Gensui jdsrae (J) vs SolInvictus (A). IJ War Council room

[rustysi]

I think they are meant to, but this was via the upgrade path not conversion path.
It looks to me like it could be a database error that the 12/43 BB Ise upgrade has zero days delay. It just takes about 18 days to repair the system damage caused by the upgrade.
The other 2x Half BBs are on the 6 month conversion path.

I did mine the standard way.

Looks to me like another 'House Rule'.

BTW, I don't think any of the FP's may convert to FF's (I'll check). Does't mean I can't resize and replace it with another unit.[8D] I checked for FF's units that can do this before I started the conversions. Japan has at least four units capable of doing so. Coincidence? I doubt it in this game.[:D]

[jdsrae]

The first strafing attack did nothing again, but Helens from 9k and 11k feet got some hits.
A second Nick unit then did knock out a couple of vehicles.

[jdsrae]

It’s not as big as a Tonan Waler but I’ll take it.
Fuel cargo burning!



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 19, 43
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ASW attack near Bassein at 52,51
SC Ch 20
SC Ch 22
SS O21 is located by SC Ch 20
O21 diving deep ....
SC Ch 22 attacking submerged sub ....
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Submarine attack near Wotje at 135,115
SSX Ha-33
Allied Ships
TK Hagood, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
TK Hagood is sighted by SSX Ha-33
SSX Ha-33 launches 2 torpedoes
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ASW attack near Wotje at 135,115
SSX Ha-33 – almost as rare as a successful attack is getting away without being sunk! Outstanding work today by LT T. Sakai on this mini sub. SS I-16 is one hex away so we will soon see if he can return safely to base.
Allied Ships
AM Tumult
SSX Ha-33 is located by AM Tumult
Ha-33 bottoming out ....
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Ki-84r Frank x 20
20 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on 27th Infantry Division, at 57,39 , near Comilla
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Ki-84r Frank x 35
35 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 9
9 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 26
Ki-84r Frank x 8
8 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on 766th Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19
19 x Ki-45 KAIc Nick bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 766th Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 17
Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 18
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 13
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 3 damaged
Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 25 (3 destroyed, 22 disabled)
Also attacking 766th Tank Battalion ...
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
13 x Ki-45 KAIc Nick bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled) – probably just the ice cream trucks, but it’s still good to see Nicks strafing and hitting something finally!
Also attacking 766th Tank Battalion ...
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Morning Air attack on 369th Coast AA Regiment, at 57,34 , near Rangpur
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 13 damaged – high morale can be a bad thing sometimes, as the Nicks press home their strafing runs on AA guns…
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed by flak
17 x Ki-45 KAIc Nick bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 17
17 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 766th Tank Battalion ...
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Morning Air attack on 766th Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 39
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 11
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged
11 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 766th Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 41
41 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 18
18 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 19, 43
G3M2 Nell from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking a 'S' War Emergency class SS at 107,61 an Allied SS is reported HIT
D4Y1 Judy from 956 Ku T-1 attacking a KXIV Class class SS at 78,111 an Allied SS is reported HIT
D4Y1 Judy from 956 Ku T-1 attacking a 'S' 1942 and 1943 class SS at 82,112 a 'S' 1942 and 1943 class SS is reported HIT
D4Y1 Judy from 956 Ku T-1 attacking SS Capelin at 80,109 SS Capelin is reported HIT
SS RO-104 sighted by PBY-5 Catalina at 114,139 near Lunga
F-5A Lightning sighted over Milne Bay
D4Y4 Judy from 503 Ku K-1 attacking SS Corvina at 113,107 SS Corvina is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIa Helen from 62nd Sentai attacking SS Halibut at 53,45 SS Halibut is reported HIT
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 3rd JNAF Coy from Rossel Island
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy from Russell Islands
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/A Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/B Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
Pagan expands port to size 2
Cawnpore expands airfield to size 7
Portland Roads expands airfield to size 8
Ace pilot Ohashi R. of 1st Sentai is promoted to 1LT
Pilot Shibukawa, S. is reported as having been found – PO1 S. Shibukawa is a Kaga-1 fighter pilot with 85 experience and 1 kill. It’s always great to get KB pilots back from the MIA list.
Previous report of sinking of SS Tambor incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

[RangerJoe]

