Hirohito's Honor

[RangerJoe]

If I remember correctly, the Japanese at the end of the war also used turpentine as an aviation fuel. Not that I am recommending it for combat duty but if there should be an excess of turpentine from the wood from the charcoal production, then maybe that could be used for the training aircraft? Nothing too strenuous for the engine if it were to be used in the primary trainers. That maybe something to consider to "stretch" the avgas available for operations.

Also, did the Japanese use something like 100% octane or was it a lower rating, much more like mogas? The Germans even had a diesel powered bomber.

Well, you can use any fuel you want in an engine. BUT, aircraft engines are about power to weight, so using lower power fuels like turpentine and diesel are possible, but the aircraft will be an emu, not an Eagle.

As already discussed, they will be looking at wet gas (Methanol) injection which was also the primary alternative that the Germans ended up using for exactly the same reasons: they could NOT get 140 octane AvGas, so they just used wet gas to make up for it. See the 10 Dec 41 entry for Ryoichi above for some prelimiary thoughts on this. Further info will be coming forth at a later date when this RnD really gets into swing.

I should have been a little more specific. The JU-86 actually used diesel engines although later models had radials which were gasoline engines using 87 octane gasoline. The aircraft had been equipped with NO injection for the diesel engines but I don't know if that was kept for the gasoline engines. The diesel equipped version wasn't used much due to the difficulties maintaining the aircraft since (I presume) the mechanics kept looking for the spark plugs, points, and the carburetor . . .

https://warhistory.org/@msw/article/jun ... nce-bomber

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkers_Ju_86

You really don't want to use diesel fuel in a gasoline engine if you want to keep that engine running. Also, the exhaust smells just a little funny.

[PaxMondo]

If I remember correctly, the Japanese at the end of the war also used turpentine as an aviation fuel. Not that I am recommending it for combat duty but if there should be an excess of turpentine from the wood from the charcoal production, then maybe that could be used for the training aircraft? Nothing too strenuous for the engine if it were to be used in the primary trainers. That maybe something to consider to "stretch" the avgas available for operations.

Also, did the Japanese use something like 100% octane or was it a lower rating, much more like mogas? The Germans even had a diesel powered bomber.

Well, you can use any fuel you want in an engine. BUT, aircraft engines are about power to weight, so using lower power fuels like turpentine and diesel are possible, but the aircraft will be an emu, not an Eagle.

As already discussed, they will be looking at wet gas (Methanol) injection which was also the primary alternative that the Germans ended up using for exactly the same reasons: they could NOT get 140 octane AvGas, so they just used wet gas to make up for it. See the 10 Dec 41 entry for Ryoichi above for some prelimiary thoughts on this. Further info will be coming forth at a later date when this RnD really gets into swing.

I should have been a little more specific. The JU-86 actually used diesel engines although later models had radials which were gasoline engines using 87 octane gasoline. The aircraft had been equipped with NO injection for the diesel engines but I don't know if that was kept for the gasoline engines. The diesel equipped version wasn't used much due to the difficulties maintaining the aircraft since (I presume) the mechanics kept looking for the spark plugs, points, and the carburetor . . .

https://warhistory.org/@msw/article/jun ... nce-bomber

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkers_Ju_86

You really don't want to use diesel fuel in a gasoline engine if you want to keep that engine running. Also, the exhaust smells just a little funny.

No sorry, I know about the German attempt with diesel and it was a pretty miserable failure. When I said above you could use any fuel, I wasn't referring to using diesel in a gas engine, but rather that you can design a piston engine to run on almost any fuel. However, just because the engine will run doesn't mean it will have the power to weight ratio needed for aircraft. A diesel engine will be too heavy for the power it generates and the aircraft performance will be terrible.

In order for Piston engines to meet the requirements of aviation, they need to have a high power to weight ratio. That requires a fuel that is light and readily burns, but doesn't explode when pressurized. This is the factor that octane measures: the higher the octane, the higher it can be pressurized without explosion. Translate this into an engine it means you can have higher compression ratios and still fire smoothly, not exploding (knocking). Higher compression in a piston engine translates to more power for the size of engine. Thus, the advantage that the US had with 140 AvGas compared to GER/IJ 100 AvGas is that they could have higher compression before knocking ... more power for the same size engine.

Wet gas (Methanol) gets you to the same place (higher compression) as it allows higher pressures (more boost) before knocking just as 140 octane AvGas does. The way it does it is completely different, BUT the result is the same. It is more complex, you now have TWO fuels that need to be metered into the engine instead of just one. TWO fuel tanks. So, the high octane is far simpler hence better. But if you cannot get high octane and you need to compete against it, then wet gas will get you there.

Hopefully I cleared up any unintended confusion caused by my earlier response.

[RangerJoe]

Well, you can use any fuel you want in an engine. BUT, aircraft engines are about power to weight, so using lower power fuels like turpentine and diesel are possible, but the aircraft will be an emu, not an Eagle.

As already discussed, they will be looking at wet gas (Methanol) injection which was also the primary alternative that the Germans ended up using for exactly the same reasons: they could NOT get 140 octane AvGas, so they just used wet gas to make up for it. See the 10 Dec 41 entry for Ryoichi above for some prelimiary thoughts on this. Further info will be coming forth at a later date when this RnD really gets into swing.

I should have been a little more specific. The JU-86 actually used diesel engines although later models had radials which were gasoline engines using 87 octane gasoline. The aircraft had been equipped with NO injection for the diesel engines but I don't know if that was kept for the gasoline engines. The diesel equipped version wasn't used much due to the difficulties maintaining the aircraft since (I presume) the mechanics kept looking for the spark plugs, points, and the carburetor . . .

https://warhistory.org/@msw/article/jun ... nce-bomber

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkers_Ju_86

You really don't want to use diesel fuel in a gasoline engine if you want to keep that engine running. Also, the exhaust smells just a little funny.

No sorry, I know about the German attempt with diesel and it was a pretty miserable failure. When I said above you could use any fuel, I wasn't referring to using diesel in a gas engine, but rather that you can design a piston engine to run on almost any fuel. However, just because the engine will run doesn't mean it will have the power to weight ratio needed for aircraft. A diesel engine will be too heavy for the power it generates and the aircraft performance will be terrible.

