wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/18/42

A generally quiet day at the office...

Central Pacific: Jap carrier aircraft patrol contacts with U.S. subs continue at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is. Light Japanese surface ASW activity at Kwajalein. All other sectors quiet.


South Pacific: E13A1 Jake scout plane flights again reported Papaete. TK A.F. Lucas has evaded (for now) the Japanese TF at large ESE of Wellington, NZ. The A.F. Lucas is unescorted and heading westbound to Australia via Wellington with a cargo of 10K oil points.

Jap recon (H8K Emily) flights reported over Norfolk Is.


Australia: One Jap air bombing raid against 4 Australian Div - light casualties reported. F-5A recon flight over Darwin reports no Jap activity or changes in strength of Japanese forces in Darwin.

India/Burma: Jap recon flight reported over Imphal, no Japanese air attacks. British bombers attack airfield and port facilities in Rangoon, also attack airfield at Lashio. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 18
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 5 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 8 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 18
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 28 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Awajisan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AO Matsumoto Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
AK Kazan Maru, Bomb hits 2
AD AD-3161, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 9 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
16 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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China: Japanese ground forces bombard Chinese positions in Kanhsien.

A successful local counterattack by Chinese 52 & 54 Corps in hex 43,35 drove back the "point" of the Japanese bridgehead. Given the number of Japanese ground units (seven divisions plus other LCU's) already across the river in hex 45,36 (see AAR in the 9/16 ops report), it is unlikely Chinese forces at this point can succeed in driving back the Japanese bridgehead any further. My estimate at this time is that Japanese forces intend to cut-off and then attack Hengchow. Mobile Chinese ground units in Hengchow have been withdrawn one hex SW from Hengchow to reinforce Chinese forces already in hex 43,37 (this hex is the expected target of a Japanese attack to cut-off Hengchow before beginning the assault on Hengchow itself). A number of (mostly) static Chinese LCU's remain in Hengchow to defend the city.

AAR's of both actions follow.

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 796 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5293 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 204
63rd Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 43,35

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2924 troops, 0 guns, 75 vehicles, Assault Value = 76
15 Tank Regiment
Defending force 24137 troops, 107 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 765
52nd & 54th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 64 - adjusted assault: 4
Allied max defense: 821 - adjusted defense: 635
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
363 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 22

Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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Ground combat at 43,35

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24098 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 764
52nd & 54th Chinese Corps
Defending force 2320 troops, 0 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 49
15 Tank Regiment

Allied max assault: 796 - adjusted assault: 543
Japanese max defense: 26 - adjusted defense: 4
Allied assault odds: 135 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/19/42

Another relatively quiet turn...

Central Pacific: Jap carrier aircraft patrol contacts with U.S. subs continue at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is - the majority of contacts at Kwajalein. It is believed that most or all the KB task forces participating in the action off Palmyra from 8/30 - 9/3/42 returned to Kwajalein, though it is not known whether they are still there.

Japanese surface ASW activity has picked up at Kwajalein and Pago Pago. No hits or damage to U.S. subs reported.


South Pacific: E13A1 Jake scout plane flights continue over Papaete. TK A.F. Lucas reporting no contacts with Jap ships or aircraft E of New Zealand - forecast for weather conditions on 9/20 in this area is Heavy Precipitation. Jap recon flights also continue over Norfolk Is.

Australia: No Japanese air attacks on Daly Waters. F-5A recon flight over Darwin reports one additional Jap LCU now in Darwin (total of 11 LCU's, previously 10), also an increase in the number of auxiliary aircraft based in Darwin.

India/Burma: RAF Blenheim bombers attack Japanese air base in Lashio. AAR follows. Otherwise quiet.

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Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 11 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet

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China: Japanese ground forces bombard Kanhsien - light Chinese casualties. Sigint report for 9/19 (below) confirms probable Japanese intent to attack Hengchow. It should be noted that Japanese 26th Division is not among known LCU's in the hex 45,36 bridgehead. Situation map below.

