and in what manner the US sub campaign takes a nastier and more ominous turn.
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub repeats attack on Jap transport TF engaged last game turn near Torishima, a second large xAP in the TF hit and sunk with elements of what is becoming an ill-fated Japanese LCU. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 114,71 (NE of Chichi-jima)
Japanese Ships
xAP Teikyo Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
xAP Kamo Maru
E Hoko
Allied Ships
SS Runner
Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
SS Runner launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Teikyo Maru
E Hoko fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formosa: US patrol sub launches multiple attacks on a southbound Jap transport TF, sinks two ships. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ishigaki at 89,68 (SE of Ishigaki)
Japanese Ships
PB Shinko Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Heiei Maru #7
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 4 torpedoes at PB Shinko Maru #1
Gar diving deep ....
PB Heiei Maru #7 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ishigaki at 89,68
Japanese Ships
xAK Kureha Maru #3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Heiei Maru #7
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Kureha Maru #3
Gar diving deep ....
PB Heiei Maru #7 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine now located SE of Adak (hex location 163, 54) and reported moving westward.
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/02 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea and Roi-Namur.
Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 4(1), port size 2(0). Current intelligence has four Jap LCU located on Roi-Namur (HQ 24 Air Flotilla, 2 Garrison Unit, 2 Sasebo SNLF Co, 6 Base Force). The theory I posted on Pillager’s possible 2-layer Japanese outer perimeter could be amended to state Japanese perimeter defenses in the central and northern Marshalls sector may be a single layer rather than the two layers I had described elsewhere – this conclusion based simply on the available geography (bases) in this region insufficient to support a 2-layer perimeter line.
Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 4(3), port size 3(1). Four Jap LCU are located at Tabiteuea per currently available intelligence – two HQ (6th Fleet & 4 Air Division, 1 Garrison Unit and 15 Base Force. Troop stacking limits on Tabituea would support garrisoning with a full Japanese division, though I’ve seen no evidence to date that Pillager is doing so. My estimate has Tabituea as one of several Japanese strongholds in the Gilberts along with Tarawa and Abemama, these three bases all within the second (main) layer of a 2-layer Japanese outer perimeter line. Pillager has also likely established Tabiteuea as a naval base – Tabiteuea also the outermost Japanese naval base in the Pacific theatres.
A Minor Epidemic of Ship Collisions: Two incidents occurring this game turn in Pacific transport convoys. One involving a TK and xAK in convoy PW-76A returning to the mainland US from the South Pacific, both ships with minor damage and continuing with the convoy at normal movement speed. The second incident involving two xAK in transport convoy WP-80 outbound to New Zealand – both xAK moderately damaged but with some reduction in speed to 8-10 kts. The two damaged xAK from WP-80 were detached in a separate TF and moving independently to New Zealand, the xAK likely to remain in Auckland for shipyard repair after arrival and unloading. Collisions in the transport convoy system are not frequent but occur occasionally – in nearly all cases a slight inconvenience and simply the cost of doing business. To date in this campaign I have not lost a ship sunk due to collision so the cost is a rather small one.
South Pacific: Japanese sub off Suva now identified as I-4, attacked and hit by PBY Catalina air patrol. Two US light surface ASW TF’s now pursuing the Jap sub. No Allied transport shipping currently at or near Suva.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/02 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: PB Shotoku Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: PB Shotoku Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 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 Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 19, Moving East
Burma: Sigint entry for 9/02 reports Jap 32nd Infantry Division now located at Meiktila – this LCU transferred from China, also a veteran of the Chungking battles. This is the first reported Jap army unit transfer from China arriving in Burma.
Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 127 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 88 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
A slight modification of pilot training practices: This was something I came upon and applies specifically to USN pilot training for naval attack bombing and patrol squadrons. I had unintentionally created a surplus of specialized USN pilot training squadrons training in Naval Search and Naval Bombing skills. Result being a substantial number of pilots in the Bombing and Patrol Reserve pilot pools fully trained (skill level 70+) in either Naval Search or Naval Bombing only. The number of trained pilots in Naval Search also considerably exceeds current or anticipated needs for USN patrol squadrons.
This situation presented an opportunity to do some quick large-scale cross training of pilots where many USN pilots would be fully trained in both Naval Search and Naval Bombing, producing a large pool of replacement pilots suitable for assignment in either USN patrol or dive bombing squadrons (both carrier and LBA). The two actions (below) done to implement this are temporary and easily reversed. It also uses my existing USN pilot training structure without any significant modification required. It should be noted while these changes are in effect, USN pilot training squadrons for Naval Search, ASW, and Naval Bombing skills are no longer drawing rookie pilots - all pilots entering these squadrons coming from the Reserve pool.
(1) Pilots entering USN training squadrons for ASW and naval bombing skills are now being drawn from the reserve pool of USN pilots fully trained in naval search only. USN pilots passing through this process would become usable in both patrol and dive bombing squadrons - in the case of bombing squadrons either carrier or LBA. I may later opt to expand this practice to also use this group of pilots as input to USN pilot training squadrons for torpedo bombing.
(2) USN pilots in the Bombing and Patrol Reserve pilot pools already fully trained for naval bombing skills (skill level 70+) are now becoming input to USN pilot training squadrons for naval search. This too could be expanded to include USN torpedo pilots.
I'm projecting the changes above in training practice as short term (a few months or so) - it will likely be returned to the status quo as the available supply of eligible USN pilots in the Reserve pools for input to this process is used up.
US torpedo dud rates: Now that we’re in Sept 43, USN torpedoes have reached their maximum reliability (10% dud rate). It will be seen whether and in what manner the US sub campaign takes a nastier and more ominous turn.
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub repeats attack on Jap transport TF engaged last game turn near Torishima, a second large xAP in the TF hit and sunk with elements of what is becoming an ill-fated Japanese LCU. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 114,71 (NE of Chichi-jima)
Japanese Ships
xAP Teikyo Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
xAP Kamo Maru
E Hoko
Allied Ships
SS Runner
Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
SS Runner launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Teikyo Maru
E Hoko fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formosa: US patrol sub launches multiple attacks on a southbound Jap transport TF, sinks two ships. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ishigaki at 89,68 (SE of Ishigaki)
Japanese Ships
PB Shinko Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Heiei Maru #7
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 4 torpedoes at PB Shinko Maru #1
Gar diving deep ....
PB Heiei Maru #7 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ishigaki at 89,68
Japanese Ships
xAK Kureha Maru #3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Heiei Maru #7
Allied Ships
SS Gar
SS Gar launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Kureha Maru #3
Gar diving deep ....
PB Heiei Maru #7 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine now located SE of Adak (hex location 163, 54) and reported moving westward.
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/02 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea and Roi-Namur.
Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 4(1), port size 2(0). Current intelligence has four Jap LCU located on Roi-Namur (HQ 24 Air Flotilla, 2 Garrison Unit, 2 Sasebo SNLF Co, 6 Base Force). The theory I posted on Pillager’s possible 2-layer Japanese outer perimeter could be amended to state Japanese perimeter defenses in the central and northern Marshalls sector may be a single layer rather than the two layers I had described elsewhere – this conclusion based simply on the available geography (bases) in this region insufficient to support a 2-layer perimeter line.
Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 4(3), port size 3(1). Four Jap LCU are located at Tabiteuea per currently available intelligence – two HQ (6th Fleet & 4 Air Division, 1 Garrison Unit and 15 Base Force. Troop stacking limits on Tabituea would support garrisoning with a full Japanese division, though I’ve seen no evidence to date that Pillager is doing so. My estimate has Tabituea as one of several Japanese strongholds in the Gilberts along with Tarawa and Abemama, these three bases all within the second (main) layer of a 2-layer Japanese outer perimeter line. Pillager has also likely established Tabiteuea as a naval base – Tabiteuea also the outermost Japanese naval base in the Pacific theatres.
