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

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 03, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Laoag at 81,71
TK Shimotsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
TK Jinei Maru
E W-16
Allied Ships
SS Mingo, hits 2
SS Mingo launches 4 torpedoes at TK Shimotsu Maru
Mingo diving deep ....
E W-16 attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Dimapur , at 62,38
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 5
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 6
Liberator GR.III: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 5
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 13
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 7
7 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 8000 feet – going after a few ships spotted in port. The Allies will probably send night fighters here tomorrow night.
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Dimapur , at 62,38
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 6
PV-1 Ventura: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 6
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 8
8 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Morotai at 81,102
TK Hirota Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Banshu Maru #56
PB Hagoromo Maru
SS Picuda launches 2 torpedoes at TK Hirota Maru
Picuda diving deep ....
PB Hagoromo Maru attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ebon at 130,125
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Allied aircraft – this was a long range strike, probably from Roi-Namur.
B-24D1 Liberator x 5
B-24J Liberator x 3
Japanese Ships
APD Tade – this APD Div is attempting run some supplies to forward to a base in the Marshalls.
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ebon at 130,125
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 5
Japanese Ships
APD Shimakaze – same task force as above
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Karachi at 37,5
SS I-52 – this sub only just arrived on its patrol station and makes contact with what looks like an unescorted Tanker task force. This should force the Allies to divert escorts back to rear areas.
Allied Ships
TK Thorshavn, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
TK Thorshavn is sighted by SS I-52
SS I-52 attacking TK Thorshavn on the surface

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 03, 44
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a Elco 77ft PT class PT is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Tullibee is reported HIT
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Air Division from Dimapur – moving HQ 4th Div back to an airfield on the main railway in Northern Burma, I think to Katha.
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Air Division from Dimapur
11 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Maloelap
13 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Ailinglaplap
Repairs completed on BB Musashi at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on BB Yamato at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Aircraft N1K5-J George advances R&D to 3/43 +8/day. There are about 450 engines in the pool so it will start production before the engine bonus can help the research. It should only be 13 days until production starts and 6x research factories convert to J7W1.
TK Thorshavn is reported to have been sunk near Karachi on Feb 03, 1944

[jdsrae]

ARD watch – 2 days to go until it is “safe” at Guam but lots of Allied subs are lurking…
The ARD was ordered to maintain radio silence but someone somewhere may have tipped off Allied SigInt.

[rustysi]

Flood those hexes with as much ASW as you possibly can and hope for the best.[:D]

[jdsrae]

ORIGINAL: rustysi

Flood those hexes with as much ASW as you possibly can and hope for the best.[:D]

Mission failed…
One hex short, two torp hits, one was a dud but the ARD still sank quickly.
There were lots of ASW Divs out trying to help, but no joy.
+4 VP to the Allies.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 04, 44
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ASW attack near Ramree Island at 53,50
DD Shiokaze
DD Yukaze
SS O20 is located by DD Shiokaze
DD Yukaze attacking submerged sub ....
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ASW attack near Ramree Island at 53,50
DD Yukaze
SS O20 is located by DD Yukaze
DD Yukaze attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Karachi at 39,6
SS I-52, hits 3
Allied Ships
AM Romney
PG Yarra
SS I-52 is sighted by escort
I-52 diving deep ....
PG Yarra attacking submerged sub ....
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ASW attack near Koggala at 28,50
SS I-179
Allied Ships
AM Carnatic
AM Kathiawar
AM Kathiawar attacking submerged sub ....
AM Kathiawar is out of ASW ammo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Guam at 107,96
ARD Dublon ARD, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AM Wa 107
SS Albacore launches 2 torpedoes at ARD Dublon ARD
AM Wa 107 attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Weather in hex: Light rain
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 14
14 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied Ships – the Helens got some hits!
AG Steel Navigator, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AVD Mackinac, Bomb hits 1
AD Black Hawk, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 13
Port hits 1
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Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 5
Airbase hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 9
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Silchar , at 59,39
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Dimapur , at 62,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Silchar , at 59,39
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 5
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Newcastle at 95,167
SS I-183, hits 1
Allied Ships
AM Mildura
AM Inverell
AM Kiama
AM Mildura attacking submerged sub ....

