Congrats Sir ... well done.
Note Operation Hailstone (Naval Attack on Truk) in real life occurred about mid February 1944 as I recall. You were about a year early to the party.
The challenges with writing an AAR (and yours is very very good) must be relating all the clues and gut instinct that leads you there.
Spotting, Scouting, encounters, and then a sense "the time is right now".
Makes for great reading though..
--
You lost a fair number of F4's but as you indicate based on the date the F6s are waiting. Same goes for the Douglas 3s because the Douglas 5s and the SOB-2nd class is here or just around the corner.
The haul is very nice. Subs, Ammo, and Sub tenders alone.
Expressed in VPs I suppose it is a good result. More importantly expressed in terms logistic and operational support its like a kick in the %$#@@!.
LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: 21-22 Mar 43
A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.
RE: 21-22 Mar 43
ORIGINAL: Macclan5
Congrats Sir ... well done.
Note Operation Hailstone (Naval Attack on Truk) in real life occurred about mid February 1944 as I recall. You were about a year early to the party.
The challenges with writing an AAR (and yours is very very good) must be relating all the clues and gut instinct that leads you there.
Spotting, Scouting, encounters, and then a sense "the time is right now".
Makes for great reading though..
--
You lost a fair number of F4's but as you indicate based on the date the F6s are waiting. Same goes for the Douglas 3s because the Douglas 5s and the SOB-2nd class is here or just around the corner.
The haul is very nice. Subs, Ammo, and Sub tenders alone.
Expressed in VPs I suppose it is a good result. More importantly expressed in terms logistic and operational support its like a kick in the %$#@@!.
Thanks much Macclan5!
And you're right on the money - I wouldn't have done this raid if Hellcats weren't a few weeks away. And I'll be disengaging the CVs for a bit while they re-equip with the F6F, meaning that I'll have time to replenish the SBD pool.
Would have liked to stick around, and hit the port again - was a target rich environment, but not worth the risk. And regardless of what damage was done, its now in L_S_T head that he might want to reinforce fighters on key bases, hopefully pulling them out from the masses I'm encountering in front line service in Burma, Solomons and Australian Theaters.
23-24 Mar 43
23-24 Mar 43
Highlights – Attu and Panggoe taken; First major IJA attack on Lanchow repulsed with heavy loss
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-36, RO-101)
PB: 3
Jpn ship unsunk:
CV: 1 (Hiyo “officially” still afloat in Broome)
CL: 1 (Kiso)
SS: 1 (RO-100)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 25
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA Salt Lake City hit)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Attu (NOPAC)
Panggoe (SOPAC)
Kuria (CENPAC – flipped)
SIGINT/Intel: No sign of the KB for a couple of turns.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR
In NOPAC, Attu falls in the first attack with minimal loss – 1258 vs. 40. Kure 3rd SNLF and two construction companies destroyed. So ends the long and bitter campaign to liberate the Aleutian Islands! A campaign that was altogether too long and much too costly. While I’ll start sending recon flights to probe the Kuriles, I don’t see making any major moves for a land invasion for a long while – like maybe 1944 if I decide to go in that direction. So, many of the ground troops – especially Marines and engineers, will depart for other Theaters. Same for airpower that isn’t restricted.
In CENPAC, its pretty quiet as the Makin Invasion forces link up and proceed to target. CVEs and Minesweeping TFs already on site. CA TF will bombard next turn and troops will land. US CVs still approaching form the NW, withdrawing from the Truk attacks. They will take station to the east of Makin, providing cover and airstrikes while also taking on fuel next turn. Don’t expect much of a counter threat, other than perhaps a night time Betty attack and of course, subs – although I think the sub threat has been significantly reduced by the Truk raid.
In SOPAC, a busy turn. Starts off with a US DD TF (3DD) sinking two PBs off Shortlands while enroute to bombard Buin. The bombardment accomplishes little. Enroute to bombard Panggoe, the CA TF (3CA, 5DD, DMS) runs into the I-169 which puts a fish into the CA Salt Lake City. She relatively lightly damaged (17/13(6)/5) all things considered, and stays in the TF. However, she’ll need some repair time and will depart for Sydney with a pair of escorting DDs next turn. The sub successfully got away. The CA TF then sinks a troop carrying PB at Panggoe and bombards. Daylight brings heavy air attacks on the Panggoe defenders, part of a Naval Guard unit. The ground assault by the Fiji Commando Bn easily takes the base without loss. Tulagi continues to be very busy, and is overstacked as shuttling troops in and out of the base continues.
In SWPAC, no bombardments this turn, but it looks like another TF is coming in. Will be met by PTs and subs at Gove, not much else. Assume it’s another cruiser run, so unless a PT or sub gets lucky, the TF should be able to get out of Groote air range after the bombardment. Groote continues to be busy as more engineers flow in.
In WAUS, another turn, another heavy BB bombardment on the 41st Div. BB TF (2BB, 4CA, CL, DDs) inflicts 464 casualties as the Allied troops slowly pull off of Port Hedland. The 41st is still intact, but largely disabled and will need time to recover. On the bright side, I manage to mess up a Broome bombing run – intending to hit the port at night with two B-17 squadrons, I leave one on daylight, and it manages to push its way through “light” CAP (40 fighters), losing only two planes, and puts a bomb squarely on CV Hiyo, leaving her burning with heavy damage. At least she’s not going anywhere any time soon.
In China, IJA troops launch the first major attack on Lanchow, and its heavily repulsed. 7097 Jpn casualties to 1566 Chinese and forts weren’t reduced, staying at level 4. Nice. Lanchow will eventually fall, but it might take a little longer than L_S_T would like. Sonias hit Changsa, and I’m sending the P-40s in next turn to see if we can catch a raid. Looks like most of the IJA’ China Air Force is supporting the Lanchow attack, so I might get lucky.
In India/Burma, NSTR.
Highlights – Attu and Panggoe taken; First major IJA attack on Lanchow repulsed with heavy loss
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-36, RO-101)
PB: 3
Jpn ship unsunk:
CV: 1 (Hiyo “officially” still afloat in Broome)
CL: 1 (Kiso)
SS: 1 (RO-100)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 25
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA Salt Lake City hit)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Attu (NOPAC)
Panggoe (SOPAC)
Kuria (CENPAC – flipped)
SIGINT/Intel: No sign of the KB for a couple of turns.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR
In NOPAC, Attu falls in the first attack with minimal loss – 1258 vs. 40. Kure 3rd SNLF and two construction companies destroyed. So ends the long and bitter campaign to liberate the Aleutian Islands! A campaign that was altogether too long and much too costly. While I’ll start sending recon flights to probe the Kuriles, I don’t see making any major moves for a land invasion for a long while – like maybe 1944 if I decide to go in that direction. So, many of the ground troops – especially Marines and engineers, will depart for other Theaters. Same for airpower that isn’t restricted.
In CENPAC, its pretty quiet as the Makin Invasion forces link up and proceed to target. CVEs and Minesweeping TFs already on site. CA TF will bombard next turn and troops will land. US CVs still approaching form the NW, withdrawing from the Truk attacks. They will take station to the east of Makin, providing cover and airstrikes while also taking on fuel next turn. Don’t expect much of a counter threat, other than perhaps a night time Betty attack and of course, subs – although I think the sub threat has been significantly reduced by the Truk raid.
In SOPAC, a busy turn. Starts off with a US DD TF (3DD) sinking two PBs off Shortlands while enroute to bombard Buin. The bombardment accomplishes little. Enroute to bombard Panggoe, the CA TF (3CA, 5DD, DMS) runs into the I-169 which puts a fish into the CA Salt Lake City. She relatively lightly damaged (17/13(6)/5) all things considered, and stays in the TF. However, she’ll need some repair time and will depart for Sydney with a pair of escorting DDs next turn. The sub successfully got away. The CA TF then sinks a troop carrying PB at Panggoe and bombards. Daylight brings heavy air attacks on the Panggoe defenders, part of a Naval Guard unit. The ground assault by the Fiji Commando Bn easily takes the base without loss. Tulagi continues to be very busy, and is overstacked as shuttling troops in and out of the base continues.
In SWPAC, no bombardments this turn, but it looks like another TF is coming in. Will be met by PTs and subs at Gove, not much else. Assume it’s another cruiser run, so unless a PT or sub gets lucky, the TF should be able to get out of Groote air range after the bombardment. Groote continues to be busy as more engineers flow in.
