wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[Cathartes]

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.

Maybe he thinks taking Lashio has closed it.  Doesn't make strategic sense otherwise, at least from the perspective of your AAR.

[wneumann]

Maybe he thinks taking Lashio has closed it. Doesn't make strategic sense otherwise, at least from the perspective of your AAR.

Cathartes,

On closer examination... my previous view may be misrepresenting "reality".

What can definately be said, is that Pillager has not physically cut the Burma Road. i.e. Japanese LCU's occupying a hex through which the Burma Road passes (trail hexes shown in white on the map below). Japanese control of Lashio itself does not physically cut this route. Also, none of the hexes outside Lashio through which this route passes have been entered by Japanese LCU's (all hexes remaining Allied zones of control). In this sense, the route remains an unbroken overland link between NE Burma and India.

It should be noted that the entire length of this route is trail hexes - this an important detail.

I strongly suspect there is little or no supply passing across this route for at least several more or less obvious reasons. First, the route is entirely a trail and a long one at that. Second, only small amounts of supply appear in stockpiles at both Ledo and Myitkyina - stockpiles in both bases barely sufficient to maintain Allied LCU's occupying these locations.

Perhaps the correct conclusion (and I stand corrected on this) is while a physical route ("road") still exists in Allied control between NE India and China, this route does not (and likely cannot) function as an overland path to carry supply points to China. In effect, the Burma Road is closed in that it is not a functioning route to carry supply.

So... This means China is running entirely on its own supply sources. A supply airlift route "over the hump" could turn out to be crucial.

[Cathartes]

Look at a variety of cities/bases in China and see if they are producing supply. Not all of them do, but many will when the trail is open. When it is closed, this supply fountain disappears, and you have to pull it entriley along roads from places like Chungking or you fly it in--a very poor way to move resources.  I'm not 100% certain of this, but this seems to be what I just experienced having recently taken back Lashio and hex control on the roads beyond. I wasn't paying very close attention in my PBEM, so I invite others to confirm or deny.

[Nomad]

In my team CHS game with the same position - all of the trail hexes between Tsuyung and Ledo being either Allied control or no control - I definatly was receiving 500 supply per day at Tsuyung. I put 128 C-47s at Tsuyung and am flyin supply out to bases further in China. It was noticable that supply started to flow the very next turn after I took the last trail hex which was the one East of Lashio. As far as I understand, the supply arrives at Tsuyung and does not suffer travel penalities for the trail hexes.

From the manual:
14.9 BURMA ROAD
For the Allies, if a rail/highway/road/trail path free of Japanese units between Yunan and Ledo or
between Yunan and Rangoon can be traced, than each day, 500 supply points per turn are added
to Yunan.

Note that Yunan is now Tsuyung in CHS and that the supply is added there, not moved
from India.

[Alfred]

The other point to remember is that each C-47/Dakota can move 5 supply points (10,000 lb load divided by 2,000).  Hence a 16 plane squadron can move 80 supply points.  The supply carry capacity of level bombers is similarly calculated.
 
Alfred

[wneumann]

Nomad,

I hadn't been tracking the status of the base in Tsuyung before you mentioned it. There's currently 2250 supply points on hand in Tsuyung, hard to tell whether the supply here is coming across the Burma Road. Many bases in southern China do produce small amounts of their own supply (300 points or so/turn) and these bases are in relatively good (though not outstanding) shape. As these bases are in cities with a small heavy industry, I'm figuring the heavy industry is what's accounting for the supply that is in these bases. Chinese bases in cities that do not have heavy industry have supply on hand under the 2x required level (supply numbers showing in red).

I'll continue tracking this but until there's evidence to the contrary, it seems that the Burma Road does not appear to be operational.

It looks like I'm going to have to resort to an airlift over the hump to get any quantity of supply into China, once I have a sufficient number of transport aircraft to devote to this mission (and keep them on it). I'd also have to find a way to pull supply points into Ledo so they could be flown out to China from there. For now, China has lived on what it has produced for itself and will have to continue that for the short term. I'm pushing a large and steady stream of supply into India so the supply is there for me to push some of it on to China.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/10/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 158 days. Another mostly quiet day in the front lines.

