wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 11/27/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 171 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines at Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago still reporting the same pattern of Japanese air activity. Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is. All other areas reporting quiet.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.


Australia: No ground or air attacks by either Allied or Japanese forces.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, Jap TF's no longer in Exmouth, 5 Jap LCU's (no change).
F-5A recon over Darwin reports no change in number or status of Jap forces located in Darwin.
No Catalina I recon flight flown over Port Moresby.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong and Imphal. Unidentified Japanese sub detected at Trincomalee, ASW TF was formed to engage and attack it.

Jap air bombing attack against Dimapur air base - light damage reported.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's, no ships detected disbanded in port, 164 aircraft (60 fighters, 27 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Pakhoi. Jap ground forces bombard Kanhsien.

[wneumann]

A snapshot of future targets of U.S. submarine ops from Australia and Southeast Asia bases.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 11/28/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 170 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines around Kwajalein reporting heavy patrol activity by Japanese carrier aircraft, this in addition to ongoing flights by E13A1 Jake and F1M2 Pete scout planes and Ki-49 Helen bombers. U.S. sub Tarpon was attacked and hit by a Ki-49 bomber while patrolling off Kwajalein - the Tarpon received significant damage in the attack and is returning to base for repairs.

U.S. subs at Canton Is, and Pago Pago are still reporting the same recent pattern of Japanese air activity. All other areas reporting quiet.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is - all other areas quiet.


Australia: U.S. TK Gulfdisc arrived at Wellington from Panama City with cargo of 12K Oil for industry in Australia.

U.S. B-17 bombers attack Jap base at Daly Waters. AAR follows. Detected status of Japanese base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 1, 81 aircraft (43 fighters), 14 Jap LCU's (+2 from last report). Sigint report for 11/28 includes an entry indicating Japanese 35 Heavy AA Bn is now located in Daly Waters - last reported location of this unit was Samah on 10/21/42.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
A6M3 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 24
B-17E Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 22 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 24 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
205 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet

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F-5A recon over Darwin reported 32 aircraft (22 bombers), 7 ships disbanded in port (no change), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: No contact in past two (game) days with Baby KB task force last sighted S of Ceylon. Jap recon flights reported over Chittagong, Imphal, Dimapur.

No air or ground attacks in Burma or NE India by either Japanese or Allied forces.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), no disbanded ships detected in port, 146 aircraft (46 fighters, 21 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu, and Nanning. Japanese ground bombardment attack - AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Kanhsien (see note below)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 848 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 122
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 15 Tank Rgt, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 4146 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127
63rd Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported

Note: Jap 15 Tank Regiment is newly arrived to the Japanese OOB in Kanhsien. 15 Tank Rgt is identified as one of the Jap LCU's that Pillager had withdrawn from the front lines on 11/24 - this LCU had been engaged in combat with Chinese forces at hex 44,35 along the Kweiyang-Changsha road (date of last combat was 11/21/42). The action in this AAR is the first contact with any of the Jap LCU's reported withdrawn by Pillager from the front lines in China.

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 11/29/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 169 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines around Kwajalein reporting heavy patrol activity by Japanese carrier aircraft continues, along with flights by numerous E13A1 Jake and F1M2 Pete scout planes and several Ki-49 Helen bombers.

In other locations... U.S. subs reporting a few contacts at Pago Pago with G3M Nell and B5N Kate bombers, also several contacts with G4M Betty bombers at Canton Is.

Jap recon flight (H8K Emily) reported over Penhryn Is. Quiet elsewhere.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is - all other areas quiet.


Australia: U.S. A-20 bombers attack Japanese airbase in Daly Waters. AAR follows. Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - no reported airfield damage, 71 aircraft (33 fighters), 14 Jap LCU's (no change).

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 12 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
10 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
5 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
1 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet

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F-5A recon over Darwin reports 28 aircraft (18 bombers), 8 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters still on CAP, 85 aircraft (10 fighters, 26 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).