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 04, 44
Repairs completed on DD Asagumo at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Minegumo at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Asashio at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
an Allied PG is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Vella Lavella
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Munda
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Shortlands
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
a O16 Class class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Whale is reported HIT
Search E13A1 Jake destroyed by CAP at (135,115)
F-5A Lightning sighted over Buna
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Air Division from Dimapur
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Air Division from Dimapur
10 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Maloelap
12 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Ailinglaplap
Repairs completed on DD Natsugumo at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Toyohara expands fortifications to size 5
Gorakhpur expands airfield to size 4
BB Kongo begins refit while under repair at Hiroshima/Kure
BB Haruna taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
BB Kirishima begins refit while under repair at Hiroshima/Kure
98th Sentai converting to Ki-67-Ia Peggy – at Bangkok
Pilot Nojima R. is reported as having been found
Loss of ARD Dublon ARD on Feb 04, 1944 is admitted
Loss of SS I-39 on Sep 02, 1943 is admitted
TK Shimpo Maru arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
MTB G-545 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
ML G-212 arrives at Hiroshima/Kure

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 05, 44
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Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 11
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 11
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 9
9 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied Ships
AV Langley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Port hits 1
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Sub attack near Aogashima at 112,66
DD Tamanami, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
BB Musashi
DD Yugumo
DD Naganami
DD Takanami
DD Makinami
Allied Ships
SS Tambor
SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes at DD Tamanami
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ASW attack near Bassein at 52,51
DD Yukaze
SS O20 is sighted by escort
DD Yukaze attacking submerged sub ....

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 05, 44
Repairs completed on DD Arashio at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
SS Tullibee is reported HIT
a KXI Class class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Scamp is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Jorhat
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Munda
a Elco 80ft PT class PT is reported HIT
a Grampus class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a 'S' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
a O21 Class class SS is reported HIT
SS Scamp is reported HIT
PO1 Ikura T. of Chitose-1 is credited with kill number 8
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Air Division from Dimapur
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Air Division from Dimapur
10 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Maloelap
13 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Ailinglaplap
Hangchow expands airfield to size 6
Previous report of sinking of BC Renown incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
I.15-1 arrives at Tokyo – resurrected unit, will be resized to 24 and used for basic fighter pilot training


DD Tamanami was 1 of 8x Yugumo Class DDs escorting Yamato and Musashi south.
It would be a shame to lose one of the best DDs in the Combined Fleet.
With critical flood damage, it will be lucky to make it to Torishima as that will take two days…
DD Kazegumo will take her under tow and we shall see how the damage control parties perform!

[jdsrae]

This turned out to be one of those rare turns when the pre-turn plan pretty much came off without a hitch. This felt like a bit of a risky option while entering orders the day before, as USN CVs could be coming back to the Marshalls any day now and IJN search arcs don’t extend too far East of occupied atolls, but it turned out to be worth the risk.
2x CA Divisions and the Nagato BB Division were ordered to bombard Wotje, with the main aim to destroy aircraft on the ground and ships in port. Mili was set as the rendezvous point with the CV, CVL and CVE task forces one hex from Mili to provide air cover to the withdrawing bombardment task forces. 1x CA Div was kept as close support to the carriers.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 06, 44
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Wotje at 135,115, Range 12,000 Yards
CA Takao
CA Atago, Shell hits 1 – RADM Yoshitomi’s CA Div 4 gets into action first, clearing an ASW task force
CA Maya
CA Chokai
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
DD Hayashio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hamakaze
Allied Ships
DE Harmon, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PF Albuquerque, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
PF Long Beach, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
PF Glendale, Shell hits 34, and is sunk
Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 92% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
CA Atago engages DE Harmon at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards – despite having the range advantage the
Magazine explodes on DE Harmon
DE Harmon sunk by CA Maya at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
PF Albuquerque sunk by CA Atago at 3,000 yards
Massive explosion on PF Glendale
Coye, J.S. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
PF Glendale sunk by DD Hamakaze at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
PF Long Beach sunk by CA Chokai at 5,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...



