LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!

[IdahoNYer]

13-14 Apr 42

Highlights - Darwin is bombarded again; Raid on Wake finds targets while the KB turns up in CENPAC

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Furutaka is listed as sunk from a single bomb hit off Darwin a while ago)
TB: 1
PB: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CA: 1 (Atago apparently wasn’t sunk by mines off Merak)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, no ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Nonouti (CENPAC)

Bases lost:
Nonouti (CENPAC)
Roti (DEI)
Nookanbah (SWPAC -Aus)

SIGINT/Intel:KB shows up off Baker Is - at least I know where it is!

West Coast/Admin. Convoys begin forming up in SF (PH) and LA (Auck). IJN sub sighted off SF will draw some attention from ASW groups shortly.

In NOPAC. 2 IJN xAKLs are sighted at Attu and missed by SS S-28, they apparently depart quickly - will have to send some ships to see if they withdrew the garrison.

CENPAC. US CV TF (2CV, 2CA, CL, 7DD) hits Wake Is with airstrikes and finds a small convoy (2xAP, 2PB, DD) which is hit by the raid. 1 xAP is confirmed sunk, another likely as well as a PB hit. No US planes are lost. While this is ongoing, the KB is found by PBYs apparently heading toward Baker Is to support an invasion - talk about timing! My Baker Is landing force if fortunately just passing Palmyra - if I was a turn earlier, the KB would have found some very good targets! As it stands now, I’ll not contest any enemy landing on Baker, the US convoy will withdraw to east of Palmyra and then likely to SOPAC. The US CV TF off Wake will hit Wake again, then withdraw back to PH via north of Midway in case the KB tries an intercept. The real question is whether the Jpn is going just after Baker, or is this an attempt at Canton Is? Canton is at fort level 4, but only holds a USMC DB and an Para Bn for defense. Will be interesting!

In SOPAC, the convoy carrying the 6th Marines arrives at Noumea without incident. With the KB in CENPAC, the covering CA TF (3CA, 6DD) will proceed to bombard Luganville. If the KB is confirmed to stay out of CENPAC for a while, perhaps we can land on Efate early??

In SWPAC, Darwin is bombarded (2BB, CA, CL, 6DD) again, with moderate effect - the AF is still open, but supplies are very low. On the Wyndham front, two IJA Divisions (5th, 38th) with plenty of support attack across the first river line, smashing the remnants of the 2nd Aus Cav Bde and Sparrow Bn. Am establishing another river line defense, but lack of supply is the issue. This line has 2 Bdes and support - not enough even if well supplied. At Port Hedland, the Aus ENs land without issue and begin building an AF to provide fighter cover. The Repulse TF will sortie to bombard Derby - this is a risk as I have minimal air cover, but the weather is bad and we might just be able to get out before the air search finds the TF. Also coming up via transport is the 18th Aus Bde which should begin landing at Port Hedland shortly. Lastly, B-17s again hit Broome, keeping the AF and port out of action.

In the Philippines, 3 sub transports deliver supply, as the bombardments continue.

In China, AVG tackles Oscar sweeps over Sian, with each side losing about 6 a/c. Will pull the AVG out of Sian as I can’t afford attrition.

In India/Burma, BB Warspite TF arrives at Diamond Harbor without issue.

In the DEI, IJN convoy is hit off Buitenzorg by what’s left of the Allied air - one xAK is torpedoed, but heavy fighter opposition is costly to Allied fighters. Will attempt another max effort against the convoy with what’s left of strike a/c next turn - worthwhile target and the situation isn’t going to improve once Bandoeng falls.

[IdahoNYer]

15-16 Apr 42

Highlights - KB disappears after troops are landed at Baker island; Both sides conduct two naval bombardments with moderate to good results. Bad day in the air off Java.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Naka listed from damages suffered off Rangoon)
TB: 1
PB: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-15)

Allied ships sunk:
TK: 1 (small TK left behind at Darwin)

Air loss:
Jpn: 8
Allied: 24

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, no ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Baker Is (CENPAC)
Sabang (DEI)

Bases lost:
Baker Is (CENPAC)
Padang (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: 53rd ID is planning for Noumea - find this interesting as either this is either 1)unit was bought out in political points 2) disinformation. My bet is the latter as I don’t think the IJN/IJA has the capability to land 3 divisions to take New Caledonia at this point.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC. NSTR.

CENPAC. KB vanishes after troops are landed at Baker Is - I figure they pulled back west, but there is a chance PBYs just missed him due to weather - we’ll keep shipping a safe distance away from Canton/Baker area. I have decided to land the troops bound for Baker at Palmyra - with Baker in enemy hands, will have to build up Palmyra as a staging base; Canton is too forward for that mission now. US CVs do hit Wake Is again, but find no shipping, and have poor results against the port, but only one SB2U is lost. They will return to PH via a route north of Midway just in case the KB is still hunting in CENPAC.

