Matrix Games Forums

Welcome to the thread cwemyss! Sounds like you got the perfect Christmas gift this year.[8D]

To answer your first question:
I am currently using a version of the Yamato Damashii map mod by chemkid, I believe it is called sunny day or something similar. I was using the rainy day version in the screenshot you were commenting on. I switched to sunny day because I liked how it visually differentiated the deep and shallow ocean hexes (very handy when setting sub patrols). Chemkid also has another map mod called Topo Map project which is very good as well.

To answer your follow up:
You are correct, you do lose the visual terrain information, however, if you press 1 on the keyboard, it will superimpose the terrain code over each hex. If you are unsure about what each terrain code means, there is a table on the upper right of the main map which has all the codes listed, along with all the defense/movement effects...pretty handy.

To answer your follow up to your follow up:
I think chemkid has the monopoly on the map mods, as for other art mods, there is big b's ship art and Halsey's land/air art they are both very good.

hi Mr. Key,

0) Looks to me that you're doing pert' well in your campaign. Shame you've had to invade Rabaul, but its air is far too active to leave it behind. In my game, Rabaul has mebbe 9 airframes & doesn't present an air threat, so I'm bypassing it. As you stairstep up the NW coast of New Guinea, you might look for an opportunity to skip ahead to seize a better-developed / less-defended base further up the coast.

1) I used to use AKs to ship fuel (at 1/2 cargo capacity), but a recent thread by Yaab convinced me that it was 'unrealistic'. Now I only use AK shipping of cargo capacity <=1750 to load fuel, which allows me to use LSTs & small xAKs. I'm relieved to hear of your 2.5m supply at Sydney, I was v. worried that Oz was starving. Note: if you turn off the LA refineries for 4 days, you'll store enough Oil there to load a 4 x 14064 TK convoy to Oz, that's enough to keep Oz happy for 6 months. Also too, I use a lot of AmphTF to send/receive Supply to advanced bases & supply hubs. These TFs don't need to use port capacity to unload.

2) The sooner you neutralize & seize Paramushiro-Jima, the happier you'll be.

3) I use Tracker & CombatReporter extensively, without them I'm running blind. Still, having them running concurrently w/ WitP:AE maxes out my computer capacity, requiring frequent save/shutdown/reboots. I get that you're using running-notes, it's just that they don't contain enough info - what of fuel stocks, troop levels (AV), air-support level (AS), fleet auxiliaries, etc?

4)You're right to use [R] USArmy airgroups as training groups, also I find that there are too many USMC airgroups, many of those are training pilots in Southern California. The USN is a bit of a worry, so many groups are on active ops, I don't have enough groups for training. Still, I believe I've made great strides in developing my pilots:
- USArmy has 625 TRACOM pilots as of 26Jan44, they all came up from extensive training & combat as fighter pilots. 400 have been re-trained as bomber pilots (at least 71 GrdB skill), 125 are training GrdB. These guys will staff my strat bombers. I've got 12 groups of B-24Js, and the 1st flight of B-29-1s start to arrive in late Mar 44.
- USNavy has 125 TRACOM pilots, I've just transferred 96 to train GrdB. Again, they're destined for strat bombing, note that only the PBY4-1 is a strat-bomber, so I've turned off the 07/44 upgrade to its San Diego factory.

best regards,
jM

Week 73: April 28th – May 4th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. Base forces assembling in Seattle for Shemya and Agattu.




Central Pacific:
Long range recon of Ponape shows over 10 ships (all non-combat) at the island, possibly a re-supply mission. The garrison is still small (1K troops and 33 guns), so the assault force prepping for the island remains unchanged.




Southern Pacific:
Sporadic IJAF raids continue to target Tabiteuea. I have rotated out half the fighter pilots at the base and brought in fresh recruits. This may turn into quite the training ground.




New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. Allied deliberate attack fails to reduce the forts (still at 7, but takes out about 1,500 troops.

The Japanese garrison at Kavieng finally surrenders, and 2,000 more soldiers are no longer fighting for the empire.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, the Allied force is almost to the hex South-east of Madang (and should reach the hex in about two days). And in startling news, the enemy carriers at Hollandia seem to have vanished. In the past 4 days, dedicated recon planes have not spotted any capital ships in the harbor. Now the worry is where the enemy fleet is headed. Odds are on Truk, but from there it’s anybody’s guess. This may present an opportunity to amphibiously assault Hollandia…depends on where the KB shows up. I have recon squadrons searching the sea lanes around Truk and I have a recon mission scheduled for Truk itself tomorrow to see if it can turn up anything.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
Surrounded and starving, the Japanese resistance at Akyab finally capitulates on May 30th after two successful Allied shock attacks. Now all available forces begin the advance down the coastal road towards Prome. Hopefully the supply at Ramree Island (up to 18K and climbing) will keep this Allied advance rolling. Speaking of Ramree, it has been on the receiving end of lots of bombing raids with heavy escort. Allied CAP has done well, but has taken a hit in airframes (both in air combat and from bombing damage). Supply at the base is over 10K so replacement airframes should start arriving.