In WAUS, another turn, another heavy BB bombardment on the 41st Div. BB TF (2BB, 4CA, CL, DDs) inflicts 464 casualties as the Allied troops slowly pull off of Port Hedland. The 41st is still intact, but largely disabled and will need time to recover. On the bright side, I manage to mess up a Broome bombing run – intending to hit the port at night with two B-17 squadrons, I leave one on daylight, and it manages to push its way through “light” CAP (40 fighters), losing only two planes, and puts a bomb squarely on CV Hiyo, leaving her burning with heavy damage. At least she’s not going anywhere any time soon.
In China, IJA troops launch the first major attack on Lanchow, and its heavily repulsed. 7097 Jpn casualties to 1566 Chinese and forts weren’t reduced, staying at level 4. Nice. Lanchow will eventually fall, but it might take a little longer than L_S_T would like. Sonias hit Changsa, and I’m sending the P-40s in next turn to see if we can catch a raid. Looks like most of the IJA’ China Air Force is supporting the Lanchow attack, so I might get lucky.
In India/Burma, NSTR.
25-26 Mar 43
25-26 Mar 43
Highlights – Makin taken
Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 1
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 28
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA Salt Lake City hit)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv:
Makin Is (CENPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Makin Is (CENPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: KB and now the BBs have been quiet and locations unknown.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR
In NOPAC, troops and a/c begin transitioning out of Theater, slowly, but surely. 22nd Marine Reg enroute to Adak, then CENPAC. This will be a process, and will take some time.
In CENPAC, Makin Island seized with very light loss (45 men), the 47th Naval Guard unit destroyed. This will be the northern most atoll seized for a while as the CV TFs will depart Theater. CVEs will remain, and support other landings to clear out select islands the Gilberts. CV TF w/ Lex and Yorktown will head to SOPAC to support landings at Rossel Is, the other CVs to head to port to re-equip with Hellcats, conduct some needed repairs and prepare for the next venture.
In SOPAC, Rekata Bay reaches AF level 2, bringing SBDs closer to major Japanese bases in the upper Solomons. Still short fighters, which continue limit operations, but progress continues. Russell Island and Thousand Ships Bay are next on the list, all to be seized with minimal naval support – landing craft primarily, shuttling troops in. The APs/AKs will be used to establish a foothold on the Northern New Guinea front – landing at Rossel Island, and depending on response and defense, Woodlark Is. In any case, I need to buy some time to build up bases as well as fighter strength – once the Hellcat is fielded on CVs, the Marines should have enough F4Fs – but until then, I’m still short enough fighters to cover offensive moves, and provide cover on friendly shipping/ports. And to highlight that point, a strange raid on troops at Panggoe – 24V escorted by 34 Oscars hit troops (?). Enough escorts pushed through the LRCAP (7 P-38G), but nothing achieved in the bombardment. 2V and 4 Oscars lost in exchange for a pair of P-38s.
In SWPAC, again, quiet. No bombardments, or air raids. Groote continues to be busy with shipping and incoming troops. USMC Def Bn loads at Cairns, and will begin the trek to Groote, then hopefully on to Gove.
In WAUS, its quiet. No bombardments and the night time B-17 raid on Broome hits nothing, but 5 Nicks are lost. Allied troops continue to pull off Port Hedland, and will attempt to take Corruna Downs – they need time to recover disabled losses, but I think I have enough combat power to take the small base. From there, will regroup and tackle Port Hedland again. Supply is so far good. The real question is whether the IJN will be back in force.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, its fairly quiet, the only exception is a single P-38 sweep over Mandalay, which is greeted by CAP from three Sentais – 8 Oscars, 4 Tony and 2 Tojos lost in exchange for 4 P-38s. Not bad, but I really can’t afford even those losses to the P-38s.
Highlights – Makin taken
Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 1
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 28
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA Salt Lake City hit)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv:
Makin Is (CENPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Makin Is (CENPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: KB and now the BBs have been quiet and locations unknown.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR
In NOPAC, troops and a/c begin transitioning out of Theater, slowly, but surely. 22nd Marine Reg enroute to Adak, then CENPAC. This will be a process, and will take some time.
In CENPAC, Makin Island seized with very light loss (45 men), the 47th Naval Guard unit destroyed. This will be the northern most atoll seized for a while as the CV TFs will depart Theater. CVEs will remain, and support other landings to clear out select islands the Gilberts. CV TF w/ Lex and Yorktown will head to SOPAC to support landings at Rossel Is, the other CVs to head to port to re-equip with Hellcats, conduct some needed repairs and prepare for the next venture.
In SOPAC, Rekata Bay reaches AF level 2, bringing SBDs closer to major Japanese bases in the upper Solomons. Still short fighters, which continue limit operations, but progress continues. Russell Island and Thousand Ships Bay are next on the list, all to be seized with minimal naval support – landing craft primarily, shuttling troops in. The APs/AKs will be used to establish a foothold on the Northern New Guinea front – landing at Rossel Island, and depending on response and defense, Woodlark Is. In any case, I need to buy some time to build up bases as well as fighter strength – once the Hellcat is fielded on CVs, the Marines should have enough F4Fs – but until then, I’m still short enough fighters to cover offensive moves, and provide cover on friendly shipping/ports. And to highlight that point, a strange raid on troops at Panggoe – 24V escorted by 34 Oscars hit troops (?). Enough escorts pushed through the LRCAP (7 P-38G), but nothing achieved in the bombardment. 2V and 4 Oscars lost in exchange for a pair of P-38s.
In SWPAC, again, quiet. No bombardments, or air raids. Groote continues to be busy with shipping and incoming troops. USMC Def Bn loads at Cairns, and will begin the trek to Groote, then hopefully on to Gove.
In WAUS, its quiet. No bombardments and the night time B-17 raid on Broome hits nothing, but 5 Nicks are lost. Allied troops continue to pull off Port Hedland, and will attempt to take Corruna Downs – they need time to recover disabled losses, but I think I have enough combat power to take the small base. From there, will regroup and tackle Port Hedland again. Supply is so far good. The real question is whether the IJN will be back in force.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, its fairly quiet, the only exception is a single P-38 sweep over Mandalay, which is greeted by CAP from three Sentais – 8 Oscars, 4 Tony and 2 Tojos lost in exchange for 4 P-38s. Not bad, but I really can’t afford even those losses to the P-38s.
27-28 Mar 43
27-28 Mar 43
Highlights – US convoy at Rekata Bay gets pummelled by air
Jpn ships sunk:
APD: 1 (Hagi)
xAKL: 1
AMc: 1
Jpn ships unsunk:
DD: 1 (Amatsukaze)
Allied ships sunk:
APD: 1 (Gilmer)
LCI: 5
SC: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 61
Allied: 58
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attack, 0 ship hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 2 ship hit (xAKL, AMc sunk)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: Slow convoy departs LA for Auck.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US CV TFs begin to depart Theater. CVEs remain at Makin to provide CAP as transports continue to shuttle troops in the Gilberts. Ocean Island Amph TF begins loading at Tabit.
In SOPAC, bad day at Rekata Bay. I figured the P-39 squadron based there was going to be enough to thwart any raids, but they came up short. Three strikes over two days (24V, 32O / 24V, 20O / 22V, 19O) overwhelm the CAP, maxed at 14 P-39s and 2 F4Fs in the first strike. Results weren’t good – convoy sunk: APD, 5 LCIs and an SC along with an infantry battalion lost. Will bolster the CAP at Rekata, day late, dollar short as they say – but this weakens CAP over Lunga and Tulagi. Still short fighters! Heavies raid Munda with good effect and without loss, keeping that AF shut down. Also, sending a CA TF to bombard the source of the strikes – Torokina. Fingers crossed they don’t run into a sub enroute. Will also continue to run troops and supplies into Rekata, and begin landing troops at Russell Island, which is reportedly lightly defended.
In SWPAC, its staying quiet.
In WAUS, NSTR
In China, heavy Tojo IIb sweeps over Changsa clear the skies of P-40Es at minimal cost: 16 P-40s lost in exchange for only 3 Tojos.
In India/Burma, heavy sweeps over Akyab overwhelm the USMC F4Fs on CAP, but was costly to the raiders as well. No bombers follow up, and I reinforced the CAP with the Corsairs.
Highlights – US convoy at Rekata Bay gets pummelled by air
Jpn ships sunk:
APD: 1 (Hagi)
xAKL: 1
AMc: 1
Jpn ships unsunk:
DD: 1 (Amatsukaze)
Allied ships sunk:
APD: 1 (Gilmer)
LCI: 5
SC: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 61
Allied: 58
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attack, 0 ship hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 2 ship hit (xAKL, AMc sunk)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: Slow convoy departs LA for Auck.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US CV TFs begin to depart Theater. CVEs remain at Makin to provide CAP as transports continue to shuttle troops in the Gilberts. Ocean Island Amph TF begins loading at Tabit.
