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18-19 Dec 44

Highlights – KB, apparently out of fuel, engaged by CV air just north of Paramushiro-jima; Solid raid on Nagoya.

Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 3 (Hiryu, Junyo, Amagi)
CVL: 1 ( Ryuho)
SC: 1
TK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 127
Allied: 117

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 8 Attacks, 1 ship hit (SC sunk and Taiho missed with 6 fish!!!)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Very surprised with the total lack of CAP over the KB - I’m assuming the airgroups were all flown off as L_S_T expected a one-sided fight. Also surprised that the KB is out of fuel heading one hex a turn NW into the Sea of Okhotsk, which will distance it from most LRCAP bases in Hokkaido. The nearest viable airbase is Shikuka on the Sakhalin Peninsula, and that base is over 10 hexes away, and is a single Level 4 airfield. Only Shimushiri-jima on the Kuriles has a level 2 AF, the other Kuriles haven’t been developed more than level 1. So, is this cruise deeper in the Sea of Okhotsk a lure to draw the Fleet in? Another Leyte Gulf type diversion that took Halsey away from Leyte? With the lack of major AFs, I don’t see it, but having been on the receiving end of L_S_T’s bag of dirty tricks for a while now…you never know. Guess we’ll find out!

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Good two nights over Nagoya, and negligible results on the secondary effort at Kagoshima. Good weather enabled strikes to go in on both days against Nagoya, and were met by a similar CAP as encountered the day prior; a max of 15 Nicks and 17 Tony on the first night, none possessing radar. A handful of radar equipped Irvings were added to the fray the second night, and had some success, downing 3 B-29s. The bomber streams consisted of 25 separate raids totaling 195 sorties over the two nights, and one bomber was lost to flak, and three more to ops. CAP lost 15 Tonys, 13 Nicks and 4 Irvings. Bombing results were much improved from the previous raid with fires reaching just over 110k. The lower altitude helped, but the increasing distance from Formosa resulted in more squadrons unable to locate the target. Still, a good two nights. Kagoshima’s raids were limited to night only, and the bomber stream consisted of only 6 separate raids totaling 38 sorties over the two nights. Damage was light with fires just getting over 38k, and only 1 Brit bomber was lost to ops. Strat bombing VPs were increased from 10,776 to 11,330. Weather over all potential target cities is forecasted to be poor, so bombers will take a well deserved rest next turn.

West Coast/Admin: Carriers Bennington and Randolph, along with CB Alaska arrived through the Panama Canal, and will head to LA and then on to join the Fleet. With the KB engaged, convoy operations are resuming to somewhat normal operations, although the two CVEs are still unaccounted for.

In NOPAC, Aleutian based B-29s were a day late in putting mines into Paramushiro-jima, and the other targets were not mined due to weather. Amchitka based subs missed a solid opportunity against Taiho, and will now move into the Sea of Okhotsk to hunt their quarry.

In CENPAC, the Fleet headed north, preceded by a DD TF (4 DDs) to engage the KB, estimated to be engaged about 6 hexes east of the Kuriles. It didn’t work out that way, as I’m assuming that L_S_T tried to sneak past using full speed. It almost worked! The DD TF engaged just east of Paramushiro-jima in daylight on the first day, and didn’t accomplish much other than getting a firm sighting for the pilots. By the time US strikes launched, the KB was out of fuel, but just north of Paramushiro-jima - at pretty much max range of the US strikes. A total of 7 separate raids found the target, most were small, only a few dozen strike aircraft. The largest with only 48 bombers with fighter escort - numerous bombers either never launched or didn’t find the target due to distance and/or weather. All strikes went in on the first day, either due to range or weather prohibiting second day attacks. Bombing and torpedo accuracy was very poor, especially considering no CAP and numerous ships being reported as “dead in the water”. Still, from a total of 148 DB and 78 TB attacking, Akagi was hit by 6 bombs, Amagi and Ryuho 4, and Hiryu, Taiho and Unryu 1 each. TBFs scored with torpedoes on the Junyo and Ryuho with 2 each. Although “heavy fires” were reported on a number of ships, no secondary explosions were reported. Still, intel (Tracker) says CVs Hiryu, Amagi, and Junyo were sunk along with CVL Ryuho. Only two Zeros were reported as “ground loss” so at least something did sink, likely Ryuho. With no CAP, losses were fairly light, although flak was robust, claiming 18 attacking planes, while another 12 were operational losses.

With the KB still together and out of fuel, just north of Paramushiro-jima, I have no other choice but to send the Fleet into the Sea of Okhotsk in pursuit to see the KB destroyed if at all possible. The Fleet will head WNW, and pass through the Kuriles just north of Ketoi-jima, and then turn north. Fuel is still good, although the DDs will need a top off from the larger ships soon. The Replenishment TF is in the Central Pacific, now heading north about 700m NE of Marcus. There really isn’t much room for the KB to go in the Sea of Okhotsk, especially as she’s headed NW, away from Hokkaido, and the Fleet will position itself between the KB and Japan. Without fuel, the KB isn’t going very far fast, so subs will likely catch up next turn, gain contact and hopefully accomplish something. Weather will be the biggest challenge, and the Fleet will be lucky to get some strikes in. Will be interesting!

