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29-30 Jan 44

Highlights – Miri oil hit again at night.

Jpn ships sunk:
SC: 1
PB: 1
MTB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 18

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, no attack at Lae for a change, but the usual US TFs bombard with minimal effect. Otherwise, not much going on as troops continue to be shuttled to forward bases.

In SWPAC, on Kai-eilanden troops rest, and will begin attacks next turn. Kaimana Amph TF stages at Taberfane and will head to target next turn with CA TF bombarding and LBA also supporting. BB Wash TF replenished at Darwin and will sail to Kaimana to support. Saumlaki AF now Level 5 will provide LRCAP and CVE TF will as well. Not expecting any major IJN naval or air response in any case. Molu AF reaches Level 1 and Aussie Kittyhawks are flown in. Both Saumlaki and Molu no longer need to rely on LRCAP out of Bathurst and can start resting fighters in preparation of more offensive roles against Boela and perhaps Ambon. Engineers continue to flow into recently acquired bases as quick as barges and a few transports can load and move them.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, only 8 bombers find Miri at long range at night, but manage to land 4 more hits on the oilfields the first night. The second night Nicks disrupted the raid. Still, hits are hits and will attempt another attack next turn. Recon shows 70+ fighters now at Miri, so if nothing else, in addition to damage, Jpn fighter strength is pulled from other bases. Off Sumatra, an unlucky IJN patrolling PB off Benkoelen finds the BB TF and BB Massachusetts sinks the PB with her main battery. The DD sweep into Benkoelen only sinks a single MTB, so the DDs will sortie in again. On the ground, troops continue to advance as the Marines continue to load for Ooosthaven, but the Benkoelen garrison looks to be pulling back already, so the chances of cutting them off from Palembang are slim. Both 7th ID and the Aussie 9th ID are advancing, but terrain and poor roads are slowing things a bit more than opposition. In the air, next turn two squadrons of Heavies will mine Palembang - more of a recon on CAP than expecting any effects with the mines. Once CVs Sara and Intrepid link up, will look to begin shutting down Palembang AF and oil production as well as isolating it from any naval TFs - will require LBA for that as I don’t want to waste a lot of Hellcats on a well defended target. With no major IJN activity holding back SWPAC operations, I’m not rushing the fleet east for a bit.

Jan 44 Summary

A pretty darn good month! Progress greatly exceeded expectations in both IO and SWPAC Theaters. Plus, the cost was minimal to the Allies and rather expensive to the other side. Although I’m still following a “plan”, the original timeline is out the window - much further along than anticipated in both IO and SWPAC. SOPAC was still focused on consolidating gains and cleaning up some rear areas, such as Kavieng. Was surprised with the “Banzai” attacks from isolated IJA troops, but they have been contained with minimal troop shuffling. The IJN CV raid north of New Guinea was a major concern, and could have been costly, but it wasn’t pressed and subs managed to derail it. Other Theaters were quiet and stable, although IJA pressure is building in China. US fleet remained in the IO to take advantage of opportunities against Sumatra, and with the KB staying quiet and not engaged, Allied fleet units deployed in SWPAC to support increasing amphib actions. Naval losses for the month were in the Allies favor thanks due to the subs; the IJN lost 1CV, 1 CA, 6DD, 7MTB and 1SS compared to the Allies losing only 2SS and 9PT overall. In the air, the highly sought after 2-1 loss ratio was obtained, primarily due to ineffective LBA attacks vs. the Allied landings in Sumatra; losses were 1016 for Jpn to 476 Allied.

INTEL: After the Kaga was sunk, the KB has vanished. No trace. Other than a small, costly cruiser raid in the Banda Sea, no IJN heavy units have been spotted. Ambon, which was the primary IJN fleet base, looks to be abandoned of fleet support (although still heavily garrisoned). Unsure of where the IJN is now based, which is worrisome. I’m thinking it’s perhaps based in the Philippines, ready to strike at an Allied amphib on the New Guinea northern coast or the Marianas. I do not expect the KB back to the Ambon/Banda Sea area or Sumatra, unless perhaps Java is threatened. Due to some “intel intercepts” - in other words emails from L_S_T, he’s said he’s already short fuel and having to curtail ship building and HI output, I think he’s strictly focused on protecting an “inner perimeter” - Marianas, Philippines and Formosa. What I’m not sure is whether that perimeter includes Celebes, Borneo or Java.

SUBWAR: Being an Allied sub driver is still the most dangerous job in the Navy as IJN surface assets are getting increasingly deadly, although ASW a/c remain the most pressing threat. For every Allied boat lost, at least two are banged up enough to head for the yards. At least we got lucky in hitting Hiryu and sinking Kaga. IJN boats have been largely kept at bay, but they have been fairly few and far between compared to most of ’43. Will continue to send the subs out, both in support of fleet operations and against Japan’s shipping lanes, plus the occasional minelaying mission has warranted additional use.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production increases to 723 in Feb primarily due to the FM-2 replacing the FM-1 in production. With the very positive loss ratio this month, fighters and Heavies are in a slight surplus across most front line airframes. Only medium bomber squadrons continue to remain understrength. Pilot pools still remain mixed, with US Army fighter pilots being abundant while Navy, Brit, NZ and US bomber pilot pools being adequate. The expansion of Aussie fighter squadrons to 24 planes effectively zeroed out any reserve pilots, and that remains a concern. Still, pilot pools are getting much more robust, and even more importantly, pilot quality is as well. On the naval side, the BB New Jersey class has arrived in Theaters and I’m frankly just plain spoiled with the numbers of subs, DDs, DEs and PFs coming off the shipbuilding quays. CV Essex is still only damaged CV requiring yard work, undergoing repair in England. CV Lexington is also in the yards at Colombo refitting. No major refit/upgrade requirements for the fleet for a few months; at least that could adversely impact operations.

NOPAC. Still quiet in the polar north, except for the occasional submarine patrols for both sides. The US 6th Infantry Division and assorted support is planning for operations in the Kuriles, but that is a long way off.

CENPAC. Troop shuttling out of Theater has been the primary focus, and by month’s end that has wound down. Should remain pretty quiet.

SOPAC. Subs were the heroes again this month in Theater, sinking the Kaga and damaging the Hiryu - which apparently ended the KB’s forays into Allied territory. Other than the DD raids up the New Guinea coast, Allied offensive actions have been very much limited to clearing out some isolated IJA bases - largely due to the “Banzai” attacks from those troops. Kavieng was taken, and fighting continues at Lae, with both BB and CA TFs providing support. Manus has been established as a major forward fleet base, complete with ARDs and much naval support. With the CVs remaining longer than planned in the IO, offensive action will be limited to landings along the New Guinea coast - perhaps.

