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Hanoi was swept by 26 X P-38J, but once more no Japanese plans were to be found.

Not surprising considering the average Lightning pilot does not read Japanese. Any word on Japanese airplanes? [;)]

Cap H that gave me a laugh. Wait until I see my proof readers. I actually did an edit to fix the goof. So much for spell check.

July 20, 1944 Washington DC

Intel

58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.
Chinhae Bay Fortress is located at Pusan.
23rd Engineer Regiment is located at Inch'on.
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
14th Division is located at Hailar.
23rd Air Flotilla is located at Lautem.
41635 men are based at Sunwu.
2087 men are based at Kitakyushu.
84349 men are based at Naha.
29th Division is located at Tsitsihar.
5080 men are based at Shimuzu.
2141 men are based at Akita.
1703 men are based at Taejon.
27918 men are based at Changchun.
Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.
104th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
53803 men are based at Sendai.
19th Division is located at Mishan.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Woleai 1 LCU 340/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 X AK, 1 LCU 640/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 10840/122/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pakhoi 4 LCUs 660/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Songkhia vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 23280/24/0

Combat

The SS Pintado, 93 miles NW of the Amami Group, spotted 6 PGs and a PC escorting a TK that she promptly put a torpedo into. She continued to stalk her prey as her torpedo tubes were reloaded and then attacked again. This time another fish slammed home. The TK was heavily damaged and burning.

The SS Hardhead, 82 miles N of the Amami Group, was attacked by 6 PGs and a PC. No damage was done. Later the SS Hardhead located and attacked a lone AK, hitting it with 2 torpedoes , causing heavy damage and fires.

Nanning was swept by 21 X P-38J and 6 Zekes and 3 Tonys gave battle. The Japanese lost 2 of each plane type and the Allies lost 1 fighter and 2 more were damaged.

Tavoy was attacked by 47 X B-25J Mitchell (1 destroyed, 2 damaged), 11 X Thunderbolt II and 6 X Spitfire VIII. The airfield took moderate damage, there was a lone secondary explosion and light troop losses. Another strike of 32 X B-25J (5 damaged), 14 X Corsair IV and 12 X Spitfire VIII arrived and they hit the port for light damage, a secondary explosion and light casualties. Allied artillery inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese today.

Krung Thep was under a CAP of 9 X Zeke, 3 X George, 16 X Jack, 3 X Irving and 2 X Frank when 98 X Liberator VI, 33 X B-24J and 17 X P-38J Lightning arrived. The Japanese fighters tried to break up the attack and lost 6 Zekes, a George (1 damaged), a Jack (6 damaged), 2 Irvings and 2 Franks. Between the fighters and the AA fire the Allies suffered 2 Liberator VI downed 15 damaged, 4 B-24Js damaged and a Lightning shot down. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were a couple of secondary explosions and heavy personnel losses. Japanese artillery caused light Allied casualties. An Allied assault on the Japanese positions resulted in little territorial gains, but the Japanese lost an extremely large number of men while the Allied troops suffered very heavily.

Rahaeng suffered a nuisance raid by 3 Helens and 6 Spitfire VIIIs attacked them. A Helen and a Spit were damaged and all of the bombs fell off target.

Koepang was bombed by 29 X B-24J and the flak knocked 1 down and damaged 6 more. The airfield sustained light damage, there were a few secondary explosions and light casualties.

Dili was hit by 26 X B-24J for light damage to the port.

Lunga's port was moderately damaged, there were many secondary explosions and light troop losses due to 38 X B-24D.

The 90th Naval Guard Unit, at Palau, was struck by 6 X PB4Y, 33 X SB2C, 13 X P-47D and 34 X F6F Hellcat for moderate losses. Then the 2nd Amphibious Brigade had it's turn as 27 X B-24J hit for moderate casualties. The Allied troops attacked and caused extremely heavy Japanese losses while sustaining heavy casualties themselves. The pocket that the Japanese hold is much smaller and there aren't many of them left alive.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was attacked by 6 Helens who did no harm to the few remaining survivors.

The 2nd Marines are loading onto APDs bound for a secret destination. Slim and Gunny are happy to be getting something to do, though it's tempered by the thought of combat. They've been told that this is a quick grab operation that will be a cakewalk. Both men are wary of the intel boys and ready their lads for the worst. “The Japs will fight you to the death so no matter what you're told, expect that it'll be worse. After all if the intel is right then we get a pleasant surprise instead of a rude awakening,” says Gunny to them.

Stick woke up today, had chow, wrote some letters and lazed around. It's a day of some well needed rest. The constant CAPs, LRCAPs and escort missions are wearing him and the other pilots down. Their morale remains high, but it's a welcomed rest.

FDR grunts as he sees the time schedule for the PTO and reminds his commanders that he wants an increased tempo and he wants it sustained. They relent and advise him that Morotai will be targeted for late September and possibly another base in the area at the same time. That would be dependent on Japanese troop dispositions.

“This is the life” says Gil to his buddies. They remind him about the war and that he's in the AAC. “But for right now,” he continues, “This is like heaven as he takes a swig of his beer, lights a smoke and digs his toes into the sand.

French troops began to pull out of Italy for the invasion of Southern France.

Heavy rains and the loss of 413 tanks have stopped the British Operation Goodwood.

An assassination attempt was made on Hitler, but it failed.

Victory Points Allied 35977 Japanese 32983

July 21, 1944 Brisbane

Intel

41639 men are based at Sunwu.
44th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
2nd Area Army is located at Soerabaja.
26th Air Flotilla is located at Cagayan.
5th Army is located at Tsitsihar.
207809 men are based at Truk.
25th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Palembang.
1834 men are based at Hungnam.
4th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kagoshima.
Truk Base Force is located at Truk.
1st Mortar Battalion is located at Nanning.
10th Mortar Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
9th AF Construction Battalion is located at Bankha.
23rd Air Flotilla is located at Lautem.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Haiphong vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Taiping vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 23760/22/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Woleai 1 LCU 280/2/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1580/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 1 bomber, 8 aux, 13 LCUs 46960/289/3
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 11640/127/0

Combat

Tavoy was raided by 48 X B-25J (6 damaged), 11 X Thunderbolt II and 7 X Spitfire VIII. The airfield was subjected to moderately heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 45th Ind. Mixed Brigade was struck by 44 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged) and 10 X Spitfire VIII for moderate losses. Japanese casualties were heavy because of Allied artillery.

Krung Thep was bombed by 86 X Liberator VI (5 destroyed, 13 damaged), 30 X B-24J (4 damaged) and 2 X P-38J (1 shot down). The Japanese were waiting for them with 17 X Zeke, 3 X George, 12 X Jack, 2 X Irving and a Frank. They lost 2 Zekes (8 damaged), a George was damaged, a Jack went down (1 damaged), 2 Irvings took damaged and the Frank blew up in mid air. The airfield was heavily hit, there were a few secondary explosions and moderate casualties were absorbed by the troops. The IJA 48th Division was under a CAP of 16 Zekes, 3 Georges, 2 Irvings and a Frank when it was jumped by 70 X Thunderbolt II and 16 X P-38J. 8 Zekes, a George and 3 Irvings were destroyed while 3 Jugs went down and 14 more were damaged and a Lightning took some damage. The unit had moderate losses. The Allies had moderate losses due to a Japanese artillery bombardment. Not to be outdone the Allied gunners caused very heavy Japanese casualties.

Koepang underwent a raid by 25 X B-24J and the AA fire damaged 7 of them. The airfield was lightly damaged, a couple of secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were light.

Lautem was visited by 143 X B-25J and 24 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, a couple of secondary explosions were seen and casualties were placed at moderate.

Gili Gili was attacked by 43 X B-24D and flak damaged 9 of them. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

Lunga was hit by 28 X B-24D. The port was lightly hit, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were very light.

The 2nd Amphibious Brigade, at Palau, was subjected to an attack by 6 X PB4Y, 33 X SB2C, 13 X P-47D and 45 X F6F Hellcat. The unit had moderate casualties. Then 21 X B-24J dumped their bombs on the 2nd causing light losses. An Allied assault inflicted extremely heavy casualties on the Japanese while the attackers had moderately light losses. The pocket held by the Japanese has virtually disappeared.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, still frozen in place, had light losses due to 7 Helens.

The SS Cod, 77 miles NW of Manila, tried to attack a lonely AK, but the ship zigged instead of zagging and was gone.

Slim feels like he's in a sardine can. “I'll never complain about a crowded troop transport ever again,” somebody not to far away says. They've been told that transit time should be about 2 days so Slim figures that he's half way there and tries to take comfort in that.

“OK, so tomorrow we fly and today we have the beach,” says Brownie. Hoppy nods in agreement and Gil sighs and revels in the warmth of the sun and the feel of the sand. Brownie then says, “It's to bad that there's a war on because I could get used to this.”

Pete is talking to Milt when Sylvia enters the pub carrying Pearl. “This isn't the sort of place to bring a baby,” says Milt. Pete jokingly takes exception saying something about it being a fine and respectable establishment, “Except for a few of our regular customers.” The nudge in the ribs that he gives Milt draws a laugh from everybody there.

Still on patrol in the area around Tori Shima the Helena is ever vigilant. Bill is feeling the strain of command in this environment and hopes that they get rotated out soon. He writes to Sandy and then reads the letter. He tears it up knowing that it would never get to her once the censors got it. He sighs and decides to turn in for some sleep.