Even if the strafing appears to do no damage, it will cost the enemy supplies, and increase the fatigue and disruption. It does make the air units doing this attack vulnerable.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 20, 43
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ASW attack near Wotje at 135,116
SSX Ha-33 – evades again!
Allied Ships
AM Fierce
SSX Ha-33 is sighted by escort
Ha-33 diving deep ....
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ASW attack near Amami Oshima at 98,63
xAK Meiyo Maru – this is a big task force with 3x PB escorts and 12x Limas. The 90th Infantry Regt and 9th Garrison Unit are on board with nearly 6k of supply per Lima. Bound for Manila with coast hugging orders, but the Allies are starting to put subs in all the gaps between the islands on this route.
xAK Tazima Maru
xAK Maebasi Maru
PB Nanrei Maru
SS Sealion is sighted by escort
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Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 36 – CAP50%, range 0, altitude 20k’
Ki-84r Frank x 69 – CAP30%, range 0, alt 20k’ – with low % starting CAP the radars in the base forces helped to scramble reinforcements to counter each raid.
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 11
Sea Hurricane Ib: 5 destroyed
CAP engaged:
33rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 18 scrambling)
70th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 24 scrambling)
87th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 24 scrambling)
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Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 36 – exact same CAP numbers as the first Sea Hurricane raid.
Ki-84r Frank x 69
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 21
P-38H Lightning: 6 destroyed
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Morning Air attack on XXXIII Indian Corps, at 57,39 , near Comilla
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-84r Frank x 9
9 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 16
Ki-84r Frank x 8
8 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Ki-84r Frank x 42
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
4 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 14
Spitfire VIII: 4 destroyed
CAP engaged: all patrols are at 20k’
No.81 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
No.134 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
No.152 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
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Morning Air attack on XXXIII Indian Corps, at 57,39 , near Comilla
Ki-84r Frank x 18
18 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 32
Ki-84r Frank x 68
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 2
Spitfire Vc Trop x 8
P-38H Lightning x 32
P-38J Lightning x 1
P-40N5 Warhawk x 40
Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 4 destroyed
P-40N5 Warhawk: 9 destroyed
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Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 26
Ki-84r Frank x 64
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
P-40N5 Warhawk: 8 destroyed – going by this result, P-40s should probably be used as trainers from now on.
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Morning Air attack on XXXIII Indian Corps, at 57,39 , near Comilla
Ki-84r Frank x 20
20 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Afternoon Air attack on 41st Infantry Division, at 58,36 , near Rangpur
Weather in hex: Overcast
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 12
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 12
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 3 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 4 damaged
Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
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Afternoon Air attack on 41st Infantry Division, at 58,36 , near Rangpur
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 41
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 8 damaged
Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 20, 43

Task Force 54 lays defensive minefield at Shortlands ( 109 , 131) and sets course for Rabaul
Repairs completed on SS I-18 at Truk, ship returned to service
B6N2 Jill from Saeki Ku T-1 attacking SS Hoe at 65,100 SS Hoe is reported HIT
Search H8K2 Emily destroyed by CAP at (135,115) – over Wotje
D4Y4 Judy from 502 Ku K-1 attacking SS Hoe at 65,100 SS Hoe is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 761 Ku K-2 has spotted AM Tumult at 132,115 AM Tumult is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 74th Sentai attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 103,61 a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
1LT Hanzawa K. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 10 - good experience gains for the Chittagong air defenders today.
WO Hashiguchi R. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Gushi W. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Mitsumori M. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
2LT Mitsumori M. of 87th Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Mitsumori M. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
WO Aino A. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 4
WO Hashiguchi R. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Hashiguchi R. of 33rd Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Mitsumoto T. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 7
2LT Ochi C. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Hidaka M. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Okamoto B. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Mitsumori M. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
2LT Itaya A. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Takenaka U. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Agawa G. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
F-5A Lightning sighted over Terapo
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Kusaie Island
2LT Eiichi J. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 10
2LT Renzo T. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Eiichi A. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Miyauchi S. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Chojiro A. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Kimiyama S. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Kimiyama S. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
WO Hanzawa I. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Hanzawa I. of 64th Sentai attains ace status!!
WO Miyabe K. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Kimiyama N. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
WO Mitsumasa N. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Inuzuka M. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Ariyoshi S. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Ochi C. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
WO Inokuchi I. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Inuzuka M. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Hoshikura D. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Saito U. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Saito U. of 87th Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Kakimoto E. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
1LT Futagami E. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
WO Gushi D. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Eiichi M. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Mitsumoto L. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Chiba T. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 9
WO Inokuchi I. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Makino R. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Mitsumori K. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Kimura H. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Kimura H. of 87th Sentai attains ace status!!
WO Saito U. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Hoshikura D. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Hoshikura D. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
WO Kimura H. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Inoue D. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 6
WO Ochi M. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Kagawa U. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Takenaka U. of 33rd Sentai is credited with kill number 3
F-5A Lightning sighted over Terapo
Mosquito PR.IX sighted over 12th Tank Regiment
2LT Anabuki A. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
2LT Anabuki A. of 64th Sentai attains ace status!!
E13A1 Jake from Tateyama Ku T-2 attacking SS Skate at 112,68 SS Skate is reported HIT
D4Y1 Judy from 956 Ku T-1 attacking a Gato class SS at 80,109 a 'S' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Dimapur
3 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 3rd JNAF Coy from Rossel Island
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
3 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy from Russell Islands
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/A Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/B Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
Johnston Island expands port to size 3



