"Bakayaro!" DBB-C vs LST(A) Jpn AAR: Feb 43 Summary

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – More naval bombardments.

Jpn ships sunk:
PC: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Dorsetshire - doubtful)
SS: 2 (Drum, KXV)
xAK: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 2 (Cachelot, Seawolf)

Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 20

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit (RO-61 crippled attempted to penetrate bombardment TF screen off Moresby)
Allies: 8 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk) Sub laid mines did sink PC in the Malacca Straits.

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Nookanbah (Southwest Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Looks like an unidentified armored column is attempting to split the IJA in Northern Australia with a thrust to undefended Nookanbah, and then on to Derby perhaps.

Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 4/44, Ki-43-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 12/43. The third of four D4Y1 Judy R&D factories reaches 30!

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: CVs Zuikaku and Soryu with half a dozen DDs depart for Japan while the remainder of the KB finishes off topping off at Nauru. Allied Subs seem to have “missed” the KB’s return as sub line looks to be established to SSW of Nauru. Lack of fuel at Truk limiting operations until the first tankers can return from Balik.

South Pacific: Another cruiser bombardment (2CA, 2CL, DDs) run at Port Moresby does more damage – 8 more a/c destroyed on the ground, and the bases’ facilities damaged in the 20s/30s – not going to get much fort digging done at this rate! Will pull some Nicks out to lower the airframe density, and still look to subs to derail the bombardment runs – which is of course doubtful. 9 DDs bombarded Terapo doing little damage as well. But until the tankers return to Rabaul with fuel (about 2-3 days out), little naval activity is possible. On the positive side, so far, the Allies haven’t tried a bombardment run against Noumea, and surprisingly, the Allied Heavy Bomber fleet has been remarkably quiet.

DEI/SW Pacific: Was surprised to see the small unoccupied base of Nookanbah flip to the Allied cause – likely a swift armored thrust. Will look to shift some troops from Broome east to meet the threat.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: The first two brigades of the battered 4th ID are loaded at Rangoon and departed for Singapore – and eventually Rabaul and the Solomons to become the “ready reserve” of the South Pacific Theater area. The 5th ID has come in to replace the 4th, but will need more troops to stem any major Allied drive; both 15th and 25th Armies are stretched. 1st Armored Div is avail at Singers and will move out shortly, but not sure where I’m going to find more infantry right now.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Naval bombardments continue against Southern New Guinea bases.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 09

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: P-38F seen in action for the first time, escorting strikes against Merauke.

Japan/Industry: Ha-35 engine production seems to be sustaining the 500 engine bonus sufficiently to allow a bit of expansion of the Oscar IIb line by 10 additional airframes a month. A modest increase…for now.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Continued bombardments against New Guinea bases – CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) hit Moresby, destroying another 3 a/c on the ground and preventing any fortification building – stuck at level 3. Merauke seems to be getting attention as well, with a DD TF bombarding without doing much, but a pair of bombing raids by Heavies escorted by P-38s is a new twist. Again, damage was light, but the base is lightly defended as well, which I’m sure L_S_T is realizing with his bombardment runs. So far, subs have been completely ineffective against the bombardment runs.

DEI/SW Pacific: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Effective Allied naval bombardment at Broome

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 2
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 10

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ship hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Merauke (SW Pacific)??

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Kawasaki Ha-60 engine R&D accelerated to 10/42, so it will be up and running when the Ki-61-Ia Tony reaches production in late Oct or beginning of Nov.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Moresby and Terapo both bombarded again, with minimal damage, but what little damage is inflicted does prohibit fortification building. An IJN CA TF (4CA, CL, DDs) will depart Rabaul to hopefully interdict one of these bombardment runs against Moresby in the coming days. Will take the TF avoiding subs to be able to successfully intercept one of the bombardment runs. While L_S_T is busy bombarding New Guinea bases, it remains quiet on the Noumea front. With CV Akagi arriving at Truk next turn, KB 1 (2CV, CVL, 2BB, 2CA, CS, DDs) will depart Nauru and head to Truk to rendezvous with Akagi, and then will look to perhaps bring the carriers around New Guinea into SW Pacific waters to give the British TFs operating off Exmouth or perhaps the US forces off Merauke a surprise. Of course, will need to avoid a host of subs likely deployed enroute. With CVs Soryu and Zuikaku about to arrive at Japan for refit, I’m not looking for a fight against the US CVs for the next month anyway, so might as well put some carriers at sea for some potential effects. Will see….

DEI/SW Pacific: A US TF (unknown makeup) looks like its landing troops at Merauke – but no troops remain ashore after the landing effort. Were all destroyed or has this attempt just begun? No transports are sighted, just a DD TF. Most perplexing…..So far, Nells out of Darwin have made harassment raids on Allied shipping in the Gulf of Carpentaria, sinking a small xAP, but missing any targets (CL, DDs) off Merauke. Meanwhile, a British CA TF (2CA, 4CL, DDs) made an effective bombardment run at Broome, destroying 25 a/c on the ground, but damage to the field isn’t severe enough to close it. A PB was unfortunate enough to get caught by the Allied TF, but a transport TF bringing in troops was missed. The IJN BB TF (2BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) is moving towards Broome, and will be in position to thrwart further bombardment runs in the future – as long as the Brit CVs don’t come out from Exmouth area – hence why I’m looking at bringing the IJN CVs down for a sortie.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Increased US effort at Merauke landings

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1
TK: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Mississippi – likely true)
SS: 1 (S-45)

Air loss:
Jpn: 42
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DD and PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: US CV TF committed belatedly to Merauke landings; looks like the Allied main effort has switched from Noumea area back to New Guinea – at least for long enough to gain a foothold.

