Speedy vs Fabertong - time to smack back the Penguin

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Operation Reindeer -

Officially ended Operation Reindeer on 18th October as all transports at Christmas Island have finished unloading and started heading back towards Cape Town/Mombasa. My 4 x CV TF's headed east towards Soerabaja to attack shipping, the port and airfields on the 18th. Recon didn't detect any TF's so raids were launched against the Port and Airfields. Results were satisfactory. No planes were detected but a few ships were claimed sunk in the port:

2 x SS
3 x SSX
1 x AKL
2 x SC

A few TF's were detected at the end of the day so tomorrow we'll stay around for 1 more day and also launch attacks against the Oil and Fuel Refineries before heading west.

No Japanese attacks were launched against Christmas/Cocos Islands over the past week.

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

All quiet elsewhere except a Japanese Fighter Sweep over Ledo by Oscar's. Hurri's engaged them about 10 planes were lost by both sides.

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

Submarine Warfare -

5 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Escolar claimed AK Marei Maru sunk off Taiwan on the 14th.

SS Steelhead sank AP Kasado Maru south of Tokyo on the 15th.

SS Jack damaged TK San Diego Maru with a torpedo north of Kuching on the 17th.

SS KXVI claimed sinking the troop laden AMC Bangkok Maru north of Kuching on the 18th.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Apologies for the slow updates. RL has been pretty busy of late.

Java -

The raids by my CV's on the 19th were also a success. Several Japanese ships were claimed sunk (1 x DD, 1 x SS, 1 x AK, 2 x E, 1 x TK) and the same number heavily damaged. Also importantly, about 40% of oil and fuel production was damaged. There was little Japanese interference in the air.

Further north, my CVE Group, raids Japanese shipping off Palembang with mixed results. Many important shiops were hit but losses were heavy (65 planes over the day[X(]):

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 25
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
FM-1 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4
TBF-1 Avenger x 41


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 6 destroyed, 11 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi
AO Ashizuri
AO Ken'yo Maru
TK San Luis Maru
TK Azuma Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Okuni Maru
TK Rikko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
TK Tsushima Maru
DD Akigumo
TK Ayayuki Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


And:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 25
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
FM-1 Wildcat x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 46


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AO Erimo, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kikuzuki
TK Ogura Maru #3, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Amakusa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TK Okigawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PB Choko Maru #2
PB Tama Maru #8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Takunan Maru #2
DD Hatsuzuki
xAK Taian Maru
TK Meisan Maru
TK Kaijo Maru

All ships are retiring now to refuel and re-arm. My CVE's are at Columbo and my CV's are approaching Perth.

It will probably be towards the end of November before Operation Boxing Day will be launched. More on that in due course.

Engineers have gradually expanded the facilities at Cocos and Christmas Islands and a series of fighter sweeps started from Christmas towards Batavia. 3 x FS of P47D2's conducted these using Drop Tanks. Results so far have been disappointing. On the 27th October for example I lost 27 x P47D2 vs 18 x A6M5, J2M Jack and Ki61 Tony.

All quiet elsewhere.

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

Submarine Warfare -

7 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Capelin claimed sinking TK Tatekawa Maru with a torpedo off Singkawang on the 19th.

SS Jack sank SC Ch 15 off Kuching on the 20th.

SS Balao sank AP Argentina Maru off Balikpapan on the 21st with 3 torpedoes.

SS Capelin was in action again on the 22nd sinking TK San Diego Maru.

SS Bonefish damaged the troop laden AK Kyokko Maru off Makassar with a torpedo.

SS Albacore reported sinking troop laden AK Nitii Maru with 2 torpedoes off Agrihan on the 24th.

On the 27th SS Skate hunted the hunter and sank E Kiku south of Tokyo.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Operation Boxing Day -

All ships that took place in Operation Reindeer are back to base/will be there in 3 days - CV's at Perth, CVE's at Columbo and Transports at Columbo, Cape Town and Mombasa.

I'm now just awaiting the arrival of ther last AP's needed to Mombasa. Troops, Equipment and supplies will be loaded up and then Operation Boxing Day will be on!

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

All quiet elsewhere. I'm starting to upgrade the airforces in India in preparation for the planned offensive there planned for early 44. This process includes introducing Wellingtons and Liberators to Bombers Sqns and introducing Spits to replace Hurri's. Once Thunderbolt I's come onlione from 1/44 things will be much better for fighter rates.

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

Submarine Warfare -

3 dud/missed attacks.