This could be the prelude to big Allied air attacks on Chittagong in the coming days.
Sea Hurricane sweep was knocked down
P-38H sweep was knocked down
3. A big coordinated sweep but the CAP scrambles and does very well.
4. was the P-40N5s that were trashed, but the CAP is slowly dropping in numbers.

The problem will be that the damaged aircraft can’t rail out to anywhere, so will have to repair in place.
LRCAP might have to start covering Chittagong from supporting airfields.

RN Cruisers will probably come back to visit soon too.
I don’t think it would be a good idea to move the entire KB to the Bay of Bengal and leave the Marianas open, but the CVLs might be enough to counter the RN. Unless the USN is moving there in the background to support an invasion of Burma…

[jdsrae]

A big win in the air for the IJAAF today.
Global pilot losses are also sustainable at this rate.
The IJAAF pilot losses over Chittagong were 6x KIA 2x WIA spread across the 4x fighter units shown here.
The defending units had very good experience gains and morale is still high.

The Allied sweeps were just probes with none of their big bombers launched, but that can only be a matter of days away.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the Allies are losing a lot of recon planes to flak. They must be flying them too low.
The IJAAF Dinahs are flying at max altitude and don’t lose many to flak as a result.

[jdsrae]

The game has progressed to Christmas Eve 1943.
I suggested to the Allied CIC that he give all forces leave for the Christmas-New Year period.
VP ratio is now 3.2 : 1 and very slowly dropping.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 21, 43
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ASW attack near Cuttack at 47,38
SS I-173, hits 2
Allied Ships – here come the RN Cruisers again. Chittagong is going to have a rough end to the year.
CA Suffolk
DD Isaac Sweers
DE Arrow
DD Quality
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Van Galen
SS I-173 is sighted by escort
I-173 diving deep ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Van Galen attacking submerged sub ....
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Sub attack near Naha at 94,66
xAK Toyooka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage – lots of supply vaporised with potential for more as there are a few points of fire damage… ordered to Ishigaki Port with 1x PB escort to try and unload and put the fires out. The rest of the task force will rendezvous there to take the PB back.
xAK Meiyo Maru
xAK Takaoka Maru
PB Nanrei Maru
Allied Ships
SS Tautog
Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
SS Tautog launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Toyooka Maru
PB Nanrei Maru attacking submerged sub ....
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Ki-84r Frank x 24
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 9
Spitfire VIII: 2 destroyed
CAP engaged:
No.81 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
No.134 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
No.152 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 9
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
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Morning Air attack on 33rd Infantry Division, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 17
17 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
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Morning Air attack on 369th Coast AA Regiment, at 57,34 , near Rangpur – this force is moving to the NW of Rangpur and will capture the town from the rear guard AA Coy as soon as they get there.
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 34
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 15
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 13 damaged – oops, found the AA Regt again!
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 5 damaged
Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Also attacking 46th Indian Brigade ...
Also attacking 255th Armoured Brigade ...
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 7
7 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on 766th Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20
20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled)
Also attacking 33rd Infantry Division ...
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Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 25
Ki-84r Frank x 28
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 24 – here come the heavies!
P-38H Lightning x 22
P-38J Lightning x 2
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 damaged
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged – mostly damaged by B-24J defensive fire
Ki-84r Frank: 3 destroyed on ground – with more planes lost on the ground than in the air…
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 3 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 destroyed, 8 damaged
P-38H Lightning: 7 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed
8 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 18
CAP engaged:
33rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 12 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 26000.
64th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 26000.
4 planes vectored on to bombers
70th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 23000 and 25000.
87th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 25000.
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Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 19
Ki-84r Frank x 21
Ki-84r Frank: 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 10
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1
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Morning Air attack on 763rd Tank Battalion, at 56,40 , near Chittagong – there will be less sweeps tomorrow and more LRCAP (range 0) over Chittagong instead.
Ki-84r Frank x 27
27 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 21, 43
B6N2 Jill from Saeki Ku T-1 attacking SS Haddock at 66,98 SS Haddock is reported HIT
G4M1 Betty from 521 Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 113,109 a Grampus class SS is reported HIT
WO Renzo R. of 66th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Mitsumoto A. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Mitsumoto A. of 1st Sentai attains ace status!!
WO Hoshikura B. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 3
Mosquito PR.IX sighted over Jorhat
WO Ariyoshi N. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Fuchida J. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Mitsumori K. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Hoshikura H. of 70th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Harada S. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Kawahara U. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