A Minor Epidemic of Ship Collisions: Two incidents occurring this game turn in Pacific transport convoys. One involving a TK and xAK in convoy PW-76A returning to the mainland US from the South Pacific, both ships with minor damage and continuing with the convoy at normal movement speed. The second incident involving two xAK in transport convoy WP-80 outbound to New Zealand – both xAK moderately damaged but with some reduction in speed to 8-10 kts. The two damaged xAK from WP-80 were detached in a separate TF and moving independently to New Zealand, the xAK likely to remain in Auckland for shipyard repair after arrival and unloading. Collisions in the transport convoy system are not frequent but occur occasionally – in nearly all cases a slight inconvenience and simply the cost of doing business. To date in this campaign I have not lost a ship sunk due to collision so the cost is a rather small one.
South Pacific: Japanese sub off Suva now identified as I-4, attacked and hit by PBY Catalina air patrol. Two US light surface ASW TF’s now pursuing the Jap sub. No Allied transport shipping currently at or near Suva.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/02 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: PB Shotoku Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: PB Shotoku Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 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 Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 19, Moving East
Burma: Sigint entry for 9/02 reports Jap 32nd Infantry Division now located at Meiktila – this LCU transferred from China, also a veteran of the Chungking battles. This is the first reported Jap army unit transfer from China arriving in Burma.
Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 127 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 88 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 137(164), refinery 97(4).
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/04/43
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine continues moving west, now located SE of Amchitka.
South Pacific: Jap transport TF in Ndeni has departed – this TF no longer detected by US patrol sub S-46 in Ndeni base hex. The same Jap TF (or possibly a second unidentified one) spotted this game turn by PBY Catalina naval search NW of Luganville (hex location 119, 148), moving on a SW heading. Reported composition is 9 ships including 8 CVE, one AK with 29 aircraft (24 bombers) on board – the TF probably does contain at least one CVE though (for now) I’m not estimating this to be the Baby KB let alone the full one. The Jap TF appears to be moving southward and keeping west of the New Hebrides island group, possible destinations of this TF (short of a sortie on Suva or New Zealand) being Luganville or Noumea.
This is a game turn where having ASW ships transferred in quantity from the mainland US to the South Pacific theatre might pay off. An unidentified Jap submarine detected east of Auckland in or very near the movement path of four incoming Allied transport TF (convoys WP-80 & WP-81 from the mainland US, a local transport convoy returning from Suva, plus a separate TF with the two damaged xAK from WP-80 that collided last game turn). A large sortie of 20+ Allied ASW ships have been dispatched from Auckland – separate surface ASW TF’s meeting each of the four transport TF’s above plus additional surface ASW to locate and attack the sub. The four Allied transport TF have been re-routed around the Jap sub’s current position. A small tactical exercise during the quiet before the storm.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/03 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 Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 14, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 121,144 near Utupua, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: AV Kiyokawa Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
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 sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 8, Moving Southwest
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), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 5(36).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 93 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 134(167), refinery 97(4).
RAF 2E bombers attack oil production facilities at Magwe in a night raid. One Blenheim IV destroyed (ops loss), no reported Jap plane losses. A small amount of additional damage reported to oil production in Magwe (above). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 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.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Overcast (25% moonlight)
Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 4 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Oil hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine continues moving west, now located SE of Amchitka.
South Pacific: Jap transport TF in Ndeni has departed – this TF no longer detected by US patrol sub S-46 in Ndeni base hex. The same Jap TF (or possibly a second unidentified one) spotted this game turn by PBY Catalina naval search NW of Luganville (hex location 119, 148), moving on a SW heading. Reported composition is 9 ships including 8 CVE, one AK with 29 aircraft (24 bombers) on board – the TF probably does contain at least one CVE though (for now) I’m not estimating this to be the Baby KB let alone the full one. The Jap TF appears to be moving southward and keeping west of the New Hebrides island group, possible destinations of this TF (short of a sortie on Suva or New Zealand) being Luganville or Noumea.
This is a game turn where having ASW ships transferred in quantity from the mainland US to the South Pacific theatre might pay off. An unidentified Jap submarine detected east of Auckland in or very near the movement path of four incoming Allied transport TF (convoys WP-80 & WP-81 from the mainland US, a local transport convoy returning from Suva, plus a separate TF with the two damaged xAK from WP-80 that collided last game turn). A large sortie of 20+ Allied ASW ships have been dispatched from Auckland – separate surface ASW TF’s meeting each of the four transport TF’s above plus additional surface ASW to locate and attack the sub. The four Allied transport TF have been re-routed around the Jap sub’s current position. A small tactical exercise during the quiet before the storm.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/03 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 Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 14, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 121,144 near Utupua, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: AV Kiyokawa Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
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 sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 8, Moving Southwest
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), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 5(36).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 93 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 134(167), refinery 97(4).
RAF 2E bombers attack oil production facilities at Magwe in a night raid. One Blenheim IV destroyed (ops loss), no reported Jap plane losses. A small amount of additional damage reported to oil production in Magwe (above). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 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.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Overcast (25% moonlight)
Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 4 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Oil hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/05/43
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/04 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro. Detected status of Majuro shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 1(1), airfield size 0(0). No evidence of airfield or port construction activity on Majuro but available intelligence data indicates Pillager is defending this atoll. Three Jap LCU known to be located on Majuro – Majuro Base Force, 3 IJN Special Coastal Gun Bn, Yokosuka 6 SNLF.
South Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport TF east of Lunga/Tulagi. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Stewart Island at 116,138 (adjacent hex NW of Stewart Is)
Japanese Ships
APD Shimakaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
APD Nadakaze
xAP Palau Maru
APD Tade
APD Hagi
Allied Ships
SS Tambor
SS Tambor launches 4 torpedoes at APD Shimakaze
Tambor diving deep ....
APD Tade fails to find sub and abandons search
APD Hagi attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sigint entry for 9/04 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi. Detected status of Tulagi shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, port size 3(3), airfield size 3(2). Four Jap LCU are known to be located at Tulagi – 25 Special Base Force, 63 JNAF AF Unit, 15 Naval Construction Bn, Yokosuka 4 SNLF. I’ve held the estimate pointing to Tulagi as part of a key base complex in the second (main) layer of the Japanese outer perimeter – this base complex includes Lunga and Tulagi plus one or more adjacent base hexes. Lunga/Tulagi and Rabaul are the probable strongholds anchoring each flank in the Solomon Islands sector of Pillager’s main Japanese perimeter line.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/04 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 13, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
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 Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Gotake Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Muroran Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Australia: Fuel transport convoy MX-19 (14 ships) arrives in Australia from Abadan via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 120K fuel.
Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Phuket at 48,70 (adjacent hex S of Phuket)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Mutsuki
Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
SS Kingfish launches 2 torpedoes at DD Isonami
Kingfish diving deep ....
DD Mutsuki 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, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 107 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), light industry 6(35). Pillager appears to be rebuilding light industry facilities in Rangoon.
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 89 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 134(167), refinery 97(4).
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/04 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro. Detected status of Majuro shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 1(1), airfield size 0(0). No evidence of airfield or port construction activity on Majuro but available intelligence data indicates Pillager is defending this atoll. Three Jap LCU known to be located on Majuro – Majuro Base Force, 3 IJN Special Coastal Gun Bn, Yokosuka 6 SNLF.
South Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport TF east of Lunga/Tulagi. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Stewart Island at 116,138 (adjacent hex NW of Stewart Is)
Japanese Ships
APD Shimakaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
APD Nadakaze
xAP Palau Maru
APD Tade
APD Hagi
Allied Ships
SS Tambor
SS Tambor launches 4 torpedoes at APD Shimakaze
Tambor diving deep ....
APD Tade fails to find sub and abandons search
APD Hagi attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sigint entry for 9/04 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi. Detected status of Tulagi shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, port size 3(3), airfield size 3(2). Four Jap LCU are known to be located at Tulagi – 25 Special Base Force, 63 JNAF AF Unit, 15 Naval Construction Bn, Yokosuka 4 SNLF. I’ve held the estimate pointing to Tulagi as part of a key base complex in the second (main) layer of the Japanese outer perimeter – this base complex includes Lunga and Tulagi plus one or more adjacent base hexes. Lunga/Tulagi and Rabaul are the probable strongholds anchoring each flank in the Solomon Islands sector of Pillager’s main Japanese perimeter line.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/04 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 13, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
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 Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Gotake Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Muroran Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Australia: Fuel transport convoy MX-19 (14 ships) arrives in Australia from Abadan via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 120K fuel.
Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Phuket at 48,70 (adjacent hex S of Phuket)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Mutsuki
Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
SS Kingfish launches 2 torpedoes at DD Isonami
Kingfish diving deep ....
DD Mutsuki 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, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 107 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), light industry 6(35). Pillager appears to be rebuilding light industry facilities in Rangoon.
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 89 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 134(167), refinery 97(4).
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/06/43
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/05 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein and Nauru Is. Unidentified Japanese aircraft and ship(s) in port are visible at both bases.
Detected status of Kwajalein shows no other visible Japanese forces or activity – port size 4(2), airfield size 1(0). Five Jap LCU known to be located on Kwajalein – HQ 4th Fleet, 6 and 26 Shipping Engineer Rgts (naval support), Kwajalein Base Force, plus the static fortress LCU. No visible evidence Pillager has done much with this base, especially given the Central Pacific theatre area has been mostly static on both sides throughout the campaign to date. This possibly also indicates Pillager is more closely watching events farther south.
Detected status of Nauru Is also does not show any other visible Japanese forces or activity – port size there is 2(0), airfield size 2(2). Two known Jap LCU are located on Nauru Is – 1 Sasebo SNLF Co, 7 JNAF Co. Nauru is certainly a Japanese rear area base. The Japanese garrison on Nauru appears rather small – stacking on this island will support a full strength Jap division, though no evidence to date that Pillager has or is sending one to Nauru. It is possible Pillager has more at Nauru than my information indicates – this will need watching as a possible item of interest later.
South Pacific: US patrol sub operating S of Rabaul in contact with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Feni Islands at 107,128 (S of Feni Islands)
Japanese Ships
PB Myoken Maru
PB Tokati Maru
PB Kensin Maru
Allied Ships
SS Triton
SS Triton launches 2 torpedoes at PB Myoken Maru
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Kensin Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sigint entry for 9/05 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Lunga. Detected status of Lunga shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, ship(s) in port, port size 3(1), airfield size 5(5). Occasional coastwatcher reports over the last month or so are stating Pillager has CVL Mizuho is stationed in Lunga. Eight Jap LCU are known to be located at Tulagi – 10th Infantry Division, two SNLF (Sasebo 6 & Yokosuka 2), 38 Field AA Machine Cannon Co, 4 Naval Construction Bn, 80 JAAF AF Bn, 13 and 15 JNAF AF Units. Pillager is operating G3M Nell and/or G4M Betty bombers from one or more airfields in the Lunga/Tulagi base complex. As stated before, Lunga is the probable core of a key base complex in the second (main) layer of the Japanese outer perimeter – the base complex also including Tulagi, Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay. Evidence of construction activity has been observed at both Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay. It should also be noted here that 10 Infantry Division and at least one of the base force LCU now in Lunga had previously been located at Noumea – Pillager had moved these units from Noumea to Lunga several months ago.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/05 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Enju Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 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: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: AK Kozui Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,66 (S of Victoria Point)
Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
SS Kingfish launches 2 torpedoes at DD Mutsuki
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 – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 111 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 7(34).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 76 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 134(167), refinery 97(4).
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/05 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein and Nauru Is. Unidentified Japanese aircraft and ship(s) in port are visible at both bases.
Detected status of Kwajalein shows no other visible Japanese forces or activity – port size 4(2), airfield size 1(0). Five Jap LCU known to be located on Kwajalein – HQ 4th Fleet, 6 and 26 Shipping Engineer Rgts (naval support), Kwajalein Base Force, plus the static fortress LCU. No visible evidence Pillager has done much with this base, especially given the Central Pacific theatre area has been mostly static on both sides throughout the campaign to date. This possibly also indicates Pillager is more closely watching events farther south.
Detected status of Nauru Is also does not show any other visible Japanese forces or activity – port size there is 2(0), airfield size 2(2). Two known Jap LCU are located on Nauru Is – 1 Sasebo SNLF Co, 7 JNAF Co. Nauru is certainly a Japanese rear area base. The Japanese garrison on Nauru appears rather small – stacking on this island will support a full strength Jap division, though no evidence to date that Pillager has or is sending one to Nauru. It is possible Pillager has more at Nauru than my information indicates – this will need watching as a possible item of interest later.
South Pacific: US patrol sub operating S of Rabaul in contact with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Feni Islands at 107,128 (S of Feni Islands)
Japanese Ships
PB Myoken Maru
PB Tokati Maru
PB Kensin Maru
Allied Ships
SS Triton
SS Triton launches 2 torpedoes at PB Myoken Maru
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Kensin Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sigint entry for 9/05 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Lunga. Detected status of Lunga shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, ship(s) in port, port size 3(1), airfield size 5(5). Occasional coastwatcher reports over the last month or so are stating Pillager has CVL Mizuho is stationed in Lunga. Eight Jap LCU are known to be located at Tulagi – 10th Infantry Division, two SNLF (Sasebo 6 & Yokosuka 2), 38 Field AA Machine Cannon Co, 4 Naval Construction Bn, 80 JAAF AF Bn, 13 and 15 JNAF AF Units. Pillager is operating G3M Nell and/or G4M Betty bombers from one or more airfields in the Lunga/Tulagi base complex. As stated before, Lunga is the probable core of a key base complex in the second (main) layer of the Japanese outer perimeter – the base complex also including Tulagi, Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay. Evidence of construction activity has been observed at both Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay. It should also be noted here that 10 Infantry Division and at least one of the base force LCU now in Lunga had previously been located at Noumea – Pillager had moved these units from Noumea to Lunga several months ago.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/05 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Enju Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 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: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: AK Kozui Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 49,66 (S of Victoria Point)
Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
SS Kingfish launches 2 torpedoes at DD Mutsuki
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 – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 111 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 7(34).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 76 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 134(167), refinery 97(4).
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/07/43
Japanese Home Islands: Sigint entry for 9/06 reporting sub-units of Jap 46th Infantry Division were combined at Kyoto to form the divisional LCU.
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap patrol sub continues snooping in the Aleutians – current location NW of Atka island (hex location 163, 51) moving on an E heading. The sub is operating a float plane which appears to be scouting the various US bases (Amchitka, Atka, Unmak and Dutch Harbor). Pillager has probably obtained little useful information from this sub on US activity in the North Pacific – larger islands in the Aleutians are occupied by US LCU’s and a small amount of air activity (mainly naval search) with occasional ship traffic. Transport convoy WA-28 from Prince Rupert is approaching Adak, arrival of this convoy will likely be detected by the sub which may give Pillager some illusion of activity in this region. Along with the convoy, additional Allied (US & Canadian) light ASW ships have been dispatched from the West Coast to the Aleutians providing the sub with yet more illusion of Allied activity.
South Pacific: A small item in the 9/06 Operations report… VMF-441 is based at Suva and one of 3 squadrons flying CAP there – from available information, the probable Jap victim is a H6K4 Mavis flying either recon or naval search.
FO Short O. of VMF-441 is credited with kill number 2
Transport convoy WP-80B (9 ships, detachment from WP-80) arrives in Suva. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 25K supply and 10K fuel, no LCU or air units. The main body of WP-80 is now approaching New Zealand.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/06 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AV Kiyokawa Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
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, 2 Jap TF in harbor , 111 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 8(33).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 75 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
RAF 2E bombers in night raid on oil production in Magwe, additional damage to oil production in Magwe from the raid appears unlikely given weather conditions, small bomb loads in the attacking Allied bombers plus information shown in the aerial recon report above. Plane losses in the raid were 2 RAF Blenheim IV (both ops losses), no Japanese CAP fighters reported destroyed. AAR’s and Combat Events report entries follow.