In SOPAC, Oldendorf’s BB TF (4BB, DDs) bombard Ishigaki with minimal effect indicating the garrison is well dug in. A CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) will hit the island next turn.

In SWPAC, the fighter sweeps continue over Kyushu. Another good two days as the Franks and Tonys engage the sweepers. Other than the Corsairs which I tried to run in at 10k, and got hammered, results were good. A few Franks wondered south to Kagoshima, and were engaged there, the remaining furballs occurred over the usual spot, Kumamoto. After two days, 66 Franks, and 6 Tonys were shot down with another 11 planes lost to ops. This cost the Allies 18 Corsairs, 22 P-47s, 12 P-51s and 5 P-38s to air to air, and another 10 fighters to ops. Sweeps will continue next turn as fighter squadrons continue to rotate out of forward AFs to replenish losses, and re-equipped squadrons are flown in. Both fighter and pilot pools can sustain this for a while, although I wish I could use Marine and Navy planes as well. Unfortunately, the Corsair isn’t up to the challenge which was a bit of a surprise. And if the Corsair isn’t cutting it, I’m not putting the Hellcat anywhere near this mission. The Navy and Marine planes (as well as Aussie and NZ) will still be more than useful covering the upcoming amphib ops.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, NSTR.

With no secondary explosions, I think Amagi is big enough to survive four bomb hits. But it looks like you have a great opportunity here so I agree with the pursuit. You might even find targets coming from the west to refuel KB!

Congratz! , this has been an exciting chase looking forward to finishing off KB and be carefull of traps [&o]

Congrats in killing the KB!

also kudos to your opponent for this daring 2nd PH strike, and for still having carriers in late 44

Like chasing the Bismark, but with a lot more dangerous ships involved.

20-21 Dec 44

Highlights – KB is repeatedly hit by airstrikes and sub attacks in the Sea of Okhotsk; Fleet repels numerous airstrikes.

Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Taiho)
DD: 2 (Kasumi, Yakaze)
PB: 1
AMc: 1

Japanese ships un-sunk:
CV: 2 (Junyo, Katsuragi - I’m still pretty sure Junyo is sunk; Katsuragi was an old sinking report)
DD: 1 (Susuzuki)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 448
Allied: 101

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CV, PB sunk, CV, CVL dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kienko (China)

SIGINT/Intel: KB makes for the port of Shikuka on the Sakhalin Peninsula and disbands. Most surviving CVs are likely heavily damaged, and will likely remain hunkered down in the port for a while. Determining exactly what is remaining will probably take our intrepid intel analysts (Tracker) at least a few days to sort out. In any case, the KB is destroyed as a fighting force. Perhaps a CV or two may be serviceable for another rear area raid at best. Heavy concentration of Japanese a/c (over 400) at Shimushiri-jima (AF2) was surprising.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers rest and Strat bombing VPs were slightly increased by remaining fires from 11,330 to 11,580. Bombers continue to rest largely due to reported bad weather over targets. But the added days to repair aircraft doesn’t hurt either.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, Aleutian based B-29s will attempt to hit Shimushiri AF at night from Adak. Other than that, the fight in the Sea of Okhotsk is beyond the range of NOPAC a/c.

In CENPAC, the KB looks like it split in the Sea of Okhotsk with some, likely out of fuel, limping just north of Paramushiro-jima, and the remainder making best speed to Shikuka. Both elements got the full attention of airstrikes, limited only by weather as there was again no CAP. The Fleet itself was also the target of numerous airstrikes out of Shimushiri-jima at it crossed north of the Kuriles. Allied airstrikes reportedly hit CVs Shokaku, Amagi, Junyo, Taiho, Soryu, Unryu, CL Tatsuta and a couple of DDs. Taiho and Amgai were claimed as sunk, but contrary reports were the norm. Only the Hiryu was reported in the Shikuka hex as part of a TF, but its likely that many of the other damaged ships reached the port and disbanded. The Allied airstrikes cost only 4 DB and a TB. On the other side, The Shimushiri-jima level 2AF was packed with planes, and launched 34 strikes over the two days against the Fleet. But since the AF was considerably overstacked, the strikes came in all sizes, from a few unescorted Judys to a well escorted strike of over 120 planes. In any case, only two Judys were able to get through CAP and make attacks, both missing. The cost was impressive - 109 Zeros, 87 Oscars, 55 Jills, 54 Judys, and sizeable amount of Georges (exact count of Georges is murky as they were engaged over the Fleet as well as over Kyushu in solid numbers). The Fleet lost 9 F6F, two Corsairs and a Spitfire. No ship was damaged, and minimal AA fire was needed.

So, the Fleet will now try and hit Shikuku port before the fuel situation requires disengagement out of the Sea of Okhotsk. I hope for the possibility of two days of strikes on Shikuku and one against Paramushiro-jima before the Fleet crosses south of the Kuriles. I fully expect another full court press of enemy air to be thrown at the Fleet while in the Sea of Okhotsk as well. Frankly, I don’t expect much of the port strikes, but it has to be tried; maybe a couple of 500lb bomb hits will be enough to sink a cripple. In any case, the Fleet will begin to disengage and head out of the Sea of Okhotsk at the end of next turn, perhaps earlier if my waypoints don’t work out as planned. From there, the Fleet will head SE to rendezvous with the Replenishment TF to take on fuel before returning to Naga in the PI for some needed rest.

