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

[jdsrae]

The game is back on after about 2 weeks off.
Neither of us can really remember what was happening!

Lots of USN spotted moving West towards into their Wotje, Roi-Namur, Kwajalein triangle in the Marshalls.

Allied DDs seem to be getting even nastier with very long attacks on the IJN subs.
Lots of CVs and BBs spotted on the mouseovers here and BBs identified by sub attacks, all unsuccessful.

[jdsrae]

Then of course this happens…
Two torp hits here, two more shortly after from the same sub, sunk.
IJN DD escorts didn’t even spot the USS Pogy in daylight.
I was thinking that the worst thing about this is the 27 high 70s experience IJN fighter pilots that went down with her.

Pilot casualties for the day are listed as 8KIA, 5WIA and 1MIA.
Then a look at the IJN fighter pilot reserve shows this. There were 27 pilots on CVE Chuyo and there are 14 fighter pilots that look like they could have been on Chuyo (75+ experience) that are showing as due back this month. That might mean they were plucked from the water. If so, that’s good news and the loss of a 100-ish point CVE doesn’t matter as much.
Still, that’s 27 less fighters on range 0 CAP next time there is a big CV vs CV fur ball…

The air unit lost, 6th Ku S-1/C was just bought back for 135 PP. It was due to withdraw permanently on 1 Mar 44.
From memory, when the Akagi air group was bought back some of the highly skilled pilots returned with the unit, so I hope that happens again here.
When 6th Ku S-1/B was sunk on CVE Unyo and bought back it had lost it’s withdrawal date (*) so I am expecting that to happen again. These fragments can't be resized but they are good for use on the 27 capacity CVEs.

I just looked up the interweb and Chuyo was sunk by USS Sailfish on 4 Dec 43, so in this game the ship got +2 months afloat.

[mind_messing]

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.

From memory, they can only do CAP if they've been converted to kamikaze status. Otherwise they can only do training missions.

There's a couple of options for using them, either as:

A) kamikaze & defensive CAP
B) dedicated training of rookie pilots (to the 50 EXP 70 Air/Defence standard)

Option A lets you get more frontline strength (plus naval point defence form kamikaze strikes.

Option B gives you much more depth to your pilot training programme, which is important in to 1945. Pilot losses will soar across the board, including fighter pilots via escort missions.

My advice would be to start off with Option B with these squadrons to really ramp up pilot training.

Your IJA trained pilot numbers seem very low to me, thinking about a '45 air campaign. I would take a pragmatic approach. Forget about 70+ EXP pilots, your goal over the rest of 1944 is to generate as many 60+ EXP pilots as you can to bank into 1945.

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.

I take the same approach with the Frances, the Y1 model is just too fragile to be filly effective.

I don't agree with your choice to build the G4 models of the G3M3. In my view, the Betty is fully replaces by the Y2 Frances. The G3M3 is older and slower, but it's impossible to argue with it's fantastic range. You may find it helpful to explore using the G3M3 as part of a late '44 night naval strike force, or long-range night bomber.

[jdsrae]

The USN DD screen around Ponape has 2xDD in each task force.
Multiple CV and BB task forces are heading West past Roi-Namur.
USN CVE task forces and other randoms are following about 1 day behind.
Target Ponape?

KB is at Manus Island with CVE and CA task forces at Rabaul.
Land based Judy, Betty and friends will attack the USN DD screen tomorrow from Truk, if the DDs are still there.
There are 16k troops at Ponape with 322 AV behind level 6 forts.

George-3 units at Ponape and Kusaie are set to 70% local CAP range 0 in anticipation of USN CV strikes against both.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 12, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 368 encounters mine field at Wake Island (136,98)
Allied Ships
DMS Chandler
DMS Palmer
17 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ailuk at 136,113
SS I-159 – USN DDs do a good job of screening the big ships over the next few days. Lots of IJN subs launch torps at DDs, miss, and then get themselves crumped.
Allied Ships
DD Ammen
BB Mississippi
BB Idaho
CA Wichita
CL Helena
DD Pringle
DD Charles Badger
DMS Howard
DD Thatcher
DD Ringgold
DD Abner Read
DD Radford
SS I-159 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Ammen
DD Radford attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Koggala at 28,51
SS I-179, hits 1
Allied Ships
AM Baluchistan
AM Carnatic
AM Kathiawar
SS I-179 launches 2 torpedoes at AM Baluchistan
AM Carnatic attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 368 encounters mine field at Wake Island (136,98)
Allied Ships
DMS Chandler
DMS Palmer
21 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 13
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 10
Wellington B.X: 5 damaged
Port fuel hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 3 destroyed – the RAF bombers don’t seem to get many Nick kills but the B24J is proving to be a beast.
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 10
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 8
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged
8 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 6
Port fuel hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 7
PV-1 Ventura: 2 damaged
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed by flak
6 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 4
Liberator GR.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 8
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed on ground – even a few Nick-C can stop this, but there are just too many raids of B24Js coming in for them to stay in the air long enough.
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 368 encounters mine field at Wake Island (136,98)
Allied Ships
DMS Chandler
DMS Palmer
DD Cushing
DD Shaw
28 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 117,113, Range 20,000 Yards
Japanese Ships – returning from dropping supply at Kusaie, this fast transport task force runs into a couple of USN DDs.
CM Okinoshima, Shell hits 26, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Shimakaze, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Aoi, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Tade, Shell hits 2, on fire
Allied Ships
DD Cogswell
DD Hailey, Shell hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Balikpapan at 65,100
xAKL Kosho Maru
xAKL Anbo Maru
PB Taiko Maru
SS Tuna launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Kosho Maru
PB Taiko Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Taiko Maru is out of ASW ammo

