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Gentlemen, a round up of small things today. The big events are in the wings waiting.

What has become known as the 'Rat Removal Army' was landed a few days ago at Batavia. The heart of this force is two full divisions with support units. Almost 10 months ago the enemy made a daring move on Batavia and captured Merak as a 'back door' way of taking the city. You will recall the fierce battles in the seas paved the way for our reconquest of many areas since. The Japanese forces, originally 100K were bottled up there and have been subject to almost daily bombing from Batavia. We estimated that by now they had lost around 40% of their forces and the rest were pretty well ineffective as a fighting force. This was confirmed as overnight we stormed their positions and drove them into the jungle. A few days of cleaning up the remnants and the force will be able to consider where next to pay a visit. Possible targets are Davao,Singkawang, Kuching, Tarakan or Sabang - all of which fly the Japanese flag but are merely an irritant that forces us to keep forces in place in these areas.

Operation Kraken continues, enemy aircraft and ships at both Palau and Truk have been removed from the game. Our enemy must now speculate as to whether the next move is to take Palau, Yap and Ulithi or to move directly on the Marianas.

In China we expect our advance forces to arrive at Wenchow in pursuit of the twice defeated 3 enemy units that have reached there. After that we expect fiercer resistance from at least 12 units centred round Hengchow and Shanghai. The taking of Wenchow and its development into a major airfield will enable fighters to escort our bombers to begin the process of dismantling the Japanese home industry. Our opponent has a difficult choice at Hsingyang. To the north he needs to reopen the strategic lines to northern China but he faces upwards of 20 Chinese units entrenching there to stay. He has around 300K of troops to our 140K but ours are well supplied. Should he shift all of his troops to try and break this line he faces 100K moving down from Ichang. He cannot afford to split his forces - a big decision is having to be made.

In the Chishima Archipelago a paradrop by the 4th USMC paras encountered surprising resistance. They have been reinforced from the sea now although it looks like he is making an attempt to attack the shipping landing our forces as we are unable to fly air cover due tot eh inclement weather up there.

I am aware of another operation about to occur, but until it is underway the details are embargoed.

Oh, a last point, part of the action in Kraken has been to tempt out the Japanese air force to contest their skies - they have done so, mainly with Betty bombers. In four days they have lost almost 100 planes.

Gentlemen, if memory serves me correct Yeats wrote 'things fall apart, the centre cannot hold'. I recall he was writing about the troublesome problems of Ireland but I think its pretty apt here. Major developments in our area, with a sense we may be entering the endgame of the mainland China war.

Lead elements of the 7th Armoured Brigade stormed into Wenchow on the heels of the retreating Japs, pushing them back again towards Hangchow. Might I inform you all that plane are awaiting the lead elements of our HQ to transport us to Wenchow as soon as the area is safe and the runways are cleared of debris.

Three Chinese Corps are about to unleash an attack against the Japanese defenders east of Hengchow. We expect limited resistance here and should the Chinese push the enemy back the forces at Hengchow will be 'bagged' - some 19 units out of the fight. Enemy forces to the west of, and in Changsha itself are not strong enough to intervene in this fight, they are effectively pinned in place and awaiting our 'pleasure'.

Wuhan looks to be mainly held by base forces and again is vulnerable to our advance from Ichang. The enemy forces that were at Ichang moved back through Hsinyang to try to break our hold on the Sian to Tsingtao rail line. They quickly discovered this was not possible and are now back at Hsinyang - whether they propose to hold there or attempt a withdrawal to Changsha/ Wuhan remains to be seen.

Crucially the Chinese have managed to advance to cut the rail line between Tientsin and Nanking and are now advancing on the port of Tsingtao. This has cut the Japanese forces in half and must presage total annihilation.

Additionally we are now in possession of at least one mainland base that is within bomber range of some of the Japanese cities. We should be able to roll up the other airbases along the coast allowing a sustained bomber campaign to begin.