In SOPAC, bad day at Rekata Bay. I figured the P-39 squadron based there was going to be enough to thwart any raids, but they came up short. Three strikes over two days (24V, 32O / 24V, 20O / 22V, 19O) overwhelm the CAP, maxed at 14 P-39s and 2 F4Fs in the first strike. Results weren’t good – convoy sunk: APD, 5 LCIs and an SC along with an infantry battalion lost. Will bolster the CAP at Rekata, day late, dollar short as they say – but this weakens CAP over Lunga and Tulagi. Still short fighters! Heavies raid Munda with good effect and without loss, keeping that AF shut down. Also, sending a CA TF to bombard the source of the strikes – Torokina. Fingers crossed they don’t run into a sub enroute. Will also continue to run troops and supplies into Rekata, and begin landing troops at Russell Island, which is reportedly lightly defended.
In SWPAC, its staying quiet.
In WAUS, NSTR
In China, heavy Tojo IIb sweeps over Changsa clear the skies of P-40Es at minimal cost: 16 P-40s lost in exchange for only 3 Tojos.
In India/Burma, heavy sweeps over Akyab overwhelm the USMC F4Fs on CAP, but was costly to the raiders as well. No bombers follow up, and I reinforced the CAP with the Corsairs.
-
Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 27-28 Mar 43
any specific destination for the CVs?
or just rest and refit?
or just rest and refit?
RE: 27-28 Mar 43
ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
any specific destination for the CVs?
or just rest and refit?
Rest and re-equip with the Hellcat for the most part.
29-30 Mar 43
29-30 Mar 43
Highlights – Heavy air attack on convoy off Akyab; Troops land on Russell Is
Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Hiyo – listed again!)
CA: 1 (Furutaka – old; doubtful)
DD: 2 (Nowaki, Arashio)
APD: 1 (Fuji)
AG: 1
Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (RO-64)
Allied ships sunk:
xAKL: 2
Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 13
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv:
Russell Is (SOPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: KB and the Battleline have been quiet for about a week now….worrisome
West Coast/Admin: NSTR
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Ocean Is Amph TF as well as CA, Minesweeping, and ASW TFs all link up at Tabit and will depart to Ocean Is next turn. CVE TF, currently at Makin, will depart and link up at Ocean Is. US CVs will NOT support, and with the KB location currently unknown, there is some concern. However, I don’t think Ocean Is is a good place for the KB to come calling – too isolated from LBA.
In SOPAC, US CA TF (2CA, 7DD, DMS) sinks an APD and damages another enroute to bombard Torokina, which the TF does, but only destroys one Oscar on the ground and doesn’t do much damage to the AF. Still, it does show L_S_T that Allied ships can sortie throughout the length of the Solomon bases. While this sortie was in progress, barges bring troops from the 138th IN (Sep) Reg at Russell Is, supported by Lunga based LBA – expect another battalion(-) defending. Rekata Bay meanwhile is quiet with an AK offloading supplies. Will curtail further amphib operations in Solomons for a few weeks as assets shift to landings at Rossel, Deboyne and perhaps Woodlark Is off the eastern coast of New Guinea. I need to consolidate gains and build up bases in the Solomons before the next major jump in the chain – Vella LaVella.
In SWPAC, convoy with USMC Def Bn will reach Groote Eylandt next turn, and link up with a DD TF (4DD) which will provide escort to the run to Gove. I hope this lull in the IJN runs to bombard Gove will continue!
In WAUS, staying quiet as Allied forces pull off of Port Hedland – which are attacked by the IJA troops (14th Garrison Unit), and the heavily disabled 41st Div holds the attacks. Troops should move off next turn. Armored units are already moving towards Corruna Downs, having pulled off Port Hedland. Supplies are still good for all fwd troops, and additional forces are slogging up from Exmouth. Still not committing much naval forces in support. On the bright side, CV Hiyo has been reported sunk again, and this corresponds to a sudden lack of port activity at Broome – so perhaps that rogue daylight B-17 raid did in fact administer the coup de grace and sink her…
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, heavy synch bug…what I saw didn’t resemble the results at all. But by looking at the final combat report results, it appears that a single airstrike (45Z, 18Nell) on a small convoy off Akyab succeeded in sinking both xAKLs, but CAP (12 F4U, 6 F4F, 10 Spit) did well – 23Z, 12N lost in exchange for no Allied a/c. (the synch bug version I saw was a bit bloodier – massive sweeps prior with plenty of air loss to both sides – probably better with the actual outcome…). Will bolster the CAP as more small supply convoys will transit to Akyab in the coming turns.
Highlights – Heavy air attack on convoy off Akyab; Troops land on Russell Is
Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Hiyo – listed again!)
CA: 1 (Furutaka – old; doubtful)
DD: 2 (Nowaki, Arashio)
APD: 1 (Fuji)
AG: 1
Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (RO-64)
Allied ships sunk:
xAKL: 2
Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 13
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv:
Russell Is (SOPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: KB and the Battleline have been quiet for about a week now….worrisome
West Coast/Admin: NSTR
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Ocean Is Amph TF as well as CA, Minesweeping, and ASW TFs all link up at Tabit and will depart to Ocean Is next turn. CVE TF, currently at Makin, will depart and link up at Ocean Is. US CVs will NOT support, and with the KB location currently unknown, there is some concern. However, I don’t think Ocean Is is a good place for the KB to come calling – too isolated from LBA.
In SOPAC, US CA TF (2CA, 7DD, DMS) sinks an APD and damages another enroute to bombard Torokina, which the TF does, but only destroys one Oscar on the ground and doesn’t do much damage to the AF. Still, it does show L_S_T that Allied ships can sortie throughout the length of the Solomon bases. While this sortie was in progress, barges bring troops from the 138th IN (Sep) Reg at Russell Is, supported by Lunga based LBA – expect another battalion(-) defending. Rekata Bay meanwhile is quiet with an AK offloading supplies. Will curtail further amphib operations in Solomons for a few weeks as assets shift to landings at Rossel, Deboyne and perhaps Woodlark Is off the eastern coast of New Guinea. I need to consolidate gains and build up bases in the Solomons before the next major jump in the chain – Vella LaVella.
In SWPAC, convoy with USMC Def Bn will reach Groote Eylandt next turn, and link up with a DD TF (4DD) which will provide escort to the run to Gove. I hope this lull in the IJN runs to bombard Gove will continue!
In WAUS, staying quiet as Allied forces pull off of Port Hedland – which are attacked by the IJA troops (14th Garrison Unit), and the heavily disabled 41st Div holds the attacks. Troops should move off next turn. Armored units are already moving towards Corruna Downs, having pulled off Port Hedland. Supplies are still good for all fwd troops, and additional forces are slogging up from Exmouth. Still not committing much naval forces in support. On the bright side, CV Hiyo has been reported sunk again, and this corresponds to a sudden lack of port activity at Broome – so perhaps that rogue daylight B-17 raid did in fact administer the coup de grace and sink her…
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, heavy synch bug…what I saw didn’t resemble the results at all. But by looking at the final combat report results, it appears that a single airstrike (45Z, 18Nell) on a small convoy off Akyab succeeded in sinking both xAKLs, but CAP (12 F4U, 6 F4F, 10 Spit) did well – 23Z, 12N lost in exchange for no Allied a/c. (the synch bug version I saw was a bit bloodier – massive sweeps prior with plenty of air loss to both sides – probably better with the actual outcome…). Will bolster the CAP as more small supply convoys will transit to Akyab in the coming turns.
RE: 29-30 Mar 43
Where/how did you get the two DDs last turn?
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: 29-30 Mar 43
ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
Where/how did you get the two DDs last turn?
According to tracker they were sunk by a 1000lb bomb and M16 mines respectively at Darwin on 29 March.
That said, nothing on the combat reports, so perhaps they sunk as a result of previous damage?
So, I have no idea....
Mar 43 Summary
Mar 43 Summary
A very good month everywhere but in the advance to Darwin. That’s OK. An advance anywhere while there is parity in carriers is a good thing! With pretty much the entire IJN focused at denying the advance to Darwin, attritting it is the best I can hope for. And with minimal commitment, that’s been done. Of course, the land attack on Port Hedland has been halted, and Gove still isn’t developed according to plan. We’ve got time. Will continue this approach in April, avoiding enemy concentrations and advancing where possible – in other words, all other Theaters. Still concerned of over-extending. Friendly fighter assets are still stretched and will remain so – that, more than anything else will slow operations in the coming months. Naval losses for the month were favorable; IJN “reported” losses for the month were 1CV, 1BB, 1CA, 3DD, 13 SS, and 3 SSX as compared to the Allies losing a CL, 3SS and 5PT. In the air, not the best month for the Allied Cause, 774 for Jpn to 698 Allied – not terrible, but not what I’m shooting for.