Just the one successful attack reported by SS Sculpin sinking TK Anjo Maru with 2 torpedoes off Toyohara.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

***The sub kill tally will be added over the next day or 2***

October 1943 marked the start of a series of Allied invasions and campaigns against the Japanese. Operation Reindeer (occupation of Cocos and Christmas Islands) went off fairly successfuly. The only casualty of note was CV Enterprise which was sunk by Japanese submarines [:(] In return BB Fuso was sunk trying to intercept my transports and a small CV battle ensued when Faber tried to intercept the doomed CV Enterprise. This battle led to the presumed loss of CV Unryu, CV Amagi, 2 x CA and 4 x DD.

November will see forces prepare and launch off for a follow up invasion inspired by our reader crsutton. Operation Boxing Day will be a small operation against Siberoet (I say small as I don't expect major opposition except maybe by air). It will involve all my CV's though to provide adequate protection. This will be used to build up a large airfield to dominate the region (hopefully) in due course.

November sees the arrival of Spit VIII's and TBM1C's in the air. On sea the highlights are CVL Cabot, CVE Manila Bay, CVE St. Lo, 9 x SS and the usual plethora of auxilliary ships.

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

Points:

Allies: +2210 points
Japanese: +848 points


Bases:

Allies: +2 (+62 points)
Japanese: +2 (+85 points)


Planes:

Allies: +416 lost
Japanese: +393 lost


Troops:

Allies: +5 lost
Japanese: +115 lost


Ships:

Allies: +15 (+512 points. Mainly from CV Enterprise and the rest from transports and auxilliaries in the Operation Reindeer invasion).
Japanese: +59 (+1096 points. A mixture of losses from my CV's including the Soerabaja raids and some by subs).

[khyberbill]

I'm now just awaiting the arrival of ther last AP's needed to Mombasa.

Is Mombasa a staging port?

[Speedysteve]

It is for this little Opp as there's an African div and bde being used for Boxing Day

[Speedysteve]

Duplicate

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Here's the current sub tallies.

Sub Kills:

24 of 45 were successful = 53.33% success.

Dutch Boats:

PB - 5 (1 mine) (+1)
AK - 33
TK - 6
CM - 3
DD - 4 (-1)
TB - 1
DMS - 3 (+1)
E - 1
APD - 1
ACM - 1
AP - 1
AMC - 1 (+1)

= 60 ships
-------------------------------

British Boats:

DD - 1 (1 mine)
AK - 5 (1 mine)
SC - 1
PB - 1
TK - 1
AO - 1
SS - 2 (1 mine) (+1)

= 12 ships

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

Fleet Boats:

AK - 137 (+14)
SC - 9 (+1)
AP - 6 (+2)
PB - 21 (+1)
TK - 28 (+6)
AKE - 1
CM - 4 (-1)
ACM - 2
E - 2 (+1)
APD - 2
DD - 2
CL - 2 (Oi, Kashima) (+1)
AO - 3
PC - 1

= 220 ships
--------------------------------

S-Boats:

AK - 20
AP - 2
CM - 1
PB - 5
DMS - 1
SC - 4
TK - 1

= 34 ships

= 326 ships = 49.77% of reported sunk ships total.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Operation Boxing Day -

A fairly inauspicious start to November 1943 as the preparations for Operation Boxing Day continue.

As such there's been little offensive action taking place.

On the 11th preparations were reported complete and 2 x African Division's left Mombasa along with a Construction Rgt and 3 x AA Bde's. At the same time Base Force personnel and 6 x air groups left Aden bound for Columbo and then Siberoet.

Over the next 10 days my CV's will ready at Perth and head north for a rendevous with the assault forces.

Mossie Recon planes are now based at Christmas Island and are scanning the enemy held area. No enemy forces are reported at Siberoet.

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

CBI -

Preparation continues here for the 44 offensive. 3/4 of the LBA are now equipped with Mitchells, Liberators or Wellingtons. About 40% of the fighter force are Spitfires with the rest aiming to convert to Spits, Seafires, Thunderbolts (1/44) and Corsairs (1/44).

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

Submarine Warfare -

11 x dud/missed attacks[:-]

The most famous of submarine attacks to date was reported posthomously.....

On the 10th November SS Shark reached the waters off Onnekotan-jima after SigInt reported an enemy convoy here. She set her sights on AK Victoria Maru and sunk her with 2 torpedoes. E Kamo then located, attacked and forced SS Shark to surface. The heroics began as Shark sank 2 more AK's and put shells into 2 others before she was blown to pieces. The most famous attack by a submarine in my years of playing AE[&o][&o][&o]

Sub attack near Onnekotan-jima at 136,48

Japanese Ships
xAK Victoria Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Akasi Maru
E Kamo
xAK Sinkoku Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Miyadono Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Kyuma Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Eli Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Shark, hits 19, heavy fires, heavy damage

SS Growler reported sinking PB Kozan Maru north of Saipan on the 4th.

