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Summary of Operations 6/07/42

6/42 Ship Upgrades: Upgrades are now in progress for about 50-60% of the Allied ships that are eligible for a 6/42 upgrade, most of these upgrades being done on the US West Coast with a small number of upgrades occurring in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Bombay, Aden and Capetown. Most ships involved in the 6/42 upgrade are transports or auxiliaries, though the 6/42 upgrade also includes a small number of US DD’s, four old US BB’s (three Idaho class & BB Tennessee), plus CV’s Lexington and Saratoga.

Completion of upgrades that are now in progress for DD’s, transports and auxiliaries is expected within 15 days (game turns). CV Lexington and Saratoga are due to complete their upgrades by 7/01/42.

Remaining Allied ships eligible for 6/42 upgrade are either currently on operational missions or empty ships now returning to the mainland US (West Coast bases for ships operating on-map or Eastern US for ships in the off-map Australia convoys). Ships in this group are planned to begin 6/42 upgrade on arrival at a US West Coast base or the Eastern US.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/06 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Jap forces or activity.


South Pacific: Japanese minesweeping operations underway at Koumac. AAR follows.

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TF 96 encounters mine field at Koumac (113,156)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-20
DMS W-8

24 mines cleared

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Coastwatchers report 15 Japanese ships in harbor at Rabaul.


Philippines: Japanese ground bombardment continues at Bataan. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3800 troops, 342 guns, 267 vehicles, Assault Value = 1793
Defending force 45474 troops, 816 guns, 709 vehicles, Assault Value = 1085

Allied ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
24th Division
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
12th Division
19th Division
14th Division
48th Division
9th Garrison Unit
6th Tank Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
10th RF Gun Battalion
8th RF Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
9th RF Gun Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th RF Gun Battalion
14th Army
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
56th Engr Rgt /19

Defending units:
41st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
4th PA Constabulary Regiment
11th PA Infantry Division
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
14th PS Engineer Regiment
45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
51st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
Manila Bay Defenses
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
71st PA Infantry Division
31st Infantry Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
194th Tank Battalion
91st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
I Philippine Corps
USAFFE
1st USMC AA Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
Cavite USN Base Force
201st PA Construction Battalion
Manila USAAF Base Force
Bataan USN Base Force
Far East USAAF
1st PI Base Force
PAF Aviation
Provisional GMC Grp
301st Construction Battalion
202nd PA Construction Battalion
II Philippine Corps
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

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Burma: Dutch sub K-VII off Rangoon reports contact with small Jap transport TF (one AP, one escort) that appears to be bound for Rangoon. No combat occurred.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attack near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2233 troops, 192 guns, 132 vehicles, Assault Value = 783
Defending force 10416 troops, 215 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 268

Allied ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (4 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
104th Division
13th Tank Regiment
38th Division
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
49th Chinese Division
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
64th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
4th War Area
9th Group Army
16th Group Army
35th Group Army

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Summary of Operations 6/08/42

Japanese Home Islands: US fleet sub Stingray operating NE of Iwo Jima attacked several times by Jap ASW air patrols (Ki-48 Lily). No reported hits or damage.


Hawaii: Unidentified Jap submarine detected SE of French Frigate Shoals moving eastward. A US surface ASW TF has been dispatched into the Jap sub’s projected movement path to intercept and attack if the sub can be located. Several VP squadrons also set to fly ASW missions in an arc covering the Jap sub’s projected movement path.
With luck and some cooperation from Pillager, a little ASW training exercise is on the schedule.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/07 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk showing undetermined Jap aircraft based there plus ship(s) in port, otherwise no visible Jap forces or activity.


South Pacific: US ground forces (24 Infantry RCT) is fully landed and now occupies Savaii in the Samoa Island group.

Coastwatchers report two Japanese ships in harbor at Rabaul, three in Noumea. Other reports from coastwatchers indicate individual Japanese ships moving or at various locations in the Solomons and at Luganville.


Philippines: Continued Japanese ground bombardment at Bataan. Latest AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3855 troops, 342 guns, 267 vehicles, Assault Value = 1816
Defending force 45099 troops, 813 guns, 707 vehicles, Assault Value = 1063

Allied ground losses:
143 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
12th Division
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
9th Garrison Unit
14th Division
48th Division
19th Division
24th Division
6th Tank Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
8th RF Gun Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
9th RF Gun Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
11th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th RF Gun Battalion
14th Army
56th Engr Rgt /19

Defending units:
14th PS Engineer Regiment
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
11th PA Infantry Division
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
51st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
31st Infantry Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
71st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
31st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
4th PA Constabulary Regiment
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
Manila Bay Defenses
1st PA Infantry Division
194th Tank Battalion
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
41st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
Far East USAAF
I Philippine Corps
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
201st PA Construction Battalion
301st Construction Battalion
Manila USAAF Base Force
USAFFE
PAF Aviation
202nd PA Construction Battalion
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
Cavite USN Base Force
1st PI Base Force
II Philippine Corps
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
Bataan USN Base Force
Provisional GMC Grp
1st USMC AA Battalion
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

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China: Japanese continue ground bombardment attack near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2254 troops, 192 guns, 132 vehicles, Assault Value = 801
Defending force 10409 troops, 212 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 268

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
104th Division
13th Tank Regiment
38th Division
5th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
31st Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
93rd Chinese Division
16th Group Army
4th War Area
9th Group Army
35th Group Army

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[bDecember 2, 1942][/b]Marines take Airfield and Port at Lunga, hold Guadalcanal after three week campaing.As I previously pointed out, Tassafaronga was lightly defended and the 1st USMC Div had no trouble dislodging the defenders on D-Day. A two-week long march brought the Ist Marine Div and the 27th Infantry Division to Lunga, where in four days they destroyed the fortifications. Joined by the 2nd Marine Division and the Americal Division on day 15, the combined force pushed the enemy away from the bases, leaving them in American hands. Four ENG units are starting to repair the facilities of both the AB and the Port. Presently mopping up the enemy and then will invade Tulagi. Since the AI did not concentrate the enemy here (The Solomons), it looks good for a steady push up the Solomons. Next closest occupied base is Shortlands.

