Niceguy vs Graycompany: Death to the Meatball....Strategy talk

[BrucePowers]

Me thinks they may be short some supplies[:D]

[scott64]

[fabertong]

Now that really does hurt...........some ointment required........

[niceguy2005]

Here's the AAR from yesterday. Rough day for Japan.

I ended up dividing my SC TF into 2 TFs to try and catch more of his transports.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/08/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Trimcomalee, 15,25, firing at TF 54
TF 54 troops unloading over beach at Trimcomalee, 15,25
Strong coastal gun fire still. The Tricomalee BF still has 2 9.2" and 11 6" CD guns active.

74 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
263 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Trimcomalee, 15,25, firing at TF 74
TF 74 troops unloading over beach at Trimcomalee, 15,25


Japanese ground losses:
98 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Trimcomalee, 15,25, firing at TF 84
TF 84 troops unloading over beach at Trimcomalee, 15,25


44 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
109 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Trimcomalee, 15,25, firing at TF 131
TF 131 troops unloading over beach at Trimcomalee, 15,25


284 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PG Takunan Maru #3, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akikaze, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ayato Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Aki Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Trimcomalee, 15,25, firing at TF 154
TF 154 troops unloading over beach at Trimcomalee, 15,25


Japanese ground losses:
94 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chandpur , at 30,25


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 6


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IF bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25
Akatsuki hits Resolution with a torpedo on the opening shot, damage was light. The attackers closed to within 2000 yards of the enemy.
Japanese Ships
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 1
PC Ch 15
AP Hokumyo Maru
AP Shikano Maru, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
AP Shirogane Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL De Ruyter
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 1
DD Napier
DD Norman

Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25

Japanese Ships
AP Meizan Maru, Shell hits 14, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, on fire
CL De Ruyter
CL Newcastle
DD Napier
DD Norman

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25

Japanese Ships
AP Banshu Maru #21, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, on fire
CL De Ruyter
CL Newcastle
DD Napier
DD Norman

Japanese ground losses:
398 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25

Japanese Ships
PG Kongosan Maru, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
AP Yuzan Maru, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
AP Nichiro Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, on fire
CL De Ruyter
CL Newcastle
DD Napier
DD Norman

Japanese ground losses:
150 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25

Japanese Ships
DD Akikaze, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PG Takunan Maru #3, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PG Tamo Maru #7, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
AP Aki Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ayato Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Syoryu Maru
AP Taizin Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tanba Maru
AP Tatibana Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatumiya Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tsunushima Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AP Yamakuni Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 1
CL Dragon
DD Nizam

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trimcomalee at 15,25

Japanese Ships
DD Hato, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
AK Kamogawa Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK Kinugawa Maru
AK Kosei Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Kokko Maru

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 4
CL Dragon
DD Nizam, Shell hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
556 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1008 troops unloading over beach at Thursday Island, 49,90
30th Austalian Bde comes ashore in support of the the US paratroops already on the ground.


Allied ground losses:
216 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 13,23
I-11 catches a transport carrying part of the 2nd Dutch Rgt to Colombo. The cargo ship sank within minutes.
Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
AK Empire Kingsley, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 13,23
I-11 spots a second transport and attacks.
Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
AK Empire Haven, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Group Army, at 45,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39
Aerial KB hits Wuchow
Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 2
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 36
Ki-21 Sally x 92
Ki-15 Babs x 4

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 80

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
18 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
12 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Madras , at 18,21
A surprise air assualt on Madras. He caught me with my CAP setting all messed up. Still, the Kittyhawks accounted for 3 of the Betty kills.
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 79

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 damaged
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed
Wirraway: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
19 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
This will end the PM raids for now. I am standing down the B-17s
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
B-17E Fortress x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Mixed Regiment, at 28,22
UK bombers attack the entrenched troops at Jamshedpur.

Allied aircraft
CW-22 Falcon x 1
Blenheim IV x 22
Wellington III x 11
Martin 139 x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Trimcomalee at 15,25
The first of numerous attacks on Jap ships at Trimcomalee.