26th Division is planning for an attack on Hengchow. (Sigint)

[wneumann]

Question for readers...
 
This doesn't seem to be apparent from looking at elements and weapons in the TOE of these units, but is there any difference between Naval base force LCU's (USN, IJN, RN, etc) vs Air base force LCU's (USAAF, IJA or IJAAF, RAF, etc)? They appear to all be put together pretty much the same (especially true of the smaller base LCU's).
 
Is there any difference in how and where one would use a Naval base LCU vs a Air base LCU, or are all base LCU's pretty much interchangeable? I find this question applicable especially to the smaller base force LCU's of each type.      

[okami]

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Question for readers...

This doesn't seem to be apparent from looking at elements and weapons in the TOE of these units, but is there any difference between Naval base force LCU's (USN, IJN, RN, etc) vs Air base force LCU's (USAAF, IJA or IJAAF, RAF, etc)? They appear to all be put together pretty much the same (especially true of the smaller base LCU's).

Is there any difference in how and where one would use a Naval base LCU vs a Air base LCU, or are all base LCU's pretty much interchangeable? I find this question applicable especially to the smaller base force LCU's of each type.      

Naval BF has CD guns and the others don't. I believe Air BF have more AA guns. Of course the allies have more and better of everything than the Japanese.

[wneumann]

Upcoming plans include deploying HQ South Pacific to the Line Islands to support ops and buildup of U.S. forces in the Line Islands. The Line Islands is projected as the main staging area for Allied forces along the southern flank of a U.S. offensive out of the Eastern Pacific - forces building up and attacking from the Line Islands to operate under HQ South Pacific.

With a command radius = 9, the most effective location for HQ South Pacific in the Line Islands would be Fanning Is (see map). Locating it at Fanning Is would bring all bases in the Line Islands within HQ South Pacific's command radius and also keep South Pacific HQ's location somewhat less than obvious to Pillager. Base facilities at Fanning Is have been expanded to their maximum (port = 3, airfield = 4), with ample quanties of supply and fuel on hand.

Comments, suggestions, recommendations on this move are welcome.

[wneumann]

And here's the map.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/20/42

Central Pacific: Numerous Jap carrier air patrols at Kwajalein - U.S. sub Tautog in Kwajalein hit and damaged in attack by D3A2 Val. Tautog now returning to Pearl Harbor. No Jap carrier planes reported from either Pago Pago or Canton Is.

Jap surface ASW TF's active at both Pago Pago and Kwajalein. U.S. sub Sailfish attacked and damaged by Jap ASW TF at Pago Pago. Sailfish is also returning to Pearl Harbor.


South Pacific: E13A1 Jake scout plane flights over Papaete. TK A.F. Lucas still reports no contacts with Jap ships or aircraft and continuing to its destination (Wellington, NZ). Weather in the area of the T.F. Lucas is improving - forecast for weather conditions on 9/21 is Partly Cloudy. Jap recon flights also continue over Norfolk Is.


Australia: One air bombing raid against 4 Australian Division at Daly Waters - light casualties. Report from F-5A recon flight over Darwin indicates three ships and one LCU has left Darwin.


India/Burma: Jap air attacks continue against Allied base at Imphal - AAR's follow.

Several RAF Hurricane squadrons have transferred by rail out of Imphal to rear area bases to speed repair of damaged aircraft. Squadrons moved out of Imphal are replaced with fresh fighter squadrons to engage Japanese air attacks.

Air base support LCU's are enroute to Chittagong to establish a second forward airbase there - once done this will bring more Allied air strength to bear in the front line area and disperse Allied fighters in this area between two bases (Imphal & Chiitagong) rather than in a single base (Imphal).