In central Burma, the British Chindit forces continue digging in at Magwe and Meiktila. Taung Gyi and Myitkyina are sites of bombardments, but since force strength is equal, no deliberate attacks are launched by either side. No rush here as the advance down the coast will cut off the enemy forces from their supply source…from there I can mop up as needed.

In China, not much is happening, the only action is the continuing Japanese bombardments at Nanning.




IJN Watch:
-No sign of KB at Hollandia. High detection on Allied subs around Truk, but this could be due to the base’s air patrols. All Allied shipping in the region is put on high alert.




Notable Base Captures:
-Kavieng [Bismarck Archipelago] captured by the Allies (4/28)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,518 [+145]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (344), Hurricane IIc (334), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 298)

Japanese: 12,204 [+322]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,733), Ki-48 Lily (1,265), Ki-27b Nate (1162

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 507 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,025 [+15]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,836 [+80]
Japanese: 5,891 [+230]
A/J Ratio: 1.66 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 38,315 [+772]
Japanese: 27,858 [+134]
A/J Ratio: 1.38 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder:
Phase 1A - LAZARUS:
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force has captured Saidor and is advancing toward Madang]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF:
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – COMPLETE [Base captured and Seabees are expanding the facilities]
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM:
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 1,088:951 Forts are at 7]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. [IN PROCESS]
-Knock out Truk airfield.

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie.
-Assault & capture Ponape.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai.
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.




Other Notes:
-ARD arrives in Seattle in about 5 days. DD escort is already present and will escort the vital repair ship to Noumea.

Hello Mr. Brew Master [I assume that's what a "malter" is [:D]]

Thanks for the info on aircraft training, its good to know that Allied reserve pools can still be strong in '44...even with all those green squadrons arriving.

Looking back Rabaul has been quite the vortex of men and material, and I constantly ask myself whether it will be worth the effort. I think while it has delayed further operations a bit, the large port will be put to good use, and should pair up well with my developing base at Manus. At the least, the Rabaul operation has been quite a learning experience and has further reinforced my decision to bypass Truk.

Funny you mention skipping ahead to better developed bases on the Northern NG coast. We must have a bit of a mind-meld going, as I have recently started reconning and prepping troops for Hollandia (P:6/AF:7) and Aitape (P:5/AF:8). Especially with the KB gone, this opens up the possibility of taking one (or both) of these bases with an amphib assault. I'll see where the KB shows up and then decide on a course of action.

I'm kind of limiting myself to too many further offensive actions in the North Pacific (due to the AI's limitations), but I will definitely look into neutralizing Paramushimo.

As for tracker, I think I should take a look at incorporating that into my game pretty soon. From what you and others have said, it seems like a really great tool.

Week 74: May 5th – May 11th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. Base force loads at Seattle heading for Shemya.




Central Pacific:
Long range recon of Ponape continues to show lots of shipping entering and leaving the port. The garrison is still small (1K troops and 35 guns), so this is probably just supply. The invasion force will wait about two more weeks before embarking to allow recon to get a better estimate of the enemy garrison…and to hopefully allow time for the KB to show itself somewhere far-far away.




Southern Pacific:
Sporadic IJAF raids continue to target Tabiteuea. I have augmented the P-40s with two squadrons of Corsairs…their long legs will allow sweeps of Tarawa. Currently the squadrons are resting and repairing airframes damaged in the long flight in.




New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. Allied ground troops are trying a new strategy…instead of bombarding between deliberate attacks, they are just defending…relying on the air force to do the bombarding. This seems to shorten the recovery of infantry units. Said troops are rested up and are ready to attack again, hopefully this time we can knock down those forts (currently at 7).

On the other side of New Britain, the Allies have small raiding parties (prep in upper 80’s) on their way to Gasmata, Arawe, and Cape Gloucester. Arawe looks empty, but Gasmata and Cape Gloucester each have a base force present, as well as a small air compliment. All three bases have recently been the destination of some small IJN supply convoys, and I hope to end that by capturing them.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, the Allied force reaches the hex South-east of Madang and begins bombarding. Currently the AV ratio is 391:118 in favor of the good guys…a deliberate assault is on tap for early next week.