SWPAC. With the KB gone, the cork is out of the bottle! The landings at Saumlaki, Taberfane and Kei-eilanden did not provoke the KB into a sortie, only a single CA TF sortie at Saumlaki which was effectively dealt with by LBA, ending any further effort. Saumlaki AF was expanded to a Level 5 in two weeks after the base fell, and landings at Taberfane and Kei-eilanden went without interference. Will continue the offensive effort, as most troops are fully prepped for landings slated for the next few months. Up next, CVEs will be providing the air cover starting with Kaimana landings to gain the level 5 AF there. The next major move will be Lautem-Dili which had been planned to have the CVs covering it, but if the KB and IJN isn’t going to sortie, will continue to have the CVEs along with LBA provide the fighter cover. If all goes well, by month’s end, Koepang will be effectively isolated.

China. So far, so good in China as the Allied “Kweiyang Line” is holding, and is effectively supplied. Allied ground troops from Burma (armor, AA and AT) have bolstered the Chinese defenses, and the East African Infantry Division will arrive in the line in Feb. Although limited to a few squadrons, Allied airpower is also providing effective support.

Burma. It remains quiet, with no offensive action taking place. With the rapid success in Sumatra, engineers have been shipped out from Rangoon to support that success. Still looking at attacking towards Bangkok, but the priority is Sumatra for the time being.

IO. Amazingly, Sumatra has turned into a campaign of maneuver with the Allies rapidly closing in on Palembang. Using the navy to land on the coast greatly accelerated the campaign, culminating with taking a lightly garrisoned Padang in a hasty landing well behind the expected main line of resistance. While Japanese airpower was heavily committed against the landings, no major IJN asset sortied, which was surprising. At month’s end, Allied airbases in Sumatra were beginning to launch raids against DEI oil industry targets, and ground troops were rapidly advancing towards Palembang. All AFs are expanding as quickly as engineers can make happen, although ground support for the planes remains in short supply due to the rapid advance. Feb should see Palembang taken, culminating the campaign, although at this point I’m not sure if L_S_T is reinforcing a lost campaign, or trying to evac troops. CVs will remain in support at least to cover the upcoming Oosthaven landings on the SE coast, as well as providing fighter support to the initial raids against Palembang. The major question at this point is whether to follow up Sumatra with a landing on Java - which has a great benefit of opening up the Java Sea and Borneo to the Allied Navy. But the CVs are needed in SWPAC and SOPAC. And once Palembang is secure, Heavies can range pretty much all DEI oil centers. Decisions….decisions….

31 Jan - 1 Feb 44

Highlights – Kaimana Amphib goes in without issue; Miri oil hit again despite night CAP.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-181)
MGB: 2
TK: 1 (sm)
AMc: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-40)

Allied ships sunk:
DE: 1 (Harold C. Thomas)
APA: 1 (hit a rock during Amphib!)
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 35
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (DE sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (TK sunk, xAP dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Kaimana (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Absolutely no idea where any IJN fleet asset is!

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, usual US TFs bombard Lae with good effect for a change, inflicting over 400 casualties. No IJA ground attack.

In SWPAC, 1st CAV and other troops go ashore on Kaimana in good shape, and will begin attacks against the South Seas Det next turn, supported by naval bombardments and air attack. Although no enemy interfered with the landings, apparently a big rock did, which APA Neville found the hard way after landing its troops. Ground assault on Kai-eilanden reduced forts from level 4 to 2, and the troops will continue the attack next turn. B-24s hit Boela AF at night with good effect 9 Zeros destroyed on the ground. Still no indication of any IJN counter to the landings. On a sad note, two xAPs escorted by a DD duely landed troops at Darwin outbound from Pearl. Unfortunately, the small TF elected not to come via its route south of New Guinea, but though it would be better to round the west coast of New Guinea. Of course, the Japanese didn’t think that was a good idea, and pounded the ships near Sorong, sinking one xAP, and crippling the other which will need to be scuttled. The DD should make Manus. Geeze!

In China, a half dozen Zeros sweep Nanning and are met by Chinese P-40s on CAP which shoot down 5 for 1 P-40 lost. Otherwise, quiet. Still waiting the renewed IJA ground offensive.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, Miri suffers 4 more oil hits despite Brit bombers being intercepted by Nicks, but no bombers were lost. Will continue to fly these long range night raids as long as the bombers have success. CVs Intrepid and Saratoga along with the brand new BB New Jersey link up with the CV TF off Siberoet, which I’m now forced to divide into two CV TFs, each with 4CV and 3CVLs. Very hesitant to have two CV TFs, as the last time I did this, one reacted and the other didn’t. But just too many flight decks for one TF right now. In any case, both CV TFs, along with a BB TF and CA TF, will provide cover for the Oosthaven landings. Amph TF carrying two Bdes will depart Siberoet next turn and head well off the coast of Sumatra skirting Enggano, to land in few days. Oosthaven still reportedly has only about 1500 defenders. Also at sea, I-Boats are getting active - one torpedoing an ASW TF DE before losing the battle with the other DE, and one trying and failing to penetrate the BB TF screen. While the CVs are covering the Amphib, the flow of support troops to Siberoet and Padang will be covered only by LBA CAP which is a concern. On the ground, troops continue to advance as rapidly as terrain permits. 7th ID elements reach Benkoelen and will see what the defense consists of with bombardment. Aus 9th ID is still struggling to get across the mountains from the coast, and the Sibolga Bdes are closing in on linking up with troops landed at Padang. Well to the rear, bypassed IJA troops have made an appearance near the Brit night bomber base at Tandjoengbalai, and the “Ready Bde” at Sabang will rail move to support the base. Lastly, an Indian LRP Airborne Bde has hastily been shipped to Siberoet and has begun offloading. It had been in Burma, planning to land at Lahat in Sumatra - a small dot base two hexes from Palembang. As I didn’t think I’d be ready for an attack on Palembang for a few months, I hadn’t thought of bringing it out of Burma until Padang was taken. Now, it just might be able to drop on Lahat and block the IJA withdrawal route from Benkoelen - if, and only if, Lahat is unoccupied. Will be an interesting few turns coming up!

2-3 Feb 44

Highlights – Very heavy LBA strikes against shipping off Padang; Kai-eilanden taken

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Okinami)
SS: 1 (I-178)

Allied ships sunk:
DE: 1 (Babas)
APA: 1
xAP: 1 (scuttled)

Air loss:
Jpn: 228
Allied: 87

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Talasea (SOPAC - flipped)
Kai-eilanden (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Once again, Jpn can mass for a major airstrike at their choosing.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Talasea on the west side of New Britain flips to Allied control which works well as the two units earmarked to amphib this base are currently engaged in the Lae area. Plus, always good to grab an undefended base with good fortifications. Will bring in engineers to secure and further expand the base. Otherwise its been quiet, no IJA attacks against Lae, although the naval bombardments went in as per schedule inflicted about 500 casualties. Major event next turn will be SOPAC Heavies hitting Boela on Ceram in SWPAC. P-38s out of Sarmi will also sweep, but all other fighters are out of range. By SWPAC taking Kaimana and neutralizing Boela, SOPAC should be able to resume its advance along the New Guinea northern coast, barring a visit by the IJN of course.

