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

[IdahoNYer]

23-24 Nov 42

Highlights – Bad day in the air in Burma.

Jpn ships sunk:
AD: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 73
Allied: 66

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, troops for the Baker Is adventure begin loading transports at PH, bound for Christmas Is.

In SOPAC, Tulagi AF is hit with good effect and is shut down. No CAP. Two US CV TF (ea w/2CV, BB, 3CA, CL, CLAA, 7DD) move east of Ndeni and will sortie towards Tarawa/Ocean Is area to strike shipping and bases in the Gilberts. Kirakira is reportedly undefended, and US Amph TF (CVE, CL, 2DD, DE, 2DMS, 5AP, 2AK) will depart Vanikoro to land troops, escorted by CA TF (4CA, CL, 7DD). Don’t expect any immediate response, so CVs will hunt other targets. CAP for Amph provided by CVE Long Island as well as LRCAP out of Ndeni. Follow on troops being loading transports at Luganville. Goal here is to secure Kirakira quickly and put half a dozen engineers on the island rapidly, then emphasis will move to re-taking Vaitupu and then Baker. These landings, along with CVs hitting targets in the Gilberts should create enough turbulence in the water to bring the KB out to play – not trying to engage it, but draw it out of where I think its lurking – NW OZ.

In SWPAC, Moresby hit with moderate effect, no CAP. B-17s will hit Buna next, led by a P-38 sweep. Will continue to keep some pressure up, but until I can firmly confirm the KB isn’t laying in wait, Merauke invasion is on hold.

In WAUS, B-17s hit Port Hedland and are met by some Oscar IIAs on CAP – 4 are destroyed on the gound, but damage to the AF is minimal and the cost is 2 B-17s. Will sweep next turn with F4Fs and hit the AF again.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, B-24s targeting troops moving near Shwebo turned into a costly raid. While the B-24s did well, causing almost 1000 casualties, they were met by a very robust CAP of over the target – and the problem was the sweeps came in late, and the primary sweepers were shut down by weather. By the end of two days, 11 B-24s were lost to air-air or ops, and the fighters didn’t do well either – P-40Es especially were hit hard, as some were draw into the fight as escorts at extended range: 24 P-40E, 12 P-40K, and 8 F4Fs were lost in exchange for 16 A6M3a, 9 Oscar IIb, and 3 Tojo. Not good. The B-24s will need to rest and recover for a week! The bright spot (of sorts) was another ground assault on the two Brit Divs pulling back near Akyab – they held two attacks, but the attacks have drained almost all supplies. Hopefully the heavy IJA losses will prohibit another attack - This ground attack was also supported heavily by air – including Helens for the first time. Nettys suffered heavily from Flak, with 17 failing to return. Will put some fighters up to cover next turn.

[IdahoNYer]

25-26 Nov 42

Highlights – Kirakira amphib goes in and CVE Long Island lost – Major opportunity missed; Cox’s Bazaar bombarded by BBs

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (small)
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Long Island)
AMc: 1
MGB: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 52
Allied: 54

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Kirakira (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Apparently the mini KB is off Tulagi...found the hard way again.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, loading completed at PH with troops bound for Christmas Is.