KB is definitely gone from Hollandia. Mid-week the weather over the base cleared and recon got a good look at the base (9/10 detection), and not a single ship was sighted in port. To further add to the mystery, recon over Truk doesn’t spot anything either. This suggests the KB either beat a hasty retreat, or has something more dastardly in mind. Maybe a raid on Darwin or an attack on my South Pacific supply lines. PBY’s are scouring the possible approaches, but nothing has turned up yet.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
Fresh off their victory at Akyab, the main Allied body advances down the coastal road towards Prome, while a small recon detachment secures Bassein. Ramree is up to 48K supply and convoys are continuing to roll in…so supply shouldn’t be an issue. Now the priority is shifting Allied air assets south to bring Rangoon under siege. However I fear the grunts may have to do this the hard way (no bomber support), as early reports indicate Rangoon has over 160 fighters at the base. Not sure sweeps would be effective, so the current plan is for the infantry to approach the Burmese capitol under the cover of LRCAP, hopefully a defensive air posture will entice the Japanese to attack and I can whittle down their fighter strength.

In central Burma, the British Chindit forces continue digging in at Magwe and Meiktila. After a two week pounding by Allied 4EB’s, British Infantry assault Mandalay and capture the base. When the bombing started, the ground forces were about equal, but the Japanese got chewed up sitting out in the open. Now the objective is to begin a general advance towards Toungoo and meet up with the other Allied army advancing down the coast.

In China, not much is happening, the only action is the continuing Japanese bombardments at Nanning.




IJN Watch:
-No IJN capital ships sighted all week. KB is on the move…my spidey senses are tingling.




Notable Base Captures:
-Mandalay [Burma] captured by the Allies (5/11)
-Bassein [Burma] captured by the Allies (5/11)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,587 [+69]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (345), Hurricane IIc (339), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 299)

Japanese: 12,456 [+252]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,864), Ki-27b Nate (1,438), Ki-48 Lily (1,049)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 508 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,056 [+31]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,862 [+26]
Japanese: 5,956 [+65]
A/J Ratio: 1.65 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 38,950 [+635]
Japanese: 27,952 [+94]
A/J Ratio: 1.39 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder:
Phase 1A - LAZARUS:
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force has captured Saidor and is advancing toward Madang]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF:
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – COMPLETE
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM:
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 1,137:877 Forts are at 7]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [Recon shows no fighter coverage, 4EB staging at Mussau Island].

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie.
-Assault & capture Ponape.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai.
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.




Other Notes:
-ARD is on its way to Noumea at a lightning-fast 4 knots. At this pace, it should reach Noumea in about a month…I guess good things come to those who wait.

ORIGINAL: Schlussel
I'm kind of limiting myself to too many further offensive actions in the North Pacific (due to the AI's limitations), but I will definitely look into neutralizing Paramushimo.

I don't see the need to treat the IJ AI w/ kid gloves, it's got plenty of combat power. I committed 6 USN oldBBs to my 1943 NorPac offensive - 3 were sunk & 2 were munged in surface combat, only 1 remains operational. While it's true that I limited my naval combat commitment to this secondary theater (only oldBBs, CVEs, CLs, oldDDs), I added a lot of naval auxiliaries & subs. Lots of subs.

I executed a slow, careful campaign against Paramushiro & points west. While I achieved all my objectives, the IJ AI conducted aggressive countermoves, & gave me a bit more surface naval combat than I wanted. It didn't help at all, when a roving IJ CL/DD force clipped out a poorly-protected convoy of 2 5400-cap AEs north of Adak, just after I starting my action.

Now I'm in Feb 44, kamikazes are active, & a single IJ DD just snuck in & savaged a large AmphTF supply convoy in night combat. My take is, the IJ AI has been trying to cut my throat for 26 months, & I'm not willing to give it any slack in return. My oldBBs gave as good as they got, and 1-for-1 BB attrition was just fine w/ me, as I moved down the Kurile chain.

So the AI can adequately react to a methodical advance in NorPac? Hmmm...that's good to know. I was under the impression (and it was an assumption on my part) that I could break the AI if I attacked it down a "non-historical" avenue. Now that I look back at the posts, I think what was said was, "a historical, deep penetrations" would break the AI. Thanks for the post jmalter, I think my forces in the Aleutians may now have a renewed sense of purpose. I don't have amphib shipping to spare yet, but at least they can begin prepping.

One can do far worse to break the AI's heart than engage in some attritional battles in the Kuriles, and if, by so doing, one happens to seize, build, defend & supply a base hex - well wouldn't that just be a nifty spot for a major sub-warfare hub?

Week 75: May 12th – May 18th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
IJN presence at Ponape disappears about mid-week. The garrison is still small (1K troops and 33 guns), which suggests the base is ripe for the picking. Embarkation date for the Allied invasion is about a week off. The port of Tulagi is buzzing…many of the invasion ships are getting minor damaged repaired.




Southern Pacific:
Corsair sweeps of Tarawa go fairly well. They run into enemy CAP consisting of about 24 Zeroes and the good guys down 4 while losing 2 of their own. Pilot fatigue jumps to the mid-teens after the raid, so the squadrons will stand down for a bit before sweeping again. Phase two will involve a small bomber component that will attempt to take out Tarawa’s airfield (currently at level 3). Not sure how effective this will be, but maybe they’ll take out a few more enemy planes in the process.




