Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Schlieffen Hook

This plan always works. Proven record of success. Never fails. [:'(]

Good point, maybe I should have went with "Frazier Hook". Much better track record

[Schlussel]

Week 112: January 26th – February 1st 1944
North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Allied bomber and sea bombardments continue to hit Saipan, where the Allies enjoy a 639:143 raw AV advantage. Further attacks are put on hold as the recent flurry has drained the Allies’ supply levels. Supply is being shipped in from Babeldaob, the closes base with available shipping assets.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
The Loewoek airfield reached level 1 this week. Sidate is being reinforced by ground troops to assist in the advance on Manado, and neutralize its level 7 airfield.

The liberation of Mindano is official as the last main enemy resistance at Cagayan was eliminated at the end of the week. Now the only enemy presence is minor enemy base forces at Bututan and Zamboanga. Clean up crews will take care of these while the 33rd Division preps for Luzon.
The Jolo operation remains a deadlock. The Allies keep the island isolated while prepping reinforcements.




SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula is moving along well. Allied units roll over the enemy at Nakhon Si Thammarat and lead recon elements are closing on Singora. Intel still indicates only a single support unit is present at this base.

The situation in China continues in the Allies favor. Hankow falls and the victorious Chinese move towards Sinyang, hoping to clear this base and open up a clear supply line to the Chengchow area to the north.

In the south, progress is being made to isolate Canton/Hong Kong. Currently a perimeter has been established to sever land supply and the Chinese are slowly pushing southward from Wuchow. British reinforcements are moving at high speed from Lang Son and have now reached Liuchow. It is believed that the Chinese will be able to reach Canton by themselves, but the British will be needed to assist in taking the city.




IJN Watch:
-No enemy capital ships sighted this week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Hankow [China] captured by the Allies (1/26)
- Malayblay [Philippines] captured by the Allies (1/26)
- Nakhon Si Thammarat [Malaya] captured by the Allies (1/26)
- Cagayan [Philippines] captured by the Allies (1/31)
- Anyang [China] captured by the Allies (1/31)
- Wewak [New Guinea] captured by the Allies (2/1)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,865 [+57]

Japanese: 25,835 [+252]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 674 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 27 DD

Japanese: 1,501 [+19]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kirishima, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 50 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,198 [+15]
Japanese: 13,003 [+363]
A/J Ratio: 0.86 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 71,645 [+993]
Japanese: 34,020 [+25]
A/J Ratio: 2.10 to 1




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [IN PROGRESS. AV 639:143 Advantage Allies, Forts at 3]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus [COMPLETE]




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [COMPLETE – Minor enemy resistance at Butuan and Zamboanga]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS, AV 446:396 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone [Invasion en route from Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Kolaka [Invasion forces en route from Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Other Notes:
-Sub picket lines in the South China Sea account for 9 ships this week (1TK/5AK/1SC/2E)
-Blockade Force in the Makassar Strait bags 3 TKs and 2 AKs.

[Schlussel]

**FLASH REPORT February 3, 1944**


**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**


Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to acquire bases for the final assault on Japan.




Code-name: HARBINGER







Plan: Allied command requires numerous bases to house the immense naval, air, and ground forces required for the final decision around the Japanese home islands. Manilla will be needed as a forward naval base and shipyard, while the Okinawa area has airbases that will prove useful for staging 2 & 4 engine bombers. Bases will also help to further isolate the DEI from the Home Islands.

To fulfill this mission, 4 divisions will perform a two pronged attack (reminiscent of the Japanese strategy) to capture Luzon. The difference here is the Lingayen landing force will target Bataan first before heading to Manilla. For Okinawa, another 4 Divisions are planning for Naha and Nago simultaneously. Recon will be used to see which beach is less defended, and this will be exploited as much as possible. Prior to the assault on Okinawa proper, Ishigaki and Miyako-Jima will be taken to serve as air bases for supporting bombers.The phases of this operation are as follows:



Phase 1 - Luzon Sector: Landings at Atimonian/Legaspi will form the southern force, while Lingayen/Aparri will constitute the northern. Both will converge on Manilla.



