Combat Report
Feb 15-March 7, 1942
The Indian Adventure
As mentioned earlier in the AAR the Japanese achieved total and complete surprise when the big rifles of BB's Nagtao and Mutsu opened up at Diamond Harbor. Diamond Harbor fell the next day (22nd). Chittagong went the same way just two days later (24th).
The Japanese were ashore. The question now remained as to getting into Calcutta and busting free around Chittagong. Thus begins a tale of two cities:
Diamond Harbor--The Japanese landed with two Base Force, 4 Inf Div, 2 Engineering units, and 3 TK Reg. Port and AF construction began immediately as the Allies threw a number of aircraft into the fray. While the engineers dug, paved, and sweated, the Infantry moved out due north towards Calcutta and the Armor headed due east into the clear.
Aerial action was exceptionally heavy with a strong Allied response occurring several days after the landing. Lew committed the AVG for the first time and the Hurricane made its combat debut within the war. Initially CarDiv2 provided LR CAP over the Diamond landing. Several small strikes were flown by the CVs (sinking 3 AKL on the 20th, 5 HDML on the 21st, 2 AMc on the 24th); however, their prime task of protecting themselves and their slow AKs were mission NUMBER ONE.
The 24th saw the first strong, concerted attacks made upon the Imperial Forces. CarDiv2 fought for its life when a CAP of 21 Zero was hit by 36 AVG P-40s, 6 Hurricanes, and 14 Blenheims. Though no bombs hit targets, the carriers did lose 3 Zero in exchange for a magnificent 9 AVG, 2 Hurricane, and 4 Bombers. Heavy air action occurred with similar numbers and results on the 25th. The two days total saw a total of 15 Zero (10 A-t-A/5 Ops) 5 Val, and 10 Kate lost in exchange for--CATCH THIS--23 AVG, 13 Hurricane, and 12 Blenheims. Japanese pilot losses end up at about 7 Fighter, 2 Val, and 4 Kate.
The 26th sees the recall given to the carriers. They have fought well but I have no wish of trickling away their air power. With Diamond Harbor and Chittagong taken I fly in Zeros and Oscars to takeover the burden.
The aerial fight then shifts to the skies over Diamond Harbor where the homeless (for the moment) Ryujo Zero Daitai and an Oscar Sentai try to hold the skies as TF unload in the tiny harbor. It is a free-for-all! The 26th until March 2nd sees continuous Allied attacks that gut their fighter units. The win-loss ratio hover at about 2 or 3 to 1 during this week of combat. In the end the Allies lose about 35 fighters and 20 bombers for about 12-15 Japanese planes. Having the duel over friendly territory REALLY shows itself as only 4 pilots are lost from the two units.
While this brawl is occurring it is important to note that NOTHING interfered with the expansion of Chittagong. Lew's focus is entirely on Daimond Harbor and reinforcing Calcutta. While logical it does allow for me to shuttle more troops into Chitta to cutoff Burma from India. Additionally, the AF expands rapidly.
On the 28th two Inf Division cross into Calcutta and trigger a Shock Attack where they get a 1-2 result. (554-1113) Not discouraged initially I watch two more Inf Divisions move in as Lew rapidly reinforces the city. He intends to FIGHT! GREAT!! BANZAI!!! All four ID are present on the 2nd of March and a Deliberate Attack gains a 1-1 result.
The flanking move by Japanese armor moving east out of Diamond Harbor and then due north works when Jessore falls on the 5th. Three Armor Regiments easily drive an Indian Brigade out. I order one Inf Div from Calcutta to move east and reinforce this thrust.
Moving out from Chittagong sees four TK Regiment and Imperial Guards rapidly move to cutoff Burma from India. Comilla, India falls on March 1st and I expect to take Dacca within two days (March 10th). With the fall of Comilla the Tanks split with two moving due east towards Imphal and two more move towards Dacca. Imperials Guard follow and backs up these moves.
On March 5th Chittagong's AF grows to Sz-2 and I move in a Sentai of Sally, some recon, and another Sentai of Oscars.The 8th sees Diamond Harbor's AF and Port go to Sz-2. A Daitai of Zero fly in to aid the defense there.
Planning:
1. Reinforcements (Base Force, Engineers, and LOTS of Artillery) are flowing into both Ports with little-to-no interference. It surprises me that I have lost exactly ONE AK in staging this Operation to date. One must take into account the driving out of the Royal Navy with the CV Raid against Ceylon. This action forced them to be FAR AWAY from the action though I really feared those 3 US CV showing up and crushing CarDiv2...we don't really want to talk about that vision.
2. 2nd Inf Div is now landing at Chittagong to reinforce the right arm of the invasion.
3. I intend to keep Lew fixated on Calcutta while I take everything to the east to prevent the evacuation of Burma. Once this is achieved I will work to force a large surrender at or near Calcutta.
Here is the plan:
I should note that CarDiv2 is now LONG GONE from this region. CVE Taiyo is almost to the Home Islands where she will re-size Zero, Val, and Kate units while Hiryu and Soryu are presently about 4 days from Rabaul where they will combine with CarDiv5 and little Shoho.
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