wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

More Operations from 4/1/42

South Pacific: Today's headline..... Hello Force Z, Good-bye Suva Occupation Force. AAR follows.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Nandi at 82,117

Japanese Ships
PC Seki Maru #2, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PC Ch 17, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 18, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 32, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kuraido Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Maruse Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Monji Maru
AP Nichiai Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Tafuku Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
AP Waura Maru
AK Usa Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BC Repulse
CA Australia
CL Java
CL De Ruyter
CL Tromp
CL Hobart
CL Danae
CL Dragon
CL Durban
CL Boise
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Electra
DD Express

Japanese ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

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Force Z has departed Nandi and is patrolling off Suva for one turn to intercept any possible Jap stragglers before returning to base.

Australia: Japanese landings now in progress at Broome - ground units are now ashore. One Japanese AK torpedoed in raid by Dutch T-IVa aircraft - AAR and situation map follows.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Broome at 22,85

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 3
Hudson I x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami
AK Zyuyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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Naval bombardment of Broome, at 22,85

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Shirakumo
DD Ariake
DD Yugure
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze
CL Naka
CL Sendai

Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 31
Port supply hits 1

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Day Air attack on TF, near Broome at 22,85

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Kawakaze

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/2/42

Central Pacific: Japanese TF's south of Johnston appear to be moving towards the west - at this point it could be concluded there is no sign of a Japanese offensive move into the Line Islands (Palmyra, Christmas Is). Still, what the heck was Pillager up to? Maybe he was trying to draw my CV's into battle. Maybe something else... I have no solid evidence at this time of anything.

Sighting excerpts from Operations Report of 4/2/42 for Japanese TF south of Johnston

PBY Catalina sighting report: 8 Japanese ships at 99,83 , Speed 11 , Moving West
PBY Catalina sighting report: 9 Japanese ships at 99,83 , Speed 7 , Moving West

Both U.S. carrier TF's are moving northward to join up with a Replenishment TF (AO Sabine) to refuel - after that they will remain on station a short time longer.

Normal movement of shipping from the U.S. West Coast to Hawaii and other points in the Eastern Pacific that were held up by the recent Jap activity around Johnston/Palmyra is set to resume.

Situation map of Johnston Is area as of 4/2/42 follows.

[wneumann]

More Operations from 4/2/42

Central Pacific (continued): A new sighting of Japanese ships leaving Kwajalein was detected by submarine patrol. Present course of this new Jap TF is to the northeast. Appears to be either an invasion TF or a troop convoy but this is unconfirmed. Possible destinations of this TF would include Wake, Midway, possibly Johnston Is with a change of course. Way too early to tell.

U.S. carrier TF's have been ordered to refuel at sea from AO Sabine as soon as possible (this will take place roughly due south of Midway). After refuelling, current orders will move the carriers W to position themselves to intercept the new Japanese TF if it continues its movement to the NE. These orders, of course, are subject to change with developments in the tactical situation.

Situation map follows.

[wneumann]

Summary of more Operations 4/2/42

In other developments....

South Pacific: Another Japanese transport TF was detected just entering Suva - the "Force Z and friends" TF has reversed course and is heading back into Suva to attack this TF.

Japanese landed at and captured Merauke (southern coast of New Guinea) on 4/2 - AAR follows

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Ground combat at Merauke

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1967 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6
135 IJN Base Force
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 6 - adjusted assault: 14
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Merauke base !!!

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The trailing elements of a group of approx 15 ANZAC and Dutch AP's from various ports in NZ and Australia have safely entered the shipping channel and now moving northward towards Panama City. These ships were sent to the U.S. to (1) get them out of harms' way for the short term, and (2) provide shipping capacity for U.S. LCU's on their return trip to the South Pacific theater. A similar number of AK's from NZ and Australia have also started moving across the South Pacific towards Panama City for the same purpose. These AK and AP are surplus to shipping requirements in and around NZ/Australia and would be better served moving LCU, supply, etc from the U.S. West Coast in anticipation of re-entering the South Pacific area.

Australia: Broome fell to the Japanese 4th Division on 4/2. AAR on Broome and other combat in NW Australia on 4/2/42 follows.