Phase 1a - Ishigaki & Miyako-Jima: Capture & development of these two islands will help support Phase 2.



Phase 2 - Okinawa Sector: Capture of Naha, Nago, and Amami -Oshima. Tough fighting expected at Okinawa. 10+ BBs and 15+ Liberator squadrons will suppress the defenders and provide recon for 3-4 weeks before the troops hit the beaches. Two reserve divisions will be ready to reinforce as needed.


Other Factors: KB has not been spotted since the carrier battle north of the Marianas. 9 fleet carriers, approx 20 Allied CVEs and 4 CVLs will be available to cover the amphibious operations.



Timetable: Troops for Phase 1 are already 100% prepped. Loading should begin in about three weeks, once the amphibious groups have returned from their mission in the Celebes.


**END TRANSMISSION**

[BBfanboy]

Nice plan! Naha has a small shipyard and I think Nago does too. If after taking Luzon you have the forces to go up to Pescadores you can get another nice shipyard and help isolate Formosa and strangle the back channel between the South China Sea and Japan.

Be aware that Ishigaki has a naval fortress, but I don't think Iriomote does.

Kamikazes will be activated if they are not already.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Nice plan! Naha has a small shipyard and I think Nago does too. If after taking Luzon you have the forces to go up to Pescadores you can get another nice shipyard and help isolate Formosa and strangle the back channel between the South China Sea and Japan.

Be aware that Ishigaki has a naval fortress, but I don't think Iriomote does.

Kamikazes will be activated if they are not already.

Good points as always BBF. I am gonna look at what I have to divert to Pescadores...and I'll definitely modify the amphib group for the Ishigaki operation and add some old BBs to divert attention and soak up CD gun hits.

Kamis are active, I just had my first experience them this week in Indochina. 21 Bettys targeted an ASW group, sinking 1 Fletcher and seriously damaging another.[X(] That will surely add another dimension to the upcoming operations near Okinawa.

[Macclan5]

How strong is your scouting over Okinawa ?

Naha / Nago ?

You mention 4 divisions prepping for both targets - I wonder if one port is much more weakly defended ?

i.e. Land in strength gain the foot hold and you can march to the other port / besiege / wear down.

Its my experience that Nago is probably more weakly defended but ??

Depending upon your patience and tolerance for casualties one of the two ports is likely a very tough nut to crack. You may want a 5th division as back up unless you intend to consolidate from Ishigaka for example.

[RangerJoe]

Actually, invading one and then the other might be the better option so units retreating from one will not retreat to the other one. Just make sure that while you are trying to capture one, that the other one is just bombarding (if that) and not otherwise attacking. Concentrate on one base, destroy the enemy there, then march to the other one with your most effective units, and then start attacking there.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Actually, invading one and then the other might be the better option so units retreating from one will not retreat to the other one. Just make sure that while you are trying to capture one, that the other one is just bombarding (if that) and not otherwise attacking. Concentrate on one base, destroy the enemy there, then march to the other one with your most effective units, and then start attacking there.

Problem with Okinawa is there is no road between Nago and Naha so the march takes weeks!

There is a naval fort at Nago from game start. Naha will probably have a CD unit or two. And by this stage in the war the IJN BFs have DP guns - not big caliber but they sting warships and can mess up transports. To counter this I plan for two or three sets of embedded BBs/CAs to take on the enemy because on the day of landing the first set will use up all their ammo on suppression. Rotate them out and put in a new set for at least day two. The ones rotated out can still act as good AA vessels for other TFs, or go to nearby AEs to replenish.

[RangerJoe]

The march might take weeks. Okay, then send one unit to open a hex side and while invading the second base with more troops. The idea is to keep the units at one base from reinforcing the other, healing in the process and/or airlifting out.

[Schlussel]

Hmmm you guys bring up some great suggestions. Currently I have minimal recon on Okinawa, as the only Allied bases within range are on the Chinese coast. Unfortunately Chinese base forces are scarce (and are tied up supporting fighters defending against Japanese rids), so all I have is some British Catalinas flying recon from Caochow on the Chines coast. This will have to do for now. To get reliable recon, I'll have to wait until more British base forces reach China, or until Harbinger Phase 1 captures its initial objectives.