In SOPAC, so much for not expecting much of a reaction…L_S_T tells me it was a fluke, just had the Mini-KB (Junyo, Hiyo and Zuiho?) move down from Ocean Island area to just off Tulagi to provide a CAP trap over the base – instead, perfect position for hitting the Kirakira Amph and Surf TF with strikes – narrowly missing the US CVs heading NE. US CV TFs hit Tulagi, Ocean, Nauru and Tabiteuea bases with minimal effect – sighted, but did not strike, a small convoy off Tarawa for some reason. Not smart to not cover the Kirakira landings in hindsight, and a major opportunity missed to hit 2CVs and a CVL with 4 CVs!!! Argh!! The two IJN airstrikes succeeded in sinking the CVE Long Island (an unlucky ship in four or so WiTP games I’ve played – always seems to draw fire and sink when covering landings!), CA Indianapolis is hit by a torp and will need yard work (46 float), and two APs dam by Vals – one will need yard work. All three, barring subs should make port. CAP didn’t do poorly, but not strong enough to thwart the attacks. In any case, troops were landed and the 200 odd defenders should be brushed aside shortly by the 164th IN Reg. Reasonably sure the IJN CVs will not pursue as the Amph and CA TF withdrawal to Ndeni and then Luganville, but they will have good LRCAP cover from Ndeni. US CVs will attempt to engage the enemy shipping sighted near Tarawa, then pull back towards Ndeni to cover the second wave troops (more engineers) now loaded and waiting at Ndeni – the chance to catch the Mini-KB is passed. Plan remains to build up Kirakira, then switch support to landings at Vaitupu, then Baker Is with US CVs in support.


In SWPAC, preceded by P-38F sweeps, B-17s hit Buna with minimal effect. No CAP. PBYs sight an IJN TF with one reported CVL heading toward Merauke – not sure what to make of this yet – possible resupply run perhaps? In any case, Horn Is and Portland Roads will hope to be in range next turn.

In WAUS, another mess of a turn. Like the CVE Long Island, Banshees have some bad luck. Banshees attempt to hit transports at Port Hedland, but the F4F sweep was late, and the B-17s didn’t do much to the AF – so… 13 of 16 Banshees were lost….ugh. Will attempt to better coordinate a strike next turn. PBYs also sight a reported tanker convoy well off to the NE of Port Hedland – a possible CV TF instead?

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, the BB TF (2BB, 2CL, DDs) sighted a while ago, finally makes an appearance, but not off Akyab – it bombards Cox’s Bazaar with moderate effect – 20 dam to the field and port, and only 3 a/c destroyed. Unfortunately apparently the weather closed down the Allied AFs, as no naval strike was launched, despite the BBs being sighted and in range of both Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar. Inland, B-24s rest while the mediums do little to ground targets as the IJA looks to be moving in force north of Shwebo towards Katha.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Long Island is the least useful CVE, not a big loss

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Long Island is the least useful CVE, not a big loss

No question..

Still frustrated at the missed opportunity by poorly utilizing my CVs!

[IdahoNYer]

27-28 Nov 42

Highlights – Bad day in Burma! Kirakira SNLF CO still holds against US Reg

Jpn ships sunk: None

Jpn ships unsunk:
BB: 1 (Haruna -really thought she’d gone down!!)
CL: 1 (Isuzu)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 101

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Neikang (China)

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Imperial Guards Div is reported to be moving by ship to Koepang – pulling out of Port Hedland??

West Coast/Admin. Two slow convoys (one from LA, one from SF) depart for PH.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Troop convoy departs PH for Christmas Is.

In SOPAC, the lone SNLF Co defending Kirakira holds off two attacks by the 164th IN Reg!! Not good! Will attempt a shock attack next turn, supported by airstrikes. A bloody company!!! This was supposed to be quick. At any rate, US CVs moving back to support second wave troops – engineers – which will depart Ndeni. Reserve of another Infantry Reg and a USMC Para Bn have been alerted to move to Kirakira if the 164th continues to have problems. On a positive note, L_S_T hasn’t tried to reinforce, and the initial Amph TF is about to dock at Luganville, having avoided the sub gauntlet.

In SWPAC, NSTR.

In WAUS, looks like the ships heading to Port Hedland weren’t bringing in troops, but perhaps pulling the Imperial Guard Division out, back to Koepang. Perhaps reducing the troops in the outer perimeter..

In China, Neikiang falls as the noose tightens.

