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

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 04, 44
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ASW attack near Donggala at 67,97
E Kyosai
E Sokuten
E Ukishima
SS Seahorse is located by E Kyosai
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Sub attack near Hengchun at 85,68
E Shimushu
AMC Aikoku Maru
TK Asashio Maru
TK Meisan Maru
TK Mirii Maru
TK Toa Maru
E Ishigaki
Allied Ships
SS Seawolf
SS Seawolf launches 2 torpedoes at E Shimushu
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ASW attack near Seward at 182,39
SS I-4, hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Maury
PF Eugene
PF Ogden
APA Leon
APA Feland
LSI(M) Prince Henry
DD McCall
DD Gridley
SS I-4 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Maury
I-4 diving deep ....
DD Maury attacking submerged sub ....
DD McCall attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-4 eludes DD McCall by hugging bottom
DD McCall is out of ASW ammo
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Morning Air attack on 3rd Commando Brigade, at 60,38 , near Silchar – the Allies have a screen of British Bdes and the odd US Army Regt in this area. That seems to suggest that the main axis of advance for the Allies will remain down the Arakan Coast.
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Ki-84r Frank x 33
Allied aircraft – Frank is still chipping away at the Kiwis
Kittyhawk III x 4
Kittyhawk IV x 1
Kittyhawk III: 2 destroyed
Kittyhawk IV: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
No.15 Sqn RNZAF with Kittyhawk IV (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
No.14 Sqn RNZAF with Kittyhawk III (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
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Morning Air attack on 17th Division, at 60,40 (Imphal)
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 21
Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 3
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 04, 44
Repairs completed on CL Jintsu at Singapore, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Oboro at Singapore, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Hibiki at Singapore, ship returned to service
E13A1 Jake from 453 Ku S-1 attacking a Triton class SS at 106,67
a Gato class SS is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 901 Ku T-3 attacking an Allied SS at 111,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from 958 Ku T-6 attacking an Allied SS at 103,120
an Allied SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from 958 Ku T-7 attacking SS Capelin at 92,129
SS Capelin is reported HIT
2LT Juni V. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
1LT Inoue D. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
1LT Inoue D. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
2LT Agawa B. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Kado P. of 59th Sentai is credited with kill number 9
B6N2 Jill from 954 Ku T-1 attacking a Triton class SS at 106,97
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
B6N2a Jill from K-251 Hikotai attacking a Thames class SS at 106,97
an Allied SS is reported HIT
B6N2a Jill from K-251 Hikotai attacking a KXIV Class class SS at 106,97
an Allied SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-107 Hikotai attacking SS Raton at 112,110
SS Raton is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 901 Ku T-3 attacking an Allied SS at 106,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Atago-2 attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 69,91
an Allied SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Atago-2 attacking an Allied SS at 69,91
an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Port Moresby
18 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Ponape
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 33rd JAAF AF Coy from Kalemyo
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Air Division from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JAAF AF Coy from Kalemyo
Repairs completed on CL Sendai at Singapore, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Ushio at Singapore, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Akebono at Singapore, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Akatsuki at Singapore, ship returned to service
Prome expands airfield to size 3
Cooktown expands airfield to size 6
Kweilin expands airfield to size 5
Ace pilot Kado R. of 1st Sentai is promoted to 2LT
DD Asashio beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
DD Michishio beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
DD Arashio beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
DD Natsugumo beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
DD Minegumo beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
DD Asagumo beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
PB Eiko Maru beginning refit while under repair in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka - Ansyu-C PB upgrades will be allowed whenever convoys return to port. It is a token AA upgrade with a few more 25mm AA guns so practically won't make any difference if Allied aircraft find them, but they might be able to shoot down the odd Catalina or similar.
PB Nishimi Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Shanghai
PB Seikyo Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Shanghai
PB Tenzan Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Shanghai
PB Aso Maru #7 beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PB Kinsyo Maru #2 beginning refit while under repair in shipyard at Naha
PB Nako Maru #2 beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Naruto Maru #3 beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
PB Suyozai Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
Sasebo Ku S-2 arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo – Rex unit, resized to 24 to allow training of 32 pilots at a time.
6th Tpt.Chutai arrives at Lashio – some IJAAF base forces will be flown back to Lashio to use it as the gateway for future withdrawal back into China. It will also be the base to fly small units back into Thailand to takeover garrison duties once the Royal Thai Army dissolves.
7th Tpt.Chutai arrives at Lashio
4th Tpt.Chutai arrives at Lashio 

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Allied Recon aircraft just started taking photos of Vientiane, Luangprabang, Lao Cai and Vinh south of Hanoi and they are all vacant of IJA troops.
That is 16, 15 and 19 hex range from Chittagong respectively, but the recon aircraft could be flying from a different base like Dacca.
Recon photos were also taken of Chiang Mai and Ayuthia (next to Bangkok), but they have reasonable garrisons.

The Chindit Bdes have been spotted in the jungle, but other airborne assets might be available to the Allied Joint Chiefs.
The Int Staff (in game database) say that the C-87 Liberator has a 20 hex normal range.

The pre-war plan was to replace the Royal Thai Army with small raiding units as garrisons, but I don’t think these three bases were on the list to allocate garrison troops to.
HQ 10th Air Div could be bought out from Tokyo and moved to Hanoi relatively quickly, with a few JAAF AF Bns rustled up to join it.
HQ 8th Air Div arrives in 65 days at Takao, so that is a slower option.

There are plenty of transport aircraft in Burma, so if the Allies do try a long range para drop they will be able to quickly fly free troops into this area to counter.
50th Div arrives on Formosa in 41 days so it could be bought out to move to Hanoi, closer to the other 50s Divs in Burma.
Alternatively, some of the smaller units due to arrive soon attached to HQ 4th Fleet could be diverted to Indochina.
An Independent Mixed Regt at each of these bases, plus Hanoi and others nearby could have merit, but there are likely higher priority missions for those IMRs.
Troops from near Hanoi could be shifted to the Philippines fairly quickly if the Allies don’t continue to push overland through Burma and Thailand.

30th Div is in reserve at Bangkok, yet to form as a Division. It will send 74th and 77th Infantry Regts plus the Engineer and Recon Regts to Vientiane.
A few JAAF Coys will withdraw from Burma and one of the two JAAF Bns in reserve at Saigon will move to Hanoi.
Developing airfields along the Indochina railway could come in handy later in 1944 or into 1945 to try and delay any Allied move through Thailand.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 05, 44
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Sub attack near Truk at 113,107
E Maeshima
SS Raton launches 2 torpedoes at E Maeshima
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Morning Air attack on 27th Infantry Division, at 56,42 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Ki-84r Frank x 38
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
32 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 7
CAP engaged:
No.615 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
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Morning Air attack on 254th Armoured Brigade, at 58,39 , near Silchar
Ki-84r Frank x 26
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Kittyhawk IV x 1
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk IV: 1 destroyed
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
No.15 Sqn RNZAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
No.14 Sqn RNZAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
51st FG/16th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 05, 44
Repairs completed on DD Nenohi at Tinian, ship returned to service
B6N2 Jill from 936 Ku T-1 attacking an Allied SS at 103,120
a Grampus class SS is reported HIT
H8K2 Emily from 901 Ku T-4 attacking an Allied SS at 106,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Chikuma-2 attacking SS Rock at 114,66
SS Rock is reported HIT
WO Nishihata R. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Bunkichi F. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 5
2LT Bunkichi F. of 31st Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Hashimoto S. of 31st Sentai is credited with kill number 3
E13A1 Jake from 902 Ku T-2 attacking an Allied SS at 105,94
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
G3M2 Nell from K-403 Hikotai attacking SS Bowfin at 119,55
SS Bowfin is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from K-601 Hikotai attacking SS Raton at 113,107
SS Raton is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 61st Sentai attacking SS Trident at 51,52
SS Trident is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIa Helen from 62nd Sentai attacking SS Trident at 51,52
SS Trident is reported HIT
6 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
5 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 33rd JAAF AF Coy from Kalemyo
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Air Division from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JAAF AF Coy from Kalemyo
Kiamusze expands fortifications to size 4
Dimapur expands fortifications to size 5
Gorakhpur expands airfield to size 5
Ace pilot Eto I. of 64th Sentai is promoted to 2LT
PB Kasyu Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Kenan Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
Repairs completed on MTB G-229 at Truk, ship returned to service
MTB G-840 arrives at Sapporo 