Victory Points Allied 36073 Japanese 33106

July 22, 1944 Woleai

Intel

Yongfung Bay Fortress is located at Wonsan.
Keelung Fortress is located at Taipei.
102nd Division is located at Cebu Island.
55th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at San Marcelino.
5th AA Regiment is located at Niigata.
131st IJNAF Base Force is located at Tassafaronga.
6130 men are based at Takamatsu.
1st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Tokyo.
3rd Mortar Battalion is located at Balikpapan.
105th Division is located at Lingayen.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Hanoi 2 LCUs 4980/21/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 22760/39/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1600/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Arawe vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 1060/0/0

Combat

The SS Growler, 28 miles SE of Toyohara, put 2 torpedoes into the side of an AK. The stricken ship went down quickly.

Allied troops are unloading over beach at Woleai, taking very heavy casualties. The assault by the 2nd Marines swept through the Japanese defenders who were wiped out. The Allies now hold the island.

The SS Grampus, 17 miles NW of Brunei, spotted and attacked an AK being escorted by 4 DDs. The target was hit by 2 torpedoes and the Grampus slipped away undetected.

Tavoy was struck by 24 X B-25J (5 damaged), 11 X Thunderbolt II and 8 X Spitfire VIII who caused light damage to the airfield, some secondary explosions and moderately heavy casualties. Allied artillery inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese.

Krung Thep was pounded by 36 X B-29, 86 X Liberator VI (2 destroyed, 5 damaged) and 18 X P-38J who first had to fight their way through 6 X Zeke, 4 X George, 7 X Jack, an Irving, 5 X Frank and 10 X Randy who were joined by a couple of late arriving Irvings. The escorting Lightnings fended off most of the Japanese planes who paid dearly for their attack. 6 Zekes, a George, 7 Jacks, 3 Irvings, a Frank (2 damaged) and 3 Randys (1 damaged) were knocked out of the sky. The airfield took heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy. Another attack was made by 128 X B-29 and a Zeke, 3 Georges, 4 Franks and 7 Randys tried to stop them. The big bombers held their boxes and downed a Zeke, a Frank and 2 Jacks while they damaged a George and 2 Randys. 1 big silver bird went down and 9 others were damaged as they added heavy damage to the airfield, caused a secondary explosion and inflicted heavy casualties. The Allied troops had very light losses from a Japanese artillery bombardment. The Japanese suffered very heavy losses from the Allied artillery barrage.

Dili was paid a visit by 44 X B-24J and the port was lightly damaged and there were a few secondary explosions.

Truk was raided by 20 X B-24J and the AA fire damaged 5 of them. The airfield was lightly damaged.

Rabaul was attacked by 42 X B-17E (2 damaged), 48 X B-24D (1 damaged) and 48 X B-24J. The airfield was very heavily damaged, there were a great many secondary explosions, a Sally and a Mavis were destroyed and troop losses were heavy.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light losses because of 5 Helens.

The Allied PTs at Rangoon were targeted by 3 X Frances, but they ran into 5 X Corsair IV, 9 X Spitfire VIII and 1 X P-38J who destroyed all of the Japanese planes before they could make their attack run.

Gunny is busily checking in with his squad leaders and reminding them that the Japanese who aren't dead yet will be soon enough as they'll be trying to kill some Marines. He's also checking on casualties and is relieved that for the most part the platoon is in good shape. What he doesn't tell the new lads is that they didn't meet with any of Japan's hardened combat troops. These were support and engineering personnel and they were tough enough.

Stalin eyes the map and remarks that the Germans just need to be pushed harder and they will be in full flight. His generals see things differently as the casualty figures say that though the Germans are in retreat they still have plenty of fight left in them. He then turns the topic to the East and asks about the readiness for the offensive against the Japanese. He reminds his generals that he wants to reclaim the lands lost by the Czar and his fools.

Panevezys fell to the Russians along with 17000 more German POWs.

Victory Points Allied 36162 Japanese 33117

July 23, 1944 Hawaii

Intel

12th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Nagoya.
Keelung Fortress is located at Taipei.
12th Ind. Brigade is located at Ichang.
1st Mixed Regiment is located at Amoy.
14th Construction Battalion is located at Salamaua.
17th Area Army is located at Davao.
6192 men are based at Taipei.
Nakajo-wan Fortress is located at Kadina.
10th Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
Elements of the 22nd Division are located at Wenchow.
15th Mixed Brigade is located at Canton.
16th AA Regiment is located at Soerabaja.
5901 men are based at Niigata.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Hanoi 6 bombers, 7 aux, 2 LCUs 5320/14/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Phnom Penh vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 27 fighters, 52 aux, 8 LCUs 11920/60/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 23760/26/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Satawal vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1640/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Talasea vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 920/0/0

Combat

The Chinese swept Nanning with 15 X P-40N and met with 4 X Zeke and a Tony. Both sides weren't aggressive enough to cause any damage. A short time later the 27 X P-38J that appeared were aggressive and they met with the same 5 Japanese planes, who tried to run. A Zeke and the Tony were destroyed before they could reach the clouds.

Tavoy was raided by 33 X B-25J (6 damaged by flak), 11 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire VIII. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were some secondary explosions and heavy casualties. The Japanese had heavy losses due to an Allied artillery bombardment.

Krung Thep was protected by a CAP of 6 X Zeke, 7 X George, 27 X Jack and 5 X Frank when 109 X B-29 appeared. The Japanese knocked 9 of the heavies out of the sky and damaged 26 more of them at a cost of a Zeke (2 damaged), a George (1 damaged), 5 Jacks (17 damaged) and a Frank (1 damaged) destroyed. The airfield took moderate damage , a couple of secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were moderate. Japanese artillery did no harm to anyone today while the Allied artillery inflicted very heavy casualties on the Japanese troops.

Dili was hit by 43 X B-24J for light damage to the port and some secondary explosions.

Truk was raided by 16 X B-24J and the AA fire damaged 6 of them. The airfield was lightly damaged and a Jake was destroyed.

Gil loves the beach, but now he's afraid to go into the water as he heard about a guy being bitten by a shark. The authenticity of the story is doubtful, but it put the thought in his head and now the fear keeps him on the beach. He hates this and wonders how he's going to do in battle if a rumor can scare him like this. Tomorrow is another training flight and they will make a practice bomb run on a target and then return home.

Sandy is in another letter drought. She reads in the newspapers looking for stories, but most of the news is out of Europe. Besides even when a story is about the Pacific how can she know if Bill is there or not? She knows he's in command of a ship, but what ship and where is it? To many unanswered questions are making her depressed as her imagination can get carried away at times. Tomorrow would be a good day for a hike to clear her head, she decides.

Stick's plane was grounded for some work that it needed so he flew in another bird today. Same Corsair, but she feels different than mine, he thinks as he flies the lazy racetrack course of his assigned CAP area.

Slim and Gunny are sitting in the shade of a tree enjoying a smoke on Woleai. They are awaiting for the arrival of the APDs that delivered them here. They expect to be picked up tonight and then they will head back to Ulithi to rejoin the rest of the division. The Navy has other plans for them and they won't return to their base quite as soon as they think.

Pskov is now in the Red Army's possession.

Victory Points Allied 36195 Japanese 33156

July 24, 1944 Satawal

Intel

China Expeditionary Army is located at Nanning.
4th Division is located at Davao.
17th Construction Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
3rd Guards Division is located at Tokyo.
2nd Area Army is located at Soerabaja.
33 ships are based at Okayama.
34164 men are based at Iwo Jima.
Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.
25th Engineer Regiment is located at Sendai.
57th Division is located at Arshaan.
2165 men are based at Akita.
Hensui Construction Battalion is located at Sasebo.
Rashin Base Force is located at Changkufeng.
51st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Soerabaja.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Nanning 32 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Babo vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hollandia 1 LCU 560/21/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Jaluit vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 45840/391/2
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Buin 12 aux, 7 LCUs 20020/78/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 9020/70/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bandou vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Songkhia vacant

Combat

Allied troops unloaded over beach at Satawal taking heavy losses, but the island is now owned by the 2nd Marine Division.

The SS Tuna, 22 miles SE of Belitung Island, found an unescorted AP packed with troops. She got into position and let fly a spread of torpedoes, 2 of which hit. The ship suffered heavy damage and was burning. Troops were jumping into the water.

Truk was visited by 26 X B-24J and the AA fire knocked 2 down and damaged 3 others. Damage to the airfield was moderate, a couple of secondary explosions were seen and casualties were thought to have been moderate.

Gili Gili was bombed by 41 X B-24D and flak shot 1 down and damaged 8 more. The airfield took moderate damage, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were placed at light.

Rabaul was hit by 33 X B-24J and ground fire claimed 1 and damaged another. There was moderate damage done to the airstrip, a secondary explosion was claimed and casualties were moderate.

Lunga was struck by 57 X B-24J and there were many secondary explosions and moderate casualties.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, still frozen in place, was attacked by 7 X Helen who inflicted no damage.

The 18th UK Division, at Krung Thep, was attacked by 20 X Frances, 2 X Zeke and 13 X Frank. A Frances was shot down and another was damaged while the unit sustained moderately heavy losses. The 3rd Indian Division was hit by 18 X Frances and 6 X Helen for light losses. Japanese artillery inflicted light losses on the Allied troops and the Allied guns did the same to the Japanese.