In China the enemy is making a push from Vietnam and has taken Nanning in this assault. So far I am holding elsewhere in a similar position to what you described as your China strategy.

Aussie is quiet, although the AI is testing the Darwin area. My 75 P40s with experienced pilots stationed there have made a mess of the various Betty strikes. So far the trend does not seem significant. On the other coast, PM is now taking considerable air damage. It looks like I will be able to suppress the field soon and then cut the supply line. May try to retake it soon with four SWPAC divisions. All the original defenders are fully supplied in the next hex just waiting to be liberated. (Gotta love air supply)

India is quietly building up while the enemy seems interested elsewhere. Not planning any campaigns here for '43, just planning to hold and airlift as much supply as I can to China.

Three CVs at PH refitting. When ready they will replace Wasp and Hornet in SOPAC. Wasp and Hornet will then get 10/42 refits. Parked the CVE replacement groups at PH and then used all three to Bring fighters to Tassafaronga and Lunga. Launched them from 20 hexs away. All three on the way back to PH to reclaim the replacement airgroups, with two of them hauling Yorktown's remnants to PH.

Why not use Long Island? Well, before I could extract her from the front line role she assumed, she took three torpedoes from a Betty attack. She did limp back to Brisbane for emergency repairs. She is out of the war for six months. If you are reading this AAR and don't pay attention to the wise wisdom provided from WNeumann and others, you deserve just what I got. Still having fun. Johnjohn

johnjohn,

Still having fun.

What it's all about...

China strategy you say? Mine consists of three things (1) slowing Pillager down, (2) holding Chungking, and (3) the exploits of Lt Zwolin and his "Den of Thieves" fighter squadron. In our last CHS match I inadvertantly immortalized Lt Zwolin when I left "auto update" turned on for the fighter squadron he commanded (his squadron based in the far hinterlands of China and escaping my notice). The lieutenant and his squadron mates then automatically helping themselves to the first batch of P-40E's coming off the US replacement plane production lines - ahead of the the entire USAAF and causing a huge flap at the Pentagon. Needless to say, Lt Zwolin and his crew quickly found themselves in the front lines, the rest being a body of folklore (actually they did fairly well in combat and later flew P-47's over Burma). Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate Lt Zwolin in AE. In any case, Lt Zwolin cannot repeat his exploit in AE as the game designers prevent the Chinese air force from appropriating planes out of US production, accidentally or otherwise. Leaving me with only a "two-prong" China strategy in AE.

In six months, you'll have the Long Island again.

Summary of Operations 6/09/42

Hawaii: Unidentified Jap submarine ENE of Oahu spotted and attacked by PBY Catalina air patrol, this sub reported moving on a SW heading. It’s not determined whether this is the same Jap sub detected near French Frigate Shoals last game turn or a second Jap submarine is present near Hawaii. US surface and air ASW are pursuing the contacts. No immediate danger to US transport shipping movements.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/08 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wotje, Roi-Namur and Canton Is. Detected statuses of all three locations show no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Coastwatchers report 15 Japanese ships in harbor at Rabaul, three in Noumea. Other coastwatcher reports indicate individual Japanese ships moving or at various locations in the Solomons and at Luganville.


Philippines: Fall of Bataan this game turn, one month later than the historical fall of Corrigidor on 5/06/42. The surprise is that Bataan held out as long as it did given US supply point stocks on hand in Bataan had been at zero for well over a month. AAR of the final Japanese ground assault follows.

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Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 62990 troops, 981 guns, 571 vehicles, Assault Value = 1837
Defending force 44699 troops, 806 guns, 703 vehicles, Assault Value = 1047
Japanese adjusted assault: 1424
Allied adjusted defense: 339
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
3513 casualties reported
Squads: 25 destroyed, 126 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 208 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Vehicles lost 62 (4 destroyed, 58 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
53174 casualties reported
Squads: 2080 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4937 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 147 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1080 (1080 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 696 (696 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 42

Assaulting units:
14th Division
48th Division
9th Garrison Unit
24th Division
12th Division
19th Division
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th RF Gun Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
10th RF Gun Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
9th RF Gun Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
8th RF Gun Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Engr Rgt /19

Defending units:
1st PA Infantry Division
4th PA Constabulary Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
71st PA Infantry Division
45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
Manila Bay Defenses
194th Tank Battalion
31st Infantry Regiment
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
41st PA Infantry Division
11th PA Infantry Division
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
31st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
192nd Tank Battalion
51st PA Infantry Division
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
21st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
PAF Aviation
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
202nd PA Construction Battalion
Manila USAAF Base Force
Provisional GMC Grp
Far East USAAF
301st Construction Battalion
1st USMC AA Battalion
Bataan USN Base Force
USAFFE
Cavite USN Base Force
201st PA Construction Battalion
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
1st PI Base Force
14th PS Engineer Regiment
II Philippine Corps
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
I Philippine Corps
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

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Perhaps another question (and a question with some importance for other theatres) is the level of attrition inflicted on the Japanese LCU’s involved at Bataan and the amount of time, supply and replacement elements Pillager will have to commit to rest and re-build these LCU.