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These Spitfire VIIIs were very hard to hit.
I don’t usually watch the combat replay in normal time, but watching this one I could see the Spitfires dancing out of the way of the Franks.
The dogfighting ability of the Spitfire VIII was pretty clear, with the pilots evading Frank attacks often and then getting shots away to damage quite a few Franks in return.
7x Spitfire VIIIs more than held their own against 36x Franks.
Having a radar in the hex would have helped, but it moved out into the hex one to the SW where it will wait for the Allied Army to advance.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 06, 44
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ASW attack near Groot Natoena at 57,84
CL Kiso
DD Shinonome
DD Uranami
DD Murakumo
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Shirayuki
Allied Ships
SS Sand Lance, hits 11, heavy damage
SS Sand Lance is sighted by escort
DD Hatsuyuki attacking submerged sub ....
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Sub attack near Rambutyo at 103,120
xAK Chojun Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Shinko Maru
Allied Ships
SS Blackfish
SS Blackfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Chojun Maru
Blackfish diving deep ....
PB Shinko Maru attacking submerged sub ....
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ASW attack near Luganville at 115,148
SS I-184, hits 6
Allied Ships – a rare day to hit a DE
DE Whitehurst, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DE Brooks
SS I-184 launches 2 torpedoes at DE Whitehurst
DE Brooks attacking submerged sub ....
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Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-84r Frank x 35
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
CAP engaged:
No.615 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 06, 44
Repairs completed on BB Nagato at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service – after the short move from Kure to Yokosuka the big ships needed some minor repairs again.
Repairs completed on CL Noshiro at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on BB Fuso at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
D4Y4 Judy from K-103 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 68,97
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-401 Hikotai attacking SS Raton at 113,107
SS Raton is reported HIT
B6N2 Jill from 254 Ku T-1 attacking SS Picuda at 81,102
SS Picuda is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Nachi-2 attacking SS Archerfish at 88,65
SS Archerfish is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIa Helen from 62nd Sentai attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 52,49
an Allied SS is reported HIT
1LT Gyuba P. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 11
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Rock at 114,66
SS Rock is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Tautog at 108,67
SS Tautog is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-3 Hikotai attacking SS Tullibee at 107,77
SS Tullibee is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 901 Ku T-3 attacking a Grampus class SS at 106,67
a 'U' 1941 Long Hull class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Suzuya-2 attacking an Allied SS at 64,107
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 61st Sentai attacking an Allied SS at 52,49
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIa Helen from 62nd Sentai attacking a KXI Class class SS at 52,49
an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over 15th Army
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 33rd JAAF AF Coy from Kalemyo
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Air Division from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JAAF AF Coy from Kalemyo
Repairs completed on CL Agano at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on BB Yamashiro at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS I-171 at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
Kona expands port to size 3
Batangas expands airfield to size 8
Kalemyo expands fortifications to size 5
PB Hakkaisan Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
PB Magan Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
PB Sinko Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
Loss of xAK Chojun Maru on Apr 06, 1944 is admitted
LST T-113 arrives at Niigata
DE Whitehurst is reported to have been sunk near Luganville on Apr 06, 1944
I.42-1 arrives at Tokyo 

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 07, 44
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Night Air attack on TF, near Chittagong at 55,41
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
G4M1 Betty x 24
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
Allied Ships
LST 11
DE Jumna
LST 162
LST 5
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Morning Air attack on 20th/B Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Ki-84r Frank x 14
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12
B-25D1 Mitchell x 2
B-25H Mitchell x 17
P-38J Lightning x 25
Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 12 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 16 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 2 destroyed by flak
P-38J Lightning: 4 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
CAP engaged:
11th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
47th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
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Morning Air attack on 8th/B Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 5
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
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Morning Air attack on 8th/A Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 1
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 18
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Morning Air attack on 8th/A Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 36
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
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Morning Air attack on 8th/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 36
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
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Morning Air attack on 20th/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
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Morning Air attack on 20th/A Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 45
B-25D1 Mitchell: 45 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 07, 44
MTB G-10 hits reef at 112 , 108 – in the Truk hex
PT Boat TF 66 terminates patrol and enters Truk for repairs
B6N2a Jill from K-251 Hikotai attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 105,94
an Allied SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Rock at 114,66
SS Rock is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 901 Ku T-3 attacking SS Snook at 98,63
SS Snook is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Tone-1 attacking SS Bowfin at 116,62
SS Bowfin is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 61st Sentai attacking an Allied SS at 51,52
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
WO Mitsumasa R. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
1LT Mitsumoto I. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
1LT Mitsumoto I. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
WO Saito S. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Taniguchi A. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Kakimoto I. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 9
2LT Taniguchi A. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Hirabayashi M. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Inuzuka E. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Ishihara P. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
WO Ishihara P. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
G4M1 Betty from K-704 Hikotai attacking SS Corvina at 99,122
SS Corvina is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from 453 Ku S-1 attacking SS Devilfish at 102,67
SS Devilfish is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-107 Hikotai attacking SS Raton at 112,110
SS Raton is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Bowfin at 116,62
SS Bowfin is reported HIT
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
19 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Ponape
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Air Division from Imphal
Repairs completed on CVE Kaiyo at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on CL Tama at Singapore, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on CL Kiso at Singapore, ship returned to service
Suva expands port to size 5
PB Edo Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Eifuku Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Heiei Maru #7 beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Hokutai Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
PB Yamabato Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
PB Yomei Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
CVE Hosho available for service in damaged state at Tinian
12th/A Division takes replacements from Rangoon
12th/B Division takes replacements from Rangoon
12th/C Division takes replacements from Rangoon
E No.15 arrives at Tokyo
MGB G-231 arrives at Nagoya 

-----------
There is an Air Defence AA Regt in this hex with 2x radars to help the defending CAP.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 08, 44
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Morning Air attack on 20th/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Weather in hex: Light rain
Ki-84r Frank x 21
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6
B-25D1 Mitchell x 15
P-40N5 Warhawk x 11
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 17
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
P-40N5 Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 6 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
47th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
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Morning Air attack on 20th/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 6
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 19
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
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Morning Air attack on 8th/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 2
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 60
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th/B Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 2
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 08, 44
Repairs completed on DD Uranami at Singapore, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Murakumo at Singapore, ship returned to service
G4M2 Betty from 762 Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 106,97
an Allied SS is reported HIT
WO Okajima K. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Okajima K. of 1st Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Iwashita S. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 12
2LT Fukudome K. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 8
2LT Itaya R. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 10
1LT Koda G. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 9
2LT Ban C. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
2LT Ban C. of 11th Sentai attains ace status!!
1LT Fukudome O. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 9
2LT Koga H. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 4
WO Hoshikura B. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Hoshikura B. of 1st Sentai attains ace status!!
CPT Tsukamoto H. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 17
1LT Gushi V. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
2LT Koga H. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 5
2LT Koga H. of 1st Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Tsukamoto S. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
1LT Inuzuka T. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 11
CPT Tsukamoto H. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 18
2LT Koga H. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 6
2LT Goto M. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
D4Y4 Judy from K-103 Hikotai attacking a 'U' 1941 Long Hull class SS at 68,97
an Allied SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-107 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 113,109
a 'T' 1941 and 1942 class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Suzuya-2 attacking an Allied SS at 64,106
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIa Helen from 62nd Sentai attacking SS Trident at 53,45
SS Trident is reported HIT
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JAAF AF Coy to Lao Cai
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 33rd JAAF AF Coy to Luangprabang
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Air Division from Imphal
Repairs completed on CVE Hosho at Tinian, ship returned to service
Tsitsihar expands airfield to size 3
Umnak Island expands airfield to size 5
Batavia expands fortifications to size 7
Maryborough expands airfield to size 8
I.42-1 on BB Fuso converting to size 24 from 1
PB Chosa Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Nanpo Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Taiko Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Marei Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Nanrei Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
xAKL Buijskes is reported to have been sunk near Chittagong on Mar 12, 1944
I.37-1 arrives at Tokyo 

-------
The combat animation showed a lot more P40s and P47s shot down than shown here.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 09, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Puerto Princesa at 74,83
E Yanagi
Allied Ships
SS Piranha, hits 2
SS Piranha launches 4 torpedoes at E Yanagi
E Yanagi attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Miyako-jima at 91,67
E Kuretake
E Wakatake
E Yugao
E Fuyo
Allied Ships
SS Tang
SS Tang is located by E Kuretake
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st/A Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Ki-84r Frank x 21
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-25D1 Mitchell x 14
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 5
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 10
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 48
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 20th/B Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 3
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 2
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st/C Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 2
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 11
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 20000 feet – the Allies aren’t hitting anything from that altitude, with the IJAAF digging in to the Jungle terrain.
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 09, 44
Repairs completed on CL Oyodo at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
G3M3 Nell from K-601 Hikotai attacking SS Scamp at 107,77
SS Scamp is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 61st Sentai attacking SS Trident at 51,51
SS Trident is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIa Helen from 62nd Sentai attacking a Grampus class SS at 53,47
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
WO Daigo L. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Taniguchi B. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 3
1LT Tsuchiya, T. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 9
1LT Tsuchiya, T. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 10
G3M2 Nell from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 109,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
B6N2a Jill from K-251 Hikotai attacking an Allied PT at 105,94
an Allied SS is reported HIT
G4M1 Betty from K-402 Hikotai attacking SS Scamp at 107,77
SS Scamp is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking a Grampus class SS at 106,67
a Porpoise class SS is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIa Helen from 62nd Sentai attacking an Allied SS at 53,47
a 'T' 1941 and 1942 class SS is reported HIT
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
19 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
17 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 3rd Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 5th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JNAF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 12th JAAF AF Coy to Lao Cai
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 33rd JAAF AF Coy to Luangprabang
2 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Air Division from Imphal
Billiton expands airfield to size 2
I.37-1 on BB Fuso converting to size 24 from 1
PB Aso Maru #3 beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Busho Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB Mikage Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
Previous report of sinking of SS Lapon incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service 

