Summary of Operations 4/7/43 - the still catching-up edition...
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 40 days.
Central Pacific: Jap air patrols near Kwajalein continue - G4M's appear to be grounded for now, floatplane air patrols (E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete) continue.
With the considerable number of floatplanes operating from Kwajalein and a very red anchor in Kwajalein base, there pretty much has to be a sizeable number of Jap surface warships at anchor in Kwajalein. Also a distinct possiblity the KB's at anchor there as well. Pillager seems to be keeping Jap carrier planes stood down which removes a source of information to confirm the KB's whereabouts. The number of G4M's flying from Kwajalein and surrounding bases provides a little additional support to this theory.
Several actions between U.S. subs and Jap ASW TF's in the Kwajalein area. AAR's follow.
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Sub attack at 79,81 (NW of Kwajalein)
Japanese Ships
DD Samidare
DD Isonami
DD Shigure
DD Arare
DD Minegumo
Allied Ships
SS Haddo
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ASW attack at 77,84 W of Kwajalein)
Japanese Ships
DD Kagero
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki
Allied Ships
SS Stingray, hits 3, on fire (sunk)
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Most of the remaining undamaged U.S. subs operating south of the Japanese home islands are now due for return to base (low on torpedoes, light system damage) and starting to leave the area. Two small detachments of U.S. subs are enroute to new patrol areas - one farther south of the Japanese home islands, the second to operate between Luzon and Formosa. Pillager has concentrated Jap surface ASW near the Japanese home islands - time to make them go on a goose chase. A temporary lull in the waters off Tokyo - when Pillager's ASW leaves, the subs will return.
Several U.S. subs damaged during ops south of the home islands now using Adak as a forward base for initial repairs. Adak will play an increased role in supporting U.S. sub operations off the Japanese home islands and other northern Pacific sea areas.
South Pacific: Continued Jap recon flights over Rarotonga (keeping watch over 600 Allied supply points) and Auckland. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Another very quiet day. No Jap recon flights, combat, nothing...
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP (A6M3a & Ki-45), otherwise no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3 fighters on CAP, 100 aircraft (13 fighters, 21 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 42 aircraft (14 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's. U.S. submarine Hoe remains on patrol off Darwin.
DEI: Light Jap air patrols (KI-49 Helen) reported.
SS Harder engaging two Jap ASW TF's near Balikpapan. AAR's follow. Pillager is massing surface ASW in parts of the DEI as well. A change in targets for Allied subs prowling the DEI is also in the works.
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ASW attack at 32,64
Japanese Ships
PC Takunan Maru #5
PC Showa Maru #5
PC Showa Maru #3
MSW Toshi Maru #2
MSW Rokko Maru
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Hinode Maru #20
MSW Choun Maru #21
MSW Choun Maru #18
Allied Ships
SS Harder
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Sub attack at 32,64
Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hayashio
DD Hatsukaze
Allied Ships
SS Harder, hits 4 (minor system damage)
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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.
USAAF and RAF Liberators strike heavy industry facilities in Rangoon. AAR follows. Appears this raid left a small "crimp" in Pillager's repair activities.
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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 7
A6M3a Zero x 10
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 23
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18
Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 72
B-24D Liberator x 84
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 10 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 16 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 37 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 destroyed, 67 damaged
Heavy Industry hits 26
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III 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
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F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (+3 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 2, 175 aircraft (54 fighters, 37 bombers), 14 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 18(175).
Without looking over Pillager's shoulder and seeing his actual situation in detail, it appears hitting Rangoon is the most effective means of suppressing Japanese operations in Burma given the current situation. Rangoon is a Japanese bottleneck - it's the main Jap entry point to Burma (everything has to go through there) and the principal source of supply to Jap forces elsewhere in Burma.
Until reports prove otherwise, I am suspecting the majority of new Jap LCU's in Rangoon (five in the last 10 days or so) are engineers and/or flak. It cannot be determined at this time whether the Jap LCU's arriving in Rangoon were brought in from the outside or transferred into Rangoon from other Jap-controlled bases in Burma.
The Allied ASW TF dispatched from Colombo located and attacked Jap submarine I-166 SSW of Colombo. AAR follows.
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ASW attack at 7,23
Japanese Ships
SS I-166, hits 10, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
Allied Ships
MSW Khyber
MSW Carnatic
MSW Baluchistan
MSW Rajputana
MSW Orissa
MSW Romney
MSW Poole
MSW Cromer
SC Nigella
DE Teviot
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China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Wuchow.
Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue. Light damage and casualties reported.
wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
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Summary of Operations 4/8/43
Summary of Operations 4/8/43 - the almost but not quite caught-up edition...
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 39 days.
Central Pacific: U.S. subs continue reporting heavy Jap air patrols near Kwajalein - the usual G4M Betty plus E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete floatplanes, also appearances by several carrier planes (one each B5N2 Kate, B6N2 Jill, D4Y Judy). No contacts with Jap surface ASW.
No significant Jap surface or air contacts reported by U.S. subs operating at Pago Pago, Canton Is, or off the Japanese home islands.
An unidentified Jap submarine detected at French Frigate Shoals. ASW TF was formed and dispatched from Laysan Is to locate and attack the sub.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek - Pillager continues some interest in what Allied ground forces are located in and around Tennant Creek.
Air reinforcements from the U.S. still enroute to Australia, estimated time of arrival approx 5/1/43.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP (A6M3a & Ki-45), no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 53 aircraft (22 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's. SS Hoe still patrolling off Darwin.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 106 aircraft (30 fighters, 22 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's. The last several recons over Exmouth have reported increased numbers of Jap aircraft but no other detected changes in Jap forces (no additional LCU's, no spotted Jap TF's arriving in Exmouth).
DEI: Light Jap air patrols (Ki-49 Helen), otherwise no activity to report.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights continue over Chittagong, Imphal, Dimapur. No air or ground combat activity reported.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port (-1 from last report), 205 aircraft (76 fighters, 46 bombers), 15 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 19(174).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Tuyun.
Ground attack air strike by Chinese P-66's (dispatched to attack unidentified Jap LCU) reveals Jap 104th Division moving northward toward Liuchow. Previous location of 104 Division was Canton on 1/25/43. AAR follows. This strike adds to information pointing to Liuchow and Kweilin as primary objectives of a new Japanese ground offensive.
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Day Air attack on 104th Division, at 42,38
Allied aircraft
P-66 Vanguard x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-66 Vanguard bombing at 2000 feet
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Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 39 days.
Central Pacific: U.S. subs continue reporting heavy Jap air patrols near Kwajalein - the usual G4M Betty plus E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete floatplanes, also appearances by several carrier planes (one each B5N2 Kate, B6N2 Jill, D4Y Judy). No contacts with Jap surface ASW.
No significant Jap surface or air contacts reported by U.S. subs operating at Pago Pago, Canton Is, or off the Japanese home islands.
An unidentified Jap submarine detected at French Frigate Shoals. ASW TF was formed and dispatched from Laysan Is to locate and attack the sub.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek - Pillager continues some interest in what Allied ground forces are located in and around Tennant Creek.
Air reinforcements from the U.S. still enroute to Australia, estimated time of arrival approx 5/1/43.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP (A6M3a & Ki-45), no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 53 aircraft (22 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's. SS Hoe still patrolling off Darwin.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 106 aircraft (30 fighters, 22 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's. The last several recons over Exmouth have reported increased numbers of Jap aircraft but no other detected changes in Jap forces (no additional LCU's, no spotted Jap TF's arriving in Exmouth).
DEI: Light Jap air patrols (Ki-49 Helen), otherwise no activity to report.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights continue over Chittagong, Imphal, Dimapur. No air or ground combat activity reported.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port (-1 from last report), 205 aircraft (76 fighters, 46 bombers), 15 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 19(174).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Tuyun.
Ground attack air strike by Chinese P-66's (dispatched to attack unidentified Jap LCU) reveals Jap 104th Division moving northward toward Liuchow. Previous location of 104 Division was Canton on 1/25/43. AAR follows. This strike adds to information pointing to Liuchow and Kweilin as primary objectives of a new Japanese ground offensive.
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Day Air attack on 104th Division, at 42,38
Allied aircraft
P-66 Vanguard x 6
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-66 Vanguard bombing at 2000 feet
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
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Summary of Operations 4/9/43
Summary of Operations 4/9/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 38 days.
Central Pacific: Continued heavy Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein. G3M Nell air patrol detected at Pago Pago. Canton Is area reported quiet.
U.S. ASW TF arrives at French Frigate Shoals, no contact with Jap submarine detected on 4/8.
SS Haddock attacked by Jap ASW TF off Chichi Jima, AAR follows.
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ASW attack at 64,49
Japanese Ships
DD Hayabusa
DD Yugiri
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Onami
DD Yugumo
DD Niizuki
Allied Ships
SS Haddock, hits 2 (system damage 8)
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Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights continuing at Rarotonga and Auckland, otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No air or ground combat to report.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 170 aircraft (20 fighters, 46 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 51 aircraft (17 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
DEI: U.S. sub Harder engages Jap ASW TF off Bandjermasin. AAR follows.
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Sub attack at 27,66
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 7
DD Chidori
DD Arashi
Allied Ships
SS Harder, hits 2, on fire (one direct hit, system damage 33, retiring to base)
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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Dimapur, Imphal.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's, 1 disbanded ship in port, 205 aircraft (71 fighters, 38 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 20(173). Jap minesweeping ops (five MSW's) detected in Rangoon.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu, Liuchow.
Continuing ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's, light damage and casualties reported. G5N Liz bombers are flying bombing missions from Hanoi targetting Chinese bases at Liuchow and Kweilin.
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 38 days.
Central Pacific: Continued heavy Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein. G3M Nell air patrol detected at Pago Pago. Canton Is area reported quiet.
U.S. ASW TF arrives at French Frigate Shoals, no contact with Jap submarine detected on 4/8.
SS Haddock attacked by Jap ASW TF off Chichi Jima, AAR follows.
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ASW attack at 64,49
Japanese Ships
DD Hayabusa
DD Yugiri
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Onami
DD Yugumo
DD Niizuki
Allied Ships
SS Haddock, hits 2 (system damage 8)
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Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights continuing at Rarotonga and Auckland, otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No air or ground combat to report.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 170 aircraft (20 fighters, 46 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 51 aircraft (17 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
DEI: U.S. sub Harder engages Jap ASW TF off Bandjermasin. AAR follows.
