I have fallen on my sword.. as the Jap possitions seemed too .. well um untenable.. the biggest difficulties are the decimation of the jap pilot pool, they get planes but not pilots.. and the lack of a decent strategy for resourse management....
good luck to my replacement.. he will need it![:D][:D]
THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
"Tanks forward"
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-8-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN
45 B-17s from Wake and 233 CV AC continue to work over port facilities and CD guns at Eniwetok as H-Hour approaches. So far, the aerial bombardment has been remarkably ineffective as compared to previous attacks on Makin and Mili.
SS I-9 was depth charged and sunk off the coast of Kwajalein.
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN
The battered Japanese bombardment TF attempts to retreat NW from Kai Is. and is hit successively by:
1) 104 Beaufort V-IX, 23 Swordfish, 25 Vengeance and 24 B-26 from Kai Is. with 2 torpedoes put into CA Nachi and 1 bomb and 1 torpedo into CA Chokai.
2) 77 B-17s and B-24s from Darwin with no hits
3) 20 P-38G, 14 B-25c, 11 B-25J, and 17 B-26 from Koepang with no hits.
CA Nachi and CA Chokai slipped beneath the waves with all hands.
The Japanese transport TF at Sansopar was hit successively by:
1)AM strike by 5 B-26 from Kai with 5 hits on AP/AKs
2)AM strike by 55 Beaufighter MK 21 from Aru with 12 hits on AP/AKs
3)PM strike by 10 B-26 from Kai with 7 hits PG/AP/AKs
4)PM strike by 51 Beaufighter MK 21 from Aru with 7 hits AP/AKs.
1 PG, 1 AP, and 1 AK are sunk.
SEAC:
Rangoon is bombed for the 1st time in the war by the Allies in an early AM strike from Akyab. Damage is minimal as 2 Theresas are killed. Allies also bomb Pagan killing a single Tony.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN
45 B-17s from Wake and 233 CV AC continue to work over port facilities and CD guns at Eniwetok as H-Hour approaches. So far, the aerial bombardment has been remarkably ineffective as compared to previous attacks on Makin and Mili.
SS I-9 was depth charged and sunk off the coast of Kwajalein.
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN
The battered Japanese bombardment TF attempts to retreat NW from Kai Is. and is hit successively by:
1) 104 Beaufort V-IX, 23 Swordfish, 25 Vengeance and 24 B-26 from Kai Is. with 2 torpedoes put into CA Nachi and 1 bomb and 1 torpedo into CA Chokai.
2) 77 B-17s and B-24s from Darwin with no hits
3) 20 P-38G, 14 B-25c, 11 B-25J, and 17 B-26 from Koepang with no hits.
CA Nachi and CA Chokai slipped beneath the waves with all hands.
The Japanese transport TF at Sansopar was hit successively by:
1)AM strike by 5 B-26 from Kai with 5 hits on AP/AKs
2)AM strike by 55 Beaufighter MK 21 from Aru with 12 hits on AP/AKs
3)PM strike by 10 B-26 from Kai with 7 hits PG/AP/AKs
4)PM strike by 51 Beaufighter MK 21 from Aru with 7 hits AP/AKs.
1 PG, 1 AP, and 1 AK are sunk.
SEAC:
Rangoon is bombed for the 1st time in the war by the Allies in an early AM strike from Akyab. Damage is minimal as 2 Theresas are killed. Allies also bomb Pagan killing a single Tony.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
ORIGINAL: AmiralLaurent
This was probably the worst week ever seen by Japan. And this is only in January 1943....
Jesus. Just look at the numbers of Allied aircraft being used here. Scary stuff.
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
Just look at the numbers of Allied aircraft being used here. Scary stuff.
By 1943 there should be plenty of American aircraft, but I wonder if the numbers of British aircraft aren't out of whack. Especially, how did there come to be so many Beauforts?
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
Capt. Harlock......I just wanted to respond to your question regading the Beaufort V-IX. I just did a cursory review of the map to count up my Beaufort V-IXgroups. These are the minimal numbers....there may be more:
Northern OZ: 8 RAAF Beaufort squadrons plus 4 Dutch Squadrons that converted to Beaufighter Mk 21.