--------
44th Div is assigned to 8th Area Army and will move to Manus Island.
I wonder how the horses of the Cavalry Regt will like the tropics.
This 1944 B-type Div doesn’t seem to be able to upgrade its AT guns to the 47mm versions, which is a shame.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 10, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kirakira at 114,143
SS I-27
Allied Ships
DE Brooks
SS I-27 is sighted by escort
DE Brooks attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Donggala at 69,96
E Shirakami
E Ukishima
E Kyosai
Allied Ships
SS Flier, hits 3
SS Flier launches 2 torpedoes at E Shirakami
E Ukishima attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Chittagong at 55,41
Weather in hex: Clear sky
G4M1 Betty x 12
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DE Narbada
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Torishima at 111,67
AK Tamagawa Maru
AK Keiyo Maru
E No.16
Allied Ships
SS Cero, hits 4
SS Cero is sighted by escort
Cero diving deep ....
E No.16 attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 8th/B Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Ki-84r Frank x 18
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 40
B-24J Liberator: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
47th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 20th/A Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar
Ki-84r Frank x 5
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 19
B-24J Liberator: 7 damaged

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 10, 44
Repairs completed on SS I-54 at Singapore, ship returned to service
E13A1 Jake from Nachi-2 attacking SS Devilfish at 102,67
SS Devilfish is reported HIT
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Ledo
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Imphal
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Truk
G3M2 Nell from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 111,67
a Thames class SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Tautog at 108,67
SS Tautog is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Rock at 114,66
SS Rock is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-102 Hikotai attacking SS Bowfin at 119,58
SS Bowfin is reported HIT
G4M2 Betty from K-702 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 77,100
an Allied SS is reported HIT
G4M2 Betty from K-702 Hikotai attacking a 'T' War Emergency class SS at 75,98
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from K-602 Hikotai attacking an Allied CL at 101,118
an Allied SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Chikuma-2 attacking a Grampus class SS at 109,67
an Allied PT is reported HIT
WO Chuzaburo B. of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Hiramoto J. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
1LT Kimiyama B. of 11th Sentai is credited with kill number 12
F-5A Lightning sighted over 15th Army
6 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
19 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 2nd Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
18 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 3rd Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 5th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JNAF Coy to Manus
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 33rd JAAF AF Coy to Luangprabang
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
Repairs completed on SS RO-101 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Takamatsu expands fortifications to size 3
Iwo-jima expands fortifications to size 6
Kirin expands fortifications to size 5
Mussau Island expands airfield to size 5
Luganville expands port to size 4
PB Syozui Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PB Sansei Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PB Teimei Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
Loss of APD Aoi on Feb 12, 1944 is admitted
MTB G-841 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
25th Tank Regiment arrives at Takao – seems like a waste not to use this Tank Regt somewhere further forward rather than just leaving it to sit and train on Formosa. For about 120 PP I bought it out to Southern Army but haven’t decided whether to move it to the Philippines or Thailand yet.
43rd Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Sendai – arrives assigned to NE Area Fleet and is part of 89th Div with the other Bde due in about 100 days. It will move to Sapporo to fill out and train. 

-------
IntRep showed 5x B24s shot down and another 5 ops losses.
1x Frank shot down with 2 ops losses.

[jdsrae]

Action in NORPAC!
I-3 had been damaged in an ASW contact just prior to this, but still attacked and hit USS Hazelwood.
Pity it couldn’t get a shot away at Idaho or Chicago.




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 11, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Dutch Harbor at 172,51
SS I-3, hits 16
Allied Ships
DE Austin
PF Eugene
DE Cloues
SS I-3 is located by DE Austin
I-3 diving deep ....
DE Austin attacking submerged sub ....
DE Austin is out of ASW ammo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Dutch Harbor at 172,51
SS I-3, hits 25, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Hazelwood, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
BB Idaho
CA Chicago
DD Healy
DMS Ellyson
DMS Hobson
DD Bailey
SS I-3 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hazelwood
DD Bailey attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-3 forced to surface!
DD Bailey firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 11, 44
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Bowfin at 115,62
SS Bowfin is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-406 Hikotai attacking SS Bowfin at 115,62
SS Bowfin is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Cox's Bazar
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Kiska Island
G3M2 Nell from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 109,67
a 'T' 1941 and 1942 class SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking a 'T' 1941 and 1942 class SS at 109,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-406 Hikotai attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 106,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-406 Hikotai attacking a Thames class SS at 106,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over 12th Tank Regiment
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Kohima
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Munda
6 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 5th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JNAF Coy to Manus
14 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Ponape
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
Repairs completed on SS I-18 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on CL Tama at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on CL Kiso at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Murakumo at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
Chengtu expands fortifications to size 5
Loss of SS I-3 on Apr 11, 1944 is admitted
Loss of TK Kyokuho Maru on Dec 07, 1943 is admitted
DD Hazelwood is reported to have been sunk near Dutch Harbor on Apr 11, 1944
MGB G-232 arrives at Osaka/Kyoto 

[jdsrae]

Then action in SOPAC.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 12, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Tassafaronga at 113,137
SS RO-107, hits 22, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
CA Canberra
CA Pensacola
CL Honolulu
CL St. Louis
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Saufley
DD Charles Badger
DD Bache
DD Ammen
DMS Boggs
DMS Hopkins
DMS Hovey
DD Walke
DD O'Brien
DD Russell
DD Hughes
SS RO-107 launches 2 torpedoes at DMS Southard
DD Walke attacking submerged sub ....
SS RO-107 forced to surface!
DD Walke firing on surfaced sub ....
DD O'Brien firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Russell firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hughes firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Donggala at 69,96
E Ukishima
E Kyosai
Allied Ships
SS Grunion
SS Grunion is located by E Ukishima
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 110,132
Weather in hex: Light rain
G4M1 Betty x 28
G4M1 Betty: 20 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
27 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied Ships
DD Tingey
DD Strong, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Waller, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 110,132
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
G4M1 Betty x 13
G4M1 Betty: 16 damaged
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied Ships
DD Taylor
DD Tingey
DD Strong, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Mili , at 136,121
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 12
TBM-1C Avenger x 8
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 12, 44
Repairs completed on DD Shirayuki at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Shirakumo at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Usugumo at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS I-22 at Singapore, ship returned to service
B6N2 Jill from 954 Ku T-1 attacking a Triton class SS at 106,97
an Allied SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-103 Hikotai attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 69,96
a 'T' 1941 and 1942 class SS is reported HIT
G4M1 Betty from K-402 Hikotai attacking SS Archerfish at 113,83
SS Archerfish is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from K-602 Hikotai attacking SS Corvina at 98,120
SS Corvina is reported HIT
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Imphal
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Dimapur
D4Y4 Judy from K-103 Hikotai attacking an Allied PG at 68,98
a Balao class SS is reported HIT
G4M2 Betty from 762 Ku K-1 attacking SS Archerfish at 113,83
SS Archerfish is reported HIT
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Kusaie Island
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Munda
F-5A Lightning sighted over Port Moresby
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 46th Naval Guard Unit to Haha-jima
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 5th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 1st JNAF Coy to Manus
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
Shimushiri-jima expands fortifications to size 5
Probolinggo expands airfield to size 6
Hollandia expands fortifications to size 5
AO Shioya beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
AO Ashizuri beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
25th Tank Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Takao
E No.17 arrives at Tokyo
Loss of SS RO-107 on Apr 12, 1944 is admitted
TK Ejiri Maru arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
DD Claxton is reported to have been sunk near Truk on Feb 14, 1944
DD Strong is reported to have been sunk near Shortlands on Apr 12, 1944