The Allied ships unloading at Tori Shima were attacked by 8 X Betty and 7 X Oscar. 20 X F4U-1 greeted them and downed 4 Bettys and 2 Oscars. The 4 planes that managed to drop their fish hit nothing as they made hurried runs. A short time later 3 X Betty and 8 X Oscar came on and 20 Corsairs turned them away before any attack runs could be made. A Betty and 5 Oscars were shot down.

Ichang was swept by 22 X P-38J who attacked the 2 X Nick and 3 X Tony were in the air. 2 Tonys were destroyed and the other Japanese planes ran.

Tavoy's Japanese defenders were tagged for heavy losses from the Allied artillery bombardment.

The O'Bannon, APD Sands and the CL Cleveland left LA for San Francisco, where the work on them will be completed. Frank get a chuckle out of this as his trip to see Sandy and Dave would've been much shorter from San Francisco. He saw the need for space for other ships awaiting work so he figures the Navy knows what it's doing.

Gil enjoyed a wonderful nap during the flight except for when they hit the turbulence that tossed Jake's Jalopy around like a leaf in the wind. After they landed Gil took a ribbing about the look on his face when he woke up. “You looked pretty scared yourself,” he told Brownie. “You other guys can't tell me you weren't scared when we got caught in that downdraft.” Nobody argues with Gil as they all were petrified as the plane seemed to be falling out of the sky. Jake walks by with a smile on his face and told them that when they encounter fighters and flak today will seem like a cakewalk.

The Russians liberated the Maidanek Concentration Camp.

Soviet forces crossed the River San.

The Germans pulled out of Lvov.

Victory Points Allied 36229 Japanese 33040

July 25, 1944 Tori Shima

Intel

Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.
41st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Harbin.
8th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Davao.
13th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
21st Engineer Regiment is located at Lunga.
11th AA Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Maizuru Base Force is located at Maizuru.
6th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Wonsan.
11th Ind. Brigade is located at Ichang.
52nd Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
58th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
140th IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
North China Area Army is located at Nanning.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
Shanghai SNLF is located at Kweilin.
Radio transmissions detected at Tinian.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 17560/51/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 7 X AK, 2 X DE, 6 LCUs 15040/124/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Babo vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sarmi 2 LCUs 460/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Jaluit vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 62640/486/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Nanning 2 fighters, 28 bombers, 13 aux, 32 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bangkok 64 fighters, 19 bombers, 100 aux, 15 LCUs 32640/350/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 9880/93/0

Combat

Dili was bombed by 38 B-24Ds and though no damage to facilities was seen there were 2 large secondary explosions in the port area.

Lautem was raided by 141 X B-25J, 24 X Kittyhawk III and 16 X P-40N who caused heavy damage to the airfield, a couple of secondary explosions and light casualties.

Truk was raided by 23 X B-24J and flak damaged 3 of them. The airstrip took light damage, there was a secondary explosion observed and casualties were extremely light.

Buna was hit by 35 X B-24D and 46 X P-40N were escorting them. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy.

Lunga's port was the objective for 39 X B-24J. The damage done to the target was light, there were some secondary explosions and negligible personnel losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light casualties from an attack made by 7 Helens.

The 25th Indian Division, at Krung Thep, was attacked by 18 X Frances and 4 X Helen. They were surprised by 10 X Thunderbolt II who feasted on the unescorted bombers. 10 X Frances and all of the Helens were destroyed while 2 of the fighters sustained some damage. The unit had very light losses. Japanese artillery caused moderate troop losses for the Allies and the Japanese had similar casualties from the Allied guns.

Morotai was attacked by 59 X PB4Ywho caused heavy damage to the port and some secondary explosions.

Tavoy was the scene of an Allied artillery barrage that caused light Japanese losses.

Sam watches the sky and sure enough, right on schedule a Betty appears. “Damn it!” he says, “Why doesn't somebody do something about our spy?”

Gene has spent 11 hours at the yard and he feels dead on his feet, but he has at least 2 more hours to go. He wonders if the quality of his work is suffering due to his fatigue. He can't stop his mind from wandering. The next thing he knows a bunch of the guys are standing around him asking if he's OK. The foreman comes by and sends Gene to the medical office.

601 American troops were killed by USAAF planes.

Operation Cobra was launched by the Americans.

The Germans evacuated Narva.

Victory Points Allied 36252 Japanese 33055

July 26, 1944 Tori Shima

Intel

Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.
18th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Toyama.
14th Ind. Brigade is located at Wuhan.
11th Tank Regiment is located at Mishan.
107th Division is located at Hailar.
41636 men are based at Sunwu.
4th AA Regiment is located at Toyama.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
101st IJNAF Base Force is located at Wotje.
14th Ind. Brigade is located at Wuhan.
57th Division is located at Arshaan.
2nd Tank Div is loaded on AK Yosida Maru #3 moving to Bangkok.
22nd Ind. Mixed Brigade is planning for an attack on Madras.
94 aircraft are based at Hailar.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bien Hoa vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Andaman Island 13 aux, 2 LCUs 4520/28/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 17760/37/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 1 X APD, 5 X AK, 3 X DE, 2 aux, 6 LCUs 16360/130/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Babo vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Truk many AGs, 15 aux, 17 LCUs 50060/285/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Jaluit vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pakhoi 4 LCUs 1060/1/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tassafaronga 2 LCUs

Combat

The SS Corvina, near Muntok, slipped through the escorts and hit a TK with a torpedo. A second attack was attempted, but failed.

Ichang was hit by 74 X B-25J and 39 X P-40N. 2 Nicks and 3 Tonys were up and the Chinese fighters downed the Tonys. 3 Mitchells went down and 12 more took damage while 2 Warhawks were killed. The airfield took moderate damage, a secondary explosion was claimed and casualties were moderate.

Krung Thep was attacked by 48 X B-29 Superfortress (5 damaged), 114 X Liberator VI (3 downed, 7 damaged) and 22 X P-38J (1 shot down). The 9 Zekes, 7 Georges and 10 Franks put up a spirited fight and 7 Zekes, 5 Georges and 4 Franks (2 damaged) were disposed of. The airstrip was heavily damaged, there were a great many secondary explosions and casualties were very heavy. Another raid of 106 X B-29 showed up a short time later and 2 Zekes, 2 Georges and 3 Franks were in the air. 2 Zekes were damaged, as was a George and a Frank was destroyed (1 damaged). Meanwhile 3 big silver birds were downed and 8 others damaged. Moderately heavy damage was done to the airstrip, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were moderately heavy. Both sides traded artillery rounds and the Allies had no casualties, but the Japanese suffered very heavy losses.

Lautem was hit by 136 X B-25J, 22 X Kittyhawk III and 15 X P-40N. Heavy damage was dished out to the airfield, a single secondary explosion was seen and there were light troop losses.

Truk's airfield was raided by 22 X B-24J and flak damaged 3 of them. The airfield took light damage and there were moderate casualties.

Buna will not become a safe haven for the retreating Japanese as 46 X B-17E, 45 X B-24D, 46 X B-24J, 49 X P-40N and 11 X Kittyhawk III worked the place over. The airfield was moderately damaged, the port lightly, there were many secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy.

Lunga was the target for 41 X B-24D and 50 X B-24J who hit the airfield and port for moderate damage, many secondary explosions were seen and there were moderate casualties.

The Japanese at Tavoy sustained moderate losses from the Allied artillery attack.

Gene was sent home and told to stay there for a few days. “What you need is some rest. Between the summer heat and the heat of the welding torch along with you being so skinny it just wore you out,” the doctor said. So now Gene is lying on the sofa in the living room drinking some lemonade and listening to the radio while he reads the New York Post. This is the life, he thinks.

“Sarge why can't we use a machine gun on these damned Jap planes?” Sam is asked by a private. He tells the guy that they can't get the elevation for starters and they have orders to not fire at the planes, just to stay out of sight , if possible.

The Helena got mail delivered to her today and a sailor brought a bundle of letters to Bill. The mail from home will help to relieve the tension of constantly being in such close proximity to the enemy. What he really wants to know is when the ship will get her long overdue refit.

Gill and the other enlisted men of the Lucky 11 are once more lazing on the warm sand, drinking beers when the officers of the crew show up and join them. There is little rank pulled among this air crew except when Jake deems it as being needed. Now in addition to the warm beers there are a couple bottles of whiskey to be had. Nobody cares about getting in trouble because the worst that can happen to them will soon enough, going into combat.

Victory Points Allied 36309 Japanese 33201

July 27, 1944 Burma

Intel

278622 men are based at Changkufeng.
7th AA Regiment is located at Sendai.
10th Tank Regiment is located at Mishan.
7th Aviation Rgt is located at Medan.
114th IJNAF Base Force is located at Wonsan.
17th Army is located at Clark Field.
53rd Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
24th AA Regiment is located at Nagasaki.
153rd IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
2236 men are based at Akita.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
47th Division is located at Naha.
Elements of the 10th Ind. Brigade are located at Hengchow.
4th Air Division is located at Malang.
Nakajo-wan Fortress is located at Kadina.

Recon

PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 8 aux, 6 LCUs 16760/124/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Truk 1 X SS, many AGs, 17 aux, 17 LCUs 51560/300/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Jaluit vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Aitape vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 62200/513/7
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Admiralty Islands vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 7 LCUs 3440/14/0

Combat

An IJN sub attack 85 miles SE of Petropavlask was made and it resulted in the CVE Kitkun Bay being struck by a torpedo. She was burning. The sub got a rough handling from the angry escorts, but no claim of a kill was made.