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Severe storms (57% moonlight)
Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 36
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Japanese Home Islands: Sigint entry for 9/06 reporting sub-units of Jap 46th Infantry Division were combined at Kyoto to form the divisional LCU.
North Pacific: Unidentified Jap patrol sub continues snooping in the Aleutians – current location NW of Atka island (hex location 163, 51) moving on an E heading. The sub is operating a float plane which appears to be scouting the various US bases (Amchitka, Atka, Unmak and Dutch Harbor). Pillager has probably obtained little useful information from this sub on US activity in the North Pacific – larger islands in the Aleutians are occupied by US LCU’s and a small amount of air activity (mainly naval search) with occasional ship traffic. Transport convoy WA-28 from Prince Rupert is approaching Adak, arrival of this convoy will likely be detected by the sub which may give Pillager some illusion of activity in this region. Along with the convoy, additional Allied (US & Canadian) light ASW ships have been dispatched from the West Coast to the Aleutians providing the sub with yet more illusion of Allied activity.
South Pacific: A small item in the 9/06 Operations report… VMF-441 is based at Suva and one of 3 squadrons flying CAP there – from available information, the probable Jap victim is a H6K4 Mavis flying either recon or naval search.
FO Short O. of VMF-441 is credited with kill number 2
Transport convoy WP-80B (9 ships, detachment from WP-80) arrives in Suva. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 25K supply and 10K fuel, no LCU or air units. The main body of WP-80 is now approaching New Zealand.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/06 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AV Kiyokawa Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
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, 2 Jap TF in harbor , 111 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 8(33).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 75 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
RAF 2E bombers in night raid on oil production in Magwe, additional damage to oil production in Magwe from the raid appears unlikely given weather conditions, small bomb loads in the attacking Allied bombers plus information shown in the aerial recon report above. Plane losses in the raid were 2 RAF Blenheim IV (both ops losses), no Japanese CAP fighters reported destroyed. AAR’s and Combat Events report entries follow.
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Severe storms (57% moonlight)
Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 36
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
April Summary, 1942--John piping in again.
Enemy forces made three significant forays into Allied areas. The Ellice Islands were taken without opposition. A major raid against Canton island was repulsed at sea in the first carrier vs carrier action. Enterprise and Yorktown intercepted Zuikaku, Hiryu, and Soryu, sinking Zuikaku and decimating the air groups on Hiryu and Soryu while laying on about 15 hits, but none serious. Yorktown was lost, but the air group moved to Canton and continued the fight, getting in a lot of hits. That invasion failed. The escorts were hit as well, and a number of ships will be in the body shop for a while. Enterprise was able to replenish its air group and was repaired in a couple of days, fully operational, upon arrival at PH. Bad intel led to the intercept--Halsey in command was actually supporting an allied soiree against Baker island. Intel had the enemy as three CVLs and Halsey was routed out of range to the north. Halsey ignored the reroute and went straight for the enemy Carriers. Intel was wrong. So much for intel.
Later in the month the enemy tried to invest troops at Lungaville, but ran into an allied SAG and the entire force was destroyed. Horn island is under attack and 2200 enemy are on the islands, but I am holding. Diego Garcia was also invaded by the enemy but the reinforcement of an Indian BDE blew them off. The entire support group was sunk. The Burmese coastal cities fell to the enemy--all of Burma except Klylemo (SP?)is in Japanese hands, but a UK SAG force has sunk all three attempts to reinforce Alkyab and Cox's Bazzar. Nothing has changed in China, while the enemy is making progress in DEI. I have moved everything that can be moved to the most remote bases available, but it is a lost cause and not much has been saved. Aussie is positioning and digging in the northeast. Air bases are being expanded. The elements of the 8th Div are enroute to Darwin, but it will be a year before it is up to full strength. The 40th Inf Div USA is at Lungaville. (We won that race.) The 23rd is at Noumea. The 27th is a couple of days out from Suva. The 2nd USMC is at Pago Pago. The Marine defense BNs, Raiders, and Parachute BNs are sitting on vital islands (Efate, Tanna, Canton, etc.). Most of the April ship upgrades are complete. Lexington is one month from joining Enterprise.
Most of the rear area squadrons are in training mode. Most of them start in the mid 30 range, so training is essential. I am holding back the F4F-4s, so most are flying Buffs. The Flying Tigers are piling up quite the score, nearly 500 planes destroyed since Dec 7.
Aussie is secure, Ndeni on down to Noumea belong to allies. Ellice gone, but Suva, PP, Canton, and Palmyra--Christmas and all bases south of there in allied hands. Johnson and Midway also in allied hands. PI is nearly gone, a couple of remote bases still to fall. DEI is still being rolled up and process is nearly complete. PoW and Repulse nearly repaired at Capetown.
More planes and ships are arriving, so I continue to build up and contest only those areas essential to defense.
Enemy forces made three significant forays into Allied areas. The Ellice Islands were taken without opposition. A major raid against Canton island was repulsed at sea in the first carrier vs carrier action. Enterprise and Yorktown intercepted Zuikaku, Hiryu, and Soryu, sinking Zuikaku and decimating the air groups on Hiryu and Soryu while laying on about 15 hits, but none serious. Yorktown was lost, but the air group moved to Canton and continued the fight, getting in a lot of hits. That invasion failed. The escorts were hit as well, and a number of ships will be in the body shop for a while. Enterprise was able to replenish its air group and was repaired in a couple of days, fully operational, upon arrival at PH. Bad intel led to the intercept--Halsey in command was actually supporting an allied soiree against Baker island. Intel had the enemy as three CVLs and Halsey was routed out of range to the north. Halsey ignored the reroute and went straight for the enemy Carriers. Intel was wrong. So much for intel.
Later in the month the enemy tried to invest troops at Lungaville, but ran into an allied SAG and the entire force was destroyed. Horn island is under attack and 2200 enemy are on the islands, but I am holding. Diego Garcia was also invaded by the enemy but the reinforcement of an Indian BDE blew them off. The entire support group was sunk. The Burmese coastal cities fell to the enemy--all of Burma except Klylemo (SP?)is in Japanese hands, but a UK SAG force has sunk all three attempts to reinforce Alkyab and Cox's Bazzar. Nothing has changed in China, while the enemy is making progress in DEI. I have moved everything that can be moved to the most remote bases available, but it is a lost cause and not much has been saved. Aussie is positioning and digging in the northeast. Air bases are being expanded. The elements of the 8th Div are enroute to Darwin, but it will be a year before it is up to full strength. The 40th Inf Div USA is at Lungaville. (We won that race.) The 23rd is at Noumea. The 27th is a couple of days out from Suva. The 2nd USMC is at Pago Pago. The Marine defense BNs, Raiders, and Parachute BNs are sitting on vital islands (Efate, Tanna, Canton, etc.). Most of the April ship upgrades are complete. Lexington is one month from joining Enterprise.
Most of the rear area squadrons are in training mode. Most of them start in the mid 30 range, so training is essential. I am holding back the F4F-4s, so most are flying Buffs. The Flying Tigers are piling up quite the score, nearly 500 planes destroyed since Dec 7.
Aussie is secure, Ndeni on down to Noumea belong to allies. Ellice gone, but Suva, PP, Canton, and Palmyra--Christmas and all bases south of there in allied hands. Johnson and Midway also in allied hands. PI is nearly gone, a couple of remote bases still to fall. DEI is still being rolled up and process is nearly complete. PoW and Repulse nearly repaired at Capetown.
More planes and ships are arriving, so I continue to build up and contest only those areas essential to defense.
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/08/43
Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-49 (36 ships) departs for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one US Marine fighter squadron, 120K supply and 26K fuel. Ships in EX-49 include some completed AG and AKE conversions (from xAK) bound for the Pacific theatres.
South Pacific: Conflicting reports on Japanese sub contact(s) near Suva at hex location 130, 158 (NW of Nadi). An unidentified Jap sub is visible on-map in this hex, also an entry in the Intelligence screen Sunk Ships report indicating Jap submarine I-4 was sunk on 9/07 in the same hex. My estimate is the truth lies somewhere in between – Jap sub I-4 is located in this hex, the sub spotted and attacked by a PBY Catalina naval search patrol but not sunk.