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Sub attack at 27,66
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 7
DD Chidori
DD Arashi
Allied Ships
SS Harder, hits 2, on fire (one direct hit, system damage 33, retiring to base)
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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Dimapur, Imphal.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's, 1 disbanded ship in port, 205 aircraft (71 fighters, 38 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 20(173). Jap minesweeping ops (five MSW's) detected in Rangoon.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu, Liuchow.
Continuing ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's, light damage and casualties reported. G5N Liz bombers are flying bombing missions from Hanoi targetting Chinese bases at Liuchow and Kweilin.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/10/43
Summary of Operations 4/10/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 37 days.
Central Pacific: Heavy Jap air patrols continue near Kwajalein. U.S. subs report no contacts with Jap surface ASW.
B5M2 Kate patrol detected at Pago Pago, probably land-based (as no Jap TF's or ships at anchor detected in Pago Pago).
Canton Is area reporting quiet.
Unidentified Jap submarine detected S of Kona (hex 114,83). ASW TF dispatched to sighting location.
U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands report the area generally quiet. SS Silversides attacked by Jap ASW TF south of Osaka/Kobe. AAR follows.
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ASW attack at 62,47
Japanese Ships
DD Nokaze
DD Okikaze
DD Minekaze
DD Asanagi
DD Hayate
DD Matsukaze
DD Nagatsuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Hatsushimo
DD Makigumo
Allied Ships
SS Silversides, hits 3 (no report of damage)
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Jap recon flight over Penhryn.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. No air or ground combat to report.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 36 aircraft (11 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 168 aircraft (26 fighters, 48 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: Several actions involving U.S. submarines, AAR's follow.
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Sub attack at 24,67 (near Soerabaja)
Japanese Ships
DD Arashi
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 7
DD Chidori
Allied Ships
SS Harder, hits 5 (no additional damage, still exiting the DEI to return to base)
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Sub attack at 23,57 (off Pontianek)
Japanese Ships
AK Karachi Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
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Sigint report entry for 4/10 indicating 149 IJA Base Force located at Singkawang. No previous report on this unit, making 149 Base Force a new LCU in the Japanese OOB.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. No combat activity to report.
Four RAF fighter squadrons (all front-line) have now upgraded from Hurricane II's to Spitfire V. Another 2-3 RAF squadrons mainly in rear-area bases still eligible to upgrade to Spitfire V, though upgrade of these squadrons might be delayed. At this time, the replacement pool of Spitfire V planes is being allowed to increase to the point where front-line squadrons can be properly supported in combat.
Upgrading of USAAF fighter squadrons from P-40E to P-40N not going so smoothly... Beginning with the painfully slow rate of production. Then 1 LT P. Zuolin, the inspired commander (Inspiration rating 64) of a Chinese fighter squadron tucked far up in the hills of western China (where I failed to notice it still had upgrade turned on), mastered the Pentagon's procurement system and snatched up the first batch of 12 P-40N's off the production line for himself and his band of thieves. What nerve! These slackers weren't even flying training missions! Now LT Zuolin and his merry band are exchanging their life of leisure in Shangri La for the pleasantries of front-line living....
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), no disbanded ships in port (-1 from last report), 256 aircraft (93 fighters, 50 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 21(172). Keep fixing that HI, the Liberators will be back to once again mash your ant hill.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Pakhoi, Chengtu.
Continued ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's, light damage and casualties reported.
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 37 days.
Central Pacific: Heavy Jap air patrols continue near Kwajalein. U.S. subs report no contacts with Jap surface ASW.
B5M2 Kate patrol detected at Pago Pago, probably land-based (as no Jap TF's or ships at anchor detected in Pago Pago).
Canton Is area reporting quiet.
Unidentified Jap submarine detected S of Kona (hex 114,83). ASW TF dispatched to sighting location.
U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands report the area generally quiet. SS Silversides attacked by Jap ASW TF south of Osaka/Kobe. AAR follows.
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ASW attack at 62,47
Japanese Ships
DD Nokaze
DD Okikaze
DD Minekaze
DD Asanagi
DD Hayate
DD Matsukaze
DD Nagatsuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Hatsushimo
DD Makigumo
Allied Ships
SS Silversides, hits 3 (no report of damage)
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Jap recon flight over Penhryn.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. No air or ground combat to report.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 36 aircraft (11 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 168 aircraft (26 fighters, 48 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: Several actions involving U.S. submarines, AAR's follow.
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Sub attack at 24,67 (near Soerabaja)
Japanese Ships
DD Arashi
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 7
DD Chidori
Allied Ships
SS Harder, hits 5 (no additional damage, still exiting the DEI to return to base)
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Sub attack at 23,57 (off Pontianek)
Japanese Ships
AK Karachi Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
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Sigint report entry for 4/10 indicating 149 IJA Base Force located at Singkawang. No previous report on this unit, making 149 Base Force a new LCU in the Japanese OOB.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. No combat activity to report.
Four RAF fighter squadrons (all front-line) have now upgraded from Hurricane II's to Spitfire V. Another 2-3 RAF squadrons mainly in rear-area bases still eligible to upgrade to Spitfire V, though upgrade of these squadrons might be delayed. At this time, the replacement pool of Spitfire V planes is being allowed to increase to the point where front-line squadrons can be properly supported in combat.
Upgrading of USAAF fighter squadrons from P-40E to P-40N not going so smoothly... Beginning with the painfully slow rate of production. Then 1 LT P. Zuolin, the inspired commander (Inspiration rating 64) of a Chinese fighter squadron tucked far up in the hills of western China (where I failed to notice it still had upgrade turned on), mastered the Pentagon's procurement system and snatched up the first batch of 12 P-40N's off the production line for himself and his band of thieves. What nerve! These slackers weren't even flying training missions! Now LT Zuolin and his merry band are exchanging their life of leisure in Shangri La for the pleasantries of front-line living....
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), no disbanded ships in port (-1 from last report), 256 aircraft (93 fighters, 50 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 21(172). Keep fixing that HI, the Liberators will be back to once again mash your ant hill.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Pakhoi, Chengtu.
Continued ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's, light damage and casualties reported.
RE: Summary of Operations 4/10/43
Where exactly is Lt Zuolin being sent? He will want both himself and his unit to become crack fighter pilots if he wants to remove that thieving stain from his family line.
Alfred
Alfred
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/11/43
Summary of Operations 4/11/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 36 days.
Central Pacific: U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein reporting very heavy Jap air patrols - the usual large numbers of G4M Bettys and E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete floatplanes, with cameo appearances by single D4Y Judy & B6N2 Jill carrier planes. One G3M Nell on air patrol sighted at Pago Pago.
Also several contacts near Kwajalein and Sydney Is between U.S. subs and Jap surface ASW. AAR's of actions follow.
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ASW attack at 82,82
Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makinami
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki
Allied Ships
SS Pike
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ASW attack at 83,86 (two attacks)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Samidare
DD Shigure
DD Arare
DD Minegumo
Allied Ships
SS Pollack (both attacks combined for one hit, no significant damage)
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ASW attack at 83,83
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
Allied Ships
SS Haddo
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Sub attack near Sydney Island at 100,102
Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 39
APD Patrol Boat No. 31
Allied Ships
SS Hake
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Other Central Pacific theatre sectors are reporting quiet.
South Pacific: Completely quiet, not even Jap recon flights.
Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. No air or ground combat action reported in Australia.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 48 aircraft (18 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP, 213 aircraft (27 fighters, 59 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: Scattered light Japanese air patrol activity reported. British sub Trusty in the Palembang area reporting contact with Jap ASW TF. AAR follows.
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ASW attack at 23,57
Japanese Ships
PG Nagata Maru
PG Kure Maru #5
PG Kantori Maru
PG Kamitsu Maru
PG Ikunta Maru
DD Asakaze
DD Uranami
DD Usugumo
DD Oyashio
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
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Western Pacific: Several U.S. subs now patrolling off Formosa. One contact between SS Sailfish and a Jap AK. AAR follows.
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Sub attack at 48,43
Japanese Ships
AK Oyo Maru, Shell hits 4 (no report of sinking)
Allied Ships
SS Sailfish
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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Chittagong. No air or ground combat activity reported.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), no ships detected in port, 283 aircraft (97 fighters, 50 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 22(171).
Blenheim I recon over Magwe reporting 6 Jap LCU's.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu.
Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue. Light casualties and damage reported. While Chinese air strikes against Jap LCU's are "pinpricks" inflicting little or no effect, these raids are valuable as a recon tool to identify and track locations of front-line Jap ground units.
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 36 days.
Central Pacific: U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein reporting very heavy Jap air patrols - the usual large numbers of G4M Bettys and E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete floatplanes, with cameo appearances by single D4Y Judy & B6N2 Jill carrier planes. One G3M Nell on air patrol sighted at Pago Pago.
Also several contacts near Kwajalein and Sydney Is between U.S. subs and Jap surface ASW. AAR's of actions follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 82,82
Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makinami
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki
Allied Ships
SS Pike
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 83,86 (two attacks)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Samidare
DD Shigure
DD Arare
DD Minegumo
Allied Ships
SS Pollack (both attacks combined for one hit, no significant damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 83,83
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
Allied Ships
SS Haddo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sydney Island at 100,102
Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 39
APD Patrol Boat No. 31
Allied Ships
SS Hake
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Central Pacific theatre sectors are reporting quiet.
South Pacific: Completely quiet, not even Jap recon flights.
Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. No air or ground combat action reported in Australia.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 48 aircraft (18 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP, 213 aircraft (27 fighters, 59 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: Scattered light Japanese air patrol activity reported. British sub Trusty in the Palembang area reporting contact with Jap ASW TF. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 23,57
Japanese Ships
PG Nagata Maru
PG Kure Maru #5
PG Kantori Maru
PG Kamitsu Maru
PG Ikunta Maru
DD Asakaze
DD Uranami
DD Usugumo
DD Oyashio
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific: Several U.S. subs now patrolling off Formosa. One contact between SS Sailfish and a Jap AK. AAR follows.
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Sub attack at 48,43
Japanese Ships
AK Oyo Maru, Shell hits 4 (no report of sinking)
Allied Ships
SS Sailfish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal and Chittagong. No air or ground combat activity reported.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), no ships detected in port, 283 aircraft (97 fighters, 50 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 22(171).
Blenheim I recon over Magwe reporting 6 Jap LCU's.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu.
Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue. Light casualties and damage reported. While Chinese air strikes against Jap LCU's are "pinpricks" inflicting little or no effect, these raids are valuable as a recon tool to identify and track locations of front-line Jap ground units.