Screenshot shows Allied Forces disposition - Notes: 1)Ships are in service, not under refit or stood down. 2) a/c shown are combat available, not trainers or deployed on CVs. HB are 4 engine bombers. 3) CENPAC subs are those against IJN shipping, other Theater subs shown are “in close” for defense of that Theater. 4) En are Construction or Combat Engineers, all others (Port, Base, Group are under BF, including static bases). 4) AR includes armor, TD or recce units of any size.
INTEL: Continued major naval presence in the Darwin-Broome area. What has surprised me, and probably shouldn’t by now – is that it looks like the ENTIRE IJN is here – nothing larger than a DD anywhere else. While this has totally curtailed forward progress towards Darwin, his naval force has been attritted a bit with minimal cost to the Allied Navy. I expect this to continue, although the IJN CVs are due for a refit in April. Bottom line is I expect his deterrence to continue in this area – at the expense of allowing Allied advances in CENPAC and SOPAC.
SUBWAR: Subs finally got some licks in, putting three fish into Hiyo, another into Kongo and sub laid mines damaging Hyuga. Against the merchant marine, not so much. IJN subs seem to have been effectively countered by Allied ASW efforts, and that’s only going to get better – still a lucky IJN sub attack is still very possible. Will continue to deploy subs in operational support of naval operations, and continue to attempt to threaten the Japanese merchant lifelines.
West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Lack of fighters continue to bedevil the Allied cause. But that will start to change next month with fighter production jumping 43%, 300 to 430 a month due to the introduction of the Hellcat! April will see an emphasis on getting ships caught up in refit/upgrades as I need to catch up.
NOPAC. Was finally able to conclude the Aleutian campaign by seizing Attu. What next? Not much in NOPAC for bit. While I want to threaten the Kuriles, I don’t have the naval or air power yet. Most available assets will go elsewhere, although I may probe and see what’s in the Kuriles in coming months. Adak will become a forward sub base to operations in northern Japanese waters.
CENPAC. Off to a good start in landings in the Gilberts. About cleared, and many lessons learned on how to conduct Amphib operations. Defenses less than expected, and friendly losses less than minimal. Will continue to focus on the Gilberts and slowly climb north into the Marshalls. Danger is over expanding and vulnerability should the KB come calling. But that’s a risk I’m willing to take – I don’t think it’s likely the KB will sortie here; not worth the risk to subs or a/c.
SOPAC. Continued slow but steady slog up the Solomon chain – and without CV support. Not without cost of course, but acceptable loss. L_S_T has shown he can, and is willing to, commit air in daylight raids to inflict casualties even though his losses are high. He still can provide overwhelming fighter support at a given target, without KB support. That is dangerous, but I don’t have a counter if I want to continue to advance and protect assets “behind the lines”. Expect more of the same in April, with the addition of opening up a drive along the north coast of New Guinea, starting with the outer islands. This will only exacerbate the shortage of fighters of course, but should also stretch the enemy as well. US CVs will initially provide some support in getting established at Rossel Is, then the Theater will rely on LBA.
SWPAC. Forward progress is at a standstill for the month, even taken step back with troops pulling back from the aborted attack on Daly Waters. Gove has been ever so slowly expanding, and should be able to base a/c in the beginning of April – if the Combined Fleet stays away. On that note, the IJN hasn’t had it all its own way in the bombardment runs to Gove. Subs and light fleet units managed to harass the IJN enough to possibly discourage further major bombardment runs, which seems to have slackened off considerably in the last few days. Supplies have been maintained at low levels at Gove – just enough to sustain the troops and allow for slow progress of the engineers. Groote on the other hand has blossomed without interference and is now AF Level 5 with plenty of supplies and support. What it lacks is enough fighters, and fighters that can effectively range Darwin. April will focus on expanding Gove AF and ever so slowly building up an air threat over Darwin, and perhaps the north coast of New Guinea. Fleet units will still avoid the area, limiting naval assets to CL and below.
WAUS. L_S_T has won the initial fight for Port Hedland with his effective use of BB bombardment runs which has reduced the 41st Div to a wreck. The division can recover, the problem is disabled squads, but it will be unable to take the base any time soon. Air dropped mines and subs were unable to halt or even disrupt the BBs, although BB Hyuga was damaged by a sub laid mine. On the very positive side, subs did score against CV Hiyo, and the commitment of the KB to the defense of Port Hedland, to me, added little to the defense. April will see the Allies regrouping, moving to secure Corunna Downs to give the 41st Div time to recover. Additional forces are also marching in Exmouth for the eventual renewed attack on Port Hedland. Fighter cover, like other areas, remains in short supply.
Burma/India. Mixed month in Burma, but all things considered, I think there’s forward progress. On the ground, Allied forces were stalemated, but the IJA pulling out of Akyab has given us a golden prize. The pullout was likely due the Navy’s effort in barge busting along the coast, denying supply to the base. All good. In the air, it was decidedly mixed. On the positive side, the introduction of the Corsair and P-38 has certainly helped give the Allies get a qualitative edge in the skies. But two squadrons aren’t necessarily going to turn the tide, and L_S_T still has a mass of airpower centered on Magwe. The British air arm remains the weak point; a lack of pilot pools, a poor primary fighter in the Hurricane and a deathtrap in the Vengence (at least it seems to draw out CAP Traps). Will continue to press the air war in April, but will have to balance losses carefully. The ground will likely remain where it is now.
China. Still hate China and the noose continues to tighten around Lanchow, Changsa and even Chungking. Supplies are pretty nonexistent, and with the addition of Zeros and Tojos to bolster the Oscars, L_S_T has pretty much nerfed the P-40Es that had been fairly effective over the past year or so. Can expect the situation to deteriorate further, will be lucky to see all three of the above cities in Chinese hands at month’s end.
A very good month everywhere but in the advance to Darwin. That’s OK. An advance anywhere while there is parity in carriers is a good thing! With pretty much the entire IJN focused at denying the advance to Darwin, attritting it is the best I can hope for. And with minimal commitment, that’s been done. Of course, the land attack on Port Hedland has been halted, and Gove still isn’t developed according to plan. We’ve got time. Will continue this approach in April, avoiding enemy concentrations and advancing where possible – in other words, all other Theaters. Still concerned of over-extending. Friendly fighter assets are still stretched and will remain so – that, more than anything else will slow operations in the coming months. Naval losses for the month were favorable; IJN “reported” losses for the month were 1CV, 1BB, 1CA, 3DD, 13 SS, and 3 SSX as compared to the Allies losing a CL, 3SS and 5PT. In the air, not the best month for the Allied Cause, 774 for Jpn to 698 Allied – not terrible, but not what I’m shooting for.
Screenshot shows Allied Forces disposition - Notes: 1)Ships are in service, not under refit or stood down. 2) a/c shown are combat available, not trainers or deployed on CVs. HB are 4 engine bombers. 3) CENPAC subs are those against IJN shipping, other Theater subs shown are “in close” for defense of that Theater. 4) En are Construction or Combat Engineers, all others (Port, Base, Group are under BF, including static bases). 4) AR includes armor, TD or recce units of any size.
INTEL: Continued major naval presence in the Darwin-Broome area. What has surprised me, and probably shouldn’t by now – is that it looks like the ENTIRE IJN is here – nothing larger than a DD anywhere else. While this has totally curtailed forward progress towards Darwin, his naval force has been attritted a bit with minimal cost to the Allied Navy. I expect this to continue, although the IJN CVs are due for a refit in April. Bottom line is I expect his deterrence to continue in this area – at the expense of allowing Allied advances in CENPAC and SOPAC.
SUBWAR: Subs finally got some licks in, putting three fish into Hiyo, another into Kongo and sub laid mines damaging Hyuga. Against the merchant marine, not so much. IJN subs seem to have been effectively countered by Allied ASW efforts, and that’s only going to get better – still a lucky IJN sub attack is still very possible. Will continue to deploy subs in operational support of naval operations, and continue to attempt to threaten the Japanese merchant lifelines.
West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Lack of fighters continue to bedevil the Allied cause. But that will start to change next month with fighter production jumping 43%, 300 to 430 a month due to the introduction of the Hellcat! April will see an emphasis on getting ships caught up in refit/upgrades as I need to catch up.