Japan/Industry: A6M5b Zero R&D accelerated to 1/44; Ki-43-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 11/43. With the Ha-35 engine production staying ahead of demand, A6M5 Zero production increased by 20 to a total of 140 a month and the Ki-43-IIb Oscar increased by another 10 to a total of 150 a month. Engine wise, I keep tweaking the engine production to keep up with airframes; for example, Mitsubishi Ha-31 increasing by 20 to a total of 70 and Ha-33 increasing by 10 to a total of 250 this turn. I’m slowly ramping up the Ha-32, Ha-33 and Ha-34 to the 500 number to support mid war airframe research. Overall supply is slowly increasing, so I don’t think I’ve broken the economy just yet. Naval wise, CVs Soryu and Zuikaku begin refit at Yokohama.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 1 (2CV, CVL, 2BB, 2CA, CS, DDs) will skirt south of Truk to allow CV Akagi to join, and head directly to Kendari to see what develops in the SW Pacific area.

South Pacific: At sea off New Guinea, the CA TF (4CA, CL, DDs) which departed Rabaul to interdict a likely bombardment run against Moresby was sighted off Milne Bay by a sub which holed a DD, and no Allied bombardment run was found at Moresby. DD Akigumo is heavily damaged, and the entire force will attempt to withdraw before US CVs can come into play. With all the goings on at Merauke, I’m surprised neither Terapo or Port Moresby has been hit giving both time to repair damage and continue fort construction.

DEI/SW Pacific: Allied focus is now firmly centered on Merauke for now. Nells out of Darwin manage to get a good strike in of 15 Nells escorted by 15 Zeros while CAP was limited to 6 P-38s and 9 Wildcats. The Zeros did well enough, allowing all the Nells to make runs, but the Nells only managed two hits on a single xAP sinking her. So much for the “best of the best”! Two later strikes failed to link up with escorting Zeros and were mauled by a much increased CAP as the US CV TF came in to support. After two days, a total of 21 Nells and 12 Zeros were splashed, while US CAP only lost a pair of F4Fs. With US carriers in play, Merauke is a lost cause, and will look to pull out some fragments of the SNLF and 2nd Raiding Regiment by air – hopefully which can sneak in under the Allied CAP. The British CA TF (2CA, 4CL, DDs) returned to Broome, presumably looking for the Japanese troop convoy it missed, but found nothing – unfortunately, the IJN BB TF was still 120m out to sea, and failed to engage anything. The troop convoy still has some troops remaining on it, departed Broome with the sighting of the British TF, and will turn around to finish offloading, with the BB TF covering…hopefully. On the ground, the advancing ground force in the west has halted just west of Port Hedland, likely to replenish supplies. No movement detected out of Daly Waters yet.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Merauke falls and Darwin raided.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Akigumo)
DMS: 1
APD: 2 (Nadakaze, Aoi)
PB: 2
xAP: 1
AK: 1
xAK: 2

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Stingray, Finback)

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DD sunk and PB dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Merauke (SW Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: With US CV TF(s) supporting Merauke, is this going to expand the Allied drive into the DEI? Worrisome if so! Also, a Brit CV TF (likely Illustrious and Hermes) is now off Port Hedland. On the positive side, its quiet elsewhere!

Japan/Industry: Ki-44-IIb Tojo R&D accelerated to 3/43

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 1 (2CV, CVL, 2BB, 2CA, CS, DDs) links up with CV Akagi SW of Truk and continues to toward Kendari. KB 2 (3CV, CVL, 2BB, 2CA, CS, DDs) will depart Nauru for Truk, and perhaps continue towards the DEI should the US CVs venture towards the DEI. Tanker convoy arrives at Truk alleviating the fuel shortage.

South Pacific: Fast Transport TF (CM, AV, DDs) arrive at Luganville with about 2500 supply; so far undetected. A slow convoy loads at Tulagi which will depart for Noumea next turn, as will a Fast Transport TF bringing reinforcements to Efate. Even with US CVs off Merauke, I can’t imagine it will stay quiet in South Pacific waters indefinitely. On the New Guinea front, the CA TF sent to Moresby returns to Rabaul, less the damaged DD Akigumo which was found and sunk by S-30 off Milne Bay.

DEI/SW Pacific: Merauke falls in the first Allied attack, a US IN Reg supported by an Aussie Armored Regiment was more than enough to dislodge the Japanese garrison from its level 2 forts. Japanese losses totaled about 500 men and the Allied about 225. The only bright spot was elements of the SNLF, Raiding Regiment and Engineer Co were all extracted by air so they can be rebuilt. At Darwin, I was caught napping as a US DD TF (4DD, DMS) raided the anchorage, catching a DMS, APD and PB loitering. Also caught was a convoy that just arrived to pull out the Mixed Regiment that had just pulled out of the line and was awaiting shipment to Kendari; APD, AK, xAK and xAP sunk, but at least the Mixed Regiment hadn’t loaded yet. CL Naka and a DD will attempt to engage and withdraw from Darwin next turn while remaining few non combat ships remain in port, hoping that the US CV TF doesn’t conduct a port strike. While the US Navy pressures the NE Aus Japanese foothold, a Brit CV TF has moved to support the land campaign at Port Hedland. At least the IJN BB TF (2BB, 3CA, 2CL, DDs) remained just out of range off Broome and wasn’t engaged – they’ll withdraw to Kendari and await KB 1. Also not engaged was the returning troop convoy to Broome, they’ll turn NE and head towards Dili. Things may be getting interesting, and not in a good way, in the Eastern DEI in the coming weeks! Defenses will be bolstered (or created, depending on your viewpoint) with the IJA 4th ID heading to the Eastern DEI instead of Rabaul. Land based air in the form of Army fighters will move to eastern DEI bases from Sumatra and Thailand. More troops and air will also be brought in as they can be scrounged from other rear areas.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Broome heavily bombarded by British BBs.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Thresher)

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 18

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ship hits (sub laid mines damage CL Marblehead SE of Horn Is)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit (a lowly IJN subchaser hits SS Thresher twice with DCs in the shallows of the East China Sea SE of Shanghai sinking her, while ASW a/c claim four more subs hit)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Air Assault:
Wessel Is (SW Pacific)

Bases lost:
Wessel Is (SW Pacific)

Bases seized:
Nookanbah (SW Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: US CVs stay in the vicinity of the Torrez Strait, so not clear whether they’ll remain to support operations against New Guinea, further west into the Arafura Sea towards the DEI, or head back to South Pacific Waters. What is clearer, is the British Navy is in full support of the Aussie drive toward Port Hedland and Broome.