In SOPAC, as Ishigaki continues to receive attention from both air and naval bombardments, assault transports begin loading the ground troops earmarked for Ishigaki. They'll begin their voyage next turn, staging at Miyako-jima. Also, a third CVE TF begins forming at Hong Kong as repaired CVEs start coming out of the repair shipyards. Goal is to have at least three, perhaps four CVE TFs available to support operations in January.

In SWPAC, fighter sweeps keep flying over Kyushu, and tangling with CAP over Kumamoto. Losses continue to be both inflicted and received without a dominant victor. 38 Franks, 15 Jacks and 2 Jacks were shot down, plus a total of 42 Georges, but some of those Georges lost were from the attacks against the CV TFs. Allied losses weren’t light either; 16 P-47s, 11 P-51s, 26 P-38s. While the P-47s and P-51s continue to usually do well over all, the P-38 results are solidly mixed. Some P-38 sweeps did rather well, while in others, the CAP had the edge. Regardless, the sweeps, including using P-38s, will continue. While the sweeps over Kyushu will continue, ground troops will begin loading transports for the Ishigaki amphib.

In China, in the north, Chinese troops take Kienko against light opposition as the IJA appears to be pulling their lines back again. The defending Mixed Bde suffered over 2000 casualties against 350 Chinese. The Chinese troops will slowly continue a general advance to the NE, with the intent of cutting the road from Sian to Lanchow, that objective is long term, and the terrain terrible. In the center, IJA troops also looked to have withdrawn from Changsa, except for a rearguard which will be attacked next turn.

In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps troops begin to maneuver to the north around Hangchow, with the objective of flanking Hangchow and threatening Nanking and Shanghai.

Just think if he would have had a couple of tankers worth of fuel coming to meet him. Then you could expect the KB to come out and play again . . . [:(]

22-23 Dec 44

Game slowly chugs along as work starts to pick back up.....

Highlights – Fleet fails to find any remaining CVs, begins to depart Sea of Okhotsk; Changsa liberated.

Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Katsuragi)
AV: 1
TK: 1

Japanese ships un-sunk:
CV: 1 (Amagi)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 08
Allied: 23

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Changsa (China)

SIGINT/Intel: Remaining elements of the KB are not to be found. Doubtful the CVs were all sunk, but that said, it’s also likely that many more were than currently reported. Still, no sign of any CVs anywhere in the Sea of Okhotsk or likely ports of refuge. Over Kyushu, Japanese CAP looks to have been pulled in to only cover Nagasaki.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Bombers rest and Strat bombing VPs were slightly increased by remaining fires from 11,580 to 11,598. Weather remains poor over most potential targets, but B-29s will attempt to hit Nagoya again despite the forecasted rain.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, Aleutian based B-29s were grounded by weather and never hit Shimushiri AF, but will try again next turn.

In CENPAC, the Fleet raids Shikuka port, but doesn’t find any CVs. No CAP either, and raids hit and damage CLAA Nagara, a DD, a few TKs/AOs and some other assorted ships. But no carriers! Either the remnants of the KB made it to the Sea of Japan or they are sunk, no idea. Also, surprisingly, no LBA attacked the Fleet either. In any case, fuel is running low and it’s time to depart the Sea of Okhotsk to begin the journey back to Naga in the PI. Two DD TFs (3DD ea) will head out ahead to secure the crossing point across the Kurile chain which is likely covered by MTBs and/or subs. The Fleet will rendezvous with the replenishment TF in the North Pacific and take on fuel, then head to the PI.

In SOPAC, Ishigaki Amph TFs complete loading at Naga and will depart for Miyako-jima next turn where they will link up with CVE and other supporting TFs. Oldendorf’s BB TF (4BB, DDs) bombard Ishi with good effect, inflicting over 300 casualties while air continues to hit targets as well.

In SWPAC, fighter sweeps flew again over Kumamoto, but for the first time didn’t meet any CAP as it looks like L_S_T has pulled his fighters back to cover only Nagasaki itself. II US Fighter command will launch sweeps to challenge the airspace over Nagasaki for the first time next turn, with a max effort, supported by some P-38s out of SE Asia as well. B-24s out of Formosa will mine the Tsushima Straits and surrounding ports to “cut off” the sea lanes for any shipping that attempts to withdraw into the Sea of Japan. Hopefully these sweeps over Nagasaki will reduce CAP to where bombers can be brought against Nagasaki in a few weeks.

In China, Changsa is taken in the first attack, defended only by a rearguard, inflicting some 1400 casualties at a cost of less than 150.

In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps begin to encounter a well defended line extending from Hangchow to the northwest, protecting Nanking. While the Corps will probe, it will take some time to bring up sufficient troops to attack this line. That said, the primary objective of XXXIII Corps advance was to gain the AF bases near and around Ningpo, and that has been accomplished - to where P-38s will be flying sweeps across to Kyushu next turn.

