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Summary of Operations 8/18/42

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-16 (36 transports, 6 SC’s) departing this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo loaded aboard the convoy includes six USAAF air squadrons (including the first 4E bomber squadrons for the SW Pacific theatre from the mainland US), 97K supply and 57K fuel. The six SC’s sailing with convoy EX-16 will remain in Australia for assignment with South or SW Pacific theatre after their arrival.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 8/17 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein (for a third consecutive day), radio transmissions also intercepted from Wake and Baker Is. Detected statuses of Baker and Wake Is show undetermined Jap aircraft at the two bases. Kwajalein continues to show undetermined Jap aircraft based there along with ship(s) at anchor in port. The unidentified Jap TF(s) detected last game turn in Kwajalein base are no longer visible.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/17 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 13 ships reported in port at Rabaul


Australia: Jap ground attack air bombing raid against Allied LCU’s in Portland Roads continue.


DEI: Japanese air bombing raids on Ternate (Maluccas) continue. Latest AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Ternate Det. Base Force, at 78,102 (Ternate)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 102 aircraft (32 fighters, 30 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground bombardment at Sining continues. No change.

If there is any justice, your skill with supply/logistics planning should win the game. I look forward to each AAR report[8D]

Did you get any of the B-17`s out of the PI before they fell / Can you run any 4E Recon from East Oz, into PM, Lae, and Buna ?

I know some folks don`t like kibbitzing in their AAR, and I don`t make a habit of it, so I hope you don`t mind me saying that your keeping the 4 CV`s on the west coast is high risk, in terms of reacting to a CP or SP invasion TF, should Pillager wake up.

Richard,

Welcome back. Any 'two cents" you have to offer is appreciated. You could be pointing out something I'm overlooking or at the very least verification to what I'm already seeing.

your skill with supply/logistics planning should win the game.

I am of the opinion that (in AE) major operations let alone a sustained offensive are not going to be successful without an adequate level of preparation. Preparation isn't exactly an exciting part of the game, but a necessary evil. 1942 is hardly the point in time for the Allies to seriously deflate the Japanese empire. Right now, the more I move out of the mainland US and into forward staging areas (Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, mainland India) the better. Non-stop buildup.

While I have no hard evidence to back this theory up, logistics could be a very big factor behind (Pillager's) Japanese problems in this PBEM. I can definately say for a fact that there was zero (or almost zero) supply or fuel left behind in the majority of Allied-controlled bases Pillager captured during the initial Japanese advance. "Scorched earth" was not an intentional part of my initial strategy but once discovered it became a rather useful tool. There were a few places (i.e. Palembang) where Pillager did capture a considerable stockpile of fuel, supply, oil, etc; but on the whole, the Japanese forces in Pillager's advance had to rely on a continuous flow of supply and/or fuel shipped forward from the "homeland" in order to remain supplied at all, let alone attack in most localities.

... keeping the 4 CV`s on the west coast is high risk, in terms of reacting to a CP or SP invasion TF, should Pillager wake up

You're correct, there is a risk. Though at this point, many of the potential Japanese objectives are now heavily occupied and fortified.

Summary of Operations 8/19/42

Japanese Home Islands: US sub intercepts and torpedoes escorted Jap transport ship, sub was damaged in a subsequent surface ASW attack. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 114,75 (E of Chichi Jima)

Japanese Ships
xAK Toyohasi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC Ch 19

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish, hits 2 (system damage 5, float 39, withdrawing to base at 12 kts)

SS Flying Fish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Toyohasi Maru
SC Ch 19 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/18 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: AKE Utide Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty


Australia: Jap ground attack air bombing raid against Allied LCU’s in Portland Roads continue. Latest AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby Brigade, at 91,132 (Portland Roads)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G3M2 Nell x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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DEI: Japanese air bombing raids on Ternate (Maluccas) continue. AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Ternate Det. Base Force, at 78,102 (Ternate)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Philippines: Japanese amphibious landing underway at Bacolod. AAR’s follow.

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Pre-Invasion action off Bacolod

Japanese Ships
PB Showa Maru #5
PB Chiyo Maru
PB Chitose Maru
PB Tamo Maru #7
PB Tama Maru #2
PB Kyo Maru #3
SC Ch 5
LSD Shinshu Maru

PB Showa Maru #5 fired at enemy troops
PB Chiyo Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Chitose Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Tamo Maru #7 fired at enemy troops
PB Tama Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
PB Kyo Maru #3 fired at enemy troops
SC Ch 5 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

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Amphibious Assault at Bacolod

TF 317 troops unloading over beach at Bacolod, 79,85

Japanese ground losses:
336 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

20 troops of a IJA HMG Squad lost overboard during unload of 24th Div /11
20 troops of a IJA HMG Squad lost in surf during unload of 24th Div /11
16 troops of a IJA Cavalry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 24th Div /13
10 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 24th Div /15
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 24th Div /17
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 24th Div /19

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Southeast Asia: Japanese air strikes against Port Blair resume. Current base damage levels at Port Blair are port 20, airfield service 53, runway 55. AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 11

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, three Jap TF’s in harbor (+3 from last report), 106 aircraft (43 fighters, 29 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s. One Jap TF in Rangoon appears to be a surface combat TF (9 ships, cruisers & DD), another Jap TF appears to include one or more transports, mission of the third Jap TF (7 ships) is undetermined.