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.

Contact with Japanese sub I-121 WNW of Palmyra was lost.


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


Australia: Also quiet. No air or ground combat. Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 42 aircraft (33 bombers), otherwise no detected change in Jap 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


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.

Two Jap fighter sweeps flown over Imphal - AAR's follow. Many of the "destroyed" planes from these AAR's ended up as damaged.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 21
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 39
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 11 destroyed, 17 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3 Zero x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 14
P-40E Warhawk x 5

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

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 20 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed

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

F-5A recon over Rangoon reported 4 Jap TF's (no change), no detected ships disbanded in port, 9 Jap LCU's (no change), heavy industry 135(58), 356 aircraft (106 fighters, 27 bombers).


China: China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Pakhoi, Chengtu, Liuchow, Tuyun. No significant ground or air combat activity. Small Chinese air bombing strikes for scouting purposes continue against Jap LCU's.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/11/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 157 days.

Increasing movement of LCU's, supply, fuel, and aircraft from the U.S. west coast. Much of this is going to locations where it will be actually used, in other cases deploying things to forward bases from where they can be more quickly moved later.

Central Pacific: The KB remains quiet and still in Kwajalein. Reports from U.S. submarines around Kwajalein indicate Jap air patrols include many E13A1 Jake scout planes plus several Ki-49 Helens. Little or no Jap air activity detected by U.S. subs patrolling around Canton Is and Pago Pago.

Jap recon flight (H8K Emily) over Penhryn Is. Otherwise quiet.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight (H8K Emily) over Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet here too.


Australia: U.S. B-17 bombers hit Japanese airfield in Daly Waters. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
A6M3 Zero x 15
A6M3a Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 23
B-17E Fortress x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 19 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 10 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 4 destroyed, 15 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 6 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
376 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 22

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

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

Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports unidentified Jap TF in Darwin, 33 aircraft (20 bombers), otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.

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

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, unidentifed Jap TF in Port Moresby, 87 aircraft (11 fighters, 20 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. U.S. B-25 Mitchell bombers strike Jap airfield in Magwe. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 3 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 5 destroyed, 19 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
1 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

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

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 3 Jap TF's (-1 from last report, a CV detected in one TF), heavy industry 136(57), 237 aircraft (95 fighters, 30 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

Patterns of Japanese aircraft numbers in Rangoon appears to indicate that Pillager is rotating Jap air squadrons into Rangoon to repair damaged aircraft and rest pilots. Once Jap air squadrons are fully operational again, they either launch bombing raids directly from Rangoon or they are transferred to Magwe or Mandalay from where they bomb Allied targets.

This would indicate that Japanese air forces in Burma are encountering similar difficulties to those being experienced by opposing Allied air forces operating from NE India. On the Allied side, air squadrons return from missions with much (if not most) of their aircraft damaged (relatively few if any destroyed) and heavy pilot fatigue levels. This is often true after even flying only one mission. This situation is true for both fighters and bombers. Allied air squadrons spend the majority of their time repairing damaged aircraft and resting pilots between missions. Like Pillager, I have been rotataing Allied air squadrons to rear area bases to rest and repair. A number of inland bases in the interior of India are established to rest and repair Allied air units - these bases well beyond range of either Jap air or naval bombardment attack. On the other hand, Rangoon is within striking range of U.S. and RAF Liberators.

A possible long-range effect of the air campaign over Burma and NE India is that much of the IJA air forces located outside China have been drawn into this theater. Good opportunity for this to become a battle of attrition against the IJA air arm, also to whip the RAF and AVG into fighting shape.