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/12/43
Summary of Operations 4/12/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 35 days.
Central Pacific: Heavy Jap air patrols continue near Kwajalein. No contacts between U.S. subs and Jap surface ASW. All other sectors reporting quiet.
South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No reported combat activity.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby continues reporting no detected Jap activity.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, also no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports 190 aircraft (23 fighters, 59 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: U.S. sub Snook torpedoes and sinks Japanese TK off Palembang. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
TK Juko Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
Allied Ships
SS Snook
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific: SS Sailfish off Formosa attacks a Jap AG.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Dacca, Asansol. Pillager is diverting recon to my rear area "R and R" airbases - send the bombers, the CAP awaits their arrival.
Replacement pools of Hurricane II and P-40E fighters are recovering, aided somewhat by RAF squadrons converting to Spitfire V's.
One AVG squadron (the 1st) has converted its aircraft from P-40E to P-40N. This is the first U.S. squadron to upgrade to P-40N's. It appears the main improvement from the P-40E to the P-40N is an increase in range (nearly doubled), otherwise the two plane types are virtually equal.
Two USAAF bombardment squadrons arrived in the mainland U.S. as reinforcements equipped with P-40N's. Both squadrons were immediately upgraded from P-40N's to A-20G's (large numbers of A-20G available in the replacement pool) and placed in training status. This move provided a quick addition of 48 P-40N's to the replacement pool, enabling upgrading of the AVG squadron. At least one more USAAF bombardment squadron equipped with P-40N's is in the reinforcement pipeline, plans are to convert this squadron as well from P-40N's to a bomber type when it enters the game.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's, 282 aircraft (100 fighters, 45 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 23(170).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Sining, Nanning. Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue.
LT Zuolin and his "Den of Thieves" fighter squadron were transferred to Chengtu airbase, where proper facilities exist to make their new P-40N's operational. Plans are to send the "Den of Thieves" squadron into action conducting ground strike missions against more (hopefully) out-of-the-way targets until the pilots have something approaching a useful experience level.
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 35 days.
Central Pacific: Heavy Jap air patrols continue near Kwajalein. No contacts between U.S. subs and Jap surface ASW. All other sectors reporting quiet.
South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No reported combat activity.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby continues reporting no detected Jap activity.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, also no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports 190 aircraft (23 fighters, 59 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: U.S. sub Snook torpedoes and sinks Japanese TK off Palembang. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
TK Juko Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
Allied Ships
SS Snook
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific: SS Sailfish off Formosa attacks a Jap AG.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Dacca, Asansol. Pillager is diverting recon to my rear area "R and R" airbases - send the bombers, the CAP awaits their arrival.
Replacement pools of Hurricane II and P-40E fighters are recovering, aided somewhat by RAF squadrons converting to Spitfire V's.
One AVG squadron (the 1st) has converted its aircraft from P-40E to P-40N. This is the first U.S. squadron to upgrade to P-40N's. It appears the main improvement from the P-40E to the P-40N is an increase in range (nearly doubled), otherwise the two plane types are virtually equal.
Two USAAF bombardment squadrons arrived in the mainland U.S. as reinforcements equipped with P-40N's. Both squadrons were immediately upgraded from P-40N's to A-20G's (large numbers of A-20G available in the replacement pool) and placed in training status. This move provided a quick addition of 48 P-40N's to the replacement pool, enabling upgrading of the AVG squadron. At least one more USAAF bombardment squadron equipped with P-40N's is in the reinforcement pipeline, plans are to convert this squadron as well from P-40N's to a bomber type when it enters the game.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's, 282 aircraft (100 fighters, 45 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 23(170).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Sining, Nanning. Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue.
LT Zuolin and his "Den of Thieves" fighter squadron were transferred to Chengtu airbase, where proper facilities exist to make their new P-40N's operational. Plans are to send the "Den of Thieves" squadron into action conducting ground strike missions against more (hopefully) out-of-the-way targets until the pilots have something approaching a useful experience level.
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/13/43
Summary of Operations 4/13/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 34 days.
Central Pacific: Reduced Jap air patrols near Kwajalein. Several actions involving U.S. subs vs Jap ASW TF's. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 84,87 (SE of Kwajalein, also sub attack by SS Pollack vs this TF)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Samidare
DD Shigure
DD Arare
DD Minegumo
Allied Ships
SS Pollack (no hits in either action)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 83,82 (ENE of Kwajalein)
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
Allied Ships
SS Haddo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base.
No activity reported by U.S. subs still operating south of Japanese home islands.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No ground or air combat reported.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP, 156 aircraft (24 fighters, 55 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 44 aircraft (15 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
DEI: U.S. sub Snook in action vs Jap ASW TF off Pontianek. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
DD Shirayuki
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51
MSW Choun Maru #7
Allied Ships
SS Snook
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Calcutta, Dacca, Asansol.
RAF Beaufighters launch attack on Jap airfield in Magwe. AAR follows.
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Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 12
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 56
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC: 2 destroyed, 52 damaged
Runway hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
1 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's, 297 aircraft (109 fighters, 55 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 24(169).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Liuchow. Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue.
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 34 days.
Central Pacific: Reduced Jap air patrols near Kwajalein. Several actions involving U.S. subs vs Jap ASW TF's. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 84,87 (SE of Kwajalein, also sub attack by SS Pollack vs this TF)
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Samidare
DD Shigure
DD Arare
DD Minegumo
Allied Ships
SS Pollack (no hits in either action)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 83,82 (ENE of Kwajalein)
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
Allied Ships
SS Haddo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base.
No activity reported by U.S. subs still operating south of Japanese home islands.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No ground or air combat reported.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP, 156 aircraft (24 fighters, 55 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 44 aircraft (15 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
DEI: U.S. sub Snook in action vs Jap ASW TF off Pontianek. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
DD Shirayuki
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51
MSW Choun Maru #7
Allied Ships
SS Snook
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Calcutta, Dacca, Asansol.
RAF Beaufighters launch attack on Jap airfield in Magwe. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 12
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 56
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC: 2 destroyed, 52 damaged
Runway hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
1 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's, 297 aircraft (109 fighters, 55 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 24(169).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Liuchow. Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue.
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/14/43
Summary of Operations 4/14/43 The Synch-bug edition
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 33 days.
Today's action in our PBEM been a busy day for the synch-bug, a minor challenge in separating illusion from reality. I'll report a little of both (some of the "illusion" providing mildly useful intelligence data).
Central Pacific: A modest increase in Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein - the usual G4M Bettys along with floatplanes (E13A1 Jakes with an occasional F1M2 Pete). 70 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base. No reported contacts with Jap surface ASW.
The last several days quiet at Pago Pago and near Canton Is. This continues.
The U.S. ASW task force dispatched to intercept the unidentified Jap sub contact reported S of Kona on 4/10 reached the sighting location and appears to have found something. The AAR that follows is probably a synch bug, though I believe the ASW TF actually did find the I-159 - however, the I-159 was not sunk it as the game turn replay indicated. The action shown below was not in Pillager's AAR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 114,83
Japanese Ships
SS I-159, hits 12, on fire, heavy damage (no confirmation of sinking)
Allied Ships
DD King
DD Edsall
DD Le Triomphant
DD Balch
DD Phelps
DD McDougal
DD Selfridge
DD Warrington
DD Sampson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No activity reported from U.S. subs operating near Formosa or off the Japanese home islands.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.
Pillager has at least temporarily lost interest in Rarotonga and the 600 supply points I landed there (however, other landings there are being planned TBA).
Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Quiet here too.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports 63 aircraft (19 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 161 aircraft (22 fighters, 50 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's. The large numbers of aircraft being reported recently in Exmouth is somewhat curious, especially in light of the fact there has been no other detected Jap activity (i.e. Jap TF's bringing in supplies, LCU reinforcements, etc). Any significant Jap activity in Exmouth would almost have to be in support of some kind of attack against Perth.
DEI: U.S. sub Snook engages Jap ASW TF near Palembang, AAR follows (Pillager's version).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51 (torpedoed in my version of this AAR, no confirmation of sinking)
DD Shirayuki
Allied Ships
SS Snook, hits 4 (system damage 11, retiring to base for repairs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sigint report entry from 4/14 indicating HQ Jap 7th Air Division now located in Batavia. This HQ appears to be a new LCU in the Jap order of battle - no previous report on this unit.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Dacca, Calcutta.
Unidentified Jap LCU detected (on the rail line) south of Mandalay. A ground strike by RAF Blenheims has been dispatched against this contact to identify this LCU and inflict collateral damage.
USAAF and RAF Liberators strike airfield facilities in Rangoon. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17
A6M3a Zero x 18
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 29
Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 74
B-24D Liberator x 84
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed, 12 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 16 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 7 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 8 destroyed, 13 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 56 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 6 destroyed, 72 damaged (all planes actually damaged)
Japanese ground losses:
770 casualties reported
Guns lost 40
Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 71
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 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
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 1 disbanded ship in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 27, 213 aircraft (70 fighters, 49 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 25 (168).
Dutch sub O-19 lays minefield in Rangoon, also engages Jap TF off Rangoon. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 29,34
Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #1
PG Kogyoku Maru
DD Inazuma
DD Yugure
DD Kawakaze
Allied Ships
SS O19, hits 1 (minor damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rangoon at 29,33
Japanese Ships
AK Kaisho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
PG Hayakafuku Maru
DD Sagi
DD Kikuzuki
DD Michishio
Allied Ships
SS O19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blenheim I recon over Magwe reporting 5 Jap LCU's.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Sining, Tuyun.
Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue. Included here is an AAR of the first combat sortie by LT Zuolin's 8th CAF "Den of Thieves" fighter squadron.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th/A Division, at 49,31
Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 10
Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P-40N Warhawk bombing at 2000 feet (our first lession of Strafing for Dummies)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An omission from yesterday's Operations Summary report... Entry from the Sigint report for 4/13 indicates Jap 26th Division now located in Soochow. Previous location of 26 Division was Anking on 12/22/42. This report could only be Pillager merely "rearranging the deck chairs", it could also indicate 26 Division is moving enroute to Shanghai.
A glance at my "Who's Who of Japanese LCU's" spreadsheet reveals that Pillager has shipped six of the ten Mongolian cavalry divisions out of Manchuria, all of them to various locations in the South or Central Pacific theater. Relatively little known or confirmed movement of Jap LCU's from China to other theaters - any known LCU movement from China being minor in nature. I could have fun with the Russians if I had them...
