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

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: princep01

Well, I am sure the dastardly admiral noticed all the bubbling torp tracks tracking toward his carriers and got a bad case of the shakes as a result......but, that was a little disappointing.  Only one actually exploded against Kaga's hull (maybe).

As to Yamato taking a bomb hit....did anyone on the ship notice?  Oh, wait, it caught the Admiral's barge on fire...I'll bet that pissed him off.

Surprisingly, the admiral was quite pleased with that development. As a cost-cutting measure the bean counters gave Yamato the long-stored barge from the battleship Tosa, which was destroyed in the 1936 earthquake. Loss of the old barge means the admiral can requisition a new one with chrome detailing and a more powerful two-cycle Honda engine.

[witpqs]

Oh, ye of little faith! Notice that my (little electron) boys hit THREE battleships this day!

[witpqs]

1942 October 07

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:




Some developments in China, as the Imperials are gathering Intel and continuing with other movements. And of course the aerial beatings continue. First is this bit of recon, on the road between Chungking and Patung.

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12376 troops, 98 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 810

Defending force 24716 troops, 126 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 663



Assaulting units:
6th Division
35th Division

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps

This next is one of those strange combats.

Ground combat at 76,52 (near Kweilin)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1808 troops, 2 guns, 220 vehicles, Assault Value = 724

Defending force 21143 troops, 114 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 739

Japanese adjusted assault: 59

Allied adjusted defense: 1726

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 29

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

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
186 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled


Assaulting units:
6th Tank Regiment
15th/B Division
3rd/C Division
3rd/A Division
14th Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
36th/B Division

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

There are Imperial battleships only 8 hexes from Chittagong, 6 from Cox's Bazar. Likely one of those bases is going to get plastered. The 4EBs at Calcutta are set for maximum range of 10, naval attack at 10,000ft. If the carriers are out of sight with their fighters flying cover then it will be another exciting day to be a pilot. I never learn!

The port attacks on Milne bay were exceptional today, tallying more than 25 port hits and close to a half-dozen port supply hits.

As you can see in the map below, Akagi (SigInt of radio call sign) is 31 hexes from Noumea, 30 from LaFoa. We'll do our best to obfuscate the target with the small units landings in the Ellice Islands and the Gilbert Islands, but common sense dictates that New Caledonia is a prime target and it's up to DAW to decide if the Empire wants a sea battle. We can not avoid one except by not attacking. The large convoy is almost to Suva, then will come several days to a week of unloading, repacking for combat, then loading.

[witpqs]

1942 October 08

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Combat was very light today. One of our subs attacked between Hokkaido and Honshu but came up empty. The bombings in China, and the ground bombardment again near Patung.

One or more Imperial units is moving west out of Akyab. I wonder if they are having supply problems there? That has been part of the intention of the bombing campaign against that base. The hope is that it weakens the units defending outside Akyab as well.

The large convoy has made Suva without time to begin unloading. That process will probably take at least two days, maybe three. Count on two, maybe three days for the slowest units to make Combat Mode, then whatever time is required for combat loading of the amphibious assault groups. The last two APDs will be at Pago Pago in four days, so all the transport for the small units striking north will be in place in time. All shipping (excess actually) is in place at Wellington. The carriers, all lying near Fiji, have still not been spotted despite near constant spotting of the base and shipping at Suva. BTW, Suva's port is 3 + 84% and so might make size 4 shortly and aid the loading process.

The Akagi group is not seen. Given search coverage in the area it is less likely that she moved south although she could have. Also, given the time remaining until D-Day, even the carriers most recently sighted in the Bay of Bengal could be off New Caledonia by the time our fleet arrives.

Here is a close up of the situation in Central China. DAW's IJA forces are like a Boa Constrictor, relentlessly squeezing.

[witpqs]

1942 October 09

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Chinese unit that you might have noticed blocking the supply route south of Tuyun was quickly evicted, but happily retreated SE and is still on the road! Another Imperial assault was met with resistance but made progress in terms of ratios of casualties.

