The Emperor's Champions - 3x3 AAR

[FeurerKrieg]

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[FeurerKrieg]

Stats... Not a lot of sub activity, although it is always nice to make it a month without losing any of my toys.

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[Monter_Trismegistos]

Quite a calm month for submarine warfare. How deplyed are your submarines?

[Cap Mandrake]

Wow...cool sub stats. I especially liked the "assist" category. I have expected a category for "rebounds" too.

Cool strategic map too.

Y'all had better get something going in Java/Sumatra before it become steel encased.

[FeurerKrieg]

Here and there. [:D]

More seriously though, a few are in various ports having damage repaired. Several Glen equipped subs are enroute to the southern Pacific (south of Pago Pago) to act as spotters for my raiding group. There are I think 6-8 subs active in the Bay of Bengal. Another 8-10 sitting around between Australia and Port Moresby. I have none in the DEI, and I've started pulling away from the West Coast US, as I think they will have better use in the south Pacific now that any convoys to Australia have a long way to go.

Also, the calm is because I'm not being overly aggresive. It is a long war, and I want to have plenty for spotting invasions, sinking cripples, and also for night air attacks one the Allied CAP becomes impenatrable.

ORIGINAL: Monter_Trismegistos

Quite a calm month for submarine warfare. How deplyed are your submarines?

[FeurerKrieg]

ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake

Wow...cool sub stats. I especially liked the "assist" category. I have expected a category for "rebounds" too.

Cool strategic map too.

Y'all had better get something going in Java/Sumatra before it become steel encased.

I think Balikpapan will fall soon now that Tarakan has been taken care of. Palembang should fall soon also. As to Java and Timor though, I'm not sure what Alex has planned.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/3/42
Several airstrikes today. Most of it ground attacks in China and Burma. A pair of large attacks was launched against the AVG elements based at Kungchang, shooting several of the P-40E's down. Bettys also hit Palembang again.
The Armor and Engineers at Balikpapan began dismantling the fortifications surrounding the base, as the 16th Division should arrive within the next day or two from Samarinda. Some Blenheim IVs showed up at Rangoon, and although they got through the light CAP present, they failed to score any hits.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The bombers at Noumea began ground strikes against our advancing forces. They hit the largest formation and now know that the 38th Division is on its way to Noumea. Several men were wounded, but KIA's were next to none.

Zero's and Oscar's at Lae have been order to fly high altitude strike over Port Moresby to gain some combat experience, and hopefully down some Allied pilots.

Tarawa can now support torpedoes in our Betty and Nell bombers and Munda now has a working airstrip.

Sub Ops:
A Glen, based on a sub passing near Pearl Harbor while enroute to Kwajelein, spotted several ships at the island base. It will attempt to fly a more focused recon tomorrow to see what can be seen.[center][/center][center]Aerial photo of Pearl Harbor.[/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
P-40E Warhawk - 8

Imperial Air Force
Ki-43-Ib Oscar - 5
Ki-44-IIb Tojo - 3
A6M2 Zero - 3
G3M Nell - 1
H6K4 Mavis - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 52/59/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/33/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/46/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Tacoma Maru 42/52/0 (Koumac)
DD Urakaze 64/53/0 (Koumac)
CL Kashima 62/65/0 (Koumac)
AP Nagaragawa Maru 66/92/0 (Koumac)
AP Tsuruga Maru 53/72/0 (Koumac)
AP Buenos Aires Maru 83/75/0 (Koumac)
AP Gyoko Maru 80/56/0 (Koumac)
AP Zuiho Maru 68/41/0 (Koumac)
AP Tutukami Maru 99/79/1 (Koumac)
AP Arabia Maru 68/83/0 (Koumac)
AP Shoan Maru 84/88/0 (Koumac)
AK Kinugasa Maru 36/16/0 (Koumac)
AP Seattle Maru 52/48/0 (Koumac)
AP Atsuta Maru 74/73/0 (Koumac)
AP Otori Maru 35/21/0 (Koumac)
AP Tazan Maru 99/68/0 (Koumac)
AP Ume Maru 23/27/0 (Kagoshima)

Ships lost today:
AP Sekko Maru (Koumac)