Should we take Tsingtao, and there seems no reason why this will not happen soon, we will be able, under our massive air umbrella, to reinforce and supply northern China, whilst opening up the possibility of landings along the Korean coast.

Should the enemy wish to evacuate units to Japan from Shanghai they may well be able to walk home across the decks of the allied submarines in the area!

Well Gentlemen, enough for just now. Hold yourself in readiness for further briefings, we understand there may be developments in the cold north, and Operation Kraken has been quiet for a while.

Gentlemen, I did hint that things might be developing. I did not anticipate that events would devlop not of our deciding. However we should learn form history and the history of our opponent is to come out fighting. Our forces in the Chishima Archipelago detected significant ASW activity round Toyohara over the last two days. We now are aware of why he was trying to clear our subs there. During the last 12 hours numerous attacks by planes from our bases in the Archipelago have damaged but not turned back two invasion TFs supported by two strong surface/ air TFs. You will see from the map the last reported positions.

Unfortunately our weather reports indicate storm fronts over the whole area for at least the next 24 hours. This means that although we would normally use these ships as target practice and let the enemy swim home or onto our beaches we cannot. He has chosen his timing well. In the absence of clear weather we will have to rely on our surface forces in the area to defend our bases. We will see whether we have sufficient to defend all possible targets.

We have initial battle damage reports that suggest he has paid a significant price already for his offensive moves.

Day Air attack on TF at 75,35


Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 12


Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kashu Maru
CL Agano

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,34


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
P-47C Thunderbolt x 40
B-25J Mitchell x 31
B-24D Liberator x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW W.25
AP Shofuku Maru
PG Tamo Maru #6
AP Ryuosan Maru
AP Nagano Maru
AP Koshu Maru #2
AP Taian Maru
AP Tama Maru
AP Suwa Maru
AP Surabaya Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Kotobuki Maru #5
MSW W.4
AP Tainichi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Shinyu Maru
AP Shinai Maru
AP Sanko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW W.6
AP Ryotaku Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Tacoma Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Maya Maru
MSW W.14

Japanese ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,34


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 15


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW W.1, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Maya Maru, Bomb hits 1
PC Mutsure
AP Surabaya Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinai Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 74,34


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,34


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
P-47C Thunderbolt x 40
B-25J Mitchell x 23
B-24D Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Shoho Maru
AP Shoan Maru
AP Taimei Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
APD APD-46
AP Nagano Maru
AP Taian Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW W.12
AP Kotobuki Maru #3
MSW W.14
AP Kumakawa Maru
AP Kotobuki Maru #5
AP Tamashima Maru
AP Tama Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW W.25
AP Taizin Maru

Japanese ground losses:
132 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
2 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
2 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-47C Thunderbolt bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,34


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 12


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kumakawa Maru
AP Maya Maru
AP Sumiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD APD-46

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 5000 feet


Gentlemen, 'interesting times'.

Gentlemen, please make yourselves comfortable, the briefing I am about to give is one of the most bloody engagements, or series of engagements we are ever likely to hear of. We have called the Japanese Operation 'Balaclava'. There was a reason for this. They had obviously had enough provocation of the Allied bases crawling ever nearer to their Northern cities and decided it was, or perhaps is (we are not over yet) time to stop us. Like a massed cavalry charge they have risked so much on one action. here is the story so far.

Phase 1. Around Etorofo Jima : Southern Prong

A large Japanese surface force with the Flag on BB Kirishima was detected by our CA/DD Tf who intercepted but failed to stop the enemy who were then engaged by PT squadrons and managed to hit our MWS forces also. We have estimated damaged of the following:

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 2
BB Fuso, Shell hits 4
CA Kumano, Shell hits 7
CA Aoba, Shell hits 7
CL Noshiro, Shell hits 1
DD Niizuki, Shell hits 18, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kazegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Shigure, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Harusame, Shell hits 3
DD Akatsuki
DD Yugiri
DD Akebono, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 2
DD Kuri, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Quincy, Shell hits 1
CL Tromp
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Halford, Shell hits 1
DD McKee, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Ringgold
DD Schroeder, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Terry, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Thatcher
DD Sampson
DD Banckert, Shell hits 1
PT PT-335, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT PT-336, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT PT-342, Shell hits 114, and is sunk
PT PT-344, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
PG Vancouver, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PG Moncton, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
MSW Canso, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
MSW Guysborough, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
MSW Igonish, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
MSW Lockeport