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 33 days.
Today's action in our PBEM been a busy day for the synch-bug, a minor challenge in separating illusion from reality. I'll report a little of both (some of the "illusion" providing mildly useful intelligence data).
Central Pacific: A modest increase in Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein - the usual G4M Bettys along with floatplanes (E13A1 Jakes with an occasional F1M2 Pete). 70 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base. No reported contacts with Jap surface ASW.
The last several days quiet at Pago Pago and near Canton Is. This continues.
The U.S. ASW task force dispatched to intercept the unidentified Jap sub contact reported S of Kona on 4/10 reached the sighting location and appears to have found something. The AAR that follows is probably a synch bug, though I believe the ASW TF actually did find the I-159 - however, the I-159 was not sunk it as the game turn replay indicated. The action shown below was not in Pillager's AAR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 114,83
Japanese Ships
SS I-159, hits 12, on fire, heavy damage (no confirmation of sinking)
Allied Ships
DD King
DD Edsall
DD Le Triomphant
DD Balch
DD Phelps
DD McDougal
DD Selfridge
DD Warrington
DD Sampson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No activity reported from U.S. subs operating near Formosa or off the Japanese home islands.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.
Pillager has at least temporarily lost interest in Rarotonga and the 600 supply points I landed there (however, other landings there are being planned TBA).
Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Quiet here too.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports 63 aircraft (19 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 161 aircraft (22 fighters, 50 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's. The large numbers of aircraft being reported recently in Exmouth is somewhat curious, especially in light of the fact there has been no other detected Jap activity (i.e. Jap TF's bringing in supplies, LCU reinforcements, etc). Any significant Jap activity in Exmouth would almost have to be in support of some kind of attack against Perth.
DEI: U.S. sub Snook engages Jap ASW TF near Palembang, AAR follows (Pillager's version).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51 (torpedoed in my version of this AAR, no confirmation of sinking)
DD Shirayuki
Allied Ships
SS Snook, hits 4 (system damage 11, retiring to base for repairs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sigint report entry from 4/14 indicating HQ Jap 7th Air Division now located in Batavia. This HQ appears to be a new LCU in the Jap order of battle - no previous report on this unit.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Dacca, Calcutta.
Unidentified Jap LCU detected (on the rail line) south of Mandalay. A ground strike by RAF Blenheims has been dispatched against this contact to identify this LCU and inflict collateral damage.
USAAF and RAF Liberators strike airfield facilities in Rangoon. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17
A6M3a Zero x 18
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 29
Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 74
B-24D Liberator x 84
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed, 12 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 16 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 7 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 8 destroyed, 13 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 56 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 6 destroyed, 72 damaged (all planes actually damaged)
Japanese ground losses:
770 casualties reported
Guns lost 40
Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 71
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 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
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 1 disbanded ship in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 27, 213 aircraft (70 fighters, 49 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 25 (168).
Dutch sub O-19 lays minefield in Rangoon, also engages Jap TF off Rangoon. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 29,34
Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #1
PG Kogyoku Maru
DD Inazuma
DD Yugure
DD Kawakaze
Allied Ships
SS O19, hits 1 (minor damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rangoon at 29,33
Japanese Ships
AK Kaisho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
PG Hayakafuku Maru
DD Sagi
DD Kikuzuki
DD Michishio
Allied Ships
SS O19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blenheim I recon over Magwe reporting 5 Jap LCU's.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Sining, Tuyun.
Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue. Included here is an AAR of the first combat sortie by LT Zuolin's 8th CAF "Den of Thieves" fighter squadron.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th/A Division, at 49,31
Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 10
Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P-40N Warhawk bombing at 2000 feet (our first lession of Strafing for Dummies)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An omission from yesterday's Operations Summary report... Entry from the Sigint report for 4/13 indicates Jap 26th Division now located in Soochow. Previous location of 26 Division was Anking on 12/22/42. This report could only be Pillager merely "rearranging the deck chairs", it could also indicate 26 Division is moving enroute to Shanghai.
A glance at my "Who's Who of Japanese LCU's" spreadsheet reveals that Pillager has shipped six of the ten Mongolian cavalry divisions out of Manchuria, all of them to various locations in the South or Central Pacific theater. Relatively little known or confirmed movement of Jap LCU's from China to other theaters - any known LCU movement from China being minor in nature. I could have fun with the Russians if I had them...
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/15/43
Summary of Operations 4/15/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 32 days.
Central Pacific: U.S. subs near Kwajalein reporting a slight increase in Jap air patrol activity - several B6N2 Jill and D4Y Judy carrier bombers were spotted on patrol. One action east of Kwajalein involving SS Haddo, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 83,84
Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 2 (system damage 7, flood damage 1, retiring to base for replenisment & repairs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base.
U.S. subs operating near Japanese home islands report only a single contact with Jap surface ASW (AAR follows), otherwise quiet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,46 (south of Tokyo)
Japanese Ships
AK Busan Maru
AK Asakasan Maru
PC Toshi Maru #3
PG Chiyo Maru
DD Hayabusa
DD Hasu
DD Hatakaze
DD Kamikaze
Allied Ships
SS Silversides, hits 3 (system damage 7, remains on patrol)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adak now operating as a forward base in support of sub patrols in northern areas of the Pacific (including Japanese home islands area) - facilities at Adak can handle both replenishment and emergency repair of subs. Several subs damaged in action near the home islands have already used Adak for initial repair of damage before continuing to U.S. west coast shipyards. All base facilties in Adak (port, airfield, forts) now expanded to maximum size. HQ North Pacific is located in Adak along with substantial (air & naval) base force elements and large fuel & supply point stockpiles.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.
53rd Seabees along with 8-10K supply now disembarking at Bora Bora to begin construction of base facilities.
Australia: Continues to be quiet. No reported Jap recon flights.
Allied recon flights over Port Moresby, Darwin, and Exmouth all reporting no significant Japanese activity.
DEI: Scattered light Jap air patrol activity, mainly IJA level bombers and recon aircraft. U.S. sub Snook engaged Jap ASW TF while enroute out of the DEI area (returning to base). AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 83,84 (off Pontianek)
Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 2 (no additional damage in the attack, current system damage 11)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Dacca, Asansol, Calcutta.
RAF Blenheims executed a ground attack strike against the unidentified Jap LCU detected south of Mandalay on 4/14. No Jap casualties reported. Jap LCU is identifed as HQ 3 Air Division - previous location of this HQ was in Magwe.
A second AVG fighter squadron (the 3rd) is now upgraded to P-40N's. The next front line P-40E fighter squadrons planned to upgrade to P-40N's are several units in Australia - preference for upgrade being given to squadrons with the best experience levels and number of enemy aircraft destroyed.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 35, 242 aircraft (77 fighters, 48 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 26(167).
Question for readers.... My primary objective in bombing Rangoon is the maximum possible reduction of supply point stocks and suppressing the ability of facilities in Rangoon to generate supply points locally - this with the intent of starving Japanese forces throughout Burma. So far I have been concentrating on heavy industry, now trying to determine what is my best choice of a secondary target for Liberator bombing strikes. Possiblities I am looking at include the port and/or airfield (to reduce supply point stocks) and resources (eliminate local supply point production in Rangoon?). I'm not looking at bombing oil production in Rangoon as it appears this would impact mainly fuel points and have little effect on supply. I'm content with Pillager having all the fuel points he wants in Rangoon, my objective is focused on taking away supply. Thoughts or ideas on what would be the most effective target(s) to accomplish this gratefully appreciated.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Kweilin, Chengtu. Continuing ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's.
Japanese ground forces launching offensive on Kweilin and the hex immediately north of it (hex 43,36). AAR's of both actions follow. I'll be posting a situation map of China along with the next situation report.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 61170 troops, 295 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 1476
22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43597 troops, 153 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1215
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22466 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 503
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6908 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 32 days.
Central Pacific: U.S. subs near Kwajalein reporting a slight increase in Jap air patrol activity - several B6N2 Jill and D4Y Judy carrier bombers were spotted on patrol. One action east of Kwajalein involving SS Haddo, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 83,84
Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 2 (system damage 7, flood damage 1, retiring to base for replenisment & repairs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base.
U.S. subs operating near Japanese home islands report only a single contact with Jap surface ASW (AAR follows), otherwise quiet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,46 (south of Tokyo)
Japanese Ships
AK Busan Maru
AK Asakasan Maru
PC Toshi Maru #3
PG Chiyo Maru
DD Hayabusa
DD Hasu
DD Hatakaze
DD Kamikaze
Allied Ships
SS Silversides, hits 3 (system damage 7, remains on patrol)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adak now operating as a forward base in support of sub patrols in northern areas of the Pacific (including Japanese home islands area) - facilities at Adak can handle both replenishment and emergency repair of subs. Several subs damaged in action near the home islands have already used Adak for initial repair of damage before continuing to U.S. west coast shipyards. All base facilties in Adak (port, airfield, forts) now expanded to maximum size. HQ North Pacific is located in Adak along with substantial (air & naval) base force elements and large fuel & supply point stockpiles.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.
53rd Seabees along with 8-10K supply now disembarking at Bora Bora to begin construction of base facilities.
Australia: Continues to be quiet. No reported Jap recon flights.
Allied recon flights over Port Moresby, Darwin, and Exmouth all reporting no significant Japanese activity.
DEI: Scattered light Jap air patrol activity, mainly IJA level bombers and recon aircraft. U.S. sub Snook engaged Jap ASW TF while enroute out of the DEI area (returning to base). AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 83,84 (off Pontianek)
Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 2 (no additional damage in the attack, current system damage 11)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Dacca, Asansol, Calcutta.
RAF Blenheims executed a ground attack strike against the unidentified Jap LCU detected south of Mandalay on 4/14. No Jap casualties reported. Jap LCU is identifed as HQ 3 Air Division - previous location of this HQ was in Magwe.
A second AVG fighter squadron (the 3rd) is now upgraded to P-40N's. The next front line P-40E fighter squadrons planned to upgrade to P-40N's are several units in Australia - preference for upgrade being given to squadrons with the best experience levels and number of enemy aircraft destroyed.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 35, 242 aircraft (77 fighters, 48 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 26(167).