In India/Burma, it was a bad day. Sweeps didn’t fly in the AM turn, and L_S_T had plenty of LRCAP waiting north of Shwebo to support his drive to link up with Katha. Caught in the maelstrom were three squadrons of unlucky Brit Vengences – losing 36 planes! Mess up with two day turns, it’s twice as painful!! In addition, 36 fighters fall in exchange for about 27. Not good. Will stand down the India-Burma air to regroup. On the ground, the IJA’s 56th Div and three infantry Regiments destroy the Brit screening Cav squadron just north of Shwebo. Bottom line is that L_S_T has thrown in about 6 divisions to Burma to meet my threat – more than enough to stabilize the situation, and regain the initiative. Another Indian Div is enroute from the interior, and the US 43rd Div is departing Cape Town next turn. Goal now is to hold the line in Burma, not India – burning Jpn supplies and continuing an attritional fight, both in the air and on the ground.

[IdahoNYer]

29-30 Nov 42

Highlights –Kirakira falls and another disaster avoided, but opportunity missed.

Jpn ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Haruna – back on the sunk list!)
SS: 2 (I-18, I-27)

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Henley)
DE: 1 (Barker)
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 49
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 7 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CM and xAK hit)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kirakira (SOPAC)
Warazup (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Slow convoy departs LA for Auck

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, first of a number of troop convoys begins offloading at Christmas Is for the CENPAC build up. This will be a long slow process, but it’s time to reduce some of the buildup at PH.

In SOPAC, some good news, and missed opportunities at Kirakira. The good news was that the 164th IN Reg, supported by air attacks, takes the base in the first assault, destroying the SNLF Co. There were missed opportunities were for both sides (at least so far). On my part, I managed NOT to set my CV TFs to “remain on station”, just east of Stewart Island – so instead of providing vigilant support, they withdrew back to Ndeni where they sucked all the fuel I had built up there….surprisingly, I didn’t have Fletcher in charge deciding to withdraw, it was all me. So of course, with my CVs now away, L_S_T puts a CA TF (6CA, 4DD) to Kira for mayhem – but here’s where I get lucky (at least so far), the CA TF sinks the TR TF’s ASW TF of a DD and DE, and brushes aside the PTs, but for some unknown reason fails to engage the transports unloading engineers at Kira! The CA TF does bombard Kirakira with little effect and remains at the base hex in daylight and at turns end. So now I’m kicking myself for sending my CVs off to raid the Gilberts with little to show for it - and missing the Mini-KB near Kira, AND NOW missing an opportunity to hit CAs laying off Kirakira!!! ARGH!! Still, I’m lucky that so far the TR TF managed to offload all three battalions and most of the supplies without being engaged – they’ll head back to Luganville next turn of course. The 4 surviving PTs will return back to Kirakira incase the CA TF loiters, and I’ll sortie the CVs due west towards Rennell Island to perhaps catch the CAs if they head NW “up the slot”. Hopefully the CVs won’t run into a sub – which are now all of the sudden plentiful in the waters between Ndeni and Kirakira (but DDs have reportedly sunk one and a/c dam another). On a positive note at least, Kirakira is secured and PBYs are already based there. Will still push more engineers and supplies of course to Kira, but focus will shift towards Vaitupu and Baker.

In SWPAC, Horn Island is swept by 30+ Oscar IIbs and are roughly handled by CAP – 27 lost in exchange of 5 P-39s and 4 P-40Ks over the two days. Aussie Mitchells hit a small convoy off Buna (lucky no CAP, unlucky the US B-25s didn’t fly), hitting a PB and two YOs. Figure all three will sink..

In WAUS, B-17s hit Port Hedland with fairly good effect, destroying a pair of a/c on the ground and only one bomber failed to return. Off Perth, I-27 is claimed by DE Parrott, sent out to supprot an inbound Cape Town convoy.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, the Brit 2nd and 70th Div successfully pulled back to the waiting two Indian Divs NE of Akyab, avoiding another attack by heavy IJA forces – the supporting AA and FA Bns didn’t reach the hex however, and they will likely get pummeled. Near Myitkyina, Warazup falls to an advancing IN Bn. Quiet elsewhere for now.