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 5
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 24
Ki-49 Helen x 33

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 8 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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F-4 recon and Hudson I naval search planes over Rangoon reporting that most Japanese ships are no longer at anchor in Rangoon port and now formed into two TF's. Both Jap TF's are still in Rangoon at this time.

It is announced that Gen C.L. Chennault has taken command of HQ U.S. 10th Air Force now gathering in Delhi.


China: Jap ground forces (one LCU, not identified) entering the Hengchow base hex (44,37). It appears that some Jap ground units have pulled back (?) across the river from the hex 45,36 bridgehead. However, there is no solid confirmation on these Japanese troop movements. Situation map follows.

Jap ground forces again bombard Chinese positions at Kanhsien - light Chinese casualties.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/21/42 - little major activity to report

Central Pacific: U.S. sub Searaven reports one contact with a B5N2 Kate on patrol at Canton Is - only reported contact with Jap carrier aircraft.

No U.S. subs currently in Kwajalein or Pago Pago - subs that were on patrol in both locations damaged in Jap ASW attacks and now returning to Pearl Harbor. Fresh U.S. subs to replace the subs that were damaged are still enroute to Kwajalein and Pago Pago.

Jap minesweeping ops detected at Kwajalein.

Sigint for 9/21 reported Jap 33rd Road Construction Bn is now on Baker Is - the Sigint report for 9/12 had stated 33 Bn was aboard AP Sanpuku Maru headed for Baker Is. Based on 33 Bn's last known location prior to 9/12, the Sanpuku Maru was believed to have departed from Manado for Baker Is. The pack of U.S. subs sent to intercept AP Sanpuku Maru west of Baker Island is now ordered to disperse, some of the subs from this pack headed for Kwajalein and Pago Pago to take up patrol positions.


South Pacific: E13A1 Jake scout plane flights again over Papaete. Jap recon flights also continue over Norfolk Is.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Daly Waters - no bombing attacks.

TK Empire Reynolds (cargo 12K oil) has arrived in Perth from Aden. Empire Reynolds now headed for Melbourne to deliver oil cargo for heavy industry.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight and fighter sweep over Imphal. AAR of sweep follows. Jap recon flight also reported over Port Blair (Andaman Is).

F-4 recon flight over Rangoon reports no change in the Japanese situation there. Only three Jap ships remain at anchor in Rangoon port, all others formed into TF's.

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 9
P-40B Tomahawk x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 6 damaged

Increase in Allied plane losses due mainly to less experienced Allied fighter sqdns transferred into Imphal as relief for the fighter squadrons transferred out of Imphal to rest and speed repair of damaged aircraft.

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China: Jap recon flight over Chungking. Japanese ground forces bombard Chinese positions in Kanhsien - no casualties reported on either side.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/22/42

Central Pacific: No contacts reported between U.S. subs and Japanese carrier aircraft. U.S. patrol subs still enroute to Kwajalein and Pago Pago.

Sigint for 9/22 report - 64th Construction Battalion is located at Sydney Island. 64 Battalion was moved to Sydney Is from Nagasaki and its Command HQ reassigned from Home Defense Force. Pillager has slowly transferred a number of engineer and anti-aircraft ground units out of the Japanese home islands - most of the ENG units going to island garrisons in both Central and South Pacific, AA units going to Burma and Pacific islands. These redeployments have been tracked from Sigint reports, also using last known location of the transferred units and the known (old) Command HQ of the transferred units as of 12/7/41.


South Pacific: E13A1 Jake scout plane flights continue over Papaete - possible Jap TF with one or more CS operating somewhere within a 8-hex radius of Papaete (extended range of E13A1). Jap recon flights also continue over Norfolk Is.

Australia: Two air bombing raids on Daly Waters - one against 4 Australian Div, one against airfield facilities in Daly Waters. Moderate casualties, heavy damage to runway.