China: Continued Japanese ground bombardment at Sining. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23382 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 773
Defending force 19077 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 655

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

Assaulting units:
17th Division
37th Division
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
17th Chinese Corps
303rd Brigade
259th Brigade
9th Separate Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force
12th Chinese Base Force

Summary of Operations 8/20/42

Hawaii: Two unidentified Jap submarines detected NE of Oahu. One sub is moving on a E heading, appears to be headed for the US West Coast. The second Jap submarine is moving on a SE heading. No US shipping is in the immediate vicinity of either Jap sub.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/19 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake Is. Detected status of Wake shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Evidence of construction activity also observed at Wake – airfield size expanded to maximum 3(0). Two Jap LCU’s are known to be located on Wake – Maizuru 2 SNLF and 14 JNAF AF Unit.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: xAKL Suez Maru reported in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Luganville is reported empty

SW Pacific: US sub intercepts what appears to be a lone Japanese transport passing around the eastern tip of New Guinea and bound for Port Moresby. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Deboyne Islands at 103,134

Japanese Ships
xAK Kisogawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack

xAK Kisogawa Maru is sighted by SS Skipjack
SS Skipjack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kisogawa Maru

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Australia: Japanese fighter sweep and bombing attack on Townsville. Minor damage reported to airfield facilities – airfield service damage 15, runway damage 8. Flak and fighter squadron reinforcements are being dispatched to Townsville. AAR’s follow.

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Afternoon Air attack on Townsville , at 92,144

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet *

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Afternoon Air attack on Townsville , at 92,144

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 12

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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There is now some reason to suspect that Pillager has at least an interest in if not actually considering a Japanese invasion of NE Australia – two reasons supporting this being (1) Pillager’s recent Japanese air and naval bombardment activity in this area, and (2) Pillager landed Japanese forces in NE Australia (at Portland Roads) in our last CHS game.

I had started some measures to at least oppose if not prevent a Japanese entry into NE Australia. These measures are now being accelerated given the recent developments in this region.

First, the dot hex base at Portland Roads has been occupied by Australian troops and fortifications built. No construction of either airfield and port facilities in Portland Roads has been done – airfield and port sizes are being left at zero to deny any “developed” facilities at Portland Roads to the Japanese in the event Pillager successfully lands and captures this base. Portland Roads is currently garrisoned with two Australian units (total assault strength 115, all AIF infantry) with level 3 fortifications. Engineers are also deployed in Portland Roads and construction of additional fortifications is progressing. It won’t stop a Jap division but if Pillager wants the place bad enough, he might end up having to send one.

Similar actions have been taken in Normanton to prevent a Japanese “back door” invasion of NE Australia at this location.

I had been in the early stages of preparation for a large-scale operation of the US 5th Air Force from bases in NE Australia - Townsville & Charters Towers initially, then expanding to other NE Australia bases. Plans are to launch offensive Allied air operations against Port Moresby and otherwise force a general engagement with the Japanese in the air over this region. At this point, engineers are now expanding airfield facilities at both Townsville and Charters Towers. Arrival of 5th USAAF and V US Bomber Command HQ’s in Australia (as reinforcements) is expected in 12 days, II US Fighter Command HQ of US 5th Air Force is already in Australia (transported here from the mainland US via Capetown). All three HQ are anticipated to be employed in support of planned Allied air operations in NE Australia. Five USAAF 4E bomber squadrons departed the Eastern US for Australia (via Capetown) on 8/17 aboard transport convoy EX-16, this convoy expected to arrive in Australia in Oct 42. Other USAAF air squadrons are already based in Australia or are now enroute via sea transport.

At this stage, Allied air defensive operations in NE Australia will begin immediately and expanded as rapidly as possible. Preparations just described above will continue with offensive air operations from NE Australia anticipated to start sometime in Nov-Dec 42 following arrival of 4E bomber squadrons in Australia from the Eastern US.


DEI: Japanese air bombing raids on Ternate (Maluccas) continue. Latest AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Ternate Det. Base Force, at 78,102 (Ternate)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Philippines: Japanese capture Bacolod. AAR’s follow.

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Invasion Support action off Bacolod (two bombardment actions this game turn, only the first one shown)

Japanese Ships
PB Showa Maru #5
PB Chiyo Maru
PB Chitose Maru
PB Tamo Maru #7
PB Tama Maru #2
PB Kyo Maru #3
SC Ch 5
LSD Shinshu Maru

PB Showa Maru #5 fired at enemy troops
PB Chiyo Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Chitose Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Tamo Maru #7 fired at enemy troops
PB Tama Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
PB Kyo Maru #3 fired at enemy troops
SC Ch 5 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

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Morning Air attack on 73rd PA Infantry Regiment, at 79,85 (Bacolod)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 13

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Ground combat at Bacolod (79,85)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10014 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 239
Defending force 424 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10
Japanese adjusted assault: 109
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 109 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Bacolod !!!