New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. Allied ground troops try a deliberate attack early in the week. Losses are about even (75 squads disabled), but the big news is the forts are knocked down to 6. Troops are resting up for another attack next week.

On the other side of New Britain, the small Allied amphibious assaults hit Gasmata, Arawe, and Cape Gloucester. The landings go very well, and by the end of the week Arawe and Cape Gloucester are captured. Gasmata is still holding out, but forts are down from 3 to 1, so one more assault should do it.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, the Allied force defeats the Japanese in the hex South-east of Madang. The enemy is in full retreat…next stop, Madang!




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
The main Allied body advances down the coastal road towards Prome, and advance forces should reach the base next week. Supply still looks good, Ramree is up to 61K supply and convoys are continuing to roll in. Japanese air assets at Rangoon have been targeting my small recon force at Bassein, causing some minor damage to the base. Not really worried about this as the main thrust will be towards Prome. Currently the Allied advance is under the cover of jungle terrain, which seems to be keeping detection levels low.

In central Burma, the British Chindit forces continue digging in at Magwe and Meiktila. The British 254th Armored brigade finally reaches Shwebo after a long trek through the jungle. The initial assault succeeds and the base is captured. Now the Allied unit heads North East towards Katha to relieve the battered defenders there.

In China, not much is happening, the only action is the continuing Japanese bombardments at Nanning.




IJN Watch:
-No IJN capital ships sighted all week.




Notable Base Captures:
-Arawe [New Britain] occupied by the Allies (5/13)
-Shwebo [Burma] captured by the Allies (5/14)
-Cape Gloucester [New Britain] captured by the Allies (5/17)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,663 [+76]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (346), Hurricane IIc (345), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 299)

Japanese: 12,660 [+204]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,276), Ki-27b Nate (1,366), Ki-48 Lily (1,105)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 514 [+6]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,073 [+17]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,928 [+66]
Japanese: 6,054 [+98]
A/J Ratio: 1.64 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 39,378 [+428]
Japanese: 28,105 [+153]
A/J Ratio: 1.40 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder:
Phase 1A - LAZARUS:
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force has captured Saidor and is advancing toward Madang]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF:
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – COMPLETE
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM:
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 1,173:817 Forts are at 6]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [Recon shows no fighter coverage, 4EB staging at Mussau Island].

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie.
-Assault & capture Ponape.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai.
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.




Other Notes:
-After a few fast transport missions, Darwin finally has enough supply to begin repairing its facilities. A base force is making the long pilgrimage from Alice Springs and should arrive next week with some much needed air support. Once this happens, we’ll fly in some p-40’s and see if we can break up the constant Betty raids. Even if they continue, at least the Japanese will be forced to escort them.

ORIGINAL: jmalter

One can do far worse to break the AI's heart than engage in some attritional battles in the Kuriles, and if, by so doing, one happens to seize, build, defend & supply a base hex - well wouldn't that just be a nifty spot for a major sub-warfare hub?

As usual you are spot on. Plus that goes with my "Advance on a wide front" strategy. Watch out Paramushiro, here we come![:D]

D'oh. I caught up to live TV. I guess this means I need to start playing more, reading less.

Week 76: May 19th – May 25th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Minor ship damage is almost repaired and Ponape invasion force should begin loading on or around the 27th. KBs whereabouts are still unknown, but clues are revealing some possibilities.




Southern Pacific:
This week’s Tarawa raid does well. Over 30 Zeroes contest the skies, but Corsair sweeps cut that down to 10. We got only 4 kills, so the rest must have been damaged or had technical difficulties. Next, two Liberator squadrons go in, they score a few runway hits and damage 4 enemy fighters, but that’s about it…not too shabby. Fatigue is up again, so I’ll rest up and try again next week.




New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. This week’s deliberate attack results in the loss of 200 combat squads on each side. The difference was the ratio of destroyed to disabled squads was 2:1 for the Japanese and 1:2 for the good guys. On top of that, the forts were reduced to 5…which will make Allied future assaults more effective. Troops are resting up for another attack next week.

On the other side of New Britain, Gasmata falls to the Allies. Now all that remains is a little clean-up work…herding the remaining Japanese unit fragments to the peninsula of Talasea so they can be wiped out.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, the Allied force is marching with utmost urgency to Madang. The journey is a trek through the mountainous jungle, so it looks like it will take about a week and a half. The good news is Madang has a road to the north, so the advance will go faster once it is captured.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
The main Allied body continues to advance down the Burmese coast and is about 2 hexes NE of Ramree Island. Advance elements reach Prome and assault, as recon indicates the garrison is just a few base force units. After two deliberate assaults, the base is captured. From here most of the Allied units will pursue the fleeing Japanese towards Rangoon, however a small detachment heads NE to link up with the Chindits (and friends) that are stirring up trouble in the Mandalay area. The hope here is to open a supply route so air supply units at Ledo can refocus on bringing supply into China. Speaking of supply it still looks good, Ramree is up to 68K supply and convoys are continuing to roll in. Japanese air assets at Rangoon continue to target Bassein and Prome, causing some minor damage to the bases.