No recon mission was flown over the Jap base in Exmouth.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, and Dimapur. Unidentified Japanese sub detected at Port Blair (Andaman Is).

RAF Blenheims and Beaufighters attack Jap airbase at Magwe. Jap bombers strike Allied airfield in Dimapur. AAR's for both actions follow. Detected status of Jap base in Magwe - airfield damage 16, 182 aircraft (46 fighters, 57 bombers), 7 Jap LCU's.

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Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 64
Beaufighter VIC x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 16 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed
G5N Liz: 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed, 20 damaged
Beaufighter VIC: 3 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
9 x Beaufighter VIC strafing at 100 feet
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 8000 feet

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Day Air attack on Dimapur , at 35,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 5
Ki-51 Sonia x 27
Ki-48-II Lily x 16

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 8 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet

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F-5A recon over Rangoon reports four Jap TF's (no change), 142 aircraft (42 fighters, 33 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change). Sigint report for 11/29 includes an entry indicating Japanese 10 Aviation Regiment is now located in Rangoon. 10 Aviation Rgt had been part of the Kwantung Army (apparently reassigned from HQ Kwantung Army to HQ Burma Army) - its last known location was in Keijo on 7/30/42. It might be concluded that 10 Aviation Rgt has been in Rangoon for some time prior to it appearing in the 11/29 Sigint report.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Pakhoi, Tuyun, and Chengtu. Ground bombardment by Jap forces once again in Kanhsien.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 11/30/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 168 days.

Central Pacific: Heavy Japanese air patrol activity reported by U.S. submarines around Kwajalein - including many carrier planes (both Vals & Kates), also E13A1 Jake and F1M2 Pete scout planes and several Ki-49 Helen bombers. The KB is back in town.

U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago reporting light Jap air patrols.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.



South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is - all other areas quiet. (again)


Australia: No air or ground attacks by either Japanese or Allied forces.

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 46 aircraft (33 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's (no change), 9 ships disbanded in port (+1 from last report).

Sigint report for 11/30 included an entry indicating Jap 6 Tank Regiment now located in Daly Waters - previous location of 6 Tank Rgt was Darwin.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, one Jap TF (includes a CV?), 5 Jap LCU's.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's (no change).

British TK Norton delivered 10K Oil in Melbourne from Aden for Australian industry.


Burma/India: Jap air bombing raid on airbase in Calcutta, light Allied losses and damage. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 20
G5N Liz x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9
Ki-21-II Sally x 11
Ki-49 Helen x 18

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 4 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IID/IV: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
7 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
4 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
2 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 15000 feet

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Jap recon flights over Imphal, Dimapur, Chittagong.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's, 3 disbanded ships in port (+3 from last report), 156 aircraft (41 fighters, 27 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe - airfield damage 8, 138 aircraft (36 fighters, 32 bombers), 7 Jap LCU's.

No contact with unidentified Jap sub detected in Port Blair on 11/29.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Sining, Pakhoi.

Ground bombardment attack by Jap forces in Kahnsien continues. A ground bombardment attack was ordered and carried out by Chinese forces in Kweilin - this attack detected that Pillager has withdrawn additional Jap LCU's from front-line positions in Kweilin.

Except for Jap 15 Tank Regiment appearing at Kanhsien on 11/28, there has been no other sighting or report of Japanese LCU's Pillager has withdrawn out of the front lines in China since 11/24/42.

Identity of known Jap LCU's Pillager has withdrawn from front lines in China include - 26, 32, 34, 36, 39, 41, 110 Infantry Divs; 13 & 15 Tank Regiments; 27 Engineer Rgt; 1 Mortar Bn; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt; 6 & 15 Field Artillery Rgts. All of these units had been previously engaging Chinese forces at Kweilin or hex 44,35 (along the Kweiyang-Changsha road).

