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

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – IJN bombards Port Hedland again.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Jarvis)
SS: 1 (Permit)
xAP: 1
AMc: 1

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

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (APD dam)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 1/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Noumea resupply concludes as TFs depart New Calendonia waters and begin to head home. KB 2 finds nothing, and will loiter a little longer to the east of the New Hebrides. The two damaged ships (DD and AMC) are still making for Luganville, and should make it there unless a sub finds them. On a positive note, Luganville forts reach level 4. On the New Guinea side, Rabaul is reinforced with the first A6M5 Zero Sentai as I can expect the first heavy bomber strike at any time – will also need to clear out some shipping as well. Lae gets a Helen Sentai which will attempt a night strike on the AF at Terapo, reportedly packed with fighters. With Moresby lost, I’m also bringing in the 4th ID from the SW Pacific to bolster northern New Guinea defenses – although I don’t think L_S_T will make a serious overland thrust from either Terapo or Moresby until he secures Milne Bay.

DEI/SW Pacific: CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) bombard and damage Port Hedland with reasonable effects while the KB remains in Koepang. With the Allies troops not pursuing overland to Broome, the Port Hedland Amphib remains on hold – still possible, but will see.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Lilys raid the Allied troops reportedly north of Lashio, preceded by sweeping Tojos. The Tojos do well against the LRCAP Hurris, knocking down 5 against 1 lost, but the surviving Hurris in turn knock down 6 Lilys which accomplish little in the raid.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Fairly quiet; First major air attack against Lae

Jpn ships sunk:
AO: 1

Allied ships sunk:
DMS: 1
SS: 1 (S-31)
xAK: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
CA: 1 (Dorsetshire)
SS: 2 (Finback, KXV)

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 19

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 7 Attacks, 1 ship hit (AO sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 7/43, A6M5 Zero to 11/43 and Ki-44b Tojo to 2/43. Ha-34 Engine pool reaches 500 to assist in ongoing Tojo and Helen research. Supplies back to over 2 million in Japan, so I decided to start working some more mid-late war aircraft R&D: increased the two Sam R&D factories to 30 and added one additional Frank-B R&D factory to 30. Also increased two night fighters’ R&D factories, the J1N1-S Irving and Ki-45 KAId Nick to 30 with another 14 factory devoted to the J1N1-S Irving as well – the 14 will go into production when avail, while the size 30 R&D will move to research the Sa Irving. Also stopped any research on the Mitsubishi Ha-42 engine, converting the lone level 2 R&D factory to the Ha-43. Once the Ki-43-IV Oscar and A6M8 Zero research is completed, those factories will go over to the Sam(s) – maybe too late to make a difference then, but that’s probably the best I can offer, hopefully without breaking the economy in the meantime.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: B-17s out of Fiji again hit the beleaguered outpost of Funafuti, inflicting about 200 casualties on ground targets, and no losses to the 3 Rufes on CAP out of Vaitupu. Guess L_S_T figures this is a good place to get some bomber experience.

South Pacific: With the Noumea resupply completed, the KB, now sighted by PBY, will head back toward port at Nauru with a slight detour to the NE to provide some LRCAP over Funafuti to hopefully catch some bombers in a CAP trap as well as refuel from the Repl TF. The heavily damaged DD and AMC will begin the trek from Luganville to Tulagi with a robust escort, but progress will be slow through sub infested waters – if increased damage doesn’t sink them, subs probably will. Until more supply reaches Rabaul, operations remain limited to minimal fast transport supply runs to outposts as well as New Guinea. The expected major Allied air effort against Lae looks to have begun with two escorted B-17 raids which accomplished little. Despite a sizeable CAP, air losses were light for both sides: 4 B-17s, 4 P-40Es lost to a Nick and an Oscar IIb. Surprisingly, no sweeps preceded the raids – perhaps weather grounded them? This was also the debut of the A6M5 Zero in combat – but they didn’t shoot down a plane, nor suffer any loss. Strange.

DEI/SW Pacific: SS Snapper hits one of three medium AOs off the eastern tip of Java sinking her. Almost got lucky…two of the three torps failed to explode in two separate attacks. The two remaining AOs (and ineffective escorts) will continue on to Koepang. The damaged BB Hyuga did make it Soerabaja without issue though and engineers determine she’s best repaired at Singapore, so she immediately departs with escort to Singers. Little activity on the Australia front, other than some ineffective Japanese bomber raids on Port Hedland area troops and the port.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Resupply and reinforcement convoy arrives at Rangoon with badly needed supply and a Mixed Bde as a reserve and to defend, in theory, Magwe – which is ripe for an Allied paradrop, except for its AA defense. Still little air activity which is surprising….figured the Allied air forces would be all out to achieve air superiority over Magwe by now.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – First P-38 sweep over Lae is surprisingly costly to the P-38s!

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Shark)
PC: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Idaho)

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 20

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: British fleet units BBs/CAs? Sighted by sub heading along the NW Aus coast, presumably to bombard Broome, but vanished off Port Hedland.

Japan/Industry: D4Y1 Judy R&D accelerated to 11/42! Welcome news! Two factories to remain to produce the D4Y1 while three move to research the D4Y2. Also converted the P1Y2 Frances R&D factory to Ki-61-Ic Tony, and expanded it to 30 – that will allow 4 factories to research Tonys while one begins production in November. Also converted a level 30 Ha-45 R&D factory to start researching the Ha-43 as the remaining 140 Ha-45 factories will come into active production next month.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 2 refuels and continues to loiter unspotted NW of the Ellice Islands. Repl TF will depart and head to Nauru to offload remaining fuel before returning to Truk. Will keep the carriers here a little while longer, hoping to catch some B-17s, or respond to a threat to the Noumea resupply run.