In order for Piston engines to meet the requirements of aviation, they need to have a high power to weight ratio. That requires a fuel that is light and readily burns, but doesn't explode when pressurized. This is the factor that octane measures: the higher the octane, the higher it can be pressurized without explosion. Translate this into an engine it means you can have higher compression ratios and still fire smoothly, not exploding (knocking). Higher compression in a piston engine translates to more power for the size of engine. Thus, the advantage that the US had with 140 AvGas compared to GER/IJ 100 AvGas is that they could have higher compression before knocking ... more power for the same size engine.

Wet gas (Methanol) gets you to the same place (higher compression) as it allows higher pressures (more boost) before knocking just as 140 octane AvGas does. The way it does it is completely different, BUT the result is the same. It is more complex, you now have TWO fuels that need to be metered into the engine instead of just one. TWO fuel tanks. So, the high octane is far simpler hence better. But if you cannot get high octane and you need to compete against it, then wet gas will get you there.

Hopefully I cleared up any unintended confusion caused by my earlier response.

Yes, you did clear it up. Thank you.

[PaxMondo]

Yes, you did clear it up. Thank you.

Whew!!!!

[PaxMondo]

13 Dec 41 General Shunroku Hata, China Expeditionary Army Command, Nanking

Hong Kong. 10,000 guns. WTF??!!? Even with 10 ID’s, he would only have 1000 guns. Maybe. He would be sending his army in at a 10:1 deficit in guns. But how could the British have 10,000 guns? What are they? The firepower that they represent … and they have at least 3 ID equivalents of troops as well. Well, the die is about to be cast. 10 ID’s is all he can scare up. To get more …. Well he can’t. 3:1 in troops is the minimal ratio for a successful attack; but the potential firepower of the allied defense … Still 2 weeks away from the attack … 2 weeks.

[PaxMondo]

************************************************************************************************************************

Editorial Comment


************************************************************************************************************************

So, people are always asking me why I don't play PBEM. Well, it's simple. Here I am writing an AAR on a game that I haven't been able to run a turn in over a month. Life happens a lot to me, and this is just a common example. Truthfully, might be several more weeks before I can run more turns ... yeah, I know, what could be more important ... sometimes it is things I can control, but mostly its stuff. Anyway, I will keep plugging along ... just bear with me .... thanks!

[RangerJoe]

I personally have no problem with the frequency of your posting.

I hope that you don't mind my posting things here as well. Here is something that I just read about the reason for garrisons in the Pashtun area in India:

German-Japanese Diversion Cancelled
https://warhistory.org/@msw/article/ger ... -cancelled

I also don't play PBEMs for this game, but that is due to different reasons. I did play one PBEM with someone for a few turns in a different game. He did not like the results and he didn't want to finish the game.

[PaxMondo]

14Dec41 Hiroshima: Captain Onoda, Naval Vice Director

Subs working around Davao, PH, and Malay coast:

Code: Select all

Sub attack near Davao  at 80,93
 
Japanese Ships
      xAKL Katsuragisan Maru, Shell hits 10,  heavy fires
 
Allied Ships
      SS KXIX
 
Japanese ground losses:
      7 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
SS KXIX attacking xAKL Katsuragisan Maru on the surface
SS KXIX low on gun ammo, breaks off surface engagement and submerges

Submarine attack near Davao  at 80,93
 
Japanese Ships
      xAKL Tateyama Maru
 
Allied Ships
      SS KXIX
 
xAKL Tateyama Maru is sighted by SS KXIX
SS KXIX launches 4 torpedoes at xAKL Tateyama Maru
 
Submarine attack near Lahaina  at 192,95
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-6
 
Allied Ships
      xAP President Buchanan, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy damage
 
xAP President Buchanan is sighted by SS I-6
SS I-6 launches 2 torpedoes


Sub attack near Pearl Harbor  at 174,119
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-8
 
Allied Ships
      AG Antares, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Allied ground losses:
      15 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
SS I-8 launches 2 torpedoes at AG Antares


Submarine attack near Pearl Harbor  at 187,95
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-172
 
Allied Ships
      AP Henderson, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
AP Henderson is sighted by SS I-172
SS I-172 launches 2 torpedoes

Sub attack near Kota Bharu  at 55,77
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-165
 
Allied Ships
      DD Ghazi,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      AM Ballarat
 
SS I-165 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Ghazi
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Submarine attack near Kuantan  at 55,78
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-157
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Zannis Cambanis, Torpedo hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
xAK Zannis Cambanis is sighted by SS I-157
SS I-157 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Zannis Cambanis
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Submarine attack near Kuantan  at 55,78
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-157
 
Allied Ships
      PG Herald, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
PG Herald is sighted by SS I-157
SS I-157 launches 2 torpedoes at PG Herald
 
Sub attack near Soc Trang  at 56,76
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-154, hits 1
 
Allied Ships
      DD Ghazi,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      TK Pinna,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      AM Ballarat
 
SS I-154 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Ghazi
I-154 bottoming out ....
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat attacking submerged sub ....
AM Ballarat loses contact with SS I-154
SS I-154 eludes AM Ballarat by hugging bottom
Escort abandons search for sub 

Surface Action with Convoys attempting to pass Hong Kong in transit to Canton. After 2nd encounter, RADM Mito commanding TF118 with 4 ID's embarked retreats towards Hiroshima ... still under radio silence ...

Code: Select all

Night Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 77,61, Range 10,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      PB Chitose Maru #3
      xAK Kensin Maru #2
      xAK Konsan Maru
      xAK Manyo Maru
      xAK Nagato Maru
      xAK Ronsan Maru
      xAK Tyuwa Maru
      PB Aso Maru #7
 
Allied Ships
      MTB 7
      MTB 8
      MTB 9
      MTB 10
      MTB 11
      MTB 12
      MTB 26
      MTB 27
 
Low visibility due to Rain  with 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 17% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 3,000 yards...
Range increases to 4,000 yards...
Range increases to 5,000 yards...
Range increases to 6,000 yards...
Range increases to 7,000 yards...
Range increases to 8,000 yards...
Range increases to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Japanese Transport TF evades combat
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Night Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 77,61, Range 9,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Yakaze
      DD Yukaze
      xAK Hokuroku Maru
      xAK Tokai Maru
      xAK Tokyo Maru
      AMC Bankok Maru
      xAP Asama Maru
      xAP Tatsuta Maru
      xAP Buenos Aires Maru
      xAP Huzi Maru
      xAP Mizuho Maru
      xAP Montevideo Maru
      xAP Dairen Maru
      xAP Hoten Maru #2
      xAP Tsingtao Maru
      xAP Taizan Maru
      xAP Keihuku Maru #2
      xAP Ussuri Maru
      xAP Ural Maru
      xAP Kasado Maru #2
      xAP Kowa Maru
      xAP Palau Maru
      xAP Shanghai Maru #2
      xAP Ukishima Maru
 
