Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

[witpqs]

1942 July 30

The Empire captured:
Molu

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Great Nicobar

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


We lost 6 x B-17 against Akyab even with it so damaged, so clearly the Empire's best are on duty in the skies over Burma.

In better news, the IJA tried another probing attack near Changteh, hoping we had weakened defenses there too much.

Ground combat at 80,50 (near Changteh)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 19339 troops, 141 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 738

Defending force 23857 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 617

Japanese adjusted assault: 465

Allied adjusted defense: 1681

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
659 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 128 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled


Allied ground losses:
277 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
51st Infantry Brigade
61st Infantry Brigade
27th Division

Defending units:
57th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army

Here is a look at quiet central Australia. We are pulling units back to make sure they draw supplies from bases other than Tennant Creek so we can build up facilities there. More attention is being given to bases along the northeast coast too.

[witpqs]

1942 July 31

The Empire captured:
Great Nicobar

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


After yesterday's results over Akyab the Blenheims were detailed to seize the opportunity and hit the port today, with several squadrons of escorts. They went in alone, arrived amid severe storms and worse CAP. Lost 20, achieved nothing.

An attack on an infiltrator north of Kweilin got somewhere but disabled even fewer squads than did Imperial air attacks at Hengyang.

Ground combat at 76,53 (near Kweilin)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20217 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 723

Defending force 3841 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 101

Allied adjusted assault: 404

Japanese adjusted defense: 397

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
478 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
267 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
129th Red Chinese Division
120th Red Chinese Division
115th Red Chinese Division
32nd Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

Defending units:
66th Infantry Regiment

Loads of air units re-sized today. Here you can see USN carriers on convoy protection duty between Hawaii and the US West Coast.

[witpqs]

1942 August 01

The Empire captured:
Hengyang

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


An uneventful day, except for the carnage at Hengyang.

Ground combat at Hengyang (80,53)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 56186 troops, 583 guns, 245 vehicles, Assault Value = 1371

Defending force 106437 troops, 624 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2072

Japanese adjusted assault: 993

Allied adjusted defense: 255

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Hengyang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
6369 casualties reported
Squads: 119 destroyed, 294 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 73 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 44 disabled
Guns lost 53 (1 destroyed, 52 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
38754 casualties reported
Squads: 1422 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 1247 destroyed, 45 disabled
Engineers: 127 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 178 (151 destroyed, 27 disabled)
Units retreated 18


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
22nd/A Division
39th Division
15th/C Division
116th/B Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
5th Armored Car Co
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
15th/A Division
6th Division
12th Tank Regiment
32nd/A Division
22nd/B Division
116th/C Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
56th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
84th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
28th New Chinese Division
18th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
10th Group Army
7th War Area
12th Group Army

The losses are beyond any I've seen before, although no units were destroyed outright. The retreat direction is what you might call "sub-optimal" and we will have to scramble to get to the forest.

The Chinese forces attacked again near Kweilin and made more progress. They will have another go tomorrow with a newly arrived unit participating.

Ground combat at 76,53 (near Kweilin)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20038 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 849

Defending force 3472 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 63

Allied adjusted assault: 239

Japanese adjusted defense: 130

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
417 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
115th Red Chinese Division
32nd Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
21st Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

Defending units:
66th Infantry Regiment

Way over in Australia, supplies in Tennant Creek have increased over the last several turns and now stand at 153! Even better, the pace of building has increased markedly and the daily supply limit is 600. That will increase soon as airfield construction stands at 3+91%. Along a similar vein, supplies and construction speed are slowly building in Kalemyo and Cox's Bazar along the India-Burma border.

Here is a look at the situation in China. My instincts were to withdraw previously, but I stayed against my better judgment! The highlighted hex is where Chinese forces were retreated to from Hengyang. Imperial units are already heading to cut them off and you can be certain that air attacks to interdict their movement will be constant. Two units have been ordered to move and block roads and attempt to obstruct Imperial movement, hopefully for just long enough.