Ground combat at 76,52 (near Kweilin)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45187 troops, 382 guns, 294 vehicles, Assault Value = 1407

Defending force 20895 troops, 114 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 714

Japanese adjusted assault: 696

Allied adjusted defense: 1063

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2656 casualties reported
Squads: 50 destroyed, 316 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 51 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 16 disabled
Guns lost 20 (2 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Vehicles lost 57 (5 destroyed, 52 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1830 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 207 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)


Assaulting units:
9th Division
5th Recon Regiment
5th Infantry Regiment
49th Infantry Regiment
3rd/C Division
14th Tank Regiment
3rd/A Division
6th Tank Regiment
15th/B Division
36th/B Division
4th Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment

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

The advance Imperial unit has made the poor outpost town of Ningsia. So poor that it can not build fortifications at all. Level one forts, left over from the first Mongol invasion, will have to serve.

Jalatarang and escort will attempt to make the run to Cox's Bazar in the rain. The end of the monsoon is less than a week away...

In a happy development, the convoy of all amphibious capable ships put the petal to the metal and, with the aid of dock crews, unloaded fully at Suva in one day. Unpacking and repacking in Combat Mode will take two days, then loading begins. The New Zealand units will load tomorrow at Wellington then set off at once. The units embarking from Suva will, after rallying, head a bit south so as not run a direct course to New Caledonia.

The 1st Marine Raider Bn, tasked with taking Tabiteuea, begins loading now. That TF will refuel at Canton Island before dashing in to deliver the Raiders.

There is a group of USMC RFD-1 Skytrain transport planes that has been sitting on Palmyra for nearly two weeks waiting for the weather to be good enough both there and at Canton Island to make the next leg of their transfer to the combat zone. Obviously if need was urgent they would have gone already, but when timing allows I watch the weather to reduce ops losses.

Three merchantmen were sunk by IJN subs near Karachi. I-157, I-158, and I-165 are reported to be trying to saturate the areas ASW patrols. xAK Barjora was lucky enough to evade torpedoes launched by I-165, the only one of the trio to come up empty on the day.

[witpqs]

1942 October 10

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The commander of USN SS Tuna is in big trouble after firing what, unintentionally I'm sure, was an exploding torpedo! Scratch one xAKL.

One of the countryside picket units near Tuyun was dislodged.

Ground combat at 73,51 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6888 troops, 26 guns, 497 vehicles, Assault Value = 407

Defending force 3463 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 167

Japanese adjusted assault: 164

Allied adjusted defense: 37

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

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


Allied ground losses:
1654 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
9th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
89th Chinese Corps

This next result is, well, just plain strange.

Ground combat at 78,48 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1152 troops, 0 guns, 213 vehicles, Assault Value = 120

Defending force 43710 troops, 144 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1454

Japanese adjusted assault: 59

Allied adjusted defense: 2509

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 42

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 50 (1 destroyed, 49 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
303 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)


Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
15th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
53rd Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
20th Group Army

At least there was a vehicle destroyed!

All of the forces at Suva for Noumea have completed reverting to Combat Mode and are now loading. All carriers are refueling at present. Wasp and Hornet have combined into one TF, freeing up 2 x CA and several destroyers for other duties. For this operation, the carriers will operate as follows.

Hornet & Wasp - code name Sting

Lexington & Saratoga - code name Lead

Enterprise and Yorktown - code name Purpose

It is hoped that even if those code names serve no purpose in the game they will at least confuse and amuse the readers of this AAR.

The fast battleships will operate in a surface combat group. The Dutch battle fleet is on its way from Pago Pago and will hit Noumea in advance of the invasions arrival. It is hoped that the Dutch being present will give the feel of a feint to the operation. Adm Pye with 3 x CA, 4 x CL, and 4 x DD will operate in the Ellice Islands and perhaps beyond. The 2nd Marine Raiders are loading for Nanumea, just as the 1st Marine Raiders are leaving to refuel at Canton Island. The three battalions of the USA 102nd Infantry Rgt will load tomorrow for the three Ellice Islands.