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 12, 44
SS RO-37 terminates patrol and enters Soerabaja for repairs
Search H8K2 Emily destroyed by CAP at (129,112)
SS Tambor is reported HIT
a Thames class SS is reported HIT
a 'S' 1942 and 1943 class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
SS I-159 is reported HIT
F-7A Liberator sighted over Mandalay
F-10 Mitchell sighted over Katha
CM Okinoshima sinks at sea
APD Shimakaze sinks at sea
APD Aoi sinks at sea
Search G4M1 Betty destroyed by CAP at (137,113)
a O21 Class class SS is reported HIT
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Myitkyina
2 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Majuro Base Force from Makin
11 x H8K2-L Emily transporting 111th Naval Construction Battalion from Ailinglaplap
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 45th Field AA Battalion from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 31st Fld AA Gun Co from Munda
SSX Ha-30 abandoned due to heavy damage – the mother ship dropped the heavily damaged SSX when it was being attacked by the Indian corvettes, but couldn’t get back to pick it up in time.
Kushiro expands airfield to size 7
Toungoo expands airfield to size 5
Ace pilot Ohara G. of Ominato Ku S-1 is promoted to PO1
Ace pilot Hiramoto K. of 11th Sentai is promoted to MAJ
Previous report of sinking of DD Baldwin incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
Previous report of sinking of SS Flying Fish incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
ML G-214 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka – ML Div 21 is forming up at Kure
5th Air Army arrives at Changchun – will move to Nanking to be the Air Army for the China Theatre.

[jdsrae]

I’ve been checking the George-5 research each day but it just jumped by +16.
Engine bonus has kicked in and all 8 factories nearly switched to production.
2 of these will join the George-3 factories (2x60 + 2x30) to build 240x George-5 per month.
The other 6x 30 will change to join the J7W1 research program to make that 10x size 30 factories.
That will be another 180k of supply investment spread over the next 12-18 months to repair those factories.

[jdsrae]

Cheers MM, I will most likely use all the kamikaze units for training when they arrive.
That will free up some of the units currently training for operations.
I will also use most IJA units arriving from now on for training to try and build up the pilot reserve pool.

I can't remember why I stopped the Nell and kept the Betty.
Betty has longer legs than Frances, so maybe that was it, to keep it for NavS missions.
I will just go with what I've got for this game.

[rustysi]

Land based Judy, Betty and friends will attack the USN DD screen tomorrow from Truk, if the DDs are still there.

Would be nice if you had some DB Lilly's for the job. With their range of 11 and two bombs they make decent DD killers.

Just sayin'.[8D]

[jdsrae]

ORIGINAL: rustysi

Land based Judy, Betty and friends will attack the USN DD screen tomorrow from Truk, if the DDs are still there.

Would be nice if you had some DB Lilly's for the job. With their range of 11 and two bombs they make decent DD killers.

Just sayin'.[8D]

Yeah, nah…Bombing ships is IJN work!
These DDs are inside Judy 800kg range anyway, just that they were on ASW patrol yesterday.
The DDs must have come in at warp speed, they all just popped out of hyperspace.

[jdsrae]

Spent the whole combat replay eagerly anticipating the Judy strikes on nearby DDs...

This explains why no Judy dive bomber sorties launched.
Some idiot left them set to Naval Search...
I wonder if the pilots enjoyed the change of scenery from 15k'.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 13, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ailuk at 135,113
SS RO-42, hits 10
Allied Ships
DD Charles Ausburne
DD Braine
DD Bennett
SS RO-42 is located by DD Charles Ausburne
DD Bennett attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Eniwetok at 125,112
SS RO-60, hits 1
SS RO-60 is sighted by escort
DD Gatling attacking submerged sub ....
DD Gatling is out of ASW ammo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Carnarvon at 49,131
SS I-171
Allied Ships
xAK Henry Dearborn
xAK Henry Dearborn is sighted by SS I-171
SS I-171 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Henry Dearborn – how can you miss an unescorted freighter!?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Eniwetok at 125,112
SS RO-60, hits 25, and is sunk – the IJN sub massacre continues.
Allied Ships
CA Boston
CLAA Reno
CLAA Juneau
DD Schroeder
DD Stembel
DD Stanly
DD Sigsbee
SS RO-60 is sighted by escort
DD Sigsbee attacking submerged sub ....
SS RO-60 forced to surface!
DD Sigsbee firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Stembel firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Stanly firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Carnarvon at 49,131
SS I-171
Allied Ships
xAK Dardanus
xAK Dardanus is sighted by SS I-171
SS I-171 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Dardanus – another miss! This sub skipper’s stats will need to be looked at...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.III x 6
Wellington GR.XIII x 10
Wellington GR.XIII: 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 13
Liberator B.VI x 2
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40 – Nick-D night fighters from 5th Sentai will make their debut here tomorrow night, flying LRCAP range 0 from Katha.
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged
Airbase hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 4
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 5
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged
Wellington B.X: 1 destroyed by flak
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Carnarvon at 49,131
SS I-171 – finally a hit, but this sub is almost out of torps now. Reports of fuel cargo burning.
The IJN subs attached to 3rd Fleet are patrolling in the shallow water hexes hard up against the NW Australia coast. There seem to be lots of Allied merchants running as single ships, assumed to be to Darwin. In real life, the waters around here have 10+ metre tide height variations so would be dangerous to get too close to the coast for either side.
Allied Ships
xAK George Vancouver, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK George Vancouver is sighted by SS I-171
SS I-171 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK George Vancouver
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Kusaie Island at 125,118 – there are about 450 AV at Kusaie Island in multiple IJN land units, but no naval fortress or coastal defence guns to fire back.
N1K2-J George: 11 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hoel
DD Halligan
DD Hale
DD Foote
DD Dyson
DD Daly
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Zamboanga at 76,87
PB Hakkaisan Maru
TK Amakusa Maru
PB Sinko Maru
Captain of SS Apogon elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
Apogon diving deep ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Exmouth at 50,130
SS I-34
Allied Ships
xAK Henry Dearborn, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Henry Dearborn is sighted by SS I-34
Massive explosion on xAK Henry Dearborn – more reports of fuel cargo burning.
SS I-34 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Henry Dearborn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Likiep at 134,113
SS RO-42, hits 2
Allied Ships
DD Charles Ausburne
DD Braine
DD Bennett
SS RO-42 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Charles Ausburne
DD Bennett attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Exmouth at 50,129
SS I-34
Allied Ships
xAK Henry Dearborn, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Henry Dearborn is sighted by SS I-34
SS I-34 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Henry Dearborn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 65 encounters mine field at Kusaie Island (125,118)
Allied Ships
DD Hoel
DD Hale
DD Foote
5 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 65 encounters mine field at Kusaie Island (125,118)
Allied Ships
DD Dyson
DD Daly
DD Hoel, Mine hits 1 – is showing as sunk on the Intel list
2 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 114,111
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
G4M1 Betty x 9 – torpedo runs against DDs don’t get many hits
Allied Ships
DD Claxton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 111,117
Weather in hex: Clear sky
G4M1 Betty x 16
G4M1 Betty: 6 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Izard, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Hunt
It looks like the USN DD screen is made up of lots of 2 ship Fletcher class detachments. At 10 points a pop, there are 100+ victory points on offer well out in front of the main body and USN CV based air cover. KB will move to just North of Mussau Island to try and clear 4-5 of these dets without getting too close to the USN main force. If the USN CVs move West of Ponape they could react into strike range of KB, but the KB strike range has been limited to 8 hexes for both Judy and Jill. That means a big CV vs CV battle could happen tomorrow, but the chances should be <50% as IJNHQ expect the Allied CVs to stay near their BB task forces.
2x USN BB task forces look like they are lined up to bombard Ponape tomorrow with a straight run in from the East, then they should withdraw back towards Roi-Namur to rearm.
KB is not going to charge in, but will try to clear the Allied SW sector of screening DDs, then reassess the situation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 113,112
Weather in hex: Overcast
G4M1 Betty x 6
Allied Ships
DD Dortch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 110,122
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
G4M1 Betty x 12
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hickox
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 116,108
Weather in hex: Severe storms
G4M1 Betty x 9
Allied Ships
DD Haggard
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 114,111
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
G4M1 Betty x 6
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
DD Claxton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 110,120
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
G4M1 Betty x 11
G4M1 Betty: 7 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Guest