In SWPAC, 1st CAV attacks at Kaimana and is held in it’s one attack, but inflicts 650 casualties to only 8 US. Unfortunately, the level 4 forts aren’t reduced, but the CAV is in good shape, and will resume attacks next turn. Also at Kaimana, a handful of escorted Bettys attack in daylight against a single AKA offloading supplies. CAP handles the raid easily, 8 Bettys down for no attacks. However, it just proves the necessity of neutralizing Boela. A single attack secures Kai-eilanden, and the remaining defenders are wiped out. With the base secure, engineers will begin to flow in to build up its AF. The big event for next turn is a full-court press against Boela AF - which appears to be packed with bombers in addition to about 75 fighters. CVEs will provide limited LRCAP with two squadrons of Hellcats, but primary fighter cover and sweeps will originate from Molu and Saumlaki. While the AF is hitting Boela, most of the Navy’s warships are at Darwin going through a quick repair before the next major move, landing on Timor at Lautem. Assault shipping is also gathering at Darwin, but it will take a few more days to finish up some engineer shuttling for enough transports to be ready. I was planning to support the Timor landings with the CV TF, but without the KB prowling the Banda Sea, the CVEs and the airfield at Saumlaki should be more than able to provide sufficient cover. I do have CV Bunker Hill with two CVLs at Exmouth as they were going to rendezvous with the fleet coming in from the IO, but for now, they are just standing by in port. While certainly available, right now I think they bring more risk than reward if committed.

In China, the IJA finally makes an attack east of Kweiyang, pushing back a delaying action Chinese Corps covering Chihkiang. 4440 Chinese casualties lost for 1300 IJA. A necessary delay to build up the main line, and on that note, the East African Division has reached Kweiyang and is continuing east, so hopefully it will be in place before the next major IJA attack. What is surprising though is a total lack of airpower committed to support this IJA offensive - the small Allied contingent of fighters and the handful of B-25s have been even able to provide limited strikes against the IJA.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, L_S_T launched a major effort by LBA against shipping at Padang. Over two days, 184 Frank/George sorties as sweepers supported strikes by 93 Jill, 57 Lily and 272 Oscar FB sorites which were escorted by 69 Zero and 208 Tojo sorties. Against these attacks, only three fighter squadrons were at Padang, a P-47, a F4U, and a Spit VIII, plus a few sorties of P-40s out of Siberoet. Fortunately, the target was limited to a small convoy of two APAs escorted by a DD and DE. And unfortunately for L_S_T’s carefully laid plans, the sweepers came in AFTER the strikes in AM phase of the first day. So, the first strike to meet the 82 planes stacked up on CAP were an unlucky 33 Zeros escorting 26 Jills, followed by another 12 Zeros and 13 Jills. Needless to say, these strikes were mauled. Next in were Oscar FBs escorted by Tojos. Heavily escorted, these raids started to get through, but strangely, the Oscars that got through the CAP just strafed and didn’t drop bombs. Again, lucky! In the afternoon, the sweepers came in to support and 6 Jills got through to torpedo the DE Bebas. Lilys joined the fray as well and started to score a few hits. The second day had better coordination with the sweepers, especially in afternoon attacks. While still costly, the CAP was just worn down to where single planes were opposing strikes. By the end of the two days, a DE and APA were sunk, the DD and other APA were damaged and should make port. CAP did extremely well - 38 Jills, 8 Lily, 28 Tojo, 25 Oscar, 16 George and 7 Franks shot down (not including OPs or Flak losses) to 17 F4Us, 13 P-47, 9 Spit and 4 P-40s lost. For the F4Us and the P-47s, it was a shooting gallery with those squadrons recording 72 and 41 kills respectively. Still, this just proves that a determined, massed air attack can, and WILL, get through CAP. Fortunately, the naval targets were minimal as a larger convoy carrying another Indian In Bde was just coming into Padang and wasn’t affected. However, that convoy is now just starting to offload, so the question is whether or not L_S_T elects to do this type of massed strike again next turn. At Padang, the P-47s and Spits are swapped out with fresh squadrons, P-40 and P-39 squadrons are brought in, and the F4Us are sent replacements, which of course won’t be immediately available. The CVs are heading AWAY from Padang, to provide cover for the Oosthaven landings, but will sortie a few Hellcats to provide LRCAP. A few P-38s can range from Medan, and Siberoet will also offer a few fighters in support. That said, that’s still at best about 125 fighters for CAP, so a massed raid will very likely be able to get through, especially if the sweepers come in first. Elsewhere, the ground attack continues to close in on Palembang, and air dropped mines claim an xAK at Palembang, but B-24s dropping the mines in daylight were vulnerable to CAP and lost 5 bombers. Two Brit subs drop mines off shore and additional air dropped mines will be laid at Muntok to hopefully steer ships toward the sub laid mines. Lastly, still plenty of convoys are still bringing in troops and supplies to numerous ports along the Sumatran coast, so the action at Padang could very well be repeated at any of a number of ports, each of which is defended by a only handful of fighters.

4-5 Feb 44

Highlights – Kaimana taken; quiet over Padang.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-166, I-168)
PB: 1
MTB: 2
TK: 1 (big one!)
xAK: 2

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-21)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 95
Allied: 27

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ships hit (TK, xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kaimana (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, The “Banzai” attacks resumed at Lae, with another shock attack begin repulsed - 2000 IJA lost to 120 Allied. BB TF also bombards causing another 200 casualties. With Kaimana taken, will slowly start gathering assault shipping at Manus from the current shuttling of troops in order to resume landings on the north coast of New Guinea. Noemfoor Island is the next target, which I expect will be heavily defended. Will be at least a week or so before I can consolidate enough shipping, and its going to take about that long to repair Kaimana AF which will be providing the fighter cover.

In SWPAC, The planned heavy raid on Boela never developed due to weather, only the night strike of three B-24 squadrons flew, losing two bombers to prowling Irving night fighters while destroying 10 planes of various types on the ground. Not a good start! Will try the heavy B-24 daylight raids again next turn. In the meantime, Boela’s LBA launched two strikes (53Z, 10T / 12Z,15T) against the CVE TF at Kai-eilanden which were easily handled by the CVEs’ 65 plane CAP. 15 Zeroes and 23 Jills are splashed by the CAP at a cost of 3 FM-1 fighters. 1st CAV resumes its attacks at Kaimana and takes the base in the first attack with the 2nd South Seas Det withdrawing towards Babo, less 750 men. Allied losses were 30 troops. Kaimana facilities are totally wrecked, and it’s going to take the incoming engineers a few days before the AF and port are useable. The CVEs will remain at Kai-eilanden to provide LRCAP over Kaimana as well as CAP in support of the incoming engineers to both bases. Once the various engineer laden assault transports offload their engineers, they will return to Darwin in order to begin operations against Lautem/Dili. Going to stay busy in SWPAC.

