The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[tocaff]

September 21, 1945 Near Java

Intel

15th AA Regiment is located at Sapporo.
Sanya Base Force is located at Taan.
Hunchun Garrison Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
4th Aviation Rgt is located at Nanning.
61st Division is located at Tokyo.
8879 men are based at Mukden.
3rd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Matsue.
3rd Cavarly Brigade is planning for an attack on Mishan.
12th Aviation Rgt is located at Singapore.
42nd Division is located at Sendai.
8299 men are based at Matsue.
7th Aviation Rgt is located at Medan.
109th Division is located at Alor Star.
Elements of the 5th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Homan.
Mongol Army is located at Sasebo.
4th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kagoshima.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama 2 LCUs 2920/44/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 2 LCUs 5860/17/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya 2 X AP, 8 X AK, 7 LCUs 1140/16/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kiungahan 1 LCU 1240/4/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Soerabaja 11 X AP, 11 LCUs 25260/104/0

Combat

A PBM spotted an AK near Niigata and claimed a hit. Later 6 X PB4Y and 30 X P-38J went after an AP. There were 5 X Nick and 9 X Frank protecting the ship and a furball resulted with the Japanese having 3 Nicks and 3 Franks splashed. A Lightning was shot down and the bombers missed their target.

At 2:10 AM Padang was disrupted by the bombing of the jungle by 7 Helens who were futilely sought after by 9 Mosquito FB.VIs.

Allied troops unloading over beach at Babo took moderate casualties.

A mine field was discovered at Teloekbetoeng.

The SS Bumper attacked a lone AK 143 miles N of Matsue just before dawn. The deck gun scored 5 hits and 3 torpedoes impacted on the hapless target, sinking it.

Naha was raided by 15 X B-24D and 46 X B-24J (1 downed, 4 damaged) for moderate airfield damage, some secondary explosions were seen and personnel losses were moderate.

11 miles W of the crossroads a Dinah was snooping on the 168th Chinese Division when 26 X P-40N arrived and chased it away. Later in the day another Dinah arrived in the area and it too was sent running for the clouds by the Warhawks on patrol.

Near Brunei 56 X SB2C (1 damaged), 18 X TBF (1 damaged), 18 X TBM (2 damaged) and 41 X F6F attacked the Japanese shipping for the following results.
PG Uji 3 bomb hits, 1 torpedo hit, sunk
PG Yachiyo Maru 4 bomb hits, 1 torpedo hit, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kurohime Maru 7 bomb hit, 3 torpedo hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Biyo Maru 2 torpedo hits, on fire, heavy damage
PG Takunan Maru #10 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
PC Shonon Maru #11 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
PG Kyo Maru #10 1 torpedo hit, on fire, heavy damage
Many Japanese soldiers were seen jumping into the water to escape the carnage.
Then 7 X PB4Y arrived and they too scored.
PG Kyo Maru #10 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Anzan Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage
The Japanese were seen diving into the water to get away from the flames. Later, in the early afternoon, 39 X SB2C (2 damaged), 24 X TBF and 13 X TBM arrived and they went to work.
AP Biyo Maru 1 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
PG Yachiyo Maru 2 bomb hits, 2 torpedo hits , sunk
AP Anzan Maru 1 torpedo hit, on fire, heavy damage
PG Takunan Maru #10 2 torpedo hits, sunk
PG Kyo Maru #10 6 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
Japanese personnel jumped from the burning ships. Not to much time went by before 6 X PB4Y arrived, but they failed to hit anything.

Georgetown was struck by 64 X Mosquito FB.VI and 20 X Spitfire VIII who chased away a Rufe and then moderately damaged the airstrip, triggered some secondary explosions and there were extremely light casualties.

24 miles N of Miri 12 X SB2C (1 damaged) and 39 X F6F attacked a pair of PCs.
PC Kyo Maru #6 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage
PC Kyo Maru #7 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage

The Japanese ships 139 miles E of Batavia were attacked by 12 X Barracuda (1 downed, 10 damaged), 16 X Avenger II (2 downed, 8 damaged), 15 X Thunderbolt II and 4 X P-47D and a CL thought to have been the Nagara was struck by 3 torpedoes that left it a wreck that was burning. 2 other CLs and a DD escaped harm. Then in broad daylight a surface engagement erupted.
Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
CL Nagara 2 shell hits, sunk
CL Yubari 7 shell hits, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsushio 2 shell hits, on fire
DD Hamakaze 1 shell hit, on fire
DD Tomozuru 3 shell hits, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kasasagi 1 shell hit, on fire
Allied Ships
BB Nelson 2 shell hits
BB Valiant 1 shell hit
BB Queen Elizabeth
CA London 2 shell hits
CL Swiftsure 1 shell hit
DD Teazer
DD Tenacious
DD Termagant
DD Terpsichore
DD Troubridge
DD Tumult

The SS Trespasser found 3 PGs and a PC 75 miles SE of Singapore and though she tried the sub never managed to launch an attack on the unsuspecting Japanese vessels.

The SS Cobia found, tracked and attacked an unescorted AP 81 miles SE of Hungnam, hitting it with the deck gun once and with 3 fish sending it to the bottom.

At Kweiyang artillery exchanges raged throughout the day with the Chinese escaping harm and the Japanese having very heavy losses.

At Kendari another Allied attack inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese and the Allies had negligible losses.

The PM is pleased that the RN did well in it's engagement, but Admirals are unhappy that a heavy surface combat TF couldn't deal a death blow to some CLs and DDs.

Harry Truman is still at odds with himself over the use of the A bomb or to proceed with Operations Thunder and Lightning.

Stalin hasn't yet entered the conference room and his generals are talking in hushed tones. They are against his wanting a winter offensive. The fact that the Japanese hold interior lines, have strong fortifications, and presumed large stock of supplies will work against the Soviet Army. Stalin enters the room and there is a sudden hush. The silence is broken by Stalin wanting to know how things are progressing with the upcoming attack on the Japanese.

Gene reads over the report and mutters that this approach just might hold promise. He notifies his secretary that he's not to be disturbed and to hold all of his calls until after this afternoon's meeting. Later, after the meeting has adjourned, Gene leaves for home wondering if this concept could lead to the breakthrough in welding techniques that he's been charged with finding. His staff has mixed opinions, which is healthy, but they are all on board about chasing down elusive answers.

Victory Points Allied 105772 (20438 Strategic) Japanese 46281

[tocaff]

September 22, 1945 Babo

Intel

4th Air Division is located at Bandoeng.
19th Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
46th Road Construction Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
10th Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Harbin.
1st Air Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
25th Engineer Regiment is located at Sendai.
Chinhae Bay Fortress is located at Pusan.
5th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Harbin.
167707 men are based at Changchun.
Kitachishima Fortress is located at Paramushiro Jima.
40th Division is located at Soochow.
72nd Division is located at Sendai.
4th Air Division is located at Bandoeng.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Hanoi 3 LCUs 4300/19/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bangkok 9 bombers, 18 aux, 26 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 3 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Hamamatsu 4 LCUs 3880/11/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Soerabaja 11 X AP, 1 X CA, 11 LCUs 26140/109/0

Combat

The MSW Agra was busily sweeping the mine field at Teloekbetoeng and a few hours later the MSW Baroda joined in the operation.

Padang was hit by 8 X Helen at 1:55 AM. The AA fire downed 1 bomber and then the Japanese dropped on the jungle. As the remaining 7 Helens were departing they were caught by 10 Mosquito FB.VIs who managed to damage 1 of the Japanese planes.

77 miles SE of Singapore the SS Devilfish stalked a PG and 5 PCs only to get attacked herself. The Devilfish managed to escape and then she attacked a small convoy of 2 X AK and 5 X PG. An AK ate a fish and was burning and the sub once more underwent a violent attack on her. Japanese troops were observed going into the water. The sub is now returning to port for repairs.

Tavoy was hit by 153 X Liberator VI (1 downed, 6 damaged), 32 X Spitfire VIII and 5 X Spitfire XIV for heavy airfield damage, many secondary explosions, 6 Myrts, 7 Helens and a Betty were destroyed and casualties were moderate.

At Kweiyang the IJA 36th Division was attacked by 42 X B-25J and 40 X P-40N. There were 6 X Reppu protecting the unit and all of them were shot down at the cost of 4 Warhawks downed and 2 damaged. The flak downed 2 bombers and damage 6 more as they dished out heavy losses on the unit. Artillery exchanges produced no Chinese casualties and heavy Japanese losses.

142 miles SE of Chungking the 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps was attacked by 27 X Judy and had very light casualties.

3 PB4Ys attacked a lone AP 34 miles NW of Miri, hitting it with 3 bombs that did heavy damage and caused fires to break out. Japanese troops were seen going into the water as the ship went down.

Near Niigata 5 Nicks and 9 Franks faced 7 PB4Ys and 27 Lightnings and 2 Nicks and a Frank were killed while a Liberator was damaged. The PCs were unharmed.

Near Miri 27 X SB2C (1 damaged),18 X TBM and 28 X F6F struck and hit a PC with 5 bombs, sinking it. A PG was also clobbered by 6 bombs and a torpedo that pulverized it and the wreck went down quickly.

Near Palembang 22 X Frank and 2 X Tony tangled with 10 X Barracuda (9 damaged), 4 X Avenger II (4 damaged), 17 X Hellcat II, 20 X Corsair IV (2 downed), 10 X Thunderbolt II (2 downed) and 9 X P-47D. All of the Japanese planes were shot down, but the CL and DD they were protecting went unscathed. Later 4 Franks were flying when 5 X Barracuda (1 damaged), 5 X Avenger II (1 downed, 3 damaged), 21 X Hellcat II, 27 X Corsair IV, 7 X Firefly, 3 X Spitfire VIII, 31 X Thunderbolt II and 8 X P-47D arrived. A Frank was splashed as the others ran and this time a CL, thought to have been the Jintsu, ate 2 fish for heavy damage and fires.

21 miles W of Moulmein 3 Bettys attacked a lone TK and they were all damaged by the AA fire and their torpedoes missed.