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 13, 44
Task Force 334 lays defensive minefield at Tinian ( 108 , 94) and sets course for Saipan
Repairs completed on SS I-4 at Hakodate, ship returned to service
SS Batfish is reported HIT
APD Tade followed by Allied Aircraft at 119,113 near Ponape – the one surviving APD has disbanded in port at Ponape where it could attract some USN air strikes. There might not be many George left on CAP if 12+ BBs bombard the hex overnight, which is expected.
F-10 Mitchell sighted over Rangoon
a Gato class SS is reported HIT
a 'P' Class class DD is reported HIT
SS O20 is reported HIT
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
a 'T' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
SS Batfish is reported HIT
F-10 Mitchell sighted over Rangoon
5 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 45th Field AA Battalion from Vella Lavella
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 31st Fld AA Gun Co from Munda
Repairs completed on SS RO-37 at Soerabaja, ship returned to service
Hachijo-jima expands airfield to size 1
Saipan expands fortifications to size 7 – stopped for now with supply on the island still at about 30k. More supply is probably needed before committing to trying to build level 8 forts.
Toungoo expands fortifications to size 3
952 Ku T-1 converting to size 9 from 6
Loss of SS RO-60 on Feb 13, 1944 is admitted
LST T-106 arrives at Shimonoseki
DD Izard is reported to have been sunk near Lihir on Feb 13, 1944
xAK Henry Dearborn is reported to have been sunk near Exmouth on Feb 13, 1944
51st Air Flotilla arrives at Ominato – will stay there, which lets 12th Air Flotilla move back to Oita where it will stay until the end.
11th Ind.Infantry Brigade arrives at Hankow – will stay here as the core of the garrison, allowing 1st Ind Mixed Bde to move to Kunming, then 59th/A Div will move into Burma to help cover North Burma bases on the railway.
7th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion arrives at Shanghai – stay as garrison
8th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion arrives at Shanghai – stay as garrison
14th Ind.Infantry Brigade arrives at Peiping – will move to Sian to replace 9th Ind Mixed Bde as the garrison there. 9th IMB is planning for Warazup in North Burma, so has a long march ahead after 14th IIB arrives. The situation in Burma might change before 9th IMB gets there.
9th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion arrives at Canton – stay as garrison
10th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion arrives at Canton – stay as garrison
11th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion arrives at Canton – stay as garrison
15th Mortar Battalion arrives at Changchun – 20th Army, so will move to Mutankiang
17th Mortar Battalion arrives at Tsitsihar – 4th Army, so will move to the Soviet border at Heiho.
This got me thinking about the NE corner of Manchukuo near the Soviet railway line. The 3x Cavalry Bdes from China could make good raiders in that area. I might start to move them to Moho which already has a size 2 airfield.
6th Ind. Field Artillery Battalion arrives at Tokyo – 14th Army, will move to the Marianas
56th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo – will move to the Kuriles
40th Ind. Engineer Regiment arrives at Peiping – will stay to build forts. 38th IER will move back to the 6th Army area in Manchukuo, to build up Tsitsihar which is in a clear terrain hex but behind the river on the main Soviet axis of advance from the North. A bit later it could move to Moho.
41st Ind. Engineer Regiment arrives at Shanghai – will stay to build forts which are currently level 6 +25%.

[jdsrae]

Just got the turn back.

A 4 ship DD Div just tried to clear Ponape of PT boats but MTB Div 54 did well. It didn't seem to waste torps on the DDs and only lost one PT boat to a single 5" shell hit.

Looks like the DD screen will stay in place.

BB task forces are assumed to be next into Ponape. Let's see how MTB Div 54 does against them!