1LT Maeda M. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
2LT Sumino, G. of 64th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
WO Emura C. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Emura C. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
1LT Kagawa A. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 10
F-5A Lightning sighted over Terapo
F-5A Lightning sighted over Milne Bay
D4Y1 Judy from 956 Ku T-1 attacking SS Capelin at 78,111 SS Capelin is reported HIT
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda – withdrawal from forward areas of SEAF continues with these units being flown back to Rabaul.
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy from Russell Islands
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting Kure 5th SNLF from Vella Lavella
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 87th Naval Guard Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JNAF AF Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/A Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/B Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
Wotje expands port to size 2
Bareilly expands airfield to size 4
Blenheim expands airfield to size 7
Palmerston North expands airfield to size 7
Billiton expands airfield to size 1
Krasnoyarsk expands airfield to size 8
Ace pilot Chiba T. of 87th Sentai is promoted to 2LT
SS RO-41 arrives at Haiphong – ordered to Truk to join 4th Fleet.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 22, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Chittagong at 55,41
SSX Ha-38, hits 8, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Suffolk
DD Isaac Sweers
DD Vendetta
DE Arrow
DD Quality
DD Tjerk Hiddes
SSX Ha-38 is sighted by escort
DD Quality attacking submerged sub ....
SSX Ha-38 forced to surface!
DD Quality firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bassein at 52,51
PB Rokko Maru
xAKL Kuramasan Maru
PB Seki Maru
Captain of SS Grunion elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 6
PV-1 Ventura: 3 damaged
6 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 3 damaged
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 15
Liberator GR.III x 21
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
Liberator GR.III: 3 damaged
Airbase hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 5
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 5
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 6
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Chittagong at 55,41
Allied Ships
CA Suffolk – interesting that only HMS Suffolk bombarded.
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
CA Suffolk firing at 6th Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Ki-84r Frank x 13
13 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 17
Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 42
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 19
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 3
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 3 damaged
Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 17
Ki-84r Frank x 6
6 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 12
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 3 damaged
Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (4 destroyed, 4 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20
Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tassafaronga at 113,137
SS I-181
Allied Ships
CL Honolulu
DD Gansevoort
AKA Procyon
AKA Oberon
AKA Alcyon
DD Russell
DD Mustin
DD Hammann
DD Hughes

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 22, 43
Repairs completed on DD Maikaze at Kobe, ship returned to service – nearly all the DD Kagero Class are ready, now with surface search radars that should help to boost ASW capability.
Repairs completed on DD Hagikaze at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Urakaze at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Shiranui at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Kagero at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Hamakaze at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Amatsukaze at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Hayashio at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Natsushio at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Hatsukaze at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Oyashio at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Arashi at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Nowaki at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Yukikaze at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 7 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 8 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 9 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 4 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 5 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 6 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 1 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 2 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch 3 at Shanghai, ship returned to service
G4M1 Betty from 755 Ku K-1 attacking a KXIV Class class SS at 82,114 a KXI Class class SS is reported HIT
G4M1 Betty from 751 Ku K-1 has spotted SC PC-785 at 139,115 SC PC-785 is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from 502 Ku K-1 attacking SS Haddock at 66,98 SS Haddock is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Kushimoto Ku T-1 attacking SS Pargo at 112,67 SS Pargo is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from 958 Ku T-7 attacking SS Cabrilla at 104,128 SS Cabrilla is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 74th Sentai attacking an Allied SS at 103,61 a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
Mosquito PR.IX sighted over 12th Tank Regiment
F-5A Lightning sighted over Dimapur
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy from Russell Islands
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting Kure 5th SNLF from Vella Lavella
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 87th Naval Guard Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JNAF AF Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/A Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/B Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
Kunashiri expands airfield to size 2
Ace pilot Hagiri A. of 6th Ku S-1/C is promoted to CPO
Loss of xAKL Gyoku Maru on Feb 08, 1943 is admitted
Loss of SSX Ha-38 on Dec 22, 1943 is admitted
MTB G-165 arrives at Kobe