While the fall of Bataan ends the main part of Pillager’s campaign in the Philippines, his work here is still not done. A considerable number of bases in the central and southern Philippines remain in US control – including all island bases in the central Philippines along with parts of Mindanao.


Burma: Lone Japanese AP spotted by Dutch sub K-VII operating off Rangoon. No combat occurred.

Sigint entry for 6/08 indicates Jap 3 Independent Mountain Gun Rgt is now located at Katha (northern Burma). Previous location of 3 Mountain Gun Rgt was Singapore.


China: Japanese ground assault near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26977 troops, 420 guns, 285 vehicles, Assault Value = 824
Defending force 10400 troops, 210 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 267
Japanese adjusted assault: 285
Allied adjusted defense: 532
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
345 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (3 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Assaulting units:
104th Division
13th Tank Regiment
38th Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
64th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
31st Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
4th War Area
16th Group Army
9th Group Army
35th Group Army

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Summary of Operations 6/10/42

Hawaii: PBY Catalina ASW air patrols report two distinct contacts with Japanese subs, both subs spotted NE of Oahu. Not determined at this point is whether Pillager has the Jap subs operating off Oahu or if the subs are enroute to patrol zones off the US west coast.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/09 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea is showing undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island plus ship(s) in port. Sizes of port and airfield facilities on Tabituea have been built up – port size now 3(1), airfield size 4(3). Two Japanese HQ LCU’s (6th Fleet & 4 Air Division) are known to be located at Tabituea, plus two infantry units (65 Naval Gd & 1 Garrison Unit). There’s little question that Tabitueua base has some significance in Pillager’s Japanese outer perimeter. No other visible Japanese forces or activity seen at Tabitueua.

Small Jap transport TF spotted and attacked by US submarine NNW of Truk. Detected status of the Jap TF shows it moving on a SE heading, possible destination somewhere in the Marshall or Gilbert Islands area. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Truk at 115,99 (NNW of Truk)

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi
AK Azumasan Maru
xAP Kashima Maru
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish

SS Swordfish launches 2 torpedoes at DD Asanagi
Swordfish diving deep ....
DD Yunagi fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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South Pacific: US 41st Infantry Division has arrived and now disembarking at Suva. Most of the key locations in the planned Suva-Samoa bridgehead are now garrisoned by US and/or ANZAC combat LCU’s with ample supply point stocks in place. Transport convoys with engineer and base force LCU’s from the mainland US plus additional supply and fuel are being dispatched into the Suva-Samoa bridgehead to accelerate construction of airfield and port facilities there.

Construction to upgrade port and airfield facilities at Tahiti is well in progress. Plans are to eventually upgrade port and airfields at other suitable base locations in the Cook and Society Island groups and Penhryn Is.

Coastwatchers report no Japanese ships in harbor at Rabaul. Three Japanese ships remain in Noumea. Other reports indicate individual Japanese ships (transports & auxiliaries) located at various locations in the Solomons.


DEI: Japanese mop-up operations in the Eastern DEI continue, amphibious landing underway at Bima. AAR follows.

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Amphibious Assault at Bima

TF 204 troops unloading over beach at Bima, 63,110

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)

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China: Japanese ground forces attack near Sian. AAR and current situation map of area near Sian follow.

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Ground combat at 82,41 (SW of Sian)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20950 troops, 158 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 780
Defending force 1018 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 57

Japanese adjusted assault: 382

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 382 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1214 casualties reported
Squads: 52 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
58th Division (sub-units combined to form this division)
41st Division

Defending units:
5th New Chinese Corps

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Japanese ground bombardment attack near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2199 troops, 192 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 815
Defending force 10376 troops, 206 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 270

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
104th Division
13th Tank Regiment
38th Division
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
49th Chinese Division
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
93rd Chinese Division
9th Group Army
4th War Area
16th Group Army
35th Group Army

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USSR: Some housekeeping operations. I don’t anticipate having the USSR available in the immediate future, just getting things straightened up so they’re ready to go.

All Soviet air units filled with pilots from replacement pool to maximum complement and set to (100%) training mission. Air units will be checked periodically to stand down if needed, also to rotate in new replacement pilots and transfer fully trained pilots to the (reserve) replacement pool.

Soviet ground units had previously been set to rest, nearly all elements in all ground units are fully operational now.

Summary of Operations 6/11/42

Hawaii: PBY Catalina ASW air patrols now report three distinct contacts with Japanese subs. Two subs (one now identified as I-26) are NE of Oahu, both these subs evading US surface ASW and appearing bound for the US west coast. The third Jap submarine (identified as I-8) is located W of Pearl Harbor moving on a NE heading. I-8 and I-26 were both attacked by PBY’s, no information on any damage or sinking.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island. Airfield size on Roi-Namur is now 4(1).

One or more unidentified Japanese TF(s) are visible at Kwajalein. Sigint entry for 6/10 indicates a Jap AKE is at Kwajalein.

No other visible Japanese forces or activity at either Kwajalein or Roi-Namur.


DEI: Japanese mop-up operations in the Eastern DEI. Amphibious landing continues at Bima, new amphibious landing now underway at Salajar Is. AAR of Salajar landing follows.

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Amphibious Assault at Salajar (SE of Makassar)

TF 174 troops unloading over beach at Salajar, 66,108

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 9 (0 destroyed, 9 disabled)

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Philippines: Japanese minesweeping operations reported at Bataan. AAR follows.