CV task forces look like they have moved to SE of Ponape, which should be outside reaction range to KB.

Exciting stuff, but the assets that the USN can throw at Ponape is a daunting sign of things to come...

[jdsrae]

This is how the 14 Feb 44 turn ended.
Parts of KB have low detection but other parts are not spotted.
KB only launched one small Judy and a separate small Jill strike which was a bit disappointing.

3x Fletchers were sunk with others damaged.
MTB Div 54 withdrew from a 20ish ship BB task force to avoid contact. Wise move!

Coffee is required to plan the next move.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 15, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Ponape at 117,109
SS I-44
DD Hazelwood is sighted by SS I-44
SS I-44 launches 4 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 120,112, Range 6,000 Yards
MTB G-540
MTB G-542, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-543, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-544, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-545
Allied Ships
DD Hall
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 57% moonlight: 7,000 yards
MTB G-544 sunk by DD Hall at 6,000 yards
MTB G-542 sunk by DD Hall at 6,000 yards
MTB G-543 sunk by DD Hall at 3,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 119,113, Range 7,000 Yards
APD Tade, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB New Mexico
BB Mississippi
CA Wichita
CL Helena
DD Abbot
DD Ammen
DD Anthony
DD Bache
DD Charles Badger
DD Beale
DD Bell
DD Boyd
DD Miller
DD Pringle
DD Radford
DD Abner Read
DD Ringgold
DD Thatcher
DMS Howard
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 57% moonlight: 6,000 yards
APD Tade sunk by BB Mississippi at 4,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 119,113, Range 6,000 Yards
MTB G-540, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-545, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Cony
DD Erben
DD Harrison
DD Heermann
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 57% moonlight: 7,000 yards
Blanchard, J.W. crosses the 'T'
MTB G-545 sunk by DD Harrison at 6,000 yards
MTB G-540 sunk by DD Heermann at 4,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tandjoengselor at 68,93
TK Amakusa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Akikawa Maru
PB Sinko Maru
SS Gudgeon launches 4 torpedoes at TK Amakusa Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ponape at 123,111
SS I-43, hits 13
Allied Ships – hitting an AO would have been good…
AO Cossatot
AO Saranac
AO Neshanic
DE Lovering
DE Burden R. Hastings
SS I-43 is sighted by escort
DE Lovering attacking submerged sub ....
DE Lovering is out of ASW ammo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ponape at 119,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 1 damaged
N1K2-J George: 4 damaged

33 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Heermann
DD Harrison
DD Erben
DD Cony
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8
3rd Special Base Force firing at DD Harrison – Ponape Naval Fortress didn’t seem to fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ponape at 119,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
121 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 1
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho, Shell hits 8
CA Wichita, Shell hits 3
CL Helena
Japanese ground losses:
119 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Mississippi
3rd Special Base Force firing at BB Mississippi
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at BB New Mexico – this time the Fortress guns warm themselves up, scoring a few hits but no major damage.
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at BB Idaho
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at CA Wichita
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at CL Helena
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ponape at 120,113
SS RO-44, hits 3
Allied Ships – so many IJN contacts with big USN ships over the next few days for no result
BB Mississippi
CL Helena
DD Charles Badger
DMS Howard
DD Ringgold
DD Abner Read
DD Radford
DD Pringle
SS RO-44 is sighted by escort
DD Pringle attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ponape at 120,113
SS RO-44
Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
CL Helena
DD Charles Badger
DMS Howard
DD Ringgold
DD Abner Read
DD Radford
DD Pringle
SS RO-44 is sighted by escort
DD Radford attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Koggala at 28,51
SS I-179
Allied Ships
AM Orissa
AM Carnatic
AM Kathiawar
SS I-179 is located by AM Orissa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ponape at 117,112
SS I-155, hits 1
Allied Ships
DD Hall
SS I-155 launches 2 torpedoes
DD Hall attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kavieng at 108,119
DD Kagero
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
DD Shiranui
DD Yukikaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Hagikaze
SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kagero
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 117,108
Weather in hex: Clear sky
G4M1 Betty x 6
N1K2-J George x 14
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Haggard, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ponape at 119,113
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
N1K2-J George x 22
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 26
F6F-3 Hellcat x 50
SBD-5 Dauntless x 18
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships – the Allies took the bait, and almost got away with it for free.
xAK Shirashika Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
PB Myoken Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CAP engaged:
263 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
263 Ku S-2 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ponape at 117,112
SS I-155
Allied Ships
DD Hall
SS I-155 launches 2 torpedoes