[jdsrae]

Here comes the USN again.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 23, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 8
Liberator B.III: 2 damaged
8 x Liberator B.III bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
27th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 11000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 6
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 5
Wellington GR.XIII: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 7
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 4
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
Liberator B.III: 1 destroyed by flak
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 5
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 6
PV-1 Ventura: 4 damaged
6 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 6
Wellington GR.XIII: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Ki-84r Frank x 39
39 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 20
Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 42
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 19
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged
Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 12
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 3 damaged
Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,38 , near Dacca
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 7 damaged

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 23, 43
Task Force 211 lays minefield near Ominato ( 118 , 53) and sets course for Hakodate – Allied subs were spotted sniffing around Ominato/Hakodate again.
SS I-182 detects enemy submarine on surface at 93, 140 but can not position to attack
SS I-121 lays minefield at Tassafaronga ( 113 , 137) and sets course for Manus
D4Y4 Judy from 502 Ku K-1 attacking SS Haddock at 66,98 SS Haddock is reported HIT
G4M1 Betty from 521 Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 114,108 an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Terapo
B6N2 Jill from Saeki Ku T-1 attacking SS Haddock at 66,98 SS Haddock is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 761 Ku K-2 has spotted an Allied SC at 138,115 a SC-453 110' SC class SC is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from 958 Ku T-4 attacking a 'T' War Emergency class SS at 109,132 a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Ashigara-2 attacking an Allied SS at 83,68 an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Terapo
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 2nd JNAF Coy from Deboyne Islands
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 6th Indpt SNLF Coy from Thousand Ships Bay
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting Kure 5th SNLF from Vella Lavella
5 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 87th Naval Guard Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JNAF AF Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/A Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/B Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
Repairs completed on SS I-155 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on CLAA Tenryu at Guam, ship returned to service
Hamamatsu expands fortifications to size 3
Amami Oshima expands fortifications to size 4
Chumphon expands fortifications to size 5
Aircraft Ki-102b Randy advances R&D – to 10/44 +2 per day with engine bonus. This FB is a reasonable capability upgrade compared to the Nick-C. If the 57mm cannon hits something it would stay hit with effect and pen ratings of 8.
55th JNAF AF Unit 's TOE was upgraded to JNAF Airfield 43 at Ketoi-jima – 54th JNAFU is one hex to far away from HQ NEAF, so it will catch the train to the East of Hokkaido to get in range.
56th JNAF AF Unit 's TOE was upgraded to JNAF Airfield 43 at Uruppu-jima

[jdsrae]

Here is one way to get a few weeks of leave at Manila.
CPT Masafumi is not amused as this convoy was on its way back to Tokyo.
He will stop at Manila to put his AMC into the repair yard and handover command of this TF.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 24, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 11
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 8
PV-1 Ventura: 7 damaged
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed by flak
7 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 4
Wellington GR.XIII: 2 damaged
4 x Wellington GR.XIII bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 6
Liberator GR.III: 1 damaged
6 x Liberator GR.III bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 8
Liberator GR.III: 2 damaged
Liberator GR.III: 1 destroyed by flak
8 x Liberator GR.III bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 4
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
4 x Liberator B.III bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 6
Wellington GR.XIII: 2 damaged
6 x Wellington GR.XIII bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 6
Liberator B.III: 2 damaged
6 x Liberator B.III bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 5
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
Liberator B.III: 1 destroyed by flak
5 x Liberator B.III bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Clark Field at 78,76
AMC Akagi Maru, Torpedo hits 1
Allied Ships
SS Thresher
AMC Akagi Maru is sighted by SS Thresher
SS Thresher launches 4 torpedoes at AMC Akagi Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 369th Coast AA Regiment, at 57,34 , near Rangpur
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 4
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 17
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Also attacking 255th Armoured Brigade ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 255th Armoured Brigade, at 57,34 , near Rangpur
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 41
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 33
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 3
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 17 damaged
Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Also attacking 46th Indian Brigade ...
Also attacking 369th Coast AA Regiment ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 255th Armoured Brigade, at 57,34 , near Rangpur
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 12
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 5 damaged
Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 41st Infantry Division, at 58,35 , near Rangpur
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 17
17 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 14000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 4th Armoured Brigade ...

