LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!

[Jorge_Stanbury]

So if I read correctly, the 10/42 upgrade actually reduced the refit time? interesting...

And yes, it is a relief to get those drop tanks, finally you are no longer out-ranged by the Japanese in a carrier battle

Are you using your transport squadrons for SOPAC resupply? AVDs?
I am using fast AVs too, albeit for low risk areas

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

So if I read correctly, the 10/42 upgrade actually reduced the refit time? interesting...

And yes, it is a relief to get those drop tanks, finally you are no longer out-ranged by the Japanese in a carrier battle

Are you using your transport squadrons for SOPAC resupply? AVDs?
I am using fast AVs too, albeit for low risk areas

I was very surprised with Lex's time in the yards requirement - did not expect it to be REDUCED when the 10/42 hit. While I know the additional 5" AA is a good addition in the 6/42 refit, I'll wait till 10/42 and do both at the same time in future games.

For SOPAC resupply, I run normal convoys (big xAKs/TK)from Auckland to Noumea, than smaller xAK/TK to Luganville which is building up nicely. For Ndeni, I have those three fast banana boat xAKLs and APDs doing runs from Luganville, as well as slow convoys of regular xAKLs.

The problem isn't the enemy at the moment, but port size limitations for the most part.

[IdahoNYer]

2-3 Oct 42

Running a bit behind the game with the AAR, so as I'm waiting for the turn, I'll try and do some catchup...

Highlights – Staying fairly quiet; IJN bombards Vaitupu again, Chungking hit by air hard, Jpn air goes missing from Burma.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Yugure)
SS: 1 (I-28)

Jpn ships unsunk:
DD: 1(Hagikaze)

Allied ships sunk:
SC: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 31
Allied: 09

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: No clue where any carriers are right now….not good.

West Coast/Admin. Sara goes into refit at Cape Town. Fast convoy departs LA for Auck.

In NOPAC, 3 B17Ds hit Attu port, and manage to sink the DD Yugure and SS I-28, both apparently there due to damage. Sweeping P-38s observed the sub sink! At Kodiak, the infamous Attu Invasion Force begins reboarding transports for another go at Attu – I’ve got till the end of the month before adverse weather takes effect as well as losing the additional Naval Air from the Wasp and Hornet while they are in refit. Invasion troops remain the same, 1 Marine Reg, 1 Army Reg, 2 Eng Bn, Para Bn, Tk Bn, 2 FA Bns. Will again abort if the enemy fleet shows up.

CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, IJN CA TF (4CA, CL, 3DD) returns to Vaitupu, sinking the just arriving xAKL and SC and bombarding – keeping the base from expanding and I’ll have to employ subs to bring in supplies – not willing to counter with surface forces with most of the fleet in the yards. B24s hit Tulagi again, and recon says the AF is shut down. Still focusing on expanding Ndeni.

In SWPAC, bombers rest another turn. Still a few turns away before loading transports for Horn Island. Troop convoy arrives at Portland Roads with engineers without incident. Increasing tempo of coastal convoys all along the coast from Brisbane to Portland Roads to create “noise”.

In WAUS, still quiet at Exmouth – very surprised here. Expected a ramp up in activity, now a lull. Exmouth AF and port repaired, but supplies still low, although three xAKLs now offloading. Subs still active off Carnaron to Perth, ASW assets, both air and sea will ramp up. Repl TF departs Perth to refuel Sommerville’s BBs coming from Ceylon. Cape Town convoy arrives in Perth without mishap. P38Fs and 2/3s of avail B17s now staged at Meekatharra – remainder of B17s remaining in support of SWPAC.

In China, continued pressure, but nothing dramatic on the ground. In the air, Lillys hit Chungking AF hard, shutting it down, but lose 17 to AA. Still not willing to recommit the P-40s back to China just yet.