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Ground combat at Broome

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 18148 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 380
4th Infantry Division
Defending force 3586 troops, 21 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 27
107 RAAF Base Force

Japanese max assault: 344 - adjusted assault: 38
Allied max defense: 18 - adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Broome base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
258 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

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Naval bombardment of Broome, at 22,85

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Shirakumo
DD Ariake
DD Yugure
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze
CL Naka
CL Sendai

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 5
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 9

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Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
321 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

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Day Air attack on TF, near Darwin at 36,84

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF, near Broome at 22,85

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 3
Hudson I x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Koshu Maru #3, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Karukaya

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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Day Air attack on Wyndham , at 30,85

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 10

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 8000 feet
16 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 20000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 8000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 20000 feet

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Day Air attack on Wyndham , at 30,85

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 26000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF, near Broome at 22,85

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 3

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Naka

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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Naval bombardment of Broome, at 22,85

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Shirakumo
DD Ariake
DD Yugure
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze
CL Naka
CL Sendai

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8
Port hits 1
Port supply hits
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Phillipines: Japanese activity intensifying. Several days of air bombing attacks on various remaining Allied-controlled bases in the SE Philppines. Japanese ground offensive underway against Cagayan - AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22716 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 320
56th Infantry Brigade, 1 & 31 NLF, Sasebo 1 SNLF, 31 Special Base Force
Defending force 6036 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 189
101st & 102nd Reserve Divisions, 2 Philippine Rgt, 5 USAAF Base Force (elements)

Japanese max assault: 290 - adjusted assault: 272
Allied max defense: 111 - adjusted defense: 70
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Japanese ground losses:
306 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
362 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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India: British 2nd Division, HQ 14th Army, along with several flak LCU and some RAF Air Units have reached the Indian mainland from Aden. Australian 6th Division AIF is now enroute from Aden - unless the situation dictates otherwise, plans are for this division to head for Australia.

Burma: Japanese air attack on Imphal occurred 4/2. Little detected Japanese activity otherwise in this area.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/3/42

Central Pacific: Japanese TF's previously in the Palmyra/Johnston Is area continue moving westward - appear to be returning to Kwajalein for replenishment.

U.S. carrier TF's are in the process of refueling at sea from AO Sabine SSW of Midway. After refueling is completed, carriers will move SW to investigate the Japanese "troop convoy" TF detected leaving Kwajalein on 4/2 and last seen moving to the NW. Movement of U.S. carriers will be in the general direction of Wake Is. and will likely probe Wake's air search coverage and defenses to the E and NE of the island. If the "troop convoy" is found at or near Wake, carriers will attack it if Japanese LBA at Wake make this action "low risk" and the tactical situation otherwise permits. Latest information on Wake indicates that it has a size 3 airfield - LBA anticipated at Wake are patrol aircraft and CAP, probably no Betty or Nells.

South Pacific: U.S. submarine Trout heavily engaged in monitoring and attacks on Japanese ships at Pago Pago. Japanese ships detected at Pago Pago mostly include transports and escort ships - no heavy naval units spotted.

"Force Z and friends" intercepted a second Japanese TF at Suva. AAR follows.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Nandi at 82,117

Japanese Ships
AP Kuraido Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AP Maruse Maru, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AK Usa Maru, Shell hits 21, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BC Repulse
CA Australia
CL Java
CL De Ruyter
CL Tromp
CL Hobart
CL Danae
CL Dragon
CL Durban
CL Boise
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Electra
DD Express

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SW Pacific and Australia:

Japanese ground forces have reached Salamaua and expected to attack to capture it (Salamaua was taken back from the Japs on 3/19 by remnants of NGVR Bn that "emerged from the jungle"). Survivors of NGVR Bn have been evacuated from Salamaua by submarine transport and are now enroute to Australia.

Elements of 30 Australian Brigade (stranded on New Guinea after defending Port Moresby) along with remainng parts of other Allied LCU stranded there have crossed to the north coast and are now engaging Japanese LCU at Buna. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1365 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 48
24 NLF, 14 Base Force
Defending force 288 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9
30 Australian Brigade

Japanese max assault: 34 - adjusted assault: 18
Allied max defense: 5 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

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No significant change in situation in NW Australia. The overall status of supply and fuel point stocks in Australia and NZ has improved significantly since mid-March, especially in NW and NE Australia. Ample reserves of supply and fuel points are now stockpiled in Sydney and Melbourne.