In China, its quiet along the Kweiyang Line, but the IJA are stirring in SW China near Nanning. What looks to be about three IN Bdes appear to be maneuvering against the lone Chinese Corps deployed along the Vietnamese border west of Nanning. B-25s and Beaufighters out of Kunming hit moving IJA troops to the SW causing about 300 casualties. Opening up an attack in this area will stretch the Chinese troops a bit, but it should be able to be contained. Still think the IJA’s main effort will be near Chihkiang, east of Kweiyang.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, it was relatively quiet, with no major airstrike against shipping off Padang, or anywhere else. IJA activity was limited to Helens hitting troops in daylight near Benkoelen which caused about 200 casualties. No Allied CAP allowed the unescorted raid to hit targets! Heads will roll!! At sea, the 2nd Bde of the Indian 9th IN Div is put ashore at Padang without interference, and the final Bde’s convoy should be coming into Padang next turn along with additional engineers. So heavy CAP will still need to be maintained over Padang. The Oosthaven Amphib is still at least a day out to sea, near Enggano, and will proceed to target - hopefully putting troops ashore on the 2nd day. Their progress has been unexpectedly slow since departing Siberoet - head winds and heavy seas? A sub ventured close, and was brought to the surface and sunk by escorts. CV TF will stay off the coast of Sumatra to splitting CAP between the invasion site and of course the CV TFs. A DD TF (4DDs) will sprint in first to engage any MTBs rumored to be in the area while the Brit CA TF (3CA,2CL, DDs) provides close escort to the Amphibs which means no initial bombardment until after the troops go ashore. If there are any surprises at Oosthaven beyond the estimated 1500 defenders, this could end badly. Speaking of surprises, hopefully the airdrop of an Indian LRP Bde will begin at Lahat next turn without weather getting in the way. With some luck, L_S_T is still thinking the amphib target is Benkoelen which should be effectively isolated if all goes well. On the ground, troops continue to march along designated routes with terrain slowing the advance more than any defenders.

6-7 Feb 44

Highlights – Big Furball over the Sunda Strait; Lahat taken by paratroops.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
MTB: 8
TK: 1 (med)
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 380
Allied: 111

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Lahat (IO)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Lahat (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: No idea where the IJN is, but the airforce sure is focused around Palembang!

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, another attack goes in at Lae resulting in another 1000 less IJA troops to 8 Allied. Americal has its experience up to 66 from these attacks, but its probably time for some fresh troops to take its place so it can recover some losses in a quieter area. No sure what unit will be called upon to replace the Americal, but will start looking - need to get this done before I need all available shipping during the Noemfoor landings. That’s now pushed back about a week or so as assault shipping needs to come out of SWPAC and that’s going to take some time - APAs currently offloading at Kaimana will be released back to SOPAC. With Kaimana AF operational (amazing work by engineers!), its fighters come primarily from SOPAC and although taken by SWPAC troops, Kaimana AF will support SOPAC operations as much as SWPAC.

In SWPAC, Boela is hit by Heavies in daylight, but results are less than desired. Looked as though most a/c had been pulled out, and only 5 a/c were destroyed on the ground and the AF is still operational. NO CAP, but flak was heavy damaging a number of B-24s, but none were lost. As mentioned, Kaimana AF is now open, with the engineers focusing on the AF rather than the port. Good choice! More engineers flow in, but now the AF can both provide its own CAP and execute sweeps/LRCAP over Boela. This releases the CVE TF which will head to Darwin to replace a/c losses. Assault shipping is still gathering at Darwin as well, and with some luck, will have enough in place to begin loading for the Lautem/Dili operation next turn. Will also look at beginning hitting Ambon with fighter sweeps and Heavies starting next turn. Saumlauki AF now at level 6 remains primarily a fighter base, and Heavies have been moved to Bathurst and Darwin to range Ambon. Lastly, Kai-eilanden AF reaches level 1 which will allow it to maintain its own CAP as well.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, I’m slowly starting to shuffle units along the Salween River to begin river crossing operations up river from Moulmein. Going to be expensive, but defenses look weakened, perhaps a Bde deployed in each hex. Will take a few weeks to gather troops in position, and will have to bring some airpower back from Sumatra for the attack.

In the IO, it was busy to say the least with the Sunda Strait Shootdown! The turn started with the DD TF (4DDs) finding and sinking 8 MTBs at Oosthaven and then surprisingly finding a 7000t tanker apparently loading fuel with 2PBs as well which were duly sunk in turn. Expected the MTBs, but not a tanker!

Then L_S_T threw in a series of major LBA strikes against what he probably thought was going to be a landing at Oosthaven - but the Amphib TF was again delayed (the Amphib TF was slowing down to allow a Minesweeping TF to catch up), and the strikes instead hit the DDs sent ahead to the landing site and of course the CV TFs. Fortunately, the delayed Amphib TF remained a few hexes west of the CVs and was never attacked. As it turned out, Allied CAP was stretched between covering the CVs, the Amphib TF, Oosthaven and the airborne drop on Lahat. That said, although a few planes managed to get through CAP and dropped ordinance, only 2DDs were damaged off Oosthaven. Barring a sub getting in the way, the two DDs should make Columbo for repairs. The cost to in attacking a/c was staggering…125 Fighter-Bomber Oscar IVs (32 to AA), 77 Zeros, 50 Jills, 29 Frances (4 to AA), 29 George and 6 Judys. US CAP lost about 6 planes shot down. Unfortunately, the loss ratio for the turn would have been better overall, but the Enterprise’s VB-6 didn’t get the word not to go near Palembang, and along with some TBFs and minimal escort of 17 F6Fs went after shipping at the base. They were mauled by a robust CAP of 50 fighters, a mix of Tonys, Jacks and Franks. The CAP was also shooting down search SBDs at a good clip, so by the end of the two days 42 SBDs, 10 TBFs and about 6 F6Fs were lost for about 12 Jpn fighters. Bombing results were less than spectacular of course, one xAK sunk and another half dozen hit. Not worth the cost - although only about a dozen SBD pilots were lost. All told, the CV TF lost to all causes 42 SBD, 10 TBF, 32 F6F, and 7 F4U-1As. In any case, the replenishment group CVEs will move toward the CV TF and should replace most losses next turn.

The Amphib TF should reach Oosthaven next turn now that I’ve cut the minesweeper loose that was apparently slowing the Amphib TF down for a few turns. On land, the Indian LRP Para Bde landed and took Lahat which was undefended, and no enemy fighters were encountered. Jpn LBA bombers did hit the advancing elements of the 7th ID, Helens and Lilys inflicting about 250 casualties while losing about a dozen a/c each to Allied CAP diverted from Benkoelen and Lahat. Was fortunate that these bombers hit ground targets instead of joining the raids against the CV TFs! Still, ground troops continue to advance rapidly toward the prize of Palembang. Padang was surprisingly quiet, despite another Bde of the 9th Indian Div offloaded, and another Bde being brought in, but air attacks were focused in the Sunda Strait area. Lastly, one of the sub laid mines off Palembang found a victim, and B-24s continued to place mines at Palembang at night. With the heavy losses this turn, I expect that L_S_T has shot his bullet and the landings at Oosthaven will be uneventful (fingers crossed!).

Screenshot below shows the state of the Sumatra Campaign with the airstrikes, and how the ground advance is progressing.