Noumea itself will be hit by:
3 NZ Div HQ
3 USMC Div
1 USMC Tank Bn
2 Amph Trac Engr Bn
3 Pioneer Bn

South Pacific HQ will provide support from Nadi on Fiji. Coincident with the landings at Noumea, 8 NZ Bde will land at La Foa to seize that town and cut off retreat. After Noumea is secured, 194 Tank Bn, 193 Tank Bn, and 14 NZ Bde will land there and advance on Koumac.

All forces are 100% prepped. resistance on the ground is expected to be light. Minesweepers will accompany the transports. Fleet replenishment ships will be at Fiji before the invasion fleet departs. Fighters are ready to transfer in from Fiji as soon as the airfield is open. Engineers and other support personnel will land as soon as possible.

[aprezto]

All I can say, from our game, that unloading at LaFoa took a long time without naval support - a very long time. They are a blocking force, but with 2 tank Bns there's quite a bit of firepower that won't be taking part.

You are landing in Noumea directly, which I didn't, so maybe of moot point.

[witpqs]

1942 October 11

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A minor victory in China... near Patung our outpost unit stood against a river crossing shock attack. Note that one unit was already present but IIRC had come from a different direction, which obviously does matter in the code!

Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3873 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 295

Defending force 5643 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 173

Japanese adjusted assault: 41

Allied adjusted defense: 322

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 7

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

Japanese ground losses:
1027 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 93 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


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


Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps

The main invasion convoy is loaded and will now move south, as will the carriers as they finish refueling. The Tank units at Suva to move on Koumac begin loading now. The battleships will form up and leave Suva after tomorrow. The forces for Noumea and La Foa from Wellington are moving north toward the vicinity of Norfolk Island. Both Marine Raider Bns are now at sea, and the three Army Bns for the Ellice Islands are loading. There is a battleship TF moving out from Pearl Harbor to Johnston Island and will hopefully be spotted by the subs that have been keeping watch on the area SW of Hawaii.

A review of Intel shows that the Guards Mixed Brigade is probably still at Noumea, and was last known to have 147 AV. That was in January, when the Bde seized Koumac, La Foa, and Noumea.

Here is an overview map.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: aprezto

All I can say, from our game, that unloading at LaFoa took a long time without naval support - a very long time. They are a blocking force, but with 2 tank Bns there's quite a bit of firepower that won't be taking part.

You are landing in Noumea directly, which I didn't, so maybe of moot point.

At La Foa directly will unload 1 x NZ Infantry Bde. I've loaded them on xAKs (still wishing for more amphibious ships!), but they are small and many. Each ship only has a small complement of troops, so they should unload quickly. La Foa still comes up as undeveloped (a dot base). La Foa only has one piece of SigInt, from January, that the /A Rgt of the 17th Division was moving there. That unit later shows up as being in China. Intel Monkey rules! [:D] The Guards Mixed Brigade captured all three bases on New Caledonia, and might even be the only combat force there. Keep your fingers crossed!

The tank units (for Koumac) will land at Noumea after it's taken, as La Foa has no port, although they can land there if it becomes wise to change plans (they are loading on 2 x AK each).

[witpqs]

double.......

[witpqs]

1942 October 12

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Lots of snooping on merchants and tankers near Karachi - it looks like the steel sharks are getting ready for another go.

There were the usual air bombardments in China. And this little gem:

Ground combat at 74,54 (near Liuchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4245 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 245

Defending force 2228 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 35

Japanese adjusted assault: 126

Allied adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 63 to 1

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

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


Allied ground losses:
805 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 27 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
66th Infantry Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment

Defending units:
93rd Chinese

They retreated from NW of Liuchow to NE of Liuchow, and are on another important supply route! They're the closest thing the Chinese have to commandos in these dark days.