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

Allied ground losses:
534 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
24th Division (landed at Dumaguete, then moved overland to Bacalod )

Defending units:
73rd PA Infantry Regiment (eliminated)

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, three Jap TF’s in harbor, 71 aircraft (27 fighters, 16 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


India: Two Indian engineer battalions plus 103 RAF Base Force arrived in Ledo this game turn to support China supply airlift operations. Three air base force LCU’s now in Ledo will have a sufficient number of aviation support elements (134 total) to adequately support Allied air transport squadrons flying airlift operations from Ledo. Engineers arriving in Ledo this game turn are reinforcing construction activity to expand airfield facilities at Ledo. Additional air transport squadrons are now transferring to Ledo from Bombay and are anticipated to arrive in Ledo shortly.

It will probably be necessary to also transfer flak and fighter squadrons into Ledo as security against Japanese air attacks, especially once Pillager gets wind of what's going on.


China: Japanese continue ground bombardment at Sining, no change.

Indications are that Pillager’s next Japanese objective in China is a southward advance towards Kunming and the China-Burmese border to open land communications between Burma and the main Chinese front. While the southward Japanese advance is not good news, the one positive aspect of this is that it could buy some time to get a supply airlift into China operating and an opportunity to recover the situation in the Chungking “pocket”. A current situation map of central and southern China follows.

Summary of Operations 8/21/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/20 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows undetermined Jap aircraft based on the island, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity. Evidence of construction activity also observed at Canton Is – port size expanded to 2(2).


South Pacific: Arrival of transport convoy WP-11(21 transports total) from the mainland US. Main body of the convoy arrived in Auckland, one detachment from the convoy at Pago Pago. Cargo arriving with convoy WP-11 includes two engineer LCU’s (821 Engineer Aircraft Bn arriving at Auckland, 11 USN Seabees disembarked at Pago Pago), 104K supply and 5300 fuel.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/20 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 15 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 120,143 near Ndeni, Speed unknown


DEI: Japanese air bombing raids on Ternate (Maluccas) continue. AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Ternate Det. Base Force, at 78,102 (Ternate)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF’s in harbor (-3 from last report), 109 aircraft (43 fighters, 28 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese capture dot hex base at Tienshui on the northern flank of Chungking “pocket”, launch ground assault on Chihkiang. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Chihkiang (78,50)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13007 troops, 132 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 465
Defending force 15897 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 646
Japanese adjusted assault: 224
Allied adjusted defense: 1153
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
871 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
587 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 58 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 45 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
34th Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units: (rear-guard of Chinese central front forces withdrawing towards Chungking)
9th Prov Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
9th War Area
30th Group Army

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Ground combat at Tienshui (81,38)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12887 troops, 123 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 464
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 266
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 266 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tienshui !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: op mode(-)

Assaulting units:
26th Division

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Japanese launch ground assault on Sining in the far western zone. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23502 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 784
Defending force 19099 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 656
Japanese adjusted assault: 397
Allied adjusted defense: 1141
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
2553 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 131 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 90 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled

Allied ground losses:
299 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
17th Division
37th Division
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
259th Brigade
303rd Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Base Force
5th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
12th Chinese Base Force

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Summary of Operations 8/22/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/21 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajelein shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/21 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 98,130 near Port Moresby, Speed unknown


Philippines: Jap LCU detected entering Surigao base hex (northeastern Mindanao), this unit believed to be 5th Infantry Division. A ground assault by 5th Division to capture Surigao is expected shortly. Surigao is the last remaining significant US stronghold on Mindanao.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, three Jap TF’s in harbor (+3 from last report), 83 aircraft (25 fighters, 28 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.

Detected Jap TF’s in Rangoon include (1) a surface combat TF with 10 ships, (2) what appears to be an 8-ship carrier TF including one CV, (3) a 9-ship transport TF composed entirely of TK with escorts. Japanese task force (2) in Rangoon is likely to be either the Baby KB or a task force with one or more CS. Pillager’s past history of Jap carrier operations does not include sending the main KB force out in detachments, but keeping in mind this is past history along with the fact what I’m seeing could include a generous quantity of FOW.

Appropriate alerts and precautions are in effect for the Indian eastern coast and Ceylon.


India: The first of five additional air transport squadrons for the China airlift arrived in Ledo this game turn – this squadron now resting pilots and recovering damaged planes. The remaining air transport squadrons bound for Ledo are due to arrive shortly. Air base force LCU’s are already in place in Ledo to support the airlift, a contingent of engineers are in Ledo as well and executing construction to expand airfield facilities. Ledo currently has a size 3 airfield.


China: Japanese ground attack against Chinese positions along Chungking-Kunming road north of Kunming. AAR and current situation map follow.

