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April 27, 1942

Geez, we fly through the turns some times so fast I forget to update this thing.
Our game is like real life in the Army; hurry up and get somewhere and then wait…
Nothing earth shattering to report from the last report, I will summarize for you from West to East.

India: Have all the major bases pretty well covered, with F levels going up nicely, especially with the arrival of the Indian Army Construction and Engineer units. Main AF’s (Calcutta and Dacca) well built to 6 and reserve AF’s are being built (Bangalore, Ansanol, etc.). British Fleet formed up and other than the 2 damaged R class BBs, are ready to operate. CV Illustrious is due into Karachi in just under 3 weeks; that will be the last major British ship for the near future. Barring any pressure on the Bay of Bengal by the Japanese, they will operate to support and cover the left flank of the NT operation (covered below).

Burma: A quiet front for the last month. He still occupies the Akyab – Pagan line and appears to have sent 2-3 new units up to the Pagan area. I expect some pressure there soon. One B17 Group and several British medium bomber squadrons are plastering Akyab as often as possible. It is at 50% damage at least; when it is dust, they will shift to ground targets in the Pagan area. Fighters will base out of Mandalay and then the battle for air superiority over Burma will begin. There are 2 Chinese Divisions in Mandalay with 3 more in Lashio; those with the CW brigades in the area give an adequate ground presence there, without compromising the Indian homeland.

Java: He is about to take Tjilijap; the 2 Dutch regiments and support troops that were there are retreating in the face of 3 Jap Divisions that are marching down from the landings at Batavia and Merak. He came in force and there was no real chance to oppose the landings, as he provided proper gunfire and air support. Feel that it is better to consolidate back in Surabaya, where 5 regiments of infantry will sit behind level 9 fortifications and 3000+ naval mines with over 80,000 supply points. This should force him into a long air campaign to reduce supply levels at the base, since the mines should discourage any shore bombardment effort. Project that this base might last a month or so, based on the PI experience. Attrition of the sub forces in the area (mainly damaged) has been relatively high, but there are still about 10 boats that can support the land campaign, trying to interdict his supply shipping and such.

China: The front lines around and including Wuchow cover around 240 miles; large portions of both armies are engaged in a protracted struggle, mainly consisting of long periods of barraging/resting with the occasional probing attack. Several days (perhaps even a week ago) the Chinese forces in Wuchow shock attacked the Japanese there and fell just short of pushing them out. With the arrival of some fresh corps and changes to some leaders, another attempt is in the offing.

On the eastern end of the fighting, south of Kweilin, 3 corps have been fighting a large Independent Brigade for some time. A fresh corps and HQ are about to arrive there from Changsha; they will then make an attempt at forcing this position, with the end goal of rolling up his line and forcing retreat to Canton if possible. Else where in China, recon flights tell of many units in Wuhan and much preparation for an attack at Changsha. There are 2 units that have moved to the East and Southwest of the city; these have not been ID’d yet. Changsha has a sufficient force in and around it (over 2000 AS) and 2 fresh reserve corps from Chunking are about to move forward to support it.

The push from Homan that I tried has returned to start line. The Japanese have not pressed on the direct route to Homan, but have sent a Mongolian Division to the east of it across the river. A strong corps moved to oppose them and are engaged in an artillery duel currently. Finally, the Yenen sector is quiet, but many units are reported staging in the rear by air recon and intel reports prepping by many units. This is believed to be a ruse, but several corps are held in reserve to support either the Homan or Yenen sectors just in case.

Philippines: I got stung by a Jap ruse; he pulled some of the units out of the Clark area and I launched a shock attack. Unfortunately, my supply levels were too low and we could not force him out. Final AS scores were something like 1300 for me and 800 for him. Losses were high and the end result was a loss of something like 250 AS for me (this is based on the “resting” value given on the base or troop menus; prior to the attack, I was showing around 950 on the Clark screen, now it is around 700). Manila holds with around 300 AS value under continual air and artillery bombardment. The 51st PA division which had moved to cut his supplies to Manila from Lamon Bay has been defeated and then crushed after its retreat back to Lamon. Original projection of defeat in May here still stands; though it might be earlier in the month now after the stinging defeat of the Clark counterattack.

Australia: Operation NT (standing for the recapture of the Northern Territory) is scheduled for the end of June. Forces for this are now in the process of moving to their jump off positions. Most of the Australian Army will be committed to this endeavor; the main east coast bases will be the responsibility of the Americans during this period. The 32nd US Division is halfway to Australia and preparation for the release of the 41st US Division from West Coast reserve is almost complete. These 2 divisions will cover the Australian seaboard during NT, while training for future operations in the Solomons/NG area. Bases in the NE will continue to build to provide support for future air operations over NG.

South Pacific: Noumea garrisoned by Americal plus support builds gradually; Suva almost fully built out, with 2nd USMC in residence; and Pago Pago built out fully with an RCT there. With the 1st USMC coming online in 2 weeks and the 37th US Division in 7 weeks there will be another operation starting in mid June; CREEPER. This will be the occupation of bases for the projection of airpower toward the Eastern Solomons and Gilbert Islands. The New Hebrides and the Funafuti/Nanomea groups are the targets for this command. Over 300 LBA of various types stand ready to support these operations.

Central Pacific: With the base at Canton Island being under CentPac control, the first operation scheduled for June is POKER; target Baker Island. Sporadic recon of Baker indicates little/no forces there; with signals agreeing. Currently CentPac has 2 full divisions available for offensive operations; 24th and 25th. The 24th is fully assembled in PH and will be the landing force for this operation. 25th is currently dispersed in garrisons at Palmyra and Johnston Islands, but is scheduled to be relieved by elements of the 27th just arriving at PH in 3 days. The 25th will be reformed and serve as the ready reserve for the CentPac command as the 27th takes over its’ responsibilities. The 40th US is in general reserve still forming; anticipate that by the end of the month of May it might be ready to move to the CentPac. In addition, the 7th US Division remains in West Coast command for the near future, though preparation for it to move west might be in the works as soon as June, based on circumstances.

North Pacific: 3 RCTs become available in the next 50 days for this theater. The Japs hold Attu, which they occupied in the early days of the war. This theater will advance toward that position gradually, operating with limited resources. Hope to have the position re-occupied by the end of the good weather season. Then will begin limited air campaign against the Kuriles in addition to the ongoing submarine patrols. As more fleet boats come on line, S classes will be transferred to this theater, where there short operational range will not be such a detriment.

Commerce Warfare: is one of the high points of the war for the Allies. Currently doing pretty well, having now sunk more enemy hulls than friendly losses up to this point. Sub losses have plateaued for now at 7; 5 American and 2 Dutch. Of the American, 2 were S class, 2 Salmon and a Tambor class. Jap sub losses are reported as 6, lost early in the war mainly. Jap subs appear to be fulfilling the scout/deep recon role for the IJN; no major attempts to interdict shipping since the early days of the fighting.

Attached is a map of the strategic picture now with annotations upon it.

May 1, 1942

May day brings many changes; in the SEAC theater, British units are eligible to upgrade and two of them do. A Buffalo unit changes to Dakotas and a Lysander to Hurricane IIs.
Meanwhile, in the theaters:

India: Construction continues everywhere. The B17s and their associates have gotten Akyab to over 90 on the reports. When the weather clears, they will move on to other targets in the Burma area. The Royal Navy has called for the return of a BB this month. The damaged Revenge (27 sys) will fufill this role, saving the 2000 pp cost for non-compliance.

Burma: no real changes. Nothing new to report here.

Java: All but two of the Dutch units are back in Surabaya now. The 4th Dutch Rgt. and a BF are in Madioen heading south. The remnants of the 3 fighter squadrons in Surabaya are loaded on AKs and start to make their way south under the cover of thunderstorms. The bombers and patrol planes will remain for now, hoping to catch some uncovered merchants or light combat units.

Philippines: the units here continue to suffer from lack of food and continual air and artillery bombardments.

Australia: continues NT preparations.

South and Central Pacific: continued shipping of troops and supplies.

China: large attack made on the 30th to force the flank of the Jap lines near Wuchow. Shock attack achieved 2-1 odds, but did not shift the defenders; believe that they have some local fortification levels, will bombard for a day or so and resume the attack. If the weather clears, a SB2 squadron will rebase and support the ground forces.

May 5, 1942

Wuchow is now free of Japanese; however, elsewhere on the front, IJA forces are on the move. Here are some of the recent reports from Wuchow:

05/03/42
Ground combat at Wuchow
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 68541 troops, 498 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 34252 troops, 281 guns, 118 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
444 casualties reported
Guns lost 15
Allied ground losses:
862 casualties reported
Guns lost 32

05/04/42
Ground combat at Wuchow
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 75041 troops, 520 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 33638 troops, 261 guns, 118 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 6 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
442 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 4
Allied ground losses:
1539 casualties reported
Guns lost 56
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!


It took 10 days of bombardments and air attacks and the rotation in of a fresh corps, but finally the position was taken.

However, there is a leading Jap unit in Changsha with 18 more behind it; hopefully, most are support type units. Additionally, pressure in the form of about 4-5 Mongolian Divisions is hitting one corps SE of Yenen; their first attack didn’t go so well for them:

05/03/42
Ground combat at 50,27
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 27706 troops, 270 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 9127 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
1425 casualties reported
Guns lost 32
Allied ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Meanwhile, off Java, the DAF shows that they still have some teeth:

05/04/42
Day Air attack on TF at 21,66
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 7
Wirraway x 2
Vildebeest IV x 10
T.IVa x 7
Martin 139 x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 3
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hikade Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Toyotsu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 7000 feet
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Vildebeest IV launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
The CL and PG went down almost immediately; the AP is probably wallowing back to Bali or Tjilijap low in the water.