Eastern OZ: 4 Dutch plus 1 RAAF Beaufort squadrons
SEAC: 3 British plus 2 RAAF Beaufort Squadrons
Most of the Dutch squadrons appeared in Sydney a few weeks after the fall of Java and are 8 plane squadrons. I also had some Dutch squadrons of Brewsters and Hawks that showed up in Sydney.
Northern OZ: 8 RAAF Beaufort squadrons plus 4 Dutch Squadrons that converted to Beaufighter Mk 21.
Eastern OZ: 4 Dutch plus 1 RAAF Beaufort squadrons
SEAC: 3 British plus 2 RAAF Beaufort Squadrons
Most of the Dutch squadrons appeared in Sydney a few weeks after the fall of Java and are 8 plane squadrons. I also had some Dutch squadrons of Brewsters and Hawks that showed up in Sydney.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-9-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN
Carrier air and B-17s from Wake continue to bomb Eniwetok but with poor results so 2 bombardment TFs built around BB Indiana, BB Washington, BB South Dakota and BB Pennsylvania are brought in and now some CD guns are finally being neutralized.
24 B-17s from Tarawa continue to suppress Kwajalein's airfield and kill an Alf in the process.
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN
Aviation engineers continue to offload at Babo. Kittyhawks and P-40Es are flown into Babo as the airfield becomes operational.
The hapless IJN bombardment TF splits off heavily damaged CA Chikuma while CA Haguro with her escorts attempts to escape to the NW. CA Haguro TF is hit by Koepang based AC in the AM ( 21 P-38G, 18 B-25C, 10 B-25J but no hits are scored) and in the PM (50 P-38G, 15 B-25C, 14 B-25J with 2 500lb bomb hits on CA Haguro). CA Chikuma is hit by Kai Is. based AC in the AM(12 B-26s score 3 hits) and PM(9 B-26s land 1 500lb bomb).
37 Beaufighter Mk 21s from Aru bomb the airfield at Sansapor causing minor damage. The transport TF that had been based at Sansapor finally fled but 2 more of its AKs sink.
SEAC:
Bombers from Akyab and Chadpur again pound airfields at Pagan and Rangoon. Rangoon now has 42% damage.
CHINA COMMAND:
The IJA 13th Division again attempts to surround Changsha by cutting the road at 46,36 but 6 Chinese Corps counterattack and drive them back towards Nanchang.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN
Carrier air and B-17s from Wake continue to bomb Eniwetok but with poor results so 2 bombardment TFs built around BB Indiana, BB Washington, BB South Dakota and BB Pennsylvania are brought in and now some CD guns are finally being neutralized.
24 B-17s from Tarawa continue to suppress Kwajalein's airfield and kill an Alf in the process.
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN
Aviation engineers continue to offload at Babo. Kittyhawks and P-40Es are flown into Babo as the airfield becomes operational.
The hapless IJN bombardment TF splits off heavily damaged CA Chikuma while CA Haguro with her escorts attempts to escape to the NW. CA Haguro TF is hit by Koepang based AC in the AM ( 21 P-38G, 18 B-25C, 10 B-25J but no hits are scored) and in the PM (50 P-38G, 15 B-25C, 14 B-25J with 2 500lb bomb hits on CA Haguro). CA Chikuma is hit by Kai Is. based AC in the AM(12 B-26s score 3 hits) and PM(9 B-26s land 1 500lb bomb).
37 Beaufighter Mk 21s from Aru bomb the airfield at Sansapor causing minor damage. The transport TF that had been based at Sansapor finally fled but 2 more of its AKs sink.
SEAC:
Bombers from Akyab and Chadpur again pound airfields at Pagan and Rangoon. Rangoon now has 42% damage.
CHINA COMMAND:
The IJA 13th Division again attempts to surround Changsha by cutting the road at 46,36 but 6 Chinese Corps counterattack and drive them back towards Nanchang.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
Admiral Freeboy was scheduled to fly into Kwajalein for a front line inspection. Allied intel intercepted and decoded the message and P-38Gs from Majuro intercepted and shot his plane down. No survivors were seen. Admiral Belphegor now rules Nippon.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-10-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN..INVASION OF ENIWETOK D-DAY-1
B-17s and 250+ CV AC bomb Eniwetok again with minimal effect.....Allies are fortunate to score a single port supply hit or kill a single gun a day. After 5 days of sustained carrier air bombardment, CINCPAC is concerned that the islands defenses are still nearly intact and that the transports will suffer murderous fire tomorrrow as they approach the beaches. The Marines can only hope that the big 16" guns of the BBs do their job tomorrow.