A Mavis was lost to flak, although I don't know where that happened one was sighted over Perth. In a similar vein a B-17 was lost to flak. this is not stock scenario 1! Aside from that casualty the attack on Akyab went well.

Afternoon Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 56
B-17F Fortress x 36
P-40K Warhawk x 17


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

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



Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 47
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
50th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead

With any luck the Imperial supply depot took a major licking. Cox's Bazar just made size 2 airfield, definitely assisted by the supply runs along the coast. Another leaves Chittagong tonight. The monsoon should end on the 15th.

The carriers have finished refueling. The battleships have formed up and will refuel when they rendezvous with the invasion convoy. Engineers for follow on are several days behind, and others will load at Fiji. Two additional oiler convoys are nearing the rally area. The Dutch bombardment force is moving to their jump off spot. the APDs with the battalions are all moving to their jump off spots, save the one still making for Canton Island to refuel. Adm Pye's battle group is moving just ahead of them.

The target area looks quiet.

[witpqs]

1942 October 13

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Combat-wise the day was quiet, except for the usual bombings in China and this minor though important scuffle near Patung.

Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9175 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 357

Defending force 5604 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 172

Japanese adjusted assault: 277

Allied adjusted defense: 268

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

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


Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade
3rd Infantry Regiment
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps

It's important because there is not a whole lot behind these guys to hold onto Patung. A second Imperial unit has reached Ningsia and I expect an attack there.

Near Port Moresby some of the IJN battle fleet was located.

ASW attack near Port Moresby at 98,132

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Hiei
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba
CA Nachi
CA Atago
CA Takao
DD Uranami
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Fubuki
DD Yugure
DD Uzuki
DD Sazanami
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS Sargo



SS Sargo is sighted by escort
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sazanami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Unfortunately, more of it was located by aerial search in the middle of the Coral Sea, heading SE, straight toward new Caledonia. The only possibility of surprise is if our attempts at deception prove successful. The battleships have refueled and now the entire invasion force will move SW before turning NW toward New Caledonia. the New Zealand forces are almost to their jumping off points, but it is not intended that they go in without carrier support. The Dutch will make a fast run in tonight to bombard but then will be low on fuel and cruise back to Suva.

Today we got SigInt that the 83rd Naval Guard Unit is at Koumac. Still nothing additional about La Foa or Noumea. Here is a look at the KB that is cruising down the Coral Sea.

[witpqs]

1942 October 14

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Surprisingly, no attack at Ningsia. The Dutch hit Noumea. But three of the DDs are now empty of fuel and will surely have unnecessary damage when they get back to Fiji (even at cruise speed).

An air attack on Milne Bay achieved hits with no damaged B-24s.

The KB in the Coral Sea has disappeared from observation, as expected. We must presume they are closer to New Caledonia. It's clear that DAW HQ is alert that something is afoot, beyond the small bombardment. IJN subs have been pestering Auckland for many, many weeks. Now one is spotted heading NE from that area toward Fiji, which covers the route to Noumea taken by dropping south from Fiji. The invasion forces are moving east several hexes to allow it to pass, and will then proceed west and then north toward New Caledonia. There were5 x sightings of that sub, all underwater in various forms. 4 x by Seagulls and 1 x by an SBD. What observations the sub made is of course unknown, so the movement and delay might be futile.

Meanwhile, the battalions are all moving toward their targets, each with a minimum of two days to travel. the battleships from Pearl Harbor are making a swing with about 15 hexes of the nearest Imperial bases in the Marshall Islands.

Here are the battalions at sea.

[BBfanboy]

Wow - unoccupied islands or not, that is a lot of amphib landings to coordinate all at the same time! [&o]
Lotsa Luck!

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Wow - unoccupied islands or not, that is a lot of amphib landings to coordinate all at the same time! [&o]
Lotsa Luck!