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 24, 43
E13A1 Jake from Maya-2 attacking a Grampus class SS at 66,97 a 'T' 1941 and 1942 class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Suzuya-1 attacking an Allied SS at 48,70 an Allied SS is reported HIT
D4Y1 Judy from 956 Ku T-1 attacking SS Blackfish at 78,110 SS Blackfish is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from 502 Ku K-1 attacking SS Haddock at 66,98 SS Haddock is reported HIT
Search G3M3 Nell destroyed by CAP at (138,109)
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 2nd JNAF Coy from Deboyne Islands
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 6th Indpt SNLF Coy from Thousand Ships Bay
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting Kure 5th SNLF from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 87th Naval Guard Unit from Vella Lavella
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JNAF AF Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/A Division from Port Moresby
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 46th/B Division from Port Moresby
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
Cocanada expands airfield to size 4
Pilot Fujita U. is reported as to have escaped capture
Loss of TK San Pedro Maru on Oct 07, 1943 is admitted

[jdsrae]

The Allied Fleet is still heading directly west. Perhaps to capture Eniwetok?
If so, the Allies can have it as it is vacant and doesn’t have an airfield, so the Int Staff assess that as unlikely.

Or will they do a Crazy Ivan right to attack Wake Island again, or left to invade another base in the Marshalls?
KB and all IJN fighter units are on alert just in case the Allied Fleet keeps coming further West past Eniwetok.
The dotted axis of advance is also aiming towards Truk.

[jdsrae]

The Allied Fleet is still moving directly West…
SS I-8 joins the elite short list of IJN subs that can claim a successful hit on a DD.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 25, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Lunga at 113,138
SS I-183, hits 6
Allied Ships
CL Honolulu
DD Frazier
AKA Procyon
AKA Oberon
AKA Alcyon
DD Russell
DD Mustin
DD Hammann
DD Hughes
SS I-183 is sighted by escort
DD Mustin attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hammann attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Bataan at 77,77
SC Ch 32
SS Thresher is sighted by escort
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Dacca , at 56,38
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 7
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged
7 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 14000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Asansol , at 53,34
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 3 damaged
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 14000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 2
CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Some CAP have air radar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Asansol , at 53,34
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 16
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 9 damaged
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 1
CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Calcutta , at 52,37
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 14000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 6
CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Some CAP have air radar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Asansol , at 53,34
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 1
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Some CAP have air radar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Asansol , at 53,34
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 7
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Wotje at 135,115
SSX Ha-40
Allied Ships
xAKL Honomu
xAKL Honomu is sighted by SSX Ha-40
SSX Ha-40 launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rongelap at 134,109
SS RO-40
Allied Ships
DD Bradford
DD Kidd
DD Fullam
SS RO-40 is located by DD Bradford
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rongelap at 134,109
SS RO-40, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
CL Birmingham
CL Denver
CL Montpelier
CL Cleveland
DD McCall
DD Craven
DD Henley
DD McCalla
DD Chevalier
DD Downes
DD Cassin
DD Tucker
DD Flusser
SS RO-40 is sighted by escort
DD Tucker attacking submerged sub ....
DD Flusser attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Bikini at 131,109
SS I-8, hits 4
Allied Ships
DD Fullam, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Kidd
SS I-8 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fullam
DD Kidd attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Bikini at 131,109
SS I-8, hits 2
Allied Ships
DD Dashiell
DD Kidd
SS I-8 is located by DD Dashiell
I-8 diving deep ....
DD Kidd attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Bikini at 131,109
SS I-8
Allied Ships
DD Kidd
SS I-8 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kidd
DD Kidd attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kidd is out of ASW ammo