Merchant shipping with additional fuel and supply points now crossing from Aden are expected to arrive in Perth shortly. A convoy from Aden with the Australian 6th Division AIF is also enroute for Australia. Cover for this shipping is being provided by Royal Navy TF's.

Philippines: Cagayan captured by Japanese on 4/3 (they now control all of Mindanao) - AAR follows. Map below is general situation in Philippines as of 4/3/42.

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Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 22432 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 306
56th Infantry Brigade, 1 & 31 NLF, Sasebo 1 SNLF, 31 Special Base Force
Defending force 5566 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 165
101st & 102nd Reserve Divisions, 2 Philippine Rgt, 5 USAAF Base Force (elements)

Japanese max assault: 556 - adjusted assault: 296
Allied max defense: 97 - adjusted defense: 82
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Cagayan base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
1071 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses: (all units surrendered)
4726 casualties reported
Guns lost 16

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[wneumann]

More Operations from 4/3/42

DEI: Elements of Dutch South Sumatra Garrison Bn (stranded on Sumatra after defending Palembang) has moved to and re-captured Telekbetoeng which had been left ungarrisoned by the Japanese. AAR follows. This type of "counterattack" doesn't necessarily inflict serious damage on Pillager, but it does keep him a little more occupied. Besides, it does provide isolated Allied LCU with something else to do besides rot in the jungle. If possible, I will attempt to evacuate elements of this LCU from Telekbetoeng by submarine to Australia if time, situation, and available submarines allow.

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Ground combat at Teloekbetoeng

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 464 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9
South Sumatra Garrison Bn
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Allied max assault: 7 - adjusted assault: 3
Japanese max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Teloekbetoeng base !!!

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Burma and India: Japanese aircraft based at Mandalay have been bombing airfield at Imphal for last several days - AAR from 4/3 follows. An RAF fighter unit (135 Squadron) was transferred to Imphal to engage Jap air raids.

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Ki-51 Sonia x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
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Otherwise, little significant change to the overall situation in either Burma or India. Below is situation map of Burma as of 4/3/42.

[wneumann]

4/42 Ship Upgrades:

The following lists ships in U.S. ports now undergoing repair for 4/42 upgrades. As repairs are completed for these ships, they will be sent out to active TF's as replacements for ships that will be gradually rotated back to Pearl Harbor or the U.S. to complete 4/42 upgrades later (this will be done particularly with CV's, cruisers (both CA & CL), DD's, and submarines). While 4/42 as a whole does not appear to be a major upgrade - new radar (in some cases) and additional AA guns are the main items considered useful. Any little bit of additional capability helps.

CV Hornet
BB Tennessee (fully repaired from 12/7), Colorado, Mississippi, Idaho, New Mexico

4 CA (San Francisco, New Orleans, Portland, Chester)
5 CL (Honolulu, Trenton, Nashville, Concord, Detroit)
26 DD - various
2 submarines
9 DMS
6 MSW

[ny59giants]

India: British 2nd Division, HQ 14th Army, along with several flak LCU and some RAF Air Units have reached the Indian mainland from Aden. Australian 6th Division AIF is now enroute from Aden - unless the situation dictates otherwise, plans are for this division to head for Australia.

Does it look like he is going to make any push into India??
If not, then moving the 6th Aussie Division is a good idea.
If he does, having it on Ceylon would be helpful.

4/42 Ship Upgrades:

The following lists ships in U.S. ports now undergoing repair for 4/42 upgrades. As repairs are completed for these ships, they will be sent out to active TF's as replacements for ships that will be gradually rotated back to Pearl Harbor or the U.S. to complete 4/42 upgrades later (this will be done particularly with CV's, cruisers (both CA & CL), DD's, and submarines). While 4/42 as a whole does not appear to be a major upgrade - new radar (in some cases) and additional AA guns are the main items considered useful. Any little bit of additional capability helps.

CV Hornet
BB Tennessee (fully repaired from 12/7), Colorado, Mississippi, Idaho, New Mexico

4 CA (San Francisco, New Orleans, Portland, Chester)
5 CL (Honolulu, Trenton, Nashville, Concord, Detroit)
26 DD - various
2 submarines
9 DMS
6 MSW

I hope you started some AK's converting over to AR's from the beginning as they will be helpful for the CV's in 7/42 and especially when the big upgrades come in 10/42.