AP Yamagiri Maru arrived safely in Rabaul today.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/4/42
Many airstikes again across Burma and China.
Blenheim IV's again attacked Rangoon, with one of the enemy being shot down there. At Balikpapan, the armor and engineers present continued to advance against the enemy fortifications. The Battleships Hyuga, Yamashiro and Mutsu also provided some fire support at Balikpapan.
Swordfish and Martin's attacked the escorting surface ships at Palembang today. Although the ships put up a fair amount of flak, the Kongo took two torpedoes from the Stringbags. Damage is fair, but it will make it back to Singapore for repairs, provided it isn't hit again on the way.
In return, a large strike of Zero's and Betty's went in against the ports at Batavia. The enemy cAP was knocked about, but some Betty's were still set upon and turned away. The 35 or so that got through hit the ports, but failed to connect with any enemy vessels.
One bright spot near Palembang is that the SS KVIII was directly hit with a depth charge dropped by the DD Isonami.
[center][/center][center]Battlecruiser Kongo, hit by British aerial torpedos near Palembang.[/center]

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The 38th Div on the march to Noumea continued to get harassed by heavy bombers. They continue to advance at a fair pace in spite of these aerial assaults.

At Port Moresby, Oscar's and Zero's on high level sweeps met enemy Wirraways and Kittyhawks in a long combat. Many Wirraways were knocked out of the sky, but the Kittyhawks were no pushovers, with several Oscar's hit by them. Still, some Kittyhawks were shot down by both Oscars and the Zeros. Nells also attacked Lunga, inflicting light damage.

LB-30's attacked Wake in daylight today. The damage inflicted was negligible, but if these attacks continue a small group of fighters may need to be placed on the island.

Sub Ops:
Recon at Pearl turned up nothing major, although the CAP present over the base was quite light.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Wirraway - 37
CW-21B Demon - 5
Kittyhawk I - 3
Hawk 75A - 3
Sea Gladiator - 2
B-25C Mitchell - 1
Martin 139 - 1
Blenheim IV - 1
Swordfish - 1

Imperial Air Force
Ki-43-Ib Oscar - 13
G4M1 Betty - 5
A6M2 Zero - 3
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1
Ki-21 Sally - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 52/63/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/39/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/46/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Tacoma Maru 42/48/0 (Koumac)
DD Urakaze 65/60/0 (Koumac)
CL Kashima 62/65/0 (Koumac)
AP Tsuruga Maru 53/74/0 (Koumac)
AP Gyoko Maru 80/60/0 (Koumac)
AP Zuiho Maru 68/38/0 (Koumac)
AP Tutukami Maru 99/87/0 (Koumac)
AP Arabia Maru 68/84/0 (Koumac)
AK Kinugasa Maru 36/13/0 (Koumac)
AP Seattle Maru 52/49/0 (Koumac)
AP Atsuta Maru 74/81/0 (Koumac)
AP Otori Maru 35/22/0 (Koumac)
AP Tazan Maru 99/76/0 (Koumac)
AP Ume Maru 23/21/0 (Kagoshima)
BB Kongo 23/14/15 (Palembang)

Ships lost today:
AP Nagaragawa Maru (Canton Island)

Ships scuttled:
AP Buenos Aires Maru (Koumac)
AP Shoan Maru (Koumac)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/5/42
The Allies strike back in the DEI again today.
Lots of airstrike from the IJA all over China and Burma. Several I-16c and Blenheim IV's were torched on the ground by large scale Sally strikes. A large group of Nell's and Betty's hit Palembang.
Some Martin's attacked our surface ships at Palembang, but scored no hits. Also at Palembang, more troops and some supplies were unloaded to support the ground assault there.
The set back of the day occured southeast of Borneo. Although the ground troops at Balikpapan continued to neutralize the fortifications there, the navy scene was not so rosy. The British carrier Indomitable showed up and launched 18 Swordfish against the heavy ships at Samarinda. Mutsu and Hyuga took two torpedoes each. The damage is not fatal but the ships will be in the yards for some time to come. There are three Battleships that are out of action now. Thankfully they should be repaired by the time the Allied offensive is going full swing.
[center][/center][center]IJN Battleships are hit near Samarinda.[/center]
A counter attack was launched from Kendari and although the bombers and their escorts penetrated the CAP easily, no hits were landed on the British carrier.[center][/center][center]Counterattack against Indomitable.[/center]

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Ground troops continue to move on Noumea.