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 25, 43
SS RO-36 terminates patrol and enters Soerabaja for repairs
Task Force 262 lays defensive minefield at Cox's Bazar ( 54 , 43) and sets course for Rangoon
E13A1 Jake from Ashigara-2 attacking an Allied SS at 83,68 a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Truk
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Kusaie Island
F-5A Lightning sighted over Terapo
H8K2 Emily from 801 Ku T-1 has spotted xAK Hoegh Merchant at 135,115 xAK Hoegh Merchant is reported HIT
Search E13A1 Jake destroyed by CAP
Search E13A1 Jake destroyed by CAP
Search E14Y1 Glen destroyed by CAP at (96,160)
F-5A Lightning sighted over Terapo
F-5A Lightning sighted over Milne Bay
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 2nd JNAF Coy from Deboyne Islands
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 6th Indpt SNLF Coy from Thousand Ships Bay
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting Kure 5th SNLF from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 87th Naval Guard Unit from Vella Lavella
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JNAF AF Unit from Vella Lavella
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment from Terapo
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment from Terapo
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JAAF Base Force from Chittagong
Repairs completed on DD Murakumo at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Michishio at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Minegumo at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on AO Toei Maru at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS I-36 at Soerabaja, ship returned to service
Pagan expands fortifications to size 5
Ace pilot Shiromoto, N. of 11th Sentai is promoted to CPT
Ace pilot Iwashita E. of 64th Sentai is promoted to 1LT
54th JNAF AF Unit 's TOE was upgraded to JNAF Airfield 43 at Onnekotan-jima – HQ NEAF will catch the train back to Hakodate.
Loss of SS RO-40 on Dec 25, 1943 is admitted
DD Fullam is reported to have been sunk near Bikini on Dec 25, 1943

[jdsrae]

It looks like the lead task forces on this axis moved 6 hexes today.
I don’t have time to label every task force that popped up here today, but there are at least 3 separate CV task forces, a CVE task force in the rear, multiple ASW Divs of 4ish DDs, a big BB task force and others with amphib ships.

I asked the Allied CIC where the New Years fireworks are planned for this year but he’s not giving any hints away!
Truk is only 20 hexes from the lead task force now so auxiliaries are ordered to move to bases further West with PB or SC escorts.

[jdsrae]

N. Shiromoto was promoted to CPT today. He’s the top ace with 25.
11th Sentai is a Captain factory, but there hasn’t been a Major since R. Jobo was promoted.

[jdsrae]

The defensive plan was to leave the ASW Div in place with George units on about 50% CAP range 0 overhead.

The result from this USN CV raid looks positive with a very large escort failing to keep the Georges away from the bombers.
No hits were scored on the ASW Div.
Thoughts are with the crews of the Subchasers as this wouldn’t have been much fun for them!



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 26, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taongi at 138,108
SS I-38, hits 5
Allied Ships
DE Edward C. Daly
DE Dempsey
SS I-38 launches 2 torpedoes at DE Edward C. Daly
DE Dempsey attacking submerged sub ....
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Night Air attack on Diamond Harbour , at 52,38
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen laying Type 3 Mine from 8000 feet
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Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 12
Liberator B.III: 4 damaged
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Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 8
Wellington GR.XIII: 3 damaged
8 x Wellington GR.XIII bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
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Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 6
Liberator GR.III: 3 damaged
Liberator GR.III: 1 destroyed by flak
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ASW attack near Bikini at 130,109
SS I-8, hits 10
Allied Ships
DE Carlson
DE Austin
DE Dionne
SS I-8 is located by DE Carlson
DE Carlson attacking submerged sub ....
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kusaie Island at 125,118
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
N1K2-J George x 35
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 17
F6F-3 Hellcat x 90
SBD-5 Dauntless x 29
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
SC CHa-14
SC CHa-10
SC CHa-15
CAP engaged:
265 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
265 Ku S-2 with N1K2-J George (4 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
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ASW attack near Clark Field at 78,76
SC Ch 32
Allied Ships
SS Thresher, hits 1
SS Thresher is sighted by escort
Thresher diving deep ....
SC Ch 32 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 32 is out of ASW ammo