Allied Ships
      MTB 7
      MTB 8
      MTB 9
      MTB 10
      MTB 11
      MTB 12
      MTB 26
      MTB 27
 
Poor visibility due to Rain  with 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 17% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 3,000 yards...
Range increases to 4,000 yards...
Range increases to 5,000 yards...
Range increases to 6,000 yards...
Range increases to 7,000 yards...
Range increases to 8,000 yards...
Range increases to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Japanese Transport TF evades combat
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Day Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 77,61, Range 21,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Yakaze
      DD Yukaze
      xAK Hokuroku Maru
      xAK Tokai Maru
      xAK Tokyo Maru
      AMC Bankok Maru
      xAP Asama Maru
      xAP Tatsuta Maru
      xAP Buenos Aires Maru
      xAP Huzi Maru
      xAP Mizuho Maru
      xAP Montevideo Maru
      xAP Dairen Maru
      xAP Hoten Maru #2
      xAP Tsingtao Maru
      xAP Taizan Maru
      xAP Keihuku Maru #2
      xAP Ussuri Maru
      xAP Ural Maru
      xAP Kasado Maru #2
      xAP Kowa Maru
      xAP Palau Maru
      xAP Shanghai Maru #2
      xAP Ukishima Maru
 
Allied Ships
      MTB 7
      MTB 8
      MTB 9
      MTB 10
      MTB 11
      MTB 12
      MTB 26
      MTB 27
 
Poor visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 14,000 yards...
Range increases to 15,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range increases to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 20,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

Surface actions off Malay Coast:

Code: Select all

Day Time Surface Combat, near Kota Bharu at 55,77, Range 22,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Chokai
      DD Isonuki
      DD Saguki
 
Allied Ships
      xAP Matang, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      TK Harpa, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
 
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 22,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 22,000 yards
CA Chokai launches Long Lance Torpedoes at TK Harpa at 22,000 yards
CA Chokai launches Long Lance Torpedoes at xAP Matang at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
CA Chokai engages xAP Matang at 21,000 yards
DD Isonuki engages xAP Matang at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
DD Isonuki engages TK Harpa at 18,000 yards
DD Isonuki engages TK Harpa at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
CA Chokai engages TK Harpa at 16,000 yards
DD Isonuki engages xAP Matang at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
CA Chokai engages TK Harpa at 15,000 yards
DD Saguki engages TK Harpa at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
DD Saguki engages TK Harpa at 12,000 yards
xAP Matang sunk by DD Saguki at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CA Chokai engages TK Harpa at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Chokai engages TK Harpa at 10,000 yards
DD Saguki engages TK Harpa at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CA Chokai engages TK Harpa at 7,000 yards
DD Saguki engages TK Harpa at 7,000 yards
TK Harpa sunk by DD Saguki at 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Soc Trang at 56,76, Range 11,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Mikuma, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
      DD Aragero, Shell hits 2,  on fire
      DD Hagigero, Shell hits 5,  on fire
 
Allied Ships
      DD Tenedos, Shell hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
      AM Ballarat, Shell hits 1
      xAP Matang
      xAP Kepong, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
      TK Harpa
      TK Pinna, Shell hits 4,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Ghazi, Shell hits 5,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Rajput, Shell hits 8,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Jat, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
 
Reduced sighting due to 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 17% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 11,000 yards
CA Mikuma launches Long Lance Torpedoes at TK Pinna at 11,000 yards
DD Aragero launches Long Lance Torpedoes at TK Pinna at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages CA Mikuma at 8,000 yards
DD Aragero engages DD Rajput at 8,000 yards
DD Rajput engages DD Aragero at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
DD Hagigero engages DD Jat at 4,000 yards
DD Rajput engages DD Hagigero at 4,000 yards
DD Ghazi engages DD Aragero at 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK Pinna at 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages xAP Kepong at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK Pinna at 2,000 yards
DD Aragero engages DD Rajput at 2,000 yards
DD Ghazi engages DD Aragero at 2,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Jat at 2,000 yards
DD Rajput engages DD Hagigero at 2,000 yards
DD Aragero engages DD Ghazi at 2,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages AM Ballarat at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
DD Jat engages DD Aragero at 4,000 yards
DD Rajput engages DD Aragero at 4,000 yards
DD Aragero engages DD Ghazi at 4,000 yards
DD Aragero engages DD Tenedos at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Jat at 3,000 yards
DD Hagigero engages DD Rajput at 3,000 yards
DD Ghazi engages DD Aragero at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Jat sunk by CA Mikuma at 2,000 yards
DD Hagigero engages DD Rajput at 2,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Rajput at 2,000 yards
DD Rajput engages DD Hagigero at 2,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Hagigero at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Rajput at 4,000 yards
DD Hagigero engages DD Rajput at 4,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Aragero at 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK Harpa at 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages xAP Matang at 4,000 yards
DD Hagigero engages DD Rajput at 4,000 yards
DD Hagigero engages DD Ghazi at 4,000 yards
DD Aragero engages DD Rajput at 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Tenedos at 4,000 yards
DD Ghazi engages DD Hagigero at 4,000 yards
DD Aragero engages DD Tenedos at 4,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Ghazi at 4,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
 

Air attacks off Malay Coast. Unescorted Betty’s are ambushed:

Code: Select all

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Soc Trang at 56,76
 
Weather in hex: Clear sky
 
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      Blenheim I x 6
 
No Allied losses
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Mikuma
      CA Kumano
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       6 x Blenheim I bombing from 6000 feet * 
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
 


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Terempa at 56,80
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      G4M1 Betty x 9
 
Allied aircraft
      Buffalo I x 4
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed
 
No Allied losses
 
CAP engaged:
No.7 Sqn RAAF with Buffalo I (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
      Raid is overhead

Air attacks on Naga shipping, Ki-27’s cannot match up against P40’s:

Code: Select all

Morning Air attack on TF, near Naga at 81,81
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 6
      Ki-27b Nate x 11
 
Allied aircraft
      A-24 Banshee x 10
      P-40B Warhawk x 14
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-27b Nate: 3 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      A-24 Banshee: 7 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Nagatsuki
      DD Matsakaze
      DD Hatakaze
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       6 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
       4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 13000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Naga at 81,81
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 6
      Ki-27b Nate x 8
 