In central Burma, the British Chindit forces continue digging in at Magwe and Meiktila. The British 254th Armored brigade reaches Katha and subsequently dispatches the small Japanese force laying siege to the base. Next stop is Myitkyina, where a much larger enemy force needs to be dealt with.

In China, the Japanese show up again at Wuchow in strength, but they shock attack and take almost 5,000 casualties. The Chinese take advantage of this setback and assault the following turn, ousting the Japanese and sending them scurrying back to Canton with their tails between their legs. The only other action is the continuing Japanese bombardments at Nanning.




IJN Watch:
-No IJN capital ships sighted all week. However a patrolling sub gets high detection near Woleai. It’s been patrolling there for the last month with no detection. A second sub halfway between Woleai and Guam reports being spotted by carrier aircraft….interesting.




Notable Base Captures:
-Gasmata [New Britain] captured by the Allies (5/21)
-Prome [Burma] captured by the Allies (5/23)





Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,728 [+65]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (348), SBD-3 Dauntless (346), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 299)

Japanese: 12,882 [+222]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,970), Ki-48 Lily (1,237), Ki-27b Nate (1,219)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 515 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,089 [+16]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,972 [+44]
Japanese: 6,175 [+121]
A/J Ratio: 1.61 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 39,829 [+451]
Japanese: 28,256 [+151]
A/J Ratio: 1.41 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder:
Phase 1A - LAZARUS:
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force has captured Saidor and is advancing toward Madang]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF:
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – COMPLETE
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM:
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 1,167:732 Forts are at 5]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [Recon shows no fighter coverage, 4EB staging at Mussau Island].

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie.
-Assault & capture Ponape.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai.
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.




Other Notes:
-Base support arrives at Darwin and I transfer in two squadrons of Kittyhawks. IJAF ceases daytime raids, the only raids on Darwin now occur at night.

ORIGINAL: cwemyss

D'oh. I caught up to live TV. I guess this means I need to start playing more, reading less.

Appreciate you following along. Stay tuned for the next broadcast. [:D]

Week 77: May 26th – June 1st 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Ponape and Kusaie invasion forces are ready to load, but incomplete evidence suggests the KB may be patrolling near the invasion targets. Loading has been put on hold until next week when I will have 2 more CVEs at my disposal…and most likely a clearer picture of the KBs whereabouts.




Southern Pacific:
Both 4EB squadrons are repairing airframes, so this week’s Tarawa raid is scrubbed. The IJAF tries their own raid on Tabiteuea and runs into P-40s and Corsairs on CAP. Allied fighters rack up 12 confirmed kills, and damage 4 more. I’m sure a few of those didn’t complete the long flight home.




New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. This week’s deliberate attack results in the loss of about 170 combat squads on each side. The ratio of destroyed to disabled squads was about 1:2 for both sides…not as good as last week, but the forts were reduced again (they are now at 4). At this pace, I should have the base by mid-June. Troops are resting up for another attack next week.

On the other side of New Britain, the small allied units are clearing the wilderness areas of Japanese, not an easy task.
On the northern coast of New Guinea, the Allied force reaches Madang. Attacks early in the week make little headway, but by the 1st of June, the Allies have reduced the forts from 4 to 2, and have a 380:70 AV advantage. Fatigue is somewhat high among the Allied ranks, so the infantry will stand down for a few days before resuming the offensive. In the meantime,2 and 4EB target Madang, so the defenders will get no respite.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, the Brunei bombings cease. No Japanese activity noted in the region.




SE Asia/China:
The main Allied body continues to advance down the Burmese coast and is about 2 hexes NE of Ramree Island. The advance elements that captured Prome last week pursue the fleeing Japanese to the South East and begin attacking after a brief rest. The Japanese stand and fight, but they are outnumbered 139:11 in AV. Shouldn’t be long until they head towards the temporary safety of Rangoon. The supply situation still looks good, Ramree is up to 76K supply and convoys are continuing to roll in. Japanese air assets at Rangoon target allied troops in the open (between Ramree and Prome). I task some of the fighters at Ramree to LRCAP these forces, but the escorting Japanese fighters mow right through the two squadrons of Allied Hurricanes. I would add more LRCAP into the mix, but all other fighters are needed to provide cover for the convoys unloading the precious supply at Ramree Island harbor. For the time being, the Allied troops will have to fend for themselves, until they can reach the relative safety of the jungle to the south of Prome.