Finally, on a sadder note, the defense of Manila has ended. The forces defending there were down to very low supplies and the Japanese had a large force against them. For the amount of troops that the PI has kept busy, it has been quite the defense and been quite helpful for the Allied cause, no matter how forlorn the hope was for them.

05/04/42
Ground combat at Manila
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 84849 troops, 599 guns, 232 vehicles
Defending force 19470 troops, 147 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Manila base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
973 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 2
Allied ground losses:
32382 casualties reported
Guns lost 159

Clark is still firm, but now with these troops released to work against it, the entire position is in doubt and might collapse in less than a week or two.

South in Java, Surabaya prepares for the upcoming siege. The Dutch forces can’t stand to the Japanese in the open very well, so they retreat to the fully fortified, mined Surabaya; where supplies for a month or more of resistance are stocked. With the close presence of enemy air, the subs based here prepare to change base of operation to either Perth or Diamond Harbor. Hopefully the remaining AS and AKs have a small chance of getting away from the area. 2 of the 3 that have left in the last 3 days have some chance of making Perth; they are at 50-60 sys and 20some float. The remaining 2 carry some Hawks and Demons of the DAF.

In about a week, enough Hurricanes will be available to support the air assault against the Jap ground forces in Burma. Coupled with the P40’s and the possible return of the AVG to Burma, we should be able to gain at least air equality over Burma. Should prove interesting.

Tabpub

PS. Here is a shot of the current China front.

May 10, 1942

Some action in the Java area and Clark Field; other than that, quiet as preparations advance elsewhere.

In the Java area, some ships are spotted and the ABDA air force flies to deal out punishment:
Sneaking past the defensive air support at Bali:
=============================================
05/10/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Bali at 24,68
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Allied aircraft
Vildebeest IV x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest IV: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CL Natori, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
=============================================
05/10/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Bali at 24,68
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 2
Vildebeest IV x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 destroyed
Vildebeest IV: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze
CA Maya
CL Natori, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Vildebeest IV bombing at 5000 feet
1 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Meanwhile, search aircraft spot a fairly large force with battleships, 240 miles north of Surabaya. The strike aircraft encounter no enemy aircraft and bore in on the targets. No reports of secondary explosions or listing though:
05/10/42
Day Air attack on TF at 22,61
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 6
Wirraway x 2
T.IVa x 6
Martin 139 x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 4
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 5 damaged
Wirraway: 1 damaged
T.IVa: 2 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Torpedo hits 1
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 7000 feet
2 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
=============================================
05/10/42
Day Air attack on TF at 22,61
Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3
Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 2, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 7000 feet

And a loitering transport at Malang is struck by the Dutch torpedo arm:


05/10/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Malang at 22,66
Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 4
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AP Meigen Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Now, the Japs aren’t inactive here; they just have bad timing. While the strike aircraft were out, some IJN air came to visit. The ground crews give them a warm welcome to Java:

=============================================
05/10/42
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
G3M Nell x 49
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 16 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M Nell bombing at 5000 feet
8 x G3M Nell bombing at 5000 feet
6 x G3M Nell bombing at 5000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 5000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 5000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 5000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 5000 feet

During the prior day, the ground portion of the attack started. Casualties were heavy for both sides, but the position is still good.

=============================================
05/09/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 80280 troops, 968 guns, 164 vehicles
Defending force 59001 troops, 370 guns, 38 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
1533 casualties reported
Guns lost 21
Vehicles lost 5
Allied ground losses:
1218 casualties reported
Guns lost 21
Vehicles lost 2

And the defenders of Clark Field feel the punishment of the 14th Army again; best estimates still place their fall in a week or two, if the enemy presses the attacks. Most units have very little supplies and the base is well down on stockpiles.

05/10/42
Ground combat at Clark Field
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 111216 troops, 908 guns, 479 vehicles
Defending force 46110 troops, 268 guns, 2 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)
Japanese ground losses:
1318 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 13
Allied ground losses:
308 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

The SEAC suffered a setback some days ago over Pagan:

05/08/42
Day Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 26
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 42
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 14 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed, 25 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 35000 feet

We had hit Pagan back 6 days ago; they brought in fighters. We knew it and wanted to test them out. They did better than we thought; we won’t go back until we can get some fighters up there with us. That will be in a week or less, when this damnable weather clears. With the new Hurricanes arriving in the theater, we will soon have around 8 squadrons to operate in the Burma/Northern India area with 4 more in reserve in the south. Initial plans are for 4 to base in Mandalay and rotate with the other four as circumstances dictate. That with the bombers coming back should start to punish Pagan and the air based there. Japanese forces are building in the area; intel reports 15th Army Hq, a mixed regiment and an army base force in Pagan. Between Pagan and Mandalay is the 23rd Mixed Brigade and a Tank Regiment presumably, with one unknown unit as of yet. Last reports only had the 35th Brigade reported at Akyab. This is disturbing as there are 2 divisions unaccounted for right now. Presume them at Rangoon preparing for something; quite possibly Mandalay.

Oh, and the 1st Marines detrained at San Fransico today; they are enjoying their last view of the States for a while. Embarkation is scheduled to start tomorrow…….

Oh, almost forgot…back on the 6th the Japs tried to rush Changsha. They were rudely received and we had some friends moving on their flanks; but before we could slip behind them into Wuhan, they pulled out of Changsha and are now heading back there. I think that this area will be quiet for sometime, while both sides reorganize and recoup.

=============================================
05/06/42
Ground combat at Changsha
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 170764 troops, 2071 guns, 165 vehicles
Defending force 70501 troops, 442 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 7
Japanese ground losses:
3579 casualties reported
Guns lost 146
Vehicles lost 11
Allied ground losses:
388 casualties reported
Guns lost 25
=============================================

May 24, 1942

Clark Field fell 4 days ago; the tattered remnants of the USAFFE retreat to Bataan Penninsula. They are now being bombed there daily and I don’t know if the Japanese are coming for them or are just going to keep them penned up for now.
The final battle at Clark:
=============================================
05/20/42
Ground combat at Clark Field
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 113835 troops, 975 guns, 450 vehicles
Defending force 35224 troops, 140 guns, 1 vehicles
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Clark Field base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
1063 casualties reported
Guns lost 29
Vehicles lost 9
Allied ground losses:
1414 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Meanwhile, in Java, the Japanese are content with shelling the Surabaya defenses; they are having little apparent effect. Casualties are being reported, but with the supplies and support there, the total AS value of the defenders are maintaining levels and actually slightly increasing. This might also be due to the fact that prep levels on some of the infantry units are increasing daily, as they have been reset back to Surabaya.
The bombardments at Surabaya:

05/24/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 84786 troops, 1121 guns, 20 vehicles
Defending force 56738 troops, 343 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
288 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
=============================================
05/23/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 84574 troops, 1111 guns, 20 vehicles
Defending force 56653 troops, 344 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
138 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
=============================================
05/21/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 84410 troops, 1103 guns, 18 vehicles
Defending force 56736 troops, 342 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
264 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
=============================================
05/21/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 84218 troops, 1098 guns, 18 vehicles
Defending force 56884 troops, 339 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
171 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
=============================================
05/20/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 84001 troops, 1090 guns, 18 vehicles
Defending force 57065 troops, 340 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
238 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
=============================================
05/19/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83696 troops, 1082 guns, 18 vehicles
Defending force 56945 troops, 337 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
265 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
=============================================
05/18/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83374 troops, 1074 guns, 18 vehicles
Defending force 57088 troops, 344 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
=============================================
05/17/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 22,65
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 15
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
PT TM-10
PT TM-11, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell attacking at 100 feet
4 x G3M Nell attacking at 100 feet
4 x G3M Nell attacking at 100 feet
4 x G3M Nell attacking at 100 feet
=============================================
05/17/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83179 troops, 1068 guns, 19 vehicles
Defending force 57041 troops, 345 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
210 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
=============================================
05/16/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83046 troops, 1070 guns, 19 vehicles
Defending force 57330 troops, 351 guns, 39 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
394 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
=============================================
05/14/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 82753 troops, 1063 guns, 16 vehicles
Defending force 57635 troops, 353 guns, 38 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
238 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Meantime, in Burma, after a month long hiatus the air battle has resumed over Mandalay.
The rested Hurricane squadrons are holding their own and not letting the Japanese bombers do what they want here anymore. This last encounter was the best of the last 2 days:

05/24/42
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 72
Ki-21 Sally x 106
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 15 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 7 destroyed, 22 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 9 destroyed, 8 damaged
Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 48
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
25 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
21 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
16 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
Only 4 of the Hurricanes were A2A casualties, the rest were ground kills from the bombing.

So, after this spanking, the 19th BG is scheduled to hit Pagan Airfield where the Oscars came from. Hopefully, the weather will allow the mission; the fighters either won’t be there or will not be in the mood to tangle with the bombers that much. The last two strikes were disappointing, as the Oscars swarmed like mayflies around the group. Losses were not bad, 1 or 2 B17s, but the BDAs were subpar also.

Elsewhere, a Japanese TF was sighted for 2 days between Ceylon and the Andaman Islands. Preparations were made to react if they came closer and subs were sent to investigate and track, but nothing came of it. Presumption at SEAC is that it was a bombardment force that aborted its mission upon being spotted. No indications of carriers; Ceylon is asking for more search aircraft to help cover the area. If there are no new formations of patrol planes coming in soon, a Hudson Sqd. might shift down from Calcutta/Dacca.