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 15, 44
Previous report of sinking of DD Hazelwood incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 117, 109
Repairs completed on SS I-8 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Search D4Y1-C Judy destroyed by CAP
a 'N' Class class DD is reported HIT
Search E14Y1 Glen destroyed by CAP
a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
PO1 Hagiri D. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Kubota B. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Hagiri D. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Hagiri D. of 263 Ku S-2 attains ace status!!
PB Myoken Maru sinks at sea
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Tambor is reported HIT
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 45th Field AA Battalion from Vella Lavella
Butte expands airfield to size 5
Loss of APD Tade on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of xAK Shirashika Maru on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of TK Amakusa Maru on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
DD Haggard is reported to have been sunk near Truk on Feb 15, 1944
PT-62 is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Dec 05, 1943
Loss of MTB G-540 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-542 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-543 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-544 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-545 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Tsugaru-1 arrives at Tokyo – resized to 24 and will conduct ASW training courses flying F1M2 Petes
42nd Ind. Engineer Regiment arrives at Tokyo – attached to 7th Area Army so will move to Malaya to move dirt somewhere.
&#8195;
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 14, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Exmouth at 53,128
SS I-34
Allied Ships
xAK George Taylor, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK George Taylor is sighted by SS I-34
SS I-34 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK George Taylor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 119,113, Range 12,000 Yards
MTB G-540
MTB G-541, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-542
MTB G-543
MTB G-544
MTB G-545
Allied Ships
DD Cony
DD Erben
DD Harrison
DD Heermann
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cox's Bazar at 54,43
xAKL Hachirogata Maru
PB Rokko Maru
SS Truculent launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Hachirogata Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Portland Roads , at 91,132
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 9
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
P-70 Havoc x 8
CAP engaged:
15th FG/6th NFS with P-70 Havoc (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Some CAP have air radar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 11
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ponape at 119,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1-C Judy: 3 damaged
D4Y1-C Judy: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K2-J George: 35 damaged
N1K2-J George: 4 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 9 damaged
H8K2-L Emily: 3 damaged
133 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BB Tennessee
BB California
BB Oklahoma
BB Nevada, Shell hits 1
CL Birmingham
CL Cleveland, Shell hits 2
CL Phoenix, Shell hits 2
Japanese ground losses:
172 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ailinglaplap at 133,117
DD Flusser
DD Fanning
DD Baldwin
DD Harding
DD Satterlee
DD Thompson
DD Meade
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 9
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Hedland at 54,128
SS I-34, hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
xAK George Read, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
xAK George Read is sighted by SS I-34
SS I-34 attacking xAK George Read on the surface
SS I-34 low on gun ammo, Toshima, S. breaks off surface engagement and submerges
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 119,113, Range 30,000 Yards
MTB G-540
MTB G-542
MTB G-543
MTB G-544
MTB G-545
Allied Ships
BB Nevada
BB Oklahoma
BB California
BB Tennessee
CL Phoenix
CL Cleveland
CL Birmingham
DD McKee
DD Murray
DD Nicholas
DD Philip
DD William Porter
DD Stevens
DD Wadsworth
DD Wickes
DD Young
DD Tucker
DD Cassin
DD Downes
DMS Trevor
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat – Run away!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Hedland at 57,128
SS I-169
Allied Ships
xAK Dardanus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Dardanus is sighted by SS I-169
SS I-169 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Dardanus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kusaie Island at 125,113
SS I-11, hits 1
Allied Ships
DD Heermann
DD Cony
DD Harrison
SS I-11 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Heermann
DD Harrison attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Hedland at 57,128
SS I-169
Allied Ships
xAK George Read, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK George Read is sighted by SS I-169
SS I-169 attacking on the surface
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 116,108
G4M1 Betty x 6
N1K2-J George x 12
Allied Ships
DD Haggard
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 110,122
G4M1 Betty x 16
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hickox
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 114,111
Weather in hex: Light rain
D4Y4 Judy x 15
N1K2-J George x 20
D4Y4 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
DD Claxton, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 113,112
G4M1 Betty x 4
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Dortch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 115,108
D4Y4 Judy x 6
D4Y4 Judy: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hazelwood
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabar Island at 110,118
Weather in hex: Clear sky
A6M8 Zero x 12
D4Y4 Judy x 9
D4Y4 Judy: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Johnston, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 116,108
Weather in hex: Overcast
G4M1 Betty x 6
N1K2-J George x 10
Allied Ships
DD Haggard, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 110,122
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
G4M1 Betty x 16
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hickox
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 110,120
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
B6N2 Jill x 15
Allied Ships
DD Guest, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 114,111
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
D4Y4 Judy x 13
N1K2-J George x 2
D4Y4 Judy: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Claxton, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 113,112
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
G4M1 Betty x 4
N1K2-J George x 17
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Dortch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 115,108
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
D4Y4 Judy x 5
D4Y4 Judy: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hazelwood, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kusaie Island at 125,113
SS I-11, hits 6, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB Idaho
CA Wichita
CL Helena
DD Beale
DD Abbot
DMS Howard
DD Thatcher
DD Ringgold
DD Abner Read
DD Radford
SS I-11 is sighted by escort
DD Thatcher attacking submerged sub ....

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 14, 44
an Allied DD is reported HIT
a Fletcher HB class DD is reported HIT
an Allied DD is reported HIT
DD Hunt is reported HIT
Search D4Y1-C Judy destroyed by CAP at (123,114)
DD Claxton is reported HIT
DD Johnston is reported HIT
an Allied DD is reported HIT
SS O20 is reported HIT
Search E14Y1 Glen destroyed by CAP
a KXI Class class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 45th Field AA Battalion from Vella Lavella
Genzan expands fortifications to size 5
Allahabad expands airfield to size 6
Aircraft N1K5-J George advances R&D – production starts, and all George-2 factories switch over to George-5. Front line land based units in 4th Fleet area will start to upgrade to the new George-5 if there is a lull in the action.
SS Burrfish is reported to have been sunk near Balikpapan on Jan 07, 1944
xAK George Read is reported to have been sunk near Port Hedland on Feb 14, 1944
Loss of MTB G-541 on Feb 14, 1944 is admitted
SC CHa-76 arrives at Takamatsu – will join ASW patrols in the Tsushima Strait
341 Ku S-2 arrives at Matsuyama – will stay in Japan for now to run Air skill training courses for rookies.
762 Ku K-1 arrives at Kanoya – G4M2 Betty re-allocated to 62nd Air Flotilla, 1st Air Fleet. With 60+ experience pilots it will move to the Marianas.

[jdsrae]

Combined Fleet task forces will not move so we will see if the Allies react to spotting it.
It’s CAP has been boosted by LRCAP range 0 from Manus, Kavieng and Rabaul.
The Air Group commanders orders remain largely unchanged, other than the Betty that I let try to bomb from 8k’ have switched back to torps.

There’s a chance I could get another turn back in a few hours.

[rustysi]

This explains why no Judy dive bomber sorties launched.

Oops.[:D]

[jdsrae]

The USN CVs finally launch an air strike on Ponape.
The airfield is still open but the escorts far out number the CAP so it was something like a 2-2 draw.

The KB Air Admiral doesn't seem to want to launch at 1-2 DD task forces in the USN DD screen, which is understandable with the USN CV force fairly close. Land based aircraft sink another couple of Fletchers and some of the DD screen move back to the East.