[witpqs]

1942 August 02

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


BB Oklahoma has made it safely to Bremerton, plus begun both repairs and upgrades. She will still be undergoing repairs 4 months from now when her 7 months long mega-upgrade begins. We lost a bunch of P-40s and P-39s when the escorted B-17s (you know, the ones that don't need any escort!) to Akyab. The base was well hit, at least. In a turnabout the P-400s out of Ledo made up for it by knocking down perhaps even a slightly greater number of Imperial fighters and bombers. At sea, Grenadier is showing how it's done!

SW attack near Wakkanai at 123,48

Japanese Ships
PB Ayaha Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Awa Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier



SS Grenadier launches 4 torpedoes at PB Ayaha Maru
PB Awa Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Awa Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Awa Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Awa Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Awa Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Toyohara at 125,47

Japanese Ships
xAK Takaoka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Yasukawa Maru
PB Aso Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier



SS Grenadier launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Takaoka Maru
Grenadier diving deep ....
PB Aso Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Aso Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Aso Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Aso Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Aso Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

A lone Imperial star destroyer has been spotted mid way between the Solomons and the Gilberts, heading SE. For their part the Imperial submarines continue to be very active but we have avoided trouble since that small tanker was destroyed.

In China there was just a little good news, north of Kweilin.

Ground combat at 76,53 (near Kweilin)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23718 troops, 160 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 828

Defending force 3138 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 34

Allied adjusted assault: 533

Japanese adjusted defense: 40

Allied assault odds: 13 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1129 casualties reported
Squads: 31 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 24 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (6 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Allied ground losses:
267 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
120th Red Chinese Division
129th Red Chinese Division
21st Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

Defending units:
66th Infantry Regiment

That force is now moving south to Kweilin as the current garrison moves north along the road to the west. Got it? Over at Shaoyang, NW of Hengyang, an Imperial armored unit entered the city before our blocking unit could exit. There were already very heavy air attacks on this unit, so clearly more are planned for tomorrow along with an all out attack by the armored unit. To the east, at Siangtan, air attacks were very heavy but even still a number of our units fleeing westward might make Shaoyang tomorrow. Hopefully they will and spoil the Imperial blitzkrieg. The Chinese Air Force will make an all out effort to suppress the Imperial armor. Hopefully their appearance will be a surprise.

Here is today's map of the crisis area. The critical town of Shaoyang is highlighted.

[witpqs]

1942 August 03

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


All hail the Chinese Air Force!

Morning Air attack on 12th Tank Regiment, at 80,52 (Shaoyang)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
SB-III x 42


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 29 (1 destroyed, 28 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
5 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
6 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
6 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
3 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
5 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
5 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
4 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
3 x SB-III bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 5th Armored Car Co ...
Also attacking 12th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 5th Armored Car Co ...

No one expected them. Tomorrow they will probably be wiped out to the last plane. It is still likely that the Chinese army will be trapped due to the way the retreat algorithm works, but at least today they made a difference.

Ground combat at Shaoyang (80,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 432 troops, 0 guns, 102 vehicles, Assault Value = 767

Defending force 35294 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 538

Japanese adjusted assault: 25

Allied adjusted defense: 74

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), op mode(-), disruption(-), preparation(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:


Allied ground losses:
310 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
15th/A Division
12th Tank Regiment
6th Division
5th Armored Car Co
22nd/B Division
116th/B Division

Defending units:
10th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
8th New Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
10th Group Army
23rd Group Army
50th Chinese Corps
12th Group Army
30th Group Army

A little to the east the Empire tried to take advantage of the troops in Changsha moving on the roads.

Ground combat at Shaoyang (80,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 432 troops, 0 guns, 102 vehicles, Assault Value = 767

Defending force 35294 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 538

Japanese adjusted assault: 25

Allied adjusted defense: 74

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), op mode(-), disruption(-), preparation(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:


Allied ground losses:
310 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
15th/A Division
12th Tank Regiment
6th Division
5th Armored Car Co
22nd/B Division
116th/B Division

Defending units:
10th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
8th New Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
10th Group Army
23rd Group Army
50th Chinese Corps
12th Group Army
30th Group Army

It was due to the road movement that the casualties are so unfavorable. Tomorrow all units will exit the hex in combat formation.

The IJN CAs came back to Cox's Bazar but achieved almost nothing.