8-9 Feb 44

Highlights – Sunda Strait mayhem continues with subs added to the fray; IJA makes gains in China

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Yayoi)
SS: 4 (I-165, RO-65, RO-110, RO-112)
SSX: 5
PB: 1
MTB: 2
TK: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Kagero)
SS: 2 (I-5, RO-108)

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Danae)

Air loss:
Jpn: 181
Allied: 51

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CL sunk (in two separate atks), DD dam)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (SSX, TK, xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Oosthaven

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Large numbers of mini-subs committed to the Sunda Strait area; still no commitment of major IJN assets.

West Coast/Admin: The last four B-17Es flew their last mission in the Pacific Theater with the last equipped squadron. The squadron swapped out the well worn bombers for brand new B-24Js in Darwin. B-17Fs still equip one last B-17 bomber squadron. As the B-17E goes out of service, the FM-2 Wildcat is deployed to frontline service for the first time with one CVE being equipped at Darwin.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, no attack at Lae for a change of pace, although the US naval TFs bombard, but only inflict about 150 casualties on the IJA. Troops begin shuttling to Sarmi in preparation for Noemfoor landings, although the main body (25th ID) will embark at Shortlands, once assault shipping arrives of course. Hollandia based Heavies hit Boela in support of SWPAC, contributing to shutting down the base and not losing losing any a/c.

In SWPAC, the focus was on shutting down Boela. During the night, PTs out of Kaimana sortied to raid the port, finding a small convoy of a PB and 3xAKLs, sinking the PB and damaging two xAKLs. In daylight, the weather clears and SBDs find the convoy sink one xAKL and damage two. The main event are the Heavies, and Boela gets hit by 108 Heavies over two days. Strike packages are poor, but no fighters came up as CAP and no planes were lost. No planes were destroyed on the ground, but the AF was wrecked and shut down. Mission accomplished! Now the focus will move to Ambon, reportedly to still have about 75 fighters present. Distance prevents SOPAC based bombers from assisting, so two Bomb Groups will hit the base in daylight and another during the night out of Darwin/Bathurst. Fighters will support with sweeps and LRCAP from Molu (7 hexes), Saumlaki (8 hexes) and Kaimana (9 hexes), so ranges will be long for single engine fighters although still within normal range with drop tanks. I can expect a tough fight over Ambon, compounded with heavy ops losses from damaged aircraft due to range. Still, neutralizing Ambon is a must as the Lautem Amphib operation begins loading in Darwin. Centered around the US 32nd ID, the Amphib TF along with the CVE TF (8 CVEs (one CVE has the new FM-2 aboard), CLAA, DDs), CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) will stage just south of Timor, hopefully loading permitted. Once Lautem is secured, Aussie troops prepared for Dili will follow up at Lautem, marching overland to seize Dili. Will be busy the next few days in SWPAC!

In China, L_S_T got one by me! Expecting his next move to be overland against Chihkiang, instead, he launched a major attack across the river to the east. Defended by a single Chinese Corps, the 46k attacking force won an expensive victory with 4100 Chinese losses to 3600 IJA. Still, this unhinges the Changsa Salient portion of the Chinese defensive line, and although I’ll likely leave some stay behind troops to delay in cities (such as Changsa), the majority of the defenders will withdraw west to reform the line. With the reported supply shortages inflicting the Japanese at this point in the war, I’m a bit surprised to see major offensive actions to continue in China.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, another busy two days in and around the Sunda Strait! The Oosthaven Amphib goes in, landing two understrength Bdes, sweeping aside some remaining MTBs in the area. In response, L_S_T pulled another ace out of his sleeve with a massing of subs - both conventional and mini subs set out to attack both the Amphib landings as well as the covering CV and BB TFs. In two days, there were numerous subs sighted and attacked by ASW a/c and naval escorts, but a few subs got through and put two torpedoes sinking CL Danae escorting a late arriving APA with Engineers aboard, and damaging a DD off the beaches. A number of subs were sunk, but how many is anyone’s guess - initial estimates so far are at least an I-boat and 5 mini subs. But subs are still thick in the waters, and the Amphib TF still needs to withdraw, so this is far from over. In the air, the Jpn daylight LBA focused strictly on the invasion area and hitting the advancing 7th ID again, leaving the CV TFs out of the fray. LRCAP from the CVs did a yeoman job in protecting the beach area, with only 1 Judy scoring a single hit damaging a DD for a cost of 27 Bettys, 12 Jills, 26 Zeros, 28 Georges and 15 Jacks against 12 F6Fs. Padang based P-40s on LRCAP along with a squadron of Hellcats and a half dozen Corsairs off the CVs took care of the Lilys attacking 7th ID, downing 42 Lilys for no friendly losses. A single night raid of Frances’ targeted the CVs, losing all 6 committed to Flak with no hits scored. Another VERY good day in the air! While the CV’s airgroups have been completely replenished by the Repl TF CVEs, those CVEs are now empty of fighters. Combined with numerous DDs out of ASW ammo, and AA Ammo at about 2/3s, its almost time for the CVs to withdraw. To that effect, the CV and BB TF will move towards Enggano to rendezvous with the Repl TF to take on fuel, and hopefully pull out of the subs reach. The Brit CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) will bombard Oosthaven and withdraw along with the Amphib TF. CVs will still need to provide LRCAP over the invasion area as the engineers still need to offload, but with some luck, most of the CV a/c can catch a rest. That rest is important because I’m planning on the first major air attack on Palembang in the next few turns. To that, I’ve moved Heavy Bomb Groups to Siberoet, Medan and Tandjoengbalai. LBA fighters will support out of Padang and Siberoet. Hopefully L_S_T doesn’t hit those bomber AFs with his own bombers in the meantime! On land, Benkoelen looks to be effectively cut off from Palembang by the Lahat airdrop, and 7th ID elements should be linking up with the paratroops in the next few days - and they should be able to hold against any counterattack as the drop went in well with little disruption. Will attempt the first attack to seize Oosthaven next turn, with the Canadian IN Bde attacking while the USMC Bde stays in reserve to pursue. Fingers crossed!

L_S_T is making you pay for each step of progress. I admire his determined defense -- and even offense, as in China.

After Sumatra, where is your target: Java, or Malaya? Or both? [8D]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

After Sumatra, where is your target: Java, or Malaya? Or both? [8D]

That's the million dollar question jwolf! Still deciding what's next. Leaning away from Malaya as most coastal bases will trigger kamikazes and I'm not ready for that.

Java is possible - would open up the Java Sea and the ability to "link up" with SWPAC is intriguing.

Or....perhaps the troops are better used for the long overdue overland drive into Thailand?


Figure I've got a month or so to decide as its going to take a few weeks to finish off the Sumatra Campaign - and of course, L_S_T has a vote in this decision too! [;)]

10-11 Feb 44

Highlights – KB arrives late to the Sunda Strait battles as mayhem continues; solid air raid on Ambon.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Tanikaze)
SSX: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 2 (Akizuki, Uranami)

Allied ships sunk:
DE: 2 (Doneff, Flamingo)
DMS: 1 (Howard)
AM: 1
APA: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 292
Allied: 73

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Oosthaven (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: KB is committed on the second day against Oosthaven landing, but stays in the Java Sea NE of Batavia. The question is whether or not it goes through the Sunda Strait to engage the US CVs.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, its pretty quiet, with the highlight being 62 Navy Liberators hitting Woleai with reasonable effect. No CAP and no a/c destroyed on the field, but this will prevent any increase in fortifications for a long while. Will hit the base again next turn, with all the furballs elsewhere, I’m counting no CAP again.