Elsewhere, preparations for Australia continue apace, expect to be ready to make contact in about 3 weeks time or so, depending on a couple of factors. The 32nd American is country and ready to take over guard of the east coast for the Australians. The 41st has been transferred administratively to SW Pacific and will begin boarding ASAP, pending transport availability. 2 American tank battalions have also arrived to bolster the drive on the Northern Territory. 1st Marines are about 1/3 of the way to the New Hebrides; there is a small Jap force in Ndeni now, this might be the target for the next Jap push.

Finally, the 24th Division is ready for the newly re-designated operation Butcher; two things are needed before this starts though. 1, find 2 underused base forces to provide support for the new base and gather the carriers/battleships to support the operation initially.
These carriers/battleships will then support the 1st Marines in the New Hebrides, while the Australian operation goes on. Hopefully, there will be no significant problems; but, I won’t be surprised if some bad guys show up.

Current locations of major units:

Hawaii or enroute to: Saratoga, Enterprise, and Hornet; 3 old BB
Perth: Lexington and Yorktown
Columbo: 3 CV, 1 CVL, 4 BB
Suva: 2 BB
Anchorage: 2 BB
SF: 2 BB (ready)
Seattle: 1 BB (still over 30 sys)

June is nearly with us; Spitfires and B24s are to start coming then, with Avengers in July. Wasp will be available in under 2 months and the new BB North Carolina in under 1 month. These will allow us to hold on to what we are able to wrest back from the foe.

Here is a picture of the overall status. Note that ship losses are virtually equal and that Jap air losses are now starting to approach the Allied total:

May 26, 1942

As predicted some time ago, it looks like June will a decisive month (sound familiar).
Some examples from the last 2 days:
Continued fighting around Mandalay, the Japs send some of the first team in and the Hurricanes don’t do as well:
05/25/42
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 65
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 18
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 4 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 11 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
16 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 29000 feet
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet

The air strike on Pagan is disappointing; damage is done, but less than desired:

05/26/42
Day Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31
Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 11
Hudson I x 12
B-17E Fortress x 45
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 16
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 10000 feet
40 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet

Near Yenen, a Mongolian Cavalry Division had stuck it’s nose across the river; a corps and the Chinese Tank Regiment send them packing after hard hitting airstrike from Yenen:

05/26/42
Day Air attack on 2nd Mongolian Cavalry Division, at 50,28
Allied aircraft
I-153c x 46
SB-2c x 11
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
20 x I-153c bombing at 2000 feet
20 x I-153c bombing at 2000 feet
6 x SB-2c bombing at 3000 feet
5 x SB-2c bombing at 3000 feet
3 x I-153c bombing at 2000 feet
3 x I-153c bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
05/26/42
Ground combat at 50,28
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 11433 troops, 71 guns, 68 vehicles
Defending force 4401 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 5 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
100 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
165 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 6
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Looking at the CRs, Surabaya seems like this; he bombards with a 1000 artillery pieces and disables some elements, but they can be fixed due to the supply situation. I can last quite some time at that rate. I don’t think that he has many bombers in the area; might be forming for an attack somewhere.

I am going to try to do something; the LB30 Bomb Group has flown in to Surabaya from Alice Springs; no planes were lost, though 14 were damaged as I recollect. But, the next day, all were repaired!! The Dutch are like the cobblers fairies I guess. They would have struck the next day, but the fatigue was still 17, so no strike ordered. I don’t think that their presence has been noticed and I want to try a quick strike and have the option to fly 2 or 3 times before standing down. With that high a fatigue and the ranges it wouldn’t work. Target will be Balikpapan. With the destruction of Palembang, Balikpapan is the largest oil producer in range. Might do some actual damage and will certainly get the Jap attention due to the low amount of oil available to the Empire.

Will keep you posted.

Tabpub

May 30, 1942

In a series of raids, Col. Wurtsmiths’ 7th BG has been tweaking the Jap noses in the DEI for the last 3 days. After flying in long distance from Alice Springs to Surabaya, they rested for 2 days and started striking strategic targets held by the enemy. Here are the reports from their strikes:

05/28/42
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 33
No Allied losses
Oil hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
18 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
05/29/42
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 2 damaged
Oil hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
05/30/42
Day Air attack on Miri , at 31,57
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 38
No Allied losses
Oil hits 10
Aircraft Attacking:
32 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet

They are going for Miri again on the 31st. While these would appear to be pinpricks against the Japanese Empire, they aren’t. First, with Palembang still only producing around 50 of the 700 capacity, the Japanese don’t have that much to work with. Second, these hits seem under reported. Balikpapan was undamaged prior to the first raid, 5 hits reported, but on the targeting screen, it shows 14 damaged points. Miri CR stated 10 hits and shows as 17 damaged. Finally, not only does every hit reduce the oil produced at these sites, the supply that is required to repair them will have to come out of the war effort from somewhere. So, the 7th BG (now known as the Air Pirates to the members of the group) will stay there as long as possible and wreak as much havoc as possible. Then, when they can’t stay here, they will move on to India to bolster the air effort there, receiving their new 24D Liberators upon their arrival there.

The Japanese have not taken this laying down, as they have reinforced the air defenses over targets and have sent in strikes to cut down Surabaya’s air ability. Their ground attacks have stepped up frequency, probably due to the High Command insisting that Surabaya be eliminated ASAP. Here are the last 3 days from there, note that not many LB30s were home during the raids:

05/30/42
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-21 Sally x 106
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed
T.IVa: 3 destroyed
Beaufort I: 1 destroyed
Wirraway: 1 destroyed
Swordfish: 3 destroyed
Catalina I: 1 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Airbase hits 23
Runway hits 53
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
21 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
12 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
=============================================
05/30/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 99645 troops, 1026 guns, 156 vehicles
Defending force 52796 troops, 254 guns, 35 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
2161 casualties reported
Guns lost 31
Vehicles lost 4
Allied ground losses:
1377 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Vehicles lost 2
=============================================
05/29/42
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65
Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 8
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
05/29/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 82988 troops, 1014 guns, 15 vehicles
Defending force 52985 troops, 261 guns, 31 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
376 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
=============================================
05/28/42
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65
Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 20
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 3 destroyed, 14 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
05/28/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 100944 troops, 1066 guns, 157 vehicles
Defending force 54835 troops, 295 guns, 37 vehicles
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 8
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)
Japanese ground losses:
2091 casualties reported
Guns lost 39
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
1383 casualties reported
Guns lost 38
Vehicles lost 5
=============================================
05/27/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 95879 troops, 1177 guns, 163 vehicles
Defending force 56488 troops, 323 guns, 39 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
2025 casualties reported
Guns lost 49
Vehicles lost 4
Allied ground losses:
1069 casualties reported
Guns lost 29
Vehicles lost 2

Elsewhere, the 3rd and 5th Australian Divisions have started to move north from Charter Towers. They will be supported by 2 tank battalions and 2 brigades of infantry/cavalry.
All available transport a/c are at Alice Springs to provide air supply to the forces as they move north. Another division and 2 more brigades are in corps reserve in AS and will move up after the lead divisions.

6th Australian has started out from Perth and the 7th just completed its amphib practice outside Perth. By the time it marches back to Perth and rests up, preparation will be ready for the landings. At that time, the eastern attack combined with the advance of the 6th should have all the attention of the Japs. And 6th Australian with its support units will be in a position to succor the landing to its flank. Capture of a base is crucial to providing an airbase for the area for success to this operation and future defense against counter strikes.

The 24th Am. Division reports ready for Baker Island (Operation Butcher). 64 Mitchells are based at Canton to provide air support for the attack. After the landing, the airstrip shall be built as rapidly as possible; land based fighters and the Mitchells will base out of here, with B17s in deep support on Canton. I will startup this operation when the Australian one is detected by the enemy. Hopefully, this will distract his attention and weaken his response. Right now, there 3-6 subs operating in the waters between Canton and Baker; I think that this is just standard response to my hightened recon.

Finally, carriers were off Rangoon to send fighters to Rangoon, where they savaged the Hurricanes there, indicating that this is the main carrier force. So, while they are busy over there, I might change the order of attacks. That way, drawing his forces over toward the Gilberts and then showing the Australian operation….that might be the way to do it.

Til next time,

Tabpub

June 4, 1942

Time marches on and so do the Australians; 3rd and 5th Divisions are approaching the Alice Springs Y junction. 6th Division is about 1/4 of the way to the North Coast. 7th will be returning to Perth and reboarding in about a week, and the 2nd will move up into reserve on the Darwin front then. Aircraft have been staged up and are getting ready to move into the first base taken, which is projected as Broome.

The English Fleet is around 1/4 of the way to Australia; there are 2 AO's going out to meet them and top them off. They and the 2 American CVs will provide air cover for the landing of the 7th. They will only loiter long enough for the land base to be taken.

Burma is stagnant, with both sides engaged E and W of Mandalay currently.
The SEAC air forces are awaiting the arrival of a large group of Mitchells that debarked at Bombay a couple of days ago. There arrival on the front lines will result in another expansion of the air effort on this front. While they can hit the Japanese ground forces, the long range bombers can concentrate on airstrips and resources in the area.

Operation Butcher (Baker Island) is on hold. It has been redetermined that we wait for the Australian operation to make contact and get the enemy’s attention. Ideally, both the Baker and Broome operations will be simultaneous.

