Matrix Games Forums

18-19 Feb 44

Highlights – KB loses another CV to subs while PTs engage DDs off Lautem; Soerabaja oil hit by Long Range Heavies.

Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Katsuragi - airgoup didn’t come up as losses, so she’s technically still afloat…but Tracker says…)
DD: 1 (Hayashimo)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CVE: 1 (Chuyo)
DD: 1 (Arare)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 8

Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CV Katsuragi sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB and the IJN Fleet still looks to be in the western Banda Sea area.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Noemfoor Amph TFs begins heading to initially link up at Manus, then will head to stage at Sarmi. Air largely rests. Supply situation getting better.

In SWPAC, well, so far, the Akagi and the rest of the KB hasn’t headed back to Makassar as SIGINT reported. Instead, the CVs headed NE to a position north of Dili where SS Pompon put three torpedoes into CV Katsuragi. Although intel claims her sunk, I think she’s trying to make Kendari before she founders, so air will attempt to prevent that. Not sure where the rest of the KB will sail, but I don’t think they will loiter off Timor much longer. In any case, subs will get more opportunities to disrupt operations. An IJN DD TF (6DD) did engage PTs off Lautem, sinking 8, but the PTs put a torp into a DD, sinking her. The BB TF hasn’t come in to bombard Lautem yet - I’m figuring that’s inbound next turn, so I’ve reinforced the PTs, delayed some inbound barges, and pulled out the fighter squadrons. Hopefully the subs will have some luck!

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, the fleet rearms successfully at Siberoet and is now fully ready for combat operations - 100% sorties avail and ammo replenished. The fleet will head off Benkoelen to support the landings of support troops next turn. After getting into position, will look to put a full court press on reducing IJA air over Palembang, then the fleet will depart for SWPAC. Focus next turn will be the initial ground attack on Benkoelen, supported by a naval bombardment as well as Heavies. Elsewhere, troops continue to converge on Palembang; Djambi looks to be abandoned and troops should occupy the base next turn or shortly thereafter which will become another major AF. Lastly, long range Brit B-24 variants hit Soerabaja oil targets in daylight, meeting no CAP and destroying a reported 102 of the 191 oil targets there! Nice!

20-21 Feb 44

Highlights – CV Katsuragi found and sunk by Heavies at Kendari as the KB stays in the Banda Sea; Benkoelen taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Tatsuta)
DD: 2 (Kiyonami, Arashi)
SS: 1 (I-35)
SST: 1 (Yu-2)
ARD: 1 (Meyungs)
E: 1
AG: 2
xAK: 2
xAKL: 2
AMc: 2

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Inazumi)

Allied ships sunk:
DE: 1 (Crouter)
PT: 7
AM: 1
LST: 1
YMS: 1
YO: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 102
Allied: 44

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 7 Attacks, 5 ship hit (ARD, 2xAK, AG, AMc sunk) Hiryu Missed!

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Benkoelen

SIGINT/Intel: Quite unexpectedly, the KB remains in the Banda Sea while the IJN BB TFs looks to have taken port at Manando on the NE tip of Celebes - perhaps the new primary base of the IJN capable of sortie against both SOPAC and SWPAC?

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Navy Heavies hit Noemfoor with moderate effect as part of prep for landings. Amph TF still enroute to Manus to link up with supporting forces, including 2 CVEs to provide local CAP - which if the KB heads to Manado will cause serious pause to this operation - the Amph TF and support will need to get in AND out quickly before the IJN can counter. But timing the Noemfoor operation with continued pressure in SWPAC against Timor will give L_S_T a tough choice.

In SWPAC, a busy, and surprising turn! First off, the bombardment parade goes in as expected against Lautem, and also as expected, brushes aside the PTs without any serious problems. Although the PTs managed to engage at 1000yds, their torpedoes all missed, and the .50 cals against BBs aren’t going to do much! What they did do was throw a bit of confusion into the IJN TFs, starting with the BB TF (4BB, 5CA, 3CL, DDs) with CA Mogami colliding with DD Kiyonami which was reported sunk as a result in the first engagement, and the PTs losing no boats. Second engagement has the BB TF (2BB, DDs) doing a bit better, sinking 7 PTs for no damage. The third bombardment TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) misses the PTs, but none of the bombardment TFs do much damage - no a/c destroyed (PBYs still based there) and the AF and port were fully operational with zero damage at the start of my turn. Very surprised at that with the amount of ships thrown against that target! Meanwhile, SS Pompon has another chance at a CV, but this time misses CV Hiryu with 6 torps!

Was also very surprised that the KB stayed out in the Banda Sea, and I was very fortunate as the IJN only launched a few strikes, although much shipping was in range. First strikes hit an LST convoy (3LST, YMS) sinking an LST and the YMS, crippling the other two LSTs. A small strike at Lautem misses two APDs, but the offloading LSD isn’t even engaged. Another strike finds a coastal tanker convoy (DE, AM 5YO) 80m south of Lautem bringing in fuel for PTs, sinking the DE, the AM and 3YOs. The last two strikes find the CA TF (3CA, 2CL, DDs) escorting the reinforcing support troops to Lautem which was loitering a bit too close - 120m SSE of Lautem (REALLY didn’t expect the KB to stay in the Banda Sea!!). Only two small strikes were launched (13Z, 9T / 23Z, 12T) which managed to torpedo CL Hobart, forcing her return to Darwin. That was it! Why no major strikes against these two valuable TFs has me scratching my head, but I’m thrilled with the luck!