South Pacific: First P-38 sweep against Lae is somehow dealt with effectively by a robust layered CAP of about 60 fighters with a few Nicks thrown in. The A6M5 Zero’s combat debut went extremely well, with 11 P-38s shot down, 7 to the A6M5 which didn’t lose a plane shot down. 3 other Zeros and 2 Oscar IIbs were lost, but either way, it was a rare Japanese success against a 20k P-38 sweep. On the Noumea front, another Fast Transport resupply effort will depart Tulagi next turn while the carriers remain at sea “available”. Another CA TF (4CA, CL, DDs) will provide close support.

DEI/SW Two IJN subs sight a British surface TF, but can’t penetrate the screen off of the NW coast of Aus. TF has at least one old BB, and some cruisers, but sightings are vague. I’m betting the TF is heading to bombard Broome, so the KB departed Koepang for a try to ambush them enroute back. But, L_S_T remained one step ahead and the TF did not continue to bombard, but apparently moved back to the west coast before the KB was in position. The KB will move to the NNE and take on fuel from the Repl TF next turn while a CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) will close to bombard Port Hedland next turn.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Lae takes on heavy B-17 raid; Akagi gets lucky.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Mississippi – back on the list again!)
SS: 1 (O21)
xAP: 1
HDML: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 2 (Drum, S-33)

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 53

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAP (sm)sunk) Akagi is missed by O16 off Australia! Sub laid mines also claim an xAK in the Malacca Straits.

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: British Fleet units (BBs/CAs) sighted moving to and finally at Port Hedland. US fleet assets quiet; majority assumed to be refitting.

Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 12/43 and Ki-43-IIIa to 6/43. Second of two J2M2 Jack R&D factories reaches 30 and now both researching the J2M3 Jack.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Big day over Lae! US B-17s come over without escort in daylight, first of 9 raids with 44 Beasts are met by a fresh CAP of about 100 planes, one third of them Nicks. Bombers are chewed up, losing 37 after two days, including 24 to fighters. They manage to shoot down 5 Zeros and Oscars ea, and 3 Nicks. The bombers also manage to destroy 5 planes on the ground while inflicting about 20% damage on the AF. With some luck, this will give Lae some breathing room as many of the Sentais have many non-operational a/c and need a rest, but my bet is the fighters return. Not sure why the bombers didn’t have escorts or the total lack of sweeps. At sea, a DD TF (6DDs) bombard Milne Bay doing little damage, but delaying the fort construction of course. On the ground, a US division with support pushes back a Naval Guard delaying force in the mountains east of Terapo, so it does appear that the Allies are trying a landward advance across the Owen Stanleys. To that, the 65th IN Bde will begin flying in from Rabaul to defend Wau, while a Bde of the 18th Div defends Salamaua. The two other 18th ID Bdes currently defend Milne Bay and Buna, although the Bde at Buna is fairly well depleted. On the Noumea front, the Fast Transport resupply completes replenishing Koumac and Luganville, and is busily offloading at Noumea.

DEI/SW: The turn begins with a heart stopping sub attack missing CV Akagi in the KB loitering well off the Australian coast. This was followed by IJN sub sightings, but no attacks, on a heavily escorted convoy (BB, 3CL, xAP, DDs) moving to Port Hedland along the coast. Daylight did bring some success, 3 Nells out of Koepang put a torpedo into BB Resolution at Port Hedland. Unfortunately, the Betty Sentai didn’t launch! Zeros out of Broome also swept the LRCAP Beaufighters over Port Hedland, downing 9 while losing 1. This does set up the possibility of the KB interdicting this effort (reinforcements?) if subs can be avoided and the Allied TF loiters long enough for the KB to get in range. The IJN BB TF (4BBs) is still assembling sufficient DDs to provide escort at Soerabaja. Once assembled, looking to sortie to bombard Exmouth to get at the fleet units there, but that depends on the results of the KB next turn.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – KB misses warships, but convoy sunk off Port Hedland

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 1 (burned up before making it to Kavieng after torp damage)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1
xAP: 5 (4 small)
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 08
Allied: 05

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 8 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: British Fleet units (BBs/CAs) moved back to Exmouth.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB begins heading back to Nauru from its loitering position off the Ellice Is.

South Pacific: Quiet on the New Guinea front with the exception of an old CL TF (2CL, DDs) bombarding Milne Bay with little effect. On the Noumea front, the Fast Transport resupply completes rendezvous at Luganville and will begin the return trip to Tulagi. Supporting CA TF detaches two DDs to intercept possible minelaying mission sighted approaching New Caledonia, while the rest of the TF turns about to Tulagi.

DEI/SW: As the KB heads toward an intercept position, the Allied TF (BB, 3CL, CLAA, DDs) at Port Hedland heads back to Port Hedland at speed. Their charges, 5 xAPs, were left to complete offloading at Port Hedland which they did, but they were caught by Netties out of Koepang and Vals out of Broome which sunk all 5 ships prior to the KB launching a strike off the Akagi which found nothing. The Allied xAPs did succeed in offloading what looks to be a sizeable reinforcement at Port Hedland which pretty much rules out any prospect of counter-landing unless this ground force begins moving overland to Broome. An IJN Surface TF (BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) will depart Koepang to rendezvous with the KB off Port Hedland next turn – the “KB”, less the Junyo and Hiyo, will depart the Theater and head back to Truk to rejoin KB 2 in the Central/South Pacific area. Junyo/Hiyo will be joined by the BBs out of Soerabaja and cruisers from Koepang to form the SW Pacific Strike Force – figure the two small CVs will be enough to deal with any British carrier TF, and still get the predominance of the KBs striking power back to focus against the US CVs.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

The Allied offenses continued to be focused against New Guinea in Oct, with the prize of Port Moresby seized. I had hoped for a pause after Terapo fell before moving on towards Moresby, but that was not to be. Pressure in NW Australia and Burma was surprisingly minimal, as was the New Caledonia area, likely due to Allied ship refits more than robust Japanese defenses. With Nov and the refits ending, I can expect renewed offensive operations….but where? The Japanese airborne ASW effort continues, but somewhat mitigated by L_S_T dispersing his subs more. IJN subs still remain a threat, but results were poor, although losses remained light. For the month, IJN naval losses were very light: 2 SS and an SSX. For the Allies, still fairly light: 3DD, 14PT, 5SS. In the air, the loss ratio was 371 for Jpn to 317 Allied planes.