[:D]

The three for the Ellice Islands are 5 APDs each. The other two, going deeper, are 6 APDs each. So they can flee fast and unload fast, but they each carry only maybe 3/4 of each Bn's troops. Wish I had more ships! I can only hope that he spots the battleships east of the Marshalls and, coupled with the grab of so many bases at once, reacts to a potential Marshalls Islands invasion. The wimpy bombardment of Noumea plus the previous activity at Fiji could be seen as an attempt at deception to take attention away from the Marshalls. Keep your fingers crossed!

[witpqs]

1942 October 15

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Possibly Cox's Bazar or the troops near Akyab are in for a bombardment again. Over in the South Pacific, no spotting of that KB. Must presume it is now just north of New Caledonia, but none of our subs there reports being spotted. Could they be cloaked? One of our APD TFs has been spotted, the one going the deepest, bound for Tabiteuea.

Going along with that IJN sub moving NE from New Zealand yesterday is one today just west of Fiji and moving SW. DAW HQ is converging assets on the area.

Here are the battalions.

[witpqs]

1942 October 16

The Empire captured:
Ningsia

The Allies captured:
Vaitupu
Nukufetau
Funafuti

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Vaitupu
Nukufetau
Funafuti

The defenders at Ningsia were defeated even more resoundingly than I had anticipated.

Ground combat at Ningsia (84,33)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21648 troops, 174 guns, 34 vehicles, Assault Value = 644

Defending force 9624 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 241

Japanese adjusted assault: 294

Allied adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 58 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Ningsia !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
238 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3606 casualties reported
Squads: 149 destroyed, 58 disabled
Non Combat: 104 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 21 (11 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
19th Division
53rd Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
82nd Chinese Corps

At least they had good leadership.

All three Ellice Island targets are seized. The 2nd Marine Raiders, bound for Nanumea are almost there and still not spotted. The 1st Marine Raiders, bound for Tabiteuea, are now tracked. Their position, course, and speed now fully fixed (DL 10/10). They are only one hex from the target, so the TF is ordered to full speed. They are just at the edge of (theoretical) Allied search coverage so they are very much on their own. The 2nd Marine Raiders' TF, although not known to be spotted, are also ordered to make full speed due to the possible presence of carriers near Ndeni (see below). The battleships cruising far west of Johnston Island still can not report that they are spotted and are now ordered back to Pearl Harbor. Adm Pye's Northern Cover force was never spotted near the Ellice Islands and is retiring to Pago Pago.

The KB might be making a high-speed run down the west side of New Caledonia to catch our invasion force. As the New Zealanders have not linked up with the main invasion force, they are indeed at risk and are moving SW. Presently KB (sighted only as "2 Ships") is 640nm (16 hexes) from the nearest troop convoy. There is no reason to believe that any of the Kiwi convoys have been spotted, but as they flee the USN carriers will maneuver to intercept any deeper KB move. The main invasion convoy, follow on forces, oilers, etc. are moving south of Raoul Island.

The alternate scenario is this:

Catalina I sighting report: Japanese AMC at 109,161 near Noumea , Speed 14 , Moving Southwest

Surface forces are being dispatched form Sydney to intercept these (possible) raiders before they find the carriers and make certain what must be DAW's suspicions.

The minesweepers have been spotted by (presumably) a sub-launched aircraft NW of Raoul Island, at GR 123,171. We're using minesweepers around New Zealand for ASW TFs, so this sighting should not be serious.

USN SS Perch was attacked by a Val 80nm NW Ndeni at GR 119,142, so the KB sighted in the Coral Sea two days ago could be up there - or that could be a land-based Val, or even a second carrier force.

Here is a map of the cat and mouse game south of New Caledonia. Not shown are the Australian/New Zealand surface force that will sweep to the east from Sydney to catch any AMC raiders. Any AMC raiders could be scouting for a KB.