Allied strikes were mixed - a squadron of SBDs and B-25s found and attacked the KB, getting mauled by the CAP (8 SBD, 6 B-25 lost), while a few mediums found and sunk a pair of xAKLs and damaged CL Kuma off Bara in the Ceram Sea.

The main event in SWPAC however was the three B-24 squadrons hitting Kendari in daylight, catching CV Katsuragi TF disbanded - sinking Katsuragi (air group came up as ground loss), CLAA Tatsuta, an E and AG as well! Surprisingly no CAP, and no plane was lost to AA. Wow!


For next turn, will clear shipping back toward bases and see what the KB does - perhaps joining the BBs in Manado? Subs will continue their presence in the Banda Sea, so perhaps they’ll get lucky. The big reinforcement convoy slated for Lautem will hold off at Darwin until the situation clears. In any case, all the more reason to bring the US CV TF to SWPAC to “clear up the situation”.

In China, it remains quiet. A bit surprised the IJA offensive in the Changsa region has quieted down a bit - allowing time for the Chinese to pull west and reform a new defensive line.

In Burma, the river crossing NE of Moulmein “should” happen next turn, so all available Burma based bombers will be focused on the target hex - including a B-24 group at Port Blair. Hoping for the best here as the attacking force has three divisions (one US, Brit and Chinese) and a Corps HQ in the initial assault against an estimated Bde size force.

In the IO, the fleet returns to a position just off Benkoelen where an IJN sub makes an unsuccessful attack on the screening DDs, and is brought to the surface and sunk. No major daylight LBA strikes, only a few Frances at night, which hit nothing and lose 1 to AA. On the ground, it takes two attacks against Benkoelen to take the base, and force the enemy Bde to withdraw to the south, losing 2600 men against 300 US in the attacks. This opens up a direct supply route to Allied forces in the Palembang area, and will now become the primary port on Sumatra - once engineers land to repair the damage and expand both the port and airfield of course. Ground troops also close on Djambi and find it unoccupied, but the base does not flip quite yet. Still, that will allow all three divisions to focus (and prep for) Palembang - the 3rd Mar Div will not be involved in the Palembang assault, but will occupy key locations and prep for Merak. Next turn will open the reduction of Palembang by air, which I expect will be a bloody and costly prolonged operation. Two B-24 groups will go in against the AF, supported by about 250 LBA fighters and 200 Hellcats from the fleet. Estimated Jpn daylight fighter defense is about 125, and many, many AA batteries. The main US fleet will support for a few days at most before heading to SWPAC, leaving LBA, CVE TF, and the British Fleet to provide support along the Sumatra Coast. Lastly, CV Lexington finally finished out repairs at Colombo, and will depart next turn to join the fleet off Sumatra, then on to SWPAC.

Great job of timing against the CV at Kendari. They can run, but can't hide. [:)] Good work!

22-23 Feb 44

Highlights – Burma offensive starts well; Palembang raid very successful.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
E: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 2 (Okinami, Nenohi)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 143
Allied: 40

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 8 Attacks, 5 ship hit (E, PB sunk, 2TK, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Enggano (IO)

Bases Liberated:
Djambi (IO)
Pakanbaroe (IO)

SIGINT/Intel:KB sighted by PBY search SE of the Philippines heading north.

West Coast/Admin: CVE TF (6CVE, DD/DEs) formed in Portland, will head to SOPAC.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Noemfoor Amphib gathers at Manus, will head to Sarmi to stage next turn with supporting forces. A bit concerned that the KB is now in the Pacific, but as it was reported headed north on the eastern coast of the Philippines, I don’t think it’s going to be in a position to threaten the Noemfoor operation. But I’m not clear where its headed; I’ve routed a number of subs in the area to patrol off the PI eastern coast, and will have recon look at Davao as a potential base. Although the KB was sighted, I’m not sure what’s based in Manado right now. Will send a DD TF (4DDs) out to patrol/raid the northern New Guinea coast to see if that stirs any up IJN elements.

In SWPAC, it was pretty darn quiet except for an increase in LBA hitting US subs, damaging three operating off Celebes. With the KB reported heading north out of the area, will resume the convoys into Lautem, and begin loading the Endeh Amphib at Port Hedland. CVE and CA TF will escort the big convoy into Lautem just in case part of the KB is still somewhere in the vicinity, or long range LBA strikes come in, but recon says the coast (literally and figuratively) is clear. The nearest Jpn major base looks to be established at Manado on the NE tip of Celebes, other key bases such as Kendari, Ambon, Dili, and Koepang all have been neutralized by B-24s. Makassar may also be a LBA threat, but has been extensively mined, so I don’t think the IJN is basing there any longer. Will mission some recon there just in case. The Endeh operation will shift the focus out of the Banda Sea and should effectively isolate remaining IJA forces in Timor. Once secure, this will also bring single engine fighters in range of the Makassar Strait, putting Java Sea shipping at risk from both east and west.

In China, IJA forces resume some limited offensive operations, finally displacing that valiant Cavalry Corps ESE of Chihkiang to open up the route to Changsa. Another offensive seems to be brewing west of Nanning, but not sure if the IJA has enough combat power to force a river crossing here. Chinese forces are much more robust and well supplied these days.

In Burma, the river crossing NE of Moulmein goes in as planned and without excessive losses - better than expected all around! IJA only had a Bde of the 6th RTA Div, which lost 2000 men to the Allies losing only 350 in the river crossing. Even better was that the IJA troops withdrew out the hex to the NE, the best possible outcome, which, allows the Allies to begin expanding their bridgehead. Based on this attack, will also try and force a crossing on the hex just NE of Moulmein in the next few turns with another three divisions already moving for a crossing. Still will be a slow grind to flank Moulmein and gain open ground in Thailand which is the overall objective here - the main effort heading east towards Indochina, not into Malaya. I’m going to try and avoid triggering Kamikazes as long as possible, limiting the southern advances to probably Tavoy on the Andaman Sea, and bypassing Bangkok. Of course, there is another major river to cross near Bangkok as well, which is probably already defended. In any case, these are all weeks or months away, and supplies could become an issue as no clear supply lines bypass Bangkok.