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tango Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Trimcomalee at 15,25


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Akatsuki, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokumyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 16,26


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 9
Blenheim IV x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Nichiro Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 16,26


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 20


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Nichiro Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Thursday Island at 49,90
Nells out of Lae attack the transporting landing troops and supplies for Thursday Is.
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Soerabaja, Bomb hits 1
MSW Whyalla
AK Modjekerto
DD Alden

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 16,26
Bombers from Colombo continue to pound the invading Japanese. Most of the bomb hits are 500lbers from the Vildebeests.

Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 11
Mohawk IV x 23
Vildebeest IV x 20
Wellington III x 7
Hudson I x 5
Beaufort V-IX x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tatumiya Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatibana Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tanba Maru
AP Aki Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ayato Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taizin Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
1 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 4000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 4000 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 16,26


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 4
Blenheim IV x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 22


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tatibana Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tanba Maru
AP Taizin Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Syoryu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 16,30


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Azuchi Maru, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 4000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Thursday Island at 49,90
More Nells from Lae. Why has he based them at Lae, where the field is too small to carry torps?
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G3M Nell x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Worden
DD Dent
DD Alden

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Trimcomalee at 15,25
As the RN TF continues to patrol the port of Trimcomaleee looking for Jap transports and Jap sub puts a fish into an unsuspecting CL. Damage was moderate, Dragon will have to make a safe port quickly.
Japanese Ships
SS I-164, hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Dragon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Nizam, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Trimcomalee at 15,25
The Jap sub is punished for her daring.
Japanese Ships
SS I-164, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Nizam, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 10,25
Antoher Jap sub spots Illustrious, but before she can even fire a shot she is quickly chased under by a screen of DDs.
Japanese Ships
SS I-30, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Thracian
DD Kortenaer
DD Isaac Sweers
DD Barker
CLAA Van Heemskerck
CV Illustrious


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang
An assault at Ichang is imminent. My forces are heavily out numbered and under supplied. I am going to begin the withdrawl.
Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 67703 troops, 792 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1941

Defending force 37154 troops, 151 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 990



Allied ground losses:
95 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Trimcomalee
Heavily disrupted Jap units make a failed attack on UK forces at Trimcomalee. The results show just how badly beat up the units are.
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13981 troops, 72 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 359

Defending force 9550 troops, 83 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 72

Japanese max assault: 262 - adjusted assault: 51

Allied max defense: 75 - adjusted defense: 123

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)


Japanese ground losses:
501 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Jamshedpur
The allies began their assault on troops at Jamshedpur with a probing assualt. They breach the outer defenses and inflict heavy casualties.
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17764 troops, 215 guns, 103 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 419

Defending force 12423 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 225

Allied max assault: 373 - adjusted assault: 270

Japanese max defense: 208 - adjusted defense: 158

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 5)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
498 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Trimcomalee

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 969 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 67

Defending force 14826 troops, 63 guns, 5 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 325

[BrucePowers]

More supplies going up in smoke. How much rice and ammo did those guys bring ashore? They could be in real trouble. A real morale builder for the allies.[:D]

[fabertong]

Can you get any reinforcements to Trimcomalee.........a real chance to kill Jap. LCUs

[niceguy2005]

Bruce: Yes, I suspect he lost a lot of supplies. It will be interesting to see how quickly his troops can recover. In paticular now that my bombers will be switching from naval attack to ground attack.

Fabertong: I am considering that possibility. Current UK strategy would say no to reinforcements. The troops that are there have to find it out on their own. I am resting up some of my heavier level bombers now for the eventuality of losing the base. They will start an immediate all out assualt on the airfield, should that happen. Also, I intentionally never developed that AF beyond size 3 in case the enemy decided to take it. Beyond the point value of Trimcomalee, if the AF is out of commission the base will be of little use to him.

6/9/42

More troops unloading at Trimcomalee, CD guns still very active.

30th Aus Bde still unloading at Thursday IS. Luck is still running with the Allies, all 28 attacking Nells missed the TF.

SS KXII sunk an AP and put another torp in an AK at Trimcomalee.

Now two aerial KBs operating in China.