I had a hunch there might be some action in SOPAC based on spotting some larger ships at Lunga, so set the Bettys to day time strike out to one hex short of Tassafaronga.
DDs are hard to hit with torps.
The afternoon strike seemed to concentrate on the already damaged Strong.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 13, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Russell Islands at 112,136
SS RO-104, hits 10
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Pensacola
CL Honolulu
CL St. Louis
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Saufley
DD Dashiell
DD Bache
DD Ammen
DMS Boggs
DMS Hopkins
DMS Hovey
DMS Southard
DD Walke
DD O'Brien
DD Russell
DD Hughes
SS RO-104 is sighted by escort
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Munda at 111,134 – Munda has been evacuated of all IJ ground forces except a few items that can’t fit on the transport aircraft.
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Pensacola
CL Honolulu
CL St. Louis
CL Achilles
CL Leander
Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Airbase hits 20
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 55
Port hits 42
Port supply hits 12
CA Canberra firing at Munda
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CA Pensacola
CA Pensacola firing at Munda
CL Honolulu firing at Munda
CL St. Louis firing at Munda
CL Achilles firing at Munda
CL Leander firing at Munda
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near San Francisco at 217,71
SS I-6
Allied Ships
AM Herald
AM Starling
AM Sage
AM Swallow
Captain of SS I-6 elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
I-6 diving deep ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hengchun at 85,68
TK Reikai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
TK Hoten Maru
TK Amagi Maru #2
E W-25
Allied Ships
SS Seawolf
SS Seawolf launches 2 torpedoes at TK Reikai Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hengchun at 85,68
TK Reikai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
E W-25
Allied Ships
SS Seawolf
SS Seawolf launches 2 torpedoes at TK Reikai Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 31
22 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 37
37 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rekata Bay at 112,135
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
G4M1 Betty x 13
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged – this Betty strike was smashed, so I need to try and avoid setting them beyond escort range from now on.
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 12
F6F-3 Hellcat x 3
Allied Ships
DD Isherwood
DD Caperton
CAP engaged:
VMF-115 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-211 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-216 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong – attempting to soften up this target to allow a ground attack by 14th Infantry Div and 2nd Tank Div.
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 19
Ki-84r Frank x 14
Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 38
Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
N1K2-J George x 27
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed
J1N1-S Irving: 2 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 48
B-24J Liberator: 3 destroyed, 16 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22
CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-2 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 10 on standby, 13 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 19
19 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 57,42 (near Chittagong)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 22451 troops, 262 guns, 809 vehicles, Assault Value = 935
Defending force 4684 troops, 106 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 190
Japanese adjusted assault: 619
Allied adjusted defense: 589
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
466 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Allied ground losses:
192 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Assaulting units:
1st Raiding Force
14th Division
2nd Tank Division
1st Army
Defending units:
16th Chindit Brigade – took most of the casualties
23rd Chindit Brigade
32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 13, 44
Repairs completed on DD Fubuki at Victoria Point, ship returned to service
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Rock at 114,66
SS Rock is reported HIT
PO2 Shibata O. of 261 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Shibata O. of 261 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Shibata O. of 261 Ku S-2 attains ace status!!
PO1 Minami J. of 261 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Maki H. of 261 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Fujiwara B. of 261 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Adak Island
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Kiska Island
PO1 Minegishi A. of 261 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Ichimura R. of 261 Ku S-2 is credited with kill number 3
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 106,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-406 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 109,67
a 'T' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-406 Hikotai attacking SS Tautog at 108,67
SS Tautog is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-406 Hikotai attacking a 'T' War Emergency class SS at 109,67
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Jorhat
F-5A Lightning sighted over Warazup
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 4th Indpt SNLF Coy to Manus
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
Yamagata expands airfield to size 7
Hailun expands fortifications to size 2
Vientiane expands fortifications to size 1
Ace pilot Itaya R. of 1st Sentai is promoted to 1LT
Pilot Araki K. is reported as to have escaped capture
CL Kashii available for service in damaged state at Miyako-jima
Previous report of sinking of SS Pargo incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
Loss of TK Reikai Maru on Apr 13, 1944 is admitted
LST T-114 arrives at Hirosaki/Aomori
SS Hoe is reported to have been sunk near Balikpapan on Dec 20, 1943
86th Division arrives at Nagaoka – 80s Divs will plan to defend Hokkaido, but this one is assigned to Western Army so will move to Ominato and be prepared to move across the Tsugaru Strait if an emergency requires it to be bought out. It is currently at 82% of TOE so it won’t take any replacements until after it is bought out. It costs 1303 PP at the moment with only 1366 PP in the bank, so this isn’t a high priority Div to spend that coin on yet.
93rd Division arrives at Kanazawa – it arrives attached to Eastern Army at 100% TOE. I want to use the 90s Divs on Okinawa so it will plan for Naha and wait to be bought out.
2nd Air Defense AA Battalion arrives at Chiba – moved to Maebashi where it will fill out and take radar upgrades to provide radar coverage of the industry in that base.
72nd Division arrives at Sendai – arrives attached to General Defense Army at 81% TOE. I want to use the 70s Divs in 4th Fleet area, but instead of sending another Division to Truk or the Marianas this one will plan for a depth position at Peleliu. 77th Division is at Sapporo waiting to be bought out to move to Babeldoab.
44th Field AA Machinecannon Company arrives at Fusan – most of these AA units will stay in the theatre that they arrive in, or will move to the theatre of the assigned command that they start with.
79th Field AA Battalion arrives at Naha
80th Field AA Battalion arrives at Naha
81st Field AA Battalion arrives at Naha
75th Field AA Battalion arrives at Canton
74th Field AA Battalion arrives at Tientsin
61st Air Defense AA Regiment arrives at Changchun
77th Field AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo – will move to the Marianas
78th Field AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo – to the Marianas
101st AA Regiment arrives at Tokyo – these large AA Regts with embedded radars will move to Malaya/Thailand as one of them is attached to 7th Area Army (to Singapore) and the others are assigned to Southern Army.
102nd AA Regiment arrives at Tokyo
103rd AA Regiment arrives at Kumamoto
141st AA Regiment arrives at Sapporo
72nd Field AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo – arrives attached to 2nd Area Army so it will move to Java.
73rd Field AA Battalion arrives at Kushiro
3rd Ind. AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo
4th Ind. AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo
Okinawa Naval Base Force arrives at Naha – RADM Ota is in command with 88% TOE. It will take some radar upgrades then fill out which involves mostly support squads.

[jdsrae]

The idea behind this 1st Army operation is not to advance on Chittagong, but to try and divert some Allied force off the Chittagong - Cox's Bazar Road.
I don't want the Allies to just keep marching down the coastal road with 6+ Divisions without having to think about being cut off.
One problem is that the 2nd Tank Div takes a long time to move through the Jungle Rough terrain, so if the Allies do send lots of troops off road to reinforce the Chindits, the only way the 2nd Tank Div will leave this hex will be if they are routed.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 14, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Puerto Princesa at 74,83
TK Hidaka Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AMC Aikoku Maru
TK Asashio Maru
TK Meisan Maru
TK Ryuei Maru
TK Toa Maru
E Ishigaki
Allied Ships
SS Apogon
SS Apogon launches 4 torpedoes at TK Hidaka Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Munda at 111,136
SS RO-100, hits 10
Allied Ships
DD Caperton
DD Black
DD Sproston
DD Isherwood
SS RO-100 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Caperton
DD Isherwood attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Samarinda at 67,96
PB Shonan Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Kyo Maru #11
Allied Ships
SS Tuna
SS Tuna launches 2 torpedoes at PB Shonan Maru #1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Chittagong at 55,41
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
G4M1 Betty x 7
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
7 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied Ships
xAK Sirsa
xAK Surada
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41 – no obvious effect on the defenders, other than it would burn up a bit of supply with the AA guns firing.
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 28
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 3 damaged
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed by flak
13 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 20000 feet
Port Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 6
6 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 20000 feet
Port Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Chittagong at 55,41
G4M1 Betty x 12
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
12 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied Ships
xAK Taiping
xAK Sirsa, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage – finally got one! Night torpedo strikes can work, but the hit % so far with well-trained pilots has been less than 1%!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 4
4 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Chittagong at 55,41
G4M1 Betty x 6
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
xAK Surada
xAK Tak Sang
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 6
6 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 4
4 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 20000 feet
Port Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Wake Island at 136,98 – Wake Island has also been evacuated except for 10x motorised support squads from the 8th Armd Car Coy.
Allied Ships
DD Stanly
DD Spence
DD Stephen Potter
DD William Porter
DD Picking
DD Owen
DD O'Bannon
DD Nicholas
DD Murray
DMS Howard
Runway hits 11
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 64 – no CAP over the 2x Chindit Bdes
25 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Mili , at 136,121 – Mili is still being evacuated back to Ponape by Mavis transports, with a bit less than a Naval Guard worth of combat power left.
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F4U-1A Corsair x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 50
TBM-1C Avenger x 54
TBM-1C Avenger: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 57,42 (near Chittagong)
Japanese Deliberate attack – back to back deliberate attacks with supply a tad low, so this wasn’t really unexpected. The Allies seem to be able to push attacks like this but the IJA doesn’t seem to have the firepower to pull it off.
Attacking force 22098 troops, 262 guns, 809 vehicles, Assault Value = 882
Defending force 4540 troops, 106 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 170
Japanese adjusted assault: 144
Allied adjusted defense: 454
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
756 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
319 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Assaulting units:
14th Division
2nd Tank Division
1st Army
Defending units:
16th Chindit Brigade – took most of the casualties again and is not in great shape, so the IJA short stack will rest and this Bde might be pushed backwards next attack.
23rd Chindit Brigade
32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 14, 44
Repairs completed on DD Hayate at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Matsukaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Asakaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Kamikaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Yugure at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
D4Y4 Judy from K-3 Hikotai attacking SS Tang at 106,77
SS Tang is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Suzuya-2 attacking a Grampus class SS at 66,107
a KXI Class class SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Akyab
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Jorhat
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Vella Lavella
F-5A Lightning sighted over Buna
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Kohima
F-5A Lightning sighted over Milne Bay
H8K2 Emily from Yokosuka Ku T-1 attacking an Allied SS at 112,67
a Porpoise class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from 902 Ku T-3 attacking an Allied SS at 108,97
an Allied SS is reported HIT
G4M2 Betty from K-702 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 69,96
an Allied SS is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 901 Ku T-3 attacking a 'T' 1941 and 1942 class SS at 106,67
a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 61st Sentai attacking SS Trident at 51,49
SS Trident is reported HIT
PO2 Morioka S. of S-305 Hikotai is credited with kill number 3
BB Hyuga sighted by Allied Level Bomber at 109,110 near Truk
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Kohima
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
5 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
Repairs completed on CA Mikuma at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Yunagi at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Asanagi at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Hatakaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Harukaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Ariake at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS I-34 at Soerabaja, ship returned to service
Ahmedabad expands airfield to size 3
Diamond Harbour expands port to size 4
Ace pilot Hashiguchi R. of 77th Sentai Det A is promoted to 2LT
CA Mogami beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure – 3x CA Mogami class upgrade but they still don’t have surface search radar. RADM Daigo of CA Division 5 temporarily transfers his flag to Motor Launch G-211.
CA Mikuma beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
CA Kumano beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Hatsuharu beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure – 6x DD Hatsuharu class upgrade to now have Type 2 depth charges and both air and surface search radar. The Hatsuharu Division will return to escort duty with the CVL task force once the upgrade is complete.
DD Nenohi beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Hatsushima beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Wakaba beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Yugure beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Ariake beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Kamikaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure – 9x DD Kamikaze class upgrade to now have Type 2 depth charges and air search radar, which will be valuable when they return to the CVE task force.
DD Asakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Harukaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Matsukaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Hatakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Oite beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Hayate beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Asanagi beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Yunagi beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
2nd Air Defense AA Battalion - some devices have been upgraded at Chiba – mostly radar upgrades
61st Air Defense AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Changchun
101st AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Tokyo
102nd AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Tokyo
103rd AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Kumamoto
141st AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Sapporo
Okinawa Naval Base Force - some devices have been upgraded at Naha
MTB G-10 available for service in damaged state at Truk
Group Withdrawals: 1 due today (12 Daily PP)
Groups for today: 83rd I.F.Chutai
Device(s) upgraded in 93rd Division supplied from Kanazawa
Loss of PB Shonan Maru #1 on Apr 14, 1944 is admitted
TK Eiho Maru arrives at Maizuru
SC CHa-80 arrives at Kumamoto
732 Ku K-1 arrives at Georgetown – this Betty unit arrives attached to 13th Air Flotilla which seems a bit strange, perhaps it is meant to be attached to the 13th Air Fleet. Anyway, this unit withdraws on 10 Jul 44 so I am not going to spend PP to allow it to move unless an emergency requires it. It will be used to provide naval search over the Strait of Malacca and the Sabang-Phuket gap which is becoming a bit of an Allied submarine highway. 