A follow on PG Tf ran into our CA/DD Tf and the results of that were:

Japanese Ships
PG Aso Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PG Edo Maru
PG Fukui Maru
PG Heijo Maru, Shell hits 2
PG Kozan Maru
PG Nikkai Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
PG Seisho Maru, Shell hits 2
PG Shoei Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
PG Shosei Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
PG Tatsumiya Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
PG Tosho Maru
PG Toyotsu Maru
PG Yoshida Maru
PG Zuiko Maru

Allied Ships
CA Quincy
CL Tromp
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Halford
DD McKee, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ringgold, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Schroeder, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Thatcher, Shell hits 1
DD Sampson, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Banckert, Shell hits 1, on fire

As far as we can tell this ended the advance of their southern thrust, all these units are now reported retiring westwards.

Phase 2: North of Ketoi: Northern Prong

Here the enemy had further to travel and the weather broke in our favour. What resulted was a series of interceptions thoughout the day of their Invasion Tfs and their support Surface TF.

TF 'Kashii'

Day Air attack on TF at 79,35


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36
FM-2 Wildcat x 35
TBF Avenger x 178
P-40E Warhawk x 9
PB4Y Liberator x 12


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed, 21 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Giyu Maru
CL Kashii, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Akashisan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sawakaze
AP Kenshin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amagiri, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Agano
AP Keisho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kashima, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Heiku Maru
AP Kiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Bokuyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kasuga Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Jinsai Maru, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hie Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Kogi Maru
AP Jinshu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kamo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Hotsukawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Heiwa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakozake Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Daihachikyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kashu Maru
AP Jouban Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Tachikaze
AP Kasima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Hokoku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

TF 'Mutsu'

Day Air attack on TF at 78,34


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
SBD Dauntless x 51
P-40B Tomahawk x 8
P-47C Thunderbolt x 32
B-25J Mitchell x 21
B-24D Liberator x 2


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
P-47C Thunderbolt: 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 4
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 5, on fire
CA Suzuya
DD Manazuru

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 47
FM-2 Wildcat x 46
TBF Avenger x 133
P-40E Warhawk x 11
PB4Y Liberator x 11


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Musashi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Suzuya
BB Yamashiro, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB Mutsu, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
CL Oyodo

TF 'Kashii' was then intercepted by out CL/DD squadron

Japanese Ships
CL Kashima, Shell hits 82, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kashii, Shell hits 35, and is sunk
CL Agano, Shell hits 35, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
DD Amagiri, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Sawakaze, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Tachikaze, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
AP Akashisan Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Amakasu Maru #1
AP Bokuyo Maru, on fire
AP Daigen Maru
AP Daihachikyo Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Daijukyo Maru
AP Giyu Maru
AP Haaburu Maru
AP Haguro Maru
AP Hakusan Maru
AP Hakusika Maru
AP Haruna Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Hasuna Maru
AP Heian Maru
AP Heiku Maru
AP Heiwa Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hie Maru
AP Higashiyama Maru
AP Hino Maru #3
AP Hokoku Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hotsukawa Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Humburugu Maru
AP Husimi Maru
AP Jinshu Maru, on fire
AP Jouban Maru, on fire
AP Kaedesan Maru
AP Kaijo Maru #2
AP Kaimyo Maru
AP Kaito Maru
AP Kamakura Maru
AP Kamo Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Karimo Maru
AP Kansan Maru
AP Karachi Maru
AP Kashi Maru
AP Kashu Maru
AP Kasima Maru, on fire
AP Kasuga Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katsuragisan Maru
AP Keisho Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kenshin Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kiko Maru, on fire
AP Kiri Maru
AP Kisaragi Maru
AP Koan Maru
AP Kogi Maru
AP Kogyo Maru
AP Komeyama Maru