Night Time Surface Combat, near Wotje at 135,115, Range 30,000 Yards
CA Takao
CA Atago - RADM Yoshitomi’s CA Div 4 then makes a second contact with an ASW Div but fails to get any shots away
CA Maya
CA Chokai
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
DD Hayashio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hamakaze
Allied Ships
SC PC-785
SC PC-1081
SC PC-1083
SC PC-1085
Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 92% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 22,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 16,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 16,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 15,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 16,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 29,000 yards
Allied ASW Combat TF evades combat

[jdsrae]

Night Time Surface Combat, near Wotje at 135,115, Range 12,000 Yards
CA Myoko
CA Haguro - RADM Tanaka with CA Div 3 then makes contact with an Air Transport task force. This task force was spotted moving West a few days ago but the AKVs were unexpected. The aircraft had probably unloaded but they would have had a fair bit of supply still onboard.
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara
DD Kagero
DD Yukikaze
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Tanikaze
Allied Ships
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
DD Gridley, Shell hits 2
DD Maury, Shell hits 7, on fire
DE McConnell, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
DE Osterhaus, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AKV Doryssa, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AKV Malancha, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 92% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages DD Gridley at 12,000 yards
DE McConnell sunk by CA Nachi at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot sunk by CA Myoko at 2,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

[jdsrae]

Night Time Surface Combat, near Wotje at 135,115, Range 14,000 Yards
BB Nagato – VADM Tayui with BB Division 3 then cleans up some stragglers.
BB Mutsu
CL Agano
CL Noshiro
DD Suzunami
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Kishinami
DD Hayanami
DD Kiyonami
DD Okinami
DD Hamanami
DD Asashimo
Allied Ships
DE Osterhaus, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
AKV Malancha, and is sunk
Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 22,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 14,000 yards
DD Fujinami engages DE Osterhaus at 14,000 yards
DE Osterhaus sunk by BB Mutsu at 8,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

[jdsrae]

Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 5
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Wotje at 135,115
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 26 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-2 Corsair: 25 damaged
F4U-2 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
B-24J Liberator: 23 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 33 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 49 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 13 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
TBM-1C Avenger: 9 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 3 destroyed on ground
F4U-1A Corsair: 9 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 2 destroyed on ground
Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
CA Maya
CA Atago
CA Takao
Allied ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 21 (1 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 46
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Chokai
CA Chokai firing at Wotje
CA Maya firing at Wotje
CA Atago firing at Wotje
CA Takao firing at Wotje
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Wotje at 135,115
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 27 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 7 destroyed on ground
B-24D1 Liberator: 22 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 1 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-2 Corsair: 11 damaged
F4U-2 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
TBM-1C Avenger: 2 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed on ground
B-24J Liberator: 23 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 28 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1A Corsair: 7 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 2 destroyed on ground
Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
Allied ground losses:
165 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 31
CA Ashigara firing at Wotje
CA Nachi firing at Wotje
CA Haguro firing at Wotje
CA Myoko firing at 201st(Sep) Infantry Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Wotje at 135,115
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 5 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 3 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 8 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 2 destroyed on ground
B-24D1 Liberator: 10 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 destroyed on ground
F4U-2 Corsair: 16 damaged
F4U-2 Corsair: 2 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 7 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 5 destroyed on ground
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 3 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
CL Noshiro
CL Agano
Allied Ships – the only minor disappointment was that more ships in port were not hit. There are about 30 spotted there, mostly small craft. Interesting that the PT boats weren’t on patrol. Perhaps the base is low on fuel.
DMS Long, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PT-74, Shell hits 1, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
127 casualties reported
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (5 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 11 (6 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 32
BB Mutsu firing at Wotje
BB Nagato firing at Wotje
CL Noshiro firing at Wotje
CL Agano firing at 201st(Sep) Infantry Regiment

[jdsrae]