Question for readers.... My primary objective in bombing Rangoon is the maximum possible reduction of supply point stocks and suppressing the ability of facilities in Rangoon to generate supply points locally - this with the intent of starving Japanese forces throughout Burma. So far I have been concentrating on heavy industry, now trying to determine what is my best choice of a secondary target for Liberator bombing strikes. Possiblities I am looking at include the port and/or airfield (to reduce supply point stocks) and resources (eliminate local supply point production in Rangoon?). I'm not looking at bombing oil production in Rangoon as it appears this would impact mainly fuel points and have little effect on supply. I'm content with Pillager having all the fuel points he wants in Rangoon, my objective is focused on taking away supply. Thoughts or ideas on what would be the most effective target(s) to accomplish this gratefully appreciated.
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Kweilin, Chengtu. Continuing ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's.
Japanese ground forces launching offensive on Kweilin and the hex immediately north of it (hex 43,36). AAR's of both actions follow. I'll be posting a situation map of China along with the next situation report.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 61170 troops, 295 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 1476
22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43597 troops, 153 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1215
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22466 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 503
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6908 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
RE: Summary of Operations 3/31/43
Just a quick note of observation regarding the P-40 E/N.
Be advised that, by the numbers, the P-40E is slightly better fighter. The range and payload of the P-40N is certaily useful (and that it upgrades to the P-47D). But:
P-40E
Max Spd - 362
Dur - 34
Mnvr - 31
Armor - 1
Guns - 12
Climb - 2083
Max Alt - 29,000
P-40N
Max Spd - 352
Dur - 33
Mnvr - 31
Armor - 1
Guns - 12
Climb - 2100
Max Alt - 30,000
While the N does have a slight climb and ceiling advantage, I don't think it's as important as 10mph speed and an extra durability point. The numbers of 40Ns are going to be useful, but if you're doing sweeps or (LR)CAP, I usually go with the 40E.
Frankly, I bomb the crap out of everything. I have pummeled all the strat targets in Burma, with some damage to Tavoy and beyond (including Bangkok, Ban Don, and Hanoi) - altho those targets are very hard to hit now as they are out of range of most escorts and the losses are prohibative. Having sacked the strat targets, I have deomolished the port and AFs at Rangoon and Moulmein. I've also mined the ports for both. The only way he's getting supplies into Burma is by airlift, or overland thru Raheng (which is also on the target list). I've also learned that targeting units (ground attack) dramatically increases their supply requiremetns (and therefore consumption). So hitting units with ground attack is kind of like giving a thirsty man salt to eat - it's just makes things worse.
-F-
Be advised that, by the numbers, the P-40E is slightly better fighter. The range and payload of the P-40N is certaily useful (and that it upgrades to the P-47D). But:
P-40E
Max Spd - 362
Dur - 34
Mnvr - 31
Armor - 1
Guns - 12
Climb - 2083
Max Alt - 29,000
P-40N
Max Spd - 352
Dur - 33
Mnvr - 31
Armor - 1
Guns - 12
Climb - 2100
Max Alt - 30,000
While the N does have a slight climb and ceiling advantage, I don't think it's as important as 10mph speed and an extra durability point. The numbers of 40Ns are going to be useful, but if you're doing sweeps or (LR)CAP, I usually go with the 40E.
Question for readers.... My primary objective in bombing Rangoon is the maximum possible reduction of supply point stocks and suppressing the ability of facilities in Rangoon to generate supply points locally - this with the intent of starving Japanese forces throughout Burma. So far I have been concentrating on heavy industry, now trying to determine what is my best choice of a secondary target for Liberator bombing strikes. Possiblities I am looking at include the port and/or airfield (to reduce supply point stocks) and resources (eliminate local supply point production in Rangoon?). I'm not looking at bombing oil production in Rangoon as it appears this would impact mainly fuel points and have little effect on supply. I'm content with Pillager having all the fuel points he wants in Rangoon, my objective is focused on taking away supply. Thoughts or ideas on what would be the most effective target(s) to accomplish this gratefully appreciated.
Frankly, I bomb the crap out of everything. I have pummeled all the strat targets in Burma, with some damage to Tavoy and beyond (including Bangkok, Ban Don, and Hanoi) - altho those targets are very hard to hit now as they are out of range of most escorts and the losses are prohibative. Having sacked the strat targets, I have deomolished the port and AFs at Rangoon and Moulmein. I've also mined the ports for both. The only way he's getting supplies into Burma is by airlift, or overland thru Raheng (which is also on the target list). I've also learned that targeting units (ground attack) dramatically increases their supply requiremetns (and therefore consumption). So hitting units with ground attack is kind of like giving a thirsty man salt to eat - it's just makes things worse.
-F-
"It is obvious that you have greatly over-estimated my regard for your opinion." - Me
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Summary of Operations 3/31/43
Feinder, appreciate the feedback.
1) I did notice the same distinctions between the P-40E and N as you pointed out. Hopefully the drop in speed and durability ratings on the P-40N does not make too big a difference. The most valuable aspect of the P-40N in my situation has been the number of planes.
Availabilty of the P-40N has greatly helped in relieving my recent situation with very low numbers of P-40E planes in the replacement pool - the shortage of replacement P-40E's being severe enough to force pulling front-line AVG and USAAF squadrons out of combat. As pointed out in an earlier post, I neglected to set air units to "Do not Upgrade" through all of 1942, with the end result being hordes of fighter squadrons in the mainland U.S. quietly upgrading to P-40E's from whatever aircraft type they began the game with. Needless to say, this "sucking sound" was at the expense of replacing battle losses for front-line squadrons operating in Burma and Australia.
Conversion of some front-line P-40E squadrons to P-40N's has put P-40E planes into the replacement pool and reduced the number of USAAF and AVG squadrons that draw replacement P-40E's to cover battle losses. My current plan is to employ a mix of P-40E and P-40N squadrons in front-line areas so that I can spread the load of replacing plane losses evenly between the two plane types. I'm expecting to go with this until the P-40 equipped squadrons can begin upgrading out of P-40's.
I should also note that I'm following a similar practice with Spitfire V's and Hurricane II's, due to earlier shortages of Hurricane II planes in the replacement pool that caused a similar problem with replacement planes for front-line RAF and Australian fighter squadrons.
If my experience in this PBEM hasn't illustrated the lesson of setting your air units to "Do not Upgrade", I'm not sure what will...
2) With the 160 Liberators now available in India (and however many more on the way), let the carpet-bombing continue...
The point you made about ground attack was an interesting one, given the numbers of Jap engineer elements Pillager appears to have packed into Rangoon (among the 16 LCU's total he has there) to repair bomb damage.
Hitting the engineers first before moving on to other targets would likely (a) consume supply and (b) disrupt or destroy engineer elements, eventually resulting in (c) reducing Pillager's capability to repair bombing damage and (d) more and longer lasting damage to what Pillager can no longer repair.
1) I did notice the same distinctions between the P-40E and N as you pointed out. Hopefully the drop in speed and durability ratings on the P-40N does not make too big a difference. The most valuable aspect of the P-40N in my situation has been the number of planes.
Availabilty of the P-40N has greatly helped in relieving my recent situation with very low numbers of P-40E planes in the replacement pool - the shortage of replacement P-40E's being severe enough to force pulling front-line AVG and USAAF squadrons out of combat. As pointed out in an earlier post, I neglected to set air units to "Do not Upgrade" through all of 1942, with the end result being hordes of fighter squadrons in the mainland U.S. quietly upgrading to P-40E's from whatever aircraft type they began the game with. Needless to say, this "sucking sound" was at the expense of replacing battle losses for front-line squadrons operating in Burma and Australia.
Conversion of some front-line P-40E squadrons to P-40N's has put P-40E planes into the replacement pool and reduced the number of USAAF and AVG squadrons that draw replacement P-40E's to cover battle losses. My current plan is to employ a mix of P-40E and P-40N squadrons in front-line areas so that I can spread the load of replacing plane losses evenly between the two plane types. I'm expecting to go with this until the P-40 equipped squadrons can begin upgrading out of P-40's.
I should also note that I'm following a similar practice with Spitfire V's and Hurricane II's, due to earlier shortages of Hurricane II planes in the replacement pool that caused a similar problem with replacement planes for front-line RAF and Australian fighter squadrons.
If my experience in this PBEM hasn't illustrated the lesson of setting your air units to "Do not Upgrade", I'm not sure what will...
2) With the 160 Liberators now available in India (and however many more on the way), let the carpet-bombing continue...
The point you made about ground attack was an interesting one, given the numbers of Jap engineer elements Pillager appears to have packed into Rangoon (among the 16 LCU's total he has there) to repair bomb damage.
Hitting the engineers first before moving on to other targets would likely (a) consume supply and (b) disrupt or destroy engineer elements, eventually resulting in (c) reducing Pillager's capability to repair bombing damage and (d) more and longer lasting damage to what Pillager can no longer repair.
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Summary of Operations 4/16/43
Summary of Operations 4/16/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 31 days.
North Pacific: U.S. sub Amberjack sinks off Attu Island. Amberjack was attempting to reach Adak with severe system & flood damage received in action near the Japanese home islands in late 3/43.
Central Pacific: Continued Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein - mo reported contacts between U.S. subs and Jap surface ASW. Quiet at Pago Pago and in the Canton Is area.
62 Jap ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein.
U.S. subs operating off the Japanese home islands report mostly quiet. SS Silversides had one contact with a Jap transport TF south of Tokyo. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,46
Japanese Ships
AK Akibasan Maru
PC Etoforu
DD Ushio
DD Onami
Allied Ships
SS Silversides
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is, otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise no reported activity.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 43 aircraft (19 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Detected status of Jap base in Exmouth - 190 aircraft (34 fighters, 45 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: No detected Jap air patrols. Several actions reported between U.S. subs and Jap ASW TF's near Palembang and in the Macassar Straits. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,63
Japanese Ships
PC Takunan Maru #5
PC Showa Maru #5
PC Showa Maru #3
MSW Toshi Maru #2
MSW Rokko Maru
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Hinode Maru #20
MSW Choun Maru #21
MSW Choun Maru #18
Allied Ships
SS Pompon, hits 3 (no report of damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 23,58
Japanese Ships
PG Shotoku Maru
MSW Wa 20
Allied Ships
SS Snook
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Dacca, Calcutta. Small RAF bombing raids against HQ 3rd Air Division (appears to be moving towards Myitkyina) and an airfield strike on Myitkyina base itself. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Air Division, at 34,28
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 12
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 13
Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 1 Jap TF, 2 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 22, 250 aircraft (80 fighters, 60 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 27(166).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Kweilin, Chengtu. Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces continue against opposing front-line LCU's.
Japanese ground forces continue bombardment attacks at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's of both actions and situation map follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 61165 troops, 296 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 1978
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43600 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1216
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22408 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 501
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6888 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 31 days.