The SS Hawkbill, 43 miles N of Okinawa, attacked a lone AP and hit it with a torpedo setting it ablaze. Soldiers were observed diving into the water.

Bangkok was raided by 37 X B-25J and 18 X P-38J. The Japanese had 25 X Zeke, 11 X George, 15 X Jack, 27 X Frank and 10 X Randy up. The Japanese fighters prevented the raiders from getting to their target while losing 6 Zekes, 2 Georges (1 damaged), 2 Jacks (3 damaged), 2 Franks (4 damaged) and 7 Randys. 2 Mitchells were shot down and 6 others took damage while the Lightnings lost 12 planes. Another attack was made by 28 X B-24J and there were 17 Zekes, 7 Georges, 6 Jacks, 21 Franks and a Randy there to swarm all over them. The Liberators couldn't get through to the target having 4 downed and 5 damaged. The Japanese had 3 Zekes damaged, a George damaged, a Jack damaged, 3 Franks were lost (3 damaged) and the Randy was damaged.

Krung Thep was attacked by 41 X B-29, 95 X Liberator VI and 18 X P-38J. 16 Zekes and 5 Georges were in the air and the fight was on. Though they tried the Japanese pilots couldn't dent the attack as 6 Zekes were flamed (4 damaged), 2 Georges went down (1 damaged) and a late arriving Frank got killed. A B-29 was shot down (5 damaged), 3 Liberator VIs were destroyed (11 damaged) and 2 Lightnings went down. The airfield was very heavily damaged, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Once again artillery exchanges dominated the day and the Allies had extremely light casualties while the Japanese absorbed very heavy losses.

Dili's port was lightly damaged by 42 X B-24J.

Buna was pummeled by 47 X B-17E, 46 X B-24D, 46 X B-24J, 46 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The port was moderately damaged, the airstrip took heavy damage, a very large number of secondary explosions were observed and personnel losses were heavy.

The IJA 36th Ind. Mixed Brigade, at Tavoy, was pounced on by 44 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 72 X Thunderbolt II (1 downed, 7 damaged), 10 X Spitfire VIII. The unit took heavy losses. Allied artillery caused heavy Japanese casualties.

The starving 5th New Chinese Corps had light casualties from 5 X Helen.

The 2nd Marine Division has more troops loading onto APDs to begin a campaign of quick grabs on the PNG coast. Gunny and Slim will miss out on this one as the last 2 ops in this series of attacks were made by their battalion. Slim relaxes having a smoke wondering what the Corps has up it's sleeve next for him.

Sam is on another patrol when the off pitch drone of an approaching multi engined plane grows louder. The men all hit the dirt and freeze. It's been explained to them that movement is what will be spotted from the air. So whenever they're in the open they just stay still now in the hope that the Japanese won't get a good idea of what's on Tori Shima.

A 6 hour training mission was completed before noon and the Lucky 11 hit the showers, grab some chow and head off in various directions for the rest of the day.

Sandy got an old letter today and she reads it and curses the censors for all that they deleted. She knows that Bill wouldn't write anything that could be viewed as a threat to security, but somebody else thought differently. It's strange knowing that somebody is reading your mail.

Lvov fell to the Soviets.

The Americans broke through at St Lo and a general German withdrawal from Normandy has started.

Victory Points Allied 33361 Japanese 33227

July 28, 1944 Brisbane

Intel

3rd Cavarly Brigade is located at Mishan.
49th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
68th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Naha.
North China Area Army is located at Nanning.
21st Reserve Engineer Regiment is located at Shimuzu.
35th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
60th Construction Battalion is located at Tarakan.
Sasebo 6th SNLF is located at Sarmi.
1st Guards Mixed Brigade is located at Tokyo.
2nd Parachute Regiment is located at Bangkok.
59th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Hailar.
112th IJN Base Force is located at Wakkanai.
27932 men are based at Changchun.
10528 men are based at Etorofo Jima.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pakhoi 4 LCUs 2560/4/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Singapore many ships, 13 fighters, 105 bombers, 78 aux, 5 LCUs 17140/33/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 4 aux, 7 LCUs 12500/136/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Sorong vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Truk 1 X SS, many AGs, 11 aux, 17 LCUs 52040/268/0
PB4Y Liberator takes recon photos of Wotje 3 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 6 LCUs 6580/55/0
PB4Y Liberator takes recon photos of Maloelap 2 LCUs 580/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 62940/528/12
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 7 LCUs 7700/32/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya 5 X AK, 3 X AP, 1 X TK, 4 LCUs 1160/20/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 9 LCUs 13260/52/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dagua vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Admiralty Islands vacant

Combat

The SS Dragonet, 24 miles E of Balikpapan, was attacked by 3 PGs and 2 PCs. She easily gave them the slip and continued her patrol.

The SS Gudgeon, near Merak, attacked 5 DDs and hit 1 of them with a torpedo. She then tried to evade the ensuing attack and was rattled pretty good.

The SS Kingfish, 19 miles SE of Wasile, stalked and attacked a lone AP that was loaded with troops. She scored 2 hits with fish and the ship was heavily damaged and burning.

Koepang was raided by 28 X B-24J who lightly damaged the port, caused a secondary explosion and inflicted very light casualties.

Gili Gili was bombed by 42 X B-24D and 11 suffered damage from the AA fire. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were placed at moderate.

Nanning was swept by 27 X P-38J and 5 Zekes and 2 Tonys were caught by them. A Zeke and a Tony managed to escape the fiery death of their fellow aviators.

Bangkok underwent a fighter sweep of 66 X P-38J. 16 X Zeke, 7 X George, 14 X Jack, 20 X Frank and 3 X Randy were up and the fight was on. 13 P-38J were destroyed and another 4 had damage. 7 Zekes, a George, 11 Jacks, 16 Franks and all of the Randys met their demise.

At Krung Thep the Japanese artillery inflicted moderate losses on the Allied troops while they had very heavy casualties from the Allied bombardment.

Tavoy was the scene of heavy Japanese losses due to an Allied artillery attack.

The planes were taken off the stricken CVE Kitkun Bay when she docked at Petropavlask. Her fires are almost out , but the flooding is critical and the port facilities are limited.

Pete excuses himself and leaves his conversation with John Doe hanging. Sylvia motioned to him and now he asks her what's up. “I just wanted to remind you that the war is doing fine without you and that your daughter wants to have a dad as she grows up.” Pete smiles at her, gives her a peck on the cheek and tells her not to worry. When he returns John smiles and tells Pete that he's truly lucky to have Sylvia and he assures him that there are no ulterior motives for the chat. Pete asks John if he can find out anything about the Pirates and John says that he'll ask.

Phil keeps badgering the office staff trying to get a posting. “If I was a cripple I could understand this, but I'm not and as a tin can driver I don't even need to do anything more physical than lift a mug of coffee or file reports.” Nothing seems to be helping so he tries to find Bill to see if he can get Admiral Landy to lend a hand.

Gene is feeling great and says that he's ready to return to work, but the man from the yard told him to relax and regain his strength.

Some of the B-29s are flying out of Hawaii to a forward base, but the Lucky 11 haven't received any orders yet.

Brest-Litovsk fell to the Red Army.

Victory Points Allied 36422 Japanese 33244

An entry that is lacking almost all of the characters as I have no time. I'll be heading North to the beach on Monday so the AAR will be dormant until September rolls around.

July 29, 1944 California

Intel

5th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Harbin.
7th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
3rd Engineer Regiment is located at Lunga.
49th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
252268 men are based at Kagoshima.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
1st Mortar Regiment is located at Sasebo.
51st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
252270 men are based at Kagoshima.
87683 men are based at Pescadores.
6th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Wonsan.
2nd RF Gun Battalion is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
7th Construction Battalion is located at Sining.
Kure 5th SNLF is located at Marcus Island.
2nd Parachute Regiment is located at Bangkok.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osaka/Kobe 5 X AP, 1 X AK, 9 LCUs 3220/47/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 6 fighters, 31 aux, 9 LCUs 14280/43/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Singapore many ships, 29 fighters, 128 bombers, 75 aux, 5 LCUs 20800/41/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Sansapor vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 10 LCUs 11680/50/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Namorik vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Madang vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Admiralty Islands vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rennell Island vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pakhoi 4 LCUs 3140/6/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 6 LCUs 4240/23/0

Combat

The SS Kingfish, 31 miles S of Morotai, attacked an unescorted AP and scored a hit with a fish.

Nanning was swept by 32 X P-38J and 3 X Zeke and 2 X Tony were today's cannon fodder. The 5 Japanese fighters went down and the Allied planes departed unharmed.

Truk was raided by 21 X B-24J and flak knocked 1 down while damaging 7 others. The airfield sustained light damage, there was a secondary explosion and casualties were moderate.

Buna was attacked by 47 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 44 X B-24J, 12 X Kittyhawk III and 49 X P-40N. The airfield took heavy damage, the port was moderately damaged, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were very heavy.

Bangkok was swept by 42 X P-38J who were challenged by 26 X Zeke, 13 X George, 12 X Jack, 19 X Frank and a Randy. The Japanese shot down 15 Lightnings and damaged 5 others while they lost 3 Zekes, 3 Georges, 4 Jacks (1 damaged), 13 Franks and the Randy.

Krung Thep was swept by 26 X P-38J and 3 X Zeke, 3 X George, 6 X Jack and 15 X Frank greeted them. A Zeke, a George, 4 Jacks and 5 Franks (1 damaged) were destroyed at the cost of 7 P-38Js. Allied troops suffered heavily from the Japanese artillery barrage, but the Allied gunners inflicted even heavier losses on the Japanese.