Allied aircraft
      A-24 Banshee x 10
      P-40B Warhawk x 13
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
      Ki-27b Nate: 4 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      A-24 Banshee: 4 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Ashigara
      DD Satsuki
      CA Maya, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
       6 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      6 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 13000.
      Raid is overhead
50th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      8 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
      Raid is overhead

Air Attacks in and around PH Area in support of interdiction:

Code: Select all

Morning Air attack on TF, near Lahaina at 192,95
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 4
      B5N1 Kate x 15
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Coast Trader, Bomb hits 4,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Shooting Star, Bomb hits 4,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Walter Luckenbach, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
      xAK Steel Navigator, Bomb hits 3,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Coast Trader
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Steel Navigator
 


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 171,124
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 10
      B5N1 Kate x 5
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied Ships
      AG Vega, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Jarvis
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AG Vega


Morning Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 187,95
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      D3A1 Val x 18
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      D3A1 Val: 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      AP Henderson, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AP Henderson

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 187,96
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 3
      D3A1 Val x 26
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Steel Voyager, Bomb hits 9, and is sunk
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Steel Voyager
 

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 184,95
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 4
      D3A1 Val x 15
      B5N2 Kate x 19
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      D3A1 Val: 3 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      CL Concord, Bomb hits 3,  heavy fires
      DD Dent, Bomb hits 1,  heavy fires
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      19 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Concord
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Dent
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 184,95
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 4
      B5N1 Kate x 14
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      B5N1 Kate: 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      CL Concord, Bomb hits 10,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Dent, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      14 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Concord
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 184,95
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 4
      D3A1 Val x 15
      B5N2 Kate x 19
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      D3A1 Val: 3 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      CL Concord, and is sunk
      DD Dent, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      19 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
       8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Concord
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Dent

[PaxMondo]

14Dec41 Colonel Kotani Etsuo, Northern Army Vice Director
14Dec41 - Seizo Arisue, Southern Army Vice Director

Kaoping is taken:

Code: Select all

Ground combat at Kaoping (89,42)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 56724 troops, 1052 guns, 1508 vehicles, Assault Value = 2417
 
Defending force 7984 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 186
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 2035 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 7 
 
Japanese assault odds: 290 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
 fatigue(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      150 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      5022 casualties reported
         Squads: 214 destroyed, 9 disabled
         Non Combat: 102 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 9 destroyed, 5 disabled
      Guns lost 20 (14 destroyed, 6 disabled)
      Units retreated 1
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    29th Division
    10th Division
    14th Division
    3rd Tank Regiment
    9th Tank Regiment
    23rd Tank Regiment
    5th Tank Regiment
    10th Tank Regiment
    16th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    19th Division
    11th Tank Regiment
    Botanko V. Hvy. Rgt 
    20th Army
    8th Ind.VHvy.Art. Rgt 
    7th Medium FA Rgt 
    3rd Army
    4th RF Gun Battalion
    28th Fld AA AA Battalion
    10th Hvy FA Rgt 
    Kwantung Army
    7th Ind.VHvy.Art. Rgt 
    50th Fld AA Field AA Battalion
    10th Mortar Battalion
    4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    55th Fld AA Field AA Battalion
    2nd Hvy FA Rgt 
    13th Ind.Art.Mortar Bn 
    57th Mobile AA Battalion
    15th Hvy FA Rgt 
    11th Ind.Art.Mortar Bn 
    4th Hvy FA Rgt 
    6th V.Hvy.Art. Bn 
    4th Army
    NCPC Army
    6th RF Gun Battalion
    22nd Medium FA Rgt 
    12th Hvy FA Rgt 
    22nd Fld AA AA Battalion
    Tonei V. Hvy. Rgt 
    5th Army
    29th Mobile AA Co 
    5th Ind.VHvy.Art. Rgt 
    23rd Fld AA AA Battalion
    27th Mobile AA Co 
    20th Hvy FA Rgt 
    12th Ind.Art.Mortar Bn 
    5th Hvy FA Rgt 
    4th Ind.VHvy.Art. Bn 
    North China Area Army
    9th Hvy FA Rgt 
    2nd V.Hvy.Art. Rgt 
    1st V.Hvy.Art. Bn 
    28th Mobile AA Co 
    3rd V.Hvy.Art. Rgt 
    12th Army
    10th Mortar Battalion
 
Defending units:
    27th Chinese Corps

Canton Island is taken:

Code: Select all

Amphibious Assault at Canton Island (153,143)
 
TF 116 troops unloading over beach at Canton Island, 153,143
 
Japanese ground losses:
      14 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
12 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 53rd Nav Gd /4
11 troops of a SNLF Squad 41 accidentally lost during unload of 53rd Nav Gd /3
 
nvasion Support action off Canton Island (153,143)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      PB Santos Maru
      PB Kaiun Maru
      PB Kaikei Maru
      PB Ikunta Maru
      PB Hakkaisan Maru
      PB Fukui Maru
      xAK Aratama Maru
 
Allied ground losses:
      31 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
 
PB Santos Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kaiun Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kaikei Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Ikunta Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Hakkaisan Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Fukui Maru fired at enemy troops
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Canton Island (153,143)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      PB Santos Maru
      PB Kaiun Maru
      PB Kaikei Maru
      PB Ikunta Maru
      PB Hakkaisan Maru
      PB Fukui Maru
      xAK Aratama Maru
 
Allied ground losses:
      7 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
PB Santos Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kaiun Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kaikei Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Ikunta Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Hakkaisan Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Fukui Maru fired at enemy troops
 

Pre-Invasion action off Canton Island (153,143)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      PB Santos Maru
      PB Kaiun Maru
      PB Kaikei Maru
      PB Ikunta Maru
      PB Hakkaisan Maru
      PB Fukui Maru
      xAK Aratama Maru
 
Allied ground losses:
      31 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
PB Santos Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kaiun Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kaikei Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Ikunta Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Hakkaisan Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Fukui Maru fired at enemy troops
 

Ground combat at Canton Island (153,143)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 1285 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 58
 
Defending force 528 troops, 0 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 54 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 3 
 
Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 1) 
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Canton Island !!!
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-17D Fortress: 10 destroyed
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), fatigue(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)
 
Allied ground losses:
      275 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 53 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Vehicles lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Units destroyed 1
 
Assaulting units:
    53rd Naval Guard Unit
 
Defending units:
    Canton USN CPNAB 
 

PI Samar, Leyte, Cebu, and Panay islands area between Mindanao and Luzon mop up started. This will be a long slog as the allies have large, entrenched forces throughout the area. We cannot advance into DEI until these air fields are neutralized AND we have sufficient A6M support. The Ki-27’s are just not cutting it at all. Losses are high.