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 15, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Marcus Island at 123,85, Range 2,000 Yards
AMc Seki Maru #3, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Chauncey
DD Haraden
DD Hunt
DD Hutchins
DD Johnston
DD Kimberly
DD Luce
DD McCord
DD Melvin
DD Mertz
DD Mullany
DMS Forrest
DMS Emmons
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
AMc Seki Maru #3 sunk by DD Mullany at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43
G4M1 Betty x 13
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak
11 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied Ships
DD Redoubt
CA Dorsetshire
CL Kenya
CL Ceylon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43
G4M1 Betty x 12
G4M1 Betty: 6 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
11 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied Ships
CA Cumberland
CA London
CL Kenya
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Marcus Island at 123,85 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 5 damaged
36 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Mullany
DD Mertz
DD Melvin
DD McCord
DD Luce
DD Kimberly
DD Johnston
DD Hutchins
DD Hunt
DD Haraden
DD Chauncey
DMS Emmons
DMS Forrest
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 32
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 2
DD Mullany firing at Minamitorishima Naval Guard Unit – defenders have been identified
DD Hutchins firing at 13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Cox's Bazar at 54,43
Allied Ships
CA Cumberland
CA London
CA Dorsetshire
CL Newcastle
CL Newfoundland
CL Kenya
CL Ceylon
Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 8
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1
CA Cumberland firing at 9th Division – multiple IJA Divisions spotted, which might make the Allies think twice about trying an amphibious landing here.
CA London firing at 27th/B Division
CA Dorsetshire firing at 35th Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Cox's Bazar at 54,43
DD Petard
DD Penn
DD Pathfinder
DD Paladin
DD Petard firing at 35th Division
DD Penn firing at 9th Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Diamond Harbour at 51,39
SS I-171, hits 12, heavy damage
Allied Ships
AM Poole
KV Cyclamen
AM Oudh
SS I-171 is sighted by escort
I-171 bottoming out ....
KV Cyclamen attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tawau at 69,91
TK Yamaoka Maru
PB Kyo Maru #11
Allied Ships
SS Ray
SS Ray is sighted by escort
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tawau at 69,91
TK Choran Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Okuyo Maru #2
Allied Ships
SS Ray
SS Ray launches 2 torpedoes at TK Choran Maru
PB Okuyo Maru #2 attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 58
26 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 23rd Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 38
Ki-84r Frank x 20
19 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 15000 feet – with the defenders having very few AA guns, bombing altitude will reduce.
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
19 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 17
Ki-84r Frank x 85
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 damaged
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 23rd Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 19
Ki-84r Frank x 12
Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rekata Bay at 112,135
Weather in hex: Light cloud
D4Y4 Judy x 25 – this unit and the escorts were flown forward from Rabaul to Tassafaronga to try and get some strikes at the forward deployed DDs. Bombing accuracy was poor despite the pilots being well trained.
N1K2-J George x 27
D4Y4 Judy: 3 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak
N1K2-J George: 5 destroyed
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 18
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Isherwood, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Sproston, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Black
DD Caperton
CAP engaged:
VMF-115 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
VMF-216 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
VMF-211 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Isherwood
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Donggala at 69,96
E Shirakami
E Ukishima
E Kyosai
Allied Ships
SS Flier
SS Flier launches 2 torpedoes at E Shirakami

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 15, 44
G3M2 Nell from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 109,67
a KXIV Class class SS is reported HIT
G4M1 Betty from K-402 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 115,88
a 'T' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Vella Lavella
F-5A Lightning sighted over Warazup
F-5A Lightning sighted over Katha
E13A1 Jake from 902 Ku T-3 attacking an Allied SS at 112,100
a Porpoise class SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-401 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 112,100
a Gato class SS is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from K-601 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 112,83
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from K-602 Hikotai attacking a 'S' War Emergency class SS at 112,100
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Chikuma-2 attacking an Allied SS at 109,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
5 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Mili
6 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
5 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
7 x Ki-49-II KAI Helen transporting 21st JAAF AF Bn from Imphal
Hamilton expands airfield to size 4
Ace pilot Chikami L. of 1st Sentai is promoted to 1LT
Ace pilot Renzo T. of 64th Sentai is promoted to 1LT
PB Yamadori Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
61st Air Defense AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Changchun
103rd AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Kumamoto
PT-74 is reported to have been sunk near Wotje on Feb 06, 1944
MTB G-842 arrives at Shimizu
MGB G-233 arrives at Kobe
TK Asokawa Maru #2 arrives at Fukuoka
TK Enkei Maru arrives at Fukuoka
91st Division arrives at Asahikawa – arrives attached to 27th Army which is a “free” HQ under 5th Area Army. 91st Div will move immediately to Okinawa to help prepare defensive positions, but also be available to deploy further forward if required.