Night Naval bombardment of Cox's Bazar at 54,43

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
CA Maya
CL Tama
CL Kuma
CL Abukuma
DD Kagero
DD Makigumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Yugumo


Allied ground losses:
391 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled


Port hits 19
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 6

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Mikuma
CA Mikuma firing at 70th British Division
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Mogami
CA Mogami firing at Cox's Bazar
CA Ashigara firing at 70th British Division
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Maya
CA Maya firing at 7th Australian Division
CL Tama firing at 7th Australian Division
CL Kuma firing at 7th Australian Division
CL Abukuma firing at 70th British Division
DD Kagero firing at 7th Australian Division
DD Makigumo firing at 70th British Division
DD Kazegumo firing at 70th British Division
DD Yugumo firing at 70th British Division

Tomorrow the two USA divisions at Chittagong should begin upgrading their squads to '42 standard, a process that will take 6 days to complete. After that they will move out.

There is again a raiding force (at least) heading toward the Ellice Islands (the 2nd TF is 5 unidentified ships). The Cats have moved and the AVDs are running. Should Wasp and Hornet intervene?

[witpqs]

1942 August 04

The Empire captured:
Changsha

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Dutch sub KXVII tried to ambush that withdrawing cruiser bombardment force. She went to the bottom for her effort. There is some compensation had by her allies.

ASW attack near Rangoon at 50,53

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
CA Maya
CL Tama
CL Abukuma
DD Kazegumo
DD Kagero
DD Makigumo

Allied Ships
SS KXVII, hits 7, heavy damage



SS KXVII launches 2 torpedoes at DD Yugumo
KXVII bottoming out ....
DD Kagero attacking submerged sub ....
DD Makigumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kagero attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS Swordfish attacking SS I-1 at 126,141 - near Duff Islands

Japanese Ships
SS I-1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish



SS Swordfish launches 2 torpedoes at 3,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Truscott at 71,121

Japanese Ships
xAK Kotoku Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Salmon



xAK Kotoku Maru is sighted by SS Salmon
SS Salmon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kotoku Maru

The IJN carriers are unseen by the Cats from their new position. So it's cat and mouse then, with the Cats being the mice.

The air attacks on Shaoyang darkened the skies. Chinese bombers took their toll too, losing 9 in the process. When the skies cleared, the Empire attacked across the region.

Ground combat at Changteh (81,50)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31780 troops, 248 guns, 195 vehicles, Assault Value = 1029

Defending force 44191 troops, 161 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1262

Japanese adjusted assault: 995

Allied adjusted defense: 4233

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), preparation(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
3409 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 268 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled


Allied ground losses:
1428 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 120 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 50 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled


Assaulting units:
15th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th/B Division
17th/A Division
15th Tank Regiment
13th Tank Regiment
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th/A Division
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
94th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
14th Construction Regiment
10th Construction Regiment
32nd Group Army
20th Group Army
6th War Area
11th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at Shaoyang (80,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25630 troops, 208 guns, 30 vehicles, Assault Value = 832

Defending force 119589 troops, 751 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2640

Japanese adjusted assault: 135

Allied adjusted defense: 170

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
4394 casualties reported
Squads: 34 destroyed, 245 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Guns lost 24 (2 destroyed, 22 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
4054 casualties reported
Squads: 128 destroyed, 178 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 27 (14 destroyed, 13 disabled)


Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
15th/A Division
5th Armored Car Co
22nd/B Division
51st Engineer Regiment
6th Division
116th/B Division

Defending units:
78th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps
70th Chinese Corps
28th New Chinese Division
18th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
49th Chinese Division
9th Prov Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
23rd Group Army
7th War Area
10th Group Army
12th Group Army
30th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 80,50 (near Changteh)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25076 troops, 179 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 667

Defending force 23145 troops, 73 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 514

Japanese adjusted assault: 477

Allied adjusted defense: 799

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1401 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 147 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled


Allied ground losses:
597 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)


Assaulting units:
61st Infantry Brigade
51st Infantry Brigade
27th Division

Defending units:
57th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army


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

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 71445 troops, 634 guns, 105 vehicles, Assault Value = 1780

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 3330

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 3330 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Changsha !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:



Assaulting units:
53rd Infantry Brigade
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th/B Division
35th Division
37th Division
55th Infantry Brigade
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/B Division
9th Armored Car Co
41st/B Division
41st/A Division
57th Infantry Brigade
41st/C Division
13th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

The danger now is mostly a code one - if the army is defeated at Shaoyang it might retreat to Siangtan, which is now abandoned but is still in Allied hands. Siangtan is highlighted in the map below.