I have started diverting bombing attacks by Liberators to concentrate on Rangoon - first targets being heavy industry and resource production located in Rangoon. As strange as this sounds, my intent is to eliminate Pillager's ability to produce supply in Rangoon for consumption by Japanese ground and air forces in Burma. Force him to bring supply into Burma from the outside (probably by sea as there are no good overland routes from Thailand or Indochina). Japanese supply movement into Burma by sea will be relatively slow, also vulnerable to interdiction.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu.

A Chinese P-43A Lancer squadron flying ground attack hit the Japanese 40th Division south of Henchow (hex 44,38). 40th Division is one of the Jap LCU's Pillager withdrew from the front lines in late 11/42. Previous known location of 40 Division was in Kweilin on 11/30/42. From this sighting, 40 Division appears to be moving towards Canton or Wuchow. Is this part of a Japanese movement against the southern flank in China? Chinese forces are relatively well positioned to counter.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/12/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 156 days.

Central Pacific: Same Japanese air patrol activity detected by U.S. subs around Kwajalein. Several contacts with G4M Betty bomber patrols reported near Kwajalein and at Canton Is. No air activity reported at Pago Pago.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is. All other areas reporting quiet.


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


Australia: Japanese fighter sweep against Allied air base at Tennant Creek. No air combat occurred as Allied fighter squadrons in Tennant Creek had been stood down this game turn to rest pilots and recover damaged aircraft. AAR follows.

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
A6M3 Zero x 19
A6M3a Zero x 16
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

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

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Jap TF still in Darwin, 7 disbanded ships in port (no change), 30 aircraft (21 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M2 fighters on CAP, Jap TF remains in Exmouth, 4 Jap LCU's (-1 from last report).

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's (no change).


India/Burma: U.S. and RAF Liberators bomb heavy industry facilities in Rangoon. RAF Hurricanes launched a fighter sweep against Jap airfield at Magwe. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 78

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 6 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hurricane IIb strafing at 100 feet

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

Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 38
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 23

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 33
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 14 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 15 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 2 destroyed, 29 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 20 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
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
2 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
2 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
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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

Jap bombing raid against Allied air base in Calcutta. AAR follows. Damage reported from the raid on Calcutta - runway damage 6, airfield service damage 14.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 26
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12
Ki-21-II Sally x 27
Ki-49 Helen x 42
Ki-48-II Lily x 52

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 6 damaged
Ki-21-II Sally: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 3 destroyed, 46 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed
Hurricane IID/IV: 2 destroyed
Dakota I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 37

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
8 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
7 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 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
2 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
6 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 8000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 12000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 20000 feet

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

Jap recon flights over Dimapur and Chittagong.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's (no change, but 3 BB's detected in one of the TF's), heavy industry 111(82), 173 aircraft (40 fighters, 49 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

Detected status of Japanese base at Magwe - 117 aircraft (33 fighters, 30 bombers), 7 Jap LCU's.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu, Liuchow. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/13/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 155 days. A mostly quiet day everywhere.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs around Kwajalein report same pattern of Japanese air patrol activity. SS Greenling at Pago Pago reporting contacts with B5N2 Kate and G3M Nell air patrols. No activity reported around Canton Is.

Jap recon (H8K Emily) over Penhryn Is.


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


Australia: No ground or air combat action. Jap recon over Tennant Creek.

Detected status of Japanese base in Daly Waters - 125 aircraft (64 fighters), 14 Jap LCU's.

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Jap TF still in Darwin, 7 disbanded ships in port (no change), 35 aircraft (25 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, 71 aircraft (7 fighters, 21 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports Jap TF still in Exmouth, A6M2 fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report).


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Dimapur. British sub Trusty torpedoes and sinks Japanese PC Shonon Maru #11 in Malacca Straits. Shonon Maru #11 was part of a small Jap TF (5 PC's).