Japan/Industry: A65Mc Zero R&D accelerated to 3/44. I’ve re-missioned a late war Frances level 1 R&D factory to the Ki-61-Ia Tony and increased its size to 30. While the Tony looks to have research completed in 11/42, this additional R&D factory will assist the later model Ki-61d Tony research advance….albeit slowly.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 1 (2CV, CVL, 2BB, 2CA, CS, DDs continues to toward Kendari, although CV Hiyo’s engine problems have slowed progress somewhat. KB 2 (3CV, CVL, 2BB, 2CA, CS, DDs) has departed Nauru and should arrive at Truk next turn.

South Pacific: Fast Transport TF will wrap up offloading at Luganville, apparently still not sighted. The slow convoy (2DD, DMS, 3xAK) has departed Tulagi and is still a few days out of Noumea. The Fast Transport TF (CL, 4DD) droped off the majority of a Naval Guard unit at Efate, and then headed to Noumea where it begins loading a Naval Guard Co for deployment to the Belep Is. Some concern here as Allied PBYs has spotted this TF. On the Eastern New Guinea front, two US DD TFs (ea 4DDs) conduct what is likely a recon bombardment at both Milne Bay and Port Moresby doing little if any damage. Enroute back to Australia, a half dozen Vals escorted by a few Zeros attempt some payback, but one strike is mauled by prowling US Naval fighters, losing 5 of 6 Vals. A second strike avoided any CAP, but missed hitting any DDs. Lastly, a few US Heavies as well as some naval strike a/c hit ground targets at Terapo, but were bounced by Zeros out of Lae, a pair of Avengers and B-17s were shot down in exchange for four A6M3a Zeros.

DEI/SW Pacific: Surprisingly, no ground attacks at Merauke, only two large naval airstrikes hitting ground targets which accomplished little. At sea, CL Marblehead found a mine the hard way SE of Horn as she was returning from Merauke. I-124 laid the mines in the Torrez strait, hoping the US CV TF would find them. Wessel Islands (undefended), just to the north of Gove (defended) was seized by a small paradrop. Darwin based bombers will hit the paras next turn; hopefully the US CVs will not venture west. The major action is in the Western Australia front. A British BB TF (4BB, 2CL, DDs) bombarded Broome with good effect, shutting down the AF, but surprisingly not destroying a single a/c from the roughly 100 on the tarmac. The British CV TF (unk composition), has also positioned itself in the shallows about 200 miles NW of Broome to prevent any IJN intervention. I’m hoping they maintain a good blockade here for a while – until KB 1 can take on fuel at Kendari and come into play in the SW Pacific. That should take about a week, maybe less. Will begin to pull the air HQ (via air transport) as well as most of the bombers out of Broome to Koepang. Also on the ground here is a small success, a tank regiment has re-taken Nookanbah, 120 miles SE of Derby, where the paras were indeed destroyed by Japanese bombers.

PI: With the potential Allied threat into the DEI from the direction of the Torrez Strait, the 14th Army has been alerted to assume responsibility for the defenses of Western New Guinea and the islands in the eastern Banda Sea. To support this, the 48th ID, along with support, will prepare for movement to this area. I’ll worry about the defenses of the Philippines later.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Terapo invaded by 2+ US divisions!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (S-33)

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Sturgeon)

Air loss:
Jpn: 26
Allied: 43

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph:
Terapo (South Pacific)

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Appears that the majority of the US Fleet is in support at Terapo! Good to know where everything is! Brit Fleet however has withdrawn from offshore of Broome/Port Hedland, location unknown.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 2 arrive at Truk and CV Hiryu swaps out the A6M2 to A6M5 Zero – all CVs at sea now have the upgraded A6M5. Zuikaku’s fighters are sent to Rabaul where they’ll swap over to A6M5 models and be available to support New Guinea operations. Soryu’s fighters remain at Truk and will upgrade as A6M5 models become available. KB 2 will conduct minor repairs and look to perhaps put to sea to support operations against Terapo from the Bismark Sea area – hesitant to do this due to constricted waters, and lack of flight decks with Soryu/Zuikaku still in refit.

South Pacific: Was hoping for the Allies to build up Merauke before launching against either Terapo or Moresby, but that wasn’t to be. Two US divisions with plenty of support come ashore at Terapo, supported by numerous old BBs with the amphib TF and the CVs just off the coast. Surprisingly, the US CV air launches only one strike – at Lae’s AF, doing little damage and destroying only 5 a/c on the ground. CAP does fairly well, considering the size of the strike, 4 Wildcats and 4 SBDs shot down at a cost of 4 Nicks and 3 Zeros. The defense of Terapo was to be centered around a Bde of the 18th ID, but that element hasn’t completed air movement to the base – most of the infantry and support still remains at Lae. So despite the level 3 forts, I don’t expect Terapo’s defenses to hold long. In response, next turn a small convoy bringing in the 2nd Area Army will arrive at Lae, so I expect a heavy US CV launched strike which will be met with a fairly robust CAP. If that does wear down the US CV carrier air enough, it may warrant committing KB 2 to the Bismark Sea area to launch strikes in coordination with LBA out of Rabaul, Lae and Moresby. On the Noumea front, the slow convoy carrying supply will dock next turn; hopefully the quiet will last.

DEI/SW Pacific: The British Fleet has withdrawn as the Aussie ground forces closed on Port Hedland – I’m assuming they’ll return to provide support in the next day or so. Allied LBA has been fairly weak in supporting this ground attack, the highlight was 15 Beauforts getting mauled by the Rufes on CAP, 13 Beauforts shot without loss.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: The 1st Armored Div begins offloading at Rangoon.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Black day for the Empire; Terapo and Port Hedland fall all too easily!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Sailfish, Searaven)

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 2 (Trout, Trigger)

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 07

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Terapo (South Pacific)
Port Hedland (Southwest Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet, including the carriers and BBs pull back from the New Guinea coast, presumably to either Cairns or Cooktown. With Port Hedland falling earlier than I, and probably L_S_T figured, the question is what the British Fleet will do – support the expected attack to Broome or head back to the Indian Ocean. I’m betting on Broome.