[witpqs]

1942 August 05

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Trinkat

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A poorly scouted IJN TF has appeared on the outskirts of Cat coverage north of the Ellice Islands, 40nm NE Nanumea.

Tennant Creek is building nicely, now at airfield level 4 with fortifications 3 for a supply limit of 700. If I interpret the rules correctly that means 2,100 supply per week maximum (3 x due to distance from other bases). Supplies are up to 559 and construction is much faster than before.

Our forces began movement to outflank the Imperial troops outside of Akyab and they have instantly responded, moving toward meeting the Australian division. The plan is for both Australian divisions to move into the jungle across the river, and move down to cut off landward supplies and retreat for the forces at and around Akyab. The two American Army divisions will move directly on Akyab with the assistance of armor. In four more days those two divisions will have finished upgrading their squads and will move out.

In Burma a large group of base forces fleeing through the jungle was caught.

Ground combat at 64,40 (near Warazup)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24510 troops, 196 guns, 40 vehicles, Assault Value = 764

Defending force 8741 troops, 65 guns, 110 vehicles, Assault Value = 26

Japanese adjusted assault: 616

Allied adjusted defense: 88

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
1909 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 90 destroyed, 50 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 24 disabled
Guns lost 17 (6 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (14 destroyed, 16 disabled)
Units retreated 9


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
38th Division
33rd Division

Defending units:
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
100th RAF Base Force
108th RAF Base Force
308th Base Group
106th RAF Base Force
107th RAF Base Force
101st RAF Base Force
27th Indian Field Artillery Battalion
103rd RN Base Force
224 Group Base Force

The USA 308th Base Group did not retreat! They will take one for the team tomorrow.

Lots of air attacks with another 10 Chinese bombers going down. There are few left now so they shall stand down. Siangtan has been invested by Imperial troops and so DAW HQ should declare it captured at sundown, a fact that will remove the possibility of wrong-retreat direction. Imperial air attacks were heavy, but the ground troops at Hengyang must have required rest as there was no ground assault there. At Kweilin the Empire did attack, to DAW's consternation no doubt.

Ground combat at Kweilin (76,54)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 36844 troops, 281 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 1225

Defending force 68782 troops, 345 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2086

Japanese adjusted assault: 635

Allied adjusted defense: 2059

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
6144 casualties reported
Squads: 167 destroyed, 334 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 80 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 29 disabled
Guns lost 73 (7 destroyed, 66 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (2 destroyed, 5 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1846 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 175 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)


Assaulting units:
24th Infantry Regiment
1st Infantry Regiment
31st Infantry Regiment
19th Ind Engineer Regiment
5th Infantry Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
9th Division
104th/B Division
2nd RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
129th Red Chinese Division
7th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
32nd Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
2nd Group Army
Lusu War Area
4th War Area
16th Group Army
9th Group Army
35th Group Army

Here is a look at the situation in China, including hex side control. Let's see if we salvaged enough to hold the core of China against the weight of the DAW's armies.

[witpqs]

1942 August 06

The Empire captured:
Trinkat
Siangtan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Siangtan was not occupied at sundown yesterday, so it's fortunate that our forces at Shaoyang were not retreated. The IJN has finally drawn blood in the busy waters off Bombay.

Submarine attack near Bombay at 35,24

Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
xAK Iron Baron, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage



xAK Iron Baron is sighted by SS I-11
SS I-11 attacking on the surface

The air attacks on Shaoyang were massive all day long. Raids against our advancing Australian division were well opposed.

Morning Air attack on 75th IAC Regiment, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 4



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
1 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 75th IAC Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 10



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes

Those fighters came out of Chittagong as Cox's Bazar is still without an airfield. Or much in the way of supply.