[Cathartes]

re your future sub targets: expect the SRA to be heavily defended by medium bombers on naval search or ASW. Subs will be routinely hit and hunted. What is your contingency strategy?

What are your plans for the Aleutians and beyond? Your opponent passed on a great opportunity, failing to invade them early in the game. They are a an excellent forward position for all types of harassment.

[wneumann]

Cathartes,

Couple of items in response to your remarks/questions.

Allied Submarine Ops in the SRA:

U.S. submarines operating in waters surrounding the major Japanese resource bases in the DEI would be at a relatively high risk of detection and attack by Jap air and surface ASW forces. Two of the biggest factors behind this level of risk are (1) this entire sea area being shallow water, and (2) many bases from which Jap air patrols can cover this sea area from close proximity.

There is little question that Pillager has sufficient surface ASW ships to counter U.S. subs operating in the SRA, especially as IJN surface ASW forces are largely unengaged elsewhere. Availability of Jap aircraft (especially medium bombers) for ASW duty in the SRA could be another story.

Pillager now has many of the available IJA level bomber squadrons (outside of China) engaged in the air war over Burma and NE India. To bring bombers into the SRA for ASW duty, Pillager would likely have to remove IJA bomber squadrons from the Burma or China theaters, or he would have to divert IJN aircraft from the main front in the Central/South Pacific. Either of which would (1) reduce Japanese air strength deployed in theaters from which Pillager transferred aircraft to the SRA, and/or (2) open or aid opportunities for Allied forces in these theaters.

Risk factor aside… even a modest number of U.S. subs operating around the SRA diverts Japanese forces that Pillager sends into the SRA away from operations elsewhere. Mine laying is part of my plans in the SRA – the Argonaut isn’t gone, it is merely relocating to a new theater of operations (and spreading a minefield or two along the way).

The SRA is just one of many areas (small and large) where I can make Pillager “stretch out” Japanese forces, as well as stretching Pillager's own attention span.


Aleutians:

With the extent of Japanese conquests further south (cutting off primary routes between the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand), the Aleutians was not so much a lost opportunity for Pillager as something that was low on his priority list. If he wanted them, he would have got them, especially the outer islands in the chain.

With the lack of Japanese activity in this theater, I gradually began moving U.S. forces farther out into the Aleutian islands as these forces became available. As seen on the map below, U.S. forces have occupied most major bases in the Aleutians (except Kiska). Progress of constructing airfield and port facilities has advanced considerably in all the occupied bases.

The largest U.S. base in the Aleutians is at Adak – current port size 6, airfield size 5. Construction to expand facilities in Adak to its maximum size (port 8, airfield 7) is continuing. Adak is already well provisioned with both fuel and supply. I am intending to transfer HQ North Pacific to Adak (from Anchorage). Adak is projected as a major air and naval base with plans for facilities sufficient to fully support carrier operations. Smaller bases in the Aleutian Islands are being expanded to the greatest extent possible.

If I have a "window" to attack Japan from the north, my long range intention is having all the facilities in place to do it when the time comes. A major part of the plan is having bases in the Aleutians large enough and ready to support these ops.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/1/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 167 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines around Kwajalein continue reporting heavy Japanese air patrol activity. U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago still reporting light Jap air patrols. Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is. Quiet elsewhere.


Australia: No air or ground combat reported.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports 40 aircraft (27 bombers), 7 ships disbanded in port (-2 from last report), 3 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report).

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's (no change). Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports no CAP or detected change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Dimapur, Chittagong. No ground or air attacks by either Japanese or Allied forces reported.

Detected status of Jap base at Magwe - 106 aircraft (59 fighters), no detected airfield damage, 7 Jap LCU's.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 3 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), no disbanded ships detected in port (-3 from last report), 297 aircraft (58 fighters), 128 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Jap recon flight over Chungking. Japanese ground bombardment attack in Kanhsien.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/2/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 166 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines around Kwajalein continue reporting heavy Japanese air patrol activity. U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago still reporting light Jap air patrols. Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is. Quiet elsewhere.


Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No ground or air attacks by either Allied or Japanese forces.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports 9 disbanded ships in port (+2 from last report), 42 aircraft (29 bombers), 3 Jap LCU's (no change).

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP again, no detected change in Jap forces. Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, one Jap TF (has a CV?), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).


DEI: Sigint report for 12/2 includes entry indicating Jap 48th Infantry Division now located in Tjilitjap. Previous known location of 48 Division was Legaspi as of 10/22/42.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong and Dimapur. A small fighter sweep by RAF Hurricane II's against Jap air base at Magwe repulsed with heavy losses. No other air or ground combat.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), no disbanded ships detected in port, 333 aircraft (69 fighters, 153 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Jap recon flights over Pakhoi, Chungking, Kunming, Tuyun, Chengtu. Ground bombardment attack by Jap forces at Kanhsien.

[Alfred]

Have you actually just played a complete new turn after only 11 minutes?  That is real fast.
 
Alfred

[wneumann]

No, I just happened to put in two days worth of turns in 11 minutes. The two turns were actually played (one Friday, one Saturday) since my last posting before the Friday turn came back.

Also helps that not a whole lot happened either day.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/3/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 165 days.

Central Pacific: Overall situation unchanged.

U.S. submarines around Kwajalein continue reporting heavy Japanese air patrol activity. U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago still reporting light Jap air patrols. Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is. Quiet elsewhere.


Australia: No ground or air combat to report. Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

22 Australian (AIF) Infantry Brigade has completed rebuilding to full TOE strength from cadre (remnants) evacuated from Singapore. A cadre of 27 Australian (AIF) Brigade was also evacuated from Singapore and is now rebuilt to approx 90% TOE strength. Both these units are under HQ Southwest Pacific.

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 7 disbanded ships in port (-2 from last report), 35 aircraft (27 bombers), 3 Jap LCU's (no change).

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report, also one TF shown having a CV?), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, no detected change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: U.S. B-25 bombers strike Japanese airfield at Magwe. AAR follows. Detected status of Jap base in Magwe - 203 aircraft (38 fighters, 87 bombers), 7 Jap LCU's, no airfield damage shown.

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Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 9 destroyed, 12 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
11 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
1 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet

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Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's (no change), no disbanded ships detected in port, 216 aircraft (84 fighters, 26 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Kanhsien falls in shock attack by Japanese forces. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 9410 troops, 36 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 133
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 15 Tank Rgt, 19 Engineer Rgt, 21 Mortar Bn
Defending force 3911 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 122
63rd Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 258 - adjusted assault: 126
Allied max defense: 64 - adjusted defense: 11
Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kanhsien base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
109 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
6891 casualties reported

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Jap recon flights over Chungking and Tuyun.

Sigint report entries for 12/3 showing 13 Tank & 2 Mountain Gun Regiments now located in Changsha. Both these LCU's were among those Pillager withdrew from front-line positions starting 11/24. 13 Tank Regiment was previously in action at Kweilin, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt previously at hex 44,35 (Kweiyang-Changsha road).

The game map following the 12/3 turn is showing that no detected Japanese LCU's remain facing Chinese forces occupying Kweilin - Pillager apparently withdrawing these from the front lines as well. Identified Jap ground units in this latest withdrawal include 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions; 2 & 8 Engineer Rgts.

The ground war in China is getting more and more curious. I am keeping close track of the situation. Just what is Pillager up to and why? Guess we'll keep watch and see.

[wneumann]

View of the Big Picture #7

Progress of 10/42 ship upgrades:

Upgrades are now fully completed for all U.S. carriers and surface warships. Nearly all U.S. submarines have also completed the 10/42 upgrade – a small number of subs remained in service while the bulk of the U.S. sub fleet completed the upgrade, these subs are now at or enroute to shipyards to complete the upgrade themselves. Upgrade on all the remaining subs should be complete by the end of 12/42.