In SOPAC, US CA TF (3CA, 6DD) bombards Luganville with good effect, the goal to prevent AF construction. No enemy forces were encountered. The CA TF will return to Auckland as will the TF offloading the 6th Marine Reg. LaFoe AF now operational and will function as the primary USMC AF once its developed further, allowing B-17s to base at Noumea. New Caledonia is transitioning to the intended offensive platform; with 2 Marine Reg and 3 Army Regs plus support on hand, and more inbound, I’m not too concerned with the intel boys saying Noumea is a planned target. Frankly, at this point, I’d welcome the IJN/IJA attempting a “hard target” which can project a/c from multiple bases. Doubtful.

In SWPAC, Darwin is bombarded (BB, 4CA, CL, 4DD) yet again, with moderate effect closing the AF - which is largely empty anyway. I’ve also decided to pull an Aus IN Bde and some support out of Darwin back to Katherine. The support will pull down to Tennant Creek, and the IN BDE will orient towards the threat from Wyndham. This leaves one IN BDE and support left in Darwin - a frontal landing directly at Darwin would likely to succeed at this point, but it would be bloody. On the Broome Front, Derby is bombarded effectively by BC Repulse TF which will loiter off Port Hedland until the infantry completes offload. The best news is that Port Hedland AF is now operational, and a squadron of P-39s are flown in from Perth. Aviation support is minimal, but we can fix that as the AF expands toward level 2. I think we can hold Port Hedland and use it effectively to strike at Broome/Derby in the coming weeks.

In the Philippines, 2 sub transports deliver supply, as the bombardments continue. I’d figured he’d have tried an assault by now. Curious how long this will go on before he attacks; tying down about two divisions worth of troops and lots of artillery.

In China, the IJN (2CA, 2DD) bombards Kwangchowan which is currently (if you can believe this) under siege by a Chinese Corps which has chased the IJA from Pakhoi. The bombardment does much disruption, but with a lot of luck, maybe the Chinese can take the base….I can hope, right?

In India/Burma, the withdrawing BFs from Rangoon manage to reach Akyab - which is most welcome and unexpected; it has been a very slow slog. These BFs are mostly intact, including 6” CD guns! Elsewhere, the first US combat unit arrives at Bombay. The 87th Mtn Reg will head to secure Ledo. Also just arrived is the very capable British 70th Div which will divide into Bdes and position in Diamond Harbor, Chittagong and Calcutta to secure that vital area. With the Indian Army still woefully lacking training, the arrival of these combat elements are much welcomed.

In the DEI, the IJN convoy, now off Merak, is targeting by the remaining Anglo-Dutch AF left in Batavia/Bandoeng with the expected dismal results - IJA Oscar CAP shoots down 10 attacking a/c at no cost. Worse, the stragglers that get through fail to score. This leaves 20 fighters and 40 strike a/c left in Java - but morale, maintenance and skill levels are pretty poor.

[IdahoNYer]

17-18 Apr 42

Highlights - First CV Battle of the Pacific War is fought off Western Australia and is both unexpected and inconclusive.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS:1 (I-158)

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1 (small xAP left behind at Darwin)

Air loss:
Jpn: 42
Allied: 48

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attack, no ships hit
I-158 sunk by escorts after failed attack on CV Formidable off Port Hedland.
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CV Junyo hit off Broome by S-38)

Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Sabang (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: CVs Junyo and Hiyo are confirmed in service the hard way - in a CV action. Did not expect both of these (one perhaps) to be completed this quickly.

West Coast/Admin. Convoys depart both SF and LA; convoy out of LA attacked by sub without loss. 8 of 12 DE conversions completed and join the force; ASW group will hunt for the sub prowling off southern CA.

In NOPAC. NSTR.

CENPAC. EN and USMC DB begin landing at Palmyra. Lex and Yorktown round Midway and turn toward PH.

In SOPAC, TFs begin returning to Auckland from Noumea, Suva and Aus - little enemy sub activity here for a change. Small convoy bound for Noumea with support troops and supply forms at Auckland.

In SWPAC, the big story is the carrier fight off Port Hedland (see next post for details). Elsewhere, Darwin is again bombarded (2CA, 4CL, 6DD) with good effect, although CA Kako is left on fire from being hit by CDs. I expect another bombardment next turn as well. AF remains closed. On the east coast, the US 41st Div arrives at Sydney where it will remain for the time being as a reserve of sorts. Intent was to commit toward Darwin, but the supply situation just doesn’t support that - and the NE Coast of Aus remains vulnerable to a determined assault.

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, the IJN (2CA, 2DD) again bombard Kwangchowan. IJA bombers also hit the Chinese Corps there in unescorted strikes - will attempt to ambush these strikes with the AVG out of Nanning.

In India/Burma, NSTR.

In the DEI, the main IJA force elects to bombard Bandoeng as other forces encircle the Allied position from withdrawal to Batavia.

[IdahoNYer]

Battle off Port Hedland - Pacific War’s first carrier vs. carrier battle.



Background: I don’t think either side expected to find the enemy CVs in the vicinity. The Allied TFs were supporting the reinforcement of Port Hedland, landing the 18th Aus Bde. The CVs were laying off to the WSW providing LR CAP until the AF at Port Hedland was completed, and laying in wait for a possible enemy bombardment TF. The Repulse TF had just returned from bombarding Derby, and was laying just off Port Hedland to cover the offloading, but avoiding IJN subs known to be at the anchorage. The TR TF had offloaded most of the infantry, but support and heavy weapons would take another few days to offload. Once offloading was completed, all naval forces were to withdraw - upwards of another week on station was likely. I was not expecting CVs as the KB was known to be in CENPAC recently, and I did not consider that both the Junyo AND Hiyo would be available to reform the Mini-KB so quickly. Perhaps the Junyo, but not both.