[IdahoNYer]

Nov 42 Summary

Nov 42 Summary
November was a fairly quiet month, all things considered. No major advances or victories, but no major disasters either – always a good thing. It is clear that L_S_T has gone to the operational defensive in all theaters except China – although he’s got enough combat power now in Burma to go on the offensive and regain some lost territory – but a major offensive move – such as an amphib against a hardened rear area target, not likely. And with his operational defense, he’s got the KB to effectively show up when and where he wants – such as off Horn Island this month. November is probably best described from the Allied point of view as “probing” the defenses – finding out what capabilities can have what effect and response on the Japanese – such as the bomber offensive in Burma and SWPAC, and the broad front ground attack in Burma and the slow amphib campaign in SOPAC and SWPAC. The results of these probes have given me caution – just don’t have the operational depth to prosecute a sustained offensive at the moment. We can do a limited offensive – but bomber strength is fragile, and amphibs come at a risk of the KB still showing up in force. Still, ground is gained slowly. Will continue to press locally on most fronts, hopefully cause the Jpn to expend pilots, supplies and fuel, but not lose the Allied fleet or the bomber force in the process. China of course is a mess and barely hanging on, and that pain will only get worse. Naval losses for the month were very light for both sides, some carried over from the previous month’s damage; IJN reported losses for the month were 1BB, 1DD and 4SS as compared to the Allies losing a CLAA, 1DD, 1DE, 2SS and 1PT. Air losses were again heavy for both sides, but still in the Allies favor, 643 for Jpn to 528 Allied.

INTEL: Well, I was wrong about L_S_T being cautious with his fleet after Carnavon – and I’ve failed to capitalize. So, figure he’s going to continue to use his fleet to counter Allied moves where he feels he can get an advantage without risking heavy loss. I’m still very much concerned about the KB appearing in strength and don’t think I can pull off what Jorge_Stanbury did in the Solomons. Think he’s concentrated the KB in the vicinity of Koepang, waiting to strike towards Darwin-Moresby or towards Port Hedland-Exmouth. A good central position. The question is whether I can draw him out to SOPAC or CENPAC waters. Goal is to strike where the KB isn’t – or, possibly, hit a portion of the KB if he splits his CVs.

SUBWAR: Subs still not doing much, and a number are still falling victim to a/c. Dec will start an upgrade for the subs, and many will upgrade as they return to replenish in the coming weeks. Will continue to send subs against both convoy routes/choke points and possible fleet concentrations regardless.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: US Army bomber pilot pools are finally showing some positive gains – 50 is a good number right now! Brit fighter pilot pools could be better.

NOPAC. Will largely continue to be quiet for the most part. Will see a slow, gradual increase in fleet units to be prepared to resume offensive operations against Attu come spring/summer.

CENPAC. Baker Is is on the list for December, and continued build up for future operations at both PH and Christmas Is.

SOPAC. With Kirakira secured, focus will now move towards retaking Vaitupu and building up Kira for the month of Dec. The question is always whether the KB will move to interdict operations. US CVs will be in general support for both SOPAC and CENPAC operations.

SWPAC. Still looking towards a landing at Merauke, but hesitant to pull the trigger unless I know the KB isn’t in the vicinity. Would kill for some good SIGINT!!! Bombers will continue to work over New Guinea AFs as conditions permit. Will not commit US CVs to SWPAC.

WAUS. Buildup at Exmouth continues and will ship in the US 41st ID from Perth which will march overland to take Port Hedland. Still not sure if this a viable approach, but it’s the best I can do for now. A slow grind for sure, supplies will be the big question mark – will even send an LST or two to see if they can offload supplies on a non-base hex as the troops advance towards Port Hedland.

Burma/India. The pot has been stirred, and the reaction was more than I anticipated. L_S_T has greatly reinforced Burma – 2 Tank Divisions bought out and shipped in, and at least 7 Infantry Divisions (4, 5, 18th, 21st, 48th, 55th, and 56th are known to be in Theater, as well a number of separate infantry regiments, and the RTA troops. Many of these troops have been shipped from Australia. Bottom line, Allies aren’t advancing any longer – initiative has gone to the IJA. That’s not terrible, and I’m not too disappointed to see all these troops here – and not in the Pacific. Will continue to wage an attritional fight, both in the air and on the ground, but need to be a bit more cautious on the ground.