NOPAC. Was finally able to conclude the Aleutian campaign by seizing Attu. What next? Not much in NOPAC for bit. While I want to threaten the Kuriles, I don’t have the naval or air power yet. Most available assets will go elsewhere, although I may probe and see what’s in the Kuriles in coming months. Adak will become a forward sub base to operations in northern Japanese waters.
CENPAC. Off to a good start in landings in the Gilberts. About cleared, and many lessons learned on how to conduct Amphib operations. Defenses less than expected, and friendly losses less than minimal. Will continue to focus on the Gilberts and slowly climb north into the Marshalls. Danger is over expanding and vulnerability should the KB come calling. But that’s a risk I’m willing to take – I don’t think it’s likely the KB will sortie here; not worth the risk to subs or a/c.
SOPAC. Continued slow but steady slog up the Solomon chain – and without CV support. Not without cost of course, but acceptable loss. L_S_T has shown he can, and is willing to, commit air in daylight raids to inflict casualties even though his losses are high. He still can provide overwhelming fighter support at a given target, without KB support. That is dangerous, but I don’t have a counter if I want to continue to advance and protect assets “behind the lines”. Expect more of the same in April, with the addition of opening up a drive along the north coast of New Guinea, starting with the outer islands. This will only exacerbate the shortage of fighters of course, but should also stretch the enemy as well. US CVs will initially provide some support in getting established at Rossel Is, then the Theater will rely on LBA.
SWPAC. Forward progress is at a standstill for the month, even taken step back with troops pulling back from the aborted attack on Daly Waters. Gove has been ever so slowly expanding, and should be able to base a/c in the beginning of April – if the Combined Fleet stays away. On that note, the IJN hasn’t had it all its own way in the bombardment runs to Gove. Subs and light fleet units managed to harass the IJN enough to possibly discourage further major bombardment runs, which seems to have slackened off considerably in the last few days. Supplies have been maintained at low levels at Gove – just enough to sustain the troops and allow for slow progress of the engineers. Groote on the other hand has blossomed without interference and is now AF Level 5 with plenty of supplies and support. What it lacks is enough fighters, and fighters that can effectively range Darwin. April will focus on expanding Gove AF and ever so slowly building up an air threat over Darwin, and perhaps the north coast of New Guinea. Fleet units will still avoid the area, limiting naval assets to CL and below.
WAUS. L_S_T has won the initial fight for Port Hedland with his effective use of BB bombardment runs which has reduced the 41st Div to a wreck. The division can recover, the problem is disabled squads, but it will be unable to take the base any time soon. Air dropped mines and subs were unable to halt or even disrupt the BBs, although BB Hyuga was damaged by a sub laid mine. On the very positive side, subs did score against CV Hiyo, and the commitment of the KB to the defense of Port Hedland, to me, added little to the defense. April will see the Allies regrouping, moving to secure Corunna Downs to give the 41st Div time to recover. Additional forces are also marching in Exmouth for the eventual renewed attack on Port Hedland. Fighter cover, like other areas, remains in short supply.
Burma/India. Mixed month in Burma, but all things considered, I think there’s forward progress. On the ground, Allied forces were stalemated, but the IJA pulling out of Akyab has given us a golden prize. The pullout was likely due the Navy’s effort in barge busting along the coast, denying supply to the base. All good. In the air, it was decidedly mixed. On the positive side, the introduction of the Corsair and P-38 has certainly helped give the Allies get a qualitative edge in the skies. But two squadrons aren’t necessarily going to turn the tide, and L_S_T still has a mass of airpower centered on Magwe. The British air arm remains the weak point; a lack of pilot pools, a poor primary fighter in the Hurricane and a deathtrap in the Vengence (at least it seems to draw out CAP Traps). Will continue to press the air war in April, but will have to balance losses carefully. The ground will likely remain where it is now.
China. Still hate China and the noose continues to tighten around Lanchow, Changsa and even Chungking. Supplies are pretty nonexistent, and with the addition of Zeros and Tojos to bolster the Oscars, L_S_T has pretty much nerfed the P-40Es that had been fairly effective over the past year or so. Can expect the situation to deteriorate further, will be lucky to see all three of the above cities in Chinese hands at month’s end.
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RE: Mar 43 Summary
Do you think he is trying to reinforce Darwin or is the Kaigun covering withdrawal of troops from Oz?
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: Mar 43 Summary
I agree you should take some risks in the Gilberts/ Marshalls, he will most likely prioritize other theaters, at least until you get in position to challenge the Marianas.
Are Magwe's oil fields still operational? if so, 4E bombers should take care of them, then once the oil gone, you can transform this theater into a second-rate squadron backyard
Are Magwe's oil fields still operational? if so, 4E bombers should take care of them, then once the oil gone, you can transform this theater into a second-rate squadron backyard
RE: Mar 43 Summary
ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
Do you think he is trying to reinforce Darwin or is the Kaigun covering withdrawal of troops from Oz?
I think he's staying pretty much as is - haven't detected a lot of convoys in or out. Don't think there's a whole lot of ground combat power in NW OZ, just enough to keep me honest.
RE: Mar 43 Summary
ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
I agree you should take some risks in the Gilberts/ Marshalls, he will most likely prioritize other theaters, at least until you get in position to challenge the Marianas.
Are Magwe's oil fields still operational? if so, 4E bombers should take care of them, then once the oil gone, you can transform this theater into a second-rate squadron backyard
Yes, Magwe is the prize. And L_S_T knows it too - he maintains a very healthy CAP - usually over 350 fighters based there.
So it might be a while before I get the strength (namely a surplus in aircraft replacements)to challenge that...and perhaps the P-47.
But once Magwe's industry is no longer operational, I'm thinking on keeping a robust air arm in Theater - good place to attrit the IJA air force in late '43 into '44, no?
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: Mar 43 Summary
After Magwe I would just use the British, and move the US squadrons to some other front. Assuming of course there is a need for additional "quality" squadrons elsewhere
31 Mar - 1 Apr 43
31 Mar-1 Apr 43
Highlights – Very good day in the air over Akyab; Russell Island taken
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1
AVP: 1
xAK: 2
Air loss:
Jpn: 161
Allied: 50
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ships hit (AVP sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAP dam)
Jpn Amph Inv:
Truscott (SWPAC)
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Russell Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: April starts another round of refit/upgrades for many warships – Benham, Bagley and Farragut DDs, Bogue CVEs and Cleveland CLs highlight the list. Will attempt to get as many of the April refits done as possible – which will curtail operations a bit. 8 DDs, CVE and CL start on 1 Apr; more to follow as ships reach port.
In NOPAC, Attu AF now level 1; PBYs brought in to extend range west.
In CENPAC, Ocean Is Amph TF (w/34th Reg, 24th ID – fully prepped, and support), Minesweeping, ASW, and CVE TFs all link up at Ocean Is. I manage to glitch the move on the CA bombardment TF, and they remained at Tabit – they will sortie to bombard next turn and the troops will debark. Also, 3 DDs will detach from the Ocean Is area and sortie to engage a troops convoy reported by sub at Kusaie Island (2+ xAPs, light escorts). Although the KB’s location is unknown, I don’t expect them to show up in CENPAC. Heavies out of Ndeni and Mediums out of Tabit begin hitting Ocean Island defenders (83rd Naval Guard Unit).
In SOPAC, 138th (Sep) IN Reg wipes out the II/66th Naval Guard Unit on Russell Island with minimal loss (10 men) and secures the island. First amphib operation conducted totally by landing craft. Rekata Bay continues to be a focus point for IJN a/c attacks. Lone US AK with AVP escort offloading is hit by heavily escorted raid (80Z, 13B) and the AK is hit by two torp – and is limping back to Tulagi. CAP (16 P-39, 2 F4F, 7 Corsair) does well, shooting down 22Z and 6B w/o loss – but it wasn’t enough with the mass escort provided. I’ll take the exchange if the AK makes port. This continues to highlight the point of a shortage of fighters!
In SWPAC, continued quiet as the USMC Def Bn Convoy reaches Groote, where one xAP offloads. Remaining ships carrying the troops (3APD, AK) will continue on to Gove, escorted by DDs. Landing Craft will also start bringing in engineers and baseforce troops stating next turn as the AF is now at level 1. Hopefully the IJN Big Boys will stay away for a bit and I’ll be able to build up Gove AF to an offensive base – after a long, long delay.