India/Burma: Jap air attacks on Allied base at Imphal - fighter sweep, bombing raid (unknown attack mission). AAR's follow. Substantial losses in P-40B fighters from 2nd Squadron AVG, no damage reported to base facilities at Imphal. AVG and British fighter squadrons removed earlier from Imphal now undergoing rest and refit of damaged aircraft in rear area bases - these squadrons will return to front line combat from a second forward airbase now being created at Chittagong.

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 21
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 9
P-40B Tomahawk x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 damaged

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-49 Helen x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 9
P-40B Tomahawk x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 2 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged

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China: Japanese ground bombardment at Kanhsien.

Local counterattack by Chinese ground forces against Jap unit in hex 44,35 advancing westward along rail line from Changsha in the bridgehead - attack was repulsed. AAR's of both actions follow. Also situation map. Jap recon flights over Chungking have been ongoing for the last few game turns.

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 844 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 69
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5346 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 207
63rd Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 44,35

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 48371 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1599
39th Infantry Division
Defending force 21228 troops, 97 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 466
25th, 28th, 29th, 38th, 42nd, 58th & 88th Chinese Corps, 50th Chinese Guerilla Corps/C

Allied max assault: 1422 - adjusted assault: 511
Japanese max defense: 363 - adjusted defense: 953
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
208 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
490 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/23/42

Central Pacific: Japanese AK Nichiyo Maru reported hitting mine at Kwajalein - on fire.

U.S. sub Searaven reports one contact with a B5N2 Kate on patrol at Canton Is - only reported contact with Jap carrier aircraft. U.S. patrol subs still enroute to Kwajalein and Pago Pago.


South Pacific: Jap spotting/recon flights continue over Papaete and Norfolk Is.

An interesting contact appeared in the 9/23 Ops Report - E13A1 Jake sighting report: 2 Allied ships at 84,149 , Speed 0. No Allied ship actually in or near 84,149 - the nearest Allied ship to that location is 12 hexes away at 72,147 (though it is heading eastward towards the area of hex 84,149). Interesting little quirk....


Australia: One air bombing attack on Daly Waters - against airfield facilities. Light casualties reported. Airfield damage at Daly Waters has been at 100 for some time, Allied aircraft are long gone from Daly Waters due to the fact they can no longer operate from there. Pillager's been beating on a dead horse. I'm sure the purpose of the airfield attacks is to hit supply, but they've had negligable effect on supply to Allied ground units holding Daly Waters. 63 Ki-49 Helen bombers being put to good use (at least as far as I'm concerned).


India/Burma: Jap recon and fighter sweep over Imphal - AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 5
P-40B Tomahawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 2 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 damaged

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China: Japanese ground forces bombard Kanhsien, also Chinese units in hex 45,35 along NW front of the bridgehead. Major Jap ground assault against Chinese defenders of Hengchow. AAR for all follow. One of the Chinese INF Corps that were withdrawn from Hengchow is quickly being moved back into Hengchow to give Pillager's attack a little more to beat its head against.

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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 38277 troops, 150 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 857
22nd & 60th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt, 2 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 28602 troops, 100 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 760
2nd Provisional & 79th Chinese Corps, HQ 9th War Area

Japanese max assault: 856 - adjusted assault: 287
Allied max defense: 678 - adjusted defense: 625
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
1391 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
362 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 824 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 71
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5377 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 208
63rd Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 45,35 (NW front of bridgehead)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21470 troops, 102 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 948
32nd & 35th Infantry Divisions
Defending force 16032 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 454
39th & 94th Chinese Corps, HQ 11th Group Army

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/24/42

Central Pacific: U.S. patrol subs still enroute to Kwajalein and Pago Pago. One contact reported with Japanese carrier air patrol by U.S. sub Searaven at Canton Is. Otherwise quiet.


South Pacific: Jap spotting/recon flights continue over Papaete and Norfolk Is.