[wneumann]

Ny59giants: Already have 7th Australian Div at Colombo - several other units on Ceylon as well along with a number of flak units, fighter aircraft, and most of my available torpedo bombers. Not to mention about 85K fuel and > 100K supply on hand. Ports along the eastern coast of the Indian mainland are all garrisoned with at least brigade strength (more at larger bases) - I basically built an "Atlantic Wall" stretching from Calcutta to Colombo. LCU now arriving on the Indian mainland are moving into backup positions. This excludes six brigades from Singapore now rebuilding at various locations in India. As of now I can spare 6 Australian Div for Australia - could be more valuable there given the Japanese move on Broome.
 
AK conversion - I converted 3 or 4 or three of them to AR back in Jan or Feb -&nbsp;the ones I have&nbsp;now have been distributed in&nbsp;U.S. ports size < 10 (i.e. Seattle,&nbsp;San Diego)&nbsp;to augment their shipyard capability. Seems to be the most effective use of them given my "interior lines" in the Eastern Pacific - my buildup going on behind a front line Midway - Christmas Is. The "shield" through there is pretty much done, the "sword"&nbsp;behind it&nbsp;in progress.&nbsp;&nbsp;

[wneumann]

More Operations from 4/4/42

China: Ongoing battles between Chinese and Japanese forces in the area around Honan and Nanyang in North Central China. Heavy combat now taking place in what is becoming the Nanyang salient - formed by Nanyang hex itself and also hex 48,31.

A large number of Chinese units (including units retreating from earlier battles in Honan that were pushed back into hex 48,31 plus Chinese units in the original front lines at hex 48,31) are at the tip of the salient. Chinese units in hex 48,31 have been moving back towards Nanyang in the course of this battle - many of these units have completed 50-55 miles of the land movement needed to leave hex 48,31.

Pillager has concentrated much of the Japanese army in China against the Nanyang salient to trap and destroy Chinese forces there. Most recent AAR from 4/4 and situation map follows.

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Ground combat at Nanyang

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 91227 troops, 391 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1660
3rd, 39th & 58th Infantry Divisions; 18 Mixed Brig, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 15 FA Rgt,
2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 33045 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 848
41st, 55th, 59th & 68th Chinese Corps; 47th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4
Japanese max assault: 1558 - adjusted assault: 704
Allied max defense: 866 - adjusted defense: 323
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 4)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4

Japanese ground losses:
1056 casualties reported
Guns lost 19

Allied ground losses:
807 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 124941 troops, 446 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 2300
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 43439 troops, 88 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1228
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 2064 - adjusted assault: 1254
Allied max defense: 1055 - adjusted defense: 169
Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
914 casualties reported
Guns lost 16
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
1013 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/5/42

China: Japanese ground attacks continue along the Nanyang salient. AAR follows. I'm noticing that Chinese LCU's in hex 48,31 have not been moving - this could be due to the fact these units basically have no available supply (supply at Nanyang base itself is nearly depleted), or that these units are under attack (in combat), or both?

Two Japanese divisions (6th & 34th) and an infantry brigade (10 Independent) have appeared as reinforcements in the front line opposite Nanyang.

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Ground combat at Nanyang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 83764 troops, 370 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1986
3rd, 6th, 34th, 39th & 58th Infantry Divisions; 18 Mixed Brig, 10 Independent Brig, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 15 FA Rgt,
2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 31741 troops, 113 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 828
41st, 55th, 59th & 68th Chinese Corps; 47th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported

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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 117163 troops, 426 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2167
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 41701 troops, 61 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1162
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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India/Burma: No major Japanese activity observed. Most sectors quiet.

Australia: Japanese air raids continue across NW Australia, also small night air raid on Cairns. Otherwise relatively quiet.

South Pacific: Mining operations underway at Luganville - a total of five minelayers have dropped their loads there.

Central Pacific: IJN has re-appeared off Johnston Is. Surface TF bombarded Johnston Is, light damage reported. No invasion fleet detected as of now. U.S. carrier TF's now refuelled and remain SW of Midway awaiting further orders to attack targets of opportunity if tactical situation favors this. Operations report sightings, AAR, and situation map below.