The Japanese had very heavy casualties at Tavoy from the Allied artillery attack.

The O'Bannon's repairs have been completed and all that remains are her scheduled upgrades. Frank has stayed with the ship throughout it's yard time. except for a quick trip to see Dave and Sandy, to insure everything was done properly.

The CVE Kitkun Bay is no longer burning and a small amount of progress has been made against her flooding giving rise to hopes that she can be saved.

Army Group North has been cutoff in Estonia and Eastern Latvia.

Victory Points Allied 36479 Japanese 33288

For some strange reason I couldn't locate this file on my HD or the internal backup drive. My external backup contained the file. I can't stress enough the importance of having an external backup.

July 30, 1944 Bangkok

Intel

50th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Bangkok.
20th Engineer Regiment is located at Canton.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
2nd Coastal Gun Regiment is located at Lunga.
2nd Area Army is located at Soerabaja.
252269 men are based at Kagoshima.
6th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Wonsan.
23rd Division is located at Tsitsihar.
2nd Aviation Rgt is located at Mutanchiang.
5815 men are based at Aomori.
Tone Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
5134 men are based at Wonsan.
11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Radio transmissions detected at Prince Rupert.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osaka/Kobe 9 X AK, 1 X AP, 9 LCUs 2880/62/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 1 LCU 1420/15/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Georgetown 4 LCUs 11640/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 9 LCUs 12980/122/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Sansapor vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 11 fighters, 18 aux, 12 LCUs 22880/122/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 8 LCUs 6980/63/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Namorik vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1160/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Emirau Island vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs

Combat

The SS Runner, 83 miles SE of Menado, attacked a very heavily defended AK and hit it with a torpedo causing fires.

Allied troops unloaded over beach at Hollandia and took heavy casualties, the coastal guns fired at the unloading APDs, hitting none.

The SS Greenling, 77 miles E of Batan Island, attacked a lone AP that was packed with troops. She hit her target 4 times with the deck gun and a torpedo also found the mark. The blazing ship was heavily damaged and Japanese troops went into the water. The sub continued her patrol and reloaded her bow tubes and ran into a PG shepherding 2 AKs. This time the attack was submerged and an AK ate 2 fish.

Nanning had 2 Zekes and a Tony up when 29 P-38Js dove on them. The 2 Zekes were flamed and the Tony ran.

Bangkok was swept by 32 X P-38J, 32 X Thunderbolt II and 23 X Spitfire VIII. The Japanese threw 45 X Zeke, 27 X George, 8 X Jack, 20 X Frank and 2 X Randy at the intruders. The Japanese aircraft losses were staggering as 36 Zekes, 19 Georges, 7 Jacks, 16 Franks and 2 Randys fell out of the sky. The Allied losses, though heavy weren't catastrophic, were 2 Lightnings downed (3 damaged), 5 Jugs destroyed (5 damaged) and 9 Spits were killed (1 damaged). Then the bombers appeared and the Japanese mustered a Zeke and 2 Georges to face 48 X B-29, 111 X Liberator VI, 48 X B-24J, 63 X B-25J, 21 X P-38J and 77 X Thunderbolt II. The fighters swept aside the Japanese planes and the bombers held their courses through heavy and accurate flak. A B-29 was damaged, a Liberator VI was downed (8 damaged), 5 B-24Js took damage and a Mitchell was destroyed (8damaged). The bombs hit their targets and the port was brutalized for extremely heavy damage, there were secondary explosions everywhere, personnel losses were very heavy and a total of 9 Zekes, 8 Georges, 2 Franks and a Jack were destroyed in the air and on the ground. The Japanese ships approaching the harbor were attacked by 36 X B-25J and 43 X P-38J. 2 Franks tried and died while a Mitchell was damaged. They managed to hit 5 of the 7 AKs doing the following damage.
AK Kiso Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yosida Maru #3 7 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Uragami Maru 3 bomb hits , on fire, heavy damage
AK Heimei Maru 6 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hukko Maru 5 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
The ships were carrying what appeared to be armor and the losses suffered by the soldiers was very heavy. This operation was enabled by intel, sub sightings and most of all a break in the weather.

Krung Thep was under a CAP of 5 Zekes, 4 Georges and 9 Franks when 26 X P-38J appeared. A George and 2 Franks were destroyed while 6 Lightnings went down and 4 others were damaged. Allied troops had moderate losses from the artillery barrage that they endured. Japanese troops suffered heavily due to the Allied artillery.

Koepang was raided by 31 X B-24D, 8 damaged by the AA fire, for moderate port damage, a large number of secondary explosions and light casualties.

Truk's airfield was attacked by 23 X B-24J (6 damaged). There was moderate damage, a couple of secondary explosions and moderate troop losses.

Buna was struck by 46 X B-24J, 45 X B-24D, 48 X B-17E, 48 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip took heavy damage, the port was lightly hit, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was fruitlessly attacked by 7 Helens.

Tavoy's defenses were pounded by the Allied artillery and the Japanese had heavy casualties.

The CVE Kitkun Bay is being pumped out and the flooding is easing. It is now expected that she will live to fight another day.

“What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries? Come on that's an easy one Milty, boy,” the man says. The others gathered around are laughing it up. The two men are playing for beers and Milt is getting killed. Pete watches and waits for an answer that doesn't come. “Give up so easy? That's 3 beers now my boy. The answer is a towel.” The assembled throng are cheering and laughing it up. Now it's Milt's choice to stop playing or risk another round. He opts for a continuation and offers, “I can run, but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?” The gathering is filled with murmurs and Milt's opponent is silently lost in thought as he drinks a pint. He can't guess correctly and Milt triumphantly announces that his debt is now down to 2 beers. “A nose,” Mr. Know It All,” he laughs. The game goes on for a while longer until the 2 men are even and they call it done.

Slim hears the rumors of the Japanese fleet sailing towards their little rock in the middle of nowhere. He dismisses the scuttlebutt and says that he knows the USN lurks and will protect them. “Enough of this idle chatter. Saddle up and let's go for a little hike,” he tells his squad as they're up for a patrol of the area around their camp.

The clerk moans when Phil arrives bright and early in the personnel office and announces that he'll just make himself comfortable until somebody with authority will see him. He takes a break for lunch and then returns to his lonely outpost when a captain comes breezing into his office. Phil jumps to his feet and barges in behind the man who spins around and says, “I wondered how long it would be before you ran out of patience. Look the only thing I can do for you is get you a staff job somewhere. New ship construction has slowed and that's that. Give me a few days and I'll get in touch with you., promise.” With that Phil thanks him and departs.

Victory Points Allied 36603 Japanese 33331

AK Kiso Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yosida Maru #3 7 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Uragami Maru 3 bomb hits , on fire, heavy damage
AK Heimei Maru 6 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hukko Maru 5 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
The ships were carrying what appeared to be armor and the losses suffered by the soldiers was very heavy.

Impressive work! What's the ground situation in Burma/India now?

This will be my final submission until I return from the beach on the 31st, though I can't promise an entry that day.

July 31, 1944 Bangkok

Intel

50th Construction Battalion is located at Kyoto.
Radio transmissions detected at Nanning.
6th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
44th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
154th IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
11th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Kitachishima Fortress is located at Paramushiro Jima.
64th Division is located at Nanning.
4th South Seas Det. is located at Kwajalein.
3980 men are based at Osumi.
1st Mixed Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
7th Mixed Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
2744 men are based at Toyama.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kagoshima 5 X DE, 6 X AP, 3 LCUs 3960/53/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 11 bombers, 22 aux, 6 LCUs 19380/56/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 14080/48/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 22840/74/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 8 LCUs 10340/111/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Namorik vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1240/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Goodenough Island vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Shortlands vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 7180/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Ubon vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Alor Star 2 LCUs 2120/8/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 1 X AK, 1 X SS, 9 LCUs 9020/97/0

Combat

The SS Greenling, 27 miles SE of Batan Island, made a surface attack on an unescorted AP. The deck gun scored 8 times and 2 torpedoes struck home. The ship was heavily damaged, burning and troops were observed jumping overboard.

The SS Cod, 21 miles NW of Aparri, spotted and attacked an AK being escorted by a PG. 2 fish slammed into the target causing extensive damage and fires which resulted in the ship's end. The PG found the sub later in the day and made an unsuccessful attack.

Bangkok managed to put up 12 X Zeke, 6 X George, 3 X Jack, 3 X Irving, 17 X Frank and 2 X Randy after the horrific losses of yesterday. The Allies attacked again, this time with 39 X B-29 Superfortress, 103 X Liberator VI, 34 X B-24J, 48 X B-25J, 22 X P-38J and 77 X Thunderbolt II. The Japanese threw themselves at the Allied planes with reckless abandon and the Allied fighters on escort duty went to work trying to repel them. All of the Japanese fighters were shot down except for a Zeke and 2 Franks. Between the Japanese fighters and the AA fire 4 B-29s were damaged, 10 Liberator VIs sustained damage, a B-24J went down (5 damaged), a B-25J met it's doom (12 damaged) and 5 Thunderbolt IIs were shot down (3 damaged). The port was heavily pounded, there were to many secondary explosions to count and personnel losses were heavy. In the afternoon 2 Zekes, an Irving and a Frank were on patrol and they were jumped by 27 X P-38J and 36 X Thunderbolt II. The Frank was the sole survivor as he ran. The Japanese ships in the harbor area were attacked by 35 X B-25J and an Irving and a Frank made a pass at them. The Frank was damaged and the bombers continued on their runs unscathed. Of the 7 AKs 4 were unlucky enough to be hit.
AK Uzan Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire
AK Kinryo Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yamafuji Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taijun Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire
There were still troops on the ships and many were seen jumping off of the burning vessels. A short time later 48 X Mosquito FB.VI, 19 X P-38J and 52 X Thunderbolt II fought their way past an unlucky Irving and they went to work on the shipping too.
AK Glasgow Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire
AK Shanghai Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Uzan Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage
AK Isin Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Getuyo Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire
AK Ryuko Maru 5 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hankow Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taijun Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hakodate Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hukko Maru 4 bomb hits, sunk
1 AK escaped being hit by sheer luck. Once more reports indicated that a very large number of troops went into the water. It is assumed that a large number of vehicles were lost by the Japanese in these attacks.