Previous opposed amphibious assaults at Makin and Mili were cakewalks after medium and heavy bombers reduced the island defenses to rubble but how to conduct an invasion when you can only bring about 50 heavy bombers to bear? Or none?
28 B-26s escorted by 17 P-38Gs continue to suppress the airfield at Kwajalein.
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN.....The Ordeal of CA Chikuma
After 3 straight days of aerial attacks CA Chikuma has been reduced to a flaming hulk drifting across the Banda Sea. In the morning, 19 P-38G, 17 B-25J, 13 B-25C, and 28 B-26 from Koepang find the battered wreck this time with an LRCAP of 3 A6M3a. With no AC losses to either side, 9 more 500 lb bombs hit their target. In the afternoon, 7 P-38, 9 B-25J, 14 B-25C, and 28 B-26 from Koepang again arrive over CA Chikuma. This time a dogfight ensues with the LRCAP and 2 A6M3a are killed. 11 more bombs strike CA Chikuma before she rolls over and sinks.
Another AK from the IJN transport TF that fled Sansapor sinks.
SEAC:
Rangoon airfield is hit by 35 P-40B, 23 B-25J, and 14 Vengeance from Akyab and 34 Liberator VI and 24 Blenheim IV from Chadpur.
In other news, SS Shad puts a fish in a TK off the coast of Japan only to get hit by a depth charge from 1 of her escorts.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN..INVASION OF ENIWETOK D-DAY-1
B-17s and 250+ CV AC bomb Eniwetok again with minimal effect.....Allies are fortunate to score a single port supply hit or kill a single gun a day. After 5 days of sustained carrier air bombardment, CINCPAC is concerned that the islands defenses are still nearly intact and that the transports will suffer murderous fire tomorrrow as they approach the beaches. The Marines can only hope that the big 16" guns of the BBs do their job tomorrow.
Previous opposed amphibious assaults at Makin and Mili were cakewalks after medium and heavy bombers reduced the island defenses to rubble but how to conduct an invasion when you can only bring about 50 heavy bombers to bear? Or none?
28 B-26s escorted by 17 P-38Gs continue to suppress the airfield at Kwajalein.
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN.....The Ordeal of CA Chikuma
After 3 straight days of aerial attacks CA Chikuma has been reduced to a flaming hulk drifting across the Banda Sea. In the morning, 19 P-38G, 17 B-25J, 13 B-25C, and 28 B-26 from Koepang find the battered wreck this time with an LRCAP of 3 A6M3a. With no AC losses to either side, 9 more 500 lb bombs hit their target. In the afternoon, 7 P-38, 9 B-25J, 14 B-25C, and 28 B-26 from Koepang again arrive over CA Chikuma. This time a dogfight ensues with the LRCAP and 2 A6M3a are killed. 11 more bombs strike CA Chikuma before she rolls over and sinks.
Another AK from the IJN transport TF that fled Sansapor sinks.
SEAC:
Rangoon airfield is hit by 35 P-40B, 23 B-25J, and 14 Vengeance from Akyab and 34 Liberator VI and 24 Blenheim IV from Chadpur.
In other news, SS Shad puts a fish in a TK off the coast of Japan only to get hit by a depth charge from 1 of her escorts.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-11-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
After 5 days of aerial bombardment D-Day had finally arrived. In the pre-dawn hours, the 2 Bombardment TFs with 4 BBs open up with their 16" guns only to be fired on by some long range CD guns that the US CV strike AC should have neutralized. CD guns score hits on BB Washington and CA Northampton. Just before sunrise, the amphibious assault TF moves in close ashore and 243 smaller guns on Eniwetok open up scoring hits on DD Farenholt, DD Wells, AP President Monroe and AP George Elliot. Just as the US Army and Marine troops load into their small assault craft, 380 CV AC and the Wake based B-17s fly overhead to strike the ground forces that were dug in on Eniwetok. This time the CV AC actually are effective as they cause 200 casualties in the Sasebo 1st SNLF and destroy 5 of their guns thoroughly disrupting them in the process.