INTEL: With Allied refits ending, I was hoping to have some indications of where they would strike next by some preliminary preparations. That however, has not been the case, except for some small scale bombardment runs against Milne Bay – which is a likely objective.

SUBWAR: Allied subs did somewhat better in October by patrolling away from bases and a few convoys managed to stumble on their locations. The dispersing of Allied subs did mitigate the Japanese airborne ASW effort by moving out of range, although subs still remain a presence and a threat to the main convoy routes and bases near Japan. Japanese subs continue to fail to penetrate Allied ASW screens, and even lowly AMs and SCs manage to pack a punch.

Japan/Industry. The Judy and Tony line comes into production next month and the Ha-34 engine pool reaches 500 to boost the Tojo’s research. The Ha-35 production is sustaining that engine bonus, even with the A6M5 Zero production ramping up toward the 200 mark. The A6M5 has been fielded on all carriers and is beginning to replace the A6M2 as the primary land based Navy fighter as well. Fuel and oil stocks continue to dwindle both overall and in Japan, despite regular convoy shipments to the HI. Will shut down the repair of refineries and focus on repairing remaining damaged oil production in the DEI to boost oil production somewhat and see if that can help. Supply levels are increasing slightly despite continued growth in air research and industry. Pilot wise, reserve pools continue to be lean for fighter pilots as new front line squadrons come available at the expense of training squadrons. I have managed to expand the training squadrons devoted to improving defensive skills, and am closing in on keeping the minimum of active combat flyers at 60 defensive skill.

[IdahoNYer]

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

Central Pacific/4th Fleet. No activity other than subs for the most part, the only exception was a few B-17 sorties against the Ellice Island garrisons likely for “pilot training in combat conditions”. The KB will return to Truk/Nauru in Nov to meet the next Allied thrust, less CVs Hiyo and Junyo which will remain in SW Pacific waters to deter any British aggression. Lastly, CVL Ryuho will join the fleet by mid month.

South Pacific/Southeast Fleet. While Port Moresby’s defenses lasted longer than I anticipated, its fall was still a bitter blow – and the prolonged defense did provide an opportunity for the KB to intervene, but I elected not to throw the KB into the fight in the restricted waters – and it was of course split at the time didn’t help either. I’ll probably regret that decision, but still, the KB is intact and ready to respond to the next Allied threat – hopefully with a few Sentais of Judys ready to go as well. I expect that blow to land either at Milne Bay, or perhaps the focus will shift back towards New Caledonia.

DEI/SW Pacific. I had really hoped for a continued Allied advance past Port Hedland toward Broome, but L_S_T limited that advance, and by the end of the month, had withdrawn advance units back to Port Hedland – so any “backhand blow” behind the Allied thrust has been shelved. There was also no advance toward Darwin or any attempt for further landings to the west past Merauke in the Arafura Sea which was somewhat surprising. I expect any one of these three axis’ to resume offensive movement in Nov which is why the “SW Striking Force” will be augmented by two small CVs as well as having the battleline available to counter any British Navy supported thrust. Of course, if the USN comes west, that is another issue entirely.

PI. NSTR.

Burma/IO. Its been surprisingly quiet, especially in the air. The Allied ground forces continue to slowly move in the jungles north of Lashio which looks to be the main Allied advance. Another IJA division, the 1st ID, has begun shipment by brigades into theater and should close during November. Its still probably not enough to thwart a major attack, but its all I can offer at the moment. Hopefully it will remain quiet.

China. NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Air war resumes over Lae and Magwe; RTA troops move behind Allied main effort near Lashio

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
TK: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Jarvis)

Air loss:
Jpn: 100
Allied: 106

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: British Fleet units (BBs/CAs) no longer appear to be at Exmouth, but their exodus wasn’t seen by the three subs around the base either.

Japan/Industry: First of three N1K1-J George R&D factories reaches 30! Also, D4Y1 Judy (60 per mo), J1N1-C Irving (8 per mo), and Ki-61-1a Tony (40 per mo) all go into production! With about 65 planes in the pool, A6M2 Rufe (20 per mo) production is switched to A6M5 Zero which gives the A6M5 a total of 200 a month.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 2 returns to Nauru Is and completes refueling and replaces a few lost planes from operational loss. Repl TF completed offloading remaining fuel at Nauru and departed for Truk.

South Pacific: The detached DDs managed to find and damage on DM off New Caledonia, but DD Ushio was similarly lightly damaged – so much for the vaunted IJN! Ushio is now headed back to Tulagi. Over Lae, the skies open with more massed Allied fighter sweeps. Japanese CAP doesn’t do too poorly, achieving about a 1-1 loss rate, with the Oscar taking the brunt of the loses, but with 20 separate sweeps, the CAP is just worn down. After two days, 38 P-40s, 28 Wildcats, and 3 P-39s are downed in exchange for 20 A6M5 Zeros, 27 Oscars, 10 Nicks, and 7 Tojos. The worn down Sentais are replaced with fresh ones, although the pool to do that isn’t deep, especially with the current attempt of transitioning A6M2 Sentais to the A6M5. I have to assume the Allied bench is probably quite a bit deeper!