Japan/Industry: Aircraft R&D gets some good news: D4Y1 Judy accelerated to 12/42, Ki-43IIIa Oscar to 10/43, and Ki-49-IIb Helen to 8/43. With continued R&D efforts, this should get the Judy in production in November which is indeed good news!

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Zuikaku’s fighters at Rabaul upgraded to A5M5 leaving only Soryu’s remaining flying the A6M2 – and they’ll be upgraded by the time Soryu finishes her refit in about a week.

South Pacific: Well, it was a good thing I didn’t sortie KB 2 to intervene at Terapo – any worthwhile targets have withdrawn and as expected, the base fell. The only Japanese counter to the invasion has been limited to ineffectual night time Betty attacks against targets off Terapo and Moresby. Allied subs still remain thick though, despite 2-3 reportedly being hit each turn by ASW a/c. With Terapo in Allied hands, can expect the AF there to be expanded quickly which will bring Allied strike a/c to New Guinea’s north shore. KB 2 will remain at Truk for the time being and see if an opportunity presents itself to strike at shipping/warships at Terapo. The question is what the two US divisions at Terapo will do now – pull out, or an overland drive toward either Moresby or Lae? In the Noumea area, all remains quiet, except for a few subs and the Noumea resupply run so far hasn’t been bothered by either air or surface forces. Three Mavis attempted a torpedo attack against shipping sighted at Norfolk Is, but only found an AVD and of course….missed. Hopefully the US CVs will stay away a while longer.

DEI/SW Pacific: I’m very surprised that the first major attack on Port Hedland succeeds in the taking the base in the 2nd attack! I figured the level 3 forts being defended by a 56 ID Bde and support would have held at least a few days against an attack by two IN Bdes and three armored regiments. In any case, IJA lost about 2000 troops to less than 250 Allied, and the IJA troops have a long trek over the Great Sandy Desert to Broome – with an Allied armored force likely in pursuit. And of course the 9 Rufes which did very well providing CAP were lost as well. Meanwhile, the KB has taken on fuel at Kendari and will finish minor repairs next turn in preparation to set sail for the IO and support off Australia. The question is whether the British Fleet will continue supporting the expected drive to Broome.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: The last Bde of the 4th ID will load at Rangoon, and head toward the eastern DEI to bolster the defenses until 14th Army can establish a solid presence – or become part of those defenses. I’d rather cut 4th ID back toward SE Pacific, but that may be a pipe dream.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Moresby bombarded by CA TFs along with the first P-38 sweep.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Mississippi – still doubt she’s sunk!)
SS: 2 (Trout, Greenling)

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Thresher)

Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: US cruisers remain support against Moresby but location of BBs and CVs are unknown.

Japan/Industry: 1st Bde of the 1st Infantry Div is “bought out” of the Kwantung Army and will transit to Japan before embarking to Burma Theater. Rest of the division will be brought out as PPs are avail.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: The first P-38 sweep of the war goes in over Moresby, with better than expected results from the Japanese perspective – 24 P-38s sweep at 20k and are met by 18 A6M3a at 20k and 10 A6M2 at 12k. The outcome was a welcome surprise; 8 P-38s shot down in exchange for 2 A6M3a and 4 A6M2! I’ll take the small victories! This was followed by a stiff naval bombardment by two cruiser TFs (6CA, DDs/5CL, DDs) which closes the AF and destroys 5 A6M3a and a Dinah. Not good…especially with the lvl 4 fort construction now on hold at 98%!!!! On the Noumea front, the slow supply convoy is about 2/3 unloaded at Noumea, but sighted by Allied PBYs, and what looks like an Allied cruiser TF is possibly identified at Norfolk Is. Playing it safe, the transports will up anchor and with the attending CL TF (CL, 4DD) depart – one DD and xAKL will head to Koumac, the remaining ships will head to Luganville to offload the remaining supplies.

DEI/SW Pacific: At Port Hedland, the Allied troops rapidly head east and SE to cut off the withdrawing IJA troops, armor leading and likely to engage next turn. The accompanying infantry – not sure how many – also looks to be moving out, likely bound for the overland trek to Broome. Good. That could work to my advantage…..KB1 (3CV, CVL, 2BB, 2CA, CS, DDs) and BB TF (2BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) completed refueling at Kendari and will put to sea next turn and sortie to the Indian Ocean. With some luck, they can remain undetected until the British head back to sea in support of the overland attack toward Broome. At Batavia, the 16th Army HQ with the 38th ID are alerted for possible counter landing at Port Hedland. To sweeten the British potential to head to sea, a small supply convoy (PB, 2xAKL) will depart Soerabaja next turn and head to Broome – where they will likely be spotted by Allied air recon.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: A significant Allied force (40k+ plus armor) has moved SE from Katha, over the river and looks to cut the Myitkyina-Lashio road, and establish a firm LOC to Chinese forces west of Paoshan. To counter, the freshly arrived 1st Tank Div will continue their rail move to Lashio. We’re still thin on the ground in Burma; 1st Infantry can’t get there soon enough, and I may have to bring other infantry from somewhere.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allied fighter sweep in Burma goes badly for the Red Team

Jpn ships sunk:
YO (1)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 66
Allied: 39

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (YO sunk, xAP dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Allied Fast Battleships back in South Pacific waters off Noumea, so are the carriers as well? With many Allied ships having a refit available next month, I’m going to assume they’ll take advantage of that (40mm upgrade) and hold off major offenses until after they are complete.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Over Moresby, somehow Zeros continue to gain the edge over the P-38 sweeps, 6 more P-38s splashed this time, for only one A6M2. That evening a CL TF (4 old CLs, DDs) bombard inflicting minimal damage. While the AF is operational, an Allied BB TF is sighted heading in, so remaining serviceable a/c are flown out to Rabaul. Subs are positioned to intercept the oncoming BBs, and Bettys positioned at Lae. Looking for some luck here! On the Noumea side, a US BB TF (2BB, DDs) manage a successful bombardment, while only destroying 2 Zeros on the ground, the AF is temporarily shut down and much of those newly landed supplies destroyed – level 3 forts do very little against bombardments! Unlike Moresby, I’m not pulling the remaining a/c out…at least not yet. However, will need to put another naval resupply mission to sea to replenish, and that may require CV support if the modern US BBs are in the area (North Carolina class doesn’t get the 10/42 refit).