In SWPAC, the air raid on Ambon somehow works out exactly as planned with sweepers coming in first, clearing the skies for the bombers which were met with only heavy flak, downing two B-24s. Hellcat, Corsair and Lightning sweeps clear out the some 70 Zeros on CAP, knocking down 51 for only 4 Hellcats and 3 Corsairs lost. Bombers do the rest, destroying a reported 31 Topsy, 13 Irving, 9 Dinah, 8 Zero and a pair of Emilys and Jakes as well. AF not shut down, and will need to be re-hit, but I don’t expect a major furball against CAP, and some of the fighters can be re-missioned to provide LRCAP over Lautem. The Lautem Amph TF completed loading and will land next turn, with a CA TF bombarding, and the CVE TF staying south of Timor providing air cover. Lastly, with Ambon and Boela AFs considered neutralized, I’m putting a number of SBDs and B-25s out of Kaimana and Saumalaki on anti-shipping duty, hoping to catch what looks to be a number of transports reported to be cruising in the Ceram sea north of Ambon. Hopefully they can find some targets and not a waiting CAP trap, although a squadron of Hellcats has also been dedicated to fly escort.

In China, now over the river east of Chihkiang, the IJA troops seek to expand their bridgehead by moving both east and SW, and of course, my bet is they will move faster than I can reposition the Chinese troops, but will try and get troops repositioned to block any westward advance as the priority - to include some Brit and African troops if they can get their in time. In the air, my B-25s hitting ground targets south of Nanning are ambushed by Oscars on LRCAP, but mostly avoid carnage by flying in at 2000ft while the Oscars were at 20k. Still, 2 B-25s are lost as the P-47 sweepers didn’t fly. Hopefully the P-47s can catch the Oscars next turn.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, the Sunda Strait action continues with more massed airstrikes mostly targeting the Oosthaven area, but some Lilys reach out to the CVs off Enggano. The vast majority of the strikes target the Amph TF with a lone APA offloading an engineer battalion, and an ASW TF (DD, DE) searching for subs in the western end of the Strait. While the Amph TF was somewhat covered by LRCAP off the CVs, the ASW TF was not. The US LRCAP did well, even against the raids heavily escorted by Franks, but was still overwhelmed and the APA President Monroe, a DMS, a DE and an AM were sunk. Considering that the full weight of a KB strike (190Z, 150T) was thrown in on the second day, it was pretty surprising that 3DD, DMS and AM were untouched! All told in the air, Jpn losses were again pretty harsh: 43 Frank, 46 Lily, 27 Tojo, 9 Betty, 4 Zeros, 2 Nell and 2 Georges were downed in exchange for 20 F6F and 4 FM-1. Sorry to lose a good APA, but since the engineers were landed, I consider myself very fortunate with the results - and thanking my stars that I pulled the CVs back toward Enggano as I didn’t expect the KB to enter the fray. Best of all, Oosthaven was taken in the first attack, and P-40s brought in to the AF which although damaged, is operational (AF level 2). Brit C-47s will shuttle in a MAG HQ for support as I’m not going anywhere near Ooosthaven with ships for the time being. With the KB now in the picture, the US CVs’ refueling is off, as is any immediate plans to hit Palembang with a heavy coordinated air attack. Although I don’t think L_S_T will sortie the KB through the Sunda Strait (I can only hope he does!), he’s more likely to continue to keep the KB in the Java Sea in the Batavia area, ready to crush anything headed toward Oosthaven. But with Oosthaven taken, the mission there is accomplished, I have no need to push any naval assets there. Instead, I really need to secure Benkoelen now, and I still have a Bde of Marines loaded that were going to follow up at Oosthaven and move overland toward Benkoelen. Will likely land them directly at Benkoelen now to support the US 7th ID troops already there. The CVs will pull back toward Pagai-eilanden to cover the major base of Siberoet and see if the KB comes through the Sunda Strait. If the KB does, will likely seek out a CV engagement with a rested, mostly full complement of a/c (probably over 90%). If the KB stays north, will look to support a landing at Benkoelen. CVE Repl TF will head to Siberoet to get more F and DB aboard and offload remaining fuel. Other AOs will rendezvous with the CVs as fuel will become an issue in the coming days. Truthfully, now is really not the time for a CV engagement - while planes are still in good shape due to the repl CVEs, AA ammo and sorties avail are roughly 60-70% or so for most ships. Will need to swap out some DDs with zero ASW ammo, so that is also a concern. Not critical, but I’d much rather fight with 100% across the fleet. And of course, I was looking to move the CVs to SWPAC, and that move is being more and more overdue. So, I will see what L_S_T has in mind with the KB, replenish the CVs, set subs and mines to greet the KB in the Sunda Strait, and keep the ground attack closing in on Palembang from three sides.

the air raid on Ambon somehow works out exactly as planned

I love the irony in that line! But every WITPAE player will understand perfectly!

Congrats for taking Oosthaven, as you say no need now for ships anywhere near there.

12-13 Feb 44

Highlights – KB transits the Sunda Strait but does not venture much past Oosthaven; Lauten amphib uneventful.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Arare)
PB: 1
SC: 1
xAK: 2
xAKL: 9

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 2 (Murakumo, Asagiri)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 131
Allied: 39

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB, xAK sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Lautem (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB along with what appears to be most of the fleet, transits to the southern end of the Sunda Strait and holds position, likely under a massive LRCAP umbrella from Java bases.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Woleai hit again and AF should now be closed. Quiet at Lae for the time being. Still assembling shipping and moving troops for the upcoming Noemfoor landings - probably about a week away. With the KB confirmed elsewhere, I feel better about continuing the advance along the New Guinea coast.

In SWPAC, a good day all around! Landings go in at Lautem, preceded by CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) bombarding with little effect, but the US 32nd ID and support troops go ashore in good order and will attack to secure the base next turn. Allied LBA hits troop positions on Lautem with moderate effect, but do very well in hunting shipping in and around Ambon. No enemy CAP was observed which gave the SBDs and Mediums clear runs at a number of convoys. Three LSDs and a couple of xAKs were hit and damaged, but the pilots seemed to prefer shooting up xAKLs reportedly sinking nine. Will hopefully continue the pressure to clear seas near Ambon next turn while the first convoy carrying troops planning for Dili as well as additional support troops for Lautem should be loaded at Darwin. I expect Lautem to be taken in the first assault as its defenders were limited to the 4th South Seas Detatchment, and with some luck, the AF will be operational when taken. It will take a few days to bring additional troops into Lautem before the next set of landings to the NW of Koepang go in. At Exmouth, the CV Bunker Hill TF (CV, CVL, CA, DDs) will receive a squadron of night fighter Corsairs next turn, and then will likely head to sea to join the fleet off Java. On the chance of taking on the KB, I’d like to get all flight decks assembled.