--------------
George-2s were dancing with Corsairs who had the dive thanks to the George/Judy combo flying at 15k’ so they could get some dive bombing runs at the DDs.
2x 800kg bomb hits but the DDs don’t show up as heavily damaged.
The main price paid was 5x IJN fighter pilots: 3xKIA, 1xMIA, 1xWIA. 1x DB pilot was also KIA.
Not bad to put the Allies on notice that this area will be contested.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 16, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 23rd Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 74
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 damaged
Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Also attacking 16th Chindit Brigade ...
Also attacking 23rd Chindit Brigade ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 111
28 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Mili , at 136,121
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F4U-1A Corsair x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 38
TBM-1C Avenger x 44
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 damaged
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Makin , at 136,125
Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 12
TBM-1C Avenger x 9
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 damaged
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 54,45
Weather in hex: Overcast
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter TF.X x 16 – forgot to set LRCAP over this task force that was trying to run supply to Cox’s Bazar… I might try again in a few days time as there is now a George unit at Rangoon.
16 x Beaufighter TF.X launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
Japanese Ships
xAKL Tonegawa Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
PB Keinan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 16, 44
Repairs completed on SS I-181 at Manus, ship returned to service
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 106,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-406 Hikotai attacking SS Bowfin at 117,62
SS Bowfin is reported HIT
G4M2 Betty from K-702 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 76,99
a Sargo class SS is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from 901 Ku T-3 attacking an Allied SS at 106,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Imphal
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Munda
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Ledo
F-5A Lightning sighted over Port Moresby
F-5A Lightning sighted over Myitkyina
F-5A Lightning sighted over Warazup
G3M2 Nell from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 112,67
an Allied SS is reported HIT
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking SS Rock at 114,66
SS Rock is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Nachi-2 attacking SS Devilfish at 102,67
SS Devilfish is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Kumano-2 attacking a Grampus class SS at 64,105
an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Milne Bay
F-5A Lightning sighted over Port Moresby
F-5A Lightning sighted over Warazup
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
Fukuoka expands airfield to size 8
Osaka/Kyoto expands fortifications to size 6
Hughenden expands airfield to size 7
Sovetskaya Gavan expands port to size 6
Haha-jima expands fortifications to size 5
Aircraft Ki-95 advances R&D – to 8/45 +2/day from 1x size 30 factory with engine bonus.
PB Seikai Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PB Shinkyo Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PB Okiyu Maru beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
Loss of PB Keinan Maru on Apr 16, 1944 is admitted
Loss of xAKL Tonegawa Maru on Apr 16, 1944 is admitted
DD Hall is reported to have been sunk near Ponape on Feb 16, 1944
SS Harder is reported to have been sunk near Manus on Nov 16, 1943

---------
Just noticed that LGEN Nishihara is an Army HQ Commander, so LGEN Fujioka will take over as commander 23rd Div to free Nishihara up for a HQ Command.
LGEN Fujioka was a MGEN commanding 9th IMB at this point of the real war, before promotion and command of 62nd Div on Okinawa from 1 Mar 1945.

[jdsrae]

Combined Fleet with the CV, CVL, 2xBB and 2xCA task forces is 10 hexes from Lunga and showing no signs of being detected.
Lunga has 15 ships in port with some decent sized targets amongst them.
If the CAs are CAs they would be good to sink, but they could just be large auxiliaries.

Other enemy forces include a PT boat screen in the shallows off Tassafaronga.
Tulagi is a PT boat base with no large ships spotted in port.
The main targets for KB will be the ships in task forces at Lunga. Whether they stay there or try another bombardment run is the main unknown.
I don’t think they will withdraw, so an 8 hex strike distance is set, with KB to stand off the reef at Ontong Java and launch from there.
VADM Kusaka on the Kaga has local command.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 17, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Donggala at 69,96
E Ukishima
E Kyosai
Allied Ships
SS Grunion
SS Grunion is sighted by escort
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Marcus Island at 123,85 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged
76 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Mullany
DD Mertz
DD Melvin
DD McCord
DD Luce
DD Kimberly
DD Johnston
DD Hutchins
DD Hunt
DD Haraden
DD Chauncey
DMS Emmons
DMS Forrest
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8
DD Mullany firing at Minamitorishima Naval Guard Unit
DD Kimberly firing at 13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 115,144
SS I-27, hits 6
Allied Ships
DD Black
DD Caperton
SS I-27 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Black
DD Black attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Puerto Princesa at 74,83
PB Nagata Maru
xAK Taibun Maru
xAK Misaki Maru
xAK Somedono Maru
PB Kensin Maru
Allied Ships
SS Piranha
SS Piranha launches 2 torpedoes at PB Nagata Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Culion at 76,80
xAK Akagisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Aso Maru
xAK Rakuto Maru
PB Sonan Maru #6
Allied Ships
SS Jack, hits 4
SS Jack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Akagisan Maru
Jack bottoming out ....
PB Sonan Maru #6 attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-84r Frank x 79
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed
19 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
Allied aircraft
P-40N26 Warhawk x 8
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 31
Allied aircraft losses – the Allies decide to contest the skies over the 2x Chindit Bdes and without a radar in the hex they seem to suffer a big disadvantage in this action.
P-40N26 Warhawk: 4 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 11 destroyed
CAP engaged:
20th TRS with P-40N26 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
35th FG/41st FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
80th FG/88th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
23rd FG/118th TRS with P-40N26 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
33rd FG/58th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 23rd Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Overcast
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 57
Ki-84r Frank x 50
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged – but the CAP was still strong enough to take down a few Peggys.
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-84r Frank: 1 destroyed
18 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 5000 feet
Allied aircraft
P-40N26 Warhawk x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 10
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
CAP engaged:
33rd FG/58th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 29000 – only 24k’ higher than the Peggy bombing altitude!
20th TRS with P-40N26 Warhawk (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
35th FG/41st FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
80th FG/88th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 20000.
Also attacking 16th Chindit Brigade ...
Also attacking 23rd Chindit Brigade ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 23rd Chindit Brigade, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 18
Ki-84r Frank x 26
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-84r Frank: 3 destroyed – this got a bit expensive so the Allies win this one… need to sweep them away first but against a PBEM opponent they won’t let that happen and will just concede the sky for a few turns. It’s a game of cat and mouse…
Allied aircraft
P-40N26 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 8
No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Munda at 111,134
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
SBD-5 Dauntless x 18
Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 10, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk – forgot to set LRCAP again, second time in a few days I’ve missed an opportunity to shoot down some Allied aircraft…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,138
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 152 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes
A6M8 Zero x 96 – KB launched a coordinated strike, but the Air Admiral kept quite a few aircraft in reserve.
B7A2 Grace x 50
D4Y4 Judy x 68
Allied aircraft – CAP was thankfully lighter than the staff of SE Area Fleet were expecting.
F4U-1A Corsair x 23
F6F-3 Hellcat x 9
Japanese aircraft losses – relatively light despite heavy flak
A6M8 Zero: 2 destroyed
B7A2 Grace: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
B7A2 Grace: 2 destroyed by flak
D4Y4 Judy: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 4 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
Allied Ships
DMS Hovey
CL Honolulu
DD Case
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 2, on fire
SC-751
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CL Achilles, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Leander
CA Canberra
SC-709, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Morris
DD Walke
CA Pensacola
DD Russell, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Ammen
CAP engaged:
VMF-211 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-115 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
VMF-216 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Adelaide

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 17, 44
Task Force 211 lays defensive minefield at Etorofu ( 128 , 52) and sets course for Hakodate
Previous report of sinking of DD Sproston incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 115, 144
D4Y4 Judy from 531 Ku K-1 attacking an Allied SS at 107,127
a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-3 Hikotai attacking SS Scamp at 107,77
SS Scamp is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from Soryu-2 has spotted a Elco 77ft PT class PT at 113,136
a Elco 77ft PT class PT is reported HIT
B7A2 Grace from Soryu-3 has spotted a Elco 77ft PT class PT at 113,136
a Elco 77ft PT class PT is reported HIT
B7A2 Grace from Shokaku-3 has spotted a Elco 77ft PT class PT at 113,136
a Elco 77ft PT class PT is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from Zuikaku-2 has spotted a Elco 77ft PT class PT at 113,136
a Elco 77ft PT class PT is reported HIT
Search B6N2 Jill destroyed by CAP at (114,138)
E13A1 Jake from Maya-2 attacking a Triton class SS at 69,96
an Allied SS is reported HIT
B6N2 Jill from Chiyoda-2 has spotted an Allied PG at 113,136
an Allied PG is reported HIT
Search B6N2 Jill destroyed by CAP at (114,138)
2LT Chuzaburo B. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Senda O. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Notomi P. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Azusa P. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Harada M. of 66th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
WO Notomi R. of 66th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Notomi R. of 66th Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Tsukamoto A. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Kado P. of 59th Sentai is credited with kill number 10
2LT Maeda S. of 59th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
2LT Senda O. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
2LT Ayanori T. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
WO Degawa R. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Degawa R. of 9th Sentai attains ace status!!
WO Renzo R. of 66th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Kawahara P. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 8
2LT Inoue R. of 59th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Tsukamoto B. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
F-5A Lightning sighted over Akyab
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Truk
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Meiktila
CPT Inuzuka O. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 13
F-5A Lightning sighted over Port Moresby
WO Kajinami, S. of 47th Sentai is credited with kill number 15
D4Y4 Judy from K-103 Hikotai attacking SS Ray at 68,93
SS Ray is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-103 Hikotai attacking a Grampus class SS at 67,97
a Balao class SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from Soryu-2 has spotted an Allied PG at 113,136
an Allied PG is reported HIT
Search E13A1 Jake destroyed by CAP
Ki-49-IIb Helen from 61st Sentai attacking SS Trident at 51,52
SS Trident is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over 15th Army
F-5A Lightning sighted over Port Moresby
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Amchitka Island – the Allies are starting to get a bit more active in NORPAC. Japan completely withdrew from the Aleutians back to the Kuriles months ago, maybe even a year ago.
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Ledo
F-5A Lightning sighted over Katha
PO1 Sagara U. of Junyo-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO2 Yamashita, S. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Shiga E. of Hiyo-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Shiga E. of Hiyo-1 is credited with kill number 3
WO Shiozura, T. of Hiyo-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Matsunaga I. of Hiyo-1 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Sugiyama M. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Sugiyama M. of Shoho-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Takagi M. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Takagi M. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 4
CPO Kotani H. of Junyo-1 is credited with kill number 6
PO2 Nishiura, K. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 2
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
Kiangtu expands fortifications to size 3
Bhamo expands fortifications to size 3
27th Tank Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Tokyo
Previous report of sinking of SS Templar incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
Loss of AMc Wa 10 on Apr 17, 1944 is admitted
SC-709 is reported to have been sunk near Lunga on Apr 17, 1944
SS Dace is reported to have been sunk near New Hanover Island on Jan 12, 1944
118th AA Regiment arrives at Tokyo – will stay at Tokyo for now

-------------
Some Hellcats and Corsairs scramble but not many.
Interesting to see lots of A6M8 get the dive bonus from 15k’, so the CAP may not have got much warning time. The bombers all got through unscathed.
Disappointing result from high skilled pilots in light cloud conditions…
USS St Louis had a magazine explosion but most of the pilots displayed the accuracy of stormtroopers…
A few bombers were shot down by scrambling CAP on the way back to the carriers.