In the IO, the air offensive against Palembang was pretty much a non event. CAP was much lighter than expected, 30 Nicks and 78 Tonys at its peak, but they were at low altitude - staggered between 5-10k. With the bombers at 14k, and all sweeps staggered above that from 15k to 31k, Allied losses were very light and no fighter engaged a bomber. Bombing was good despite heavy Flak, and although many bombers were damaged, only two were lost, and both to operational loss. At the end of two days, 57 Tonys and 20 Nicks were destroyed in the air and another 24 Nick D night fighter models and 6 other planes destroyed on the ground. Allied losses were 11 F6Fs, 7 F4Us and a P-47 lost air to air. AF is reportedly closed, and one squadron hit manpower, starting fires damaging 70 refinery. Will need to rest the Medan based B-24 group as the planes are pretty shot up, but the Siberoet based bombers will hit Palembang again, with about half hitting the AF, the rest hitting manpower. On the ground, Djambi is occupied as is the dot base Pakanbaroe west of Benkalis. Still about 20k IJA around Benkalis area, slowly falling back between the three Allied Bdes slowly closing in from the north and west. Djambi was taken intact, and PBYs and Spits are already basing there with C-47s flying in aviation support and an engineer battalion already on site begins expanding the AF. At sea, a Brit IN Bn lands unopposed to secure the island of Enggano off the coast of Sumatra as the last Amphib of the Sumatran Campaign. US CV, BB and CVE Rplen TFs will now pull out to sea, and begin the cruise to SWPAC, taking on fuel enroute, and arriving hopefully in time to provide distant cover for the Endeh landings should the KB return to southern waters. Will leave the British surface combat elements, the CVE TF (6CVEs, CL, CLAA, DD/DEs) and for the time being, many assault transports to continue shuttling troops along the Sumatran coast which has few good size ports. But for the most part, the Indian Ocean naval campaign should be over. The next sizeable naval operation should be the Merak Amphib which is at least a month or more away, depending on how the ground campaign against Palembang goes.

24-25 Feb 44

Highlights – Oh Hell! Did I just activate Kamikazes??!! [X(]

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-111)
E: 1
xAK: 2

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Seawolf - succumbs to damage enroute to port)

Air loss:
Jpn: 40
Allied: 29

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ship hit (E, xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Enggano (IO)
Singkep (IO - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB sighted at Talaud-eilanden, south of the PI, north of Ternate - able to counter any landings along the northern New Guinea coast.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Noemfoor Amphib and supporting TFs arrive at Sarmi. But with the KB to the NW at Talaud-eilanden, the Noemfoor landings are cancelled, the troops will be landed at Hansa Bay and remissioned. Noemfoor is heavily defended (12k troops) and does nothing for the Allied cause, other than advancing airpower a few more miles west along the New Guinea coast. Not worth chancing drawing the KB down for a prolonged Noemfoor campaign. So instead, SOPAC will bypass the entire Biak-Noemfoor area and the next landing will be on the western tip of New Guinea - Sorong. Troops are already prepped, and since the KB is loitering near, it will take the support of the US CVs to get SOPAC rolling.

In SWPAC, Lautem reinforcement convoy supported by CA and CVE TFs arrived at Lautem and begins offloading - so far without any interference, although the Jpn base at Makassar has been reinforced, and mine clearing has begun. Will continue to push troops into Latuem, and begin the overland drive to secure Dili, but the main effort in Theater will shift to Endeh, NNW of Keopang on the island of Flores. Endeh Amphib TF completed loading at Port Hedland, and will head NE to rendezvous with the CVE TF that should be mission complete from Lautem shortly. From a position south of Koepang, they will head to Endeh. I figure this may draw the KB back to the Banda Sea - but with experience L_S_T has had with subs in the area, its just a 50/50 shot.

In China, US bombers run into Georges SW of Nanning, as the P-51As sweeping were late on arrival. The B-25s do good work against the IJA infantry in the open inflicting about 500 casualties, but lose 5 bombers to the Georges. The P-51As finally engage late, downing 5 Georges at a cost of 5 P-51As. They did better than I thought against Georges! Still, with Georges in the area, will suspend air operations for a bit, until I can get a few more fighters out of the Burma Theater. On the ground, the Chinese withdrawal from the Changsa area continues, and the new defensive line should be able to be established as planned.

In Burma, two more infantry brigades arrive in the bridgehead and troops continue to advance. Airpower is focused on the next crossing site with minimal effect. The IJA defenders appear to be pulling out even before the troops cross the river - I’m good with that, less casualties!