Sigint has given me some good leads; this latest one is a doozy. The 48th IJA Division was reported loading on transports destination Truk. 4 subs were in the immediate area and vectored in. A radio transmission was picked up on a line between Truk and Lesgaspi and this confirmed the route and the subs are in place. One contact so far:

06/04/42
Sub attack at 57,67
Japanese Ships
AP Tasmania Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Growler
Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Growler attacked on the surface, as this ship was evidently traveling alone. Hopefully, there are more like it on the way…and more subs race at full to the area.

And the 7th Bomb Group has been “expended”; over ½ of the planes are damaged and the morale has hit 19. So, the group transferred out to Dacca with 13 planes; the rest will follow as repaired. In 2 weeks or so, if he hasn’t reduced Surabaya and I have a group available, I would do it again, even though it is a drain on the supplies cached there.
Here is a summary of their missions followed by the current levels of oil at the targets:

05/28/42
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 33
No Allied losses
Oil hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
18 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet

05/29/42
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 2 damaged
Oil hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet

05/30/42
Day Air attack on Miri , at 31,57
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 38
No Allied losses
Oil hits 10
Aircraft Attacking:
32 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 8000 feet

05/31/42
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 29
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Oil hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
20 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
=============================================




06/01/42
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 28
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Oil hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
19 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
8 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet

06/03/42
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 3
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 3 destroyed

06/04/42
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 7000 feet

As you can see, the strikes went well initially, but the constant usage showed. On the 3rd, 27 planes failed to find the target and the 3 that did were destroyed. The 4th showed more of the same, as they were unable to all press on to the target. Many aborts and jettisoned bombloads were reported. Here is the available oil in the region as of the 6th:

Batavia 80 (was at a 100 when captured as I recall)
Balikpapan 272 (was at 300 when captured)
Palembang 50 (not bombed as it didn’t seem necessary)
Miri 83 (was at 100 at capture)
Tarakan 84 (not bombed)

So, a quick review shows that this week of attacks knocked 13% of the capacity out at the targeted sites; a good return for about 10 planes destroyed in the opinion of the General Staff.

The enemy is reconning the buildup at Canton Island heavily and there still are many subs in the area. This is working well; hopefully, it will draw heavy fleet assets to the east and allow the Broome landing to have some breathing room. Then, as he reacts to the Australian situation, we can land Butcher at Baker Island and catch him between two choices. The buildup in the New Caledonia region will continue during this with the plan to gain air control over the area and project it toward the Solomons.

June 10, 1942

Five days ago, on the 5th, organized resistance on Luzon ended. The troops were out of supplies and met their inevitable end. The entire Pacific command salutes them and their sacrifice and fight that was far above the call of duty! Plans are now circulating to remove the men from Cebu and/or Illolo in the future, before they are overrun. Submarines will have to be detached from anti-shipping operations to do this and with the upcoming actions, might not be able to be spared in quantity.

One of the actions that was mentioned above is Operation NT; the Northern Territory re-occupation. Contact has been made with outlying enemy positions about 400 miles south of Darwin; one of the two units is a construction battalion, the other is unknown as of yet.
The 1st Australian Cavalry Division is moving in on them to engage; they were hit by bombers from Darwin, slowing them some. The 3rd and 5th Divisions remain in reserve with the corps HQ until the situation is clarified. 2nd Division and 2 brigades are in deep reserve, moving up from Alice Springs.

On the Pacific side, 6th Division is slowly moving up toward Derby/Broome with supporting tank regiments and engineers. 7th Division is recovering from performing a practice landing a week ago; that is why the advance of the 6th is being restrained to 60 miles a day. Timing should work out that the 7th will be ready when the 6th reaches the Jap lines, which seem to be 60 miles south of Broome. Virtually the entire British Fleet is approaching the Perth area of operations; after at sea refueling, it will be determined whether to dock in Perth or remain at sea. The American CVs (Lex and Yorktown) are in port and ready to operate. They will embark a squadron of land based fighters each; these will be flown into Derby the instant the base is taken to free the carriers from the role of air control over the beachhead. The timing here will be especially critical; the landing force must not be observed more than one day’s sailing from the beaches, to cut down the opportunity for any reserves to move there. Hopefully, the approach of the 6th will draw any local reserves forward to meet their advance; if the reverse happens and the Japanese withdraw from the advance back into Broome, the landing force will wait for the land forces to invest the position. Or, if the Japanese leave Derby under-garrisoned, they might switch to that on the fly. We have to keep our options open.

Meanwhile, the CentPac forces are not sitting idle. For the last 10 days or so, two surface forces forces consisting of 2 BB (New Mexico class), 1 CA, 1 CL and around 10 DD have been stationed at Canton Island. While providing defensive cover for the bomb group operating out of there, they are also a “decoy” of sorts. Many IJN subs have been spotted by aircraft from here circling like sharks. Meanwhile, in PH, 3 CV groups, a surface group of 3 BB, 5 CA will proceed down to Baker from the NE. They are going to cover the 24th Division which is embarking on APAs right now, with engineers and Seabees. Baseforce personel will be the temporary detachment of a Naval Base force assigned to South Pacific. There are 2 Marine Dauntless squadrons that are readying to move here after the occupation, with a VMF squadron.

Japanese intentions are unclear; the only sigint is for Ceylon, but 2 of the forces are a Home Defense division and the Camrahn Bay BF. I believe that this is a ruse, but am maintaining the infantry and air defenses and keeping a sub picket on the Malacca Straits.
Based on prior Jap operations in the Coral Sea and the heavy presence of land based air in NG and the ‘Canal I think that they might be trying something in the Noumea/New Caledonia area. He might be silly enough to try Australia, thinking that I have overcommitted to the NT operation, but I doubt it. With the recent movement of the 48th IJA division to Truk (it avoided most of my subs coming in, only two transports hit) there seems to be a large troop concentration in this area, as there is at least one other there now. So, with the magic 8 ball pointing this way, we have to be contemplating this situation.

Upon completion of the two operations, the carrier force will move to rendezvous in the SW/South Pacific region. Wasp will be here in a month and will assume coverage of PH with additional LBA that will remain there before staging forward, just in case he has some really big things on his mind. If I can draw his forces into a situation where our naval air can be supported by large contingents of LB air we will seek engagement. That is part of the reason for the Baker Island operation; those forces will seek evasion if major Japanese fleet elements come out there. Plus, it might draw forces away from Australia, which is a MUCH bigger piece of the pie.

The next 3 weeks will be interesting; I hope not TOO interesting……or the bad kind of interesting…..

Tabpub

June 19, 1942

China is quiet and so is most of the Pacific. Surabaya endures daily artillery bombardments, but the bombers based there have scored some hits on shipping in the area, making the situation a real pain for the Japanese.

On the other hand, several days ago, submarines in the Western Malacca Straits reported large amounts of shipping passing their positions. Since then, several groups of freighters have been reported in the middle of the Bay of Bengal, course apparently heading for Ceylon. No positive ID’s on any major surface combatants, but there is an AO there; indicating fleet units are probably in the area. Some ground units are started out of reserve toward the Madras area; additionally, some fighter units move to intermediate bases in Central India waiting to see exactly what is up. With the fleet being away near Australia, the remaining surface units in Ceylon depart to bases on the west coast. Most of the fortification work is done in Ceylon, so the ground forces are ready to see what, if anything, is coming their way.

Meanwhile, here is the northern Australia situation. 3rd Division has bumped into the 38th Japanese Division and is awaiting the 5th to try to push through. A tank battalion covers the left flank and another is in reserve. About 300 miles south, the 2nd Division is moving up fast with 2 more brigades. And, on the west, the 6th and its support is moving up on that flank. The 7th reports that it is about 2-3 days away from being ready to load. This makes the target time for the landing to be about the 30th of the month.

As soon as the Japanese Fleet is located, then the Baker Island operation can begin. The 24th is unloading at the staging port of Palmyra, where it will wait until the GO signal is issued and board the assault transports. Follow on troops would then follow in later waves.

I still believe that this Bay of Bengal thing is another ruse. Shipping patterns and intel indicate a buildup in the Truk/Rabaul area, which would seem to make the South Pacific the goal of any Jap offensive. We will soon find out if my interpretation is correct or not.

Given his operations in Australia it seems almost certain to me that somewhere in the South Pacific is his target. He'll be wanting to lengthen supply lines to the United States and, especially I would say, stop you from getting US aircraft to Australia.

So I'd watch out for Lunga/Luganville/Fiji/Noumea.

June 30, 1942

A long lag in the communications here, but some things of note have occurred in the last 2 weeks and the pace is starting to pick up on the offensive tempo, so more updates are to be expected for the viewers in the next weeks of a more daily basis. Now, to catch up on the overall picture….