Allied Ships
CL Montpelier, Shell hits 10
CL Mobile, Shell hits 1
CLAA Van Heemskerck, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
DD Boyd, Shell hits 1
DD Brownson
DD Dashiell, Shell hits 1

Meanwhile, lurking in the background at least one CV with supports made an appearance:

Day Air attack on TF, near Etorofo Jima at 76,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M5 Zeke x 7
B5N Kate x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Lockeport, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Etorofo Jima at 76,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D4Y Judy x 5
B5N Kate x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
LST LST-344, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LST LST-343, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-342, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-333, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
1 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

What do we make of this?

1. We were fortunate, had the weather stayed foul then his substantial invasion forces would be untouched.
2. We have severely wounded the southern prong which has all turned back, if the weather stays fair tomorrow will be a killing ground. if the weather worsens then it will be up to our naval forces to contest the area alone - that will be a much closer run thing.
3. We do not know if there are more on the way, we had not detected the size of the force that was to be flung on us. It may be that there are significant new forces still to be thrown in in what must be seen as a last gasp attempt
4. We can take comfort from the knowledge that every ship sunk takes with it fighting troops who will not be available to defend the Home Islands..... when that time comes.

Gentlemen, a momentous day, with, I feel, more to come.

Gentlemen, the end of a long day fro our forces in the north, in particular the American pilots who must be close to breaking point in terms of the sorties flown and the experiences they have had.

As I reported yesterday we saw reports of most of the Jap surface supports being turned back with heavy damage. In the north TF Suzuya attempted to clear the way for a landing on Onnekotan Jima. It was met by our heavy TF and is no longer in being. In a close quarters engagement the following resulst were observed

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts, Shell hits 4
CL Enterprise
CLAA Juneau
CLAA San Juan, Shell hits 1
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 8, on fire
CL Boise
DD Ammen
DD Pringle
DD Nizam

We should note that, as there may be some regulars who attend this briefing who have a soft spot for the Hibiki it did not in fact sink...... there was little of it to sink after its magazine exploded. The Raleigh has been badly damaged but we are sure will make it to a repair port.

Our TF then steamed directly into the approaching invasions force but was held off by the escorts and forces to retire to replenish.

APD APD-2, Shell hits 5
APD APD-46, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PC Tsushima, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
PC Mutsure, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
MSW W.2, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
MSW W.3, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
MSW W.4, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.5
MSW W.6, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
MSW W.8, Shell hits 1, on fire
MSW W.12
MSW W.13
MSW W.14
MSW W.21
MSW W.22, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.23
MSW W.24
MSW W.25
MSW W.26
MSW W.27
MSW W.33
PG Takunan Maru #10, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

There were at least 25 APs and AKs also in the Tf, more of them later. A further attack by a PT squadron added to the carnage for the escorts;

APD APD-2, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.4, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.5
MSW W.8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
MSW W.12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
MSW W.13
MSW W.14
MSW W.21
MSW W.22, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

That concluded the night engagements. Dawn broke on another day where flying was possible. The mayhem commenced.

Day Air attack on TF at 80,35


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
TBF Avenger x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Oyodo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Matsukaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF at 81,35


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
FM-2 Wildcat x 38
TBF Avenger x 121
P-40E Warhawk x 16
PB4Y Liberator x 5


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kumagawa Maru
AP Ryuosan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Netsuda Maru
AP Koshu Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Syoryu Maru
AP Shoho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Minryo Maru
AP Nagano Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kumakawa Maru
AP Koyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Shinko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Taganoura Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tarushima Maru
AP Sunten Maru
AP Tama Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tamaki Maru
AP Shirogane Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meiyo Maru
AP Oridono Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Taizin Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kyuden Maru
PG Tamo Maru #6
MSW W.24, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taiho Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tasmania Maru
AP Shuko Maru
MSW W.23