DEI/SW Pacific: KB1 and the BB TF moved into the Indian Ocean and are just west of Soemba Is and so far have not been detected by subs or aircraft…..now all is needed is the British Fleet to join the party. The BB TF will head towards Broome, providing “cover” for supply convoy which is about 200m west of the BBs, also....so far not sighted.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Big furball over Mandalay. Starts off well enough with a 20 plane P-40 sweep getting the worse from the assembled CAP of 8 A6M3 Zeros, 6 Tojos and about 40 Oscar IIb. CAP was stacked from 12-20k, and 4 P-40s were lost to a single Oscar in that first sweep. Went down hill from there with the following 100 or so plane following sweeps over the two days. While the Zeros and Tojos didn’t fair too badly, the Oscars were mauled – they were primarily at 12k. After two days, 14 P-40Es were shot down in exchange for 34 Oscars, 10 Zeros and 4 Tojos. This was also the debut of the P-40K, and although only one squadron was equipped (some 20 planes), not a single one was shot down. Funny how the P-40K is so far fairing better than the P-38!

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allied Naval air hits convoy off Lae, but Big E gets a torp.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 3 (small)
xAK

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Tarpon, S-46)

Air loss:
Jpn: 42
Allied: 74

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CV dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Very surprised to see US CVs off Terapo!

Japan/Industry: Nakajima Ha-45 engine R&D accelerated to 12/42.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: L_S_T managed to get one over on me with the US Carriers coming in close off Terapo to launch strikes against a small reinforcement convoy at Lae. The 2nd Area Army HQ managed to successfully offload, but an Air Defense Regiment was caught in the process. While CAP was fairly robust – initially 27 Nic, 16 Zero, and 8 Tojo, the US carrier strikes (65F, 50D, 21T / 55F, 20D) plowed through enough to sink the three small xAPs, and the fairly large xAK while damaging an AMC and a DD. The cost to the Allied strikes was fairly high however – 24 Wildcats, 31 Dauntless, and 4 TBFs were lost while only 7 Nicks, 3 Tojo and 6 Zeros were lost. This was the combat debut of the A6M3 Zero and it did well – 12 kills for no loss! The Bettys gathered at Lae to strike what I thought was a BB TF attempted to hit the US CVs, and needless to say, were unsuccessful – 6 Z and 14 Bettys splashed by CAP without Allied loss. On the positive side, I-24 manage one hit out of eight torpedoes launched at Enterprise off Terapo! No secondaries observed, but hopefully she’ll require some yard work. The Lae convoy will depart back to Rabaul next turn while subs will attempt to hit the Big E before she can depart the area. On the Noumea side, things were quiet.

DEI/SW Pacific: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

The Allied offenses have refocused against New Guinea in Sep, while continuing pressure in NW Australia and Burma. Fairly quiet in the Noumea and elsewhere. Can expect more of the same in October, with any offensive in the Noumea area waiting until after the Oct US Naval refits. The Japanese airborne ASW effort continues to do well, and the ship based ASW got a boost from the PB Otori class upgrade. IJN subs remain a threat, and keep losses light somehow. For the month, IJN naval losses were light: a DD, and an SS. For the Allies, the Jpn ASW efforts continue to score results: CA, 7SS. In the air, the temp picked up some; the loss ratio was 406 for Jpn to 328 Allied planes.

INTEL: Well, not really a surprise that the main Allied threat is now focused against New Guinea bases – more effective Allied LBA support and tricky waters for an IJN response. Can expect that to continue, with supporting efforts in NW Australia supported by the British Fleet. Burma will continue to be a slow grind, heavily supported by LBA.

SUBWAR: Allied subs continue to be more annoying than effective against the merchant fleet so far. With the KB largely in port for the month, little chances were given for the Allied subs against the Fleet. Jpn airborne ASW continues to be effective, and shifting ASW trained bombers to known sub concentrations has proven fairly effective. IJN subs again got lucky once in the month, putting a fish into Enterprise. IJN subs will maintain concentrations south of Terapo/Moresby, around the New Hebrides/New Caledonia area and also NW Australia as much as feasible.

Japan/Industry. The Judy’s R&D finally gets rolling, and it should be ready in Nov, along with the Ki-61-1a. Oscar and Zero lines R&D continue to move well with the Ha-35 engine bonus which is holding over 500 even with some modest increase in A6M5 Zero and Ki-43-IIb Oscar (both moving to 150 a month) production. The Ha-34 engine stocks should hit 500 before the end of the month to get the Tojo line moving more effectively. Industry wise, on the positive side, the overall supply situation has surpassed 3 million, with 2 million of those in Japan. On the not so positive, fuel and oil stocks continue to degrade slowly, but the tanker convoys to Japan remain fully loaded from DEI bases. Pilot wise, there is no shortage, but the pools aren’t very robust as I’m keeping training squadrons training until I need to draw pilots to replace vacancies. I’m going to change that a bit going fwd in anticipation of losses – keeping about 50-100 pilots ready in the pools, and freeing up training squadrons a bit to get more through-put before some of those trainers activate to front line duty as better airframes come available. I’m also going to start for both IJA and IJN fighters a dedicated Sentai to focus solely on improving defense with low level ground attack training.

[IdahoNYer]

Northern Pacific/5th Fleet. NSTR for the month.

Central Pacific/4th Fleet. After retaking Tanna, half the KB departed for SW Pacific duty, the remainder shifted to Truk for possible commitment to the landings at Terapo, but the base fell early, so they didn’t commit. Other than the occasion sub sighting off Truk, little if any Allied activity so far in the Central Pacific which has given most defended atolls a fort level of 4 and building.