U.S. Carrier force reorganization:

With completion of 10/42 ship upgrades, reorganization of U.S. Carrier forces is now proceeding at a site on the U.S. west coast. All U.S. carriers and surface warships suitable for carrier escort were collected at this site for reorganization.
Existing U.S. air combat TF’s were disbanded then reformed.

OOB of reorganized U.S. is as follows. All new Carrier TF’s consist of 15 ships.

TF 1035 (R.A. Spruance) – CV Wasp; BB Indiana; CA’s Portland, Chester, Salt Lake City; CL St. Louis; 9 DD. Flak strength = 5392.

With the Wasp being the slowest CV (28 kts) in the inventory, TF 1035 was formed as the lead TF in the U.S. carrier “stack”.

TF 1046 (F. Sherman*) – CV Lexington, BB South Dakota, CA Indianapolis, CLAA Atlanta, CL Helena, 10 DD. Flak strength = 5702.
TF 1049 (J. Mc Cain) – CV Saratoga; CA’s Northampton, Astoria, San Francisco; CLAA Juneau, CL Phoenix; 9 DD. Flak strength = 5528.
TF 1054 (M.A. Mitscher*) – CV Hornet; CA’s Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis. Quincy; CL Nashville; 9 DD. Flak strength = 4964.
TF 1066 (J.H. Towers) – CV Yorktown, BB Washington, CA New Orleans, CL Boise, CLAA San Diego, 10 DD. Flak strength = 5604.
TF 1074 (G.D. Murray*) – CV Enterprise, BB North Carolina, CA Vincennes, CLAA San Juan, CL Honolulu, 10 DD. Flak strength = 5644.

TF commanders indicated by * are Captains commanding the CV in that TF.

The carrier force will be executing “Dry run” patrols from the U.S. west coast and/or Pearl Harbor for the balance of 12/42 and as far into early ’43 as needed before going into action. These patrols will be run for testing cohesion of the U.S. carrier force “stack” and practicing sea movement as a formation.

As for where is "Bull" Halsey... he is taking command of HQ South Pacific (as he did historically). I'm anticipating this HQ will probably be handling the brunt of amphibious ops for early to mid-1943.

[wneumann]

View of the Big Picture #7 (continued)

Two other aspects of U.S. carrier ops for the near term...

1) Carrier VF squadrons remain equipped with F4F Wildcats at least through the first part of 1943. Not the optimum fighter plane equipment to go after the KB with but it will have to do.

2) The approaching torpedo dud rate change in Jan '43 is the next factor to impact U.S. carrier ops. While the most obvious benefit of torpedo dud rate improvements is for submarines, more effective torpedoes also make TBF squadrons aboard U.S. carriers a viable weapon for the first time.

What a difference a year makes.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/4/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 164 days.

Central Pacific: Overall situation mostly unchanged. U.S. submarine Perch engaged an unidentified Japanese TF south of Kwajalein.

U.S. submarines around Kwajalein continue reporting heavy Japanese air patrol activity. U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago still reporting light Jap air patrols.


South Pacific: All sectors reporting quiet.


Australia: U.S. B-17 bombers attack Jap airfield facilities in Daly Waters. AAR follows. Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 9, 84 aircraft (34 fighters), 14 Jap LCU's.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 21
B-17D Fortress x 23
B-17E Fortress x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 10 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
482 casualties reported
Guns lost 18

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 41

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet

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F-5A recon over Darwin reports 42 aircraft (25 bombers), otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports no Jap fighters on CAP, no detected change in Jap forces.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, no Jap TF in Exmouth (2 TF's in last report), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).

Jap recon flight and fighter sweep over Tennant Creek. AAR of fighter sweep follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 56
A6M3 Zero x 16
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 10 destroyed, 11 damaged

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


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Dimapur.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 342 aircraft (83 fighters, 143 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

U.S. B-25 bombers attack Jap airfield at Magwe, Jap airfield in Mandalay attacked by RAF Blenheim bombers and Vengeance DB's. AAR's for these actions follow.