The 1st elements now storm ashore from the seasoned veterans of Tarawa, Makin and Mili: 1st USMC Division, 37th US Army Division, 112th US Army Calvary Rgt, 138th US Army RCT, 153rd US Army RCT, 2nd USMC Raider Bn, 3rd USMC Raider Bn, 4th USMC Raider Bn, 1st USMC Para Bn, 3rd USMC Para Bn, 18th US Army Engineer Rgt, and US I Corps HQ. 19,000 US troops land ashore on the 1st day and they engage 18,500 heavily fortified defenders. At 3:1 odds, the US suffers 1376 casualties vs 2461 Japanese and the fortifications are reduced from 9 to 6. A terse communique reaches Admiral Spruance aboard CV Enterprise......"We are ashore. Issue in doubt."
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN
The transport fleet formerly based at Sansapor continues to lose ships with an AP and an AK sinking today.
SEAC:
Akyab launches 40 P-40B, 22 B-25J, 14 Vengeance and Chadpur sends 26 Blenheim IV and 27 Liberator VI to bomb the airfield at Rangoon. 7 Hickorys are destroyed and the airfield is almost completely shut down.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
After 5 days of aerial bombardment D-Day had finally arrived. In the pre-dawn hours, the 2 Bombardment TFs with 4 BBs open up with their 16" guns only to be fired on by some long range CD guns that the US CV strike AC should have neutralized. CD guns score hits on BB Washington and CA Northampton. Just before sunrise, the amphibious assault TF moves in close ashore and 243 smaller guns on Eniwetok open up scoring hits on DD Farenholt, DD Wells, AP President Monroe and AP George Elliot. Just as the US Army and Marine troops load into their small assault craft, 380 CV AC and the Wake based B-17s fly overhead to strike the ground forces that were dug in on Eniwetok. This time the CV AC actually are effective as they cause 200 casualties in the Sasebo 1st SNLF and destroy 5 of their guns thoroughly disrupting them in the process.
The 1st elements now storm ashore from the seasoned veterans of Tarawa, Makin and Mili: 1st USMC Division, 37th US Army Division, 112th US Army Calvary Rgt, 138th US Army RCT, 153rd US Army RCT, 2nd USMC Raider Bn, 3rd USMC Raider Bn, 4th USMC Raider Bn, 1st USMC Para Bn, 3rd USMC Para Bn, 18th US Army Engineer Rgt, and US I Corps HQ. 19,000 US troops land ashore on the 1st day and they engage 18,500 heavily fortified defenders. At 3:1 odds, the US suffers 1376 casualties vs 2461 Japanese and the fortifications are reduced from 9 to 6. A terse communique reaches Admiral Spruance aboard CV Enterprise......"We are ashore. Issue in doubt."
SWPAC COMMAND: BANDA SEA CAMPAIGN
The transport fleet formerly based at Sansapor continues to lose ships with an AP and an AK sinking today.
SEAC:
Akyab launches 40 P-40B, 22 B-25J, 14 Vengeance and Chadpur sends 26 Blenheim IV and 27 Liberator VI to bomb the airfield at Rangoon. 7 Hickorys are destroyed and the airfield is almost completely shut down.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-12-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
The battle for Eniwetok rages on for the 2nd day. While 2 bombardment TFs pour in heavy fire on Japanese positions at point blank range, 450 carrier AC provide close air support against the IJA 21st Eng. Rgt. and B-17s pin down the 1st Sasebo SNLF. By now, the US has 31,000 troops ashore and they launch a 5:1 attack against the 14,000 remaining defenders. The US suffers 416 casualties to 1054 Japanese and the fortifications are reduced from 6 to 1. Hopefully Eniwetok will be secured tomorrow.
SS Flying Fish puts a fish into a TK off the west coast of Japan.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
The battle for Eniwetok rages on for the 2nd day. While 2 bombardment TFs pour in heavy fire on Japanese positions at point blank range, 450 carrier AC provide close air support against the IJA 21st Eng. Rgt. and B-17s pin down the 1st Sasebo SNLF. By now, the US has 31,000 troops ashore and they launch a 5:1 attack against the 14,000 remaining defenders. The US suffers 416 casualties to 1054 Japanese and the fortifications are reduced from 6 to 1. Hopefully Eniwetok will be secured tomorrow.