Several Japanese bombing attacks against Imphal - AAR's follow. Casualties to No. 222 RAF Base Force were light, though a significant number of elements in this unit were disabled from the attacks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 16
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 10 damaged

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 14000 feet
9 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 18000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 18000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 14000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 14000 feet
2 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 18000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 14000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on No. 222 RAF Base Force, at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 2
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 5
Ki-51 Sonia x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged

Allied ground losses:
61 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on No. 222 RAF Base Force, at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-48-II Lily x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 21000 feet

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

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 4 Jap TF's (no change), heavy industry 111(82), 217 aircraft (62 fighters, 53 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Liuchow.

A Chinese P-43A Lancer squadron flying ground attack detected and hit another Japanese LCU withdrawn from the front lines by Pillager at the end of 11/42. Jap 2 Engineer Rgt was attacked south of Henchow (hex 44,38) - same location where Jap 40th Division was found and attacked on 12/11. Previous known location of 2 Engineer Rgt was in Kweilin on 11/30/42 (it was there along with 40th Division). 2 Engineers appears to also be moving towards Canton or Wuchow.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/14/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 154 days. A mostly quiet day everywhere.

Central Pacific: Same pattern of Japanese air patrol activity reported by U.S. subs around Kwajalein. Jap ASW TF's emerge from Kwajalein and attack three U.S. subs (SS Sturgeon, Sunfish, Perch) patrolling in the area. AAR's follow. SS Sturgeon and Sunfish both received heavy damage and now returning to Pearl Harbor for repair (both subs expected to make it). The Sunfish was hit, though AAR's do not show this (synch bug?).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 84,84

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 6
PG Tamo Maru #6
DD Numakaze
DD Maikaze

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon, hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 83,83

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 20
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
APD Patrol Boat No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 1
DD Nokaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 84,86

Japanese Ships
MSW Tama Maru No. 2
PC Ch 11
PG Hakkaisan Maru
PG Fukui Maru
MSW Seki Maru #3
MSW Rikusen Maru
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2

Allied Ships
SS Perch

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

ASW attack at 83,83

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 20
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
APD Patrol Boat No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 1
DD Nokaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

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

No Japanese air activity reported by U.S. subs around Pago Pago or Canton Is.

Jap recon over Penhryn Is.

Sigint report for 12/14 includes entry indicating Japanese 5 AF Construction Bn is now located on Gardner Is. Previous location of 5 AF Construction Bn was Singapore.


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


Australia: No ground or air combat action. Jap recon over Tennant Creek.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports a second Jap TF now in Darwin (+1 from last report), 45 aircraft (38 bombers), otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting Jap TF still in Exmouth, A6M2 fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's (no change).
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, 71 aircraft (15 fighters, 7 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.

RAF and AVG fighters launch fighter sweep over Jap base at Magwe. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 15

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 59
P-40E Warhawk x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 7 destroyed, 37 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed, 10 damaged

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

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports heavy industry 112(81), 3 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 177 aircraft (47 fighters, 55 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Liuchow. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Game question on air units – comments or ideas from readers welcome.

What I am looking at here is “bumping up” pilot experience levels in some air units now on reserve in rear-area bases. The method I am considering to do this will be done for a small number of air units and probably very gradually.

This process is worthwhile largely due to the timing (end of the year). Air units disbanded in 1942 would return in 1943, this situation causing or increasing the change of pilot experience levels in an air unit. Doing this is also worthwhile only for the lowest experienced air units where pilot experience is considerably below that of the "standard pilot experience level" currently in effect for the air unit's appropriate pilot replacement pool.

The procedure I intend to follow is disbanding selected air units is as follows –

1) Selecting several air units at a time to disband. The conditions stated later in this post will be used to determine which air units to disband. Air units with the lowest overall pilot experience levels would be disbanded first.

2) Disbanding the air units using the option (Yes) to reform the disbanded air unit and return it to the game in 90 days. Both pilots and planes from a disbanded air unit go into the replacement pools.

3) When the disbanded air unit returns to the game in 90 days, it's expected to return with planes of the same aircraft type as it had before disbanding, with new pilots drawn from the replacement pool at the current experience level of pilots in the appropriate replacement pool for the air unit.