In ground combat Siangtan was captured, which at least should wipe out the fortifications. The 308th was laid low in the jungles of Burma as predicted yesterday and now it appears the IJA has given up the pursuit. The Empire made several attacks in China, seemingly using only armored units on the line.

Ground combat at 74,52 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3153 troops, 39 guns, 497 vehicles, Assault Value = 408

Defending force 45230 troops, 368 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1316

Japanese adjusted assault: 175

Allied adjusted defense: 3220

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 18

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 102 (7 destroyed, 95 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
965 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 101 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)


Assaulting units:
3rd Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
1st Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
21st Group Army
57th AT Gun Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment


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

Ground combat at Shaoyang (80,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 342 troops, 0 guns, 71 vehicles, Assault Value = 512

Defending force 99674 troops, 677 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2056

Japanese adjusted assault: 40

Allied adjusted defense: 87

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 36 (5 destroyed, 31 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
720 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (4 destroyed, 3 disabled)


Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
6th Division
22nd/B Division
15th/A Division
51st Engineer Regiment
5th Armored Car Co
116th/B Division

Defending units:
78th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
28th New Chinese Division
3rd New Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
72nd Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division
4th Chinese/A Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
50th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
7th War Area


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

Ground combat at Changteh (81,50)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 960 troops, 17 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 705

Defending force 53387 troops, 179 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1410

Japanese adjusted assault: 2

Allied adjusted defense: 2679

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1339 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), op mode(-), preparation(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 45 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 143 (33 destroyed, 110 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
15th Tank Regiment
13th Tank Regiment
17th/B Division
17th/A Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th/A Division
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
87th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
6th War Area
9th War Area
19th Group Army
27th Group Army
20th Group Army
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

Akyab airbase is scouting as 87% damaged with 24 fighters present. The B-17s will go tomorrow and see if they can hit any. The Americal Division has finished upgrading squads and will await the 27th Division before moving out (3 days).

The IJN TF 40nm NE Nanumea now scouts as 5 ships, 2 x BB. Here is the Intel screen.

[witpqs]

1942 August 07

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Lots of air attacks on our retreating troops in China, but only a probing bombardment at Changteh. The only explanation is that the Imperial forces at Shaoyang were basically spent and have been recovering. More troops exited there today, and some will tomorrow. But not all - will they be attacked?

The rest of the retreat is orderly, but we are losing lots of supplies to over stacking on the roads.

We lost 2 x B-17 in the raid on Akyab, and claimed a few fighters although none on the ground. The airfield scouts at 70% damage. Several bombers were claimed when attacking our Australian division that's moving off the road. Rain tomorrow in Burma, but with B-17Fs coming available soon (pool is building) the heavies flying from India will be making themselves felt more and more.

Here is an overview map.

[witpqs]

1942 August 08

The Empire captured:
Shaoyang
Funafuti

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Funafuti

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A big surprise - only two of our units remained in Shaoyang when the attack came. They were already smashed and got smashed further but only retreated rather than destroyed. Troop movements indicate that DAW has ordered the next round of infiltrations.

Grayback scored against a troop convoy.

Sub attack near Ponape at 116,119

Japanese Ships
xAP Suwa Maru, Torpedo hits 1
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
SS Grayback

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



SS Grayback launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Suwa Maru
Grayback diving deep ....
DD Uranami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uranami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uranami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uranami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uranami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

The Australian 10th Cav Recce Rgt has arrived at Carnavon and found the city abandoned by the Empire. They will effect the capture tomorrow and then move on to Exmouth. Over in Burma there are now seen Imperial troops leaving Akyab crossing the river to the east.

Quite a little armada for the Empire to again capture Funafuti. And they carried it out while the USN had a multiple APD re-supply operation underway to top of supply at several pre-supplied seaplane bases. The IJN forces are too much for Hornet and Wasp to take on alone.

[witpqs]

1942 August 09

The Empire captured:
Kweilin

The Allies captured:
Carnarvon

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Car Nicobar

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Gudgeon scored.

Submarine attack near Kanoya at 105,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Taian Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gudgeon



xAK Taian Maru is sighted by SS Gudgeon
SS Gudgeon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Taian Maru

But I-6 nailed a large, fast tanker.