24-25 Dec 44

Christmas in the Pacific!

Highlights – Fleet exits the Sea of Okhotsk; moderately effective bombing against Nagoya while Nagasaki sweeps meet their match.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 3 (I-45, RO-111, RO-116)

Japanese ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-42)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 185
Allied: 167

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CA Minneapolis dam)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: CAP remains very robust over Nagasaki; despite heavy losses over Kyushu, Japanese air seems to be able to sustain those losses so far. No major strikes against the Fleet as it exits the Sea of Okhotsk which was a bit surprising.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Moderately effective raids against Nagoya with poor weather scrubbing the majority of raids the first night. Still, the bomber stream consisted of 23 separate raids over the two days, with a total of 192 B-29s hitting the target. CAP was robust, with a max of 26 Zeros, 12 Irvings, 12 Frances, 6 Nicks, 13 Franks, and 3 Tonys. 5 B-29s were lost to the CAP, and another 2 to Flak, but in turn shot down 26 Zeros and 5 Tonys. Bombing results were mixed, with solid damage against George and Nick production, but Strat bombing VPs were only slightly increased from 11,598 to 11,888. Weather over most targets remain an issue, but raids will focus on Hamamatsu with the majority of the bombers while one group hits aircraft industry at Tsu. While I’m still focusing primarily on hitting manpower, the aircraft industry, particularly George, Frank and radar equipped night fighters will get attention as well.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the Fleet exits the Sea of Okhotsk just north of Ketoi-jima and is met by MTBs as well as subs. The leading two DD TFs (3xDDs) brush aside the MTBs sinking 6xML and two subs, but one sub slips through and puts a fish into CA Minneapolis. While escorts dispatch the sub, the CA is heavily damaged and will make for Amchitka. The Fleet will begin refueling operations next turn with the Repl TF, and then slowly head for Naga for needed repairs and upgrading a/c.

In SOPAC, Ishigaki Amph TFs head to target from Miyako-jima, with the usual supporting TFs in attendance. More of of a “mop up” landing, I don’t expect much interference. BB TF will bombard while CA and CVE TFs provide cover.

In SWPAC, the fighter sweeps hit Nagasaki and, as expected, find a hornet’s nest of fighters on CAP. Initial sweeps meet over 200 fighters, the best of the best. While the P-47s and P-51s do fairly well, the P-38s are simply outclassed. After two days, the Japanese lose 64 Franks, 10 Georges, 8 Jacks, and half a dozen Tonys in exchange for 67 P-38s, 21 P-51s and 23 P-47s. Not a good two days. Will need next turn to build up some squadrons and look to resume sweeps in a few days. The real question is whether or not this is wearing down the Japanese or the US fighter pools more effectively. In truth, until the P-47N comes avail in March, the Japanese fighters have the edge. On the ground front, Aussie troops will land at Ishigaki with almost two divisions which should be more than enough to secure the island and its potential for airfields.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, NSTR.

26-27 Dec 44

Highlights – Ishigaki landings go in without issue; solid raid on Hamamatsu.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Amatsukaze)

Allied ships sunk:
LCI: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 14

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Ishigaki (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Nanchang (China)

SIGINT/Intel:NSTR.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Good raids against Hamamatsu with weather limiting the majority of raids the first night, but zero CAP intercepting. The bomber stream consisted of 14 separate raids over the two days, with a total of 123 B-29s hitting the target. No CAP and Flak was very light; only a single B-29 lost to operations. Bombing results were fairly good with fires getting to just over 132k and some additional damage against Frank production. The raid on Tsu achieved nothing, other than 7 of the 11 Dinahs sent up to intercept were shot down without loss. Strat bombing VPs were increased from 11,888 to 12,166 and fires are still burning. Weather forecasts continue to be problematic over most targets, and the bombers need a well deserved rest next turn.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 1/3 of Fleet CV TFs take on fuel, and continues toward Naga. One of the three CV TFs will delay and take on fuel as it is almost bone dry next turn. The main body will continue on to Naga. This should pretty much empty the replenishment TF, which will then head to Manus where another Repl TF will depart fully laden next turn for the PI. Otherwise, the main focus in CENPAC is transiting some remaining support troops from all Pacific regions in ones and twos to Pearl for the Kurile and Hokkaido landings. Also making their way to Pearl are some additional APA/AKA in Naga as the focus continues to shift to CENPAC in ’45.

In SOPAC, Ishigaki Amph goes in without issue, a single LCI lost on a rock. The attack will go in next turn, supported by additional naval and air bombardments. I expect a successful attack, and engineers will should also start flowing in next turn as well.

In SWPAC, Aussie troops landed at Ishigaki in good order and will attack next turn. Fighter sweeps will resume against Nagasaki next turn, weather permitting. Looking at primarily P-47 and P-51 sweeps, so hoping for improved results. Bombers will also hit Tokaro Retto troops to begin a sustained prep on the Satsunan Islands, just SW of Kyushu. Recon will also take a hard look at the upcoming targets over the next days to see what the defense looks like.