Once again in the Operations Report .... E13A1 Jake sighting report: 1 Allied ship at 84,149 , Speed 0 (still no Allied ships in the immediate vicinity of this hex)


Australia: Jap air bombing attack against 4 Australian Div at Daly Waters - AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on 4th Australian Division, at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12
G5N Liz x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet
8 x G5N Liz bombing at 12000 feet

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F-5A recon flight over Darwin reports additional Japanese ships at anchor in Darwin (70 ships, increased from last report of 51 at anchor) - otherwise no Jap activity or other change in Jap forces located at Darwin.


India/Burma: Jap bombing raid and recon against Allied air base at Imphal - AAR follows. Airfield damage from Japanese attacks have been repaired quickly - airfield at Imphal is intact and fully operational.

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 22
Ki-49 Helen x 16

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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China: Jap ground bombardment at Kanhsien, attack at hex 45,35 and Hengchow. AAR's and situation map follow.

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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 54050 troops, 217 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1158
22nd, 40th & 60th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt, 2 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 28011 troops, 90 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 751
2nd Provisional & 79th Chinese Corps, HQ 9th War Area

Japanese max assault: 514 - adjusted assault: 166
Allied max defense: 662 - adjusted defense: 1230
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
1599 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 848 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 75
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5355 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 206
63rd Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 45,35

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 43056 troops, 203 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 948
32nd & 35th Infantry Divisions
Defending force 16045 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 457
39th & 94th Chinese Corps, HQ 11th Group Army

Japanese max assault: 874 - adjusted assault: 569
Allied max defense: 436 - adjusted defense: 21
Japanese assault odds: 27 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
367 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
134 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

[wneumann]

Game Question.... Is there any good way (other than combat) to train fighter and fighter/bomber squadrons that are stuck at rear area bases?
 
Given where the front lines are in this PBEM, I don't have any bases (outside than Imphal and the Calcutta area) from which Allied fighters can regularly fly missions to get into air-to-air combat situations. What I have is large numbers of very idle U.S. (land-based) fighters in bases that are way beyond the range of any Japanese aircraft (except for rare occasions where the KB comes to visit). With the current situation, there is little in the way of air bases from which Allied fighter pilots even have the opportunity to engage Jap planes in air-to-air combat - especially true for U.S. fighters since the West Coast and all currently U.S. controlled bases in the Pacific are beyond range of reaching any Jap-controlled territory.  
 
Would be nice to work on raising experience levels of my fighter pilots while they have nothing else to do (besides consume supply).        

[Cathartes]

Welcome to the Allied early-mid-war-fighter-training-program dilemma.  I'm dealing with the same problem in my PBEM and don't know that there's a good solution, other than to get them to China somehow if house rules and situation allow. Otherwise, 30% training seems to balance gaining experience with min. ops loss.

[wneumann]

Appreciate the response, Cathartes. I suspected what you said is the case.
 
Would be great getting some U.S. fighter squadrons to China, lots of IJA aircraft for them to "workout" on. Our house rules wouldn't prohibit me doing it but several things in my situation work against the idea.
 
(1) Supply situation in China - barely enough to support Chinese air ops, let alone bring in U.S. planes to help out. As it is, the AVG squadrons are operating from Imphal and Asansol, and also holding several Chinese P-43 squadrons at Karachi (these came in as reinforcements) because there isn't enough supply for them to fly in China except at the expense of the ground war. 
 
(2) Transporting them to China and back - With the overall strategic situation, sea transport routes between the U.S. and Australia (via Panama City & Wellington, NZ) and between Australia and India are long and not well secured. Allied ship movement along both parts of the route is risky - unescorted single ships or 2-3 ship TF's at most, convoys would be an easy target for Jap interception.
 
I can try the 30% training level. Up to now I've been using higher training % levels on fighter squadrons and standing down squadrons when damaged aircraft or pilot fatigue gets too high.        

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/25/42

Central Pacific: Jap submarine detected at Christmas Is - identity of sub not determined. One ASW TF forming at Christmas Is and a second ASW TF enroute from Fanning Is to engage and attack the Jap sub.