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Dec 26, 43
Repairs completed on DD Natsugumo at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Asashio at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on TK Chiyoda Maru at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on TK Imaji Maru at Manila, ship returned to service
E13A1 Jake from Chikuma-2 attacking SS Skate at 113,67 SS Skate is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 74th Sentai attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 99,62 an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Milne Bay
PO2 Kanda P. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Fujimatsu A. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Matsuba F. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Hirano V. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Hirano V. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Ichimura U. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Kasai A. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Matsumoto E. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Matsuki A. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Fujita S. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
G3M2 Nell from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking SS Skate at 113,67 SS Skate is reported HIT
B6N2 Jill from CTF Det T-1 attacking a 'S' War Emergency class SS at 99,62 an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Port Moresby
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 2nd JNAF Coy from Deboyne Islands
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Kure 3rd SNLF from Munda
4 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 88th Naval Guard Unit from Munda
5 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 6th Indpt SNLF Coy from Thousand Ships Bay
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting Kure 5th SNLF from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 87th Naval Guard Unit from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JNAF AF Unit from Vella Lavella
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment from Terapo
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment from Terapo
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 54th Const Co from Chittagong
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 55th Const Co from Chittagong
Repairs completed on BB Ise at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS I-11 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Kunashiri expands fortifications to size 3
Haha-jima expands fortifications to size 3
Aircraft B7A2 Grace advances R&D – to 6/44 +8/day with engine bonus
Ace pilot Ryuzaki T. of 59th Sentai is promoted to 1LT
Ace pilot Tsukamoto B. of 64th Sentai is promoted to 1LT
Ace pilot Kawai W. of 64th Sentai is promoted to 2LT
I.33-1 arrives at Tokyo – bought back and will be resized to size 24 on a BB at Kure.

[jdsrae]

Looks like the Allied target is Eniwetok which would be fantastic news once confirmed.
The alert state is reduced at Truk and the New Years Eve parties look like they are back on in respective messes.
Hopefully the Allies waste some ammunition bombarding the vacant Eniwetok and the George units scattered around the IJNAF bases shown here get some more opportunities tomorrow.

[jdsrae]

A comparison here between an average 74 experience George unit and one with average 66 experience.

265 Ku S-1 had CAP30% range 0 orders. This unit had fought before so I'm not sure how many kills it got today, probably got about 10.
It had 70+ experience pilots and did not have a single pilot casualty.
It had 2 aircraft damaged but only 1 is out of action today for repairs.

265 Ku S-2 had CAP100% range 0 orders to train up pilot experience quicker.
This unit had not been in combat before but is now showing 16 kills.
It had 60+ experience pilots (with the odd one in the low 70s) and suffered 1x KIA and 1x WIA.
It had 2 aircraft destroyed and another 5 damaged needing repairs.

Even though this was only a single day of combat, the nearly 10 points of experience difference and the higher fatigue of the junior (S-2) unit are probably the main factors in numbers of pilots and planes lost. The 60s experience pilots still proved themselves capable of claiming kills, but as expected they are more likely to be shot down themselves.
This supports the mouse clicks involved with training up pilots to 70+ experience before putting them on the front line.

PO1 Hirano will be withdrawn to the reserve pool and will join a KB fighter unit at Guam, while the remaining 60s experience pilots at Kusaie will be left to continue their on-the-job training. Both units will be set to CAP50% range 0 for tomorrow in case the Allies send more air raids.

[jdsrae]

Meanwhile in Bengal.
1st Army with 1700 AV is ordered to move West in Combat mode following 12th Infantry Division to attack what looks like a single British Division in the Clear terrain across the river from Silchar. It will take a few days before the crossing occurs, so if the Allies react and reinforce the hex the assault can still be called off. Based on some previous IJA moves, the Allies might think it is a feint.

Franks will sweep and Helens from multiple bases will bomb from 14k’ to draw attention to this hex to see if that diverts some Allied forces from their advance on Chittagong.

The Allies may have spotted the IJA move SE out of Chittagong, but that is only the vehicles of 1st JAAF Base Force that couldn’t be flown out.
If the Allies go all-in thinking that the IJA are withdrawing from Chittagong, they could leave themselves vulnerable to a limited 1st Army attack from their left flank.

The mission of 15th Army at Chittagong remains to defend the town until 1 Jan 1944.
There are 100k IJA troops including 1st Tank Div and some AT gun Bns behind level 6 forts, with 100k Allied troops and lots of armour spotted approaching them.

The Chittagong defenders might have to resist an attack or two before 1944 arrives, but this hex and the next few days will be where the war is won or lost.
The Allies need about 1500 victory points from somewhere, so their advance on Chittagong might be too late to make a difference now.

[rustysi]

and the George units scattered around the IJNAF bases shown here get some more opportunities tomorrow.

If I were your opponent, I'd be hitting every one of those bases with Fletcher bombardments.