In the IO, the big unwelcome news is the island off the Sumatran coast, Singkep (SW of Singapore) flipped to Allied control, although the nearest Allied unit was 2 hexes away at Djambi. Damn! I figure this should and will trigger Kamikaze activation as Singkep is well within the 20hex range of Saigon, and is “occupied” by Allied troops. This is way too early to give L_S_T the Kamikazes, I was hoping to hold off for a few months at least. Oh well, the war just got a bit tougher! In any case, the airstrikes against Palembang continued with no enemy CAP, more refineries and some oil damaged by fires. Will continue the pressure against Palembang, adding the B-24s at Medan to the campaign, some hitting manpower and some hitting the port as a number of ships were reported there - likely damaged vessels. Also, a TBF squadron was deployed to Praboemoelih, adjacent to Palembang, to hit reported shipping near the base. With Lady Lex linking up, most of the US Fleet begins to disengage from Theater, taking on fuel from a Repl TF (w/CVEs and AOs), and will head to SWPAC. A of number of assault transports as well as the primary Repl TF will follow the Fleet in the coming days. This will leave the CVE TF (6CVEs, CL, CLAA, DDs) as the primary air cover to augment LBA fighters - which, with Palembang neutralized, should be enough. Still, there is a major air threat from Singapore, that can range to all Sumatran ports, and the now numerous Allied coastal convoys. Just a matter of time before one of these small convoys (usually half a dozen ships) gets hammered.

I think you need boots on the ground to trigger Kamikazes (not positive though). I thought the 20-hex-by-sea rule only applies to the home islands. Saigon would have to be invaded by the Allies to trigger the Kamikazes. Same for Okinawa (either base), or Hong Kong.

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I think you need boots on the ground to trigger Kamikazes (not positive though). I thought the 20-hex-by-sea rule only applies to the home islands. Saigon would have to be invaded by the Allies to trigger the Kamikazes. Same for Okinawa (either base), or Hong Kong.

I sure hope you're right on the "boots on the ground" theory BB, but the 20 hexes do apply here - from the manual:

7.4.2.3 KAMIKAZES
Kamikazes are activated if the Allies own a base within 15 hexes (traced by sea only) of either
Tokyo, Takao, or Saigon. However, these will never activate before January 1, 1944.

And I'm assuming the "own" a base includes flipping Singkep as that means its under Allied control - L_S_T has been quiet about it so far....but he'll let me know soon enough. One way or the other!

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I think you need boots on the ground to trigger Kamikazes (not positive though). I thought the 20-hex-by-sea rule only applies to the home islands. Saigon would have to be invaded by the Allies to trigger the Kamikazes. Same for Okinawa (either base), or Hong Kong.

I sure hope you're right on the "boots on the ground" theory BB, but the 20 hexes do apply here - from the manual:

7.4.2.3 KAMIKAZES
Kamikazes are activated if the Allies own a base within 15 hexes (traced by sea only) of either
Tokyo, Takao, or Saigon. However, these will never activate before January 1, 1944.

And I'm assuming the "own" a base includes flipping Singkep as that means its under Allied control - L_S_T has been quiet about it so far....but he'll let me know soon enough. One way or the other!

I'll watch for the first onslaught. It is also possible the IJ player will take the time to try and train up his kamikazes a bit so they have a better chance of hitting something. That would delay things a bit.

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

I sure hope you're right on the "boots on the ground" theory BB, but the 20 hexes do apply here - from the manual:

7.4.2.3 KAMIKAZES
Kamikazes are activated if the Allies own a base within 15 hexes (traced by sea only) of either
Tokyo, Takao, or Saigon. However, these will never activate before January 1, 1944.

And I'm assuming the "own" a base includes flipping Singkep as that means its under Allied control - L_S_T has been quiet about it so far....but he'll let me know soon enough. One way or the other!

This interesting thread on the subject says that the base needs to have airfield size 1 or higher. There is however no mention of LCUs and I never heard about this. The thread also explains why the manual says 15 hexes while the correct value is 20 in anything after patch 2 (smaller hexes in AE).

26-27 Feb 44

Highlights – Sub bags another CV! Good strike on shipping in and around Palembang. Also, L_S_T confirms Kamis activated [:@]


Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Soryu)
PB: 2
SC: 1
TK: 3 (small)
xAK: 3
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 86
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 7 Attacks, 4 ships hit (CV, PC, xAK, xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Changteh (China)
Shaoyang (China - flipped)

Bases Liberated:
Dobo (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: KB sorites from Talaud-eilanden, and is immediately found and attacked by SS Pintado; KB, along with Battle Line, appears to have sortied in anticipation of US Amphib in Biak area.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, as the Noemfoor Amphib and supporting TFs withdraw back to Hansa Bay, the KB does in fact sortie from Talaud-eilanden to the SE….apparently to ambush that Noemfoor Amphib at its intended target. So, fortunately, I aborted the amphib - AND - got very lucky with the ONE sub patrolling SE of Talaud found and engaged the KB, hitting CV Soryu with 3 torps in each of two attacks, sinking her (replay showed Hiyo, but Tracker says Soryu - and a/c “destroyed on the ground” totals Soryu’s complement). I had a few subs patrolling north of Talaud along the PI eastern coast as I didn’t expect a sortie until a landing took place. So now the KB is once again north of New Guinea, posing a threat to US shipping and bases. More subs are of course vectored in, CAP on bases increased, and Heavy bombers withdrawn from Hollandia just in case a bombardment or raid is in the cards. With Noemfoor cancelled, and other landings on hold until the US CVs can support, the most dangerous option for the KB would be a major attack on a US base - especially Manus with the Fleet Train established there. But that would be a very costly attack. Still, much shipping and naval assets are gathered and sent to Kiriwina Island in the Solomon Sea just in case the KB hits a major base. So, it will be interesting to see what L_S_T does with the KB, and see if my subs can continue their luck north of New Guinea.