In India/Burma, IJA air strangely quiet over Burma. No bombing raids, no sweeps, nothing. Allied sweeps over Akyab and Lashio come back empty. Allied mediums shut down Lashio AF while Vengence/Benheims hit ground forces near Wazrup, but are not very effective. On the ground, the US 27th ID crosses over into Burma NE of Akyab, joining the two British Divisions already in the area. Air recon shows sizable IJA troop movement coming out of the Magwe area to meet the Allied threat. The US 112th Cav Reg, along with 2 Navy construction Bns land in India at Cochin as does another B24 squadron (8 planes). Still holding back committing the B24s for a bit – another squadron just arrived in Aden (12 planes), and I may wait until they arrive before committing the heavies – that should be about 60 B24s. Bomber a/c and bomber pilots continue to be short across all theaters, so I’m trying to be very conservative!

[jwolf]

In WAUS, still quiet at Exmouth

Well I read some news to the contrary in LST's AAR. I'm anxious to see your take on what must have been a really wild turn.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

In WAUS, still quiet at Exmouth

Well I read some news to the contrary in LST's AAR. I'm anxious to see your take on what must have been a really wild turn.

Yeah, just did the replay from the most recent turn, as L_S_T calls it "Carnavon Carnage" and it certainly was that. But you'll have to wait a bit for my take on it in this AAR...I'm about 2 weeks behind in the AAR from gameplay....I'll get there, I promise!

[jwolf]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

I'll get there, I promise!

OK, I'll hold you to that. [8D] I actually didn't notice the different dates in the two AARs. [:o]

[Jorge_Stanbury]

It has to be hard to keep a detailed account with so many days difference. I would had simply put a short update and move on to the big event [:D]

Going back to my early comment on fast transport; I have found AVDs particularly useful as they carry more supply than APDs.
I also use fast AVs now... By I have way too many seaplane support to bother, they are no longer so useful in their original mission, I have lots of spare construction battalions and supplthereby it is better to simply build if needed.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

It has to be hard to keep a detailed account with so many days difference. I would had simply put a short update and move on to the big event [:D]

Going back to my early comment on fast transport; I have found AVDs particularly useful as they carry more supply than APDs.
I also use fast AVs now... By I have way too many seaplane support to bother, they are no longer so useful in their original mission, I have lots of spare construction battalions and supplthereby it is better to simply build if needed.

Good idea on the AVDs - I'll start getting them off other duties and into fast transport - never enough APDs!

As for the AAR, you'll have to bear with me as I move forward...I'll probably always be a week or so behind the game, but now I'm a bit too far back! Great to see Uwe (L_S_T) posting again...can't wait to read his side of the story in a couple of years!

[IdahoNYer]

4-5 Oct 42

Highlights – Staying quiet; three subs hit by Jpn ASW aircraft near the Japanese Home Islands

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Kuroshio)
xAKL: 1


Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: None

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, Attu Inv TFs complete loading at Kodiak.

CENPAC, Jpn ASW aircraft effort increased off Japan and three US subs are hit – one heavily damaged, the others just forced to return to base. Allied sub “offensive” against merchant shipping continues to be a bust – too often subs found and hit by ASW aircraft.

In SOPAC, it remains quiet. Ndeni reaches fort level 4.

In SWPAC, Terapo is hit by Heavies with poor results, but no CAP is encountered. Six ship convoy reaches Portland Roads with supplies without interference. Medium bombers rest.

In WAUS, it remains quiet as Exmouth is now fully repaired and Aussie Kittyhawks are rebased there. xAKLs continue to shuttle supplies in. US BB NC TF (BB, 3CA, CL, 6DD) departed Perth without incident and moves to link up with BB Warspite TF (2BB,CA,CL, 6DD) which successfully refueled by AO while still some 900m west of Carnarvon. Coming from Cape Town, another TF (CV, BC, 2CA, 6DD) just entered the map due west of Carnarvon. All three TFs will link up and reconfigure composition in the coming days to interdict any landing attempt at Exmouth. I hold off hitting Port Hedland again with P38s and B17s, as aircraft are still being repaired.

In China, fighters sweep Chungking and meet no opposition. As the Chungking AF is now repaired enough for operations, I fly in two P40 squadrons to fly CAP next turn – with some luck, they’ll catch some Lillys trying to shut the AF back down.