Prelude: The first indication either side had to having enemy CVs in the area were provided by subs. First, the S-38 found and put a torpedo into the CV Junyo while the IJN were heading toward Port Hedland. While hitting the CV with one torpedo was confirmed, no fires or damage was apparent, and the Junyo would participate in the fight. L_S_T found the CVs early on the 18th when I-158 missed CV Formidalbe with 6 torps and paid the price when she was confirmed sunk on the surface by escorts. The stage was now set.

Battle: The IJN avoided the Repulse TF and the TR TF at Port Hedland, and closed to strike at the CVs once sighted. The first raid was met by a robust CAP even though a number of Martlets were providing LR CAP over the Repulse TF. Between the CAP and murderous AA, only two hits were scored on Indomitable by Vals. Armored flight decks proved their worth in spades! The British strike was outside the range of both Hurris and Martlets - the unescorted Albcores were massacred - only 1 managed to drop its fish, and missed. The next IJN strike met less CAP, but no less AA and only managed a single bomb hit on both CVs. The British airstrike managed only 8 Albacores, and none penetrated IJN CAP.

Aftermath: Despite 3 bomb hits, Indomitable was still in fighting form, with only 13 sys dam and Formidable with only 1 sys dam. But fighters were heavily atritted, and the Albacores gutted. Indomitable did have some weapon damage as well, reducing her AA capability. The IJN air arm was reduced heavily - especially by AA - 16 of 26 strike a/c claimed by AA. I figure the Junyo is at best lightly damaged by the sub attack. The British CV TF will withdraw at speed to Perth - I was very lucky so far, and its time to withdraw. However, pulling the Repulse TF or the TR TF would only sacrifice them to - what I assume anyway - to the IJN CVs looking for the British CVs off Exmouth. The Repulse and TR TF will remain at Port Hedland under cover of US P-39s and Aus Kittyhawks. I fully expect a surface action at Port Hedland on the 19th, followed by airstrikes. So, although I was fortunate in the CV battle to escape with minimal damage, I don’t think this is quite over yet.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Good to see they are unscratched

If your TBs were intact, I would had suggested to remain, as both CVs are scheduled to withdraw anyway, however, with Albacores killed there is no point... run fast

I hope you won't meet Mrs. Kate next turn

[IdahoNYer]

19-20 Apr 42

Highlights - Expected surface action occurs at Port Hedland and is a IJN tactical victory; Allied air does well. Darwin bombardments continue.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Asakaze reported sunk from action at Makassar on 15 Jan 42.
TB: 1
SS: 1 (I-165 reported sunk from previous action off Port Hedland)
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 2 (Sumatra, Concord)
DD: 2 (Voyager, Van Ghent)
KV: 1
AM: 1
xAP: 3 (two off Port Hedland, one at anchor at Darwin)

Air loss:
Jpn: 77
Allied: 19

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAP sunk off Exmouth)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (TB Hiyodori sunk by SS Trusty in Malacca Straits)

Amph Inv:
Makin (CENPAC)
Nanumea (CENPAC)

Bases lost:
Nanumea (CENPAC)
Makin (CENPAC)
Sipora (DEI)
Bandoeng (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. April DD/CL/CA upgrades begin coming out of the yards. 32nd ID begins loading at LA for transit to Australia.

In NOPAC. US DD TF (4DD) bombard Attu with minimal effect.

CENPAC. IJN finally lands to secure Makin Is; no sign of KB. US CV TF still at sea NE of Midway enroute to PH.

In SOPAC, Noumea bound convoy departs Auckland without incident. Made the decision to sortie CV TF (2CV, 3CA, 10DD) from Auckland to Western Australia; CV TF will depart Auckland tomorrow. Will leave minimal avail CA/CL capability in SOPAC as upgrade focus continues. Taking some risk here in SOPAC, but I think Noumea has sufficient airpower capability to warrant it.

In SWPAC, IJN TF (2BB, CL, 7DD) bombards Darwin again keeping the AF closed. The main story is at Port Hedland. As expected, an IJN TF (2BB, 3CA, 6DD) attempts to bombard and destroy shipping at Port Hedland. It is met first by my CL TF (2CL, 3DD), gathered from TR TF escorts - intent here was to “soak off” (to use an old board gaming term) the superior enemy TF prior to the main engagement. This TF does this to the utmost - 3 rounds of combat which results in all but one Allied DD sunk, with only a few hits against the enemy BBs - doing minimal damage. But the enemy TF has expended many torpedoes and main gun ammo prior to encountering the primary Allied surface TF (BC, 2CA, 2CL, 6DD). I expected much better from this TF - most veterans of previous engagements. Although the TF did prevent the IJN from bombarding the base and sinking any transports - Allied gunnery was pathetic. Despite closing to 3000yds, only the Yamashiro was even hit! Fortunately, IJN gunnery and torpedo attacks weren’t much better, and all Allied ships that were hit were only slightly damaged at worse. Assuming that the Repulse TF can avoid the subs and make it back to Perth without further loss, I take this engagement as an operational victory - although tactically, we should have done much, much better. Port Hedland was also active in daylight - both carrier and land based air attacked shipping - providing many aerial targets for the defending CAP. Ms. Betty made an appearance, unescorted out of Koepang, and was torn up by CAP - losing 32 of 50 while hitting on xAP (later sinking) and sinking a KV and AM. Carrier based air did little better, losing 10Z, 8V, 5K to achieve one bomb hit on BC Repulse (minimal effect). Allied losses were 6 P-39s and 4 Kittyhawks. A good day in the air over Port Hedland!