In SWPAC, the Lautem reinforcement convoy completes offloading and heads for Darwin without any interference. The CVE and CA TFs will break off and rendezvous with the Endeh Amphib off the Australian coast and head toward target. CV Bunker Hill TF (CV, 2CVL, DDs) and BB Iowa TF (2BB, CL, DDs) will depart Exmouth and head to rendezvous with the CV TFs heading in from the Indian Ocean - with a little synchronization luck, all TFs will be in position to begin landings in about 3-4 days. Meanwhile, B-24s concentrate on hitting Ambon AF to keep it closed, but bombing results were poor and Flak heavy - two B-24s lost and will have to hit the target again next turn. No Jpn air based at Ambon, but Makassar is another story, and it will get the attention of B-24s at night, still a bit too far for effective fighter cover just yet.

In China, the withdrawal near Changsa continues, and so far, the Chinese are staying ahead of the pursuing IJA troops, which occupied the abandoned city of Changteh and Shaoyang flipped to Jpn control. In the Nanning area, I get surprised by an IJA shock attack from part of the 1st Tank Division which gets across the river against a Chinese Corps north of the base, with neither side taking appreciable losses. Still the IJA are across the intended Nanning defensive line along the river, and perhaps this is a bigger threat than I initially thought - so will have to increase some reinforcements toward the Nanning area, possibly to include some Allied tank units. This could get ugly!

In Burma, the second bridgehead crossing should take place next turn with three divisions coming across. Air support continues to hit the defenders although with poor results, and the bombers will expand their attacks to Moulmein as troops appear to also be pulling out. So far, so good.

In the IO, the Palembang air offensive continues with good results. AF remains closed and more oil and refinery industry are being damaged. Slow but steady progress. Attacks on the port are also successful, sinking a pair of what were likely already damaged xAKs. Will continue the attacks as ground troops begin to their final approach toward Palembang. Lastly, TBF sorties from Praboemoelih engage a number of small convoys in and around Palembang, sinking 2PBs, 3 small TKs and an xAK and damaging a number of other ships before running out of torpedoes. Will reinforce Praboemoelih with a squadron of Helldivers and continue the naval strikes again as targets still remain trying to get fuel out of Palembang before Allied troops close in on the base itself. At sea, reinforcement and supply convoys continue to land troops and supplies at Benkoelen and Padang without interference, CVEs remain at Benkoelen providing support.

28-29 Feb 44

Highlights – Leap Year ’44 goes fairly quietly; Moulmein bridgehead expands and US LBA does well against shipping at Palembang.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
TK: 2 (small)
xAK: 3
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 31
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (TK sunk, 2xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: KB sighted near Peleliu, presumably heading north.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, with the KB no longer an immediate threat, shipping returns to normal operations and will start looking to organize assets to amphib at Sorong in the coming weeks. Pretty much quiet all around this turn as air rests.

In SWPAC, Ambon is hit by heavies with good effect although AA was heavy. Two B-24s failed to return but the AF was reported to be non-operational. No CAP and no enemy planes destroyed. B-24s also hit Makassar, but at night - results were good considering the night attack, 4 Lilys and 4 Jakes destroyed but the AF is still operational. Still too far for a daylight strike, but recon indicates that the fighters have now moved out, so perhaps L_S_T has determined its vulnerable and has pulled back. If so, mission accomplished and the Endeh landings should go in without much threat of LBA. Endeh Amphib TF rendezvous with the CVE and CA TFs, and stages about 4 hexes off Endeh, ready to make the approach in next turn. Not expecting any defenders, and the two Bdes and support are of course probably overkill. CV TFs from the Indian Ocean have also rendezvoused with the Bunker Hill and Iowa TFs, and I have reorganized the fleet - now 3 CV TFs, each with about 3-4 CVs and 2-3 CVLs, 2BBs, 6 Cruisers and DDs. I think that will give me a better option to detach one CV TF for refueling, and still maintain combat capabilities. To that, one CV TF will head for Exmouth to refuel and replace some Corsairs, while the remaining two TFs and support will provide distant cover to the Endeh landings. Although I don’t think the CV move from the IO to SWPAC has been spotted yet due to weather, I’m sure the move won’t be a total surprise to L_S_T. Lastly, troops reach Dili from Lautem and will rest at least one turn before beginning their assault. Dili is a level 4 AF, so gaining it will have an immediate effect to project LBA in the region.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, the second bridgehead crossing goes across with good results, 2100 IJA lost for 100 Allied. Looks like the IJA is in full retreat from Moulmein and heading east toward Thailand. LBA will hit the troops moving, and BB TF (2BB, CLAA, DDs) will bombard Moulmein to cause as much friction as possible to this withdrawal. As expected, the Allied advance once across the river is slow due to terrain, and it will still be a long slog - recon is now shifting to the Rahaeng area in Thailand to begin to determine what the next IJA defensive line looks like. I’ve got two Para Bdes in reserve in Rangoon that could - if the situation permits - be used to assist the advance across the river near Rahaeng.

In the IO, with two divisions fully assembled, troops begin the march to the Palembang hex, with another division plus following on. Stacking is limited to 40k in Palembang, and of course, L_S_T has about 40k troops there. Airpower will now switch from primarily hitting the base (port, AF and city attacks) to hitting ground troops. Figure it’s going to take at least a week to assemble the ground troops and give airpower the chance to disrupt the defenders a bit. Strike a/c at Praboemelih had good success hitting what’s likely the last attempt to ship fuel out of Palembang, sinking two small TKs and two PBs. They will continue to interdict shipping that comes in range. With the refinery still capable and generating supply, isolating Palembang isn’t an option - I’m thinking this is going to look like Chungking, which isn’t a good thought. At sea, its quiet, so far no enemy air attacks on shipping off Sumatra although it’s still a target rich environment off the Sumatran coast. Will continue to send APA/AKAs to SWPAC as they are freed up, leaving at least the capability to conduct a division plus amphib - primarily with British LSI(L)s augmented by a few US APA/AKAs.