U.S. submarines now on patrol again at Kwajalein and Pago Pago.

Jap carrier aircraft patrols detected by U.S. subs at Canton Is and Kwajalein - no sightings of Jap carrier planes at Pago Pago.


South Pacific: Jap spotting/recon flights continue over Papaete and Norfolk Is. The "phantom" E13A1 Jake sighting report at hex 84,149 did not appear this turn.

U.S. tanker A.F. Lucas (cargo 10680 oil) arrived at Wellington (NZ) - now moving from NZ to Australia to deliver oil points for industry in Sydney and Brisbane.


Australia: Two Jap air bombing raids on 4 Australian Div and airfield facilities in Daly Waters. Light casualties and damage reported.

F-5A recon aircraft flew over Darwin - no reported change in number or status of Japanese forces there.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Port Blair (Andaman Is).

Japanese sub detected at Madras - identity of sub not determined. Allied ship movement to Madras only an occasional transport convoy carrying supply. No convoys currently enroute to Madras, two convoys returning from Madras to Aden after delivering supply. This sub should have no impact on current or immediately upcoming Allied ops.

RAF Liberator III bombers hit Japanese airfield facilities in Rangoon. AAR follows. Pillager removed Jap ships from the port in Rangoon and placed them into TF's docked at Rangoon. Can't get the ships, I'll take the airfield. Might also put a "crimp" in Japanese air ops over Imphal.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 14
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 6 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 6 damaged
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 1 destroyed, 43 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
287 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Allied airfield in Imphal now fully operational - nearly all RAF and AVG fighter aircraft at Imphal available for ops. Allied fighter planes at Imphal are "laying low" for now (no ops other than CAP) until the second fighter base at Chittagong is completely established. Then hell shall be turned loose again...


China: Japanese ground attacks continue at Hengchow - two infantry divisions (37th, 41st) and artillery (1 Mortar Bn & 6 FA Rgt) arrived in Hengchow to reinforce the attackers. Jap ground bombardment again at Kanhsien. AAR's for both follow.

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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2572 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1086
22nd, 40th & 60th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts
Defending force 36370 troops, 141 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 981
2nd Provisional, 21st & 79th Chinese Corps, HQ 9th War Area

Japanese max assault: 22 - adjusted assault: 0
Allied max defense: 814 - adjusted defense: 1952
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
265 casualties reported

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 848 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 78
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5357 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 208
63rd Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Correction to Jap ground attack in Hengchow - reinforcements to Jap attack on 9/26 consist only of 8 Engineer Rgt. Other Jap units mentioned earlier as reinforcements (37th & 41st Divisions, 1 Mortar Bn, 6 FA Rgt) actually arrived in Hengchow on 9/27.
 
That's what you get for reporting several days' activity all at once....

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/26/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting Jap carrier air patrols at Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago.

ASW task force at Christmas Is engaged and attacked Jap submarine I-29 in daylight attack. AAR follows. No report of the I-29 sinking.

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Sub attack near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese Ships
SS I-29, hits 4, on fire (includes one direct hit)

Allied Ships
SC SC-517, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (later reported sunk)
SC SC-522
SC SC-521
PC Atalanta
PG Onondaga
PG Charleston
DD Dent

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

U.S. sub Flying Fish at Kwajalein hits two mines and sinks after attacking and sinking a Jap AG.


South Pacific: Jap recon/patrol flights continue at Papaete and Norfolk Is.


Australia: Two Jap air bombing raids on Daly Waters. Light casualties to 4 Australian Div, moderate damage to Daly Waters airfield facilities.


India/Burma: Contact lost with Jap submarine in Madras (mine laying mission?). Otherwise quiet.


China: Japanese ground attacks continue at Hengchow - two infantry divisions (37th, 41st) and artillery (1 Mortar Bn & 6 FA Rgt) arrived in Hengchow to reinforce the attackers. Chinese defence is taking a (welcome) toll on Japanese attackers.