Due to this lack of intel, my plan is focused on flexibility: Prep 2 divisions for Naha and 2 for Nago. Once I start getting reliable recon of Okinawa, I would proceed as follows, depending on the garrison sizes at each base:
-Weak Garrison at Both Bases: Assault both bases simultaneously (2 divisions per base).
-Strong Garrison at Naha & Weak Garrison at Nago: 2 Divisions prepped for Nago would go in hoping to capture the base quickly, allowing the Naha-prepped divisions to land without disablements. Then all 4 divisions would head to Naha.
-Weak Garrison at Naha & Strong Garrison at Nago: 2 Divisions prepped for Naha would go in hoping to capture the base quickly, allowing the Nago-prepped divisions to land without disablements. Then all 4 divisions would head to Nago.
-Strong Garrison at Both Bases: Exclaim "Oh sh!t" [X(] and delay Okinawa invasion. I could either bypass Okinawa, or wait for additional forces to become available after Philippine campaign wraps up.

Thanks for the insights guys, definitely food for thought. I have some time to think about this as the Philippine assaults will occur first, giving my recon time to do its thing and make the picture a little clearer. If the worst case proves to be true (strong garrison at both Okinawa bases), I will most likely bypass the island and use coastal Chinese bases in their place..or land in Korea, although the latter would depend heavily on the status of the land war in China.

[Schlussel]

Week 113: February 2nd – February 8th 1944

North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Allied bomber and sea bombardments continue to hit Saipan, where the Allies enjoy a 677:181 raw AV advantage. Further attacks are put on hold as the Allies’ supply levels are running low. A re-supply test run with 1 AK discovers the Saipan coastal fort is still operational…it sinks the AK outright before it can offload anything. This means I’ll have to wait for a few BBs and LSTs to become available to make another run. If all goes well, supply should be landing at Saipan within a week, and the final assault preparations will commence shortly thereafter.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Operation Chimera’s thrust into the Celebes is given the green light. Ships leave Rabaul and head east, following the New Guinea coast towards the DEI. Intel still shows that the invasion sites (Watampone and Kolaka) are unoccupied, so the plan is to take these bases quickly and then march overland to the main objectives of Makassar and Kendari. Troops should make landfall on or around 2/14.

The Jolo operation remains a deadlock. The Allies keep the island isolated while prepping reinforcements. In the meantime, a small detachment from Rabaul is sailing to TawiTawi (2 hexes to the east of Jolo), to set up a base there and help isolate Tarakan.




SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula is moving along well. At the end of the week, lead Allied recon units reach Singora and find a single base force holding the base. A deliberate attack is ordered up, but is not able to dislodge the defenders. The Allied commander decides to hold for reinforcements that should arrive on 2/9.
Intel shows a large force (14 Units, 35K Troops, 200 Guns, 115 Vehicles) at Alor Star. This is the first major resistance on the road to Singapore, and the enemy force is in an optimal spot for an Allied flanking maneuver once Singora is captured.

The situation in China continues in the Allies favor. The Chinese arrive in force at Sinyang (AV ratio 2,454:952), hoping to clear this base and open up a clear supply line to the Chengchow area to the north. An initial Chinese assault is defeated. The Allies lose about 2,000 troops (400 disabled squads) while inflicting 1,200 casualties (70 disabled squads) on the Japanese. The assault reveals the defenders are entrenched behind level 6 forts, this will definitely be a tough nut to crack. For the near term, the plan is to keep the pressure on and force the enemy to expend supply. A secondary force is probing SE along the river towards Anking, where resistance looks to be much weaker.