DEI/SW: As the KB and CA TF out of Koepang rendezvous NNE of Port Hedland and reconfigure forces and the CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) heads back in to bombard Port Hedland with reasonably good results – inflicting over 350 casualties, but doesn’t do much long term damage to installations. CVs Hiyo and Junyo, along with the AA cruiser Tenryu is detached to join the IJN BB TF (4BB, CL, DDs) out of Soerabaja, and will join the CA TF at Koepang next turn. Will see what develops in the next few days. The KB, with Akagi and Shoho remaining, will depart to Truk where they will link up with the Zuikaku and Soryu.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: British air returns to sweep Magwe, and are met by a robust IJA CAP of about 120 fighters – missing the lone Zero Sentai in Burma was just sent back to Indochina to receive the A6M5s and missed the action. Only one day of sweeps due to weather limited wearing down the CAP, and the first day was tough on the Brits – 29 Hurricanes downed in exchange for 9 Oscars and 6 Tojos and 2 Nicks. Nice. But the big event was subtle; just north of Lashio, a Bde of the RTA managed to sneak in behind the main Allied force which should have put the 50k men and 500 AFVs out of supply until they can reopen the supply lines, and in the jungle terrain, that should take a while which is the intent – no capability to attack that isolated unit, just delay.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – More air action over Lae and Magwe.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Runner)
AM: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 131
Allied: 129

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: A6M5b Zero R&D accelerated to 10/43, Ki-43-IIIa Oscar to 5/43 and Ki-44-IIb Tojo to 1/43. I expect both the Oscar IIIa and Tojo b to go into production in December. Both are stopgaps until the final models come into production, but with PDU-off, they need to be produced.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Repl TF reaches Truk without incident and reloads its fuel cargo as another TK convoy comes to into replenish fuel stocks. Supplies at Truk are another story; again under 20k as another convoy loaded for Rabaul heads out next turn – the lack of supply however cripples any aircraft replenishment that is currently needed to keep the air war over Lae going!

South Pacific: More sweeps over Lae, but only eight in two days. Jpn CAP manages only some 75 fighters on the first day, but manage a reasonable kill/loss tally over the two days. 37 P-39s and 9 P-38s are lost in exchange for 22 Oscars, 19 Zeros, 5 Nicks and 2 Tojos. Only if I had something better than the Oscar! The problem now becomes replacing the losses with both Rabaul and Truk experiencing supply shortages – will have to make due with committing the A6M2 Zero to augment the A6M5s. Milne Bay continues to receive some harassment bombardments from old CL TFs, just enough to slow the fort building. On the New Caledonia front, two Allied DD TFs bombarded Noumea, and then BB South Dakota comes in which does do some damage to the AF, but no planes are destroyed.

DEI/SW: SW Striking Force remains at Koepang as the KB exits the area. Brits remain quiet. A small Allied resupply convoy (AM, xAKL) was sunk in Port Hedland by Vals, but otherwise quiet. No CAP. Will sortie the CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) to bombard Port Hedland next turn.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: No sweeps of Magwe the first two days as the Brit air effort shifts to hitting the RTA Bde that got behind the Allied main effort north of Lashio. Apparently, L_S_T is not pleased with this move! The lone RTA Bde won’t last long once the Allies get to it, but figure it will be at least a week or two before troops can arrive in the jungle terrain. A few Jpn fighter on LRCAP over the area do little except weaken the CAP over Magwe, which is exactly what the Allies take advantage of the last two days – 24 sweeps which wear down the CAP; losses are almost even, but that’s not good for the Red Team. 51 Hurris and 21 P-40s lost for 30 Tojos, 21 Oscars and 7 Nicks. Losses are hard to easily replace at the moment – supply shortages. Will rebuild the CAP as best as possible, but its going to be a short term solution.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Good day over Magwe; first Judys reach the carriers.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Seadragon)

Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Patterson)

Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 67

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Recon is showing both carriers and battleships back at Exmouth. Too large a TF for just going to Exmouth, perhaps another raid on Broome or a reinforcing convoy to Port Hedland in the works.

Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 11/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: CV Hiryu takes aboard the first Judy dive bombers! Will be a few months before the entire fleet can re-equip, but it’s a start. Now if L_S_T can hold off a few weeks for his next major move, having a few carriers with the Judy would be a big plus. Nagumo’s KB 1 is about 120 miles west of Truk, and will arrive next turn, making the journey from SW Pacific without being sighted or attacked by sub – so far at least!

South Pacific: Surprisingly quiet over Lae which is a plus, providing more time to re-equip worn down Sentais. Supply convoy arrives at Rabaul, alleviating the supply shortage and getting the aircraft replacements moving again. More nuisance bombardments of Milne Bay which is successfully keeping forts at level 3. Good chance this will be the next Allied Amphib target! To the east, a small Fast Transport TF (AV, 2DD, PB) departs Truk for Luganville as well as dropping some in New Caledonia – but no surface support group is covering it this time; trying to conserve fuel.

DEI/SW: CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) effectively bombards Port Hedland, inflicting about 400 casualties and damaging the facilities. Recon sights a sizeable Allied BB TF with two carriers at Exmouth – I’m assuming this is the British TF that we’ve seen before, and will sortie the Southwest Striking Force from Koepang. It will rendezvous with the retiring CA TF and move to intercept the British TF should they sortie toward Port Hedland or Broome. The SW Striking Force will consist of 2CV, 4BB, 3CA, CLAA, 2CL, DDs, which should be more than enough to deal with the British CV/CVE supported BBs. As long as they’re British carriers, not US carriers!

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: A good day over Magwe as the Allies fly sweeps consisting only of P-40s. Without the Hurris flying in to support at 20k, the Japanese CAP held a solid altitude advantage. Only six sweeps come in, and are met by a robust CAP of almost 100 planes, but due to previous raids, the bulk of the fighters are Oscars, which do surprisingly well for a change, although the Tojos are still the main killers. After two days, the Allies lose 59 P-40s, including the usually reliable P-40K, to only 7 Oscars and 3 Nicks. Aircraft replacements are still hard to come by due to supply issues, but a convoy is only a few days out. Hopefully this air battle will quiet the skies for a few days to replenish the losses. On the ground, a British Div clears out the RTA Bde cutting supplies north of Lashio, so its only a matter of time before the British resume their advance toward Lashio.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Quiet in the air; PB bushwacked off Milne Bay

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
xAK: 2
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Monnsen)

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 08

Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam) – also, I-26 is the first IJN sub to be heavily damaged by air attack – south of New Guinea, she’ll try and make for Rabaul. The Allied pilots are learning!
Allies: 12 Attacks, 3 ships hit (2xAK, AMc sunk)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Dobadura (South Pacific)
Kokoda (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Allied BB TF still at Exmouth…no clue on when/if it will sail.

Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 4/43. One of two Ki-61-Ic Tony R&D factories reach 30 and research starts. Also, increasing Ki-61-Ia production from 45 to 60. Looking to boost Tojo production similarly, but waiting until I’m sure the Ha-34 engine production will sustain the boost and maintain the engine bonus. Lastly, CL Agano is completed at Nagasaki. She’ll head towards Yokohama to join up with CVL Ryuho when she’s completed there.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB arrives at Truk and ships begin repairs on wear and tear while maintaining the ability to sail within a two day notice. This gives 3CV and a CVL at both Nauru and Truk plus supporting surface ships. CVL: Ryuho expected within the week at Truk. So without Hiyo and Junyo, parity is the best I can get against the expected US carrier fleet. They’ll also have the advantage of increased AA suite from the November upgrades, but hopefully will be stretched to cover a landing as well as themselves.

South Pacific: A lone PB was ambushed at Milne Bay after partly offloading supplies by the usual Allied harassment bombardment. Will look to push another resupply effort in a next turn, with a cruiser TF escort. On the ground, the Allies look to be pushing overland across the spine of the New Guinea mountains as they take Dobadura and Kokoda from a rear guard SNLF company and a reduced Mixed Bde respectively. The initial attack against Kokoda was held by the Mixed Bde, but that didn’t last too long, which withdrew to Buna and will need to be extracted and rebuilt. On the New Caledonia front, both Noumea and La Foa are bombarded with minimal results; but fort building is not increasing. The resupply fast transport TF arrived at Luganville without issue, and a PB with DMS escort detached and delivered some supplies to Koumac. Allied BB TF (BB, 2CLAA, DDs) bombarded Noumea destroying two planes on the ground and curtailing any fort construction. Not ready to sail the Fleet for another major resupply effort until more Judys are fielded.

DEI/SW: The British BB TF sighted at Exmouth remained there, so the SW Striking Force accomplished nothing sailing to a position just NNE of Port Hedland. The cruisers with DD escort detached back to Koepang to rearm and will rejoin next turn, while the remaining TF (2CV, 4BB, CLAA, CL, DDs) pulled back 120 miles to the NE to await developments and hopefully avoid lurking subs. Port Hedland also managed to expand its AF to level 2 despite some reported damage! May look to bombard Port Hedland once the cruisers return to the TF to knock out the AF. I’d really like the IJN carriers to inflict a devastating blow to the British Fleet so they can retire and rejoin the KB, but that’s probably very wishful thinking.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Quite over Magwe! On the ground, the first two deliberate attacks NW of Shwebo were held by a Bde of the Imperial Guards, but they are slowly being worn down and I have nothing to reinforce. Reinforcements including another Bde of the 1st ID and supplies are offloading at Rangoon, but probably not enough to stem the growing British ground efforts.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Other than nuisance raids, staying fairly quiet.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Seal)
PC: 1
TK: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 2 (Stingray, O23)

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk) Sub laid mine damages AO at Exmouth.
Allies: 14 Attacks, 1 ship hit. (xAK sunk) While Allied subs continue to find and attack convoys, results are still limited by faulty torpedoes. They also are laying mines at key areas such as Palembang and Nauru, but for the most part, without much success.

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: CVL Ryuho is completed at Yokahama, and immediately heads to Truk with CL Agano and a half dozen DDs in escort. Its air component will initially consist of only 6 Kates, but will gain 27 Zeros in Truk – hopefully I can manage these to be A6M5s.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: A US sub has been lurking at Nauru; even after laying mines it has remained. Is L_S_T hunting KB assets or the every so often resource runs? In any case, the KB is staying quiet in port, does the sub garner enough intel? Not sure. In any case, the coastal minesweeper was sunk by the subs, the mines did nothing, and another minesweeper is dispatched from Kwajalein.

South Pacific: With an IJN CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) escorting the PB supply run to Milne Bay, the Allies do not try a bombardment run. Of course they don’t! Instead, the CA TF then diverted to execute a bombardment mission on the US Division that has pressed on to Salamaua, which accomplished inflicting a whole 60 casualties. Will need to either reinforce Salamaua or abandon it and withdraw to Lae which is not the preferred option. I will have the same decision to make at Buna shortly as well. All too early for this. And of course, as soon as the IJN CA TF departed Milne Bay for the bombardment mission, the US CL TF (2CL, DDs) returned to bombard Milne Bay with similar lackluster results.

DEI/SW: An Allied SC (or as the Vals reported, an AM) looked to have probed the waters at Port Hedland and drew a Val strike which appears to have sunk it. Southwest Striking Force was spotted with a rough sighting, but that probably is enough to detect something afoot. So, the jig is up. The Carriers and BBs steamed to the west a bit more to clear subs probably closing on the reported location while the CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) went in to bombard Port Hedland with good effects inflicting over 650 casualties and returned to Koepang.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Lots of Allied bombers going in again to kill that lowly RTA Bde cut off north of Lashio. Its still slowly moving through the jungle to cut the road to Lashio. The Brits also attacked the 21st ID Bde north of Lashio and were initially held, about 220 casualties each side. Apparently the one division that defeated the RTA Bde blocking supply came from this force as it currently has only one division. On the 15th Army side, another attack against the right flank of the Imperial Guard Div’s Bde took the hex and pushed the Bde back inflicting 1500 casualties. While Allied pressure continues against both the 15th Army (on the left) and 25th Army (one the right), the reinforcement convoy arrived at Rangoon with another Bde of the 1st ID and a garrison unit. It is looking like I’m going t to have to commit the 2nd Armored Division as well here – was hoping to use it in that Port Hedland counter landing that didn’t happen, and its now sitting in reserve in Singapore. At least the supply situation has improved for the time being.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Quiet ends as the Marines have landed on New Caledonia!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 33
Allied: 44

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 07 Attacks, 0 ships hit.

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph:
La Foe (South Pacific)

Bases lost:
Salamaua (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Two US Marine divisions are identified in the New Caledonia landings, supported by major fleet elements – but is this the main landing at LaFoe, or is it just the preliminary landing? With two divisions and support, I’m thinking it’s the main force.