In China, Nanchang is taken as the IJA troops were pulling out and didn’t take full advantage of the fort level 5. 3400 of the reported 5500 defenders were reported as casualties in exchange for less than 500 Chinese. Wuchang is the next potential objective as the IJA continue to contract their lines to the east. Again, the Chinese advance is largely possible due to the withdrawals; while the Chinese troops are greatly improved from a few months ago, supplies and replacements are in short supply for a sustained offensive in the center and northern portions of the front lines.

In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps troops attempt to maneuver north of Hangchow to attack north of the city to isolate it from Shanghai, but defenders are reported at 30k in the woods to the north which will require a major effort to dislodge. That won’t happen till Jan. On the positive, engineers and Baseforce troops have reached the airfields in and around Ningpo in quantity to put those AFs in full operation in the next few days. Elsewhere, III Corps troops are making final preparations for landing at Saishu To, and will be ready to embark from Haiphong shortly. While assault transports can be made ready with additional ships from SOPAC/SWPAC commands, the wait will be for the CV TFs availability to support for the East China Sea more than anything else.

28-29 Dec 44

Highlights – Ishigaki taken in first attack; Another bloody day over Nagasaki costing the top US Army Ace.

Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Amagi)
DD: 1 (Yugumo)
SS: 1 (RO-113)
TK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 110
Allied: 101

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (TK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Ishigaki (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Nagasaki remains a hotbed of Jpn fighters - the best of the best in terms of both pilots and airframes.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: B-29s rest, no missions. Strat bombing VPs were increased from 12,166 to 12,172 from remaining small fires. Weather forecasts continue to be problematic over most targets, so the majority of the bombers will continue to rest and repair. One B-29 group will attempt a rare daylight strike against the largest remaining oil production facility under Japanese control; Fushan, just east of Mukden in Manchuria.

West Coast/Admin: I’m still concerned about B-29 airframe availability when the squadrons increase from 10 to 15 planes in Feb, so I’m disbanding another newly arriving bomb group. The thirty planes this will garner will still be far short of the requirement, the goal is to have 50 avail in the pools by 1 Feb - but that still is only 10 squadron’s worth. I’d still rather have less squadrons with max aircraft in each squadron, so more incoming bomb groups may also be disbanded for 120 days.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, another 1/3 of Fleet CV TFs take on fuel draining the Repl TF which will head to Manus. The CVs continue on to Naga, and will pass north of Marcus, and south of the Bonins.

In SOPAC, with troops ashore at Ishigaki, and the base taken, one of the two Amph TFs begins to embark a Bde’s worth of troops while the remaining TF stands by to re-embark the remaining combat troops once mop up operations conclude. The focus for ’45 begins with the Yakushima Is Amphib TF departing Naga for Balikpapan to embark the main body of the assault forces.

In SWPAC, Aussie troops take Ishigaki in the first attack, and by the end of the second attack, they inflicted a total of about 1200 casualties at a cost of about 150. Mop up operations will begin, and hopefully conclude next turn as engineers begin putting the AF in. In other “ground news”, Sixth Army troops begin deliberate planning for the invasion that hopefully won’t have to go in, Kyushu. Four Corps worth of troops begin the planning, two Corps each (1 US, 1 Aus) to land at Kumamoto and Kagoshima. Looking at March assault at the earliest if it becomes necessary. In the air, the fighter sweeps go in against Nagasaki on both turns, and neither side really gets the edge. After the two days, Japan loses 69 Franks, 23 Georges, 8 Jacks and 7 Tonys in exchange for 52 P-47s, 31 P-51s and 12 P-38s. For us math challenged folks, that equals 107 enemy for 95 US. Not a great exchange rate, but not unexpected either. The worst news was that the Allies leading ace, US Army pilot MAJ I. Dobbs with 26 kills was KIA. That leaves two pilots with 21 kills as top ace now. Fighter sweeps will continue, although they might have to be scaled down a bit as the P-47D25 pool is now at about 250 airframes - and that has to last into March for the arrival of the P-47N. With Ishigaki taken, bombers will increase attention against Tokaro Retto, along with Yakushima is the next major objective for the ground troops.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, assault transports will begin moving to Haiphong for embarking of III Corps troops for the amphib assault of Saishu To. Saishu To landings are planned right after SWPAC lands at Tokaro Retto and Yakushima. Taking Saishu To will open up route to the next major campaign for SE Asia troops - Korea. See below screenshot for upcoming Jan '45 amphibs.

30-31 Dec 44

Highlights – Bad day over Nagasaki and a rare mini sub attack.

Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 1
PB: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 64

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Nagasaki continues to be well stocked with excellent fighters and pilots. I need to explore other options to see if L_S_T has first line fighters covering other cities as well. For upcoming landing sites, Tokara Retto looks to be heavily defended with over 10k troops. Yakushima, Tanegashima and Saishu Tu look to have either regiments or small Bdes. Not clear what is defending Koshiki-jima Retto yet, but I’m expecting another Bde size defense. The real question is whether the landings on these outer islands will trigger a mass Kamikaze attack or a last ditch fleet sortie.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: A total of 24 B-29s hit the Fushun oil center in Manchuria in three raids with good effect in daylight, reducing capacity from 56 to 3 while losing two bombers to Flak at 8000ft. Since the target was outside of the HI, the Strat bombing VPs remained at 12,172. Despite mixed weather forecasts, will change to a daylight strike, covered by fighters to hit Matsuyama on Shikoku next turn. Targets will be resources and aircraft engines. No fighters are reported there, but will be interesting to see if any CAP comes out of other nearby bases.