The real KB was spotted about 300 miles west (south) of Ceylon, it's hunting for the combined USN/RN CV force. I'm retreating to more favorable territory and heading up the north (west) coast of India.

Here's the battle at Trimcomalee

[niceguy2005]

Japanese still finishing up getting their troops ashore at Trimcomalee. The UK has scaled back its anti-shipping attacks, but still has several squadrons of Hudsons, Wellingtons and Beauforts attacking. Other Wellington groups along with a squadron of B-17s and a BG of B-25s are preparring to attack the AF should Japan take the base.

First squadron of fighters just upgraded to Spitfires (what's with the lousy range of UK front line fighters).

30th Aus Bde is ashore at Thursday Is and will take the base tomorrow (6/11/42). Good thing too, luck just ran out for the transport TF as it was hit by sub and air attack.

The Japs were shocked to see the 18th UK Div cross the river and assault forces at Diamond Harbour. The enemy forces at Jamshedpur are now completely surrounded. Question is did Calcutta become too weak by losing her main defense force?

AAR Highlights

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/10/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Thursday Island at 49,90
Jap RO sub quickly sinks the empty freighter. She is damaged in the attack but not badly.

Japanese Ships
SS RO-62, hits 5

Allied Ships
AK Modjekerto, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Sunk
MSW Whyalla
MSW Bungaree
MSW Bunbury
DD Dent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Chinese Temp. Division, at 47,33
Aerial KB attack

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-27 Nate x 26
Ki-30 Ann x 82
Ki-21 Sally x 18
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
142 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
25 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 17,29


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Hokumyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 16,27


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Taizin Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wellington III bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 17,27


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 3
Hudson I x 4
Beaufort V-IX x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tanba Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Syoryu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson I bombing at 4000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Trimcomalee at 15,25


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 2
Buffalo I x 2
Beaufort V-IX x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Kinugawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Thursday Island at 49,90
Nells from Rabaul attacked the transport escorts. Whyalla took a torpedo amid ship. Fires are out of control and she is sinking.

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Dent
MSW Whyalla, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Worden
DD Alden

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Thursday Island at 49,90
The old Jap sub returned during the day to put a torpedo into the side of the freighter. She is sinking. She will be dispatched from the TF and sailed up the coast of NG where the captain will order all hands abandon ship.
Japanese Ships
SS RO-62, hits 4

Allied Ships
AK Soerabaja, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Sinking
MSW Whyalla, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bungaree
MSW Bunbury
AP Wanganella
DD Dent
DD Alden
DD Worden

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Jamshedpur

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7567 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 187

Defending force 17558 troops, 212 guns, 102 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 408



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 321 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 10

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 8 - adjusted assault: 4

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Irau base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Jamshedpur

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16038 troops, 212 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 408

Defending force 11367 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 187


Japanese ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Diamond Harbor
The UKs best forces cross the river by Diamond Harbour and move to block Japanese retreat from Jamshedpur. The unit took heavy casualties in the crossing though losing almost 1/3 its strength.

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 15033 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 342

Defending force 16676 troops, 76 guns, 11 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 331

Allied max assault: 450 - adjusted assault: 392

Japanese max defense: 363 - adjusted defense: 243

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1220 casualties reported
Guns lost 38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Trimcomalee

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1001 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 70

Defending force 19207 troops, 73 guns, 8 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 400


Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported

[niceguy2005]

Well, its mid-June and the Allies have a little swagger back in their step. The Japs are ashore at Trimcomalee, but not making much progress. Allied aireal assualt begins today on the agressors....I have decided to reinforce Trimcomalee by sea and I'm putting the pieces toghether to get that done.

The Allies are digging in at Thursday Is. Zuiho and company were spotted in the area, but no carrier battle will ensue. My CVs at OZ are refitting and repairing from weeks at sea. ENG units will be airlifted in from Cooktown.

A USMC Raider Btn went ashore at Wallis Is.

Almost half the Allied fleet is finished with the 4/42 upgrades, just in time for the 7/42 upgrades.

NorthPac is planning on an advance in the Aleutians.