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Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 8 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 8 damaged

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

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

Japanese bombing attack on Allied air base in Chittagong. AVG and RAF fighters intercept Jap attackers inflicting substantial losses. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 14
G5N Liz x 18
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 3
Ki-21-II Sally x 27
Ki-49 Helen x 49
Ki-48-II Lily x 41

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 62
P-40E Warhawk x 16
Hurricane IID/IV x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed, 8 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 14 destroyed
G5N Liz: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 10 destroyed
Ki-21-II Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 17 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 4 destroyed, 27 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 3 destroyed, 29 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 10 destroyed
Hurricane IID/IV: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
27 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
6 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
6 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet

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


China: Jap recon flights over Pakhoi, Kweilin, Liuchow, and Lanchow. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/5/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 163 days. Light activity overall.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines around Kwajalein continue reporting heavy Japanese air patrol activity, patrol activity by Jap carrier aircraft (Vals & Kates) slightly reduced. U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago still reporting light Jap air patrols.

U.S. sub Pompano hit in an ASW attack by a D3A2 Val north of Kwajalein. Pompano received moderate damage in the attack - it is returning to Pearl Harbor for repairs.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: All sectors reporting quiet.


Australia: No air or ground attacks by either Allied or Japanese forces.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports no fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's (no change). Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's (no change).

Detected status of Jap base in Darwin - 42 aircraft (32 bombers), 7 ships disbanded in port (no change), 3 Jap LCU's (no change).

Detected status of Jap base at Daly Waters - airfield damage 3, 73 aircraft (29 fighters).


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (no change), 2 disbanded ships in port (+2 from last report), Heavy Industry 131(62), 368 aircraft (74 fighters, 168 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

U.S. B-24 and RAF Liberator bombers strike heavy industry in Rangoon. AAR follows.

Heavy industry located in Rangoon represents the closest source of supply points to front line Japanese forces operating in Burma. Reducing or eliminating production of supply by HI in Rangoon would force Pillager to increase transport of supply into Burma from areas outside of Burma - this transport most likely by sea as overland routes from Thailand and Indochina are probably insufficient to carry the volume of supply points required for maintaining current activity of Japanese air and ground forces in Burma. Hitting Pillager's supply sources in Burma could be as effective a means to defeat Japan in the air over Burma as destroying Jap aircraft - Japanese supply difficulties in Burma could over the long run increase Japanese aircraft losses in the air campaign here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 13
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 18
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 47
B-24D Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 7 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 19 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 36 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Nanning, Sining. No ground combat to report.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/6/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 162 days. Another day of light activity overall.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs around Kwajalein reporting patrols by Jap carrier aircraft have stopped, though patrols by Ki-49 Helen bombers and E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete float planes continue. No change in Jap air patrols reported by U.S. submarines at Pago Pago and Canton Is.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is - otherwise no detected activity. Sigint report entry for 12/6 indicates HQ Jap 18th Army is now located at Rabaul.


Australia: No air or ground attacks reported by either Allied or Japanese forces. Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports 2 Jap LCU's (-1 from last report) 8 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), 43 aircraft (29 bombers). A Japanese LCU was detected south of Darwin, likely being the LCU disappearing from Darwin in the F-5A recon report. A small bombing strike (one B-17 squadron) is being dispatched to attack the detected Jap LCU and determine its identity.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, three Jap TF's (+3 form last report), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).

No Allied recon flight launched over Port Moresby this turn.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 2 ships disbanded in port (no change), 385 aircraft (97 fighters, 164 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

Japanese fighter sweeps over Imphal and Chittagong - very light losses in aircraft reported on both sides.


China: Jap recon flights over Pakhoi, Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu, Liuchow. No ground combat occurred.