Recon reports many large ships at Milne Bay. On the off chance that they Allies try to run carrier aircraft in to sink AP's heading to Rabaul, Nells, Bettys and Zeros from all over the South Pacific have been flown into Rabaul. Also, all ships in the port have been ordered to head to Truk to finish the rendezvous with the Taiyho and Zuiho, in case a port strike or bombardment occurs. If the Allied move on Rabaul, it will be empty except for the fair amount of LBA they will have to deal with. Also one small surface group has been left in place in order to slow down any bombardment attempts.

Also of note, are two seperate TF's spotted by patrol planes east of Midway that appear to be battleships groups heading to Midway. A Naval Gd unit is due to arrive at Wake tomorrow to strengthen the garrison there in case an Allied raid is being prepared.

Sub Ops:
Nothing to report today.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
I-16C - 12
Blenheim IV - 5
Swordfish - 4
Fulmar - 4
LB-30 Liberator - 1

Imperial Air Force
G4M1 Betty - 4
Ki-21 Sally - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 52/63/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/39/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/48/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 26/29/10 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 38/19/25 (Balikpapan)
BB Kongo 34/17/10 (Palembang)
AP Tacoma Maru 42/53/0 (Koumac)
DD Urakaze 65/72/0 (Koumac)
CL Kashima 62/63/0 (Koumac)
AP Tsuruga Maru 53/74/0 (Koumac)
AP Gyoko Maru 80/65/0 (Koumac)
AP Zuiho Maru 67/42/0 (Koumac)
AP Arabia Maru 68/95/0 (Koumac)
AK Kinugasa Maru 36/10/0 (Koumac)
AP Seattle Maru 52/58/0 (Koumac)
AP Atsuta Maru 74/89/0 (Koumac)
AP Otori Maru 35/24/0 (Koumac)
AP Tazan Maru 99/82/0 (Koumac)
AP Ume Maru 23/18/0 (Kagoshima)

Ships scuttled today:
AP Tutukami Maru (Koumac)

[Monter_Trismegistos]

Wow. First sending lone cruisers to torch your convoys. Then he is sending lone CV into harms way, and put 4 torps to BBs without punishment. This guy definetely has big cojones. Who is he? Despite I am JFB, i think he earned a medal.

[FeurerKrieg]

Certainly. There are no Sir Robins on the Allied team in this game. Sometimes to their benefit, sometimes not.

ORIGINAL: Monter_Trismegistos

Wow. First sending lone cruisers to torch your convoys. Then he is sending lone CV into harms way, and put 4 torps to BBs without punishment. This guy definetely has big cojones. Who is he? Despite I am JFB, i think he earned a medal.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/6/42
Various airstrikes across China and Burma.
On Borneo, the defenders were pushed out of Balikpapan in a final assault. The oil and resource facilities there were captured 100% intact and will be useful in fueling the Imperial war machine. Troops continue to unload at Palembang and Betty/Nell bombers continue to hit enemy troops there.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Ground troops continue to move on Noumea, the 38th should move into bombardment positions tomorrow, and the rest of the ground troops a day or two after that.

Recon reports from yesterday proved correct and several Nells launched from Rabaul to hit the ships at Milne Bay. The heavy cruiser Australia was hit with 3 torpedos, the heavy cruiser Canberra was hit with 4 torpedoes, and the formidable light cruiser Mauritius was hit with 3 torpedoes and confirmed sunk. A group of submarines in the area will move to cover the approaches to Gili Gili tomorrow in case the wounded cruisers make a run south for PM or the Australian coast. If they do not run, then Bettys or Nells will likely finished them off tomorrow. Also, the AK Mormacland was reported sunk at Christmas Island.
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[center][/center]
[center][/center]
[center]Top down, CA Australia, CL Mauritius, and a listing, damaged CA Canberra.[/center]

Sub Ops:
Nothing to report today.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Walrus - 2 (on the Mauritius)
Blenheim IV - 1

Imperial Air Force
G3M Nell - 5
Ki-15 Babs - 1
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 52/69/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/37/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/53/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/33/3 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 47/36/13 (Balikpapan)
BB Kongo 34/16/2 (Palembang)
AP Tacoma Maru 42/47/0 (Koumac)
DD Urakaze 65/80/0 (Koumac)
CL Kashima 62/60/0 (Koumac)
AP Tsuruga Maru 53/81/0 (Koumac)
AP Gyoko Maru 80/70/0 (Koumac)
AK Kinugasa Maru 36/8/0 (Koumac)
AP Seattle Maru 51/63/0 (Koumac)
AP Atsuta Maru 74/95/0 (Koumac)
AP Ume Maru 23/14/0 (Kagoshima)

Ships sunk today:
AP Tazan Maru (Koumac)
AP Arabia Maru (Koumac)

The following made it back to Rabaul today:
AP ZUiho Maru 66/46/0 (Koumac)
AP Otori Maru 35/21/0 (Koumac)

[FeurerKrieg]

Wow, what a day.