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Ground combat at 71,48 (N of Kunming)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 19128 troops, 261 guns, 172 vehicles, Assault Value = 614
Defending force 7858 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 257
Japanese adjusted assault: 464
Allied adjusted defense: 379
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
746 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
303 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
38th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
23rd Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

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Just a reminder. I don't know how much A/C support LCUs you have at Kunming, but now might be the time to evacuate the units via air to somewhere "safer". I have an air HQ there, capable of supporting 90+ a/c. Might be time to take a look and then move the HQ via air to Chungking or Chengtu. If you have the command points, the little guys can be assigned to India and flown there.

I would hate to see you lose the unit support, even if this part of China is going down the tubes. Now that we know Kunming is not needed as a support base for the airlift, it may be time to save the CAF. John, presently planning the invasion of the Gilberts and Marshalls with eight divisions ready to go in Hawaii. (23rd, 24th, 25th, 7th Inf; and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Marine Div).

BTW--the mistake of reactivating Lexington's air group has worked out. They sat for five months before they were able to upgrade. But when they did, they became available to Essex whose air group is not ready when she arrives. A quick swap and Essex is ready to go with an experienced air group. I am now awaiting Bunker Hill and the first two Independence class carriers to arrive. By then Essex's air group should be ready to be embarked on Bunker Hill.

What I am doing now is trying to figure out how many hulls I need for each invasion group (the first two are Makin and Tarawa). Two Marine Divisions are tasked and planning with one Army Div in reserve. The other five divisions are tasked to the Marshalls, with the three in the Gilberts tasked for reserve. Presently I have 300+ hulls moving fuel and supply to Pearl. They should get two more round trips in before the Go decision is made. Seven CVs and 2 CVLs will support. Three CVE's will accompany the two invasion groups.

In checking the map, forget the air evac from Kunming. Just send everything strat move to the nearest base west (toward top of map) of Kunming. Then put them on the road to Chengtu. It will take awhile to get them there, but they should make it. Then they can strat move road to Chungking. That frees everything to the supply life line to Chungking. No sense losing these guys to the pressing assault. I would also give some thought to "back capping" with a couple of small units. Put them on the tail of the big force moving towards Kunming. That will raise havoc with their supply lines and should block the roads and RRs behind them. It is just a temporary move, but it may buy enough time to get the worthwhile units out of there.

I am fighting to save Kweilin. I have two good assault units making their way to join up with the defenders. One already arrived, evening up the odds a bit. The other is three weeks away, but it is a lost unit kicked out of city on the coast and just wondering around cutting roads and such. Now they have a mission. I hope they make it in time. I am repositioning into better defensive positions around Ichang. Everything else is merely maintaining the status quo. SWPAC is planning the next moves (Lae campaign) and has two divisions at Buna, but no ships to move them. Those are all being held back in Brisbane until the carriers are available for support again.

Go good guys![:D] Put the beer on ice, better days are coming. John

johnjohn,

As I'm stating in my next post, I now have all the available air transport squadrons in Ledo. The squadrons are now sttod down to rest pilots (reduce fatigue levels) and recover disabled aircraft. So the supply airlift to Chungking should be in full operation shortly, provided I'm able to draw enough supply (via overland movement) at Ledo to fully load the transport planes going to China. Right now I'm operating on the premise that I will draw enough supply into Ledo. If not, my alternate plan is diverting one or more of the air transport squadrons now in Ledo back to Calcutta and run a shuttle from Calcutta --> Ledo --> Chungking. Whatever supply I can get to China and whatever it takes.

I appreciate you pointing out that "back road" from Kunming to Chungking, not only as an escape route for my Chinese LCU's but also blocking it against Pillager.

I hate playing China, which makes a lot of the situation there my own doing. I tend to do China last during my orders phase - note that most of the entries in my daily AAR posts are roughly follow the sequence I work across the game map as I look at things and issue orders (China being always last). I guess I'll have to play it (China) a little more from now on.

Summary of Operations 8/23/42

Canada: US engineer LCU’s arriving (via strategic land movement) at Prince Rupert to reinforce construction activity that has been underway to maximize port and airfield facility sizes in Prince Rupert. Prince Rupert base is expandable to port size 9 and airfield size 6, it also lies at the northern terminus of a major rail line connecting it with all points in the mainland US. Expansion of the port in Prince Rupert would allow it to be used along with Seattle as a major West Coast base for supporting operations in Alaska and the North Pacific theatre. Prince Rupert is especially valuable in this regard due to its closer location to Alaska and the Aleutians.

While I have no immediate plans or activity in progress for large scale operations in the North Pacific, development of the “infrastructure” in Prince Rupert could have considerable value in the event large scale operations in the North Pacific become either desirable or necessary. I have several idle engineer LCU's not scheduled (at least immediately) to move overseas, getting them into the construction activity at Prince Rupert is a suitable activity for them pending other tasks.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 8/22 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit and Roi-Namur. No visible Japanese forces or activity were observed in either location.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/22 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Matumoto Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 4, Moving Southwest


Australia: Transport convoy EX-12 (one AV, 26 transports) arriving this game turn from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard convoy EX-12 include five air units (four USAAF, one RAAF – 100 fighters & four 2E bombers total), 8 LCU’s, 116K supply and 38K fuel. LCU’s arriving on the convoy include 139 USA Base Force, 168 & 181 FA Rgts, 77 Coast AA Rgt, 1 USMC Engineer Aviation Bn, 2 USMC Tank Bn, plus 632 & 637 TD Bns. The AV arriving with convoy EX-12 is remaining in Australia and kept in reserve for future operations in either SW or South Pacific theatres.