The CV task force is spotted 10/10, the CVL task force 2/3, but the 2xBB and 2xCA task forces are not spotted.
I expect that the Allies will fly reinforcements in so KB will withdraw to replenish and won’t stay for a second day.
Overall a little disappointing, but still a bit of excitement which may surprise the Allied joint chiefs and make them adjust their plans.
Now they know where all the IJN CVs are it may prompt some action in a different sector.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 18, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near San Francisco at 215,75
SS I-6
Allied Ships – unescorted single ship near SF
xAK Stephen T. Mather, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Stephen T. Mather is sighted by SS I-6
SS I-6 attacking on the surface
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
G4M1 Betty x 6
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Pathfinder
DD Paladin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Cox's Bazar at 54,43
G4M1 Betty x 7
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Penn
DD Pathfinder
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Cox's Bazar at 54,43
Allied Ships
DD Petard
DD Penn
DD Pathfinder
DD Paladin
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
Port hits 1
DD Petard firing at 35th Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tawau at 69,91
TK Koryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Chitose Maru #2
Allied Ships
SS Shad
SS Shad launches 4 torpedoes at TK Koryu Maru
PB Chitose Maru #2 attacking submerged sub ....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Silchar , at 59,39
Weather in hex: Light rain
Ki-84r Frank x 20
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft
P-40N26 Warhawk x 9
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 13
P-40N26 Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
20th TRS with P-40N26 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) – had to check but TRS stands for Tactical Recon Sqn, so it is interesting to see that they have been re-roled as a fighter sqn.
35th FG/41st FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
33rd FG/58th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
23rd FG/118th TRS with P-40N26 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) – another TRS that swapped their cameras for .50 cals x6.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Light rain
Ki-84r Frank x 63
Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
80th FG/88th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 115,130
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
G4M1 Betty x 18
G4M1 Betty: 13 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed by flak – AA guns were brutal. Need to send multiple waves so the later ones have more chance to get through after the AA fire, but that would probably take dozens of waves.
Allied Ships – the Allies rush this SCTF forward to the hex that KB was in yesterday. Betty was set to strike out to a range that would miss the big Allied CAP at Tassafaronga.
CA Canberra
CL Honolulu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Pensacola
DD Saufley
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet. – Allied radars are better than IJ radars.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes
Ki-84r Frank x 47 – this sweep was intended to distract some of the CAP before the above Betty strike went in, but it happened the other way around!
Ki-84r Frank: 4 destroyed
Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 16
F6F-3 Hellcat x 20
F4U-1A Corsair: 4 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
28 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet *
CAP engaged:
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-115 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
VMF-211 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-216 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 48th Division, at 106,125 (Rabaul)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K5-J George x 18 – this is 50% of the size 36 George-5 unit which was set to 50% CAP.
Ki-84r Frank x 49 – this is 100% of the Frank-R unit which was set to 100% CAP.
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged – the Frank-R/George-5 combo goes ok against B24s
B-24J Liberator: 2 destroyed by flak
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged: CAP was set so interesting to see 0 airborne, but both had about 66% of the set CAP on standby.
S-302 Kokutai with N1K5-J George (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
30th Sentai with Ki-84r Frank (0 airborne, 33 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 115,130
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
G4M1 Betty x 18
G4M1 Betty: 13 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak
17 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied Ships – no hits, flak too strong and heavy rain didn’t help
CL Leander
CL Honolulu, on fire
CA Pensacola
DD Tingey
DD Case
Banzai! - Ibusuki W. in a G4M1 Betty is willing to die for the Emperor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 115,130
Weather in hex: Light rain
G4M1 Betty x 17
G4M1 Betty: 9 damaged
17 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 2 destroyed
Allied Ships
CL Honolulu, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Conyngham
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 115,130 – KB moved 8 hexes north so was still in strike range of the Allied SCTF
Weather in hex: Light rain
A6M8 Zero x 75
B7A2 Grace x 44
B7A2 Grace: 8 damaged
B7A2 Grace: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola
DD Hughes
DD Conyngham
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk – well that’s an awkward ship for an Aussie to sink…
CL Leander
DD Ammen
DD Case
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 115,122
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
A6M8 Zero x 169
N1K1 Rex x 22 – a Rex damaged a B24 but the A6M8s shot down a few
A6M8 Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 10
B-24J Liberator: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
BB Hiei
CAP engaged: The CV/CVL not shown were flying escort
6th Ku S-1/B 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)
Ryuho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Taiho-1 with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling) – combat debut for the Taiho air group.
958 Ku T-1 with N1K1 Rex (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
958 Ku T-2 with N1K1 Rex (0 airborne, 8 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)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 115,130
Weather in hex: Light rain
D4Y4 Judy x 17
D4Y4 Judy: 4 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Leander
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Donggala at 69,96
E Sokuten
E Ukishima
E Kyosai
Allied Ships
SS Grunion, hits 2
SS Grunion is located by E Sokuten
E Ukishima attacking submerged sub ....

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 18, 44
Repairs completed on SS I-155 at Truk, ship returned to service
WO Eto S. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Eto S. of 9th Sentai attains ace status!!
2LT Ginowa R. of 9th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
1LT Miyajima R. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 12
2LT Ban V. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Ponape
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Jorhat
F-5A Lightning sighted over Warazup
WO Hirabayashi V. of 73rd Sentai is credited with kill number 2
WO Hayashi M. of 73rd Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Kaoki O. of 73rd Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Kaoki O. of 73rd Sentai is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Handa B. of S-302 Kokutai is credited with kill number 4
F-5A Lightning sighted over Warazup
B6N2a Jill from K-251 Hikotai attacking a KXIV Class class SS at 112,89
a 'S' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-103 Hikotai attacking a Balao class SS at 68,98
an Allied SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from 531 Ku K-1 has spotted CL Honolulu at 115,130
CL Honolulu is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from K-601 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 112,89
a Grampus class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Chikuma-2 attacking an Allied SS at 109,67
a 'T' War Emergency class SS is reported HIT
E13A1 Jake from Furutaka-1 attacking a O21 Class class SS at 46,72
a Triton class SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over 15th Army
F-5A Lightning sighted over Warazup
PO1 Muranaka G. of Hiryu-1 is credited with kill number 4
CDR Iwamoto, T. of Hiryu-1 is credited with kill number 3
PO1 Maki J. of Zuikaku-1 is credited with kill number 7
LT Goto, H. of Chiyoda-1 is credited with kill number 4
LCDR Itaya, S. of Chiyoda-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Nakajima C. of 958 Ku T-2 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Hidaka, Y. of Soryu-1 is credited with kill number 9
16 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Yokosuka 2nd SNLF from Ponape
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
Fukuoka expands fortifications to size 1
Iwaki expands fortifications to size 3
Lao Cai expands fortifications to size 1
Luangprabang expands fortifications to size 1
Balboa expands port to size 4
Cocos Islands expands fortifications to size 4
Ace pilot Kaoki R. of 44th Sentai is promoted to 2LT
CL Kashii beginning refit while under repair in shipyard at Shanghai – heavily damaged but finally started the 3/44 upgrade.
118th AA Regiment - some devices have been upgraded at Tokyo
Loss of PB Myoken Maru on Feb 15, 1944 is admitted
Loss of TK Koryu Maru on Apr 18, 1944 is admitted
CA Canberra is reported to have been sunk near Ontong Java on Apr 18, 1944
CL Honolulu is reported to have been sunk near Ontong Java on Apr 18, 1944
xAK Stephen T. Mather is reported to have been sunk near San Francisco on Apr 18, 1944
MGB G-234 arrives at Hiroshima/Kure 

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The Allies reacted and rush forward searching for KB.
Only this one Betty torp hit in the morning strikes, but KB is 8 hexes to the north with strikes still set to 8 hex range.
This could be a good turn!