Japan/Industry: Ha-43 engine R&D accelerated to 3/45 (from a total of 4x30 factories researching). Ha-35 Engine pool continues to decrease, despite 2 of 3 factories expanding, so a number of lesser aircraft with sufficient pools (Lilly and Oscar IIa) have temporarily halted production until this problem is fixed. On a positive note, the Ha-33 engine pool reaches 500 – which will be utilized in the upcoming research of the A6M8 Zero as well as few other mid war models. Lastly, the Ki-44-IIa Tojo production is boosted from 45 to 60, but of course with only one factory producing, it will take a few days to repair all 15. All Tojo production will convert to the IIb in December as the three factories researching the IIb will move on to research the Tojo IIc. As with the Ha-35, the production of the Ki-49-IIa Helen will need to be shut down temporarily to build back up the Ha-34 engine pool.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: With Marines landing on Noumea, KB1 (3CV, CVL, 2BB, 4CA, CS, 2CL, DDs) at Truk will depart next turn. CV Soryu offloads its Vals as they convert to Judys to accelerate repairs, and available planes will fly out starting next turn as well. That gives only two CVs (Hiryu and Soryu) equipped with Judys for this probable carrier showdown. KB 2 (3CV, CVL, 3BB, 2CA, CS, CLAA, DDs) at Nauru will sortie in two days to link up, then both will likely enter the Coral Sea in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands. CVL Ryuho is still enroute to Truk where it will receive its full airgroup and then proceed to link up with the KB.

South Pacific: Well, L_S_T certainly surprised me by landing at La Foe on New Caledonia! I figured his next move would be Milne Bay or one of the outer islands east of New Guinea to maintain pressure there. Didn’t think a landing on New Caledonia would happen without a preliminary landing at Tana or Efate to provide land based air. Landing at La Foe with two USMC divisions and full support is met by a Bde of the 14th ID, the other Bde being at Noumea. Both Noumea and La Foe are fortified at level 3, but La Foe does not have an airfield. The Allied assault also included a large airstrike of 88F, 162D, and 44T on Noumea AF, which was met by a small CAP of 27 fighters including a few Rufes out of La Foe. The CAP did fairly well, knocking down 4 Wildcats, 6 SBDs and 3 TBFs at a cost of 4 Rufes. Bettys out of Luganville attempted to penetrate to the Amphibious TF, but a small 25 plane CAP was more than enough to knock down 10 Bettys with none effecting attacks. The Noumea AF is still fully operational and additional Zeros are flown in while the Rufes are flown out of La Foe to Luganville. Zeros are also brought into Luganville to provide Betty escort; still numbers are small compared to what the US Carrier Force can bring to bear. On the ground, the 14th ID Bde in Noumea will move to reinforce the La Foe defenders, hoping to hold off the Allied troops until the KB can make an appearance. If the Allies can be prevented from gaining or building an operational AF until the KB arrives, there is hope for success! All available medium and long range subs at Rabaul, Kwajalein and Truk are sortied to support the operations off New Caledonia, and should start arriving in their patrol areas as the KB arrives. Rabaul continues to focus on the other crisis, the Allied ground attack across the spine of New Guinea, reducing fortifications at Salamaua. Elements of the 4th ID will be brought in via Fast Transport and another CA TF (2CA, 4DD) will come in to bombard Allied positions. The Allies are estimated to have over 4 divisions advancing on both Buna and Salamaua/Lae and are opposed by perhaps a division equivalent (18th), although that division is also providing defenses at Milne Bay and its forces have been weakened by previous combat. In other words, there is just not enough troops to defend well at the moment.

DEI/SW: With the Allied landing at La Foe, the SW Striking Force will withdraw back to Koepang – hopefully giving the impression they are racing back toward the South Pacific. As the Carrier TF pulls back to the east, a BB TF (3BB, CL, DDs) for a “final” bombardment against Port Hedland to cover the Amphib TF pulling out the battered Bde of the 56th ID from Broome. The SW Striking Force will remain out of site at Koepang and see what develops. On Java, the 38th ID will board transports at Batavia bound for Rabaul as the “counter landing” force should the KB prevail and isolate the Marines on New Caledonia. Lastly, at sea in the Indian Ocean, two AMC raiders begin their search for Allied convoys enroute to Australia.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: The “CAP trap” north of Lashio works to an extent – only a small number of LRCAP fighters managed to interdict the Allied bombers hitting the isolated RTA troops, a maximum of 6 Tojos and 3 Nicks engaged. Still they didn’t do poorly, knocking down 5 Vanguards, 3 Wellingtons, and 2 B-25s for a cost of 5 Tojos, primarily due to the range involved. Will stand down the LRCAP and prepare for the next air attacks on Magwe.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – La Foe falls all too quickly.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Morris)
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Lang)

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied: 03

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

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
La Foe (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet withdraws from New Caledonia waters; location unknown.

Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 3/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: 10 Judys land on Soryu as the rest are still assembling at Truk – they’ll catch up to the carrier as feasible. KB was sighted by a sub SSE of Truk, but no ships were hit – but L_S_T knows the Fleet is at sea. KB 2 and the Fleet Repl Train will depart Nauru and Truk respectively next turn and head to South Pacific waters.

South Pacific: La Foe falls in the first attack before the reinforcing Bde from Noumea can arrive. As the battered La Foe defenders withdraw to Noumea leaving some 3000 casualties behind, the reinforcing Bde shows up at the end of the second day – so it is primed to be caught out in the open and mauled. Off to a great start! The KB is still a few days out, and with the Allied Fleet not staying around, the primary objective is at this point is evacuation of remaining troops. To that, a Fast Transport TF has departed Tulagi for Luganville, and they will start pulling as many troops out of Noumea as possible – Luganville will be the new defensive line. I didn’t ever expect to hold New Caledonia, but did expect the two Bdes to at least delay a bit against an invading force to allow the KB to intervene. Now, the IJN will be hard pressed to evac any sizeable contingent from Noumea. On the New Guinea front, the majority of the 4th ID Bde was landed successfully at Salamaua, and hopefully that is enough to hold against the lead Allied division – another of which has reached Wau, held by the 65th Bde. With 4 or 5 Allied divisions advancing overland in New Guinea, the 38th ID out of Java is now needed just to hold Lae. Perhaps. Supplies are still an issue with both Truk and Rabaul now under 20k, although two convoys are enroute from Japan.