North Pacific: U.S. sub Amberjack sinks off Attu Island. Amberjack was attempting to reach Adak with severe system & flood damage received in action near the Japanese home islands in late 3/43.
Central Pacific: Continued Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein - mo reported contacts between U.S. subs and Jap surface ASW. Quiet at Pago Pago and in the Canton Is area.
62 Jap ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein.
U.S. subs operating off the Japanese home islands report mostly quiet. SS Silversides had one contact with a Jap transport TF south of Tokyo. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,46
Japanese Ships
AK Akibasan Maru
PC Etoforu
DD Ushio
DD Onami
Allied Ships
SS Silversides
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is, otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise no reported activity.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 43 aircraft (19 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Detected status of Jap base in Exmouth - 190 aircraft (34 fighters, 45 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
DEI: No detected Jap air patrols. Several actions reported between U.S. subs and Jap ASW TF's near Palembang and in the Macassar Straits. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,63
Japanese Ships
PC Takunan Maru #5
PC Showa Maru #5
PC Showa Maru #3
MSW Toshi Maru #2
MSW Rokko Maru
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Hinode Maru #20
MSW Choun Maru #21
MSW Choun Maru #18
Allied Ships
SS Pompon, hits 3 (no report of damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 23,58
Japanese Ships
PG Shotoku Maru
MSW Wa 20
Allied Ships
SS Snook
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Dacca, Calcutta. Small RAF bombing raids against HQ 3rd Air Division (appears to be moving towards Myitkyina) and an airfield strike on Myitkyina base itself. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Air Division, at 34,28
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 12
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28
Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 13
Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 1 Jap TF, 2 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 22, 250 aircraft (80 fighters, 60 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 27(166).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Kweilin, Chengtu. Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces continue against opposing front-line LCU's.
Japanese ground forces continue bombardment attacks at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's of both actions and situation map follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 61165 troops, 296 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 1978
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43600 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1216
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22408 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 501
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6888 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/17/43
Summary of Operations 4/17/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 30 days. Not a particularly good day for U.S. submarines, fortunately none sunk or in immediate danger of sinking.
Central Pacific: Light Jap air patrols near Kwajalein. B5N2 Kate (probably land-based) air patrol spotted near Pago Pago. Canton Is area reported quiet. AAR of action between U.S. sub Pike and Jap ASW TF follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 79,81 (NW of Kwajalein)
Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makinami
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki
Allied Ships
SS Pike, hits 9 (system damage 21, flood 5, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAR's follow for several reported actions by U.S. subs operating against shipping routes off the Japanese home islands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 56,46 (off Okinawa)
Japanese Ships
TK Okigawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
Allied Ships
SS Sailfish (returning to base for replenishment, low on torps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 67,46 (S of Tokyo)
Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Niizuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Nenohi
DD Yugumo
Allied Ships
SS Silversides, hits 6 (system damage 35, flood 22, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 46,48 (off Aparri)
Japanese Ships
TK Koryo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)
PC Takunan Maru #2
Allied Ships
SS Seal (currently retiring to base with 11 system damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,43
Allied Ships
SS Saury
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: All sectors reporting quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. RAAF launches a small bombing strike against Jap base at Portland Roads, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Portland Roads , at 49,94
Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 15
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 3 damaged
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appears that both Pillager and I are content to keep things quiet in Australia for the present. The recent shortage of P-40E and Hurricane II fighter planes in the replacement pool forced the grounding of Allied fighter squadrons, most other front-line Allied air units were moved out of Tennant Creek after CAP coverage over Tennant Creek was no longer available.
Front-line USAAF and Australian air units are now regrouped in Alice Springs. Two of the four USAAF P-40E squadrons are next in line for upgrading to P-40N's. RAAF Hurricane II squadrons upgrade to Spitfire VIII's (available in late '43) so these units are still dependent on a replenished Hurricane II plane replacement pool - conversions of RAF Hurricane II squadrons in India to Spitfire V's has improved this situation considerably.
A substantial reinforcement of air units for Australia is now enroute from the U.S. - this expected to arrive in early to mid 5/43. The number of aircraft is estimated at 150-200, the vast majority consisting of 4E bombers and P-38's (both F & G). I'm inclined to keep the air war quiet until these guys reach Australia and combine them with existing Allied air forces.
Allied ground forces now in Australia are sufficient to keep the status quo. Except for a number of Allied ground units evacuated to Australia from the Philippines (4 Marine Rgt, 31 US RCT), Malaya (22 & 27 AIF Brigades), and 6 Australian AIF Division brought over from Aden, no other major ground combat LCU reinforcements have reached Australia since 12/7/41. My estimate is that a large-scale Allied ground offensive in Australia is not feasible without ground combat LCU reinforcements from the U.S. Plans for this are now under consideration.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, one Jap TF (+1 from last report), 55 aircraft (15 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
U.S. sub Halibut off Exmouth reports contact with G4M Betty air patrol - this plane probably flying out of Exmouth.
DEI: No report of Jap air patrols in this area. Several actions involving Allied subs - AAR's follow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,64 (Makassar Straits)
Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hatsukaze
Allied Ships
SS Pompon, hits 4, heavy damage (system damage 32, flood 66, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 24,54 (N of Singkep)
Japanese Ships
TK Akatsuki Maru
PG Shosei Maru
PG Santo Maru
PG Nikkai Maru
PG Myoken Maru
MSW Tamaura Maru
MSW Shintohoku Maru
MSW Choun Maru #6
MSW Banshu Maru #52
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Calcutta, Dacca.
RAF Blenheims again launch ground strike on HQ Jap 3rd Air Division. No plane losses, light Jap casualties reported.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting no Jap TF (-1 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port, airfield damage 8, 263 aircraft (93 fighters, 55 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 28 (165).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Liuchow. Continuing ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces continue against opposing front-line LCU's, also ground bombardment attacks by Japanese forces at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's of both ground actions follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83388 troops, 400 guns, 242 vehicles, Assault Value = 1978
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43680 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1216
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22357 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 498
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6868 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 30 days. Not a particularly good day for U.S. submarines, fortunately none sunk or in immediate danger of sinking.
Central Pacific: Light Jap air patrols near Kwajalein. B5N2 Kate (probably land-based) air patrol spotted near Pago Pago. Canton Is area reported quiet. AAR of action between U.S. sub Pike and Jap ASW TF follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 79,81 (NW of Kwajalein)
Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makinami
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki
Allied Ships
SS Pike, hits 9 (system damage 21, flood 5, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAR's follow for several reported actions by U.S. subs operating against shipping routes off the Japanese home islands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 56,46 (off Okinawa)
Japanese Ships
TK Okigawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
Allied Ships
SS Sailfish (returning to base for replenishment, low on torps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 67,46 (S of Tokyo)
Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Niizuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Nenohi
DD Yugumo
Allied Ships
SS Silversides, hits 6 (system damage 35, flood 22, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 46,48 (off Aparri)
Japanese Ships
TK Koryo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)
PC Takunan Maru #2
Allied Ships
SS Seal (currently retiring to base with 11 system damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,43
Allied Ships
SS Saury
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: All sectors reporting quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. RAAF launches a small bombing strike against Jap base at Portland Roads, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Portland Roads , at 49,94
Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 15
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 3 damaged
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appears that both Pillager and I are content to keep things quiet in Australia for the present. The recent shortage of P-40E and Hurricane II fighter planes in the replacement pool forced the grounding of Allied fighter squadrons, most other front-line Allied air units were moved out of Tennant Creek after CAP coverage over Tennant Creek was no longer available.
Front-line USAAF and Australian air units are now regrouped in Alice Springs. Two of the four USAAF P-40E squadrons are next in line for upgrading to P-40N's. RAAF Hurricane II squadrons upgrade to Spitfire VIII's (available in late '43) so these units are still dependent on a replenished Hurricane II plane replacement pool - conversions of RAF Hurricane II squadrons in India to Spitfire V's has improved this situation considerably.
A substantial reinforcement of air units for Australia is now enroute from the U.S. - this expected to arrive in early to mid 5/43. The number of aircraft is estimated at 150-200, the vast majority consisting of 4E bombers and P-38's (both F & G). I'm inclined to keep the air war quiet until these guys reach Australia and combine them with existing Allied air forces.
Allied ground forces now in Australia are sufficient to keep the status quo. Except for a number of Allied ground units evacuated to Australia from the Philippines (4 Marine Rgt, 31 US RCT), Malaya (22 & 27 AIF Brigades), and 6 Australian AIF Division brought over from Aden, no other major ground combat LCU reinforcements have reached Australia since 12/7/41. My estimate is that a large-scale Allied ground offensive in Australia is not feasible without ground combat LCU reinforcements from the U.S. Plans for this are now under consideration.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, one Jap TF (+1 from last report), 55 aircraft (15 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
U.S. sub Halibut off Exmouth reports contact with G4M Betty air patrol - this plane probably flying out of Exmouth.
DEI: No report of Jap air patrols in this area. Several actions involving Allied subs - AAR's follow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,64 (Makassar Straits)
Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hatsukaze
Allied Ships
SS Pompon, hits 4, heavy damage (system damage 32, flood 66, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 24,54 (N of Singkep)
Japanese Ships
TK Akatsuki Maru
PG Shosei Maru
PG Santo Maru
PG Nikkai Maru
PG Myoken Maru
MSW Tamaura Maru
MSW Shintohoku Maru
MSW Choun Maru #6
MSW Banshu Maru #52
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Calcutta, Dacca.
RAF Blenheims again launch ground strike on HQ Jap 3rd Air Division. No plane losses, light Jap casualties reported.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting no Jap TF (-1 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port, airfield damage 8, 263 aircraft (93 fighters, 55 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 28 (165).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Liuchow. Continuing ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces continue against opposing front-line LCU's, also ground bombardment attacks by Japanese forces at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's of both ground actions follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83388 troops, 400 guns, 242 vehicles, Assault Value = 1978
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43680 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1216
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22357 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 498
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6868 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/18/43
Summary of Operations 4/18/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 29 days.
Central Pacific: Moderate Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein - only G4M Bettys spotted, E13A1 & F1M2 float planes appear to be grounded. SS Pollack attacked and damaged by Jap ASW TF off Majuro. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 85,87
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
Allied Ships
SS Pollack, hits 2, heavy damage (system damage 32, flood 52, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No reported activity at Pago Pago or the Canton Is area. Also quiet off the Japanese home islands.