KB looks to be completely unspotted.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 15, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Ponape at 117,109
SS I-44
DD Hazelwood is sighted by SS I-44
SS I-44 launches 4 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 120,112, Range 6,000 Yards
MTB G-540
MTB G-542, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-543, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-544, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-545
Allied Ships
DD Hall
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 57% moonlight: 7,000 yards
MTB G-544 sunk by DD Hall at 6,000 yards
MTB G-542 sunk by DD Hall at 6,000 yards
MTB G-543 sunk by DD Hall at 3,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 119,113, Range 7,000 Yards
APD Tade, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB New Mexico
BB Mississippi
CA Wichita
CL Helena
DD Abbot
DD Ammen
DD Anthony
DD Bache
DD Charles Badger
DD Beale
DD Bell
DD Boyd
DD Miller
DD Pringle
DD Radford
DD Abner Read
DD Ringgold
DD Thatcher
DMS Howard
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 57% moonlight: 6,000 yards
APD Tade sunk by BB Mississippi at 4,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ponape at 119,113, Range 6,000 Yards
MTB G-540, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-545, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Cony
DD Erben
DD Harrison
DD Heermann
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 57% moonlight: 7,000 yards
Blanchard, J.W. crosses the 'T'
MTB G-545 sunk by DD Harrison at 6,000 yards
MTB G-540 sunk by DD Heermann at 4,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tandjoengselor at 68,93
TK Amakusa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Akikawa Maru
PB Sinko Maru
SS Gudgeon launches 4 torpedoes at TK Amakusa Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ponape at 123,111
SS I-43, hits 13
Allied Ships – hitting an AO would have been good…
AO Cossatot
AO Saranac
AO Neshanic
DE Lovering
DE Burden R. Hastings
SS I-43 is sighted by escort
DE Lovering attacking submerged sub ....
DE Lovering is out of ASW ammo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ponape at 119,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 1 damaged
N1K2-J George: 4 damaged

33 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Heermann
DD Harrison
DD Erben
DD Cony
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8
3rd Special Base Force firing at DD Harrison – Ponape Naval Fortress didn’t seem to fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ponape at 119,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
121 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 1
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho, Shell hits 8
CA Wichita, Shell hits 3
CL Helena
Japanese ground losses:
119 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Mississippi
3rd Special Base Force firing at BB Mississippi
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at BB New Mexico – this time the Fortress guns warm themselves up, scoring a few hits but no major damage.
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at BB Idaho
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at CA Wichita
Ponape Naval Fortress firing at CL Helena
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ponape at 120,113
SS RO-44, hits 3
Allied Ships – so many IJN contacts with big USN ships over the next few days for no result
BB Mississippi
CL Helena
DD Charles Badger
DMS Howard
DD Ringgold
DD Abner Read
DD Radford
DD Pringle
SS RO-44 is sighted by escort
DD Pringle attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ponape at 120,113
SS RO-44
Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
CL Helena
DD Charles Badger
DMS Howard
DD Ringgold
DD Abner Read
DD Radford
DD Pringle
SS RO-44 is sighted by escort
DD Radford attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Koggala at 28,51
SS I-179
Allied Ships
AM Orissa
AM Carnatic
AM Kathiawar
SS I-179 is located by AM Orissa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ponape at 117,112
SS I-155, hits 1
Allied Ships
DD Hall
SS I-155 launches 2 torpedoes
DD Hall attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kavieng at 108,119
DD Kagero
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
DD Shiranui
DD Yukikaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Hagikaze
SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kagero
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 117,108
Weather in hex: Clear sky
G4M1 Betty x 6
N1K2-J George x 14
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Haggard, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ponape at 119,113
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
N1K2-J George x 22
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 26
F6F-3 Hellcat x 50
SBD-5 Dauntless x 18
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships – the Allies took the bait, and almost got away with it for free.
xAK Shirashika Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
PB Myoken Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CAP engaged:
263 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
263 Ku S-2 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ponape at 117,112
SS I-155
Allied Ships
DD Hall
SS I-155 launches 2 torpedoes

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 15, 44
Previous report of sinking of DD Hazelwood incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 117, 109
Repairs completed on SS I-8 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Search D4Y1-C Judy destroyed by CAP
a 'N' Class class DD is reported HIT
Search E14Y1 Glen destroyed by CAP
a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
PO1 Hagiri D. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Kubota B. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Hagiri D. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Hagiri D. of 263 Ku S-2 attains ace status!!
PB Myoken Maru sinks at sea
an Allied SS is reported HIT
SS Tambor is reported HIT
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 45th Field AA Battalion from Vella Lavella
Butte expands airfield to size 5
Loss of APD Tade on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of xAK Shirashika Maru on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of TK Amakusa Maru on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
DD Haggard is reported to have been sunk near Truk on Feb 15, 1944
PT-62 is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Dec 05, 1943
Loss of MTB G-540 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-542 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-543 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-544 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of MTB G-545 on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Tsugaru-1 arrives at Tokyo – resized to 24 and will conduct ASW training courses flying F1M2 Petes
42nd Ind. Engineer Regiment arrives at Tokyo – attached to 7th Area Army so will move to Malaya to move dirt somewhere.

[jdsrae]

A Judy unit moved forward to Ponape and it got 2x Fletchers today.
4x 800kg bomb hits on one and 5 on another.
They had range set to about 3 on the assumption that the Allied CVs would stay about where they are.

More IJN subs missed guessing the correct hexes for the CV by 1, so they live to guess again today!

[jdsrae]

The score in the air was 50-14 today.
The Allies won't be happy about no escort on the Ponape strike.
It created 1 more ace and 4 more pilots qualified for CV service getting to 81 experience.