Feb 44 Summary

Probably one of the best months of the campaign so far! Although no single decisive major battle took place, continued Allied advances caused a prolonged, attritional campaign resulting in heavy Japanese losses to relatively few Allied, especially off Sumatra. Solid gains in both IO and SWPAC, Burma is moving forward again, but advances in SOPAC were delayed somewhat and Palembang still remains as an IJA bastion in Sumatra. The IJN counters to thwart advances in the IO, SWPAC and SOPAC were all timed a bit too late to derail the advance and although delayed the advance in both SWPAC and SOPAC, resulted in heavy loss - although the massed sub attacks off Sumatra were worrisome, and both subs and LBA inflicted naval losses. China has become active once again, and not in a good way as the IJA resumes offensive operations. Naval losses for the month were in the Allies favor again thanks mainly to the subs; the IJN lost 2CV, 1 CLAA, 3DD, 12MTB, 3SS and 6SSX compared to the Allies losing only 1CL, 5DE, 2SS and 15PT overall. In the air, the highly sought after 2-1 loss ratio was greatly exceeded, due to a month of heavy, but largely ineffective LBA attacks vs. the Allied landings in Sumatra; losses were 1884 for Jpn to 675 Allied. Also, on perhaps a relatively minor note, for the first time since the dark early days of the campaign, Allied VP totals exceeded Japan’s. It might swing back and forth for a while, but it’s definitely going in the right direction long term. Lastly, and which might have the longest lasting effect, I managed to trigger the Kamikazes all too early when the island of Singkep off Sumatra “flipped”.

INTEL: After Soryu was sunk, the KB has again vanished. No trace. While I wasn’t too surprised that the KB was eventually committed to the Sumatran Campaign - although I did expect it much earlier - I was a bit surprised that it would again try an ambush on the north coast of New Guinea - as other attempts had similar results…loss of CVs to subs for no gain. So now the KB is less two more CVs and nothing gained from their efforts. That said, I have no idea what will “trigger” the KB’s commitment now. I’m guessing either a landing in the Marianas or the Philippines which are still a few months away. The combination of LBA with a massed sub attack as what happened off Sumatra will likely be combined with the introduction of Kamikazes and the KB is the most likely, and the most dangerous if L_S_T can pull off the synchronization. The wild card is probably fuel - just how much is available for a major IJN sortie?

SUBWAR: Subs are seemingly more effective against the IJN CVs, or my luck has just gotten a whole lot better. There are more subs available, no question. Both Katsuragi and Soryu succumbed to sub attacks during KB “raids”. Allied sub drivers still have the most dangerous job as Japanese ASW a/c are still the sub’s primary scourge. On the other side, L_S_T’s massing of conventional subs and mini subs converging during an amphib landing was dangerous tactic that had some successes.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production increases to 872 in Mar with the introduction of the P-51B and the P-47D25 replacing the P-47D. Another good month in the air provides replacement aircraft available for most frontline fighters and for the bombers, only the B-25 series is, as usual, in short supply. Pilot pools are in pretty good shape, although most of the US Army’s trainers (restricted Fourth Air Force squadrons) are slated to withdraw at the end of month. On the naval side, the fleet is stronger than it has ever been, with all CV/CVLs and fast BBs avail and consolidated with the exception of CV Essex, still in repair in England.

NOPAC. NSTR.

CENPAC. I expect it to remain quiet in March, although there is a slight, and I mean slight, possibility of beginning offensive amphib operations west of Truk very late in the month, but that is more likely to happen in April/May.

SOPAC. Again, subs thwarted a KB raid, sinking Soryu shortly after the KB sortied. However, that raid did decide the outcome of the Noemfoor landings - it was cancelled. Noemfoor was more of a holding attack and to progress LBA forward, but in the end, I decided it wasn’t needed. Instead, SOPAC will land at Sorong, bypassing the well defended Noemfoor/Biak area. That landing should happen in the latter half of March, depending on how quickly the upcoming SWPAC landings take, and will signal the transition of the fleet back to Pacific Ocean waters.

SWPAC. Good progress in SWPAC, with the eastern Banda Sea islands secured and providing airstrips to extend fighter and bomber range that was able to suppress the primary Japanese airbases of Ambon, Boela, Kendari and even threatening Makassar. The landing at Lautem was a risk as LBA fighter cover was limited, but mitigated by CVEs. I was lucky to catch wind of the KB sortie back to counter the reinforcing of Lautem, pulling the CVEs and other support clear - and again, subs did well crippling Katsuragi during that sortie. Bombers finished her off while taking refuge in Kendari. The KB sortie did delay operations for about a week, but with the KB north of New Guinea, offensive operations resumed, only with the support of CVEs. Now with the Fleet in Theater, landings will go in at Endeh to secure fighter AFs for the next major advance. Securing the southern half of Celebes will be the focus in March, which will involve some preliminary landings and ultimately division plus size amphib operations. Troops are all well prepped already, and it’s just a question of logistics (and assault shipping availability) and whether or not the KB returns to provoke a fight. Securing the Kendari-Makassar area should effectively isolate the eastern end of the Java Sea and directly threaten the oil refineries on Borneo.

China. Sadly, IJA offensive operations have resumed in China, taking the eastern tip of the Allied “Kweiyang Line” at Changsa all too easily. Worse, a new offensive on the SW portion of the line, near Nanning, looks to be gaining momentum and is more powerful than originally thought. Still, the Chinese troops are now pretty well supplied along the entire front, and there are a few Allied “corset” troops available, as well as some limited airpower. Expect continued pressure in March, and with some luck can make the IJA gains costly.