TF 'Kirishima. which we thought was heading away to port had doubled back and came on again:

Day Air attack on TF at 77,34


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
SBD Dauntless x 33
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
P-47C Thunderbolt x 30
B-25J Mitchell x 20


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 6 damaged
P-47C Thunderbolt: 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 2
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CL Noshiro
CA Kumano, Bomb hits 2


You will see clearly from the situation map that there are still forces out there. At times it feels like trying to stop a floodwater tide.... you will also see that another day is likely before we see the possible end of that tide. To date not one single enemy has set foot on any of the islands. many will never return to their homes.

One of the best AAR's, not many as good or long lived[:)]

Thanks Mike, due credit must go to Ddog who is hanging inthere and making me sweat at times! He is one aggressive so and so when he wants to be and certainly believes in going down fighting!

Looking to the 10,000 hit soon on this AAR. Its a shame the one we did lasted such a short time though - it was fun as well.

Roger

ORIGINAL: Roger Neilson II

DD Hibiki, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

We should note that, as there may be some regulars who attend this briefing who have a soft spot for the Hibiki it did not in fact sink...... there was little of it to sink after its magazine exploded.

Alas for the cruelties of war!

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

ORIGINAL: Roger Neilson II

DD Hibiki, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

We should note that, as there may be some regulars who attend this briefing who have a soft spot for the Hibiki it did not in fact sink...... there was little of it to sink after its magazine exploded.

Alas for the cruelties of war!

Small Ship, Big Bang perhaps? [:D]

ORIGINAL: Roger Neilson II

Small Ship, Big Bang perhaps? [:D]

Ouch! [X(]

Gentlemen, I have to announce that some 30,000 enemy troops are now ashore on Onnekotan Jima. They have paid a heavy price to get there, and quite what military effectiveness they have will be tested over the next few days.

It has been a night and day of continued surface actions, both in night and in daylight - it has also seen continued decimation of the enemy shipping by our airforce. There have been no, I emphasise, no significant losses to the allied forces in the last 24 hours. The same cannot be said of our enemy as the following list will indicate.


AP Akashisan Maru, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AP Bokuyo Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AP Daihachikyo Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AP Daijukyo Maru, Shell hits 24, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Giyu Maru, Shell hits 35, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Haaburu Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Haruna Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
AP Hasuna Maru, Shell hits 36, and is sunk
AP Hie Maru, Shell hits 29, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Hokoku Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AP Hotsukawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Jinshu Maru, and is sunk
AP Jinshu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Jouban Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kamo Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AP Karimo Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Kasima Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
AP Keisho Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kenshin Maru, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kiko Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Koshu Maru #2, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kotobuki Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Minto Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Montoiru Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nagano Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Netsuda Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Nichiran Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Nichiren Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Reiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Ryuosan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinyu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP Shirogane Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shofuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shoho Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Somedono Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AP Sumiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
AP Syoryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taian Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Takayo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tanba Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Tarushima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 1
CL Oyodo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Oki, Shell hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PC Sado, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PG Edo Maru, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
PG Fukui Maru, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
PG Heijo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Heijo Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PG Seisho Maru, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PG Tamo Maru #6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Toyotsu Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PG Yoshida Maru, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PG Zuiko Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Our own analysis is that tomorrow will see a final attempt by the enemy, and then they will have 'shot their bolt'.

Gentlemen, the battle continues without either side as yet signalling they have had enough. One cannot envisage our forces throwing in the towel, so it is only a matter of time before the enemy calls it a day. The attacks are maintained, but they resemble some form of sacrificial tactic.

We have experienced some loss in the last round of combat, one of our ships was sunk, DD Bennet and CL Perth has been badly damaged by a torpedo. However, unlike our enemy none of our ships have far to travel to gain a safe harbour and immediate repair facilities. Sadly CL Glasgow, despite having reached harbour, was lost last night due to accumulated damage.