Sub attack near Channel Islands at 222,78

Japanese Ships
SS I-6, hits 3

Allied Ships
TK Anders Jahre, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC-519



SS I-6 launches 4 torpedoes at TK Anders Jahre
I-6 diving deep ....
SC-519 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-519 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-519 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-519 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-519 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

She went down.

The two USA divisions are setting out from Chittagong for the drive on Akyab. Here is the situation around the Ellice Islands.

[witpqs]

1942 August 10

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Now my Scottish ire is up, after xAK Clan Mactaggart sinks near Bombay. The Allies counter with a smaller ship.

Submarine attack near Bombay at 34,24

Japanese Ships
SS I-162

Allied Ships
xAK Clan Mactaggart, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage



xAK Clan Mactaggart is sighted by SS I-162
SS I-162 attacking on the surface


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Makin at 135,124

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tenposan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-34



xAKL Tenposan Maru is sighted by SS S-34
SS S-34 attacking on the surface

As expected, the Imperials are bombing the crap out of the retreating units in the Chinese heartland. Nothing can be done for it but to make the tree line.

It looks like the full KB is on hand for the suppression of the population of Funafuti. Far to the west, two CM's heading north and a radio contact of who knows what.

[witpqs]

1942 August 11

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Imperial sharks off Bombay claimed xAK Corinda. Yes, measures are being taken. And there will be more losses. A B-17 raid on Katherine went well, with no losses. Some fighters claimed and hits inflicted. A large B-17 raid on Meiktila was scrubbed due to weather at Calcutta. Meiktila appears to be the Empire's main fighters base in Burma at the moment.

Luganville and Tulagi air bases have expanded (Empire). The KB continues to hang around the Ellice Islands.

The Empire continues to bombard Changteh, most likely to keep tabs on our force level there. This attack, seemingly by armor only, went in north of Kweilin.

Ground combat at 75,53 (near Kweilin)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 768 troops, 0 guns, 152 vehicles, Assault Value = 272

Defending force 20962 troops, 145 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 714

Japanese adjusted assault: 59

Allied adjusted defense: 803

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 13

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 25 (1 destroyed, 24 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
245 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
14th Tank Regiment
49th Infantry Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
6th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
32nd Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
21st Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

Here you can see that the pursuit has caught up to some Chinese units outside Shaoyang.

[witpqs]

1942 August 12

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Only one cavalry corps was still in clear terrain and attacked near Shaoyang. They survived and will make haste to the rear to R&R. Our B-17 raid on Meiktila finally came off and was a big success. All B-17s made it home, some Helens and several fighters were destroyed on the ground and the base was hit hard.

Afternoon Air attack on Meiktila , at 58,47

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 42


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 2 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

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



Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 13
Runway hits 59

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Meiktila , at 58,47

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 47


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

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



Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

16 supply hits by 500 pounders - very nice. The airbase shows as 44% damaged. Through back door diplomatic channels we have learned that the Emperor is hopping mad with DAW over this modest Allied victory, accusing him of not being caught napping but "hibernating!" Intel believes that several highly placed electrons at DAW HQ have had their quarks lopped off to serve as an example to the rest.

Our fighters are working hard to protect the Australians' aerial flank.

Morning Air attack on 7th Australian Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 75th IAC Regiment ...
Also attacking 7th Australian Division ...



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 7th Australian Division, at 55,43 , near Cox's Bazar

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 28
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 8



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40E Warhawk (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

While only the 5th Cav was caught on the ground, the air delivered pain in China continued to be awesome and was followed by another armor-only attack.

Ground combat at 74,52 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3147 troops, 39 guns, 497 vehicles, Assault Value = 407

Defending force 44720 troops, 367 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1248

Japanese adjusted assault: 160

Allied adjusted defense: 3142

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 19

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 121 (11 destroyed, 110 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
646 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 69 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
11th Tank Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
7th New Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Division
57th AT Gun Regiment
21st Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment

It looks like another raid is being mounted in the Indian Ocean. Plus at least one IJN TF is drifting eastward in the Pacific.