Over Chittagong, a single Sqn Spitfire VIII sweep got 2-1 vs Franks. Another sign of things to come.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 16, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Kusaie Island at 125,118
Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Monssen
DD Grayson
DD Gwin
DD Meredith
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2
Port hits 1
DD Monssen firing at Kusaie Island
DD Grayson firing at Kusaie Island
DD Gwin firing at Kusaie Island
DD Meredith firing at 1st Amphibious Brigade
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 18
Liberator B.III: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 4
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 5
Liberator B.VI: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Darwin at 76,124
SS RO-39
Allied Ships
xAK Gideon Welles, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Gideon Welles is sighted by SS RO-39
SS RO-39 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Gideon Welles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Madjene at 65,102
xAKL Takegawa Maru
xAKL Anbo Maru
PB Taiko Maru
Captain of SS Bluegill elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Darwin at 76,124
SS RO-39
xAK George H. Williams is sighted by SS RO-39
SS RO-39 launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ponape at 117,112
Weather in hex: Overcast
D4Y4 Judy x 20
N1K2-J George x 7
Allied Ships
DD Hall, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st USMC Parachute Battalion, at 105,137 (Rossel Island)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 22
22 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Also attacking 3rd USMC Parachute Battalion ...
Also attacking 1st USMC Parachute Battalion ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-84r Frank x 8
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ponape at 118,114
D4Y4 Judy x 20
N1K2-J George x 7
D4Y4 Judy: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Dortch, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Ponape , at 119,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
N1K2-J George x 21
N1K2-J George: 2 damaged
D4Y1-C Judy: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 48
TBF-1 Avenger x 45
TBM-1C Avenger x 9
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 20 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Eiko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Japanese ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Runway hits 9
Port hits 7
Port supply hits 1
CAP engaged:
263 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
263 Ku S-2 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 16, 44
ASW Combat TF 28 terminates patrol and enters Shanghai for repairs
SS I-185 terminates patrol and enters Rabaul for repairs
Repairs completed on E Yugao at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on E Kuretake at Tokyo, ship returned to service
Search D4Y1-C Judy destroyed by CAP at (125,115)
a Porpoise class SS is reported HIT
TF 19 snooped by PB4Y-1 Liberator at 109,111 near Truk
F-5A Lightning sighted over Cox's Bazar
Search D4Y1-C Judy destroyed by CAP
Search D4Y1-C Judy destroyed by CAP
an Allied SS is reported HIT
PO2 Kasai B. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Oyama U. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Sugiyama B. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Nomura O. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Nomura O. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Nomura O. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Hori P. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Hori P. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Kumagaya P. of Yokosuka Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Kumagaya P. of Yokosuka Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Matsunaga G. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Matsunaga G. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Minami U. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Nojima R. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Matsumoto W. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Kanno D. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Kanno D. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Matsumoto W. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Muranaka J. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Kanno D. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Kanno D. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Kanno D. of 263 Ku S-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Nagano D. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Kumagaya E. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Katsuma N. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Katsuma N. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Nojima R. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Hagiri P. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Nojima R. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Handa D. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Nagano D. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Handa R. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Handa R. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Kasai B. of 263 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Minami L. of 263 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
Comilla expands airfield to size 6
TK Nichinan Maru arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo
DD Dortch is reported to have been sunk near Ponape on Feb 16, 1944
LST-22 is reported to have been sunk near Port Moresby on Aug 28, 1943
MTB G-547 arrives at Sapporo
ML G-215 arrives at Hakodate
TK Athelduke is reported to have been sunk near Perth on Apr 27, 1943

[jdsrae]

The war has skipped ahead with the 17-20 Feb 44 turns now done.
Chittagong is still getting smashed by Allied bombers of all sorts of flavours every day.

Allied CVs have withdrawn a bit and seem to have split up, which could create an opportunity.
One CV task force is near Wake Island while another with CVEs is in the Marshalls.

KB has moved forward to just West of Ponape to try and setup an opportunity for a strike.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 17, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kusaie Island at 124,114
SS I-9
Allied Ships
DD Lewis Hancock
DD The Sullivans
DD LaVallette
SS I-9 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Lewis Hancock
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 9
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 6
Liberator B.VI: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Siquijor at 77,87
TK Baiei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Yamadori Maru
Allied Ships
SS Apogon
SS Apogon launches 2 torpedoes at TK Baiei Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Darwin at 76,124
SS RO-39
Allied Ships
xAK George H. Williams, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK George H. Williams is sighted by SS RO-39
SS RO-39 launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Ki-84r Frank x 6
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 14
10 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-84r Frank x 2
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 12
12 x Spitfire VIII 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd USMC Parachute Battalion, at 105,137 (Rossel Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 22
Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Also attacking 1st USMC Parachute Battalion ...
Also attacking 3rd USMC Parachute Battalion ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 4
P-38J Lightning x 15
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 93 – that’s a lot of Thunder!
2 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 2
P-38J Lightning x 24
2 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 43
2 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9
B-25D1 Mitchell x 32
Japanese ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 36th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16
B-25G Mitchell x 27
B-25G Mitchell: 24 damaged
B-25G Mitchell: 3 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 11
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 15
B-25D1 Mitchell x 18
A-20G Havoc: 13 damaged
A-20G Havoc: 3 destroyed by flak
B-25D1 Mitchell: 18 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
229 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Tank Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 45
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 11th Tank Regiment, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
B-25D1 Mitchell: 8 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 destroyed by flak
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Army, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
A-36 Mustang x 11
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 24
P-51A Mustang x 7
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 12
B-25H Mitchell: 10 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 28
25 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-40N5 Warhawk x 19
19 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kusaie Island , at 125,118
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
N1K2-J George x 52
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 24
F6F-3 Hellcat x 66
TBF-1 Avenger x 24
TBM-1C Avenger x 34
Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 3 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 16 destroyed – another good lot of Hellcats shot down, but they kept George away from the bombers again.
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
TBM-1C Avenger: 11 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Runway hits 5
CAP engaged:
265 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 35300.
265 Ku S-2 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 7 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 16000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tezpur (60,36)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2763 troops, 36 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 116
Defending force 100 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Allied assault odds: 119 to 1 (fort level 4)
Allied forces CAPTURE Tezpur !!!
Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(+)
Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 11 (8 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Assaulting units:
Merrills Marauders Regiment
Defending units:
28th Field AA Machinecannon Company