Truk was hit by 8 X B-24J and 4 were damaged as the caused light damage to the airfield and very light casualties.

Buna was pounded by 47 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D, 46 X B-24J, 12 X Kittyhawk III and 18 X P-40N for heavy damage to the airstrip, light damage to the port, many secondary explosions and heavy troop losses.

The 5th Engineer Regiment, retreating over the Kakoda Trail to Buna was attacked by 48 X P-38J and 33 X P-40N. The unit had heavy losses.

Tavoy was swept by 11 X Spitfire VIII, but they met with no opposition. The Allied artillery barrage dished out heavy losses to the Japanese.

Krung Thep was swept by 19 X P-38J, but no Japanese planes were found. Japanese artillery caused very light Allied losses and the Allied guns inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese.

The SS Sea Dog, 29 miles W of Batan Island, picked off a lone AP, hitting it with 2 torpedoes. Soldiers were seen trying to escape from the burning ship. The ship went down a short time later.

At Hollandia the Japanese artillery did no harm and the Allied troops assaulted the defenders, taking the base while inflicting moderate losses on the Japanese who retreated towards Aitape.

The British are concerned that the offensive in Burma is stalled at Tavoy and Krung Thep. Despite their best efforts and massive air support the Japanese defenses are stubbornly resisting and even growing in strength. The RN won't contribute to the effort as they claim that guarding the flank and doorway to India is more than they have adequate force for. The RN's biggest problem is the lack of MSWs as Tavoy can't be bombarded because of mines and Andaman Island is a thorn in the side as long as the Japanese hold it. Again mines are present so no landing is possible so the Japanese should have a pretty good picture of ship movement in the Indian Ocean. The RN's carriers have shown that they can resist a first air strike, but a second becomes deadly as they just don't have enough fighters to deal with the attrition.

Stick now is up to over 50 combat missions and he has no kills, not even a partial. Flying off of Palau has done nothing to enhance his chances.

The Palawan is loaded with troops and supplies for Tori Shima. The crew are nervous about being so close to Japan and they haven't seen a single warship save their escorts in days. “Just the DDs roving around,” says a crewman. He continues with, “I hope that there are some ships out there that we don't know about shadowing us.”

Bill is finding sleep to be increasingly difficult to come by as his mind is working overtime. The Helena continues to cruise the Tori Shima area with her TF and he thinks that it's impossible that the Japanese won't throw everything at them including the kitchen sink.

“So that's it? We're supposed to squeeze the Japs between our 2 forces? I heard scuttlebutt that we're supposed to be picked up and returned to Ulithi so the Division is reconstituted for some bigger operation,” says Slim. Gunny tells him that he doesn't know anything other than here we are and tomorrow will come without their knowing anything more than that.

Victory Points Allied 36689 Japanese 33242

I didn't forget the AAR, but rather ran into a speed bump in my travels. I boarded my flight in Porto Seguro, Bahia Brasil bound for Salvador, Bahia Brasil and then on to São Paulo. We were told that there was a small problem with the taxiway and runway lights going out so they would have it fixed shortly. Shortly became in about 10 minutes and then about 20 minutes later it was soon. Soon lagged and when I questioned a member of the aircraft's crew he said that he'd check for me. Sure enough in another 30 minutes, which would make 2 hours, we would either take off or be taken off of the plane. It was the later. We then entered the terminal and reclaimed our luggage, stood in line for vouchers for dinner, a hotel room, breakfast and a boarding pass for a direct flight (they needed the plane pronto in São Paulo, at 8:30AM. We were then bused to the hotel, ate very well and finally got some sleep. I had been awake since 5 AM that morning and on the road since 7:30 AM. That'll teach me to go to little undeveloped, out of the way places. The next day there was no breakfast as the hotel began serving at 7 AM and the bus was there for us at 6:30AM. Needless to say the flight was great, all of 70 people on an Airbus A320. A spectacular view of São Paulo like I had never seen before greeted me at 10AM and after a couple of buses and a taxi I was home at 5PM to be greeted by "Honey Do" items.

I'm still kind of shot and the list of stuff to do exceeds my lack of motivation so I'll try and get to an installment tomorrow. It was a great trip though.

Apologies.

I'm still struggling to get back into the swing of things between this, doing turns and all of the RL stuff. The game sits at October 13th 1944 as of today.

August 1, 1944 Washington DC

Intel

74392 men are based at Sapporo.
Maizuru Fortress is located at Maizuru.
52nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Harbin.
Sasebo 6th SNLF is located at Sarmi.
3201 men are based at Anshan.
1st Aviation Rgt is located at Georgetown.
Shobu Force is loaded on AK Sagami Maru moving to Singapore.
Shimbu Force is loaded on AP Nihonkai Maru moving to Singapore.
6th Air Division is located at Kendari.
21st Reserve Engineer Regiment is located at Shimuzu.
43rd Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Broome.
60th Construction Battalion is located at Tarakan.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kompong Trach vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 1 LCU 1640/8/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 8 bombers, 14 aux, 6 LCUs 21940/57/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 4 LCUs 16660/38/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Morotai 9 LCUs 9780/78/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 36380/184/5
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 8 LCUs 11780/95/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Namorik vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Goodenough Island vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Buka vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagasaki 2 X AP, 1 X AK, 4 LCUs 560/6/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Hue vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dagua vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs

Combat

The SS Lancetfish was attacked by a PG and 6 MSWs 19 miles W of Sakashima. She took a pretty good pounding and has light systems damage and light flooding. She will return to Ulithi for repairs.

Bangkok was swept by 39 X P-38J and 19 X Zeke, 6 X George, 7 X Jack, an Irving, 10 X Frank and a Randy engaged them. 12 Zekes, 3 Georges, 3 Jacks, the Irving, 5 Franks and the Randy went down before the blazing guns of the Lightnings. 5 of the P-38Js were lost in the fight. The Japanese then had 7 Zekes, 2 Georges, 4 Jacks and 2 Franks on hand when 29 B-29s, 96 Liberator VI, 23 B-24Js, 36 B-25Js, 19 P-38Js and 58 Thunderbolt IIs arrived on the scene. All of the Japanese fighters were destroyed in their vain attempt to stem the tide. 2 Jugs were damaged by the Japanese planes, but the AA fire damaged 7 Liberator VIs and 6 Mitchells. The planes dumped their bombs on the port doing very heavy damage to it, causing many secondary explosions, heavy casualties and the 6 AKs in the port were ravaged for the following damage.
AK Hankow Maru 12 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Uzan Maru, 10 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taijun Maru 15 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hakodate Maru 9 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yamafuji Maru 7 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Uragami Maru 12 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
Later 2 Georges and 3 Jacks were up when 40 X B-25J and 35 X Thunderbolt II arrived. A Frank went down and another was damaged and a Jack was lost while the Allies lost 2 Mitchells destroyed (9 damaged) and 7 Jugs damaged between the fighters and the ground fire. The bombers then poured it on the AKs in the harbor.
AK Uzan Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hakodate Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yamafuji Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hankow Maru 1 bomb hit, sinks
AK Uragami Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage
They also did light damage to the port, triggered a secondary explosion and inflicted very light casualties. A short time later a George and 3 Franks found themselves in the path of 46 X Mosquito FB.VI and 46 X Thunderbolt II. The George and both of the Franks were disposed of and AA damaged 9 of the Mosquitos who worked over the port area for light damage a light troop losses. The AKs were pounded once more.
AK Yamafuji Maru 3 bomb hits, sinks
AK Uzan Maru 2 bomb hits, sinks
AK Uragami Maru 4 bomb hits, sinks
AK Taijun Maru 2 bomb hits, sinks
AK Hakodate Maru 2 bomb hits, sinks

Krung Thep was swept by 18 X Spitfire VIII, but nobody was home. The Japanese guns accounted for moderate Allied losses while they sustained heavy casualties of their own from the Allied artillery.

Lautem was raided by 45 X B-24J who did no damage other than causing a sole secondary explosion.

Truk was raided by 15 X B-24J, 1 of which was damaged by flak. The airfield was lightly damaged, a secondary explosion was claimed and personnel losses were very light.

Buna was hit by 20 B-24Js, 45 B-24Ds, 47 B-17Es, 18 P-40Ns and 12 Kittyhawk IIIs for moderate damage to the airfield, light port damage, some secondary explosions and heavy casualties.

Gili Gili underwent an attack by 46 X B-24D and the AA fire damaged 7 of them. The airfield was lightly damaged, there were some secondary explosions and very light troop losses.

The 5th Engineer Regiment on the Kokoda Trail was attacked by 48 X P-38J and 34 X P-40N for heavy casualties.