Near Rangoon 10 Helens went after a CL and ran afoul of 21 X Spitfire XIV. All of the Helens were splashed and 3 Spits were damaged. The cruiser was never directly threatened.

188 miles NW of Victoria Point 7 X Betty and 25 X Frank caught 2 AKs and hit 1 with a torpedo and the other with 2 torpedoes. Both ships were burning and heavily damaged. Later 3 Bettys and 21 Franks appeared and all of the torpedoes missed.

Tokyo had a CAP of 7 X Reppu, 8 X Shinden, 62 X Frank and 13 X Tony up when out of the sun dove 121 X P-51D into them. 6 Reppus, 8 Shindens, 45 Franks and 5 Tonys were destroyed at the cost of 9 Mustangs lost and 3 more damaged.

Georgetown was attacked by Allied planes and the Rufe that was in the area ducked into the clouds as the 63 X Mosquito FB.VI and 20 X Spitfire VIII arrived. The airstrip was moderately damaged, a secondary explosions was claimed and casualties were placed at negligible.

Near Brunei 3 PB4Ys attacked and missed an already damaged and burning PC.

Near Teloekbetoeng 9 X Judy, 5 X Sally, 13 X Lilly, 5 X Helen, 28 X Peggy, 5 X Jack and 5 X Tony tried to attack the Allied shipping, but 10 X Hellcat II, 18 X Corsair IV (4 damaged), 10 X Firefly (1 damaged), 46 X Thunderbolt II (1 downed, 15 damaged) and 6 X P-47D did their job in protecting the ships from harm. The Japanese lost all of their planes.

Kendari witnessed another Allied attack in which the Japanese sustained heavy casualties and the attackers had negligible losses.

Babo fell to the Marine Raiders.

Slim has his lads out in front of the rest of the company for this march. He tells his lads that they should show the rest of them that this platoon is the best. As they break into a quicker pace he remembers that it wasn't so long ago that he was a green machine gunner and his pal Jack and he were always moaning. It feels so far in the past. He gives his head a shake and adjusts his pack and weapon and starts singing out a cadence.

Sam is told by a clerk at division HQs that the 25th won't be leaving Tori Shima until the RCT arrives and that all of the engineer units have priority for space on the transports. Sam thanks him an leaves with his hopes not quite dashed, but dented. He and Frankie then take a jog to Sam's favorite spot overlooking the airfield. When the get there he starts tossing a ball for Frankie to get when suddenly there is an explosion and a fireball on the runway. Sam looks and sees what appears to be a patrol plane that either didn't do so good on take off or landing. He shrugs and watches the emergency vehicles and personnel swarm the wreckage. Very little effects his emotions anymore and he returns to playing with the dog.

Gil falls asleep dreaming about tomorrow's mission over Japan and has a bad night's sleep.

Victory Points Allied 106016 (20438 Strategic) Japanese 46319

[Capt. Harlock]

but Admirals are unhappy that a heavy surface combat TF couldn't deal a death blow to some CLs and DDs.

Tsk, tsk. And one of the British ships had 16-inch guns! Anybody cleaned those rangefinders lately?

[tocaff]

September 23, 1945 Ulithi

Intel

53716 men are based at Krung Thep.
53rd Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
53rd Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Naha.
211847 men are based at Masan.
12th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Nagoya.
Tsushima Fortress is located at Masan.
7th Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
34308 men are based at Hamamatsu.
11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Yosu Fortress is located at Masan.
154th Division is located at Kagoshima.
60271 men are based at Sendai.
90783 men are based at Rahaeng.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama 2 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wuchow 3 LCUs 7320/75/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Soerabaja 11 X AP, 2 X CA, 11 LCUs 25540/118/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 3 LCUs

Combat

The SS Jallao spotted a damaged AP 17 miles NW of Brunei, but failed to successfully attack it.

Matsuyama was raided by 17 X B-29 who did very light damage to the Mitsubishi engine plant.

Niigata was flying 12 X Nick and 8 X Frank who were given the task of stopping 63 X B-24D and 31 X P-38J. 6 Nicks and a Frank were splashed and another 3 Franks were damaged before they turned tail. 6 Lightnings were lost in the fight and 5 bombers were damaged by the flak. The oil facilities took light damage. A short time later 7 Franks were on patrol and 163 X B-29 and 15 X P-51D arrived. 4 Franks were shot down and 11 Superforts were damaged by the AA fire. A few hours later 3 Franks spotted 184 X B-29 and ran. The ground fire downed a bomber and damaged 9 others as they unloaded on their target. A Frank ran when another strike of 14 B-29s (1 damaged) came on the scene and they hit their target too. The Frank once again ducked into the clouds when 46 X B-29 arrived. 2 were damaged by the base's defensive fire as the target was struck again. The heavy industry took extremely heavy damage from the 4 attacks made on it..

Nagasaki was hit by 129 X B-29 and 39 X P-51D who went to work on the CAP made up of 22 X Nick, 1 X Tony and 16 X Frank. 2 Mustangs were damaged as they downed 13 Nicks, 1 Tony and 10 Franks. 10 bombers were damaged by the AA fire as they pounded the heavy industry for heavy damage.

Victoria Point was bombed by 113 Liberator VI for heavy airfield damage, many secondary explosions were seen, 5 X Frances, 5 X Betty and 7 X Frank were trashed and casualties were moderate.

At Kendari the 138th IJN Base Force took moderate losses from an air raid. The Allied attack inflicted moderate casualties on the Japanese while sustaining negligible losses of their own.

Near Brunei 17 X PB4Y attacked the Japanese ships.
PC Shonon Maru #11 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Anzan Maru 7 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
Troops were seen going into the water.

Near Teloekbetoeng 8 X Judy, 2 X Lily, 8 X Peggy, 6 X Zero and 6 X Tony went for the Allied shipping only to be shot down by the Allied CAP of 46 X Thunderbolt II and 15 X P-47D (1 damaged).

53 miles W of Padang 16 X Grace attacked the Allied ships, but ran into 67 X Hellcat II, 67 X Corsair IV and 1 X Firefly. 3 Graces survived and ran for home and 2 Corsairs were damaged.

The SS Tilefish attacked a CA and 3 DD 24 miles N of Belitung, but only succeeded in getting herself attacked as she was moving into position from which to launch her torpedoes. The sub has flooding and light systems damage so she'll head for home.

At Kweiyang the Chinese artillery caused heavy Japanese losses.

Gil finishes the debriefing and heads for chow with the guys. The wave of exhaustion sweeps over him as he's emotionally drained after each mission. Even though he cat naps on each mission he's tired as he's not getting a good sleep. The rest of the crew don't even rib him about his naps anymore.

Work on the Missouri is stalled until a vital part arrives at Ulithi. Bill is pleased that some of the things bothering him were repaired and now if this gets taken care of he'll be overjoyed. He knows that chances are orders will arrive before this long delayed part. In the meantime morale is high as the crew continues to get regular mail delivery. A crewman knocks on Bill's cabin door and Bill says, “Come.” The man enters and apologizes for disturbing Bill as he hands him a couple of letters. Bill thanks him and then turns his attention to the letters. One is from Sandy and the other is from Ed. After reading Sandy's letter he opens the one from Ed. It's pretty much the old how are you, how's things? Ed mentions that he misses working with Bill. Of course because of the censors it's hard to relate anything of any import. It was just a way of saying hi.

Stick is quietly talking to the guys about what it was like in the raft. He's not holding back or trying to make himself out to be the big, tough guy. “You bake during the day as the sun just fries you and at night it's cold. What's worse is you can't really see anything and when a big wave comes and tosses you it's scary as all hell as you never knew it was coming. I was so thirsty I can't even describe it.” Then he finishes with talking about the sub. “Talk about a sardine can. I don't know how anybody can serve on those subs. It's so small and crowded. It stinks enough to make a guy want to puke his guts out. They share a bunk so you get to lie in somebody else's sweat. I can't begin to tell you how awful it is and I can't even imagine what it's like when they are submerged and attacked. No thanks, for me I'll take flying any old day.”

Victory Points Allied 106457 (20746 Strategic) Japanese 46368

[tocaff]

September 24, 1945 Formosa

Intel

22nd AA Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
7th Engineer Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
11th Ind. Mixed Regiment is located at Paramushiro Jima.
143rd IJA Base Force is located at Alor Star.
Elements of the 1st Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Paotang.
20th Army is located at Mutanchiang.
297 aircraft are based at Arshaan.
8th Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
5th AA Regiment is located at Gumma.
55th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
23rd Division is planning for an attack on Heiho.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Hamamatsu 4 LCUs 3400/12/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wuchow 3 LCUs 12140/109/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Madioen vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 6 LCUs 980/0/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama 2 LCUs 4800/61/03

Combat

An F-5A spotted what was thought to be the CL Yubari near Palembang. A short time later a Barracuda spotted her too and claimed a hit. Then 22 X Barracuda, 11 X Avenger II, 23 X Corsair IV and 15 X Firefly ran into 12 X Frank and 3 X Tony assigned to protect the IJN ships. 5 Franks and 2 Tonys were shot down and the ships were treated roughly.
CL Yubari 2 torpedo hits, sunk
DD Tomozuru 2 torpedo hits, sunk

The SS Sabalo, 71 miles SE of Batavia, tried to attack a CA and 3 DDs, but she was pounced on instead. She will now head home with light systems damage and some flooding.

Padang's tranquil night was interrupted by 7 Helens at 3:05 AM as they bombed the jungle. 10 X Mosquito FB.VI tied to intercept the Japanese planes, but failed.

Matsuyama was hit by 133 X B-29 for light damage to the Mitsubishi engine factory.

Kitakyushu was bombed by 145 X B-29 who caused heavy damage to the heavy industry.