The NT campaign continues to prosper, though not without costs:
On the Darwin/Alice Springs axis, the 3rd and 5th Australian have halted just short of the Wyndham/Darwin Y in the road, gaining supplies and reducing disrupt/fatigue. The Japanese have deployed in a wide formation, requiring the force to spread out to secure flanks. The two attached American Tank Battalions have done yeoman work here, clearing the flanks/rear of small Japanese infiltrators, examples are:


This was a Jap NLF that was detected sitting on the coast with the probable intent of moving inland to cut the main road. The final attack which destroyed it is listed first. The tank battalion suffered no appreciable losses, as the Japanese didn’t have much in the way of anti-armor capability.
06/29/42
Ground combat at 38,91
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 2410 troops, 0 guns, 139 vehicles
Defending force 464 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 254 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
744 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
=============================================
06/29/42
Day Air attack on 9th NLF , at 38,91
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
=============================================
06/28/42
Ground combat at 38,91
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2410 troops, 0 guns, 139 vehicles
Defending force 528 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 32 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported
=============================================
06/28/42
Day Air attack on 9th NLF , at 38,91
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
=============================================
06/26/42
Ground combat at 38,91
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 2390 troops, 0 guns, 137 vehicles
Defending force 524 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 20 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported

On the other flank, the 193rd Tank Battalion had success clearing off a SLNF and base unit, but they and the follow up 30th Australian Brigade have suffered under air assault since then. The situation on the left:

06/30/42
Day Air attack on 30th Australian Brigade, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
Ki-21 Sally x 46
Ki-48 Lily x 23
Ki-49 Helen x 54
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
209 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
12 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
06/28/42
Day Air attack on 30th Australian Brigade, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
Ki-21 Sally x 38
Ki-48 Lily x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 56
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
195 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
19 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
12 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
06/26/42
Day Air attack on 193rd USA Tank Battalion, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 42
Ki-48 Lily x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 50
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 7
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
20 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
=============================================
06/25/42
Day Air attack on 193rd USA Tank Battalion, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 45
Ki-48 Lily x 22
Ki-49 Helen x 71
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
176 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 14
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
5 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
=============================================
06/23/42
Day Air attack on 193rd USA Tank Battalion, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
Ki-21 Sally x 36
Ki-48 Lily x 24
Ki-49 Helen x 67
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
234 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 14
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
22 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
7 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
=============================================
06/22/42
Day Air attack on 193rd USA Tank Battalion, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
Ki-21 Sally x 40
Ki-48 Lily x 24
Ki-49 Helen x 65
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
254 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 18
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
20 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
06/21/42
Ground combat at 35,89
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 1690 troops, 0 guns, 92 vehicles
Defending force 540 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 6 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
=============================================

The lack of inherent AAA with these units is telling, though the 193rd is not in THAT bad a shape; they still report 54% effectives, with a further 30% under repair. They have withdrawn to the main body where there is some AAA support and the AUS I corps HQ to attempt to recover strength.

So, in summation, I have 2 Divisions with 2 Brigades and 2 Tank battalions in support on this front; facing them is at least 1 Jap Division (38th) with reports of another (21st) in the area, some NLF type units, and a mountain gun rgt. and a tank regiment (14th). With the 2nd Australian still at least 10 days from the front, these units shall deploy to face the opposition and prepare for pinning attacks; then the tank units and 2nd Australian shall attempt the breach. This is required to prevent these Japanese formations from moving to the Derby/Broome area, where the land/sea operation is reaching its crescendo. So, let us move other there for a look-see.

As you will see on the map attached to the end of this report, we have reached the crucial segment of this operation. If you remember the initial briefing for this whole operation, the Darwin sector was/is the demonstration to keep the Jap attention over in that area. This seems to have worked, as radio intercepts of the enemy report that they think they are “in the poo” over by Derby. (in the poo is some Australian term for deep shit, I believe).
Across the little bay from Broome, 60 miles to the SE, one of the Australian Tank Rgt. drove in the position of the 16th Naval Guard Unit there, forcing it back onto the Broome-Derby Road.
06/29/42
Ground combat at 22,86
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 1893 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 1560 troops, 0 guns, 106 vehicles
=============================================
06/29/42
Ground combat at 22,86
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1560 troops, 0 guns, 106 vehicles
Defending force 1893 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 9 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Meanwhile, the main body advances toward Derby and should reach a point 120 miles SW of there tomorrow. This force will continue to advance on Derby, dropping off ½ of the infantry brigade along the route to Derby each 60 miles, forming a cordon. Then the 6th will frontally assault Derby with the remaining tank regiment swinging to the East to close the retreat path along the coast. This will form the anvil of the operation, with the hammer 2 days from landing at Broome, as you will see on the map. Additionally, the supporting carrier forces have had some unexpected successes off the coast near Derby/Broome! Apparently, the IJN was sending some freighters into the area to remove the garrisons here; this is presumed as the ships appeared to be empty when the strikes went in on them:

06/30/42
Day Air attack on TF at 23,82
Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 43
Swordfish x 46
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Suwa Maru
DD Kamo, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kasuga Maru
AP Aikoku Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Kamakura Maru, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokuriku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
=============================================
06/30/42
Day Air attack on TF at 23,82
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 34
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Aikoku Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kamakura Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokuriku Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kamo, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kasuga Maru
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
06/30/42
Day Air attack on TF at 23,82
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
SBD Dauntless x 34
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AP Suwa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kamo, on fire, heavy damage
AP Aikoku Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kamakura Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokuriku Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
06/30/42
Day Air attack on TF at 23,82
Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 41
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35
SBD Dauntless x 15
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AP Suwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Aikoku Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokuriku Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

Almost a clean sweep, with one AP apparently getting away clean; she might not make it far enough away by tomorrow to avoid further strikes. In addition to the naval strikes, several others were launched by the American CVs in support of the ground operations:

06/30/42
Day Air attack on 23rd NLF , at 21,85 Broome
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
TBD Devastator x 30
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
15 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet

06/30/42
Day Air attack on Derby , at 24,85
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 32
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 destroyed
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 9
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
06/30/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Derby at 24,85
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AK Hakubasan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Atago Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

There are 2 subs waiting off shore for these freighters if they attempt to sortie during the night; if they don’t, they should be finished by air in the next day or so.

The carriers will continue to support the landing and cover the invasion TF for the next several days, after which they will retire for resupply. By then, at least one airfield should be in our possession and LBA can take over the job here. There are over 100 medium bombers and about the same number of fighters standing by to operate from these fields once captured. 40 P40s are sitting on the Lex and Yorktown ready to fly into Broome once captured for immediate air cover of the landings.



The reason that I can feel somewhat confident of the outcome here is the fact that a notable concentration of Jap carriers were spotted off Rangoon. They were part of the force that was demonstrating off Ceylon recently and have apparently moved off Burma to provide some air support of his operations there. A recent fighter sweep of Mandalay did some damage to the FBs based there:
=============================================
06/29/42
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 24
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 20 destroyed

Not a bad loss ratio considering the 1-2 ratio and the fact that these were some of his best LB Zeroes as I recall the Tainan units to be. But, these Hurricanes are ordered to stand down for now and make him come bomb them on the field, and fight my AAA. Especially, as they are some of my less experienced squadrons; the veterans have rotated back to India, where 3 of them have transitioned to SpitVb’s and are waiting for an opportune moment (and some better weather) to make their appearance in combat. I really want one more group to switch over before I commit them, as I would like to use them in force and surprise the enemy with them, and not dribble them into combat.

Meanwhile, the 19th BG (B17) and the Wellington squadron that moved down to Ceylon in response to his ship movements await non-thunderstorm weather to start moving back to the Dacca airfields. This will be necessary as there are large contingents of IJA troops landing in Burma. They are either planning a large land campaign in upper Burma vs. the Mandalay/Lashio line, or are going to use Rangoon as a staging base for amphibious operations in the BoB. Now that he knows the RN carriers are away in the NT operation, it might embolden him to try some landing somewhere. Ceylon is fairly well garrisoned with 2 UK divisions, 1 UK brigade and 2 CW brigades; so, I don’t feel that he could take the entire island without commitment of a huge force. Elsewhere in India proper, all major coastal bases are held by forces of at least brigade+ levels, with inland reserves of tanks and infantry Divisions ready to move to most landing areas in under a week’s time.

So, I don’t feel too threatened by a landing in India and if he wishes northern/central Burma, he shall have it for now. Forces there will fight and withdraw mainly toward Ledo, to be both a covering force for Assam and a threat to his flank if he moves toward Yunnan. The Chinese will move forces toward Yunnan to make any IJA attempt to force southern China that way prohibitively expensive in time/supplies/troops.

Meanwhile, in China proper, IJA concentrations near Wuchow are being opposed by significant Kuomintang forces which should stymie any offensive toward that city. Changsha and surrounding area seems secure; meantime, in the north, Mao’s forces prepare to move toward the city of Chengting to threaten that position. This is designed to make the IJA reinforce the area from the Homan-Kaifeng front, thereby allowing those forces to move again forward. All Chinese cities are in good supply currently, as are most of the combat formations; additionally most formations that have seen combat have been re-equipped with 105mm howitzers in place of their 75mm field pieces, giving them more firepower to counter the IJA artillery. As it is, the Chinese forces are still just trying to maintain the status quo here; until they receive better equipment at the squad level in a ½ year or so, they will have a tough time fighting the IJA in defensive positions.

Surabaya continues its’ holdout, now going on the 2nd month. General Wavell has been removed from command and sent back to India to recover from combat fatigue before assuming a new command in SEAC. General ten Poorten has assumed command in Java.
The forces there continue to hold at around a 610 AS value, with the Japanese bombardments hurting mainly the rear echelon troops so far. The ABDA HQ, which must have its’ main lodging near the airfield, has taken the brunt of the casualties. It has 1 support squad that is non-disabled! The other 330 or so are all combat ineffective! But, with the large amount of base forces here, there is still a positive level of support for now; additionally, there are still over 40k supplies here and with the low level of air operations they are not going down as fast as earlier. There are only about 12-16 planes operating out of here now, as there are no torpedo planes in reserve anymore and the only group that has any available is the Australian Beaufort Sqd. As the last of the AK’s have left the harbor, these squadrons shall not be replaced and will fight on until their last aircraft are destroyed, thus leaving the supplies for the use of the Dutch infantry and artillery in the perimeter.

