28 Jan 43 - Quiet day. Tomorrow won't be...
Sub War
The I-157 just got back to her patrol area just NW of Australia and managed to eat another depth charge. Her damage isn't too bad, but bad enough to head back to Soerabaja for repairs: 4-23(17)-10(6)-0.
Edit: I'm toying with sending MKB down there to beat up on the DDs that have parked themselves there. Gotta keep Ted on his toes.
5 Fleet
The attack goes in tomorrow following a bombardment of 6 BB, 6 CA and 6 CL. Fingers crossed...
4 Fleet
Nothing to report.
SE Fleet
Only 34x 4Es bombed Lunga today. The fighters and Dauntlesses all rested. None of the other heavies have been seen since they bombed Rabaul way back on 18 Jan. They're probably still repairing and taking replacements. I've been frantically repairing subs at Truk. Only 3 are still damaged. I sent about half a dozen south to various strategic (I think) points south of Lunga. I hope they get to their stations before the invasion force sails. It would be nice to intercept a loaded AP or two.
My fighters and FBs are rotating in and out to rest and get their morale back up to 99. Most of the Georges are good to go as are about half the Tojos. The rest are all resting, mainly at Truk.
SRA
Nothing to report.
Burma
Things are quiet here after yesterday's attack. I'm training sweep with most of my fighters increase their defense.
China
Today's bombing/bombardment destroyed only 24 squads.
Raw AV:
Japan: 4065 (+467)
China: 2599 (-106)
Enemy strength: 289k (k)
Enemy units: 90 units (no change)
Guns: 443 (-17)
The infantry division I was waiting for arrived today. The attack goes in tomorrow. This will be against level 5 forts. Last attack (14 Jan 43) was against level 6 forts and the Japanese raw AV was 3509 vs. the Chinese raw AV of 3604. (A reinforcing Chinese infantry Corps arrived that turn.) I am hoping for a nice result tomorrow. There are an additional 5 divisions headed to Chungking.
Other Stuff
The N1K2-J George R&D advanced to 3/44 and is expected to become operational 3/43.