The SS Gudgeon was pounded by 4 DDs near Merak. She suffered light systems damage and has some flooding so she'll return to port for repairs.

Tavoy underwent an artillery bombardment from the Allied forces that resulted in light losses.

FDR looks over the list of Japanese ships sunk to date that have been confirmed.
CV 9
CVL 4
CS 2
BB 1
CA 8
CL 7
DD 42
AV 1
ML 30
AS 2
APD 7
PC 9
PT 1
MSW 51
PG 30
AR 3
TK 32
AK 125
AP 12
SS 40
He leans back in his chair and rubs his temples thinking about the blood that has been and continues to be shed.

Patton's 3rd Army has now been activated.

Finnish President Risto Ryti resigned and Marshal Kal Gustav Mannerheim replaced him.

The Russians took Kaunas and cut all roads from Germany to the Baltic States.

The Warsaw uprising by 38000 Poles gets no support from the Red Army that is sitting opposite the city on the Vistula River.

Victory Points Allied 36783 Japanese 33370

August 2, 1944 Moscow

Intel

31st AA Regiment is located at Sapporo.
10th Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
41644 men are based at Sunwu.
15th AA Regiment is located at Nagoya.
Maizuru 2nd SNLF is located at Tokyo.
3rd Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
10th Area Army is located at Chengting.
5090 men are based at Shimuzu.
18869 men are based at Shikka.
Ominato Base Force is located at Ominato.
21st Mortar Battalion is located at Nanning.
8th Aviation Rgt is located at Chiamussu.
25th Air Flotilla is located at Tokyo.
1st Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagasaki 7 X AK, 4 LCUs 2560/35/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Waingapu vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 10460/14/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 36160/204/2
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Kiriwina Island vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Woodlark Island vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 7780/96/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 8 fighters, 31 aux, 9 LCUs 11820/39/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 aux, 2 LCUs 2240/10/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 3 X AK, 1 X APD, 1 X CA, 7 LCUs 10320/53/0

Combat

The SS Tuna was attacked by 5 DDs and 3 PCs 80 miles NE of Batavia, but she escaped unharmed.

The SS Herring tried to get an attack in on an unescorted AK 22 miles S of Bangkok. She failed because to surface in daylight so close to the Japanese base would've been an invitation for trouble .

Bangkok underwent another fighter sweep. Today 35 X Thunderbolt II and 24 XP-38J were met by 8 X Zeke, 2 X George, 33 X Jack, 7 X Frank and a Randy. 7 Zekes, a George, 23 Jacks, 4 Franks and the Randy will never take to the air again. 4 Jugs went down (2 damaged) and 4 Lightnings were destroyed (1 damaged) in the fight. 26 X B-25J and 10 X Spitfire VIII attacked and couldn't reach their target as 6 X Zeke, 2 X George, 19 X Jack, 5 X Frank and a Randy turned them away. The costs were high as 2 Zekes, a George, 3 Jacks and a Frank (1 damaged) were destroyed. A Mitchell was damaged and 3 Spits were downed.

Truk was raided by 19 X B-24J who dished out light damage to the airfield, some secondary explosions, a Mavis trashed and moderate casualties.

Kwajalein was swept by 24 X P-47D who left after a while empty handed. Later 25 X PB4Y attacked the airfield and did light damage and caused a couple of secondary explosions

Buna was bombed by 47 X B-17E, 42 X B-24D, 47 X B-24J, 12 X Kittyhawk III and 18 X P-40N. The airstrip was heavily damaged, the port took light damage, there were a great many secondary explosions and heavy troop losses.

Gili Gili was the target of 25 X B-24D and the AA fire damaged 9 of them as they scored moderate damage on the airfield, many secondary explosions and light personnel losses.

The IJA 1st Engineer Regiment is still clawing it's way to Buna and it was jumped by 34 X P-40N and 48 X P-38J. The unit had heavy casualties.

Krung Thep saw another day of artillery barrages being exchanged with the Japanese inflicting moderate losses and the Allies causing heavy casualties.

Tavoy was the scene of yet another day of Allied artillery raining down death on the Japanese dealing out light losses today.

A large convoy left Ulithi bound for Luganville where it will pick up troops for the next big offensive.

Jake informs the rest of the Lucky 11 that they are to standby for orders. The guys look at one another and shrug because they have no idea where the AAC will send them. Gil studies a map and wonders where an island big enough for the B-29s is that is in range of the Japanese. He suggests that there's a group named the Marianas, but others argue that it's to far to hit Japan from there. “Maybe it's not Japan that the brass wants to hit,” says Gil.

Stick is flying, but the Japanese aren't offering him his chance at air to air combat. He's obsessed with the war ending and him not scoring a kill.

Sam watches another Japanese recon plane slowly pass by and he growls that they ought to invite the Japs to land so they can take pictures. One of the guys in the squad picks up on that and says, “I got something for them to snap a picture of.” The guys share the laugh.

Stalin smiles a wicked smile as he looks at the map of Europe and announced that soon Hitler will be done. He talks of several ways to deal with him upon his capture and announces that an order should be issued saying that any soldier who harms Hitler will be shot. “I will not be deprived of my revenge,” he announces. “Now let us discuss our plans for the Japanese.”

Turkey ended diplomatic relations with Germany.

Victory Points Allied 36389 Japanese 33382

I'm sick as a dog so it's a light installment.

August 3, 1944 Krung Thep

Intel

22nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changsha.
19th Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
7th Tank Regiment is located at Kendari.
21st Division is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
56th Division is located at Manila.
46th Division is located at Rabaul.
11th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
93 aircraft are based at Mukden.
53rd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
31st Army is located at Manila.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Sasebo 11 X AK, 4 LCUs 2880/28/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 3 aux, 2 LCUs 7520/27/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Sorong vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 35220/181/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 1 LCU 1960/10/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 3 X CA, 14 LCUs 12580/67/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Butuan vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 12 LCUs 35820/219/2
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1380/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 6 aux, 14 LCUs 46340/275/1
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs

Combat

The SS Hake has reported in as being hit at 29 miles NW of San Marcelino after 2 Judys attacked her. She has moderate systems damage and light flooding. A return to base will be made.

Allied troops stormed ashore at Aitape, taking heavy casualties.

Bangkok was swept by 46 X P-38J and 15 X Zeke, 6 X George, 28 X Jack, 16 X Frank and a Randy rose to the occasion. In the swirling mayhem 8 Zekes, 4 Georges, 15 Jacks, 7 Franks and the Randy were destroyed at the cost of 10 Lightnings shot down and 5 more damaged.

Krung Thep was attacked by 28 X B-29 (1 damaged), 99 X Liberator VI (5 damaged), 25 X B-24J and 25 X Thunderbolt II in attendance. The airfield was very heavily damaged, a huge number of secondary explosions were viewed and troop losses were very heavy. Before the dust had settled 134 X B-29 (2 damaged) added to the carnage. They heaped heavy damage on the airfield, caused a large number of secondary explosions and inflicted moderate casualties. The IJA 48th Division was jumped by 15 X B-25J, 4 X Thunderbolt II and 8 X Spitfire VIII. The unit had light losses. Then 11 X B-25J (6 damaged) and 11 X Thunderbolt II attacked the 48th. The losses were very light for the Japanese. Allied troops had extremely light casualties from the Japanese artillery and they assaulted the Japanese defenses with both sides sustaining extremely heavy casualties. No ground was gained.

Koepang took heavy damage to the port when 41 X B-24D hit it. AA fire downed a bomber and damaged 7 more. There were an extremely large number of secondary explosions observed.

Truk was bombed by 33 X B-24J and the flak damaged 3 of them. The airfield was very lightly damaged, an Emily was left burning and casualties were very light.

Buna was pounded by 47 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 45 X B-24J, 18 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip was heavily damaged, the port took light damage, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy.

The IJA 1st Engineer Regiment is still struggling to reach Buna and it was attacked by 48 X P-38J and 33 X P-40N, which resulted in moderately heavy losses.

Kwajalein was raided by 31 X PB4Y (2 damaged) and the airfield was lightly damaged.

The SS O16, 77 miles SE of Singapore, attacked an AK being escorted by 4 DDs. The target took 2 torpedo hits and the escorts pounded the sub. She has light systems damage and moderate flooding so a return to base will be attempted.

At Tavoy Allied artillery caused moderate Japanese losses.

143 miles N of Aitape 8 AKs and 2 APs were spotted and the cover force for the PNG raids will attempt to intercept them. This force is composed of 2 BBs, 2 CAs, 2 CLs and 6 DDs. A CVTF operating in the vicinity will move to attempt to get in on the hoped for battle.

Soviet spearheads E of Warsaw were destroyed by the Germans.

Victory Points Allied 36898 Japanese 33298

August 4, 1944 Hawaii

Intel

1st Guards Mixed Brigade is located at Tokyo.
45th Road Construction Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
15th Aviation Rgt is located at Batavia.
103rd IJA Base Force is located at Hailar.
153rd IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
2938 men are based at Nagato.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
41st AA Regiment is located at Changchun.
3983 men are based at Osumi.
1st Mixed Regiment is located at Amoy.
73rd Division is located at Nagoya.
16th Mixed Brigade is planning for an attack on Broome.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kitakyushu 10 X AK
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 2 X CA, 1 X CS, 14 LCUs 19360/120/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Butuan vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 1060/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 61260/516/12
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 9 aux, 14 LCUs 58940/293/4
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 13560/83/0

Combat

The SS Corvina is reported in as being hit by an Ann about 26 miles E of Singapore. Her damage is negligible so she will continue her patrol.