DEI/SW: BB TF (3BB, CL, DDs) effectively bombards Port Hedland, inflicting over 900 casualties – hopefully slowing down any Allied plans. Surprisingly, no Allied a/c have based at Port Hedland as of yet. The two CVs of the SW Striking Force, and the BB TF will arrive at Koepang next turn.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Lots of air action over Magwe and Lae.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SC: 1
ACM: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
ARD: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 91
Allied: 120

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 12 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: P-38G makes its debut over Lae.

Japan/Industry: A6M5b Zero R&D accelerated to 9/43, A6M5c to 10/43 and Ki-44-IIb Tojo to 12/42. With the Tojo B to go into production in a few days, the 3x30 Tojo R&D factories switch to research the Tojo C.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: KB 1 and 2 join up north of the Santa Cruz Island as the Repl TF is sighted by a sub off of Truk.

South Pacific: The “reinforcing” Bde of the 14th Div is easily pushed back from La Foe to Noumea, less over 1500 casualties. Now two reduced strength Bdes await the Marines in Noumea! The Fast Transport TF arrives at Luganville and will begin pulling troops off once the KB heads south to a position off Tana. Of course, nothing right now stops the USMC from advancing on Noumea itself – hopefully, they will test defenses with an artillery barrage before launching an attack. Air has already started pulling fragments out from support units so they can be rebuilt, but the major units will need evac by sea. On New Guinea, the Allies launched attacks at both Lae and Salamaua which were held, but divisions attacking Bdes is not going to hold long. To further the crisis, lead elements of Allied troops arrive at Buna which is defended by a weakened Bde of the 18th Div – withdawn from Port Moresby, as well as a host of support units also withdrawn from Moresby. A sea evac is in progress to pull at least some fragments out. In the air, the P-38s came sweeping, and A6M2 Zeros and Ki-43-IIb Oscars provided the fodder, while the Tojos, Nicks and A6M5 Zeros faired fairly well; 14 P-38s failed to return while 18 A6M2s, 12 Oscars, and 7 A6M5s were lost. Fresh planes are brought in from Rabaul and await the next round of sweeps.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Busy day over Lae with numerous Hurricane sweeps which were dealt with effectively – 86 Hurris knocked out for a loss of 11 Oscars, 12 A6M5s, and 3 Tojos. Nice! One Tojo Sentai and a Nick Chutai were off on a LRCAP mission which downed 4 P-43 Lancers for no loss. Those planes will focus back over Magwe while the lone Zero Sentai is pulled back to Rangoon to re-equip. One Oscar Sentai will look to harass the Allied bombers on ground support, while the rest of the Burma fighter force focuses on Magwe. On the ground, the Allied thrust on Lashio makes progress, pushing back the RTA Bdes defending the roadway, which will force the Bde of the 21st Bde holding off the Chinese to pull back toward Lashio as well. Allied air raids also began on the 15th Army positions on the Akyab front as pressure mounts all along the line.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – USMC troops advance on Noumea.

Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 2

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

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

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 08

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 9 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: D4Y2 Judy R&D accelerated to 3/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Badly needed supply convoy arrives at Truk with over 20k of supplies – two more convoys enroute.

South Pacific: The two Bdes of the 14th ID with numerous support elements await evacuation at Noumea as US Marines enter the outskirts of Noumea. Hopefully, this advance element will probe with bombardment prior to attacking – anything to buy some time. Two Fast Transport TFs will depart Luganville supported by a CA TF (4CA, CL, DDs) next turn as the KB approaches a position SE of Tanna. At best, I’m hoping to pull off the majority of one of the Bdes and fragments of the support troops by both air and sea. Other than a DD bombardment of Noumea, the US fleet has been quiet, but US engineers have been busy as La Foe AF reaches level 1. Also at sea, two SSXs attempt to penetrate Brisbane harbor, but are sunk by local ASW forces before even approaching the minefields. On the New Guinea front, its quiet on the ground as IJN Fast transport TFs of individual PBs drop supplies and pick up troops along the coast. A CA TF bombards US troops at Buna, inflicting only 40 casualties. The usual US CL TF bombardment run against Milne Bay likewise does little. Quiet in the air.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Allied ground attack NW of Lashio is held, with 500 Allied casualties to 120 Japanese. The 25th Army’s defensive line protecting Lashio is so far holding with the help of the jungle terrain.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Troop evacuation begins at Noumea; Shokaku dodges a torp hit.

Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 2

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Thresher)
xAK: 1

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

Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 79

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit (SS Gudgeon hits CV Shokaku with a dud torp 200m ESE of Noumea!)

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: Air search spots a US CV TF laying just to the west of Norfolk Is; intent unknown.

Japan/Industry: Ha-44 Engine R&D accelerated to 2/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: The first Ki-61-Ia Tony Sentai is formed at Truk, but it will be a few weeks before mechanics get the bugs out of this first shipment. They will eventually head to New Guinea and Rabaul.