In the North, the Chinese envelopment at Kaoping is coming along nicely. A 2,000 AV Chinese force arrives in Kaoping and attracts a series of deliberate attacks from a 150,000 enemy troops stationed there (2,500 AV). These assaults are rebuffed with massive Japanese casualties (14K in 3 days), the Allies lose only about 2K in the same time span. The Japanese halt assaults as the AV ratio is about equal at 2,100 apiece. Meanwhile, two Chinese corps move from Anyang to cut the rail/road line into Kaoping to the North East. Let’s see how 150,000 enemy troops survive on minimal rations. [Insert Dr. Evil laugh here]

In the south, progress is being made towards Canton. Approximately 1,600 AV should reach the hex NW of Canton on 2/10. There is an enemy force of about 500 AV there, but they are beat up, as they were just ousted from the hex the Allied force is currently in.




IJN Watch:
-No enemy capital ships sighted this week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Gorontalo [Celebes] occupied by the Allies (2/2)
- Ningasa [China] captured by the Allies (2/3)
- Togian-eilanden [Celebes] occupied by the Allies (2/5)
- Amoy [China] captured by the Allies (2/6)
- Butuan [Philippines] captured by the Allies (2/7)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,937 [+72]

Japanese: 25,991 [+156]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 675 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 27 DD

Japanese: 1,509 [+8]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 50 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,231 [+33]
Japanese: 13,316 [+313]
A/J Ratio: 0.84 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 72,286 [+641]
Japanese: 34,106 [+86]
A/J Ratio: 2.12 to 1




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [IN PROGRESS. AV 677:181 Advantage Allies, Forts at 3]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus [COMPLETE]




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [COMPLETE – Minor enemy resistance at Zamboanga]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS, AV 351:388 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone [Invasion forces en route from Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Kolaka [Invasion forces en route from Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Other Notes:
-Sub picket lines in the South China Sea account for only 1 AK this week, however ASW patrols sink 2 enemy subs in the Sulu Sea
-Intel reports the Kirishima is still in service. Not sure if she will be sea-worthy anytime soon, but we’ll plan as though she is.

[Schlussel]

Week 114: February 9th – February 15th 1944

North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Allied bomber and sea bombardments continue to hit Saipan, where the Allies enjoy a 702:200 raw AV advantage. Despite constant bombardment from the ground, sea, and air…the Japanese garrison seems to still have supply, as their AV keeps recovering. The good news is, 3 more Japanese AKs are sunk trying to resupply Saipan, and the Allied bombardments are bearing more fruit. Also a TF of 20 LSTs escorted by DDs and 3 old BBs land 35K supply on the island in one day. The Saipan Naval Fortress did all it could, hitting the BBs a total of 12 times (resulting in minor damage), but the LSTs were unharmed and delivered their precious cargo. Allied forces are well rested and should be ready to launch an offensive in a day or so.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Operation Chimera makes landfall at Watampone and Kolaka, and just as intel reported, the bases were vacant. Non-combat forces (Base Forces/AV support/Engineers) and more supply are now unloading at both bases. As the assault forces advance towards their main objectives (Makassar and Kendari).

While the Jolo operation remains a deadlock, the TawiTawi operation is moving along well, Invasion forces are poised to hit the beaches in less than a week. Intel still reports no enemy garrison present.


SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula continues. Early in the week, the main Allied units reach Singora and easily oust the single base force located there. The group will now split. Main force (2,000 AV) will head west along the road towards Alor Star and the Japanese presence (now estimated to be 37K troops). The 5th and 26th Indian Divisions, and a Chindit Brigade will (~1,000 AV) march south along the railroad and take Patani while encircling the Japanese strongpoint from the south. The Chindit Brigade’s function will be to hold the hex SW of Singora, to maintain the supply line for the flanking force, and later, to help encircle the Japanese at Alor Star.

The situation in China continues in the Allies favor. Chinese reinforcements arrive in at Sinyang (AV ratio 5,293:961). The Chinese assault is defeated, with the Allies losing about 4,800 troops (40 destroyed/722 disabled squads) while inflicting 3,300 casualties (56 destroyed/70 disabled squads) on the Japanese. The forts remain at 6, but it’s nice to see the Japanese taking some meaningful casualties.

In the North, the Chinese envelopment at Kaoping holds. After a few more disastrous assaults by the Japanese, the AV ratio is at 1758:727, firmly in the Allies favor. The Chinese are maintaining bombardments to force the encircled force to burn supply.