Moving to the East, sigint and recon by subs and planes indicate that the entire Solomons Archipelago is an armed camp teeming with men and planes. As the NT campaign is in progress, no offensive operations are set for this area in the near future. Indeed, as things become clearer, if there is that much of a IJN/IJA commitment here, there seems little reason to butt heads with them right now. SoPac intends to continue its buildup, now focused on Luganville in the New Hebrides, for the current period.
Luganville is an interesting operation for us, we are trying what I term the “stealth” base construction here. Basically, a Marine raider battalion was flown in, followed by a Naval base force by air and FT, with another in process now. These units are merely working on fort levels currently, as these do not get reported to the enemy. I don’t think that we have been observed moving here and have seen no recon flights as of yet. When the fort levels are up, then additional ground and CB reinforcements shall arrive with supplies; then the crash program of air strip/port construction will occur, so, if things work out, the field will be operational before the enemy can mount a credible counter strike against it.
From here, low/medium intensity air operations will be mounted vs. the Eastern Solomons to attract IJN attention from elsewhere.

Finally, the elsewhere; the Gilberts/Marshalls…..
CentPac believes that if there is no major commitment to the Solomons by the Allies that the Gilbert/Marshall axis should be taken by the fleet during late 42/early 43. The “Butcher” operation to retake Baker Island is underway, with initial bombing by B25s from Canton over the last 2 weeks. Prior to June 28th, there was only one Jap APD present, but reports of some increased shipping there have triggered a naval sweep by CentPac forces from Canton. 2 small surface forces (CA, 3DD; CL, 3DD) are closing on Baker tonight, followed by 2 New Mexico Class BB and a DD Div. running a bombardment mission to test the Jap response levels. Then, within a week, the 24th ID will land to take the position and protect the airstrip construction troops. In concert with this action, SoPac will work on building strips at Funafuti and another atoll south of the Gilberts. If everything seems ready, two divisions could be readied to attack there in the fall in a rapid campaign to establish air bases there, which would bring the southern Marshalls within range, allowing forces to start hopping through the Marshalls.

Of course, all the above could change rapidly, based on IJN responses. The goal of destroying/damaging a large portion of the IJ fleet is best achieved in this type of action, where we are choosing the field of action and working under our own air cover. If the fleet doesn’t come out and LBA is the only opposition, then we shall rethink the position and come up with something else.

Finally, the forgotten front of the NorPac continues its base building down the chain. They are now at Umnak (AF 5); when that and Dutch Harbor are at decent levels, the move down the chain shall continue. It appears that the Japanese might have abandoned Attu, but I am in no rush to find out right now; only when LBA is in sufficient #’s and position to support will I reacquire that island. The only reason for this is to threaten the Northern Kuriles a bit and force some attention by the IJN here; unless the door is wide open, this operation will halt upon the recapture of Attu, at least for the rest of ’42 at the very least.


Note to EuB: I believe that you might be correct, as he has a small force in Ndini in the Santa Cruz Islands, which might indicate a move S/SE from there. I think that my postions in these islands that you mention is secure enough with ground and air forces; at least to hold against any "rush" type operation. Anything else, I wouldn't mind escalating the campaign down here, with CentPac and Australian based planes flowing into the area.

July 2, 1942

7th Australian landed today at Broome; negligible casualties reported. They will be attacking the Japanese 23rd NLF on the 3rd, tomorrow. The supporting carriers have expended about 60% of their ordnance in sinking the merchant ships and attacking the ground forces in the area; they are now limiting themselves to covering the landing from counterattacks. Meanwhile, on the Derby road, the 6th Australian with the aid of a tank regiment has broken thru the force on the road, driving it back toward Derby with the tanks in close pursuit. The infantry will follow up, and the tanks are going to skirt around Derby to the east to cut it off. The infantry divisions will then reduce the pocket before moving on to the east toward Wyndham.

On the Darwin front, the advance has stopped, as the Corps command wants to get forces to the flanks to cover the advance and to wait for more AAA support to move up to the front. The lack of AAA has been the biggest oversight of the campaign, as the Jap air strikes have been telling on units w/o AAA cover. The last attacks against the 30th Aust. Brig.:

07/02/42
Day Air attack on 30th Australian Brigade, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
Ki-21 Sally x 44
Ki-48 Lily x 22
Ki-49 Helen x 65
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
155 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
23 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
12 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
07/01/42
Day Air attack on 30th Australian Brigade, at 35,89
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
Ki-21 Sally x 48
Ki-48 Lily x 20
Ki-49 Helen x 59
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
20 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
9 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 3000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet

Currently, with the success on the Derby front, the Darwin attacks are not urgent as we don’t want to chase them back too fast; if he stays out here and doesn’t close the back door at Wyndham, we might be able to bag a division + support down here.

Back on the Burma front, he strikes again with heavy air attack supported by Zeroes; the Hurricanes stay on the ground, loose some planes, and then are withdrawn to Ansanol to replace aircraft. One of the squadrons is set to get SpitfireVbs; when it is filled out, that will give me 4 with my most experienced pilots. If desirable, they will return to Mandalay to contest the air there; target date 1 week. The Hurricanes just can’t seem to match up against his first line a/c.

Baker Island was bombarded by the 2 New Mexicos last night and a surface group of New Orleans and 3 DDs sank an APD; 3 DEs that were spotted there were seen running toward Tarawa, where 3 SS wait in line for them. 24th ID and support is loaded and starting for Baker tomorrow. Fire support and carriers are moving in concert with them; target date 4 days. Palmyra will provide fuel and supplies for the operations for now. I think that after Baker is taken, we shall have to probe the Gilberts and see if anything falls out of the tree.

Finally, sub operations are quiet, for several reasons:
1. Have a lot undergoing repair/upgrades, probably more than are at sea.
2. Have 2 groups of over 8 each operating in concert with the Australian/Baker operations. One group of 8 is sitting in a double line between Truk and the Gilberts to give notice/intercept any moves from there.
Ok, there were only 2 reasons…

On a final note, my opponent Herb has had some trouble with units disappearing on him. As he lost 2 divisions, we have reached an accord. My proposal, which he accepted, was for me to hold the 40th and 7th ID’s on the West Coast. Additionally, I will pay the PP to change the command on the 7th, even though it isn’t leaving the coast. This was due to the fact that one of his missing is a HD division that he paid for. So, we both lose a little bit of power for future operations; I wish that we didn’t have to do things like this, but we adapt. I am pretending that the Allies are going for the SLEDGEHAMMER landings in France and need 2 additional divisions immediately.

Hi, COntact Mr Frag. Sometimes he can find missing units. (just let him know where they belong)

July 8, 1942

Well, I might have to fire myself by the end of next week…..I seem to have stuck an arm in the beehive and it might turn into a different appendage if I don’t look out soon. The Baker Island operation is being opposed strongly by the IJN. I seem to have miscalculated on the position of the enemy carriers and they seem to be there in force. Only one was identified as the Rjuyo as I recall. As you will see, the vagaries of the weather struck and might have saved me from a worse fate. While the transports were unloading at Baker (mainly supplies), the 3 carriers were sitting 60 miles NE covering; but, the T-storms were over them and it was clear over Baker, resulting in the following series of air strikes:

07/08/42
Day Air attack on Baker Island , at 94,92
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
=============================================
07/08/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 94,92
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 51
D3A Val x 60
B5N Kate x 51
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 14 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD MacDonough, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 31, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hull
AK Laida, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK American Press, Bomb hits 2
AK Nightingale
AK West Cactus, Bomb hits 3, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
=============================================
07/08/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 94,92
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Tucker
DD Cassin, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alchiba, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Downes, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
=============================================
07/08/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 94,92
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 64
B5N Kate x 33
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
DD Whipple, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
APD Little, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Chew, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Electra, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Betelgeuse, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Fomalhaut, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
=============================================
07/08/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 94,92
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
A6M3 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 13
B5N Kate x 36
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Allied Ships
AP American Legion
AP Tasker H. Bliss, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Hunter Liggett, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Monaghan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ward
Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

So, I have lost (or will soon) some 2nd line DD types, a couple of 1st line DD’s and some transports. The ships have been reorganized based on damage levels and have been ordered to make best speed to either Canton or Palmyra. The troops on Baker have been ordered to make all preparation for doing without support for the near future.

As I made a mistake in not including a base force unit in the initial waves (it was ½ way to Baker when this occurred) I don’t have any capability for land based fighters at Baker as of yet. The only transport squadron in the Pacific area at this time is at Noumea and will make its way toward Canton to start moving ground crews into Baker to support P40’s that are ready to move in. Hopefully, he doesn’t have much in the way of ground forces to counter invade Baker as of yet. If I can get fighters in there, I would feel better about sending the carriers back in. For now, they are trying to cover the retreating transports and then retire away.

Meanwhile, the things in Australia are working well. I might be able to pocket 5 Japanese units by Derby; it would have been a certainty, but the lead tank regiment detoured into Derby itself and would not advance from there to the east as that would have been through and into a Jap zoc. That was another error on my part, as I tried to order it directly to the hex east of Derby, so it tried to pass through Derby as it was the quickest route. We have redirected it and its brother unit, while the 6th Div. maintains a bombardment of Derby to attempt to pin the enemy in place. Large groups of enemy transports are approaching Darwin; presumably to evacuate the troops or bring supplies, as one that was sunk by an S Boat didn’t show any troops on board. Around 5 subs will work the area to interdict shipping here. There are about 8 assigned to the Baker area, though only 3 are in position right now; five more will be there in less than 5 days.

Worst case for the ground troops is that the Japs are able to defeat them before I can get the ground support in for the fighters; best case is that I lose some more transports that can’t get clear. Either way, I have learned some hard lessons here that will NOT be repeated in future planning. The next week will be interesting to see what transpires in the south central Pacific.