What this process does in effect… To use an example from the display below, the 329th fighter squadron now in San Francisco. The 329th is equipped with P-39’s (more than 300 currently in the aircraft replacement pool) and an overall pilot experience level of 53. Expected upgrade for the 329th is to P-38G’s. I do not expect to deploy the 329th to front-line service before it receives P-38G’s and it is expected to remain on the U.S. west coast until I have somewhere I can usefully employ it in front-line service. If the 329th is disbanded in 12/42, the 329th should re-appear as a reinforcement sometime in 3/43 with its overall pilot experience level increased from 53 (its current level) to 60 (the standard pool experience of U.S. Army pilots in 1943).


Air units being considered for this action fall in a category for which most or all the following conditions apply. The air unit display I show below contains a number of air units that would qualify for disbandment and return,

1) Air units now located at rear-area bases (all or nearly all of the air units being considered now at U.S. west coast bases).

2) As of now, air units where overall pilot experience level < 55. This could later be expanded to some air units where pilot experience levels < 60.

3) Air units that are currently equipped with planes of an aircraft type where a large number of planes exist in the replacement pool, and the air unit is expected to return to the game equipped with planes of the same aircraft type as it has now. (i.e. my most likely candidates from the display below are squadrons equipped with P-39’s, the replacement pool for P-39’s now has 300+ aircraft and no Allied squadrons equipped with P-39’s are now in front-line service)

4) Air units not being employed on a mission other than training, and the mission is not expected to change.

5) These air units are not expected to be needed for front-line service within the next 4-6 months.


It should be noted that this process is intended for a very small number of qualifying air units, and almost all of the air units being considered are fighter squadrons.

[Cathartes]

Doesn't seem worth it to me.&nbsp; A 5 point experience spread is no big deal.&nbsp; A few days in combat or striking an airbase and you're practically there anyway. You might be better off ramping up training to 100% and have them at 60 experience, or close, by the time they would return anyway.&nbsp; Also, any pilot attrition from training and replacement would bump them up faster in all probability.&nbsp; Army pilots are plentiful, so no big deal to lose 'em. &nbsp;

[Alfred]

Agree with Cathartes.&nbsp; Major benefits accrue when the experience level is in the 70%+ range, not 60%.&nbsp; Also the example quoted of the 329th FS might be considered gamey by the opponent.
&nbsp;
Alfred

[wneumann]

I see your point, Cathartes. As I continue looking at this (and adding in both your and Alfred's remarks) the benefits of doing the process I describe are marginal vs letting them continue training. And as I also noted earlier, the number of air units I can do this with would be very limited as well.

Setting the training level higher on these air units is looking more and more to be the better approach. I'll have to monitor their "progress" to rest them now and then when pilot fatigue and/or damaged aircraft levels get too high. I'd still disband the squadrons if I needed either the aircraft or pilots as replacements in the short term, but neither the aircraft nor pilots are required in the present situation.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/15/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 153 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalein reporting Jap carrier air patrols again (Kates & Vals) in addition to the recent pattern of Jap air patrols. The KB is still in Kwajalein.

Jap air activity quiet near Pago Pago and Canton Is. Jap recon flight over Penhryn. Otherwise quiet.


South Pacific. Again a Jap recon flight over Norfolk. Everything else continues to be quiet in this theater.


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

F-5A recon over Darwin still reporting two Jap TF's in Darwin, 34 aircraft (24 bombers), otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, Jap TF has left Exmouth, 5 Jap LCU's (no change).
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, an unidentified Jap TF now in Port Moresby, otherwise no detected change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.

RAF Blenheim bombers hit Jap airfield at Mandalay, Jap bombers attack Allied airfield in Imphal. AAR's for both follow.