Ops Report sightings from 4/5: Hex 97,78 located due W of Johnston.

B-17E Fortress sighting report: 7 Japanese ships at 97,78 , Speed 9 , Moving Northeast
B-17E Fortress sighting report: 4 Japanese ships at 97,78 , Speed 15 , Moving Northeast
PBY Catalina sighting report: 5 Japanese ships at 97,78 , Speed 17 , Moving Northeast
PBY Catalina has spotted Zuikaku at 97,78

AAR from 4/5:

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Naval bombardment of Johnston Island, at 104,78 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/6/42

Central Pacific: Contact has been lost with two of the three Jap TF's W of Johnston Is. U.S. carriers SW of Midway remain undetected and are ready for further action if called upon. Situation map follows.

[wneumann]

More Operations 4/6/42

China: More combat on the ground in the Nanyang salient. Another infantry brigade (11 Independent) arrived to reinforce Japanese troops attacking Nanyang. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Nanyang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 84087 troops, 374 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2209
3rd, 6th, 34th, 39th & 58th Infantry Divisions; 18 Mixed Brig, 10 & 11 Independent Brigades, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 15 FA Rgt, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 31339 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 822
41st, 55th, 59th & 68th Chinese Corps; 47th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
142 casualties reported


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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 123247 troops, 434 guns, 141 vehicles, Assault Value = 2213
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt; 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 41611 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1160
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 2122 - adjusted assault: 1186
Allied max defense: 1014 - adjusted defense: 355
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
2110 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
1206 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

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

All other sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity reported or detected.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/7/42:

Central Pacific: Contact has been broken with all Japanese TF's previously W of Johnston Is - appeared to have withdrawn at least for the time being. U.S. carriers moving back to Pearl to replenish. Normal shipping between U.S. West Coast and Hawaii has fully resumed.

South Pacific: Apparently some reinforcements succeeded in arriving for Japanese land forces on Suva - at least some of tht troops (51 Independent Mixed Brigade) carried by the two transport TF's intercepted by "Force Z and friends" managed to disembark on Suva before the ships they arrived on were attacked and sunk. Latest AAR from Suva follows.

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Ground combat at Suva

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 10061 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 324
South Seas Detachment, 51 Independent Mixed Brig
Defending force 4607 troops, 8 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 67
Fiji Defense Force, 101 RNZAF Base Force

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

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Force Z and friends are enroute to Sydney to replenish.

Australia: Japanese invasion TF landing troops at Derby - identity of LCU not known at this time. Not sure exactly where the 273 CD guns at Derby came from, but they showed up and the AAR follows. A significant number of Japanese aircraft have transferred into Broome and are now operating from the airfield there - the aircraft participating in this raid on Derby shown in the AAR below are now based in Broome.

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Coastal Guns at Derby, 24,85, firing at TF 192
TF 192 troops unloading over beach at Derby, 24,85


273 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AK Unkai Maru #6, Shell hits 4, on fire
AK Taisei Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AK Ryoyo Maru, Shell hits 8
APD Patrol Boat No. 31, Shell hits 3
PG Sozan Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Tatsuwa Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Nichiran Maru

Japanese ground losses:
1284 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

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Day Air attack on Derby , at 24,85

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G4M1 Betty x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 13000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 13000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

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

Individual AK and TK from India transporting supply, fuel, resource, and oil to Australia are now arriving in Perth.

China: Japanese ground attacks on the Nanyang salient continue - AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 121136 troops, 424 guns, 130 vehicles, Assault Value = 2097
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt; 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 39950 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1085
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 1882 - adjusted assault: 1245
Allied max defense: 944 - adjusted defense: 377
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1519 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
907 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

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

India and Burma: Most sectors quiet - no major Japanese activity detected.

Philippines: Japanese landing at Iloilo - AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Iloilo

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 779 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 34
61st (Phil) Reserve Division, 11 PAF Air Base Force
Defending force 7998 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 255
56th Infantry Division

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/8/42 (65 years ago today!)

Central Pacific: Two Japanese TF's sighted SW of Midway. CV Hiryu spotted by naval search aircraft in one of these TF's. One of the TF's reported moving NW at relatively high speed, movement of the second TF is not known. Situation map follows.