The UK is now well into upgrade of its Mohawks to Spitfires.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/14/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 80,81
The Japanse spot S-43 lurking near Kweijlein. The skillfull sub skipper though slips away with minimal damage.
Japanese Ships
PC Takuna Maru #7
PC Shonon Maru #3
PC Kyo Maru #7
PC Kyo Maru #6
DD Fumizuki

Allied Ships
SS S-43, hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 152 encounters mine field at Baker Island (94,92)
An unlucky day for the Jap transport crew as Nissen Maru as she wonders into the middle of a minefield left by SS Argonaut. [:D]
Japanese Ships
AP Nissen Maru, and is sunk
PC Shonon Maru #10
PC Takuna Maru #6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77
Raids at Koepang continued today after almost a week off. The raiders were happily surprised to find the skies empty of zeros.

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 57


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported

Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 13000 feet
21 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 13000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 30,23
6 enemy units approach Calcutta. They met with harrasment from UK bombers.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 11
CW-22 Falcon x 1
Blenheim IV x 21
Wellington III x 15
Hudson I x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
Wellington III: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Muntok at 21,55
A Dutch sub spots a fat and happy Japanese tanker, probably full of oil, leaving Palembang. She gives her a big hello
Japanese Ships
TK Huzisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PC Shonan Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS KXVII

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese Ships
DD Hayabusa

Allied Ships
SS Tautog


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 92169 troops, 1066 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1965

Defending force 33443 troops, 140 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 870



Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 45,30

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18380 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2129

Defending force 54862 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1549



Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Trimcomalee

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 951 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 66

Defending force 19189 troops, 51 guns, 7 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 369

[niceguy2005]

2/3rds the way through June now. The word for the Allies is build-up. The defensive line is now drawn. The Japanese face fierce resistance at every turn and continue their campaign of occupying undefended bases and beaches.

I am happy with the Allied position overall. The weakest theater is China where Japan now dominates the northern half of the country and has just taken Ichang. But the allies hold Chansa still, as well as Hengchow. Tomorrow, I am starting a night bombing campaign against Japanese airfields.

In India Japan is taking a beating already. The initial invasion of Trimcomalee was unsuccesfull. Even now the aggressors have made little headway from their landing site and must endour continual bombing. A second wave of troops appear to be headed for Trimcomalee, but the 251st UK Bde stands by at Colombo to reinforce

The allies now have a serious foothold in souther NG at Thursday Island. The Allies are digging in in between IJN bombardment. Interestingly, my opponent is not challeging me in the air. I have two squadrons of fighters there and he has yet to try a bombing campaign. I have to believe that this will change.

In Southpac the allies are beginning a build up at Wallis Is in preparation for a campaign against the Paradise Is chain (Funafuite, Nukefuite, etc.).


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Yanam , at 22,21


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 17,26
Allied anti-shipping attack from Colombo

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5
P-40B Tomahawk x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Zogen Maru, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 17,25
4 Beauforts on patrol spot a slow moving target and great her warmly.

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Akagisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 45,30
Build up of Japanese forces just east (north) of Chunking.

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 121155 troops, 1119 guns, 17 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3152

Defending force 62370 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1807



Allied ground losses:
149 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Utupau
Another island fall to Japan.
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 99 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 4

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 2 - adjusted assault: 2

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Utupau base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 46,32
Japan falls victim to the shifting natures of war. The retreating base force they planned on attacking moved on. The lone Japanese Bde now finds itself facing three Chinese corp. The Chinese counter attack tomorrow hoping to force the Japanese off the road and into the woods.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7446 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 144

Defending force 33014 troops, 133 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 868

Japanese max assault: 131 - adjusted assault: 5

Allied max defense: 858 - adjusted defense: 275

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
452 casualties reported
Guns lost 18

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Trimcomalee

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 997 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 69

Defending force 19662 troops, 40 guns, 7 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 385

[BrucePowers]

That tricomolee invasion has put a dent in his transports. He is going to have trouble keeping it supplied. The fact that the airfield is only a 3 if he takes it is also going to hurt.

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: BrucePowers

That tricomolee invasion has put a dent in his transports. He is going to have trouble keeping it supplied. The fact that the airfield is only a 3 if he takes it is also going to hurt.