Elsewhere, everything is pretty quiet; though there are indications that another Jap offensive in China is near as there are 20 IJA formations in Wuhan and the word on the street is Changsha again…..

July 22, 1942

Operation Butcher is over. I have not fired myself, as the blame has been laid at Rear Admiral Spruance’s door. Since he died on the Saratoga, he has little to say in his defense…

I presume that you have been reading the companion thread to this one that Herbie is writing in and are up to date with the events surrounding this action; but, I will summarize for you. After landing with the bulk of the 24th Infantry, the Japanese counterattacked with the bulk of their fleet, catching me totally off guard, as I thought that his carrier groups were busy off Rangoon. Since I fell for this, I paid the price….

In the end, the losses were this:

7-8 AK/AP
1 CLAA
1 CL
1 CL (obsolete Omaha)
7 DD (2-3 Flush deck)
1 CA (Chester)
2 CV (Saratoga and Hornet) and air groups

The 24th Infantry was destroyed, but there is a fragment in PH that has taken over the flag and the division will be rebuilt. Same with the engineer units that were based there.
Losses by the enemy were negligible. The operation was a total failure, but not a disaster. It has not significantly changed the situation, just lessened the ability of the Allies to project force into enemy areas with the loss of the 2 carriers.

Elsewhere, the Australian command is mopping up the last of the Jap resistance on the North Coast; they have apparently pulled out the aircraft and some of the combat units. Only scattered enclaves exist at the coast near Derby, in Wyndham and in Darwin. The Wyndham group counterattacked the 2 Australian Tank Regts. that outstripped the infantry advance; they were forced back in disarray, but the 5th Infantry from the west and 2 Cavalry Brigades from the east will end this resistance in short order.

Surabaya continues to resist and the Jap attacks have ceased for the interim. The attacks had driven the total value of the garrison to around 400 AV, but now they are rebuilding and are almost to 500 again and the supplies are still at 30k. But, the minefield has shrunk significantly and we expect that he will try to force the seaside again in the near future.

In Burma, the Jap 35th Brigade was sitting in between Mandalay and Lashio; 3 Chinese Divisions and a Burmese Brigade attacked after around 5 days of intense aerial bombardment from 2 heavy and 1 medium groups and 4 squadrons of Hurris. With the Japanese retreat, the Burcorps has not determined the next move here. Probably a gathering of supply and continued air campaign against the Jap supply lines for the interim.

Lastly, in China, I chase them and they chase me. Caught one Japanese Division by itself with 3 good corps and knocked it around a bit. Large concentrations of Japanese near Wuchow, Changsha and the Homan area are each opposed by hopefully adequate Chinese forces. Over ½ of my corps have received the 105 howitzers now and have gotten some good rest in addition to the experience that they have gained from the fighting. I am confident that the Japanese will not find any easy gains here anymore.

Now, to finish the Australian campaign and figure out the next move….

August 3, 1942

Australia is declared secure today. There is one holdout unit left in the boonies SE of Darwin, but an Australian Regt. is beating on it every other day to convince it of the hopelessness of its situation. So, over the next few weeks, I will rearrange the units there for the future defense of the area and see if any options for further moves north are warranted. I have to leave enough in the area to form a credible threat to his holdings at the very least. Ground defense will be left to the Australians, while the air defense is left to the rebuilt Dutch forces with a leavening of Allied forces to bring them up to snuff.

The Dutch in Surabaya continue their defense, but the wear is showing. Last attack was preceded by some heavy air bombardment of two of the defending regiments and the attack reached 1-1 and reduced fortifications for the first time in a while. If he can keep up the pressure, it should fall in about 2 weeks.

In Burma, he has reoccupied Akyab and we have been bombing him for the last week or so, weather permitting. Additionally, the Hurricanes from Mandalay continue to hit ground concentrations in the area successfully. Ground forces have moved to the India-Burma border to guard against any movement from Akyab by the IJA. Fresh units have been released from India and when they arrive, a small counteroffensive might be launched to keep Herbie on his toes here.

China got weird over the last 2 weeks….nothing new there. He massed a considerable force at Wuhan which threatened Changsha. So, following standard procedure, we moved from Homan toward the rail line. This went really well for the first week as we pushed the IJA back off the rail line; but then, the force that was amassed at Wuhan sent some 18 units north to confront the Chinese. So, the Chinese retreated back to the area 60 miles SE of Homan to present the IJA with a united force, which resulted in this battle:

On the next day after the movement of the IJA into the area this fight occurred:
07/24/42
Ground combat at 49,31
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 60127 troops, 366 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 172485 troops, 2011 guns, 154 vehicles
07/24/42
Ground combat at 49,31
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 174985 troops, 2205 guns, 163 vehicles
Defending force 76711 troops, 407 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
2937 casualties reported
Guns lost 120
Vehicles lost 8
Allied ground losses:
1644 casualties reported
Guns lost 13

After the apparent good beginning, the IJA goes into overdrive and tries to overpower the defenders….it didn’t work well….
07/25/42
Ground combat at 49,31
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 168347 troops, 1998 guns, 155 vehicles
Defending force 74340 troops, 374 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
7310 casualties reported
Guns lost 155
Vehicles lost 14
Allied ground losses:
431 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

The only action here is a Chinese bombardment to see what is happening
07/26/42
Ground combat at 49,31
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 59802 troops, 363 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 163411 troops, 1824 guns, 136 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported

The emboldened Chinese launch an attack, thinking that the IJA is leaving….and get spanked in return….
07/27/42
Ground combat at 49,31
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 69917 troops, 437 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 163935 troops, 1834 guns, 136 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
306 casualties reported
Guns lost 18
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
6627 casualties reported
Guns lost 145

Amusingly enough, the IJA was leaving, as the next day, the area was empty, as the Chinese withdrew to the Homan fortifications and the IJA returned to the rail line. They are now standing in a central position at Hsinyang and the entire front is at a standstill now. I have 40+ Dakotas in Chunking and 3 rested veteran corps there. One of which is in the process of moving to the Homan airfield at the rate of about 1/8th per day that is non-thunderstorms, in which I don’t fly them. The remaining two are in reserve against other IJA offensives against other threatened positions.

Finally, in the Pacific, troop movements continue. 2 Divisions are on their way to the South and SW areas with assorted support units to prepare for future moves in these areas. SIGINT reports of an IJN NLF preparing against Canton Island, so this might be a target for the next IJN maneuver. Thoughts are incomplete as to my reaction to this at this time. I think that relying on airpower in this might be enough; the ground forces there should be sufficient to hold for a time, as they are fortified, where Baker had no real fortification.

See you later.

August 30, 1942

Wow. I didn't relaize how long I had been away from this....been too busy in the "alternate" universes.....

Well, the month has passed and I will try to get you all caught up from my point of view. I am sure that if you have been reading Herbies side, that you have heard most of the day to day things that have gone on.

In China, 150,000 men on each side face each other in the trenches between Wuchow and Canton. The shelling is going the Chinese way, as most (if not all ) of the Chinese Corps have the American 105 howitzer, which is outranging the Japanese artillery at the moment. A probing attack by one corps is planned in the next few days, in order to "count their guns" so to speak and see if the rest of the force has a chance to carry the position.

In Burma, the 5th Indian (Rees cmding) and one of the Indian Tank Brigades have retaken Akyab. Currently, there are no aircraft based there, as the ground units are lagging on the trail, but should be there in a few days. Undetermined as to the future of this theatre; perhaps an offensive in the North Burma area near Lashio. Air units are relatively plentiful, but could use a couple of more bomb groups, most are on the way in under 3 months.

Northern Australia is working on an operation to gain Tenimbar Island, just north of Darwin. Part of the gradual process of gaining air/sea control of this area in the near future.

SW Pacific continues to gain forces. The last BF/Aviation elements neccessary are arriving soon. That and with the 2 Liberator BG's on the way will herald the opening of the air offensive over NG.

SoPac works on the New Caledonia area. There have been more IJN recon efforts here. Luganville and Efate are building gradually; then the ground forces and SoPac Hvy BG moves in to tie up the Guadalcanal area, while the Santa Cruz Islands are looking like the next step in the chain.

Centpac is quiet again; Don't have any great plan here, but if the operations elsewhere draw the enemy attention, some move might be possible; the forces will be available.

The Fleet is waiting; mainly in port for the new AA suites to be installed.

Other than that, the only significant activity has been the skirmishing in the Burma/Bay of Bengal area. PT's are operating out of Akyab and patrolling the nearby waters at night, while the heavy fleet units stand by in Chandpur/DH in support, under the cover of the RAF fighters and bombers. Rumor has it that Burma has been heavily reinforced, which should ease the movements elsewhere. BB Hiei was reported to have hit a mine in Rangoon approaches, possibly indicating the presence of the main fleet here.

See you later.

October 27th, 1942

Gack, it’s been another month! Sorry if you have been missing this one; so busy with other things no time to jot down what is happening here in this universe….so, let’s get to it!

The current plan is now known as “Constrictor ‘42” and is shaping up well.

Working East to West:

Burma: Still the same old situation here. English/Indian forces hold the Akyab-Mandalay-Lashio line; air battles over Akyab on occasion, usually when the weather is clear. He sends upwards of 100 fighters, Zeros and Tonies, while I have around 40 Spits/Hurris in the air. We both lose around 30 fighters each and then go lick our wounds in the rear with the gear…. The base is held with the 5th Indian and a tank brigade and a sh*tload of support/base/artillery troops. 18th UK Division is waiting in Dacca to move up to press on down the coastal highway when the supply/support situation is improved. Said supplies are building up in the coastal Indian towns waiting for the air force to show that they can cover the area properly.