China. IJA troops closing on Chungking from the north – fighting in the city expected in Dec. Lack of supplies throughout other areas. Not a good situation, and it will only get worse.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

For Kirakira: how many construction battalions did you sent there?
I am in awe with the Allies capability to turn any rock into a decent base in just days. If you have the supply and the engineers there, then in not time he will need move his forward defenses out of Guadalcanal/ Tulagi.

Any particular reason to take back Vaitupu? not the most desirable piece of real estate out there; but I guess it should be relatively risk free

[IdahoNYer]

Have 5 engineers on the Kira now, half a dozen or so ready to move once I get the AF to level 1 to provide some better air cover. Engineers are the Allies secret weapon!

As for Vaitupu, couple of reasons.
- one, its in the way...is defended.
- will expand my PBY coverage.
- part of my "making noise" to see if the KB comes out to play.

[IdahoNYer]

1-2 Dec 42

Highlights –CV Yorktown takes a torp!

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-29, RO-64)
xAP: 1 (old)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 93
Allied: 46

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ships hit (CV Yorktown hit)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ships hit (AK hit)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, well, it was bound to happen, a CV took a fish. Yorktown took a torp from I-29 120m south of Ndeni as the CVs were heading east to refuel. Damage is moderate (17/22(19)/1) and she’ll need some yard time at Sydney – and fingers crossed no other subs will get in her way. The offending sub was claimed as sunk by escorts. Needless to say the US CVs didn’t catch any of the IJN CAs withdrawing from Kirakira, but the CVs did draw the attention of LBA – presumably based at Munda. Two strikes (13Z,7K,6V and 51Z, 18V) were met by a robust CAP of over 85 Wildcats. Nothing got through in the first strike, and only 3 Vals (2 of which were downed by AA) dropped bombs in the second. The Navy flyers did well, total losses were: 42Z, 19V, 7K vs. 16 Wildcats and few pilot losses. Plenty of subs afoot – will clear the CVs to the east – they were heading that direction anyway, and hold off any transports to Kira for a bit while DDs and ASW a/c work over the area. Focus will now shift to Vaitupu and Baker Is landings while engineers build up Kirakira.

In SWPAC, Beaufighters fly into a CAP trap over Lae – sure wish you could focus naval strikes! So instead of hitting expected CAPless shipping at Buna, they flew up to Lae and 10 of 16 failed to return. Ugly.

In WAUS, DD Meredith, damaged in the Carnavon battles, is escorted out of Carnavon under escort to Perth and eventually Melbourne for repairs. So far, so good.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, as expected the supporting AA and FA Bns got pummeled and surrendered near Akyab. Heavy Jpn CAP (32Z, 20Tojos) over the recently pulled back Brit divisions caught a squadron of Allied sweepers at a numerical disadvantage, 11 P-40K lost to 6Z and 6Tojo. Perhaps the help of the debut of a squadron of Brit Spitfires on LRCAP in the hex helped! In any case, Allied air will try and rest and regroup – the P-40 squadrons especially need the rest and rebuilding after the recent losses. The Brit 18th Div and support troop at Akyab will begin to pull back a hex toward Cox’s Bazaar.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

At least you are close to port. but now you have to avoid any fight against KB. I mean not even within LBA range

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

At least you are close to port. but now you have to avoid any fight against KB. I mean not even within LBA range

I have no intent of seeking out the KB with 5 or even 6 CVs.....I don't have your kinda luck Jorge!!!

[IdahoNYer]

3-4 Dec 42

Highlights – Horn Is SBDs catch a fast transport run to Merauke

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Nagara)
SS: 1 (I-17)
xAP: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 28
Allied: 07

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
I-17 sunk by DD Bailey off Ndeni
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (2 xAK hit)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Baker Is Amph TF completes loading at Christmas Is; will depart for staging at Canton Is next turn.