Day Time Surface Combat, near Wotje at 135,115, Range 30,000 Yards
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
CL Agano
CL Noshiro
DD Suzunami
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Kishinami
DD Hayanami
DD Kiyonami
DD Okinami
DD Hamanami
DD Asashimo
Allied Ships
SC PC-785, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
SC PC-1081, Shell hits 1, on fire
SC PC-1083
SC PC-1085, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 30,000 yards
BB Nagato engages SC PC-1081 at 30,000 yards – then some long range gunnery practice, a bit of a waste of 40cm ammunition but it doesn’t look like there are any other threats nearby.
BB Mutsu engages SC PC-785 at 25,000 yards
CL Noshiro engages SC PC-785 at 21,000 yards
CL Agano engages SC PC-785 at 21,000 yards
DD Asashimo engages SC PC-1081 at 19,000 yards
DD Kiyonami engages SC PC-1085 at 19,000 yards
DD Hayanami engages SC PC-785 at 19,000 yards
DD Fujinami engages SC PC-1081 at 19,000 yards
SC PC-785 sunk by DD Kiyonami at 11,000 yards
SC PC-1085 sunk by BB Mutsu at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...
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Sub attack near Tawau at 69,91
PB Sinko Maru
SS Shad launches 2 torpedoes at PB Sinko Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Wotje at 134,115
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
A6M8 Zero x 24
D4Y4 Judy x 9 – 800kg bombs
D4Y4 Judy: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 1
Allied Ships
SC PC-1083, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC PC-1081, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
CAP engaged:
VMF-114 with F4U-1A Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mili at 136,120
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M8 Zero x 230 – most of the CVs had CAP50% range 0 with a select few providing escorts
A6M8 Zero: 2 destroyed
The image shows the 2x Rex units that are on the BBVs that had accidently been left with rookie pilots who are still flying training escort 100% range 0 missions!
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 21
F6F-3 Hellcat x 9
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 18
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 13 destroyed – none made it through the CAP
CAP engaged: this gives away what ships are in the hex, apart from the CVEs and CVLs that have 343 Ku and 6th Ku aircraft on board.
343 Ku S-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
343 Ku S-2 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6th Ku S-1/A with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6th Ku S-1/C with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Kaga-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Soryu-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Hiryu-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Shokaku-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Zuikaku-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Ryujo-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Junyo-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Hiyo-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Shoho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Zuiho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Ryuho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Hosho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Chitose-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Chiyoda-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Wotje at 134,115
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
B6N2a Jill x 9
B6N2a Jill: 5 destroyed
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 5
CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1A Corsair (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VMF-422 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Chittagong at 55,41
Ki-84r Frank x 4
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-25G Mitchell x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 34
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
8 x B-25G Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level – attack bombers doing what they were designed to do
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kuramasan Maru, Shell hits 5, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Shinrei Maru, Shell hits 5, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CAP engaged:
47th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
Massive explosion on xAKL Kuramasan Maru

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 06, 44
AMc Rampur is reported HIT
a 'S' 1942 and 1943 class SS is reported HIT
a KXI Class class SS is reported HIT
PO1 Oda U. of Shokaku-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Sugita, S. of Hiryu-1 is credited with kill number 4
CDR Iwamoto, T. of Hiryu-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Miyazaki, G. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Nagano U. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Miyazaki, G. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Kanda T. of 343 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Doikawa O. of 343 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
ENS Endo, Y. of 6th Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 2 – this is ENS Endo of “Endo Det” fame, finally getting another kill after spending all that time mucking about in night fighters.
PO1 Matsuba V. of Kaga-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Minowa E. of Hiryu-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Minowa E. of Hiryu-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Sugiyama M. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Abe V. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 2
a Elco 77ft PT class PT is reported HIT
a Porpoise class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a O19 Class class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied CL is reported HIT – near Akyab, not a CL it would have been a Sub
WO Kajinami, S. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Kajinami, S. of 47th Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Inuzuka T. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
10 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Maloelap
13 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Ailinglaplap
Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard DD Tamanami – she didn’t move a single hex. Still 2 hexes to move until she can disband in port.
xAKL Shinrei Maru sinks at sea
xAKL Kuramasan Maru sinks at sea
Repairs completed on SS I-9 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Anshan expands airfield to size 4
Chiang Mai expands fortifications to size 4
Haha-jima expands fortifications to size 4
Maryborough expands airfield to size 7
5th Sentai converting to Ki-45 KAId Nick – at Bangkok, the first IJAAF night fighter unit will take 9-10 days to repair all aircraft then it will move forward to join the fight over the India-Burma border.
LST T-105 arrives at Nagoya
DD Ralph Talbot is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
DE Harmon is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
DE McConnell is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
DE Osterhaus is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
SC PC-785 is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
SC PC-1081 is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
SC PC-1083 is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
SC PC-1085 is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
AKV Doryssa is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
AKV Malancha is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
PF Albuquerque is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
PF Long Beach is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
PF Glendale is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944

[jdsrae]