The two damaged xAK detached from transport convoy WP-80 after the ship collision on 9/03 arrive in Auckland with intact cargoes. The main body of WP-80 had been routed around the Jap submarine contact E of Auckland and due to arrive shortly.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/07 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: PB Kensin Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 0, Moving Southwest
Australia: Allied engineers occupy Lord Howe Island.
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), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
RAF bombers lay mines in night raid on Rangoon base hex. Jap mine sweeping activity in Rangoon reported by daylight. No planes reported lost on either side. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
6 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Weather in hex: Partial cloud (67% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 8
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 6
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 6000 feet *
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)
Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6
7 mines cleared
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Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 84 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
Unopposed Japanese fighter sweep reported over Akyab. No Allied planes are based in AKyab – one British infantry LCU (1 Burma Bn) is located there. Akyab is a forward Allied outpost in no-mans’ land between the main Allied and Japanese positions along the Burma-India frontier. AAR of sweep follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 4
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-61-Ia Tony sweeping at 20000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: USAAF and RAF bombers launch unsuccessful night attack on light industry facilities in Kunming. Light industry in Kunming is currently the largest intact operating Japanese-controlled LI or HI facility in China within range of Allied bombers. One USAAF B-17E reported destroyed (ops loss), no reported Japanese plane losses.
As shown below, Allied bombers in the raid were greatly dispersed in small packets, many bombers not reaching Kunming, most of those reaching Kunming did not appear to drop bombs. Supply difficulties at Ledo airfield (departure point for Allied bombers) are a likely cause in addition to the usual night bombing problems. A possible overstacking of air groups (Base Administration level) in Ledo (airfield size 8) may also be a factor. While detected status of Kunming base shows 8 Japanese fighter planes based there, no air-to-air combat action was visible or reported.
Detected status of Kunming shows no visible damage to light industry – status shows resource production 61(0), heavy industry 7(45), light industry 81(0), 8 aircraft (all fighters), 2 Jap LCU’s.
Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
3 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
3 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
3 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Weather in hex: Partial cloud (67% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 4
B-17E Fortress x 4
B-24D Liberator x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington B.X bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-49 (36 ships) departs for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one US Marine fighter squadron, 120K supply and 26K fuel. Ships in EX-49 include some completed AG and AKE conversions (from xAK) bound for the Pacific theatres.
South Pacific: Conflicting reports on Japanese sub contact(s) near Suva at hex location 130, 158 (NW of Nadi). An unidentified Jap sub is visible on-map in this hex, also an entry in the Intelligence screen Sunk Ships report indicating Jap submarine I-4 was sunk on 9/07 in the same hex. My estimate is the truth lies somewhere in between – Jap sub I-4 is located in this hex, the sub spotted and attacked by a PBY Catalina naval search patrol but not sunk.
The two damaged xAK detached from transport convoy WP-80 after the ship collision on 9/03 arrive in Auckland with intact cargoes. The main body of WP-80 had been routed around the Jap submarine contact E of Auckland and due to arrive shortly.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/07 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: PB Kensin Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 0, Moving Southwest
Australia: Allied engineers occupy Lord Howe Island.
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), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
RAF bombers lay mines in night raid on Rangoon base hex. Jap mine sweeping activity in Rangoon reported by daylight. No planes reported lost on either side. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
6 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53
Weather in hex: Partial cloud (67% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 8
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 6
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 6000 feet *
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)
Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6
7 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 84 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
Unopposed Japanese fighter sweep reported over Akyab. No Allied planes are based in AKyab – one British infantry LCU (1 Burma Bn) is located there. Akyab is a forward Allied outpost in no-mans’ land between the main Allied and Japanese positions along the Burma-India frontier. AAR of sweep follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 4
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-61-Ia Tony sweeping at 20000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: USAAF and RAF bombers launch unsuccessful night attack on light industry facilities in Kunming. Light industry in Kunming is currently the largest intact operating Japanese-controlled LI or HI facility in China within range of Allied bombers. One USAAF B-17E reported destroyed (ops loss), no reported Japanese plane losses.
As shown below, Allied bombers in the raid were greatly dispersed in small packets, many bombers not reaching Kunming, most of those reaching Kunming did not appear to drop bombs. Supply difficulties at Ledo airfield (departure point for Allied bombers) are a likely cause in addition to the usual night bombing problems. A possible overstacking of air groups (Base Administration level) in Ledo (airfield size 8) may also be a factor. While detected status of Kunming base shows 8 Japanese fighter planes based there, no air-to-air combat action was visible or reported.
Detected status of Kunming shows no visible damage to light industry – status shows resource production 61(0), heavy industry 7(45), light industry 81(0), 8 aircraft (all fighters), 2 Jap LCU’s.
Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
3 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
3 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
3 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Weather in hex: Partial cloud (67% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 4
B-17E Fortress x 4
B-24D Liberator x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington B.X bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/09/43
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs intercepted by Jap surface ASW while entering Sea of Japan. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Wakkanai at 123,48 (adjacent hex E of Wakkanai)
Japanese Ships
E Yurijima
SC CHa-39
PB Kosin Maru #3
Allied Ships
SS Hake, hits 1 (minor system damage, sub remaining on patrol)
SS Hake is located by E Yurijima
Hake bottoming out ....
E Yurijima attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/08 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur and Nikunau (Gilbert islands).
Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. This is no change from what had been reported a few game turns back.
Detected status of Nikunau shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port size 1(0), airfield size 2(2), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Known Japanese LCU on Nikunau include four units – Ichiki Detachment, 22 Special Base Force, 13 JAAF AF Co, 4 JNAF AF Co. It is uncertain from the available information exactly role Nikunau has in Pillager’s outer Japanese perimeter – best estimate is that it’s a likely secondary base and a supporting position for the main Jap base at Tabiteuea for the southern Gilberts. Other possible Jap bases in the Gilberts that Pillager may have developed in the same or similar role as Tabiteuea include Arorae and Abemama.
South Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, port size 3(3), airfield size 4(5), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current available intelligence data reports 3 known Jap LCU at Luganville (Yokosuka 3 SNLF, 28 JNAF AF Unit, 5 Naval Construction Bn). It is strongly suspected that Jap 38th Infantry Division from China has arrived in Luganville although I have yet to see direct evidence confirming it is at Luganville (this evidence is expected any day now). There’s little question Luganville is the primary Japanese base in the New Hebrides area and a major position in the main defensive belt (second layer) of Pillager’s Japanese outer perimeter line.
Two transport convoys from the mainland US arrive in New Zealand this game turn.
Main body of convoy WP-80 (29 transports, 4 AM, 1 LST) arrives with cargo of 2 air squadrons (one US Marine dive bomber, one USN patrol), 139K supply and 37K fuel. LST and AM arriving in WP-80 will be detached and remain in the South Pacific for use in future operations.
Convoy WP-81 (31 ships) arrives with cargo of one USN patrol air squadron, 4 USN Naval Construction Rgt, 177K supply and 13K fuel.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/08 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Chiyoda reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
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: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 16, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in night action with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 48,65 (W of Victoria Point)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Mutsuki
Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
SS Kingfish is located by DD Isonami
Kingfish diving deep ....
DD Mutsuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mutsuki is out of ASW ammo
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 , 137 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 77 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
Jap recon flight reported over Akyab.
China: Second attempt by USAAF and RAF bombers launching night attack on light industry facilities in Kunming – this time some hits made on LI. No Allied bombers lost in action, 3 B-17E bombers returned damaged.
Detected status of Kunming (after raid) – resource production 61(0), heavy industry 7(45), light industry 73(8), 2 Jap LCU’s.
Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Weather in hex: Partial cloud (75% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 3
Wellington Ic x 3
B-17E Fortress x 7
B-24D Liberator x 11
No Allied losses
Light Industry hits 4
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs intercepted by Jap surface ASW while entering Sea of Japan. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Wakkanai at 123,48 (adjacent hex E of Wakkanai)
Japanese Ships
E Yurijima
SC CHa-39
PB Kosin Maru #3
Allied Ships
SS Hake, hits 1 (minor system damage, sub remaining on patrol)
SS Hake is located by E Yurijima
Hake bottoming out ....
E Yurijima attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kosin Maru #3 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/08 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur and Nikunau (Gilbert islands).
Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. This is no change from what had been reported a few game turns back.
Detected status of Nikunau shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port size 1(0), airfield size 2(2), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Known Japanese LCU on Nikunau include four units – Ichiki Detachment, 22 Special Base Force, 13 JAAF AF Co, 4 JNAF AF Co. It is uncertain from the available information exactly role Nikunau has in Pillager’s outer Japanese perimeter – best estimate is that it’s a likely secondary base and a supporting position for the main Jap base at Tabiteuea for the southern Gilberts. Other possible Jap bases in the Gilberts that Pillager may have developed in the same or similar role as Tabiteuea include Arorae and Abemama.
South Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, port size 3(3), airfield size 4(5), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current available intelligence data reports 3 known Jap LCU at Luganville (Yokosuka 3 SNLF, 28 JNAF AF Unit, 5 Naval Construction Bn). It is strongly suspected that Jap 38th Infantry Division from China has arrived in Luganville although I have yet to see direct evidence confirming it is at Luganville (this evidence is expected any day now). There’s little question Luganville is the primary Japanese base in the New Hebrides area and a major position in the main defensive belt (second layer) of Pillager’s Japanese outer perimeter line.
Two transport convoys from the mainland US arrive in New Zealand this game turn.
Main body of convoy WP-80 (29 transports, 4 AM, 1 LST) arrives with cargo of 2 air squadrons (one US Marine dive bomber, one USN patrol), 139K supply and 37K fuel. LST and AM arriving in WP-80 will be detached and remain in the South Pacific for use in future operations.
Convoy WP-81 (31 ships) arrives with cargo of one USN patrol air squadron, 4 USN Naval Construction Rgt, 177K supply and 13K fuel.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/08 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Chiyoda reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
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: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 16, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in night action with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Victoria Point at 48,65 (W of Victoria Point)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Mutsuki
Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
SS Kingfish is located by DD Isonami
Kingfish diving deep ....
DD Mutsuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mutsuki is out of ASW ammo
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 , 137 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 77 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
Jap recon flight reported over Akyab.
China: Second attempt by USAAF and RAF bombers launching night attack on light industry facilities in Kunming – this time some hits made on LI. No Allied bombers lost in action, 3 B-17E bombers returned damaged.
Detected status of Kunming (after raid) – resource production 61(0), heavy industry 7(45), light industry 73(8), 2 Jap LCU’s.
Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Weather in hex: Partial cloud (75% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 3
Wellington Ic x 3
B-17E Fortress x 7
B-24D Liberator x 11
No Allied losses
Light Industry hits 4
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
I have experienced the same problem with night bombing. As a result, I left those missions to those trained in night combat. Too many lost flights, lost bombs, and used up fuel and planes.
I also did not get to try the B-29s at very high altitude, they bombed between 20-25 thousand feet, so I don't know if 30K or up would have reduced losses. I am sure it would have negatively affected accuracy. As a result the B-29s got chewed up and just before the computer crash that ended that campaign, I had to stand all of the squadrons down to replenish aircraft losses--a projected six month stand down. I would definitely use them differently next time around. Good luck setting up pillager for a good ole boy beating. I bet they (the japs) don't have Gatorade.
The main lesson I picked up this time is watch it when an aggressive commander is in command. Fletcher never would have attacked. He would have turned and run away as ordered. Halsey defied my instructions to pull back away from the jap carrier force. He is now beached--Spruance has his carrier. Fitch has the other in San Diego where the escorts are finishing their refits. Once again I got lucky. Although I can't repeatedly trade fleet carrier for fleet carrier, Yorktown for Zuikaku and depletion of H and S air groups is about even. The Big E lost about half her fighters, but replacements were waiting at PH, so she had a full air group once she arrived. Wasp will be here soon. It looks I will be able to hold in the So Pacific.
A major enemy buildup is happening at Cox's Bazar. I had to send the BBs back to Columbo to rearm. A small cruiser force will take their place. It looks like the enemy is getting serious about moving up the coast into India. The 18th Brit Inf Div and the 7th Aussie Inf Div are waiting for them at Chittagong.
The lack of strike aircraft is hurting. The Wilderbeast (evac from DEI) and a swordfish squadron at Chittagong got shot up a couple of weeks ago game time, so I withdrew them. (This was in response to losing too many Swords in my last campaign and being unable to upgrade a couple of torpedo squadrons on carriers in 1944 due to lack of type 1 swords. The US Battleships are...well...the crew liberties are keeping the ladies busy in San Francisco.
Two significant sorties to Horn Island has cost the enemy 5,000 dead and the elimination of a Guards Inf LCU. I am rushing in supplies the long way around (Darwin doesn't have any to spare) and flying in what I can. I think the enemy is planning to come back soon.
I moved so much fuel out of Capetown that I cannot send any convoys forward. DUMB DUMB DUMB! Replenishment is coming from US. Up side, Perth, Columbo, Bombay, and Calcutta are loaded. 200K fuel at Auckland, with another 150K enroute. All is needed. Sydney and east coast has no fuel. Some of what is in New Zealand is moving up.
The only stuff I could not get out of DEI is the restricted stuff.
John
I also did not get to try the B-29s at very high altitude, they bombed between 20-25 thousand feet, so I don't know if 30K or up would have reduced losses. I am sure it would have negatively affected accuracy. As a result the B-29s got chewed up and just before the computer crash that ended that campaign, I had to stand all of the squadrons down to replenish aircraft losses--a projected six month stand down. I would definitely use them differently next time around. Good luck setting up pillager for a good ole boy beating. I bet they (the japs) don't have Gatorade.
The main lesson I picked up this time is watch it when an aggressive commander is in command. Fletcher never would have attacked. He would have turned and run away as ordered. Halsey defied my instructions to pull back away from the jap carrier force. He is now beached--Spruance has his carrier. Fitch has the other in San Diego where the escorts are finishing their refits. Once again I got lucky. Although I can't repeatedly trade fleet carrier for fleet carrier, Yorktown for Zuikaku and depletion of H and S air groups is about even. The Big E lost about half her fighters, but replacements were waiting at PH, so she had a full air group once she arrived. Wasp will be here soon. It looks I will be able to hold in the So Pacific.
A major enemy buildup is happening at Cox's Bazar. I had to send the BBs back to Columbo to rearm. A small cruiser force will take their place. It looks like the enemy is getting serious about moving up the coast into India. The 18th Brit Inf Div and the 7th Aussie Inf Div are waiting for them at Chittagong.
The lack of strike aircraft is hurting. The Wilderbeast (evac from DEI) and a swordfish squadron at Chittagong got shot up a couple of weeks ago game time, so I withdrew them. (This was in response to losing too many Swords in my last campaign and being unable to upgrade a couple of torpedo squadrons on carriers in 1944 due to lack of type 1 swords. The US Battleships are...well...the crew liberties are keeping the ladies busy in San Francisco.
Two significant sorties to Horn Island has cost the enemy 5,000 dead and the elimination of a Guards Inf LCU. I am rushing in supplies the long way around (Darwin doesn't have any to spare) and flying in what I can. I think the enemy is planning to come back soon.
I moved so much fuel out of Capetown that I cannot send any convoys forward. DUMB DUMB DUMB! Replenishment is coming from US. Up side, Perth, Columbo, Bombay, and Calcutta are loaded. 200K fuel at Auckland, with another 150K enroute. All is needed. Sydney and east coast has no fuel. Some of what is in New Zealand is moving up.
The only stuff I could not get out of DEI is the restricted stuff.