Batavia was raided by 21 X Liberator VI and the CAP of 2 X Zeke, 1 X George and 4 X Tony failed to do any harm as they avoided the bombers who did suffer 1 plane damaged by the AA fire. The airfield was very lightly damaged, there were some secondary explosions seen, 1 Frances, 1 Judy, 1 Zero and 1 Betty were destroyed and casualties were very light. Then the CAP was challenged by 26 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged), 9 X Spitfire VIII, 46 X Thunderbolt II and 12 X P-47D and this time they fought only to all be splashed. A DD was hit by a bomb that ignited a fire. Another strike of 11 X Avenger II (11 damaged) and 13 X Hellcat II arrived and they hit a CA thought to have been the Chikuma with 2 torpedoes for heavy damage and fires. Another attack in the afternoon was made by 11 X Barracuda (6 damaged), 8 X Hellcat II, 13 X Corsair IV and 15 X Firefly who hit the CA Chikuma with 2 fish adding to the ship's woes. Another 9 X Barracuda (5 downed) and 11 X Avenger (10 damaged) tore into the CL Agano, scoring 4 torpedo hits that did heavy damage and triggered fires.

Naha was pounded by 68 X B-24J (5 damaged) for heavy airfield damage, some secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were heavy.

12 miles W of the crossroads a Dinah was chased away by 7 P-40Ns. Later the same thing happened to another snooping Dinah.

At Kendari 138th IJN Base Force was bombed by Allied planes and had moderate casualties. The Allied assault inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese who are now surrounded.

Hong Kong's AA batteries damaged 9 Mitchells as they caused light port damage, a few secondary explosions and moderate troop losses.

Near Niigata 3 X Nick and 5 X Frank were on patrol when 3 X PB4Y popped up. In the fight 2 Franks were damaged as was a Liberator. An AP was struck by 2 bombs that started fires. A short while later 3 X Nick and 5 X Frank met 7 X PB4Y and 24 X P-38J. A Nick and 2 Franks were splashed and an AP ate 2 bombs and another took 3 bomb hits. Both ships were burning.

At Kweiyang the Chinese artillery dished out heavy casualties on the Japanese.

Slim is happily marching his platoon back to their area from the rifle range. As everyone knows all Marines are first and foremost riflemen and his lads did very well today. When they are back in the area he gives them a well done and dismisses them, reminding them about PT in the morning before they eat. The lads groan, but are happy to have the rest of the day and tonight free.

Jay, Al and some of the guys go exploring and they end up near the airfield. There is some kind of construction going on near them and some MPs suddenly appear and tell them that they can't be here. “Why not?” says one of the guys, “Where's the signs or a fence?” The MPs called in and suddenly 2 more jeeps appear. The guys are told that the signs and a fence will be in place by tomorrow and that if they don't want to die of old age in the stockade they will leave now. They shuffle off with less than pleasant remarks directed at the MPs. “I wonder what that pit was for. It looked like it was in the middle of a taxiway for planes.” With that Al shuts up and they continue their tour of the area, heading away from the airfield.

Victory Points Allied 106544 (20774 Strategic) Japanese 46388

[Capt. Harlock]

The guys are told that the signs and a fence will be in place by tomorrow and that if they don't want to die of old age in the stockade they will leave now. They shuffle off with less than pleasant remarks directed at the MPs. “I wonder what that pit was for. It looked like it was in the middle of a taxiway for planes.”

Is someone planning on a glow-in-the-dark special?[;)]

[tocaff]

Could very well be Capt H.

September 25, 1945 Kendari

Intel

China Expeditionary Army is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
1st Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
281998 men are based at Ominato.
39th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
22nd Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Mishan.
7th AA Regiment is located at Gumma.
10th Mortar Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
81st Division is located at Tokyo.
151st Division is located at Gumma.
31st AA Regiment is located at Sapporo.
Hoyo Fortress is located at Osumi.
79th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Tokyo.
120th IJA Base Force is located at Hanoi.
7th Heavy AA Battalion is planning for an attack on Hailar.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama 2 LCUs 6740/82/03
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wuchow 3 LCUs 15180/139/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Madioen vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 6 LCUs 8940/0/0

Combat

A PBM spotted an AK near Niigata and reported a hit. Later 10 X PB4Y and 27 X P-38J went after 3 APs. 3 X Nick and 4 X Frank were protecting the ships and a Frank was splashed as 1 AP was struck by 2 bombs for heavy damage and fires while another ate 3 bombs for similar effects.

Padang had it's nightly visit from the Japanese, this time with10 Helens who dropped their bombs in the jungle once again. 7 Mosquito FB.VIs gave chase, but never gained contact.

Palembang was visited by 6 X Mosquito FB.VI in the middle of the night, but found no Japanese planes over the airfield.

Near Teloekbetoeng at 2 :20 AM 2 IJN DDs tried to sneak past the RN and the following combat took place.
Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo 27 shell hits, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hiyodori
Allied Ships
BB Revenge
BB Royal Sovereign
CA Suffolk
CA Cumberland
CL Danae
CL Durban
CL Dauntless
CL Mauritius
CL Nigeria
CL Birmingham
DD Encounter
DD Rapid
DD Relentless
DD Ulster
The speed of the Japanese DDs couldn't save them from the RN's determination as contact was maintained and a second round took place.
Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo 8 shell hits, 1 torpedo hit, sunk
DD Hiyodori 40 shell hits, sunk
Allied Ships
BB Revenge
BB Royal Sovereign
CA Suffolk
CA Cumberland
CL Danae
CL Durban
CL Dauntless
CL Mauritius
CL Nigeria
CL Birmingham
DD Encounter
DD Rapid
DD Relentless
DD Ulster

At dawn a naval bombardment of Batavia was conducted by the RN with the following ships.
DD Tumult
DD Troubridge
DD Terpsichore
DD Termagant
DD Tenacious
DD Teazer
CL Swiftsure
CA London
BB Queen Elizabeth
BB Valiant
BB Nelson
The airfield was moderately damaged, the port was very heavily damaged, a very large number of secondary explosions were seen, the CL Agano was struck by 6 shells and she went down, 3 X Betty, 4 X Frances, 1 X Tony, 2 X Oscar, 2 X Grace, 1 X Peggy, 2 X Zero and 1 X Judy were destroyed and casualties were very heavy. Later 21 X Liberator VI and 2 X P-47D struck for very light airfield damage, a secondary explosion was reported, 2 X Frances, 3 X Peggy, 1 X Grace and 1 X Judy were trashed and troop losses were very light.

Shanghai was raided by 65 X B-25J (9 damaged) for moderate airfield damage and very light personnel losses.

Bangkok was bombed by 153 X Liberator VI (21 damaged) for very heavy damage to the port, a very large number of secondary explosions were observed and casualties were placed at very heavy.

Kadina was hit by 65 X B-24J and 32 X P-51D for moderate damage to the airstrip, some secondary explosions were seen and casualties were negligible.

Naha was pounded by 81 X B-24J and the flak damaged 11 of them as they caused moderate port damage, some secondary explosions and light losses.

At Kweiyang the IJA 36th Division was pounced on by 64 X B-25J and 25 X P-40N for heavy casualties. A Mitchell was downed and 10 took damage. The Chinese artillery barrages inflicted very heavy losses on the Japanese troops.

At Gili Gili the IJA 21st Division suffered heavy losses from an air strike made on it by Allied aircraft.

24 miles SW of Tjilitjap 26 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed), 57 X Thunderbolt II and 10 X Spitfire VIII attacked the CL Kashii, hitting it with 7 bombs that caused heavy damage and fires to break out. Another strike made up of 27 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 49 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire VIII arrived in the afternoon and trashed the CL Kashii with 14 bomb hits sealing her fate by sending her to the bottom.

Near Toboali 2 X Mosquito FB.VI, 12 X P-47D, 6 X Thunderbolt II and 2 X Spitfire VIII attacked an IJN DD, but failed to score any hits.

Near Pamakasan the SS S-43 attacked an AK and MSW, hitting the AK with 2 torpedoes for heavy damage and fires. Later in the day after reloading her tubes another AK and an MSW happened by and she hit the AK with 2 fish for heavy damage and fires.

At Kendari an Allied attack on the Japanese who absorbed heavy losses ended organized resistance. The Allies had negligible casualties.

Stick sits in the shade cast by his hut reading some letters from home. He's content with just the way things are. Everything is relative, he thinks. His skipper stops by and asks if he's OK and Stick replied, “Yeah, I'm fine. Why?” The Skipper just shrugged and said he was just checking. Stick isn't stupid and he's willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that it's his new attitude about things that has people wondering.

“Within the next couple of months we'll be pulled out of here and knowing the Army they'll find another garden spot for us to inhabit,” say to company CO. When Sam tells his squad they grumble and want to know what the delay is and Sam asks them if they think that the brass consults with him.

The Nazi party was declared illegal in Germany.

The last Soviet soldier left Norway.

Victory Points Allied 106711 (20774 Strategic) Japanese 46403

[tocaff]

September 26, 1945 Washington DC

Intel

7th Air Division is located at Tokyo.
94 aircraft are based at Gumma.
3220 men are based at Anshan.
31st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Aomori.
52nd Road Construction Battalion is located at Sining.
24th Division is planning for an attack on Chiamussu.
2nd Aviation Rgt is located at Mutanchiang.
303rd Division is located at Kagoshima.
351st Division is located at Sasebo.
3221 men are based at Anshan.
24495 men are based at Kitakyushu.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gumma 9 LCUs 1000/56/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Djokjakarta vacant

Combat

6 Helens visited Padang in the middle of the night and the jungle absorbed the bombs. 10 Mosquito FB.VIs gave chase and they managed to damage a Betty.

Bangkok was bombed by 122 X Liberator VI (14 damaged) for extremely heavy port damage, a large number of secondary explosions were seen and casualties were heavy.

Balikpapan was raided by 31 X B-24J (4 damaged) who did light damage to the airfield, triggered some secondary explosions and inflicted extremely light personnel losses.

Batavia was attacked by 26 X Liberator VI and 23 X Thunderbolt II who did moderate damage to the airfield, 2 secondary explosions were seen, 3 X Peggy, 1 X Betty, 2 X Frances, 1 X Grace, 1 X Judy and 1 X Lily were destroyed and casualties were moderate,

Kadina's defenses damaged 4 B-24Js as the air raid caused heavy damage to the airstrip, some secondary explosions were claimed and troop losses were moderate.