A fairly quiet day after yesterday.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 07, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 10
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged
Port hits 1
10 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 7000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 11
11 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 8
Wellington GR.XIII: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 9
Wellington B.X: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 10
10 x Liberator B.III bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 10
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
Liberator B.VI: 1 destroyed by flak
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41 – allied bombers are concentrating on hitting the port, probably to try and destroy supply. The main way supply is being “destroyed” is through the firing of AA ammunition.
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 11
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 6
PV-1 Ventura: 4 damaged
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed by flak
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
4 x B-24J Liberator laying Mk 13 Mine from 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 7
PV-1 Ventura: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
5 x B-24J Liberator laying Mk 13 Mine from 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Perth at 46,147
SS RO-36
Allied Ships
xAK George Ross, Torpedo hits 3, heavy damage
xAK George Ross is sighted by SS RO-36
SS RO-36 launches 4 torpedoes at xAK George Ross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rossel Island , at 105,137
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 2,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Ki-84r Frank x 22
22 x Ki-84r Frank strafing at 100 feet – this was meant to identify the Allied unit on the ground but it didn’t work today
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 22
22 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet – with so few Franks on LRCAP yesterday I had a hunch that sweeps would come today so all LRCAP was stood down. If the Allies try daylight raids again 3rd Air Army will order an all callsigns LRCAP for a day to see how many 4E bombers it can shoot down.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 12
P-40N5 Warhawk x 21
21 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 8th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter TF.X x 20
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17
Beaufighter TF.X: 9 damaged
Beaufighter TF.X: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Beaufighter TF.X bombing from 6000 feet – not at strafing height but they still take lots of flak
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 13
P-38J Lightning x 32
13 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 07, 44
Repairs completed on SS RO-38 at Soerabaja, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS I-32 at Soerabaja, ship returned to service
SS Snook is reported HIT
a Thames class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
TF 281 snooped by PBY-5A Catalina at 119,113 near Ponape – USN Catalinas must have been mainly looking West rather than South of Wotje.
F-5A Lightning sighted over Buna
F-7A Liberator sighted over Mandalay
a O21 Class class SS is reported HIT
a 'S' 1942 and 1943 class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a O19 Class class SS is reported HIT
a Thames class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
18 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st Raiding Regiment to Warazup – lots of Allied recon throughout Burma and they have shown in SEAF that they don’t mind trying the odd para drop, so 1st Raiding Regt are flown into Warazup’s level 1 airfield to show Allied recon that something is there.
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
10 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Maloelap
13 x H8K2-L Emily transporting supplies to Ailinglaplap
Singapore expands fortifications to size 8
Ace pilot Miyazaki J. of 77th Sentai is promoted to 1LT
I.15-1 on BB Fuso converting to size 24 from 1
DD McCook is reported to have been sunk near Truk on Jan 01, 1944
SS Redfin is reported to have been sunk near Truk on Oct 23, 1943
xAK George Ross is reported to have been sunk near Perth on Feb 07, 1944
MTB G-14 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka

[Mike Solli]

Very nice little op. I love catching AKVs. There aren't that many and even if you don't get the aircraft, more aircraft movement by sea is by xAK, which means they need maintenance.

[jdsrae]

The BB task force looked like it would move 1 hex less than the others so the CV task force was ordered to cover it.
The CA task forces are in this hex under cover of the CVL and CVE task forces.
More good experience for the KB fighter corps, but today the CV pilots miss out.
Point to note and try to remember for future reference, this was a 10 hex range strike from Roi-Namur.
The Rex pilot trainees have another story to tell if they survive the war.
Now they can say that they got to witness two air battles while still learning how to fly straight and level!