SS Flying Fish puts a fish into a TK off the west coast of Japan.
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
This time the CV AC actually are effective as they cause 200 casualties in the Sasebo 1st SNLF and destroy 5 of their guns thoroughly disrupting them in the process.
Is it possible the airstrikes become more effective if there are observers in the area? I've been noticing the previous airstrikes didn't do anything to write home about. (Something to do with level 9 fortifications, I imagine...)
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-13-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
The unsuppressed CD guns on Eniwetok continue to fire away scoring 3 hits AP Crescent City, 3 hits CL Detroit, and 2 hits AP Tasker H. Bliss so the bombardment TFs continue to pound the island. 500 CV AC bomb 21st Eng. Rgt causing 453 casualties and B-17s add another 93. US troops numbering 40,700 achieve 40:1 odds on 12,300 fanatical Japanese defenders and kill 6257 Japs while losing 209 of their own. The base at Eniwetok is finally captured and the Seabees go to work immediately to make it operational. The Japanese remnants flee to the jungle where it will take a few more days to liquidate them.
SS Flying Fish bounces a dud torpedo off the side of an AP off the southern coast of Japan.
1 AK and 2 APs from the transport TF formerly based at Sansapor sink south of Palau.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
The unsuppressed CD guns on Eniwetok continue to fire away scoring 3 hits AP Crescent City, 3 hits CL Detroit, and 2 hits AP Tasker H. Bliss so the bombardment TFs continue to pound the island. 500 CV AC bomb 21st Eng. Rgt causing 453 casualties and B-17s add another 93. US troops numbering 40,700 achieve 40:1 odds on 12,300 fanatical Japanese defenders and kill 6257 Japs while losing 209 of their own. The base at Eniwetok is finally captured and the Seabees go to work immediately to make it operational. The Japanese remnants flee to the jungle where it will take a few more days to liquidate them.
SS Flying Fish bounces a dud torpedo off the side of an AP off the southern coast of Japan.
1 AK and 2 APs from the transport TF formerly based at Sansapor sink south of Palau.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
Capt. Harlock.....
Just wanted to respond to your question regarding airstrike effectiveness. I noticed the change in bombing results when I switched targeting from "port" to "ground". My esteemed Japanese opponent however informed me than my lack of effectiveness from the "port" attacks resulted from lack of recon( I only had 1 group on recon for Eniwetok) and he recommended multiple recon groups at different altitudes. The other thing I noticed about my carrier strikes were that the number of AC that participated grew larger each day with the last day being the largest by far.
Just wanted to respond to your question regarding airstrike effectiveness. I noticed the change in bombing results when I switched targeting from "port" to "ground". My esteemed Japanese opponent however informed me than my lack of effectiveness from the "port" attacks resulted from lack of recon( I only had 1 group on recon for Eniwetok) and he recommended multiple recon groups at different altitudes. The other thing I noticed about my carrier strikes were that the number of AC that participated grew larger each day with the last day being the largest by far.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-14-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
US now has 45,000 troops ashore on Eniwetok while the Japanese appear to have approximately 10,400 troops scattered around whats left of the jungle(the jungle has been given a "Spruance Haircut"...all the trees and heavy overgrowth on the island have been cut down by bombardment). Orders were given to rest, refit, resupply and bombard but not every unit received the orders and a 2:1 attack was executed killing 318 Japanese vs 36 Americans. Tomorrow will be the beginning of the big push to secure the island once 1st USMC Div. and 37th Inf. Div have finished unloading.
Seabees filled in the shell holes and laid Marston mat on the airstrip to make it fully operational. Two squadrons of P-38s and some B-25s transferred to Eniwetok.
SWPAC COMMAND:
Troops and supplies pour into the forward base at Babo. One of the Kittyhawk groups based there swaps out their planes for brand new Corsairs....the 1st operational Corsair group in the Pacific(and they are Aussies).