Philippines: Japanese capture Surigao (northeastern Mindanao). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Surigao (81,88)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13666 troops, 124 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 479
Defending force 3271 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 115
Japanese adjusted assault: 404
Allied adjusted defense: 10
Japanese assault odds: 40 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Surigao !!!

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

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

Allied ground losses:
2454 casualties reported
Squads: 309 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 172 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 61 (61 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 6

Assaulting units:
5th Division

Defending units: (all eliminated)
102nd PA Infantry Regiment
3rd/101st PA Battalion
103rd PA Infantry Regiment
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
102nd PA Infantry Division
III Philippine Corps

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, two Jap TF’s in harbor (-1 from last report), 122 aircraft (21 fighters, 31 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.

Detected Jap TF’s still in Rangoon include a surface combat TF (10 ships, cruisers & DD) and an undetermined 7-ship TF including mine warfare ships and CL’s.


India: The remaining four air transport squadrons for the China airlift arrived in Ledo this game turn – these squadrons now resting pilots and recovering damaged planes. Ledo currently has 10K supply on hand.


China: Japanese ground bombardment against Chinese positions along Chungking-Kunming road north of Kunming. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 71,48 (N of Kunming)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18563 troops, 261 guns, 172 vehicles, Assault Value = 575
Defending force 7419 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 218

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

Assaulting units:
38th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
23rd Army
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps
22nd New Chinese Division

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

So far, so good, although I`m reminded of the old John Ford western movies, maybe Fort Apache, with the two troopers on night watch on the forts wall. One says " real quite out there', other says " yeah, too quite'"

If you haven`t read Grayjoy`s epic AAR, it`s worth it...playing scenario 2, he too was crushed in China and most of India by Rader, but it did result in several of the really sharp AE players posting better ways for the Allies to fight China and India early on. I took notes[8D]

FWIW, I`m always a Nervous Nellie about NorthPac. & CentPac. because of the very poor early war Naval Search you get. If the prewar Fleet Boats are ineffective in the early game ( sometimes they are, sometimes not, it`s odd) I like to build a Picket Patrol Line down from the Aleutians and well ahead of the CentPac islands. I run the short range S Boats ( worth their weight in gold IMO ) with their working torps out of Darwin and Brisbane ( supported in each Port by the AS`s that hopefully escaped Manilia ) into the invasion route/oil tanker choke points. Overtime I`ll use PP`s to upgrade skippers on most subs. I like micro managing the subs, and IMO it pays dividends sooner then later.

Richard,

Grayjoy's AAR could prove useful, appreciate the suggestion.

Except for their scouting value, the US fleet subs are not that useful at least in terms of attacking Japanese ships. I did make a point of getting them (US fleet subs) through the ship upgrades (mainly 4/42, some 8/42) - these subs all acquire radar in the upgrades which improves their search capabilities if nothing else. Like you, I've built a patrol line of US fleet subs in the sea areas on a line extending roughly between Midway and the Line Islands. This patrol line is mainly designed to pick up any sortie by the KB or Jap surface naval forces moving eastward from the Marshalls - Pillager did several of these in our previous CHS match (with little results) but none so far in the current PBEM.

I also have all available S-class subs operating in the South Pacific, nearly all of these based from Auckland, a few from Brisbane. Also some Dutch subs running in this area. Most of these are at sea covering approaches to Suva and Pago Pago as well as the eastern exits from the Coral Sea. Any sortie by the KB or Japanese surface naval forces southward into my main US to New Zealand shipping lanes would pass through a "carpet of subs" - not only the S-boats but a second cluster of US fleet subs operating continuously from Truk southward towards Rabaul, the Solomons and Luganville.

The majority of other US fleet subs are running a patrol line from the Japanese Home Islands southward to Truk and south-eastward towards the Marshalls. So far I haven't bothered the Jap transport shipping routes between the SRA and the Home Islands, though that could and eventually will change.

Summary of Operations 8/24/42

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/23 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. No visible Japanese forces or activity were observed there.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/23 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 113,136 near Russell Islands, Speed 12, Moving West


SW Pacific: US sub patrol reports contact with unescorted Jap transport ship near Milne Bay, ship is possibly moving either to or from Port Moresby. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Deboyne Islands at 103,134 (E of Milne Bay)

Japanese Ships
xAK Kirisima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack

SS Skipjack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kirisima Maru

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, two Jap TF’s in harbor, 112 aircraft (44 fighters, 28 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground assault resumed against Chinese positions along Chungking-Kunming road north of Kunming. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 71,48 (N of Kunming)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18741 troops, 261 guns, 172 vehicles, Assault Value = 590
Defending force 7435 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 221
Japanese adjusted assault: 208
Allied adjusted defense: 631
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
740 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
38th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps
22nd New Chinese Division