In WAUS, L_S_T apparently found a base he missed, landing troops at the dot base Truscott between Wyndham and Derby along the coast. Otherwise, quiet.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, massive sweeps precede a naval strike by Oscars on a small convoy (AM, PG, 2xAK (sm) at Akyab. 10 separate sweeps however run into a sizeable CAP (initially 34 Corsair, 14 F4F, 22 P-39, 14 Spit plus some wondering CAP of a few P-40K and Hurris). The sweeps look to come from 4-5 Oscar and 2 Tojo Sentai, one by one and are torn up by the CAP. Losses are impressive: 90 Oscar, 36 Tojo against 10 P-39, 8 Spit, 6 F4F, 6 Corsair and 5 P-40 with few Allied pilots lost. Corsairs do particularly well, the one squadron accounting for 59 planes destroyed. But it still wasn’t enough – the IJA strikes manage to sink both small xAKs, the AM and dam the PG over the two days. Still, that kind of aerial bloodbath, especially over a friendly base, was welcome. In fact, if I’m right, that IJA raid consisted of all the Oscar and Tojo Sentais based at Magwe – leaving (hopefully) the 1-2 Tony Sentais intact. So, I’m going to launch a major strike at Magwe to take advantage. I can muster over 240 fighters (only the P-39, F4F and Spit squadrons at Akyab need rest and can’t participate) from Akyab, Cox Bazaar, Chittagong and Kalymo to sweep and provide LRCAP over Magwe. This will be a max effort with all avail Brit, NZ, Canadian, and US fighters. One Heavy Bomb Group (B-24s) and one Medium (B-25) will also attack – hopefully by having them slated to naval/airfield, the sweeps will fly first. This is a risk – I could lose a lot of fighters that I really still can’t afford to replace right now – but with the drubbing the Oscars and Tojos took over Akyab, I have to try it. But because of the risk, I’m holding back over half my Heavies in Theater.
Highlights – Very good day in the air over Akyab; Russell Island taken
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1
AVP: 1
xAK: 2
Air loss:
Jpn: 161
Allied: 50
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ships hit (AVP sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAP dam)
Jpn Amph Inv:
Truscott (SWPAC)
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Russell Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: April starts another round of refit/upgrades for many warships – Benham, Bagley and Farragut DDs, Bogue CVEs and Cleveland CLs highlight the list. Will attempt to get as many of the April refits done as possible – which will curtail operations a bit. 8 DDs, CVE and CL start on 1 Apr; more to follow as ships reach port.
In NOPAC, Attu AF now level 1; PBYs brought in to extend range west.
In CENPAC, Ocean Is Amph TF (w/34th Reg, 24th ID – fully prepped, and support), Minesweeping, ASW, and CVE TFs all link up at Ocean Is. I manage to glitch the move on the CA bombardment TF, and they remained at Tabit – they will sortie to bombard next turn and the troops will debark. Also, 3 DDs will detach from the Ocean Is area and sortie to engage a troops convoy reported by sub at Kusaie Island (2+ xAPs, light escorts). Although the KB’s location is unknown, I don’t expect them to show up in CENPAC. Heavies out of Ndeni and Mediums out of Tabit begin hitting Ocean Island defenders (83rd Naval Guard Unit).
In SOPAC, 138th (Sep) IN Reg wipes out the II/66th Naval Guard Unit on Russell Island with minimal loss (10 men) and secures the island. First amphib operation conducted totally by landing craft. Rekata Bay continues to be a focus point for IJN a/c attacks. Lone US AK with AVP escort offloading is hit by heavily escorted raid (80Z, 13B) and the AK is hit by two torp – and is limping back to Tulagi. CAP (16 P-39, 2 F4F, 7 Corsair) does well, shooting down 22Z and 6B w/o loss – but it wasn’t enough with the mass escort provided. I’ll take the exchange if the AK makes port. This continues to highlight the point of a shortage of fighters!
In SWPAC, continued quiet as the USMC Def Bn Convoy reaches Groote, where one xAP offloads. Remaining ships carrying the troops (3APD, AK) will continue on to Gove, escorted by DDs. Landing Craft will also start bringing in engineers and baseforce troops stating next turn as the AF is now at level 1. Hopefully the IJN Big Boys will stay away for a bit and I’ll be able to build up Gove AF to an offensive base – after a long, long delay.
In WAUS, L_S_T apparently found a base he missed, landing troops at the dot base Truscott between Wyndham and Derby along the coast. Otherwise, quiet.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, massive sweeps precede a naval strike by Oscars on a small convoy (AM, PG, 2xAK (sm) at Akyab. 10 separate sweeps however run into a sizeable CAP (initially 34 Corsair, 14 F4F, 22 P-39, 14 Spit plus some wondering CAP of a few P-40K and Hurris). The sweeps look to come from 4-5 Oscar and 2 Tojo Sentai, one by one and are torn up by the CAP. Losses are impressive: 90 Oscar, 36 Tojo against 10 P-39, 8 Spit, 6 F4F, 6 Corsair and 5 P-40 with few Allied pilots lost. Corsairs do particularly well, the one squadron accounting for 59 planes destroyed. But it still wasn’t enough – the IJA strikes manage to sink both small xAKs, the AM and dam the PG over the two days. Still, that kind of aerial bloodbath, especially over a friendly base, was welcome. In fact, if I’m right, that IJA raid consisted of all the Oscar and Tojo Sentais based at Magwe – leaving (hopefully) the 1-2 Tony Sentais intact. So, I’m going to launch a major strike at Magwe to take advantage. I can muster over 240 fighters (only the P-39, F4F and Spit squadrons at Akyab need rest and can’t participate) from Akyab, Cox Bazaar, Chittagong and Kalymo to sweep and provide LRCAP over Magwe. This will be a max effort with all avail Brit, NZ, Canadian, and US fighters. One Heavy Bomb Group (B-24s) and one Medium (B-25) will also attack – hopefully by having them slated to naval/airfield, the sweeps will fly first. This is a risk – I could lose a lot of fighters that I really still can’t afford to replace right now – but with the drubbing the Oscars and Tojos took over Akyab, I have to try it. But because of the risk, I’m holding back over half my Heavies in Theater.
2-3 Apr 43
2-3 Apr 43
Highlights – Ocean Is taken; busy day in the skies over Magwe in Burma
Jpn ships sunk:
Allied ships sunk:
AMc: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 83
Allied: 94
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ships hit (AMc sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv:
Ocean Is (CENPAC)
Bases lost:
Truscott (SWPAC)
Bases Liberated:
Ocean Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: Recon reports both Broome and Darwin appear to be empty – has the Combined Fleet moved out of its central position protecting the approaches to Darwin??
West Coast/Admin: VF-42 receives the first batch of 13 F6F Hellcats delivered in Theater! With Yorktown in port for a few more turns, this is more to release 36 Wildcats to the pool than anything else.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Ocean Island Amph goes in without problems – CA TF bombards, Heavies hit the target and the landings go in without much loss despite level 4 forts. End result is 83rd Naval Guard Unit destroyed and the island secured for a cost of 73 casualties. Most of the Amph TF will return to Tabit to prepare for the Nauru landings. One AK and LSTs will remain under the CVE air umbrella to offload supplies and pick up the tank battalion landed respectively. Three detached DDs still enroute to hit reported shipping off Kusaie Island. Makin AF now at level 1, but only basing PBYs there for the moment. Will shift some attack assets and fighters there when at level 2. As long as the KB doesn’t come visiting, CENPAC operations continuing without much disruptions.
In SOPAC, a heavy IJN raid (78Z, 13B) attack landing craft off Russell Is, but hit nothing. I’ll beef up Rekata Bay CAP as LSTs should land supplies next turn. The main effort in Theater will shift to the Rossel Island landings. Amph TF will begin loading next turn at Noumea. CV TF (Lex and Yorktown) will provide air cover from the Coral Sea. Goal is to get a foothold to open up the north coast of New Guinea in the coming months. Limited land based fighters remains the major factor in slowing operations, and opening up a second axis of advance along the New Guinea coast isn’t going to help matters.
In SWPAC, so far so good in landing the 10th USMC Def Bn at Gove. AK and DD will remain to offload the remaining support troops, but the three APDs will head back to Groote. So far, no opposition – naval or air. Surprising after all the effort L_S_T has expended here in the last two months. Barge convoying engineers will depart Groote for Gove to take advantage of this lull next turn. Will continue to push engineers and supplies into Gove as long as the lull lasts.