Naha was struck by Allied planes and 3 X B-24J were damaged as they caused very light damage to the port, some secondary explosions and moderate casualties. Later on 44 X A-26B (2 downed, 3 damaged) and 58 X P-38J came by and the airfield was moderately damaged.

The IJA 27th Division, near Kweiyang, was attacked by 24 X B-25J (8 damaged) and 26 X P-40N. The unit sustained heavy losses. The Japanese took heavy casualties from the Chinese artillery today.

The 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, 140 miles SW of Chungking, took moderate casualties from an attack made by 27 X Judy.

19 miles W of the crossroads a Dinah was shot down by roving Warhawks.

16 miles N of Toboali 26 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 66 X Thunderbolt II and 12 X Spitfire VIII attacked some Japanese ships. A TK was left burning from a bomb hit.

Flying a CAP mission today did nothing to upset Stick's new attitude on life. The guys in the squadron are talking about it among themselves. Stick has taken to praying on a regular basis and spends time talking with the base Chaplin. Stick is a Methodist and the Chaplin is a Jewish Rabbi, which makes for interesting conversations between them. The Rabbi tells Stick that it doesn't matter what name you want to use for your deity, just that you believe. “It's not the road you travel,” said the Rabbi, “It's how you travel the road.” That gave Stick lots to think about as it struck him as very profound. The more that he thinks about it the more he's comfortable with the fact that he is who he is.

Gil has a cold and as a result is temporarily taken off of flight duty. His head is clogged and he feels rotten. Luckily the Lucky 11 aren't scheduled to fly any missions now because he doesn't want to let the guys down. They are a unit and breaking it up could have a negative effect on them being so lucky so far.

President Truman looks over the OOB for Operation Thunder and lets out a low whistle. “This is just the opening of the Operation?” he asks. He's told that phase 2 is even stronger than this. The units of Phase 1 of Thunder will rest as refit as Phase 2 kicks in so that they are ready for Operation Lightning, he's told. This is all dependent on if he decides to use the Atomic bomb, or not.

Victory Points Allied 106736 (20774 Strategic) Japanese 46418

[tocaff]

September 27, 1945 Moscow

Intel

Southern Fleet is located at Singapore.
24487 men are based at Kitakyushu.
68th Construction Battalion is located at Hamamatsu.
41st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Harbin.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
31st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
124th Division is planning for an attack on Mishan.
Elements of the 7th Mongolian Cavalry Division are planning for an attack on Tabun-Nur.
2499 men are based at Ikitsuki.
53rd Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
11th Tank Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
60th Division is located at Homan.
58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wuchow 3 LCUs 18720/195/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Haiphong 3 X AG, 1 X AP
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bangkok 11 aux, 26 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Djokjakarta vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 3 LCUs 440/0/0

Combat

Near Niigata a PB2Y Coronado spotted an AK, reporting a hit.

A night air attack on Singapore was made by 3 X Mosquito FB.V who managed to do no damage to their target.

Padang was visited by 3 Helens late at night and they once more bombed the jungle. 10 X Mosquito FB.VI tried and failed to find the Japanese planes.

Wakkanai was bombed by 10 X B-25J and 22 X P-38J were escorting the bombers and they chased away 4 Franks, 1 was splashed. 3 Mitchells were damaged in the attack that caused extremely light airfield damage and a few secondary explosions. Later on 3 X A-26B (1 damaged), 27 X P-38J Lightning and 4 X P-51D Mustang dropped by and the fighters kept the 2 Franks that were in the area away from the bombers, damaging 1 of them. The airfield was subjected to negligible damage.

Batavia was attacked by 25 X Liberator VI, 27 X Thunderbolt II and 12 X Hellcat II for light airfield damage, a secondary explosion, 6 X Peggy, 2 X Frances and 1 X Judy were destroyed and casualties were extremely light.

At Kweiyang the IJA 36th Division was jumped by 25 X B-25J and 17 X P-40N. 8 Mitchells were damaged and the Japanese suffered heavy losses. The IJA 69th Division was also struck as 12 X B-25J and 21 X P-40N caused moderate casualties while losing a Mitchell and getting 4 others damaged. The Chinese artillery accounted for heavy Japanese losses.

Near Soerabaja 2 Mosquito FB.VIs missed an already damaged and burning AK.

Brunei was hit by 33 X PB4Y who caused light damage to the port and the ships there were treated to a rough time.
AP Nissen Maru 1 bomb hit
AP Shinano Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shintoku Maru 1 bomb hit
PG Shinko Maru #3 2 bomb hits, on fire
PC Kyo Maru #6 2 bomb hits, sunk
AD AD-3243 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage
AO Teikon Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
TK Kenwa Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage

Naha was raided by 22 X A-26B (6 damaged) and 38 X P-38J for negligible damage to the airstrip. A short time later 51 X B-25J (9 damaged) arrived and caused moderate airfield damage, some secondary explosions were reported and personnel losses were moderate.

137 miles N of Kragen 20 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged), 49 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire VIII attacked the Japanese ships, but failed to hit anything.

Stalin is fuming at further intel reports of Japanese formations making plans to attack his newly acquired bases in Manchuria. He has his staff draft a message to Tokyo to express his dismay with this situation. He waves off his intel people that don't want it revealed that they know of Japanese intentions telling them that if Tokyo backs down on this then the offensive will become that much less susceptible to a Japanese counter on lightly held areas.

Truman is still losing sleep over the A bomb and if he should order it's use. For now plans for Operations Thunder and Lightning continue.

Stick has taken to spending more and more of his free time to help the people who live near the base. Their lives have been shattered by the war and he feels compelled to help them in any way he can. Today he managed to get a jeep and he loaded it with all of the stuff he could lay his hands on and then with the Chaplin in tow off they went.

Victory Points Allied 106763 (20774 Strategic) Japanese 46430

[tocaff]

September 28, 1945 Moscow

Intel

8368 men are based at Matsue.
Yokosuka Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Tokyo.
14th Division is planning for an attack on Hailar.
35th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Krung Thep.
Elements of the 8th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Kungchang.
6th Division is located at Hong Kong.
27th Engineer Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
6th Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
50th Construction Battalion is located at Kyoto.
18th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Toyama.
6th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Wonsan.
50330 men are based at Kadina.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gumma 9 LCUs 6580/106/2
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wuchow 3 LCUs 18560/176/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kragen vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 7 LCUs 2700/0/0

Combat

Singapore was bombed by 8 Mosquito FB.VIs who showed up in the middle of the night and they failed do do any harm to their target.

At Padang 6 X Helen made the nightly visit and they bombed the jungle again. 2 Helens were damaged by the 7 Mosquito FB.VIs who gave chase.

Hamamatsu had 6 X Zeke up when 192 X B-29 arrived. The Zekes made a single pass on the bombers and had 3 planes damaged. The AA fire downed a Superfort and damaged 10 others. The Mitsubishi engine plant was moderately damaged in the raid. Right on the heels of that 3 X Zeke attacked 17 B-29s who swept into the area and 1 Zeke blew up in midair. The flak damaged 3 B-29s. Another wave of 48 B-29s showed up and 4 X Zeke made a half hearted attack on them getting a fighter damaged. Those 2 attacks caused light damage to the heavy industry.

Kitakyushu was hit by 142 X B-29 who then departed unscathed. Another raid by 191 B-29s then added their loads and then left unharmed. The heavy industry had extremely heavy damage done to it as a result of these attacks.

Tokyo was swept by 126 X P-51D who dove into a gaggle of 3 X Reppu, 2 X Shinden, 86 X Frank and 22 X Tony. In the ensuing furball 5 Mustangs were shot down and 7 were damaged in exchange for 3 Reppus, 2 Shindens, 48 Franks and 9 Tonys being splashed.

Sapporo was hit by 147 X B-29 (5 damaged), 48 X B-24D (3 damaged), 45 X P-38J and 22 X P-51D. The heavy industry took very light damage.

Shanghai was paid a visit by 54 X B-24J (1 downed, 5 damaged) and 22 X P-38J who caused moderate damage to the airfield.

Victoria Point had heavy damage done to it's airfield by 111 X Liberator VI (2 damaged). There were also some secondary explosions, a Frances and a Betty were destroyed and casualties were moderate.

Balikpapan was hit by 23 X B-24J (2 damaged) for light airstrip damage, some secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were light.

Batavia was attacked by 22 X Liberator VI and 23 X Thunderbolt II for light airfield damage, 3 X Frances and 2 X Peggy were trashed and casualties were extremely light.

Naha was struck by 42 X B-24D (3 damaged) for moderate airfield damage, some secondary explosions were reported and troop losses were placed at moderate.

The 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, 141 miles SE of Chungking, was attacked by 24 X Judy for moderate casualties.

Shanghai was hit by 44 X PB4Y (3 damaged), 13 X A-26B and 16 X P-38J for moderate airfield damage and a secondary explosion was claimed.

Palembang was under the protection of 9 X Frank and 2 X Tony when 16 X Mosquito FB.VI (3 damaged) and 31 X Thunderbolt II arrived. A Frank and a Tony survived the battle with the Jugs and the airstrip had negligible damage done to it.

Brunei was raided by 49 X PB4Y who hit the port for light damage, a few secondary explosions and the ships in the harbor also caught it.
PG Shinko Maru #3 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shintoku Maru 5 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinano Maru 5 bomb hits, sunk
TK Kenwa Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nissen Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AO Teikon Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage

At Kweiyang the Japanese sustained heavy casualties from the Chinese artillery.

The Japanese have asked Moscow to please wait as they formulate their reply to the Soviet complaint about combat units planning for attacks on Soviet bases and the huge force stationed at Harbin. A unilateral pullback was offered by Moscow and the Japanese seem willing to go along with that. Stalin crumples the message and says that all is going as planned. “We don't need to wait for a Springtime offensive. We can make the winter work for us.”

The Lucky 11 have survived another long mission over Japan. They saw a Frank, but it never went for the bombers and that's OK with them. The guys talk it over and wonder why some targets seem wide open to attack and others are so heavily defended. “It's Tokyo that scares the crap outta me,” says Hoppy while others say Nagoya or other places. The fact is the Japanese have left some of their cities virtually undefended. Unfortunately, the easy pickings are dwindling and the viable targets are the heavily defended ones.