In the south, progress is being made towards Canton. Approximately 1,600 AV arrived in the hex NW of Canton and promptly ousted the enemy group (500 AV), causing 3,400 casualties (98 destroyed/131 disabled squads) before the defenders tucked tail and ran. Interestingly, 3 of the units retreated eastwards into an open hex, while the rest (5 or 6 units) retreated south into Canton.

Japanese pockets at Nanchang (18 units/113K troops) and west of Pucheng (3 units, 30K troops) continue to be worn down.




IJN Watch:
-No enemy capital ships sighted this week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Singora [Malaya] captured by the Allies (2/10)
- Siargao [Philippines] occupied by the Allies (2/11)
- Baybay [Philippines] occupied by the Allies (2/13)
- Watampone [Celebes] captured by the Allies (2/14)
- Kolaka [Celebes] captured by the Allies (2/14)
- Palopo [Celebes] occupied by the Allies (2/15)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,002 [+65]

Japanese: 26,172 [+181]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 679 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 28 DD

Japanese: 1,532 [+23]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 51 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,251 [+20]
Japanese: 13,661 [+345]
A/J Ratio: 0.82 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 73,110 [+824]
Japanese: 34,186 [+80]
A/J Ratio: 2.14 to 1




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [IN PROGRESS. AV 702:200 Advantage Allies, Forts at 3]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus [COMPLETE]




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [COMPLETE – Minor enemy resistance at Zamboanga]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS - AV 437:403 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei [IN PROGRESS - Forces en route from Rabaul]

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Kolaka [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Makassar [IN PROGRESS – Forces marching overland from Watampone]
-Assault & Capture Kendari [IN PROGRESS – Forces marching overland from Kolaka]




Other Notes:
-Sub picket lines in the South China Sea account for 9 ships this week [4-AK, 2-SC, 3-TK]
-1st Kamikaze attack (16 Bettys) sinks a DD and heavily damages another off the Malaya coast near Singora. The damaged DD put in at Singora and has 27 SYS/47 FLT. Singora should be able to repair the SYS damage, but the FLT (all major) will have to be dealt with at Saigon afterwards.

[jwolf]

Yeah a good Kamikaze hit will severely damage a DD if not outright sink it. The bigger warships can take more of a beating ... usually.

That DD would probably repair much faster at Colombo if you can get it there. Or hold it in Malaya until you recapture Singapore. [:)]

[Schlussel]

I like your optimism jwolf. I too hope to have Singapore's services very soon...all depends upon the quality of the garrison there, and of course the fort size.

[jwolf]

You should assume the fort is high, at least 6 and probably 9. Make sure you have multiple combat engineers who can rotate in and out. And DON'T have the combat engineers in the initial shock crossing attack.

[Schlussel]

Ahh, good point about the combat engineers and the initial shock attack. I'll make sure to hold them back.

I am fully expecting level 9 forts at Singapore, I already ran into them at Saipan, so I know the AI is capable of building them. The coastal forts will pretty much eliminate any chance of using BBs to bombard. The good news is I have a larger pool of ground forces now than when I assaulted Saipan. It will allow me to rotate units in and out and hopefully keep the pressure on.

[Schlussel]

Week 115: February 16th – February 22nd 1944

North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Allied offensive ops resume on Saipan on 2/17, the initial attack has minimal casualties on each side, but the forts are reduced from 3 to 1. The following day, the assault achieves a 3:1 result, and the island is captured…hurrah! Engineers have their work cut out for them, as all base facilities are at 100 damage. By the end of the week, the airfield is operational, but there is much work still to be done.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Allied forces make good progress in Celebes. Watampone and Kolaka get some support troops and ground forces advance towards their objectives. One goof on my part though, I forgot to have one of the armored units (766th tank battalion) follow the infantry heading to Makassar. What resulted was the tanks arrived at Makassar alone and got repulsed by the enemy (approx. 250AV). About 20 of the 60 Stuarts tanks got disabled. Luckily the unit retreated and was spared any further damage.