In SOPAC, so far, so good, CV Yorktown has slipped through the sub infestation and is just off Noumea by turn’s end. She’ll continue on to Sydney with the 4 DD escort and two DDs on ASW. CVs Lex and Sara TF (2CV, BB, 2CA, DDs) will depart Noumea to rendezvous with the remaining 3 US CVs currently refueling east of Luganville. The CVs will hit Vaitupu, then proceed to support CENPAC’s Baker landings. Vaitupu landings will launch after Baker. IJN subs continue to infest waters from KiraKira to Luganville – including midgets at Kira. US DDs and Aussie ASW Hudsons are having some success, I-17 reported sunk as well as a midget. Will continue to focus on ASW effort as supplies remain good – over 5k at Kirakira, although will also run in a pair of APDs and SSTs with supply.

In SWPAC, 5 PTs run out to Merauke from Horn Island to disrupt a TF sighted heading there, and my guess pays off – it appears to be a fast transport run with a CL TF (CL, 4DD). The PTs intercept in daylight, and lose 2 PTs for no damage – but delay the TF enough for the IJN to remain in range in daylight. Poor weather prohibits AM strikes, but PM strikes of SBDs from Horn and B-25s out of Portland Roads land 4 bombs on the CL (claimed Nagara sunk) and a DD dam. B-17s hit Merauke, doing moderate damage to the port and AF without loss. No CAP for the sweeping P-38s. Still holding off a landing at Merauke for a bit – hoping I can ID the IJN CVs somewhere! On that note, recon sites a large concentration – over 100 ships at Rabaul – but nothing specific.

In WAUS, DD Meredith reaches Perth enroute to Melbourne. B-17s hit Port Hedland with minimal effect, but no CAP either.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, IJA effort to link up with troops at Katha is held by the US 112th CAV Reg, but the Allied attack on the IJA 48th Div is held – stalemate for now. The IJA force will break through, its just a matter of time. Allied air forces rest, with the exception of the usual night bombing – this time rather successful at Magwe with a single squadron of Wellys destroying a reported 12 a/c on the ground! Which means, Magwe continues to be a target rich environment.

[IdahoNYer]

5-6 Dec 42

Highlights – Busy day over Cox’s Bazaar; subs continue to plague SOPAC waters despite losses.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-169)
xAP: 1
xAKL: 1


Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 32

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
I-169 claimed sunk by DD Lardner off Vanikoro; ASW Hudsons claim 2 subs hit north of Espirutu Santo
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Baker Is Amph TF departs Christmas Is, enroute to Canton Is to stage.

In SOPAC, subs remain very thick in waters north of Espirutu Santo, despite aggressive efforts of both LBA ASW a/c and ASW TFs – both claim hits, and DD runs to Kirakira have run out of DCs before returning to Luganville. Two APDs land supplies on Kira and avoid the subs. Will continue to run ASW TFs to suppress subs. US CV TFs hit Vaitupu with carrier air, sinking a derelict xAP. B-24s also hit ground targets with good effect. The CVs complete refueling and will begin to move towards Baker Is. PBYs sight CA TF (3-4CAs, 2CLs, DDs) off Thousand Ships Bay presumably heading to bombard Kirakira. B-26s attack without success. PTs are on station to intercept, as well as US subs of course – hope they can be slowed in their departure back up The Slot so Ndeni based US LBA (B-26s and SBDs) can get another shot at them – moonlight is at 0%, so there is a chance that the PTs might get in close. US CA TF will remain at Luganville due to heavy sub threat – not worth the risk right now.

In SWPAC, Moresby hit by B-17s with moderate effect, no CAP met by sweeping P-38Fs. Sallys hit Horn Is at night with no success, met ineffectually by Beaufighters. Otherwise, quiet.

In WAUS, Crippled DD Meredith departs Perth enroute to Melbourne. B-17s hit Port Hedland ground targets for a change of pace, hitting the 14th Garrison Unit with minimal effect, but no CAP either. So, the major infantry formations do seem to have pulled out. Cape Town convoy arrives at Perth.