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 23

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 31
Blenheim IV x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 10 destroyed, 11 damaged
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed, 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Runway hits 2

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-21-II Sally x 15
Ki-49 Helen x 24
Ki-48-II Lily x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 9 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 14000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 18000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 21000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 14000 feet
7 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 18000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 18000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 21000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet

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

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report, though the Jap ASW TF attacking the Dutch SS O-24 accounts for the missing TF), heavy industry 113(80), 213 aircraft (61 fighters, 45 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).

Dutch SS O-24 on patrol off Rangoon attacked and moderately damaged by Jap ASW TF (probably from Rangoon). O-24 is returning to base for repairs and expected to arrive. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 29,34 (the Jap TF below made a separate ASW attack later on the O-24, identical AAR for that action)

Japanese Ships
DD Kiji
DD Sagi
DD Kikuzuki
DD Inazuma
DD Yugure
DD Kawakaze
DD Michishio

Allied Ships
SS O24, total of 4 hits (two actions combined)

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


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Liuchow, Chengtu, Tuyun, Kungching. Several reports and actions of intel value related to Japanese LCU's Pillager withdrew from front-line positions as follows.

A ground attack mission flown by Chinese IL-4 bombers located and hit the Jap 40th Division in Wuchow. This is the second contact with 40 Division since 12/11 (that contact was in hex 44,38).

A squadron of Chinese P-43A Lancers detected and attacked the Japanese 22nd Division in hex 43,39 (NE of Wuchow). 22 Division is another of the Jap LCU's Pillager withdrew from the front in late 11/42. Most recent known location of 22 Division was hex 43,37 on 12/6/42.

Sigint report for 12/15 included an entry reporting Jap 27 Engineer Rgt in hex 50,37 near Nanking. 27 Engineer Rgt is yet another Jap LCU pulled out of the front. From this report, 27 Engineers could be moving to Nanking, another possible destination being Shanghai. If the 27 Engineers does move to Shanghai, Pillager is likely intending to transfer it out of China to parts unknown. Guess we'll all have to stay tuned for further developments...

[Alfred]

A poster in another thread just recently stated that disbanded Japanese air units return with untrained pilots, not pilots at the reinforcement experience rate.
&nbsp;
Alfred

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/16/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 152 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalein reporting a sharp decrease in all Jap air patrols (including both carrier based and LBA). Also Jap air activity remains quiet near Pago Pago and Canton Is.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn. Otherwise quiet.


South Pacific: Again a Jap recon flight over Norfolk. Everything else continues quiet in this theater.


Australia: Jap fighter sweep and bombing raid against Cooktown. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100

Japanese aircraft (aircraft on this raid came from Thursday Is - now apparently an operational Jap airfield)
A6M2 Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100

Japanese aircraft (aircraft on this raid came from Port Moresby)
A6M3a Zero x 3
G5N Liz x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G5N Liz: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G5N Liz bombing at 10000 feet

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

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 9 disbanded ships in port (+2 from last report), 36 aircraft (27 bombers), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, no detected change in Jap forces.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, Jap TF no longer in Port Moresby (-1 from last report), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Dimapur, Chittagong. No combat actions to report

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay - 62 aircraft (25 fighters, 10 bombers), 6 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon flight over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (+1 from last report, Jap ASW TF that attacked Dutch sub O-24 on 12/15 has probably returned), 231 aircraft (63 fighters, 53 bombers), heavy industry 114(79).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun.

Chinese P-43A Lancer aircraft on ground attack hit Japanese 2 Engineer Rgt again at hex 43,39 as it entered this hex from 43,38 (see 12/15 Summary of Operations).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/17/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 151 days.

Central Pacific: For a second day, U.S. submarines near Kwajalein reporting little Japanese air patrol activity (either carrier based or LBA).

Sigint report for 12/17 includes entry indicating Jap 21 NLF is now located at Sydney Is (near Canton Is). Last known location of 21 NLF was at Tenimbar on 5/18/42.

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: Again a Jap recon flight over Norfolk. Everything else still quiet.


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

No recon flight over Darwin, however, detected status of Jap base in Darwin is 30 aircraft (22 bombers), 8 disbanded ships in port (-1 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's (no change).