U.S. carrier TF's are undetected and located SE of Midway, moving on an ENE heading to bypass suspected Jap submarine activity around French Frigate Shoals. All three carrier TF's are returning to Pearl Harbor for replenishment.

[wneumann]

More Operations from 4/8/42

South Pacific: Sigint reports radio signals from an open sea hex just SW of Pago Pago - possible Japanese TF just departing Pago Pago likely enroute to Suva. "Force Z and friends" have turned around and now returning to the area around Suva to see what shows up.

Australia: Japanese landings continue at Derby - Derby later captured by Japanese forces during ground combat phase. However, my "mystery" coast defense guns continued pounding away to the very end. AAR's follow.

The damage inflicted by the "mystery" CD guns should have some impact on the Japanese ability to transport supplies and more troops into NW Australia. Given the number of damaged (and possibly sunk) AK and AP, Pillager could face the choice of (1) getting along with reduced transport capacity off NW Australia, or (2) bring additional AK and/or AP at the expense of operations elsewhere.

Given the overall situation, it was not possible to place sufficient Allied forces (with adequate supply) to prevent the Japanese landings or capture of Broome and Derby. The most problematical aspect to the situation in NW Australia is Japanese control of the air, particularly in the waters between Timor and the NW Australian coast. This has completely shut down sea transport of supply, troops, aircraft to bases in NW Australia - forcing all movement into this area via overland.
The major priority is the movement of sufficient air base units (without denuding other sectors) and fighter aircraft to challenge Japanese air power at least in the Darwin/Katherine area. This, of course, will have to be done considering the overall supply situation in NW Australia - which at this point is sufficient to support ground troops already in the area and possibly some aircraft but not enough to support any offensive operations. For some time to come, it is expected that Darwin will be unusable as a port due to any Allied transports having to run a Japanese gauntlet to reach there from any direction.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Derby, 24,85, firing at TF 192
TF 192 troops unloading over beach at Derby, 24,85


111 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AK Unyo Maru #2, Shell hits 1, on fire
AK Ryoyo Maru
APD Patrol Boat No. 31, Shell hits 5, on fire
AP Kanayama Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
PG Sozan Maru, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Derby, 24,85, firing at TF 90
TF 90 troops unloading over beach at Derby, 24,85


115 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Sanura Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
450 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Derby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 20070 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 951
2nd & 5th Infantry Division, 21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 4022 troops, 13 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
111 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 1026 - adjusted assault: 1692
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 846 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Derby base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 4 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
2315 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 2

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

Philippines: Japanese landings continue at Iloilo. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Iloilo

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 767 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 34
61st (Phil) Reserve Division, 11 PAF Air Base Force
Defending force 8806 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 256
56th Infantry Division

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported

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

India & Burma: Most sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity reported.

China: Japanese ground attacks continue along all parts of the Nanyang salient. Jap 14 Independent Brigade appeared in the front lines as reinforcement in the most recent attack on Nanyang itself. AAR's follow.

Chinese LCU's in hex 48,31 do not appear to be moving (apparently due to lack of supply) - these units had been ordered for some time to leave hex 48,31 and move into Nanyang and have 50-55 miles movement in this direction, however movement of these units in the last two or three days has stopped. Japanese efforts appear to be increasingly concentrated on Nanyang itself in order to capture Nanyang and cut off Chinese LCU in 48,31.

With losses that have been taken to date by Chinese units in 48,31 it may be to my advantage that the Japanese cut them off and wipe them out (though I will be trying to avoid this). Several things to note on this.

1) Once they are destroyed, the Chinese LCU in hex 48.31 will re-appear in Chungking in 30 days or so as reinforcements, apparently at no expense to the Chinese ground army replacement pool. This does two things - first, it gets the units out of the "pocket" and second, there appears to be no replacement cost to get these units back in the game at full strength (or something resembling it).

2) The waste of Japanese time and effort to destroy the Chinese LCU in 48,31. Not to mention the Jap casulties in the process. However, this at the "nominal" cost of giving the Japs some VP they will likely get anyway.