In China, IJA forces clear the hex north of Chungking. Still have some semblance of forces in the south near Changsa, as well as Lanchow in the north, but supplies are pretty much non existent – Chungking is down to 4k of supplies. I’ve pretty much given up here….will try to tie down troops as long as possible, but Chungking’s time is running out.

In India/Burma, heavy IJA fighter sweeps over Cox’s Bazaar go well for the defending CAP – got lucky here as I wasn’t expecting anything major – trying to rest the air force. CAP was gathered from Cox and other surrounding bases of all sorts of fighters Spitfires, Wildcats, P-40Ks, P-39s, and Hurris. All told about 30 Allied fighters at any one time – the sweeps by Oscar IIbs and Tojos don’t fare well – after the two days: 23 Oscar IIb and 14 Tojos lost in exchange for 9 P-40K, 4 F4F, 3 P-39, 2 Hurri and 2 Spits. I’ll take the exchange. Will continue to try and rest the air forces…

[IdahoNYer]

7-8 Dec 42

Highlights – Synch bug again to celebrate the war’s one year mark – didn’t see half of what happened! Kirakira bombarded by CA TF

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (SS-42)
PT: 4

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 38

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
S-42 came up as sunk by bomb – never saw it, wasn’t previously damaged. Apparently off Koepang.

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Absolutely no idea where any enemy CV is at this point. Never a good feeling.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR.

In NOPAC, troops finish loading aboard transports to land at Buldir Is, between Kiska and Attu. Island still under Allied control, but not occupied. Will land engineers to build up AF to support ops into Attu come spring.

In CENPAC, Baker Is Amph TF arrives at Canton, and will begin move to Baker next turn. Baker looks to be vacant. US CVs link up off Vaitupu, complete refueling ops and will move to support landings.

In SOPAC, the IJN CA TF (4CA, 4DD) did hit Kirakira with minimal effect – and the PTs did close to 2000yds which allowed a couple to launch torps – all missed of course, and 4 boats were lost after three engagements. Allied LBA never launched, either due to weather or IJN getting out of range. Despite minimal damage inflicted, Kirakira AF reaches level 1 and is operational with a squadron of P-39s.

In SWPAC, Moresby hit again by B-17s, and 4 lost to ops/flak – not good at 8000 ft. Damage was moderate, and no fighters on CAP. AF not shut down however, and it looks like L_S_T has got some good AA units there now.

In WAUS, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, two squadrons of Blenhiems get chewed up by heavy LRCAP over the Burma-India frontier line near Akyab - losses after two days: 8 Blen, 10 Hurri, 4 P-39, 3 F4F against 5 Zero and 2 Tojo. Not good. Will focus much more additional air in the hex to attack the IJA’s 48th Div with 2 Brit and 2 Indian Divs; air will include heavy sweeps as well as B-24s/B-25s supporting the ground attack. Will likely be a busy day in the air. Also on the ground, the Brit 18th Div with support has successfully pulled back from Akyab before being attacked by the two IJA Divs in the Akyab hex.

[IdahoNYer]

9-10 Dec 42

Highlights – PTs torp CA off Kirakira; Baker Island occupied.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Kinugasa - listed, but I don't think so)
SSX: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (RO-60)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Baker Is (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Baker Is (CENPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:Looks like the entire IJN CA force (8-10 CAs) based in the Solomons – can the CVs be far off??

West Coast/Admin. On an admin note, CV Yorktown safely docks at Sydney for repairs – initial estimate is 40 days!

In NOPAC, troops begin landing at Buldir Is without interference, other than bad weather.

In CENPAC, Baker Is secured without opposition – garrison pulled out some time earlier. US 21st IN Reg already reboarding transports for movement back to Christmas Is, to be relieved by 1st USMC Def Bn. PBYs and a squadron of P-40Ks already based on Baker. US CV TFs will sortied toward the Gilberts, then move south to cover landings at Vaitupu – which also now appears to be evacuated. Amph TF has departed Suva, and will not stage at Funifuti, but press directly to Vaitupu.