Jap ground bombardment again at Kanhsien. AAR's for both actions follow.

Ed note - the AAR for Hengchow posted in the 9/26 report is the correct one for that date.

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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 45103 troops, 253 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2018
22nd, 36th, 37th, 40th, 41st & 60th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts,
1 Mortar Bn, 6 & 15 FA Rgt
Defending force 36317 troops, 145 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 978
2nd Provisional, 21st & 79th Chinese Corps, HQ 9th War Area

Japanese max assault: 952 - adjusted assault: 1158
Allied max defense: 788 - adjusted defense: 1575
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
2179 casualties reported
Guns lost 43

Allied ground losses:
417 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 848 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 79
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5415 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 206
63rd Chinese Corps

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/27/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting Jap carrier air patrols at Kwajalein and Canton Is - no contacts reported at Pago Pago.

Japanese ML torpedoed at Kwajalein - AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Kwajalein at 81,84

Japanese Ships
ML Tsurushima, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no confirmation of sinking)
PC Shonan Maru #6
ML Ninoshima

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

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

ASW task force attacked a second Jap submarine (I-28) at Christmas Is. AAR follows. No further contact reported with Jap sub I-29 attacked at Christmas Is on 9/26.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese Ships
SS I-28, hits 9, on fire, heavy damage (multiple direct hits, later confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SC SC-521
SC SC-522
PC Atalanta
PG Onondaga
PG Charleston
DD Dent

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

A third Japanese sub identified as the I-19 detected and attacked (unsuccessfully) by a PBY Catalina on patrol 120 mi SW of Fanning Is. I-19 reported moving on a W heading.

Sigint report from 9/27/42: 42nd Road Construction Battalion is located at Baker Island.

Previous known location of 42 Bn was Darwin. This Sigint report combined with F-5A recon flights over Darwin seem to indicate Pillager may be transferring some small LCU's out of NW Australia - though this is not a major withdrawal of Jap ground forces. The following AAR from 9/27 may also coincide with 42 Road Construction Battalion's arrival at Baker Is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 299 encounters mine field at Baker Island (94,96)

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese Ships
AP Terukuni Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported (personnel from 42 Road Construction Bn?)

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


South Pacific: Jap recon flight (H8K Emily) reported over Penhryn Island.

However... this recon flight appeared to fail to detect the arrival of AK Florence D at Penhryn with 3000 supply points - the supply is being quietly unloaded (pre-deployed) on Penrhyn Is ahead of the arrival of a planned U.S. force to garrison and begin construction of port and airfield facilities at Penhryn.

The "phantom" E13A1 Jake sighting report at hex 84,149 re-appeared. No Allied ships are in the immediate area of this sighting.

Jap recon/patrol flights continue over Papaete and Norfolk Is.


Australia: Two Jap air bombing raids on Daly Waters against 4 Australian Division and airfield facilities - light casualties and the usual airfield damage reported. As stated in previous reports, Jap bombing attacks on the airfield not having a significant effect on supply to Allied ground forces holding Daly Waters.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights reported over Imphal and Port Blair. Allied air attacks on Rangoon airbase continued by RAF Blenheims. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 15

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 58

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 6 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 7 destroyed, 32 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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


China: Japanese continue reinforcing ground offensive on Hengchow - new reinforcements include 36th Division & 15 FA Rgt. AAR's for today's attacks on Hengchow and Kanhsien follow.