South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is, otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.
RAAF Hudsons bomb Jap airfield facilities at Portland Roads, minor damage to target, no planes lost.
Allied recon flights over Exmouth and Port Moresby both report Jap fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, Jap TF reported in Darwin has departed, 52 aircraft (19 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
DEI: British sub Trusty near Palembang reporting several Jap air patrols. SS Trusty also reported contact with Jap ASW TF, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 24,54
Japanese Ships
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51
DD Mikazuki
DD Shirayuki
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol and Dacca.
HQ Jap 3rd Air Division now in Myitkyina, LCU bombed again by RAF Blenheims. Light Jap casualties reported, no aircraft lost.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), 3 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), 285 aircraft (102 fighters, 59 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 29(164). Jap minesweeping ops also detected in Rangoon, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 174 encounters mine field at Rangoon (29,33)
Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #1, Mine hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)
PG Kogyoku Maru
DD Kawakaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: Jap recon flights over Tuyun, Chungking, Liuchow, Chengtu. Both Chinese and Japanese air forces continue light ground attack strikes.
Japanese ground bombardment attacks in Kweilin and hex 43,36 continue. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83381 troops, 399 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 1982
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43638 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1214
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22371 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 500
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6868 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 29 days.
Central Pacific: Moderate Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein - only G4M Bettys spotted, E13A1 & F1M2 float planes appear to be grounded. SS Pollack attacked and damaged by Jap ASW TF off Majuro. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 85,87
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 38
Allied Ships
SS Pollack, hits 2, heavy damage (system damage 32, flood 52, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No reported activity at Pago Pago or the Canton Is area. Also quiet off the Japanese home islands.
South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Norfolk Is, otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek.
RAAF Hudsons bomb Jap airfield facilities at Portland Roads, minor damage to target, no planes lost.
Allied recon flights over Exmouth and Port Moresby both report Jap fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, Jap TF reported in Darwin has departed, 52 aircraft (19 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
DEI: British sub Trusty near Palembang reporting several Jap air patrols. SS Trusty also reported contact with Jap ASW TF, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 24,54
Japanese Ships
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51
DD Mikazuki
DD Shirayuki
Allied Ships
SS Trusty
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol and Dacca.
HQ Jap 3rd Air Division now in Myitkyina, LCU bombed again by RAF Blenheims. Light Jap casualties reported, no aircraft lost.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), 3 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), 285 aircraft (102 fighters, 59 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 29(164). Jap minesweeping ops also detected in Rangoon, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 174 encounters mine field at Rangoon (29,33)
Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #1, Mine hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)
PG Kogyoku Maru
DD Kawakaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China: Jap recon flights over Tuyun, Chungking, Liuchow, Chengtu. Both Chinese and Japanese air forces continue light ground attack strikes.
Japanese ground bombardment attacks in Kweilin and hex 43,36 continue. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 83381 troops, 399 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 1982
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43638 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1214
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22371 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 500
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6868 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/19/43
Summary of Operations 4/19/43 The "so what the hell did I torpedo" synch bug edition.
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 28 days.
Central Pacific: Moderate level of Jap air patrol activity continues - U.S. subs reporting E13A1 Jake floatplanes have reappeared along with the regular G4M Betty flights. Light air patrol activity reported near Canton Is and at Pago Pago.
SS Porpoise on patrol at Truk torpedoed an (undetermined) Japanese ship. The exact identity of the torpedoed Jap ship depends on which "side" of the synch bug you're inclined to believe - the torpedoed Japanese ship displayed in my (Allied) replay of game turn resolution and identified in the Allied AAR listing is a rather large, juicy AO (AO Naruto), the ship in Pillager's (Japanese) AAR of this action is an AK. Both stories are consistant in that the torpedoed ship did not sink and the same Jap APD escorted this ship in both accounts. Suffice to say SS Porpoise torpedoed something, perhaps a whale or Yamamoto riding a jet ski. Pillager's AAR account of this action follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 66,78
Japanese Ships
AK Tenyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
APD Patrol Boat No. 2
Allied Ships
SS Porpoise
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SS Greenling in action (twice) vs a Japanese ASW TF south of Tokyo. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attacks at 69,47
Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Mutsuki
DD Nenohi
DD Niizuki
Allied Ships
SS Greenling, (5 hits total from both attacks, system damage 17, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SS Seal engages Jap transport TF east of Luzon, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 52,53
Japanese Ships
TK Bokuei Maru
PG Taiko Maru
Allied Ships
SS Seal
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: No Jap recon flights. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise another quiet day.
Allied recon flights over Exmouth, Darwin and Port Moresby all report fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
DEI: Small number of Jap air patrols detected (including Ki-49 Helen, Ki-21 Sally). Otherwise quiet here too.
Only two operational Allied subs on active patrol in the DEI - all other subs in this theatre currently in shipyards repairing battle damage.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Dacca and Asansol. No reported air or ground combat.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port (-1 from last report), 293 aircraft (123 fighters, 53 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 30(163).
China: Jap recon flights over Tuyun, Chungking, Liuchow. Chinese and Japanese air forces continuing light ground attack strikes.
Attacks by Japanese ground forces continue at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's follow. Casualty figures at Kweilin are from Pillager's AAR. I should note the five Chinese LCU in Kweilin all have their objective set to Kweilin and all have reached the maximum 100 planning points.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 89117 troops, 401 guns, 324 vehicles, Assault Value = 1981
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43605 troops, 153 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1215
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Japanese max assault: 1901 - adjusted assault: 661
Allied max defense: 1327 - adjusted defense: 8703
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
5030 casualties reported
Guns lost 56
Vehicles lost 6
Allied ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22370 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 501
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6868 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 28 days.
Central Pacific: Moderate level of Jap air patrol activity continues - U.S. subs reporting E13A1 Jake floatplanes have reappeared along with the regular G4M Betty flights. Light air patrol activity reported near Canton Is and at Pago Pago.
SS Porpoise on patrol at Truk torpedoed an (undetermined) Japanese ship. The exact identity of the torpedoed Jap ship depends on which "side" of the synch bug you're inclined to believe - the torpedoed Japanese ship displayed in my (Allied) replay of game turn resolution and identified in the Allied AAR listing is a rather large, juicy AO (AO Naruto), the ship in Pillager's (Japanese) AAR of this action is an AK. Both stories are consistant in that the torpedoed ship did not sink and the same Jap APD escorted this ship in both accounts. Suffice to say SS Porpoise torpedoed something, perhaps a whale or Yamamoto riding a jet ski. Pillager's AAR account of this action follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 66,78
Japanese Ships
AK Tenyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
APD Patrol Boat No. 2
Allied Ships
SS Porpoise
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SS Greenling in action (twice) vs a Japanese ASW TF south of Tokyo. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attacks at 69,47
Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Mutsuki
DD Nenohi
DD Niizuki
Allied Ships
SS Greenling, (5 hits total from both attacks, system damage 17, retiring to base)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SS Seal engages Jap transport TF east of Luzon, AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 52,53
Japanese Ships
TK Bokuei Maru
PG Taiko Maru
Allied Ships
SS Seal
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: No Jap recon flights. Otherwise quiet.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise another quiet day.
Allied recon flights over Exmouth, Darwin and Port Moresby all report fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
DEI: Small number of Jap air patrols detected (including Ki-49 Helen, Ki-21 Sally). Otherwise quiet here too.
Only two operational Allied subs on active patrol in the DEI - all other subs in this theatre currently in shipyards repairing battle damage.
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Dacca and Asansol. No reported air or ground combat.
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port (-1 from last report), 293 aircraft (123 fighters, 53 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 30(163).
China: Jap recon flights over Tuyun, Chungking, Liuchow. Chinese and Japanese air forces continuing light ground attack strikes.
Attacks by Japanese ground forces continue at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's follow. Casualty figures at Kweilin are from Pillager's AAR. I should note the five Chinese LCU in Kweilin all have their objective set to Kweilin and all have reached the maximum 100 planning points.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 89117 troops, 401 guns, 324 vehicles, Assault Value = 1981
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 43605 troops, 153 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1215
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Japanese max assault: 1901 - adjusted assault: 661
Allied max defense: 1327 - adjusted defense: 8703
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
5030 casualties reported
Guns lost 56
Vehicles lost 6
Allied ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22370 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 501
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6868 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
RE: Summary of Operations 4/19/43
Just a quick note to let you know I'm enjoying your AAR.
Can't wait until it starts to heat up again. [:)]
Can't wait until it starts to heat up again. [:)]
RE: Summary of Operations 4/17/43
ORIGINAL: wneumann
Summary of Operations 4/17/43
Allied ground forces now in Australia are sufficient to keep the status quo. Except for a number of Allied ground units evacuated to Australia from the Philippines (4 Marine Rgt, 31 US RCT), Malaya (22 & 27 AIF Brigades), and 6 Australian AIF Division brought over from Aden, no other major ground combat LCU reinforcements have reached Australia since 12/7/41. My estimate is that a large-scale Allied ground offensive in Australia is not feasible without ground combat LCU reinforcements from the U.S. Plans for this are now under consideration.
I'm not so certain that you have to be necessarily so passive.
Firstly, I suspect that you have sufficient forces to recapture Portland Roads. That would close the door on enemy land operations on the east coast and allow you to build up a strategic reserve.
Secondly, as you have noted the massing of enemy LCU at Exmouth suggests some sort of forthcoming land offensive. It would also suggest that the enemy has denuded his garrison elsewhere. Whilst Perth would be the most obvious target, it might just be that routing convoys to Exmouth was more convenient. The enemy can more rapidly redeploy surplus LCU from Exmouth to Darwin (for a push down the centre) than you can redeploy elsewhere surplus reinfocement LCU sent to Perth.
Thirdly, Australia is a big land mass. Any enemy offensive, particularly if it is conducted away from ports, is most vulnerable at its base resupply port. If you have a theatre reserve, particularly if there are plentiful engineers/aviation support for quick base building, you may find it advantageous to capture enemy bases in the Timor and Arafura Seas in order to destroy the supply lines and thereby starve the enemy land offensive.
Alfred
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: Summary of Operations 4/17/43
Alfred,
I appreciate your comments. Several things I can add to each of your points in no particular order.
1) Exmouth - Information from daily recon flights over Exmouth is showing the strength of Japanese forces in Exmouth has remained static over the last 4-6 months. Jap LCU strength in Exmouth has been constant at five units (three of these identified as 2 NLF, 56 AF Const Bn, and 12 Aviation Rgt). Japanese air strength in Exmouth has also been constant - small numbers of A6M3a fighters with G4M Bettys operating on naval search missions. Detected Japanese shipping into Exmouth has been light and appearing infrequently, probably little more than supply replenishment.