Another PG from the transport TF battered at Sansapor sinks west of Palau.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
US now has 45,000 troops ashore on Eniwetok while the Japanese appear to have approximately 10,400 troops scattered around whats left of the jungle(the jungle has been given a "Spruance Haircut"...all the trees and heavy overgrowth on the island have been cut down by bombardment). Orders were given to rest, refit, resupply and bombard but not every unit received the orders and a 2:1 attack was executed killing 318 Japanese vs 36 Americans. Tomorrow will be the beginning of the big push to secure the island once 1st USMC Div. and 37th Inf. Div have finished unloading.
Seabees filled in the shell holes and laid Marston mat on the airstrip to make it fully operational. Two squadrons of P-38s and some B-25s transferred to Eniwetok.
SWPAC COMMAND:
Troops and supplies pour into the forward base at Babo. One of the Kittyhawk groups based there swaps out their planes for brand new Corsairs....the 1st operational Corsair group in the Pacific(and they are Aussies).
Another PG from the transport TF battered at Sansapor sinks west of Palau.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-15-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
The US launches an all out assault on the remnants of the Japanese forces on Eniwetok. Air support is grounded due to thunderstorms but a bombardment TF provides close in support. 49,000 US troops attack 9700 Japanese defenders at 116:1 odds causing 7771 Japanese casualties while suffering 449 of their own. The end looks near for the Japanese garrison but the US forces will need some R&R after this battle is over.
SS Finback torpedoes an AK off the Bonin Is. and an AP sinks off the coast of Palau.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF ENIWETOK
The US launches an all out assault on the remnants of the Japanese forces on Eniwetok. Air support is grounded due to thunderstorms but a bombardment TF provides close in support. 49,000 US troops attack 9700 Japanese defenders at 116:1 odds causing 7771 Japanese casualties while suffering 449 of their own. The end looks near for the Japanese garrison but the US forces will need some R&R after this battle is over.
SS Finback torpedoes an AK off the Bonin Is. and an AP sinks off the coast of Palau.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT; 2-16-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...ENIWETOK SECURED
The US mounted a final all out assault on the fanatical Japanese defenders of Eniwetok. Using flame throwers and high explosives to burn and blast them out of their caves and tunnels, another 7808 Japanese are killed against 43 US casualties.
The Allies have now advanced over 1000 miles across the central Pacific in a series of 3 amphibious operations against Mili, Majuro and Eniwetok in a little over a month. With the capture of Eniwetok, the northern jaw of the vise to cut off the Marshall Is. from Japan has closed. Tomorrow, an invasion at Kusaie will shut the southern jaw of the vise across the Marshalls. Over 300,000 Japanese troops will be isolated on Jaluit, Kwajalein, Maloelap and Wotje in the largest open air POW camp in the Pacific. Even now with fires still burning on Eniwetok, the US Marines are debarking to a new assembly point for the next massive South Pacific Command offensive and the next great leap across the Pacific. Garrison duties in the Marshalls will be turned over to the US Army.
In other news, SS Trusty puts a torpedo in an AK off Palembang and SS Triton puts 2 fish into an AK just south of Iwo Jima.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...ENIWETOK SECURED
The US mounted a final all out assault on the fanatical Japanese defenders of Eniwetok. Using flame throwers and high explosives to burn and blast them out of their caves and tunnels, another 7808 Japanese are killed against 43 US casualties.
The Allies have now advanced over 1000 miles across the central Pacific in a series of 3 amphibious operations against Mili, Majuro and Eniwetok in a little over a month. With the capture of Eniwetok, the northern jaw of the vise to cut off the Marshall Is. from Japan has closed. Tomorrow, an invasion at Kusaie will shut the southern jaw of the vise across the Marshalls. Over 300,000 Japanese troops will be isolated on Jaluit, Kwajalein, Maloelap and Wotje in the largest open air POW camp in the Pacific. Even now with fires still burning on Eniwetok, the US Marines are debarking to a new assembly point for the next massive South Pacific Command offensive and the next great leap across the Pacific. Garrison duties in the Marshalls will be turned over to the US Army.