War Report 4/7/42
Standard airstrikes across China/Burma, of course.

The main event for today was a nighttime running surface engagement near Palembang. The British were back, showing up with two Battlecruisers and escorts. Not sure if they expected to meet resistance or not, but the Kongo, Mogami, Takao and escorts were ready for the challenge.
[center][/center][center][/center][center]Kongo (top) versus Royal Sovereign.[/center]
The British task group came from the east and then moved in closer to the coast. The Kongo group moved out to attack from the west, but the British detected them early, firing off starshells to gauge the targets. The Japanese cruisers and destroyers fired off a full spread of torpedoes, every ship in the group fired. Unfortunately none of them connected. In return the British launched a couple torpedoes, one of which found the Kongo. Flames started aboard the Kongo and immediately the British took the advantage, pounding the Kongo with nearly a dozen 15in shells from the Royal Sovereign. Warspite was further to the east and not in position to attack at this point in the evening.
While the British concentrated their fire on the Kongo, the cruisers and destroyers moved east to seek shelter in the dark. As they did so, they fired off numerous torpedos and kept their guns blazing. Several 8inch shells hit the Royal Sovereign, but could not penetrate the ships armor, even at 2000 yards. One torpedo caught the DD Palading, and several primary and secondary shells hit the DD's Paladin, Napier, Electra, and the CLAA Columbo.
The Kongo was developing a heavy list and had ceased firing when the first torpedo hit. It attempted to turn about and head for the harbor. The British pursued west and hit the Kongo repeatedly with the big 15in shells, until finally the big ship was driven under.
As the Kongo was being sunk, the Paladina and Napier lost their struggles with fires and floods and went under also. The Japanese task force was out of range to the east, and the British began to head northwest, presumably to check the channel for targets.
The commander of the Japanese group now knew he was severly outgunned, two Battlecruisers against two heavy cruisers. However, in true samurai style, he turned to the northwest and headed for the British. As the British looked for targets to the north, ahead of them, they did not detect the cruisers coming up from the southeast. They took a large sweep across towards Muntok, and then headed southeast when they were caught off guard by the Mogami, Takao and their escorts.
Again, the cruisers fired off many torpedoes, but at the shorter range, many more of them hit. The Royal Sovereign took 3 torpedoes immediately and was dead in the water. The Columbo took a torpedo that lit it up as well. The DD Electra, already on fire from earlier, was an easy target and took many 5 & 8inch shells until it sunk. The destroyers ran in for more torpedo shots and managed to hit the Royal Sovereign again, and also put one into the Warspite which had by now moved into range. The fourth torpedo was too much for the Sovereign and it went under. The cruisers and detroyers steamed at full speed to the west to get away from the Warspite before it could get a good fix on them, while the DD Shirayuki and DD Hatsuyuki, slowed from damage, turned north to head for Singers. The Shirayuki sunk before dawn however.
[center][/center]
[center]The 2nd Battle of Palembang.[/center]

2nd Battle of Palembang (1st was the battle with the Ashigara)
BB Kongo, CA Takao, CA Mogami and 6 Destroyers
vs
BB Warspire, BB Royal Sovereign, CLAA Columbo, and 3 Destroyers

Results:
Japan: 1 BB Sunk, 1 DD heavily damaged. 1 DD sunk.
British: 1 BB Sunk, 1 BB damaged (torpedo), 1 CLAA heavily damaged, 3 DD sunk.

While this battle raged in the approaches, on the coastline, transports continued to unload troops and supplies for the land battle.