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 08, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 7
7 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 7000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied Ships
AG Steel Navigator, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 12
Wellington GR.XIII x 11
Wellington B.X: 3 damaged
Wellington GR.XIII: 5 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 10
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 5
Liberator GR.III: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
4 x B-24J Liberator laying Mk 13 Mine from 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator: 6 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wake Island at 136,98
xAK Ayo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
E Shirataka
Allied Ships
SS Guavina
SS Guavina launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Ayo Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tandjoengselor at 68,93
TK Kumanoyama, Torpedo hits 1, on fire – Std-A Tanker. She made it to Tarakan about a day later. Fires are out and 27 days of pierside repair are required before attempting the move to IJN Repair Yard Manila.
PB Ikuta Maru
SS Gudgeon launches 4 torpedoes at TK Kumanoyama
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 22
22 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 22
22 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rossel Island , at 105,137
Ki-84r Frank x 23
23 x Ki-84r Frank strafing at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 21
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
3 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
3 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 2
P-38J Lightning x 22
2 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 13
13 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kusaie Island at 125,121
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M8 Zero x 170
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 29
F6F-3 Hellcat x 12
SBD-5 Dauntless x 16
F4U-1A Corsair: 2 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 9 destroyed
CAP engaged:
343 Ku S-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 16 scrambling) – this unit was the only one to scramble extra fighters on top of the standby CAP.
343 Ku S-2 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6th Ku S-1/A with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6th Ku S-1/C with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Ryujo-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Shoho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Zuiho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Ryuho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Hosho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Chitose-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Chiyoda-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 08, 44
Previous report of sinking of SS Gudgeon incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 68, 93
SS Tullibee is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Gudgeon is reported HIT
SS Gudgeon is reported HIT
SS Batfish is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Chittagong
SS Batfish is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Search Ki-49-IIa Helen destroyed by CAP at (55,41)
a 'T' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Myitkyina
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Truk
LT Shingo, H. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 4
LT Shingo, H. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 5
LT Shingo, H. of Ryujo-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Okura U. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Okano A. of 6th Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Matsubara C. of Chitose-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Matsubara C. of Chitose-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Sugiyama T. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Moriura, T. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 3
CPO Hirata B. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 7
CPO Hirata B. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 8
PO1 Nishiura R. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Hori T. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Hori T. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Katagi O. of 6th Ku S-1/B is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Katagi O. of 6th Ku S-1/B attains ace status!!
F-7A Liberator sighted over Mandalay
18 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st Raiding Regiment to Warazup
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
Probolinggo expands airfield to size 5
Aircraft B7A2 Grace advances R&D
Ryuzaki V. of 15th Sentai is promoted to 1LT
Ace pilot Miyajima I. of 77th Sentai Det A is promoted to 1LT
ML G-213 arrives at Shimonoseki
35th Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Tokyo – 280 max AV, historically these 3x IMBs were used near the Andamans, but in this war they will stay closer to home. This IMB will move to Iwo-jima.
36th Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Tokyo – 160 max AV will move to Haha-jima
37th Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Osaka/Kyoto – 160 max AV will move to Chichi-jima

[jdsrae]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Very nice little op. I love catching AKVs. There aren't that many and even if you don't get the aircraft, more aircraft movement by sea is by xAK, which means they need maintenance.

Not sure if having 90% of the Combined Fleet involved qualifies as a "little op", but based on the results it was one!
I shudder to think how much fuel was burnt to sink a few ASW Divs and 2x AKV, but at least this puts the Allies on notice again that the Combined Fleet might pop up at any moment.

The Allied CIC mentioned that the OIC of the Wotje Southern search arc has been court-martialed and sent to Antarctica for penguin counting duty.
That doesn't sound like too bad a job to me, but in 1944 with winter to look forward to by the time he arrives, that might be seen as a punishment posting.

Four of six IJ SigInt hits today were of heavy radio traffic at Pearl Harbour, so this little op might spark a big Allied reaction!