Code: Select all

Ground combat at Catbalogan (82,84)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 26 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4
 
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 3 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1 
 
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0) 
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Catbalogan !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 1st SNLF /1
    
______________________________________________________________________________________________________    
    
Ground combat at Guiuan (82,85)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 26 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4
 
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 5 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1 
 
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0) 
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Guiuan !!!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+), leaders(-)
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 1st SNLF /2
Night Air attack on Cebu , at 80,86 
 

Air attacks to prevent fort builds, allies retaliate against Chiang Mai, Kota Bharu, and Hankow. Ki-27’s are effective against UNESCORTED attacks, but even Ki-43’s are no match for the allied escorts P39. Buffalo, and Hurricanes.

Code: Select all

Night Air attack on Cebu , at 80,86 
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-21-IIa Sally x 11
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
 
Runway hits 1
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      11 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 5000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack: 13 x 50 kg GP Bomb
               
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
               
Afternoon Air attack on Chiang Mai , at 58,53 
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      H81-A3 x 12
      Hudson I x 13
 
No Allied losses
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      13 x Hudson I bombing from 17000 feet
               Port Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Afternoon Air attack on Hankow , at 85,50 
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 30
 
Allied aircraft
      DB-3M x 5
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      DB-3M: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       1 x DB-3M bombing from 17000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  5 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
54th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 15 scrambling)
      5 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on Hankow , at 85,50 
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 24
 
Allied aircraft
      A-29A Hudson x 2
 
No Japanese losses
 
No Allied losses
 
CAP engaged:
54th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 87 minutes

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Morning Air attack on Hong Kong , at 77,61 
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-21-IIa Sally x 19
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged
      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hurricane IIb Trop: 6 damaged
      Vengeance I: 2 damaged
      Vildebeest III: 2 damaged
      Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed on ground
      Walrus II: 2 damaged
 
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack: 20 x 50 kg GP Bomb
       4 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack: 20 x 50 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hong Kong , at 77,61 
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15
      Ki-51 Sonia x 3
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 7 damaged
      Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hurricane IIb Trop: 4 damaged
      Vildebeest III: 3 damaged
      Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed on ground
      Walrus II: 2 damaged
      Vengeance I: 1 damaged
 
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack: 20 x 50 kg GP Bomb
       3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hong Kong , at 77,61 
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 10
      Ki-30 Ann x 19
      Ki-51 Sonia x 14
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-51 Sonia: 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Vildebeest III: 1 damaged
 
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      19 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  9 x 50 kg GP Bomb
      14 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hong Kong , at 77,61 
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 53 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-36 Ida x 17
      Ki-44 Tojo x 9
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-36 Ida: 1 damaged
      Ki-36 Ida: 2 destroyed by flak
 
Runway hits 2
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  5 x 50 kg GP Bomb

-------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Afternoon Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 51,75 
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 18
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 7
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 41
 
Allied aircraft
      Blenheim If x 8
      Buffalo I x 10
      Hurricane I Trop x 10
      Vildebeest III x 11
      P-39D Airacobra x 11
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
      Vildebeest III: 2 destroyed
 
CAP engaged:
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ia Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 14 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 6000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 32 scrambling)
      6 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 51,75 
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 12
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 4
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 33
 
Allied aircraft
      Vildebeest III x 15
      P-39D Airacobra x 12
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Vildebeest III: 2 destroyed
 
CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
      5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
      11 planes vectored on to bombers
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ia Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
      1 planes vectored on to bombers
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
      29 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 65 minutes
      19 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 51,75 
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 10
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 3
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 22
 
Allied aircraft
      Hurricane IIa Trop x 15
      Hurricane IId Trop x 4
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar: 1 destroyed
      Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hurricane IId Trop: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x Hurricane IId Trop bombing from 100 feet
 
CAP engaged:
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ia Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      6 plane(s) intercepting now.
      4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      19 plane(s) intercepting now.
      3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77 
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 26
      G4M1 Betty x 30
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      P-39D Airacobra: 45 damaged
      P-39D Airacobra: 3 destroyed on ground
      PBY-4 Catalina: 23 damaged
      P-35A: 22 damaged
      SOC-1 Seagull: 2 damaged
      P-40E Warhawk: 11 damaged
      P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
      A-24 Banshee: 15 damaged
      A-24 Banshee: 1 destroyed on ground
 
Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 77
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack: 20 x 50 kg GP Bomb
      15 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack: 20 x 50 kg GP Bomb
 

[PaxMondo]

I personally have no problem with the frequency of your posting.

Appreciate your patience with me ...

I hope that you don't mind my posting things here as well.

Not at all ... feel free!!

[PaxMondo]

14 Dec 41 Economics Ministry - Tokyo

Saburo Ushiroku sat at his desk, pondering his notes and data. At the start of the war he had been just an analyst. Now he was minister according the imperial notice that just arrived via imperial messenger. He shuddered at that thought. The last two ministers, and a number of the asst ministers, had not fared well at the HIE briefings. His turn was up. The good news was that at least he had been to several briefings now. The bad? He was expected to give a high level overview of the economy and provide forward looking requirements. It sounded easy, but the reality was far different as his predecessors had discovered; their teeth chattering amongst the garden stones. That thought did little to help him either.

Ok, let’s settle down. What have we got? Overall the economy is humming along. We have one of the most educated work forces in the world, contrary to popular belief. This had been the key underpinning of the economic miracle of the last 15 years. GNP was growing at an annual rate of over 10%. How do we keep that going?

Domestic resources
We have less than half of what we currently consume in general, which didn’t sound as bad as it really was. Several crucial minerals are completely absent domestically, particularly rare earth metals now being used for metal hardeners like Vanadium. What this means is specialty steels, particularly tool steels, are always in short supply. This in turn leads to production delays and shortfalls.

WorkForce
The biggest jeopardy is the armed forces call-ups stripping experienced workers out of the economy. We need to instill cross training across the nation so that skills are not lost. How could that happen? How could he get that message across?

Industry
Factory expansions, particularly for aircraft, are rapidly absorbing all of the excess Industrial Capacity. In spite of some gains by conquest (like HK), we are going to need to expand our industrial base as well. This in turn will put additional pressure on our fuel and supply reserves.