Sam sips on a beer as he watches the fighters land and take off. He wonders what it's like to fly and promises himself that if he survives the war he'll get his tail on a plane one day. He looks at Frankie and says, “Who knows, maybe one day I'll go somewhere by a plane instead of a train.”

Victory Points Allied 107054 (20950 Strategic) Japanese 46466

[tocaff]

September 29, 1945 Moscow

Intel

Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.
3rd Ind. Brigade is planning for an attack on Chungking.
21st Division is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
5th Fleet is located at Ominato.
2929 men are based at Nagato.
509376 men are based at Tokyo.
3991 men are based at Osumi.
21st Engineer Regiment is located at Pakhoi.
8th Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Broome.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Hanoi 2 aux, 5 LCUs 10280/22/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang 1 LCU 1400/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Soerabaja 5 X APD, 6 X AP, 1 X TK, 3 X DE, 11 LCUs 21800/97/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gumma 9 LCUs 6840/118/2
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Matsuyama vacant

Combat

Georgetown was awakened from it's slumber by 6 marauding Beaufighter VIFs who failed to do any harm.

Singapore was attacked in the middle of the night by 11 Mosquito FB.VIs and the the AA fire damaged 1 of them. The planes then departed, having missed their target.

Padang underwent a night raid by 3 Helens and the jungle suffered for it. 3 Mosquito FB.VIs gave chase, but came up empty.

Batavia was bombed by 25 X Liberator VI and 26 X Thunderbolt II for moderate airfield damage, a couple of secondary explosions, a destroyed Peggy and extremely light casualties.

Naha was hit by 42 X B-24D (3 damaged) and 45 X B-24J (3 damaged) who did very heavy damage to the airfield, triggered a large number of secondary explosions and inflicted very light personnel losses.

The 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, 142 miles SE of Chungking, was pounced on by 27 X Judy for light casualties.

Tavoy underwent an air raid from 96 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed, 3 damaged) and 17 X Thunderbolt II that resulted in moderate damage to the airstrip, many secondary explosions were seen and casualties were extremely light.

Kadina was the target for 123 X B-25J (6 damaged), 36 X A-26B (1 damaged) and 52 X P-38J who did moderate port damage, ignited a huge number of secondary explosions and caused moderate troop losses.

Near Soerabaja 5 X Tony were on patrol when 20 X Mosquito FB.VI tried to attack some ships. The Tonys never attacked the bombers and they in turn hit nothing.

At Kweiyang the Chinese artillery barrages accounted for moderate Japanese casualties.

Stalin sets aside the copy of the cable that Tokyo has agreed to pull back from Harbin. Though there will still be Japanese troops there the massive force will be gone. “I want orders issued to our units near Harbin to pull back to their previously indicated areas. Once our flanking force is in position our troops will take Harbin with ease and their lines will be seriously breached.” He eyes his generals and continues, “You see that once more we have attained a superior position through deceit and the Japanese are reeling from our Allies leaving them eager to please us to avoid another enemy. Let them think that they have bought more time.”

Victory Points Allied 107068 (20950 Strategic) Japanese 46485

[tocaff]

September 30, 1945 Formosa

Intel

2nd Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
138th IJA Base Force is located at Truk.
214th Division is located at Gumma.
14th Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
1st Tank Div is located at Changchun.
7th Air Division is located at Tokyo.
50549 men are based at Hungnam.
Shimonoseki Fortress is located at Nagato.
1st AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
7th Engineer Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
316th Division is located at Nagaoka.
15612 men are based at Hakodate.
104th Division is located at Hong Kong.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya 5 X AP, 7 LCUs 1620/36/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Pakhoi 4 LCUs 5440/2/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Kweilin 2 LCUs 3260/16/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 2 LCUs 7960/15/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Merak 1 LCU 3160/48/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 7 LCUs 1440/0/0
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Harbin 1 LCU

Combat

Georgetown was hit by 9 X Beaufighter VIF in the wee hours of the morning, but they dumped their loads harmlessly off target.

Padang was awakened by 6 X Helen who bombed the jungle and were chased away by 3 X Mosquito FB.VI.

Near Seoul the SS Bumper spotted and attacked a lone AP, hitting it with 2 torpedoes that caused the vessel to sink.

Sapporo was bombed by 62 X B-24D and 25 X P-38J and the AA fire downed a bomber and damaged 9 others. The target was missed.

Balikpapan was struck by 15 X B-24J and the flak damaged 4 of them. The airstrip was very lightly damaged and there were light casualties.

Batavia was hit by 25 X Liberator VI and 26 X Thunderbolt II for very light airfield damage, a secondary explosion was claimed, a Peggy was burning and personnel losses were extremely light.

Naha was raided by 46 X B-25J (4 damaged) who did light damage to the port and triggered a couple of secondary explosions.

At Kweiyang the IJA 27th Division was pounced on by 18 X B-25J (7 damaged) and 10 X P-40N for moderate casualties. The IJA 59th Division was hit by 20 X B-25J (4 damaged) and 36 X P-40N for moderately heavy losses. The Chinese artillery inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese.

At Gili Gili the IJA 21st Division took heavy losses from an air strike.

Near Niigata 4 PB4Ys went after an AK, but 3 Nicks and 10 Franks intercepted them and damaged a bomber. No harm was done to the Japanese.

Shanghai was visited by 51 X PB4Y (5 damaged), 11 X P-51D and 15 X P-38J who caused moderate airfield damage, a secondary explosion and moderate casualties.

Victoria Point was pounded by 75 X Mosquito FB.VI (3 damaged) for light airfield damage, a secondary explosion was observed and troop losses were moderate.

“Maybe the clouds won't break up and we'll just sit on the ground,” says a dismayed Gil. Another trip over Japan is scheduled for tomorrow and there's no end in sight to this damned war. The guys feel that their efforts have produced results, but the only one that they want to see is not happening. They want to go home. “I heard that the guys that fought in Europe at least got to see places like London and Paris and all I get is Donny,” Gil complained. The guys laugh, but morale is a continuing problem among the aircrews.

Slim ran an exercise for the platoon today by presenting them with a field problem. The platoon was supposed to advance to a destroyed farm house. Slim arranged for another platoon from the company to set up some sniping positions, an ambush and defense of the farm house. The snipers took a heavier toll than he would've liked, the ambush was detected and that position was flanked and rolled up, but the farm house was held and his lads only managed to isolate it. He's trying to get the lads sharp as the scuttlebutt is running rampant about an huge operation coming up.

Victory Points Allied 107095 (20950 Strategic) Japanese 46500

[tocaff]

October 1, 1945 Tori Shima

Intel

5th Fleet is located at Ominato.
Shobu Force is located at Palembang.
20th Division is located at Hungnam.
19th Division is planning for an attack on Mishan.
6th Construction Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
23rd Engineer Regiment is located at Inch'on.
10th Tank Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
50th Division is located at Krung Thep.
154th Division is located at Kagoshima.
10592 men are based at Hanoi.

Recon

Pe-2 takes recon photos of Harbin vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Nanning 9 fighters, 13 aux, 3 LCUs 21680/157/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Songkhia 1 LCU 0/3/158
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Bandoeng 2 LCUs 1820/13/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osumi 2 LCUs 640/5/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya 6 X AP, 7 LCUs 1760/23/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Changsha 4 LCUs 3700/35/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Rabaul 7 LCUs 1620/0/0

Combat

A PB2Y spotted and attacked an AK near Niigata, claiming a hit. Later 26 X B-24D and 3 X PB4Y attacked the Japanese ships. 5 X Nick and 11 X Frank made a single pass at the bombers, damaging 3 Liberators and a PB4Y while losing a Frank and 3 others took damage.
AP Konron Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire
AP Kaimyo Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire
AP Kasui Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kamishima Maru 1 bomb hits, on fire
The B-24s were set for a City Attack. They were not supposed to attack shipping.
Later 45 X B-24D (3 damaged) and 4 X PB4Y (1 damaged) appeared and 5 Nicks and 10 Franks made a feeble effort at stopping them having a Frank destroyed and 2 more damaged. The ships took more of a pounding.
AP Teiyo Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire
DD Kamikaze 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Teiun Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire
AP Tensyo Maru 8 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Zuiho Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire
Once again the B-24s disobeyed orders.

A PB4Y spotted and attacked an AG near Hakodate, reporting a hit.

Georgetown was harmlessly attacked at 3:30 AM by 9 X Beaufighter VIF.

Singapore was raided at 2:45 AM by 8 Mosquito FB.VIs who claimed a hit on a CA thought to have been the Chokai,

Padang was visited by 6 Helens in the middle of the night. The Japanese bombed the jungle again and a Mosquito FB.VI was damaged in the chase.

Nagaoka was bombed by 88 X B-29 who dropped their loads and departed unharmed. Another wave of 41 X B-29 arrived shortly afterwards and then they too departed unharmed. The 2 attacks accounted for moderately light damage to the heavy industry.

Kitakyushu was struck by 139 X B-29, 95 X B-24J and 24 X P-51D who caused extremely heavy damage to the Naval shipyard. There were no Japanese fighters around and the AA fire was extremely light and inaccurate.

Sapporo was hit by 113 X B-24D (4 damaged) and 18 X P-38J for no damage to anything of any importance. In the afternoon 33 X B-25J (1 downed, 2 damaged), 9 X A-26B (1 damaged) and 18 X P-38J hit the airfield for light damage, a couple of secondary explosions, 1 Betty and 3 Graces were destroyed and losses were very light.

Bangkok was visited by 157 X Liberator VI (13 damaged) who inflicted extremely heavy damage on the airfield, there were some secondary explosions observed, a Myrt was destroyed and casualties were placed at very heavy.

Balikpapan was pounced on by 15 X B-24J and 48 X P-38J. A Liberator was shot down and 6 were damaged by the flak as they caused negligible damage to the airstrip and very light personnel losses.

Batavia was bombed by 28 X Liberator VI and 31 X Thunderbolt II for extremely light damage to the airfield, a secondary explosion was seen and casualties were light.