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 09, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Carnarvon at 49,131
SS I-171
Allied Ships
xAK Gideon Welles – dud hit…
xAK Gideon Welles is sighted by SS I-171
SS I-171 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Gideon Welles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 22
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Runway hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Runway hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
8 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
Airbase hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Carnarvon at 49,131
SS I-171
Allied Ships
xAK George Davidson, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK George Davidson is sighted by SS I-171
SS I-171 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK George Davidson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Midway Island at 152,106
SS I-45, hits 6
Allied Ships
CL Cleveland
BB Tennessee
BB California
BB Oklahoma
BB Nevada
CL Birmingham
CL Phoenix
DD William Porter
DMS Trevor
DD Downes
DD Cassin
DD Tucker
DD Young
SS I-45 launches 6 torpedoes at CL Cleveland - all 6 missed...
DD Cassin attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tucker attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kure Island at 149,98
SS I-43, hits 2
Allied Ships
DMS Chandler
DMS Palmer
DD Cushing
DD Shaw
SS I-43 launches 2 torpedoes at DMS Chandler
DD Cushing attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Ki-84r Frank x 23
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 22
P-40N5 Warhawk: 8 destroyed
CAP engaged:
31st Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 11 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Ki-84r Frank x 19
Ki-84r Frank: 6 destroyed – rough day in the office for 31st Sentai. Just noticed that there isn’t a radar set at Imphal so an AA Regt that has one is ordered to move there from Dimapur. That will take a few weeks…
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
10 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 20000 feet
CAP engaged:
31st Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-84r Frank x 1
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 22
21 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 24
24 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 23
23 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 21
21 x P-38J Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-38H Lightning x 15
P-38J Lightning x 21
16 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 20000 feet
15 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet
21 x P-38J Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 3
3 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet
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Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 3
3 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
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Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 20000 feet
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Afternoon Air attack on Rossel Island , at 105,137
Ki-84r Frank x 20
20 x Ki-84r Frank strafing at 100 feet
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ASW attack near Bassein at 52,51
DD Nagatsuki
DD Yuzuki
Allied Ships
SS Surf, hits 3
SS Surf is located by DD Nagatsuki
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
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Ground combat at Chittagong (55,41)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 53926 troops, 810 guns, 2180 vehicles, Assault Value = 2246
Defending force 78735 troops, 1021 guns, 1140 vehicles, Assault Value = 2728
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5
Allied adjusted assault: 1728
Japanese adjusted defense: 2575
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 5) – no point trying to rebuild the level 6 fort. The defence of Chittagong will probably only last another week or so.
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
2465 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 185 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 34 (4 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
3385 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 457 disabled – that’s a Division worth of disabled squads, but not many destroyed.
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 129 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Guns lost 80 (4 destroyed, 76 disabled)
Vehicles lost 182 (9 destroyed, 173 disabled)

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 09, 44
SS I-4 terminates patrol and enters Hakodate for repairs
a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a Thames class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Tullibee is reported HIT
a Grampus class SS is reported HIT
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
SSX Ha-30 is reported HIT – in the Cochin hex. I’ve been wondering how much damage might be caused by these reports. While this is an SSX so probably more damage was caused than a larger SS, it has 50 system damage, 45 float damage and 3 engine damage. It has been picked up by SS I-22 and will return to Soerabaja for repairs.
2LT Mori C. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 7
2LT Miyabe A. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Fujimoto M. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 8
2LT Taniguchi K. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Anabuki T. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Mori C. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 8
WO Kaguyama S. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Inuzuka N. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Goto U. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Goto U. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 3
CPT Asano, H. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 10
1LT Kanemaru, T. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 8
WO Nishihata R. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Aino T. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Hashimoto S. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 2
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Mili
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Ponape
2LT Aino T. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 3
SS Tuna is reported HIT
a TM-4 class PT is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a Gato class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Batfish is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Chittagong
19 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st Raiding Regiment to Warazup
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
Ishigaki expands fortifications to size 4
Astoria expands port to size 5
Darjeeling expands airfield to size 6
Aircraft P1Y2 Frances advances R&D – to Feb 44, so starts production tomorrow.
Ace pilot Izumida E. of 1st Sentai is promoted to 2LT
TK Butsu Maru arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo
xAK George Davidson is reported to have been sunk near Carnarvon on Feb 09, 1944
17th Sentai arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo – these 3x fighter Sentai are pencilled in to form the 22nd Air Brigade, 7th Air Division. The 22nd JAAF Base Force is currently at Cagayan on Mindanao. They have all taken rookie pilots and will start Air skill training at Nagoya. Once they can fly straight they will hop, skip and jump to Cagayan.
18th Sentai arrives at Tokyo
19th Sentai arrives at Osaka/Kyoto
2nd RF Gun Battalion arrives at Tokyo – transferred to 31st Army and will move to Truk.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 10, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 6
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged
6 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 7000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
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Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
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Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 11
PV-1 Ventura: 3 damaged
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed by flak
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Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.XIII x 15
Wellington GR.XIII: 7 damaged
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Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 8
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
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Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 18
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 16
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Airbase hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 18
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged
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Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 9
9 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 7000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 6
Wellington B.X: 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 6
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 7
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed – there have to be a few B24 aces by now… this is the worst night performance for the Nick-C this war that I can remember.
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5
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Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 4
4 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 7000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 6th/A Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter TF.X x 18
Beaufighter X x 24
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter TF.X: 13 damaged
Beaufighter X: 14 damaged
Beaufighter X: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Beaufighter X bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
18 x Beaufighter TF.X bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 10, 44
Repairs completed on SS RO-39 at Soerabaja, ship returned to service
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Myitkyina
SS Tambor is reported HIT
SS Gudgeon is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Myitkyina
19 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st Raiding Regiment to Warazup
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
31st Sentai converting to size 36 from 27 – at Katha in Burma. More fighter slot are always welcome.
SS RO-46 arrives at Takamatsu – will move to 4th Fleet.
TK Victor H Kelly is reported to have been sunk near Pearl Harbor on Jul 17, 1943
MTB G-546 arrives at Hakodate
MTB G-15 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
37th Ind. Engineer Regiment arrives at Kumamoto – arrives attached to 18th Army, I will take the hint and move it to PNG.