South Pacific/Southeast Fleet. As the KB committed to Tanna, it wasn’t surprising that Tanna was abandoned. Once the KB departed, I did expect another small undefended island to be seized, but that didn’t happen, instead, L_S_T shifted the weight of the US Navy to the underside of New Guinea. Merauke fell easily, but so did Terapo, and I was hoping for better results there. The question now is whether the troops at Terapo advance overland or another landing takes place, at either Moresby or Milne Bay. More time is needed to get forts level built up, as well as supporting airfields built at Malang at Gasmata. Like L_S_T exasperated in our last game, defending as Japan has proven very challenging – all too many places to be adequately defended.

DEI/SW Pacific. Daly Waters fell all to rapidly, but the Allies haven’t done much to follow this win – I expected a full advance towards Darwin. Also unexpected was the quick fall of Port Hedland, despite level 3 forts and a full Bde in defense. Defenses here now attempt to fall back to Broome, and I’m hoping the Allies make a solid push to take Broome so the KB can intervene, and the IJA’s 16th Army can counterland at Port Hedland “behind” the Allied advance. That is the plan currently in operation as the month concludes. Will see if it can be developed. The other axis of Allied advance is north of Darwin through the Arafura Sea towards the DEI. With Merauke seized, this could be a jumping off point for further attacks, so the 14th Army is being brought down to defend the many isles such as Taberfane and Saumlaki. The 4th ID, was enroute to South Pacific as a “reserve” is also being committed here as well.

PI. 14th Army has begun shifting most of its combat power out of the PI.

Burma/IO. The Allied advance from the NE has secured Myitkyina as the IJA withdrew, and looks to continue towards Lashio, with assistance from the Chinese advancing from Paoshan. So far, the Chinese advance has been held, but the 25th Army is shifting available troops, including the 1st Armored Div, towards Lashio to bolster the 21st ID. Fortunately, its been quiet in the center at Shwebo, as well as along the 15th Army sector SE of Akyab. The air threat seems to be building, with the introduction of the P-40K, but so far it hasn’t been consistent, and Magwe remains well defended.

China. NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allies land at Moresby!

Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 1
xAK: 1
SSX: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Permit)

Air loss:
Jpn: 21
Allied: 18

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit (SSX did manage to attack a DMS…but missed)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph:
Port Moresby (South Pacific)

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Allied main effort now clearly against New Guinea, which makes sense with the Oct naval refits – little need for a fleet based offensive, LBA will be more than sufficient.

Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 9/43. CV Soryu finishes refit, but will wait for Zuikaku to complete in a few days before heading south to join the Fleet. Soryu’s Zeros also upgrade to the A6M5 model at Truk which brings all front line Naval based Zeros to the A6M5 (CVL Zuiho’s Zeros will remain A6M2s, based off CVEs on tanker convoy runs).

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 2 (3CV, CVL, 2BB, CS, 2CA, DDs) will depart Truk heading SE towards the eastern end of the Solomon Islands to either provide cover for the Noumea resupply or perhaps threaten the Moresby landing. The Repl TF (6 AOs) follows.

South Pacific: Now I know why the CVs were present off Terapo – support for the landing at Moresby. Was hoping for more time to ready the defenses, but its not to be. Three Aussie divisions come ashore against minimal opposition – 14 Bettys are shot down trying to get licks in, only one manages to drop a torp at a BB and misses. Moresby has an IN Bde and a Mixed Regiment as its primary defenses, plus a bit of support including the 17th Army HQ. Forts are at level 3 (98% to level 4!!), but supplies are short. With some luck, they can hold out for a while. Will look to throw a large LBA strike against the invasion TF, hopefully avoiding much of the CV or Terapo based CAP. With Allied subs thick in the Solomon Sea, I’m still not looking to commit the KB just yet – if this is a prolonged affair, perhaps, although I doubt that will be the case. On the Noumea side, a US DD TF (4DD), sink the PB and DMS after they offload at Koumac.

DEI/SW Pacific: The 56th ID Bde successfully fights out of an encirclement SE of Port Hedland, throwing back an armored Regiment, less some 30 tanks. It will continue to withdraw into the desert to the east towards Broome. At sea, the small resupply convoy reaches Broome and is definitely sighted. The BB TF loiters to the NE of Broome, unsighted. The KB meanwhile stays out to sea and will replenish next turn. Hopefully the British Fleet will come out to hit Broome again.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Moresby holds off first attack, but forts are reduced.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 2 (Trout, S-42)

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ships hit (AM sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Allied ships withdrawn from Terapo/Moresby area; assume replenishing at NE Aus ports.

Japan/Industry: A6M5b and A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 12/43 and 2/44 respectively.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB2 and Repl TF successfully departed Truk without tripping on a sub, and continue to steam SE north of the Solomons. B-17s again find the need to bomb ground units at Funafuti, and are met by 6 angry Rufes out of Vaitupu. The Rufes do well, downing 4 for a single loss.

South Pacific: US Cruiser TFs bombard both Moresby and Milne Bay with minor effects, and then all Allied ships disappear from coastal New Guinea waters – nothing for the awaiting a/c at Lae and Rabaul to strike. Allied raids are limited to 24 B-17s hitting ground troops at Moresby, opposed by a robust but ineffective Oscar CAP, which lose 5 fighters for no B-17 downed. On the ground, the three Aussie divisions attack Moresby, but are held at a cost of about 900 casualties to each side. Forts are however, reduced, so Moresby will fall…just a question of when. At Tulagi, a large Fast Transport TF begins loading supplies for a run to Noumea.

DEI/SW Pacific: The small supply convoy reached Broome, and the British did respond – only with a single DD which managed to sink the escorting PB and an empty xAKL. The two remaining xAKLs are about half offloaded, and will head to Koepang to complete offloading. Air recon has picked up a possible major TF (carriers and/or BBs) at Exmouth, while the KB and BB TF remain undetected – they just need something to draw them in to attack, perhaps this sighting will develop into that target.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Moresby holds off another attack, while LBA hits shipping off Terapo.