In central Burma, the British Chindit forces switch from a defensive to an offensive posture. And begin clearing the northern valley of scattered IJA units. Two Japanese base forces are destroyed west of Shwebo and another is vaporized southeast of Magwe. The British 254th Armored brigade continues its advance towards Myitkyina, hopefully I can get there before the IJA Division overwhelms my rag-tag garrison holding the town.

In China, Japanese reinforce Nanning again and I decide to retreat one hex to the east to avoid the eventual attacks. Supply is an issue in this region of China, so I am content In slowly giving ground until the supply situation improves.




IJN Watch:
-No IJN capital ships sighted. Mid-week, three patrolling subs near Eniwetok suddenly get high detection. This could mean the KB is in the area…or maybe it’s just a coincidence. As stated above, I am having my Ponape and Kusaie invasion forces stand down for a few days to give the situation time to develop.




Notable Base Captures:
-None




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,802 [+74]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (349), SBD-3 Dauntless (346), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 299)

Japanese: 13,040 [+158]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,579), Ki-48 Lily (1,439), Ki-27b Nate (1,379)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 517 [+2]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,097 [+8]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,010 [+38]
Japanese: 6,275 [+100]
A/J Ratio: 1.60 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 40,118 [+289]
Japanese: 28,475 [+219]
A/J Ratio: 1.41 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder:
Phase 1A - LAZARUS:
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force has reached Madang and is assaulting the enemy base.]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF:
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – COMPLETE
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM:
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 1,146:734 Forts are at 4]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – IN PROCESS [Invasion forces assembling].
-Assault & capture Ponape – IN PROCESS [Invasion forces assembling].
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai.
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.




Other Notes:
-The Allied situation at Darwin is looking good. Supply is almost 10K and the base facilities are fully repaired. More Aviation support is on the way to allow for an offensive strike capability at the base.

Situation Report – June 1st 1943





Central/North Pacific:

Capital Ships: 1-BB (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 1,960K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians. Advance on Paramushiro-Jima.

Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls/Gilberts. 27th, 43rd, and 7th Inf. Divisions are prepping for Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Roi Namur respectively.







New Guinea/Solomons:


Capital Ships: 5-CV, 6-CVE, 1-CVL, 12-BB

Fuel Reserves: 1,151K @ Noumea
281K @ Milne Bay
175K @ Shortlands

Near-Term Plans: Capture Rabaul. Move up northern New Guinea coast towards Hollandia.

Long Term Plans: Advance up the New Guinea Coast towards Philippines. Isolate Truk and develop bases to be used as launch points for Marianas Invasion.






SE Asia/China


Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)

Fuel Reserves: 1,457K @ Colombo

Near-Term Plans: Advance down Burma coast towards Rangoon. Chindit Raid in Central Burma to force Japanese from Irrawaddy Valley.

Long Term Plans: Isolate/capture Rangoon.






Base Construction Status:


Akyab:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.40 (+0.11)
Supplies: 94K (30 Weeks of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 6K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 3.11 (+0.20)
Airfield Size: 3.29 (+0.18)
Supplies: 3K (30 Weeks of normal operations)

Buka:
Port Size: 1.96 (+0.31)
Airfield Size: 4.06 (+0.36)
Supplies: 26K (16 Weeks of normal operations)

Buna:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 66K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Kavieng:
Port Size: 4.01 (+ 0.01)
Airfield Size: 6.02 (+0.02)
Supplies: 82K (46 Weeks of normal operations)

Lae:
Port Size: 2.34 (+0.34)
Airfield Size: 5.50 (+0.26)
Supplies: 12K (11 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 21K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 5.74 (+0.40)
Airfield Size: 6.92 (+0.35)
Supplies: 151K (30 Weeks of normal operations)

Manus:
Port Size: 3.32 (+1.88)
Airfield Size: 2.90 (+2.78)
Supplies: 83K (33 Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 3.78 (+0.52)
Airfield Size: 6.18 (+0.52)
Supplies: 12K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Myitkyina:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 5.22 (+0.84)
Supplies: 7K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 3.66 (+0.12)
Airfield Size: 6.17 (+0.07)
Supplies: 5K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Ramree Island:
Port Size: 1.93 (+1.09)
Airfield Size: 4.56 (+2.42)
Supplies: 76K (17 Weeks of normal operations)

Tulagi:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 171K (150+ Weeks of normal operations)

Umboi Island:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.42 (+0.42)
Supplies: 27K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Umnak:
Port Size: 3.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.78 (+0.77)
Supplies: 5K (15 Weeks of normal operations)

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians. Advance on Paramushiro-Jima.

Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls/Gilberts. 27th, 43rd, and 7th Inf. Divisions are prepping for Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Roi Namur respectively.

Thank you once again for the update.

As always the maps and logistics information is so very informative for a new player such as myself.

--

I really look forward to more details on these plans.