John
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
This phenomena is true in both AE and historically... Effective bombing in daylight without heavy losses to bombers flying a mission is possible only under two circumstances - (1) the Allies have complete air superiority in the target area (this meaning the virtual absence or elimination of all effective Jap fighter CAP), or (2) the Allied player can escort a bombing mission with fighters in sufficient numbers and quality to effective counter Japanese CAP. If neither condition above can be satisfied, night bombing becomes mandatory. Look at the Battle of Britain in 1940 (the Luftwaffe going from day to night bombing), RAF bomber command over Germany (likewise going from day to night), USAAF daylight bombing losses before the arrival of long-range fighter escorts. Both historically and in AE, effective bombing without heavy bomber losses in daylight requires the absence or elimination of opposing CAP fighters over the target. Otherwise night bombing is mandatory.I have experienced the same problem with night bombing. As a result, I left those missions to those trained in night combat. Too many lost flights, lost bombs, and used up fuel and planes.
I also did not get to try the B-29s at very high altitude, they bombed between 20-25 thousand feet, so I don't know if 30K or up would have reduced losses. I am sure it would have negatively affected accuracy. As a result the B-29s got chewed up and just before the computer crash that ended that campaign, I had to stand all of the squadrons down to replenish aircraft losses--a projected six month stand down. I would definitely use them differently next time around.
From my analysis, the first priority of an Allied bombing campaign is preservation of the bomber force. Plane replacement/production rates for Allied bombers (especially 4E) are very low. Any bombing campaign with a significant rate of attrition to the attacking bombers will quickly exhaust available planes in the replacement pools. In this campaign, Pillager would wipe out my bomber force over Burma in a week if they were flying in daylight and it would likely be months before the squadrons would have planes to fly again. Bombing accuracy is meaningless if your squadrons can only fly one mission every ___ months due to plane losses and the rate of replacing said plane losses. One may have to fly 2-3 or more night bombing raids to achieve the effect of one good daylight attack but night bombing does keep your bomber squadrons in action.
I had a similar experience to yours in late 1942. I do as little refueling as possible in Capetown. I've been using my convoy system between Capetown and India to maintain (and increase) fuel stocks in Capetown. This method involves adding a third leg in the convoy route involving the return trip from India back to Capetown. Convoys transporting supply, air units, LCU, etc from Capetown to India or Colombo are routed from India (Colombo) to Abadan before they return to Capetown. Once in Abadan, all ships in the convoy capable of carrying fuel points are loaded with fuel cargo (as well as the ships themselves refueled) without regard to ship type. Fuel point stockpiles in Abadan are virtually inexhaustible. Convoys returning to Capetown from Abadan are routed via Socotra and unload their fuel cargo upon arrival in Capetown.I moved so much fuel out of Capetown that I cannot send any convoys forward. DUMB DUMB DUMB! Replenishment is coming from US.
For the most part, transport convoys moving between the Eastern US and Australia via Capetown do not require refueling in Capetown. The one exception being the leg of the return trip back to Eastern US from Australia to Capetown - this due to on-map sea movement from Australia to the map edge. This is the only part of my EX/CE Eastern US to Australia convoy route where ships consume fuel (ships must still be fuelled to move off-map though they do not consume fuel in off-map movement).
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/10/43
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs entering Sea of Japan intercepts Jap transport TF while passing N of Hokkaido. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sapporo at 118,50 (WNW of Sapporo)
Japanese Ships
AK Nozima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (reported listing)
xAK Kaimei Maru
xAK Midori Maru
PB Kyo Maru #5
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at AK Nozima Maru
Tunny diving deep ....
PB Kyo Maru #5 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: Multiple Sigint entries for 9/09 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay near Lunga/Tulagi.
Detected status of Tassafronga shows port size 0(0), airfield size 1(0), no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current available intelligence data has one known Jap LCU at Luganville (Kure 5 SNLF) - it is likely Pillager has at least one additional undetected engineer LCU in Tassafronga engaged in construction of base facilities and/or fortifications.
Detected status of Thousand Ships Bay shows undetected Jap planes based there, port size 1(1), airfield size 2(3), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. One Jap LCU (6 Independent SNLF Co) is known to be at Thousand Ships Bay from current intelligence data – as at Tassafronga, it is likely Pillager also has one or more additional undetected Jap engineer LCU located at Thousand Ships Bay engaged in construction activity.
Visible information at these two bases confirms the conclusion Pillager occupied both Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay and is developing them as part of a complex of Jap bases centered on Lunga/Tulagi.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/09 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Izumo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna Speed 2, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 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, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 141 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 99 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
RAF bombers launch night bombing raid on Magwe airfield. Reports indicate no airfield damage at Magwe, no Japanese planes destroyed. Three RAF Blenheim IV reported destroyed – one each to air-to-air combat, flak and ops loss. Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Severe storms (85% moonlight)
Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 20
Wellington B.X x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Wellington B.X bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc 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 37 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington GR.VIII: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: USAAF and RAF bombers launch a third night attack on light industry facilities in Kunming – a small amount of additional damage on LI, supply point shortage in Ledo may have contributed to poor effects of this raid. No Allied bombers lost in action. Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
Detected status of Kunming (after raid) – resource production 61(0), heavy industry 10(42), light industry 69(12), 10 aircraft (all fighters), 2 Jap LCU’s.
Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
6 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
3 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Weather in hex: Clear sky (85% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 3
B-17E Fortress x 10
B-24D Liberator x 7
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs entering Sea of Japan intercepts Jap transport TF while passing N of Hokkaido. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sapporo at 118,50 (WNW of Sapporo)
Japanese Ships
AK Nozima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (reported listing)
xAK Kaimei Maru
xAK Midori Maru
PB Kyo Maru #5
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at AK Nozima Maru
Tunny diving deep ....
PB Kyo Maru #5 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: Multiple Sigint entries for 9/09 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay near Lunga/Tulagi.
Detected status of Tassafronga shows port size 0(0), airfield size 1(0), no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current available intelligence data has one known Jap LCU at Luganville (Kure 5 SNLF) - it is likely Pillager has at least one additional undetected engineer LCU in Tassafronga engaged in construction of base facilities and/or fortifications.
Detected status of Thousand Ships Bay shows undetected Jap planes based there, port size 1(1), airfield size 2(3), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. One Jap LCU (6 Independent SNLF Co) is known to be at Thousand Ships Bay from current intelligence data – as at Tassafronga, it is likely Pillager also has one or more additional undetected Jap engineer LCU located at Thousand Ships Bay engaged in construction activity.
Visible information at these two bases confirms the conclusion Pillager occupied both Tassafronga and Thousand Ships Bay and is developing them as part of a complex of Jap bases centered on Lunga/Tulagi.
Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/09 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Izumo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna Speed 2, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 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, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 141 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) - 99 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
RAF bombers launch night bombing raid on Magwe airfield. Reports indicate no airfield damage at Magwe, no Japanese planes destroyed. Three RAF Blenheim IV reported destroyed – one each to air-to-air combat, flak and ops loss. Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Weather in hex: Severe storms (85% moonlight)
Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 20
Wellington B.X x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Wellington B.X bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc 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 37 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Wellington GR.VIII: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47
Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: USAAF and RAF bombers launch a third night attack on light industry facilities in Kunming – a small amount of additional damage on LI, supply point shortage in Ledo may have contributed to poor effects of this raid. No Allied bombers lost in action. Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
Detected status of Kunming (after raid) – resource production 61(0), heavy industry 10(42), light industry 69(12), 10 aircraft (all fighters), 2 Jap LCU’s.
Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.
4 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
6 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
3 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Weather in hex: Clear sky (85% moonlight)
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 3
B-17E Fortress x 10
B-24D Liberator x 7
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/11/43
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs in the Sea of Japan report several intercepts of Jap transport shipping N of Honshu. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sapporo at 119,50 (WNW of Sapporo)
Japanese Ships
AK Nozima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk, this ship previously torpedoed in a US sub attack last game turn)
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hirosaki/Aomori at 116,52 (N of Sadogashima)
Japanese Ships
TK Hoten Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Hake
TK Hoten Maru is sighted by SS Hake
SS Hake launches 4 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US patrol sub hit in attack by G4M Betty air patrol S of Nagoya (hex location 109, 64) – damage to sub is system 72, float 36, engine 15, returning to base at 11 kts.