Jpn ships sunk:
YO: 1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Lang)
APD: 1 (Waters)
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 6 Attacks, 1 ships hit (ADP sunk – all attacks against the APD runs to Terapo)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit (sub dropped mines off Palembang sink YO)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Air recon confirms BB TF at Exmouth while US fast BB(s) remain operating against Noumea. Assume majority of US Fleet now in refit.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 2 takes continues SW just north of the Solomons, heading toward the Santa Cruz Islands, so far undetected.

South Pacific: Aus Divisions launch a single attack against Moresby, and are surprisingly repulsed; 1100 Allied lost to only 250 IJA. The biggest challenge right now is supply levels are in the red for the base; attempting to fly in supply with two Emily Sentais. Still hesitant to put a major naval operation to reinforce or land much resupply. In the air, Lae based Vals and Rabaul based Netties hit a convoy off Terapo, sinking an xAP and a DD, damaging two other xAPs and a DD. Surprisingly, no CAP, so only 1 Val is lost to AA. Off Moresby, Vals hit an APD run, damaging 3 of 4, one of which is sunk by I-175. On the Noumea front, BB North Carolina came in to bombard Noumea, but did so with minimal effect. Supplies there are also in the red, and a PB will come in next turn with supplies as the main resupply TF continues to load at Tulagi (2AMC, AV, PB plus escort) and await linking up with a CA TF out of Rabaul.

DEI/SW Pacific: Recon confirms a BB TF at Exmouth, so KB 1 refueled and will head at full speed to a position 240m to the NE of Exmouth to launch strikes, hopefully surprising L_S_T with minimal defenses up. Zeros out of Broome will do a long range sweep to disrupt any CAP. Fingers crossed this all comes together, lots can go wrong – bad weather or the target departs, or even the target isn’t the suspected old R-class BBs, but something with better AA.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: A small YO finds a sub laid mine the hard way on the estuary to Palembang, which AMcs will head to clear next turn. Subs are turning up a bit more in the shallows of the Java sea; will need to refocus some additional ASW a/c and escorts in the area.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – KB doesn’t find any BBs; heavy air losses over Terapo

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Van Galen)
SS: 1 (O-23)

Air loss:
Jpn: 100
Allied: 34

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (BB Nevada dam; hit three times by I-158, but only two exploded)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Air recon confirms BB TF at Exmouth while US fast BB(s) remain operating against Noumea. Assume majority of US Fleet now in refit.

Japan/Industry: Nakajima Ha-44 engine R&D accelerated to 3/43. Zuikaku finishes her refit at Yokohama, and will head south to Truk next turn with CV Soryu.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 2 takes continues reaches a point just east of the Santa Cruz Islands, and will now head west just north of the New Hebrides into the Coral Sea to cover the Fast Transport TF out of Tulagi.

South Pacific: The only positive news this turn on the New Guinea front was I-158 hitting BB Nevada. Went down hill from there. Heavy LBA strikes kept flying into heavy CAP over Terapo which inflicted huge losses for little gain. Six strikes managed to damage about 4 xAKs, and 2 DMS, but cost 36 Zeros, 10 Nicks, 17 Val, and 17 Nettys to CAP; Allied CAP lost only 11 P-40s and 6 Wildcats. Needless to say, LBA out of Lae and Rabaul will need a bit of time to recover – and it looks like another Allied push is underway to reinforce Moresby, with carriers again sighted. Hopefully the half dozen or so subs off Moresby can get some more luck. On the Noumea side, the Fast Transport TF will depart Tulagi covered by a Cruiser TF and head to Noumea next turn. KB 2 will provide cover as well.

DEI/SW Pacific: Well, that KB strike against the “BBs” at Exmouth fell flat. The BB TF was gone, and instead the mighty KB sent an escorted Val strike to sink a pair of xAKLs and their escorting AM off Port Hedland, and an unescorted strike of 22 Kates against a single PC sighted at Exmouth – which was jumped by a robust 22 plane CAP losing 9 planes for no hits. Now that L_S_T knows at least one IJN carrier is present (the KB still hasn’t been sighted), I doubt he’ll venture much out past Exmouth air cover. The KB will head east to a position off Port Hedland, as will the BB TF. Will look to send the BBs into Port Hedland for a bombardment run shortly to see what exactly the defenses are.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Bettys out of Rangoon find and sink a lone Dutch DD off Akyab; not exactly sure what a lone DD was doing just off the port. Fortunately, no CAP flew, so perhaps it was a CAP trap gone bad.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Allies bring reinforcements into Moresby.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Mississippi – again!)
SS: 2 (Gato, Albacore)

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 29

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (APD dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Bhamo (Burma - flipped)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Ki-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 8/43 and Ki-61-Id Tony R&D accelerated to 3/44. Two R&D factories are researching the Ki-61-Id Tony, goal is to get it available shortly after the Ki-61-Ic model in late summer ’43; will fight with the Ki-61-Ia Tony’s two available Sentais until then.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Supplies at Truk now amber, with two resupply convoys loaded for Kwaj and Rabaul. This will limit activities until convoy arrives from Japan in a few days.

South Pacific: Another large convoy with reinforcements is brought into Port Moresby – much artillery and engineers are landed to bolster the three Aussie divisions. Other than a few unsuccessful sub attacks, and LRCAP which does well against Allied CAP and scouts, only a single night time raid by 9 Nells went in without any success. Look to have Moresby fall next turn. After the air drubbing the last turn, little is left to throw at Moresby; supplies at Rabaul are also amber, although fuel stocks are good. Will await the next Allied move. On the Noumea front, the fast resupply TF is approaching Noumea with it’s CA cover (4CA, CL, DDs). KB 2 (3CV, CVL, 2BB, CS, 2CA, DDs) will hang back to the north in the eastern Coral Sea to see await the sighting of the resupply effort before heading south, hopefully to hit the anticipated Allied response.