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 17, 44
Repairs completed on DD Inazuma at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS RO-33 at Soerabaja, ship returned to service
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a Porpoise class SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Chittagong
F-5A Lightning sighted over Chittagong
a 'S' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
SS Scamp is reported HIT
PO1 Matsuba F. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Ichimura U. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Ichimura U. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Obayashi T. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Kasai A. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Kurakane K. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Ohara H. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Hori A. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Matsuba S. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Matsuba S. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Sakai H. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Kaneko B. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Hori A. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Hori A. of 265 Ku S-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Nishiura R. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO2 Obuchi C. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Sugiyama G. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Maki G. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Kasai A. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 3
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Majuro
PO1 Ikura K. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
Repairs completed on CL Naka at Manila, ship returned to service – routine repairs, this CL Div will stay at Manila and the DD Fubuki I/II/III will stay in port until their 3/44 upgrades start.
Repairs completed on DD Ushio at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Oboro at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Sagiri at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Ayanami at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Hibiki at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Akatsuki at Manila, ship returned to service
Allied forces CAPTURE Tezpur !!!
Naha expands fortifications to size 4
Peiping expands fortifications to size 6
Rangoon expands fortifications to size 7
Balikpapan expands fortifications to size 6
Ace pilot Daigo U. of 31st Sentai is promoted to 2LT
Tsugaru-1 on BB Fuso converting to size 24 from 1
Repairs completed on BB Haruna at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
SS Angler is reported to have been sunk near Truk on Jan 03, 1944
xAK George H. Williams is reported to have been sunk near Darwin on Feb 17, 1944

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 18, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Maloelap at 136,116
SS I-16, hits 17, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Baldwin
SS I-16 is located by DD Baldwin
I-16 diving deep ....
DD Baldwin attacking submerged sub ....
Underwater explosion, debris and oil appear on surface!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Maloelap at 136,116
SSX Ha-33
Allied Ships
DD Baldwin
DD Harding
SSX Ha-33 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Baldwin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Samarinda at 67,96
TK Ogura Maru #3, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Shonan Maru #1
SS Tuna launches 2 torpedoes at TK Ogura Maru #3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Taihoku at 89,61
CL Kiso
DD Usugumo
DD Uranami
DD Murakumo
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Shirayuki
SS Seawolf is sighted by escort
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Lord Howe Island at 99,167
SS I-27
Allied Ships
xAK William P. McArthur, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK William P. McArthur is sighted by SS I-27
SS I-27 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK William P. McArthur
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Truk at 111,108
DD Yukikaze
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
DD Shiranui
DD Kagero
DD Tanikaze
DD Hagikaze
SS Muskallunge launches 2 torpedoes at DD Yukikaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-84r Frank x 6
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 13
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-84r Frank x 4
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd USMC Parachute Battalion, at 105,137 (Rossel Island)
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 23
Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-38J Lightning x 22
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 125
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-38J Lightning x 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 9
A-36 Mustang x 11
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 12
P-51A Mustang x 7
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 12
B-24J Liberator x 11
Liberator B.III: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kusaie Island , at 125,118
N1K2-J George x 40
N1K2-J George: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 18
F6F-3 Hellcat x 60
TBF-1 Avenger x 21
TBM-1C Avenger x 26
F4U-1A Corsair: 3 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 8 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
TBM-1C Avenger: 22 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 18
Port hits 1
CAP engaged:
265 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 6 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 35300.
265 Ku S-2 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 6 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 35300.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 1st Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Ki-84r Frank x 6
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 48
P-38J Lightning x 38
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-84r Frank x 3
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 13
A-36 Mustang x 11
P-51A Mustang x 7
Liberator B.VI: 3 damaged
Liberator B.VI: 1 destroyed by flak
A-36 Mustang: 1 destroyed
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 1st Tank Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Ki-84r Frank x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-25G Mitchell x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 50
B-25G Mitchell: 7 damaged
B-25G Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 36th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 10
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 68
Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 8th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 22
Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 11th Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 6th/C Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 10
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 6th/A Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-25G Mitchell x 3
B-25G Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-25G Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 6th/A Division, at 55,41 (Chittagong)
Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 6
B-25H Mitchell: 6 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Feb 18, 44
Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard DD Uzuki
Repairs completed on BB Kirishima at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on CL Sendai at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Shikinami at Manila, ship returned to service
a Elco 77ft PT class PT is reported HIT
Search E13A1 Jake destroyed by CAP at (137,101)
an Allied SS is reported HIT
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Dimapur
Search E13A1 Jake destroyed by CAP at (137,101)
an Allied SS is reported HIT
PO1 Nishizawa, H. of Soryu-1 is credited with kill number 5 – must have shot down a patrol aircraft
PO1 Nishizawa, H. of Soryu-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Hirano U. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Morita H. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Nakajima W. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Nakajima W. of 265 Ku S-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Kawasaki O. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Kawasaki O. of 265 Ku S-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Nakajima W. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 6
PO1 Matsuki A. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Kawakami F. of 265 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
WO Makino R. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Makino R. of 87th Sentai attains ace status!!
WO Makino R. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
WO Dohibara K. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Sakai H. of 265 Ku S-1 is credited with kill number 3
Ailinglaplap expands fortifications to size 6 – just in time before being invaded, but supply is running low and the only way to get it in would be by submarine. I’m starting to see the value in SSTs…
Ace pilot Nomura J. of Ominato Ku S-1 is promoted to PO1
Ace pilot Kaoki S. of 59th Sentai is promoted to 2LT
12th Sentai converting to Ki-67-Ia Peggy
E Kurahashi arrives at Tokyo
Loss of TK Ogura Maru #3 on Feb 18, 1944 is admitted
Loss of SS I-16 on Feb 18, 1944 is admitted