In other news, SS Trusty puts a torpedo in an AK off Palembang and SS Triton puts 2 fish into an AK just south of Iwo Jima.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-18-43
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF KUSAIE
The US Army 58th RCT went ashore on Kusaie at dawn today. No resistance was encountered and seabees and aviation engineers went to work immediately to make the airfield operational. P-38s and Avengers staged to the airbase in the afternoon. A line of Allied airbases ....Wake-Eniwetok-Kusaie-Nauru with fighters and naval bombers now isolates the Marshall Islands from the Japanese Home islands.
SS Pogy puts a torpedo in an AP off the Tokyo coast.
On a lighter note, the Chinese 29th CFS based at Wuchow equiped with the ultra high tech I-16c fighters now has recorded 40 kills and has an experience rating of 63.
SOUTH PACIFIC COMMAND: MARSHALLS CAMPAIGN...INVASION OF KUSAIE
The US Army 58th RCT went ashore on Kusaie at dawn today. No resistance was encountered and seabees and aviation engineers went to work immediately to make the airfield operational. P-38s and Avengers staged to the airbase in the afternoon. A line of Allied airbases ....Wake-Eniwetok-Kusaie-Nauru with fighters and naval bombers now isolates the Marshall Islands from the Japanese Home islands.
SS Pogy puts a torpedo in an AP off the Tokyo coast.
On a lighter note, the Chinese 29th CFS based at Wuchow equiped with the ultra high tech I-16c fighters now has recorded 40 kills and has an experience rating of 63.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
COMPARATIVE LOSSES : 2-21-43
With the Marshall Islands Campaign completed and the Banda Sea Campaign 75% complete(and currently paused while building up for the next big thrust), air and naval losses have quieted down for both sides so I thought it would be a good time to post scores and comparative losses so far.
The Japanese are currently winning with a score of 23,746 to 17,949 Allied.
Aircraft Losses: Japanese 5972; Allied 6476
Ship Losses: Japanese 4495 (458 ships) ; Allied 4562 (318 ships)
Aircraft losses >100 look like this:
Japanese: 1065 A6M2, 278 A6M3, 489 A6M3a, 578 Tony, 214 Nate, 246 Oscar, 642 Kate, 470 Val, 701 Betty, 214 Jake, 138 Topsy
Allied: 611 F4F-4, 365 Kittyhawk, 170 P-38G, 290 P-39D, 326 P-40B, 503 P-40E, 135 Brewster, 102 Demon, 480 B-17E, 446 B-25C, 102 B-26B, 231 Beaufort V-IX, 606 SBD, 125 TBD, 104 TBF, 113 Blenheim IV, 210 Hudson, 121 Dakota.
Current ship losses are:
Japanese: 2 CS, 5 BB, 8 CA, 7 CL, 63 DD, 47 MSW, 43 SS, 24 PG, 20 PC, 7 ML, 16 TK, 2 AO, 1 APD, 100 AP, 105 AK
Allied: 11 BB, 8 CA, 5 CL, 1 CLAA, 57 DD, 18 MSW, 30 SS, 9 PG, 2 PC, 2 ML, 8 TK, 3 AO, 9 DMS, 3 DM, 4 AV, 2 SC, 2 MLE, 25 AP, 78 AK.
With the Marshall Islands Campaign completed and the Banda Sea Campaign 75% complete(and currently paused while building up for the next big thrust), air and naval losses have quieted down for both sides so I thought it would be a good time to post scores and comparative losses so far.
The Japanese are currently winning with a score of 23,746 to 17,949 Allied.
Aircraft Losses: Japanese 5972; Allied 6476
Ship Losses: Japanese 4495 (458 ships) ; Allied 4562 (318 ships)
Aircraft losses >100 look like this:
Japanese: 1065 A6M2, 278 A6M3, 489 A6M3a, 578 Tony, 214 Nate, 246 Oscar, 642 Kate, 470 Val, 701 Betty, 214 Jake, 138 Topsy
Allied: 611 F4F-4, 365 Kittyhawk, 170 P-38G, 290 P-39D, 326 P-40B, 503 P-40E, 135 Brewster, 102 Demon, 480 B-17E, 446 B-25C, 102 B-26B, 231 Beaufort V-IX, 606 SBD, 125 TBD, 104 TBF, 113 Blenheim IV, 210 Hudson, 121 Dakota.