Yesterday an heavily escorted troop convoy left Paramushiro and debarked the 125th RCT at Onnoketan harbour, this gave another 8K troops to the defence of this island, troops with sky high morale and fully equipped for action. This landing was unopposed by the enemy. Our intel suggests in the same period the enemy landed some 5K troops managed to stumble ashore from the burning and sining transports drifting off Onnekotan. An iniital assualt by their forces was easily beaten back, at significant loss to them. Tomorrow will see further reinforcement of our forces.

At sea their transports are intercepted during the night by strong surface forces of ours, and by fast slashing attacks by PT squadrons. During the day we rule the skies and our torpedo bombers are scoring particularly crippling hits on their shipping. We did have to divert some of our air attacks to deal with the final appearance on the scene of the (we presume) last two CVs they own. If yopu are interested to see how they fared then you should merely examine the list below of damage since the last reports.

AP Amakasu Maru #1, Shell hits 2
AP Daigen Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
AP Hakusan Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Hakusika Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Heian Maru, Shell hits 2
AP Heiku Maru, Shell hits 23, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Higashiyama Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hino Maru #3, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
AP Humburugu Maru
AP Husimi Maru, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kamakura Maru, Torpedo hits 2
AP Kansan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kashu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katsuragisan Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Kisaragi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Komeyama Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kotobuki Maru #5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kunimitsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kyuden Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Minto Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichiran Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichiren Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryotaku Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Sanko Maru, Shell hits 49, and is sunk
AP Shinai Maru, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
AP Shinyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shoho Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Siraha Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Somedono Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sumiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Suwa Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Tacoma Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Taganoura Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taian Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taihei Maru, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tainichi Maru, Shell hits 8, heavy damage
AP Taiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Takunan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CV Amagi, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amatsukaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashi, Shell hits 10, on fire
DD Makinami, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Suzunami, Shell hits 1
DD Yunagi, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 3, on fire
MSW W.23, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.25, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.27, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.33, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 102, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Wa 103, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Gamitsu Maru #1, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PC Toshi Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Takunan Maru #10, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
PG Tamo Maru #6, on fire, heavy damage

Tomorrow will bring more targets, we have spotted another 50 plus ships in a series of task forces approaching Onnekotan and Paramashiro.

Gentlemen, our plans are going well. In China forces that were defending Homan have driven down the rail line and with their occupation of Tsingtao have cut the Japanese continental forces in half. They have pushed down the coast and are now about to attack Haichow. With the occupation of this port the enemy in China proper is left with the only port for any attempted resupply or evacuation at Shanghai - well within our bomber ranges. It was assumed that the enemy would seek to hold Changsha, but this is not the case, advance units driving from Hengchow report the city is open with the enemy withdrawing on Nanchang. We have also cut the rail and road link between Changsha and Hsinyang, leaving 32 units trapped in Hsinyang whose only retreat is overland. All of this is being achieved by the Chinese, supported by our allied air forces. Along the coast our own forces are moving in for the kill, with the 7th Armoured Tank Brigade arriving at Hangchow and potentially cutting the rail link before the enemy forces retreating along the Nanchang route can secure this railhead. All in all we can confidently predict that the enemy is in serious trouble and the end of the campaign in China is in sight.


The Central Pacific remains calm and quiet, this is very much the lull before the storm as we build our forward bases before the next island hops.

In the Chishima Archipelago attempts to land more troops on Onnekotan have resulted in over 45 transports and support ships being sunk or heavily damaged. The troops landed are in the order of 60K in strength, mixed units with scarce equipment and poorly supplies. They face a roughly equal number of mainly American troops, the core of which is the 3rd USMC Division. Needless to say they have plenty of everything they might need.

Gentlemen, the net is closing. You will see from the updated situation map that things are moving towards a finale in China. The Chinese blocking force was not powerful enough to halt the retreat from Hsingyang. Some 38 units have now been identified at Wuhan - we do not think they will halt here however. Air patrols have identified a steady stream of units falling back from Nanchang towards Nanking, either with a view to standing there, or moving on down to Shanghai. Ten units are holding Shanghai and this will be a fortified citadel we assume.... Once there we assume either an attempt to evacuate troops to the Home Islands or a last stand by 60+ units in the Bushido tradition. We will not disappoint them, though we will decide how, and when, they are despatched. To the north Chinese forces have reached Tientsin where some 4 enemy units are encamped - interestingly some transports are observed there.