Kadina was struck by 112 X B-25J (4 damaged) for light port damage, some secondary explosions were claimed and troop losses were moderate.

Naha was hit by 50 X B-25J (1 damaged). Then 129 X B-24J (8 damaged) arrived and they added to the mayhem. The 2 raids inflicted extremely heavy port damage, many secondary explosions were seen and casualties were heavy.

Near Soerabaja 6 Tonys tried to stop 25 Mosquito FB.VIs, losing a plane while damaging a bomber. The ships then paid the piper.
TK Ayagiri Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
TK Marifu Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire
PC PC-66 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
Later in the day 19 X Mosquito FB.VI challenged the 5 Tonys on CAP and the fighters didn't attack. The AA fire damaged a bomber as they went to work on the ships.
TK Ayagiri Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire, heavy damage
TK Marifu Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire

Krung Thep was targeted by 89 X Mosquito FB.VI (3 damaged) and 15 X Thunderbolt II for negligible damage to the airstrip and a few secondary explosions were claimed.

At Kweiyang the Japanese sustained heavy losses from the Chinese artillery barrages.

“It's true?” the clerk nods to the affirmative and Sam just says, “Well I'll be. When are we getting out of here?” This time the clerk shrugged. A RCT is arriving within the next 12 hours and then all the 25th Division has to do is wait for transport. What he didn't like hearing is that the Sea Bees that are still around are getting out of this place first.

Gil is content that the war effort was without his services today due to lousy weather. Tomorrow it's supposed to rain so it'll be another day off. He wonders how many days it can rain or be heavy cloud cover and then he wonders why they don't fly when they can bomb by radar. Finally he decides that it's a crazy world where little makes sense. When I'm a civilian again, he thinks, he's going to do things the safe and reasonable way.

Victory Points Allied 107239 (21070 Strategic) Japanese 46528

[tocaff]

October 2, 1945 Formosa

Intel

12383 men are based at Niigata.
8th Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
46th Division is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
106th IJA Base Force is located at Anshan.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
3rd Tank Div is located at Peking.
160th IJN Base Force is located at Tokyo.
303rd Division is located at Kagoshima.
24570 men are based at Seoul.
35528 men are based at Iwo Jima.
40th Division is located at Soochow.
9th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
86th Division is located at Sapporo.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Nagoya 6 X AP, 5 X AK, 6 fighters, 16 aux, 7 LCUs 2080/37/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Taan 1 LCU 2840/7/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kiungahan 1 LCU 2400/10/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Bandoeng 2 LCUs 3800/20/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wuhan 7 bombers, 9 aux, 2 LCUs 6780/30/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osumi 2 LCUs 900/5/0

Combat

A PBM Mariner spotted a PC near Kitakyushu and claimed a hit.

Georgetown was awakened by the roar of 9 incoming Beaufighter VIFs, who managed to do no harm to the base.

Singapore was visited in the middle of the night by 4 X Mosquito FB.VI and 3 X Oscar and 3 X Frank tried in vain to find them. No harm was done by either side.

Padang was raided at 4:45 AM by 4 X Helen who were futilely chased by 3 X Mosquito FB.VI after the Japanese had bombed the jungle again.

Batavia was hit by 18 X Liberator VI and 9 X Thunderbolt II for very light damage to the airstrip.

Naha was bombed by 105 X B-24J (4 damaged) who caused moderate damage to the port, triggered some secondary explosions and inflicted moderate casualties.

Near Akita 3 X PB4Y and 6 X P-38J attacked an AP, hitting it with 2 bombs causing the ship to sink.

Near Soerabaja 4 X Tony stayed out of the way of 22 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged) as they hit a PC with a bomb that left the craft on fire with heavy damage.

At Kweiyang the Japanese absorbed heavy losses from the Chinese artillery barrages.

Chris listens to the briefing and wonders how much of it is BS. To sail into range of Japanese LBA and not expect to draw masses of Japanese air attacks strikes him as strange. “Make no mistake about it, the Japanese have plenty of fight left in them. What they are lacking are skilled pilots and airframes.” With that the meeting breaks up and Chris and some of the guys talk about what they heard. They agree that the intel folks aren't to be believed as the pilots will live longer if they stay on their toes.

Jay and Al walked up to where a fence is at the airfield and almost immediately some MPs arrive in a pair of jeeps. They threaten the 2 guys who respond with, “What are you going to do, make me fight the Japs?” They then slowly walk away when Al spins and says, “Better move the fence then, because we're on the side of it that we're allowed to be on.” With that Al flops down, dragging Jay with him. The MPs drag the 2 soldiers to their jeeps and take them back to their HQs. When there Jay explains that they were on the proper side of the fence and if they are guilty of anything it was not clobbering the abusive MPs. The officer on duty sends the 2 of them back to their unit with a caution that Al laughed at and once more asked, “So we're going to be punished and made to fight the Japs some more?”

General Patton was removed from command for remarks that were allegedly sympathetic to former Nazis.

Victory Points Allied 107277 (21070 Strategic) Japanese 46536

[tocaff]

October 3, 1945 Tori Shima

Intel

53rd Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
13th Aviation Rgt is located at Mukden.
44th Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
80th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Tokyo.
57th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
54th Division is located at Kitakyushu.
1st Mixed Regiment is located at Amoy.
13259 men are based at Aomori.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kanazawa 2 fighters, 4 LCUs 800/9/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Camranh Bay 2 fighters, 13 aux, 3 LCUs 12660/103/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Saigon 3 X AP, 1 LCU 7300/42/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Bandoeng 2 LCUs 3980/42/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osumi 2 LCUs 1760/10/0

Combat

Hakodate was raided by 42 X B-24J and 15 X P-51D and they were intercepted by 11 X Tony. The Mustangs kept the Tonys off of the bombers, downing 7 of them while losing no planes in the furball. The AA fire managed to damage 3 bombers who hit the heavy industry for very light damage.

Sendai was attacked by 95 X B-24D and 12 X Frank and 17 X Tony sliced into them. Between the fighters and flak 6 Liberators went down and 24 took damage. 11 Franks were damaged as were 13 Tonys (2 destroyed). A short time later 191 X B-29 and 58 X P-51D arrived and they were attacked by a reconstituted CAP of 1 X Shinden, 9 X Frank and 22 X Tony. The Mustangs keep the fighters away from the bombers splashing all of them at the cost of 2 Mustangs lost. The ground fire damaged 11 of the big silver birds who dumped their loads on target and departed. The heavy industry was moderately damaged in these raids.

Balikpapan was jumped by 9 X B-24J (1 damaged) and 50 X P-38J for very light airstrip damage.

Batavia was visited by 22 X Liberator VI and 12 X Thunderbolt II and the airfield was lightly damaged, a couple of secondary explosions were reported and casualties were placed at extremely light.

At Gili Gili the South Seas Det. was attacked by Allied planes and the unit took heavy losses.

About 28 miles E of Aomori 40 X B-25J and 6 X A-26B attacked a pair of APs. One AP was struck by 11 bombs and the other ate 16. Both ships were ravaged and burning hulks, 1 of them was sinking as the planes departed.

Near Niigata 5 Nicks and 6 Franks were on patrol when 3 X PB4Y showed up. A Nick was damaged and 2 bombers were shot down. The intended target was a PC which was unharmed. Later 5 X PB4Y arrived and a Frank was damaged and 2 bombers were also hit. Once more the PC escaped harm.

At Kweiyang the Japanese sustained moderate troop losses from the Chinese artillery pounding them throughout the day.

Sam is livid because the RCT has landed and now the transports are loading Sea Bees to take them away. The 25th Division is remaining on this rock. He looks at Frankie and says, “Normally scuttlebutt is wrong, but this time it looks like it was right on the money. We're going to be here for a long time my friend because it's going to take a major effort to move the whole division and it just doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon.” Frankie tilts his head and groans. Sam laughs at this and scratching the dog's head says, “Sometimes I think that you're all that stands between me and my going crazy.”

Having departed Dadjangas yesterday the Palawan's convoy draws ever closer to Ulithi. From there who knows what will be their destination. Red and Cookie sit on a hatch cover having a smoke enjoying the nice weather and cooling breeze. They talk of nothings and their minds are drifting away. Red can't remember the last time he felt this relaxed when suddenly something snaps him back to the here and now with a jolt. A moment's panic hit him like a wave and then it passed. What caught his attention was seeing Lucky approaching out of the corner of his eye. As usual the dog has been up to something and sure enough a rat's tail is dangling from the side of the dog's mouth. Red takes his gift and thanks the dog as he distracts Lucky. When the dog's attention is focused Red throws the dead rat overboard. He can't take the chance of doing it with the dog watching as it's possible that he would go after it. “Nice throw,” says Red who lights up another smoke and sighs. “I've got to get back to the galley and prepare the next meal or else.”

Victory Points Allied 107454 (21190 Strategic) Japanese 46552

[tocaff]

October 4, 1945 Formosa

Intel


12 men are based at Haiphong.
Kitachishima Fortress is located at Paramushiro Jima.
51st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
118th IJA Base Force is located at Ichang.
24th AA Regiment is located at Nagasaki.
37th Division is located at Tavoy.
49th Division is located at Bangkok.
28th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Soerabaja.
221st Division is located at Tokyo.
72nd Aviation Unit is located at Gumma.
60th Division is located at Hsinyang.
94th Division is located at Singapore.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kanazawa 4 LCUs 4680/42/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Ichang 5 LCUs 9000/41/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Krung Thep 9 LCUs 40300/410/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Alor Star 1 aux, 5 LCUs 18860/137/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Tjilitjap vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Waingapu vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Amami 1 LCU

Combat

Padang was raided by 12 X Helen in the middle of the night and 1 was damaged by ground fire. There were 12 X Mosquito FB.VI flying in the area and 4 of them were damaged trying to get at the Japanese planes whose bombs fell harmlessly off target once again.

About 147 miles SE of Saigon the SS Pompano attacked a lone AP, hitting it with a torpedo that did heavy damage and started a fire. After reloading her tubes the Pompano went after the damaged AP again, scoring hits with 2 fish that killed the ship.