SS Scamp blew up E Kanju south of Tokyo on the 7th.

On the 8th SS Corvina, patrolling off Ominato north Japan, located and sunk AK Ansyu Maru with 2 torpedoes.

SS Mingo blew up AK Kashii Maru with 4 torpedoes SW of Tokyo.

SS Rasher reported sinking AK Sansho Maru east of Formosa.

Mine's laid by SS Argonaut claimed AM Wa 101 at Saipan.

[Speedysteve]

To push post to top of forum..........

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: Speedy

The most famous of submarine attacks to date was reported posthomously.....

On the 10th November SS Shark reached the waters off Onnekotan-jima after SigInt reported an enemy convoy here. She set her sights on AK Victoria Maru and sunk her with 2 torpedoes. E Kamo then located, attacked and forced SS Shark to surface. The heroics began as Shark sank 2 more AK's and put shells into 2 others before she was blown to pieces. The most famous attack by a submarine in my years of playing AE[&o][&o][&o]

That's truly amazing, Speedy.

[Speedysteve]

Never seen any sub attack like it!

[comsolut]

Just wanted to thank you for posting your AAR. I have been reading your China sections to pick up good ideas. And yes it is a lot of work to do an AAR, but very much appreciated!

[Speedysteve]

Thanks comsolut. Kind of you. Is there anything specific you'd like more info on?

I've been away in Spain on holiday for over a week so slow on the turns but there'll be an update soon.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

It's been a fairly quiet period with the Japanese conducting very few attacks (other than the odd air raid in China). On the Allied little is happening as my forces are still moving for the next invasion. Invasion forces are approaching from Mombasa and are due on map in 10 days time. Soon my CV's and fleet elements will sail from Perth and Columbo to meet the invasion forces for their final run in to Siberoet.

As such the only action to 'note' is the odd air raid by 4E in Carnarvon to keep Port Hedland supressed afrom Norfolk Island to keep Noumea supressed.

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

Submarine Warfare:

13 x dud/missed attacks.

The 13th was a bumper day with SS Perch damaging TK Asashio Maru with a torpedo near Jolo. She had time to line up another attack and reported sinking TK Kyokuho Maru with 2 torpedoes.

SS Snapper also got in on the action sinking an escort off this convoy - PB Kaikei Maru and then capsizing TK Palembang Maru with 3 torpedoes. All in all a good day with 3 ships reported sunk and 1 damaged from this TK Convoy.

Further west SS Kingfish blew up TK Eikyo Maru off Balikpapan.

On the 14th SS Rasher left AK Kurohime Maru heavily damaged near Kume-jima.

SS Devilfish reported hitting DD Hatsuyuki with a torpedo.

On the 17th SS Seawolf sank PB Tokati Maru north of Kuching.

SS Narwhal damaged AK Toyokawa Maru with 3 x 6" shells.

On the 19th SS Cabrilla left TK Koho Maru heavily damaged with a torpedo hit.

SS S-46 claimed AV Sagara Maru sunk off Iwo Jima.

The 20th saw SS Seadragon sink PB Shonon Maru #10 off Billiton.

SS Lapon sunk AK Shinsei Maru off Soerabaja on the 22nd.

SS Tautog sunk AK Koei Maru north of Pagan with 2 torpedoes on the 23rd.

SS Greenling saw action again sinking E Shirataka in an ASW TF off Hachijo-jima on the 24th.

The 25th saw SS Cisco sink AK Daiya Maru with 3 torpedoes off Chichi-jima.

Tullibee blew up SC CHa-55 off Fukue-jima.

SS Snook obliterated AKL Tihuku Maru off Formosa with 3 torpedoes.

SS Devilfish heavily damaged the troop filled AP Tenzan Maru off Orchid Island on the 26th.

Sub laid mines at Rnagoon claimed DMS W-17

[crsutton]

Speedy, you still around? [;)] Siboret Island is a gem for the Allies to take. Level 9 airfield in range of most Japanese oil production..

[Speedysteve]

Hi crsutton,

Yup. I'm still here. Game is relatively slow though and there's little point in updating on a daily basis as the only action of note are the sub attacks. Sorry for being boring for readers [;)]

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Last few days of November come to a close. With Invasion forces approaching the map from Mombasa my CV's left Perth on the 29th and orders were sent for support forces, support troops and plane groups to leave Columbo on the 30th.