West Coast/Admin: First off, the first US Navy Corsair squadron came in aboard the CV Enterprise, undergoing repairs at Manila. All other CVs were at sea, but can expect the same when they dock. This will allow the CVs deck load to change to 36 Corsairs, 36 F6Fs, 15 Helldivers and 15 TBFs. I was hesitant to adapt this deck load with the KB afoot, but with the majority of the KB’s CVs either sunk or damaged, I’m willing to go with 72 fighters and 30 attack a/c. This will also free up the USMC fighters aboard CVs to either go toward the CVEs or back to ground bases. I also have plenty of good US Navy pilots avail now. Also, for Jan ’45, two house rules changed. The first may have significant impact; Strat bombing is now permitted into and out of China, so 10th Airforce B-24s can now hit HI in China, Manchuria, Korea and perhaps even the Home Islands. The other is probably minor, 4 instead of 3 squadrons are now permitted to hit ports and airfield targets at night.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, with all the Fleet CV TFs topped off, they should all should arrive at Naga within the week where they will repair and modify their deck loads. Once done, they will revert to SOPAC control to support operations off Kyushu and operate in the East China Sea to support SE Asia landings. CENPAC continues to focus on conducting rehearsals for the upcoming landings at Hokkaido and nearby Kurile islands. In game terms, “rehearsals” mean allocating appropriate assault transports to ground units to ensure proper lift is available. So far, the Etorofu and Uruppu-jima assault forces have completed these “rehearsals".

In SOPAC, assault transports begin loading remaining combat troops off Ishigaki and shuttling in additional engineers. Once the combat troops are moved to Luzon, the assault transport TFs will move to embark troops for additional landings. Oldendorf’s BB TF (4BB, DDs) will head from Amami Oshima to bombard Tokara Retto and then return to Miyako-jima to rearm. Hope to get in another bombardment before the ampib assault goes in. SOPAC also begins to detach a limited number of assault transports and landing craft to SE Asia to support landings at Saihu-To. Goal is to retain the minimum number of assault transports to continue offensive operations in the west, while detaching as many as possible back to Pearl for operations against NE Japan.

In SWPAC, With Ishigaki cleared of enemy remnants as the last 1000 troops are eliminated, the entire Aus I Corps now begins planning for landings at Kyushu. Landings on Kyushu’s outer islands will be predominately made up of US forces. In the air, the fighter sweeps do poorly against Nagasaki’s vaunted CAP. Although sweeps were limited, losses were not. After two days, Japan lost 20 Franks, 2 Jacks and a George in exchange for 11 P-47s, 32 P-51s and 13 NZ Corsairs. A bad day indeed. While the sweeps had reasonable success over southern Kyushu, since the CAP has been retained solely over Nagasaki it has proved to be much more challenging. So instead, will look for softer targets in conjunction with the B-29s. First test will be sweeps and LRCAP over Matsuyama on Shikoku. Will be interesting to see if roaming daylight CAP comes into play from nearby Hiroshima, and if so, how much. Bombers meanwhile continue to focus on prepping Tokara Retto.

In China, the slow gradual advance in the center and north continues, largely occupying vacated ground from the withdrawing IJA. Allied recon a/c have moved into forward airfields and are now looking deep to support strategic bombing of industry as well as ground support focused recon.

Dec 44 Summary

Another month with quite a few surprises! Having the entire KB sortie to raid Pearl on 7 Dec was something totally unexpected, and catching it before it reached home waters was also pretty surprising. Continued progress on the land front in Asia, but not much in terms of gaining forward ground elsewhere in the Pacific, but instead securing LOCs and building up of existing bases. The Strat Bombing campaign continued throughout the month with good success, although remaining largely a nocturnal effort which limits friendly losses but also bombing effectiveness. Naval losses for the month were solidly in the Allies favor; the IJN reportedly lost 3CV, CVL, 2CS, 6DD, SSX and 7ML, compared to the Allies losing a DD and 2DEs on the warship side, but also the KB raid cost 5APA, 2AP, 5TK, 11xAK, and two medium xAPs. Not insignificant losses, but not probably not worth the cost of the KB either. In the air, losses were expensive to both sides: 1670 for Jpn to 960 Allied for the month’s tallies.

INTEL: While I figured another carrier raid was likely, especially after a sub sighted the Shokaku and an AO in north Pacific waters. Once sighted, I figured Shokaku was heading back to port. So, I never expected the full KB to venture all the way to Pearl, and do so pretty much undetected! I also didn’t expect the KB to put all its planes ashore before the Allied Fleet closed in. The continued withdrawal to consolidate lines in China has also been a welcome surprise. As expected, the daylight air campaign over Kyushu has been challenging, and I am continued to be surprised at the numbers and qualities of airframes being engaged; although supplies must be short, there is no apparent effect for the fighter force, and I fully expect that to continue. The real question going forward is, “what’s left in the tank?” Enough for another major counterstroke, or just limited nuisance raids? I gotta figure at least enough for another major “all in” effort, just a question of what will trigger it.