In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, the IJN (2CA, 2DD) again bombard Kwangchowan, but the AVG intercepts the unescorted bombers - 20 Lillys are downed for 1 H81-A3. I’m assuming he’ll provide escorts now, so the AVG will sit on the ground.

In India/Burma it remains fairly quiet - I’m surprised the IJN hasn’t made an effort to land troops at Akyab - or to take Port Blair. While I can’t do much, except subs, to interdict an attempt at Port Blair, I’ve got a good strike force built around BB Warspite waiting at Diamond Harbor to hit any attempt at Akyab. Not sure I want to keep this TF in the Calcutta area for an extended period - its at risk to sustained air attack.

In the DEI, Bandoeng falls to the second attack - 3 IJA divisions engaged. Not unexpected - surprised we’re still fighting on Java and Batavia still holds - providing a resupply port for subs heading to Bataan. AND providing a base for remaining Allied airpower in the DEI - which did well in attacking Palambang Oil with 18 sorties at low level in daylight - minimal Oscar CAP missed intercept and the old 139WH-3’s managed to destroy 13 oil!!! Nice.

[jwolf]

Amazing that you couldn't score any more hits than that. The dice must have been ice cold.

[Mike McCreery]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Amazing that you couldn't score any more hits than that. The dice must have been ice cold.

Many of his ships have night training in the 30's and 40's. They just cannot stand up toe to toe with the Japanese in early 1942.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Amazing that you couldn't score any more hits than that. The dice must have been ice cold.

Many of his ships have night training in the 30's and 40's. They just cannot stand up toe to toe with the Japanese in early 1942.

I gotta go with Jwolf here Wargmr - this wasn't a bunch of new ships. Experience wasn't up to IJN standards, but wasn't bad. Night experience as follows:
BC: 73
CAs: 61, 66
CLs: 56, 57
DDs: 59, 60, 60, 64, 66, 60

Just very, very bad dice rolls. But as long as the Long Lance dice rolls are as bad, I'm not complaining!

[Capt. Harlock]

Just very, very bad dice rolls. But as long as the Long Lance dice rolls are as bad, I'm not complaining!

+1

[IdahoNYer]

21-22 Apr 42

Highlights - Pretty quiet, even Darwin wasn’t bombarded! Hvy air raid on Akyab and IJA is repulsed with heavy loss at Wenchow.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-173 off Ceylon)
xAP: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Tenryu - reportedly still in service from mine strike off Darwin last month)

Allied ships sunk:
AS: 1 (Platypus scuttled at Darwin from cumulative bombardment damage)

Air loss:
Jpn: 21
Allied: 3

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ship hit
I-173 hit by three DCs off Ceylon and sunk by ASW TF
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit (which includes SS Snapper missing CVL Zuiho off Koepang!)



Amph Inv:
Beru (CENPAC)
Nikunau (CENPAC)

Bases lost:
Howland Is (CENPAC)
Beru (CENPAC)
Nikunau (CENPAC)
Goodenough Is (SWPAC)
Sawahloento (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. 32nd ID convoy departs LA for Auckland. CV Hornet TF (CV, CA, CL, CLAA, 6DD) also departs San Diego to provide ASW cover while enroute to PH.

In NOPAC. NSTR

CENPAC. IJN apparently mopping up a few minor atolls in the Central Pacific. No sign of KB in support.

In SOPAC, CV TF (2CV, 3CA, 8DD) depart Auckland for limited operations off Port Hedland. CA and CL finishing off upgrades at Sydney will also join enroute. This will leave only 2CA, 2CL and about 6 avail DDs in SOPAC until CVs arrive from PH. Losing the CVs also means losing their airgroups - part of which was providing CAP at Noumea - will have about 100 fighters (Army, Marine and VF-2) to provide CAP at Noumea. So, taking some risk here in SOPAC for a few weeks as the buildup of combat power continues.

In SWPAC, Darwin isn’t bombarded for a change; AF remains closed and most a/c have been withdrawn as supplies are at a premium. Much shipping activity at Wyndham - whether IJN is bringing in more troops, supply or even pulling troops out is unknown. Tennant Creek’s supply pull is insufficient to even sustain troops there, let alone project supply forward - or support any bombing operation against the IJA. Not good. On the bright side, Repulse TF has rounded Exmouth without incident enroute to Perth. I expect Port Hedland to be bombarded by IJN at any time; not much can be done other than continue to dig in and expand the AF. Will attempt a major resupply to the base once the US CV TF reaches Perth - that will give me 2 US CVs and the 3 Brit CVs - more than enough to deal with the current Mini-KB. Now if the KB shows itself, well….that another story…

In the Philippines, 3 subs drop supplies as bombardments continue.