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

Japanese ground bombardment at Sining in the far western area. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22062 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 687
Defending force 19003 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 646

Assaulting units:
17th Division
37th Division
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade
303rd Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force
8th Chinese Base Force
12th Chinese Base Force

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

Summary of Operations 8/25/42

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/24 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Funafuti (Ellice Islands chain, W of Canton Is). No visible Japanese forces or activity were observed there.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/24 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: AK Asakasan Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown

US sub patrolling the southern sea approaches to Rabaul engages Jap transport TF. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Feni Islands at 107,127 (SE of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships (TF reported moving NW into Rabaul)
DMS W-8
AK Yamasimo Maru
AK Azumasan Maru
xAP Palau Maru
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
SS Seal, hits 1 (system damage 16, float 23, returning to base)

SS Seal launches 4 torpedoes at DMS W-8
DD Wakatake attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Southeast Asia: Japanese air bombing attack on Port Blair. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 10
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 10
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 26
(Reported damage: port 20, airfield service 68, runway 53)

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
10 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, three Jap TF’s in harbor (+1 from last report), 117 aircraft (42 fighters, 29 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s. Japanese TF’s in Rangoon include one surface combat TF (10 ships, cruisers & DD’s) and two surface ASW TF’s (one 8 ships, one with 6 ships).


China: Last LCU’s of Chinese rear-guard forces leave Chihkiang this game turn, Japanese ground forces also enter Chihkiang this game turn and launch ground bombardment attack. Current situation map and AAR follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chihkiang (78,50)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 500 troops, 67 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 891
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Assaulting units:
34th Division
22nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion

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




Japanese ground bombardment continues at Sining in the far western area. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22152 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 694
Defending force 19021 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 648

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

Assaulting units:
17th Division
37th Division
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
17th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
259th Brigade
303rd Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force
8th Chinese Base Force
12th Chinese Base Force

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

Summary of Operations 8/26/42

North Pacific: Adak Is now fully garrisoned with arrival of US 58 Infantry Rgt aboard convoy WA-6. A USN Base Force unit is already on Adak and level 3 fortifications have been built on the island. Plans are to transport additional supply and engineers to Adak and eventually begin construction to expand port and airfield facilities.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/25 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 11 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 7, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 1, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown

Air attack on US submarine Seal by a B5N2 Kate bomber reported in the Solomon Sea at hex 108, 134 (three hexes W of Munda). SS Seal had been damaged by Jap surface ASW in an action off Rabaul on 8/25 (AAR in last game turn’s report). No definite information indicating whether the Kate is LBA or carrier-based. Four other Allied submarines are operating in nearby patrol areas to the S and SW of SS Seal’s position, patrol areas of these subs covering adjacent areas of the northern Coral Sea.


Southeast Asia: Jap air bombing raids on Port Blair. Current base damage levels at Port Blair – port 20, airfield service 71, runway 69. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 10
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 14
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 10

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, three Jap TF’s in harbor, 127 aircraft (47 fighters, 47 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


India: Supply airlift to China now underway. 120 US and RAF transport planes are operating from Ledo including 87 C-47, 18 DC-2, 15 DC-3. Destination of all supply flights is Chungking.


China: Japanese capture Chihkiang. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chihkiang (78,50)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25251 troops, 273 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 899
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 893
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 893 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Chihkiang !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
34th Division
22nd Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion

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


Jap ground bombardment attack along the highway N of Kunming. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 71,48 (N of Kunming)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1583 troops, 111 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 569
Defending force 7269 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 210

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

Assaulting units:
38th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
23rd Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps
22nd New Chinese Division

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


Japanese ground attacks at and near Sining in the far western area. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22277 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 703
Defending force 19026 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 648

Assaulting units:
17th Division
37th Division
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
303rd Brigade
9th Separate Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th Chinese Base Force
8th Chinese Base Force
12th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 82,32 (N of Sining)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13342 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 459
Defending force 3625 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 140
Japanese adjusted assault: 215
Allied adjusted defense: 238
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Division

Defending units:
81st Chinese Corps

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

Summary of Operations 8/27/42

USN replacement dive bomber squadron VRF-3B was disembarked from CVE Copahee to increase the allowable level of flight operations by this squadron to maximize its pilot training activity. Taking squadron VRF-3B off the CVE and making it (at least temporarily) land-based is intended to allow a full level of air operations for both this squadron (VRF-3B) and the one remaining squadron aboard CVE Copahee (replacement fighter squadron VRF-3F) – which would not otherwise be possible if the two squadrons remained together aboard the CVE as the total number of planes in both squadrons exceeds 110% of CVE Copahee’s plane capacity.

Short-term plans are to operate both of CVE Copahee’s squadrons (VRF-3B & VRF-3F) as training squadrons for USN fighter and naval-attack (DB) pilots. No change to re-size either squadron or alter the number of assigned planes in the two squadrons is being done in the event it is desired to again have the two squadrons based together aboard CVE Copahee.