Do you have good Recon in place ? Any idea what you may face in terms air cover / fortifications / etc?

I wonder and suspect mostly because you have dealt the IJN a significant blow; those Carriers that were (??) sleeping in Hollandia (if that is what there were) must have moved to Truk for example.

It will certainly take some skill to re-orient and plan / execute a third perhaps fourth corridor of advance;

Vis a vis Northern New Guinea, Burma success and now Tawara and Aluetians

Glad you are enjoying the maps and such. I have always loved maps since I was a little kid. I remember on family vacations I would call dibbs on the Thomas Guide, and use it to keep track of our car's progress while we traveled down the interstate. Good times.

As for recon, Tarawa is currently Lvl.3 Port/Lvl.3 Airfield...14K troops/50 Guns/22 AFV's...15 Fghters (mostly Zeroes). Roi Namur (3 Port/ 4 AF) and Kwajalein (3 Port/ 1 AF)are farther from my bases, so I have very limited info on them. All indications are that the Betty raids that target Tabiteuea originate from Roi Namur, so I assume there will be a significant air component to the base. However, if I can take Ponape quickly, I have some PB4Y Liberators that will be able to do some recon of Roi Namur and Kwajalein before I send in the troops. In addition, the capture on Einwetok will effectively isolate the Marshalls/Gilberts from Japan, making the eventual assault that much easier.

The main focus of the upcoming Mashalls/Gilberts operations will be to isolate and neutralize the aforementioned Japanese strongholds and allow the Allies to shorten their supply route to the South Pacific. Currently the route swings south to Canton before heading due east, then up to Shortlands. Its like a large 'U'..so a route through the Marshall's would significantly shorten the boat ride.

As for the KB, their location is still unknown, so any large scale Allied operations require the services of the entire carrier fleet (5 CV/6 CVE). It would be great if the KB would show itself so I could whittle it down a bit, but the AI seems to be playing somewhat cautiously right now. Once the enemy carrier threat is seriously reduced, I can entertain those 3rd/4th corridors of advance you mentioned.

As always, thanks for following and commenting. All the comments from you and the other fourumites are helping me immensely.[&o]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel
Week 76: May 19th – May 25th 1943
SE Asia/China:
In China, the Japanese show up again at Wuchow in strength, but they shock attack and take almost 5,000 casualties. The Chinese take advantage of this setback and assault the following turn, ousting the Japanese and sending them scurrying back to Canton with their tails between their legs. The only other action is the continuing Japanese bombardments at Nanning.

Nice riposte at Wuchow. I've tried counter-attacks in similar situations twice before, & got stuck w/ the check (a real butcher's bill) both times. What's your program for upgrading & fleshing out the Chinese LCUs?

Thanks jmalter,

China has proven to be quite a conundrum for the Allies, as the Chinese are woefully short on experience. But in order to get experience, they need to see combat...but combat eats through supply (another thing they lack). After stumbling though the first year of game time, my current solution is to pick and choose when to fight (not often) and when to retreat (much more often). Even when I do stay and fight, I do so for a short duration. The situation at Wuchow was initially one where I considered retreat, but when the Japanese shocked multiple times and got punched in the face, i found myself with a 820:180 advantage in AV. I knew if I was to attack, this was the time to do it (before the Japanese could recover AV and morale).

As for my strategy for the Chinese LCU's, I wish I had a grand master plan, but currently all i have done is replace poor leaders with mediocre leaders, and position troops to help spread out the supply. My current task has been to begin spreading out the LCUs from the major bases to the countryside. I am doing this to ease the supply strain, as troops in bases force the base to store 3x the supply needed....while troops in the countryside seem to only draw 1x their supply needs. The problem with this is doesn't put the Chinese in a position to advance on the Japanese positions.

The good news is, the Burma road may be re-opening soon, so I might have more opportunities to advance in the near future.

Interested to hear your thoughts on the matter, jmalter.

Week 78: June 2nd – June 8th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
In the deep water two hexes south of Kobe, a lurking US sub spots a juicy target (CVL Ryujo) and fires a spread of four torpedoes (with one confirmed hit), then turns and dives deep. As the hunter becomes the hunted, the Japanese escorts search endlessly, but fail to find SS Seahorse. Not sure of the damage inflicted, but Ryujo should be in the yards for a while.

Additional Intel reports and sub sightings suggest the KB (or a significant portion thereof) is NW of Iwo Jima. Wasting no time, Allied command gives the Ponape and Kusaie invasion forces the green light. The amphib TFs are escorted by the bulk of the Allied carrier fleet (5CV/4CVE), and are sporting new APAs/LCIs/LSTs so the plan is to get in, make the drop off, and get out as quickly as possible. Since the KB is out of position, the CVs are weighted for defense (1DB squadron replaced with fighters on each carrier), since LBA is the only real threat now. The only downside is my BBs are currently in the Bismarck Sea area bombarding Rabaul and Madang, so this operation won’t have the usual ground shaking bombardments at its disposal. Kusaie looks to be unoccupied, and Ponape has a very small garrison (3 ground units, 1K troops, 33 guns), so the risk is not high. There is a moderate pucker factor with the Ponape landings, as those guns could be of the costal defense variety. Most of my combat ships are dedicated to amphibs fleet protection, but I have a few CAs & DDs that will attempt to silence any guns covering the invasion beaches.