South of Borneo, the SS Sealion attacked the AK Dainiti Maru on the surface with its deck gun, landing a hit with the 4incher. However, the AK did managed to drive the sub off with a hit from its 3inch gun.
[center][/center][center]Sub attack near Balikpapan.[/center]

Feurer Krieg Area Report
As if the surface battle in Sumatra wasn't enough, a US carrier launched a raid against Wake Island! In the morning, Liberators attacked as they have been the last few days, but today Oscars were on hand to meet them. The first strike got by easily enough, but the second Liberator attack was turned away due to damage inflicted by the Oscars. Later in the day, a large group of SBD Dauntlesses attacked from the northeast. While only one was shot down bythe Oscars, the strike was made less effective by the CAP. Flak brought down two more SBDs. The SBD hit both the airfield and a couple ships at the port. A small Wa class MSW and a cargo ship. Both were hit with 1000lb bombs and scuttled.
[center][/center][center]SBD's attack Wake Island.[/center]

On New Caledonia, things were no less surprising. As the 38th moved took positions outside the main base at Noumea, Catalina transports were spotted taking off to the north. A short time later, reports of American paratroops floating down onto Koumac base were heard! The two base forces there easily withstood the assault, and now those Marines are cut off from supplies. Also, recon shows a rising troops count at Noumea, so it is clear that the Allies have drawn a line in the sand here. No LBA attacks today though.

Normanby Island was checked and secured by a small SNLF contingent today as well.

Sub Ops:
The sub fleet was on its toes also today, scoring 4 hits, and one big kill in various action.

The RO-61 added to its kill scores with an assist when it found the damaged CA Canberra near Milne Bay, as expected. It manage to put a torpedo into the cruiser, causing the ship to lose what little hold it had on its damage control. It sunk rapidly.[center][/center][center]The RO-61 finishes off the heavy cruiser Canberra.[/center]

The RO-34, near Noumea, caught a convoy of reinforcements heading into the port and managed to hit a cargo ship carrying troops and supplies. Although not sunk, the cargo certainly took some damage.

The I-174, was the first sub of the war to claim to hits in one night, as it patroled the retreat route of the ships hit at Milne Bay. It put one torpedo into each of the AK's Empire Hartebeeste and Kwangtung. The I-174 did take some light damage from the escorts DC's, but it will stay on station for now.

The subs have all been ordered to continue to track with the damage ships as they head for Australia.
[center][/center][center]Sub activity for 4/7/42.[/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
SBD Dauntless - 3
Walrus - 1 (On the Canberra?)

Imperial Air Force
Ki-43-Ib - 3
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1
F1M2 Pete - 1 (On the Kongo)


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 52/72/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/37/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/61/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/34/1 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 48/35/5 (Balikpapan)
AK Dainiti Maru 29/6/12 (Balikpapan)
AP Tacoma Maru 42/52/0 (Koumac)
AP Gyoko Maru 80/77/0 (Koumac)
AK Kinugasa Maru 36/8/0 (Koumac)
AP Ume Maru 23/10/0 (Kagoshima)
DD Hatsuyuki 70/44/25 (Palembang)
DD Akatsuki 32/4/16 (Palembang)
SS I-174 12/8/0 (Gili Gili)


Ships sunk today:
MSW Wa2 - Scuttled at Wake
AK Delagoa Maru - Scuttled at Wake
BB Kongo - Lost at Palembang
DD Shirayuki - Lost at Palembang
AP Atsuta Maru (Koumac)


The following made it back to Rabaul today:
DD Urakaze (Koumac), may still sink - at 92 flood.
CL Kashima (Koumac)
AP Tsuruga Maru (Koumac)
AP Seattle Maru (Koumac)

[Raverdave]

Just love your detailed AAR.keep up the good work.

[FeurerKrieg]

Thanks Raver! Always nice to know someone out there is reading. [:)]

[Terminus]

Make that sometwo...

[Monter_Trismegistos]

Somethree [:D]

[MarcA]

Sirs

I have been asked to appear before you in person, to report on the preparations for the forthcoming Operation Go. In short, forces of the Chinese Expeditionary Force are poised to make a lightning strike on the city of Chungking.

Prior to presentation of these plans, a brief review of operations in China is warranted. At the start of the war for the liberation of the Asian peoples, armies of the CEF marched on Changsha. This was vacated by the Chinese. After this a strong force pushed along the Homan/Sian axis. Despite fierce resistance, these cities were taken and North and South China was cut in half.

At this point the CEF forces were divided between Yenen in the North and Wuchow in the South. The Chinese took this opportunity to strike at Hsingyang. This force, of 4 corps, was caught, surrounded and summarily annihilated. The Chinese made several rescue attempts, all of which were easily repulsed. The final attempts, by 4 corps and a tank division, was itself caught when units of the 1st Para Rgt landed on and captured Ichang. Unfortunately the Para's could not be reinforced prior to strong enemy forces retaking the city. The Paras did however destroy all defences in Ichang.