For a time I had considered Exmouth a jumping off point for a Japanese offensive against Perth - I'm sure Pillager was considering this as well at some time in the past. As of now, the Pillager's primary function for Exmouth is most likely an "early warning" outpost position to detect Allied ships or TF's moving northward from Perth towards either Darwin or the DEI. In any event, I have Perth and Geraldton covered.
2) NW Australia - Current Japanese LCU strength in NW Australia is centered around 2nd & 5th Divisions (both located in Daly Waters), these divisions supported by tank, artillery and flak LCU's. Most of Pillager's known LCU strength in NW Australia is located in either Daly Waters or Katherine. Pillager has two Jap LCU's (identified as 5 Mortar Rgt & HQ 14th Army) located in Darwin - the number of LCU in Darwin continuously confirmed by daily air recon. Small Jap LCU garrisons are also in Wyndham and Broome.
Two of the four Jap divisions Pillager used in the 1942 offensive into Darwin have since transferred out of Australia - 4th Division (in Singapore as of 3/14/43) & 18th Division (in Bangkok as of 2/6/43). A number of smaller Jap LCU's (mainly combat engineers and tanks) left NW Australia as well.
Japanese ground forces remaining in NW Australia are facing a large, well dug-in Allied force at Tennant Creek, this force including three Australian Divisions plus US 31 RCT and 4 Marine Rgt heavily supported with tanks and artillery. Other Australian forces (9 Division, 22 & 27 AIF Brigades) form a reserve in southern Australia.
2a) Your statement about the vulnerability of base resupply ports is very true, especially in the case of Darwin. Darwin would be highly vulnerable to an Allied amphibious assualt - even more so when a landing on Darwin is combined with an Allied ground offensive northward from Tennant Creek towards Daly Waters and Katherine. A successful landing at Darwin in this event would "seal the pocket" and doom nearly the entire Japanese LCU force in NW Australia.
3) Portland Roads - Allied forces currently in NE Australia are sufficient to hold the Cooktown/Cairns/Townsville area but not capable of attacking Portland Roads without reinforcement. Recapturing Portland Roads would require committment of existing Allied reserves into NE Australia and would not eliminate the need to maintain LCU garrisons in Cooktown, Cairns, and Townsville at their present level even with Portland Roads in Allied hands.
Japanese LCU's identified in Portland Roads include two NLF's (8th & Yokosuka 5th), three construction bns (7 Naval, 17, 37) and 151 IJNAF Base Force. The primary function of Portland Roads is likely to be as a "satellite" base forming part of a defensive perimeter around Port Moresby.
4) The Big Picture - I can easily imagine myself being guilty of underestimating Allied offensive capability. I'm now reaching the point where I have identified and decided on likely "points of attack" for an Allied counteroffensive, the next step getting my forces deployed to execute these attacks (also not a quick undertaking as I'm finding out). This process is not just specific to Australia, it applies everywhere.
I appreciate your comments. Several things I can add to each of your points in no particular order.
1) Exmouth - Information from daily recon flights over Exmouth is showing the strength of Japanese forces in Exmouth has remained static over the last 4-6 months. Jap LCU strength in Exmouth has been constant at five units (three of these identified as 2 NLF, 56 AF Const Bn, and 12 Aviation Rgt). Japanese air strength in Exmouth has also been constant - small numbers of A6M3a fighters with G4M Bettys operating on naval search missions. Detected Japanese shipping into Exmouth has been light and appearing infrequently, probably little more than supply replenishment.
For a time I had considered Exmouth a jumping off point for a Japanese offensive against Perth - I'm sure Pillager was considering this as well at some time in the past. As of now, the Pillager's primary function for Exmouth is most likely an "early warning" outpost position to detect Allied ships or TF's moving northward from Perth towards either Darwin or the DEI. In any event, I have Perth and Geraldton covered.
2) NW Australia - Current Japanese LCU strength in NW Australia is centered around 2nd & 5th Divisions (both located in Daly Waters), these divisions supported by tank, artillery and flak LCU's. Most of Pillager's known LCU strength in NW Australia is located in either Daly Waters or Katherine. Pillager has two Jap LCU's (identified as 5 Mortar Rgt & HQ 14th Army) located in Darwin - the number of LCU in Darwin continuously confirmed by daily air recon. Small Jap LCU garrisons are also in Wyndham and Broome.
Two of the four Jap divisions Pillager used in the 1942 offensive into Darwin have since transferred out of Australia - 4th Division (in Singapore as of 3/14/43) & 18th Division (in Bangkok as of 2/6/43). A number of smaller Jap LCU's (mainly combat engineers and tanks) left NW Australia as well.
Japanese ground forces remaining in NW Australia are facing a large, well dug-in Allied force at Tennant Creek, this force including three Australian Divisions plus US 31 RCT and 4 Marine Rgt heavily supported with tanks and artillery. Other Australian forces (9 Division, 22 & 27 AIF Brigades) form a reserve in southern Australia.
2a) Your statement about the vulnerability of base resupply ports is very true, especially in the case of Darwin. Darwin would be highly vulnerable to an Allied amphibious assualt - even more so when a landing on Darwin is combined with an Allied ground offensive northward from Tennant Creek towards Daly Waters and Katherine. A successful landing at Darwin in this event would "seal the pocket" and doom nearly the entire Japanese LCU force in NW Australia.
3) Portland Roads - Allied forces currently in NE Australia are sufficient to hold the Cooktown/Cairns/Townsville area but not capable of attacking Portland Roads without reinforcement. Recapturing Portland Roads would require committment of existing Allied reserves into NE Australia and would not eliminate the need to maintain LCU garrisons in Cooktown, Cairns, and Townsville at their present level even with Portland Roads in Allied hands.
Japanese LCU's identified in Portland Roads include two NLF's (8th & Yokosuka 5th), three construction bns (7 Naval, 17, 37) and 151 IJNAF Base Force. The primary function of Portland Roads is likely to be as a "satellite" base forming part of a defensive perimeter around Port Moresby.
4) The Big Picture - I can easily imagine myself being guilty of underestimating Allied offensive capability. I'm now reaching the point where I have identified and decided on likely "points of attack" for an Allied counteroffensive, the next step getting my forces deployed to execute these attacks (also not a quick undertaking as I'm finding out). This process is not just specific to Australia, it applies everywhere.
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Summary of Operations 4/20/43
Summary of Operations 4/20/43
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 27 days.
Central Pacific: Moderate Jap air patrols mainly E13A1 Jake floatplanes reported near Kwajalein.
All other areas reporting quiet (Pago Pago, the Canton Is area, and off the Japanese home islands). No reported contacts between U.S. subs and Japanese surface ships.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Norfolk Is and Auckland, otherwise quiet. Allied transport shipping to Australia proceeding normally.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise quiet. Allied recon flights over Darwin, Exmouth and Port Moresby all reporting no detected activity or change in Japanese forces.
DEI: British sub Trusty engaged by Jap ASW TF off Palembang. AAR follows. Light Jap air patrols (Ki-48 Lily) also spotted near Palembang.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51
DD Mikazuki
DD Shirayuki
Allied Ships
SS Trusty, hits 1 (no reported damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Calcutta.
RAF Blenheims again hit HQ Jap 3rd Air Division in Myitkyina - no reported casualties or planes lost.
USAAF and RAF Liberators launch ground strike attack against Jap LCU's in Rangoon. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 31st Division, at 29,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 16
A6M3a Zero x 16
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 25
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 20
Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 54
B-24D Liberator x 67
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 16 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 12 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 12 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 48 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 5 destroyed, 57 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
197 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), 3 ships disbanded in port (+1 from last report), 235 aircraft (86 fighters, 54 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 31(162).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Liuchow, Pakhoi, Chengtu.
Chinese and Japanese air forces continue light ground attack strikes. Chinese ground attack air strike spots Jap 15th Tank Regiment moving towards the front lines from its previous location at Kiukiang.
Japanese ground forces bombard at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 78149 troops, 340 guns, 239 vehicles, Assault Value = 1667
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt,
2 Mountain Gun Rgt
Defending force 43287 troops, 149 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1209
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22395 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 502
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6848 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army
Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 27 days.
Central Pacific: Moderate Jap air patrols mainly E13A1 Jake floatplanes reported near Kwajalein.
All other areas reporting quiet (Pago Pago, the Canton Is area, and off the Japanese home islands). No reported contacts between U.S. subs and Japanese surface ships.
South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Norfolk Is and Auckland, otherwise quiet. Allied transport shipping to Australia proceeding normally.
Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise quiet. Allied recon flights over Darwin, Exmouth and Port Moresby all reporting no detected activity or change in Japanese forces.
DEI: British sub Trusty engaged by Jap ASW TF off Palembang. AAR follows. Light Jap air patrols (Ki-48 Lily) also spotted near Palembang.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 22,54
Japanese Ships
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Eguchi Maru
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #51
DD Mikazuki
DD Shirayuki
Allied Ships
SS Trusty, hits 1 (no reported damage)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Asansol, Calcutta.
RAF Blenheims again hit HQ Jap 3rd Air Division in Myitkyina - no reported casualties or planes lost.
USAAF and RAF Liberators launch ground strike attack against Jap LCU's in Rangoon. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 31st Division, at 29,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 16
A6M3a Zero x 16
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 25
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 20
Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 54
B-24D Liberator x 67
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 16 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 12 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 12 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 48 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 5 destroyed, 57 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
197 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), 3 ships disbanded in port (+1 from last report), 235 aircraft (86 fighters, 54 bombers), 16 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 31(162).
China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Liuchow, Pakhoi, Chengtu.
Chinese and Japanese air forces continue light ground attack strikes. Chinese ground attack air strike spots Jap 15th Tank Regiment moving towards the front lines from its previous location at Kiukiang.
Japanese ground forces bombard at Kweilin and hex 43,36. AAR's follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 78149 troops, 340 guns, 239 vehicles, Assault Value = 1667
6th, 22nd & 40th Infantry Divisions, 3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt, 27 Engineer Rgt,
2 Mountain Gun Rgt
Defending force 43287 troops, 149 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1209
37th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps, HQ 20 Group Army
Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,36
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22395 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 502
51st Infantry Division
Defending force 6848 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149
10th Chinese Corps, HQ 27 Group Army