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TF 56 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4

22 mines cleared

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China: Japanese continue ground bombardment attack near Kweiyang. Latest AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2269 troops, 192 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 833
Defending force 10422 troops, 204 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 271

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
38th Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
64th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
31st Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
4th War Area
16th Group Army
9th Group Army
35th Group Army

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Summary of Operations 6/12/42

Hawaii: PBY Catalina ASW air patrols maintain contact with Jap subs I-8 and I-26 near Oahu. I-26 (due N of Pearl Harbor) and I-8 (SE of Pearl Harbor) both attacked by PBY air patrols. The third Jap submarine (still unidentified) was detected and remains NE of Pearl Harbor, reported to be moving on a NW heading (returning home?). US surface ASW TF’s continue pursuing the Jap sub contacts.


US West Coast: SST Narwhal completed conversion this game turn. With completion of Narwhal’s conversion, I now have all three of the available SS to SST conversions done. SST Narwhal is being dispatched to the South Pacific to join the other two US SST’s (Argonaut & Narwhal) that recently arrived in the theatre. Plans are to operate the three SST’s together as a flotilla.


Central Pacific: US sub Cuttlefish reported sinking NW of Midway while attempting to return to Pearl Harbor after receiving heavy damage in a Jap ASW air attack near Aogashima on 6/01. SS Cuttlefish is the first US fleet submarine lost in the campaign and only the second Allied sub (overall) lost to enemy action.

Note and a game question for readers: SS Cuttlefish had a scheduled ship withdrawal date of 10/01/42. How does the game handle sinking of a ship that has a scheduled ship withdrawal date?

SS Pike reports contact with small Japanese transport TF southeast of Truk. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Truk at 115,111 (SE of Truk)

Japanese Ships
AK Azumasan Maru
xAP Kashima Maru
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
SS Pike

SS Pike is sighted by escort
Pike diving deep ....
DD Yunagi attacking submerged sub ....
SS Pike eludes ASW attack from DD Yunagi
Escort abandons search for sub

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South Pacific: 3 USN Seabees arrive at Pago Pago, now disembarking.

Coastwatchers report no Japanese ships in Rabaul, Individual Jap ships reported at Noumea, Luganville and several locations in the Solomons.


DEI: Japanese capture Salajar Island (SE of Makassar) and Bima. Pillager appears to have Jap 1 Tank Regiment divided between these two operations. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Salajar (66,108)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 174 troops, 0 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 10
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 10
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Salajar !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Regiment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bima (63,110)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 199 troops, 0 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 9
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 10
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Bima !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+)

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Rgt /3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Philippines: Japanese minesweeping operations continue at Bataan. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 56 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4

60 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


China: Japanese continue ground bombardment attack near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2309 troops, 192 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 850
Defending force 10494 troops, 203 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 274

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (9 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
38th Division
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
49th Chinese Division
31st Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
64th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
16th Group Army
9th Group Army
4th War Area
35th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORIGINAL: wneumann

...Note and a game question for readers: SS Cuttlefish had a scheduled ship withdrawal date of 10/01/42. How does the game handle sinking of a ship that has a scheduled ship withdrawal date?...

Congratulations! You have complied, albeit in a somewhat involuntary and earlybird manner, with the withdrawal requirements.[:D]

As far as the game is concerned, SS Cuttlefish is no longer on your OOB so there will be no further demands for its withdrawal.

Alfred

Congratulations! You have complied, albeit in a somewhat involuntary and earlybird manner, with the withdrawal requirements.

Thanks, Alfred, Though I must give a fair share of the credit to Pillager and an unknown IJA bomber pilot. Without them the sinking would not have been possible. It's also by coincidence that SS Cuttlefish is the first US sub in the scenario that is due for withdrawal

Summary of Operations 6/13/42

Hawaii: PBY Catalina ASW air patrols maintain contacts with Jap subs near Oahu. Jap submarine I-26 (due N of Pearl Harbor) came under multiple PBY bombing attacks, several reports of an oil slick in the water at this hex position, no verification of it being sunk.


South Pacific: All elements of US 41st Infantry Division now disembarked at Suva.

Australian Lark Bn now at Suva will be loading for transport back to Australia. Lark Bn was originally brought to Suva after its evacuation from Rabaul in 12/41. Lark Bn is a sub-unit of Australian 8th Division and is being retrieved for return to Australia to form the division.

Convoy WP-6 (25 ships) from the mainland US arrived in Auckland this game turn. Cargo aboard Convoy WP-6 includes HQ US I Amphibious Corps and the first two US combat air units (one VMSB, one VMF) to reach the South Pacific theatre, 103K supply, 21K fuel. Arrival of this convoy brings rear-area reserves at Auckland for the South Pacific theatre to 350K supply and 100K fuel.

Coastwatchers report 2 Japanese ships in port at Rabaul. Individual Jap ships reported at Kavieng, Luganville and several locations in the Solomons.


Philippines: Japanese minesweeping operations continue at Bataan. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 56 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4

40 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ceylon: KB launches Indian Ocean raid, an air strike hit port and airfield facilities at Colombo in a surprise attack. All ships in port at Colombo were reported sunk, including 11 of 15 subs from the Anglo-Dutch submarine force operating in the Indian Ocean area. The other four subs (all Dutch) are currently at sea in assigned patrol areas and escaped the strike.

All KB fleet carriers except Hiryu were identified in the raid. Reported movement of the KB TF’s is on a NW heading with the possible intent to strike at Allied shipping along the western coast of India. Movement of transport convoy DC-2 (19 ships plus escort) just departing Bombay for Capetown is being re-routed. Evacuation orders have been issued for all ships in ports along the western coast of India. A number of ships now undergoing ship upgrades at Bombay (3 xAP, 4 ML, 2 MGB) appear to be unable to exit the upgrade process and remain disbanded in port - these ships likely to be destroyed if the KB reaches and attacks Bombay.