Jolo remains a stalemate. The current plan is to blockade the sea approaches and continue with land/sea bombardments to draw down the enemy’s supply. Too many other (more important) ops are in motion, so reinforcement here will be delayed. Allied troops have a firm foothold and are well supplied, so the status quo is acceptable.

Allied boots hit the ground at Tawi-Tawi and quickly take the island. First thing next week, support forces (AV support and engineers) will be unloaded to develop this base

The last of the Japanese resistance outside Rabaul surrenders (or is annihilated) by the 1st Australian Brigade. The Rabaul campaign started on April 19th, 1943 with the Allied amphibious assault, and after months of tough fighting, the base was captured on June 11th, 1943, and the Japanese survivors (approx. 30K troops) retreated to the southwest. It took 8 more months to finally root out and destroy this pocket of resistance.




SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula continues. The encircling movement is in motion. If this maneuver is successful, the 2nd Guards Division and 10+ support units will be encircled. The best part is, the enemy pocket will not hamper advancement or supply of units heading towards the main objective of Singapore. Oh, and keeping a whole division from retreating behind the Singapore fortress is welcomed as well.

A British amphibious assault on northern Sumatra is in the works. A large enemy presence is detected at Sabang, so the assault will hit Langsa with 2 divisions (81st W. African & 11th E. African). One division will advance on Sabang, while the other will head south.

In northern China, the Chinese maintain their defensive stance outside Kaoping, while an offensive opportunity looks to be developing in the Kaifeng area. Early in the week, the Japanese garrison at Kaifeng tries a deliberate attack, but they are surprised when about 1,000 AV arrives (doubling the Allied presence outside the city). The assault is repulsed with heavy casualties (415 squads destroyed). The Allies launch an attack of their own the next turn and send the Japanese fleeing to the southeast. If this advance can take Suchow, the central/southern parts of China will be cut off

In southern China, Foochow is captured. To the West, approximately 2,600 AV arrived in Canton proper and began bombardments. They are currently facing 1,200 AV…almost certainly dug in behind level 9 forts. Canton and Hong Kong are already isolated from outside supply, so the goal will be to grind this down as much as possible. British infantry (and combat engineers) are inbound, and a general attack may be attempted once they arrive in Canton in about 2 weeks.
Japanese pockets at Nanchang (18 units/113K troops) and west of Pucheng (3 units, 25K troops) continue to be worn down.




IJN Watch:
-No enemy capital ships sighted this week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Tsinkiang [China] captured by the Allies (2/16)
- Siquijor [Philippines] occupied by the Allies (2/16)
- Saipan [Marianas] captured by the Allies (2/18)
- Kaifeng [China] captured by the Allies (2/19)
- Foochow [China] captured by the Allies (2/19)
- Pare Pare [Celebes] occupied by the Allied (2/21)
- Damanquilas [Philippines] captured by the Allies (2/22)
- Tawi-Tawi [Philippines] captured by the Allies (2/22)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,095 [+93]

Japanese: 26,332 [+160]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 687 [+8]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 28 DD

Japanese: 1,568 [+36]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 51 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,292 [+41]
Japanese: 14,386 [+725]
A/J Ratio: 0.78 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 74,740 [+1,630]
Japanese: 34,308 [+122]
A/J Ratio: 2.18 to 1




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [COMPLETE]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus [COMPLETE]




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [COMPLETE]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS - AV 515:421 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei [IN PROGRESS - Forces en route from Rabaul]

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Kolaka [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Makassar [IN PROGRESS – Forces marching overland from Watampone]
-Assault & Capture Kendari [IN PROGRESS – Forces marching overland from Kolaka]




Other Notes:
-Sub picket lines in the South China Sea account for 7 ships this week [2-AK, 1-LST, 3-TK, 1-E]
-In preparation of the upcoming Sumatra landings, the British CV fleet visits the Straits of Malacca and sinks 11-AKs near Langsa and Georgetown.

[jwolf]

Great results at Saipan; certainly must be a relief to capture this base at last.

[Schlussel]

Thanks jwolf. It took longer than expected, but I learned a good deal from it. And I better put those lessons to use, the nuts get harder to crack from here on out.