South Pacific: The evacuation of troops from Noumea starts off well, with the majority of B/14 ID being pulled out without any interference. The US 2nd Mar Div force only bombarded, but with seeing only two reduced Bdes defending, may elect to attack next turn which would be unfortunate – one more day or two could allow for the majority of combat forces to be pulled out. At sea, a very lucky CV Shokaku was hit by a dud torp from a sub that got past the escorts, and the sea is of course fat with US subs. What I didn’t expect was an apparently long range attack out of Norfolk Is on the KB. Two strikes, the first of 18 F4F and 16 SBD and the second of 65 F4F and 16 TBF. I’m assuming it was from Norfolk, the sighted US CV TF was too far off for Wildcats at long range. In any case, the 135+ Zeros on CAP effectively dealt with the strikes, 21 F4F, 16 SBD and 16 TBFs lost at a cost of a pair of Zeros. No aircraft got through the CAP. Two dozen Zeros (12 out of Noumea and 12 off the Hiryu) sweeping La Foe found a CAP of two dozen Kittyhawks, the Zeros knocking down 12 at a cost of 4. The remaining 10 A6M2 Zeros at Noumea are flown out to Luganville in case the base falls. The KB meanwhile will head ESE to hopefully get out of the heavily sub infested waters; no reason to lay close to Noumea, at least until the fast transport can return in a few days. On the New Guinea side, Allied bombers avoid Lae and hit Buna port, and troops at Wau and Salamaua. Will expand some of Lae’s CAP over Wau and Salamaua, and Nicks out of Madang will attempt LRCAP over Buna. Ground situation still precarious until 38th ID can arrive.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Another Allied ground attack NE of Lashio pushes back the late arriving RTA Bde, and remnants withdraw to Lashio, less 1100 of their number. As the 25th Army continues to parry these attacks, Allied troops appear to finally have started an attack in the center toward Shwebo. Not sure what this force consists of, but reinforcements are badly needed to counter it if is more than a division. To that, a major reinforcement convoy begins loading the 2nd Tank Div and the last Bde of the 1st ID at Rangoon. In the air, Allied bombers focus on ground support of various targets, all with minimal effect.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Noumea holds off two attacks; P-38s return to Lae.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 74
Allied: 32

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph: None

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Oro Bay (South Pacific)

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet continues to loiter adjacent to Norfolk Is; currently due south.

Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IIIa Oscar R&D accelerated to 2/43,Ki-49-IIb Helen to 7/43, and Ki-61-Id Tony to 2/44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Noumea defenders manage to hold off two attacks, losing about 2400 men to only about 100 Marines. Noumea’s fall is imminent as the evacuation fast transport TFs gather at Tanna for the final run in next turn. CA TF (4CA, DDs) will provide cover as the KB begins to head home well east of the New Hebrides. With some luck, the majority of the remaining combat troops can be pulled out. With the US Fleet still hiding south of Norfolk, I do not think they will venture north to disrupt the evacuation. IJN subs of course are vectoring in on the Allied Fleet’s location as well as likely avenues to New Caledonia. On New Guinea, Allied attacks against both Wau and Salamaua are held while the small detachment at Oro Bay is destroyed as the base falls easily. The grinding attacks on New Guinea will only get worse as more Allied troops are brought to bear. So far, the only good news is no Allied ships have ventured to the north side of New Guinea – yet. In the air, the P-38s returned to sweep Lae, this time at 30k which proved much more effective than last visit. Fortunately, weather limited sweeps to only one day of action. Still losses were one sided and severe: 8 A6M5 Zero, 9 A6M2 Zero, 6 Nicks, 2 Tojo and only a single Oscar. The Allies lost only 5 P-38s and a single P-39. The Nicks out of Madang did better on LRCAP over Buna, knocking out 5 B-26s, 3 B-25s, 1 B-17 and a B-24 for the loss of only 1 plane.

DEI/SW: The fighter sweep over Port Hedland was a disaster, out of about 30 A6M2 Zeros sweeping, half failed to return while knocking out only 8 Kittyhawks. The naval bombardment did a little better, inflicting about 400 casualties, but no planes were destroyed. A6M5 Zeros are brought over from Darwin, and they hope to fair better than the A6M2 against the Aussie pilots. The IJN Fleet remains in Koepang.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Allied troops advanced on Shwebo, looks to be about a division in strength, which should be able to be held. Still pressure along the entire front is mounting. A major reinforcement convoy has completed loading at Singapore and will depart for Rangoon next turn.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

Nov 42 Summary

Allied offensive in New Guinea made progress overland to the north coast which was surprising, but it does make sense. Landings at La Foe has been a disaster, unhinging the Noumea defenses, and forcing the earlier than expected evacuation of New Caledonia. Burma continues to be a grind as the Allied offensive starts to move south and stretches the already weak defenses. Can expect continued Allied pressure on all ground fronts in Dec, but hopefully a pause in amphibious landings. L_S_T has been working very methodically, using his fleet assets sparingly, leaving no room to effectively counter at sea. At least the air war has had some positive moments, probably the last I’ll see for a while as the P-38 becomes more available. Aircraft R&D continues to progress, limited by PDU off of course. Allied subs continue to be limited by bad torpedoes while the Japanese air ASW campaign lacked results this month. Industry wise, stocks of supplies in Japan continues to maintain around the 2 million mark, but fuel and oil continually drop, although tankers are loading all available from the DEI. For the month, both sides naval losses were extremely light: only 2SS for each side lost. In the air, the tempo picked up considerably, the busiest month so far, and the losses reflected it: 502 for Jpn to 611 Allied planes. This was the first time since August that Allied air losses exceeded Japan’s – and likely the last.

[IdahoNYer]

Highlights – Noumea falls; CV air catches fast trans off Noumea.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 2 (Furutaka, Maya, Kinugasa)
CL 2 (Oi, Abukuma)
DD: 4 (Nowaki, Shigure, Uzuki, Okikaze)
DMS: 1
PB: 1
AMC: 1

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Columbo)
SS: 2 (S-30, Runner)

Allied ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Adelaide)

Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Japan: 3 attacks (SS sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 6 attacks, 2 ships hit (PB sunk, CA (Atago) dam)

Jpn Amph:

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Noumea (South Pac)
Oro Bay (South Pac

Bases seized: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

Japan/Industry: NSTR

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Noumea falls an Allied CV air mauls Fast Trans TF attempting to pull out the last of the defenders. Remnants of defenders establish in Luganville, the next line of defense. C/14 ID will need to be pretty much completely rebuilt while B/14 ID will join A/14 ID in the defenses.

DEI/SW: NSTR.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: NSTR.