[witpqs]

1942 August 13

The Empire captured:
Vaitupu

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Vaitupu

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire strikes back! Vaitupu joins Funafuti in a game of ping pong. Cachelot smashed xAK Aden Maru with a single torpedo. The Empire persists in loitering around Addu and Diego Garcia as well.

[witpqs]

Here is a look at all Allied TFs and all spotted Japanese TFs.

[witpqs]

1942 August 14

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


DAW's Imperials have pressed on into the forest outside Chihkiang, although a number of units have pulled back either to R&R or redeploy.

Ground combat at 78,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 180 troops, 0 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 1311

Defending force 84430 troops, 564 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1719

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 640

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99

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


Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
35th Division
37th Division
57th Infantry Brigade
6th Division
5th Armored Car Co

Defending units:
3rd New Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
28th New Chinese Division
25th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps

It was only the armored car company that attacked, the other units having just arrived.

The IJN carriers in both oceans have pulled back somewhat. In Burma, we managed to cross the river first.

[witpqs]

1942 August 15

The Empire captured:
Nukufetau

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Nukufetau

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Nukufetau completes the Ellice Islands hat-trick. Unfortunately, the Empire made a successful shock attack against the haggard defenders across the river from Chihkiang, routing them.

Ground combat at 78,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 43792 troops, 337 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 1307

Defending force 64076 troops, 456 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1230

Japanese adjusted assault: 1060

Allied adjusted defense: 421

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2757 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 306 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Guns lost 20 (1 destroyed, 19 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
9518 casualties reported
Squads: 488 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 809 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 20 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 43 (39 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Units retreated 12


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
57th Infantry Brigade
37th Division
35th Division
6th Division
5th Armored Car Co

Defending units:
28th New Chinese Division
14th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps
70th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps

Holding that position for (much) later offensive would have been helpful, as would the extra buffer space for the current defense. Now the task is to hold the city itself, which is a key crossroads.

In Burma the situation is different, with a river-crossing attack slamming into the teeth of ready troops.

Ground combat at 56,44 (near Akyab)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 7979 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 252

Defending force 16613 troops, 222 guns, 275 vehicles, Assault Value = 415

Japanese adjusted assault: 1

Allied adjusted defense: 976

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 976

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

Japanese ground losses:
4680 casualties reported
Squads: 118 destroyed, 150 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 92 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 31 (24 destroyed, 7 disabled)


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


Assaulting units:
17th Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
6th Australian Division

The 6th Division was still moving but will now pause to await the arrival of its sister 7th Division. Together they will annihilate the two IJA regiments.

A TF with aircraft for Pago Pago and another with troops for Australia just departed Pearl Harbor and were promptly and firmly spotted: 6/6 and 2/2. Both are returning to Pearl Harbor and will try another route with stronger escort.

Lots of sightings by IJA aircraft around Bombay. Including Force Z, which is moving as a result. As far as I can tell they are submarine based.

Here is a list of preparations underway for the Pacific.

Funafuti
1/102 Inf Bn

Nukufetau
3/102 Inf Bn

Vaitupu
2/102 Inf Bn

Tanna
1 USMC Para Bn

Ndeni
3 USMC Para Bn

Nauru
Pacific Ocean Areas HQ
3 USMC Raider Bn
2 USMC Para Bn

Tabiteuea
1 USMC Raider Bn

Nanumea
2 USMC Raider Bn

Ndeni
41 Inf Div

Noumea
South Pacific HQ
3 NZ Div HQ
3 USMC Div
2 Amph Trac Engr Bn
3 Pioneer Bn

Luganville
40 Inf Div

La Foa
8 NZ Bde

Koumac
194 Tank Bn
193 Tank Bn
14 NZ Bde

Pago Pago
7 USMC Rgt (1 USMC Div)
2 USMC Tank Bn
7 USMC Def Bn
8 USMC Def Bn

Canton Island
6 USMC Rgt (2 USMC Div)

Midway Island
6 USMC Def Bn

And, the Intel screen.

[witpqs]

1942 August 16

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire is maneuvering against the defensive spur that crosses the river and extends to Changteh. We simply don't have the reserves to risk those troops nor to endanger the Imperials and so we must pull back, first from Changteh and then across the river.