[Schlussel]

Week 115: February 23rd – February 29th 1944

North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
American engineers on Saipan and the get the base fully repaired by the end of the week. Work begins on the massive task of moving the forward base of operations from Rabaul to Guam, the former being too far behind the front line.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Allied forces on Celebes march towards their objectives (with proper follow commands this time). Infantry should reach Makassar tomorrow (3/1) and Kendari about 1 week later. The enemy garrison at Manado has been assaulted and the most recent attack knocked the forts to 0. With the Marianas secure, B-24s are transferred to Morotai (Level 6 AF) and Talaud-Eilanden (Level 8 AF) to give the Celebes campaign some assistance from the air.

Jolo remains a stalemate. The current plan is to blockade the sea approaches and continue with land/sea bombardments to draw down the enemy’s supply. 5 Japanese AKs are sunk attempting to run the blockade around the island.

Tawi-Tawi’s airfield reaches level 3 and the Corsairs, Warhawks, and Lightnings (oh my!) stationed there are staying busy…flying LRCAP over Jolo and performing sweeps of the Japanese airbase at Tarakan.




SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula continues. The encircling movement is progressing and the 26th Indian Division should cut the road south of Alor Star by mid next week. The other element of this force takes Patani and begins moving down the East coast towards Kota Bahru.

The assault on Sumatra begins mid-week. The 81st Division makes landfall at Langsa, quickly captures the base, and marches northwest towards Sabang. Merrill’s Marauders also land but probe southwest towards Medan with the goal of evaluating the garrison there. Intel spots a single enemy unit, and composition indicates it’s probably just a base force. If the garrison can be overwhelmed, Medan and its developed base facilities will be very valuable, as the current British bridgehead at Langsa is not very developed (1-AF/1-PORT). The whole Sumatra endeavor is supported by a British CV, 2-CVLs, and an American CV (Bunker Hill). Kirishima and friends arrive early in the week and attempt to foil the landings at Langsa, but the CV and surface force escorts do their job. The CV dive bombers manage 8 hits on Kirishima, but as expected, all fail to penetrate her thick deck armor.

In northern China, the advance southeast of Kaifeng is on. The Japanese have retreated into Kweiteh, with the Chinese (2K AV) hot on their tails. A deliberate attack is on tap tomorrow that will evaluate the cities defenses.

In the south, over 100K Chinese/British troops (3,200 AV) are trading bombardments with 80K Japanese (1,300 AV). A general attack will be considered in about a week when another 1,000AV arrive, along with combat engineers.
Japanese pockets at Nanchang (18 units/113K troops) and west of Pucheng (2 units, 23K troops) continue to be worn down.




IJN Watch:
-BB Kirishima + escorts sighted in Strait of Malacca (2/23-2/24)




Notable Base Captures:
- Madjene [Celebes] captured by the Allies (2/24)
- Patani [Malaya] captured by the Allies (2/25)
- Langsa [Sumatra] captured by the Allies (2/26)
- Dinagat [Philippines] occupied by the Allies (2/29)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,157 [+62]

Japanese: 26,546 [+214]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 688 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 28 DD

Japanese: 1,592 [+24]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 51 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,302 [+10]
Japanese: 14,701 [+315]
A/J Ratio: 0.77 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 75,613 [+873]
Japanese: 34,348 [+40]
A/J Ratio: 2.20 to 1




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [COMPLETE]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS - AV 571:429 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei [IN PROGRESS – support troops and supply unloading]

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Kolaka [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Makassar [IN PROGRESS – Forces marching overland from Watampone]
-Assault & Capture Kendari [IN PROGRESS – Forces marching overland from Kolaka]




Operation Harbinger:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Legaspi
-Assault & Capture Atimonian
-Assault & Capture Lingayen
-Assault & Capture Aparri
-Assault & Capture Manilla

Phase 1a:
-Assault & Capture Ishigaki
-Assault & Capture Miyako-Jima

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Okinawa
-Assault & Capture Amami-Oshima




Other Notes:
-Sub picket lines in the South China Sea account for 8 ships this week [4-AK, 2-PB, 1-SC, 1-AO]