Oh, and his normal work load yet. And managing the entire ministry? Exactly how was he supposed to do that?

[PaxMondo]

15Dec41 Hiroshima: Captain Onoda, Naval Vice Director
TF118 is overdue at Canton. Under silence, RADM Mito has continued to return to Hiroshima with his 4 ID’s embarked.

Submarine activity around Djemadja and Pescadores.

Code: Select all

ASW attack near Djemadja  at 53,82
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-122
 
SS I-122 is sighted by escort
I-122 bottoming out ....
Sub escapes detection


Sub attack near Djemadja  at 52,83
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-122
 
Allied Ships
      DD Rajput, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy damage
      AM Ballarat
 
SS I-122 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Rajput
I-122 bottoming out ....
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Ballarat fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Djemadja  at 52,83
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-122
 
Allied Ships
      DD Wessex, Torpedo hits 2,  heavy damage
 
Magazine explodes on DD Wessex
SS I-122 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Wessex
I-122 bottoming out ....
Sub escapes detection
 
---------------------------------------------

Submarine attack near Djemadja  at 53,82
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-123
 
Allied Ships
      DD Dogra, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy damage
 
DD Dogra is sighted by SS I-123
SS I-123 launches 2 torpedoes

More surface action around Hong Kong as another convoy attempts to transit to Canton and around PH as part of the interdiction efforts.

Code: Select all

Day Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 77,61, Range 21,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      AMC Awata Maru
      xAP Yoshino Maru #2
      xAP Kanzyu Maru
      xAP Teikyo Maru
 
Allied Ships
      MTB 7
      MTB 8
      MTB 9
      MTB 10
      MTB 11
      MTB 12
      MTB 26
      MTB 27
 
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 4,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat
 

Day Time Surface Combat, near Lahaina at 195,100, Range 14,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      BC Hiei
      CA Tone
      DD Sazanuki
      DD Ushuki
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Steel Exporter, Shell hits 41, and is sunk
      xAK Julia Luckenbach, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
      xAK Am. Leader, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
      xAK Idaho, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
 
Low visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 14,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 14,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
BC Hiei fires at xAK Am. Leader at 14,000 yards
CA Tone launches Long Lance Torpedoes at xAK Julia Luckenbach at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK Am. Leader at 12,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK Am. Leader at 12,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Am. Leader at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Tone engages xAK Steel Exporter at 10,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Steel Exporter at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Tone engages xAK Idaho at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK Idaho at 7,000 yards
DD Sazanuki engages xAK Am. Leader at 7,000 yards
CA Tone engages xAK Steel Exporter at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Idaho at 6,000 yards
xAK Julia Luckenbach sunk by BC Hiei at 6,000 yards
DD Sazanuki engages xAK Steel Exporter at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Steel Exporter at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAK Idaho sunk by BC Hiei at 2,000 yards
CA Tone engages xAK Steel Exporter at 2,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Steel Exporter at 2,000 yards
DD Sazanuki engages xAK Steel Exporter at 2,000 yards
xAK Steel Exporter sunk by BC Hiei at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...
 

Day Time Surface Combat, near Lahaina at 194,101, Range 15,000 Yards
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Allied aircraft losses
      P-40B Warhawk: 15 destroyed
 
Japanese Ships
      BC Hiei
      CA Tone
      DD Sazanuki
      DD Ushuki
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Cynthia Olson, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
 
Low visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 15,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 15,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK Cynthia Olson at 9,000 yards
CA Tone engages xAK Cynthia Olson at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK Cynthia Olson at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
xAK Cynthia Olson sunk by BC Hiei at 5,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Day Time Surface Combat, near Lahaina at 194,101, Range 14,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      BC Hiei
      CA Tone
      DD Sazanuki
      DD Ushuki
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Alaskan, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      xAK Canadian, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
      xAK J.L. Luckenbach, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
 
Low visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 14,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
DD Sazanuki engages xAK Alaskan at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA Tone engages xAK Alaskan at 13,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Alaskan at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK Alaskan at 11,000 yards
xAK Alaskan sunk by DD Sazanuki at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK J.L. Luckenbach at 10,000 yards
BC Hiei engages xAK Canadian at 10,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Canadian at 10,000 yards
DD Sazanuki engages xAK J.L. Luckenbach at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
xAK J.L. Luckenbach sunk by BC Hiei at 9,000 yards
DD Sazanuki engages xAK Canadian at 9,000 yards
DD Ushuki engages xAK Canadian at 9,000 yards
DD Sazanuki engages xAK Canadian at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
xAK Canadian sunk by BC Hiei at 11,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Air attacks staved off around Singora and Davao.

Code: Select all

Morning Air attack on TF, near Davao at 79,91
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 22
 
Allied aircraft
      Do-24K-2 x 11
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Do-24K-2: 3 destroyed
 
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      7 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 13000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Davao at 79,91
 
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 22
 
Allied aircraft
      Do-24K-2 x 6
 
No Japanese losses
 
No Allied losses
 
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      7 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
 
 

Morning Air attack on TF, near Singora at 51,72
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 33
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 12
 
Allied aircraft
      Blenheim I x 3
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Blenheim I: 2 destroyed
 
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (4 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 25000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ia Oscar (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 23000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Singora at 51,72
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 31
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 12
 
Allied aircraft
      Blenheim I x 5
      Blenheim If x 11
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-27b Nate: 3 destroyed
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar: 2 destroyed
 
No Allied losses
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Usuguki
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x Blenheim I bombing from 18000 feet * 
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
      12 planes vectored on to bombers
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ia Oscar (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 19000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
      1 planes vectored on to bombers
77th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (3 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 24000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
      3 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Singora at 51,72
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 21
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 5
 
Allied aircraft
      Hurricane IIb Trop x 6
      Vildebeest III x 17
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Vildebeest III: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      xAP Manzyu Maru #2, Torpedo hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Shirayuki
      xAK Seisyo Maru
      xAK Kusuyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      17 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
 
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ia Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
77th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 22000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
      6 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Singora at 51,72
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 12
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 2
 
Allied aircraft
      Buffalo I x 11
      Hurricane IIa Trop x 17
      Hurricane IIb Trop x 6
      Hurricane IId Trop x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-27b Nate: 4 destroyed
      Ki-43-Ia Oscar: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hurricane IId Trop: 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Hatsuyuki
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       6 x Hurricane IId Trop bombing from 100 feet
 
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ia Oscar (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
      Raid is overhead
77th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

Interdiction attacks in the PH area.