In SOPAC, not one, but two IJN CA TFs (4CA, 4DD /4CA, 6DD) hit Kirakira again – this time, PTs closed to 1000yds due to 7% moonlight and put a torp into Kinugasa (reported sunk now for the third time in the last year!!). Two PTs were lost, and the second CA TF was engaged, but not pressed – no losses to either side. Both IJN TFs bombarded, causing moderate damage (30s), destroying 3 PBYs and a P-39. AF remains in operation, but progress of the engineers slowed. Seeing this many CAs in one theater is surprising – but if L_S_T wants to commit them in trying to slow a buildup of a level 1 AF base – great! Will continue to try and attrit the enemy sorties with subs and PTs, and perhaps get lucky as the PT did this turn. I doubt the Kinugasa was sunk as it participated in the bombardment, and no IJN floatplanes were listed as ground loses. Will continue to run in supplies and additional engineers as well.

In SWPAC, with the IJN CA force in the Solomons, I’ve started to put in motion the invasion of Merauke – initial loading of troops in Townsville and moving ships to staging at Portland Roads. B-17s in SOPAC, as well as P-38s, will also return to SWPAC to support the landings – Bde of the US 32nd Div will spearhead the landing – hopefully in the next week or so. Some risk here – still don’t know where any IJN CVs are – but wouldn’t the CVs be in the vicinity of the CAs??

In WAUS, it remains quiet. Lead Allied troops (Aussie Bde and Tk Reg) begin the long trek toward Port Hedland overland from Exmouth.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma, Allied air focuses on supporting the attack of 4 Allied Div against the IJA’s 21st Div which holds back two deliberate attacks – of course weather prevents strikes the first day! Still, in the air, the Allies do well 20 Zeros downed in exchange for 3 P-39, 4 P-40K, and 3 Hurris. One B-24 and B-25 were lost to ops as well. Will attempt a repeat again next turn before the IJA can reinforce on the ground. To spice things up, Brit sub Truant sighted what appears to be another BB bombardment TF heading out of Rangoon towards Akyab – my bet another bombardment heading toward Cox’s Bazaar. Subs, mines, and a pair of MGBs will hopefully hinder their progress to allow Allied air to get in some strikes!

[jwolf]

In my admittedly limited experience one fish won't sink a CA unless there is a catastrophic side effect such as a fuel or ammo explosion. It might not even be damaged very much. But this looks like the kind of op you need to do to put some "friction" (as I read on Canoerebel's AAR) into those Japanese bombardment runs. Overall IMHO you're doing well as you are gradually taking control of the initiative from neutral to the Allied side.

That much IJN pressure on Kirakira seems disproportionate, unless he's got some wider agenda there.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

PT boat torpedoes are small, it most likely didn't sink. In my Japanese game, Chiyoda took 2 PT torpedoes, and it was in OK shape to return to port.

But as you mentioned, it adds a new unkown variable that a Japanese player will need to think about

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

PT boat torpedoes are small, it most likely didn't sink. In my Japanese game, Chiyoda took 2 PT torpedoes, and it was in OK shape to return to port.

But as you mentioned, it adds a new unkown variable that a Japanese player will need to think about

I thought the early PT versions had the four destroyer type tubes and full sized torpedoes and it wasn't until around late 1943 that the upgrades give them the smaller torpedoes so they have some weight savings for AA guns and radar?

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I was hit by 21' Mk 8 torpedoes.

And you are right it was a full sized, if WWI old, destroyer torpedo.

However, as per wikipedia:
"The torpedo also lacked the explosive power of newer models. It carried less than 500 pounds of TNT-based explosive which was far from a guaranteed ship kill on strike. This would frustrate many captains who, when lucky enough to hit an enemy dead on, would have the warhead go off but not do enough damage to sink the target, and allowed many of them to limp back home."