In India/Burma, Vildebeests out of Chittagong catch a CL TF (CL, 3DD) off Akyab (fast transport?) and sink one DD and damage CL Jinstu. In the air, Lashio AF is shut down by Mediums, while P39s and Hurris engage some LRCAP near Akyab – losing 2 P39s in exchange for 7 Oscars.

[IdahoNYer]

6-7 Oct 42

Highlights – Jpn CAP does pretty well over Shwebo and Moresby; Allied CAP does well over Chungking

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 44
Allied: 58

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Fast convoy departs LA for Auck.

In NOPAC, Attu Inv TFs depart Kodiak, skirting Cold Bay and move into the Bering Sea to link up with the BB TF departing Kodiak next turn. Will loiter a day or so to see if the KB comes out.

CENPAC, two additional subs are hit by ASW a/c off Japan – this isn’t working well. Figured when the subs got A/S radar, they might avoid the ASW a/c – wrong! One sub picked off an xAK near Balikpapan, but I’m getting nowhere in putting subs anywhere near Japan or the Formosa Straits. SS Runner is hit again while trying to move in the straits to lay mines – heavily damaged, she has a 50/50 shot of making it home.

In SOPAC, NSTR.

In SWPAC, B17s and B-26s hit Moresby and meet Nicks on CAP. The Heavies do well, but the Nicks score well against the B-26Bs; 8 of 32 fail to return. The final convoy arrives at Brisbane carrying engineers for the Horn Island Operation, and will start combat loading the invasion TF shortly.

In WAUS, its still quiet off Exmouth as xAKLs continue to drop supply. Aussie Kittyhawks and Army A24s are re-based there, and TBFs are now based at Carnarvon – but so far, no indication of any naval moves against Exmouth. At sea, a lone IJN AMC stumbles upon CV Illustrious coming on map towards Carnarvon – Swordfish hit the AMC with a bomb, and will try to find/sink her. But L_S_T now knows I’ve got a Brit CV at sea in the area. Next turn, all three Allied Naval TFs will link up and reorganize into tactical formations for action off Exmouth.

In China, the two P-40 squadrons at Chungking meet an Oscar IIb sweep and do well – 17 Oscars in exchange for 2 P-40E and a P-40K. Will augment the P-40s with a Chinese P-66 squadron – I expect more sweeps, then pull the P-40s back to India. Supply woes continue.

In India/Burma, the Allied sweeps and bombers over Shwebo are met by a robust Tojo/Oscar CAP. Martlets and Hurris don’t do well, losing 13 Martlets and 10 Hurris in exchange for 10 Oscar IIa and 5 Tojos, despite a 5k height advantage. The Tojo is proving its worth! The IJA fighters then do well against the B-25s – 14 are lost in the two days. Not good. Will see if P-39s and P-40Ks can do better, and will sweep Shwebo again hard. The B-25s will rest to recover for the next week. Still holding back the B24s.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

What is the situation in terms of supply, air support, airfield level in Exmouth and Carnarvon?
Air HQs& torpedoes?

How many squadrons of dive/ torpedo bombers? how many fighters?

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

What is the situation in terms of supply, air support, airfield level in Exmouth and Carnarvon?
Air HQs& torpedoes?

How many squadrons of dive/ torpedo bombers? how many fighters?

At this point, Carnarvon is fully developed, while Exmouth is still slowly expanding:

Exmouth:
AF:2, Port:1, Fort:3; one KittyHawk squadron and about 2k supply

Carnarvon:
AF:7, Port:2, Fort:5; 2xF4F, 2xSBD, 1xTBF(torp capable at base), 1xBanshee, 1xP-40, 1xP-39, 1xHudson and over 20k supply.

Those F4Fs, SBDs and TBFs are from the Lex and Sara, undergoing refit at Cape Town.

Meekathaara is also fully developed as a HB base.

[IdahoNYer]

8-9 Oct 42

Highlights – Jpn counter landing at Vaitupu; IJA batters closer to Chungking

Jpn ships sunk:
AMC:1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 18

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 2 ship1 hit (2xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Vaitupu (SOPAC)

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC, Attu Inv TFs link up with BB TF in the Bering Sea – but I decide to abort the Attu invasion – risk just out ways the potential gain. At best, Attu is taken. At worst, the KB makes another appearance and I lose a fleet. Just not worth it as I have absolutely no idea where the KB is – and there’s still a good chance it remained in Japanese Home waters just waiting for me to make another attempt at Attu. Will disembark the troops ashore, and return most of the invasion shipping to the West Coast. Next look at invading Attu won’t be until late spring ’43.

CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, the IJN make another appearance off Vaitupu – this time to invade. Only a little bit surprise – I’m still not putting that much value in Vaitupu. But, since most of the US fleet is in refit, and L_S_T knows this, it’s a good time for him to counter-invade. And with Vaitupu being outside LBA range – except heavy bombers – its vulnerable. Especially since I didn’t do much to protect the force – only a single infantry battalion and two SeaBee Bns. Out of supply no less. Chalk it up to a lesson learned – I won’t land troops and leave them this exposed again. Still, while all this is going on, Ndeni is about ready to base Heavies.

In SWPAC, Marine F4Fs sweep Port Moresby for the first time thanks to drop tanks – they meet no opposition and B17s hit the base with good effect. In Brisbane, troops start embarking on transports for Horn Island.

In WAUS, the raiding AMC is hunted down and sunk by CA Dorsetshire without much trouble. Naval units well west of Carnavon await another tanker out of Perth, but a CA TF detaches to provide close escort for transports carrying CD units to Carnavon. Remains quiet over both Exmouth and Port Hedland – still waiting for supplies to build up in Exmouth to allow F4Fs to have drop tanks and sweep Port Hedland before I launch P-38s and B17s to raid the base. I have time.

In China, the IJA gains another major step closer to Chungking, assaulting across the river 80m north of the city and decimating the Chinese defenders. This also effectively flanks the defense of Kienko to the north as well. Just a matter of time before we’re fighting in the streets of Chungking.

In India/Burma, the two British divisions NE of Akyab have confirmed the IJA’s 21st Div which hold two Allied deliberate attacks – casualties are light for both sides, but at least I know where the 21st ID is located. This will trigger heavy air commitment to pound these units, likely drawing out the Jpn fighters to protect them – much closer to fighter Allied bases. The goal here remains to draw the Jpn forces into a battle of attrition, gradually flanking and compromising his position at Akyab.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

How developed is Vaitupu? how developed is Ndeni?
I am trying to figure out what is the value of it on a Japanese perspective. You mentioned that Ndeni is almost ready for heavies... which means that very soon you could be bombing Vaitupu merciless... Maybe he just seized the opportunity to destroy LCUs? then withdraw?

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

How developed is Vaitupu? how developed is Ndeni?
I am trying to figure out what is the value of it on a Japanese perspective. You mentioned that Ndeni is almost ready for heavies... which means that very soon you could be bombing Vaitupu merciless... Maybe he just seized the opportunity to destroy LCUs? then withdraw?

Ndeni is at P2, A4, F4 with many engineers working to expand the AF. I see Ndeni as a great base to support operations into the Solomons - 9 hexes from Guad/Tulagi.

Vaitupu is a rock, P1, A0, F2 and will fall in the first assault as I only put a infantry battalion on it to cover the engineers. Didn't expect a rapid response - had a USMC Def Bn slated and ready to ship from another base, but with KB2 prowling the waters, L_S_T effectively isolated it.

Why is Vaitupu important? That is what I'm scratching my head about. To me, it was to expand PBY searches north, and eventually develop it as AF for operations in CENPAC - but that was 6 months down the road. Guess L_S_T saw it as a threat to the Gilberts, and had an opportunity to push me back, which he did.

I'm good with focusing on Ndeni...

[IdahoNYer]

10-11 Oct 42

Highlights – Vaitupu falls; heavy air battles over Moresby and Burma

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hagikaze) old?
xAK: 1 old?

Jpn ships unsunk:
CL: 1 (Nagara)
SS: 1 (RO-67)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 58
Allied: 57

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Vaitupu (SOPAC)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. 43rd ID departs East Coast for Cape Town and deployment in India/Burma. Slow Convoy departs LA for Auckland.