In China, IJA attacked Wenchow and were bloodily repulsed, suffering 3000 casualties to the Chinese’s 800. Wenchow is at fort level 3.53 and continues to be a thorn in the IJA plans in the SE. I did attempt an attack at Kwangchowan, but, as expected was repulsed. The IJN bombardments are causing too much disruption in the attacking troops. Still, its nice to put the IJA on the defensive somewhere in China for a change!

In India/Burma the activity picks up at Akyab with heavy airstrikes - IJN airstrikes. Zero sweeps with Zero/Nell air attacks. Did not intercept this round, but am gathering fighters at Chittagong to support in the near future. Akyab is still miserably defended by remnants - and don’t have much to spare right now - but did place a minefield off the port. Hopefully he’ll try an amphib, and I can launch BB Warspite TF to intervene. This could prove interesting! Wellingtons out of Calcutta did hit his main AF (Prome) at night, destroying 5 a/c on the ground.

In the DEI, the Dutch AF out of Batavia continues to be a nuisance, launching a low level strike against the oil fields at Tjepoe - destroying 13 with the loss of 1 plane to ops losses.

[IdahoNYer]

23-24 Apr 42

Highlights - Still relatively quiet, although the IJN effectively bombards Port Hedland and Batavia.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Searaven off Koepang)
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk off Laysan Is)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
SS Searaven hit and sunk by D/Cs off Koepang

Amph Inv:
Cocos Is (DEI)

Bases lost:
Normanby Is (SWPAC)
Cocos Is (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. NSTR

CENPAC. Single xAK which departed PH bound for Bataan (I know, it’s a long shot) is quickly sunk by an I Boat patrolling off Laysan Is. CV TF Lex and Yorktown arrive back at PH; will swap out ships requiring upgrade and then depart for SOPAC.

In SOPAC, Small convoy arrives at Noumea with supply and an AA Bn - encounters sub laid minefield without finding one the hard way.

In SWPAC, Darwin area is quiet, although IJA forces close with Aus forces on the river line west of Katherine. Lack of supplies will allow Darwin to fall. Activity picks up at Port Hedland which is bombarded (2BB, CL, 8DD) with good effect. While I don’t expect an IJN supported landing at Port Hedland, the bombardment does delay the construction progress toward a Level 2 AF. An IJN CA TF looks to be in position to bombard next turn - only subs avail for defense at the moment. BC Repulse TF arrives safely at Perth and CV Illustrious arrives on map from Cape Town. The real question is whether or not the KB will support IJN operations on the west coast of Australia…

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, an IJA attack west of Nanyang (which is held for the moment) could be the first indication of an IJA attempt to encircle Sian from both north and south. Have started to pull any forces SE of Sian to the west.

In India/Burma heavy airstrikes and fighter sweeps again at Akyab. Allied AF will engage next turn.

In the DEI, Dutch bombers again hit Tjepoe, and knock out 4 oil. IJN TF (BB, CL, 4DD) bombard Batavia with minimal effect.

[IdahoNYer]

25-26 Apr 42

Highlights - IJN lands a battalion sized force at Normanton, Australia; KB sighted north of New Caledonia.

Jpn ships sunk:
APD: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
CA: 1 (Takao - again listed as not sunk at Ambon)

Allied ships sunk: unsunk

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 30

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

Amph Inv:
Normanton (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Kalidjati (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. NSTR

CENPAC. CV TF (2CV, 2CA, CL, 10DD) depart PH for SOPAC. With the KB in SOPAC, will raid IJN bases enroute.

In SOPAC, KB is sighted north of New Caledonia - no major effect for the moment as no TR TFs are inbound to Noumea. Question is what is the KB doing in SOPAC??

In SWPAC, Neither Darwin or Port Hedland is bombarded, although 3 IJN TFs are sighted NW of Broome - likely headed to bombard Port Hedland - and perhaps the Mini-KB back at sea to support. 6 Allied subs will attempt intercept. B17s raid Broome, but are met by land based Zeros for the first time - lose 5 Fortresses for 5 Zeros. Not a good loss ratio. The turn’s highlight though is a surprised landing at Normanton. Garrisoned by weak Aus armor unit, a single IJA unit (likely battalion size) was landed at Normanton by APDs. Not sure what to make of this - a raid perhaps? In any case, all avail US/Aus aircraft will bomb the invading forces and will attempt to hold the base.

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, IJA continues to attack west of Nanyang, but the Chinese hold for the moment - casualties mount and the IJA will likely take the hex next turn. .

In India/Burma no IJN airstrikes on Akyab, Allied fighters just gain fatigue over Akyab.