It had to hurt a bit. In paticular after the pasting his transports got during the Java campaign. I didn't sink as many then, but I'm sure a good 30 or so got sent to the repair yards.

His transports should make it to Trimcomalee tomorrow. It should be interesting since the coastal guns are still all intact.

[niceguy2005]

Urgent from Seatheast Asia Command to Commander Aircombat Group 2

Enemy combat task force sighted on western side of India heading for Bombay.

It is not known at this time the task forces intentions or if it is alone. The order to all commands is to prepare for possible invasion on the West Coast of India. Aircombat Group 2 is hereby directed to protect the ports of Bombay and Karachi from any possible incursion.

[BrucePowers]

I know this is WiTP and not real life, but where is he getting all this transport to do this?

[niceguy2005]

Japan continues its debilitating air war on China. The Airfield at Chunking was smashed today.

The first air combat occured over Thursday Is. I predict there will be a lot more to come. Of the 11 Kittyhawks flying CAP, only one returned. Of course, that pilots exp rating is now 90. The P-39s did much better scoring almost 1 zero for every two P-39s lost.

This actually was part of my strategy. I expect initial casualties to be very high over Thursday Is. I will continually rotate in fresh sqns and wear him down.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Wuhan , at 48,35

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 3
IL-4c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed


Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 4000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36
Fisrt strike, the bombers blasted a large swath of destruction through the defenders.
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 12
Ki-21 Sally x 141
Ki-36 Ida x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2c: 4 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 112
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39
Second raid over China. Nothing to be done.
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 36
Ki-30 Ann x 88

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged

Manpower hits 32

Aircraft Attacking:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32
Third air attack on China, left large holes in the runway and many damaged planes on the ground. One chinese fighter sqn was completely wiped out.
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43
Ki-49 Helen x 111

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 12
I-153c x 20
I-16c x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged
I-153c: 20 destroyed
I-16c: 10 destroyed
SB-2c: 5 destroyed
Wellington III: 2 destroyed
CW-22 Falcon: 3 destroyed
IL-4c: 3 destroyed
Dakota I: 4 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
90 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 77

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
Raid on PM.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2
B-17E Fortress x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
35 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Thursday Island , at 49,90
Dogfight over Thursday Is. Saw the Kittyhawks lead the engagement. The P-39s however scored all 4 kills.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
A6M3 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 7 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 15,27


Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 8
Vildebeest IV x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Zogen Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage Sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[niceguy2005]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Thursday Island at 49,90
The Japanese have been running routine bombardment missions to Thursday Is. SS Plunger lines up a shot on Mutsu. Damage probably was not severe, but hopefully she will be laid up for a month or more.

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Torpedo hits 1
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio

Allied Ships
SS Plunger

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 115,65
A daring Japanese attack on an ASW squadron 200 miles east of PH. They miss the Ward.
Japanese Ships
SS I-20

Allied Ships
DD Kane
DD Rathburne
DD Ward
DD Gridley

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 115,65
Not learning their lesson I-20 fires again at the DD's this time missing Kane. The sub takes moderate damage.
Japanese Ships
SS I-20, hits 6

Allied Ships
DD Ward
DD Kane
DD Rathburne
DD Gridley

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuhan , at 48,35
The Allies try to strike back in China by launching a surprise air raid on Wuhan from Hengchow. The Allies will retreat, reform and try again from another base. THough the Allies take heavy losses, but score moderate damage.
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 22
Wellington III x 9
B-17E Fortress x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 8 destroyed, 3 damaged
Wellington III: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 13

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

Day Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 72,107

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Russell

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 3000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 3000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 46,32

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 67369 troops, 761 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1387

Defending force 31828 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 802



Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Diamond Harbor
Hip-hip-hooray! Hip-hip-hooray! The allies retake Diamond Harbor. By the time they attacked the Japanese division had already withdrawn, leaving only a road construction unit behind. Still, it is the first Japanese unit forced to surrender.