Bangkok was struck by 150 X Liberator VI (1 downed, 15 damaged) for extremely heavy airfield damage, some secondary explosions, 3 Myrts were burning and casualties were heavy.

Batavia was attacked by 18 X Liberator VI and 6 X Thunderbolt II for very light airfield damage and extremely light personnel losses.

At Kweiyang the IJA 59th Division took moderately light casualties from an air attack in which 5 B-25Js were damaged. The IJA 62nd Division had moderate losses and 6 Mitchells were damaged in another attack nearby. Chinese artillery inflicted moderate casualties on the Japanese.

Near Palembang 20 X Frank and 4 X Tony challenged 7 X Mosquito FB.VI, 7 X Barracuda (1 damaged), 39 X Thunderbolt II, 7 X P-47D and 7 X Spitfire VIII. The Japanese lost 13 Franks and 4 Tonys while the ships had a rough time.
AK Hinode Maru 2 torpedo hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Naruo Maru 2 torpedo hits, on fire, heavy damage

The Allied ships 26 miles W of Tori Shima were attacked by 16 X Betty and 10 X P-51D intercepted them. 3 Bettys were splashed and 10 took damage as did a Mustang. The ships were untouched by the wildly dropped torpedoes.

Victoria Point was hit by Allied aircraft and the ground fire damaged a Mosquito. The airfield had moderate damage, there were a few secondary explosions seen and casualties were moderate.

Gil lies on his cot staring at the ceiling thinking about tomorrow's scheduled mission. He wonders just how lucky the Lucky 11 are and if Jake's Jalopy will bring them home safely again. He hasn't gotten any letters from anyone for days now and wishes he'd get something so he could hear about the real world.

Sam and Frankie share their walk with the squad today as everyone moans and groans under the weight of a full pack and weapon. Sam looks at the harbor area, noting that the ships are gone along with his hope of escaping from here. He sighs a tells his guys to close up on the squad ahead of them on this march. These things along with the drills, etc. at least help to kill the boredom.

Jay and Al caught hell from their squad leader and when he was done they asked if he really gave a crap because they didn't. He just rolled his eyes and pleaded with them to keep their noses clean as security in that area was being taken very seriously for some reason. They told him that they'd behave as a favor to him and he told them to forget the favor and do it for themselves as they had stirred up a hornet's nest for some reason or another.

Victory Points Allied 107525 (21190 Strategic) Japanese 46568

[tocaff]

October 5, 1945 Moscow

Intel

Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Changchun.
49th Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Hailar.
20th Army is located at Mutanchiang.
24th AA Regiment is located at Nagasaki.
141st IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
142nd Division is located at Hakodate.
229th Division is located at Nagoya.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
Imperial Guards Division is located at Maizuru.
114th IJN Base Force is located at Hakodate.
11th Division is located at Mutanchiang.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kanazawa 2 aux, 4 LCUs 15780/169/4
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Sapporo 7 LCUs 4300/87/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Nanning 10 fighters, 8 aux, 3 LCUs 20200/130/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Ichang 5 LCUs 12420/29/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Tavoy 13 LCUs 68120/638/10
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Merak 1 LCU 3040/25/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Waingapu vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Amami 1 LCU

Combat

Padang was awakened from it's slumbers by the arrival of 6 X Helen who bombed the jungle. The 8 X Mosquito FB.VI on CAP never caught up to the intruders.

301 miles S of Camranh Bay the SS Rock attacked an AG and the deck gun scored 3 hits that sank the craft. In the afternoon the Rock attacked and hit a PG with 2 torpedoes, sinking it.

Kanazawa had a single Frank aloft when 107 X B-29 arrived. The fighter kept it's distance and watched as the bombers unloaded on the heavy industry. Then a second wave of 156 B-29s came on and they too dumped their loads on the heavy industry. The Frank watched this attack too. The flak damaged 9 Superforts and the heavy industry took moderate damage in the attacks.

Niigata was under a CAP of 6 X Nick and 10 X Frank when 94 X B-24D arrived. Between the fighters and the ground fire a Liberator was shot down and 17 took damage. 4 Nicks and 5 Franks (1 downed) were damaged in the battle. The Nakajima engine works absorbed light damage. Later on 6 X Nick and 9 X Frank damaged 3 out of 3 PB4Ys and had a Frank damaged as the raiders failed to harm their intended target, an AK. Later 4 Nicks and 4 Franks tried to stop 15 X B-24D and 2 X PB4Y (1 damaged), but the bombers got to the ships and an AK and a TK each were hit by a bomb the caused fires on each ship. Then the CAP spotted 6 X PB4Y and 44 X B-24D (2 damaged). This time the ships were treated roughly.
AP Eli Maru 1 bomb hit, on fire
AP Keizan Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Daihachikyo Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Mayasan Maru 2 bomb hits , on fire
AP Heiku Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire
AP Kaiko Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Dainiunyo Maru 5 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kensho Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kashima Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kagi Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakutetsu Maru #13 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
Once more bombers set for a City attack went after ships, contrary to orders.

Nagaoka was wide open for the 140 X B-29 who hit the Mitsubishi engine factory for light damage.

Kitakyushu was raided by 66 X B-24J who tagged the heavy industry for moderate damage.

Bangkok was visited by 131 X Liberator VI and the AA fire damaged 12 of them. The airfield sustained very heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions reported, 3 Myrts were trashed and casualties were placed at heavy.

Batavia was jumped by 25 X Liberator VI and 7 X Thunderbolt II for very light airstrip damage and negligible personnel losses.

Kadina was blasted by 48 X B-24D (4 damaged) and 86 X B-24J (5 damaged) for heavy airfield damage, light port damage, a large number of secondary explosions were seen and casualties were thought to have been light.

Naha was struck by 70 X B-24D (1 downed) and 95 X B-24J (9 damaged) for heavy airstrip damage, extremely heavy port damage, a very large number of secondary explosions were claimed and troop losses were moderate. The IJA 47th Division was hit by 49 X B-25J (7 damaged) for moderate casualties.

At Kweiyang the IJA 35th Division took moderately heavy casualties from Chinese aircraft and 8 Mitchells sustained damage. The Chinese artillery kept busy all day and dealt out moderate losses on the Japanese forces.

At Gili Gili the IJA 21st Division took moderate losses from an air raid.

Near Muntok 10 X Barracuda (1 damaged), 49 X Thunderbolt II, 15 X P-47D and 10 X Spitfire VIII fed a PG 2 fish, leaving the craft broken in 2 and sinking.

Shanghai was jumped by 116 X B-25J (2 damaged) for moderately heavy airfield damage, a couple of secondary explosions and negligible personnel losses.

Hong Kong was attacked by 51 X B-25J (1 downed, 10 damaged) and 15 X P-38J for light airfield damage, a few secondary explosions were seen and casualties were negligible.

For some inexplicable reason the mission got scrubbed and is now on for tomorrow. Somehow the BGs were stood down when I had ordered a city attack. Gil and the rest of the guys are used to this and it has little to no effect on them as flying a mission on one day or another just doesn't matter. Lately little seems to matter as fighting this war has had a numbing effect on them.

“I'm sitting on 6 of these newfangled Atomic bombs and we debate about the invasion of Japan? Don't you think that our boys have suffered enough?” President Truman relaxes and then continues on with, “I wonder if we use these super weapons what history will call us?” When asked if he had decided to release these weapons for use the reply was, “Not yet. I'm still undecided about them.”

The Soviet Army continues to grow in strength as troops from Europe arrive and what were divisions before are now turning into corps. Stalin wants to rip through the Japanese and possibly even be able to assist Mao and his Communist Chinese forces. His generals want caution, letting the Americans do the bleeding. One general had even had the audacity to propose this to Stalin saying, “The Americans let us bleed for them against Germany. Why don't we let them do the same against the Japanese? If we wait until better weather comes we are almost assured of making our conquests against weakened resistance, especially if the Americans invade Japan.” That was yesterday and today this officer hasn't been seen. Nobody should voice opinions against what Stalin wants to do.

Victory Points Allied 107993 (21634 Strategic) Japanese 46601

[tocaff]

October 6, 1945 Saipan

Intel

110417 men are based at Toyohara.
3rd FF Construction Battalion is located at Anshan.
50113 men are based at Kadina.
12th Division is located at Hungnam.
136th IJN Base Force is located at Ominato.
167758 men are based at Changchun.
8th Ind. Brigade is located at Nanning.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kanazawa 4 LCUs 15460/170/4
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Sapporo 7 LCUs 4180/83/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang 1 LCU 1260/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bangkok 2 aux, 26 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Tarakan 2 LCUs 6940/83/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Batavia 2 LCUs 13700/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bali vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Raba vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Naha 12 LCUs 84360/847/15

Combat

A night air attack on Padang was made by 4 Helens who dropped their bombs off target and were then chased away by 9 Mosquito FB.VIs,

Matsuyama had it's heavy industry very lightly damaged by 28 X B-29 who were in and out before the Japanese could respond.

Hamamatsu was attacked by 93 X B-29 who were intercepted by 5 X Zeke and 21 X Frank. The bombers continued relentlessly on their course and downed a Zeke (2 damaged) and 4 Franks (7 damaged). The AA guns then went to work and all told 6 B-29s were shot down and 20 were damaged. Another strike of 39 X B-29 arrived and 3 X Zeke and 4 X Frank attacked them. 3 Zekes were damaged and a Frank was splashed (2 damaged). The flak opened up and 6 bombers were damaged from all causes. The heavy industry was moderately damaged in the attacks.

Nagaoka was visited by 159 X B-29 who missed their target due to cloud cover.

Asahigawa's heavy industry took negligible damage from 44 X B-24J and 18 X P-51D.

Palembang had 7 X Frank up and all were shot down as 25 X Liberator VI, 53 X Thunderbolt II and 11 X P-47D attacked. A Liberator was damaged by ground fire as the bombers did negligible damage to the airstrip and there were some secondary explosions reported.

Balikpapan was raided by Allied planes and 2 B-24Js were damaged. The airfield was lightly damaged, a secondary explosion was seen and casualties were light.

At Gili Gili the IJA 21st Division took light losses from an air raid.