Strategic Bombing Campaign: A pretty good month with seven major B-29 raids at night, two B-24 daylight raids and two small raids against Tsu and Fushun. B-24s hit Kagoshima twice with mixed results while the primary B-29 raids hit Nagoya three times, Fukuoka twice while Hiroshima and Hamamtsu were hit once each. Opposition has been mixed, with some cities such as Hiroshima and Nagoya being heavily protected by CAP while minimal CAP on other raids. Flak remains a threat, although effectiveness also has varied. Bombing results have also been mixed, depending mostly on weather than opposition. All told, strategic bombing netted over 2700 strategic VPs, bringing the total to 12,172. I’ll take that. January will see more of a mix of daylight and night raids, at least depending on the success (or failure) on the daylight raid against Matsuyama. Will also look to expand the B-24s in the strategic bombing campaign, both against targets in mainland Asia and targets in range in Japan. Tokyo remains a goal again since weather prohibited any strikes in Dec. The greatest challenge will be limiting bomber losses and building up the B-29 pools to facilitate the squadrons expanding to 15 planes.

SUBWAR: Subs continue to disappoint, although they did well against the withdrawing KB. However, using subs as a “trip wire” to guard against another carrier raid was a major failure. The occasional merchant victim is becoming rarer and rarer as few sea lanes remain an option for Japan. Allied subs will continue to deploy around Japan, but now largely to serve as warning to any remaining IJN sortie. Japanese ASW continues to remain dangerous, although less and less ASW TFs are venturing outside of local home waters and ASW aircraft seem to be less numerous as well.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production increases to 1479 in Jan as the British begin receiving the Corsair II. Pilot pools are in pretty good shape, but are still short for US bomber pilots for the bomber squadrons expanding in Feb. I’m now “graduating” bomber pilots from training with experience at 45….may reduce that to 43 to garner more pilots as long as ground bombing experience remains over 60. By spreading these nuggets out across the bomber squadrons, especially in low threat areas (China for example), this may be viable and get the squadrons to max out planes. While I should have sufficient airframes for most bomber types, the B-29 expansion is going to be limited by airframes. The 40 a month is enough to sustain losses, but not expanding each squadron by 5 planes. Will likely wind up disbanding additional B-29 squadrons and groups for 120 days to garner the additional aircraft.

NOPAC. While the KB visited enroute back to the Home Islands, damage was limited to coastal shipping off Dutch Harbor and Adak. And truthfully, this northern detour to hit the Aleutians gave the Allied Fleet the time needed to intercept. I expect the Aleutians to be quiet, with limited reinforcements flowing in to support the upcoming operations against the Kuriles.

CENPAC. Another carrier raid managed to disrupt both the Hokkaido troop and shipping buildup in Hawaii and shipping overall. Fortunately, nothing critical was lost, probably the worst losses were the 5 APAs; each APA is important at this point. Amazingly, no troop units or loaded a/c were lost in any of the merchants or transports sunk. Still, having the KB at sea and being able to hunt it down with the Fleet was a better than expected outcome. The bulk of troops earmarked for the landings at Hokkaido and western Kuriles have arrived in Hawaii, and now the fine tuning of organizing the amphibious begins in earnest. A few support troops still need to be brought to Hawaii from western Pacific bases, but all the combat troops are set, and pretty much fully prepped. Gathering and configuring enough assault transports will continue throughout the month, but the goal is to have the Kurile packages set by month’s end - still determining if the Kuriles and Hokkaido can be executed simultaneously, based on lift avail. Shooting for a late Feb target date to begin operations and setting sail out of the Hawaiian Islands - troops will be ready, but will need to bring back the Fleet and the CVEs which will take some time as well.

SOPAC. Well, the much needed rest for the Fleet didn’t happen as they spent most of the month chasing down the KB to the final conclusion in the frigid Sea of Okhotsk. Fortunately, with the Fleet otherwise occupied, SOPAC was able to continue support to SWPAC troops securing remaining objectives in the Ryukyu chain. The Fleet still needs some rest for repairs and reconfiguring deck loads, so it will require some time in Naga - or perhaps some will need yard time at Manila. In either case, the Fleet will likely not be able to sortie till mid Jan, so the upcoming landings off the SW coast of Kyushu will have to rely solely on CVEs and LRCAP for air support. That’s a risk I’m willing to take with the KB out of the picture. 30 or so CVEs with 600 or so fighters augmented by solid LRCAP should be able to provide enough CAP against a massed Kamikaze attack. I think I’ve said “should be” before. I do want the Fleet out to support the SE Asia landings at Saishu To however.