In the DEI, Dutch bombers attempt to hit Palembang, but are met by Oscars and fail to hit the target.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Normanton is trouble IMHO, as it is a paved road to Australia (Charter Towers, Cairns, Townsville, Cooktown)

If he is patient, he can just build it until he is ready to advance, I agree you should bomb it heavily

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Normanton is trouble IMHO, as it is a paved road to Australia (Charter Towers, Cairns, Townsville, Cooktown)

If he is patient, he can just build it until he is ready to advance, I agree you should bomb it heavily

Yeah, made a big mistake in not doing a better job in defending/fortifying it.

[IdahoNYer]

27-28 Apr 42

Highlights - Jpn pressure on OZ continues - landings at Exmouth! KB hits Koumac with airstrike and continues to head south between Australia and New Caledonia. IJA tank units maul US/Aus forces WSW of Katherine.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
DD: 1 (Ushio)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 40
Allied: 34

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ship hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Amph Inv:
Exmouth (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Exmouth (SWPAC)
Cape Gloucester (SWPAC)
Merak (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: Knowing that the KB is prowling in SOPAC is good to know - the question is however - why??

West Coast/Admin. With the increasingly problematic IJA activity in Australia, 108th IN Reg (40ID) is released and will load shortly at LA, bound for SWPAC.

In NOPAC. Sub picks up an IJN convoy heading to Attu, so 2DDs currently escorting transports at Adak will attempt to intercept. Adak AF reaches level 2.

CENPAC. CV TF (2CV, 2CA, CL, 10DD) will attempt to hit an IJN surface contact in the Ellice Islands - will take two days to reach strike range. With the KB confirmed in SOPAC, perhaps we can find some targets!

In SOPAC, KB hits Koumac with an airstrike, damaging AV Tangiers. KB seems to be continuing south - perhaps attempting to raid shipping (there is none at sea northwest of Auckland) or worst case, hit Brisbane or Sydney. I’ve got some Army air avail to provide CAP, but not enough if the KB hits with a full strike (most SWPAC a/c are in western or northern OZ) This just goes to show me how vulnerable the Allied position is right now. The IJN can still assemble overwhelming combat power where and when he chooses. If the KB does stay in SOPAC, this can work out well though - the KB isn’t off Port Hedland!

In SWPAC, a small detachment is landed at Exmouth - another foothold on Australian soil, but both port and AF are nonexistent. Both Port Hedland (BB, 3CA, 2CL, 8DD) and Darwin (CA, 3DD) are bombarded - and the IJN focus is apparently switching to Port Hedland. With 3 Brit CVs and 2 US CVs we might be able to do something about this in the next two weeks! On land, the IJA drive to cut Darwin begins with 5 IJA Tank Regiments steamrolling an Aus IN Bde supported by a US Tank Bn west of Daly Waters. Will attempt to delay this and their main infantry attack (2 IN Div +spt) that looks to be driving toward Katherine. In any case, Darwin is lost - I can’t manage enough supply at Tennant Creek, let alone any units between there an Darwin. Darwin only contains an IN Bde and some support - all other support troops are slowly moving south toward Tennant Creek. 3 IN Bdes will still attempt to contest the IJA advance - and hopefully not get cut off.

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma I get caught flat-footed over Chittagong when IJN/IJA fighter sweeps catch most of the Allied fighters on rest - only 30% of half my squadrons intercept - but losses aren’t that bad. 20 Zeros and 11 Oscars in exchange for 12 P40s, 9 Buffs, 8 Hurris - including operational losses. If he sweeps again, we’ll be ready!

In the DEI, IJN (BB, CA, CL, 3DD) bombards Batavia with minimal effect, and DMS is crippled by CD batteries while sweeping mines. 3 IJA divisions bombard defenses - which only amount to an AV of 151 with level 3 forts. I pull all remaining US and Brit pilots out and will send the remaining Dutch bombers to hit the refinery at Tjepoe. I don’t expect Batavia to survive the first assault.

[IdahoNYer]

29-30 Apr 42

Highlights - Batavia falls finally ending the DEI campaign; KB moves north of New Caledonia

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-34 sunk by S-40 off Darwin)
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
CA:1 (Aoba - apparently survived Swordfish attack in Feb)

Allied ships sunk:
ARD: 2 (scuttled in Batavia)

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 50 (30+ lost when Batavia fell)

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ship hit
RO-34 sunk by S-40 off Darwin
Allies: 3 Attack, 2 ships hit (SS and xAKL sunk)

Amph Inv:
Merauke (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Batavia (DEI)
Bhamo (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. US DDs find nothing at Attu; will return escorting a DM

CENPAC. CV TF (2CV, 2CA, CL, 10DD) approach the Ellice Islands, but find no targets. Will head WNW toward Ocean Island before heading to SOPAC. Intent here is to “show the flag” in CENPAC - and keep L_S_T thinking my CVs are in either SOPAC or CENPAC. CV Hornet arrives at PH, and will depart immediately to strike Baker Is enroute to SOPAC.

In SOPAC, KB hits Koumac again, crippling AV Tangiers. KB reportedly heading back north. Auckland busy as three convoys are arriving back to back. Once the port becomes somewhat available, will load a supply convoy for Noumea escorted by a CA TF which will bombard Efate. US bombers out of Noumea are now regularly hitting Luganville, Efate and Tanna in small strikes - better than nothing!