In China, the IJA attempt to expand their bridgehead south of the river east of Chihkiang, are actually held by a Chinese Cavalry Corps in their first and only attack with both sides losing about 725 men. Of course, the IJA has about 4x as many troops so I don’t expect this position to hold again. Still, any attack held, buys time for the new line to be established south of Chihkiang and that is already starting to form up. Ultimately, the direction of the IJA attack will actually shorten the Chinese line, but it will cost the Chinese Changsa which will be a tough blow. But in the long run, I’m just happy to see China still in the fight in ’44.

In Burma, troops are finalizing their movements to new positions and should be ready to begin river crossing operations in a few turns. Enemy defenses look to be Bde size along the river which should be able to be breached, and then eventually able to flank Moulmein which is held by an estimated 25k troops. This will be a long and slow offensive campaign.

In the IO, the IJN does in fact transit the Sunda Strait, moving from the Java Sea into the Indian Ocean. Replay starts off with the old BB TF (2BB, DDs) bombardment runs which I haven’t seen for a while (and didn’t miss!) against Oosthaven. The bombardment destroys two P-40s on the ground and closes the already heavily damaged AF. A DD TF (6DD) sorties out toward the location of where the US CV TF was located near Enggano - perhaps to attempt a surface intercept on the CVs? During the night, this DD TF encounters two separate US DDs on ASW TF patrol, but the US DDs manage to evade. With the US CVs to the north, they launch strikes on the DDs with the dawn. Although limited by weather on the first day, strikes on the second day are more numerous, including 56 SBD and 34 TBF sorties. Hitting the nimble DDs are problematic, but one DD is claimed sunk and two others hit and damaged by bombs. The KB holds near the entrance of the Sunda Strait, and doesn’t attempt to engage the US fleet. So, for now, the fleets are standing off, just out of strike range, but both fleets under friendly LBA support. The problem with launching those strike aircraft against the DDs use valuable “sorties remaining” which is now an increasing problem with the KB at sea. Yorktown class CVs are all now well less than 50% sorites available. Fortunately, Jpn LBA strikes against the CVs don’t penetrate the CAP and lose heavily; 59 Franks, 21 Bettys and 13 Frances are lost to 13 F6Fs. Still, AA ammo is also getting low across the fleet, so I’m detaching CV Hornet, CA Wichita and about 6 DDs back to Siberoet to rearm from two AKEs inbound. I also shuffle some BBs and cruisers between the TFs, trying to balance out available AA ammo remaining - especially the 5” rounds remaining. The CV TFs take on fuel from AOs and will continue to loiter near Pagai-eilanden, prepared to engage the KB should it venture out into the Indian Ocean. CVE Repl TF also takes on 68 replacement F6Fs and SBDs which should provide the CVs full complement of navy fighters and strike aircraft, the only a/c shortages will be the USMC Corsairs which don’t have replacement capability at sea. On land, troops continue to advance toward Palembang as well as Djambi without problems. In the air, the planned mining of Merak/Sunda Strait didn’t happen due to weather, and will attempt that again next turn. Overall, the priority is now to see the Sumatran land campaign to its successful conclusion - taking of Palembang. Should the KB offer combat, will engage to destroy it, but I’m not chasing the KB down with worn down CVs, short on sorties and AA protection if I can avoid it - or perhaps delay it until the shortages can be brought up to strength. Much depends on L_S_T’s intentions of course, and I figure he’s not going to rush into the Indian Ocean, but will pull back into the relative safety of the Java Sea.

14-15 Feb 44

Highlights – IJN departs Sunda Strait and levels Ooosthaven with bombardment; Lautem taken and Changsa falls.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
ACM: 1
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CVE: 1 (Shinyo)

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Sunfish)

Air loss:
Jpn: 49
Allied: 26

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Changsa (China)

Bases Liberated:
Lautem (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: IJN departs north through the Sunda Strait back into the Java Sea; current location unknown.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, shifting of troops and assault shipping continues. DD TF (3DD) raids along New Guinea coast to Sorong where it catches and sinks a PB. Will continue disrupting DD raids next turn. Supplies in forward bases are becoming an issue, and will need more emphasis (in other words, I need to pay closer attention) on getting supplies through put to Manus. Should not disrupt the upcoming Noemfoor landings. In the air, most bombers take a needed rest after hitting Woleai before shifting to Noemfoor and Sorong.

In SWPAC, bombers hit Ambon again with good effect, preceded by sweeps which down 3 Zeros and 3 Petes (which were on CAP!) for no friendly fighter losses. Bombers did good work on the AF, destroying 8 a/c on the ground, but its still not closed and will require more attention. Lautem is taken on the first assault, and the AF was taken intact, now basing two fighter squadrons and PBYs. CVEs raid NW of Koepang, catching a small transport TF off Waingapoe on the island of Soemba, crippling an AK. The transports were carrying troops, not sure if they were landing them or pulling them out. Also of note was the reported concentration of auxillary a/c at Kendari by recon. Upwards of 150 a/c were sighted on the AF, but barely a dozen fighters. Worth the chance to hit it in daylight next turn with B-24s, although at max range by P-38s. What is a bit troubling is the KB going back into the Java Sea and losing contact with it - it could potentially be sailing east towards the Banda Sea again to disrupt SWPAC operations. A big reinforcing convoy was due to land in Lautem late next turn, and just in case, it will instead stage south of Timor, hopefully out of range of any prowling IJN CVs in the area. Instead a few APDs and LSTs will bring some support troops and supplies into Lautem and see what develops. Will push more Darwin based subs to sea to get eyes out further west just in case. Having the KB come out to disrupt SWPAC operations does make sense - L_S_T may see a good advantage in engaging CVEs off Timor instead of US CVs off the Sunda Strait.

In China, the IJA’s renewed offensive continues and gains a solid win with taking Changsa in the second of two attacks. Fairly surprised that Changsa was taken so easily - while only defended by a single Corps, I figured the urban terrain and level 4 fort would hold a bit longer. Casualties were about 3000 IJA and 5000 Chinese after both attacks. Realistically, I couldn’t hold Changsa anyway. What is also suprising is the plucky Cavalry Corps continuing to hold off IJA attacks SE of Chihkiang; two attacks are held with 1400 IJA lost to 800 Chinese. The best news out of China was the shock attack (across the river) against Chihkiang by a wayward IJA division; 4200 IJA lost to only 8 Chinese and the division didn’t hold its ground. I’m sure this was a mistaken move, and a costly one. In any case, Chinese troops continue to pull out of the eastern end of the line, and fall back to a new position in the forest terrain south of Chihkiang.

In Burma, with troops now in position, will begin river crossing operations along 4 hexes of the line NE of Moulmein. Air attacks will begin to soften up each hex - one hex each turn with about 8 squadrons of medium bombers. 3 of the 4 crossings will be feints, only one bridgehead is needed on the far bank.