Krung Thep was bombed by 115 X B-29 and 5 X Frank and 3 X Randy intercepted them. A Frank was shot down and 2 more were damaged and a Randy was also hit. Between the fighters and the AA 3 big birds went down and 10 more took damage. The airfield took moderately heavy damage, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were light. Japanese artillery did no damage and the Allied guns caused moderate losses.

Koepang was raided by 19 X B-24D and flak damaged 8 of them. They inflicted light damage on the port and there was a secondary explosion.

Truk was struck by 20 X B-24J who did light damage to the airfield, caused some secondary explosions, killed a Jake at it's revetment and there were light personnel losses.

Buna underwent it's daily attack from on high as 39 X B-17E, 45 X B-24D, 43 X B-24J, 45 X P-40N and 12 X Kittyhawk III hit. The airfield was heavily damaged, the port lightly, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy.

The IJA 5th Engineer Regiment was tagged again by Allied aircraft. Today 45 X P-40N and 64 X P-38J caused heavy troop losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light losses from 11 X Peggy.

Above Bangkok 12 X Zeke, 4 X George, 22 X Jack, 7 X Frank and a Randy were on CAP when they were jumped by 36 X P-38J. In a brief and bloody battle 3 Zekes (1 damaged), a George, 8 Jacks (1 damaged), 5 Franks and the Randy were shot down at the cost of 3 Lightnings destroyed and 2 others damaged.

Kwajalein was attacked by 25 X PB4Y and flak damaged 1 of them. The airstrip was lightly hit, there were a couple of secondary explosions and casualties were very light.

The Japanese AK near Morotai was attacked by 3 X PB4Y, but 9 Zekes and 3 Jacks drove them off. There were no losses on either side.

The Japanese ships 247 miles N of Hollandia were attacked by 22 X PB4Y, 1 damaged by AA. A PC and an AP were each hit by a bomb and were on fire while another AP ate a bomb too. The USN TF continues to try and track down these ships to attack them. It's a battle against time and fuel state. A call has been sent out for a replenishment TF to be sent their way.

Allied artillery inflicted moderate losses on the Japanese troops at Tavoy.

An Allied assault captured Aitape.

“Still nothing Jake?” Jake smiles as he shakes his head indicating a negative. Gil doesn't know what to feel as life in Hawaii is certain to be better than a forward base somewhere risking your neck. He writes a letter to Elaine later in the day and hopes to get mail from her tomorrow.

Bill is concerned that the Helena is long overdue for a refit and upgrade. The crew has managed to keep the ship in fighting shape, but operating for so long so close to Japan is fraying everybody's nerves. They all new some time away from the war.

LCDR Chris Fenton lies in his bunk reading a letter from a friend back in Defiance, Ohio. The letter tells of some girls from the local college, Defiance College and a good time at a local watering hole. Chris glaces at his watch and gets up to attend a meeting in the squadron ready room. Life aboard the Yorktown promises to be a busy time very soon as offensive operations are sure to be launched to hammer at the Japanese.

Gene returned to work today, but he's being limited to no more than a 10 hour day and no more than 50 hours in the week until the doctor at the yard OKs him for more. In the short time he was at home he gained 7 pounds and his mother promised him that she'd have his favorite, lasagna, for tonight's dinner.

Sylvia and Pete took a stroll this morning pushing a cooing Pearl along in her carriage. Pete is thinking that life can't get any better than this and that the war seems so far away.

Rennes, Evrecy and Esqutsy fell to the Allies.

Anne Frank and her family were arrested by the Gestapo in Amsterdam and were shipped off to Auschwitz.

Victory Points Allied 36937 Japanese 33408

August 5, 1944 Mare Island

Intel

23rd Army is located at Nanning.
2939 men are based at Nagato.
54th Division is located at Okayama.
Chichijima Fortress is located at Niigata.
28th Army is located at Victoria Point.
21st AA Regiment is located at Changsha.
56th Brigade is located at Tavoy.
8th Tank Regiment is located at Kendari.
20th Army is located at Tsitsihar.
24th AA Regiment is located at Nagasaki.
Osaka Base Force is located at Osaka/Kobe.
3rd Guards Division is located at Tokyo.
68th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Naha.
14th Area Army is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
6154 men are based at Takamatsu.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 10 bombers, 18 aux, 6 LCUs 22000/61/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 2 X AK, 1 X CA, 2 X CS, 14 LCUs 30760/271/5
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Butuan vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 4 bombers, 2 LCUs 440/2/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 8 LCUs 14000/131/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 1 X AK, 1 X CA, 10 fighters, 41 aux, 9 LCUs 92000/43/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bangkok 60 Fighters, 63 aux, 16 LCUs 54460/464/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant

Combat

The SS Corvina, 33 miles E of Singapore, was trying to set up an attack on 4 DDs when all of a sudden they turned the tables on her and dumped DCs close enough to rattle her. Corvina will now return to Ulithi with light systems damage and very little flooding. The SS Terrapin was also given the same treatment in this area by what is presumed to have been the same DDs. Later in the day the Terrapin underwent another attack by the DDs. Terrapin will return to base for repairs as she also has light systems damage. It is unknown at the present time as to why there were 2 subs operating in the same patrol area.

Krung Thep was bombed by 35 X B-29, 33 X B-24J, 113 X Liberator VI (1 downed, 1 damaged) and 28 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield took very heavy damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. The IJA 48th Division was struck by 29 X B-25J and 9 X Spitfire VIII for moderate losses. A Mitchell was damaged by ground fire. Another attack by 22 X B-25J and 11 X Thunderbolt II lost 3 bombers and had 3 more take damage. The 48th had light losses. The Allied troops had extremely light losses from the Japanese artillery while the Allies struck back for moderate Japanese losses. A localized Allied attack resulted in heavy losses for both sides and virtually no territory changing hands.

Koepang was raided by 27 X B-24J and flak damaged 3 of them. The airfield was lightly damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were light. Another attack by 38 X B-24J had 4 planes damaged and they added moderate damage to the airfield, a couple of secondary explosions and very light personnel losses.

Lautem was targeted by 143 X B-25J, 16 X P-40N and 24 X Kittyhawk III. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were light.

Truk was bombed by 28 X B-24J and AA fire damaged 3. The airfield was hit for light damage, some secondary explosions were claimed, a Jake was left burning and personnel losses were light.

Buna was battered by Allied aircraft once again. Today 40 X B-17E, 48 X B-24D, 42 X B-24J, 12 X Kittyhawk III and 46 X P-40N were the culprits who scored heavy damage on the airfield, light on the port, many secondary explosions were seen and casualties were heavy.

The IJA 5th Engineer Regiment, stuck on the trail to Buna, was jumped by 64 X P-38J and 5 X P-40N. The result was that the unit suffered heavy losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, still starving and frozen in place is withering on the vine. Today 6 X Peggy struck and departed with both sides having no losses. Nearby the 6th Chinese Air Base Force, also starving and frozen in place, was attacked by 6 X Peggy. No casualties were sustained.

Bangkok was attacked by 48 X Mosquito FB.VI, 24 X P-38J and 62 X Thunderbolt II. The Japanese countered with 19 X Zeke, 3 X George, 24 X Jack, 10 X Frank and a Randy. The bloody outcome of the fierce battle was 19 Zekes, 15 Jacks, 7 Franks and the Randy were shot down. Between the Japanese fighters and the AA fire the Allies sustained 7 Mosquito FB.VIs damaged, a P-38J damaged and 6 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed and 2 damaged. The port took moderately heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

Kwajalein underwent a raid by 27 PB4Ys who inflicted light damage on the airstrip.

The work on O'Bannon is virtually done as there are no traces of the damage done to her and upgrades were made. Everything seems to be working fine and a short shakedown cruise will make sure of it. Frank inspects his ship and is pleased. The possibility of escorting a convoy to Pearl looms. Frank will readily accept any orders presented to him for his ship. The only thing that bothers him is that the veteran crew has been decimated and the gaps were filled with green kids just out of training. Chiefs are gone and replaced by promotions within the crew and some vets came in also. Oh well, he thinks, we were all green once and plenty of drilling will fix their newness.

55 missions flown and still no kill for Stick. He takes pride in doing his job well, but longs for aerial combat. One thing nobody can take away from him is his love of flying, especially Corsairs.

Dave is explaining to the man that he can't fix the broken leaf spring on his truck. “It's to far gone, you need a new one or a new truck and as long as the darned war continues a new spring will be easier to get. I'm not saying that it's going to be easy to get.” Dave sighs as he holds the phone to his ear, covers the mouthpiece and says to Sandy, “I think that selling the garage after the war might be a good idea.” He then uncovers the phone and says, “Uh huh, uh huh, OK, yep, I'll call as soon as it comes in. Bye.”

Palawan is busily unloading Sea Bees, their toys and supplies at Tori Shima. All eyes are nervously scanning the sky. The only planes overhead are friendly and there's a pretty good number of Corsairs and P-39Js in the area. Red and Cookie have a smoke while the rest of the crew breaks their backs unloading the goods of war. They won't be getting ashore so they retire to the galley for some coffee and then it's off to the radio shack where they listen to some of the Tokyo Rose broadcast. While listening they discuss business plans for after the war since if they're this close to Japan how far can the end be?

Victory Points Allied 37003 Japanese 33441