A small ground attack strike by Chinese SB-2 bombers reported Japanese 22nd Division located in hex 43,37 (east of Kweilin). 22 Division is one of the Jap LCU's Pillager withdrew from the front lines starting 11/23/42 - this unit was previously part of the Jap attacks on Kweilin.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/7/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 161 days. Overall, light activity continues this game turn.

Central Pacific: The KB has fallen silent again... no patrol activity around Kwajalein by Jap carrier aircraft. U.S. subs in the Kwajalein area continue seeing patrols by Ki-49 Helen bombers and E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete float planes. Light Jap air patrols still reported by U.S. submarines at Pago Pago and Canton Is.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.

Sigint report for 12/7 includes entry stating Jap 45 Road Construction Bn now located on Guam. Pillager transferred this LCU to the Pacific theater from HQ Kwantung Army.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.


Australia: Small bombing raid by U.S. A-20 bombers on Jap airfield facilities at Daly Waters. A fighter sweep against Tennant Creek flown by Jap fighters from Daly Waters. AAR's for both follow.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 10 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
6 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
6 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
6 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

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

F-5A flight over Darwin reporting 31 aircraft (24 bombers), 7 ships disbanded in port (-1 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).

Perhaps fog of war, or a little intelligence "anomaly" concerning the whereabouts of Japanese 1 Tank Rgt... As stated in my report for 12/6 turn, I launched a squadron of B-17's on small ground bombing attack against a detected Japanese LCU just south of Darwin (which turned out to be Jap 1 Tank Rgt) - this LCU appeared to be moving along the Darwin-Katherine rail line. AAR of this attack follows. At the same time, this entry appeared in the Sigint report for 12/7.

1st Tank Regiment is located at Daly Waters. (Sigint entry from report)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Tank Regiment, at 35,85 - one hex south of Darwin, exactly where this LCU was detected on 12/6.

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet

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

Interesting discrepancy in reports. Goes to show intelligence in WitP isn't an exact science. However, as the last previously detected location of 1 Tank Rgt was in Darwin... it can be reasonably concluded this LCU is most certainly somewhere in NW Australia.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting a Jap TF, A6M2 fighters on CAP, otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby also reports no detected change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: RAF Blenheim bombers hit Heavy Industry in a city bombing attack on Rangoon. Light additional damage to HI in Rangoon reported.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reported Heavy Industry 132(61), 2 Jap TF's (no change), no disbanded ships detected in port, 343 aircraft (67 fighters, 149 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Dimapur, Imphal.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Liuchow. No ground combat or other activity reported.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/8/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 160 days. The second year of the war in this PBEM begins with another day of light activity.

Central Pacific: The KB is quiet... no patrol activity around Kwajalein by Jap carrier aircraft. U.S. subs in the Kwajalein area continue seeing patrols by Ki-49 Helen bombers and E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete float planes. Light Jap air patrols still reported by U.S. submarines at Pago Pago (land-based Kates) and Canton Is (G4M1 Betty).

Japanese sub I-121 spotted NW of Palmyra by a PBY Catalina patrol plane - the I-121 reported moving on a NW heading.

Jap recon flights continue over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight again over Norfolk Is, otherwise quiet.


Australia: Small bombing attack on airfield in Daly Waters by U.S. A-20 bombers - AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet

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

U.S. tanker Gulfdisc arrived in Sydney with 12K Oil for Australian industry.

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 8 ships disbanded in port (+1 from last report), 42 aircraft (30 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).

Recon flights over Exmouth and Port Moresby both report Jap fighters on CAP (A6M2 over Exmouth, A6M3 over Port Moresby). Both recon flights reporting no detected change in Jap forces in either location.

Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.


India/China: Unidentified Japanese sub detected E of Ceylon - ASW forces in Colombo and Trincomalee alerted.

Jap recon flights over Imphal, Dimapur, Chittagong.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (no change), no disbanded ships detected in port (-2 from last report), heavy industry 133(60), 389 aircraft (85 fighters, 187 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, and Pakhoi.