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8726 troops, 40 guns, 452 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 269

Defending force 1458 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 7

Allied max assault: 290 - adjusted assault: 1268

Japanese max defense: 7 - adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 253 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Diamond Harbor base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
145 casualties reported

[niceguy2005]

7/1/42 Indian Theater Operations

The Allies have survived another month and the Japanese operations in India have been stone walled. The invaders at Trimcomalee are pinned down. The force occupying Jamshedpur has been forced to retreat south toward Yenam (spelling). A force is being assmbled now to encircle the isolated units and begin a siege. Reinforcements are arriving at Trimcomalee to make sure it holds.

The Burma army is at about 40% strength and rebuilding as they garrison minor bases. 3 Chinese divisions are also now rebuilding in India. By months end I will have 3 more Bdes available.

With UK fighters upgrading to Spitfires, I will now have the AVG and 24th FG free to operate in China. I will pull half of my LB assets to China to support the ground war there. This is about 3 sqns of Blens, 2 sqns of Wellingtons and 1 sqn of B-17s.

By the time the siege of Yenam is succesful the UK should be ready to advance on Dimapur with 4 divisions plus support. Recapturing Dimapur (Operation Pinwheel) will reopen the air supply route to China.

I am certain that the Japanese have further plans on India, but what?

[ny59giants]

This seems to be one of the few Japanese adventures into India that has not lead to it's collapse (yet). 
Why do you think it hasn't been a success for him yet??[&:]  
Launched too late... 
Not enough forces...
You're a "skilled" opponent...[&o][&o]

If you would care to explain, "us" lurker's would appreciate it.[:D]

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

You're a "skilled" opponent...[&o][&o]

Clearly the above has something to do with it...just kidding [;)]

IIRC his invasion of India started in FEB 42, very early. TO some extent that may actually have hampered him as he didn't have as many divisions to put into the initial invasion. I think he used about 6. I made a number of mistakes in Burma, the first being I didn't fight hard enough for Burma and the second being I tried to take the Burmese army through the jungles, back to India. But he was slowed by the fact that he had yet to conquer Java and Sumatra.

When he invaded Chandpur it was one of the prettiest best executed amphibious assualts you will ever see. Caught me completely off guard and out of position and he took Chandpur and Dacca in about 3 days. He even sunk the transports carrying the 7th UK Arm Bde off Diamond Harbor.

I would say my recovery and stabilization of the situation came fom 4 things.

1. I made good choices in defending Asansol and Calcutta, although I started preparing another line of defences behind these bases at Lucknow and Dehli, the war was going to be won or lost at Calcutta. In fact, Graycompany sent me an email saying that he thought Calcutta was going to be our Guadalcanal, i.e. the Japanese advanced at their leisure to that point, but from then on the Allies would advance at thiers. We shall see if he is right.
2. I was able to pull off some good delaying tactics. I held his invasion force just north of Dacca for a week and flew in chinese divisions to Dimapur. Having the divisions at dimapur forced him to lay siege to that city first before turning his attention on the rest of India. In truth this may have been Graycompany's biggest mistake. He failed to Blitz Asansol. There was a 1 to 2 week time frame where the base was very weak. If he had only moved faster.
3. I won the air war for Calcutta and thus India. Some of the fighter groups for the PI went to India instead of Australia. I threw every fighter I had into service at Calcutta including Buffs and Wirraways. The fighting was fierce and a lot of Zeros, P-40s and Hurris were lost. The Allied defences were strained to the point of breaking, but Japan broke first.
4. I made the decision to fight it out for Java and Sumatra, didn't evacuate all the Dutch units and in fact reinforced with a couple Aus Bdes. I kept 6 divisions tied up there through May. The campaign also consumed a lot of his air assets that might otherwise have attacked India. Graycompany later told me that the lenghth of the Java campaign forced him to cancel one operation, I suspect that operation was directed toward India.

I still feel that something really big is brewing. I don't think despite Graycompany's comments that he is done. I don't know if the attack will come in India, but one more major offensive is underway I am certain.

[fabertong]

Well done .........now if you could get some reinforcements to Trimcomalee......you could kill his trapped forces there.....he must either reinforce or withdraw...or he risks losing some good units......