Southern Pacific:
Both 4EB squadrons hit Tarawa, scoring modest damage to the airfield. Two zeroes were destroyed on the ground, and more were damaged (10 hits registered). 2 Liberators were damaged, but they shot down 4 attacking Zeroes. All of this is good, as attriting the Japanese air strength in this area will make the inevitable invasions easier.




New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. This week’s the Allies pull off two deliberate attacks, and they result in 4,000 enemy casualties, and fort reduction from 4 to 2. Troops are resting up for one final push next week. Additionally, I have begun loading naval support, engineers, and supply at Noumea in anticipation of the fall of Rabaul....this will be my main fleet hub in the area, and I need it up and running ASAFP.
On the northern coast of New Guinea, the Allied force at Madang resumes its offensive, and after two deliberate attacks, the enemy is crushed and Madang is in Allied hands. Its level 4 AF and level 3 Port will come in handy for the continued advance up the NG coast, but what I’m most excited about is the coastal road. American troops will no longer have to slog through malarial jungle wilderness…ahem…well actually they will still have to do that, but now they will have a trail to follow, which makes the pace much quicker. Onward to Hansa Bay!




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, the Brunei bombings cease. No Japanese activity noted in the region.




SE Asia/China:
The main Allied body continues to advance down the Burmese coast and is 1 hex SE of Ramree Island. Advance Allied elements assault the Japanese SE of Prome and force them to retreat again, South-Westward towards Rangoon. Later in the week, these same Allied forces arrive in the hex NE of Rangoon and force those same enemy units back into Rangoon. Before advancing further, the Allies will rest for a few days to allow a few other units (currently SE of Prome) to catch up. Then the whole bunch (550 AV) will all move into Rangoon together and lay siege to the base. The supply still looks good, Ramree is up to 82K supply and convoys are continuing to roll in from Calcutta. Japanese air assets at Rangoon keep targeting allied troops in the open (between Ramree and Prome). As stated previously, there’s not much I can do at the moment, but I do have a few base forces that should reach Prome next week. Once the aviation support is in place I’ll be able to more effectively defend the area around Prome.

In central Burma, the Allied forces begin the advance southeast towards Pegu/Rangoon. The one exception is the 354th Armored, which heads the opposite direction to take care of bypassed Japanese forces. At the end of the week, the 254th reaches Myitkyina and now the Allies AV advantage is 516:282. The Japanese 54th division located there has been cut off from supplies for weeks and has endured a steady diet of 4E bombing, so I have high hopes for the upcoming assault.
In China, no combat to speak of, which is a welcome development…as it helps my supply situation. Currently troops are in a defensive posture, eagerly awaiting the re-opening of the Burma Road.




IJN Watch:

- 6/3 thru 6/8: High detection on all 5 subs near the Bonin Islands.
- 6/7: SS Seahorse puts a torpedo into CVL Ryujo south of Kobe.
- 6/8: 1 CVL spotted NE of Midway heading east.
- 6/8: SS Growler attacked by carrier aircraft NW of Iwo Jima (no damage).




Notable Base Captures:
-Madang [New Guinea] captured by the Allies (6/3)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,870 [+68]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (354), SBD-3 Dauntless (347), F4F-4 Wildcat (300)

Japanese: 13,357 [+317]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,278), Ki-48 Lily (1,653), Ki-27b Nate (937)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 522 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,105 [+8]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,044 [+34]
Japanese: 6,357 [+82]
A/J Ratio: 1.58 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 40,553 [+435]
Japanese: 28,606 [+131]
A/J Ratio: 1.42 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder:
Phase 1A - LAZARUS:
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Allied Force has captured Madang and is advancing on Hansa Bay.]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF:
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – COMPLETE
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM:
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 916:310 Forts are at 2]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – IN PROCESS [Invasion forces in route].
-Assault & capture Ponape – IN PROCESS [Invasion forces n route].
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai [Recon sights 1 unit/1.9K troops/20 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.




Other Notes:
-All Allied shipping losses this week were due to an oversight at Darwin. A supply TF of 5 xAKL’s had just finished unloading and I forgot to assign LRCAP to cover it on its journey back to Port Moresby. A group of Bettys intercepted the convoy and Type 91 torpedoes sent every ship to the bottom. Luckily the ships had already unloaded and were only worth 1 VP each, but the lesson learned here is still a valuable one.