While there are no immediate plans to employ CVE Copahee in combat operations, this configuration of CVE Copahee (with one VF training squadron aboard) does allow its potential employment as an escort carrier specifically for use in fighter CAP operations in direct support over friendly transport/amphibious TF’s. This employment is similar to what I had done with US CVE’s in my previous CHS game vs Pillager, specifically to directly attach CVE’s in US transport and amphibious TF’s landing LCU’s and supply at Pago Pago – fighter CAP operations from these CVE’s were a critical factor in defense of the TF’s against Jap LBA naval strikes.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/26 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions at Truk. Detected status of Truk shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Air attack on Dutch submarine O-23 by a B5N2 Kate bomber reported at hex 117, 140 (adjacent hex SE of Steward Is). O-23 was not hit in the air attack. Once again there is no definite information indicating whether the Kate is LBA or carrier-based, although “connecting the dots” as shown on the following situation map is revealing both Kate air attacks are likely carrier-based planes and also indicating a possible sortie by the KB (at least initially) towards Suva/Samoa. At this moment I’m strongly suspecting a possible visit from the KB at or near Suva within the next game turn (or two at the most). The appropriate alerts and precautionary actions are now being done in the Suva/Samoa area as well as New Zealand (specifically Auckland) and nearby sea areas.

Current weather forecast for the South Pacific theatre area is rain.



Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/26 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AK Asakasan Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


DEI: Japanese naval bombardment of Ternate (eastern DEI). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ternate at 78,102

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
CL Kiso
CL Abukuma

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

BB Mutsu firing at Ternate
BB Nagato firing at Ternate
CL Kiso firing at Ternate
CL Abukuma firing at Ternate

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


Southeast Asia: Jap air bombing raids continue on Port Blair. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 10
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 10
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11

No Japanese losses

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

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 35

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
10 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, three Jap TF’s in harbor, 130 aircraft (54 fighters, 40 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


India: Jap recon flights reported over Imphal.


China: Jap ground bombardment attack continues in the southern area along the highway N of Kunming. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 71,48 (N of Kunming)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1612 troops, 111 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 581
Defending force 7288 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 212

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

Assaulting units:
38th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
23rd Army
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps
22nd New Chinese Division

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Japanese ground bombardment at Sining in the far western area. Latest AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22397 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 713
Defending force 19045 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 650

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

Assaulting units:
17th Division
37th Division
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
303rd Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
8th Chinese Base Force
12th Chinese Base Force

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Summary of Operations 8/28/42

US East Coast: Transport convoy EX-17 (23 ships) departing the US for Australia via Capetown. Cargo loaded aboard the convoy includes three US LCU’s (353 &1393 Construction Rgts plus 208 Coastal Artillery Rgt), 79K supply and 21K fuel.

A number of AK and xAK (50+ ships) operating in the EX convoys are currently in port in the Eastern US – these ships are due to undergo 9/42 ship upgrades and the current plan is to retain these ships in the Eastern US and upgrade all 50+ ships there as a group. This mass upgrade is possible as a sufficient number of other transport ships are active or remain available for operations on the Eastern US to Australia convoy route along with the fact virtually no LCU or air units in the mainland US will be available and ready for transit to Australia via this route within the next 30 days. This mass upgrade does not impact sea transport from the US West Coast as the ships involved in this upgrade are from those allocated for use in convoys from the Eastern US.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/27 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions at Nikunau (southern Gilbert Islands), Detected status of Nikunau shows undetermined Jap aircraft based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: No further reports of contact between US sub patrols and possible Japanese carrier-based aircraft. Alerts and precautions started last game turn for the Suva/Samoa area and New Zealand remain in effect.

Current weather forecast for the South Pacific theatre area is continued rain.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/27 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus


Southeast Asia: Jap air bombing raids continue on Port Blair. Latest AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 10
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 20
(Reported damage at Port Blair – 20 port, 78 airfield service, 67 runway)

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, four Jap TF’s in harbor (+1 from last report), 118 aircraft (50 fighters, 45 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


India: Continued Jap recon flights reported over Imphal.


China: Continued Japanese ground bombardment attack along the highway N of Kunming. Latest AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 71,48 (N of Kunming)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1612 troops, 111 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 594
Defending force 7283 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 215

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

Assaulting units:
38th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps
22nd New Chinese Division

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Japanese ground attacks in the far western area at Sining and in the mountains N of Sining. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Sining (80,32)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22425 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 716
Defending force 19076 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 653

Assaulting units:
17th Division
37th Division
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
303rd Brigade
17th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
259th Brigade
82nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
8th Chinese Base Force
5th Chinese Base Force
12th Chinese Base Force

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Ground combat at 82,32 (mountains N of Sining)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13262 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 454
Defending force 3525 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 130
Japanese adjusted assault: 421
Allied adjusted defense: 367
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Division

Defending units:
81st Chinese Corps

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I have been looking more closely at the terrain available to your last ditch China defense. My initial view is what mountain passes can you occupy to stop IJA advancement. In the Northwest, you have occupied the only one left to you. If you beef it up, that will keep the enemy from using the road and pushing you out. There are three more on the road to Chengtu from the Kunming area. Block each one after you retreat through there. That will stop the enemy from following you to Chengtu. Meanwhile, use everything you have to haul supplies to Chungking. I have found the 4E bombers useless in ground intervention, so add them to the haul, especially if you need to supply defenders holding key positions.