In SWPAC, No IJN bombardments of either Darwin or Port Hedland for a change. Port Hedland AF back in operation and 2 xAKLs arrive with supply. A US DM takes advantage of the lull and lays a minefield just off Port Hedland. CV Illustrious arrives at Perth - which is now at ZERO fuel. Not a good time for a fuel shortage as Halsey’s CVs are due to arrive next turn. On the Darwin front, the IJA force is attempting to advance east while the Australians are attempting to block, evade and isolate the IJA - very confused at the moment. But in the end, a lack of supply for the good guys is the going to be the deciding factor. Without supply, I can’t expand Tennant Creek - and if I don’t expand the base, I can’t get a better supply flow. Catch-22. I’m pulling back “excess” troops from Darwin and other bases - all those aviation base forces and engineers that without supply can’t do anything. Screen shot attempts to show the confusing situation:


In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma we wait for a raid at Chittagong that never flies. Will continue to maintain a heavy CAP and see what develops. With the arrival of the very potent British 70th Div in the Calcutta area, I’m now pushing some formations to try and hold Akyab and Cox’s Bazaar.

In the DEI, Batavia falls in the second assault - with it ends Allied resistance in that theater. With no place to fly to, all remaining a/c are destroyed. Although a foregone conclusion, the DEI campaign has to be regarded as somewhat of a success. I had no illusions of holding, but making it expensive - and to the IJN, it wasn’t a cakewalk. 2CVLs, 2CAs, 3CLs and a number DDs were lost and many heavy ships (especially CAs) damaged. Allied losses weren’t exactly light either - BB, 2CAs, 9CLs and a number of DDs. Although many of the CLs were older/obsolete ships - they also include the venerable Boise and Mauritus. What the end of the fighting in the DEI really means though is that 3 IJA divisions are now available, and distance of the submarine supply run to Bataan is now doubled .

[IdahoNYer]

Surprisingly, April came and went without another new major Japanese offensive - just continuation of ongoing operations. And for a change, the month didn’t end with the KB clobbering a convoy in SOPAC - although, the KB did apparently make the sortie to try! L_S_T seemed content to continue to pursue his ongoing offensives - securing Java in the DEI, pushing up through Burma, attacking toward Sian in China, and what appears to be his primary objective, securing NW Australia. I truly expected another front to open up - either in the Indian Ocean (Akyab or Ceylon), or landings in SOPAC, but the only other expedition the IJN undertook was some minor landings in CENPAC - likely to lure US CVs into an engagement with the KB which was lurking just off to the west. From the Allied standpoint, holding on to Port Hedland - resulting in the first CV battle of the Pacific War - and successfully building up Noumea in SOPAC, and Adak in NOPAC were the highlights of the Allied effort. Naval losses for the month weren’t excessive for either side; IJN reported losses for the month were 1CA, 2CL, 3DD and 7SS as compared to the Allies losing 3CL, 5DD and 2SS. Air losses were also in the Allies favor, but not by much, 412 for Jpn to 352 Allied.

Screenshot shows Allied Forces disposition - Notes: 1)Ships are in service, not under refit or stood down. 2) a/c shown are combat available, not trainers or deployed on CVs. 3) CENPAC and Ceylon subs are those against IJN shipping, other Theater subs shown are “in close” for defense of that Theater. 4) Eng are Construction or Port Maint Bns, not BFs.


As with April - the question remains, “What is the Jpn next objective?” As best as I can tell, he’s got 3, perhaps 4 divisions currently engaged in NW Australia. 3 just finished clearing Java, and should be available. Another is still laying siege to Bataan. Figure he’ll clean out Bataan with the Java forces (just a guess), before committing them elsewhere. Still that should allow for at least 5 divisions available. With no new major invasions in April when I expected him to execute, I’m at a loss as to where he may go now. I don’t think he’s ready to concede the initiative, but with the other likely objectives (Noumea, Suva, Ceylon, Diamond Harbor) all at fort level 4 with relatively robust defenses, I’m not sure he’ll risk a maximum effort which the risk may not be worth the gain. I am confident he’ll pursue Darwin until complete - which may involve a direct invasion of the base. Other than that, no clue.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: The 4/42 naval upgrades are winding down - most ships complete, and the majority of the remaining ships should complete in the next 10 days or so. I’ll have a few stragglers to get into the yards (mainly DDs), but, by and large, was able to get the upgrades done without needing the ships at sea. Two significant issue on the admin side - while I have plenty of trained pilots, I’m short of airframes. No surprise to any Allied player there. That won’t change until ’43. Due to that, I’m keeping many squadrons employed as training squadrons rather than pushing them to the front - I just don’t have the planes to replace losses. Second issue is a severe fuel shortage in Australia. Although I pushing fuel from both West Coast and Cape Town with all avail tankers, the tempo of sustaining operations off Port Hedland with significant naval forces has drained the stocks considerable. Will attempt to push more fuel, but I don’t see the situation improving for the next few months - I’ve even shut down Sydney’s heavy industry, and may shut down more.