Burma. The long delayed Moulmein offensive is now underway, and so far, so good. Troops are across the river at minimal cost, and the IJA is in full retreat - so I doubt there will be any major encirclement or quick exploitation here. Goal is to continue the advance into Thailand, but I think L_S_T is well versed at reading the tea leaves and that option will likely be heavily blocked. Malaya will also now be invested from the north, with the threat of triggering Kamikazes removed, there is little reason why not to advance south. Still, the focus will remain into Thailand and the open ground east of Bangkok to threaten Indochina. That’s the long term goal anyway.

IO. The Sumatra campaign continues to be THE defining campaign so far - despite the lack of any major single naval engagement since landing at Sabang. Landings at Benkoelen and Oosthaven triggered major responses that included massed LBA attacks and massed sub attacks, and although late, the IJN looking for a fight. That fight was denied by the USN which were at a low ebb from the month of countering constant LBA attacks - which was probably what L_S_T was hoping for to give him the edge in a CV fight. Instead, both fleets seemed to stare each other down for a turn or two before the KB withdrew back into the Java Sea. Overall, the Allied Fleet did well against everything L_S_T could throw at it, with minimal losses sustained. On the ground, troops slowly but surely closed on the prize of Palembang, to find it heavily reinforced by IJA. By month’s end, troops are set to close in for the final fight at Palembang as airpower attempts to reduce the defenders. Much concern here as Palembang looks an awful lot like Chungking - a heavily defended, well fortified, well supplied redoubt. With the Fleet departed to SWPAC, and not expected to return any time soon, focus for ground and air forces are to secure Palembang, while naval assets keep the supplies flowing into Sumatra. Construction engineers are focused on expanding available ports and airfields, to include prepping a number of airfields for B-29s, the first of which should be arriving in Theater before month’s end. Assault shipping will be gradually reduced as most US APA/AKAs head out of Theater. Lastly, and most significantly, troops taking Djambi apparently triggered the island of Singkep off the coast to “flip” to Allied control which triggers the Kamikaze capability. Was really hoping to avoid triggering Kamis for as long as possible, although I’m not exactly sure what advantage that will provide. I was hoping not to find out for a few more months.

1-2 Mar 44

Highlights – Endeh landings go in without opposition.

Jpn ships sunk:
AM: 1
SS: 1 (I-41)
TK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-111)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 31
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (TK sunk, sub dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Endeh (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Endeh (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB location unknown.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, its back to re-organizing for upcoming landings. Noemfoor units were dropped at Kiriwina in the Solomon Sea due to more than anything else, stacking limitations on New Guinea bases. These troops will now begin planning for Amphibs in the PI. Troops earmarked for Sorong are already fully prepped, and are standing by for transport at various bases in Theater.

In SWPAC, troops go ashore at Endeh unopposed and carry the base. No air attacks either which is a good sign. Troops can begin to advance on the nearby bases of Ruteng and Maumere, and of course building an airstrip. CVE TF, with CA TF providing cover, will remain at Endeh providing fighter cover for incoming support troops and supplies as well as attempting to interdict naval targets of opportunity within range. This will take a few days, then will shift the CVEs to cover the landings at Pantar and then Salajar. These will complete the isolation of Koepang and set the conditions for troops landing at Celebes, the primary objective in Theater for the month. Elsewhere, troops will begin bombarding Dili prior to their assault in the coming days - which will include amphib landing additional troops at Dili itself. Two “glitches” this turn however. First, CVL Princeton must have hit a rock or something while entering port at Port Hedland. No explanation on any of the reports such as collision or similar. In any case, she’s now damaged at (6/4(4)/6(2)) and will need some attention from Darwin ARDs, or perhaps even a shipyard. Another glitch is that Ambon AF is reported to be capable of operations, so Heavies will concentrate on shutting it down. Could be just poor recon, but not worth the chance. Also, in the air war, am going to take a risk on a potential opportunity at Manado on the NE tip of Celebes. L_S_T looks to be establishing a significant base there, but recon reports no fighters present - perhaps because its out of Allied single engine fighter range cover. I’m going to risk a B-24 Group to hit both the port and AF, supported by two P-38 fighter squadrons operating at extended range - something I seldom do. But there is an opportunity here, and it probably won’t last.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, troops continue to slowly advance toward the jungles beyond the bridgehead while more troops move across the river. As expected, it’s a slow slog in the jungles, and as usual, L_S_T is one step ahead, pulling troops out to form a new line. Air attacks on the withdrawing troops don’t do much, and I’m going to need to start pulling bombers out of Burma and back to Sumatra for softening up Palembang defenders.

In the IO, the first ground elements close in on Palembang - perhaps too fast as the Aussie 9th Div supported by a tank battalion are a bit “out in front” of the rest of the force and if L_S_T decides to conduct a quick spoiling attack, it could be ugly. Bombers begin focusing on hitting ground troops with little success, but those attacks will only get more intensive as more bombers come in from Burma. At sea, its pretty quiet, and a minesweeping TF supported by DDs will sweep the Merak area to see what the defenses look like. I know mines are present, and I’m expecting MTBs, the question is whether they are supported by coastal batteries and whether this minesweeping will trigger a response of surface or sub assets as Oosthaven did.

3-4 Mar 44

Highlights – US DDs find mines the hard way off Merak.

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 1
MTB: 2
xAK: 1
ACM: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Numakaze)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 18

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 9 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Ruteng (SWPAC - flipped)
Larantoeka (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Merak, and therefore of course the Sunda Strait, is VERY heavily mined, but doesn’t appear to have CD batteries; KB location unknown.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, NSTR.