Here come the USN again!

[jdsrae]

The Allied CIC is offline for about 10 days so there will be an operational pause.
That will give me a chance to check on some details like industry and pilot training.

I’ve just noticed that the IJAAF fighter corps will expand on 1 Mar 44, with all Sentai increasing to size 49 which should allow 65 pilots per Sentai.

That should be at least +300 Army fighters all up, with about half of them in front line units and the other half training.
That will increase the available training slots but will also drain the reserve pool of 70+ experience pilots that are currently available.

All but four of the 431 IJAAF fighter pilots in the Reserve pool are 50+ experience with 70 Air and 70 Strafe skills.
There are 24 pilot names to a page, so roughly they are broken up in the following experience bands:

- 60 pilots have 70+ experience. These pilots are ready for service in front line units (3rd and 4th Air Armies).

- 288 pilots have 60+ experience. These pilots could be used in front line units in an emergency but will spend more time in an OTU flying CAP100% range 0 to increase their experience to 70. It looks like nearly half of these pilots are WIA, so are not immediately available.

- That leaves 79x 50+ experience. These pilots that need more time in an OTU flying CAP100% range 0. I am starting to place the Sentai flying these missions in the large “2nd line” bases like Rangoon, Magwe, Rabaul, Manus. The enemy recon will spot the fighters and it may deter them, even though they aren't fully trained pilots yet.
I think I will need to re-role more units to flying this Advanced Training mission soon to keep the throughput of 70+ experience pilots up to the front line units.


The final part of the image shows the IJAAF fighter unit reinforcements that are coming.
Those arriving in the next few months will generally become more training units and start to pre-position themselves in rear areas like Thailand, Malaya, DEI and the Philippines, while those arriving after about mid-1944 will most likely stay in Japan to train and prepare for the arrival of the B-29s.
The bottom of the list is now starting to show the Shinbu-tai special attack units which I have no experience using yet.
I have read that they can be used for training and local CAP, so that is my plan for them rather than using them in the "special attack" role.

[jdsrae]

The P1Y2 Frances just started production and it will become the first choice IJN land based strike aircraft.
G3M3s are not being built anymore but the few units still flying them will keep using them for long range Naval Search missions.
G4M2 are now being built with 43 in the pool, so one of the G4M1 units will soon upgrade to the M2.

There are 229 P1Y1 in the reserve pool but none of them are being used. Next war I won’t bother building them and will just skip over it to go straight to the P1Y2.
I did equip one unit with them a few months ago, but the SR4 meant that they were too hard to maintain and not suited to Naval Search missions.
I kept building them anyway as I figured I will have opportunities to use them later, especially if/when the pools start to run low on Nells, Bettys and P1Y2s.

Morale seems to be a bit low in some of these units.
Floggings may have to be re-introduced until morale improves.

[rustysi]

G3M3s are not being built anymore but the few units still flying them will keep using them for long range Naval Search missions.

How about long range ASW missions? They do get radar at some point.[;)]

[jdsrae]

ORIGINAL: rustysi

G3M3s are not being built anymore but the few units still flying them will keep using them for long range Naval Search missions.

How about long range ASW missions? They do get radar at some point.[;)]

There are so many Allied subs at relatively close ranges that Jake, Jill, Judy and Helen have no problems spotting them.
Even on NavSearch missions the ASW skills of the pilots are increasing whenever they spot and attack subs.

I'll keep the Nell/Betty/Frances for NavSearch and strike missions as there are enough others on ASW around the usual choke points.