In WAUS, heavy Sally raids eliminate two Aussie Tank Regiments (or what was left of them) between Port Hedland and Corruna Downs. I got careless and sent the tanks out in front of AA or fighters. Unopposed IJA LBA can still be effective in the open desert.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, it was the Allies turn to sweep, and it didn’t come cheap. A total of 14 sweeps were launched from Allied bases, encountering initially a strong CAP of 52 Oscar, 9 Tojo and 42 Tony. Using LRCAP to augment the sweeps, the Allies didn’t do terribly – except for the Hurris. Tallies at the end of the two days were: 35 Oscar, 25 Tony, and 6 Tojo lost (66 total) against: 35 Hurri, 19 P-40K, 10 Kitty I, 7 Kitty III, 7 Corsair, and 3 P-38G (81 total). On the positive side from a high of 300+ fighters at Magwe a few days ago, recon is reporting only 49 remaining. The bad news was not a single bomber flew! Weather maybe? Also, I’m forced to realize that Hurricane is completely outclassed as an offensive fighter at this point in the war. Sadly, there is nothing the Brits have to replace it. That said, will try again at Magwe again next turn, primarily with US aircraft, and even committing a pair of Chinese squadrons in support – hopefully – of a bomber raid against airfield. I realize I can’t keep this up, but it’s the best chance I have had to do damage to “Fortress Magwe”.
Highlights – Ocean Is taken; busy day in the skies over Magwe in Burma
Jpn ships sunk:
Allied ships sunk:
AMc: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 83
Allied: 94
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ships hit (AMc sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv:
Ocean Is (CENPAC)
Bases lost:
Truscott (SWPAC)
Bases Liberated:
Ocean Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: Recon reports both Broome and Darwin appear to be empty – has the Combined Fleet moved out of its central position protecting the approaches to Darwin??
West Coast/Admin: VF-42 receives the first batch of 13 F6F Hellcats delivered in Theater! With Yorktown in port for a few more turns, this is more to release 36 Wildcats to the pool than anything else.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Ocean Island Amph goes in without problems – CA TF bombards, Heavies hit the target and the landings go in without much loss despite level 4 forts. End result is 83rd Naval Guard Unit destroyed and the island secured for a cost of 73 casualties. Most of the Amph TF will return to Tabit to prepare for the Nauru landings. One AK and LSTs will remain under the CVE air umbrella to offload supplies and pick up the tank battalion landed respectively. Three detached DDs still enroute to hit reported shipping off Kusaie Island. Makin AF now at level 1, but only basing PBYs there for the moment. Will shift some attack assets and fighters there when at level 2. As long as the KB doesn’t come visiting, CENPAC operations continuing without much disruptions.
In SOPAC, a heavy IJN raid (78Z, 13B) attack landing craft off Russell Is, but hit nothing. I’ll beef up Rekata Bay CAP as LSTs should land supplies next turn. The main effort in Theater will shift to the Rossel Island landings. Amph TF will begin loading next turn at Noumea. CV TF (Lex and Yorktown) will provide air cover from the Coral Sea. Goal is to get a foothold to open up the north coast of New Guinea in the coming months. Limited land based fighters remains the major factor in slowing operations, and opening up a second axis of advance along the New Guinea coast isn’t going to help matters.
In SWPAC, so far so good in landing the 10th USMC Def Bn at Gove. AK and DD will remain to offload the remaining support troops, but the three APDs will head back to Groote. So far, no opposition – naval or air. Surprising after all the effort L_S_T has expended here in the last two months. Barge convoying engineers will depart Groote for Gove to take advantage of this lull next turn. Will continue to push engineers and supplies into Gove as long as the lull lasts.
In WAUS, heavy Sally raids eliminate two Aussie Tank Regiments (or what was left of them) between Port Hedland and Corruna Downs. I got careless and sent the tanks out in front of AA or fighters. Unopposed IJA LBA can still be effective in the open desert.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, it was the Allies turn to sweep, and it didn’t come cheap. A total of 14 sweeps were launched from Allied bases, encountering initially a strong CAP of 52 Oscar, 9 Tojo and 42 Tony. Using LRCAP to augment the sweeps, the Allies didn’t do terribly – except for the Hurris. Tallies at the end of the two days were: 35 Oscar, 25 Tony, and 6 Tojo lost (66 total) against: 35 Hurri, 19 P-40K, 10 Kitty I, 7 Kitty III, 7 Corsair, and 3 P-38G (81 total). On the positive side from a high of 300+ fighters at Magwe a few days ago, recon is reporting only 49 remaining. The bad news was not a single bomber flew! Weather maybe? Also, I’m forced to realize that Hurricane is completely outclassed as an offensive fighter at this point in the war. Sadly, there is nothing the Brits have to replace it. That said, will try again at Magwe again next turn, primarily with US aircraft, and even committing a pair of Chinese squadrons in support – hopefully – of a bomber raid against airfield. I realize I can’t keep this up, but it’s the best chance I have had to do damage to “Fortress Magwe”.
4-5 Apr 43
4-5 Apr 43
Highlights – Another busy day over Magwe; heavy sweeps over Gove
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-19)
DMS: 1
PB: 1
Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Usugumo)
SS: 1 (I-11)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 169
Allied: 142
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DMS sunk, xAKL dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: Slow convoy departs LA for Auckland.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, surprisingly two unescorted Betty raids hit the remaining transports off Ocean Is. CVE Cap does well, but a leaker puts a bomb on an AK, but no damage reported (dud?). After two days, CAP downed 21 Bettys. The three DDs I sent to Kusaie missed their targets as a sub reported the xAP convoy to the NW, the DDs were attacked by Bettys, and no hits were scored. So, L_S_T has committed Bettys to the Marshalls, will have to be a bit more cautious and ensure CAP, but major amphibs are done for a bit. Nauru is still on the list, but that is a bit isolated, so the CVEs should provide adequate CAP against the Betty threat.
In SOPAC, its fairly quiet. Amph TF begins loading at Noumea for Rossel and Deboyne Islands.
In SWPAC, Gove is heavily swept by land based fighters over the two days. CAP is up and fairly robust, augmented by LRCAP out of Groote, initially with 24 P-40K, 16 Spit, 9 P-38F, 8 F4F, and 3 Kitty IIIs. After two days, 47 A5M5s and 23 A6M3a (70 total) are lost in exchange for only 2 P-40K, 1 Spit, 4 P-38s, 6 F4F, and a Kitty. (14 total) I’ll take that exchange! Strangely, no strike aircraft came in, so the offloading was unaffected. Will continue to push troop in via barge and ship as long as I can.
In WAUS, Sallys turn their attention to a lone Engineer construction battalion and do moderate damage, but nothing catastrophic. Will need to bolster LRCAP out of Exmouth since IJA LBA still seems interested in interdicting troop movements near Port Hedland. IJN though hasn’t done much to interfere with the 41st Div pulling off Port Hedland recently, so I’m not complaining right now. The question really is whether or not the IJN is still in the Koepang/Broome/Darwin area, or has moved out of Theater. On the Allied side, Heavies hit Port Hedland AF with moderate effect – still no a/c based there.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, over Magwe is was another bloody day for both sides, but not the best day for the Allies. By taking the Brits out of the fight, the Allied numbers just weren’t there and we’re running short of planes – but so are the IJA. So after two more days of sweeps, IJA losses were 38 Oscar, 19 Tojo, 10 Tony (Tony b introduced for the first time) (67 total, 6 on the ground) against 28 P-40K, 5 P-38G, 1 P-39, 10 Kitty III, 7 P-40E, and 9 P-66 (60 total), plus bombers: 10 B-25, and 7 B-24. So not the best of days over Magwe, although recon reports only 17 planes on the airfield. Bombing didn’t do much, and I’ve got to rest the force. On the positive side, the newer a/c are doing well against the best the IJA can offer, but their numbers are too few – the P40K, P-39 and F4F are serviceable against the Oscar, but not against the Tojo or Tony. Bombers remain vulnerable if fighters don’t clear the skies, and while bomb runs were made, I still can’t afford these losses just yet. So the real question is whether Japan can sustain these kind of aircraft losses (over 400 Theater wide) in pilots, aircraft and production costs to replace.
Highlights – Another busy day over Magwe; heavy sweeps over Gove
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-19)
DMS: 1
PB: 1
Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Usugumo)
SS: 1 (I-11)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 169
Allied: 142
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DMS sunk, xAKL dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: Slow convoy departs LA for Auckland.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, surprisingly two unescorted Betty raids hit the remaining transports off Ocean Is. CVE Cap does well, but a leaker puts a bomb on an AK, but no damage reported (dud?). After two days, CAP downed 21 Bettys. The three DDs I sent to Kusaie missed their targets as a sub reported the xAP convoy to the NW, the DDs were attacked by Bettys, and no hits were scored. So, L_S_T has committed Bettys to the Marshalls, will have to be a bit more cautious and ensure CAP, but major amphibs are done for a bit. Nauru is still on the list, but that is a bit isolated, so the CVEs should provide adequate CAP against the Betty threat.