As such the only combat of note once more was by my subs:

2 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Hackleback damaged TK Nitiei Maru with a torpedo on the 28th.

The 30th was a better day starting off with SS Tullibee heavily damaging AK Fusemi Maru west of Japan.

Later in the day it was Tanker time! SS Salmon reported sinking TK Ayagiri Maru off Toyohara.

SS O20 and SS Swordfish teamed up on a convoy west of Singkawang with O20 sinking TK Manju Maru and Swordfish sinking TK Nissyo Maru. O20 was located by DD Hatsuyuki and sunk with the loss of all hands [&o]

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

November 1943 is at an end. Mainly a prep month for Operation Boxing Day so the main action points were by my subs once more. Siberoet Island will be invaded in mid-December. I expect little resistance excpet maybe by IJAF and IJN subs.

Some decent ship arrivals are due in December - CV Intrepid, CVE Wake Island, CVE Kalinin Bay, CVL Langley, BB Valiant, BB Queen Elizbeth, BC Renown BB CL Biloxi and 13 x Subs!

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

Points:

Allies: +682 points
Japanese: +194 points


Bases:

Allies: 0 (+270 points)
Japanese: 0 (+47 points)


Planes:

Allies: +125 lost
Japanese: +59 lost


Troops:

Allies: +2 lost
Japanese: +18 lost


Ships:

Allies: +3 (+20 points. 2 x Subs and 1 x YMS due to a collision).
Japanese: +33 (+658 points. Mainly sub kills).

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

Sub Kills:

35 of 61 were successful = 57.38% success.

Dutch Boats:

PB - 5 (1 mine)
AK - 34 (+1)
TK - 7 (+1)
CM - 3
DD - 4
TB - 1
DMS - 3
E - 1
APD - 1
ACM - 1
AP - 1
AMC - 1

= 62 ships
-------------------------------

British Boats:

DD - 1 (1 mine)
AK - 5 (1 mine)
SC - 1
PB - 1
TK - 1
AO - 1
SS - 3 (2 mine) (+1)

= 13 ships

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

Fleet Boats:

AK - 140 (+3)
SC - 10 (+1)
AP - 6
PB - 27 (+6)
TK - 34 (+6)
AKE - 1
CM - 5 (+1)
ACM - 2
E - 4 (+2)
APD - 2
DD - 3 (+1)
CL - 3 (Oi, Kashima, Sendai) (+1)
AO - 3
PC - 1

= 241 ships
--------------------------------

S-Boats:

AK - 20
AP - 2
CM - 1
PB - 5
DMS - 1
SC - 4
TK - 1

= 34 ships

= 350 ships = 50.87% of reported sunk ships total.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Operation Boxing Day:

The fleets were assembled by 9th December when they set off towards Siberoet. On the 10th they were sighted repeatedly by enemy LBA and Patrol planes. It's not a major problem as there's not a lot Faber can do to stop this. I do expect airpower to be employed from Singapore, Palembang and potentially Padang though.

I've attached a screenie showing my fleet's positions. The TF's to the north are support elements (planes, troops and supplies) from Columbo along with 170 planes aboard CVE's.

Siberoet itself is totally un-occupied so no problem there. Padang does contain a Rgt and SigInt has tracked a lot of troops and support units moving to Java, Palembang, Medan and Singapore.

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

Quiet elsewhere except a lone Oscar Fighter Sweep over Ledo lost 13 x Oscar for 13 x Hurri, Spit V and P38H.

I'm still gradually upgrading Hurri's in India to Spit's, Seafire's etc in preparation for the 44 offensive.

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

Submarine Warfare:

8 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Cisco starts the month off with a bang by sinking AK Taijima Maru off Chichi-jima.

On the 3rd SS Rasher claimed AK Utide Maru off Nago.

SS Pompano heavily damaged the troop laden AK Sasako Maru off Aogoshima.

On the 4th SS Pompon heavily damaged AK Kiyoshima Maru off Quinhon.

Later in the day TK Arita Maru was sunk by SS Flasher off Torishima.

On the 7th AK Yamahagi Maru was sunk by 2 attacks from SS Drum and SS Greenling.

SS Shad got in on the action on the 8th sinking AK Hiyama Maru off Makassar.

On the 9th SS Cod attacked a convoy off Gorontalo sinking PB Teibo Maru #2 and AK Mitu Maru.

SS Tautog sank AK Surabaya Maru off Pagan on the 10th.

SS Kingfish operating off Balikpapan sank AKL Kitahuku Maru with a torpedo.