Code: Select all

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lahaina at 197,99
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      D3A1 Val x 18
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      xAP Lurline
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      16 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 

Morning Air attack on TF, near Lahaina at 195,100
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 12
      B5N1 Kate x 13
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Tuscaloosa City, Bomb hits 1,  heavy fires
      xAK Ohioan, Bomb hits 5,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Agwimonte, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Allied ground losses:
      89 casualties reported
         Squads: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
      Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 18 (1 destroyed, 17 disabled)
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      13 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Ohioan
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lahaina at 195,100
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 12
      B5N1 Kate x 13
 
Allied aircraft
      SO3C-3 Seacat x 2
 
No Japanese losses
 
No Allied losses
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Ensley City, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
      xAK Henry S Grove, Bomb hits 1,  heavy fires
      xAK Diamond head, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
Allied ground losses:
      507 casualties reported
         Squads: 19 destroyed, 29 disabled
         Non Combat: 71 destroyed, 7 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 61 (47 destroyed, 14 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 96 (88 destroyed, 8 disabled)
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      13 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
S-5 with SO3C-3 Seacat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Ensley City
 

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palmyra at 175,124
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 10
      D3A1 Val x 13
      B5N1 Kate x 5
      B5N2 Kate x 13
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied Ships
      DD Jarvis, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      AM Tern, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Patterson, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
       2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      13 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
      11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AM Tern
Magazine explodes on DD Patterson

[PaxMondo]

15Dec41 Seizo Arisue, Southern Army Vice Director

Daily bombardment attack at Langson:

Code: Select all

Ground combat at Lang Son (70,56)
 
Allied Bombardment attack
 
Attacking force 9223 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 165
 
Defending force 4602 troops, 55 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 170
 
Allied ground losses:
      9 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Assaulting units:
    52nd Chinese Corps
 
Defending units:
    4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    88th JAAF AF Coy 

Fort suppressing attacks on Cebu and Manila.

Code: Select all

Night Air attack on Cebu , at 80,86 
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-21-IIa Sally x 6
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-18A Bolo: 3 damaged
      B-10B: 3 damaged
 
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 8
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       6 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 5000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack: 13 x 50 kg GP Bomb

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


Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77 
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 25
      G4M1 Betty x 42
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      P-40E Warhawk: 54 damaged
      P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
      P-35A: 49 damaged
      P-35A: 1 destroyed on ground
      P-39D Airacobra: 21 damaged
      PBY-4 Catalina: 28 damaged
      PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
      A-24 Banshee: 20 damaged
      SOC-1 Seagull: 7 damaged
 
Airbase hits 20
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 96
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      21 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack: 20 x 50 kg GP Bomb
      21 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack: 20 x 50 kg GP Bomb
 

Enemy air attacks ….

Code: Select all

Morning Air attack on 42nd Infantry Regiment, at 50,72 , near Alor Star
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      Blenheim If x 11
      Vildebeest III x 13
      P-39D Airacobra x 13
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Vildebeest III: 1 damaged
 
Japanese ground losses:
      14 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      13 x Vildebeest III bombing from 7000 feet
               Ground Attack:  2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 
Also attacking 11th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 42nd Infantry Regiment ...

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

Morning Air attack on 5th Engineer Regiment, at 50,72 , near Alor Star
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      Buffalo I x 11
      Vengeance I x 3
 
No Allied losses
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x Vengeance I bombing from 9000 feet
               Ground Attack:  2 x 500 lb GP Bomb,  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on Chiang Mai , at 58,53 
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      H81-A3 x 16
      Hudson I x 13
 
No Allied losses
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      13 x Hudson I bombing from 15000 feet
               Port Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
 
 --------------------------------------------------------------
 

Morning Air attack on Saigon , at 60,71 
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      B-17D Fortress x 3
 
No Allied losses
 
Airbase hits 1
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 18000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 

[PaxMondo]

15Dec41 Colonel Kotani Etsuo, Northern Army Vice Director


Air attacks on Hankow.

Code: Select all

Morning Air attack on Hankow , at 85,50 
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      DB-3M x 3
 
No Allied losses
 
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x DB-3M bombing from 18000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  5 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hankow , at 85,50 
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      A-29A Hudson x 5
      DB-3M x 7
      P-39D Airacobra x 8
 
Allied aircraft losses
      A-29A Hudson: 1 damaged
 
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x A-29A Hudson bombing from 11000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
       7 x DB-3M bombing from 11000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  5 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hankow , at 85,50 
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      SB-III x 10
 
No Allied losses
 
Runway hits 1
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       8 x SB-III bombing from 13000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
       2 x SB-III bombing from 16000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hankow , at 85,50 
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      SB-III x 2
 
No Allied losses
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       2 x SB-III bombing from 16000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hankow , at 85,50 
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      B-25D Mitchell x 8
 
No Allied losses
 
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       8 x B-25D Mitchell bombing from 16000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 

Morning Air attack on Saigon , at 60,71 
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      B-17D Fortress x 3
 
No Allied losses
 
Airbase hits 1
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 18000 feet * 
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 

116th Div has caught up with CHI forces at 88,49 to clear them out of the Anking <-> Suchow LOS.

Forces under 11th Army Command are taking up positions at 87,48 to clear CHI forces there and open up Sinyang <-> Chengchow LOS.

Kaoping AF is being aggressively built up in preparation for attack on Tsiaotso.

[RangerJoe]

In my opinion, the best air and land victories is when the units are sunk while being sea transported.

[PaxMondo]

In my opinion, the best air and land victories is when the units are sunk while being sea transported.

Totally agree ...

[PaxMondo]

15Dec41 Commander Yoshi Yashiba

No discussion about IJN ship design can be begun without first looking at the Kampon boilers. The standard Japanese warship boiler was the Kampon Rō-Gō, which was adopted in 1914. This was a typical small-tube water-tube boiler, capable of producing steam pressures of 427 pounds per square inch (3000 kPa) at a temperature of 662 F (350 C). This compared unfavorably with the Babcock & Wilcox boilers used on contemporary U.S. warships, which achieved a steam pressure of 565 psi (3820 kPa) at 850 degrees Fahrenheit (450 degrees Centigrade) and were significantly more efficient. While it is not readily obvious that higher steam pressure in fact equates to higher efficiency, it does. To walk you through this requires some fairly extensive thermo-dynamics which I’m not prepared to do. There is a short discussion here about it:
https://www.kbismarck.org/forum/viewtop ... e&start=15


And if you want the USN post war opinion and briefing, read this:
https://www.fischer-tropsch.org/primary ... -01-12.pdf

Basically, the USN enjoyed a 10 – 20% advantage in fuel consumption the entire war, not mention that to match the performance the IJN had to allocate far more SPACE in their ship designs to engineering, leaving less space for other things like armor, crew quarters, and munition stocks.