Situation map and AAR follow.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Colombo, at 29,48

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N2 Kate x 128
D3A1 Val x 135

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed, 11 damaged
D3A1 Val: 10 destroyed, 26 damaged

Allied Ships (all ships that were in port or shipyard at Colombo are reported sunk)
SS KXII, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
SS O20, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
SS KXI, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
AS Lucia, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS Truant, Bomb hits 4,and is sunk
AM Cromarty, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS O19, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
SS Trusty, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
SS KX, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
SS KVIII, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Isaac Sweers, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS KXVII, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
SS O16, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AM Lismore, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS KXIII, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
AM Romney, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Lahore, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Rampur, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AM Cromer, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 5 (Airfield service damage 21)
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 54 (Airfield runway damage 38)
Port hits 8 (Port damage 12)

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As no British submarines are due to enter the game as reinforcements until 6/43, the KB’s attack on Colombo inflicted a major setback on Allied submarine operations in the Indian Ocean and nearby sea areas. An immediate transfer of US subs to the Indian Ocean area from the Pacific theatres is not likely as this would negatively impact submarine operations in the Pacific, though a number of US fleet submarines that enter the game as reinforcements in the Eastern US could be sent to the Indian Ocean via Capetown as they come into the game. The first US sub reinforcements entering the game in the Eastern US are due sometime in 8/42 (63 game turns from now). I did employ US subs in the Indian Ocean from Perth and Colombo in our last PBEM match but up to now I had not seriously entertained the idea as it appeared the Anglo-Dutch submarine force had sufficient numbers to support an active submarine campaign in the Southeast Asia theatre. After the Colombo raid, this is no longer true.


China: Japanese attack near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27303 troops, 420 guns, 244 vehicles, Assault Value = 861
Defending force 10587 troops, 195 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 283
Japanese adjusted assault: 639
Allied adjusted defense: 820
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
599 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
393 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
38th Division
5th RF Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
64th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
93rd Chinese Division
16th Group Army
4th War Area
9th Group Army
35th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Look on the bright side. The historical April 1942 KB raid on Ceylon sank the Hermes and the Vampire (plus some cruisers on route to the Maldives). So you have saved the mighty Hermes.[:)]

Alfred

Edit: replaced incorrect destroyer identified, doh[:@]

Look on the bright side. The historical April 1942 KB raid on Ceylon sank the Hermes and the Vampire (plus some cruisers on route to the Maldives). So you have saved the mighty Hermes.

The historical KB raid sank CA's Cornwall and Dorshetshire (the cruisers you spoke of).

The KB's raid also justified a decision and early-war policy regarding not basing any naval forces in Ceylon that weren't being used in active operations or in support of those operations. I did get caught in the mistake of keeping the entire Southeast Asia submarine force in one basket, losing 11 out of 15 subs from that force in a single blow was a bit of an "ouch" moment. While dispersal is sometimes inconvienient, it more than makes up for the inconvienience in situations like the Colombo raid.

As for the Hermes... I was going to be doing absolutely nothing with it at this point in the campaign. So it's stashed away in Capetown training pilots until such time as it can be employed more profitably.

Summary of Operations 6/14/42

Hawaii: PBY Catalina ASW air patrols maintain contact with one of the Jap subs near Oahu now located NE of Pearl Harbor. A second detected Jap submarine has moved farther to the NE of Oahu and continues movement on an E heading towards the US West Coast.

My suspicions on this “burst” of Japanese sub activity near Hawaii is that it coincides with the KB’s Indian Ocean operation, the primary objective of the Jap submarine action to spot or intercept any US carriers that sortie from Pearl Harbor for a retaliatory strike.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/13 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island, also ship(s) in port and one or more Japanese TF(s) in harbor.


South Pacific: All elements of 3 USN Seabees now disembarked on Pago Pago. Construction of port facilities and fortifications on Pago Pago is underway by engineer elements of 3 USN Seabees and US 41 Infantry Division. Supply point stocks on-hand at both Pago Pago and Suva are near maximum capacity, this in addition to the 350K supply stockpiled in Auckland. Plans are to dispatch a USAAF Base Force LCU from the mainland US to Pago Pago, then start development of an air base. Current construction priority on Pago Pago and other Samoan islands is fortification of the islands themselves and a modest upgrade of port facilities to facilitate arrival of reinforcements and additional supply with airfield construction to begin later.

Coastwatchers report 16 Japanese ships in port at Rabaul. Individual Jap ships reported at Kavieng, Ndeni and several locations in the Solomons.


DEI: Japanese mop-up operations in the eastern DEI, amphibious landing reported underway at Taberfane (off Dutch New Guinea, NE of Darwin). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Taberfane

TF 263 troops unloading over beach at Taberfane, 82,117

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Philippines: Japanese minesweeping operations continue at Bataan. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 56 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4

40 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One unidentified Jap LCU detected SW of Davao, likely advancing on Dadjangas. Japanese 5th Infantry Division is known to be on Mindanao (reported in Davao on 5/31), or the LCU is possibly another unit Pillager brought to Mindanao.


Burma: Contact reported between a possible Jap ASW TF and Dutch sub K-VII (one of four remaining Allied subs in the Indian Ocean). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Moulmein at 54,56 (S of Moulmein)

Japanese Ships (four ships in the TF)
DD Hakaze

Allied Ships
SS KVII, hits 1 (minor damage)

SS KVII is sighted by escort
KVII bottoming out ....
DD Hakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ceylon: No further contact or detection of KB reported this game turn. Orders for ships to evacuate ports along the western coast of India and re-routing of ship movements in nearby sea areas remain in effect.