DEI/SW Pacific: KB moves off the east, now unsighted. The BB TF (2BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) will make a bombardment run on Port Hedland, although they will need to deal with PTs sighted in the area – and there aren’t enough DDs to provide a separate CL/DD screening TF. The goal is to disrupt Port Hedland’s build up and test out defenses as 16th Army troops look to begin loading for amphib shortly. In the air, Bettys out of Koepang catch a small convoy off Port Hedland, sinking an AM and an xAKL. On the ground, the Allied ground effort catches up with the withdrawing IJA troops in the desert and inflicts 1800 casualties for a cost of about 20 troops. The IJA troops will continue to stagger back toward Broome, and hopefully the Aussies will pursue. In Darwin, after being relieved by a garrison unit, a Bde of the 56th ID will load transports for transit to Broome as it currently is held by only a weak Bn.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Moresby falls.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 14

Allied ships un-sunk:
CV: 1 (Wasp – figured)
SS: (Silversides)

Air loss:
Jpn: 35
Allied: 38

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit (No sub manages to penetrate ASW screens off Moresby, one sub sunk, two damaged in their efforts.) Also as an odd note, an SSX launched an attack (unsuccessful of course) while tethered to her mothership – didn’t know that was even possible.
Allies: 8 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Port Moresby (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: With Moresby now lost, I’m guessing the next Allied move may be to Milne Bay.

Japan/Industry: Slowly ramping up A6M5 Zero production…now moving from 150 to 160 a month.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Supplies at Truk go to red as a resupply convoy from Yokohama docks. Fuel supply good as one of two Tanker convoys also arrives. The lack of supply has prevented replacing airframes lost over New Guinea.

South Pacific: Moresby, as expected, fell on the first assault with troops withdrawing from the hex toward Buna. IJA lost just over 5000 men to only about 600 Allied. Worse, the AF was largely intact, so can expect its full use by Allied aircraft next turn. This turn however, Japanese air was able to make a series of strikes – unfortunately, only a single Val Chutai was available to make those strikes – the Nettys in Rabaul were left on night strikes as fighter losses have not been replenished. The Vals did have reasonable fighter cover out of Lae, and made numerous strikes against shipping off Moresby – hitting the already damaged BB New Mexico 7 times and an AP once. These attacks cost the Japanese 16 escorting Zeros but only 3 Vals. US air losses tallied 15 Wildcats and 11 P-40Es. Subs didn’t manage to penetrate any ASW screen at a cost of one boat sunk and two damaged enough to force a return to Rabaul. With Moresby AF now in Allied hands, any resupply mission to New Guinea bases will be a challenge, and can expect the first B-17 raids on Rabaul in a week or so. Rabaul’s supply level is also red which hasn’t helped, although that should improve with a resupply TF docking next turn. On the Noumea front, a Fast Transport PB has dropped supplies off at both Noumea and Tanna and is now heading to Efate. The primary resupply TF should dock at Noumea next turn, with an AMC and DMS detaching to anchor at Koumac as well. So far weather has kept the PBYs away. KB2 still loiters to the north of New Caledonia.

DEI/SW Pacific: The BB TF (2BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) does well against the PTs, sinking all 14 in two night time engagements, but BB Hyuga rams DD Yuzuki just prior to the last engagement ending. Yuzuki is crippled and it will struggle to make Koepang while the Hyuga stays with the BB TF, also making for Koepang. Allied air search has located the KB to the NE of Port Hedland and have vectored subs in that direction, so the KB will also head to Koepang to replenish. While successful against the PTs, the BB TF did not do much against Port Hedland’s facilities, although the bombardment did damage two AGPs and an AMc. A Fast transport resupply run has arrived at Broome, and another is enroute to Darwin. A Bde of the 56th ID has embarked from Darwin and is enroute to Port Hedland as well to replace the battered IN Bde withdrawing to Broome, although unfortunately, the Allied troops look not to be pursuing, but withdrawing back toward Port Hedland. That will put the amphib operation on hold for a bit.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Another reinforcement/resupply convoy will depart Singapore for Rangoon next turn with a Mixed Bde plus support troops on board. Still too few troops in Burma to contend with a major Allied thrust.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Noumea resupply mission completes supply drop.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Gudgeon, Barb)
ARD: 1 (old, very old)

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied: 09

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (APD dam)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (AMC dam) Also, sub dropped mines damaged DD off Noumea.

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Truk resupplied, but the 23k avail won’t go far. Still very quiet in the Gilberts and Marshalls. CVs Soryu and Zuikaku arrived in Truk without incident. They bring two land based Sentais from Japan, the first A6M5 Zero ground based Sentai and the only land based Kate Sentai.

South Pacific: Fairly quiet on the New Guinea front as the Allied Fleets are withdrawn to Australian waters while a CL TF (3CL, DDs) bombarded Milne Bay with minimal effect. IJN subs only managed a single hit to damage an APD off Cooktown. Rabaul supplies now back to 20k, so can look to resume some type of operational tempo. On the New Caledonia side, the resupply effort lands over 4k in supplies, but a sub damaged an AMC and a sub laid mine crippled DD Satsuki; both will attempt to make Luganville. No Allied activity detected in response, but since L_S_T knows something is afoot with the mine attack and sub contact, KB 2 will move SE just north of Noumea hoping to catch some Allied response as the fast transport TFs withdraw back toward Luganville and then Tulagi.

DEI/SW Pacific: The KB and BB TF returned to Koepang to replenish, a CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) will depart immediately to return to bombard Port Hedland. Damaged BB Hyuga will head initially to Soerabaja to assess repairs required, and the KB will make minor repairs but remain ready to head back to sea. Crippled DD Yuzuki is still afloat, making headway toward Koepang. A TF carrying a Bde of the 56th ID docks at Broome and begins offloading while a Fast Transport TF also docks at Darwin to offload. Allies remain quiet.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: The reinforcement/resupply convoy departed Singapore for Rangoon and was sighted by a sub as they exited the Malacca Straits off Phuket. The convoy will stay close to the Thailand shore for the remainder of its journey, hoping to avoid any surface interdiction and minimize further sub threats.

China: NSTR.