Current ship losses are:
Japanese: 2 CS, 5 BB, 8 CA, 7 CL, 63 DD, 47 MSW, 43 SS, 24 PG, 20 PC, 7 ML, 16 TK, 2 AO, 1 APD, 100 AP, 105 AK
Allied: 11 BB, 8 CA, 5 CL, 1 CLAA, 57 DD, 18 MSW, 30 SS, 9 PG, 2 PC, 2 ML, 8 TK, 3 AO, 9 DMS, 3 DM, 4 AV, 2 SC, 2 MLE, 25 AP, 78 AK.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
Looks like I am the next to take command (from Freeboy). I have agreed to take over this fight and carry it to Japan's inevitable victory!
Jumping in at this part of the war is always interesting. Many things aren't where I'd like them simply because of differences in playing styles between the two commanders preceeding me and myself. I'm going to take advantage of this lull to make some changes. I hope they are completed in time. Some air groups have been withdrawn, others disbanded, and a training cadre set up in the interior SRA. Many subs have been recalled for refit and the fleet will be redistributed. I am happy to see the carrier fleet intact, and with decent air groups. The trick will be to keep it effective.
I'm in trouble in the Marshalls, but have a good foothold in New Guinea; as long as I can prevent it from being encircled in what would be a large area including Truk and NG if the Allied offensive in the North of NG continues... more to follow.
Jumping in at this part of the war is always interesting. Many things aren't where I'd like them simply because of differences in playing styles between the two commanders preceeding me and myself. I'm going to take advantage of this lull to make some changes. I hope they are completed in time. Some air groups have been withdrawn, others disbanded, and a training cadre set up in the interior SRA. Many subs have been recalled for refit and the fleet will be redistributed. I am happy to see the carrier fleet intact, and with decent air groups. The trick will be to keep it effective.
I'm in trouble in the Marshalls, but have a good foothold in New Guinea; as long as I can prevent it from being encircled in what would be a large area including Truk and NG if the Allied offensive in the North of NG continues... more to follow.
RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM
SITUATION REPORT: 2-28-43
After the disasterous reverses suffered by the Japanese air force and navy during the 1st week of February and the change in Japanese High Command, the Allies consented to withdrawing their subs from Japanese waters and grounding their air forces until 3-1-43. The Allies also agreed to curtail new amphibious operations until 3-10-43. These actions would allow the new Japanese commander time to rearrange his combat forces/ resources/oil/supplies and fuel.
The Allies have used this quiet time to R&R their forces and redeploy for their next offensives. A transport TF has dropped off troops and engineers to establish an airbase at Rennel Is. and is being escorted by a CVE/CV TF. Babo is being reinforced and enlarged(currrently a size 4 AF) to serve as a springboard for the next SWPAC thrust.
Currently, over 2,000 land based AC from the USAAF, RAF, RAAF, and RNZAF sit refueled and fully rested on their airstrips ready to go active again tomorrow. Primary targets will be bases at Amboina, Kendari, Kwajalein, Rangoon, Lae and whatever naval targets present themselves. Secondary targets will be Sansapor, Buna, Port Moresby, Pagan, Maloelap and Ponape.
Weather permitting, next turn should see some pretty good fireworks.
After the disasterous reverses suffered by the Japanese air force and navy during the 1st week of February and the change in Japanese High Command, the Allies consented to withdrawing their subs from Japanese waters and grounding their air forces until 3-1-43. The Allies also agreed to curtail new amphibious operations until 3-10-43. These actions would allow the new Japanese commander time to rearrange his combat forces/ resources/oil/supplies and fuel.
The Allies have used this quiet time to R&R their forces and redeploy for their next offensives. A transport TF has dropped off troops and engineers to establish an airbase at Rennel Is. and is being escorted by a CVE/CV TF. Babo is being reinforced and enlarged(currrently a size 4 AF) to serve as a springboard for the next SWPAC thrust.
Currently, over 2,000 land based AC from the USAAF, RAF, RAAF, and RNZAF sit refueled and fully rested on their airstrips ready to go active again tomorrow. Primary targets will be bases at Amboina, Kendari, Kwajalein, Rangoon, Lae and whatever naval targets present themselves. Secondary targets will be Sansapor, Buna, Port Moresby, Pagan, Maloelap and Ponape.
Weather permitting, next turn should see some pretty good fireworks.