NOPAC. Naval forces here have been more effected by the 4/42 upgrades, reducing the effective DD strength to only BBs and 5 DDs. With the cruisers completing upgrades, and more DDs avail, will look to put more troops on Amchitka and increase pressure on Attu. By Jun, perhaps we’ll be ready to land troops on Attu. Of course, SIGINT is still showing Jpn interest in Amchitka. This remains a backwater theater for reinforcement.

CENPAC. Losing Baker Island was expected, just figured it would have happened earlier. The US CV raid to Wake in April managed a bonus of catching a small convoy there, and follow on raid at the end of April and into May north of the Ellice Islands is designed to signal that US CVs are in CENPAC - at which time will pull them to SOPAC. Focus in CENPAC is maintaining defenses of Midway and Canton. Don’t see any enemy intent to grab them at the moment in any case. All are at Fort Level 4 and defended toward maximum stacking limits.

SOPAC. After the Jpn seized Tanna, not much enemy activity in SOPAC, other than the recent KB raid west of New Caledonia - which was limited in effectiveness to hitting Koumac. Koumac and Noumea in New Caledonia are now at fort level 4 (LaFoe is almost there!) and AFs at Koumac and Noumea are supporting offensive strikes on Luganville, Efate and Tanna. The goal is to look toward retaking Efate as soon as the KB is confirmed elsewhere. If that hasn’t worked by June, we may look to support a landing there with the US CVs. I’d rather not do that just yet. For May, will continue to build combat power up in New Caledonia and put pressure on Jpn holdings.

SWPAC. I’ve realized in April that Darwin can’t be supplied overland; I should have put more focus in building up the interior bases. Without that, the supplies just don’t flow. Without supplies, all those Bdes I have up there just won’t hold, so its time to pull back. First the support troops, then the combat troops. Of course, the IJA - with tanks in the lead - are trying to upset those plans. We’ll leave a Bde in Darwin and try to keep some supplies flowing with subs, but that’s it. I’ll try and save most everything else. Elsewhere, on the NE coast, the focus is to bring Portland Roads on line as an airbase. Progress here has been slow as resources have been diverted to the west coast. On the ground, the NE is fairly secure - just barely. Bdes or better in most bases in case the IJN decides to land, and the US 41st Div as a reserve in Sydney. 32nd Div is enroute as well. The main Allied focus is Port Hedland. With a Bde and engineers already there, they will be reinforced by another Bde and additional engineers - supported by a multi-national fleet. While I suspect L_S_T will anticipate the 2 British CVs sailing in support, I’m hoping he won’t suspect Halsey’s 2CVs and the Illustrious also supporting the landings. With some luck, perhaps we can not only land the reinforcements, but catch the Mini-KB and surface forces with 5 CVs!

DEI. Well, the DEI campaign lasted a whole lot longer than I thought it would - with Batavia falling on 30 April.

Bataan. Still holding in Bataan as April changes to May, but we’re not accomplishing anything but tying down some troops. With Java falling, sub supply runs will have to originate in Australia - that more than doubles the distance. I’ve got one xAK trying to sneak in from PH, but I don’t give that much chance. Will continue the sub supply effort, and just hope the IJA attacks a bit too soon and suffers some losses before the inevitable end.

Burma/India. Not really sure what to make of the situation in here. I fully expected more effort to take Akyab by sea, but it looks like he’s making a very slow approach overland. I’d like to think the naval raid at Rangoon thwarted his amphibious inclinations, but I’m not that lucky. I’m moving some Indian Bdes up to counter that, but I’m still hoping he’ll go by sea to where the Royal Navy with HMS Warspite could do some damage. Inland, after taking Shwebo, IJA forces have been attempting cut off withdrawing Allied troops - so far, unsuccessfully. I’ve written the Burma units off in any case, and have built up a line from Ledo to Imphal. I really don’t expect a major assault overland here, but I can’t rule it out either. As long as his CVs aren’t in the Indian Ocean, I’m not concerned of landings at Diamond Harbor or Ceylon.

China. Things have slowed down after Yenan fell. I figured a major quick thrust to Sian, but so far that hasn’t developed. Instead, a more deliberate approach, including attacking far to the south, has developed. IJA is also very focused once again at Wenchow, including using Naval units in the bombardment role. The highlight of the month though was the Chinese pushing the IJA from Pakhoi to Kwangchowan where the Chinese were stalemated by the intervention of the IJN bombardments. Anytime the Chinese theater diverts the IJN, it’s a win!

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I would say it is too late for invading India; if I have to bet he will go heavy on Australia + some limited invasion on the Pacific; why else would he had invaded Normanton?

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

I would say it is too late for invading India; if I have to bet he will go heavy on Australia + some limited invasion on the Pacific; why else would he had invaded Normanton?

If he realizes that N. Aus becomes a trap once the Allies get control of the sea and air (see Cap Mandrake and Sprior's AAR "Bring Me the Head of the Mayor or Diego Garcia" about a year into the war), he will just be planning to smash a few Aussie units and then withdraw his major units.
If that is his thinking, the Normanton landing is just to secure his flank and try to cut off the allied units retreating down the Darwin - Alice Springs corridor.

If he wanted to take Aus in toto, he should have come much sooner and much harder, and started the invasion near Brisbane rather than Darwin.