Meanwhile a combined airdrop and sea assault has wrested Taipei from the enemy, and this will allow, once sufficient strength is built up, the clearance of this major Chinese island.

In the Chishima Archipelago all is quiet, though we have to announce the arrival of a major CV TF in the area fresh from refitting and repairs in San Francisco. The 60K troops on Onnekotan are going nowhere......

In the Central Pacific area landings have commenced on Yap and are encountering the resistance of a single base force. Shipping is also approaching Ulithi, where our recon suggests there are no enemy defences. Truk and Palau are well and truly isolated.

Gentlemn, we have a hat trick!

American and Canadian troops landed on Etorofo Jima have, after a delay enforced by the recent attempts to retake some of the Chishima Archipelago by the enemy,taken the base and port area there. The enemy, 2 units of approximately 1700 troops with 6 tanks has been pushed into inhospitable terrain and will be dealt with either by our action, or starvation.

At the same time troops landed on Yap over the last 48 hours were judged strong enough to break out of their beachhead and have taken the landing stages and the airstrip in an undamaged condition. I understand the new American Hellcat fighters have already flown into the island to begin combat air patrols. Several hundred Japanese have to be 'mopped up' but the base is firmly in our control and 3 SeaBee units are already ashore and working on improving the base which currently can only support single engine planes due to its runway length.

Meanwhile the 3oth Australian Brigade, which had been resting at Rabaul for a few months were landed at Ulithi. This island was not garrisoned and whilst it has limited possibility of airfield development, has a good anchorage which will rapidly become a haven for our shipping based in the area.

The taking of these two islands has completely sealed Palau off and created an effective prison camp for any troops on there. It also means that, as the bases become more developed, we can commence actions against the Marianas islands.

Operation Kraken is now complete, Operation Wakes is about to commence.

Of some small significance is the expected arrival at Yap of a large tanker convoy. This is significant in that it set off not from Pearl or Australia or the West Coast, but from Hong Kong and shows the ability we now have to transfer men and materiel through the Philippine Sea without any hindrance from Japanese air or sea forces. The convoy is welcome as almost all of our carrier assets have been in action round Yap, Ulithi, Woleai and Satwal protecting our invasion forces from the large Japanese air presence on the Marianas. None of these enemy planes have attempted to fly against us, showing either a lack or morale, or more likely the enemy are saving them for the expected invasion of Guam/ Tinian that must look a likely event in the near future.

Congratulations Roger! It seems that Operation Kraken was a great success...as the rest of the theatre...[;)]

Thanks Yava..... all may not appear to be what it is..... this is not where the war will be decided.

[:D]

Roger

Gentlemen, we have to report the loss of the Cruiser Chicago off Shanghai today. A swarm of Betty bombers came in low and managed to surprise our squadron on picket duty off the port. Chicago was struck by 3 torpedoes and sank within minutes.

The same day saw a devastating raid by almost 300 bombers flatten the port area of Shanghai. It is expected losses will have been high both among the Japanese and the Chinese population, however it looks increasingly that Shanghai is the destination of the battered remnants of the Japanese mainland armies and we need to take precautions against any evacuation attempts.

We must also report the elimination of the remaining Japanese garrison on Yap.

Gentlemen, the net is closing on the once mighty Japanese forces in China. It must be admitted there are pockets of them still to be dealt with, and that around Peking there are intact and operational enemy units, but the majority of their troops seem now to be in headlong retreat on Shanghai, assaulted from three directions, and with no way to evacuate unless the enemy commits almost every ship he as still in his harbours - and the resultant loss of life.

Tomorrow I would hope to announce a new phase of the war.......

It's getting hot Roger... waiting for the next installment.