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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 117407 troops, 533 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 2388
22nd, 37th, 40th, 41st & 60th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts,
1 Mortar Bn, 6 FA Rgt
Defending force 35676 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 959
2nd Provisional, 21st & 79th Chinese Corps, HQ 9th War Area

Japanese max assault: 476 - adjusted assault: 89
Allied max defense: 719 - adjusted defense: 746
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
1035 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 848 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 80
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5395 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 206
63rd Chinese Corps

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/28/42

Sigint report on 9/28: 53rd Division is located at Tokyo. Previous known location of 53rd Division was Osaka/Kobe. Cannot be sure whether this movement is in any way significant - however, the possibility that 53rd division being transferred from HQ Home Defense Force to another command HQ and the division shipping out of the Japanese home islands cannot be discounted. Though if the possibility is true, 53rd Division could just as easily be shipped out from Osaka rather than moving it to Tokyo and shipping it from there (?).


Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting Jap carrier air patrols at Kwajalein and Canton Is - no contacts reported at Pago Pago.

Japanese recon flight (H8K Emily) reported over Penhryn Is. AK Florence D (cargo 3000 supply) arrived at Penhryn on 9/28, docked and unloading supply. Still no indication at this time of the Jap recon flight detecting the Florence D. No Allied LCU's are currently on Penhryn. From my perspective, I'm content to have Pillager "see" Penhryn as unoccupied by Allied forces until the last possible moment.


South Pacific: Jap recon/patrol flights continue over Papaete and Norfolk Is.


Australia: Two Jap air bombing raids on Daly Waters - one against 4 Australian Div, the second on airfield facilities in Daly Waters. Light casualties reported to 4 Division, the usual runway pounding on the airfield.


India/Burma: All sectors in Burma and NE India reporting quiet - no activity by either Allied or Japanese air forces.

Rebuilding of Indian 15th Brigade (former Malaya Army) to full TOE strength has completed. A cadre of 15 Brigade had been evacuated via submarine from Singapore ahead of its fall to Japanese forces. After reaching India safely, 15 Brigade's cadre moved to Aden where it was rebuilt to full strength. 15th Brigade is being deployed back to India in reserve.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attacks on Chinese forces in both Hengchow and Kanhsien. AAR's follow.

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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 116250 troops, 532 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2327
22nd, 36th, 37th, 40th, 41st & 60th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 1 Mortar Bn, 6 & 15 FA Rgts
Defending force 35266 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 953
2nd Provisional, 21st & 79th Chinese Corps, HQ 9th War Area

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 868 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5384 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 205
63rd Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 9/29/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting light Jap carrier air patrols at Kwajalein and Canton Is - no contacts reported at Pago Pago. (no change from previous reports)

7th U.S. Marine CD (originally garrison at Pago Pago) arrived and is now disembarking at Palmyra. A cadre of 7th CD had been evacuated from Pago Pago just before its capture by Japanese forces in 2/42. 7th Marine CD was rebuilt in San Francisco to full TOE strength before its deployment back into the South Pacific.


South Pacific: Jap air recon/naval search flights continue over Papaete and Norfolk Is. No Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is reported.


Australia: Repeat of Jap air attacks on 4 Australian Div and airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Light casualties reported.


Malacca Straits: British sub Trusty attacked and hit in ASW air attack by Ki-48 Lily. Trusty received no damage in the attack.

India/Burma: Two Jap fighter sweeps and recon mission over Imphal - no aircraft losses reported on either side. Jap recon flight reported over Port Blair (Andaman Is).


China: Sigint report for 9/29 and air attack by Chinese SB-2 bombers both indicate Japanese 6th Division has moved into the hex 45,36 bridgehead, probably to support or reinforce the Jap offensive against Hengchow. Jap ground bombardment attacks continue at both Hengchow and Kanhsien. AAR's follow.

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Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 116495 troops, 536 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2344
22nd, 36th, 37th, 40th, 41st & 60th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt, 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts, 1 Mortar Bn, 6 & 15 FA Rgts
Defending force 35232 troops, 117 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 951
2nd Provisional, 21st & 79th Chinese Corps, HQ 9th War Area

Allied ground losses:
285 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 868 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 5293 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 204
63rd Chinese Corps