In SOPAC, its fairly quiet. Amph TF begins loading at Noumea for Rossel and Deboyne Islands.
In SWPAC, Gove is heavily swept by land based fighters over the two days. CAP is up and fairly robust, augmented by LRCAP out of Groote, initially with 24 P-40K, 16 Spit, 9 P-38F, 8 F4F, and 3 Kitty IIIs. After two days, 47 A5M5s and 23 A6M3a (70 total) are lost in exchange for only 2 P-40K, 1 Spit, 4 P-38s, 6 F4F, and a Kitty. (14 total) I’ll take that exchange! Strangely, no strike aircraft came in, so the offloading was unaffected. Will continue to push troop in via barge and ship as long as I can.
In WAUS, Sallys turn their attention to a lone Engineer construction battalion and do moderate damage, but nothing catastrophic. Will need to bolster LRCAP out of Exmouth since IJA LBA still seems interested in interdicting troop movements near Port Hedland. IJN though hasn’t done much to interfere with the 41st Div pulling off Port Hedland recently, so I’m not complaining right now. The question really is whether or not the IJN is still in the Koepang/Broome/Darwin area, or has moved out of Theater. On the Allied side, Heavies hit Port Hedland AF with moderate effect – still no a/c based there.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, over Magwe is was another bloody day for both sides, but not the best day for the Allies. By taking the Brits out of the fight, the Allied numbers just weren’t there and we’re running short of planes – but so are the IJA. So after two more days of sweeps, IJA losses were 38 Oscar, 19 Tojo, 10 Tony (Tony b introduced for the first time) (67 total, 6 on the ground) against 28 P-40K, 5 P-38G, 1 P-39, 10 Kitty III, 7 P-40E, and 9 P-66 (60 total), plus bombers: 10 B-25, and 7 B-24. So not the best of days over Magwe, although recon reports only 17 planes on the airfield. Bombing didn’t do much, and I’ve got to rest the force. On the positive side, the newer a/c are doing well against the best the IJA can offer, but their numbers are too few – the P40K, P-39 and F4F are serviceable against the Oscar, but not against the Tojo or Tony. Bombers remain vulnerable if fighters don’t clear the skies, and while bomb runs were made, I still can’t afford these losses just yet. So the real question is whether Japan can sustain these kind of aircraft losses (over 400 Theater wide) in pilots, aircraft and production costs to replace.
RE: 6-7 Apr 43
6-7 Apr 43
Highlights – Relatively quiet after the past few turns.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-166)
xAK: 1
Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 12
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAP and xAK dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Nonouti (CENPAC -flipped)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: April refit/upgrades are in full swing with a CVE, 2CA, 3CL and 7 DDs taken out of service. The list will continue to grow in the coming turns, and will of course slow operations, but I should be pretty well caught up with overdue refit/upgrades by the end of the month.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, much preparation underway and Tabit is a very busy port at the moment. Reinforcement convoy building to bring engineers and a USMC Def Bn into Makin and pull off the infantry. That will require cover TF which is also assembling. I don’t expect a counterattack, but I’ll be using APs and AKs and I want to ensure some level of protection against a possibly heavily escorted Betty strike which the ships are at Makin for a few days. Once complete, will look towards Nauru Island.
In SOPAC, it remains quiet for now, but that will change as the Tulagi to Rekata Bay shuttles begin in earnest next turn. Rekata Bay now Port Level 2. Fighters remain in short supply, and a P-40K squadron is brought back in from SWPAC until I can augment USMC squadrons with additional F4Fs from the Hellcat transition. Rossel and Deboyne Island Amphib TFs complete loading at Noumea and will depart next turn – landing in sequence first at Rossel, then at Deboyne. CV TF (Lex and Yorktown) will depart next turn from Luganville to rendezvous enroute, as will a CA TF departing from Kirakira.
In SWPAC, its quiet over Gove as the transports clear the base after delivering the USMC Def Bn and barges bringing in engineers without incident. Another transport TF and barges will bring in additional troops to Gove from Groote next turn, again covered by PTs and DDs. Pleasantly surprised the IJN hasn’t visited, nor has LBA bombers out of Darwin; L_S_T’s focus seems to be Port Hedland vs. Gove at the moment.
In WAUS, escorted Sallys (39 Oscar, 75 Sally) hit the 41st Div, but with some LRCAP of a few P-40K and P-38s, as well as AA Bns in the hex, the raid wasn’t that bad. 12 Oscars exchanged for 2 P-40 and a P-38. Just can’t mass enough LRCAP 7-8 hexes from Exmouth to effectively penetrate the escorts. They are launching from Broome, which is just far enough from Meekathara to be problematic for Heavies. He’s got a good position to defend the approaches of Port Hedland – at least the IJN has been quiet. I’m still not willing to commit the fleet here, and that’s probably what it will take if I seriously want to take Port Hedland and then Broome – it’s just too far to range effective Allied LBA support. But, I’m in no rush to do that, will see if I can take Corunna Downs with the forces avail.
In China, heavy sweeps over Chungking go unopposed. Heavy unescorted bombing in the Lanchow area also goes unopposed. Awaiting ground attacks at Chungking, Lanchow and Changsa…
In India/Burma, I rest the air forces, so its fairly quiet…and I need to rebuild the fighter force. Of course, L_S_T will likely rebuild faster. On the ground, the 9th Aus Div crosses the river east of Imphal joing three regiments already in the hex along with a single IJA unit. Will attack next turn with the bombers in support.
Highlights – Relatively quiet after the past few turns.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-166)
xAK: 1
Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 12
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAP and xAK dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Nonouti (CENPAC -flipped)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: April refit/upgrades are in full swing with a CVE, 2CA, 3CL and 7 DDs taken out of service. The list will continue to grow in the coming turns, and will of course slow operations, but I should be pretty well caught up with overdue refit/upgrades by the end of the month.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, much preparation underway and Tabit is a very busy port at the moment. Reinforcement convoy building to bring engineers and a USMC Def Bn into Makin and pull off the infantry. That will require cover TF which is also assembling. I don’t expect a counterattack, but I’ll be using APs and AKs and I want to ensure some level of protection against a possibly heavily escorted Betty strike which the ships are at Makin for a few days. Once complete, will look towards Nauru Island.
In SOPAC, it remains quiet for now, but that will change as the Tulagi to Rekata Bay shuttles begin in earnest next turn. Rekata Bay now Port Level 2. Fighters remain in short supply, and a P-40K squadron is brought back in from SWPAC until I can augment USMC squadrons with additional F4Fs from the Hellcat transition. Rossel and Deboyne Island Amphib TFs complete loading at Noumea and will depart next turn – landing in sequence first at Rossel, then at Deboyne. CV TF (Lex and Yorktown) will depart next turn from Luganville to rendezvous enroute, as will a CA TF departing from Kirakira.
In SWPAC, its quiet over Gove as the transports clear the base after delivering the USMC Def Bn and barges bringing in engineers without incident. Another transport TF and barges will bring in additional troops to Gove from Groote next turn, again covered by PTs and DDs. Pleasantly surprised the IJN hasn’t visited, nor has LBA bombers out of Darwin; L_S_T’s focus seems to be Port Hedland vs. Gove at the moment.
In WAUS, escorted Sallys (39 Oscar, 75 Sally) hit the 41st Div, but with some LRCAP of a few P-40K and P-38s, as well as AA Bns in the hex, the raid wasn’t that bad. 12 Oscars exchanged for 2 P-40 and a P-38. Just can’t mass enough LRCAP 7-8 hexes from Exmouth to effectively penetrate the escorts. They are launching from Broome, which is just far enough from Meekathara to be problematic for Heavies. He’s got a good position to defend the approaches of Port Hedland – at least the IJN has been quiet. I’m still not willing to commit the fleet here, and that’s probably what it will take if I seriously want to take Port Hedland and then Broome – it’s just too far to range effective Allied LBA support. But, I’m in no rush to do that, will see if I can take Corunna Downs with the forces avail.
In China, heavy sweeps over Chungking go unopposed. Heavy unescorted bombing in the Lanchow area also goes unopposed. Awaiting ground attacks at Chungking, Lanchow and Changsa…
In India/Burma, I rest the air forces, so its fairly quiet…and I need to rebuild the fighter force. Of course, L_S_T will likely rebuild faster. On the ground, the 9th Aus Div crosses the river east of Imphal joing three regiments already in the hex along with a single IJA unit. Will attack next turn with the bombers in support.