In the IO, its actually pretty quiet for the first time in a long while. The IJN exits back north out of the Indian Ocean through the Sunda Strait with a series of bombardment TFs (2CA, 2CL, DDs / 4BB, 5CA, 3CL, DDs / 2BB, DDs) against Oosthaven as they transit the strait. The bombardments level the base, destroying the engineer battalion and decimating the Canadian IN Bde. Fortunately, the USMC Bde had moved inland! Contact is lost with the KB and the IJN TFs, I’m assuming they’ve gone to bases in the Java Sea - likely Soerabaja which is still out of effective bomber range. Will send recon planes to try and re-acquire the fleet as I’m a bit concerned whether or not it stays in Theater. On the Allied side, Hornet TF successfully fully rearms at Siberoet, but the Brit CA TF only partially rearms before the two AKEs run dry. Still its enough for now, as the Hornet can return to the fleet with full sorties avail and its escorts with 100% AA and ASW ammo stocks. A number of ships still in the que at Siberoet waiting to rearm AA ammo - mainly from the Amphib TFs. Landings will go in at Benkoelen next turn, supported by the Brit CA TF bombardment and covered by the US CV TF as well as LBA. With Oosthaven not practical for the time being, and Padang getting rather distant from lead troops, Benkoelen needs to be secured to land follow on troops to establish the airbases near Palembang. The question of course is where the KB has gone, which will drive future US CV actions - whether to continue to loiter and replenish single CVs at Siberoet, or begin its trek towards SWPAC. On land, troops continue to advance toward Palembang. In the air, it was rather quiet for a change, the highlight being a concerted night time Helen raid against Padang AF which destroyed 3 fighters on the ground, but cost the raiders 8 bombers to flak. Also, weather finally opened up enough for a few bombers to mine Merak at night - of course, too late to catch the IJN transit back through the Sunda Strait.

16-17 Feb 44

Highlights – KB does enter SWPAC area and launches airstrike at Lautem based PTs.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 73
Allied: 62

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Benkoelen (IO)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Praboemoelih (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: KB comes east and positions just north of Koepang. Other major fleet elements at Makassar. SIGINT hit has CV Akagi moving to Makassar.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Noemfoor Amph TFs begin loading at Shortlands (2x 25ID Bdes w/Spt) and Buna (Fiji Bde w/Spt). Will move to rendezvous with CA TF at Manus beginning next turn. Supply situation much improved at Manus, but more effort and xAKs are needed to increase supply and fuel flow in SOPAC. BB TF bombards Lae inflicting over 400 casualties, but Lae remains quiet. US 38th ID begins loading at Tulagi for commitment at Lae and eventual replacement of Americal Div. Airpower largely rests in preparation for Noemfoor landings.

In SWPAC, the turn starts out well with the US Heavies doing a bang up job against Ambon and Kendari, meeting no CAP, and shutting both bases down, and destroying 29 planes on the ground, mainly transports on Kendari. But the big news is I guessed right for a change - the KB did apparently transit the Java Sea to try and catch the US landing at Lautem, but the only target in range, and the only KB airstrike launched against were the PTs at Lautem - as all other targets were well out of range, or back in Darwin. The single strike (123Z, 54T, 44D) was met by a mixed CAP of 38 fighters which did pretty well - 11Z, 9 Jills and 3 Judys lost against only a F6F and a P-47, and no PTs were hit. While shipping was cleared leaving only PTs as targets, the 8 subs headed out of Darwin coincidentally managed to split the KB between them, 5 to the north and 3 to the south. And for the first time since I think Dec ’41, I got a SIGINT hit on an IJN CV moving to a specific location - the Akagi is reportedly headed back to Makassar where much of the IJN now seems to be located. So, with that Intel, I’m going to try and put as many airdropped Mk-13 mines into Makassar as I can - B-24s from Bathurst, Darwin, Saumlaki and Truscott will drop mines at extended range in both day and night on the port. Out of the 46 Mk-13 mines avail, perhaps a few will be dropped and perhaps one or two can catch a CV returning to port! Subs will of course attempt an intercept as well - although while the KB may be heading back to Makassar, I think the IJN may be heading out from Makassar to bombard Lautem. The DD TF spotted looks like an attempt to raid, perhaps trying to clear the PTs before capital ships come in to pound the port like the old days. To counter, in addition to the subs, about 24 PTs are deployed at Lautem in four TFs. Shipping will continue to stay clear, and just in case the KB decides to raid the Aussie coastal bases before heading back to port, coastal shipping goes to port and fighters are deployed to Exmouth, Port Hedland, Broome, Derby, Truscott and of course Darwin. I don’t think that is likely, but its best to put some fighter umbrella up and get shipping into ports where possible just in case.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, medium bomber airstrikes begin along the river line to soften up defenders - few casualties are reported which means the troops are of course dug in pretty well. Going to be a bloody crossing!

In the IO, the Benkoelen landings went in without issue, the potential Jpn airstrike never happened. By the end of the two days, the Amph TF is ready to head back to Siberoet. Troops will need to rest a day or two before attacking. Otherwise, it was a pretty quiet turn around Sumatra. With the KB positively out of the AO, I’m going to send both CV TFs and the BB TF to Siberoet where they can hopefully fully rearm AA ammo and replenish air sorties, as well as get F4U replacements which will have air strength up to 100% across the fleet - as well as 100% a/c on the four Repl CVEs. CV Lex is about to finish its upgrade at Columbo, and should also be ready to sail to join the fleet. So, the entire fleet should be in good shape to perhaps head east and not only support SWPAC, but hunt down the KB should it stay forward in the Makassar area. On the ground, troops occupied an undefended Praboemoelih which has an intact level 2(7) AF adjacent to Palembang. Pretty surprised L_S_T abandoned this base without a fight, and P-47s are flown in as C-47s will airlift the USMC MAG HQ that was going into Oosthaven. The noose continues to close around Palembang which looks to have been reinforced to about 30k defenders, obviously well dug in. I currently have three infantry divisions and support closing in on Palembang (3rd Mar Div is getting a rest to mop up loose ends and prep for Merak), and it will still take probably till the end of the month before they are in position to attack the base - Benkoelen and Djambi need to be taken first, and those troops assembled to the NW of Palembang, the only non-river hex. Also, with 30k defenders, I figure to get another Indian Div from the mainland shipped over for that attack, and I have time bring it over….the Heavies will need to soften up the defenders for a week or so as well……still lots to do!

If Palembang turns out to be well defended, as you suppose, do you really need to take it? Or can you effectively bypass it and keep it neutered?

ORIGINAL: jwolf

If Palembang turns out to be well defended, as you suppose, do you really need to take it? Or can you effectively bypass it and keep it neutered?

Well, my original plan for Sumatra, was just that - neutralize Palembang. Now though, I think I can take the base - will see what the forts are once I get the troops assembled. If it is too hard to take, I may elect to neutralize - but that does pose some problems.

Truthfully, not sure if I want to keep at least two divisions sitting on top of Palembang to neutralize it. All really depends on its defenses, and that will have to see.