[witpqs]

1942 October 17

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Nanumea

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Nanumea
Tabiteuea

Nanumea is seized, but Tabiteuea is firmly in the Empire's hands. The 1st Marine Raiders have been shattered on the beach. The APDs will attempt to load survivors and run before further air attacks come in. In spite of Tabiteuea being undeveloped it is very much occupied. Perhaps recently, but just as much so.

Pre-Invasion action off Tabiteuea (137,134)

22 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
APD Parrott
APD Litchfield
APD Paul Jones
APD Stewart
APD Bulmer
APD Barker

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

APD Parrott fired at enemy troops
APD Litchfield fired at enemy troops
APD Paul Jones fired at enemy troops
APD Stewart fired at enemy troops
APD Bulmer fired at enemy troops
APD Barker 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 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Tabiteuea (137,134)

TF 284 troops unloading over beach at Tabiteuea, 137,134

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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tabiteuea (137,134)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
APD Parrott
APD Litchfield
APD Paul Jones
APD Stewart
APD Bulmer
APD Barker

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

APD Parrott fired at enemy troops
APD Litchfield fired at enemy troops
APD Paul Jones fired at enemy troops
APD Stewart fired at enemy troops
APD Bulmer fired at enemy troops
APD Barker fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 137,134

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M2 Nell x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
APD Bulmer

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tabiteuea (137,134)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1822 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 62

Defending force 664 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 40

Assaulting units:
18th Naval Guard Unit
13th Naval Construction Battalion

Defending units:
1st Marine Raider Bn /7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tabiteuea (137,134)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 664 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 40

Defending force 2843 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 62

Allied adjusted assault: 0

Japanese adjusted defense: 28

Allied assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Allied ground losses:
456 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Marine Raider Bn /7

Defending units:
18th Naval Guard Unit
13th Naval Construction Battalion

There were actually more air attacks on Nanumea likely because weather gave some protection to the ships at Tabiteuea. All remaining combat squads are disabled and will attempt to re-embark for a quick escape.

There was no further advance of the AMC sighted west of Noumea yesterday. A light cruiser force out of Sydney is close enough to intercept tomorrow.
The main part of the invasion convoys will now move to the west of New Zealand's North Island and form up with the New Zealand convoys while the carriers and battleships stand watch. The tankers and other support ships also, and if fuel states then make it wise the fleet will refuel again before moving north into battle. It will take at least 3 days for this repositioning. By then the AMCs should have been eliminated or forced to retire. Perhaps the IJN carriers will be out of position or low on fuel?

The light cruisers are to the north and the heavy cruisers to the south. The heavy cruisers will also move to intercept in case the AMC bypass the light cruisers.

[witpqs]

1942 October 18

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The light cruisers found one AMC near Noumea. Is there another one out scouting?

Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 109,162, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AMC Kongo Maru, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Leander
CL Achilles
CL Perth
DD Voyager
DD Vendetta
DD Thracian


Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 64% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Oi, H. crosses the 'T'
AMC Kongo Maru engages DD Thracian at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
AMC Kongo Maru engages CL Perth at 3,000 yards
AMC Kongo Maru engages CL Achilles at 3,000 yards
AMC Kongo Maru sunk by CL Leander at 3,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

When the sun rose over the beach at Tabiteuea the loading of surviving troops had simply taken too long. The USN crews stood at their posts regardless...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Tabiteuea at 137,134, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 1
CL Sendai
CL Naka
CL Tenryu
DD Akizuki
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Urakaze

Allied Ships
APD Barker, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Bulmer, Shell hits 2
APD Stewart, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Paul Jones, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
APD Litchfield, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Parrott, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
334 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 1 disabled