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting two Jap TF's now in Port Moresby (+2 from last report), more significantly 9 Jap LCU's (+4 from last report). Do we have a build-up in progress?

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, 82 aircraft (9 fighters, 21 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.

Jap minefield detected in Colombo. AK Risalder struck a mine while passing through the Colombo sea hex (it was part of a supply transport TF bound for Trincomalee) - Risalder moderately damaged and is continuing to Trincomalee.

Jap fighter sweep over Imphal. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 28
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 23

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged

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

Pilot experience levels of most Hurricane I squadrons is in the 60's, some squadrons now close to 70 experience. This with a fairly acceptable level of (Allied) attrition for both aircraft and pilots.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (no change), 214 aircraft (60 fighters, 46 bombers), heavy industry 115(78), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


Question: When looking at counts of aircraft detected at Jap bases, do these counts represent all aircraft (both operational and damaged planes) at the base, or only aircraft in operational status? Granted, these counts can at best be regarded as an estimate with fog of war and everything.


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Chengtu, Tuyun. Current situation map follows.

A third Chinese ground attack air mission located and hit the Jap 40th Division, this time in hex 43,40 (SE of Wuchow). It appears that 40 Division is moving from Wuchow towards Canton or Hong Kong.

Is Pillager shipping 40 Division (and other Jap LCU's) out of China to use elsewhere? Hard to say... And if so, what for? Also hard to say... Pillager has shown to be either an aggressive or conservative opponent as the situation dictates. If Pillager is moving Jap LCU(s) out of China to employ elsewhere, it could be for most any purpose, either offensive or defensive. On my part, I have to watch and catch any available intel data indicating which LCU(s) he is or may be moving and where they appear next. Until then, I can make no assessment of this movement.

1943 in this PBEM could be a rather interesting year. I'm not expecting it to be easy. Someday the Phony War is going to inevitably end. On my terms I can only hope... So far I teetered on the edge of the "learning cliff" and managed not to go over the side.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 12/18/42

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 150 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalein again report little Japanese air patrol activity (either carrier based or LBA).

U.S. sub Perch attacked by Jap ASW TF southeast of Kwajalein. Perch received light damage and remaining on patrol. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 84,86

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11
PG Hakkaisan Maru
PG Fukui Maru
MSW Tama Maru No. 2
MSW Seki Maru #3
MSW Rikusen Maru
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2

Allied Ships
SS Perch, hits 3

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

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.


South Pacific: All sectors reporting quiet.


Australia: U.S. A-20 bombers hit Japanese airfield in Daly Waters, Jap fighter sweep and recon over Tennant Creek. AAR's follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - 51 aircraft (24 fighters), 14 Jap LCU's, no detected airfield damage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 2
A-20B Boston x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
8 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
A6M3 Zero x 18
A6M3a Zero x 20
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 8 destroyed

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

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 37 aircraft (23 bombers), no detected change in Jap forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M2 fighters on CAP, one Jap TF in Exmouth (+1 from last report), 5 Jap LCU's (no change).
Hudson I recon over Thursday Island reported 2 Jap LCU's.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 9 Jap LCU's (no change).


India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.

Unidentified Jap submarine detected off Colombo. Allied minesweeping operations underway in Colombo.

Several small night bombing raids were carried out by RAF Blenheims against Jap airfields in Magwe and Mandalay. Light damage to Mandalay airfield, otherwise no significant results.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (+1 from last report, one TF has a BB?), heavy industry 116(77), 9 Jap LCU's (no change), 225 aircraft (60 fighters, 52 bombers).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Sining, Liuchow.

Sigint report for 12/18 includes entry indicating Jap 26th Division now located in Anking. 26 Division is yet another LCU Pillager withdrew from front-line positions in late 11/42. Last known location of 26 Division was Kweilin on 11/25/42. It's hard to determine anything definate from this sighting, but possible that 26 Division is moving towards Shanghai?