In NOPAC, Attu Inv TFs with BB TF depart the Bering Sea for the Aleutians and Kodiak. Amchitka based Vindicators hit DD Hatsuharu w/ 2 bombs off Agattu Is (SE of Attu). Will need to re-establish some type of naval TF at DH and the Aleutians, but it won’t be centered around BBs. Will pull out the Naval air squadrons in about a week and they’ll base back aboard Hornet and Wasp.

In SOPAC, Vaitupu falls, but PBYs pull out parts of the IN Bn and one of two SEABEE battalions. Its something. And of course, sub SS Porpoise gets a shot a CV Hiyo, but misses with 4 torps. Still no joy in sub ops recently…

In SWPAC, Marine F4Fs sweep Port Moresby again, and meet a robust mixed CAP of about 40 fighters (A6M2s and 3s, Oscar IIa and IIb and Nicks). The Wildcats do well, knocking down about half, but still leave about 20 when the B17s come in – they lose 4. After all the dust is settled, 9 Wildcats are written off, but only 2 pilots. Damage to Moresby is moderate, but it should be shut down – I figure the fighters were on LRCAP from the Wau area – will sweep Moresby again with Navy F4Fs next turn, the Heavies need some repairs. Horn Island Inv convoys will depart Brisbane for staging at Townsville next turn.

In WAUS, Exmouth finally gets enough supply to support F4Fs with drop tanks, so along with P-38s out of Meekatharra, will sweep Port Hedland – hopefully followed by a raid by B17s. At sea, the TFs reconfigure after taking additional fuel. CV TF (CV, 3CA, 4DD), BC TF (BB, BC, 4DD) and BB TF (2BB, 4DD) all will move towards Carnarvon and prepare for future operations – either intercept IJN bombardment TFs or hit Port Hedland. Going to get busy here soon!

In China, armor that crossed north of Chungking already is moving to cut off the Kienko forces. I’ve decided to pull out the US fighters, so they stage at Kumning to fly back to India.

In India/Burma, both sides sweep/LRCAP over the IJA 21st Div position, and both sides lose about a dozen fighters. Stage is setting for committing B-24s next turn, supported by more fighters. Like SWPAC and WAUS, going to get busy in the air here as well – this will stretch the limited fighter pools!

[jwolf]

Going to get busy here soon!

Quite an understatement! Can't wait 'til you get to the blood bath!

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I am sorry I mistook Vaitupu with Vanikoro; I thought he had invaded Vanikoro.

Vaiputu is an interesting recon/ naval search base.. but nothing more than that... but if he takes Baker next, then you will not have any capability to recon the Gilbert islands (other than risking a carrier) until you start getting long ranged PB4Ys Liberators in December, and those are going to be very scarce until you slowly build inventories.

With Vaiputu at level 1 airfield and PB4Y Liberators you could even recon Kwajalein island

[IdahoNYer]

12-13 Oct 42

Highlights – Port Hedland bombed effectively; no air opposition over Burma or New Guinea.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hatsuzuki) old?

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 41
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: 2nd Tank Div and 48th Infantry Div reportedly moving to Rangoon on transports.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC, pretty quiet. Half of the Attu invasion TF begins offloading at DH while the other half arrives at Kodiak. The BBs headed out of theater back to the West Coast.

In SOPAC, KB 2 sighted by PBYs well north of Ndeni heading NW – Rabaul or Truk perhaps? Continue moving of shipping and reinforcing of Ndeni continues. Tulagi hit by 22xB-24s with good effect, AF should be closed. No air opposition.

In SWPAC, Moresby swept by F4Fs again, no CAP. Horn Island TF approaching Townsville. Coastal convoy with engineers arrives at Portland Roads. 11th BG with B-17s arrives back from WAUS and the P-38Fs also are flown back to SWPAC. Will continue offensive air operations into New Guinea bases as range permit – I’m pretty sure L_S_T knows an invasion in coming, I’m just hoping he’s not sure exactly where.