At this point pressure was re-applied at Wuchow and Yenen. Resistance at Yenen has been stiff and little progress has been made in the 3 month long siege. However, Wuchow quickly folded and the enemy of 9 corps fled and have been cornered in the lands West of Kweilin. This allowed our forces to March on Kweiyang.

Approximately 3 weeks ago, during a CEF command meeting, Lt Gen Homma of the 12th Army HQ presented plans for a lightning strike through central China, from Changsha to Chungking. As the fighting has devolved to the far North and far South the enemy has left his centre poorly defended.

Discussion of these plans by the CEF chiefs of staff, followed by some war games, indicated the plans had merit and had the potential to end the war in China in one swift motion.

Operation Go



Orders were issued at the staff meeting for forces from all areas of China to converge on Changsha in utmost secrecy. Reconnaissance flights have indicated that the enemy has not reacted to any of these movements and has primarily been unaware of them.

The forces arrayed for Operation Go consist of 14 Div, 5 Bde, 3 Tank, 15 Art and 3 Combat Eng Rgts, all under the command of the Lt. Gen Homma’s 12th Army, with 5th army subordinate to Homma's 12th. A reserve of 6 divs has also been made available, to counter any enemy thrusts or provide support to Homma's primary assault group.

Essentially, the primary assault group will cross the fords West of Changsha, shattering the units of the 5th War Area defending the ford. The enemy combat strength is estimated at 9 corps. The primary assault group will then chase the shattered corps all the way to Chungking. Once in Chunking the city will be quickly assaulted with the aim of pushing out the defenders. How successful this will be will depend on how well the city has been fortified and the number of defenders. Current estimates only put the defenders at 3 corps.

Prior to reaching the Chungking a fast flanking group, consisting of one heavy bde and 3 armoured units, under the command of Lt Gen Kuno's 5th army, will move NE to try to intercept possible reinforcements from the Ichang and Sian areas. Forces of Lt Gen Tanaka’s 23rd Army are also currently marching on Kweiyang, planning to enter the city concurrently with the assault on the fords. This is to prevent enemy reinforcement along this axis.

As I speak air units, which have recently been concentrating operations about Kungchang in the North to confuse the enemy, have started the preparatory bombardment of the forces of the 5th War Area. Our troops will be crossing the fords within the next two days.

I will endeavour to keep members of the war council informed of events.

Glory to the Emperor

General Mantill

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/8/42
Fairly quiet in most areas after yesterday's actions. In Burma, west of Lashio, Japanese forces routed the Chinese defenders on the east side of the river.
Morotai was captured by the Yokosuka 3rd SNLF as well.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Problems at Noumea are arising rapidly. Two new divisions were identified during a strong counterattack which forced the 38th Division back to La Foa. Also, a large group of Allied ships off the coast of Koumac is not good to see. Whether they are there to pick up the USMC paratroops, or drop off new troops is unclear.

After internal discussions with Gen Mantill and GHQ Alex, I have decided to not attempt entering Noumea for now. Ideally, our troops will pull back to Koumac and do their best to hang on until such time as events in China, Burma or the DEI free up a couple divisions that can be used as reinforcements. In the meantime, Mavis transports in Rabaul will pick up a few cadres of the various units at La Foa in case they are eliminated.

The Santa Cruz and New Hebrides will be secured in the interim to provide proper airsupport if and when the offensive is resumed. In the meantime, we will have to be satified with the fact that current fighting will be occuring in a place that we can afford to lose.

Sub Ops:
The RO-64, south of Gili Gili, attacked the AK Empire Hartebeeste and hit with two torpedoes. The cargo ships sank later in the night.

At Koumac, as the Allied fleet closed in, the I-160 took some shots at the AK Hollywood, but failed to score any hits.

Subs will remain on station around New Caledonia. The environment is target rich at the moment, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of escorts around.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
PBY Catalina - 1

Imperial Air Force
H8K Emily - 1
H6K4 Mavis - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 52/84/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/47/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/60/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/39/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 55/49/3 (Balikpapan)
AP Ume Maru 23/5/0 (Kagoshima)
DD Hatsuyuki 75/55/10 (Palembang)
DD Akatsuki 37/5/6 (Palembang)
SS I-174 12/4/0 (Gili Gili)


The DD Urakaze sunk in port at Rabaul today.