The two MGB’s and 3 of the 4 ML’s now upgrading in Bombay will be completed next game turn and then be able to evacuate. Of more concern is the three xAP’s upgrading in Bombay, these just entered upgrade and not due to complete for 13 days. Three RAF Hurricane II squadrons are based in Bombay and now activated on full CAP alert.

I’m suspecting Pillager may not be keeping KB in the Indian Ocean for an extended period of time, especially given the known presence of KB this far outside the Pacific is leaving me a “blank check” to launch my own mayhem in the Pacific.

With the US carrier force now on the US West Coast (2 CV’s now in 6/42 ship upgrade due to complete in 17 days and three others due for 7/42 upgrade within a short time), my decision is to proceed with current plans for a complete upgrade of the US carrier fleet along with its escorts by early 8/42, then reforming air combat TF’s after all upgrading is complete. Tempting as it might be, I really don’t have any Japanese targets in the Central Pacific that are positively identified as worthwhile objectives of a US carrier sortie and attack before Pillager gets the KB back into the Pacific theatres. Simply put… sending the available US carrier force out would be a distraction from existing plans for which I now largely have everything in place, with little if any benefit to be derived from changing those plans. It’s less a matter of the risk than it is of throwing existing plans that are well underway off-track for the probability of little or no significant reward.

The other possibility that cannot be completely ignored is the KB’s operation as a reconnaissance-in-force or a prelude to a Japanese amphibious operation against either Ceylon or the eastern coast of India. British naval surface and carrier forces are currently located in Capetown, obviously this placement may need to be reconsidered and new plans for their deployment drawn up.

My available information on known locations of Japanese combat LCU’s (Jap infantry divisions in particular) along with the known deployments of Jap ground forces already in Burma do not support preparations for an invasion of India either overland or by sea immediately or in the short term. Having information to make this analysis is a benefit of maintaining a “running inventory” of known Japanese LCU’s and their reported locations from Sigint and AAR reports and other sources – the "sum total" in this listing of Jap LCU’s providing somewhat of a view into Pillager’s overall Japanese strategy and its current level of progress.


China: Quiet this game turn.

December 31--The White House "Mr. President, the Secretary of the Navy." The Honorable Frank Knox enters the Oval Office accompanied by LTJG Ed O'Hare of VF-3. "Sir, it is my distinct honor to present Lieutenant Junior Grade Ed O'Hare, the pilot that I spoke of earlier who shot down five enemy planes in one engagement off the Solomons. "It is my distinct pleasure to meet you, son. A worthy feat to be sure." "Pleased to meet you, Mr. President." The Secretary turns to the President's aide. "If you would be so kind as to call in the photographer and Mrs. O'Hare who is waiting outside, we can get on with this." "Yes, sir, Mr. Secretary." In a moment both the photographer and Mrs. O'Hare enter the room. "You look lovely my dear," the President said. "Won't you come and stand next to your husband?" Mrs. O'Hare has a disbelieving look on her face, but does as the President asks. "Mr. Secretary, we can skip the preliminaries. Please begin," the President orders. "LTJG O'Hare, for valor shown above the call of duty in becoming an ace, the Navy awards you the Silver Star with a V for Valor. Mrs. O'Hare if you would be so kind as to pin this medal to your husband's uniform, right about here....thank you." The secretary continues, "LTJG O'Hare, effective Dec 31, 1942, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Again, Mrs. O'Hare, if you would be so kind....Finally," the Secretary said, " For gallantry above the call of duty on October 3, 1942, then LTJG Ed O'Hare shot down five enemy planes, and on the advice and consent of the United States Congress, LT O'Hare is hereby awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor." The Secretary took the medal from the naval aide and draped it around O'Hare's neck. "Congratulations young man," the President said with a grin on his face. "I had no idea," confessed Lt O'Hare.

After the decorations and short party, the Secretary briefs the President on current actions in the South Pacific and around Guadalcanal. "Mr. President, I am now able to report that Guadalcanal and Tulagi are secure. Marc Mitcher's carriers have sunk two Japanese CVLs and heavily damaged the super battleship Yamato and damaged one of the enemies CVs. Both of his carriers were torpedoed and are retiring to PH for refit and repair. Rear Admiral Sherman has relieved Hornet and Wasp with Saratoga and Enterprise. Our four divisions took considerable losses and will need time to refit and replace their losses. I regret to say the number of causalties exceeds 10,000. It looks like this is going to be a difficult fight one island at a time. We are just beginning our advance against the enemy. I fear it will take longer than we thought."

Next on the agenda is the recapture of PM and some of the small bases near Milne Bay.[8D] Johnjohn (on vacation as of now)

johnjohn,

I wonder if I have any aces from among my flak gunners.

Summary of Operations 6/15/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/14 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabitueua. Detected status of Tabitueua shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island, also ship(s) in port. Otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Transport convoy PW-7 returning to the mainland US from the South Pacific theatre intercepted by Jap submarine, one ship hit and severely damaged. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Makatea at 174,175 (NE of Tahiti)

Japanese Ships
SS I-27

Allied Ships
AP Barnett, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage (system damage 29, float 86, engine 21, fire 3)

AP Barnett is sighted by SS I-27
SS I-27 launches 2 torpedoes at AP Barnett

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AP Barnett is still afloat and making its way back to Tahiti (3 hexes, probably two game turns at its best speed). Though I have no repair facilities or AR in Tahiti, the ship can at least be anchored in port and remain there to slowly begin its own repair until such time an AR can be sent to Tahiti. Under the circumstances AP Barnett is not going to make it to a shipyard at either Auckland or Pearl Harbor without a high probability of it sinking before getting there.