SWPAC. Tokunoshima, Okinoerabushima and Ishagaki were all secured without any major issues or losses, and those AFs are well into providing forward bases for Kyushu fighter sweeps. While the initial fighter sweeps over Kyushu were successful, L_S_T’s pull back to Nagasaki doomed the sustained effort - too many losses for too little gain. Focus now shifts to landings off the SW coast of Kyushu, with max effort by both air and ground elements. Bombers of V Bomber Command will also start participating more in the Strat bombing campaign as feasible. With Formosa and the majority of the Ryukyus secured, a good part of SWPAC available ground troops are now planning for landings on Kyushu.

China. The slow advance east continued as the IJA main body pulled back, delaying with primarily second line troops. Was surprised to be able to take Changsa in the center and Kienko in the north. As troops continue to move east, much combat power is still struggling to catch up as the front pushes further east. Will continue to press east as the situation permits, perhaps Wuchang is in reach now. With supply in China now at 1.2 million and climbing, the challenge is getting enough forward to support troop concentrations, especially in the NE. Will look to resume the air bridge, but instead of from India into China, it will now focus on coastal SE Asia supply hubs to the Chinese hinterland.

SE Asia. XXXIII Corps continued its advance along the Chinese coast, securing necessary AFs quicker than expected. IJA resistance has formed up near Hangchow, and investing that base by going around to its north, and threatening Shanghai will be XXXIII Corps focus in Jan. That leaves the bulk of 14th Army to focus on operations in Korea, which will begin in January with the small III Corps landing to take Saishu To, opening the sea lanes to the Korean Peninsula. If all goes as planned, landings by the powerful IV Corps at Moppo could optimistically begin by the end of Jan. The plan has XV Corps following up behind IV Corps, as will III Corps, putting the bulk of SE Asia Command on the Korean peninsula in Feb. Meanwhile, SE Asia’s 10th Airforce’s B-24s along with British Heavies will begin to hit Strategic industry targets in January, with targets ranging from northern China to Manchuria and perhaps into Japan itself.

1-2 Jan 45

Happy New Year's 1945!!! Its only taken L_S_T and I 6 years to get here......and we're still goin!

Highlights – Excellent bombing results against Matsuyama’s industry.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Agano)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 04
Allied: 10

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: No fighters over Matsuyama while the reported concentration at Nagasaki has climbed back over 1200 - perhaps to strike at the next expected landing?

Strategic Bombing Campaign: Strike against Matsuyama was the best single strategic bombing effort of the war so far! While weather scrubbed missions on the first day, the second day’s strikes made up for it. A total of 189 B-29s and 46 B-24s focused on hitting Matsuyama’s resource and engine targets during 12 separate strikes with excellent results, and not losing a single bomber. With no CAP at all, the escorting and sweeping fighters had zero opportunities. The outstanding bombing results increased the Strat bombing VPs from 12,172 to 13,220. Based on these results, will attempt another daylight venture against Shimonoeski, focusing again primarily against resources but also targeting refinery and HI targets. Shimonoeski is currently not reconned, which (along with 900+ resources) is one reason why it was selected - figure the poor DL will limit any CAP moved to daylight missions. Recon will focus on it now, so hope day two’s bombing does well. Bombing altitude will increase to 12k to avoid some of the expected increased Flak concentrations, and in addition to SWPAC’s B-24 group, one of SE Asia’s B-24 groups will also participate.

West Coast/Admin: Forgot about one other Jan ’45 rules addition; AEs can now conduct resupply at sea. So, I’m gathering 4 ea AE to sail with the two Repl TFs in the Pacific.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the Fleet CVs begin flying off USMC squadrons in preparation for arrival at Naga and reconfiguring deck loads. The Fleet should close on Naga next turn.

In SOPAC, Oldendorf’s BB TF (4BB, DDs) bombards Tokara Retto with good effect, inflicting about 500 reported casualties and returned to Miyako-jima without incident. They’ll head back to Amami next turn to stage for another bombardment run. Yakushima Amph TF begins loading troops at Balikpapan.

In SWPAC, 1st Mar Div and supporting troops begin loading for Yakushima at Balikpapan, while two supporting infantry regiments wait for additional transports to arrive at Lingayen. In the air, II Fighter Command shifts from Kyushu sweeps to providing LRCAP and sweeps over strategic bombing raids. Matsuyama’s raids offered no enemy CAP, but I’m betting Shimonoeski’s defenses are a bit more robust. B-25s meanwhile hit and cripple two PBs off Yakushima as other bombers continue to soften up Tokara Retto with reasonable effect.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, XXXIII Corps looks to begin its advance to the north of Hangchow with a 4 division attack against the reported 30k defenders supported by as much air as can be mustered. The defending IJA troops as well as those in Hangchow are reported to be withdrawing, so the attack needs to be successful immediately if there is any chance to cut them off before they can withdraw back towards Shanghai. SE Asia airpower not in support of the attack will support the raid on Shimonoeski with a US bomber group and long range fighters. Four British B-24 squadrons will also support the Strat bombing campaign by hitting Nagasaki AF at night, hoping to put a dent in some of those 1200 fighters based there.

Congrats on reaching 1945!!

is LST committed to fight to the end?
it seems there is very little left in his toolbox, but he might still surprise you

it will be interesting to see an invasion of the HI

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Agano)

Any more details?