Stalin would have loved this plan. Let the panzers choke on 'em.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanyang

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 119931 troops, 540 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2448
3rd, 6th, 34th, 39th & 58th Infantry Divisions; 18 Mixed Brig, 10, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 15 FA Rgt, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 31322 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 827
41st, 55th, 59th & 68th Chinese Corps; 47th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3
Japanese max assault: 2155 - adjusted assault: 1214
Allied max defense: 860 - adjusted defense: 889
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3

Japanese ground losses:
1024 casualties reported
Guns lost 16

Allied ground losses:
1066 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 114362 troops, 418 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2006
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 38807 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1016
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported

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

[wneumann]

From the Home Front - 4/8/42.

All over America, mass outrage at rumors of a purple dinosaur collaborating with the Axis. Most notably, in the tiny hamlet of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.....

Gators rule, Tojo drools.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/9/42

Central Pacific: Japanese TF's spotted SW of Midway on 4/8 have moved out of naval search range of Midway and do not appear to pose any threat to Midway or Allied shipping in the vicinity. Allied transport operations at Midway are resuming.

South Pacific: Japanese ground forces attack on Suva. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Suva

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17296 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 331
South Seas Detachment, 51 Independent Mixed Brig
Defending force 4676 troops, 8 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 66
Fiji Defense Force, 101 RNZAF Base Force

Japanese max assault: 273 - adjusted assault: 178
Allied max defense: 68 - adjusted defense: 49
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Japanese ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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

SW Pacific, New Zealand, & Australia: All sectors quiet - no major Japanese activity detected or in progress.

Indian Ocean: Japanese carrier TF (eight ships including one unidentified CVL) encountered and attacked two British TK enroute from India to Australia with fuel cargo in mid-ocean S of Java. One TK has been sunk, the other heavily damaged. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 3,61

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 14
B5N2 Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
TK Empire Coral, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Druid, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 3,61

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
TK Empire Druid, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 3,61

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
TK Empire Druid, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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

India & Burma: No major activity reported. All sectors quiet.

China: Japanese ground offensive continues against the Nanyang salient with main attacks continuing on Nanyang itself. AAR follows. Situation of Chinese LCU in hex 48,31 somewhat mixed - all units virtually out of supply, combat losses in some of the units in 48,31 are at the point where the unit has no infantry left, in other units the infantry is almost intact.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanyang

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 124727 troops, 534 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2291
3rd, 6th, 34th, 39th & 58th Infantry Divisions; 18 Mixed Brig, 10, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 15 FA Rgt, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 & 4 Mortar Bns
Defending force 29679 troops, 99 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 806
41st, 55th, 59th & 68th Chinese Corps; 47th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 1904 - adjusted assault: 1211
Allied max defense: 827 - adjusted defense: 515
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Japanese ground losses:
2353 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

Allied ground losses:
1528 casualties reported
Guns lost 11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 120213 troops, 424 guns, 129 vehicles, Assault Value = 2050
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 38883 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1024
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 1992 - adjusted assault: 1028
Allied max defense: 864 - adjusted defense: 113
Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
2274 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
942 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/10/42

Central Pacific: Not a good day for U.S. ships out there...

U.S. submarine Grampus patrolling at Marcus Is found the Japanese have laid a defensive minefield around the base there, the Grampus hit one of the mines taking moderate damage. The Grampus is heading back to Pearl Harbor and expected to return.

CA Portland and 3 DD ran into two Japanese subs (I-7 and I-8) west of San Francisco - Portland and one of the DD's were torpedoed. Portland received substantial damage (35 system, 35 flood), the DD very heavily damaged and likely to sink. The Portland is returning to San Francisco for repairs and should make it. Both Japanese subs were attacked, the I-7 hit multiple times, the I-8 escaped unscathed. AAR's follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 135,54

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Ward, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Schley
DD Litchfield

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 133,55

Japanese Ships
SS I-8

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 1
DD Schley
DD Litchfield
DD Chew

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

South Pacific: Japanese continue ground attacks and capture Suva. Japanese forces also landed on and capture Tonga. AAR's for both follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Tongatapu, 90,121, firing at TF 8
TF 8 troops unloading over beach at Tongatapu, 90,121

81 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #2, Shell hits 1
PC Takunan Maru #10
PC Kunashiri

Japanese ground losses:
241 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Suva

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 17057 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 320
South Seas Detachment, 51 Independent Mixed Brig
Defending force 4411 troops, 6 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 57
Fiji Defense Force, 101 RNZAF Base Force

Japanese max assault: 524 - adjusted assault: 296
Allied max defense: 57 - adjusted defense: 77
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Suva base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
307 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
5996 casualties reported (both units surrender)
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tongatapu

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2345 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 64
6 NLF, 46 & 47 Naval Guard
Defending force 1082 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 43
Tonga Defense Force

Japanese max assault: 94 - adjusted assault: 19
Allied max defense: 36 - adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tongatapu base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
364 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
1694 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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

No major Japanese activity reported elsewhere in the S or SW Pacific, Australia, or New Zealand.