The Imperial cruisers paid a visit to Cox's Bazar and were not seen beforehand, something common in all theaters this day.

Night Naval bombardment of Cox's Bazar at 54,43

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
CA Maya
CL Tama
CL Kuma
CL Abukuma
DD Kagero
DD Makigumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Yugumo


Allied ground losses:
321 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)


Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 55
Port hits 19
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 5

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Mikuma
CA Mikuma firing at Cox's Bazar
CA Mogami firing at Cox's Bazar
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Ashigara
CA Ashigara firing at 2/1st Med Regiment
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Maya
CA Maya firing at 70th British Division
CL Tama firing at 70th British Division
CL Kuma firing at 70th British Division
CL Abukuma firing at 70th British Division
DD Kagero firing at 70th British Division
DD Makigumo firing at Cox's Bazar
DD Kazegumo firing at 70th British Division
DD Yugumo firing at Cox's Bazar

The IJN carriers operating near Colombo had continued to make their presence known via search planes but had been unspotted for a few days.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 29,48

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A1 Val x 9



Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
KV Aster, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
KV Nigella, Bomb hits 1, on fire
KV Auricula, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Massive explosion on KV Nigella

Apparently they want to make things easier for their submarines! Amazingly none were lost, although Aster will likely sink from the fires raging in her at port-side.

Meanwhile is the Pacific, the KB's likely position (SW Ellice Islands) is only known by radio intercepts due to crummy weather in the area. Even worse, an Imperial surface force has been spotted SOUTH of Pago Pago! Their approach was unobserved. Wasp and Hornet have finished refueling near the Line Islands and are moving back to the Pago Pago area. Notably, Pago Pago and the TFs there have not noticed being spotted.

Lexington and Saratoga will make San Francisco the day after tomorrow or refuel before escorting a convoy to Hawaii. At that point the West Coast will be devoid of forces for the Southwest Pacific, South Pacific, and Central Pacific (excepting just arrived units). The six carriers will then provide cover for a larger deployment to the forward Central and South Pacific areas. The 40th ID is still awaiting PP to be bought out.

Enterprise and Yorktown continue to steam westward, swinging to run north of Marcus Island in the hopes of catching some targets that will cause the Empire to reevaluate its dispositions. There is much risk in this operation, of course.

Here is a look at that IJN force just spotted south of Pago Pago. Admiral Pye's Omaha class cruisers have been ordered to make a short sortie to intercept, but they will not give extended chase. If need be then Wasp and Hornet will sweep the shipping lanes.

[witpqs]

1942 August 17

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In China things were pretty much as yesterday with Chinese units moving to more tenable defensive lines and Imperial troops trying to turn their present positions before they can do so.

The surface force south of Pago Pago was dispatched. Perhaps their mission was to draw air attacks and gain Intel on Allied air power?

Night Time Surface Combat, near Pago Pago at 149,162, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Santos Maru, Shell hits 31, and is sunk
PB Okiyu Maru, Shell hits 16, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Concord
CL Detroit
CL Trenton, Shell hits 1
CL Marblehead
DD Sims
DD Hughes




Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 32% moonlight: 7,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Pye, Wm Saterlee crosses the 'T'
CL Marblehead engages PB Santos Maru at 6,000 yards
DD Hughes engages PB Santos Maru at 6,000 yards
DD Sims engages PB Okiyu Maru at 6,000 yards
Nojima O. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages PB Okiyu Maru at 3,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages PB Santos Maru at 3,000 yards
CL Detroit engages PB Okiyu Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Sims engages PB Okiyu Maru at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages PB Okiyu Maru at 2,000 yards
CL Trenton engages PB Okiyu Maru at 2,000 yards
PB Okiyu Maru sunk by CL Concord at 2,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages PB Santos Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Sims engages PB Santos Maru at 2,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages PB Santos Maru at 2,000 yards
CL Trenton engages PB Santos Maru at 2,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages PB Santos Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

KB appears to be SW of the Ellice Islands. An sKB is SE of Ceylon and heading SE - another raid ended?

The 10th Cav made Exmouth, and town is abandoned.

Here is a look at that situation in China.