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 20,000 yards
BB Kirishima fires at APD Parrott at 20,000 yards
BB Kirishima fires at APD Litchfield at 20,000 yards
CL Naka launches Long Lance Torpedoes at APD Parrott at 20,000 yards
APD Stewart sunk by CL Naka at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
CL Tenryu engages APD Parrott at 19,000 yards
CL Naka engages APD Parrott at 19,000 yards
CL Sendai engages APD Parrott at 19,000 yards
APD Litchfield sunk by DD Tokitsukaze at 19,000 yards
APD Parrott sunk by DD Akizuki at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CL Tenryu engages APD Paul Jones at 17,000 yards
CL Naka engages APD Paul Jones at 17,000 yards
CL Sendai engages APD Paul Jones at 17,000 yards
DD Urakaze engages APD Paul Jones at 17,000 yards
DD Tokitsukaze engages APD Paul Jones at 17,000 yards
DD Akizuki engages APD Paul Jones at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
CL Tenryu engages APD Paul Jones at 15,000 yards
CL Tenryu engages APD Barker at 15,000 yards
CL Sendai engages APD Paul Jones at 15,000 yards
DD Urakaze engages APD Paul Jones at 15,000 yards
APD Barker sunk by DD Tokitsukaze at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
APD Paul Jones sunk by BB Kirishima at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Naka engages APD Bulmer at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Bulmer at 7,000 yards
CL Naka engages APD Bulmer at 7,000 yards
DD Tokitsukaze engages APD Bulmer at 7,000 yards
DD Akizuki engages APD Bulmer at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Bulmer at 9,000 yards
CL Tenryu engages APD Bulmer at 9,000 yards
CL Naka engages APD Bulmer at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Bulmer at 14,000 yards
CL Naka engages APD Bulmer at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Bulmer at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Bulmer at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Bulmer at 29,000 yards
Task forces break off...

APD Bulmer, with 23 sys damage, 2 USMC Support Squads, zero 3in main gun ammo, and exactly enough fuel for a high speed withdrawal is now 40nm east of Tabiteuea and heading for Canton Island to refuel.

The B-17s did very well in a fractured series of raids on the port and airfield at Akyab, losing none and making numerous hits on ground facilities and supply. Far to the east of Ningsia the former forward defenders of the region are taking a beating.

Ground combat at 88,33 (near Yenan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1314 troops, 20 guns, 50 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Defending force 2520 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Japanese adjusted assault: 9

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
667 casualties reported
Squads: 46 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 31 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry Brigade

Defending units:
81st Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps

The saboteurs operating behind Imperial lines are finally fixed in place but are determined to hold out to the last man!

Ground combat at 75,54 (near Kweilin)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 10945 troops, 76 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 347

Defending force 1614 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 17

Japanese adjusted assault: 159

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 53 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
667 casualties reported
Squads: 68 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
55th Infantry Brigade
22nd/A Division

Defending units:
93rd Chinese

The invasion forces are all unspotted and continue repositioning.

Seadragon and Perth are both firmly spotted but logs do not show what has seen them. This area is as good as any for the presumed presence of enemy carriers.

[witpqs]

1942 October 19

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The P-38s and B-24s hit Port Moresby pretty well. The fighters took down 16 x Zeros against 4 x P-38s, a good score and a relief after they were treated roughly the last couple of times.

Bulmer was caught by the IJN before she could escape. Total of 6 x APDs and most of a Bn lost in the Tabiteuea operation.

The little, ahem, IMF operating behind Imperial lines in China has been annihilated.

Construction at Cox's Bazar is really flying along now, with the airfield making size 3 today.

There is still reason to believe that Imperial carriers are operating in the area southwest of Ndeni and/or west or northwest of Luganville. There is also no sub activity around Auckland, formerly a continuous hangout. but there is now a sub sighting south of Noumea, the first in quite a long time. The move on New Caledonia will be a fight, no doubt about it.

Nanumea and all three Ellice Islands are under observation. Fiji too, and both the Dutch at Suva and Adm. Pye's Northern Cover force 40nm south of Suva. The Eye of Mordor is watching!

It will be two more days until the tankers and all the invasion convoy have reached the rally point.

BB Tennessee, comprising 50% of the surviving Pearl harbor battleships, finished repairs at Alameda and is fully ready for combat.