Over the past few game turns, small groups of Chinese bombers have been flying numerous ground strike attacks against Japanese LCU's. These attacks are being flown against both Jap units in front-line positions and also detected Jap LCU's moving around in rear areas behind Japanese lines. Primary goal of these missions is to obtain identity and location of Jap LCU's. These missions are planned to continue.

These bombing attacks have been highly successful in terms of identifying individual Jap LCU's, the majority of these attacks being too small to inflict any significant casualties on the Jap LCU's they're targeting. The attacks are still a useful intelligence tool.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/9/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 159 days. Another quiet day at the office.

Central Pacific: The KB remains quiet in Kwajalein. Reports from U.S. subs indicate recent Jap aircraft patrol patterns at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is continue.

Japanese sub I-121 spotted again by PBY Catalina naval search patrol. I-121 is WNW of Palmyra, moving west.

Jap recon flight (H8K Emily) over Penhryn Is.


South Pacific: Completely quiet.

Allied shipping traffic across the Panama City-Wellington (NZ) route still proceeding as unescorted 1-2 ship TF's. However, volume of this shipping is gradually increasing. The lack of suitable Allied bases in the southern Pacific large enough to support patrol and escort ops by Allied air and naval forces makes it virtually impossible to cover shipping along the route between Panama City and Wellington.

This route is still considered unsafe for movement of large Allied convoys, which makes secure movement of larger cargos (i.e. medium and large size LCU's) very difficult except by breaking up large convoys into 1-2 ship "packets" moving individually and staggered over a period of time. Moving HQ South Pacific from Auckland required nine ship "packets" and took over a month (in game time) to complete.

The present situation in South Pacific shipping routes is expected to continue at least until a chain of Allied bases sufficiently large to support air and naval patrol and escort ops is in place. This chain of bases would include Penhryn Is along with several (to be determined) locations in the Society Is. The chain of bases would provide a shield between Japanese-controlled territories and Allied shipping routes operating to the S and SE of the chain. The KB represents a possible threat to Allied shipping in the South Pacific as long it continues as a fully-operational entity, this cannot be ignored as a factor.

Preparations are underway for Allied forces to occupy Penhryn Is and build up that location as a functioning base. A fully operational base at Penhryn would provide cover to and enable Allied shipping between the U.S. and Australia to proceed via the Line Islands to the area SE of the Society Is, then turn westward towards Wellington. Expansion of Allied bases in the Society islands would be the next step after Penhryn to secure Allied shipping routes in the South Pacific.


Australia: No ground or air combat activity by either Allied or Japanese forces.

Recon flights over Exmouth and Port Moresby both report Jap fighters on CAP (A6M2 over Exmouth, A6M3 over Port Moresby). Both recon flights reporting no detected change in Jap forces in either location.

Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

Ops report for 12/9 indicated airfield in the Jap base at Daly Waters now expanded to size 4. F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 36 aircraft (27 bombers), otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Contact lost with Japanese sub reported E of Ceylon on 12/8. Jap recon flights over Imphal, Dimapur, and Chittagong.

F-5A recon did not fly over Rangoon. Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon - 404 aircraft (95 fighters, 182 bombers), heavy industry 134(59), 9 Jap LCU's (no change), no detected Jap TF or disbanded ships in port.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Chengtu. No significant ground or air combat activity.

Question... Is anyone flying supply "over the hump" to China from India? Seems that given the range of Dakota transport aircraft, flying supply "over the hump" would most likely be done between Ledo and Chengtu. Some of the problems I see with this is (1) getting enough supply points into Ledo to fly to China and (2) the number of transport planes needed to fly supply in any quantity that is adequate to make an impact in China. Comments and advice on this subject from readers is welcome.

Oddly enough, Pillager has kept the Burma Road open. Though the Japanese are holding Lashio, from which Pillager could easily move to cut the Burma Road off.