The AP Gyoko Maru, and AP Tacoma Maru arrived in Rabaul today.

The AK Dainiti Maru and AK Kinugasa Maru secured from fires and flood today.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/9/42
The airwar in Burma moves to Lashio proper as the Chinese retreat to that base. A small handful of Hurricanes put up a defense there today. One Zero was lost, but the airfield was hit with over 120 bombers and effectively closed. In China, 101 Sonia dive bombers, and 71 Sally bombers, began pounding the Chinese forces guarding the river crossing west of Changsha.
On Borneo, the base of Sinkawang was attacked by the 16th Naval Guard unit, who easily forced out the 11th DAF Base Force garrision. The enemies retreat to Pontianak. Also, our troops began landing at Jambi, north of Palembang.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
At New Caledonia, the intention of Allied ships off Koumac became apparent as enemy troops were reported disembarking from landing craft through the night and day. Garrision forces were not numerous enough to offer any significant opposition to the landings. The main group at La Foa is enroute back to Koumac, whether they will make it in time to secure the base is questionable.

At Wake, the Americans showed up again. The BB New Mexico, 3 cruisers and escorts moved in to bombard the island base. The DD Mochizuki was just arriving at port in the middle of the night and bravely attempted to hit the battleship with Long Lance torpedoes, but its shots went wide and the counterattack from all the enemy ships easily sunk the destroyer. The time and ammo spent dispatching the destroyer may have been helpful however, as the bombardment did absolutely no damage to the airbase, and only light damage to the coastal defense guns on the base. Many hits were landed on the enemy ships, but none penetrated their armor.

The next morning the enemy ships were still offshore when two gunboats that had been intending to rendezvous with the Mochizuki arrive. They were also attacked, but managed to escape with heavy damage. The enemy ships were all firing heavy caliber guns though, and with any luck they are now too low on ammo to do another bombardment tomorrow. Alf's at Wake attempted to attack the enemy ships. Although the 30kg GP bombs had little effect, one lucky hit on the CL St. Louis managed to take out an AA mount.[center][/center][center]A lucky hit off Wake Island.[/center]

Slightly over 100 miles to the east, a few ships were spotted moving in to the island. Reports show that a couple of them may be enemy troop transports. The fleet doesn't look large, but recon could have simply missed some of them. Betty's have been moved to Saipan and Kwaj in case long range strikes can be launched. The Emily's at Wake have moved back to Marcus for now, and some Kate have been moved to Kwaj for movement to Wake the next day. There are currently twenty 5.5" guns and twenty-three 4.7" guns functioning on the atoll, so with luck any enemy landings will still take a fair pounding before hitting the shore.

While it is tempting to move our carrier fleets towards Wake, to do so would delay the taking of Santa Cruz and Louganville. In short, we would be reacting to Allied moves instead of forcing them to react to us. For now, what air units that can be brought to bear will be, but major naval assets will not be commited. If Wake is lost, the Allies will have a hard time suppling it, and it is possible that we could launch a reconquest attempt in the future.

Lastly, Canton Island today finished its airbase constuction efforts. Medium range bomber will now be able to carry torpedoes from the base. Efforts will now change focus to providing fortications and island defenses.

Sub Ops:
The target rich environment at New Caledonia is proving to be a boon for our subs.
In the evening, near Koumac, the AK Olopana was spotted outside of it formation. The I-160 took the opportunity and attacked the ship on the surface hitting with several torpedoes and its deck gun. Later in the morning, after tracking the ship and seeing it not sink, it approached again and put another torpedo into the Olopana. This time it sunk rapidly.
Further west from Koumac, in the broad daylight, the RO-34 managed to put three fish into the AK Admiral Chase. Due to the daylight hours, the RO-34 had to leave the scene before the ship could be verified sunk.
A couple subs are now nearly out of torpedoes and will head back to Rabaul for restocking and some R&R.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Hurricane II - 5
Hudson I - 1


Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 1
Ki-48 Lily - 1
E7K2 Alf - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 51/78/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/44/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/63/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/36/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 57/55/1 (Balikpapan)
PG Saiko Maru 99/79/49 (Wake)
PG Kogyoku Maru 53/44/43 (Wake)

The DD Akatsuki, AP Ume Maru and SS I-174 have stopped all fires and flooding on their ships.
The DD Hatsuyuki has pulled into Singaport for emergency repairs.