Inland, the other Indian tank Brigade is moving up to the Mandalay Line thru Mtkinya. When it arrives, a probing attack on the Jap line between Pagan – Taung Gyi is planned; at the current travel rate, it will take about a month to come to fruition.

Two full divisions, one UK and one Indian, are in deep reserve; either to defend crucial bases against surprise attacks or to reinforce the front, depending on circumstances. The 3 Chindit Brigades are held in immediate reserve, to either fly to threatened bases or rapidly reinforce success on the front w/o having to march there.

China: Well, the push on Canton stalled out; seems the IJA moved a lot of forces there. A probing attack by one Chinese corps showed an adjusted defense of something like 49000 for the Canton defenders; so the rest pulled back to the North. Now the southern Chinese command is split in 3rds; 1/3 in Wuchow, 1/3 in between Wuchow and Canton and the other 1/3 NE of Canton in the open. The IJAAF bombs us there pretty regular, but we don’t care, there are so many Chinese replacements and plenty of supply still.

In the center, large forces at Changsha and Wuhan stare at each other, waiting for the other to move first; either to attack or move to reinforce another sector.

In the north, an unexpected success! Troops driving from Yenen have driven the IJA out of Chengting! The IJA only had some 6 Mongolian Divisions here and they were beaten severely. They were then pursued to the next area, just short of Peking and beaten again, but then fresh IJA troops showed up and they moved back to Chengting to consolidate and recover (and celebrate a bit). The ChiComs hope to hold Chengting, but if the IJA really come in force, they might have to retire back to they Yenen positions. Either way, they have slowed the IJA here and forced them to react to us for a change.

DEI: Quiet. Occasional success in the sub department, but most of them were in port repairing upgrades this month. I took Tenimbar Island north of Darwin; Lark Force landed, he shipped in a 3rd of a division, I airlifted in the Darwin Defense Brigade and bombed the heck out of him. This encouraged him to come in and evacuate the troops. The island is slowly building up, I need to scrape up some engineers and equipment to improve it for fighter operations. Other than this, just some nuisance raids on Kendari Port by 17’s for the moment.

PNG/NEAUS: It looks like he has removed his front line planes to bases further in the rear of his position; I think he is anticipating an attack on either PM or GG. He is right. When the time is right 4 divisions + are ready to return to the island. That time is most secret

SoPac: Luganville is building nicely with no interference as of now from the IJN. Santa Cruz islands are next on the menu; mainly for fighter bases closer to the Solomons. When this is developed, then the ground troops of SoPac can plan on landing in force in the chain, probably in the winter.

CentPac: Waiting for the 24th Division to rebuild, currently at 42%. Since it is using the upgraded squads, it will be stronger than one of the starting divisions when complete. Then, depending on the shipping situation, will operate against Gilberts again. By then, the atolls south of there should have some LBA based there to give some support there.

NorPac: Gradually building bases and supplies down the Aleutian chain. Currently, Umnak and Dutch Harbor are fully built; next hop to Adak, I believe is next in line. Hope to have the whole chain covered in 6 months or so. Mainly just to keep IJN eyes looking up this way once in a while. Canadian planes are joining the front here at a squadron a month or so, if PP available.

Overall, pretty happy with situation. All fleet units got their October upgrades; the subs are starting to filter out with them to patrol stations, while others come in from patrol to receive theirs. Carriers are all ready to go, battleship divisions are moving up with reinforcing convoys to the front lines and virtually all front line squadrons/groups are ready and rested. The P38 made its debut fighting off a bomber raid over Chandpur and looked good. That squadron and 2 more are either fully or partially ready; with 2 more waiting for sufficient #’s to build up. Additionally, 3 CVE’s are arriving in 2 months, with the ESSEX not far behind; if these arrive before any carrier action, should give at least equality in #’s to the Jap birdfarms.


Here are the air combats over Akyab for the last 28 days in reverse chronological order:
10/22/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
Ki-21 Sally x 53
Ki-49 Helen x 17
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 16
Spitfire Vb x 26
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 16 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 12 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 14 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 13
=============================================
10/22/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 79
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 2
Spitfire Vb x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 5 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 9 destroyed
=============================================
10/21/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 103
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 26
Spitfire Vb x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 23 destroyed, 3 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 19 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 11 destroyed
=============================================
10/21/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 1
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 12
Spitfire Vb x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed
=============================================
10/16/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 84
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 14
Spitfire Vb x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 23 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 10 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
=============================================
10/15/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 108
G4M1 Betty x 42
Ki-21 Sally x 83
Ki-49 Helen x 19
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 7
Spitfire Vb x 26
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 8 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 17 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
253 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 13
Runway hits 79
=============================================
10/14/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G4M1 Betty x 9
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 36
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 36
Ki-21 Sally x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 13
Spitfire Vb x 26
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 13 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 15 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 12 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 13 destroyed
Vengeance I: 2 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 10
===========================================
10/14/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 75
Ki-21 Sally x 14
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 1
Spitfire Vb x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 9 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
=============================================
10/06/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
Ki-27 Nate x 32
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 10
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 83
Ki-49 Helen x 20
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 5
Spitfire Vb x 23
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-27 Nate: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 24 destroyed, 4 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 5 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 13 destroyed
Airbase hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 18000 feet
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 18000 feet
=============================================
10/05/42
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 36
Ki-48 Lily x 3
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1
Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 5 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 11000 feet
=============================================

Well, he brought the kitchen sink to northern Australian waters over the last two days: the Mobile Fleet is here in force. This was an attempt yesterday to penetrate the fighters.
All were shot down or forced back.

11/07/42
Day Air attack on TF at 38,82
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 166
A6M3 Zero x 56
Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 2
Hudson I x 2
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 25
A-20B Boston x 11
B-17E Fortress x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 20 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 2 destroyed
Hudson I: 2 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 25 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 11 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 6 destroyed

Now, the prior day, we were able to find a “hole” in the coverage:

11/06/42
Day Air attack on TF at 37,81
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 4
CW-21B Demon x 4
Brewster 339D x 14
T.IVa x 6
Hudson I x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 9
A-20B Boston x 23
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 3 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 2 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 11 destroyed
T.IVa: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hudson I: 2 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
A-20B Boston: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Musashi
CV Akagi
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Oyashio

And my PT boats have been doing fine so far, impeding his efforts to land troops on Temimbar by destroyer: < well, other than this first one that was led by a cousin of Bozo the Clown>

11/06/42
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tenimbar at 36,81
Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Hamakaze
DD Shigure
DD Nagatsuki
DD Hokaze
DD Wakatake
Allied Ships
PT PT-84, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
PT PT-128, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
=============================================
11/06/42
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tenimbar at 36,81
Japanese Ships
CL Agano
DD Otori
DD Kasasagi, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Hayabusa
DD Kiji
Allied Ships
PT PT-82
PT PT-83, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
Japanese ground losses:
162 casualties reported
=============================================
11/07/42
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tenimbar at 36,81
Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Hamakaze
DD Shigure, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nagatsuki
DD Hokaze
DD Wakatake
Allied Ships
PT PT-151, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT PT-152
PT PT-153, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Japanese ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
=============================================
11/07/42
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tenimbar at 36,81
Japanese Ships
CL Agano
DD Otori, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayabusa, Shell hits 2
DD Kiji
Allied Ships
PT PT-158
PT PT-159
PT PT-160
PT PT-161, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
Japanese ground losses:
143 casualties reported
=============================================
11/07/42
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tenimbar at 36,81
Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Kitakami
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Hato, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
Allied Ships
PT PT-154
PT PT-155
PT PT-156
PT PT-157

But, as usual, there were BB’s around. 3 old ones came into Darwin Roadstead and either sank or damaged the following ships, which were the NorAus Squadron under Palliser:

CL Newcastle
DD Lamson
DD Conyngham
DD Alden
DD Fox
DD Paul Jones

Newcastle and Alden survived the night time engagement, but swarms of enemy planes buried them later in the day:

11/07/42
Day Air attack on TF, near Darwin at 36,84
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 93
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 53
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 21
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Newcastle, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Alden, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

So, now we have the land air support ravaged, surface units gone or fleeing and enemy troops landing on Tenimbar. I guess that this is his attempt to forestall any planned advance into the NEI that I might have been considering. I will have to switch the air transports to pick up mode to bring some of the defenders back home to the mainland.

Elsewhere:

In Burma, he appears to be retreating in the south of the country behind the Irrawaddy River and in the Central Highlands to the Pagan area. This is fine on my part; I am still waiting for more troops to arrive in the Mandalay area (god those trail sections are slow) and I only have 1 division and 1 armor brigade in Akyab. I am still waiting for a good opportunity to slip another division down there by ship.

SW Pac and SoPac prepare and wait for some final reinforcements and tweaking of the plan. It’s good to see his carriers over north of Australia; I can get some good port time in now.

China is back to a stalemate; it looks like he is trying to maneuver me out of Chengting. I think that I will hold for a bit and see what is up; will probably retreat back across the river, but not if he is sending too little to cover the flank.

Have not really noticed a marked increase in subs finding ships or torpedo success yet; but, quite a few of the refitted subs are just on station or making their way there.


Sorry for the paucity of strategic info, but I have gotten to the point that it’s not really that good of a thing to post:

A. If something goes wrong, you keep wondering about the “security” of the thread.
B. Lots of times I will change things in mid stream anyhow, rendering a lot of time uselessly spent.

Now, when are those LSTs getting delivered?