Basically, I think you could hold Pillager up for up to a year. Short of driving through Burma and opening up the road and clearing the enemy garrisons between India and Chungking, things you will not be able to do until 45, I think China is lost. But you still can make life very difficult if you fight for every foot left.

The longer it takes pillager to reach his objectives, the better for you. While he is struggling to put you out of the theatre, you can concentrate elsewhere where you have better resourcing and opportunity. Oz stretches his supply line, making it easy to raid his supply ships. Same goes for SOPAC area. By now you should have five fleet carriers available to you. That will help enable you to project power and maybe, just maybe, trap the KB attacking one of your developed front line bases. While Japan adds two more CVs, they are not powerful ships. Meanwhile, stay alive until the supply pipeline kicks in. By mid 43 your carrier strength will be equal to the enemy. If you can keep pillager occupied in China until then, then you will be able to hit and occupy before he moves all of that Army elsewhere. (House rules excepting).

Got Haruna off Rabaul with land based DBs and TBFs. I have reportedly sunk her twice before, and there is no indication that I got her this time either, although my carriers did attack and supposedly finished her off. There is no indication of her force on the map after the CV attack. The second carrier strike hit escorts.

Settling in for a long winter in Denver, John.

johnjohn,

Thanks for your feedback. I pretty much agree with you on your points re: China.

I don't think Pillager is going too much farther into western China - after the Japanese capture Sining (if they do so), there isn't much else beyond (to the W of) Sining that which would justify a continued Japanese advance deeper into western China short of being required to capture every single Chinese base in order to knock China completely out of the war.

I anticipate Pillager to leave the main Chinese pocket around Chungking alone for the short term, his interest is more to the south, specifically a link-up with the Japanese front in Burma.

As just stated, the southern front in China appears to hold the most interest to Pillager, this being particularly true if his plans after the fall of China include using the Japanese army in China to reinforce an invasion of India. What could make it interesting is that terrain in virtually every hex along the road going south through Kunming to the Chinese-Burma border favors the defense. One blocking position after another. Supply in southern China could also be a factor on both sides, keeping in mind a Japanese attacking force will need more of it than the relatively weak Chinese defense facing them. And what few Allied supply points that exist in southern China will be consumed by Chinese LCU's during combat, leaving Pillager with "empty shelves" at each Chinese base he captures in the south. Between supply and terrain, it could well be slow going for the Japanese in southern China, even if they eventually win.

There are three more on the road to Chengtu from the Kunming area. Block each one after you retreat through there. That will stop the enemy from following you to Chengtu.

That will have to be attended to as well. I may end up using that road to pull Chinese LCU's defending in the south back into the main Chungking pocket at the last moment - probably after a Japanese capture of Tsuyung (between Kunming & Paoshan).

While this is not a question I have to immediately concern myself with... there is also the matter of what how much of the Japanese army in China that Pillager can remove from China for use in other theatres following a fall of China and where he will use it. There are numerous bases in China where Pillager will be required to leave a Japanese garrison but I don't see this as a major obstacle for him. My estimate is that he will be able to extract most of the first-line Japanese divisions now in China plus supporting artillery, engineer and tank LCU's after handling the appropriate PP costs. Then there is the matter of where the Jap forces removed from China will go.

My most likely guess is a limited invasion of India, not necessarily on the scale of the Japanese invasion of India launched by Rader against GrayJoy but far enough to where he can effectively use whatever the Japanese take in India without overextending.

An invasion of Australia (particularly NW Australia) is not out of the question either. He did this in our last CHS match, though after experiencing "Stalingrad in the Outback" at Daly Waters in that game, I could see a Japanese capture of Darwin, Broome, Katherine and nearby locations, but not a Japanese ground advance into the interior.

Reinforce the Pacific theatres? Up to a point this option would also be useful for Pillager. Stacking limits on islands that aren't major bases would put a restriction on this and there's also the matter of logistics (supply). There are some places he could reinforce with forces from China that could be effective - specifically the large islands of the Philippines and DEI, also the Marianas; not so much bases toward the outer perimeter such as Truk or Rabaul that could be more easily bypassed by a US advance.

Russia? Not likely. I don't think Pillager would be that interested in opening up another front, though I could be wrong.

I think regardless of where Pillager sends the Japanese army in China, he is going to have significant logistical issues (i.e. added "overhead" required to operate and maintain Jap reinforcements from China). And it would not be a surprise that this added "overhead" would be in addition to any difficulties with Japanese logistics Pillager may be experiencing already. Logistics is very likely to place some amount of restriction as to where and to what extent Pillager will be able to employ Japanese forces from China for offensive operations in other theatres - and those restrictions could be severe.

The longer it takes pillager to reach his objectives, the better for you.

I certainly agree with that. I also think Pillager is already taking much longer to reach his objectives (outside of China) than he wanted to. Something is putting the brakes on him.