Formosa: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW near sea passage between Formosa and the China mainland. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 87,61 (N of Taihoku)
Japanese Ships
PB Musashi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
E Chidori
Allied Ships
SS Crevalle, hits 2 (system damage 18, float 9, returning to base at 18 kts)
SS Crevalle launches 2 torpedoes at PB Musashi Maru
E Chidori attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Pacific: Small US supply transport TF bound from Hawaii to Johnston Is encounters Jap submarine. AAR follows.
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ASW attack near Johnston Island at 172,112 (E of Johnston Is)
Japanese Ships
SS I-9
Allied Ships
SC-641
SS I-9 is sighted by escort
SC-641 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/10 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nitiren Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,138 near Lunga Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Australia: Transport convoy EX-43 (44 transports, 8 xAP, 1 LSI and BB Maryland) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (82 Mortar Bn), 141K supply and 108K fuel. BB Maryland, xAP, and LSI in the convoy are being detached to remain in Australia on reserve for use in future operations.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port (+3 from last report), no Jap TF in harbor , 115 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 82 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs in the Sea of Japan report several intercepts of Jap transport shipping N of Honshu. AAR’s follow.
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Sub attack near Sapporo at 119,50 (WNW of Sapporo)
Japanese Ships
AK Nozima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk, this ship previously torpedoed in a US sub attack last game turn)
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes
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Sub attack near Hirosaki/Aomori at 116,52 (N of Sadogashima)
Japanese Ships
TK Hoten Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Hake
TK Hoten Maru is sighted by SS Hake
SS Hake launches 4 torpedoes
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US patrol sub hit in attack by G4M Betty air patrol S of Nagoya (hex location 109, 64) – damage to sub is system 72, float 36, engine 15, returning to base at 11 kts.
Formosa: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW near sea passage between Formosa and the China mainland. AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Taihoku at 87,61 (N of Taihoku)
Japanese Ships
PB Musashi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
E Chidori
Allied Ships
SS Crevalle, hits 2 (system damage 18, float 9, returning to base at 18 kts)
SS Crevalle launches 2 torpedoes at PB Musashi Maru
E Chidori attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Pacific: Small US supply transport TF bound from Hawaii to Johnston Is encounters Jap submarine. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Johnston Island at 172,112 (E of Johnston Is)
Japanese Ships
SS I-9
Allied Ships
SC-641
SS I-9 is sighted by escort
SC-641 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/10 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Mizuho reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nitiren Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,138 near Lunga Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Australia: Transport convoy EX-43 (44 transports, 8 xAP, 1 LSI and BB Maryland) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (82 Mortar Bn), 141K supply and 108K fuel. BB Maryland, xAP, and LSI in the convoy are being detached to remain in Australia on reserve for use in future operations.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – 3 Japanese ships anchored in port (+3 from last report), no Jap TF in harbor , 115 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 82 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
- wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)
Summary of Operations 9/12/43
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs in the Sea of Japan N of Honshu report several actions with Jap transport shipping and surface ASW. AAR’s follow.
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ASW attack near Olga at 116,50 (SE of Olga)
Japanese Ships
DD Oite
DD Hatakaze
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny is located by DD Oite
Tunny diving deep ....
DD Hatakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hatakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hatakaze loses contact with SS Tunny
SS Tunny eludes ASW attack from DD Hatakaze
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Olga at 116,50 (SE of Olga)
Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Oite
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny is located by DD Hatakaze
DD Oite attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Toyama at 111,55 (NW of Toyama)
Japanese Ships
xAK Bandoeng Maru
DMS W-19
Allied Ships
SS Hake
SS Hake is sighted by escort
Hake diving deep ....
DMS W-19 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sub attack near Nakhodka at 111,50 (SE of Vladivostok)
Japanese Ships
TK Gyoshin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Choun Maru #21
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny launches 4 torpedoes at TK Gyoshin Maru
Tunny diving deep ....
PB Choun Maru #21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Submarine attack near Vladivostok at 110,50 (S of Vladivostock)
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kuramasan Maru, Shell hits 50, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Tunny, hits 1
xAKL Kuramasan Maru is sighted by SS Tunny
SS Tunny attacking xAKL Kuramasan Maru on the surface
SS Tunny low on gun ammo, Scott, J.A. breaks off surface engagement and submerges
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US sub Swordfish sinks S of Aogashima (hex location 111, 66) from damage in hit from attack last game turn by G4M Betty air patrol S of Nagoya. SS Swordfish had been returning to base and sunk after multiple reports of failing pumps and damage control. Weather conditions in the area near Aogashima (thunderstorms) may also have a role in the sinking.
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/11 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Mili. Detected status of Mili shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 2(1), airfield size 1(2). Current intelligence data indicates two Jap LCU located on Mili – 67 Naval Gd and the static fortress (Mili Naval Fort).
South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/11 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Reiyo Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nitiren Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Chitose reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Australia: Transport convoy EX-45 (10 ships) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 73K supply and 5300 fuel.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port (-3 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor (+2 from last report), 125 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 90 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
China: A small number of recent Sigint entries indicate Pillager appears to be transferring Japanese flak LCU from Manchuria (Kwantung Army) to major industrial centers (bases) in central and southern China within range of Allied strategic bombing raids from India. While this development has some impact on Allied bombing operations from India, it also results in wider dispersal of Japanese flak forces (this aiding the “big picture” as a whole).
Japanese Home Islands: US patrol subs in the Sea of Japan N of Honshu report several actions with Jap transport shipping and surface ASW. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Olga at 116,50 (SE of Olga)
Japanese Ships
DD Oite
DD Hatakaze
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny is located by DD Oite
Tunny diving deep ....
DD Hatakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hatakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hatakaze loses contact with SS Tunny
SS Tunny eludes ASW attack from DD Hatakaze
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Olga at 116,50 (SE of Olga)
Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Oite
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny is located by DD Hatakaze
DD Oite attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Toyama at 111,55 (NW of Toyama)
Japanese Ships
xAK Bandoeng Maru
DMS W-19
Allied Ships
SS Hake
SS Hake is sighted by escort
Hake diving deep ....
DMS W-19 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nakhodka at 111,50 (SE of Vladivostok)
Japanese Ships
TK Gyoshin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Choun Maru #21
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny launches 4 torpedoes at TK Gyoshin Maru
Tunny diving deep ....
PB Choun Maru #21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Vladivostok at 110,50 (S of Vladivostock)
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kuramasan Maru, Shell hits 50, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Tunny, hits 1
xAKL Kuramasan Maru is sighted by SS Tunny
SS Tunny attacking xAKL Kuramasan Maru on the surface
SS Tunny low on gun ammo, Scott, J.A. breaks off surface engagement and submerges
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US sub Swordfish sinks S of Aogashima (hex location 111, 66) from damage in hit from attack last game turn by G4M Betty air patrol S of Nagoya. SS Swordfish had been returning to base and sunk after multiple reports of failing pumps and damage control. Weather conditions in the area near Aogashima (thunderstorms) may also have a role in the sinking.
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/11 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Mili. Detected status of Mili shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 2(1), airfield size 1(2). Current intelligence data indicates two Jap LCU located on Mili – 67 Naval Gd and the static fortress (Mili Naval Fort).
South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 9/11 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Reiyo Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nitiren Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: CVL Chitose reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Australia: Transport convoy EX-45 (10 ships) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 73K supply and 5300 fuel.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port (-3 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor (+2 from last report), 125 aircraft (all fighters), 13 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32).
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon - 90 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).
China: A small number of recent Sigint entries indicate Pillager appears to be transferring Japanese flak LCU from Manchuria (Kwantung Army) to major industrial centers (bases) in central and southern China within range of Allied strategic bombing raids from India. While this development has some impact on Allied bombing operations from India, it also results in wider dispersal of Japanese flak forces (this aiding the “big picture” as a whole).