In SWPAC, both Ruteng and Larantoeka bases on the isle of Flores flip to Allied control due to the landings at Endeh, apparently no IJA troops on the isle. Heavies hit Ambon with good success, recon now showing AF completely unusable. The single bomb group hitting Manado also does well, no fighters coming up on CAP, and the bombers damaging 2AV, AR and an AG with 500lb hits as well as destroying 13 planes on the ground including 5 Emilys. Results were good for a single raid, but weather prevented a second day’s raid. US Mediums out of Kaimana range across the Ceram Sea, hitting 3 PBs in a convoy near the Moluccas. The range and impact of Allied LBA is extending effectively to Celebes, limiting IJN mobility in Theater. At sea, one US CV TF and the BB TF refuel, while the main body moves slowly eastward south of Timor, still perhaps undetected by enemy air search. One more CV TF needs to take on fuel prior to the TF moving north into the Banda Sea. Allied Assault shipping is busy shuttling support troops to Flores, and that need will actually increase for a few days as there is no IJA opposition on the island. Still, transports are allocated to the Pantar and Salajar landings and begin to head to the embarking ports of Exmouth and Broome respectively. Lastly, the CVE and CA TF remains at Endeh providing CAP and cover, but so far, no enemy air, either day or night has ventured to attack.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, the minesweeping operation and “recon” into Merak ran into a heck of minefield! The DDs providing cover brushed aside two MTBs, and then ran into the mines, all three DDs being heavily damaged. The Minesweeping TF (2DD, 2AM) cleared 10 mines, but both DDs also ran afoul of mines, also damaging the tin cans heavily. Two DDs made port in Oosthaven, which is also mined and currently without air cover. Of the other three DDs, the crippled LaVallette (41/88(70)/1) will make for Benkoelen, the other two should make it to Siberoet, then on to Columbo. A nasty payback for the damage done by Allied mines at Babar! The two AMs remained at Oosthaven and will work to clear those mines, but are also exposed to air attack. Also, on the debit side, enemy LBA made a rare successful night time attack on transports offloading at Benkoelen. Despite a few Beaufighters on night CAP, the 21 Frances made torpedo runs with one scoring a hit damaging an AK offloading supplies. Will increase the night CAP a bit and keep fingers crossed. On land, the Allied main body of troops arrived at Palembang, and are overstacked even before two more divisions worth of troops arrive. Troops at Palembang will hold in place for a few days as airpower continues its attacks on the IJA defenders. Figure another week or so before the first attack goes in. The bomber force on Sumatra was reinforce by shifting a B-24 and A-20 group from supporting troops in Burma to hitting Palembang. Airfields on Sumatra, although expanding, are still at a premium.

5-6 Mar 44

Highlights – Allied troops enter outskirts of Moulmein in Burma.

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 1
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 38
Allied: 29

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: The first Thunderbolt squadron exchanges its P-47D2s for the P-47D25 at Prome in Burma. The P-47D25 is a fantastic plane, but its production run is limited from 3/44 to 6/44 and then there is a big “Thunderbolt Production Gap” until either the P-51 arrives in 11/44 or eventually the P-47N in 3/45. So, I’m going to have to be careful to retain a sizeable amount of production as available replacements - perhaps 200 planes or so?

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, NSTR.

In SWPAC, Allied LBA reaches out to hit a small convoy off Ambon, hitting both a DD and an E, damaging both. Although there is much IJN “coastal shipping” shipping traffic, no sign of any major counter to the Endeh landings. Salajar and Pantar Amphibs begin loading and should head to staging areas next turn. Pantar looks undefended while Salajar appears to have about 1000 men defending. Priority of Allied Naval support with go with Salajar which will be the last landing prior to ampibs on Celebes. Endeh AF now at level 1, and US fighters are flown in; should be level 2 or better to support Salajar. US fleet will now proceed to Darwin to complete fueling and conduct minor repairs - also considering removing the Helldivers from the two CVs that have them, and replacing them with additional fighters and a smaller SBD-5 squadron - one of the VS squadrons converted from Kingfishers. The SB2C-1C’s service rating of 3 is really prohibitive to carrier operations, and with PDU-Off, if a CV arrives with Helldivers, there is no going back. And with Kamikazes available, I don’t think the US CV TFs can have TOO MANY fighters! Lastly, more assault transports continue to head to Exmouth from Sumatran waters, and once assembled, should have enough in Theater to execute the division plus size lifts required for Celebes in a few weeks.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, lead British troops move into Moulmein, finding a week garrison left behind to delay in the city. Will be a few turns before an assault can be mounted due to the level 4 forts. In any case, the IJA main body is well on the way towards Rahaeng and establishing a new line to defend central Thailand…so much for an uneventful drive toward Indochina. In the air, Georges attempt a CAP trap over Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, and do catch B-25s before sweeps come in. 5 B-25s are lost, but then the P-47 sweep comes in downing 17 Georges for no loss.

In the IO, the Allied main body closes on Palembang resulting in overstacking and now supply issues. Not really surprised, to be expected. But it does highlight the need to push more supplies on Sumatra. So, will now pull back some troops during the “prep” phase to allow for bombardments prior to the ground assault. LBA continues to hit troops and the AF, flak remains heavy and a couple of B-24s and A-20s are lost. As expected, Palembang is going to be a tough nut. Will continue the air attacks to attrit the defenders, and will see about getting more supply pushed through to the ground troops. At sea, Frances again attack shipping off Benkoelen at night, but this time fail to score a hit and 4 fail to return to base.