In WAUS, P-38F and F4Fs sweep Port Hedland in the AM, and then B-17s hit the base in the afternoon – couldn’t have been synchronized better! Only surprise was that there was no CAP!! This had been a Hornets Nest in the past, and I expected a stiff fight! No Allied losses, and bombing results were good– 16 Nicks, 3 Dinahs and 2 Babs destroyed on the ground with moderate damage to the AF. Will hit the target again next turn, and BC TF (BB, BC, 4DDs) enroute to bombard. Goal here is twofold – keep Port Hedland shut down to allow Exmouth to further develop and also to convince L_S_T that an invasion may be on the horizon – and keep some pressure off the upcoming Horn Is landing.

In China, the position continues to deteriorate. Chinese defenders in good terrain east of Kienko are pushed back into the city after two heavy attacks – losses aren’t catastrophic but it doesn’t really matter since the Kienko position is outflanked by the attack north of Chungking. With armor already exploiting in the Chinese rear north of Chungking, I expect to lose another dozen corps. But truthfully, it doesn’t matter much – I don’t have the supply for these troops anyway. I will bring the P-40s back to Chungking for short while to see if they can intercept some ground support missions.

In India/Burma, B-24s undertake their first mission in Theater, and 38 of the Heavies hit the 21st ID NE of Akyab – results are poor, and no enemy fighters come up in support either. The anticipated heavy air losses due to heavy sweeps didn’t happen. Like over Port Hedland, I’m surprised that enemy fighters have been pulled back – in this case to Magwe, and I’m not quite ready to launch against that base yet – I want to get the inbound P-38Es and F4Fs deployed first. Next turn, ground forces will attack the 21st ID, again supported heavily by airforces – I don’t expect much, but I want to try before additional troops arrive. Lastly, with the intel reporting two more divisions inbound to Theater, 48th ID (was in the PI) and the 2nd Tank Div (was in Kwangtung Army), I can expect little gains on the ground, but the goal of atritting the Japanese land and air forces – as well as forcing greatly increased supply expenditure – should be achieved.

[IdahoNYer]

14-15 Oct 42

Highlights – British push back the 21st ID in Burma, Chinese actually win one, but also lose a big one; Navy bombards Port Hedland and heavy air combat over Moresby.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-62)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 42
Allied: 34

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Absolutely worthless….no idea where any major naval units are at this time.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Lunga hit by B-24s with good effect; B-24s will move to SWPAC to support Horn Island invasion by raiding New Guinea bases at night. 2nd USMC Para Bn begins being airlifted by PBYs to Funafuti – will build up that base now that Vaitupu is in enemy hands.

In SWPAC, Moresby swept by F4Fs again, and meets a robust CAP of 25 A6M3 Zeros – in two days, both sides lose pretty equal numbers, 17 Zeros to 14 F4Fs – but not many US pilots. Will continue pressure on Moresby as well as other bases (starting with WAU) with sweeps and bombing – next turn could be expensive. Horn Island TFs reach Townsville, and will depart to final staging at Portland Roads.

In WAUS, B-17s hit Port Hedland both days, no CAP and no friendly losses, while shutting down the base and destroying 7 Nicks on the ground. BC TF (BB, BC, 4 DDs) bombard the base, but do little damage – but it is an offensive naval bombardment, which is good for player morale – if they avoid the subs and Ms. Betty next turn! Convoy unloads CD Battalion to Carnarvon without issue, and next turn convoy will depart for Exmouth with USMC Def Bn with CA TF in escort. Still surprised that L_S_T hasn’t challenged these efforts in WAUS more.

In China, two major land battles. On the bright side, a Chinese Corps forces an IJA Bde back from positions north of Chungking with heavy loss. On the negative, the main IJA force drives closer to Kienko from the south with a very successful attack. Kienko will turn out to be a major loss as numerous Corps are likely to be trapped. Situation in China below..I hate China…

In India/Burma, the British attacked the 21st ID on both days, and the second attack pushed the IJA back with substantial loss. Didn’t expect that! More enemy forces are being brought up, but this still provides a good threat in the flank to Akyab. Ground attack was heavily supported by airforces which met no opposition – but a squadron of Tojos moved to Myitkyina and they intercepted the Vengence strike near the India border, losing 4 Tojos to 2 Hurris and 2 Vengence. Will focus the B-24s against Myitkyina next.