At Naha the IJA 68th Ind. Mixed Brigade was jumped by 43 X B-25J (3 damaged) for heavy casualties.

Near Niigata 3 X PB4Y (1 damaged) went after some ships only to be jumped by 9 Nicks (1 damaged) and 9 Franks who forced the bombers to break off the attack.

At Kweiyang the Chinese artillery inflicted moderately heavy troop losses on the Japanese.

The Palawan's convoy should arrive at Ulithi tomorrow night. Red and Cookie look forward to the chance to go ashore with the dog to stretch their legs. There's a rain squall and Lucky absolutely refuses to go out into it. Red sighs knowing that means somebody is going to find a mini flood and piles of crap somewhere. The crew is pretty good about it as they all love having the dog around. Red trained to dog to relieve himself by repeating the same words whenever the dog went. Now all he has to do is ask Lucky and the dog let's fly in moments. It makes cleanups easier as the locating part of it is removed from the equation.

Once more the Lucky 11's mission was scrubbed. They are posted to fly the same mission tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that, nobody can say for sure. “Whenever the damned weather breaks we'll go,” says Jake as he fills the guys in on what's going on. When he's finished the guys poke fun at Jake saying that he really doesn't know much more than they do. This crew is a tight knit bunch that doesn't pay much attention to rank. Of course Jake is the CO of the plane and it's not because of an act of Congress, but rather the way he does things commands respect and he returns it.

“How are the preparations on Formosa?” asks the President. He's told that in a few more days they'll be ready to go whenever he gives the order. “You mean if I give the order,” Harry says.

Victory Points Allied 108057 (21668 Strategic) Japanese 46637

[tocaff]

October 7, 1945 Ulithi

Intel

15570 men are based at Hakodate.
67th Construction Battalion is located at Gumma.
22nd Engineer Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
13th Aviation Rgt is located at Mukden.
51st Road Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Hunchun Garrison Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
43rd Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Broome.
44th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
143rd Division is located at Nagoya.
48th Construction Battalion is located at Kratie.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kanazawa 4 LCUs 16140/182/2
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Sapporo 7 LCUs 16280/190/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hsinyang 3 LCUs 14500/190/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kiungahan vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 2 LCUs 4420/6/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Tarakan 2 LCUs 9060/103/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Naha 12 LCUs 82900/586/22
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Harbin 36 fighters, 36 aux
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Bali vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Raba vacant

Combat

Padang was awakened by 4 Helens who harmlessly dropped their bombs deep in the jungle. 8 Mosquito FB.VIs were on a night CAP, but failed to find the Japanese planes.

Hamamatsu was attacked by 175 X B-29 who were bounced by 3 X Zeke, 50 X Frank and 6 X Tony. 16 Franks were shot down (18 damaged), 3 Zekes and a Tony were also damaged. The AA fire was accurate and heavy and the Americans lost 18 Superforts and 59 more were damaged due to all causes. The heavy industry was moderately damaged.

Victoria Point was hit by 96 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed, 8 damaged) and 13 X Thunderbolt II for moderate airfield damage, a couple of secondary explosions were reported and casualties were extremely light.

Palembang had 5 Franks on patrol when 21 X Liberator VI and 27 X Thunderbolt II arrived. 2 Franks were killed and the other 3 ran while the flak damaged 3 of the bombers. The airfield was subjected to negligible damage and there were a couple of secondary explosions observed.

Naha was raided by 27 X A-26B (2 damaged) and 58 X P-38J for extremely light airstrip damage, a secondary explosion was claimed and personnel losses were placed at extremely light. The IJA 47th Division was jumped by Allied planes, 1 Mitchell was damaged and the unit escaped harm.

At Gili Gili the IJA 21st Division took very light casualties from an air strike.

Wakkanai was struck by 70 X B-25J (1 downed, 4 damaged) and 27 X P-38J for light damage to the airstrip and some secondary explosions were seen.

Shanghai was raided by 109 X B-25J (4 damaged) resulting in moderate airfield damage, a secondary explosion and negligible casualties.

At Kweiyang the Chinese artillery barrages accounted for moderate Japanese troop losses.

An exhausted Lucky 11 climbed onto the waiting truck that then took them to the debriefing. They eagerly downed their shots and left in a dazed state. The groups that flew out of Saipan on today's raid were subjected to horrific losses and though their group suffered the least it was still bad. “Fighters, no fighters, the Japs are going to fight like hell and make us pay. If they were bombing the US we'd be doing the same, no matter how bad a shape we were in,” says Gil as he drops into his cot.

The Mighty Mo seems stalled as the parts that are needed to fix some things still haven't arrived. Bill heads ashore to HQs and proceeds to raise holy hell about this. He bumps into one of his classmates from the Academy and after talking the other man suggests that they go get some food and calm Bill down. Bill tells him that he doesn't give a rat's ass about whose toes he might step on, he just wants the damned parts already.

Victory Points Allied 108109 (21690 Strategic) Japanese 46685

[tocaff]

October 8, 1945 Moscow

Intel

1st Fleet is located at Tokyo.
4822 men are based at Harbin.
2nd Parachute Regiment is located at Kweilin.
132nd Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
3rd Tank Div is located at Peking.
133rd IJA Base Force is located at Tokyo.
6th Mongolian Cavalry Division is located at Linhsi.
10th Area Army is located at Chengting.
31st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Aomori.
Kure Base Force is located at Hiroshima/Kure.
Yongfung Bay Fortress is located at Wonsan.

Recon

PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Sapporo 68 bombers, 21 aux, 7 LCUs 34840/391/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hsinyang 3 LCUs 16920/227/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Jambi vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Tarakan 2 LCUs 9320/102/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Malang 7 LCUs 9220/45/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Raba vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Naha 12 LCUs 83660/824/17
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Hengchow 2 LCUs 5300/45/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Krung Thep 9 LCUs 36020/312/0

Combat

Padang underwent it's usual nightly raid, this time by 6 Helens, but the flak damaged 1 as they bombed the jungle again. 12 Mosquito FB.VIs searched for the Japanese planes, but failed to intercept them.

Niigata had a CAP of 11 X Nick and 14 X Frank flying when an inbound raid of 98 X B-24D and 39 X P-38J arrived. The Lightnings veered off to intercept the inbound Japanese fighters and the furball was on. 7 Nicks and 5 Franks (1 damaged) were splashed at the cost of 3 Lightnings lost and 3 others damaged. The Lightnings did their job of protecting the bombers, but the AA fire damaged 11 Liberators. The heavy industry was subjected to moderate damage.

Nagasaki was raided by 84 X B-24J and 73 X P-51D who were engaged by 9 X Nick and 34 X Frank. 8 Nicks and 24 Franks were shot down and 3 Mustangs were destroyed. The ground fire damaged 3 of the bombers who hit the port for light damage, some secondary explosions were reported and casualties were placed at extremely light. Ships in the harbor had bombs rain down on them.
AK Rizan Maru 5 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
TK Sarawak Maru 7 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tatsubato Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Daikyu Maru 4 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Gakujo Maru 1 bomb hit
AK Horaizan Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Joosan Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
TK Hosei Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Ryuyu Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ayatosan Maru 3 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage
AK Teiyu Maru 2 bomb hits, on fire, heavy damage

Kitakyushu had it's heavy industry creamed for extremely heavy damage by 141 X B-29 and 72 X P-38J. The Japanese offered no resistance to the attackers.

Hiroshima/Kure had a CAP of 18 X Shinden and 2 X Zeke intercept an inbound strike of 141 X B-29 who downed a Shinden and damaged 10 others. Both Zekes were also damaged and combined with the flak 10 Superforts were shot down, 27 more were damaged. The heavy industry took very heavy damage.

Palembang threw 6 X Frank at 19 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 49 X Thunderbolt II, 11 X P-47D and 7 X Spitfire VIII and the Allied fighters splashed 4 of the Franks before the other 2 fled the scene. The airfield was subjected to extremely light damage and a secondary explosion was observed. In the afternoon 3 X Frank were destroyed when they bravely attempted to engage 28 X Mosquito FB.VI, 59 X Thunderbolt II, 14 X P-47D and 9 X Spitfire who hit the airstrip for very light damage, a couple of secondary explosions and extremely light troop losses.

Kadina was hit by 45 X B-24D (5 damaged) and 92 X B-24J (5 damaged) for heavy airfield damage, light damage to the port, many secondary explosions were claimed and personnel losses were placed at heavy.

Naha was jumped by 88 X B-24D (1 damaged) and 98 X B-24J (7 damaged) for very heavy airstrip damage, heavy port damage, many secondary explosions were seen and casualties were thought to have been heavy.

At Gili Gili the IJA 21st Division took moderate losses in an air raid.

At Sapporo 25 X B-25J (4 damaged) and 3 X A-26B hit the airfield for light damage, 3 Graces, 1 Betty, 1 Frances and 1 Dave were destroyed and casualties were very light.

Near Soerabaja 8 X Tony engaged 28 X SB2C, 18 X TBM, 35 X F6F, 36 X F4F-4 and 22 X FM-2 and were splashed as the attackers hit a PC with a torpedo which tore open the side of the vessel, spelling it's doom.

At Kweiyang the Japanese absorbed heavy losses from the Chinese artillery barrages throughout the day.

“If the attacks on Harbin should fail for any reason then we will try the flanks. If the Japanese strengthen there also they might weaken Harbin enough for our purposes. In any event the blows on the flanks will tie them down and then we will have at them from where they least expect it.” With that Stalin stalks out of the meeting leaving his generals with stunned looks on their faces. There is now way to make Stalin see reason in waiting for better weather.

Chris listens to a replacement pilot who is lost in trying to put up a brave front when he is obviously scared. Later Chris invites him to come along for a walk on the flight deck, which is quiet in the middle of the night. As they walk Chris talks of being scared and about how they all are. The young man is surprised to hear an ace admit to fear. The conversation turns towards other things and then they return to their cabins, Chris knowing that he's helped the new pilot.

Rudolph Hess was flown from England to Germany to stand trial.

Victory Points Allied 108513 (22012 Strategic) Japanese 46733