Sigint entries for 6/14 report heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul. Detected status of Rabaul – 10 Japanese ships in port, 4 aircraft (2 bombers), port size 4(4), airfield size 4(6), no visible Jap task forces in the base or LCU’s. One Japanese LCU (1 JNAF Co) is reported as known to be present at Rabaul.

Coastwatchers report 3 Japanese ships in port at Noumea. Individual Jap ships also reported at Luganville, Ndeni and several locations in the Solomons.


DEI: Dutch submarine K-XVI on patrol in Sunda Straits reports action against probable Jap surface ASW TF, also attacked by a Jap ASW air patrol (Ki-21 Sally). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Oosthaven at 47,97 (southern exit from the Sunda Straits)

Japanese Ships
PB Heiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (reported sunk)
PB Higashiyama Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVI

SS KXVI launches 2 torpedoes at PB Heiyo Maru
KXVI bottoming out ....
PB Higashiyama Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Philippines: Japanese minesweeping operations continue at Bataan. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 56 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4

40 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry in 6/14 Sigint report indicates that all or elements of Jap 48th Infantry Division is now at Lingayen and could be loading aboard transport ships to depart from Luzon. 48 Division had previously been in the just-ended battle for Bataan.


Indian Ocean: No further report of contact, detection or spotting of KB. Alerts and precautions continue along the Indian west and east coasts.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attack near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2375 troops, 192 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 854
Defending force 18903 troops, 232 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 547

Allied ground losses:
101 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
38th Division
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
93rd Chinese Division
4th War Area
16th Group Army
10th Group Army
9th Group Army
35th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japanese ground assault crosses river line NW of Sian, outflanking main Chinese positions to the west of Sian. AAR and situation map follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 83,39 (NW of Sian)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 31002 troops, 281 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1126
Defending force 8360 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 390
Japanese adjusted assault: 1498
Allied adjusted defense: 91
Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
591 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3885 casualties reported
Squads: 93 destroyed, 143 disabled
Non Combat: 85 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 8 disabled
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units: (all Jap units in this attack were previously at Sian)
17th Division
6th Division
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
19th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
83rd Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary of Operations 6/16/42

Hawaii: PBY Catalina ASW air patrols continue over sea areas near Oahu. Contacts with two Jap submarines reported, 6/15 Operations report entries follow.

PBY-5 Catalina reports shadow in water at 182, 104 near Pearl Harbor (NE of Pearl Harbor)
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 177, 107 near Lihue (due W of Pearl Harbor)
PBY-5 Catalina reports conning tower at 182, 104 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports radio transmissions at 182, 104 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 182, 104 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 177, 107 near Lihue
PBY-4 Catalina from VP-71 attacking SS I-8 at 177,107
PBY-4 Catalina reports submarine at 177, 107 near Lihue
PBY-4 Catalina reports periscope at 177, 107 near Lihue
PBY-4 Catalina reports oil slick at 182, 104 near Pearl Harbor


Central Pacific: US fleet subs intercept Japanese transports in several actions. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 114,113 (SE of Truk)

Japanese Ships
DD Hagikaze
xAKL Sasago Maru
xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21
DD Kuretake

Allied Ships
SS Trout

SS Trout launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hagikaze
Trout diving deep ....
DD Kuretake fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Eniwetok at 122,109 (W of Eniwetok)

Japanese Ships
xAP Rakuyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Triton

xAP Rakuyo Maru is sighted by SS Triton
SS Triton launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Rakuyo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


South Pacific: Coastwatchers report 20 Japanese ships in port at Rabaul, three Jap ships in port at Noumea. Individual Jap ships also reported at Luganville, Belep Is and several locations in the Solomons.


Australia: Transport convoy EX-9 (38 ships) arrived this game turn from the Eastern US. Cargo reaching Australia aboard convoy EX-9 includes six US LCU’s (147 Infantry RCT, three FA Bns, 137 USA Base Force, 428 Coast AA Bn) plus 134K supply and 10K fuel.


Philippines: Japanese minesweeping operations continue at Bataan. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 56 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4

40 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Indian Ocean: No report of contact, detection or spotting of KB.


China: Japanese ground bombardment continues near Kweiyang. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2390 troops, 192 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 860
Defending force 18862 troops, 231 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 544

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
38th Division
21st Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
31st Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
28th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
10th Group Army
4th War Area
16th Group Army
9th Group Army
35th Group Army

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Summary of Operations 6/17/42

Hawaii: Reported contacts between PBY Catalina ASW air patrols and Jap submarines continue in areas near Oahu. It appears movement of both the sighted Jap subs below may be in assigned patrol areas. 6/16 Operations report entries follow.

PBY-5 Catalina reports object under water at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor (SSW of Pearl Harbor)
PBY-5 Catalina reports suspected submarine at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-4 Catalina reports submarine at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports conning tower at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports shadow in water at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports possible submarine at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports possible submarine at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 178, 111 near Pearl Harbor
PBY-4 Catalina reports conning tower at 180, 105 near Pearl Harbor (N of Pearl Harbor)
PBY-4 Catalina from VP-71 attacking SS I-8 at 178,111


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/16 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wotje. No visible Japanese activity or forces at Wotje.