To give you a picture of how bad it was, here is the DD Harusame in Drydock after a torpedo hit. You can see that engineering occupied the entire diameter of the ship amidships and aft. The entire ship. Now all DD's are mostly engines, but in the IJN there was very little room for crew quarters or anything else. Just the engineering spaces ...

DD Harusame in Drydock.jpg (121.05 KiB) Viewed 301 times

Those are the historical facts. But, we’re not here to regurgitate history, we’re here to say “what if”. So, the IJN knew all about their boiler issues, and it was almost completely dictated by the quality/grade of steel that they could get from the Zaibatsu controlled industries. That they could do better is perfectly confirmed by the Shimakaze design. In trials, she exceeded 41 kts, a ridiculous speed for the time, all due to her improved boilers. So, IF IJN had access to better boilers in the war, she could have upgraded ships to not only better speeds, but more range for the same bunker size. The engineering space would have shrunk, and more space for armor and munitions. To get the better steels, they needed 3 things:
1. They needed more rare earth metals used in steel hardening.
2. They needed a lot more high purity coke.
3. They needed the steel mills willing and able to produce the steels needed.

Japanese Kampon geared turbines were excellent engines, delivering as much as 40,000 shp. This was slightly greater than the power output of the Westinghouse geared turbines on the Essexes, but inferior to the 53,000 shp delivered by the General Electric geared turbines of the Iowas. British machinery of the Second World War was surprisingly poor, and Brown (2000) has commented that British machinery manufacturers attempted to compensate for poor design with excellent workmanship. So basically, the IJN turbines were already good. Some improvements in metallurgy here would allow them to shrink in size AND handle higher pressures.

[PaxMondo]

15 Dec 41 Commander Yoshi Yashiba

The next part of naval ship development to discuss is radar. I think this passage from Wikipedia gives you a good insight into the issues that the IJN faced:

“A major leader in early technology development was Hidetsugu Yagi, a professor and researcher of international status. His papers in the late 1920s on antennas and magnetron design were closely studied by scientists and engineers worldwide. He was allowed no part, however, in developing Japan's wartime radars. His earlier work was given so little attention by the Japanese military that, when they received a captured British radar set, at first they were unaware that the "Yagi" mentioned in accompanying notes referred to a Japanese invention.”

Again, a primary issue here was the Army control of the Zaibatsu; the army didn’t feel it needed radar, and didn’t really care about the IJN’s need. That they had expertise (unused) is a historical fact. That they failed to do anything with it is also a historical fact. However, if you change those parameters, then the IJ could have played catch up quickly. They would have had sets from HK, PI, and Singapore to look at.

Again, historically we know this:

“When Singapore was taken by Japan in February 1942, the remains of what turned out to be a British GL Mk-2 radar and a Searchlight Control (SLC) radar were found. Along with the hardware, there was a set of hand-written notes, giving details of the theory and operation of the SLC. At Corregidor the following May, the captors found two U.S. Army radars, an SCR-268 in operating condition and a heavily damaged SCR-270. In a rare cooperative effort, the Army and Navy jointly conducted reverse engineering on these sets.”

So, things could have been “sped along” with the right initiative ….

[PaxMondo]

15 Dec 41 Commander Yoshi Yashiba

The first new designs are complete, sort of ….

unryu.jpg (72.47 KiB) Viewed 324 times

[RangerJoe]

15Dec41 Commander Yoshi Yashiba

No discussion about IJN ship design can be begun without first looking at the Kampon boilers. The standard Japanese warship boiler was the Kampon Rō-Gō, which was adopted in 1914. This was a typical small-tube water-tube boiler, capable of producing steam pressures of 427 pounds per square inch (3000 kPa) at a temperature of 662 F (350 C). This compared unfavorably with the Babcock & Wilcox boilers used on contemporary U.S. warships, which achieved a steam pressure of 565 psi (3820 kPa) at 850 degrees Fahrenheit (450 degrees Centigrade) and were significantly more efficient. While it is not readily obvious that higher steam pressure in fact equates to higher efficiency, it does. To walk you through this requires some fairly extensive thermo-dynamics which I’m not prepared to do. There is a short discussion here about it:
https://www.kbismarck.org/forum/viewtop ... e&start=15


And if you want the USN post war opinion and briefing, read this:
https://www.fischer-tropsch.org/primary ... -01-12.pdf

Basically, the USN enjoyed a 10 – 20% advantage in fuel consumption the entire war, not mention that to match the performance the IJN had to allocate far more SPACE in their ship designs to engineering, leaving less space for other things like armor, crew quarters, and munition stocks.

Those are the historical facts. But, we’re not here to regurgitate history, we’re here to say “what if”. So, the IJN knew all about their boiler issues, and it was almost completely dictated by the quality/grade of steel that they could get from the Zaibatsu controlled industries. That they could do better is perfectly confirmed by the Shimakaze design. In trials, she exceeded 41 kts, a ridiculous speed for the time, all due to her improved boilers. So, IF IJN had access to better boilers in the war, she could have upgraded ships to not only better speeds, but more range for the same bunker size. The engineering space would have shrunk, and more space for armor and munitions. To get the better steels, they needed 3 things:
1. They needed more rare earth metals used in steel hardening.
2. They needed a lot more high purity coke.
3. They needed the steel mills willing and able to produce the steels needed.

Japanese Kampon geared turbines were excellent engines, delivering as much as 40,000 shp. This was slightly greater than the power output of the Westinghouse geared turbines on the Essexes, but inferior to the 53,000 shp delivered by the General Electric geared turbines of the Iowas. British machinery of the Second World War was surprisingly poor, and Brown (2000) has commented that British machinery manufacturers attempted to compensate for poor design with excellent workmanship. So basically, the IJN turbines were already good. Some improvements in metallurgy here would allow them to shrink in size AND handle higher pressures.

So in other words, size does matter. At least for these ships . . .

I don't know if I mentioned this article before, but it is an interesting thing to read:

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/ ... navy-55917