Indian Ocean: Japanese CVL task force attack and sink surviving British TK (Empire Druid). The Empire Druid was deliberately kept on course to remain in contact with the Jap TF and succesfully drew another round of naval air strikes from the Japanese CVL to further deplete its air ops. AAR follows. A British carrier TF (two CV's and escorts) is some distance to the west of the Japanese and is now moving eastward toward the Japanese TF (which is reported moving SW).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 3,59

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 11
B5N2 Kate x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
TK Empire Druid, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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

China: Japanese ground attacks continue in the Nanyang salient. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanyang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 117780 troops, 516 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2153
3rd, 6th, 34th, 39th & 58th Infantry Divisions; 18 Mixed Brig, 10, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 15 FA Rgt, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 & 4 Mortar Bns
Defending force 27201 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 780
41st, 55th, 59th & 68th Chinese Corps; 47th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Allied ground losses:
411 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 117878 troops, 422 guns, 124 vehicles, Assault Value = 1909
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 37591 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 964
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 1689 - adjusted assault: 1282
Allied max defense: 778 - adjusted defense: 109
Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1534 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
865 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/11/42

Central Pacific: No major activity reported. U.S. aircraft and ground units originally assigned to deployment for the South Pacific in 2/42 are now arriving in Hawaii. Ground forces include 2nd Marine & Americal Divisions, 2 Marine Para, 51 Base and Aviation Units.

Indian Ocean: Contact lost with Japanese CVL task force which attacked and sunk two British TK on 4/9-10. Jap TF was last observed moving on a SW heading. A British carrier TF (CV's Indomitable & Formidable plus escort) located SE of Ceylon has moved a short distance eastward to cover other Allied Transport TF's enroute to Australia (movement of these TF have been temporarily halted while the Japanese CVL TF remains at sea).

Philippines: Iloilo fell to Japanese forces - Philippine LCU's defending Iloilo remain at large. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Iloilo

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 9020 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 265
56th Infantry Division
Defending force 1444 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 34
61st (Phil) Reserve Division, 11 PAF Air Base Force

Japanese max assault: 498 - adjusted assault: 460
Allied max defense: 20 - adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 230 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Iloilo base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

China: Nanyang captured by Japanese forces - all Chinese LCU defending Nanyang eliminated in the attack. Chinese ground units in hex 48,31 are now isolated. Situation map and AAR's follow.

I had attempted to extricate Chinese forces in the salient (via land movement) well before the major part of the Japanese offensive began. However, these units were unable to move quickly enough to avoid their fate likely due to supply point shortages inside the salient.

Chinese units defending the salient did provide enough time for other Chinese forces to move up and create a front line to the S and SW of the salient. Also Japanese casualties and supply expenditure to reduce the salient were fairly high.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanyang

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 120513 troops, 515 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2192
3rd, 6th, 34th, 39th & 58th Infantry Divisions; 18 Mixed Brig, 10, 11 & 14 Independent Brigades, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts,
15 FA Rgt, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 & 4 Mortar Bns
Defending force 26576 troops, 71 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 771
41st, 55th, 59th & 68th Chinese Corps; 47th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 2038 - adjusted assault: 1949
Allied max defense: 767 - adjusted defense: 229
Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Nanyang base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
1191 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

Allied ground losses: (all defending units eliminated)
37265 casualties reported
Guns lost 57

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21850 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 501
13th Infantry Division
Defending force 16920 troops, 91 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 529
18th & 85th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 116596 troops, 415 guns, 122 vehicles, Assault Value = 1836
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt; 5 & 13 Independent Brigades,
15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 36445 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 928
9th, 13th, 12th, 40th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps; 15th, 43rd & 48th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 1544 - adjusted assault: 923
Allied max defense: 739 - adjusted defense: 83
Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1181 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
716 casualties reported
Guns lost 1