Large Japanese xAP appearing to be headed to or from the Marshall Islands intercepted and torpedoed by US fleet sub. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Truk at 118,101 (NE of Truk)

Japanese Ships
xAP Argentina Maru, Torpedo hits 1 (flooding reported in game turn replay)

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish

xAP Argentina Maru is sighted by SS Swordfish
SS Swordfish launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Argentina Maru

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South Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/16 reported heavy Jap radio transmissions intercepted from an open sea hex (112, 121) location E of Kavieng and due south from Truk. One or more unidentified Jap TF(s) are visible in this hex. Given that it’s only four days since the KB’s carrier strike against Ceylon (on 6/12), it’s highly unlikely the Jap TF(s) in hex 112, 121 contain any fleet carriers, though the Baby KB cannot be eliminated as a possibility. A second (more likely) possibility is these could be Jap surface combat TF(s). Or they could be transport or amphibious TF’s, though with the KB still outside the area a major Japanese invasion is not too likely.

Then there is a matter of the TFs’ location and possible heading. If the TF(s) are moving southward from Truk, their projected movement path appears to keep them in sea areas mostly to the north of the Solomon Islands – possible destinations include Tulagi/Lunga, Ndeni, Luganville and Noumea. If the Jap TF(s) in this hex are surface combat and/or the Baby KB, Suva and/or Samoa are possible targets along this general movement path. The hex location of this contact makes it unlikely the Jap TF(s) are moving along any direct route that is going either to or from Rabaul.

At this time, no large Allied transport convoys are currently at or heading into either Suva or Samoa, though a number of individual AK’s are unloading supply cargoes at several bases in these areas. My estimate these AK’s can safely continue unloading ops for one more game turn before any Japanese TF moving from hex 112, 121 is within striking range of either Suva or Samoa. Needless to say the situation will have to be re-evaluated after next game turn. A continuous patrol line of US subs is running along an arc to the W, NW and N of Suva and Samoa, A contingent of 30+ naval search aircraft are also operating from Suva, these planes are now on full alert and flying from Suva to the NW and N.

Situation map follows.



Coastwatchers at Rabaul report no Japanese ships in harbor, 7 ships (at anchor) in port.


Solomon Islands: Sigint entry for 6/16 reports 15 JNAF AF Unit is located at Lunga, this LCU having been transferred to the Solomons from the Kwantung Army.


DEI: Japanese capture Taberfane in the eastern DEI (N of Darwin). AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Taberfane (82,117)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 791 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 5
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Taberfane !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
21st JAAF AF Bn (LCU previously reported at Singapore on 5/09)

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Dutch sub K-XVI on patrol at the southern entrance to Sunda Straits (between Java & Sumatra) reports attack from a Jap ASW air patrol (Ki-21 Sally), also spotting a Jap surface ASW TF.


Philippines: Japanese minesweeping operations continue at Bataan. AAR follows.

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TF 56 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4

39 mines cleared

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China: Japanese ground bombardment continues near Kweiyang. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 75,50 (E of Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2395 troops, 192 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 862
Defending force 18883 troops, 229 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 543

Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
104th Division
38th Division
21st Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
28th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
64th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
93rd Chinese Division
4th War Area
9th Group Army
10th Group Army
16th Group Army
35th Group Army

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Summary of Operations 6/19/42

An almost completely quiet game turn, no significant combat.


Hawaii: No Jap submarine contacts reported this game turn by PBY Catalina ASW air patrols near Oahu. A US surface ASW TF operating N of Pearl Harbor detected a Jap submarine at hex 180,105 (possibly Jap sub I-26) – no combat occurred.


South Pacific: AP Barnett under self-repair without AR in Tahiti port, it appears the ship will gradually repair itself from its severe torpedo damage unassisted (at least to the extent it can safely move to Auckland or the mainland US under its own power at an acceptable speed) . Port size at Tahiti is now 4(2) with construction underway to expand to its maximum port size of 5.

No further detection of Japanese TF(s) that were reported by Sigint on 6/16 E of Kavieng. Allied AK’s that had been unloading supply at Suva have now temporarily moved away, plans are to return them to Suva to complete unloading in several days. Cargoes that were being unloaded in Suva are non-critical, only intended to fill base stockpiles to maximum supply point capacity. Supply unloading operations at bases in Samoa continue.

As a “lesson learned” from the KB’s strike on Colombo, 10-12 auxiliary and other ships now in port at Auckland that are not immediately required to support current operations are being transferred from Auckland to bases further south in New Zealand. These are mainly US ships assigned to the South Pacific theatre and currently at anchor in Auckland in reserve for use to support future (medium to long term) operations in the South or SW Pacific. Ships being transferred out of Auckland will be kept at anchor in bases elsewhere in New Zealand until needed for active operations. Basically if I don’t need these ships right now in Auckland, they are being moved aside to nearby bases and kept there in reserve as long as the ships remain inactive and not needed for current operational requirements in the South Pacific.

US and Allied subs operating in the South Pacific theatre are being kept at sea on active patrol with reserve subs dispersed.

Coastwatchers report Rabaul harbor is empty. Other reports by coastwatchers have 4 Japanese ships at Koumac, 3 ships at Noumea, 3 ships at Shortlands, 3 ships at Luganvile. Individual Japanese ships also reported at Lunga, Tulagi, Belep Is and Kavieng.

Sigint entry for 6/18 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul. Detected status of Rabaul showing no visible Japanese forces or activity.


China: Quiet this game turn.


Manchuria: Sigint entry for 6/18 indicates that sub-units of Japanese 1st Infantry Division have been combined to create the parent formation. 1 Division is now located in Port Arthur. I suspect Pillager has plans to transfer this division out of the Kwantung Army for employment in another theatre.