Afternoon strikes and the first wave of Bettys all miss, while the second wave sinks USS Honolulu.
Reports of KB strikes in bound in the bottom left corner, but weather plays a part today and some strike packages return to base without finding the target…
It could be a small KB strike on this task force which is a shame.

[jdsrae]

Grace gets what I think is their first hit in combat which slows HMAS Canberra down enough for more hits.

The splintered Judy strike then gets one hit on USS Pensacola, but the AA fire is effective at putting off their aim.

[jdsrae]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 19, 44
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ASW attack near Cooktown at 94,138
SS I-180, hits 9, heavy damage
Allied Ships
LST-18
DD Kortenaer
SS I-180 is sighted by escort
DD Kortenaer attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kortenaer is out of ASW ammo
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ASW attack near Langsa at 47,74
SC Ch 29
Allied Ships
SS Tally Ho, hits 4
SS Tally Ho is located by SC Ch 29
Tally Ho bottoming out ....
SC Ch 29 attacking submerged sub ....
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ASW attack near Amami Oshima at 98,63
E No.9
xAK Syokyu Maru
xAK Taigen Maru
xAK San Francisco Maru
xAK Hamburg Maru
xAK Glasgow Maru
xAK Atlantic Maru
Allied Ships
SS Snook, hits 2
SS Snook launches 2 torpedoes at E No.9
E No.9 attacking submerged sub ....
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Morning Air attack on 32nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 57,42 , near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Ki-84r Frank x 56
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed
26 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 20000 feet
Allied aircraft
P-40N26 Warhawk x 8
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 21
P-40N26 Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 4 destroyed
CAP engaged:
20th TRS with P-40N26 Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
35th FG/41st FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
33rd FG/58th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
80th FG/88th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
23rd FG/118th TRS with P-40N26 Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Apr 19, 44
Repairs completed on SS I-25 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
B6N2a Jill from K-251 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 103,99
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Search G4M1 Betty destroyed by CAP
DD McKee is reported HIT
Search G4M1 Betty destroyed by CAP
Search G3M3 Nell destroyed by CAP at (121,94)
Search G3M3 Nell destroyed by CAP
Search G3M3 Nell destroyed by CAP at (121,94)
WO Makino R. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
2LT Miyauchi E. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 2
2LT Kawahara I. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 3
2LT Kawahara I. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 4
WO Harada R. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 6
WO Saito U. of 87th Sentai is credited with kill number 7
WO Hidaka I. of 66th Sentai is credited with kill number 5
WO Hidaka I. of 66th Sentai attains ace status!!
PB4Y-1P Liberator sighted over Kusaie Island
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Mandalay
Spitfire PR.XI sighted over Jorhat
Mosquito PR.XVI sighted over Shwebo
F-5A Lightning sighted over Milne Bay
F-5A Lightning sighted over Myitkyina
Search H8K2 Emily destroyed by CAP at (121,94)
E13A1 Jake from 902 Ku T-3 attacking a 'T' 1940 Programme class SS at 103,99
an Allied SS is reported HIT
G4M1 Betty from K-402 Hikotai attacking a Grampus class SS at 114,96
an Allied SS is reported HIT
Search G4M1 Betty destroyed by CAP
Search G4M1 Betty destroyed by CAP
P1Y2 Frances from K-405 Hikotai attacking an Allied SS at 109,67
a Balao class SS is reported HIT
D4Y4 Judy from K-3 Hikotai attacking SS Scamp at 107,77
SS Scamp is reported HIT
G3M3 Nell from K-601 Hikotai has spotted DD Kidd at 120,94
DD Kidd is reported HIT
Search G3M3 Nell destroyed by CAP at (121,94)
E13A1 Jake from Maya-2 attacking a Triton class SS at 64,105
an Allied SS is reported HIT
F-5A Lightning sighted over Buna
17 x H8K2-L Emily transporting Yokosuka 4th SNLF from Ponape
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 42nd Naval Guard Unit from Mili
3 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting Jaluit Base Force from Mili
4 x H6K4-L Mavis transporting 65th Naval Guard Unit from Mili
Sendai expands fortifications to size 4
Nago expands airfield to size 6
Anshan expands airfield to size 5
Batangas expands fortifications to size 4
Goa expands airfield to size 7
Previous report of sinking of DD Monssen incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
MTB G-10 available for service in damaged state at Truk
APD Manley is reported to have been sunk near Port Moresby on Aug 28, 1943 

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This explains the reports of long range patrols being shot down by CAP.
Here comes the USN!
Two big CV task forces in the SW of this image, with CA escorts.
The task forces approaching Marcus Island have CA and CVE spotted so far.
Potential CV raid of the Marianas with Marcus Island as an invasion target?

Emergency CAP will be set over Marianas bases and the Marcus Islands defenders will be told to tighten their chin straps…
KB is near Truk but heading to Guam where they were going to replenish.
They might need to stop at Truk to replenish after the recent excitement around the Solomons and standby to react to this threat.
I need to try and avoid the 500+ USN CV fighters and 500ish bombers while trying to strike at a softer target.
Easier said than done now that the Allies know where KB is.

This Allied op must have been launched about a week ago anyway for ships to be where they are now.
Things are definitely getting interesting in the Pacific now.

[jdsrae]

Is this OP FORAGER about to kick off a few months early, or just a large demonstration?

The USN are obviously spoiling for a fight now after rushing forward with the CA TF in SoPac yesterday.
The strategic map is needed to show the opposing forces for this one.
The USN CVs are currently 16 hexes NE of Truk, so they could flank speed run 18 hexes to just past it.

I expect the 2x USN CVTFs to move SW, possibly at flank speed to try and engage the Combined Fleet as they have spotted the CV, CVL and 1xCA task forces moving NW towards Guam. The 2xBB and 1xCA IJN task force seem to be unspotted at the moment, but if the Allies knew they were there too they would probably be even more likely to rush forward towards them.

The IJN CVE task force (with CVL Mizuho and CVEs Hosho, Taiyo and Shinyo) is unspotted at Tinian with 81x A6M8 aboard. Taiyo is empty but 6th Ku S-1/C is due to arrive at Tokyo tomorrow and was going to join her… If she is still afloat it will join her within the week.
The USN is 13 hexes East of Saipan, so the CVE task force will send all aircraft ashore and withdraw the ships West towards Babeldoab to try and stay hidden and out of the action. There is a risk that the USN will surge West and sink it, but probably safer for these ships to move West rather than stay under the land based CAP in the Marianas.

On the assessment that the USN CVs will rush SW, all Combined Fleet task forces will move 8 hexes at mission speed to put them all in the same hex, 12 hexes SW of Truk and 4 hexes NE of Manus Island. That should put them about 10 hexes from where the USN CV task forces could finish their flank run, so outside of USN CV strike range tomorrow.
That might allow KB to disappear off the Allied plot to then move NW via Babeldoab before coming back to support the Marianas.

All land based fighter units will go to 70% CAP, with concentrations at Manus and Truk.
Auxiliary ships will stay in port to try and attract port strikes, while local patrol task forces (SC, AMc) will also stay at Truk and the Marianas bases to try and attract naval strikes.

IJNAF strike aircraft will move backwards to either Iwo Jima or Babeldoab to clear the runways for fighter aircraft.
Manus and Truk will have highly trained IJN fighter concentrations.
Manus will also have some Franks from 4th Air Army on PNG.
The Marianas based IJNAF units are mostly trainees, with a mix of <70 Air Skill, some with 70 Air skill but training Strafe skill, and others who have 70/70 in Air/Strafe but are still <70 experience. They are all flying A6M8, George-2 or George-5 so have decent aircraft.
Their mission (if USN CVs do continue west) will be to try and wear down the USN strike power.
Iwo Jima has a couple of A6M8 units that are also training, but they might move forward to the Marianas to add numbers.

If the USN CV based air power can be depleted against IJNAF land based fighter assets, the Combined Fleet and the land based strike aircraft may then move forward in a few days time to try and hit back.

That’s the best plan I can come up with in the time available, as I want to get the orders in and the turn back overnight to see what happens!

The IJN will to try and lure the USN further forward, allow the USN to strike first at low value targets covered by based assets, see what the enemy does for the next day or two and then have fresh forces available to react.
If this is just a big USN raid with no amphibious forces following up, Combined Fleet may stay back in the shadows and redeploy to somewhere like the Iwo Jima area to wait for the real show (with amphibs) to start.

Orders are done:
Truk has 216 Georges with 70+ average experience pilots who should take a few chunks out of any USN CV strike against that base.
Manus has 129 George/Zero with about 200 Franks nearby who could reinforce tomorrow if the USN CVs do move SW to hunt for KB.
Marianas bases have 360 IJN fighters with CAP set with ranges (which I don’t often do) to allow them to cover each other if required.
Lots of rookie pilots there, so it will be interesting to see how they go if the USN does strike against the Marianas tomorrow.